Getting back to God (Part 1)
21 This fulfilled the word of the Lord
through Jeremiah and the land enjoyed its Sabbath rest all the days of the desolation
until 70 years were fulfilled. [1]
O: This is
a significant statement. Jerusalem has
fallen. Many Judahites died or forced into servitude in exile driven from their
homeland. Finally, the land can experience rest. God’s people neglected the jubilee resting
the land for a year after seven years have passed. The Lord had to step in to make
the land experience the sabbath letting it rest for the 70 years His people
were in exile. Please be reminded of Lev
26:34-35 which forms an element in a long list of punishments that would attend
Israel’s disobedience. One consequence of an exile would be to give the land
the rest it should have enjoyed but was denied. The end point of the land’s
desolation would be reached when the seventy years spoken of by Jeremiah were
fulfilled.[2]
For unbelievers cannot enter God rest (Heb 3:19).
A: This is another
example of what happens to the disobedient.
Those that deny the truth, fail to listen to His word, neglect the
covenant the Lord made with His people will experience consequences and
judgement. Hopefully His people will us it as a teaching moment and change their
ways Their will be a reckoning for the disobedient. The day of the Lord is coming. Remember when
there appears to be dead end in the story of one’s life the Lord can make away.
His remnant will be taken care of. Even
in the bleakest moment in one’s life the Lord can turn it around and bring one
back to the promised land. Honor the rest the Lord has provided in Jesus Christ
as Heb 4:3 promises believers.
P: Praise be
to God for providing a rest for His people. Thank-you for Your thoughtfulness
and love. I am so grateful for Your
steadfastness and faithfulness. All
honor and glory belong to You. Help us
Lord to experience the rest only You can provide. Please help those in need who are being persecuted
and hurt in Your name. Give them strength
and peace. Also, I pray that You bring
peace to Ukraine. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(2 Ch 36:21). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Thompson, J. A. (1994). 1, 2 Chronicles (Vol. 9, p. 391). Broadman
& Holman Publishers.
4 The officials then said to the king, “This man ought to die, because
he is weakening the morale of the warriors who remain in this city and of all
the people by speaking to them in this way. This man is not seeking the
well-being of this people, but disaster.” [1]
O: As a
result of Jeremiah declaring what the Lord told Him would be throw into a
cistern in the next verse. Yet in the
face criticism and certain condemnation he chooses .to speak up for the Lord.
Jeremiah was arrested and imprisoned for speaking the truth. Even during his confinement,
he continues to preach the word of the Lord and his message was getting out to
the people. The officials of the court
were becoming more and more agitated and recommend death claiming he is a
traitor and negatively impacting national security. His message was Jerusalem and Judah will be
judged. What upset them the most was the
message to escape the coming destruction from sword, famine, and plague by
fleeing the city and surrendering. The city’s population and moral were most
likely s plummeting. Jeremiah stated unequivocally that “the city will
certainly be handed over to the king of Babylon” escape with your lives.[2] The king was weak in character such as the
way Pilate was before the pharisees. He shied
away from responsibility.
A: This text
demonstrates courage and integrity in the face of adversity by those who put their
trust in the Lord. In addition, it relates what is in store for those who avoid
from acting responsibly. Be wary of the who fail to take personal responsibility
in the own behavior. God will be the judge.
This text is an example to live by the truth. Worry is eliminated. Peace
and well being can be cultivated. Utilize the Spirit of Truth for
counseling. Listen and follow directions
of His word. Abid by His covenant. Seek unity
with God and His people. Live in harmony
and refrain from the works of the flesh by encouraging and edifying each other
to glory God. The text here reveals Jeremiah adhered to the principles of God
as Paul exhorts the church also to live by in Rm 12:1 which is our” reasonable
service”.
P: Praise be to God for all that You provide. Thank You for Your involvement in every aspect
of Your children’s lives. You are
praiseworthy for Your honor and worthiness.
Thank -You for Your faithfulness and love. Help us Lord in living a life consistent with
Your principles. Help us to be courageous
and steadfast in proclaiming the gospel to the world and not worry about the world’s
responses. I pray for peace in
Ukraine. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Je 38:4). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Huey, F. B. (1993). Jeremiah, Lamentations (Vol. 16, p. 333).
Broadman & Holman Publishers.
O: Another
promise. Finally, the neighbors will know God because of the punishment mitered
to those opposing the children of God. The enemies have realized the awesome
power of God bringing peace to His people. God’s holiness demands that he be
just and execute judgment on sin.[2]
God will free His people from those who despise and harass them. That is His
promise.
A: Revival
is coming. Those that demand their
opinion matters will finally have to reason with God. Hopefully political
factions will come together for reconciliation for the good of the people by
the prompting of God or He will be their judge. He will deal with His
enemies. Vengeance is His and His alone.
Either He will change the hearts of the people of this world through revival or
He will return to judge this planet which ever comes first either one but
hopefully the latter. Pray for revival.
P: Praise be to God for He is faithful. Yes, Lord I don’t pray for revival enough. You care for us and have transformed us with Your love and grace. I pray that revival swipes the planet. Help us Lord to be the catalyst to keep the flame of revival going and help it grow. Please be a comfort for those persecuted and bring peace to Ukraine. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Eze 28:24). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
Wail: Woe for the day!
3 For a day is near;
a day
belonging to the Lord is near.
It will be
a day of clouds,
a time of
doom for the nations. [1]
O: Here is another lament exclaiming the day of the Lord is
near. The Lord will soon deal with those
who are haughty with His people. This
section in Ezekiel is a rebuke against the nations who celebrate the fall of
Judah and the mistreatment of His people.
This text begins with a cry of distress at the nearness of the Day of the Lord (v. 2).[2]
The day refers to the impending judgement
of God. There will no escape from the judgement of God when that day come. Doom awaits those who treat His people wickedly.
Ezekiel’s
prophecies are similar in impact to “the prophet Joel, who faced with a
spiritually apathetic audience, stabbed it awake with the theme of the day of
the Lord (Joel 1:15–2:11).” Ezekiel utilized the same theme as Joelin
announcing judgment on the former ally of Judah.[3]
A: Former
allies of God’s people who demonstrate their true feelings of contempt will
face the day of the Lord. Those who warmly greet His people with smiles and complements
yet harbor scorn and distain will receive their just reward. What the Lord hates
is insincere disingenuousness. This attitude
is indicative of a dishonest character lacking integrity representing all that
God abhors. The Day of the Lord will not
go well for those demonstrating the works of the flesh. There are 17 of them listed in Gal
5:19-21. Obviously, the opposite type of
behavior such as demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22) is acceptable
for those who believe in the gospel. Those
who believe are transformed by putting away the things of the world (Rom12:1-2)
and putting on the mind of Christ (1Co 2:16).
P: In Jesus name I come to You Lord giving thanks
for Your word and Your love. Thank You
for holding all accountable to Your righteousness. Thank You for showing us how-to live-in peace
and lack of want. Thank You for Your
contentment. I pray for Your help in
living with integrity, to be honest, and develop the fruit You provide through
the Spirit. Please be with those who are
persecuted and help those who persecute see You in the persecuted behavior. I pray for peace in Ukraine. Amen
23 “Woe to the
shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” This is the Lord’s
declaration.[1]
O: Here we
find a woe. Often when negative behavior
is pointed out a woe precedes it. Woe is
a signal. The NLT renders the word as “What
sorrow awaits”. It is a lament, especially
preparatory to a declaration of judgment.[2] The word is used to provoke one’s thoughts
and cause people to sit-up and pay attention.
Here it points to those who cause problems among God’s people. What
happens when a wolf runs into a herd of sheep? This is another metaphor to help
illustrate a point. Paul took spoke with type of behavior in 1 Tim 6:3 of those
who do not agree with the… teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed
up with conceit and understands nothing. The behavior causes dissention and strife
among the church causing destruction and a scattering of the His people bring
judgement to those causing the problems.
A: False teachers, people who claim opinions
matter demonstrate a lack of tolerance.
Opinions can be false which make them a lie and lies come from the
father of lies. Harassing others in the
body with gossip, rumors, and slander causes strife. Strife destroys unity. Unity is very important (Jn 17:22). Strife is a sign of worldliness (1 Cor 3:3)
and creates a hypocritical image of God’s people. Strife is the opposite of
love. Strife hinders the growth the body of Christ. Avoid such behavior for it can destroy and
scatter the flock which will bring judgement by God. On essentials seek unity, opinions tolerance,
and in all things love.
P: Praise
be to God who loves and warns His people.
Thank You for providing what is needed to live. Thank You for grace and
forgiveness. Help us Lord to be tolerant
and demonstrate love. Help us not to
become the problem but the solution. I
pray for those persecuted for their faith. Give them strength and peace. I pray for peace in Ukraine. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Je 23:1). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Brown, F., Driver, S. R., & Briggs, C. A. (1977). In Enhanced Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon
(pp. 222–223). Clarendon Press.
12 They will come and shout for joy on the
heights of Zion;
they will
be radiant with joy
because of
the Lord’s goodness,
because of
the grain, the new wine, the fresh oil,
and because
of the young of the flocks and herds.
Their life will
be like an irrigated garden,
and they
will no longer grow weak from hunger.
13 Then the young woman will rejoice with
dancing,
while young
and old men rejoice together.
I will turn
their mourning into joy,
give them
consolation,
and bring
happiness out of grief.[1]
O: God can use all things for His good. He can bring water out of rock and make the
sun stand still. The people of Judah
have been completely defeated. Dragged to a foreign land becoming slaves
again. No one is complaining that they
what to go back to Egypt any longer. The
Lord has taken care of that idea. No longer
is there any talk of aligning with other powers for there salvation. When they are facing complete desolation, the
Lord serves up hope. He does not rub their
faces in their troubles but promises to turn it all around. God will maintain a remnant. The metaphor of the Sheppard and His flock
appears here and is off time repeated throughout the bible. God will watch over and protect His people. He
will be a provider suppling all the needs of His people. Here He includes all the
necessities for a staple diet—grain, new wine, oil, flocks, and herds. These
items are often found in passages stressing complete and abundant provision
(e.g., Num 18:12; Deut 7:13; 2 Chr 31:4–10; 32:27–29; Hos 2:8; Joel 2:19–26).[2]
A: Our God
is an abundant God. There is a reason
why the prosperity preachers are so successful.
People crave security, peace, a lack of want, and relief from anxiety. God will meet all His people’s needs. He will protect His people. He will maintain a remnant. Rest assured all things work together for
good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose
(Rm 8:28). That is His promise,
and He is faithful and just to fulfill His promise. His love never fails, and He is always
working on His plan for His people.
P: Praise
be to God in the highest. We come to You
in Jesus name, a name above all names.
Your word is plain. You can do anything
You please. Your power is matchless.
Your wisdom is without peer. Help us
Lord to put our trust in You. Help us
let go of our anxiety and peace knowing You got this. I pray for christian
brothers and sisters who are imprisoned for the sake of the Gospel. Please give them strength. I pray that we will be ready to give an
answer for our faith in Christ should we be chosen for persecution. I pray for peace in Ukraine. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Je 31:12–13). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Huey, F. B. (1993). Jeremiah, Lamentations (Vol. 16, p. 272).
Broadman & Holman Publishers.
6 Yet I will certainly bring health and healing to it and will indeed
heal them. I will let them experience the abundance of peace and truth. 7 I will restore the fortunes
of Judah and of Israel and will rebuild them as in former times. 8 I will purify them from all
the wrongs they have committed against Me, and I will forgive all the wrongs
they have committed against Me, rebelling against Me.[1]
O: The prophet
of the Lord never took an “I told you so” attitude. Rather the people were told
he judgement of the Lord will have a healing effect. However, while God is always ready to answer
the cry of the human heart, man must first request assistance.[2]
(cf. v.2) God will bring stability because he will restore truth, honesty, and
integrity, as well as peace and prosperity.
God here promises a cleansing.
The word purify is alluding to the legal rites of purification (Ez
36:25; Zec 13:1; Heb 9:13, 14)[3].
He will cleanse of the sins committed.
Three times sin is mentioned in v.8 using the three words most used for
describing sin. Sin is swerving from the path and sinner is burdened with a
sinful act, the guilt of that act or the consequences of that act[4]. Here the Lord promises all will be forgiven but
the inner twisted and bent moral attitudes and the outward acts of rebellion. The
repetition is in order that the Jews may consider how great is the grace of God
in not merely pardoning (as to the
punishment), but also cleansing them
(as to the pollution of guilt); not merely one iniquity, but all (Mic 7:18).[5] While
facing pending destruction the people are given a message of hope. They will be cleansed. They will be purified.
A: It seems this is a promise partially
fulfilled for the nation of the Hebrews have yet to be brought together and
restored. However, His people can claim
His grace and forgiveness by only calling to Him and accepting Him into one’s heart. Cleansing and purification is available with
the gospel. God came to live in this
world so that those who believe in Him will live. Live in the light of
forgiveness and cleansed from all guilt. Ask and He will answer, confess and He
will hear, believe and He will forgive.
P: Thank
-You Lord for giving us an opportunity to turn to You. For letting us return to the path You have laid. Help us Lord to find the words to ask
forgiveness and the strength to confess and repent. I pray for those persecuted and abused in
Your name. Help them to stay strong in
faith to You. I pray for peace in Ukraine.
Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Je 33:5–8). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Harrison, R. K. (1973). Jeremiah and Lamentations: an introduction and commentary
(Vol. 21, p. 146). InterVarsity Press.
[3]
Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
(Vol. 1, p. 541). Logos Research Systems, Inc.
[4]
Martens, E. A. (2003). Sin, Guilt. In T. D. Alexander & D. W. Baker
(Eds.), Dictionary of the Old Testament:
Pentateuch (p. 770). InterVarsity Press.
[5]
Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
(Vol. 1, p. 541). Logos Research Systems, Inc.
24 The word of the Lord came to me in the ninth year, in
the tenth month, on the tenth day of the month: 2 “Son of man,
write down today’s date, this very day. The king of Babylon has laid siege to
Jerusalem this very day. 3 Now
speak a parable to the rebellious house.[1]
O: This scripture
is truly amazing. Ezekiel is living in Tel Abib on the banks of the Chebar Canal
outside of Babylon in a day where instant messaging is unheard of announces
Jerusalem is under siege. At that point judgment was no longer a future prospect but a present
reality.[2]
How did he know? He was living over 600
miles away from Judah. God knew and let
His people in on it. The people of Judah
will not escape God’s judge because of their rebellious behavior and failure to
listen and repent. By willfully failing
to abide by the God’s covenant Judah will face the consequences with
question. The prophets have told them
this time and time again.
A: Foreknowledge of God is not the same thing a
predestination. He knows what is going
to happen and enlightens His people. No
one is left in the dark. Free will is an
interesting characteristic in humans and usually does not go well. That is why God tells His people to choose that
which is outlined in His word rather than going with the world system of living.
God gives us a choice. Therefore, choose
life over destruction for which the world is destined.
P: Praise
be to God for providing a choice for how we should than live. Thank You for Your love. Thank You for Your word. Help us to love you and our neighbors. Help us to be motivated by Your love and come
together, supporting each other in unity and love. Please be with those being prosecuted for
having faith in You. I pray for peace in
Ukraine. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (Eze 24:1–3). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
10 The name of Yahweh is a strong tower;
the
righteous run to it and are protected.[1]
O: A contemporary hymn was written with these words in mind. One of the shorts scriptures songs with only
17 words repeated twice is also one of the most powerful. “The name of the Lord”
phrase only occurs in Proverbs and refers to God Himself —his attributes,
his love, mercy, power, and knowledge[2]and
implies where one needs to place trust. To the Hebrews, names expressed something about
the one to whom they were assigned.[3]
The strong tower was the safest place be when under attach. The tower brings one above the fray and gives
one the ability to see trouble coming.
The righteous knows where to go because of where their trust is place.
A: It is import in
one’s walk in faith on how it is demonstrated.
“Faith without works is dead” Jms 2:26 Turning the Lord calling on His
name in prayer ask for help in the ability to place one’s complete trust in the
Lord. There is nothing to be afraid of for there is complete protection from
God. He meets every need, answers every
prayer, offers protection, and safety. Develop that trust by seeking His
kingdom for that is the place the high tower is. Walk with Him in prayer and
immerse oneself in His word.
P: Praise be to God.
Even when downtrodden You are there.
Even when the ruler of this world uses His force against Your people You
offer protection. Thee wiles of the
power and principalities have no power that comes close to You. You are worthy of all praise, and You have made
Your people glad and filled with joy.
Help us Lord to completely place our trust in You. Help us to put that trust into action and
glorify You. I pray for peace in
Ukraine. I pray in You precious name
amem.
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Pr 18:10). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Smith, J. E. (1996). The wisdom literature and Psalms (p. 595).
College Press Pub. Co.
4 You are guilty of the blood you have shed, and you are defiled from
the idols you have made. You have brought your judgment days near and have come
to your years of punishment. Therefore, I have made you a disgrace to the
nations and a mockery to all the lands.[1]
O: The prophets
of God of the Old Testament given His word to tell the people of pending destruction. The people rejected the prophets and rejected
God. They were guilty of many transgressions. This guilt defined as the liability to be
punished for a fault, a sin, an act, or an omission unless there is forgiveness
or atonement; the term normally concerns an objective fact, not a subjective
feeling[2]
Brought the judgment of God down on their heads. Because of this judgement the Jews
are now a disgrace and mocked.
A: Guilty
as charge. The punishment deserved.
Thank God for the atoning blood of Christ.
Thank God for the age of grace brought to us by Immanuel. The judgement as been averted. Forgiveness with-in the grasp of those who repent,
confess, and believe. Putting trust in the One who saves lift one out from the
brink of death and the world no longer has a grip. Listen to the prophets and heed God’s call to
divert the curse of this world.
P: Praise
be to God. Thank You for Your saving
grace. Thank-You for shedding light in the
fallen world. Praise and glory and all
honor are what You deserve. Help us Lord
to realize our guilt, repent, confess, and believe in You for our forgiveness. Please
Lord forgive us and heal our land. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Eze 22:4). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] The
Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). Holman
Bible Publishers.
8/16/22
0 “Therefore, house of Israel, I will judge each one of you according to
his ways.” This is the declaration of
the Lord God. “Repent and turn
from all your transgressions, so they will not be a stumbling block that causes
your punishment. 31 Throw off all the transgressions you have committed
and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, house of Israel? 32 For
I take no pleasure in anyone’s death.” This is the declaration of the Lord God. “So repent and live! [1]
O:
Repentance is extremely important. The word used here for repentance can be
found 1073 in the OT. Of course, not instances refer to turning from sin. For example, in Gen 3:19 refers to return to
the ground or enemies retreating in 2 Kings 20:10. However, the basic meaning
of the verb is movement back to the point of departure (unless there is
evidence to the contrary).[2] That is return to path used before one
transgressed from. For the most part the idea of turn is conveyed. In this text
is found a final call to Judah to cease their faithlessness, turn to God, and
be delivered. Such a radical course correction would involve a change of heart,
meaning a change of thinking and volition (see discussion at 11:17–21).
Individuals who would change their thinking and commit themselves
wholeheartedly in faith to the Lord would be saved.[3]
Saved from the punishment of God. If one
ever wants to be regenerated, transformed by getting a new heart and spirit
there is something expected one must do.
One has a choice return to God or remain in the world.
A: Repentance
is mentioned many times making it very important in the relationship with God.
The first step in repentance in acknowledging one has wronged God by committing
sin and demonstrating a genuine sorrow in one’s behavior. Next confess the sin to God and one to another
Jms 5:16. Than make restitution if possible and finally turn away a put down
the sin. John Owens a Puritan theologian
emphatically encourages to mortify sin and be on the look out for the roots of sin
run deep and may grow back. God asks His church, “Why should you die?” Repent
and live.
P: Praise be to God the Father for providing instruction on how we should therefor live. Thank You for opening our eyes, softening our hearts and giving us grace. Thank You for coming down and living with us and giving Your life to we to can live. I pray for boldness for Christians who are persecuted for their faith and for secret house churches that are meeting daily throughout the world. I pray for Christian brothers and sisters who are imprisoned for the sake of the Gospel. I pray for peace in Ukraine.
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Eze 18:30–32). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Vine, W. E., Unger, M. F., & White, W., Jr. (1996). In Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New
Testament Words (Vol. 1, p. 203). T. Nelson.
8/15//22
23 They will bring you consolation when you see their conduct and
actions, and you will know that it was not without cause that I have done what
I did to it.” This is the declaration of
the Lord God. [1]
O: The
Hebrews have not changed. The practices detestable to God ran rampant. Idols
were in their hearts v.4. They had
placed the world above God, pride before humility, and behavior that brings
pleasure but is an affront to God. The
Hebrews listened to the lies of false prophets because it is what they wanted
to hear. The Lord called for repentance
v.6 but was unheeded. The people paid no attention to God. The sins of His people have been so extensive
even if the great men of God who went before them were with them now would not be
able to stop the judgement that will come from God v.14. Four judgments will be delivered; the sword,
famine, plague, and wild animals will bring destruction v.21. The Lord is patient but will not allow sin to
go on forever. Throughout the bible the theme of
judgement can be found. Judgement is even defined in different ways, but the
result is the same, separation from God.
A: Separation
from God will be total devastation. A
Godless population will experience great many atrocities. It is happening today. Society will not allow any variance of the
accepted beliefs. Debate is not allowed,
and intolerance prevails. Behaviors exuding pride and the elevation of self
only promote self-interests by upholding traditions saying “this is how it is
done” at the expense to others are idols of the heart. But there is more
children of God must look out for to avert God’s judgement. Reframe from lifting up the church as one’s
passion. Putting rules and regulations before the truth. (Mt 27::27-31) Some
hold on to anger as if it is the right. (Eph. 4:26,27) Some stand on
to worry as if it solves the problems. (Ph 4:6). Worst of all the ways of the
world are let into the body of Christ such as gaslighting and cancel culture to deal with
issues rather than allowing the Spirit of Truth to move. (1 Jn 2:16) We must
seek things that are above and place our affections on them such as the fruit
of the Spirit. (Col3:1-3; Gal 5:22; and Ph 4:8)
P: Oh God
we are so sorry for placing other things before You and looking to the world
for answers. Help us to remove the idols
of our hearts and transform us by not being conformed to the world and drawn to
its enticements. Help us to be enamored in
You and Your word. Help us replace the
idols by putting Your word in our heart. I pray for boldness for Christians who
are persecuted for their faith. I pray for peace in Ukraine. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Eze 14:23). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
8/14/22
19 And I will give them one heart and put a new spirit within them; I
will remove their heart of stone from their bodies and give them a heart of
flesh, 20 so they may follow My statutes, keep My ordinances,
and practice them. Then they will be My people, and I will be their God.[1]
O: The Lord here is promising a restoration; however,
the Lord requires a change by getting rid of the behavior that caused the exile. This would sweeping spiritual reforms and a
general spiritual revival.[2]
Don’t presume anyone will escape God’s judgement. The Lord is just and will
give the world a chance to return to Him.
There will be an outpouring of His Spirit. Hearts will soften and He will place His
statues and ordinances on their heart.
He will give a “one heart” one that is together with others seeking Him and
content with one God,’ not distracted
with ‘the many detestable things’ (v. 18; 1 Ki. 18:21; Hos. 10:2).[3].
The new Spirit realized fully in the “new creature” of the New Testament (2
Cor. 5:17); having new motives, new rules, new aims (Ps. 51:10; Jer.
31:33). [4] Finally, a “heart
of flesh” is given that is impressible to what is good, tender.[5]
A: This vision is so profound and life changing God
pleasures in. It is His act of grace
that provides the change. By turning away from the sinful way life and accepting
Him into your heart your life will be changed, renewed. Transformed God
provides a new relationship with Him. He
has promised He will not leave us in the mess we have made but will provide a
way out. All that is necessary is that
we take it. He provides away and we have
a choice. Choose wisely.
P: Blessed be the name of the Lord. You are righteous a true. You are honorable and trustworthy. You have not forgotten Your children and Your faithful and trustworthy. Help us Lord to apply Your teaching to our life uncompromisingly and maintains the integrity You give us so we can glorify You. I pray for peace in Ukraine and for God to protect His people. That He be a shield for His followers in areas where faith costs the most. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Eze 11:19–20). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[3]
Fausset, A. R. (n.d.). A Commentary, Critical, Experimental, and Practical, on the
Old and New Testaments: Jeremiah–Malachi: Vol. IV (p. 237).
William Collins, Sons, & Company, Limited.
[4]
Fausset, A. R. (n.d.). A Commentary, Critical, Experimental, and Practical, on the
Old and New Testaments: Jeremiah–Malachi: Vol. IV (p. 237).
William Collins, Sons, & Company, Limited.
[5]
Fausset, A. R. (n.d.). A Commentary, Critical, Experimental, and Practical, on the
Old and New Testaments: Jeremiah–Malachi: Vol. IV (p. 237). William
Collins, Sons, & Company, Limited.
8/13/22
26 Disaster after disaster will come,
and there
will be rumor after rumor.
Then they
will seek a vision from a prophet,
but
instruction will perish from the priests
and counsel
from the elders.[1]
O: Above is a painting “The Jews Led into Babylonian
Captivity After” by E. Bendemann (a painter from the 1800’s) depicting the
deportation of Judah, an event Jeremiah prophesied, and Ezekiel lived. In the
text Ezekiel is describing part of the whole calamity. Judah is devastated, the
people in a severe state of shock, mourning in the throngs of depression. God did not come to their rescue. Their precious city and the center of their worship
destroyed. All due to fact of their sinful
behavior and failure to listen and do what was right in God’s eyes. The terrible judgment was not inappropriate. God would deal with these
sinners “according to their conduct.” They would learn through this horrible
experience that Yahweh is sovereign, awesome in power and justice[2] Instead of
the peace, prosperity, and solidarity that should have characterized Hebrew
society, the exile brought pain, loss, and confusion (vv. 24–27).[3]
A: Do not
say to yourself “I will be ok” yet continue in behavior abhorrent to God.
Demonstrating contempt for your brother, lacking compassion for those less fortunate,
living life not authentic to the word of God,.acting out in secret that which
God sees has it consequences. The Judge
of us all will not overlook transgressions. Denying the truth, shifting blame, pitting
members against members, frequent gossip, insinuating members are exaggerating
or members are acting inappropriately, omitting essential information, extreme defensiveness
and hypocrisy are all examples of gaslighting the faithful. Examples of these behaviors run rampant at
Haili church and the church as a whole. Is it any wonder attendance is dwindling? Bringing worldly (The organized Satanic
system that is opposed to God and hostile to Jesus and His followers; it also
refers to the non-Christian culture[4])
behavior such as gaslighting and the cancel culture will tear a church asunder.
Turn from such dark devious behavior and turn to the example givien by Christ
and demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit.
P: Praise be to God our Father, and Lord Jesus Christ our Savior. All honor and is due to You for You are faithful, trustworthy, and Your love everlasting. Help us Lord to be transformed by the renewing of our minds forsaking the rumors of this world and seek the Spirit of Truth. Help us reflect Your glory and spread Your goodness around. pray for God to bring comfort to suffering Christians through His Word and presence in the midst of hatred, discrimination, and violence. I pray for peace in Ukraine. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Eze 7:26). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Smith, J. E. (1992). The Major Prophets (p. 391). College Press.
[4] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
8/12/22
18 As for those who disobeyed My covenant, not keeping the terms of the
covenant they made before Me, I will treat them like the calf they cut in two
in order to pass between its pieces.[1]
O: The
people will say anything they feel God wants to hear having no intention of to
do what was promised. God knew this. Due to their duplicitousness and contradictive
behavior the Lord declares they are free from His protection v.17. It is a play on words where everything is
turned around and Israel’s the pieces and God walks between sealing the promise
that their behavior has been turned upside down. The fate of the rebellious has
now been sealed. They will be felled by sword, disease, and famine v.19. The
covenant which connotes something new or extraordinary (Num 16:30)[2]
has now been reverted to God due to their behavior. God will deal with those who
promise to abide by the covenant yet do not.
A: To say
one thing then do the opposite is breaking a promise. It demonstrates a lack of integrity. It reflects a dishonest heart which is not congruent
with behavior that lines up with God. In fact, God wants obedience rather than sacrifice. He loves trustworthiness. He desires those who listen and heed His word.
Breaking promises brings judgement so be careful. Develop a character of
honesty and integrity. “Do what you say and say what you do” is the foundation
of a disciplined life.
P: Blessed be the name of Lord. Help us to be trustworthy as You are trustworthy. Help us Lord to develop Your character in our lives. Help us reflect Your glory and spread Your goodness around. I pray that You comfort to suffering Christians through His Word and presence in the midst of hatred, discrimination, and violence. I pray for peace in Ukraine. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Je 34:18). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Mccomiskey, T. E. (1999). 278 בָּרָא. In R. L. Harris, G. L. Archer Jr.,
& B. K. Waltke (Eds.), Theological
Wordbook of the Old Testament (electronic ed., pp. 127–128). Moody Press.
8/11/22
31 Look, I am against you, you arrogant one—
this is the
declaration of
the Lord God of Hosts—
because
your day has come,
the time
when I will punish you.
32 The arrogant will stumble and fall
with no one
to pick him up. [1]
O: What is arrogance? The question is asked because the Lord abhors
the person who demonstrates an arrogant characteristic. Taken at the root of the
word for insolence, presumptuous, contempt, rage, and pride. It is pride, arrogance,
insolence, i.e., the concept of an inflated view of oneself, self-willed and
not humble, as a moral failure (Dt 18:22; 1Sa 17:28; Pr 11:2; 13:10; 21:24; Jer
49:16; 50:31, 32; Eze 7:10; Ob 3+); or contempt, scorn, i.e., a
lack of respect[2]. The pridefulness of the Chaldeans were
their downfall. The lack of humility will not have the desired effect. The
attitude will create more problems and bring on judgement.
A: Christians have a high moral standard to follow. A moral lifestyle is essential, and God has
given christains a guide. Moses brought the commands of God to the people with
God providing constant direction through Hid leaders, judges, kings, and
prophets. Additionally, a proper attitude is repeated demonstrated by Jesus, as
well as written about by His apostles. Humility, gentleness, and long suffering.
Attitudes the exact opposite of pride. Arrogance is a bad attitude. The attitude will bring punishment such as
divorce, job loss, loss to respect, and loss of friends. Be willing to swallow
your pride, take an honest inventory, and confess your sins. God is faithful and just to forgive and save
from destruction.
P: Praise be to God for providing basic instruction before
leaving earth. You are worthy of all
praise and honor. You have what is best
for us in mind. Help us Lord be
transformed by a renewing of mind to develop a change in attitude and be more
in-line with You. Help us reflect Your glory and spread Your goodness around. I
pray for God to bring comfort to suffering Christians through His Word and
presence in the midst of hatred, discrimination, and violence. I pray for peace in Ukraine. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (Je 50:31–32). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Swanson, J. (1997). In Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains :
Hebrew (Old Testament) (electronic ed.). Logos Research Systems,
Inc.
8/10/22
12 You will call to Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to
you. 13 You will seek Me
and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.[1]
O: The
Israelites have been deported. They have
been dragged from their homes taken to foreign land to a foreign king. God has told them through prophet that they will
be exiled for 70 years. He told them to settle in and not to worry. The Lord
assured the people that what had happened was not a series of unplanned,
accidental events.[2] He emphatically exclaims I, I know what will happen
assuring His people to pray and He will listen.
He says only to search for Him with all that is within you.
A: God can
redeem what ever has happened to you. All He asks is to come back to Him. This is one of the greatest evangelistic
verses in the bible declaring that God is accessible. It reflects what Jesus said some 500 years
later in Mt 6:33. How do we make this seeking God happen? Read the Bible (Ps
1:2), develop humility (Mt 5:3), examine the core of your emotions and what
triggers them (Mt 6:21), let the Spirit lead your life (Rom 14:17), become as a
child (Lk 18.16), love God with all that is within you (Mk 12:32-33), and love
your neighbor (Mk 12:31).[3] Therefore, do all that you can
to seek God for He is there for you. He
is accessible for He has a plan for His children.
P: Praise be to
God. No matter what happens God can use
it for His glory. He has His children
under His protection and tied into His plans.
Praise You God for we have nothing to worry about. You are overwhelming with Your love and
faithfulness. Help us to seek You in
everything all day long. You. I pray for peace in Ukraine and for God to
protect His people. That He be a shield for His followers in areas where
faith costs the most. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard
version. (Je 29:12–13).
(2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Huey, F. B. (1993). Jeremiah, Lamentations (Vol. 16, p.
254). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
8/9/22
3 For because of the anger of the Lord it came to the point in
Jerusalem and Judah that he cast them out from his presence. [1]
O: The
question is why was the Lord angry.?
What spiritual lessons may be learned from the fall of Jerusalem? It is easy to ascertain the main cause of His
anger and the fall was sin. After all the sins
of Judah—idolatry and adultery, ingratitude,
and injustice—there was only one suitable way
for Jeremiah’s book to end. Siege, famine, invasion, fire, looting, and
captivity were no more than the citizens of Jerusalem deserved for rebelling against Almighty
God.[2]
The demonstrated His holiness by casting the sinners from His sight because sin
can not survive in His presence. It is
not holy to leave the guilty unpunished.
Many times, the prophet warned of the consequences of sin. The word of
God will not go unheeded. Matthew Henry put it this way:
… no word of God shall fall to the ground,
but the event will fully answer the prediction; and the unbelief of man shall
not make God’s threatenings, any more than his promises, of no effect. The
justice and truth of God are here written in bloody characters, for the
conviction or the confusion of all those that make a jest of his threatenings.
Let them not be deceived, God is not
mocked.[3]
A: The lesson here is to listen.
Listen to the Lord. Do what He
commands. Turn from the wickedness of
the world. Turn away from the “cancel
culture”. Demonstrate true repentance and let the Lord transform the heart. Walk with Him by reading His word and talk to
Him through daily devotions and prayer. Seek His kingdom and righteousness and renounce
the works of the flesh. Replace pride
and arrogance with humility. Relace lies and slander, opinions lacking any
basis in facts with honesty and truth.
Replace envy and covetousness with goodwill, kindness, and sympathy. Demonstrate the fruit of the spirit.
P: Praise be to God for Your holiness and praiseworthiness. Thank You for being honorable and faithful. Your truth will come to past. Help us Lord to forsake sinful ways and
repent from all that is not right and turn to for Your ever-present help. Help us Lord to learn that You are complete
protection in time of need. Help us
reflect Your glory and spread Your goodness around. pray for God to bring
comfort to suffering Christians through His Word and presence in the midst of
hatred, discrimination, and violence. I
pray for peace in Ukraine. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Je
52:3). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
[2] Ryken,
P. G. (2001). Jeremiah and Lamentations: from sorrow to hope
(p. 726). Crossway Books.
[3]
Ryken, P. G. (2001). Jeremiah and Lamentations: from sorrow to hope
(pp. 727–728). Crossway Books.
8/8/22
10 The one who does
the Lord’s business deceitfully is cursed,
and the one
who withholds
his sword
from bloodshed is cursed. [1]
O: The Lord is warning His people. Those who are deceitful, slack, lazy, lax, negligent,
or even refuse to do the Lords works pretty much covers those who well be cursed. According to Vine the word for curse is found
60 times in the OT. It is a
pronouncement of judgment on those who break covenant,[2] but remember
only the Lord can pronounce curses. Once
cursed there will consequences. A curse
is like an oath or a promise. The result
will be judgement if His people do not obey the commands of God. They will be
cursed and judged. It goes to show if His
people do not follow through with what God desires it will not go well. If an “oath” is broken it becomes a “curse”.
A: A spoken curse should be cause for pause and reflection. Do not neglect the Lord’s work. Do not neglect the walk the Lord has called
His children to walk. Follow though with
His commands. Act out upon the Lord’s
work by putting on the whole armor of God and do not shy away from the
fray. There are powers not seen at work
in the world that only God can overcome.
Do not neglect to use His name to deal with those powers for if a spirit
of laxness, deceitfulness, or even refusal to act prevails will bring the curse.
P: Praise be to God. Lord
I am so grateful You’re in my life and I can lay Your word on my Heart. Thank You God for providing either/or
choices. Help us Lord to not be negligent
with You and give us the strength to follow through. Help us reflect Your glory
and spread Your goodness around. pray for God to bring comfort to suffering
Christians through His Word and presence in the midst of hatred,
discrimination, and violence. I pray for
peace in Ukraine. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Je 48:10). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Vine, W. E., Unger, M. F., & White, W., Jr. (1996). In Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New
Testament Words (Vol. 1, p. 54). T. Nelson.
8/7/22
46 Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell down, paid homage to Daniel, and gave
orders to present an offering and incense to him. 47 The king said to Daniel, “Your
God is indeed God of gods, Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries, since
you were able to reveal this mystery.” [1]
O: Daniel
is one of the most important figures in the bible. Here is one example of why he has such a great
reputation. Throughout the book written
about him it is revealed he was a man of God. He was a man of prayer, integrity
and uncompromising. One thing of interest is the behavior of the king. He offered sacrifice and prayed “to him” and
prostrate himself before Daniel. There is no indication Daniel refused the king
and told him to stop. Many Jewish and Christian
commentors are embarrassed by Daniel’s reaction however, Daniel was in no position
to insult the king by declining such offerings.
The king would be offended, and Daniel would not have reached such a
high position in the Kings court. Some
felt the king was honoring Daniel’s God.
Either way God is glorified because the king acknowledged the God of
gods.
A: The
night before Daniel and his friends prayed.
That is one of the hallmarks of a man of God. We need to go to God in time of trouble. It would seem Daniel spent hours in prayer
repeatedly for his is exiled in a foreign country where one false move could
mean death. Due to such a strong pray
life Daniel receive the guidance and direction needed to glorify God. Do not compromise
integrity, spend time in prayer, and listen to God’s direction. That way God will be glorified.
P: Praise
be to God. I give You thanks for all the
fine examples give in the book You handed down to us. Help us Lord to dive in and study Your word
daily. Help us Lord to apply Your
teaching to our life uncompromisingly and maintains the integrity You give us so we can glorify You. I pray for peace in Ukraine and for God to
protect His people. That He be a shield for His followers in areas where
faith costs the most. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Da 2:46–47). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
8/6/22
30 Therefore, this is what the Lord
says concerning Jehoiakim king of Judah: He will have no one to sit on David’s throne,
and his corpse will be thrown out to be exposed to the heat of day and the
frost of night. [1]
O: After
the scroll was read to king the king was so upset, he burned it. The king was not listening. He would not have
any of what was written. He refused to believe his country would be over run and
Judah would go down in defeat. Since he blatantly
disregarded the word of the Lord and burn it, the Lord has passed judgement on
him. According to the bible this came true.
The hose of Jehoiakim ended with him. Jehoiakim had been just as guilty as his
people in rejecting God’s word, hence his fate will typify that of the nation.[2]
A: Live by the
flesh, live by your own understanding, do what seems right in your own eyes is
a blatant disregard to the word of God.
It is as if you’re burning His words and you will be judged. The fate of those who reject the word of the
Lord is not pretty. Listen to God. Repent.
Turn away from the world and all it’s influence. Ask God to come into your life, forsake sin
and walk in the spirit demonstrating its fruit so that it may go well with you.
Or face certain destruction.
P: Praise
be to God. Thank You for Your word. Thank You for plainly explaining the gospel.
Help us believe that You are there for us.
Help us believe You are a ever present help in time of need. Help us
reflect Your glory and spread Your goodness around. pray for God to bring
comfort to suffering Christians through His Word and presence in the midst of
hatred, discrimination, and violence. I
pray for peace in Ukraine. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Je 36:30). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Harrison, R. K. (1973). Jeremiah and Lamentations: an introduction and commentary
(Vol. 21, pp. 154–155). InterVarsity Press.
8/5/22
32 “Thus
says the Lord of hosts:
Behold, disaster is going
forth
from nation
to nation,
and a great tempest is
stirring
from the
farthest parts of the earth! [1]
O: Jeremiah is now speaking what the people have dreaded.
The people did not like what they were hearing.
The Lord has told the prophet to tell the people what He says. Now He is proclaiming total destruction. The Lord will move like a terrible storm. A storm
that spreads out and affects everyone from the elite to the commoners. Judgement will extent to all the world. Jeremiah is relaying the war cry of the Lord.
Like a great hurricane the Lord’s impact will be felt everywhere. No one will
be spared. All will be judged.
A: Open your
eyes. Unstop your ears. How much longer will you do what is right in
your own eyes? How long will you
practice the works of the flesh? Listen
and pray you hear the word of the Lord.
Do not rely on your own understanding but seek the Lord. Seek out His kingdom with all that you have
for His day is coming. What a great and
glorious day that will be.
P: Praise be to
God. His will is just and right. His power and might is the greatest. His love everlasting and glorious. I pray we make our selves ready by turning to
Him for His guidance and forsake the world.
Amen.
8/4/22
2 How long, LORD, must I call for help
and You do
not listen
or cry out
to You about violence f
and You do
not save?
3 Why do You force me to look at injustice?
Why do You tolerate
wrongdoing?
Oppression
and violence are right in front of me.
Strife is
ongoing, and conflict escalates. [1]
O: The prophet expresses a question that should be on anyone’s
mind. Why does the Lord allow such injustice to run rampant in the world? He is sending a wicked people to discipline His
people. His people will be oppressed and used as slaves when placed in bandaged
by conquering nations. Nations with detestable
practices and were thoroughly evil. Why
does the Lord allow such things? The word chamas (חָמָס),
“violence; wrong; maliciousness.” This word appears about 60 times and in all
periods of biblical Hebrew.[2] It basically has the connotation of “a witness in the case of violent wrongdoing”.
The prophet felt by when seeing all the violent oppression (injustice,
wrongdoing, trouble, strife, and conflict) nothing was being done. He was expressing his frustration and
questioning God.
A: Is it wrong to question God? Is it wrong to show your
frustration in the face of evil? How
long did the Kahu and deacons put up with the unrighteous behavior of some trustees
at Haili? How many times did they go
before God waiting for God and wondering when He will act? The trustees were
acting by what they felt was right in own eyes.
Requisitioning office furniture for personal use. Allowing a relative to take money from the
church coffers. Looking the other way when a relative assaulted a parishioner on
church property. Covering up an act of
arson at Haili apartments. Slandering Kahu
and write libelous letters filled with unproveable malicious opinions and false
accusations. Listening to a habitual
liar rather than believers bearing good fruit because it suits their unrighteous
agenda. Now after many left the church due
to the level of spiritual maturity and lack of discernment, they cry of low
church attendance. The money is no
longer coming in as it once had. Is it
no wonder? What breeds a poor of
spiritual maturity and a lack of discernment? Evil. The Spirit of Lord has
judged them. Why is there such evil in the
world? It will bring down the judgement of the Lord and make way for the
righteous. Be careful when you question God
for you will be answered.
P: Oh Lord I’m so sorry for my actions at Haili. Perhaps my emotions got in the way. It is upsetting when members of the body refuse to talk. Lord with lack of communication what is the point to continue? Help me Lord to demonstrate Your fruit. He me Lord to be gentile and patient.
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Hab 1:2–3). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Vine, W. E., Unger, M. F., & White, W., Jr. (1996). In Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New
Testament Words (Vol. 1, p. 276). T. Nelson.
8/3/22
27 But you, My servant Jacob, do not be
afraid,
and do not
be discouraged, Israel,
for without
fail I will save you from far away
and your
descendants, from the land of their captivity!
Jacob will
return and have calm and quiet
with no one
to frighten him.[1]
O: Interestingly according to three sources the phrase “do not
be afraid” is recorded 365 times in the bible.
Remember God calling His people from the depths of uncertainty and doubt
and without fail will save them. However, exile will discipline a wayward and wanton
nation, guiding it back to the spiritual obligations of the covenant.[2]
The fact is in stunning contrast to those fighting against God’s people. This
prophecy written in the middle of what is told will happen to His people’s
enemies confuses commentors undoubtably, this text is only an assurance that
God is willing to pull His people back from the darkness exhorting them to not
be afraid. The text explains despite the severe discipline God has not
forgotten His people and will pull them back to Him. Israel could look forward to a time when
she would enjoy peace and security.
Though she too went into exile, God vowed that He would not completely destroy her. A remnant would survive to again
receive God’s blessings (cf. 31:1–6).[3]
A: We are encouraged for every day of the year. Israel is now the church. The church is the priest of all believes. God
implore His people to not be afraid. He
calls believers to pull their complete trust in Him. Those persecuting God’s
chosen will be dealt with. God’s Word will stand no matter what the newspapers report! “I will
save you,” God promised. “I will wipe out the nations, but I won’t wipe you
out.” Twice the Lord said, “Don’t be
afraid.” No matter how dark the day, God always gives His people the bright
light of His promises (2 Peter 1:19–21).[4] God is in charge always and always God is
good.
P: Praise be to God. Thank You Father for protecting Your remnant.
Thank You for all Your promises and blessings.
Help Lord to put our complete trust in You. Relieve us of our
worries. Help us to let them go and
realize we have nothing to worry about and help us to know You and not be
afraid. Help us to know Your love is
enough. I pray for peace in Ukraine and
for God to protect His people. I ask You
God to reveal Himself to those who are hurting His people and persecuting His
church — that He would change their hearts and draw them to Christ. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Je 46:27). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Harrison, R. K. (1973). Jeremiah and Lamentations: an introduction and commentary
(Vol. 21, p. 175). InterVarsity Press.
[3]
Dyer, C. H. (1985). Jeremiah. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck
(Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary:
An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 1, p. 1194). Victor Books.
[4]
Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). Be Decisive (pp. 166–167). Victor Books.
8/2/22
16 He took up the case of the poor and
needy,
then it
went well.
Is this not
what it means to know Me?
This is the
Lord’s declaration.
17 But you have eyes and a heart for nothing
except your
own dishonest profit,
shedding
innocent blood
and
committing extortion and oppression.[1]
O: There are many
woes in the bible even curses. There was
a woe earlier in the chapter (v.10) regarding unrighteousness and
injustice. The Lord speaking to the king
looks at what is in his heart and his motives.
The king was attempting to build to impress. The Lord saw his vanity and said sarcastically
“got enough cider”. (v.15) The Lord spoke of the king’s father behavior in helping
those less fortunate and it went well not taxing them into poverty for a
building program. Caring for the poor
and needy it what it means to know him. More than that, acting with justice and
righteousness and taking the side of the poor and needy are evidences that a
person knows the Lord.[2]
A: Some would say that was in the Old Testament and has
nothing to do with us today. Yet do we not have suffering? Is there not evil in the world? Are there not behaviors that propitiate evil? We must open our eyes soften our hearts and
seek to serve. Lying, slandering,
libeling, gossiping, committing arson all are behaviors the Lord detests. It will not good well for those who chose
injustice selfishly. Help where the need
is. Reach out and assist those in need of help.
That behavior will please the Lord.
P: That You Jesus for
Your protection and blessings. We may
not have much, but we have all we need.
You are so good all the time.
Help us reflect Your glory and spread Your goodness around. pray for God
to bring comfort to suffering Christians through His Word and presence in the
midst of hatred, discrimination, and violence.
I pray for peace in Ukraine. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Je 22:16–17). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Huey, F. B. (1993). Jeremiah, Lamentations (Vol. 16, p. 206).
Broadman & Holman Publishers.
8/1/22
22 No such Passover had ever been kept from the time of the judges who
judged Israel through the entire time of the kings of Israel and Judah. 23 But
in the eighteenth year of King Josiah, this Passover was observed to the Lord in Jerusalem.[1]
O: Judah
worked hard in rid the nation of all that detests the Lord. Previously in the chapter is written one of
the most detailed descriptions of who the people went about doing that. Burning
the bones of worshiper of Baal on Baals very alter to defile it as well as removed
the mediums, the spiritists, household idols, images, and all the detestable
things that were seen in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem (v24) demonstrating
a zeal for the Lord. All this was done after the book of the Law was found a
read to the king and the people. After it was read the people realized their digressions
and went about to change destroying idols and no longer practicing fetishes
that the Lord forbid. After all that work,
they celebrated several festivals: the Passover and feast of unleavened bread. Maybe fore the first time in a long time were
these days observed and to the extent not seen since the days of Samuel (2 Chr
35:17-).
A: As with
the Hebrews when they first heard the Law as it is today when we first hear the
gospel and believe. When one turns away
and denounces the ways of the world and turn to God one celebrates because they
finally begin to understand the glory of God.
When one realized the chain of bondage are broken and all worries dissipate
joy begins to well up and overflowing. An
outpouring of blessings is realized in the life of believer because of God’s
deliverance. It is cause for celebration
and thanksgiving for one’s salvation due to belief in the gospel. The scripture begins to reveal in the life of
the believer its richness and fullness and uncovers the scheme of redemption.
P: Praise
be to God for He is faithful to His word and offers everlasting love. Thanks be to God for His Son and offering Him
as a sacrifice of our deliverance.
Praise You Lord taking care of Your people of the promise and for
providing a way to provide for all our needs. I pray for peace in Ukraine and
for God to protect His people. That He
be a shield for His followers in areas where faith costs the most. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(2 Ki 23:22–23). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
7/31/22
13 Sing to the Lord!
Praise the Lord,
for He
rescues the life of the needy
from the
hand of evil people.[1]
O: Here we find a sudden change in mood. Jeremiah’s previous despair was now replaced by a state of euphoria,
as he shouted, “Sing to the Lord; give praise to the Lord” (both these verbs
are plural imperatives).[2] The leaders of the day despised the prophet
because of what he was saying. The false prophets were painting a rosy picture of
the nation’s future while Jeremiah was proclaiming destruction and defeat. He
was detained beaten and placed in stocks (v.2).
This is a reason why he was called the “Weeping Prophet”. The people ridiculed and did not listen. The continued their wicked ways causing him
to cry (13:17). Jeremiah also knew if they did not receive the Lord’s message, they
would sustain severe consequences. Darkness will fall on the people, and they would be lost.
A: The same is true
today. Believers can praise the Lord no matter the circumstances knowing they
will be rescued. Evil is an ever-present
force in this world. Evil rules on this
earth but does not rule in the lives of believers. The Lord is coming full force; however, He is
present in the hearts of those who have believed in the gospel today. The kingdom of God is here for it’s in the believer’s
heart (Luke 17:21). Believers are embraced
and transformed by God’s glory in their life.
No matter the issues the Lord will prevail. Do not worry when there is gossip, slander,
and drag you into court. When you’re in
the Lord there is no fear. Evil will not prevail.
P: Praise be to God in
the highest. You power and might is
greater than anything here on earth. I
pray the blind and the stray will hear You and come back to You. Help us drop the worlds behavior and reflect
Your glory. I pray for peace in Ukraine and for God to protect His people. That He be a shield for His followers in
areas where faith costs the most. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Je 20:13). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Huey, F. B. (1993). Jeremiah, Lamentations (Vol. 16, p. 194).
Broadman & Holman Publishers.
7/30/22
19 Therefore
thus says the Lord:
“If you return, I will
restore you,
and you
shall stand before me.
If you utter what is
precious, and not what is worthless,
you shall
be as my mouth.
They shall turn to you,
but you
shall not turn to them.
20 And I
will make you to this people
a fortified
wall of bronze;
they will fight against
you,
but they
shall not prevail over you,
for I am with you
to save you
and deliver you,
declares the Lord.
21 I will deliver
you out of the hand of the wicked,
and redeem
you from the grasp of the ruthless.” [1]
O: Here is
another “If” with a “Therefore” preceding it.
The Lord emphatically implores His own to come back. The Israelites have strayed becoming
distracted by what the world has to offer. Jeremiah also was being distracted
by depression, self-pity, and doubt. Jeremiah needed to repent if he hoped to serve
God. To be God’s spokesman he had to
utter worthy, not worthless, words.
He was to remain steadfast before God so the people would turn to
him; in no case was he to turn to them.
If someone was to move, it was to be the people, not Jeremiah![2] What does it mean when God says repent? The
word is found over 1000 times in biblical Hebrew. Here it means change
so as to approach. Jeremiah developed a bad attitude and needed to return to
that which he had before when God first called him.
A: Some feel repentance is a onetime thing. How many times did God call His people to
turn around and come back? As the song
goes “every day is just another struggle, every choice an act of war”.
We battle against
powers and principalities beyond our comprehension. (Ephesians 6:12) Why do we
pray for God to search our hearts. When
we walk in the world the dirt clings requiring us to get cleaned up. We are bombarded by bad advice, poor
consultation, gossip news with editorial bias.
We are being forced to conform to political correctness when the conduct
is sin. “Turn back”, is God’s plea. Come
back to your first love. (Revelation 2:4)
P: Praise be to God.
Your love and steadfastness for Your our is amazing. Your righteousness is beyond compare. Help us Lord to clean up and not be
influenced by the world. Help us make
the right decision to turn back to You. I
pray for peace in Ukraine and for God to protect His people. I ask You God to reveal Himself to those who
are hurting His people and persecuting His church — that He would change their
hearts and draw them to Christ. Amen
7/29/22
19 Have You completely rejected Judah?
Do You detest
Zion?
Why do You
strike us
with no
hope of healing for us?
We hoped
for peace,
but there
was nothing good;
for a time
of healing,
but there
was only terror. [1]
O: Jeremiah Is asking the hard questions. He is asking God if He has totally rejected
His people? It seems the prophet is speaking for the people because later in
his prayer he confesses the sins of the people of Judah. Jeremiah asks God if
dishonor His throne and treat Zion as foolishness. Because they believed God was enthroned in the
temple, they were confident that no harm could come to them. They had not
understood, however, that God sought to dwell in their hearts, not in a
building (Jer 7:1–15).[2]
The people needed healing only to have God reject the and now they face terror
due to their abhorrent behavior.
A: It’s ok
to ask God questions. It all depends on
where your heart is. The people of Judah
were attempting to serve two masters which we know from Jesus that is
impossible. God has called them to serve only Him as He does also in this day
and age. If you need help. If you need healing.
If you need deliverance than turn from the world and seek only God. Ask Him and He will answer.
P: Praise
be to God in the highest. Thank You for
listening and answering our prayers.
Thank You for Your unlimited love and faithfulness. Please Lord help us get our hearts right with
You. Help us to turn to You completely and
let the world behind. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Je 14:19). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Huey, F. B. (1993). Jeremiah, Lamentations (Vol. 16, p. 156).
Broadman & Holman Publishers.
7/28/22
6 Yahweh, there is no one like You.
You are
great;
Your name
is great in power.
7 Who should not fear You,
King of the
nations?
It is what
You deserve.
For among
all the wise people of the nations
and among
all their kingdoms,
there is no
one like You. [1]
O: This text stands as a striking contrast to idols. What
are the idols he is talking about? Anything people go to that they put above
God. I have spoken of modern-day idols
before numerous times. Idols is a person
or thing greatly admired, loved, or revered.
Here the people are looking to idols for instruction. It is futile to
neglect God and turn to other things for help.
It is an empty gesture.
A: There is none like Adoni.
No one can come close to comparing the Lord to anything. The world and
all it has to offer does not hold a candle.
Seek His kingdom for all else will pas away. Nothing can provide the help God can.
P: Hallelujah God all mighty. You are great. You do everything so great. There is none like You. Help us Lord to put You first and not to hold on to anything that we put before You. I pray for God to bring comfort to suffering Christians through His Word and presence in the midst of hatred, discrimination, and violence. I pray for peace in Ukraine. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (Je 10:6–7). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
7/27/22
23 However, I did give them this command: Obey Me, and then I will be
your God, and you will be My people. You must follow every way I command you so
that it may go well with you. 24 Yet
they didn’t listen or pay attention but followed their own advice and according
to their own stubborn, evil heart.[1]
O: The Lord
has said elsewhere “I desire obedience rather than sacrifice”. (1 Samuel
15:22-23) Actually, the idea is mentioned several times. What are we to be obedient in? The word obey in the OT means to listen but
not just regular hearing suggestive of “hearing under” or of
subordinating oneself to the person or thing heard. There is more to
it. It includes paying attention with reverence and obedience. Clearly this involves a relationship with God.
What must we do? The nation of Israel did not listen. They did everything the Lord told them not to
as if they were not listening to God. To
maintain a relationship with God one must do what one is told. To put into
practice what God commands.
A: “Trust and
obey, for there is no other way. To be happy in Jesus” God has given us lessons
in righteousness. His word can set
believers straight. His plan for believers
is good. When believer listen and act according
to they become aligned with God with plan.
Then the believer will be under
the umbrella of His love and care. Listen
to hear God’s direction than walk that way and everything will be OK.
P: Hallelujah Jesus. Thank You for what You have done for us. Thank- You for giving us a future and a hope. Thank-You for giving us life, life abundant. Hope us Lord to listen and fellow You. Help us to hear You trust in Your promises. I pray for God to bring comfort to suffering Christians through His Word and presence in the midst of hatred, discrimination, and violence. I pray for peace in Ukraine. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Je 7:23–24). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
7/26/22
15 Were they ashamed when they acted so
abhorrently?
They
weren’t at all ashamed.
They can no
longer feel humiliation.
Therefore,
they will fall among the fallen.
When I
punish them, they will collapse,
says the Lord. [1]
O: The leaders were so corrupt they did no longer lacked the
insight into their behavior. Such people should have been ashamed of their loathsome conduct, but
their habitual wickedness had seared their consciences so that they did not
know how to blush. Any nation is doomed to destruction when its people no
longer feel any shame for their sins and when even its religious leaders refuse
to identify sin for what it is but prefer to satisfy the people’s ears with
words of false hope and assurance.[2] Feeling their secure because their God’s chosen
people they lost sight of their bad behavior. Insensitive to wrong, they were
so hardened in sin that their hearts were no longer open to the message of
truth. As for those who misled them, they were to share the fate of the nation
they duped.[3]
A: Today is no different. The leaders Haili church covetous and envious
of their assets and of other churches. Due to their standing in church, they
feel they can do anything. Peter Braun a
trustee coveting a better apartment became involved in an act of arson. Other leaders have threatened the church’s spiritual
authority refusing to recognize their own by-laws. One trustee stole office
furniture. They no longer have the
insight their behavior is abhorrent to God.
Due to their pride, they no longer feel ashamed or humiliated. How can one expect church growth in this
church culture?
P: Praise be to God. You are in control. Thank-You for Your plan in our lives. Praise You for meeting all our needs. Help us Lord to improve our insight into our
behavior and take responsibility for our behavior. I pray for God to bring
comfort to suffering Christians through His Word and presence in the midst of
hatred, discrimination, and violence. I pray for peace in Ukraine. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Je 6:15). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Huey, F. B. (1993). Jeremiah, Lamentations (Vol. 16, p. 99).
Broadman & Holman Publishers.
7/25/22
Roam
through the streets of Jerusalem.
Look and
take note;
search in
her squares.
If you find
one person,
any who
acts justly,
who seeks
to be faithful,
then I will
forgive her.
2 When they say, “As the Lord lives,”
they are
swearing falsely. [1]
O: The Lord is
telling Jeramiah to seek out one with integrity and faithfulness stating will
only find liars. None in Judah were
faithful and that was the reason why they were taken into captivity. The Lord told Jeramiah to do this in order
to show the hopeless moral condition of Jerusalem, God offered to spare the city
if a single upright person could be found there.[2] There are four imperatives in verse one. Go
out, look, take note and search. These
imperatives not only implied that Jeramiah do this but everyone because the
imperatives are in plural. God was seeking honesty and “truth” but found only
superficial piety. The people were not reluctant to make vows using the sacred,
binding oath, “As surely as the Lord lives” (see note on 4:2). Their words
acknowledged him as their God, but their lives denied their words.[3]
A: This
should serve as a warning to the church especially Haili. Slandering others, lying, miss appropriating
office furniture, glossing over thief of money and vandalism. As well as
glossing over a cover-up of an act of arson and then blaming Kahu of going out
of his lane by investigating the circumstances.
Also, accusing Kahu of breaking the law.
This only demonstrates a lack of integrity, dishonesty, and sin. The world has been welcomed in the church as evidenced
by this behavior. Rationalizing and justifying
such behavior only push the Lord further and further away. In Jeramiah the Lord judged such dishonesty and
sin is reminiscent of the incident in Sodom and Gomorrah in Gen when Abraham
ask the Lord to look for any righteousness but the Lord found none and the
cities were destroyed. Change your ways to
gardener the blessings of God. Improve
spiritual maturity to help the church. Seek the Lord rather than rely on
others.
Praise be to God. Great is He who created everything. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Help us Lord to search our hearts and find anything not pleasing to You and help us change our behavior. I pray for peace in Ukraine and for God to protect His people. I ask You God to reveal Himself to those who are hurting His people and persecuting His church — that He would change their hearts and draw them to Christ. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Je 5:1–2). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Huey, F. B. (1993). Jeremiah,
Lamentations (Vol. 16, p. 87). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[3]
Huey, F. B. (1993). Jeremiah, Lamentations (Vol. 16, p. 88).
Broadman & Holman Publishers.
7/24/22
But in
spite of all these things
35 you claim, “I am innocent.
His anger
is sure to turn away from me.”
But I will
certainly judge you
because you
have said, “I have not sinned.”
36 How unstable you are,
constantly
changing your ways!
You will be
put to shame by Egypt
just as you
were put to shame by Assyria[1]
O: The people claim they have not sinned. They proclaim their innocence. Unfortunately, there is no justification for
this claim. They are broken by assuming
that God is not angry, but God will judge His people for their sins. They repeatedly changed their behavior by seeking
alliances with their neighbors to no avail. They neglected the One who could truly
save them which led to their ultimate destruction (Jer37). Only the Lord can
provide the security and peace that all people seek.[2]
A: Here is another example of the way people
rationalize. Justify, and make excuses for bad behavior saying I am
innocent. Paul wrote all have sinned Rm
3:23 and if wrote if we say we have not sinned we are liars 1 Jn 1:10. By
changing explanations of a cover up of an attempted arson at least 3 time
demonstrates a lie. Claiming innocence
is a sin. God justifies those who know their spiritual sickness, but not those
who pretend to be spiritually healthy and who claim to have no need for the
cross where Jesus gave his life for sinners. By talking to others without
talking to the offending party gossip. Slandering Kahu with false opinions
based on hearsay and assumptions is a lie.
The behavior is akin to the false prophets. Speaking the truth among the
blind and spiritually immature resulted in a court summons. Speaking on behalf of God has the same result
as the prophets of old. None of us are innocence before God unless we believe
in Jesus Christ. Remember hat. Change the behavior and seek forgiveness.
P: I pray to the Lord most high. I ask forgiveness of all my sins. Thank You Lord for all You help in time of
Need. Thank You for taking care of
us. Thank You for showing a better way
an easier way. Helps us Lord to grow in
You by develop spiritual maturity and discernment. I pray for peace in Ukraine
and for God to protect His people. That
He be a shield for His followers in areas where faith costs the most. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Je 2:34–36). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Huey, F. B. (1993). Jeremiah, Lamentations (Vol. 16, p. 69).
Broadman & Holman Publishers.
7/23/22
16 On that day it will be said to Jerusalem:
“Do not
fear;
Zion, do
not let your hands grow weak.
17 Yahweh your God is among you,
a warrior
who saves.
He will
rejoice over you with gladness.
He will
bring you quietness with His love.
He will
delight in you with shouts of joy.[1]
O: Hear we have the theme of the Bible again. ‘On that day’ means the Day of the Lord. The reason the bible was written was to
describe the Lord’s scheme of redemption.
He will bring salvation to those who believe in the gospel. Those who
believe will not be afraid but know the heaven host is dancing for joy will be
in their presence because of your salvation. Lk 15:10 Great will be the Day of
the Lord is the ‘basis for reassurance.’ ‘Don’t let your hands grow weak’ is a
Hebrew expression difficult to translate.
It is an idiom regarding the strength in hands. Letting the hands hang limp referred to a feeling of weakness or
powerlessness, a sense of discouragement.[2] It
means don’t lose it if in today’s idiom. Thus “the Lord’s salvation is comprehensive: fear
is banished as to its objective causes (3:15: ‘evil’), its subjective reality
(3:16: ‘not fear’), and its immobilizing effect (listlessness).”[3] This shows God’s delight in who has been
redeemed.
A: Rejoice
for the day of the Lord id hear and is also coming. Jesus will return and in
His second coming will deal with the unrighteous. He will bring His to heaven. Rejoice for He
is rejoicing over you. What joy with all
fear gone. “Blessed assurance Jesus is
mine”.
P: Praise be God on high. Above all else. All knowing all seeing everywhere. The creator of all things. I pray that I may help other find You. I pray my life is a reflection of You so others may know who You are and that I am a reflection of You. I pray for peace in Ukraine and comfort for those persecuted. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Zep 3:16–17). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Barker, K. L. (1999). Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah (Vol. 20,
p. 495). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[3]
Barker, K. L. (1999). Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah (Vol. 20,
p. 495). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
7/22/22
2 The Lord
is a jealous and avenging God;
the Lord takes vengeance
and is
fierce in wrath.
The Lord takes vengeance against His foes;
He is
furious with His enemies.[1]
O: Here we find another description of God. Many wish Nahum was not accepted as a book
for the bible because it does not fit into the concept of God in the modern
church which pictures God a loving, forgiving. However, Nahum’s message is essential and
timeless: the Lord reigns and will have the final word against evil. This means
hope and deliverance by God for God’s people.[2] The name Nahum means to comfort. His message brings assurance the God will
deal with will deal with those deserving justice. In every age and against
every oppressor, the Lord is a jealous and avenging God. All those who oppose
the Lord receive the brunt of his wrath.[3] However
the prophet also presents hope. The description of the Lord as slow to anger
and not leaving the guilty unpunished.[4] God has an exclusive relationship with His people,
and He will fiercely protect them.
A: It is a
good feeling when you know God is on your side.
We are given assurances that anyone who believes will be saved. Those that believe in the gospel will be protected
from death. Those who are enemies of the
church will be dealt with. That is a
promise. Those who go against the chosen
with lies, slander, and gossip will incur the vengeance of God; if not now than
when judgement comes. Rest assured if one
goes against the chosen the result will not be good.
P: Praise be to God. Tham You for Your promises and
protection. I am grateful death no
longer has a hold on me. I pray Lord
that You deal with those who sinfully treat pasters poorly. I pray that You continue to bless Your
people. I pray for peace in Ukraine and
comfort for those persecuted. In the
name of Jesus Christ. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Na 1:2). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Barker, K. L. (1999). Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah (Vol. 20,
p. 137). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[3]
Barker, K. L. (1999). Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah (Vol. 20,
p. 166). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[4] Barker, K. L. (1999). Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah (Vol. 20, p. 166). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
7/21/22
5 They say, ‘Keep to yourself,
don’t come
near me, for I am too holy for you!’
These
practices are smoke in My nostrils,
a fire that
burns all day long. [1]
O: Through-out the book of Isaiah the Lord is explicit in describing
behaviors He despises. What Isaiah writes about is a “holier than thou” attitude. To the Lord it is all about attitude, maintaining
a good attitude. Here Isaiah defining one
bad attitude here which is telling another to “stay away from me”. “You’re not good enough”. Those who think themselves holy without Yahweh’s favor can expect
judgment. Compare Isa 1:31 and 9:18.[2] Those who are religiously arrogant are
repugnant to God. This attitude continued
into the NT with the most provoking iniquity of the Jews in our Saviour’s time
was their pride and hypocrisy, that sin of the scribes and Pharisees against
which Christ denounced so many woes.[3] The problem is people are to engross in sin.
They developed their own notions of holiness, in particular a holiness of
elitism that stood aloof from fellowship and created divisions, a first-class
and second-class citizenship of special experiences or claims such as find no
place in the Bible.[4]
A: The is a sad state of the church at
Haili. I hear complaint that the church
is not growing. Unfortunately, the
leaders are blind to bad attitudes, holier than thou attitudes affecting church
growth. Prideful, arrogant behaviors
such as threats, lies, slander, and gossip.
They have no clue what gossip is and there is a lack of humility. There were demands to not speak to Peter
Braun with even an attempt slap a TRO but failed because I attempted to bring
to light his lies and slanderous behavior.
God will be the judge.
P: Praise be to God. Thanks to You we have a way to go and nothing to worry about. Thanks to You true love casts out all fears (1 Jn 4:18). Help us Lord to work on our attitudes and help us have attitudes are in line with You. I pray for peace in Ukraine and comfort for those persecuted. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Is 65:5). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E.,
Whitehead, M. M., Grigoni, M. R., & Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (Is 65:5). Lexham
Press.
[3]
Henry, M. (1994). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible: complete and
unabridged in one volume (p. 1212). Hendrickson.
[4]
Motyer, J. A. (1996). The prophecy of Isaiah: an introduction & commentary
(p. 525). InterVarsity Press.
7/20/22
61 The Spirit of the Lord God is on Me,
because the
Lord has anointed Me
to bring
good news to the poor.
He has sent
Me to heal the brokenhearted,
to proclaim
liberty to the captives
and freedom
to the prisoners;
2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor,
and the day
of our God’s vengeance;
to comfort
all who mourn,
3 to provide for those who mourn in Zion;
to give
them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
festive oil
instead of mourning,
and
splendid clothes instead of despair.
And they
will be called righteous trees,
planted by
the Lord
to glorify
Him.[1]
O: Jesus echoed this v.1 in Luke 4:18 when He read this in
the synagogue at the start of the ministry.
As Isaiah
was authorized and directed to proclaim liberty to the Jews in Babylon, so was
Christ, God’s messenger, to publish a more joyful jubilee to a lost world[2]. Those who serve God must be qualified. “The Spirit of the God must be on you”. Nothing can be done apart from God in the
ministry for without God the fruit will not be good. Here is proof that Jesus had the Spirit of
God upon Him. Healing, set people free,
brings comfort. He can turn
circumstances around and will be made better.
A: Those that believe can be filled with the
Holy Spirit. What does it mean to
believe? It means we change the way we
are thinking. That is to love the Lod with all your heart,
mind soul, and strength. (Deut 6:5, Mt 22:37, Mk 12:30, Lk 10:27) I tend to agree with the Ancient Church Fathers
such as Origen who felt that faith must be evidenced by fruits. The believer must demonstrate change and a separation
from the ways of the world. So, love must
be demonstrated. Love of God and your neighbor.
Give your life to service helping when ever possible. Must of all live out the fruit of the Spirit.
P: Praise
be to God. Bless You for making a way
for salvation. Thank You for all You
have done for us. Thank You for making a
way to change a live an abundant life.
Help us Lord to truly believe and change our life. I pray for peace in
Ukraine and comfort for those persecuted.
In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Is 61:1–3). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Henry, M. (1994). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible: complete and
unabridged in one volume (p. 1203). Hendrickson.
7/19/22
6 Isn’t the fast I choose:
To break
the chains of wickedness,
to untie
the ropes of the yoke,
to set the
oppressed free,
and to tear
off every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your bread with the
hungry,
to bring
the poor and homeless into your house,
to clothe
the naked when you see him,
and not to ignore
your own flesh and blood?[1]
O: True fasting is
defined. There was a problem that continues
today. People are not worshiping in the proper frame of mind and are not helping
those less fortunate. The motivation for
fasting is break wickedness which is evil, injustice, i.e., a state or condition of evil, with a focus on
the violation of moral or civil law by evil deeds (Dt 9:27; 1Sa 24:14[EB 13];
Job 34:8, 10; 35:8; Ps 5:5[EB 4]; 10:15; 45:8[EB 7]; 141:4; Pr 4:17; 8:7; 10:2;
12:3; Ecc 3:16; 7:25; 8:8; Isa 58:4, 6; Jer 14:20; Eze 3:19; 7:11; 31:11;
33:12; Hos 10:13; Mic 6:10, 11+); 2. LN 88.105–88.125 the wicked, the unrighteous,
i.e., a class of persons who are evil, with a focus on the guilt of violating a
standard[2]. When fasting our focus should be on helping
those bound by the yoke of poverty, to share with the needy. We are told to share everything we have. As if
the needy were family. When someone
shared with one in need, it was a reminder that everything he owned belonged to
the Lord.[3]
A: Fasting
is not about us. It is to show others
how spiritual you are. Fasting is to
glorify God and help others less fortunate.
The purpose of fasting is to break the attachments to our worldly
distractions and focus on what God would have us do. We are always to seek the kingdom of God and
His righteousness. To serve God we are
to serve others. We are to be servants
for God and let the Holy Spirit guide us to do His will by helping the needy.
P: Blessed
be the name of the Lord. Thank you for giving us all we need. Help us please to do the same to others. I
pray for peace in Ukraine and comfort for those persecuted. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Is 58:6–7). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Swanson, J. (1997). In Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains :
Hebrew (Old Testament) (electronic ed.). Logos Research Systems,
Inc.
7/18/22
This is what the Lord
says:
Preserve
justice and do what is right,
for My
salvation is coming soon,
and My
righteousness will be revealed.
2 Happy is the man who does this,
anyone who
maintains this,
who keeps
the Sabbath without desecrating it,
and keeps
his hand from doing any evil[1]
O: How often have we
been told to do the right thing. We are
justified in Christ, but we are also encouraged to maintain justice in our
lives. The great salvation again has two
meanings. The salvation brought by Jesus’ sacrifice and when He returns. Jesus Christ righteousness has been revealed.
Blessed is the one who maintains doing what is right. The sabbath is different in the age of grace. The sabbath is a day of rest and Christian today
have entered that rest Hebrews 4:3. “So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for
the people of God” (Hebrews 4:9) and In Christ, we “have [already] tasted . . .
the powers of the age to come” (Hebrews 6:5). So maintain a connection to the
rest by not desecrating it or commit any evil.
A: Make doing the right thing by honesty and justice
maintained in all things. Remember the law revealed the righteous of God and condemned
man because of the sin God revealed but now in the age of grace the gospel
reveals believers are acquitted. Rom. 13:11, Now is our salvation
nearer than when we believed.[2]
Salvation is near. Compare the call for repentance of both John the Baptist and
Jesus himself in view of the imminence of the kingdom of God (Matt 3:1–2; 4:17;
cf. Isa 40:3).[3] Blessed are those who are ready and maintain
righteousness. As well as those who
enter God’s rest and remain by not defiling it or committing any kind of evil.
P: Praise
be to God. I give thanks for You making
a way for us to enter Your rest. Help us
God to maintain righteousness, not practice evil and refrain from injustice. I
pray for peace in Ukraine and comfort for those persecuted. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Is 56:1–2). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Henry, M. (1994). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible: complete and
unabridged in one volume (p. 1190). Hendrickson.
7/17/22
11 And the redeemed of the Lord will return
and come to
Zion with singing,
crowned
with unending joy.
Joy and
gladness will overtake them,
and sorrow
and sighing will flee. [1]
O: This text is a prayer that God’s people awake to the fact
that God is in control. A prayer for the
redeemed of the Lord. This verse was set
to lyrics titled, “The redeemed will return”.
His people will experience overwhelming joy and gladness and sorrow and
sadness will be no more. As those who
were delivered out of Babylon, Sinners, when they are brought out of the slavery of sin into the
glorious liberty of God’s children, may come singing, as a bird got loose out
of the cage.[2] God has delivered His people many times and
this prophecy again has several meanings.
The deliverance out of exile, the act of the cross and final when the
believer passes into heaven.
A: Remember
the song, “The redeemed of the Lord shall return” and come a singing unto Zion
and everlasting joy shall be upon their head, That is we have to look forward
to when we except what Jesus did for us on the cross. He was made a guilt offering so that when we
believe in Him the guilt is taken away releasing a great burden. That is a very good feeling a feeling of joy
and gladness. If you have not felt that
go to the cross and give your life to Christ and you will be redeemed.
P: Blessed
be the Lord. My Rock almighty on most
high. Thank You God for Your
faithfulness. I pray that we do not
forget Your salvation. Your love and faithfulness. Help us Lord remember that You have taken all
our guilt and shame as well as all our sin.
Help us to rejoice and fell the joy and gladness. I pray for peace in
Ukraine and comfort for those persecuted.
In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Is 51:11). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Henry, M. (1994). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible: complete and
unabridged in one volume (p. 1178). Hendrickson.
7/16/22
6 I gave My back to those who beat Me,
and My
cheeks to those who tore out My beard.
I did not
hide My face from scorn and spitting.
7 The Lord God
will help Me;
therefore,
I have not been humiliated;
therefore,
I have set My face like flint,
and I know
I will not be put to shame. [1]
O: This is God’s Servant speaking and He is
speaking to the Sovereign God. What He
is describing is extremely difficult circumstances, more difficult than what
Isaiah’s original readers were facing, the Servant was obedient and submissive
(cf. 1 Peter 2:22–23).[2]
A: With God
on our side, we will not be humiliated and will not be put to shame even when
we are abused slander, and mistreated.
If God is for us who can be against us”?
P: Praise be to God. Our God is stronger, smarter and none are
Your equal. Praise You for who You are
and what You can do. Help us Lord when
we face hardship and ridicule. I pray for peace in Ukraine and comfort for
those persecuted. In the name of Jesus
Christ. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Is 50:6–7). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
7/15/22
8 “Heavens, sprinkle from above,
and let the
skies shower righteousness.
Let the
earth open up
so that
salvation will sprout
and
righteousness will spring up with it.
I, Yahweh,
have created it. [1]
O: The heavens and
the earth are to witness to the rebellious (1:2) the actions of God. He well pour down righteousness and salvation. This means with righteousness God’s standards
will follow. Also, salvation, like a great
harvest, will spring up. That is,
people everywhere will know the Lord (cf. v. 6; 11:9; Hab. 2:14)[2]
A: This prophecy may be interpreted 3 ways. First regarding the release from captivity.
Second the salvation drought by Jesus death on the cross. Lastly, when Jesus
returns all will know who He is. By this
we know the prophet was the voice of God.
By His word we are given an idea what righteousness is. In addition, Salvation is available for all
who believe in the resurrection of Jesus.
P: Praise be to God in the highest. Great and mighty are You. Thank-You God for working in my life. I am grateful You have taken care of my family. Help us Lord to walk in righteousness. Rain down Your salvation and save those in need. I pray for peace in Ukraine and comfort for those persecuted. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Is 45:8). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
7/14/22
11 I, I am Yahweh,
and there
is no other Savior but Me.
12 I alone declared, saved, and proclaimed—
and not
some foreign god among you.
So, you are
My witnesses”—
this is the
Lord’s declaration—
“and I am
God.[1]
O: The setting is Isaiah is in court Where God claims He has
no equal. God declares He alone proclaimed
the truth. Regarding what will happen to His children. He alone saves. This is His declaration. No other gods can make that claim. He proves this by pointing out all His witnesses. He declares all His children are His proof
that He is God. Witness comes from the
word for emphatically affirming. It is strong
evidence. His people have firsthand
knowledge of Him and His prophets hear directly from God. There can be no better witnesses. God invited Israel,
still spiritually blind and deaf (cf. 42:20; 48:8), to be brought before the nations. God challenged the nations to bring … witnesses to try to
prove that they could predict the future (cf. 41:21–23). Then He said that
the Israelites, as His witnesses
(cf. 43:12; 44:8) and His chosen servant (cf. 41:8–9), demonstrate that He is the only God (43:10). He existed before any god was made, and He will continue to exist long after the last idol perishes.[2] God in court proved He is infinite and infallible.
In addition, He proofed He and He is all powerful.
A: In court it is clear.
The more the witnesses the stronger the case. I was taken to court when Peter Braun a
trustee of Haili church wanted to have a Temporary Restraining Order placed on
me. He had no witnesses but himself and
the evidence he presented pointed more to his guilt. He dropped the case because he realized it
would create more problems for himself.
In addition, He covered up an act of arson with explanations that lacked
proof and were unverifiable. He changed
his story several times based on his sole testimony. He had no witnesses to back him up. The bible in several places states one needs
two o three witnesses. (Deut17:6, Matt 18:16).
One witness is never sufficient to prove a case. Besides I can prove he is lying from police
records. So, Peter had no witnesses and
choose to try to destroy my life. It
shows what kind of character he has. God
on the other handsets guidelines that need to be followed for a blessed life.
P: Praise be to God for You are good. Your love is everlasting. You have many witnesses. You are all powerful. You know all outcomes. You know I love Peter and pray you open his eyes to his errors. I pray You soften His heart so he can admit his error. I love Haili and pray the sisters and others grow in spiritual maturity and discernment and You open their eyes and help them understand their role in the poor attendance at the church. I pray for peace in Ukraine and comfort for those persecuted. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Is 43:11–12). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
7/13/22
Now this is
what the Lord says—
the One who
created you, Jacob,
and the One
who formed you, Israel —
“Do not
fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have
called you by your name; you are Mine.[1]
O: People are
grasping for hope. They are looking
everywhere for hope. “Now this” or “But now” the Lord says v.1. When Jacob and Israel are mentioned suggests,
God brings grace to unworthy people. The names imply a special relationship
with God. Listen to God. Blessed is the
nation whose God is the LORD, the people He has chosen as His inheritance! Psalm 33:22 This text is Isaiah says fear
not. “Fear not” is found 365 times in
the Bible. God has redeemed those He has
drawn to Him. Those He calls can have a
relationship with God where is saves, protects, shelters, and takes care of. Those chosen can be redeemed as the Israelites
released from bondage. Set free as being helped from kinship. Called by God who knows your name tells us we
are His.
A: “Fear not” is mentioned 365 times in the Bible. You have
nothing to fear. God is calling you. One for everyday of the year. Simply remember those He calls have nothing
to fear. Unless there is no favorable
response. What happen to those who stayed
in Egypt? They remained in bondage. What happened to those who wanted to go
back? They either died or met with
defeat. All are called but few
respond. God always gives His people a
choice. That is the free will we have been given. When we chose God the bonds
of the world will be broken. Fear not He
saves those who respond to His calling.
P: Praise be to God
in the highest. I give thanks to God for calling me. I am grateful that He has molded me. Lord You are most worthy of all praise. Help us please to choose You. Help us please to put all our hope in You. Help us in Jesus name to let go od fear. I
pray for peace in Ukraine and comfort for those persecuted. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen
7/12/22
13 Who has directed the Spirit of the Lord,
or who gave
Him His counsel?
14 Who did He consult with?
Who gave
Him understanding,
and taught
Him the paths of justice?
Who taught
Him knowledge,
and showed
Him the way of understanding? [1]
O: The text reminds us of 1 Cor 2:16. The Spirit of Lord is predominated
throughout the passage. The pagan’s gods
were consulted and come up short. The
gods of this world can not answer the questions man has. Who can be God’s advocate? Where did His understanding come from? What university did He go to and hat kind of diploma
does He have? Where did He learn
justice? Basically, God is saying all
this came from Him and among Him there is no equal. The Spirit of the Lord permeates everything. It is interesting
to compare the mighty questions here with those God put to Job in Job 38:41. In
both places God asserts his sole godhood.[2]
A: Only God
has the answers. Only God knows what is
going on. Only He can help and solve
problems completely. While amid impressive
polytheism in this world God is saying I am the only source of help. No one need look any further than the Lord. Polytheism
today pertains to all other religions other than Christianity and there is a plethora
of those religions including secular ones today. The Spirit of Lord is magnified by all that
He created because He did that without the help of others. He measured out His creation perfectly and is
glorified.
P: Praise be to
God. Thank You for Your word and Your
Love. You have shown us your creation. You are magnified and gloried by all you have
provided. Help us to turn You for all our answers. Please help us to rely solely
on You. I pray for peace in Ukraine and
comfort for those persecuted. In the
name of Jesus Christ. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Is 40:13–14). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
7/11/22
9 But they did not listen; Manasseh caused them to stray so that they
did greater evil than the nations the Lord
had destroyed before the Israelites. [1]
O: Manasseh
largely undone all the accomplishments of Hezekiah. He did what wicked in the Lord’s eyes. He systematic dismantled three fundamental tenets
of the Lord. First in v. 7 by breaking the
Davidic Covenant (cf. 2 Sam 7:7–17).[2]. Second,
he sets up idols in the sanctuary (cf. Deut 12:1–32; 1 Kgs 9:1–9), a sin that
will lead to destruction and exile (cf. 1 Kgs 9:6–9).[3] Third,
he also rejects Moses’ covenant. He only
acted out the exact opposite of Hezekiah, but he also scorns the examples of
Moses, Joshua, David, and Solomon as well.[4]
A: Lacking
the fear of God. Practicing what is
felt ok in your own eyes. Disregarding God’s tenets and breaking His
commandments. Make no mistake disrespecting
God will have severe consequences. It
may not happen right away, but the cost will surely come. God will demand payment and thank Him for His
calling for those who accept Jesus, he paid the debt and those who believe that,
and God will not require payment.
P: Praise be to God. Thank
You for Your word and Your Love. You
have told us what not to do and have help us choose to do what is right. Help us to turn away from our pride. To turn
away what we feel is right in our eyes and to do what is right in Your eyes. I pray for peace in Ukraine and comfort for
those persecuted. In the name of Jesus
Christ. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2 Ki 21:9). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
House, P. R. (1995). 1, 2 Kings (Vol. 8, p. 378). Broadman &
Holman Publishers.
[3]
House, P. R. (1995). 1, 2 Kings (Vol. 8, p. 378). Broadman &
Holman Publishers.
[4]
House, P. R. (1995). 1, 2 Kings (Vol. 8, p. 378). Broadman &
Holman Publishers.
710/22
The Lord says: Don’t be afraid because of
the words you have heard, which the king of Assyria’s attendants have
blasphemed Me with. 7 I
am about to put a spirit in him and he will hear a rumor and return to his own
land, where I will cause him to fall by the sword.’” [1]
O: King Hezekiah face a vast army of over
100.000 strong who sent envoys that spoke stink of the Jews God. That was a mistake. The king did the right thing and sought out
God’s prophet for advice. King Hezekiah
was a good King attempting to do what is right in the Lord’s eyes and received a
favorable report. Don’t be afraid is the
word as before in 7:4. God is saying relax and calm down. He will put a spirit in the army of Assyria
causing them to quit and return home in disgrace.
A: The main theme
here is don’t be afraid. Those in God
have nothing to fear. Those walking with
God will obtain a good report. The enemies of God will be sent packing and
suffer severe consequences. So,
therefore, God’s children have nothing to fear.
P: Blessed be the Lord our God. Thank-You for Your protection and safety. Thank You that we have nothing to fear. Help us Lord to continue to love to do the right thing in Your eyes. Help us Lord to not be afraid and totally rely on You. I pray for peace in Ukraine and comfort for those persecuted. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Is 37:6–7). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
7/9/22
15 For the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said:
“You will
be delivered by returning and resting;
your
strength will lie in quiet confidence.
But you are
not willing.”
16 You say, “No!
We will
escape on horses”—
therefore
you will escape!—
and, “We
will ride on fast horses”—
but those
who pursue you will be faster.
17 One thousand will flee at the threat of
one,
at the
threat of five you will flee,
until you
alone remain
like a
solitary pole on a mountaintop
or a banner
on a hill.
18 Therefore the Lord is waiting to show you mercy,
and is
rising up to show you compassion,
for the Lord is a just God.
All who
wait patiently for Him are happy. [1]
O: While we are on this earth. The planet God created there is still hope.
The Sovern majesty has authority to rule.
However, to be His subject certain conditions must be met. As with any King His subjects must not
disrespect Him. One must return no
matter what has been done in the past.
We must place our confidence in Him for in Him will be our strength. Those who have
learned from God will turn to him in repentant faith, but continued rebellion
against him produces panic when the foe appears in all his might. “Repentance”
here is literally “returning,”[2]. He will be our deliverer when we no longer
rely on the strength of this world, like the Jews seeking help from Egypt and
Cush to defeat the Assyrians. The Sovereign Lord is just and will be there for
all who patiently wait on Him.
A: When we wait with patient confidence on the
Lord returning to Him and finding rest in Him, we will be delivered. Returning is the word for repentance. Therefore, be willing to return. If not plan to face destruction like the Jews
at the hands of their enemies. The enemies
we face today are the forces of this world.
The world wants to tear done one anything of God. Remember the Lord is always waiting on you.
P: Praise be to God. Thanks for waiting there for us. Thank-You for delivering those who return to You. Thank You for giving us rest. Help please with our confidence knowing that You are waiting to show mercy and compassion. Help us to develop patience and wait on You. I pray for peace in Ukraine and comfort for those persecuted. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (Is 30: 15–18). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
7/8/22
40 However, they would not listen but continued practicing their former
customs. 41 These nations feared the Lord but also served their idols. Their children and
grandchildren continue doing as their fathers did until today.[1]
O: This is the Israelites failed. They took it upon themselves to do things
their own way. They ignored the
commandments of God snubbing what God told them. How many prophets were rejected by these people? There was Isaiah, Hosea, Amos all proclaiming
God’s people forsake the religious practice of the pagans. They committed terrible
acts before God. From sacrificing their
children to worshiping false idols and participating in the illicit parties
created at the worship site as was the pagan’s practice. The people no longer held high ethical
standards for how to treat one another. Oppression, greed, and brutality become
common.[2] Because the foundation in the relationship
with God is broken through idolatry, all other types of covenant unfaithfulness
become possible.[3].
A: This text offers a reminded of the
consequences of unwise behavior. Here is
given examples of mistakes of what to avoid.
Oppression, immorality, violence, deceit, and injustice contribute to
the decline and fall of Israel that 2 Kings 14–17 describes.[4] Idolatry, rebellion, neglect of the revealed
prophetic word, and an unwillingness to
learn contribute to Israel’s disaster.[5] Het back to God’s word and follow His
commands. Dedicate your life to
His. Forsake the lies, the coverup of
arson, slander, and gossip. If you
refuse to participate in justice and do the right thing. Get back to God’s word and live in His light.
P: Praise
be to God. Lord, You know what is
right. You hold us up to Your standards. Thank You for Your faithfulness and steadfast
love. Help us Lord to stay on the
straight and narrow.
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(2 Ki 17:40–41). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
House, P. R. (1995). 1, 2 Kings (Vol. 8, p. 344). Broadman &
Holman Publishers.
[3]
House, P. R. (1995). 1, 2 Kings (Vol. 8, p. 345). Broadman &
Holman Publishers.
[4]
House, P. R. (1995). 1, 2 Kings (Vol. 8, p. 346). Broadman &
Holman Publishers.
[5]
House, P. R. (1995). 1, 2 Kings (Vol. 8, p. 347). Broadman &
Holman Publishers.
7/7/22
25 On that day”—the declaration of the Lord
of Hosts—“the peg that was driven into a firm place will give way, be cut off,
and fall, and the load on it will be destroyed.” Indeed, the Lord has spoken. [1]
O: This is
a prophecy regarding Shebna the treasurer of the court. He was a proud man, vain with pomp. To the point where he is asked who do you
think you are? The Lord said Look you strongman you will be shaken violently,
and your life turned upside down. Living
a covetous life wanting what others had such as a nice tomb will backfire. In v25 the text claims what those who feel
their positions secure will lose its place and whatever your trying to hold up
will be broken.
A: An attitude that lacks humility, but one that
is puffed up thinking they are someone important will eventually be put in
their place. Pride goes before the fall.
Pretentiousness will not help. Coveting
what others have will be one’s downfall for we need to be content with what the
Lord has given us. Be grateful, thankful,
and appreciative of the blessings the Lord.
P: Praise be to You for hiving us examples of
how to live. Praise You Lord for all
Your help. Help us Lord to not have a
proud attitude and to humbling wait on You. I pray for peace in Ukraine and
comfort for those persecuted. In the
name of Jesus Christ. Amen
7/6/22
Because
these people approach Me with their mouths
to honor Me
with lip-service —
yet their
hearts are far from Me,
and their
worship consists of man-made rules
learned by
rote—
14 therefore I will again confound these
people
with wonder
after wonder.
The wisdom
of their wise men will vanish,
and the
understanding of the perceptive will be hidden. [1]
O: God does not want to hear from those who’s heart is not
right with Him. The words and actions were right, but their hearts were far
from Him. The motivation should be based
on His word on based on pleasing others.
Due to misplaced incentives the people the wonders of God will be their downfall
for as a result wisdom vanishes. Understanding
of what is happening and the perception of it all will alude them.
A: We must not give God lip service. Our service needs to come from the heart. Our motivation needs be to please Him. We are not out to make anyone happy but the
Lord. That is what the Lord does to His
following Him. We ask God to change our
hearts and make our hearts in line with God. So dig deep down and determine
motives behind your actions because the why that is behind our actions and are
important to God.
P: Praise be to God. Thank You Lord for seeing into our hearts. Thank You for knowing our thoughts. Help us Lord to have motives and thoughts in line with You. I pray for peace in Ukraine and comfort for those persecuted. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Is 29:13–14). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
7/5/22
A road will
be there and a way;
it will be
called the Holy Way.
The unclean
will not travel on it,
but it will
be for the one who walks the path.
Even the
fool will not go astray. [1]
O: The prophet gives on road an exalted name “the Way
of Holiness” for it leads to Mt Zion in (v.10). The way is meant only for the holy. Those who walk in the way of the Lord are the
only one’s allowed. Uncleanliness will
not travel the path for uncleanliness is the opposite of holiness. Uncleanliness lacks any consecration. Without consecration the people are not allowed
in God’s temple. This passage also probably reflects the teaching of Psalms 15 and 24.[2]
The verses sight describes was Godly person is.
“But it will be for the one who walks the path”. Most likely refers to those who take the moral
high road one who behavior does not hurt other people. Remember this highway will be the safest highway
one could walk on because the Lord’s protection.
A: Consecration
requires an active turning to God.
Living in the world makes remaining holy difficult. It requires a constant repentance. For the Bible says, “If we say we have no sin
we are liars” (1 John 1:8-10). So be
honest and come morally clean. Be
prepared so when called you can walk to Zion on His road. You do not want to be turned away.
P: Paise be to God. Lord thank You for getting the Holy Way
prepared. Help us Lord to consecrate ourselves
to You. Help us Lord to do away with sin
by repentance and giving our sin to You.
I pray for peace in Ukraine and
comfort for those persecuted. In the
name of Jesus Christ. Amen
7/4/22
7 Don’t be like your fathers and your brothers who were unfaithful to
Yahweh, the God of their ancestors so that He made them an object of horror as
you yourselves see. 8 Don’t become obstinate now like your
fathers did. Give your allegiance to Yahweh and come to His sanctuary that He
has consecrated forever. Serve the Lord
your God so that He may turn His burning anger away from you,[1]
O: The text
here exhorts the people to not be like those that went before them. They chased
after the enticements and entrapments of this world. Because of the sin the consequence brought
only destruction and horror. The
exhortation goes on to exclaim not to be stiff necked but turn to the Lord,
give Him your allegiance, then consecrate yourself by serving Him so that He
may turn His wrath from You.
A: Forsake
the sins of the past. Be faithful to the
Lord or no solace will be found. Avoid
the horrible judgement of the Lord by softening the nick, and not being
obstinate and hardhead but listen to the Lord. Give your allegiance to the Lord
which means faithfulness, fidelity, obedience. That is give your whole life to
God and serve Him. Serve Him through dedication
to His word, give all including sin to Him, praying and developing a
relationship with Him.
P: Praise be to God. We can find all that we need in Your
word. Praise You for showing us the way
for teaching us how to pray and how to turn our lives over to You. Help us Lord to totally dedicate our lives to
You. I pray for peace in Ukraine and
comfort for those persecuted. In the
name of Jesus Christ. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(2 Ch 30:7–8). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
7/3/22
9 Look, the day of the Lord is coming—
cruel, with
rage and burning anger—
to make the
earth a desolation
and to
destroy the sinners on it.[1]
O: Mt 25:13 tells us
to be alert because we don’t know the day or the hour of the Lord’s return. Here Isaiah says look. As in Amos 5:18–20 the day of Lord not only applied
to the enemies of His people, but the judgement also falls on His people. The Lord’s judgment will be universal
affecting the whole earth. All sinners will be wiped from the face of the
earth.
A: Lets be cognizant that the Lord’s Day is coming. Put away all that which wrong in the sight of
the Lord. Because of with the Lord did
we no longer have to sin. Make no
mistake His judgement is coming. He has prepared us for it. When the earth becomes desolate be aware is
it is the judgement the Lord.
P: Praise You Lord for providing us a way to be right with You. We can be free of worries because of what Jesus did. Thank You for that. Thank You for Your help and Your plan that brings our lives together. Help us to remain sin free and stay in Your word, I pray for peace in Ukraine and comfort for those persecuted. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Is 13:9). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
7/2/22
23 He sacrificed to the gods of Damascus which had defeated him; he said,
“Since the gods of the kings of Aram are helping them, I will sacrifice to them
so that they will help me.” But they
were the downfall of him and of all Israel. [1]
O: Ahaz was
humbled before the Lord. He was doing
everything contrary to the commands. He looks
for his help in all the wrong places. He
copies the alter seen in Damascus and sets one up in Israel. It is unknown want his motivation was, but it
was misguided because all his plans failed because the plans were not approved
by God. His plans were his downfall and
because he was Israel’s leader, and his behavior affected the whole of the nation.
A: Seek God for His direction. Avoid the ways of the world and its influence. Avoid the idols of the world and places the
world worship at. Following His commands
and seeking His kingdom. It is important
develop sanctification and cultivate the fruit of the Spirit, Put on the whole
armor of God and finally pray.
P: Praise be to God. Thank You for giving use
all we need to walk with You. Help us
Lord to work on sanctification, cultivation the fruit of Spirit, putting on the
armor of God and increase our prayer life. I pray for peace in Ukraine and
comfort for those persecuted. In the
name of Jesus Christ. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standar1d version.
(2 Ch 28:23). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
7/1/22
10 For you have forgotten the God of your
salvation,
and you
have failed to remember
the rock of
your strength;
therefore,
you will plant beautiful plants
and set out
cuttings from exotic vines.
11 On the day that you plant,
you will
help them to grow,
and in the
morning
you will
help your seed to sprout,
but the
harvest will vanish
on the day
of disease and incurable pain. [1]
O: Those that forget the Lord of salvation will face the
consequences. There are many titles for
the one true God and here is another God of salvation. Other titles are Sovereign God. He is the Lord God Almighty (v.3)). He is the Judge of His people yet uses His
judgement to work out His plan: so he was “the Lord, the
God of Israel” (v.6)[2] He help His people turn away from idols thus incurring
the title of “the Holy One of Israel” (v.7[3].
Title of author of salvation, “the Rock, your fortress”, God of
graciousness, and God of deliverance just to name a few of the titles. Due to the ungrateful forgetfulness of His people
God will put into motion His plan to bring them back to Him. Here Isaiah is clearly warning them of the
impending judgement.
A: This is a pungent remember
of not forgetting God not forgetting His strength. We will try to sow without God only to end in
utter failure. Without God we must rely
on our own devices. The actions we
attempt on our own will never be as good that without God. With God we have salvation, we are made
complete. Without God we are left with partial
success. God will put one on track to become
totally complete.
P: Praise be to God.
Help us Lord to remember You.
Help us to member Your titles.
How in You is salvation, in You are Lord of our lives, Sovereign, and in
You is judgment. Help us to remember You
are holy and that we must shun idols in any form. You are our rock and fortress. Please help us take shelter. I pray for peace in Ukraine and comfort for
those persecuted. In the name of Jesus
Christ. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Is 17:10–11). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
6/30/22
The Spirit
of the Lord will rest on Him —
a Spirit of
wisdom and understanding,
a Spirit of
counsel and strength,
a Spirit of
knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.
3 His delight will be in the fear of the Lord. [1]
O: The theme of the messiah resurfaces from Isaiah 9:7. Here
we are told that the Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him. Described are characteristics of an ideal
ruler (see 1 Sam 16:13; Deut 1:13; 1 Kgs 3:9). Wisdom, understanding,
knowledge, and fear of Yahweh were key components of righteous living (see Prov
1:7; 2:5; Psa 14:4).[2] How many times are we told to seek wisdom James 1:5. The ideal
ruler seeks understanding as Solomon did.
Finally, the ideal ruler has a deep respect for the Lord.
A: The key for believers
is to let the Messiah rule their lives.
He is ideal with all the qualities needed to do what is best for His
subjects. The subjects are told to immolate
the qualities. It is important to be anointed
by the Spirit. We are told to pray for wisdom. In addition, we are encouraged
to seek understanding Colossians 1:9. But we always need to seek His counsel and
His strength is what is needed due to much of life’s hardships demanded more strength
that we have. Finally develop a deep
respect for the Lord. Serve Him with all
your heart, understanding, and with all your strength.
P: Praise be to God. I
give thanks for the ruler in my life.
Praise the Lord for setting the example and being our ruler guiding us
in the way we should go. Help us Lord to
follow Your example and develop the qualities listed here. Most of all to fear the Lord down to my very
being. I pray for peace in Ukraine and comfort for those persecuted. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Is 11:2–3). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E.,
Whitehead, M. M., Grigoni, M. R., & Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (Is 11:2). Lexham
Press.
6/29/22
2 The people walking in darkness
have seen a
great light;
a light has
dawned
on those
living in the land of darkness[1]
O: Isaiah’s Prophecy is coming to a climax. As with al prophecy the meaning is twofold. The information applies to the current age and has an application in the future. Today those saved by God see a great no longer walking in the land of darkness but now see the light of dawn. In v.2, as in several of the succeeding verses, past tenses are used to speak of events that, though future, are certain because they are divinely planned and predicted through an authentic prophet of God.[2]
A: This reminds me of a place in Okinawa considered the holiest place, Sefa Utaki. They feel the place will protect the island but what happen in 1945? The island was attacked, where 150,000 civilians and 145,000 soldiers died. It was the bloodiest battle of the war. The holy place offered no protection just as idols of the Jews in Isaiah’s time and they were dragged off to captivity. We are now set free of the bondage of sin due to Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross. We can now step into the light.
P: Thank You God for all that You have done for
our salvation. Help us to walk in the light with You Jesus. Help us give You our sin and nail it to the
cross. I pray for peace in Ukraine and comfort for those persecuted. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen
6/28/22
He did what was evil in the Lord’s
sight, but not like the kings of Israel who preceded him.
3 Shalmaneser king of Assyria attacked him,
and Hoshea became his vassal and paid him tribute money. [1]
O: Hosea did not do what is right in the Lord’s eyes. What evil did he do? Here the evil is not defined but other kings
we are told committed injurious things.
Acting harmfully toward others and the nation displeasing. It is vicious in disposition or temper.[2]
Hosea murdered the previous King probably worshiped the golden calves at Bethel
and Dan. What ever it was God was displeased and brought down the hammer
refusing to put up with the sin any longer.
Hosea was Israels last king. Israel was attacked and Hosea and Israel
became a vassal of Assyria and was eventually destroyed.
A: How one
lives their life determines the outcome.
Doing what is evil in the eyes of God will have negative consequences. Divorce, job loss, money problems. Relationship
issues are just some of problems one may face when the Lord is displeased with
your behavior. Turn it around by
demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, gentleness, kindness, patience,
self-control, goodness, and faithfulness.
In addition, put on the whole armor of God to withstand the wiles of the
devil.
P: Thank
You Jesus for help us by what You did on the cross and sending the Holy Spirit
to assist in our walk with You. Help us
to walk You. Please give us the ability
to put on the armor of God and nurture Your fruit. I pray for peace in Ukraine
and comfort for those persecuted. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(2 Ki 17:2–3). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Brown, F., Driver, S. R., & Briggs, C. A. (1977). In Enhanced Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon
(p. 948). Clarendon Press.
6/27/22
Mankind, He
has told you what is good
and what it
is the Lord requires of you:
to act
justly,
to love
faithfulness,
and to walk
humbly with your God.[1]
O: Here we have the theme of Micah but could be the summary
of the whole law. This should be theme
of our lives for this is what is good in God’s eyes. He is telling us the way we must live. That is what is required of us. “This verse stands
as the motto of the alcove of religion in the reading room of the Congressional
Library in Washington.”[2] What the Lord requires are offerings from those
who has changed their lives a life given over completely to His covenant (Deut
10:12–13). Justice is not an abstract thing but as one Politian
said, “It is truth in action”. The righteous
act justly. This more comprehensive
meaning also seems called for in Isa 42:1, 4, where justice is presented as the
mission of the Messianic Servant of the Lord.[3] Mercy has the connotation of faithful
covenant love. Finally. humbly walk.
Walk means to live a certain way. The word for humility is a challenge because
it is not the usual word for humility. The word could be translated as walking
carefully with God which ultimately means “be careful to live the way your God
wants you to.[4]
A: So does
A. R. Fausset: “Without love, holiness of heart, and righteousness of life,
flowing from faith in Christ, all our church-goings, forms of prayer, and
almsgivings profit us nothing.”[5]
That is the principles to live by. Treating people unjustly, dragging them into
court, lying, and slandering people in the church is unrighteous behavior. It is not how Hod would have us live. There is no harmony, no unity, and brings
down the body of Christ. Live with mercy, faithfulness to God. Walk very
carefully in the way you should go.
P: Praise
be to God. Lord, You have excellent standards
for Your people to live by. Thank You God
for making it plain and straight forward.
Help us Lord to show mercy, be just, and be careful in how we walk with
You. I pray for peace in Ukraine and
comfort for those persecuted. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Mic 6:8). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Barker, K. L. (1999). Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah (Vol. 20,
p. 113). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[3]
Barker, K. L. (1999). Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah (Vol. 20,
p. 75). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[4]
Barker, K. L. (1999). Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah (Vol. 20,
p. 114). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[5]
Barker, K. L. (1999). Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah (Vol. 20,
p. 114). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
6/26/22
8 Then the remnant of Jacob
will be
among the nations, among many peoples,
like a lion
among animals of the forest,
like a
young lion among flocks of sheep,
which tramples
and tears as it passes through,
and there
is no one to rescue them. [1]
O: Those that remain in the Lord the remnant is
faithful to the Lord’s covenant. The
remnant remains competent for the Lord and restored to the Lord’s good standing. It implies that there are little in number
who remain amid many people. Jacob
stands for the whole of the nation, that is all His children. This
verse life of life or death. The loin is
a powerful and adept as a hunter and will trample and tear apart its prey same
will be the remnant will be empowered by God and overcome their foes not in a
literal sense but figuratively. The House
of the Lord will be established on the mountain and the Lord’s children shall
be bold as a lion in witnessing against the corruptions of the times and places
they live in, and strong as a lion, in the strength of God,[2]
A: There
has been God’s remnant present through-out history. Rest assured the children of God will be
empowered. With the whole armor of God. Be strong and empowered by the Lord. The
remnant is faithful. They do not lie when it is convenient. They discuss matter with there peers rather
than drag them to court. The remnant demonstrates
compassion, love, and empathy rather that become curt and cuss in the sanctuary. That don’t slander others based on hearsay
and gossip. The remnant seeks out the
truth rather than using unreliable information or information from a
pathological liar. The remnant does not
use worldly behavior of the flesh. However,
worldly behavior must be forsaken and repent. Those who not part of remnant has
much to worry about and need to pray that they can walk in the Spirit.
P: Praise
be to the Lord for leaving a remnant.
Praise You for Your promises and thank You for Your word. Help us to put on and keep on the whole armor
of God. The truth, peace, faith, salvation, the gospel, and Your world. When all ese is done help us to stand and
pray in the Spirit. I pray for peace in Ukraine and comfort for those
persecuted. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Mic 5:8). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Henry, M. (1994). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible: complete and
unabridged in one volume (p. 1540). Hendrickson.
6/25/22
Listen, all
you peoples;
pay
attention, earth, and everyone in it!
The Lord God will be a witness against you,
the Lord,
from His holy temple[1]
O: We are
given an imperative, a call to listen, to “Hear” The same Hebrew verb form
marks the beginning of the second and third cycles of judgment and salvation
(3:1; 6:1). [2] God is not only telling us to pay attention
but also to understand and respond to the Lord.
God is addressing all people that is all who fill the earth. No one is exempt. All nations will be called into account by
the Lord. The Sovereign Lord will
testify against Israel and Judah which can also be interpreted as against all
people. If he indicts his own chosen but
sinful people, then certainly the other nations stand indicted; for their
behavior is at least as bad, if not worse (5:15; 7:16–17).[3] From His temple the most holy of holies the
Lord God. The temple was holy in the
sense that it was set apart to King Yahweh for his holy purposes and functions
in his service and for his glory[4]
A: We will
be called to God. It is inevitable. Now is the time to clean up your
behavior. No is the time to subdue sin.
To stop the evil behavior. It is time to
nail those sins to the cross and let the blood of Christ wash you clean then
walk in the Spirit. God is coming down
from His temple and will be a witness to all our behavior. That is He will be judge. If everything is taken to the cross, there
will be no problem because of Christ’s sacrifice. He implores use to listen and be ready because
our Lord God is coming.
P: Lord God almighty thank you for Your help in my life. Thank-You for taking away my sins and forgiving. Praise You for freeing me from a life of and shame and lifting me up from the muck. Thanks for making me guilt free for when You call. He us Lord to live a life worthy of Your calling and walk with You guilt free. I pray for peace in Ukraine and comfort for those persecuted. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Mic 1:2). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Barker, K. L. (1999). Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah (Vol. 20,
p. 48). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[3]
Barker, K. L. (1999). Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah (Vol. 20,
p. 49). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[4]
Barker, K. L. (1999). Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah (Vol. 20,
p. 50). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
6/24/22
18 “Come now, let us reason together,
says the Lord:
though your
sins are like scarlet,
they shall
be as white as snow;
though they
are red like crimson,
they shall
become like wool.
19 If you are willing and obedient,
you shall
eat the good of the land;
20 But if you refuse and rebel,
you shall
be devoured by the sword;
for the
mouth of the Lord has spoken.”[1]
O: God is speaking
through Isaiah. Reason with God. Go before Him with what you have done. The word √yāḵaḥ, which does sometimes have the legal overtones of a court decision[2]
contends there are consequences. Honesty
is essential in court and the Lord will know if any lies are presented. Come let us reason together says the Lord. For
a chance of a pardon and a new life You may have forgiveness with an attitude
of willingness to follow God and obedience in all things. Conversely, when one
refuses and becomes rebellious death is imminent in more ways than one.
A: If your
born again it does not mean your given a pass on judgement. Israel passed through
the water as if they were baptized (1 Cor 10:2) but they were still judged by
their behavior. In fact, the adults that
came out of Egypt never made it to promised land because of their unwillingness
to believe what God commands will have consequences if not practiced (Hebrews
3:15-19). It appears the Lord holds us
responsible for our behavior. Attitudes are very important. Obedience and a willingness to please the
Lord as well as rebellion and refusal to do what is right has consequences. I
wish to do the right thing.
P: Praise
the Lord God almighty. Thank You for
allowing the Supreme Court ruling on striking down the constitutionality of
abortion. I pray for peace among opponents
and that they will not get hurt or hurt others.
Help us all do the right thing and turn to You for guidance. I pray for
peace in Ukraine and comfort for those persecuted. Amen
[1] The Revised Standard Version (Is 1:18–20).
(1971). Logos Research Systems, Inc.
[2]
Motyer, J. A. (1996). The prophecy of Isaiah: an introduction & commentary
(pp. 47–48). InterVarsity Press.
6/23/22
20 Woe to those who call evil good
and good
evil,
who
substitute darkness for light
and light
for darkness,
who
substitute bitter for sweet
and sweet
for bitter.
21 Woe to those who are wise in their own
opinion
and clever
in their own sight.[1]
O: Woe often used by the prophets as a warning and links
v.18 where deceit is a problem Isaiah addresses. In sin’s next stage the moral code is reversed;
sin becomes an accepted way of life. This happens in public morality (light and darkness are common to all) and to private morality (bitter and sweet are matters of private taste).[2] Those
that use rationalization in explaining bad behavior will be an issue with
God. Twisting what is good and
presenting it as evil and visa versa calling evil good is an abomination. Making sweetness bitter and substituting darkness
for light will bring God’s judgement. Woe
to the proud and arrogant. Isaiah makes
no qualms when explaining what is not right.
He offended many. But you know “If
you dare not offend you cannot be honest”-Thomas Paine.
A: Self-righteousness, arrogance, rationalization, and
deceit are behaviors incompatible with our relationship with God. Those
behaviors brought down the Jews in the OT where they suffered exile. Leaders of the church are held to higher standards. When justifying lies. Feeling others are beneath
you upsets the body by inserting instability and conflict. It disrupts the unity of His body, impairs
growth in both the spiritual maturity, and the church. Rationalizing the use of lies as necessary behavior
is unacceptable to God. Judgement will happen.
Integral aspects of life will be impacted. For example, making a geographical change
because of an upheaval in one’s personal life is only running from the problems
such as divorce and other issues with personal relationships like alienating
your children, job loss and income disruption. One leader at Haili has been
impacted this way because of his behavior.
P: Lord I deserve all the honor and praise. You are glorious and have provided all we need. Help us to turn away from pride, arrogance,
rationalization, and deceit. Help us
Lord to put on Your armor and wage war on the devil’s force and break the
arrows he throw which is sin. I pray for
peace in Ukraine and comfort for those persecuted. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Is 5:20–21). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Motyer, J. A. (1996). The prophecy of Isaiah: an introduction & commentary
(p. 72). InterVarsity Press.
6/22/22
Uzziah’s Disease
16 But when he became strong, he grew arrogant,
and it led to his own destruction. He acted unfaithfully against the Lord his God by going into the Lord’s sanctuary to burn incense on the
incense altar.[1]
O: Uzziah became strong as king and it went straight to him
head. His pride led him to
destruction. He has developed a haughty
attitude thinking he act as priest later in the chapter. However, he was not consecrated to act as a
priest and contracted leprosy becoming a social outcast because he thought he
was able to light the incense. The law Num 16:40 forbade such action. The sacrilege he
was charged with (“unfaithful,” niv
v. 18) is the offense that was addressed by reparation offerings (see comment
on Lev 5:14–16).[2] It appears he was unfaithful because he was
not depending on the Lord and held his behavior above the Lord and suffered the
consequences. God made him ceremonially
unclean.
A: Retribution could not have happened more
quickly. When one acts out against the
word of God knowingly will have to look over their shoulders praying, they are
not judged. 27 Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under
strict control, so that after preaching to others, I will not be disqualified[3]
was Paul’s way of dealing with pride.
When I was dealing with Haili I wonder if I was prideful. However, many told me I did the right thing,
but I wonder. The outcome was less than
ideal. There is a lack of spiritual
maturity and poor if any discernment.
The claim they are filled with the spirit yet enable sin. I failed in my task of improving spiritual
maturity of the church because I felt alone in implementation. I did not seek counsel which is a prideful
attitude and there were consequences.
The sinful behavior of Peter and Kelcey were never addressed, and I felt
compelled to leave Haili.
P: Praise be
to God. Thank You God for being in our
lives. Thank for Your word and
blessings. Help us Lord to rid our lives
of pride and to walk with You. I pray
for peace in Ukraine and comfort for those persecuted. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(2 Ch 26:16). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Matthews, V. H., Chavalas, M. W., & Walton, J. H. (2000). The IVP Bible background commentary: Old Testament
(electronic ed., 2 Ch 26:16–19). InterVarsity Press.
[3] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(1 Co 9:27). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
6/21/22
Seek Me and
live!
5 Do not seek Bethel
or go to
Gilgal
or journey
to Beer-sheba,
for Gilgal
will certainly go into exile,
and Bethel
will come to nothing.
6 Seek Yahweh and live,
or He will
spread like fire
throughout
the house of Joseph;
it will
consume everything,
with no one
at Bethel to extinguish it[1]
O: Indeed, God is providing the people of Israel another chance
telling them to seek Him. The absolute language of prophetic speech (5:2) always left open an
avenue of hope should the audience repent. In this light the Lord’s earlier
exhortation, “seek me and live,” was still a viable option for Israel.[2] How did one seek the Lord. Back then they sought consultation from a prophet,
by repentance and faith as well as prayer, and going to the temple. The
emphasis here is to change by doing the right thing and seek justice thus avoiding
a death brought about by judgement from God. Every search for God through a
prophet or in a house of worship should result in doing right, for seeking God
ultimately means living under his authority and in dependence upon his power and
entailed keeping God’s laws. [3]
The people are encouraged not to go anywhere else to seek God. Do not go to the pagan sites of idol worship
and will come to trouble. The prophet warns
the people to look out the places will be destroyed. Again, seek the Lord and live or face fire and
destruction. No one would be able to quench the fire and prevent the
destruction of Bethel. But it is even clearer here than in v. 4 that life is a
real alternative for any who will seek the Lord.[4]
A: The prophecies
of the Lord have amazing properties. It
was true then but has not lost its relevance today. Seek the Lord and live is a truthful
statement with what we are facing today.
The country is crumbling. There
is dishonest leaders in church. The news media is not trustworthy. Politicians have not been truthful for the
most part. Public education is twisting
the truth and introducing sexually explicit material to those as young as kindergarten. Pride is at an all-time high. We need to seek
God and live.
P: Praise be to God. Lord thank-Yu for giving us away of finding
You. Help us to seek You with everything
we have, I pray for peace in Ukraine.
Also comfort those persecuted especially in Nairobi. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Am 5:4–6). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Smith, B. K., & Page, F. S. (1995). Amos, Obadiah, Jonah (Vol. 19B, pp. 98–99).
Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[3]
Smith, B. K., & Page, F. S. (1995). Amos, Obadiah, Jonah (Vol. 19B, p. 99).
Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[4]
Smith, B. K., & Page, F. S. (1995). Amos, Obadiah, Jonah (Vol. 19B, p. 100).
Broadman & Holman Publishers.
6/20/22
Therefore,
Israel, that is what I will do to you,
and since I
will do that to you,
Israel,
prepare to meet your God![1]
O: The Book of Amos is called by some the last dialogue. The theme could be identified as social and spiritual
corruption. God's discipline and Israel's apostasy. Israel's failure to learn. Here Amos is telling the people to get
prepared because they will meet God. How
many times has His warned them? How many
prophets has warned them? This is the
last warning before the fall of Israel.
A: Today we have been warned and many are not listening or
choose to ignore the message. The judgment
is happening as we speak. Inflation,
pandemic, empty store shelves and progressive agenda. The situation will get worse due to the woke
mentality and cancel culture. The people
refuse to discuss alternative opinions. Labeling and rejecting each other the
country is heading down hill.
P: Praise be to God for His patience and giving us every
chance to turn to Him. Help us Lord to
show love and tolerance. Help us Lord to
grow spiritually mature and develop discernment. I pray for peace in Ukraine and comfort those
persecuted in Your name. Amen
6/19/22
13 You have plowed wickedness and reaped
injustice;
you have
eaten the fruit of lies.
Because you
have trusted in your own way
and in your
large number of soldiers, [1]
O: Hosea is back
again pointing out the problems the people created. Today his message is more urgent than
ever. The consequences are just as
severe now as when Hosea spoke it. Maybe
even more severe because this country will collapse without God. There is all matter of wickedness in society
and even the church. We know of the sexual
immortality but even arsonists who attempt to cover it up with lies. Also unjustly dragging an innocent man into court
to silence him. It appears the wicked
are relying on their own devices by trusting on the way they choose. With out repentance there will no hope for this
country like Israel who had their country uprooted and life changed as they knew
it. The same will happen to us.
A: Turn away from iniquities. Repent and seek God. Forsake the lies and injustice. Turn away
from all sorts of wickedness. Turn to
God for direction and support. The cross
can be your starting point. The blood of
Christ can wash you clean. Then walk
with Him, Talk to Him, and make it a habit to read His word. Let Him help you stay away from sin. That way
there will be no worries and nothing to be anxious about. For with Jesus comes peace.
P: Praise be to
God. I pray for peace in Ukraine. Please help those who are persecuted around
the world. God You are worthy of all our
praise. We honor You above all. Help us Lord to realize You can cleanse us
from all sin and helps us not to go back by walking with You. Help us in our faith in You and You help in
time of need. Amen
6/18/22
15 All their evil appears at Gilgal,
for there I
came to hate them.
I will
drive them from My house
because of
their evil, wicked actions.
I will no
longer love them;
all their
leaders are rebellious.[1]
O: We are presented with strong language. God’s hate is focused on His people. We are
reminded of the relationship Hosea had with his wife. How many marriages failed due to selfish
self-centered behavior? God is very upset due to the behavior of His people at
Gilgal. Apparently, Gilgal was a seat
for all sorts of iniquities. God is
upset with His wife Israel because of infidelity. The judgement is severe. Complete separation from God because they
will be thrown out of house and no longer experience His love. His people get no help from their leaders.
For they be stubborn, be defiant, be
obstinate, be rebellious, i.e., not be willing to change a behavior in any
regard, with a feature that the current behavior is in open defiance to
authority[2]
A: What is
our Gilgal today? What is it that can cause God to hate us? Remember the church is the modern day, Israel. We are the bride of Christ. It all can be regarding individual
behavior. Our behavior can cause us to
be thrown out of the house and lose the love of God. With that lose comes a plethora of
problems. Behavior contrary to God’s
commands can cause divorce and other relationship issues. Issues with
employment and money problems, excessive worries, and other mental health problems. The list can go on as some leaders at Haili
well know. It appears there is not a
willingness to address the sin which equates to rebellion. How many in the OT died for their
rebellion? Let’s repent and return to
God before it is too late.
P: Praise
be to God. You are a jealous God with
our best interests in mind. Helps us God
to follow You with all our heart, mind, and soul. Help us Lord to not turn aside from Your
precepts. Help us to remember Your blood on the cross has cleansed us and
refrain from getting dirty again. Thank
You. I pray for peace in Ukraine and
comfort for those persecuted around the world.
Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ho 9:15). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Swanson, J. (1997). In Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains :
Hebrew (Old Testament) (electronic ed.). Logos Research Systems,
Inc.
6/17/22
5 Afterward, the people of Israel will return and seek the Lord their God and David their
king. They will come with awe to the LORD and to His goodness in the last
days. [1]
O: Hosea a
prophet to Israel was given by God a unique way of getting God’s message to the
people. He was to marry a harlot have
children as an illustration of God’s faithfulness to those unfaithful. In the
long run His people will return to Him because they will have no place to go. There is no other resource that can offer
life-changing help in time of need. In this text Israel plays the part of the
prodigal son. She returns in fear and yet is received in love.[2]
In addition one can see Jesus in the text with the reference of king David. They will come to God in awe. Unity and
security can come to Israel only when they seek God and his Christ. “And if
they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to
graft them in again” (Rom 11:23).[3]
A: God is calling out. He is calling out through is word and various
other ways. He is calling His children
back to him. He is faithful and
forgiving for those who turn away from their sins. God will us all means to
help one walk with God. That walk is
only possible with Jesus. He is the only
way to salvation. Remember in the last days the final judgement will take
place. God can take us at any time. Let’s be ready and prepared to meet Jesus
with a clear conscience by showing our love in obedience and trust.
P Praise God for who You are. Praise God for Your everlasting love and faithfulness. Please God bring peace to Ukraine and provide comfort for those persecuted around the world. Help us Lord to understand You are our ever-present help in time of need. Let us rely on Your strength to help us change. Help us realize how to be ready. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ho 3:5). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Garrett, D. A. (1997). Hosea, Joel (Vol. 19A, p. 104). Broadman
& Holman Publishers.
[3]
Garrett, D. A. (1997). Hosea, Joel (Vol. 19A, p. 104). Broadman
& Holman Publishers.
6/16/22
5 Therefore, the Lord gave
Israel a deliverer, and they escaped from the power of the Arameans. Then the
people of Israel dwelt in their tents as before, 6 but they
didn’t turn away from the sins that the house of Jeroboam had caused Israel to
commit. Jehoahaz walked in them, and the Asherah pole also remained standing in
Samaria.[1]
O: This is
a repeat because it has happened before.
What is it the writer says in Ecclesiastes? That there is nothing new under
the sun. There were long periods of stability in Israel when the king and
population did what was right in God’s eyes.
Here God sent a deliverer. The
bible des not mention who that was. Some
claim Elisha but didn’t Jonah come down from Nineveh, which is in Syria? Nevertheless
because of the Lord’s mercy and love for His people they were able to escape
the oppression of the Arameans. The
deliverance was not because of the Israelites behavior but from the goodness of
God. This is evident in the next verse where
it is recorded, they continued to sin, and it seems their King set the example. By changing
the glory of their incorruptible God into the similitude of an ox, the truth of
God into a lie, they lost the honour of worshipping the one true God.[2]
A: This is
a reminder God will only go so far with His love when change is not evident.
Make no mistake Hod’s love never fails and He wishes that all be saved but it
is your choice. When you hear the Lord
consider what He has to offer. Turn away
from Him there is no longer a guarantee He will be your deliverer. You are at the mercy of this world, a cold,
cruel, and unforgiving place. Give up
your sinful ways and seek forgiveness.
God loves you. Ask Him back in
your life before it is to late.
P: Praise
be to God. I pray that Ukraine and please
help those persecuted around the world.
Lord Thank You for Your everlasting love. Thank You for the deliverance You offer and
help to seek Your kingdom and walk in righteous with You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(2 Ki 13:5–6). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Henry, M. (1994). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible: complete and
unabridged in one volume (p. 541). Hendrickson.
6/15/22
14 After Amaziah came from the attack on the Edomites, he brought the
gods of the Seirites and set them up as his gods. He worshiped before them and
burned incense to them. 15 So
the Lord’s anger was against
Amaziah, and He sent a prophet to him, who said, “Why have you sought a
people’s gods that could not deliver their own people from your hand?”[1]
O: Amaziah
did something that angered the Lord. He
won his fight with Edom, no small feat which indicated the Lord was backing
them up. What changed? Amaziah plundered
Edom idols, a custom of the day signifying Edomites gods have abandoned
them. However, Amaziah along with the Jews
took those idols to worship them. The
Lord was beside Himself asked why they have done this. It makes no sense because the Edomites gods
were not able to protect them. Their
gods were useless so why worship them.
God is asking, “So what? Am I not good enough?”.
A: Today this behavior is still with us. People look to other source for help. The idols today come in many forms. Drugs, alcohol, sex, money, work, dell
phones, social media, appearance, etc., etc.
Focus on the sure thing, God. He
is the only one who can satisfy. He meets
our needs and always gives a victory when we fully trust in me.
P: Praise be
to God. I pray for peace in Ukraine and please
help those persecuted around the world.
God You are so good. Help us to get
rid of the idols and focus our trust in You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(2 Ch 25:14–15). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
6/14/22
2 He did what was evil in the Lord’s
sight and followed the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to
commit; he did not turn away from them. 3 So
the Lord’s anger burned against Israel,
and He surrendered them to the power of Hazael king of Aram[1]
O: Like his
father Jehu, Jehoahaz sinned in eyes of God. As a result, God gave them over to their enemies. The northern territories land diminished due
to the attacks from the marauding bands from Syria. Jehoahaz followed the cult
of his father. The cult chased after the
idols of this world’s gods going up to the high places and creates graven images
for household alters. However later in
the chapter Jehoahaz had a change of heart and turned to God for helps and God
responded favorably.
A: If we
have anything that hinders and takes away from our relationship with God we
will suffer. We must look within, search your heart, take inventory, and examine
your words, attitudes, temptations, your character, and your household. Search
your heart to see if anything displeasing to God. God is looking for a spirit of humility not
pride. He is looking for a love of Him, obedience and trust, and holiness as
evidence by prayer and filling His word in your heart. The quality of a person’s heart in relation
to God’s commands reflects on the quality of your spiritual life.
P: Praise be to God. I pray for peace in Ukraine and help for
those persecuted for their faith around the world. God You are glorious and worthy of all
praise. Great is Your name and worthy to
be praise. Help us Lord to search our
heart with honest resolve. Help us Lord
to rid ourselves of sin and work on what is pleasing to You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(2 Ki 13:2–3). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
6/13/22
11 The Lord
raises His voice
in the
presence of His army.
His camp is
very large;
Those who
carry out His command are powerful.
Indeed, the
Day of the Lord is terrible and
dreadful —
who can
endure it?[1]
O: The day of the
Lord is a phrase that has significate meaning.
Joel’s real
concern was not with locusts, or enemy soldiers, or even with the last
judgment: the real subject matter of the
Book of Joel is the day of the Lord.[2]
There is nothing part from the command of God.
We are all subjects to the Lord.
He commands the armies to the north that will swoop down at the Lord’s
bidding and carry out the Lord’s vengeance.
He will extract fearfulness and create an awareness of how awesome the
Lord is. These two terms, terrible and dreadful
are found often in scripture always describing the Lord. When Yahweh moves the old ways will be
upended, the familiar striped away, and self-security collapses. No one can with stand that day because nothing
is left to stand on.
A: Prepare for the day of the Lord. Be ready and expect the Lord’s coming. Remember the Lord will use anything at His
disposal. Natural forces such as natural
disasters or the armies of our enemies.
That is why we should not be complacent but be expectant. Maintain a relationship with Lord, put away
sin, and stay in His word.
P: Praise e
to God. I pray for peace in Ukraine and
please help those persecuted around the world.
Help us Lord to be expectant of Your return. Help us prepare for Your coming and not
become complacent and smug in our attitude regarding Your return. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Joe 2:10–11). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Garrett, D. A. (1997). Hosea, Joel (Vol. 19A, p. 343). Broadman
& Holman Publishers.
6/12/22
3 Man cannot be made secure by wickedness,
but the
root of the righteous is immovable.[1]
O: In 2 Kings 10:18-31 is the story of Jehu killing all the
priests of Baal. Feeling he did what
was right in the eyes of God only to not destroy the golden calves in Dan and
Bethal. God commanded him for getting
rid of the priest of Baal but still held him accountable for the acts evil acts
due to committing evil acts that lead the entire nation astray worshipping the
calves. Jehu saw his country made smaller and there was nothing he could do
about. His wickedness was the problem of
Israel. The country was no longer secure
due to the evil behavior. What would
their condition be if they did what was right in the Lord’s eyes?
A: There are
consequences regarding the behavior of everyone. Wicked, evil behavior, such as lying,
slander, gossip and such will undermine personal security. Divorce, loss of employment, problems with finances,
disowned by family are just a few of the consequences of evil behavior. The consequences for doing what is right in
the eyes of the Lord are immovable blessings.
Contentment. Joy, peace, security, the list can go on. The point is clear. Walk in righteousness by
doing what is right in the eyes of God out of love and the blessings will flow.
P: Blessed be the
name of the Lord. I pray for peace in Ukraine
and comfort for those persecuted around the world. Thank You Jesus for Your promises and what You
have down for us. Help us Lord to
continue to walk with You doing what is right in Your eyes. Amen
6/11/22
27 When King Ahaziah of Judah saw what was happening, he fled up the road
toward Beth-haggan. Jehu pursued him, shouting, “Shoot him too!” So they shot
him in his chariot at Gur Pass near Ibleam, but he fled to Megiddo and died
there.[1]
O: Jehoram the so of Ahab and Jezebel, Queen
mother. Jehoram’s father did what was
evil in the sight of God and influenced his son to do the same. Nothing changed, the people worshiped Baal
and God had enough. He anointed another king
for the Northern Tribes. Elisiah God’s
spokesmen told Jehu to kill Jehoram and wipeout the whole family. (2Kgs 9:6-10)
It also seems the associates will share the same fate. The King of Judah was hanging out with Israel’
king Jehoram. He ran for his life when
he realized what was happening but was caught and hilled. He reigned in Judah only one year.
A: Therefore,
we all must develop meaningful relationships.
Godly relationships. Developing
ungodly relationships also has consequences.
We all are responsible for our choices.
God will be the judge. Hanging with
those who lack integrity will shape your character. This who lack the ability to take responsibility
in their behavior demonstrates a lack of a good character. Behavior such as lies, slander and gossip
will bring judgement on them and those influenced by then. Don’t forget Hebs 9:27 “We all die and then
face judgement.” Work on finding those
with good character to grow together.
P: Praise be to God. I pray for peace in Ukraine and all those persecuted
around the world. God You are good. Help us to learn from You. To grow our relationship with You. You are worthy and deserve all the honor and
all our worship. Help us to focus on You
and praise you as well as thanking you all the time. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(2 Ki 9:27). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
6/10/22
11 But Naaman got angry and left, saying, “I was telling myself: He will
surely come out, stand and call on the name of Yahweh his God, and will wave
his hand over the spot and cure the skin
disease. [1]
O: Here is
a proud man. One who commands a high status. What is interesting is that only just prior
to this story the king of the armies of Aram were looking to kill Elisiah. Now the captain in that army is seeking help from
the prophet. A servant maid whose status
is quite the opposite of Naaman comes to his aid. One can’t miss the irony here.
She is an
Israelite, he is an Aramean; she is a “little maiden” (naʿărâ qětannâ), he a “great man” (ʾîš gādôl); she is a captive servant, he a commander; he has fame
in the king’s estimation, … she has none, for she simply “waited upon” …
Naaman’s wife (cf. Deut 1:38; 1 Sam 19:7).[2]
However, when Naaman arrives at Elisiah
hose the prophet sends his servant to relay the prophets message. The captain is taken back and feels
insulted. There are many suggestions why
Elisiah did this. To narrow the reason
Elisiah sought to provide a great test of faith and humble the captain. Naaman stomps
away in anger but again lowly servants come to his aid. They attack their master’s pride with common
sense. He would do something difficult, they reason, so why not try this rather
small possible cure?[3] The result is glorification of God to other
nations.
A: Pride will
always hinder one walk with God. A
redeeming quality is to listen and be open minded to alternatives. Humility,
meekness are behaviors that help one develop spiritual modesty. It is very important not put on airs to allow
God to act. Faith and compete trust in
God will not hinder God’s movement. His
glory will be shown. This is our main
goal is to bring glory to God.
P: Praise be to Hod. I pray for peace in Ukraine. Please help those persecuted and provide them comfort. Help us Lord develop an attitude of humility and meekness. Help us to grow spiritual modesty please. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(2 Ki 5:11). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
House, P. R. (1995). 1, 2 Kings (Vol. 8, pp. 271–272). Broadman
& Holman Publishers.
[3]
House, P. R. (1995). 1, 2 Kings (Vol. 8, p. 273). Broadman &
Holman Publishers.
6/9/22
2 Look, I will make you insignificant
among the
nations;
you will be
deeply despised.
3 Your presumptuous heart has deceived you,
you who
live in clefts of the rock
in your
home on the heights,
who say to
yourself,
Who can
bring me down to the ground?” [1]
O: This is the
revelation the Lord gave to Obediah who in turn passed it on the Edomites. The message is of some significance and has a
divine purpose. The is all about a proud
and haughty attitude. The Edomite gathered
the enemies to attack Judah. Earlier the refused the Israelites passage on
their way to the promised land. Unfortunately,
they have had a bad attitude going all the way back to Esau. Verse 2
begins Obadiah’s direct address to Edom. Essentially it is a message of Edom’s
destruction. The Lord himself pledged to bring Edom down from their lofty
perch. Of course, the message addressed to Edom was for Judah’s ears.[2] God will act on those who come against His chosen. Their question “Who can bring us down?” God can and did.
A: The proud will bee brought down. Maybe
not now but eventually. I have said it before
18 Pride comes before destruction,
and an
arrogant spirit before a fall.
19 Better to be lowly of spirit with the
humble
than to
divide plunder with the proud. [3]
So therefore, be a servant rather than the
boss. See what you can do and take responsibility. Walk with the Lord mot the ego. Do what is helpful.
P:
Praise be to God. I pray for
peace in Ukraine and those persecuted throughout the world. Help us the humble ourselves. Help us realize there is consequences to our behavior. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ob 3). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Smith, B. K., & Page, F. S. (1995). Amos, Obadiah, Jonah (Vol. 19B, p. 182).
Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[3] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Pr 16:18–19). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
6/8/22
20 Jehoram was 32 years old when he became king; he reigned eight years
in Jerusalem. He died to no one’s regret and was buried in the city of David
but not in the tombs of the kings[1]
O: Wow no
one cared no one mourned at the king’s death. He married Ahab’s daughter and as a result
followed the wickedness of his wife’s family.
Because of his ruling style
Jerusalem was sacked. Jehoram corrupts
Judah and as a result Judah losses power. The king built alters in high-places
and caused his people to prostitute themselves. Prophecy regarding
him personally came about. He contracted a terminal illness and died in agony. When he died, he was not buried with the
kings but in the community cemetery.
A: As one
preacher put it. The honor of God rests on the proper worship of the Lord by
His priests who are called to His service. If we are called a nation of priests
how much more should we teach the proper worship of the Lord? The command of
the Lord is to guard yourself in your Spirit and to not be faithless. Today
there can be many idols. They are whatever
one holds in high regard in place of God.
Idols can be our identity. Many are replacing an identity in Christ and
placed their identity in other things. Whether it be our social media following,
position at work, abilities/skills, or the achievements being chased, many have
their identity wrapped up in the wrong thing. Another is status and chasing achievements.
Also consider today many strive for fame
and influence. Today there are social
influencers which many try to emulate. Evaluate
you lives and deeply contemplate these questions.
Where Do I Spend My Time?
Where Do I Spend My Money?
Where Do I Get My Joy?
What’s Always On My Mind?
P:
Blessed be the name of the Lord.
I pray for peace in Ukraine and those persecuted throughout the world. Especially please comfort the families of
those killed in Africa. Help us Lord to
evaluate our lives and anything that distracts us from worshiping You our one
true God. Thank-You for bringing to our attention
what needs to be done to change. Amen.
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(2 Ch 21:20). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
6/7/22
So she left.
After she had shut the door behind her
and her sons, they kept bringing her containers, and she kept pouring. 6 When they were full, she
said to her son, “Bring me another container.”
But he replied, “There aren’t any more.”
Then the oil stopped.
7 She went and told the man of God, and he
said, “Go sell the oil and pay your debt; you and your sons can live on the
rest.”[1]
O: Here we have just another example of God providing for
his people. The widow is beside herself not knowing what to do. Her husband, a prophet passed away. As a prophet
he knew other men of God especially Elisah. The collectors are beating down her
door. So she went to a man of God for help.
Oil is the prefect item to use to solve the problem. Oil could also serve as a metaphor for today
oil is used as an anointing. Here is healing
the anxiety and other difficult emotions by meeting the widows’ finical needs. Widows have a special place in the heart of
God more so back then when widows had very little opportunities to make money. The
widow was taken care of by God.
A: Today God takes
care of His people. Those who walk with
God are taken care of. Those who listen
have their needs met. They lack in nothing.
He is Jehovah Jireh. God is a
provider. God can eliminate worries and
anxieties. Only believe and trust that
God will take care of you. Seek God and He
will take care of you.
P: Praise be to God.
I pray for peace in Ukraine. Please be
those who are persecuted around the world.
Help us Lord to rely on You for everything. Help us not forget You will meet our needs
and thank You for all You do. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(2 Ki 4:5–7). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
6/6/22
Listen
carefully, all Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat.
This is what the Lord says: ‘Do
not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast number, for the battle is not
yours, but God’s[1]
O: The Lord gave the people of Juda a great
victory that day for the people stood before the Lord. How profound is that? Have the patience to wait for an answer to
the king’s prayer. They received a
answer telling them not to worry, reminding them to put their trust in God. God reassures them he’s got this. Stand tall with head held high for the battle
is the Lords.
A: Pray trusting the Lord will do what needs to
be done. Trust in God. He has said this time from time eternal. Pray and trust God will answer. “Stand before the Lord” patiently. How many times have I taken matters in my own
hands only to fall on my face? Let it
go\to God. He will take care of it
P: Praise
be to God. I pray for peace for Ukraine
and those persecuted around the world. God You are great and mighty. Your glory fills the earth. Help us to be patient. Help us to wait on
You. Thank you, Lord. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(2 Ch 20:15). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
6/5/22 Micaiah & Ahab
26 Then the king of Israel ordered, “Take
Micaiah and return him to Amon, the governor of the city, and to Joash, the
king’s son, 27 and say, ‘This is what the king says: Put this
guy in prison and feed him only bread and water until I come back safely.’”
28 But Micaiah said, “If you ever return
safely, the Lord has not spoken
through me.” Then he said, “Listen, all
you people!” [1]
O: Micaiah put his concerns in the ways of God and not what any power on
earth, be it a king or something else, could do to him. He spoke the truth given to him by God and
told the first sarcastically what the other prophets said but did not say “Thus
says the Lord” which made the Ahab suspicious. First, Micaiah clearly
shapes his account of the lying spirit as a denunciation of the four hundred
prophets. These are not faithful and sincere prophets of the Lord but court
prophets on the king’s payroll who live to please him[2] Than the prophet told
them what would happen which did not bode well for the kings. Micaiah gave Ahab a warning only to be thrown
in prison. Ahab was upset, angry and became vindictive but did not change the
outcome because Ahabb did not listen.
A: It is very important to do what God tells you
to do so it may go well with you. There
are consequences for one’s actions. An
example would be calling out Peter Braun for his lies and slander. Has he ever made public the behavior he was
accused of? For speaking the truth Peter
dragged me in court attempting to slap a TRO on me. This action is against the scriptures. (1 Cor
6:1) Yet as the hearing progress Peter began to realize if he continued, he
would have to explain his cover-up of a fire.
In addition, he lied in court. He
accentually quit declining to pursue the case any further. I have been
following God’s guidance with a few mistakes which I own up to. Peter on the other hand continues to cover-up
and deny his involvement of the fire. To
call him out knowing I could be taken to court but stood under the protection
of God.
P: Praise
be to God. I pray for peace in Ukraine
as well as those persecuted for their beliefs around the world. God, please comfort them and give them peace. Help us Lord to speak the truth no matter
what. Help Haili develop spiritual maturity
and discernment. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(1 Ki 22:26–28). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
House, P. R. (1995). 1, 2 Kings (Vol. 8, pp. 237–238). Broadman
& Holman Publishers.
6/4/22
19 Elijah left there and found Elisha, son of Shaphat as he was plowing.[1]
O: This
must have been a great comfort for Elijah. He now has someone to take his
place. Someone to carry on the mantle. Earlier the prophet exclaimed to God v.14 he
had been zealous for God feeling it has been no effect due to Israel rejecting
the covenant, Israel has become idolatrous, he is the only prophet left, and
Jezebel plans to kill him.[2] He was expressing his doubts. Yet God told He
what to do. In God’s response He provided
relief for Elijah. It is God knows what
the prophet needed.
A: Rember God listens. He knows our hearts, our feelings, and emotions. He will comfort and provide relief to His
children. Remember God will provide a
way out to every temptation 1 Co 10:13. Even when depression is overwhelming
God will help. Even when persecution rears
its ugly head God will help. God is sympathetic
to our needs. Speak to Him today.
P: Praise be to God. I pray for peace Ain Ukraine. Thank You Lord for knowing our hearts and
listening to our petitions. Help us Lord
to work through our problems. Lord please
give us the knowledge to see a way to escape the temptations. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(1 Ki 19:19). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
House, P. R. (1995). 1, 2 Kings (Vol. 8, p. 224). Broadman &
Holman Publishers.
6/3/22
26 Nadab did what was evil in the Lord’s
sight and followed the example of his father and the sin he had caused Israel
to commit.[1]
O: In the northern
kingdom rapid turnover of kings become commonplace. The reason for that is in
the text sited. They did evil in the
sight of the Lord. The consequence for
such behavior is severe. “Nothing is
more characteristic of the northern state than its extreme internal instability[2].”[3] The problems created by not walking with God
are multifaceted. Rapid turnover of
leadership does not bode well with a new nation and the prophets of God will
only deliver bad news. It was threatened that they should be as a reed shaken in the water (ch. 14:15).[4] The judgement will be quite severe when one leads
another astray. Especially one with the
power of the king. Walking in the way
shown by God will have the best consequences.
A: Appling this lesson today to my life and it
becomes clear. Walk the way of God and
things will go well. Follow His statues
will eliminate the inner turmoil. Stumbling
in sin creates insurmountable problems.
The issues reside with obedience. Trust and obey God.
P: Glory be
to God. I pray for peace in
Ukraine. Blessed be Your name. Help us Lord to not stray from You Lord. I ask You to be in my heart. Help me to focus on what You would have me
do. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(1 Ki 15:26). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] . (Bright,
History of Israel, 238).
[3]
House, P. R. (1995). 1, 2 Kings (Vol. 8, p. 198). Broadman &
Holman Publishers. (Bright, History of
Israel, 238).
[4]
Henry, M. (1994). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible: complete and
unabridged in one volume (p. 504). Hendrickson.
6/2/22
The
Judahites succeeded because they depended on the Lord, the God of their ancestors.[1]
O: A short verse and right to the point. Interesting word translated ‘depended’ which
means lean on found also in 14:11 and 16:7–8. The experience victory because they leaned on
the Lord. Conversely if they did not,
they would surely been defeated. Here
because of their dependance on the: Lord their enemies where utterly defeated.
A: Praise be to the
Lord. We need to rely on the Lord. We need to place our faith in Hod. In the Lord there is no worries. In the Lord all needs are met. In the Lord hope lives for we are more than conquerors
through Christ who will give You strength Rom 8:37. Why do we allow people to discourage you? We can do all things through Christ Ph 4:13.
Jesus has your back.
P: Thank You God for the encouragement. Thank You Lord for Your steadfastness. Praise You Lord for You are great and mighty. Help us Lord to rely on You. I pray for peace in Ukraine. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(2 Ch 13:18). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
6/1/22
32 for the word that he cried out by a revelation from the Lord against the altar in Bethel and
against all the shrines of the high places in the cities of Samaria is. certain
to happen.”[1]
O: The old
man deceived the prophet. His deception
killed the prophet. Now after he buried
the prophet, he cries out his prophecy is certain to happen. No one is sure of his motives but is text
describes as a mixture of curiosity, dishonesty, accuracy, and conviction[2].
In addition, the text reflects what will happen to the split kingdom and those worshiping
and sacrifice at shrines God does not approve.
In fact, to please God worship must be at the temple in Jerusalem.
This story clarifies the importance of consistent
and complete obedience to the Word of God, the lesson God was seeking to
impress on Jeroboam and His people at that time. It also illustrates that added
privilege brings increased responsibility; God dealt with the prophet who had
the greater responsibility more severely than he did with the man who had less.
The effects of spiritual apostasy even on God’s servants can be seen too,
especially in the behavior of the older prophet.[3]
A: The consequences for not following the Lords
commands will be severe. The old prophet
realized that want to be buried next to the prophet hoping when the prophet is
taken up the old man will be taken up.
However, God does not work that way.
God knows our hearts and he will judge accordingly. Habitually sin and
it will not bode well. Therefor follow His commands, lay His word in your heart. Go before God often, give thanks and meet
with other likeminded. Then the revelation will have a positive connotation.
P: Blessed
be the Lord God Almighty. You know our
hearts and thoughts. In You is
glory. In You is faithfulness. You are steadfast regarding Your
promises. Your plan will come true. Help us Lord to walk with You. To follow Your command. Help us to be mindful of Your presence and
put You first. I pray for peace in
Ukraine. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(1 Ki 13:32). (2009). Holman Bble Publishers.
[2]
House, P. R. (1995). 1, 2 Kings (Vol. 8, p. 189). Broadman &
Holman Publishers.
5/31/22
13 When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is: fear God and
keep His commands, because this is for all humanity. 14 For God will bring every
act to judgment, including every hidden thing, whether good or evil.[1]
O: Here we
have both a summary and the conclusion of the book. The meaning of Ecclesiastes
is obscure and has been debated endlessly.
It is a name possibly a title, but the consensus is the name is a title “Speaker
before the assembly”. Basically, this book
is a sermon with the theme of vanity which is mentioned 38 times. What is most important is not man’s toil but
fear in God. Nothing will have lasting
benefits if done on one’s volition. What
is needed is true piety by fearing God and following His commandments. This can help everyone. Remember no matter what is done and the
motives behind all will have answer to before God.
A: It all
comes down to ‘fearing’ God and doing what he says. Lying, gossiping, slandering, breaking the
law. All are not doing what God has
asked and will answer for their behavior.
We all will have to answer to God.
Let it be for doing good, building His kingdom, and glorifying God. This will benefit all humanity. Showing a deep respect and reverence for God
is listening, paying attention for what we do in the light and dark. Follow Him, do what he says, and it will fare
well with you.
P: Praise
be to God. I pray for peace in Ukraine.
God I am so glad You provided Your walk to help us walk closer to You. Your direction is wise and good for all
humanity. Help us Lord to follow
You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ec 12:13–14). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
5/30/22
p’9 The one who quarries stones may be hurt
by them;
the one who
splits trees may be endangered by them.
10 If the ax is dull, and one does not
sharpen its edge,
then one
must exert more strength;
however,
the advantage of wisdom is that it brings success. [1]
O: Care must be used in every endeavor. This text describes the dangers present in
various jobs. The tools used in the
various endeavors must be in good working order. In other words, a dull axe makes one’s job harder.
There is a lasting benefit when one makes preparation for work. One is the completion
of the job. Another is further development of wisdom. Wisdom is profitable for
bringing success. Basically, the text is
a metaphor on how we treat others. Let the people act
towards each other with prudence, mildness, and good temper.[2]
A: Again,
wisdom is the topic of today’s devotions.
Without wisdom growth remains stagnant or worst digresses. True wisdom comes from God and His word. To sharpen the mind, develop a relationship
with your Father in heaven through prayer, study and application of His word,
and fellowship with those likeminded so You may not be harmed in your endeavors.
P: Praise be to God. I pray for peace in Ukraine. I give thanks to You for Your wisdom and the ability to discern right from wrong. I pray that others gain such insight especially those at Haili. It pains me regarding the poor spiritual maturity among them. I pray they turn to You for wisdom. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ec 10:9–10). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Henry, M. (1994). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible: complete and
unabridged in one volume (p. 1051). Hendrickson.
5/29/22
10 In such circumstances, I saw the wicked buried. They came and went
from the holy place, and they were praised in the city where they did so. This
too is futile. 11 Because the sentence against a criminal act
is not carried out quickly, the heart of people is filled with the desire to
commit crime. 12 Although a sinner commits crime a hundred
times and prolongs his life, yet I also know that it will go well with God-fearing
people, for they are reverent before Him. 13 However, it will
not go well with the wicked, and they will not lengthen their days like a shadow,
for they are not reverent before God. [1]
O: The theme here is those who fear God will do
well. On the other hand, it will not go
well for the wicked. Even so Judgement
may not happen right away, but judgement is coming just the same. Verse 10 presents many problems for translating
due to an uncertain text. Basically, it
means it is useless to correct the wicked for they are the very people in the
church worshiping, and people continue to praise them despite the corruptions practiced.
The text could be rendered: 10 It was then that I saw wicked
men approaching and even entering the holy place; and they went about the city
priding themselves on having done right. This too is emptiness.[2]
Life is full of unresolved questions. This
is the theme of the book. It is vanity
to try to answer why wicked and corrupt men have their behavior overlooked
while the righteous are oppressed. The
problem Qoheleth observed was not simply a case of failed justice. Rather, it
was the effect that this situation had on the conduct of others. People are led
astray when they see that evil goes unpunished.[3] The last verse is a reminder. Judgement will come. No doubt about. Continue to act wickedly with corrupt behavior
and it will not go well with you.
A: Some who
act out attempting to fulfil wicked schemes will eventually be judged. This is true of Peter and Kelcy at
Haili. They attempted to start a fire at
the apartments by setting fire to an occupied unit and then covered it hoping
no one would catch on. Their scheme was
to get a better apartment by corrupt means.
It was found out, yet no one held them accountable. Some leaders felt Peter could not do such a
thing. He had a good reputation despite a
number of issues he created. In addition,
he divorced a sweet lady whom I have met and 3 out 4 of his children refuse to
talk to him. Judgement will come to all
of us. I wish to be in good standing by
fearing the Lord and not act wickedly so that it might go well with me.
P: Praise be to God. I pray for peace in Ukraine. Thank You Lord for Your guidance and
word. Thank You for Your faithfulness
and steadfastness. Help Lord to develop
a deep-felt respect for You. Help us
find the straight and narrow path. Help
us to gain insight to what You would have us do and not stray from Your path
remain in You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ec 8:10–13). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] The New English Bible (Ec 8:10). (1970).
Oxford University Press; Cambridge University Press.
[3]
Ogden, G. S., & Zogbo, L. (1998). A handbook on Ecclesiastes (p. 297). United
Bible Societies.
5/28/22
17 I observed all the work of God and concluded that man is unable to
discover the work that is done under the sun. Even though a man labors hard to
explore it, he cannot find it; even if
the wise man claims to know it, he is unable to discover it.[1]
O: This
verse is linked to 7:13 & 7:23 in that the works of God are seen but cannot
be completely comprehended. Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived explains all
can never be known. That is all that
makes the world tick. For example, can
the future be known? If we could know with certainty what actions bring
prosperity, happiness, and long life, then we could control life and even God.[2] Man has limitations and will never know the
mind of God or the full import of His actions.
Nobody, not even a wise man can understand God because of the wide gap
between man and his creator. The second half of the verse could be translated, “If
you find a wise person claiming to know all about God’s actions in the world,
he is claiming something beyond human power to know”.[3]
A: This is humbling. Even Solomon could not understand God. God is greater than all mankind and the environment
all around put together. God is far greater,
infinitely superior. If we say we know what is going on we are mistaken. Don’t fool yourself and leave the answers to
God. Solomon tells us God will give all
that is needed to live a full abundant life.
P: Blessed
be the name of the Lord. I pray for
peace in Ukraine. Humble us, Lord. Put in our place. Help us swallow our pride. Help us to be content with what we have for
it is enough. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ec 8:17). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Garrett, D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol.
14, p. 330). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[3]
Ogden, G. S., & Zogbo, L. (1998). A handbook on Ecclesiastes (p. 313). United
Bible Societies.
5/27/22
“Do not
intermarry with them, and they must not intermarry with you, because they will
turn you away from Me to their gods.”[1]
O: Solomon receives
one final assessment, and it is not good.
Israel has reached a pentacle of influence of the nation’s surrounding them. Like their king, Israel is riding a crest of
power and influence previously unknown.[2] Israel had rose to great heights only to stumble. The Lord warned His people not to cater to
foreign women and the idolatry and other sin the women brought with them. We all know the results when His people are
not faithful to His covenants; division, decay, and, ultimately, exile[3]. Moses
in Deut 7:3–4 told the Israelite
not to intermarry warning them the people of other nations will entice to turn
away from God to idols,
A: This today may not seem an appropriate covenant, however,
there are activities that need to be avoided such as porn. Watching porn creates a spiritual connect
with the participants. Which leads us away from God and worship the experience
thus turning to idols. Viewing porn is committing
adultery. Also, it is an act of deceit. (Psalm 101:7) One could be stealing
because of copy right laws. You commit the sin of greed. Sexual sin is greed, a
form of taking advantage of another person to defraud them of something that is
rightly theirs. In 1 Thessalonians 4, Paul insists “that no one transgress and
wrong his brother in this matter [of sexual sin], because the Lord is an
avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you”
(6)[4] You commit the sin of sloth because it is a
waste of time and time not used wisely. You
commit the sin of ignoring the Holy Spirit. (1 Thessalonians 4:8) Do not turn
from God and view porn or you can‘t grow in God and may go into exile.
P: Paise be to the God most high. I pray for peace in Ukraine. God You are the only great and mighty living
God. There is none like You. We need to as
a nation humble ourselves, turn away from our wicked ways repent and come to
You for forgiveness. Give us the strength
to avoid the sin of addiction and break us out of bondage. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(1 Ki 11:2). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
House, P. R. (1995). 1, 2 Kings (Vol. 8, p. 165). Broadman &
Holman Publishers.
[3]
House, P. R. (1995). 1, 2 Kings (Vol. 8, p. 165). Broadman &
Holman Publishers.
[4] https://churchleaders.com/outreach-missions/outreach-missions-articles/305345-8-sins-commit-every-time-look-porn-tim-challies.html?utm_source=cl-sundaysend-nl&utm_medium=email&utm_content=text-link
5/26/22
1 Unless the Lord builds a house,
its
builders labor over it in vain;
unless the Lord watches over a city,
the
watchman stays alert in vain.[1]
O: The key word here
is ‘Unless’. Unless the Lord is the
builder or unless the Lord watches over than all would be pointless. Unless the Lord is involved, any effort by
man is in vain, ineffective, and unsuccessful.
The Lord,
then, is essential for even the most basic human endeavors, and if these basic
tasks cannot be completed successfully apart from him, then nothing else can
either[2] Praise God for His goodness. Through His
involvement comes blessings to those who acknowledge Him. The vigilance of the
watchmen is futile without the Lord watching too.
A: This text is certainly pertinent in today’s
culture. The country has lost its moral
compass. It does not matter how many
laws are passed if the principles of the Lord are not followed. The laws will be ignored by those without the
Lord as their guide. Due to prayer taken
out of school students have lost touch with the Lord. There is no knowledge of God by most in
society today and go about attempting to solve problems on their own, become frustrated
with a lack of success than act out. Some with horrific consequences because of
the feelings of hopelessness. There
needs to be an avenue to let the Lord back into our culture and let Him reign.
P: Praise
be to God. I pray for peace in
Ukraine. Help us Lord to humble ourselves,
repent and turn back to You. Help us
Lord to shine Your Glory wherever we go.
Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ps 127:1). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Estes, D. J. (2019). Psalms 73–150 (E. R. Clendenen, Ed.; Vol. 13,
p. 480). B&H Publishing Group.
5/25/22
5 Every word of God is pure;
He is a
shield to those who take refuge in Him.
6 Don’t add to His words,
or He will
rebuke you, and you will be proved a liar.[1]
10 Don’t slander a servant to his master
or he will
curse you, and you will become guilty.[2]
O: This is confirmation that God’s word is true. Everything
He says is pure and correct. His word is
flawless and stands up to any test.
Remain in His word and stand protected under His shield and covered by
His faithfulness and righteousness. He can be a shield is oft repeated in His
word. See 2 Sam 22:31; Psa 18:30; and v.
31. He will defend all those who walk in
integrity remaining true to His word.
Once attempts to change His word rebuke will come and will be uncovered
as one without integrity. For those who
claim something God never said than everyone will know it is a lie.
Do not slander. The verb slander is related
to the word “tongue” and has the sense of “gossip about” or “say bad things about”
a person.[3] Criticizing a servant is not appropriate and
the one doing it will be held responsible. Curses will be brought down and “you
will bear the punishment for your action.”[4]
A: Gods word has no ambiguity. No one can change
it’s meaning. No one can say His word
means something else and not expect rebuke and made out to be a liar. To say it is ok to take a fellow Christian to
court without a case demonstrates a lack of integrity like Peter at Haili did. The
Apostle Paul would be horrified to hear this. "When one of you has a
dispute with another believer," he writes, "how dare you file a
lawsuit and ask a secular court to decide the matter instead of taking it to
other believers." 1 Cor 6:1. Actions
like this show a distain for Gods word and the consequences can be severe. In addition, don’t slander nor write libelous
letters regarding slaves for Christ.
Such as lying about Kahu as Kelcey and Peter have done. They are guilty and will pay for such behavior.
P: Praise be to our Lord God. I pray for peace in
Ukraine. God help us to understand Your
prefect word. Help us to not add or
detract from it. Help us to walk in Your
ways and stand on Your word as our true shelter in adversity. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (Pr 30:5–6). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (Pr 30:10). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[3]
Reyburn, W. D., & Fry, E. M. (2000). A handbook on
Proverbs (pp. 628–629). United Bible Societies.
[4]
Reyburn, W. D., & Fry, E. M. (2000). A handbook on
Proverbs (pp. 628–629). United Bible Societies.
5/24/22
17 Don’t let your heart envy sinners;
instead,
always fear the Lord.
18 For then you will have a future,
and your
hope will never fade. [1]
O: This is in context of parent’s concern for their children
lead astray from wise teaching by peers or people of authority outside the home
who are bad role models. It probably is best
to translate v. 18 as, “For if you maintain [the fear of Yahweh], you will have
a future, / and your hope will not be cut off.”[2] The text is an encouragement to live respecting
the Lord. Do not envy the breakers of
the Lord’s commandments. The word for envy
means a strong emotional attachment with what others have. Thus, coveting the sinner’s lifestyle
breaking God’s commandment. Rather “fear the Lord”, show Him the respect and be
strongly zealous of His commands. Always
honor the Lord all day. Ther is a future and a hope If we offer respect and
honor to the Lord. The possibilities are
boundless and there is no end to the hope He provides. The word translated future, as in 19:20, is literally “after-part” or “end”; it is used
three times in this division of Proverbs to refer to “a happy close of life,”
carrying the sense of long life and prosperity.[3] It is good to serve the Lord.
A: Avoid envious emotions. Avoid coveting what other have. Do not be jealous of others. That is all in this text. What sinners has seems good, the prosperity,
profit, honor, which they enjoy. It is
easily to want what they have. Do not "emulate" or
"imitate". Let the fear of the
Lord guide you. Let it go before you all
day everyday and the blessings will come.
Walking with the Lord has long lasting rewards. Zealous hold dear the fear of God.
P: Praise be to God. I pray for peace in Ukraine. Help Lord to not look with envy to what
sinners have. Help us to realize the
rewards are not long-lasting but fleeting.
Praise You Lord for Your promises and help us to walk with You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Pr 23:17–18). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Garrett, D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol.
14, p. 196). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[3]
Reyburn, W. D., & Fry, E. M. (2000). A handbook on Proverbs (p. 498). United Bible
Societies.
5/23/22
20 A faithful man will have many blessings,
but one in
a hurry to get rich
will not go
unpunished.
21 It is not good to show partiality —
yet a man
may sin for a piece of bread.
22 A greedy man is in a hurry for wealth;
he doesn’t
know that poverty will come to him.[1]
O: A simple proverb that many miss. It contrasts faithfulness and sin. The faithful one that is honorable and
trustworthy will be blessed. cev says: “God blesses
his loyal people.[2] Those that use quick get rich schemes will be
held accountable. They will have to
explain how they got their wealth. Partiality
gives the sense of the Hebrew idiom “to have regard for faces”; it means to
give a decision or to act on the basis of who a person is rather than on the
basis of his or her guilt or innocence (see 18:5).[3] Those can easily stumble for a piece of bread
an Hebrew idiom meaning accepting a bribe. In addition, greed will hasten
poverty.
A: Faithfulness,
integrity, and impartiality as well as rejecting greed as a motivator of one’s
actions have always an excellent example to live by. As a result, blessings will abound. To continue with upright moral behavior and maintaining
integrity is the calling of God. To
develop a close relation with Him these moral characteristics must be integral
in ones way of life. Pray the partiality and greed are rejected.
P: Praise be to God. I pray for peace in Ukraine. Thank You God for showing us how to live’
Help us Lord to strive to learn Your ways.
Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Pr 28:20–22). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Reyburn, W. D., & Fry, E. M. (2000). A handbook on Proverbs (p. 598). United Bible
Societies.
[3]
Reyburn, W. D., & Fry, E. M. (2000). A handbook on Proverbs (p. 531). United Bible
Societies.
5/22/22
10 If you do nothing in a difficult time,
your
strength is limited.
11 Rescue those being taken off to death,
and save
those stumbling toward slaughter.
12 If you say, “But we didn’t know about
this,”
won’t He
who weighs hearts consider it?
Won’t He
who protects your life know?
Won’t He
repay a person according to his work?[1]
O: If one knows there is a problem and do
nothing one is limiting oneself. This text calls the reader to summon courage
to face whatever challenges lie ahead[2] This is an encouragement to not faulter in
the face of adversity, time of distress or trouble (see 17:17)[3].
Also, the reader is encouraged to take extraordinary measures to help those walking
the way to death. To help those stumbling toward death because of their moral
and spiritual blindness. The reader should therefore sway them into the right
path by moral persuasion.[4] The text in verse 12 explains one can have an
excuse for their behavior but will still be held accountable because God will
know and repay what one deserves.
A: The message is clear. If you see something say something. That is what I did at Haili. Many disagree with my opinions but that does
not mean it is not true. False
testimony, slander, gossip, literally ‘moral and spiritual blindness. The leaders other than Kahu do not know they
are gossiping. If asked I am not sure
they could provide an accurate definition.
In addition, I was asked what spiritual maturity is. That is a clear indication of the level of
spiritual maturity in the church. Allowing testimony without any collaborating
evidence is unacceptable. I addressed
one with questionable moral and spiritual behavior over 70 times. Are we not told to forgive how many times? I gave every opportunity to offer forgives but
Peter rebuffed me and took me to court.
He lost the case. His libelous
letters to the COM were also found to be baseless, as a result Kahu was made head
of the association. This text tells us to help those with moral and spiritual issues. If I was so wrong, why didn’t anybody try to
help me? All that was told to me was to stop
but my God told me to continue. Who should I listen to? I was doing my duty.
P: Praise be to God. I pray for peace in Ukraine. Thank You God for Your word. Thank You for having Your word come back full
of meaning. Help us rescue those going
down the wrong path. Help us help others to understand we can have all the excuses,
but God knows. Help us Lord to grow in moral and spiritual . Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Pr 24:10–12). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Garrett, D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol.
14, p. 199). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[3]
Reyburn, W. D., & Fry, E. M. (2000). A handbook on Proverbs (p. 519). United Bible
Societies.
[4]
Garrett, D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol.
14, p. 199). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
5/21/22
10 Drive out a mocker, and conflict goes
too;
then
quarreling and dishonor will cease.[1]
O: People with the wrong attitude can cause trouble and
strife. A ‘mocker’ is a term used often in Proverbs for a person who expresses contempt for
wisdom. In some languages scoffers is expressed figuratively as “people who
shake their finger at”[2]
The wrong attitude is one of disrespect and conceit expressed in insults and
hurtful accusations. These people must
be sent away, expelled. The term
translated quarreling mostly has the
sense of “judgment” or “condemnation” and hence “legal strife” or “lawsuits” (njb); in this context, however, it seems
to have a more general sense of “quarreling” or “argument.” Abuse means basically “disgrace” or
“dishonor,” and in particular the sort of talk that inflicts dishonor or shame
on others. It is well translated as “insults” (niv)
or “name-calling” [3]
A: This is a sad commentary of todays
church. Especially at Haili. Insults and disrespect toward Kahu, his wife,
and the deacons were pervasive. Kau the
one with spiritual authority had people making every attempt to tear him down. Using gossip and lies he was slandered as
will as his wife. They became objects of
ridicule. Without proof and based on
hearsay Kahu was called a law breaker.
He was told he violated ethical principles without even basing the
insults on facts. The mockers have a
deep hold on the church straggling the works of God. They need to leave but will not give up their
power. The church has had its life
sucked out of them because the Spirit cannot move. It is dead.
This is what happens when mockers are not dealt with properly.
P: Blessed be Your name God. I pray for peace in Ukraine. O Lord I feel like I have failed You. I did not have my full armor of God. I made a feeble attempt to address sin and
failed. How sin has a greater grip in
Haili. I pray they develop discernment
and spiritual maturity so You can move in their mist. Help me Lord to seek You before I act and not
be impulsive. Thank You Lord. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Pr 22:10). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Reyburn, W. D., & Fry, E. M. (2000). A handbook on Proverbs (p. 46). United Bible
Societies.
[3] Reyburn,
W. D., & Fry, E. M. (2000). A handbook on Proverbs (p. 467). United Bible
Societies.
5/20/22
16 A fool’s displeasure is known at once,
but whoever
ignores an insult is sensible.
17 Whoever speaks the truth declares what is
right,
but a false
witness, deceit.
18 There is one who speaks rashly,
like a
piercing sword;
but the
tongue of the wise brings healing.
19 Truthful lips endure forever,
but a lying
tongue, only a moment. [1]
O: The text could be
translated “A fool’s anger is known immediately”. Fools are easily offended. Those reasonable overlooks humiliating provocations.
The unreasonable refused to be consoled. Those that offer false witness want to
deceive. False
witness, as in
6:19, is a person who tells lies in court. This person contrasts with he who speaks the truth in the first
line.[2]
Speaking without thinking can damage one’s reputation. Speaking the truth helps one endure in contrast
to dishonesty.
A: It is truly a shame members of the church lie, present
false testimony, becomes easily insulted over issues any reasonable person
would not be insulted. For example, when
a leader expresses an honest opinion stating we should care for Hawaiians in need
and have compassion for unborn babies rather than an old mountain. It is sad people became upset and called her
racist. There is a double standard for
we hear the same comments from Hawaiians themselves. Where is the compassion? The tolerance? Speaking impulsively is never a good thing
which I need to work on. However, lying in
court when asked if the issues I repeated often and offended him he denied he
was addressed about the issues when just the Saturday before two members of the
church spoke to him about covering up the fire.
Peter obviously had something to hide, or he would not have lied in
court. So being honest has many positive
effects and lying has a negative impact.
P: Praise be to
God. I pray for peace in Ukraine. God You are glorious, worthy of all honor and
praise. Help us to strive be not easily
offended and be honest at all times.
Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Pr 12:16–19). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
5/19/22
My son,
don’t forget my teaching,
but let
your heart keep my commands;
2 for they will bring you
many days,
a full life, and well-being.
3 Never let loyalty and faithfulness leave
you.
Tie them
around your neck;
write them
on the tablet of your heart.[1]
O: Devotion to God
and devotion to wisdom are one and the same. Keep them in your heart. In Deuteronomy 30:16 we find the verse
explaining the Lord is commanding you today to love the Lord
your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commands, statutes, and
ordinances, so that you may live. The
heart is mentioned over 1000 times. Here it means mind, soul, spirit, self,
i.e., the source of life of the inner person in various aspects, with a focus
on feelings, thoughts, volition, and other areas of the inner life[2]. Actually, it relates to our entire being. God
is saying if you walk in His ways your whole life will be full and your well
being is at peace. Remain devoted and
stay loyal to God. Make His ways an integral
part of your life and you will be blessed.
A: Devote your life to the ways of God. Make them a part of your life. Be faithful and loyal to the ways of
God. Today we have been commanded to bear
the fruit of spirit, not to place idols before God, associate with believers
pray, and make His word a part of Your life.
Finally love the Lord with all you have.
P: Praise be to God. I pray for peace in Ukraine. God You are holy. Worthy to be honored and
deceiving of all praise. You are
faithful and righteous. Your reign is
forever. I pray I walk in Your
ways. Help me Lord to write Your word on
my heart. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Pr 3:1–3). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Swanson, J. (1997). In Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains :
Hebrew (Old Testament) (electronic ed.). Logos Research Systems,
Inc.
5/18/22
16 Every sensible person acts knowledgeably,
but a fool
displays his stupidity.
17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble,
but a
trustworthy courier brings healing.
18 Poverty and disgrace come to those
who ignore
discipline,
but the one
who accepts correction will be honored.[1]
O: Sensibility, trustworthiness and acceptance are hallmarks
of one walking with God. Unreasonableness, dishonesty, and scandal are traits of one
who deceives. In Proverbs
the prudent or wise person conducts himself modestly and thinks before he acts.[2]
However a fool, like a merchant displaying their wares, shows off their
foolishness. A bad messenger plunges men
into trouble, while those spouting truth brings healing. Ignoring instruction, not following the word
of God places limits on one’s growth and hinders blessings creating poverty of
spirit and material economic condition.
Accept, hold dear to one’s heart, correction in contrast with disgrace,
honored. The verse could be translated “one
who heeds reproof”. One who listens and
reasonably does the right thing.
A: There is
much I need improve upon. Acting with knowledge not impulsively. Responding honestly
not rashly said things I go back on later.
This I regret for my adversaries have used my behaviors against me which
gave them traction. I displayed my
stupidity making me out a fool something the others took full advantage. However, due to my inability to follow Peter’s
instruction he dragged into a court making him look like a fool when he lost
and realized if he pursued his case the results could have change due to his
coverup of a fire and committing labile statements of Kahu.
P: Praise
be to God. I pray for peace in
Ukraine. That You for Your word and
instruction. Thank You for Your
instruction and forgiveness. You are
faithful to forgive when true repentance is offered, and I praise You. Help us Lord to act reasonably, sensibly, and
trustworthy. Help us to humbly accept correction. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Pr 13:16–18). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Reyburn, W. D., & Fry, E. M. (2000). A handbook on Proverbs (p. 295). United Bible
Societies.
5/17/22
14 The wise store up knowledge,
but the
mouth of the fool hastens destruction.
15 A rich man’s wealth is his fortified
city;
the poverty
of the poor is their destruction.
16 The labor of the righteous leads to life;
the
activity of the wicked leads to sin.
17 The one who follows instruction is on the
path to life,
but the one
who rejects correction goes astray.[1]
O: The tongue defines the person. Here the wise hold back the tongue gain and
build on knowledge while the unbridled tongue creates problems. Next in the passage the writer focuses on
wealth. Money can either build a
fortress or if of ill gain will lead to destruction. What is most important is follow instruction
of the Lord walk towards life but those who (pay attention to this) reject
correctio goes astray. By itself the
proverb is a general maxim of the kind frequently found in Proverbs. In context
it implies one should avoid quarrelsome and greedy people.[2] The encouragement here and throughout Proverbs
is to be prudent. That is to develop a shrewdness by developing discernment and
spiritual maturity.
A: As we walk with the Lord store-up knowledge
by never stop learn and seeking instruction. Always actively make every attempt
to understand what is the way of God.
There should never be a point in one’s life where learning and seeking
knowledge and wisdom of God stops. Invest
wisely and your live will be secure because the poor will live with problems
falling all around them. Always live
honesty for dishonesty brings evil. Finally,
coming full circle one who listens and learns from instruction walks on the
right path. However, the one who refuses
to listen stumbles.
v14
If you are wise, you will keep some knowledge to yourself,
but if you talk like a fool, you will soon be ruined.
v15 Wealth protects the rich,
The people who own nothing are in for ruin
v16The work of an honest person enables
him to live. A dishonest person uses his wealth to do evil things
v17 If you listen and learn when
instructed, you will have a good life,
but if you reject correction you will come to a bad end.[3]
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (Pr 10:14–17). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Garrett, D. A. (1993). Proverbs,
Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol. 14, pp. 119–120). Broadman
& Holman Publishers.
[3]
Reyburn, W. D., & Fry, E. M. (2000). A handbook on Proverbs (p. 229). United Bible
Societies.
5/16/22
1Does not wisdom call out?
Does not understanding raise her voice?
2On the heights along the way,
where the paths meet, she takes her
stand;
3beside the gates leading into the city,
at the entrances, she cries aloud:
4“To you, O men, I call out;
I raise my voice to all mankind.
5You who are simple, gain prudence;
you who are foolish, gain understanding.[1]
O: Here is the point;
wisdom is roaming the streets reaching out to the commoner. It is not necessary to go to the holy places
or scale a mountain to hear wisdom. Wisdom is where the people are. Wisdom cries out in the marketplace, at the
gates where people gather. As in Prov
1:20 Wisdom roams the
streets looking for someone to instruct.[2] It is important to understand wisdom is for
ordinary people assessable to all.
Please do not miss this gem: The attainment of Wisdom is not a quest but
a response.[3] Here is an interesting observation: wisdom is
reaching out to the foolish pleading the foolish gain understanding by obtaining
wisdom.
A: Wisdom
is something we all need. This text tells
that wisdom is for everyone. That the
people only must listen and hear what wisdom has to say. Wisdom is crying out, raising its voice and
calling. Wisdom today is in the word of
God. To understand His word, one must
have a relationship with Him. Therefore,
call out to Him saying you believe in Him and accept Him as your Lord and
Savior.
P: Praise
be the Lord God almighty. I pray for
peace in Ukraine. Help us Lord to
recognize wisdom and gain understanding.
Amen
[1]
Garrett, D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol.
14, p. 105). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[2]
Garrett, D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol.
14, p. 72). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[3]
Garrett, D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol.
14, p. 106). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
5/15/22
I have
heard your prayer and have chosen this place for Myself as a temple of
sacrifice. 13 If I close
the sky so there is no rain, or if I command the grasshopper to consume the
land, or if I send pestilence on My people,
14 and My people who are called by My name humble
themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will
hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land. 15 My eyes will now be open
and My ears attentive to prayer from this place. 16 And I have now chosen and
consecrated this temple so that My name may be there forever; My eyes and My
heart will be there at all times.[1]
O: God visited Solomon in a dream at night to
inform Solomon He has chosen to dwell in the temple and accept it as a temple
of sacrifice. Additionally, when faced
with adversity God gave those who are called by His name a remedy. God is not a distant God who remains detached
and aloft. God promises to keep his eyes
open and his ears attentive to the prayers offered “in this place,” that is,
the temple[2]. The phrase “and now” seals the deal. God’s chosen
(the word chosen mentioned twice) strengthens God’s affirmation of the
consecration of the temple. His names
and His presence among His chosen will be forever.
A: Where is the temple today? God promised He will be attentive to His
chosen forever. In 1 Corinthians 3:16-17
Paul tells us we our bodies are now the temple. Also, Paul tells us in Romans 12:1
to present ourselves as a living sacrifice which is now our spiritual worship. Now when faced with adversity this passage in
Chronicles applies. God said His eyes
and heart are still with His people His chosen ones. To get God’s help we need to present ourselves
to Him in prayer as unblemished, demonstrating humility and genuine repentance.
P: Praise
be to God. I pray for peace in Ukraine. Lord Thank You for Your faithfulness and Your
promises. Please Lord Help us know we
need to repent and develop humanity and ask for Your help in our lives. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(2 Ch 7:12–16). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Thompson, J. A. (1994). 1, 2 Chronicles (Vol. 9, p. 235). Broadman
& Holman Publishers.
5/14/22
13 The trumpeters and singers joined
together to praise and thank the Lord
with one voice. They raised their voices, accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and
musical instruments, in praise to the Lord:
For He is
good;
His
faithful love endures forever.
The temple,
the Lord’s temple, was filled with
a cloud. 14 And because
of the cloud, the priests were not able to continue ministering, for the glory
of the Lord filled God’s temple. [1]
O: Here is a well-known song sung down through the centuries. “God is good; His faithful love endures
forever. In the text all the Priests
and Levites sang to the music of the trumpets, cymbals, and lyres. The must have been something to here. Then
the Lord descended in the form of cloud declaring His acceptance of the temple
as a place of worship. The cloud
represented His glory and because of His glory the Priest were unable to enter’
A: Remember the Lord inhabits the praises of His people. The
glory of the Lord will be present when His children offer praises to Him. The glory of the Lor has been debated down
through the ages. That is how is His
glory manifested. It is made known
though a relationship with God. Within
that relationship His people offer sacrifices today not in the temple but in
our hearts. Hill the heart with Him wonderment
and joy wells up and offering of praise and thanksgiving ensues. For the Lord is welcomed in the hearts of
believers and the glory of the Lord is perpetuated.
P: Praise be to God. I pray for peace in Ukraine. I pray America no longer murder babies. Help us Lor to glorify You in all we do. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(2 Ch 5:13–14). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
5/13/22
13 A wise son responds to his father’s
discipline,
but a mocker doesn’t listen to rebuke. 2 From the
words of his mouth,
a man will
enjoy good things,
but treacherous people have an appetite
for violence. 3 The
one who guards his mouth protects his life;
the one who
opens his lips invites his own ruin.[1]
O: We see the protagonist rebels not listening to his
critics. Father tries to turn their kids around only to be mocked. Which is essentially
not honoring your parents, not following God’s command. We are admonished to listen to our parents. The word for rebuke by the father denotes protest
with moral indignation. The word entails
that the mocker has sinned, but he refuses the moral censure (cf. 1:22; 9:8).
The antithesis implies that the wise son listens to his father’s rebuke, and
the mocker does not (30:17).[2]
Verse 2 immediately
trumpets the chapter’s theme: through morally good teaching and behavior one
will eat what is materially good (v. 2), a connection reinforced by the play on
ṭôb as moral good (bonus) in v. 2 and material good (bonum) in v. 21[3] Those amoralistic will suffer the
consequences and their behavior does not inhibit or increases an appetite for
violence thus walking on the road ruin and has propensity for wrongs done, including injurious language, harsh
treatment[4].
A: How to apply this proverb to life today. Honor your parents by listening to them. The Lord made the commandment for a reason. We can learn much from our parent, including
humility when chastised and taking it.
It demonstrates good morals. Failing
to listen to your father, refusing to reconcile with him demonstrates a lack of
morals. This is the behavior of Peter a
trustee at Haili. He said his father
refused to talk to him. I wonder why
because he blames his father. He actions
of covering up a fire demonstrates treacherous behavior a result of refusing to
honor his father.
P: Blessed be the name of the Lord. I pray for peace in Ukraine. I pray that Peter and Haili soften their
hearts. People have said they will never
change, and I pray tat is not the case.
I pray we all grow in spiritual maturity and discernment Amen
[1] The
Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (Pr 13). (2009).
Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Waltke, B. K. (2004). The Book of Proverbs, Chapters 1–15 (p. 551).
Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.
[3]
Waltke, B. K. (2004). The Book of Proverbs, Chapters 1–15 (p. 550).
Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.
[4] Brown,
F., Driver, S. R., & Briggs, C. A. (1977). In Enhanced Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon
(p. 329). Clarendon Press.
5/12/22
7 “Lord
my God, you have now made Your servant king in my father David’s place. Yet I am just a youth with no experience in
leadership. h 8 Your
servant is among Your people You have chosen, a people too numerous to be
numbered or counted. 9 So
give Your servant an obedient heart to judge Your people and to discern between
good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”
10 Now it pleased the Lord that Solomon had
requested this.[1]
O: God was pleased
with Solomon. He asks for wisdom rather
than power or wisdom. Solomon realizes
he lacks experience and is awed by the great responsibility of leading a nation
chosen by God. He has the insight to
know he lacked the experience to handle task at hand. He is humbled knowing his nation was lead by
great me such a Moses, Aaron, and his father David he feels he does not measure
up to meet the challenges. He has the
makings of a great leader demonstrating the insight to know his shortcomings.
A: Know
yourself. That is an axiom we should
live by. Develop an honest opinion of
motives, what drives you and what your intentions are. It is surprising how many Christians lack the
insight to discern their motives. That
is why the psalmist wrote search my heart {Psalm 139:23) and Jeremiah (Jeremiah
17:10). It is important to know what is
in your heart because Jesus warned what is inside will come out. He obedient,
act like a servant and humble yourself before the Lord.
P: Praise be to God.
I pray for peace in Ukraine. Lord,
Your glory shines. Help us Lord to mirror
that glory. Humble us and give insight
and wisdom. Help us grow in maturity and
discernment of what is in our heart and help us understand what is found when
You search our heart. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(1 Ki 3:7–10). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
5/11/22
Be strong
and be courageous like a man, 3 and
keep your obligation to the Lord your
God to walk in His ways and to keep His statutes, commands, ordinances, and
decrees. This is written in the law of Moses, so that you will have success in
everything you do and wherever you turn,
4 and so that the Lord
will carry out His promise that He made to me: ‘If your sons are careful to
walk faithfully before Me with their whole mind and heart, you will never fail to have a man on the
throne of Israel.’ [1]
O: David’s
encouragement to his son Solomon before he dies. He is tell his son the only way to be strong
and be “a man” is to emphatically observes the statues, commands, ordinances,
and decrees. He must walk in the ways of
God. To put it another way he must
observe God’s covenant. David employs a cognate accusative that could be
rendered “keep the keepings,” a play on words that emphasizes the seriousness
of the obligations of the king before the Lord.[2] Than
the Lord will fulfil His promise. We will
see what happens to those who fail to walk in His ways as evidenced by the
behavior of the kings that follow Solomon.
A: What does
this mean for His children today? The
promise still rings true. God would
never steer you wrong and on His wisdom shines His glory. Success comes through following God. This
observing of God’s standards should grow into a lifestyle, a “walking” in the
ways of the Lord. How does one achieve this lifestyle? By adhering to the
various elements of “the Law of Moses.”[3] Keep
on keeping daily His statues to be like a man, strong and courageous. So walk faithfully with the Lord and You will
be blessed.
P: Praise
be to the Lord. I pray for peace in
Ukraine. Help us Lor to walk in Your
ways. Help us to grow strong and
courageous. Please You Lord for Your wisdom and glory. Help us to let your glory shine through our
behavior. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(1 Ki 2:2–4). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
House, P. R. (1995). 1,
2 Kings (Vol. 8). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[3]
House, P. R. (1995). 1, 2 Kings (Vol. 8, p. 96). Broadman &
Holman Publishers.
5/10/22
1 Clap your hands, all you peoples;
shout to
God with a jubilant cry.
2 For Yahweh, the Most High, is
awe-inspiring,
a great
King over all the earth.
3 He subdues peoples under us
and nations
under our feet.
4 He chooses for us our inheritance—
the pride
of Jacob, whom He loves.[1]
O: This psalm celebrates the sovereignty of the Lord over all
the earth. It is another Messianic psalm
reiterating God is enthroned and His Kingship renewed. It is asking His people to celebrate and explaining
why such jubilant attitudes are called for because we are given the gift of
worship. The psalm opens with an exhortation to all the
world to praise Yahweh, king of the universe[2]. There is a call for “All you strong ones” “Give Yahweh, O gods, give Yahweh glory and praise,”[3] as in Ps 29:1. The psalm tells of using parts of the body to praise
God. Both with the hands and month. This
psalm refers to God as the High being overlord of everybody and everything. He chooses for Himself our inheritance for He
knows what is best for us, the “pride of Jocob” that is His chosen, His children.
A: Clearly His children must demonstrate
an attitude of praise. Clap your hand for the joy a relationship with the Lord
of all brings. Raise your voice to God with overwhelming joy. We are praising Him for He has given us an
inheritance because of His everlasting love.
Praise Him offer up a sacrifice of praise. Remember that clapping to Him who is over all
shows appreciation and applauds what our Lord has done.
P: Praise e to God. I pray for peace in Ukraine. Praise You Lord. You are worthy of all our praise. Help to have an attitude of praise and always
show appreciation of all You have down.
Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ps 47:1–4). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Bratcher, R. G., & Reyburn, W. D. (1991). A translator’s handbook on the book of Psalms
(p. 436). United Bible Societies.
[3]
Dahood, M., S. J. (2008). Psalms I: 1-50: Introduction, translation, and notes
(Vol. 16, p. 284). Yale University Press.
5/9/22
12 Do not give me over to the will of my
foes,
for false
witnesses rise up against me,
breathing violence. 13 I
am certain that I will see the Lord’s
goodness
in the land
of the living.
14 Wait for the Lord;
be strong
and courageous.
Wait for
the Lord.[1]
O: This is a reminder
of the Lord’s salvation. The point is
God will rescue His people from those making of false and defamatory statements
in order to damage their reputation. In Ps 35:15–16, the slanderers of the psalmist are compared to
ravening wolves.[2] Here David likens those
bearing false witness as a monster with the month of a maw seeking to swallow his
victims. The falsely accused finds
solace in the thought of eternal happiness in Yahweh’s presence, so here the child
of God is sustained by the conviction that His will be the beatific vision in
the land of life.[3] His people will see the
goodness of God. All that is needed is patience. His people will see the goodness of God. All that is needed is patience. Wait on the Lord. Build up strength in knowledge of Him and be
fearless knowing the Lord will be there because He is never early nor He late.
A:
It is so important to put one’s trust in God when adversity hits. When others in the church become adversaries participating
in character assignation with lies stating they are being harassed and threatening
by one who is only speaking the truth regarding their behavior know to wait on
the Lord. However, I was the one being
abused by lies, gossip and dragging me into court infringing on my rights. Because
of the stature and influence of certain Christian leaders (Peter), many have
been tempted to downplay the severity of their offenses, emphasize forgiveness
from victims and witnesses, and quell controversy. In order for the abused to
experience healing, abusers need to experience justice. Therefore, wait on the Lord for you will see
God’s goodness.
P: Praise be to God. I pray for peace in Ukraine. Help us please Lord to be patient when we deal with adversity. Help us to make a conscience decision to be strong and courageous. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ps 27:12–14). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Dahood, M., S. J. (2008). Psalms I: 1-50: Introduction, translation, and notes
(Vol. 16, p. 41). Yale University Press.
[3]
Dahood, M., S. J. (2008). Psalms I: 1-50: Introduction, translation, and notes
(Vol. 16, p. 170). Yale University Press.
5/8/22
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all who
follow His instructions have good insight.
His praise
endures forever. [1]
O: The basis of
knowledge is respect for the Lord.
Honoring the Lord tops the way to wisdom. To all who has knowledge they know to obey
the Lord in all His prescripts. That is
following the commands of God. This is a
sign of deep respect for the Lord when listening, observing, and practicing
obedience to what He says must be done.
There is honor and brings glory to God when the walk is in line with the
principles set down by Him. Adapting the
principles of God develops discernment for His insruction creates a character praising
Him forever
A: Walking in the way
of the Lord develops wisdom. understanding, knowledge, insight, discernment.
The root of wisdom is the fear of God.
The word translated fear is difficult to relay the full meaning in English. It means how one treats a King. A King if one shows disrespect will bring
swift judgement. If one ignores His
commands the consequences can be very severe.
However, when one listens and follows the Kings direction brings honor
and respect to Him. Hollowing the wise
King and obeying His commands develops character that brings praises to the Lord. The character that obeys the Lord’s precepts
grow insights and discernment. Those that
lie, slander and gospel do not have wisdom and insight.
P: Praise be to God
for His word. I pray for peace in Ukraine. Help us Lord to honor You. To live by Your
word. Help us to walk in the ways of the
Lord. Please help those that strayed in
lies and slander come back to You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ps 111:10). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
5/7/22
5/6/22
6 Now I know that the Lord gives victory to His anointed;
He will
answer him from His holy heaven
with mighty
victories from His right hand.
7 Some take pride in chariots, and others
in horses,
but we take
pride in the name of Yahweh our God.
8 They collapse and fall,
but we rise
and stand firm.
9 Lord, give victory to the king!
May He
answer us on the day that we call.[1]
O: The title for this psalm could be; a prayer for victory
from enemies. David assumes he has the
been chosen and has the approval of the Lord.
In verse 6 he says, “now I know” which means it has been confirmed. With confidence David knows Gd will answer
his prayers and victory is assured. It
is reminiscent of Ps 18:36 with His right hand He supplies all the weapons
needed for victory. There is no need to
rely on one’s own devices. Other than
worldly devices rely on the Lord. Take
pride or rely on God for those who take pride on things of the world they feel
will bring victory will fail and collapse in humiliation. Boast is often expressed
idiomatically as “to make oneself chief” or “to speak with a swollen heart.”
Line a would then be rendered “some people speak with swollen hearts about
their war carts” or “some people act like chiefs when they talk about.…”[2]Those
who rely on the Lord will be lifted up.
Pray always expecting an answer for in Him is victory.
A: Have confidence in
your prayer to God. Rely on Him and His
right hand will prevail. Don’t rely on
the world’s devices such as court or one’s position of power. You will fail. It is imperative we call on the name of Lord. Know that with God we will rise and stand
firm.
P: Praise be the
Lord. I pray for peace in Ukraine. Lord
You are Good. You Love endures
forever. Praise be to You. Help us remember all that You have done and
please help our confidence in Help. Help us rest our hope in You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ps 20:6–9). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Bratcher, R. G., & Reyburn, W. D. (1991). A translator’s handbook on the book of Psalms
(p. 202). United Bible Societies.
5/5/22
23 Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and
know my concerns.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me;
lead me in
the everlasting way.[1]
O: A prayer petitioning
God to go deep. The heart means the
persons innermost being. David is going to God and pleading with Him to try to
find any wicked issues. This is more than a
request; it is a way of claiming innocence of any wrong. The psalmist is
confident that Yahweh will find nothing in him that deserves punishment.[2] David is asking God to search his thoughts
and know his concerns. He is saying look
and see that I am not walking an evil path. It seems best to understand the
word to mean a sin, or fault, that is harmful to the psalmist.[3] All this points to the way that guides to God
A: I like how Nick Vujicic described this text. He said we should look at it as GPS, God’s
positioning system for this text can direct you to the place you need to be. There is no way you can avoid tests. There are tests you face every day. Blood
tests, HTN tests, drivers test, battery tests, COVID tests, etc., etc. It only makes sense that you would be tested
by God. One can only hope that in your
thoughts do not have anything offensive to God. Ask for God’s leading to be
closer to Him.
P: Praise be to God.
I pray for peace in Ukraine. Lord,
I pray You do not find anything offensive in my thoughts. Help us to follow after You and be receptive
to Your direction. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ps 139:23–24). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Bratcher, R. G., & Reyburn, W. D. (1991). A translator’s handbook on the book of Psalms
(p. 1132). United Bible Societies.
[3]
Bratcher, R. G., & Reyburn, W. D. (1991). A translator’s handbook on the book of Psalms
(p. 1133). United Bible Societies.
5/4/22
1 How good and pleasant it is
when
brothers live together in harmony!
2 It is like fine oil on the head,
running
down on the beard,
running
down Aaron’s beard
onto his
robes.
3 It is like the dew of Hermon
falling on
the mountains of Zion.
For there
the Lord has appointed the
blessing—
life
forevermore.[1]
O: Here we have a wisdom Psalm that praises fellowship and
harmony. Many commentors are not sure what
specific harmony is implied, however, it is not hard to imagine it means when
His children get along fellowship becomes a strength and grows even stronger as
the harmony improves and grows. Verse
one could be translated when God’s people worship together in one accord it
would be like the anointing of the high priest.
Special oil would be used during solemn and joyful occasions and as one
commentor proposes,
it suggests “the pervasive influence of good will.”[2] Unity brings blessings from heaven as dew
falls on Mount Zion. The blessings of
God will remain forever. Where harmony
among God’s people is blessings and the promises of God remain.
A: Unity
and harmony is hallmark of the Christian walk.
Getting along and working out differences is necessary to strengthens
the body of Christ. How good and
pleasant it would be when opposing parties can sit down and talk. When a member refuses to talk and drags one
into court refusing to meditate and attempted to silence him creates doubt whether
this member is part of the body at all. Harmony
and unity is necessary to grow the body and let the blessing of God rain down anointing
the members and showering them with blessings.
P: Praise
be to God. I pray for peace in Ukraine.
I pray for unity and harmony among the body. Help us to swallow our pride and make every
attempt to mediate. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ps 133:1–3). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Bratcher, R. G., & Reyburn, W. D. (1991). A translator’s handbook on the book of Psalms
(p. 1097). United Bible Societies.
5/3/22
Delight in God’s Word
א Alef
1 How happy are those whose way is
blameless,
who live
according to the Lord’s
instruction!
2 Happy are those who keep His decrees
and seek
Him with all their heart.
3 They do nothing wrong;
they follow
His ways.
4 You have commanded that Your precepts
be
diligently kept.
5 If only my ways were committed
to keeping
Your statutes! [1]
O: The
heading for this psalm could be “This song is about the Law of the Lord”[2]. Throughout the psalm there are descriptions of
God’s law. The main theme running
through this long psalm is joy. In the
psalm there are eight words synonymous with God’s word used in this psalm. The are law; testimony; ordinance (or,
judgment); commandment; statutes; precepts; word; word (or, promise). [3] Joyful are those with integrity, who seek the
Lord and follow Him, who walk diligently keeping God’s precepts. Whose heart is with the Lord. “How fortunate
are people when no one puts their tongues against them.”[4] Joy comes when we ‘keep His decrees’ His word
must be obeyed it, follow it, and practice it.
Those who are happy listen to His guidance. Then David cries that he has not done
that. Who has followed His commands perfectly? The main thing is to admit, repent, and seek
the Lord, making every attempt to walk according to His instruction.
A: It takes commitment to walk in God’s ordinances. That must be an effort, actively seeking His
heart. Making every attempt to do what
is right and walk in integrity. Sure, we make mistakes but admitting the wrongs
is the path to blamelessness. Make His precepts
your life. Change your outlook to joy and delight in God’s word.
P: Bless You Lord. I pray for peace in Ukraine. He us Lord to follow Your decrees. Help us Lord to trust and obey. Help us to increase our desire to walk with
You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ps 119:1–5). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Bratcher, R. G., & Reyburn, W. D. (1991). A translator’s handbook on the book of Psalms
(p. 997). United Bible Societies.
[3]
Bratcher, R. G., & Reyburn, W. D. (1991). A translator’s handbook on the book of Psalms
(p. 996). United Bible Societies.
[4]
Bratcher, R. G., & Reyburn, W. D. (1991). A translator’s handbook on the book of Psalms
(p. 998). United Bible Societies.
5/2/22
1 My soul, praise Yahweh,
and all
that is within me, praise His holy name.
2 My soul, praise the Lord,
and do not
forget all His benefits. 3 He forgives all your sin;
He heals
all your diseases.
4 He redeems your life from the Pit;
He crowns
you with faithful love and compassion.
5 He satisfies you with goodness;
your youth
is renewed like the eagle.[1]
O: Praise the Lord O my soul. Why praise the Lord? Think about it. Didn’t your parents tell you to say thank-you
for anyone who has given you a gift? David
is only singing praises for what God has done for Him. This is an exhortation to sing praises to God
for all the good God has done. This
could be titled God’s love for God loves His people. The psalm is a good model to follow to give
thanks to God. David gives a list of
Yahweh’s acts of kindness toward him: forgiveness, healing, protection from
death, and spiritual and material blessings.[2] Of course this is not an exhaustive list for
God is not limited to what He wants to do for those He love. His ‘blessing’ in v.4 s translated ‘crown’ because
it is a gift God gives us. Remember the
eagle is a symbol of strength. The Lord
will bring satisfaction in the lives of those he loves.
A: raise the Lord O my soul. All that is in me praise Him. We are exhorted to praise Him. Why?
The Lord inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3). He forgives,
heals, redeems, and blesses those He loves.
Those He loves seek Him, follow His commandments and trust in Him. Those who follow Him have their lives changed
and good fruit develop. Turn to Him from
the world and you will be blessed.
P: Praise
be to God. I pray for peace in Ukraine. Help us praise You Lord at all times. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ps 103:1–5). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Bratcher, R. G., & Reyburn, W. D. (1991). A translator’s handbook on the book of Psalms
(p. 871). United Bible Societies.
5/1/22
4 Shout to the Lord, all the earth;
be
jubilant, shout for joy, and sing.
5 Sing to the Lord with the lyre,
with the
lyre and melodious song.
6 With trumpets and the blast of the ram’s
horn
shout
triumphantly
in the
presence of the Lord, our King. [1]
O: Many times, in Psalms the phrase shout to the Lord. Many
songs have been written which are still sung today. The Lord loves an attitude of
cheerfulness. People disagree but one’s
relationship with God has to do with attitude.
The
expression all the earth must often
be rendered as “all people everywhere” or “all people living on the earth.”[2]
. All people everywhere are to break
forth in song, shout for joy, and sing praise without exception. The word for trumpet is found only here in
psalms but the shop̅ar is often used sense metals were expensive. However, using the lyre and trumpets were
very pleasing to here and this psalm is sung down through the ages because the King
is present and looms large in the lives of those with the appropriate attitude.
A: So, therefore, break forth with jubilance the
joy inside you who follow the Lord. How
can anyone hold back their joy in the presence of the All Mighty. His salvation brings a new attitude, new
life, and new outlook on that life. How
can anyone not song when they learn what the Lord has done to them. He makes all things new. Why would anyone not sing praises for
becoming a new creation? Develop an
attitude of gratitude and let the praises ring out.
P: Praise be to God. I pray for peace in Ukraine. Helps Lord to understand how You have changed
us and put a song of praise on our lips and in our hearts. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ps 98:4–6). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Bratcher, R. G., & Reyburn, W. D. (1991). A translator’s handbook on the book of Psalms
(p. 846). United Bible Societies.
4/30/22
20 We wait for Yahweh;
He is our
help and shield.
21 For our hearts rejoice in Him
because we
trust in His holy name.
22 May Your faithful love rest on us,
Yahweh,
for we put
our hope in You.[1]
O: Here is a song to our Creator. This text is the
conclusion where the whole congregation expresses its faith in Yahweh (verses 20–21) and
prays for his continued blessing (verse 22).[2] They are singing of their patience, waiting
on God because He is the protection as a shield helps protect the warrior. God as a shield is mentioned in the bible
many times (Gn 15:1; Dt 33:29; Ps 3:3; 5:12; 18:2; 28:7; 115:9–11[3]). His only name represents the power and character
of God and for that reason we trust and wait on God. His promises, steadfast faithfulness yet we
still pray to God that He maintains His relationship with us.
A: Sing to the Lord a new song is repeated in Psalms
several times and in Isaiah, also in Revelation. His children are to be different from those
in the world. We have much to be thankful for being set apart and protected by
God. Rejoice always (1 Thessalonians
5:16). All that required for a
relationship in Him is trust. We hope in
God with an expectation God will fulfil His promise. That is way we wait on Him.
P: Praise be to God. I pray for peace in Ukraine. Help us Lord to be patient for You because “You got this”. Help us to put our hope in You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ps 33:20–22). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Bratcher, R. G., & Reyburn, W. D. (1991). A translator’s handbook on the book of Psalms
(p. 310). United Bible Societies.
[3] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
4/29/22
1 I will thank Yahweh with all my heart;
I will
declare all Your wonderful works.
2 I will rejoice and boast about You;
I will sing
about Your name, Most High.
3 When my enemies retreat,
they
stumble and perish before You.
4 For You have upheld my just cause;
You are
seated on Your throne as a righteous judge. [1]
O: Give thanks to
God. This psalm begins with thanksgiving.
Later in the passage is a song, and lament. This text gives a example of
thanking God. It is one of many examples
in the bible. The title of the psalm
could be “I will
thank God because he judges in the right way.”[2] God is our judge, the only true and righteous
God all will have to answer to. Most
High This name
for God, elyon in Hebrew, is first
used to describe Melchizedek’s role as a priest of elyon (see Gen 14:18 and note). It emphasizes God’s supremacy as
ultimate ruler and judge over the earth (Deut 32:8; Psa 47:2[3]
Foes against His people will not prevail.
They will fail and fall flat on their face before God. A just cause is His cause and will be
supported by Him from His righteous throne.
A: I will
thank God with my whole being I will thank God with my whole character, I will thank God with mt whole heart. I proclaim Your amazing efforts that always
work out. Your extraordinary acts take my
breath away and will sing about You and Your name because my enemies will not prevail. They will have failed to shut me up and they will falter. When they go before God they and perish. He
has affirmed my cause is just and upright from His throne.
P: Praise to God forever. I pray for peace in Ukraine. I give thanks
for Your righteousness. I give thanks
for what You give Your children. I pray
I give thanks always and they my enemies gain insight regarding their lies and
slander before they meet God. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ps 9:1–4). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Bratcher, R. G., & Reyburn, W. D. (1991). A translator’s handbook on the book of Psalms
(p. 84). United Bible Societies.
[3]
Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E.,
Whitehead, M. M., Grigoni, M. R., & Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (Ps 9:2). Lexham Press.
4/28/22
9 Israel, trust in the Lord!
He is their
help and shield.
10 House of Aaron, trust in the Lord!
He is their
help and shield.
11 You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord!
He is their
help and shield. [1]
O: Commentators feel there are three distinct groups
referenced here. However, I feel there
are only two groups, all the Israelites and the priests (House of Aaron) are
told to trust God and reminded that they fear the Lord, therefore trust Him for
He is the only source of help and protection.
Previously in the chapter David spoke of the dangers of idols, which
even today is the main distraction causing many not to seek God. To fear the Lord means to
reverence, obey, worship, serve him. Those
who fear the Lord are the exact opposites of the reprobate.[2] Reprobates could relate to idol worshipers.
The Lord is a shield is mentioned many times (Gn 15:1; Dt 33:29; Ps 3:3; 5:12;
18:2; 28:7; 33:20; 119:114[3])
to sight a few. God is a defender of
those who trust Him. Many of the older texts have the verb trust in the indicative
mood which indicate that trust must be present for God’s protection.
A: There, trusting in God is imperative. How does one trust in a God that cannot be touched? By coming to know Him. God can be seen in the miracle of creation and in the believer’s everyday life. Trusting God means walking in His precepts. Living a morally honest life. Soaking up His word to meditate on day and night become wholly devoted to Him. Searching one’s heart and weeding out sin. Talking to God constantly. Developing a relationship with God will help to let go og the pangs of this world and draw near to the loving and protective God Who help all those in need who put their trust in Him.
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ps 115:9–11). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Bratcher, R. G., & Reyburn, W. D. (1991). A translator’s handbook on the book of Psalms
(p. 137). United Bible Societies.
[3] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
4/27/22
Psalm 40:1-3
1 I waited patiently for the Lord,
and He
turned to me and heard my cry for help.
2 He brought me up from a desolate pit,
out of the
muddy clay,
and set my
feet on a rock,
making my
steps secure.
3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of
praise to our God.
Many will
see and fear
and put
their trust in the Lord[1]
O: Here again an
appropriate attitude is expressed, and it is said elsewhere “Those that wait
upon the Lord will renew their strength” Isaiah 40:31. The Hebrew verb wait for expresses an attitude of hope,
expectation, confidence.[2] Waiting does not mean one does not stop the petition
to God only to be confident and hopeful God will hear him. The word translated desolate (tev “dangerous”) is of uncertain meaning; in
other contexts, the Hebrew word means “tumult, roaring”.[3] Here
it is translated “desolate”. However, David was praying for deliverance from a life-or-death
situation. People around him may have
been arguing with fervent loud voice to follow the Canaanite practices. When
God delivers or help solve the problem. He will firm up one’s position and
provide a secure path. There will be thanksgiving because He has pulled those
that are His out from the grip of turmoil and death and put a new song, a hymn
of praise. Only with an attitude of trust
will God deliver from turmoil and death.
A: “Than
sings my soul”[4]
after patiently waiting with confidence, hope and expectation the Lord will
come through and deliver from the turmoil all around. Pray without ceasing (1 Th 5:16-18). God will hear. Please learn this. God will hear. Let your requests be made known (Philippians
4:6-8). By this we honor God, we worship
Him through our requests. Place your
hope in the one who can truly help, and He will give you a new song.
P: Praise be to the Lord Jesus Christ. I pray for peace in Ukraine. I pray my attitude be one of expectation knowing that You will come through. I pray my hope is in You. Please help me develop my confidence in You. Thank You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ps 40:1–3). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Bratcher, R. G., & Reyburn, W. D. (1991). A translator’s handbook on the book of Psalms
(p. 246). United Bible Societies.
[3]
Bratcher, R. G., & Reyburn, W. D. (1991). A translator’s handbook on the book of Psalms
(p. 381). United Bible Societies.
[4] Then
Sings My Soul: 150 of the World's Greatest Hymn Stories Paperback –
February 3, 2003
4/26/22
1 Lord, who can dwell in Your tent?
Who can live on Your holy mountain? 2 The one who lives
honestly, practices righteousness,
and
acknowledges the truth in his heart —
3 who does not slander with his tongue,
who does
not harm his friend,
or
discredit his neighbor,
4 who despises the one rejected by the Lord
but honors
those who fear the Lord,
who keeps
his word whatever the cost,[1]
O: This psalm answers
a question. Faced with wickedness David
is wondering what it takes to be in the presence of the Lord. Some would say we
are not saved by works and that is true. The man on the cross with Jesus was
saved by his belief that Jesus was the son of God. However, one must take the whole bible into
account to see that attitude and behavior is important. Here is listed (10 in all) the moral qualifications
of those allowed to enter the temple. These conditions are all moral and spiritual, not ritual and
ceremonial; they have to do with character and conduct.[2] The
Lord loves obedience rather than sacrifice.
Those who call upon name of the Lord must demonstrate certain
behaviors. That is to be a person of integrity
and practice righteousness with a sincere, trustworthy heart. In addition, to be in the presence of God one
must not slander, that is spread malicious gossip or speaking ill
of others.[3] One must be righteous and just with everyone
in the community. That is to treat them
justly and reject the wicked fools. neb
has “who shows his scorn for the worthless”.[4] One
must honor God with deep felt respect and reverence and keep the commandments
no matter what. A: What does God
require? A just attitude, moral
behavior, have a heart of integrity. One
that is honest, without malice and slander.
One that honors the Lord and demonstrates a deep respect for Him. With all diligence one much keep the word of
God no matter the cost. Remember we must
reject those who dishonor the Lord with wicked behavior, such as gossip and
slander. Learn what that means, not to
slander and gossip. When we address the behaviors,
the Lord requires one can begin to loosen the grip of sin, for with Christ sin
no longer binds.
P: Praise be to God. I pray for peace in Ukraine. Help us Lord to develop attitudes and
behaviors that meet Your approval. Help us
have such a deep respect for You that all we want to do is live by Your words
and walk in integrity and be Your servants Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ps 15:1–4). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Bratcher, R. G., & Reyburn, W. D. (1991). A translator’s handbook on the book of Psalms
(p. 135). United Bible Societies.
[3]
Bratcher, R. G., & Reyburn, W. D. (1991). A translator’s handbook on the book of Psalms
(p. 135). United Bible Societies.
[4]
Bratcher, R. G., & Reyburn, W. D. (1991). A translator’s handbook on the book of Psalms
(p. 136). United Bible Societies.
4/25/22
5 The Lord
protects you;
the Lord is a shelter right by your side.
6 The sun will not strike you by day
or the moon
by night.[1]
O: Most of this Psalm has been put to music. Especially the first verse. However, God promises to keep you. He will shelter you and protect you. Remember the sun has harmful qualities and
the moon can draw out the lunatic in you.
Four times the word protector is mentions in this chapter. God neither sleep nor naps. He will be on the look-out, at the ready to provide
protection whenever asked. God will be
like a shadow by your side providing security, safeguarding His people when that
humble themselves and pray. God’s
protection is like a shadow of a mighty tree providing shade from the harmful effect
of this world.
A: I had a dream last
night. I was in a building being
protected by guard dogs. I needed
protection from sin and God the head of security was providing protection. Everyday I plead to God for help in casting
out satan and his influences. I can stand
on the promises of God knowing He is listening and answering prayer. I can be rest assured God will afford His protection
in Time of need.
P: Thank You God for
who You are. Praise You God for Your
steadfast love. Help us Lord to rely on
Your protection. Amen And please God bring peace to Ukraine.
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ps 121:5–6). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
4/24/22
26 Help me, Lord
my God;
save me
according to Your faithful love
27 so they may know that this is Your hand
and that
You, Lord, have done it.
28 Though they curse, You will bless.
When they
rise up, they will be put to shame,
but Your
servant will rejoice.
29 My accusers will be clothed with
disgrace;
they will
wear their shame like a cloak.
30 I will fervently thank the Lord with my mouth;
I will
praise Him in the presence of many.
31 For He stands at the right hand of the
needy
to save him
from those who would condemn him. [1]
O: This psalm is another lament. David is having significant issues with those
accusing him without cause. The accusers
need to be mindful of the consequences of those who treat God’s children
unjustly. What will fall upon them is
outlined in the pervious verses. The
result when continuing with unjust behavior is very severe consequences. However, the plea in vv.26-27 is one of trust
in God’s continuous steadfast love, knowing od will come through with help and
put the adversaries to shame. David
knows God will come thru with help as related in vv. 28-29. What happens to those causing trouble is opposite
to what God will do for those who trust that He will help. The adversaries will be shamed, their curses
will turn on them. His persecutors will
be defeated but His servants will have cause to rejoice. Finally, in verse 30a give
great thanks means to be lavish and persistent in praising Yahweh; “I will
praise him greatly.”[2] In the presence of many who worship Him, presumably
in the temple or anywhere the faithful gather for worship. Again, he is trusting God his prayer is
answered. That God will meet the needs of His servants and make right what the unjust
attempt to tear down.
A: I need to trust God that He will deal my
adversaries. Peter and Kelcey at Haili
church. They have lied more times than I
can count. Peter claims he is only
offering his opinion. The would be fine
if his opinion was honest. However,
false accusations, slanderous statements proven to be untrue, gossip, and
cover-up of an act of arson is scandalous.
Those who do not see this behavior lack discernment and need to grow in
their spiritual maturity. Many at Haili
have participated in gossip not realizing what gossip is. In the past I have been told by Hawaiians
Haili is a dead church run by racist. It
is a reputation I have a hard time disproving. In addition, that reputation is exemplified
in Ps 109. I trust in God the consequences
of such sinful behavior has been leveled on Haili. I serve God not the commands of those at
Haili. I have been blessed and with God’s
steadfast love lack in nothing.
P: Praise
be to God. I pray for peace in Ukraine. I pray Haili grows spiritually and develop discernment. Thank You God for blessing Your
servants. Thank You for Your steadfast
love. Help me develop a stronger
relationship with You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ps 109:26–31). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Bratcher, R. G., & Reyburn, W. D. (1991). A translator’s handbook on the book of Psalms
(p. 946). United Bible Societies.
4/23/22
11 Teach me Your way, Yahweh,
and I will
live by Your truth.
Give me an
undivided mind to fear Your name.
12 I will praise You with all my heart, Lord
my God,
and will
honor Your name forever.
13 For Your faithful love for me is great,
and You
deliver my life from the depths of Sheol.[1]
O: David makes this request often in Psalms. There are a question of what David means by “way”. Some translators render “way” as “Your truth”
others as “loyalty, faithfulness”. Recalling
Ps 15 regarding who can enter the temple these conditions are all moral and spiritual, not
ritual and ceremonial; they have to do with character and conduct.[2]
David is asking for instruction on how to live with God. With unwavering
respect and honesty David is asking that his heart become single minded, that
is to be preoccupied with submissive devotion with an obsession to honor and obey
the commands of God. David will sing
praises and glorify God. God will rescue
those who walk in His ways from certain death.
A: Again,
God requires an attitude that is reminiscent of God rather than that of the
world. What are the ways of God?
Steadfast love and faithfulness. Honesty and blamelessness, a speech without
slander, does no wrong to their neighbor, and honors God with a deep
respect. These qualities are listed in
Psalm 15. I know I have not been able to
be unwavering in all the attitudes listed, however, I constantly pray that I be
taught how to remain steadfast. I have made every attempt to education others
on how we should therefore live, but many are hardhearted. Covering up a fire that could have killed a
tenet is a demonstration of dishonesty. Slandering Kahu with unproven gossip
and hearsay is behavior unbecoming a Christian.
We all need to ask God to work on our conduct and behavior and should use
the Psalms in our prayers often.
P: Praise be to God. I pray You bring peace to Ukraine. Teach us Your ways. Help to develop a deep respect for You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ps 86:11–13). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Bratcher, R. G., & Reyburn, W. D. (1991). A translator’s handbook on the book of Psalms
(p. 135). United Bible Societies.
4/22/22
29 But as for me—poor and in pain—
let Your
salvation protect me, God.
30 I will praise God’s name with song
and exalt
Him with thanksgiving.
31 That will please Yahweh more than an ox,
more than a
bull with horns and hooves.
32 The humble will see it and rejoice.
You who
seek God, take heart!
33 For the Lord
listens to the needy
and does
not despise
His own who
are prisoners.[1]
O: David was downtrodden.
Here he reminds God of his desperate plight. He is asking for salvation
from his affliction for he is suffering and in pain. Hope succeeds to prayer. David is petitioning God and God has answered.
So David burst into praise, singing and thanking God. The Lord is happier with thanksgiving than he is with the offering of
animals in sacrifice.[2]
‘Better than any victim, however perfect.’ Mere material offerings cannot
please God, who is a Spirit, in themselves, but only in so far as they are
expressions of sincere faith and love. [3] Humility helps to see God’s deliverance, therefore
be encouraged, and rejoice. The Lord
listens to the prayers of those who hearts has turned to Him. He will not spurn those in chains because of
Him.
A: Those that suffer and hurt for His name’s sake
will be saved. David turned his prayer
into praise for he was reminded of God’s presence and how God can turn things
around. Thankfulness in the mist of heartache,
praise in the mist of pain. Be
encouraged, God does not want people to be of the victim mind set but those who
take heart and show humility rejoicing in the fact God will protect.
P: Praise be to God. Lord, I pray for peace in Ukraine. Help Us Lord to be thankful in all circumstances. Help us to have an attitude of humility. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ps 69:29–33). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Bratcher, R. G., & Reyburn, W. D. (1991). A translator’s handbook on the book of Psalms
(p. 606). United Bible Societies.
[3]
Fausset, A. R. (n.d.). A Commentary, Critical, Experimental, and Practical, on the
Old and New Testaments: Job–Isaiah: Vol. III (p. 247). William
Collins, Sons, & Company, Limited.
4/21/22
22 Cast your burden on the Lord,
and He will
sustain you;
He will
never allow the righteous to be shaken.
23 God, You will bring them down
to the Pit
of destruction;
men of
bloodshed and treachery
will not
live out half their days.
But I will
trust in You.[1]
O: The title of this
Psalm is Betrayal of a Friend. If you
feel this verse is familiar your right.
Peter quoted it in 1 Peter 5:7. The background of this Psalm could be
regarding the issues David encountered with those who broke ranks from him to follow
his son Absalom. Facing slenderest, malicious,
deceitful lies David is telling himself to cast hid burden on the Lord. He is reminding himself God will sustain him
and he will never allow those who have the whole armor of God to fail. That is the godly and righteous will be
protected by God. The exhortation is to
put trust in God. Trusting God will deal with the adversaries is what David
exhorts us to do. Leaving it up to God
is the best thing that can be done.
A: Leaving our
adversaries to God’s judgement is easier said than done but if we put our whole
trust in God, we will be afforded protection from and of the worlds action. Cancel culture, lies, malicious behavior will
have no effect when encountering the full armor of God. Truth, righteousness. peace, faith,
salvation, and sword of the Spirit (Eph 6:13-17). As all solders one must train to be prepared. Later in Eph 6 Paul relates how to
train. Eph 6:18 reminds us to pray. Pray in the Spirit. Pray without ceasing. Develop your trust in God through prayer,
reading His word, and associating with others who trust in God.
P: Praise be to God. I pray for peace in Ukraine. All glory and honor is due to You Lord. Help us to practice in Your armor never taking it off. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ps 55:22–23). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
4/20/22
23 Love the Lord,
all His faithful ones.
The Lord protects the loyal,
but fully
repays the arrogant.
24 Be strong and courageous,
all you who
put your hope in the Lord.[1]
O: This is the word
of God. He implores His faithful ones to
love Him. The first commandment in Deuteronomy
and Jesus restates it in Mark (Dt 6:5. Mk 12:30). Loving God means knowing and obeying His
commandments {Jn 14:21). Saints is often rendered “you who belong to God” or “you who worship God.”
The command Love the Lord in the
Bible refers not so much to the emotion as to the willingness and desire to be
faithful to him, to obey him, and to do what he commands.[2] Calling
on the name of the name of the Lord, attending church, act as servants on committees
is not enough. It is abundantly clear throughout the Bible that this is not an
area where we are free to live by our own feelings of right and wrong. The
principles that must guide our lives every minute of every day are set out in
no uncertain terms. Perfect obedience must be our constant goal. In contrast with the protection, he gives to his people, the Lord
“pays back liberally to the one who acts proudly.”[3]
Those who love God are committed to Him, humble themselves before God and
man. For God with protect those who love
Him. He will meet their needs. On the other hand, the arrogant will
faulter. We are encouraged to be strong
and always put your hope in Him.
A: Attitude again is
most important. We get to serve God not
having to do it but wanting to do it out of love. Our motivation should be out of love for
God. A relationship that seeks what God
wants from His saints. Loyalty, commitment, a singular focus, with humility and
compassion should be our attitude to God.
Let go of the proud be arrogance will make relationships worse. Pray to God, read His word, and let it permeate
your heart and meet with other saints regularly.
P: raise be to God. I pray for peace in Ukraine. Help us improve our attitude and put You first in our lives. Help us to demonstrate our love for You and learn to love more and more. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard versionn
(Ps 31:23–24). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Bratcher, R. G., & Reyburn, W. D. (1991). A translator’s handbook on the book of Psalms
(p. 300). United Bible Societies.
[3]
Bratcher, R. G., & Reyburn, W. D. (1991). A translator’s handbook on the book of Psalms
(p. 300). United Bible Societies.
4/19/22
4 The Lord
is in His holy temple;
the Lord’s throne is in heaven.
His eyes
watch; He examines everyone.
5 The Lord
examines the righteous and the wicked.
He hates
the lover of violence.
6 He will rain burning coals and sulfur on
the wicked;
a scorching
wind will be their portion.
7 For the Lord
is righteous; He loves righteous deeds.
The upright
will see His face. [1]
O: In this Psalm David expresses his righteous confidence in
the Lord. The holy temple could refer
to God’s heavenly throne however this term is debatable. For at David’s time
the Lord dwelt with the ark of the covenant.
Now at this present day the Lord dwells in the hearts of His children
the righteous. The Lord knows the hearts of everyone. Nothing misses His gaze. Everyone will be judged
by God. God will determine who He will
loves and who He will hates. Hate is
such a harsh term but there is nothing worse the total separation from God and hot
coals will fall on the wicked head. This
generic singular phrase is plural in meaning, “all who love violence,” that is,
all who break the law, who attack and injure others.[2]
All will receive their potion. Rain of coals
and sulfur on the wicked is reminiscent of Sodom and Gomora.
Many feels God will save everyone. How
can this be when it says here only the righteous will see His face? Be like God and strive to do the right
thing. Seek His face with all diligence.
A: God’s children must have a quality
in their lives that demonstrate a character of moral excellence. The life of those who follow Jesus must have
an attribute that justified and have the connotation that the person has been
"judged" or "reckoned" as leading a life that is pleasing
to God. We must not be seeking
ways to break the law such as starting a fire and covering it up or lying and denying
libelous behavior. We must seek His
kingdom by going to God for guidance and direction and maintain a life of
prayer and supplication to Hod. Put the
word of God in your heart so as not to sin and have a light at your feet.
P: Praise be to God. I pray for Ukraine. Make away for peace. I pray we understand that character and attitude are most important to seeking Your face. Help us develop a righteous character and a servant’s attitude with all humility and integrity. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ps 11:4–7). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Bratcher, R. G., & Reyburn, W. D. (1991). A translator’s handbook on the book of Psalms
(p. 113). United Bible Societies.
4/18/22
6 He said to me, ‘Your son Solomon is the
one who is to build My house and My courts, for I have chosen him to be My son,
and I will be his father. 7 I will establish his kingdom
forever if he perseveres in keeping My commands and My ordinances as he is
today.’
8 “So now in the sight of all Israel, the assembly of the Lord, and in the hearing of our God, observe and follow all the commands of the Lord your God so that you may possess this good land and leave it as an inheritance to your descendants forever. [1]
O: This passage is about God speaking to David. Solomon was chosen
by God and God called him My son. This
phrase reminds of God speaking from heaven about Jesus saying, this is my Son
(Mt 3:17). It seems Solomon was the last
chosen king until Jesus was born. God
wants to fulfill His promise by establishing His kingdom thru those chosen with
a caveat. There must be perseverance in
following His commands and ordinances.
First king Solomon must obey than all Israel must obey for the blessings
of God remain for them and to the descendants.
Where in Chronicles lies a profound message. Where is the hope and future when the leaders
die? Hope must
not be in David, whom they see but whose strength and wisdom are limited, but
in God, whom they do not see but whose presence, power, goodness, and wisdom
are forever.[2]
A: It is
clear that God has His children in mind for His commands are not hard and He
give us a way to live and walk in His ways.
He has given us the Holy Spirit and a way to talk to Him through Jesus. He desires to fulfil His promises to help us
work out our salvation and His plan in our life. The consequences are severe of those who do
follow the commands of God. The wages of
sin is death (Rom 6:23). Choose life, a abundant
life God has to offer.
P: Praise be to God. I pray for peace in Ukraine. Help us Lord to not sin but to follow Your
commands. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(1 Ch 28:6–8). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Thompson, J. A. (1994). 1, 2 Chronicles (Vol. 9, p. 191). Broadman &
Holman Publishers.
4/17/22
3 A crucible for silver, and a smelter for
gold,
and the Lord is the tester of hearts.
4 A wicked person listens to malicious
talk;
a liar pays
attention to a destructive tongue[1]
O: Verse 3 is a metaphor regarding a forge and how the Lord
will test whether the life of the believer has been refined sufficiently to be
productive in the kingdom. The crucible is a container
that withstands high temperatures and in which metals are melted to liquid
form. The sense of The crucible is for
silver is that silver is refined or melted in the crucible and impurities
removed.[2]
Our hearts will be tested by God with adversity. Count it all Joy for adversity prefects’ maturity
and fullness, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4.
The saying can
be expressed as a simile: “The Lord wants to find out if we are good or bad,
and he tries our insides just as fire melts gold and silver to find out whether
they are true [pure] or not.”[3] The second part explains one who uses gossip
for personal gain. The wicked listen to lies
to use against others. Taking gossip
seriously is itself a form of malice practiced by those who have no respect for
the truth.[4]
Here the text points out that liars listen to liars to cause strife and tear
down others with gossip. A mischievous
tongue is a person who deceives, lies, or says things to create trouble. We
may render this line, for example, “Liars listen to each other” or “Liars pass
on lies they have heard from other liars.”[5]
A: The Lord discerns what is in everyone’s heart. What is in the heat becomes evident when
faced with adversity. Our response indicates
our character, attitude, and the extent of our commitment to God. It will demonstrate the extent and what kind
of love and care for God and others. The
behavior and attitude must be motivated by love, the most important attitude of
all. However, those with deceit in their
hearts will only listen to others of the same temperament. Such as Peter listening to Kelcey then acting
on Kelcey’s lies because Peter knew he could use the information to improve his
relationship with the Lindsey sister and solidify his relationship with the
power structure at Haili. They listened to both Peter and Kelcey lies. What does the make of the Lindsey sisters?
P: Praise be to God. I pray for peace in Ukraine. Help us Lord to forsake the attitudes and
behaviors of the world and demonstrate love.
Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Pr 17:3–4). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Reyburn, W. D., & Fry, E. M. (2000). A handbook on Proverbs (p. 367). United Bible
Societies.
[3]
Reyburn, W. D., & Fry, E. M. (2000). A handbook on Proverbs (p. 367). United Bible
Societies.
[4]
Garrett, D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol.
14, p. 158). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[5]
Reyburn, W. D., & Fry, E. M. (2000). A handbook on Proverbs (p. 368). United Bible
Societies.
4/16/22
21 Satan stood up
against Israel and incited David to count the people of Israel. 2 So
David said to Joab and the commanders of the troops, “Go and count Israel from
Beer-sheba to Dan and bring a report to me so I can know their number.” [1]
O: David here has succumbed to the temptations
of the devil. The other times the army
was counted was at the direction of the Lord.
God himself commanded the counts prior to David’s action. It is unclear why David gave into temptation. Perhaps it was selfish ambition or pride in
the desire for expansion. Perhaps the power
and influence has gone to his head, and he developed insecurities contrary to
his attitude when he was a lowly shepperd and took on Goliath with total faith
in God. Whatever the reason David has sinned,
and the consequences are severe. David
listened to Satan and not God. His
choices will affect the entire nation. However,
David redeeming quality is his genuine sorrow for his sins and his willingness
to confess them. v. 8
A: Unfortunately, this could happen to any Christian. We make mistakes, poor choices, and sin. Our choices will affect all aspects our life. The family, and job will be affected, as well
as impact church, friendships, and life as we know it. The important thing is we recognize our shortcomings
and sin that is behavior we need to change.
Insight and discernment are needed and is an important quality necessary
for the impetus of change. Remember
nothing but God remains the same and it is us who need to change. Change is a matter of sanctification and
without a change of heart in regard to sin there can be no sanctification.
P: Blessed be the Lord God almighty. I pray for peace in Ukraine. I love You Lord and pray my love for You grows. Help us Lord to grow in discernment and insight regarding what needs to change in our lives. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(1 Ch 21:1–2). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
4/16/22
15 A gentle answer turns away anger,
but a harsh
word stirs up wrath.
2 The tongue of the wise makes knowledge
attractive,
but the
mouth of fools blurts out foolishness.[1]
O:
The text again has parallel phrases heard before in previous chapters, in
effect, random repetition but with recognizable clusters of proverbs.[2] It is literary rhetoric of grammatical constructions, or concepts
that are repeated in reverse order, in the same or a modified form. Gentle versus harsh answer; calming versus
provoking anger and chiasmus: use of the tongue.[3] That
is that tongue can be used for good or bad. The ability to avert needless
quarreling and to live in harmony with others is a virtue of wisdom. Many
conflicts arise not because the issues separating the parties are so great but
because of the temperaments people bring to a confrontation.[4]
A: This has been brought to my
attention on numerous occasions. Gentleness is one of the fruit of the Spirit. Paul spoke of the behavior often. Examples
are in Gal 5:22-23, 1 Tim 3:3, Col 3:12, Titus 3:2. Also Peter in 1 Peter 3:16 encourages gentleness. As well as Christ’s admonition to take on His
yoke which means to be like Him and be like minded Mt11:29. Remember how many
times the outcome was not what was expected and develop a strategy to improve. Therefore, be mindful of one’s attitude. Gentleness comes as we humble ourselves and do to others as we
would have them do to us.
P: Bless You Lord. I pray for peace in Ukraine. Help us Lord to be humble and gentle. Do to others what we want done to us. Amen
[1] The
Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (Pr 15). (2009).
Holman Bi ble Publishers.
[2] Garrett,
D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol.
14, p. 149). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[3]
Garrett, D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol.
14, p. 150). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[4]
Garrett, D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol.
14, p. 150). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
4/15/22
14 Wisdom
builds herself a house; with her own hands Folly pulls it down. 2 Whoever
keeps to an honest course fears Yahweh, whoever deserts his paths shows
contempt for him. 3 Pride sprouts in the mouth of the fool, the lips
of the wise keep them safe. 4 No oxen, empty manger; strong bull,
much cash. 5 The truthful witness tells no lies; the false witness
lies with every breath.[1]
O: In Proverbs you may have noticed that much of
it is comparing two types of behaviors. Chapter
14 continues to contrast the righteous with the wicked, the wise with the
foolish, the faithful with the false, the perverse with the good, the poor with
the rich, and other similar pairs. [2] What is unique in this is the mention of the
Lord (v.2,26, 27) in the expression of the fear of the Lord. As mentioned throughout this blog attitude is
most important. Behavior plays a large
part in determining what type of attitude is demonstrated. Wisdom builds a
strong family and strengthens the household while folly tears a family apart
and breaks it up. Whoever walks in
uprightness with integrity, that is with honesty and truthfulness demonstrates
a deep respect for the Lord. On the
other hand, those whose behavior lacks integrity demonstrates disrespect to the
Lord. Pride is another attitude
demonstrating the antithesis of righteousness.
The proud are equated to fools. Verse
4 is a idiom which has lost its meaning but
it could be rendered as without seeking righteousness (ox) and giving it moral
purity (feed in trough) projects will not be fruitful. The point is that one must make an investment
(obtain and feed the oxen) to get a large return.[3] The last verse is straight forward. Be always
truthful and lost the deception and lies.
A: The
attitude makes the man. This can not be
stressed more. Remember whatever is in
the heart will come out of the mouth (Mt 5:18).
There needs to be a conscience decision to a line the thoughts and
attention to that of God. It is only
that several in leadership at Haili have acted as the fool by tearing apart their
family and they have caused division in the church by their contemptuous behavior. Pride is the main source of the
problems. Refusing to discuss the issues
such as the lies and gossip. The
attitude that respects God, builds each other up, and seek righteousness. Improve the relationship with God by reading
His word daily and prayer and fellowship with those likeminded.
P: Praise
be to God. I pray for Ukraine. That
peace will come to their country. Help
us Lord to develop and righteous attitude.
Help us to walk uprightly and improve our relationship with You. Amen
[1] The New Jerusalem Bible (Pr 14). (1985).
Doubleday.
[2]
Reyburn, W. D., & Fry, E. M. (2000). A handbook on Proverbs (pp. 303–304). United
Bible Societies.
[3]
Garrett, D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol.
14, p. 141). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
4/14/22
1 Lord, how my foes increase!
There are
many who attack me.
2 Many say about me,
“There is
no help for him in God.” Selah
3 But You, Lord,
are a shield around me,
my glory,
and the One who lifts up my head.
4 I cry aloud to the Lord,
and He
answers me from His holy mountain. Selah[1]
O: This is a
lament because of all the problems David has.
This psalm contains
allusions to certain events in David’s life[2]King David was being threatened by his
son. A seer was cursing David calling
him a no good for nothing King. David’s
generals told David to let them take care of the guy. David said no the Lord will decide. David
also says there is no help from God for those who cause trouble. The Lord is his assurance. David is saying,
The superior party (God) in a feudal system. The one to whom loyalty is
due. Often referred to as the “Great King” in ancient Near Eastern studies.[3]
The One who consoles, comforts, and protects.
He lifts up the head of the slumping souls who cry out and plead to God.
A: Problems abound. People gossip and lie about me. They serve me a summons on the highest of
holy days: Easter. They drag me into
court. They refuse meditation not
willing to address the problem for reasons they do not know. In my Lord He has given me a reason to
live. He has given salvation from the
problems of this world. He blesses those
who walk with Him. Not those who give
Him lip service but when the rubber hits the road lean on their own devices. Cry out to God when the problems seen insurmountable. Plead with Him. Get real; Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another,
so that you may be healed. The urgent request of a righteous person is very
powerful in its effect.[4]
P: Praise be to God. I pray God that You can intervene and stop the carnage in Ukraine. Help us Lord to cry out fervently with all that is with in you and bless His holy name. Help me to be loyal to only You and follow Your guidance. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ps 3:1–4). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Dahood, M., S. J. (2008). Psalms I: 1-50: Introduction, translation, and notes
(Vol. 16, p. 15). Yale University Press.
[3]
Vogt, P. T. (2009). Interpreting the Pentateuch: An Exegetical Handbook
(D. M. Howard Jr., Ed.; p. 213). Kregel Academic & Professional.
[4] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Jas 5:16). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
4/13/22
7 The wicked are overthrown and perish,
but the
house of the righteous will stand.
8 A man is praised for his insight,
but a
twisted mind is despised.
9 Better to be dishonored, yet have a
servant,
than to act
important but have no food.[1]
O: Proverbs are included in the wisdom
literature of the bible. When trying to
understand them be careful not to ignore the important features and try not to make all the
details mean something. [2] The parable here contrasts the stability of
the wicked and the righteous in verse 7. In verse 8 respect is gained by
wisdom. The term here implies integrity and capacity to deal with problems in
life. Verse 9, a “better saying,” asserts that even modest
prosperity is more important than status. [3]
A: Do not
be concerned with what others think of you.
Do not be concerned with your honor in this world. In the Old Testament the prophets were ridiculed.
Mocked, and killed in their attempts o have the people listen to God. The Israelites actions brought them severe
consequences. Honorable actions bring
distain from the world. When you meet
someone humble, honest, and kind, you take notice. Genuine integrity has been
defined as being honest with strong moral principles or uprightness. People
with these qualities make a statement without trying. You want to be around
them because they inspire you to be a better person yourself but those who act
the opposite will make every attempt to shut you down[4]. Find wisdom in God. Seek His kingdom and righteousness and you
will be blessed. Seek only the face of
God and let go of the things of this world.
P: Praise be to God for He is good, and His glory fills the temple. Help us Lord to live a life of integrity. Help us to bring honor to us. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Pr 12:7–9). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Vine, W. E., Unger, M. F., & White, W., Jr. (1996). In Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New
Testament Words (Vol. 2, p. 457). T. Nelson.
[3]
Garrett, D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol.
14, p. 131). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
4/11/22
10 The following were the chiefs of David’s warriors who, together with
all Israel, strongly supported him in his reign to make him king according to
the Lord’s word about Israel.[1]
O: The mighty
men of God. Much has been written about
these men and why they were mighty. David’s entourage as a magnificent, special
elite force of fearless warriors. They were extraordinarily strong, courageous,
unflinchingly brave, and completely committed to David. They were thirty-seven
of the most fierce and dedicated warriors that ever lived.[2] Of the group there were
three that stood out of chiefs. Their
exploits were greater than the others and distinguished themselves as chiefs of
the others. The acts of bravery in the
face of overwhelming odds set them apart from the others. The mighty men support David to make him King
over all of Israel and in so doing acted out the word of God.
A:
Christians need to be courageous for the Lord our King. To be a mighty warrior
unflinching in the face of fear, standing boldly, facing down the world is the. In the Old Testament the people of God were
constantly battling their enemies. It
was a constant struggle for peace. Things
are not that much different today. The
forces of the powers and principalities of this world continue to battle the
children of God. The world is in the
church and needs to be rooted out.
However, remember that the battle belongs to the Lord. Give Him the glory and you too may become a
mighty warrior for God.
P: Praise be to You God. Help us to be might in Your name and glorify
You in all we do. Help us Lord to bring
glory to You. Please Help Ukraine. Amen
[1] The
Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (1 Ch 11:10). (2009).
Holman Bible Publishers.
4/10/22
14 Save me from the guilt of bloodshed, God,
the God of
my salvation,
and my
tongue will sing of Your righteousness.
15 Lord, open my lips,
and my
mouth will declare Your praise.
16 You do not want a sacrifice, or I would
give it;
You are not
pleased with a burnt offering.
17 The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken
spirit.
God, You
will not despise a broken and humbled heart.[1]
O: David has fall victim to his own lust
becoming both an adulterer and murderer.
Here is a warning to all of us for even the man after God’s heart fell
hard how easy it is for us to backslide.
It is a reminder that there are both internal and external forces bent
on our destruction. We all need deliverance by God, in particular His activity
on behalf of His people. Thus, the word sometimes means “saving deed,”
“salvation.”[2]
There is confusion regard whether “bloodshed” refers to the writer or murder of
someone else. However, lets look at the
big picture with is the literal translation which means “from deadly sin” TOB. The psalmist declares he is vindicated by God
and sings praises to God. Here again is
the refrain regarding the need for sacrifice and burnt offering which God does
not want. What he desires is laid out
plainly. In 14b my tongue is used as a part for the whole person. In 15a, b lips and mouth again are used as images representing the whole person.[3] God is not saying to stop the sacrifices but only
to change the attitude to one of humility and brokenness for we all “fall short”. God wants a
broken spirit … a broken and contrite heart, that is, expressions of
repentance and humility before the Almighty. [4]
A: There are many in this world who feel they
will be saved no matter what they do. They are called universalist. If you take that logic to the extreme even
the demons will be saved. No where in
the bible does it say God will pull people out of hell and redeem them. Everywhere in the bible depends on attitude
consistent with the most important commandment.
Love the Lord with everything you got.
When one gossips, lies, slanders, commits arson there is no
demonstration of love. Repentance and
humility is what is needed not what David did, try to cover it up.
P: Praise be to God for showing examples of what not to do. Praise You for showing what we must do. Help us Lord to demonstrate humility and repentance. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ps 51:14–17). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Bratcher, R. G., & Reyburn, W. D. (1991). A translator’s handbook on the book of Psalms
(p. 42). United Bible Societies.
[3]
Bratcher, R. G., & Reyburn, W. D. (1991). A translator’s handbook on the book of Psalms
(p. 475). United Bible Societies.
[4]
Bratcher, R. G., & Reyburn, W. D. (1991). A translator’s handbook on the book of Psalms
(p. 476). United Bible Societies.
4/9/22
18 Then King David went in, sat in the Lord’s presence, and said,
Who am I, Lord God, and
what is my house that You have brought me this far? 19 What You
have done so far was a little thing to You, Lord God, for You have also spoken about Your servant’s house in
the distant future. And this is a revelation for mankind, Lord God. 20 What more can
David say to You? You know Your servant, Lord God.
21 Because of Your word and according to Your will, You have
revealed all these great things to Your servant. [1]
O: A prayer
to God. It is one of the longest
monologs David gives. The longest one is
in the appendix (22:2–51). It is only fitting
that a prayer of David’s be presented at length (198 words) for he sought the
heart of God. David’s response to the
Lord’s magnificent declarations was awestruck humility, solemnity, and bold
faith. [2] The prayer is an example of how we should all
turn to God and a model prayer for us who don’t deserve God’s blessings. Like
David, all believers are implicitly encouraged to be humbled, pensive, and
emboldened by the perception of God’s incredible goodness expressed within
their lives.[3] One interesting note is the phrase Lord God
or Lord Yahweh. The phrase was first
used by Abram and is used eight times here by David seems a deliberate appeal
to God’s covenant. Coming out of Abram’s
experience with God was the promise of land for Israel; out of David’s
experience came the promise of a leader for Israel within that land.[4] David praises God because God’s blessings
will never end which is a promise by God.
A: Prayer is so helpful in a believer’s life. It
is appropriate due to what God has done for us.
This world will pass away but His blessings has been promised to His
children forever. Approaching Him
requires an appropriate attitude. An
attitude that is humble, somber, realizing the gravity of God’s work in His children’s
life., and daring faith. Practice prayer to improve the habit.
P: Praise be to God. Help us approach You appropriately. Help us maintain the practice with the
appropriate attitude. Thanks You God.
Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(2 Sa 7:18–21). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Bergen, R. D. (1996). 1, 2 Samuel (Vol. 7, p. 342). Broadman &
Holman Publishers.
[3]
Bergen, R. D. (1996). 1, 2 Samuel (Vol. 7, p. 342). Broadman &
Holman Publishers.
[4]
Bergen, R. D. (1996). 1, 2 Samuel (Vol. 7, p. 343). Broadman &
Holman Publishers.
4/8/22
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;
His
faithful love endures forever.
2 Let the redeemed of the Lord proclaim
that He has
redeemed them from the hand of the foe[1]
O: This Psalm has been sung by many. It is a reminder to give thanks that our God
is good. It seems this psalm was song sung
by pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem for a festival. They sing from the desert, from those held
captive, from those who have been sick and from those coming from across the
sea (vv.4-32). The groups allude to
everyone going up to worship to give God thanks and praise Him for His goodness
and everlasting love. One heading that fits the interpretation is: “In Praise of God’s Goodness.” Other headings are: “God, a refuge in
all dangers”; “The Lord’s constant love”; “Divine providence.” The tev heading may be adapted for use in
some languages by recasting it to say, for example, “Let us thank God because
he is good” or “God is good; so let us thank him.”[2] The psalmist encourages all the redeemed to
praise Him for what He has done for you. redemption, i.e., the act. of
releasing or setting free (Isa 63:4+); 2. LN 67.142–67.162
unit: שָׁנָה גְּאוּלִים (šā·nā(h) geʾû·lîm)
time of the “goel” blood revenge, i.e., a period of time that implies
restoration to a previous state (Isa 63:4+)[3]. Those who are saved are encouraged to give thanks
to Him who saved because of His enduring love for you.
A: As the
hymn goes, Give thanks with a grateful heart.
Give thanks to the Holy One. Give thanks for because He has given Jesus
Christ His son. God has given the
redeemed more than they ever asked.
Blessings beyond measure. A life
without worries. An assurance of life everlasting. His love never changes. His faithfulness enduring. God listens, protects, shelters, and meets
the needs of His own. What does Paul
say; Give tanks in all circumstances for this is the will of God (1Th
5:18). Develop an attitude of gratitude
not for the benefit of blessings but for the benefit of God who saved you.
P: Thank
You God for providing a way to be saved. Help us to develop an attitude of
gratitude. Please help us recall what we
are grateful for and continuously give thanks.
Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (Ps 107:1–2). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Bratcher, R. G., & Reyburn, W. D. (1991). A translator’s
handbook on the book of Psalms (p. 920). United Bible Societies.
[3]
Swanson, J. (1997). In Dictionary of
Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains : Hebrew (Old Testament)
(electronic ed.). Logos Research Systems, Inc.
4/7/22
24 Now, my sons, listen to me,
and pay
attention to the words of my mouth.
25 Don’t let your heart turn aside to her
ways;
don’t stray
onto her paths.
26 For she has brought many down to death;
her victims
are countless.
27 Her house is the road to Sheol,
descending
to the chambers of death.[1]
O: Who is she that we should not stray to her
ways, her paths? Notice her paths are
many, her ways are numerous. This text
marks the closing of this passage by address the listens with “now” as if to
say finally. Listening is a very important
skill that requires effort for paying attention is a deliberate action
involving time and practice. There is a
general warning here which refers to lose women. However, this also could refer to the influence
of the world and how there can be many paths to follow but all are the wrong
way. The victims of this world are
countless and the ways of the world leads to death. The Lord has said there is only one way, and
that way is Him. Pay attention to God
and do not go astray.
A: Focus your attention on God. Discipline your mind and listen to what God
has to say. Pray to Him, read His word, ask
for understanding. If you turn from the
world and seek Him He will answer in various and sundry ways. However, we must develop a relationship with
Him. Ask Him into your heart, seek
forgiveness of all the wrongs you played to, but trust Him to forgive you and
set you on the right path.
P: Praise be to God. You are worthy of all our praise. Bless You God. Help us to pay attention to You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Pr 7:24–27). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
4/6/22
Sometime later, David inquired of the Lord:
“Should I go to one of the towns of Judah?”
The Lord
answered him, “Go.”
Then David asked, “Where should I go?”
“To Hebron,” the Lord replied.[1]
O: The is one
of the high points in the writing of David’s exploits and a thematic center of
the former prophets. More is written
about David in these books than any other person. Rightly so when one is called a “man after
God’s own heart”. The book follows David’s life and records his ups and
down.
At the same time, the life of David is
transformed by the writer into a metaphor for the nation of Israel. His
conquest of the land; a period of rich blessing, desolation, and exile caused
by sin; and return to the land following a time spent east of the Promised Land
all make the portrayal of this period of his life a tableau depicting the
Lord’s blessings, judgments, and restorative mercy.[2]
However,
after a period of mourning Saul’s death, David seeks the Lord’s direction, and
he listens to God’s response. When faced
with a challenging David has always turned to the Lord for direction.
A: Not sure what to do. Not sure where to
turn. Seek the Lord. Seek the heart of God. Turn to Him and listen. Press into God until something happens. I love that quote because it when I press in
with ceasing God is merciful and answers me.
I can not tell You how often God has responded to my petitions. As far back as my pre-adolescent days God has
answered my prayers. So, when faced with
confusion, uncertainty, and indecision pray to God and expect answers. Listen to God.
P: Praise be to God. I lift You up and seek Your will. Help me glorify You and always seek Your face.
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(2 Sa 2:1). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Bergen, R. D. (1996). 1, 2 Samuel (Vol. 7, pp. 294–296). Broadman
& Holman Publishers.
4/5/22
13 Saul died for his unfaithfulness to the Lord because he did not keep the Lord’s word. He even
consulted a medium for guidance, 14 but he did not inquire of
the Lord. So, the Lord put him to death and turned the
kingdom over to David, son of Jesse.[1]
O: This is an assessment of Saul’s reign and why
he failed as King. He did not listen to
the word of God and consulted with a medium which was expressly forbidden (Deut
18:9–14; cf. 1 Sam 15:23)[2]. Saul died because he was unfaithful to
Yahweh.[3] Unfaithfulness is a common motif in the book
of Chronicles. It is very unfortunate
that the Kings turned their back on God and felt they were able to anything they
see as fit. Due to that prideful
attitude the Israelites were always facing calamity. Even up to the point of captivity because of
their attitude.
Saul should have taken his problems to the Lord,
but he did not “inquire” (šāʾal) of
the Lord. It meant for him not merely seeking information but a deep dependence
on God born out of a trustful attitude of personal faith and loyalty. Failure
to inquire of the Lord on this occasion was a further indication of Saul’s
whole attitude. Godly leadership is characterized by complete obedience to the
Lord and by seeking guidance from him in faith. Saul failed on both counts.[4]
A: Attitude is all important if one wants to
walk with the Lord. Pridefully living a
life by acting out with what seems fit in one own eyes is a recipe for disaster. Committing willful acts of sin such as
gossip, lying and slander is demonstrating the same attitude Saul had when he
sought out a medium. What is needed is
an attitude seeking not the favor of this world but one of “deep dependence on
God”. What is needed is an ear bent to
God with trust, faith, and loyalty seeking guidance and understanding of His will
in our life. This attitude is developed
through strong Christian habits of prayer, daily study of His word and
associating with other Christians in fellowship as well as worship and
adoration of the God who saves.
P: Praise be to God. Thank You for Your salvation. Thank You for the peace You give that surpasses
all understanding. Help us Lord to
develop an attitude that pleases You.
Help us develop a “deep devotion” to You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(1 Ch 10:13–14). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Thompson, J. A. (1994). 1, 2 Chronicles (Vol. 9, p. 112). Broadman
& Holman Publishers.
[3]
Thompson, J. A. (1994). 1, 2 Chronicles (Vol. 9, p. 112). Broadman
& Holman Publishers.
[4]
Thompson, J. A. (1994). 1, 2 Chronicles (Vol. 9, p. 112). Broadman
& Holman Publishers.
4/4/22
Your heart
must hold on to my words.
Keep my
commands and live.
5 Get wisdom, get understanding;
don’t
forget or turn away from the words of my mouth.
6 Don’t abandon wisdom, and she will watch
over you;
love her,
and she will guard you.
7 Wisdom is supreme—so get wisdom.
And
whatever else you get, get understanding.[1]
O: Those who follow the Lord must pay attention
to His wisdom. The heart here refers to one’s
mind or intellect. Always follow His
instructions. Keep His word foremost in one’s mind. There is life in His words. There is wisdom and understanding. Stand firm and don’t forget or turn
away. Abandoning wisdom will cause the
benefits to disappear. To acquire wisdom, make an effort to learn what it is; be ready to
give whatever you possess to become intelligent.[2] Work on developing insight and understanding.
A: We are all in need of wisdom, understanding,
and insight. This requires work. By reading His word, diving into it daily,
constantly pondering His meaning through devotional meditation and prayer we
can develop an understanding of the application of His commands. Then as we develop the insight and
understanding we will live. The promises
from God regarding His words are deep and wide. We will live an abundant life
blessed by God when His word is in our heart.
P: Praise God for Your instruction and
commands. Help us to apply the word of
God. To live out Your commandments and
keep them in our hearts. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Pr 4:4–7). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Reyburn, W. D., & Fry, E. M. (2000). A handbook on Proverbs (p. 101). United Bible
Societies.
4/3/22
3 My lips will glorify You
because
Your faithful love is better than life.
4 So I will praise You as long as I live;
at Your
name, I will lift up my hands.
5 You satisfy me as with rich food;
my mouth
will praise You with joyful lips.
9 But those who seek to destroy my life
will go
into the depths of the earth.
10 They will be given over to the power of
the sword;
they will
become the jackals’ prey.
11 But the king will rejoice in God;
all who
swear by Him will boast,
for the
mouths of liars will be shut. [1]
O: A Psalm
written while David was on the run from Saul who has sought to kill him. It is a prayer of one who is consumed by
wanting a closer relationship with God. His
preoccupation with his enemies is marginal compared to his intense desire for
God. The Psalms were songs of long ago
of which the miter and tune have been lost.
Today many have been written out to modern music for they are a beautiful
form of worship. The psalms should be
read out aloud for the intent of these verses are worship. Here is various heading
of the Psalm: “Longing for God.”
Other headings are “A thirst for God”; “Faith and fellowship”; “God has been my
help.” If the translator follows the suggestion of the tev title, it will be necessary in some languages to express
the idea of longing idiomatically; for example, “The psalmist’s heart desires
God” or “The psalmist’s insides are open for God.”[2] Verse 3 is an example of text put to song, “Your
love is better than life”. The song goes
on to say, “I know it well” which fits in well with the enthusiasm, happiness,
and feelings of gratefulness regarding God’s steadfast love. God satisfies, meets our needs, and deserves
our praises. Those who seek to destroy
God’s chosen, face a fate worse than death.
The consequences will be total separation from God.
A: Check your attitude. What is your fervent desire? What motivates you? Why are you praising God? If the answer is other than to glorify Him
than we must rethink our reasons for worship.
It is not what God can do for us but what we can do for Him. He has given us everything there we must
praise Him to help our heart grow closer and align with Him. Do not seek to destroy life but to build up and
edify others. Selfish self-serving motives
will only have one windup in the pits of darkness totally separated from God.
P: Praise
be to You God. Thank you for the
beautiful words You have given us.
Praise You for Your wisdom and truth.
Help me Lord seek You with fervent desire and glorify You in all I
do. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ps 63:3–11). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Bratcher, R. G., & Reyburn, W. D. (1991). A translator’s handbook on the book of Psalms
(p. 547). United Bible Societies.
4/2/22
8 Taste and see that the Lord is good.
How happy
is the man who takes refuge in Him!
9 You who are His holy ones, fear Yahweh,
for those
who fear Him lack nothing.
10 Young lions lack food and go hungry,
but those
who seek the Lord
will not
lack any good thing. [1]
O: David
implores those listening to personally experience the Lord and find out He is
good. 1
Peter 2:3 uses the same language. “Taste” used in this sense is difficult
to translate. Some languages taste is
used only for food and drink. However,
the text could be rendered as “Look in order to learn” or “Listen so that you
can know.”[2]
True joy comes to those who trust in Him as a mighty fortress. God I so faithful. How many times did He rescue the Israelites
when they asked? How much more will He
protect the saints, the ones who honor, give reverence, and fear the Lord. They will be provided everything needed for
survival. Remember even the strong will
go hungry. Our salvation has nothing to
do with strength but fear. Seeking the
Lord with fear and trembling shows the proper humility and lack of pride so
that the saints will lack in nothing.
A: This is a
very good indicator one is doing it right. One who lacks in nothing provides an
excellent measure indicating the Lord is active in one’s life. To find joy and contentment requires one
actively seek God. This could be said of
“those who turn to the Lord” (34:10 NJV).
Listen to His word, look to God in prayer and worship, and seek His
guidance and counseling. Do not really
on strength and intelligence, simply rely on God. He will shelter and protect you from this world’s
powers and principalities. He will meet
your needs by only trusting that He will.
P: LordI am reminded of an old hymn. I pray I
will trust and obey. For there is not
other way. To be happy in Jesus. But to trust obey. Praise You God for Your faithfulness and love. Thank You for meeting all my needs to where I
lack in nothing. I sing Your
praises. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ps 34:8–10). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Bratcher, R. G., & Reyburn, W. D. (1991). A translator’s handbook on the book of Psalms
(p. 322). United Bible Societies.
4/1/22
11 Do not kill them; otherwise, my people
will forget.
By Your
power, make them homeless wanderers
and bring
them down,
Lord, our
shield.
12 For the sin of their mouths and the words
of their lips,
let them be
caught in their pride.
They utter
curses and lies.
13 Consume them in rage;
consume
them until they are gone.
Then people
will know throughout the earth [1]
O: This is a
malediction meaning it is read as a curse to those who treat other falsely. An example could be used of the writer of
this Psalm David. Saul wanted to kill
David not because he had done something wrong but because Saul was jealous. The curse in the text would be to “make them
homeless wanderers.” David pleads with God not to kill but to punish them by
bringing them down to a humble state as those who are conquered and to remind people of
the consequences of opposing God[2].
It has the familiar motif of unshaken trust in
God. David prayed that the Lord would make him safe and secure from his enemies
and humiliate them so that all would recognize God’s sovereignty.[3]
A: Look to
God as our judge. He is the one to dole
out punishment. One can take that to the
bank. All will receive their just reward
for their behavior. Woo to those with
evil behavior and puffed-up pride full of lies.
Behavior is the measuring stick of the soul. Work on not being found wanting. Practice what is helpful for your soul and
rid yourselves of behavior the reflects badly on God.
P: Praise be to God. Thank You Jesus. I lift You for You are my Rock my firm
foundation. Lord, I have been hurt. I have failed. I could not gain understanding. Please Lord, help me develop good behavior
and not invoke Your curse. Help me to
bless and walk in a deeper relationship with You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ps 59:11–13). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E.,
Whitehead, M. M., Grigoni, M. R., & Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (Ps 59:11). Lexham
Press.
3/31/22
45 David said to the Philistine: “You come against me with a dagger,
spear, and sword, but I come against you in the name of Yahweh of Hosts, the
God of Israel’s armies—you have defied Him.
46 Today, the Lord
will hand you over to me.[1]
O: Easily the most beloved story in the books of
Samuel, even of all Former Prophets this story is so compelling that even today
it is used as a historical metaphor in Western culture for describing any
individual or group who overcomes seemingly insurmountable odds to defeat an
oppressor.[2]. We all have Goliaths needing to be struct down. However, the story is not able the use of strength
and steel but about the awesome power of life built from the faith in the God
of gods. This is the longest written
account of one of David’s exploits. Here
David launches a verbal attack making known he is fully aware of what a formidable
opponent Goliath was. However, David was
most concerned about his blaspheming the God of Israel. That offence to David was intolerable. According
to the Torah, any individual guilty of blasphemy—even a non-Israelite—must be
stoned (Lev
24:16).[3] David had faith God would hand over His enemies.
A: God has
called us out of the world and be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Rom
12:2). He will take care of our Goliaths.
All that is needed is faith.
However, faith needs to be constantly exercised. As David practiced with sling for years and
knew how to use it well. Likewise, today
we need to grow in faith, thru developing a deep relationship with God, prayer
without ceasing, studying His word daily, as well as assembling with other likeminded
for worship and associating with believers.
That will prepare us to be able to face any problem. Now when it comes to blasphemy many such as
the Catholics believes it only applies to defaming God. However, others feel defaming others reflects
on one’s opinion of God. Reframe from
talking stink of others because we are all made in His image. Because we are created by God and if we are
saying that others are not good enough than we are saying God is not good
enough. By putting down others we are
putting down God. Blasphemy. Let’s practice
and grow our faith.
P: Praise be to God. Thank You for Your love. Help us to be an
encourager. Help us to build up each
other. Help us to practice our
faith. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(1 Sa 17:45–46). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Bergen, R. D. (1996). 1, 2 Samuel (Vol. 7, p. 187). Broadman &
Holman Publishers.
[3]
Bergen, R. D. (1996). 1, 2 Samuel (Vol. 7, p. 195). Broadman &
Holman Publishers.
3/30/22
Then Samuel said:
Does the Lord take pleasure in burnt offerings
and sacrifices
as much as
in obeying the Lord?
Look: to
obey is better than sacrifice,
to pay
attention is better than the fat of rams.
23 For rebellion is like the sin of
divination,
and
defiance is like wickedness and idolatry.
Because you
have rejected the word of the Lord,
He has
rejected you as king.[1]
O: Often the
scripture describes what pleases the Lord and what does not. Take a look at
these verses; Ps
40:6–8; 51:16–17;
Is
1:11–15; Mc
6:6–8[2]. It is better to listen and obey the Lord. Heb
10:5–7 A profound maxim that summarizes a central tenet of the Torah:
“obedience surpasses sacrifice” Clearly the Torah integrated sacrifice into the
life of obedience to God; however, it never envisioned it as a substitute for
obedience.[3] Do not feel your giving and working for God
is not enough. God requires loyalty and
commitment to Him. He desires we listen
to Him and follow Him. Willful disobedience is rebellion and equated to the
capital sin of attempted to foresee the future by worldly means. In addition, arrogance or insubordination is
compared to idolatry presumably since it likewise involves the removal of
Yahweh from his rightful place in every person’s life, or as A. F. Kirkpatrick
notes, “It elevates self-will into a god.”[4] Rejection
of the word of God brings God’s rejection of you.
A: Wow, pay
attention. Listen to the word of
God. Be loyal and committed to God. Work on turning away from acting on self-centered
motives. Devote yourselves to reading God’s
word. Seek the Lord in all things and
seek to rid anything of the heart that detracts from God. Rid yourself of anything that comes between
You and God. Remember the biblical references of idolatry is harshly negative. Paul links idolatry with the sin of
covetousness, perhaps extending the idea of idolatry from worship of other gods
to worship of or desire for things (Eph
5:5; Col
3:5).[5]
P: Praise be to God. Thank You for Your word and wisdom. Please help us grow in wisdom.
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(1 Sa 15:22–23). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[3]
Bergen, R. D. (1996). 1, 2 Samuel (Vol. 7, p. 172). Broadman &
Holman Publishers.
[4]
Bergen, R. D. (1996). 1, 2 Samuel (Vol. 7, pp. 172–173). Broadman
& Holman Publishers. (A. F. Kirkpatrick, ed., The First Book of Samuel, CB (Cambridge: University Press, 1891),
145).
3/29/22
29 One who becomes stiff-necked,
after many
reprimands
will be
shattered instantly—
beyond
recovery.
25 The fear of man is a snare,
but the one
who trusts in the Lord is
protected. p
26 Many seek a ruler’s favor,
but a man
receives justice from the Lord.
27 An unjust man is detestable to the
righteous,
and one
whose way is upright
is
detestable to the wicked.[1]
O: Proverbs can be so helpful in addressing the
problems of life. The text here reflects
the comparison of the unjust to those who live a righteous life. The only guarantee in this world is that absolute
power absolutely corrupts. If the highest
leaders in government and business are corrupt, that corruption will filter
down to the lowest segment of society.[2] One day those who refuse to listen to
wisdom will eventually fall. The “fear
of man” means being worried about offending someone with the truth. True love casts out fear 1 Jn 4:18. It is
more important to put one’s trust in God than worry about someone’s reaction to
the truth. That way one is protected. This
verse (v. 26) doesn’t forbid resolving issues in the court. However, what it says here is to seek justice
from the one true source, God rather than the world’s higher institutions. These two verses (vv.
25-26), coming near the end of so many proverbs on corruption and injustice in
society, call the reader back to the reality that the Bible after all is not a
book about social reform but calls for committed faith in Yahweh.[3]
The last verse serves as a summation.
Righteousness and unrighteousness are mutually exclusive. The writer is
using two opposing terms to clearly relate one must follow one path or the
other (Jer 6:16).[4]
A: It is very clear which direction one should go. The powers that be at the last church I
attended are corrupt. They will do anything
and use anyone to remain in power. They
were corrupted by putting the church at a higher level than God. They used a habitual lair and one suffering
from the traits of narcistic disorder.
For those that disagree that I can diagnosis look at my background. 32 years in the mental health field as a master’s
level mental health professional trained in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical
Manual of Mental Disorders). Much of my
experience was as a Clinical Supervisor.
I have come across numerous men suffering from narcissism and am very
familiar with the disorder and the behaviors one with the disorder demonstrate. I will point out one of the complications of
the disorder. Disturbance in social relationships – at home, school, and/or
office. Fill in the blanks; loss of
family, loss of friends, loss of job.
The results of 28:1. Therefore, seek the Lord and walk in faith with
Him. Do the right thing.
P: Praise be to You God. Help us to choose You. Help us to put our
thrust in You and serve You.
Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Pr 29:1,25–27). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Garrett, D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol.
14, p. 228). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[3]
Garrett, D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol.
14, p. 233). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[4]
Garrett, D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol.
14, p. 233). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
3/28/22
13 “Now here is the king you’ve chosen, the one you requested. Look, this is the king the Lord has placed over you. 14 If
you fear the Lord, worship, and
obey Him, and if you don’t rebel against the Lord’s
command, then both you and the king who rules over you will follow the Lord your God. 15 However,
if you disobey the Lord and rebel
against His command, the Lord’s
hand will be against you and against your ancestors.[1]
O: There is
a big glaring problem here and God is warning His people about it. By asking for a king their allegiance is
drawn elsewhere away from God. For in
the past God has delivered them who put their faith and trust is Him. Now they are trusting a man, their King to
deliver them. Make no mistake some kings
did what was right in God’s eyes, especially David. However, most of the kings did what was right
in their own eyes. They did not follow His commands. By Israel oft-repeated pattern of repentance
and then turning back to God would be broken with their request for a
King. However, Samuel also makes it
clear that Israel could experience blessing under the new system of government,
but that blessing was possible only if the Lord’s position of superiority in
society and religion was retained. Even the king must be a servant of the Lord.[2]
A: Unless we honor God first by putting Him on
the throne of our the “Lord’s hand will be against us”. God’s glory is all around us. To be caught up
in His glory as the commentor said, He must be placed in a position of superiority. He must be placed on the throne of the heart. That way nothing on our part will diminish the
light of His glory. For we must have everything in our life point to Him and
His glory.
P: Praise be to God. Praise be His name. Help us Lord to put You in our hearts and
work to keep You there by putting above all my concerns and cares. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(1 Sa 12:13–15). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Bergen, R. D. (1996). 1, 2 Samuel (Vol. 7, p. 143). Broadman &
Holman Publishers.
3/27/22
2 Time went by until 20 years had passed since the ark had been taken to
Kiriath-jearim. Then the whole house of Israel began to seek the Lord. 3 Samuel told
them, “If you are returning to the Lord
with all your heart, get rid of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths that are
among you, dedicate yourselves to the Lord,
and worship only Him. Then He will
rescue you from the hand of the Philistines.”[1]
O: Here is
an ironic twist. Eli’s sons meant to
bring victory to the Israelites by bringing the ark to them but only brought
death. While Samuel meant to bring the
Israelites back to God for deliverance from their enemies and experienced victory. The movement of Israel’s heart, not Yahweh’s
ark, brought about true freedom from Israel’s oppressors.[2] In a
20-year time span from time they were soundly defeated by the Philistines the Israelites
finally come to their senses and begin to seek the Lord. Samuel discerns the
time is right to encourage the people to clean up their spiritual life. First, He pleads with they to return to Him
with “all your heart”. It is a phrase
repeated often in the bible. Jesus even said it in Mt. 4:10. The word heart
appears over 600 times. Only the names
of God are mentioned more. Turn to God
with everything you got. Next, rid yourselves
of idols such as pride and self-reliance. Finally, worship God exclusively becoming single-minded in integrity
and loyalty. With the positive change
help from God is on the way.
A: The
church will not save you. Relying on someone else to show you the way will not
save you. By turning from idols and dedicating
one’s heart in entirety to God will.
Letting God rule your heart and replacing what ever is in there with Him
will save you. its Asking and letting
Him be Lord of your life is what He calls for.
We must let Him in our hearts to
be part of the vine. If our focus is elsewhere,
we will be pruned. Worship the Lord by Loving the Lord your God with all your heart,
with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind[3].
P: Praise be to You God. You are awesome. Help us to put away anything that distracts
us from You. Help us to Love You more and more.
Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(1 Sa 7:2–3). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Bergen, R. D. (1996). 1, 2 Samuel (Vol. 7, p. 106). Broadman &
Holman Publishers.
[3] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Lk 10:27). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
3/26/22
23 Smooth lips with an evil heart
are like
glaze on an earthen vessel.
24 A hateful person disguises himself with
his speech
and harbors
deceit within.
25 When he speaks graciously, don’t believe
him,
for there
are seven abominations in his heart.
26 Though his hatred is concealed by
deception,
his evil
will be revealed in the assembly. [1]
O: This text attests to what happens to the assembly when a liar is listened to; social discord erupts. The first verse if taken literally is hard to understand. Some versions translate as silver dross rather than glaze. However, it is a metaphor with the same meaning as Jesus’ description of the pharisees as whitewashed sepulchers. “Words that you speak to hide bad things in your thinking are like paint that people put on a cheap earthenware pot to make it look very nice when it is really rubbish.”[2] The meaning points to what is on the outside does not imply what is in the heart. This text talks that one’s manner of speech does not give the full picture of the character. The silver tongue may ingratiate but discernment is needed. The words are phony don’t listen. “A man filled with hate disguises it in his words, while inwardly he plots to betray you.”[3] Rest assured what is hidden will be made known.
A: This text is a clear picture of what is going down at Haili. Those who are blind do not see the social discord created by a couple of individuals. There would not have been a mass exodus of the spiritual mature if Peter and Kelcey’s behavior were dealt with. Lord knows what happen to cause the fire. However, those not involved would not attempt to cover it up. It is clear we were lied to about that and other incidents. Such as the time Peter lied claiming Kahu broke the law. Peter claims it is his opinion. However, it is a false opinion with no proof therefore a lie. Ironically, Peter and Kelcey were the ones breaking the law by entering Kahu’s office without authorization thereby trespassing. In addition, Peter committed liable by sending slanderous false opinions and accusations to the COM. All we hear are smooth words without the appropriate behavior to back it up. We must ask the Lord to search our hearts, clean up thoughts, and seek His Kingdom.
P: O Lord, I know You love us. Your glory continues to shine. Your splendor is all around. Help me understand what it means to love You and others. I know Your Spirit prompts me and I have been encouraged to confront those I love to help them understand that You God are speaking to them not me. Thank You God for helping me handle anything that comes my way including be dragged to the hell hole of court. Thank You for Your blessings. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Pr 26:23–26). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Reyburn, W. D., & Fry, E. M. (2000). A handbook on Proverbs (p. 568). United Bible
Societies.
[3]
Reyburn, W. D., & Fry, E. M. (2000). A handbook on Proverbs (p. 568). United Bible
Societies.
3/25/22
25 In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did whatever he
wanted.[1]
O: It is not surprising, given the length taken
to stray from the word of God, the extent and depth of moral depravity develops. The Israelites were deep into the culture of
idol worship and the revelry that goes along with sin. Earlier in the book men of the Benjerman
tribe wanted to have homosexual relations with the traveling Levite and would
not go away. Given the concubine, they
rape her and left her for dead. The sin
caused civil war. Their tribe was decimated and nearly wiped out. Once again sin leads to broken relationships
and civil strife. Even in the Israelite attempts the help the Benjamites were
blemish by their moral decline. Even in
the sincere efforts to forgive and restore the Benjamites, there is an
indication that the Israelites have exercised extremely questionable moral
judgement as far as their methods were concerned[2]. It even took them three times to defeat the Benjamites. The final verse sums up the opinion of the
narrator that nothing written in the book is pleasing to God. Wickedness is
democratized; everyone does what is right in his own eyes, and the results are
disastrous.[3]
A: Who can
live without the blessings of God? Without God life is hard. No one can guarantee a life without hardships
and calamity. However, with God one has a
cushion to fall on. God’s gift of life
gives one the faith and trust to face adversity head on knowing it will all
work out. However, if the idols of pride,
materialism, and self-relance prevail in one’s life all bets are off. God will not have all things worked out for
those that put other things before Him.
P: Praise be to God. Please help us do what is right in Your eyes. Help us to put You first. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Jdg 21:25). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] The Daily Bible: NIV. F. LaGard Smith commentor (pg. 378, 383). (1984)
Harvest House Publishers.
[3]
Block, D. I. (1999). Judges, Ruth (Vol. 6, p. 583). Broadman &
Holman Publishers.
3/24/22
31 So they set up for themselves Micah’s carved image that he had made, and it was there as long as the house of God was in Shiloh.[1]
O: This passage in chapters 17 & 18 is unique
and at the same time perplexing and could describe the spiritual health of ordinary
people of Israel. The introductory “Now
there was a man” hints at a new focus. In the following chapters the narrator
will offer the reader a series of glimpses at how ordinary Israelites fared in
the dark days of the “judges” (governors). The effect will be to confirm the
picture of a pervasively and increasingly Canaanized society.[2]
Here Micah gives the money he took from his mother who in turn uses some to
make idols. To seal the deal, he persuades
a Levi to become his priest. Finally, at
the end of Ch. 18 Shiloh is mentioned in the book for the first time. God has expressly forbidden worship outside the
place he designates and the first commandment states not to have any gods
before Him. That is do not have idols. This text states the tribe of Dan did both.
They did these things up to the time of exile. The narrator’s point is that
throughout the period of the judges the cult site at Dan functioned as an
apostate challenge to the true worship of Yahweh. The final note reiterates
that this center was of human design from start to finish. Micah had made the
image, and the Danites had set it up for themselves.[3] The
northern tribes were the first to be driven to exile due to their irreligious behaviors.
A: Now what does this have to do with us
today? God’s commandments still hold
true. Jesus mentioned them all but the
sabbath. Of course, no one would have
graven image to put in place of God. I
feel idol worship is much more subtle today. The definition of Idolatry is extreme
admiration, love, or reverence for something or someone. Today it comes in many
forms. First, we worship at the altar of
materialism. Second, we worship at the altar of our own pride and ego. Finally, and perhaps most destructively, we
worship at the altar of self-aggrandizement or the fulfillment of the self to
the exclusion of all others and their needs and desires. Ask God to help with the understand of what one’s
heart true desires. If it is one with
unity and followship with God, He will let one know. If not, then one is in for hardship and destruction. Remember 1 Jn 5:21.
P: Thanks be to God. All praise is due to You. You deserve all the glory and honor. You make beauty from ashes. We lift You up and ask You to take the throne
in our hearts. Help us Lord to turn from
anything we have that comes before You.
Help us Lord to make You our primary and sole focus. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Jdg 18:31). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Block, D. I. (1999). Judges, Ruth (Vol. 6, p. 474). Broadman &
Holman Publishers.
[3]
Block, D. I. (1999). Judges, Ruth (Vol. 6, p. 514). Broadman &
Holman Publishers.
3/23/22
9 Don’t speak to a fool,
for he will
despise the insight of your words.
10 Don’t move an ancient boundary marker,
and don’t
encroach on the fields of the fatherless,
11 for their Redeemer is strong,
and He will
take up their case against you.
12 Apply yourself to discipline
and listen
to words of knowledge. [1]
O: This is the ninth, tenth, and eleventh saying
of the chapter. Verse 9 is reminiscent of what Jesus said of throwing pearls
before swine. (Mt 7:6) It means don’t waste
time with those who refuse to acknowledge sound teaching and are stubbornly
unresponsive[2].
What is a fool?
Verse 1:22 spells it out. They love ignorance,
enjoy mocking, and hate knowledge. In
other words, they love when others are unaware of the whole truth. They ridicule and insult to ruin reputations
and they do not want the truth to be known. Verse 10 refers to a court battle where one is being
wronged. Do not forget God is the judge
and will treat all parties fairly and with truth. Verse 10 is straight forward, practice what
you have learned and listen. It is a
simple instruction but difficult to follow by many. The acquisition of
instruction is not to be taken lightly. The verse is in the imperative and
suggests that education is vital to one’s whole life.[3]
A: Unfortunately, there are many fools in the world,
and they are in the church as well. Many
suffer from a mental illness. It is
called narcissism, and these are the traits:
· Being
overly boastful, exaggerating one’s own achievements
· Pretending to be
superior to others
· Lack of empathy for
others
· Looking down on
others as inferior
· Monopolising
conversations
· Impatient, angry,
unhappy, depressed or has mood swings when criticized
· Easily disappointed
when expected importance is not given
· Always craves for
“the best” in everything
· Has a very fragile
self-esteem
One with
this condition must have five of the traits.
There is one trait not listed here and that is a lack of insight or denial
of having the disorder. These people
create their own truth. The bible states
not to waste time with a people with behaviors such as these. Remember God is the judge, and all wrongs
will be address. Seek knowledge, strive
to exercise discipline, and take it all before the judge.
P: Praise be to God. Help us develop discipline and grow in knowledge
of You and Your word. Amena
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Pr 23:9–12). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Garrett,
D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol.
14, p. 196). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[3]
Garrett, D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol.
14, p. 196). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
3/22/22
Words of the Wise
17 Listen closely, pay attention to the
words of the wise,
and apply
your mind to my knowledge.
18 For it is pleasing if you keep them
within you
and if they
are constantly on your lips.
19 I have instructed you today—even you—
so that
your confidence may be in the Lord.
20 Haven’t I written for you thirty sayings
about
counsel and knowledge,
21 in order to teach you true and reliable
words,
so that you
may give a dependable report
to those
who sent you?[1]
O: It is very important to pay attention and listen. This is the wisest advice anywhere. Pay attention and listen to the wise. The “Thirty Sayings” that follow are here for two reasons. The first is to draw the reader into a deeper trust in God, and the second is to develop integrity.[2] We are to keep the word of God in our heart memorized to aways be on our lips. That way we develop a confidence and trust in God. He is the wise. His ways teach us, embolden us, and build up our character so others may see we can be trusted.
A: This is something I need to work on. I need to improve my concentration, pay attention to the things that matter and listen. It takes effort and determination. It is a worthy discipline. I must stay focused on the word of God, apply it to my heart, commit it memory to build my faith in God and not stray from His way.
P: Praise You God for Your wisdom and Your word. You are dependable and true. Help me Lord to pay attention and listen to You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Pr 22:17–21). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Garrett, D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol.
14, p. 193). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
3/21/22
3 Doing what is righteous and just
is more
acceptable to the Lord than
sacrifice.
4 The lamp that guides the wicked—
haughty eyes and an arrogant heart —is sin.[1]
O: This is how we serve with the Lord. Living with moral virtues and doing what is right and fair rather than putting on a show of religiosity. What truly matters is the condition of the heart. One puts on an external form of piety through observation of religious ceremony. While such ceremonies are not of themselves evil, they matter little to God in comparison with the true devotion of an obedient heart. This proverb once again subtly alludes to God’s ability to discern the intentions of the heart.[2] The next verse is a metaphor regarding the lamp. A lamp will light the path. In describing the “haughty eyes” and “proud heart” as the “lamp of the wicked” (v. 4), the text is saying that the devious are sure of themselves and think that their cunning can guide them through life. Their treachery is a “lamp unto their feet.”[3]
A: This text is saying not put on a show. Be real by letting God cleanse your heart. Seek to do what is right. Have the Lord clean your heart purged of pride and arrogance. We are to act justly walk upright and seek first the kingdom of God. We are no better than anyone else. Humility can go a long way in relationships.
P: Praise be to God. Give Him a shout of praise for He is worthy of all honor and praise. There is no one like You. Cleanse our hearts. Help us to eliminate pride and arrogance. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Pr 21:3–4). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Garrett, D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol.
14, p. 179). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[3]
Garrett, D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol.
14, p. 180). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
3/20/22
7 The one who lives with integrity is
righteous;
his children
who come after him will be happy. [1]
O: Here is a good example to follow.
Several translations use the word walk as the main verb, “The righteous lead a
blameless life” NIV or as a relative clause, “The upright whose ways are
blameless” RSV. Either way integrity is important. 1 Chron 29:17 Integrity is the quality of being honest and having
strong moral principles; moral uprightness. In this text it is a way of
life. In the bible it is blamelessness, integrity, innocence, i.e., a state or
condition of moral goodness in a life, with a focus of not having guilt or sin
(2Sa 15:11; Job 4:6; Ps 7:9[EB 8]; 25:21; 26:1, 11; 41:13[EB 12]; Pr 2:7; 10:9,
29; 13:6; 19:1; 20:7; 28:6+)[2]. The text simply makes the point that true
loyalty and character are rare commodities.[3] However, one’s way of life will impact their
children life also. In short, no one is
sinless but finding someone to trust is difficult.
A: One’s
lifestyle has lasting implications for future generations. Trustworthiness should be nurtured, moral
principles practiced, and a walk that is upright lived is extremely important
to one’s family. If there is no integrity
one’s relationship with one’s family will be adversely affected. I can think of one example of this with a
current trustee at Haili. His
relationship with his family is difficult.
For the most part his kids will not talk to him. There is an important lesson here which is
reflected in the New Testament regarding the qualifications of a leader in the
church with having a household under control. (1Tim 3:4) When one’s kids refuse
to speak to him it is good indication of a lack of integrity. Be morally
upright and practice moral principles such as the golden rule (Mt 7:12). Think
of what God would have you think of (Phil 4:8).
P: Praise be to God and thanks for all You have done. Thank You for Your steadfastness and faithfulness. Help me Lord to live with integratory. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Pr 20:7). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Swanson, J. (1997). In Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains :
Hebrew (Old Testament) (electronic ed.). Logos Research Systems,
Inc.
[3]
Garrett, D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol.
14, p. 176). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
3/19/22
22 What is desirable in a man is his
fidelity;
better to
be a poor man than a liar.
23 The fear of the Lord leads to life;
one will
sleep at night without danger.[1]
O: Verses 16-22 revolve around the
theme of the disciplined and prudent life. [2] What is important is to be respectful of God
and His commands. By this lifestyle one can be at peace and have a wholesome
conscience. Fidelity has the flavor of kindness (especially as extended to the
lowly, needy, and miserable), mercy[3]. What is important is what kind of attitude one
has for others and the extent of respect one has for God.
A: Those that walk with God are given every opportunity to make the right
choices. Here we are told to respect God
and others. In addition, wholesome and
prudent living is what is called for if one wants to bring glory to God. Our purpose is to glorify Him. Acting out with sin such as lying will corrupt
one conscience and disrupt one’s sleep.
P: Praise be to God. I lift You up and offer my life as a sacrifice and pray my actions bring glory to You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Pr 19:22–23). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Garrett, D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol.
14, p. 172). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[3]
Brown, F., Driver, S. R., & Briggs, C. A. (1977). In Enhanced Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon
(p. 338). Clarendon Press.
3/18/22
5 It is not good to show partiality to the
guilty
by
perverting the justice due the innocent[1]…
15 The mind of the discerning acquires
knowledge,
and the ear
of the wise seeks it.
16 A gift opens doors for a man
and brings
him before the great.
17 The first to state his case seems right
until
another comes and cross-examines him.[2]
O: It is
never good to show partiality. That is
showing favoritism and biased over one person or group than the other thus
depriving justice for the righteous will suffer. When people heed evil talk the innocent
suffer the consequence. The verses that
follow explain how one can approach issues without showing partiality. It starts with discernment and from there
gaining knowledge. The wise ear listens
without jumping to conclusions and hears out all parties. The wise bring omiyage,
Japanese for gift giving. Also, remember the first to present his side of the
story is not the full picture until the other, his neighbor cross-examines for
details that may contradict. Verse 17
warns against a too hasty decision; one must listen to both sides.[3] The first to speak would be the plaintiff,
and the last would be the defendant. See G. R. Driver, “Problems,” 183.[4]
A: Haili should heed Proverbs for they show
partiality, heed evil talk, deprive the innocent of justice, lack discernment,
and refuse to listen if the information is contrary to their beliefs. Peter took me to court wishing to slap a TRO
because he felt threatened. Presenting
19 points his case looked strong on paper.
However, as soon as he started speaking it was clear he did not have a
case to stand on. His behavior is a
prefect example of v.17. Upon cross
examination his case crumbled. Again,
his lies regarding his covering up an act of arson were not cross-examined by
the council for he only presented his case to those who are partial to him.
Haili has had a reputation of being a dead church from the time they split in
the eighties. When I attended, I hoped
that reputation was wrong but failed to conclude otherwise. Please find wisdom in the His word.
P: O Lord praise be to the one only true God. You offer support and protection in a time of need. You are my rock. I pray for Haili I pray they soften their hearts and turn a 180 to You. Help them Lord to grow in discernment. Help me Lord to be more gift giving and show a deeper love. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Pr 18:5). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Pr 18:15–17). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[3]
Garrett, D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol.
14, p. 166). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[4]
Garrett, D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol.
14). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
3/17/22
9 The Israelites cried out to the Lord. So, the Lord
raised up Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s youngest brother, as a deliverer to
save the Israelites. 10 The Spirit of the Lord came on him, and he judged Israel.[1]
O: Due to the Israelites turning from the Lord’s
instructions and began to do what was evil in the Lord’s eyes. They worshiped
Baal and went up the high places offering sacrifices to who knows what rather
than offering sacrifices to the Lord at the place designated by God. Nothing happens that the Lord does not know
about. He is omipresent. So, when His
people began to feel the consequences of their behavior because of the effects
of forced servitude they cried out to God.
This outcry
is not to be interpreted as a penitential plea; it is simply a cry of pain, a
cry for help.[2]
Interesting God listened to them despite the lack of a change of heart and
repentance. He Is faithful and true to
His promises. God raised up a deliverer,
filled him with the Spirit of the Lord to deal with the dictator and brought
them out of bondage again. It is remarkable
that their savior who delivered the people is called a judge.
In the Book of Judges when the rûaḥ yhwh, “Spirit of the Lord,” comes upon individuals, it
signals the arresting presence and power of God, often of individuals who are
unqualified for or indisposed to service for him. In the present instance the
empowering presence of the Spirit of God transforms this minor Israelite
officer from Debir into the ruler (šôpēṭ)
of Israel and the conqueror of a world-class enemy[3]
A: This passage
goes to show we must cry out to God who is ever present and at the ready to
deliver us from the issues and problems we face in our lives. We all need a savior for we all fall short of
the glory of God. As Barth put it, an expression of
God’s honour, is not to be seen in God’s surpassing height alone, but just as
much in God’s condescension. There is no hint of narcissistic self-concern
here, but rather a profound sense of God’s glory and honour being most fully expressed in
Jesus Christ, in condescending to the humility of the incarnation and acceding to
the shame of the cross.[4]
P: Thank You God for providing a glimpse of Your glory and becoming a man providing a way for our salvation. That is why we give You all honor, all the glory and all we have. Praise You God. Help us to seek You and not forget Your promises. Help us also to remember You are our judge and guide us to stay on the way. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Jdg 3:9–10). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Block, D. I. (1999). Judges, Ruth (Vol. 6, p. 153). Broadman &
Holman Publishers.
[3]
Block, D. I. (1999). Judges, Ruth (Vol. 6, p. 155). Broadman &
Holman Publishers.
[4]
Fout, J. A. (2015). Fully Alive: The Glory of God and the Human Creature in Karl
Barth, Hans Urs von Balthasar and Theological Exegesis of Scripture
(p. 50). Bloomsbury T&T Clark; Bloomsbury.
3/16/22
18 Pride comes before destruction,
and an
arrogant spirit before a fall.
19 Better to be lowly of spirit with the
humble
than to
divide plunder with the proud.[1]
O: God is always involved in human
affairs. This fact is made clear throughout
Proverbs. The wisdom of these sayings cannot be denied. This text concerns humility and the
consequences of pride.
Verse 19 implies that a peaceable attitude makes the position that is
apparently lower or less aggressive preferable to one of power. Proverbs here
links pride to robbery. In doing so, it alludes either to the arrogant
certainty of the criminal that he will not be caught or to the act of robbery
itself as an expression of self-centeredness and indifference to the rights of
others. At any rate, v. 18 teaches that the apparent prosperity of the proud is
short-lived.[2]
In
addition, the text implies that the amount of riches is not a good measure of
character. We are better off if we are humble
and poor than to be rich and proud.
A: Better to
think of oneself as needing to learn from everyone and feel that everyone has
something of offer. Participating in
sticking your nose up, refusing to reason or refusing to make any attempt to
come to an understanding is indicative of a haughty spirit which only proves
one has something to hide and is covering up something. In addition, excessive pride indicates deep
underlining issues with character defects and poor self-esteem, as well as
acting superior to that one feels are inferior.
Remember, we must imitate God Eph 5:1 as much as we can. God shows no partiality Rom 2:11 therefor we
are not to think others are any less than one another. Christians are not infringe
on others rights such as limiting ones freedom of speech as Peter Braun tried
to in court. Be prefect in love as your Father
in heaven Mt 5:48.
P: Praise You God. You are holy.
Your mercy and love last forever.
Help us Lord to act humbly and always put the concerns of others first. Please help us to listen to You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Pr 16:18–19). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Garrett, D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol.
14, p. 156). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
3/15/22
12 When the Israelites heard this, the entire Israelite community
assembled at Shiloh to go to war against them.[1]
O: Curiously the tribes of the eastern side of
the Jordan River built an alter on the west side on tribes Juda or Benijamin’s
land not built on their own. Clearly
this upset the western tribes where they felt the eastern tribes built the
alter for sacrifices. Luckly, envoys
were sent to ascertain the facts. The
Israelites felt there was a misunderstanding and sought the reason behind the
alter rather than act on impulse. Very prudent.
The truth was the alter was not to replace the temple but act as a memorial to
remind the western tribes that the tribes to the east are brothers. The significance of these careful
distinctions is that the story is being presented to highlight two facts about
the altar: (1) the grave danger posed by its existence and (2) its potential
for irreparably dividing the nation.[2] The eastern
tribes were judged as not to be included of as united with Israel until the
true purpose of the alter is known.
A: Today much pain has occurred due to
misunderstandings. People today are
quick to cancel others based on secondhand hearsay. Offering an honest opinion is not
tolerated. Today people should
investigate. Ask questions regarding the
source of their information. Some have
been offended by a poor choice of words.
However, the reasons behind the opinion need to be ascertained. As an example,
a lady at Haili complained that Hawaiians have forgotten about the history of Christianity
in their heritage and wanted to include Pele worshippers in their membership. She poorly chooses her words and upset many Hawaiians
who neglected the reasons behind her opinion.
They chose to start to cancel her.
Five years later when she offered another opinion regarding the worship
of a mountain rather than focus on the needs and cares of community the gossip
and cancel culture was revived stating there was a pattern of racism. The lady is a woman of God and far from racist. Her motive was not to degrade anyone, it was
one of encouragement and honesty. We
need to not act on hearsay but ascertain the motives and obtain the truth. We must not listen to gossip.
P: God You are good. Your love is everlasting. Help us Lord to reach out and develop a true
understanding of our motives. Help us to help others. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Jos 22:12). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
3/14/22
26 In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence
and his
children have a refuge.
27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,
turning
people away from the snares of death.[1]
O: Another
aspect of the fear of Lord is discussed in this text. The fear of the Lord provides a shelter in
times we need protection. It will
provide a moral gauge to help us recognize trap that would cause us to stumble. As the commentor wrote, “The fear of the
Lord is the theme of this pair of proverbs. True piety is both security from
the storms of life (v. 26) and a kind of early warning system against the moral
traps that confront us (v. 27)”.[2]
A: We need a moral compass, or we will wander
from the straight and narrow. As David said, “this God who girds me with
strength, who makes my way free from blame”.[3] David called "a man after God's own heart"
and had all these traits attributed to having the “fear of the Lord”. God is our moral
compass, His word our lay out our steps, and the Holy Spirit our guide. We look to Jesus as our example and mediator to
provide the help we need to walk straight and upright avoiding the snares in
this world.
P: Praise You God for You are an ever-present
help in time of need. Thank You for guidance. Help us learn and develop the attributes necessary
to walk to straight and upright path.
Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Pr 14:26–27). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Garrett, D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol.
14, p. 145). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[3] The New Jerusalem Bible (2 Sa 22:33). (1985).
Doubleday.
3/13/22
20 The one who walks with the wise will
become wise,
but a
companion of fools will suffer harm.
21 Disaster pursues sinners,
but good
rewards the righteous.
22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his
grandchildren,
but the
sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.[1]
O: Your friends
are very much like you or there is a saying, “Birds of a feather flock together”. The behaviors of our friends can rub off on us.
The text is clear wisdom or stupidity are learned from our companions. Those who associate with fools will as the
RSV puts “smart for it”. Blessings
follow the righteous while misfortune befalls the sinner. Regarding
righteousness the cev translated “but you will be rewarded if you live
right.” [2]
Finally, one who does right by his family leaves behind an inheritance that
will even affect future generations. The
sinner leaves nothing.
A: So, here
we are again comparing and contrasting sin and righteousness. One can know the kind of man you are by who
you hang around with. When you associate
with a pathological liar, and one who exhibit narcissisticand antisocial traits
that behavior will influence you. An
example is when a deacon remains friends with sinners then present a scandalous statement
to the board full of gossip, lies and ridiculous assumptions on facts not in evidence. All the information obtained from hearsay
never confirming the facts. Always seek
out what is right for the two fools mentioned earlier attempted to burn down
Haili Apartments because they wanted to make room for themselves than attempted
to cover it up. What a disaster. Incidentally one has left his family and
spends all his money traveling and supporting himself. I would hope he left some for his children
but sense he has ruined his relationship with them for the most part I don’t
think so. We must always seek to do what
is right to serve our King.
P: O God I am so sorry for failing You. I am so sorry for acting impulsively by making
a command decision without the full backing of the church. I am sorry for making the mistake of assuming
the leaders of the church would recognize sin and act according. I pray Lord You soften the hearts and open
the minds of others to what sin is. Please
help them learn what gossip is, what slander is and discern the fruit of the
spirit. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Pr 13:20–22). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Reyburn, W. D., & Fry, E. M. (2000). A handbook on Proverbs (p. 299). United Bible
Societies.
3/12/22
5 The thoughts of the righteous are just,
but
guidance from the wicked leads to deceit.
6 The words of the wicked are a deadly
ambush,
but the
speech of the upright rescues them.[1]
O: Much of Proverbs are either/or statements. This rings true of what Jesus said also. One will serve only one master God or the
devil (Mt 6:24). A house will not stand
if divided (Mt 12:24). So here in Proverbs
be care how one acts. Be mindful of one’s
behavior. One’s life is full of contrasts. Contrasts of good and evil. Righteous make
plans that are morally right while the immoral plans are corrupt. The words of the wicked have devious intent on
entrapment. While the honorable,
upstanding person seeks ways to make things right.
A: It is important to seek the Lord in all we
do. We must think what Jesus would
do. I know only the wicked would
cover-up an act of arson. Only the
wicked would scheme and slander a Kahu.
Only the wicked would lie to others that Kahu broke the law. Only the wicked would write libelous letters regarding
Kahu. All the letters full of false
accusations. Only the wicked would drag
a christian into court in a failed attempt to silence me. Only the wicked devise such schemes. The righteous make every attempt to help the
wicked understand the error of such behavior.
P: I pray Lord that those who are wicked at
Haili repent. I pray they change their
wicked ways and stop the gossip and deceit.
I know Lord You have a plan in all this.
Help us see. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Pr 12:5–6). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
3/11/22
30 The fruit of the upright is a tree of life: the sage captivates souls.
31 If here on earth the upright gets due reward, how much more the
wicked and the sinner! [1]
O: One version translates
this verse as,” righteousness gives life”. TEV To me that does not reflect the
whole sense of the verse. This verse addresses
appropriate behavior which is the topic reflected throughout Proverbs. Besides those with discernment will “know
them by their fruit”. (Mt 7:16-22) It could be translated “The acts of a good
person are a source of life”[2]. With verse 31 we have an if/than text or “A,
how much more B”. The word “if” is translated
in the KJV “lo! Behold” which shreds light on the realization everyone will get
their just reward. Those whose attitude
and behavior are in line with the Lord will be blessed. Alternatively, bad
behavior will also be rewarded. One does
not want to think what that reward will be.
A: This is
a reminder that that attitude and behavior is what is important. By demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit;
love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, goodness, and
self-control (Gal 5:22) one heap up rewards and captivates others, thus winning
souls. On the other hand, wicked behavior such as covering up an act of arson, lying
repeatedly, slandering others shows works of the flesh which will bring destruction
as evidence by the mass exodus from Haili.
P: Praise
be to God. You are a source of life and
blessings. He us Lord to walk in
righteous and turn from evil. Amen
[1] The New Jerusalem Bible (Pr 11:30–31).
(1985). Doubleday.
[2]
Reyburn, W. D., & Fry, E. M. (2000). A handbook on Proverbs (p. 260). United Bible
Societies.
3/9/22
10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and the
knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
11 For by Wisdom your days will be many,
and years
will be added to your life.
12 If you are wise, you are wise for your
own benefit;
if you
mock, you alone will bear the consequences.”[1]
O: This
Proverb is the last of 12 instructions from Wisdom. Here in nineth chapter wisdom has a banquet
for the ignorant (vv. 1-6) and those in folly (vv. 13-18). What is inserted in-between is a contrasted result
of certain behaviors. The text compares
wise behaviors to that of the scoffer. Mockers
will have no one to turn to but themselves.
Whereas wisdom dictates a fear for the Lord. All of this is to say that Wisdom has built a comfortable and
permanent place for herself to live, in contrast to Folly’s house, which is
associated with the dead and Sheol in verse 18[2] The fear of the Lord’s meaning is difficult
to translate. No single English word
conveys every aspect of the word fear
in this phrase. The meaning includes worshipful submission, reverential awe,
and obedient respect to the covenant-keeping God of Israel.[3] The fear is mostly associated with
appropriate behavior. The virtue is
encouraged and leads to right behavior and good results. [4] It
essentially means faith in Yahweh.[5] Thus it is appropriate to think that proper
fear of Yahweh leads to humility and an avoidance of pride, an attitude
frequently advocated in Proverbs (Prov 3:5; 6:17; 11:2; 15:25, 33 [in context
with “fear of Yahweh”]; Prov 16:5, 18, 19; 18:12; 21:4, 24; 22:4 [again, with
“fear of Yahweh”]; Prov 25:5–6, 27; 26:12; 29:23; 30:1–4, 13).[6] It is our personal responsibility to refrain
from secular or atheistic ethics. What
proverbs is saying that one must bear responsibility for personal decisions.
A: One can does
not say, “you forced me to do this”. The
actions are your choice. Proverbs is
saying choose wisely with the fear of the Lord on your heart. The results are dependent on God and one’s
frame of mind. The promises great and
the way is easy. However, a prideful
arrogant attitude takes work. In
addition, the secular behavior takes planning scheming in other words work to
stay ahead of the curve. With God it is
a no brainer because we are here to serve.
P: Praise be
to You God. Thank you for making the way
easy. For making Your burden light. Help us to fear You and have n attitude of
service. I pray for Ukraine. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Pr 9:10–12). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Reyburn, W. D., & Fry, E. M. (2000). A handbook on Proverbs (p. 201). United Bible
Societies.
[3] The
Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). Holman
Bible Publishers.
[4]
Longman, T., III. (2008). Fear of the Lord. In P. Enns (Ed.), Dictionary of the Old Testament: Wisdom,
Poetry & Writings (p. 201). IVP Academic; Inter-Varsity Press.
[5]
Knox, J. W. (2016). Fear of the Lord. In J. D. Barry, D. Bomar, D. R.
Brown, R. Klippenstein, D. Mangum, C. Sinclair Wolcott, L. Wentz, E. Ritzema,
& W. Widder (Eds.), The Lexham Bible
Dictionary. Lexham Press.
[6]
Longman, T., III. (2008). Fear of the Lord. In P. Enns (Ed.), Dictionary of the Old Testament: Wisdom,
Poetry & Writings (p. 202). IVP Academic; Inter-Varsity Press.
3/8/22
13 The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil.
Pride and
arrogance and the way of evil
and
perverted speech I hate.
14 I have counsel and sound wisdom,
I have
insight, I have strength…
17 I love those who love me,
and those
who seek me diligently find me.
18 Riches and honor are with me,
enduring
wealth and prosperity. [1]
O: First all there is
a bit of controversy with the first line as some have suggested, “The fear of
the Lord is a hatred of evil.” is a later edition, perhaps by a copyist. However, it is stuck in the Hebrew text and remains
in the text today. It is one definition of
“the fear of the Lord” an idiom difficult to translate. For the “fear of the
Lord” has more to do with a frame of mind than an emotion. The phrase is considered the motto of
proverbs by many. (cf. 1:7) The thought expressed in verse 1:7 appears also in 9:10 and 15:33. See
also Ps 111:10 and Job 28:28.[2] It has a sense of obedience, respect,
and belief in the Lord. It is s
spiritual mind-set that knows God will do what He says He will do. He hates the worldly mind-set of “doing it my
way” which exudes pride and arrogance and practices evil speech corrupted or distorted. God loves those who fear Him, and He will
reward handsomely.
A:
What is your frame of mind today? Let’s make every attempt to develop a
spiritual mind set and not live according to the flesh. (Rom 8:5). Places like Haili are lost right now is
lost. They will not listen to the
facts. They will not reason
together. They feel they are right, and
I am wrong. Even when their behavior are
obvious works of flesh. Lies, slander,
gossip is ok if it serves their purpose.
Sadly, they will not listen. Their
hearts are hard, and they cannot hear God for they are far from Him. We near to draw near to God. We need to be developing circumspective walk
that draws the life of the believer closer to God. Preoccupy your thoughts with the Spirit of
God and the fruit of the spirit. Work on softening the prideful, arrogant attitude. Let Jesus cast out evil and put the “fear of
the Lord” in your heart.
P: I thank you Jesus. Praise You Lord. Help us let go of worldly behavior and
develop a fear of You God. Amen
[1] The Revised Standard Version (Pr 8:13–18).
(1971). Logos Research Systems, Inc.
[2]
Reyburn, W. D., & Fry, E. M. (2000). A handbook on Proverbs (p. 29). United Bible
Societies.
3/7/22
24 And
now, O sons, listen to me,
and be attentive
to the words of my mouth. [1]
O: Today’s
devotion is short and sweet. It is quite
simple. The command is to listen. The text is the beginning of God’s closing argument
regarding the seductress. Actually, the
instruction applies to all God’s ways.
How many times does the Lord say “Listen”? 347 times one finds hear in
the bible. I know He wants us to listen.
Look in Deuteronomy 30:11 He says, “11 Now what I am
commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach.[2]” So how hard is it to listen?
A: It is the simplest command but the hardest to
accomplish. There are many distractions.
So much that is demanding our attention.
The complexities in modern day life can be so overwhelming the “still small
voice” 1 Kg 19:12 gets drowned out.
Focus on the Lord. Pay attention
to Him. Make yourself a “living sacrifice”
Rm 12:2. We should be motivated to please God in our daily lives. Listen to Him.
P: I pray Lord I listen to You. I pray that I hear Your will and heed Your
word. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Pr
7:24). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
[2] The New International Version (Dt 30:11).
(2011). Zondervan.
3/6/22
The Malicious Man
12 A worthless person, a wicked man
goes around
speaking dishonestly,
13 winking his eyes, signaling with his
feet,
and
gesturing with his fingers.
14 He always plots evil with perversity in
his heart—
he stirs up
trouble.
15 Therefore calamity will strike him
suddenly;
he will be
shattered instantly—beyond recovery.[1]
O: This section
is a teaching condemning the conspirator.
The text spells it out very succinctly. The worthless person is one who
offends other. The word is used in 1 Sam
25:25 by Abigail to characterize her husband Nabal who had offended David.[2]
They use lies to spread false information
to distract others from their behavior.
The body language is also used to distract others from their deceptive
behavior. The body language expresses insincerity
and deceit. The gestures implies that
what he says and what him means are two different things. Gestures in other cultures
have different meanings. In translating this verse, we may also avoid naming
these particular gestures by speaking more generally; for example, “and so he
makes signs with his eyes, his foot, and his finger to hide his lies.”[3] They create conspiracies for what comes out
of their heart creating trouble where there was none. By demonstrating this
behavior their awful fate is sealed.
A: Well, what is text illustrates is a person
with character flaws. Namely one with antisocial
and narcistic traits. One who thinks
nothing of it when slandering others.
One who has no problem gossiping and lying. One who does not take issue with conspirators
who start fires for personal gain. Their
lives will be destroyed like the one at Haili who left his family and livelihood
in a shambles. Who has started the process
all over again here also by heading down a road of destruction. We need to careful to no act this way. An acknowledgement by confessing the behavior
and repentance by turning away from the wickedness. Refraining from the behavior and
demonstrating concern for the treatment of others.
P: Praise the Lord for His instruction. His ways are right and just. Thank You Jesus. Help us to turn from wickedness and do what
is right. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Pr 6:12–15). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Reyburn, W. D., & Fry, E. M. (2000). A handbook on Proverbs (p. 142). United Bible
Societies.
[3]
Reyburn, W. D., & Fry, E. M. (2000). A handbook on Proverbs (p. 143). United Bible
Societies.
3/5/22
16 You must not go about spreading slander
among your people; you must not jeopardize your neighbor’s life; I am Yahweh.
17 “You must not harbor hatred against your brother. e Rebuke your neighbor directly, and you will not incur guilt because of him. 18 Do not take revenge or bear a grudge against members of your community but love your neighbor as yourself; I am Yahweh. [1]
O: The command “Don’t
conspire against your neighbor” has to do with our relationships. Building up a reputation at another expense
is ruthless. The Bible mentions slander 46 times, yet it is still pervasive today. Maybe that is why the topic is brought up so
often by God in the scriptures. This command may be
the legal background behind God’s commission to Ezekiel to act as a watchman.
If Ezekiel did not warn his brothers who were in sin, God held him accountable,
and he was subject to punishment (Ezek 3:18, 33:6, 8). [2] Our neighbor is our responsibility, and we
are responsible in letting others know that their behavior is advisedly impacting
others. We must not share in his guilt. The
word “rebuke” thus has an instructional connotation as seen in its use
regarding children in Prov 3:12, 28:23. The corrective rebuke would not involve
seeking revenge or bearing a grudge but rather loving your neighbor as yourself
(19:18).[3] Do not take revenge or hate and take revenge
but love on them as your you have love for yourself as Jesus and Paul did in (Matt
22:39–40, Rom 13:9).
A: When church is
gossiping and slandering at the expense of others, such as what Haili did, is
sad commentary of the spiritual state of church. Tolerated and enabled this sort
of behavior will be the churches demise.
The Spirit of the Lord will not be with them. It is the Christian’s responsibility to
address the behavior and rebuke it.
Hopefully it is done in love for the action will fail without it. The caveat is the commandment to love them as
you love yourself. Something impossible
to those that do not love themselves which I surmise some at Haili lack. Especially the one who recently arrived here
who has wrecked his family where his wife and children for the most part refuse
to speak to him. Left a good job as VP
of a financial institution of reasons he refuses to disclose. Covered up an act of arson by submitting three
different stories of the incident for reasons and motives selfishly displayed. The fire could have killed someone. It was my responsibility to rebuke the behavior,
yet he continued to slander Kahu with libelous letters enabled by the trustees
and the council. Letters proven false
yet never made public nor discussed with Kahu.
No wonder he and I along with others spiritually akamai people left
because this type of behavior is encouraged and enabled to continue at the
churches expense. We are nurture and serve others to help then grow by
addressing the worldly behavior and encouraging them to maintain a Godly walk
not enable ungodly behavior.
P: O God Your splendor and love shines among the nations. Your ways are clear and straight forward. Help us Lord to shine Your light and show love. I pray for Ukraine. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Le 19:16–18). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
3/4/22
26 You are to be holy to Me because I, Yahweh, am holy, and I have set
you apart from the nations to be Mine. [1]
O: Does one
want to be abhorred by God (v.23)? Does one want to lose everything? (v.22) Does one want be responsible for the blood
on his head? (v.27) It will happen if one does not remain set apart from the world.
We must be holy. Some would say what is
in the O.T. stays in the O.T. However, since
the New Testament depends on the language of holiness in the Old Testament,
most holiness scholarship has primarily focused on the Old Testament.[2]
Of course, the meaning of the term holy has been debated down thru the
centuries. For the most part holiness means moral purity and separation from
works of the fleshly worldly behaviors. Holiness is a great mystery but involves a transcendence
by God’s renewing one’s life by transforming one from glory to glory into
becoming more like Him. For God shows His
holiness by depending on no one for His existence yet came to us as a sacrifice
for our salvation.
A: This is
the axiom Christians must strive for. Be
holy as your God is holy. This is how Christians
change the world. By living differently from the world. They have something special, and it should
show. Christians have the power of the
cross enabling us to walk with our God and live by His example of servitude and
love. We can be transformed by His word
renewing our minds and becoming different from the world, walking in the spirit,
and renouncing the works of the flesh. To be holy means one’s life must be
dedicated to serving God. Turning all
over to Him is a living sacrifice wholly and acceptable to Him. Don’t we want
God to dwell in hearts, a holy vessel? To be holy is a choice. Choose wisely.
P: Praise You God for Your holiness and giving
us an opportunity to be like You. Help
us Lord to choose to work on holiness by becoming morally pure and set ourselves
apart from the world. Amen
3/3/22
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not
rely on your own understanding;
6 think about Him in all your ways,
and He will
guide you on the right paths.[1]
O: Here is
an oft quoted verse. One that is succent
and to the point defining the path of the believer. This text begins the section of the discussion
of true piety (vv. 5-12). Piety begins
with humility (vv. 5-8), the rule of dedicating personal wealth to God (vv. 9-10),
and the patient acceptance of God’s discipline (vv. 10-12). The first quatrain (vv. 5-6) addresses the
persons personality attitude and motivation. Put 100% of trust in God. Always think of God and everything will work
out.
The command to trust God “with all your heart”
means that the total personality is to be committed to God’s care, although it
emphasizes the mind and volition. The prohibitions against depending on one’s
own understanding and against intellectual pride (vv. 5b, 7a) implicitly reject
a “secular” search for wisdom and look back to the thesis of the book (1:7).[2]
A: One’s
attitude is a good indicator of what is in the heart. We must
be merciful in our judgement and faithful to God in all our responsibilities. By this behavior grows the righteous attitude. This behavior prescribed here provides rich
soil that nourishes the heart, keeps it attached to the vine to grow strong in
the Spirit. A total immersion in the
word of God. Totally committing the will
and mind to the ways of God. Working on
the fruit of the Spirit, prayer, and thankfulness. Reject the world’s attitude of what’s in it
for me but instead focus on how to glorify God in all things.
P: Praise You God for coming from heaven for
us. Praise You God for demonstrating we
are to serve and do Your will. Help us
to fully and totally trust in You. Help
us to seek Your way and think about You in all our ways. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Pr 3:5–6). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Garrett, D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol.
14, pp. 80–81). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
3/2/22
20 So follow the way of good people,
and keep to
the paths of the righteous.
21 For the upright will inhabit the land,
and those
of integrity will remain in it;
22 but the wicked will be cut off from the
land,
and the
treacherous uprooted from it.[1]
O: The whole charter hinges on the “if” clauses (vs1-4)
in the beginning. This renders a picture
of the choice set before the man. The choice
to seek either seek wisdom and more importantly God or face bitterness, isolation,
and death. If the church, however, fails
to present this stark decision to young people, many will go in the wrong way
and never even know they had a choice.[2] The text sighted introduced by “thus” or here translated
“so” concludes the passage by summing up the chapter. Once again Proverbs appeals to the doctrine
of the two ways. The way of the righteous (v. 20) contrasts with the twisted
path of the wicked just as the promise of life (v. 21) contrasts with the
certainty of death in the home of the adulteress. The promise of remaining “in
the land” immediately recalls the Deuteronomic perspective, as McKane has
noted. Israel itself is two nations, the righteous and the wicked, instead of
one (cf. Rom 2:28–29).[3]
A: We have a choice. It is called free will. We can choose and attitude that seeks to
follow wisdom or a devious attitude with selfish motives. Wisdom gives discernment and understanding. Wisdom requires three things. The ability to listen and accept the teachings
(vv.1-2), there must be a yearning for Wisdom, and lastly Wisdom must be sought
as if one was looking for gold (v.3).
This attitude must be incorporated within one’s entire being and behavior
(v.4). The doctrine has not been incorporated into the leaders at Haili. Once one who walks righteously stands up to
them the gossip starts, division and strife develop. Anger and arguments rise. Hearts are hardened as evidence by no
commitments, no discussion of my accusations.
There is a fear they draw attention to themselves. The silence is telling.
P: Help Lord to seek Your presence. Praise You God for Your wisdom and
insight. Help us Lord to develop an attitude
that lines up with Yours. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Pr 2:20–22). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Garrett, D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol.
14, p. 74). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[3]
Garrett, D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol.
14, p. 77). Broadman & Holman Publishers. McKane, Proverbs, 288.
3/1/22
7 The fear of the Lord
is the
beginning of knowledge;
fools
despise wisdom and discipline.[1]
O: This text ties the principle of biblical wisdom to the realization
some will reject the wisdom of God. A principle that
believers must teach others is that in their pursuit of wisdom they will be
surrounded by others going the opposite direction who will be encouraging them
to do likewise. In this fashion the polarity of the entire Book of Proverbs—the
way of the wise and the way of the fool—is introduced. The reader faces the
alternatives and is challenged to attain wisdom through the fear of God.[2]
A: I
believe the issues at Haili all started with the defiant haughty attitude long
time leaders demonstrate. Relying on
themselves and influencing others a cancel culture started. Acting as fools gossiping and slandering
others the prideful attitude deepened and affected others such as the Bufils. Who in turn influenced Peter. However, Lorna realized the error of her ways
and turned but Peter and Kelcey ran with the cancel culture, slandering, lying,
and acting out in scandalous ways accusing Kahu of “breaking the law” and violating
ethical principles. Actions they themselves
participated in. Accusations that were
proven to be untrue which Peter refuses to acknowledge. In addition, Peter and
Kelcey conspired to cover up an act of arson.
Peter’s story regarding the fire changes three times and uses his sole
testimony as proof which the bible says we must only accept the testimony of 2
or more. Yet the powers that be accepted
his story. This is very foolish behavior
and the reason I left after more than 70 attempts to turn them only to be rebuffed
each and every time.
P: Praise You God. I lift You up for You are
worthy. God, I love Haili and I love
those in power. Lord they have great
qualities. I love Peter and pray for him
daily. I pray for all of them at Haili
and pray they turn from there foolish ways and fear You God. Help me Lord to continue to be fearing
You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Pr 1:7). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Garrett,
D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol.
14, p. 68). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
2/28/22
13 The one who conceals his sins
will not
prosper,
but whoever
confesses and renounces them
will find
mercy.
14 Happy is the one who is always reverent,
but one who
hardens his heart falls into trouble.[1]
O: How can
one hide anything from God. Those that
lie, slander, commit liable, gossip, hatreds, fightings, jealousies, angers,
rivalries, create divisions, heresies, and other works of the flesh. (Gal
5:20) Those who
confess their crimes and are remorseful are more likely to get the mercy of the
court than those who try to the end to conceal their guilt, and the hardened
criminal will be more severely treated than someone who shows fear of the Lord.[2] Over coming the fear of consequences when
confession and turns away from the sin one can move forward. Remaining in the conceit one will be stuck in
your past. Softening one’s heart allows
one to give into the Lord. If not,
trouble will fail to stop.
A: It is
very unfortunate that many in the church especially those in leadership at
Haili have no idea they have even sinned.
Becoming involved in gossip and slander needs to be confessed. How can that be done with a lack of insight that
sin is demonstrated or having no idea what gossip is? How do they soften their stone of a heart? All I know is that confession is good for the
heart (1Jn1:9). Develop a spiritual life
by making devotions of His word a habit and pray without ceasing.
{1Thess5:17). A good attitude to start
with is gratitude and get real. (Ps
100:4)
P: Lord I am afraid those deep in sin will continue
to rationalize and justify their behavior. They lack insight. Help then Lord to draw closer
to You. Help them Lord to seek You. Help me Lord to love on them. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Pr 28:13–14). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Garrett, D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol.
14, p. 225). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
2/27/22
“You must
not spread a false report. Do not join the wicked to be a malicious witness. [1]
17 Iron sharpens iron,
and one man
sharpens another.[2]
O: This
passage is plain and does not need much commentary. Lies are unbecoming of a Christian. False reports of another breaking the law or
accusing another of serious ethical breaches that are untrue than hiding the
facts from the congregation are evil acts contrary to God’s principles. Supporting the lies of a wicked neighbor with
more lies makes one as wicked as the other.
This applies to all regarding any kind of false statement. Moreover, man has a responsibility to work with
each other building each other up. Verse
17 explains that people must not shy away from interaction with their peers
since it is an education in itself. The “sharpening” can occur in any area in
which people are engaged, be it business, intellectual, or physical
competition.[3]
A: False reports create disunity. People will not stay where there is lies and
wickedness. False witness should not be
part of the leaders of the church behavior.
Neither should they lie for another who set fire to an apartment nearly
killing the tenant. Shameful behavior
the leader of the church has done nothing about. Men have a responsible to help each other and
not stay silent. Men are responsible to each other to work things out and work
together growing in maturity together.
Men are not to support lies of a wicked person.
P: O Lord praise be to You. You are faithful and just. Help us Lord to help each turn from wicked
behavior. Help us to be honest. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ex 23:1). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Pr 27:17). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[3]
Garrett, D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol.
14, p. 220). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
2/26/22
4 Don’t answer a fool according to his
foolishness
or you’ll
be like him yourself.
5 Answer a fool according to his
foolishness
or he’ll
become wise in his own eyes.[1]
Be holy
because I, Yahweh your God, am holy. [2]
O: These two
verses in Proverbs are to be taken as a pair.
Some consider the text to be a play on words others feel a paradox. The
first is a warning that if one responds with foolishness, one will be like the
fool. By doing so you share in his foolishness.[3] The CEV translate it, “Don’t make a fool of
yourself by answering a fool.”[4] As for the parados the REB translates verse 5,
“Answer a fool according to his folly”. Additionally, the neb says “in the language of his folly”
in verse 4 but “as his folly deserves” in verse 5.[5] Consequently, the answer to a fool should show
the fool his folly. Now let’s turn to
the Lord’s command. Be holy is implored
in scripture at least 9 times. It is an
encouragement that His children must be different than the world. It is an uplifting motivation to stay pure. This is a goal that needs to be addressed repeatedly. That is why the implement all the sacrifices,
feasts and sabbath.
A: Proverbs tells us to avoid fools. A hard lesson the needs to be followed. Fools can make you look foolish. Fools can snare you in a trap. Fools can ruin reputations. If you’re not careful they will think they
are wise like Peter @ Haili. If you wish
to test them with reasonable posts, they will twist it because of their
unreasonableness and attempt to use it against you. We must be holy inside and out in all our
behavior. The Holy Spirit has help us along
the road to purity. If one is actively
sinning lives contrary to the scriptures and can expect judgement. Be holy and avoid fools.
P: Praise
be to God. Help us to decern the fools, avoid
them and help us be holy. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Pr 26:4–5). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Le 19:2). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[3]
Reyburn, W. D., & Fry, E. M. (2000). A handbook on Proverbs (p. 558). United Bible
Societies.
[4]
Reyburn, W. D., & Fry, E. M. (2000). A handbook on Proverbs (p. 558). United Bible
Societies.
[5]
Reyburn, W. D., & Fry, E. M. (2000). A handbook on Proverbs (p. 559). United Bible
Societies.
2/25/22
8 Don’t take a matter to court hastily.
Otherwise,
what will you do afterward
if your opponent
humiliates you?
9 Make your case with your opponent
without
revealing another’s secret;
10 otherwise, the one who hears will
disgrace you,
and you’ll
never live it down.[1]
O: The
message is clear stay out of court if possible.
The repercussions and one’s reputation may be negatively impacted. Jesus gave the same teaching in Lk 12:57-59.
In linking v. 7c to v. 8. One wonders, moreover, what this reading really
implies. Is it an injunction against gossip? If so, it is oddly worded. Is it a
warning not to be too quick to report a crime you witness? That hardly fits the
context of Proverbs.[2]
In the end your good standing will not
return because of bad gossip. Verse 10 could be literally translated, and your evil report will not turn back.[3] Therefor avoid the courts and make every
attempt to work it out.
A: I was dragged into court so my antagonist could slap a TRO on
me. He had felt threaten by me. Nothing could be further from the truth. Besides the Holy Spirit was the one
convicting him. He wanted to put me on
the stand for he was representing himself.
He had to for he could not find any lawyer who would go through with his
foolish reasoning. However, my lawyer
took control of the hearing and shot holes into all his 19 arguments he used to
take me to court and my antagonist realized he was left with no case refused to
put me on the stand and the case was dismissed.
This clearly reflects the character and ludicrous behavior of a man that
clearly needs help mentally and spiritually.
We as Christian must follow Gods words by working out our differences one
on one avoiding courts that may reflect badly on the church. It is never a good thing to be in court.
P: Thank You God for Your mercy and forgiveness. Your grace is enough. Thank You for salvation. Help us Lord to learn mediation and practice
Your ways. Help those at Haili to listen
to the Holy Spirit and work out the issues without gossip. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Pr 25:8–10). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Garrett, D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol.
14). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[3] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
2/24/22
Don’t envy
evil men
or desire
to be with them,
2 for their hearts plan violence,
and their
words stir up trouble.
3 A house is built by wisdom,
and it is
established by understanding;
4 by knowledge the rooms are filled
with every
precious and beautiful treasure. [1]
O: The first two verses refer to evil men
demonstrating bad behavior. People are
encouraged not have any strong emotional connection to them nor desire to associate
with them. Stay away from conspirators who
cover up atrocities and gossip lies. Violence is behavior that harms, ruins, mistreats, or oppresses other people.[2] On the other hand seek wisdom to build one’s
life. Strive to understand and perceive others
plight and offer support and help as needed.
Make the house secure in wisdom.
Than one has the ability to help other. That way one can be a delight
and treasure.
A: Avoid evil people who practice gossip such as
the leaders of Haili. In addition, they
cover up acts of arson, lie, slander others.
This is behaviors of evil people.
Do not associate with them, instead seek wisdom. That which only comes from God. Build on that wisdom so you nav be used by
God to be a blessing to other. The more
to blessing the more one can be a treasure and delight to others.
P: Praise be
to God for Your wisdom and instruction.
Help us to seek wisdom and be helpful to others. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Pr 24:1–4). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Reyburn, W. D., & Fry, E. M. (2000). A handbook on Proverbs (p. 443). United Bible
Societies.
2/23/22
4 The result of humility is fear of the Lord,
along with
wealth, honor, and life.
5 There are thorns and snares on the path
of the crooked;
the one who
guards himself stays far from them. [1]
O: This text
first explains the consequence when one has the appropriate attitude and
behavior. In other words, obeying the Lord will bring… “Respect
for the Lord will teach you to be wise” or “If you honor the Lord, you will
learn to have wisdom.”[2]
Again in 1:7 it is the beginning of knowledge.
Humility is putting others first before oneself. It is placing the importance of others
greater than oneself. Simple put the
person who obeys the Lord, and makes himself humble, will become rich. He will
have a long life, and people will honor him.[3]
The second part of the text is a warning to be
cautious of a wicked or perverse person.
The two lines contrast each other.
The text explains to avoid the traps by steering clear of such person. We are told to have nothing to do with one heavily
influenced by the perverse world. Crooked
refers here to people being devious or deceptive. One rendering of
this line says, “If a person wants to keep safe, he must watch where he is
going and avoid all these bad things.”[4]
A: This trait of humility is most helpful. It is a very important characteristic of good
behavior and one I need to work on. By demonstrating
one is more important it shows respect and fosters meaningful relationships. It is also good advice to steer clear of the traps
perverse people create as not be trapped.
This is another behavior I not to develop for I hot caught up in a trap,
dragged into court and accused of harassment.
The accusations did not stick but none the less caused heartache and
stress.
P: Praise
be to God for opening my eyes to how I ought to life. Help me Lord to improve my behavior and walk humbly
with You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Pr 22:4–5). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Reyburn, W. D., & Fry, E. M. (2000). A handbook on Proverbs (p. 344). United Bible
Societies.
[3]
Reyburn, W. D., & Fry, E. M. (2000). A handbook on Proverbs (p. 463). United Bible
Societies.
[4]
Reyburn, W. D., & Fry, E. M. (2000). A handbook on Proverbs (p. 463). United Bible
Societies.
2/22/22
30 “ ‘But anyone who sins defiantly, whether native-born or
foreigner, blasphemes the Lord and
must be cut off from the people of Israel. 31 Because they have
despised the Lord’s word and
broken his commands, they must surely be cut off; their guilt remains on
them.’ ”[1]
O: Remember
this was written in the context of Israelites defiant refusal to go into the
promised land. Saying to the Lord He is
wrong we cannot do what He says is blaspheme. Thy will not nor maybe nut surely
be cut off. What happen to those that grumbled
and complained? The same is true of
those who blatantly lie and slander Kahu.
Those who gossip and complain show contempt to the Lord because of their
behavior. Sinning defiantly can
translated as using a high hand, which in the middle east describes a show of strength
and power. The one who sins defiantly may not feel the guilt of his violation,
but he is nonetheless guilty before God and man. Such a defiant person must suffer the ultimate
of judgment, the karet. Such a form
of judgment, by which God would eradicate an offender’s line of descendants or
deny a person’s life in the hereafter, was reserved for the most heinous or
sacrilegious offenses.[2]
A: This is what the sisters, as well as Kelsey
and Peter along with others complicit to the sinful behavior, have done. They see no problem with their behavior. There is a lack of spiritual maturity and
discernment. By blatantly defying God’s word and actively sinning by repeating
lies and gossip. They will eventually be
removed but as of now they are defiant, and God’s judgement will prevail. Return to the word of God. Follow His commands. Turn to honesty and
truthfulness.
P: Praise
You God for being honest and faithful.
Thak-You for Your word. Help us
Lord to a with You and not be defiant but help us to work together in
love. Amen
2/21/22
23 The one who guards his mouth and tongue
keeps
himself out of trouble.
24 The proud and arrogant person, named
“Mocker,”
acts with
excessive pride.[1]
O: Three times in Proverbs the tongue is mentioned plus
once in James. It accounts for the power
of the spoken word. In addition, the Bible discusses the importance of our
conversations. 1 Peter 3:10. 10 For, “Whoever would love life and see
good days must keep their tongue …Colossians 4:6. 6 Let your conversation be
always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that …Ephesians 4:29. 29 Do not
let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what … Be gracious, wholesome by keeping the tongue
in check. In contrast the scoffer
bristle with arrogant pride. The “mocker” is recognized precisely
for his obnoxious mouth, and thus the refusal to control the tongue (v. 23)
springs directly from arrogance (v. 24). On the other hand, just as those who
show humility in their language avoid trouble, one can presume that the mocker
gets into trouble with his scornful words and attitudes.[2]
A: I am not the right
person to explain how to control my tongue.
For my tongue constantly gets me in trouble. It is very difficult if nor
impossible to fix what has been said impulsively. Arrogance and pride have also been an
issue. However, the leaders at Haili have
a much bigger issue accepting lies as facts and demonstrating arrogance and
pride as if they oversee the spiritual life of the church. They fail to recognize the true authority
tasked with the spiritual health of the church.
In addition, one of the deacons was dragged into court on false pretenses
stating I’m making false accusations. He
infringed on my rights and freedom of speech.
Peter still has not proving I am lying regrading my accusations he is lying
about the fire he and Kelcey started. I
handle the whole situation but wish I had controlled my tongue. Perhaps the outcome would have gone
differently.
P: O Lord please help us
control our tongue, speak graciously, and eliminate pride and arrogance. Thank You for providing Your word that guides
us on the path. Lord You are worthy of
all praise. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Pr 21:23–24). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Garrett, D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol.
14, pp. 183–184). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
2/19/22
3 It is honorable for a man to resolve a
dispute,
but any
fool can get himself into a quarrel.[1]
O: Theme
here is repeated elsewhere often in Proverbs.
Theme is knowing right and wrong. Are we identified as a righteous man
or a fool? Here the topic is resolution
of an issue or creating one. The honorable
man makes every attempt in solving a problem while the fool continues an
argument never taking responsibility insisting their opinion is right and will
not back down. The NJB translate the verse thus: It is praiseworthy to stop short of a lawsuit; only a fool
flies into a rage.[2] Quarreling is parallel to dispute or
strife and contrasts the praiseworthy thin and the foolish thing.
A: It is always good to problem solve and avoid
strife rather than pick a fight. Seek out the right behavior rather than creating
more bad consequences. Build bridges and
not be moats. Reach out and try to be
helpful don’t create barriers by building roadblocks.
P:
Praise You Lord for encouragement. Thank
You for Your great wisdom and understanding.
Help us to be honorable. Help us to avoid foolishness. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (Pr 20:3). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
The New Jerusalem Bible (Pr 20:3). (1985). Doubleday.
2/18/22
Dt 5:8 Do not make an idol for yourself in the
shape of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters
under the earth. 9 You must not bow down to them or worship
them, because I, the Lord your
God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the fathers’ sin to the third
and fourth generations of those who hate Me,
10 but showing faithful love to a thousand generations
of those who love Me and keep My commands.
19 Better a poor man who lives with
integrity
than
someone who has deceitful lips and is a fool.
9 A false witness will not go unpunished,
and one who
utters lies perishes.[1]
O: One is not to worship idols. The scriptures are very clear on that. But what are idols? It is an image or likeness of God. Interestingly today those images come not only as graven but in many other forms. It is the worship of false gods. Today gods come in many forms. Money, power, self-worth, jobs, positions, etc., etc. Many feel their behavior is beyond reproach. In other words, they feel arrogant and better than others making claims based solely on their own testimony. They will not relinquish their power. Fout put it this way:
Claims of any kind, particularly claims which are not straightforwardly verifiable, may be used to mask and promote one’s self-interest at the expense of others and thus to legitimize sin. This sort of manipulation—whether from cynical exploitation or ignorant naïveté—reduces the Church and its message to an instrument of personal advancement, a practice which has been condemned unreservedly as idolatry.[2]
A: Enabling lies, false testimony, slander, and gossip among
other sins in the church is unconscionable.
Nobody who practices sin is above reproach. I have said this before and to my dismay the
practice continues because it serves a purpose. The people retrain their power
no matter the cost of others. It is a
sad commentary on the state of the church today.
P: Lord we need only to turn to you for our needs and not rely on any other power. Help us to rid the idols from our life. Help us to walk with You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Dt 5:8–10; Pr 19, 19:9). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Fout, J. A. (2015). Fully Alive: The Glory of God and the Human Creature in Karl
Barth, Hans Urs von Balthasar and Theological Exegesis of Scripture
(pp. 15–16). Bloomsbury T&T Clark; Bloomsbury.
2/17/22
4 When the Lord your God
drives them out before you, do not say to yourself, ‘The Lord brought me in to take possession of
this land because of my righteousness.’
Instead, the Lord will
drive out these nations before you because of their wickedness. 5 You are not going to take
possession of their land because of your righteousness or your integrity.
Instead, the Lord your God will
drive out these nations before you because of their wickedness[1]
O: We hear
all the time the evil of genocide but that is what the Israelites did when they
entered the promise land. The text
explains why it was necessary to drive the people out to their severe
wickedness. They performed detestable practices such as sacrificing their sons
and daughters. Participated in temple debauchery and worshiped idols in high
places. This shocking and humbling
disclosure, far from placing Israel’s election on any basis other than grace,
emphasizes that very truth; for the whole point here is that all peoples,
Israel included, are wicked and undeserving of any divine favor. For one people
to be chosen to salvation out of all other possible candidates is a mystery
beyond human understanding.[2]
This will be the work of the Lord not
the people. They were not to take any
credit which would be self-aggrandizement but give God the glory.
A: It is a mystery why God choose us. It is not based on our behavior but by His
grace. It is very important to take
responsibility for our mistakes and not blame anything else. The behavior improves discipline for by claiming
the cause one can seek personal ways to correct the behavior and thus glorify
God. God can be see influencing those He redeems and conquering the problems
that lay before us.
P: I Pray God the I give You the glory. Praise You for going before us. Thank You for being involved in our lives. Help me Lord to take responsibility for my
behavior and glorify You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Dt 9:4–5). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Merrill, E. H. (1994). Deuteronomy (Vol. 4, p. 190). Broadman &
Holman Publishers.
2/16/22
Dt 8:14 Do
not become proud at that time and forget the Lord
your God, who rescued you [1]
5 Everyone with a proud heart is detestable
to the Lord;
be assured,
he will not go unpunished.
6 Wickedness is atoned for by loyalty and
faithfulness,
and one
turns from evil by the fear of the Lord.[2]
O: Pride is
a great problem. Time and time again blessings
bring contentment then become a source of pride. Pride will be one’s downfall. It is mentioned in the NIV 69 times. In Deuteronomy Moses is warning the
Israelites that after they settle and begin to prosper watch out for pride and
did not let it puff up. The chief danger was that they would become amnesiac about their
history and in the pride of the present would forget the sacred story of their
election and redemption.[3] In Proverbs the righteous are defined by the
fear of the fear and Lord and humility. Wickedness,
too, is more than simple disobedience to the commandments; it is above all
manifest in an attitude of pride[4]
A: Attitude is the main component of ones
walk. Lack of humility and self-justification
is a prideful attitude. The righteous are
continually seeking out in their hearts any thing contrary to humility ridding
of any source of pride. Righteousness is
committed trust in the Lord (16:3) and acknowledgment that no one can conceal
from God the evil of his or her heart (15:11; 16:2).[5] Strive to please the Lord and follow Him
thru-out the day.
P: Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the One worthy of praise. Help us Lord to work on all sources of pride.
Help us to be humble and deny ourselves.
Help us to be commit to You, trust in You, and seek You out in all we
do. Amen
[1]
Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Dt 8:14).
Tyndale House Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Pr 16:5–6). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[3]
Merrill, E. H. (1994). Deuteronomy (Vol. 4, p. 187). Broadman &
Holman Publishers.
[4]
Garrett, D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol.
14, p. 153). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[5]
Garrett, D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol.
14, p. 153). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
2/15/22
3 The eyes of the Lord are everywhere,
observing
the wicked and the good.
4 The tongue that heals is a tree of life,
but a
devious tongue breaks the spirit.
5 A fool despises his father’s discipline,
but a
person who accepts correction is sensible. [1]
O: The first part of this text talks about God administration
for He is everywhere and sees everything.
Then the warning about the use of the tongue. Here is stressed that words have power to heal,
and deceitful words hurts a person’s spirit. draw together two concepts, namely, the
wise/foolish son who pleases/disgraces his parents and the importance of
heeding wise counsel. One’s attitude toward parental teaching (v. 5) will
determine one’s lifelong attitude toward authority and instruction (vv. 21–22).[2]
A: The adage
‘Words will never hurt me’ is simply not true.
You are what you speak. There is a warning here for God sees everything.
Also provided here are a contrast of acceptable
and unacceptable behaviors. Avoid deceit,
make every attempt to heal. Honor your parents and reconcile with your
father. It is sensible to accept
correction unlike my antagonist at Haili.
The judge in court said several times he was unreasonable, and Peter
once told me he could not reconcile with his father. He will be judged for his deceitful lies and
insensitive behavior.
P: Thank You God for watching over us. Thank You for Your grace and mercy. I pray that Haili and Peter come to their
senses. Help me Lord to use words that
heal. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Pr 15:3–5). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Garrett,
D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol.
14, p. 151). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
2/14/22
“May the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh,
appoint a man over the community 17 who will go out before them
and come back in before them, and who will bring them out and bring them in, so
that the Lord’s community won’t be
like sheep without a shepherd.”[1]
O: As is
true in every case where God is allowed to be Sovern, He will raise up a
righteous replacement. After all He is
Lord over all mankind like it or not. The
response of the elder statesman of Israel reflected the true character of a
spiritual leader, prayerful submission to the will of God, and concern for the
future welfare of the people whom God had called him to guide.[2] This text is a perfect example of God’s concern
for the welfare of His people. Without such guidance the Israelites could
continue wandering “like sheep without a shepherd”.
A: God
should be consulted in all important decisions.
After all He cares what happens to you.
He is not some distant God indifferent regarding His children. A true leader embodies these principles with
concern for the people one is charged with.
Remain a shepherd and guide with righteousness.
P: I pray that You my gracious King continue to
guide me. Praise You for Your concern
for Your people. I pray we continue in
righteousness.
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Nu 27:16–17). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
2/13/22
5 The righteous hate lying,
but the
wicked act disgustingly and disgracefully.
6 Righteousness guards people of integrity,
but
wickedness undermines the sinner.
10 Arrogance leads to nothing but strife,
but wisdom
is gained by those who take advice.[1]
O: Those who care about the truth preserve integrity
whereas wickedness makes a stench and causes shame. Lying is never called for. Those that do extrude arrogance and will not
accept advice from the righteous. Whereas the righteous are concerned for the truth
(over against malicious gossip), the wicked promote scandal.[2] The righteous with flourish while the hope
of the evil will fade. Contentiousness
is born of arrogance. Please reflect
that true wealth consists of a pure life and a patient spirit. By implication
the arrogant rich only appear to be wealthy; their lives are filled with
strife, and their light is quickly extinguished.[3]
A: Lying is
detestable and has no place in the children of Gods life. Haili has enabled lies by one who’s only testimony
is himself. He has no proof he is telling
the truth whereas I have proof he is lying.
I have other sources where he has just himself. In addition, he has repeatedly lied about Kahu
and even in court. He has lied to cover
up wicked behavior at which I hope he is ashamed. His behavior is arrogant and prideful.
P: Lord help us to eliminate arrogance and
pride. Help us to turn from lies an be
truthful. Help us Lord to turn to
You. Amen
[2]
Garrett, D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol.
14, p. 135). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[3]
Garrett, D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol.
14, p. 136). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
2/12/22
12 Whoever loves discipline loves
knowledge,
but one who
hates correction is stupid.
2 The good person obtains favor from the Lord,
but He
condemns a man who schemes.[1]
O: It is sad and should give people pause when
this is read. The structure of the text
is complex, but the overall theme is the source of life. That source is righteousness. (11:28) Here in
the text quoted behavior is all important.
For behavior is demonstrative of faith.
James 2:26 Those who hate correction and refuse to accept criticism or become
easily offended lack the true source of life.
Those who develop plans for their own personal reasons face condemnation
from the Lord. Undisciplined life
is contrasted with a virtuous life carried out in submission to God’s ways.
This text, moreover, indicates that God is directly involved in the matter of
punishing the evil and rewarding the good.[2]
A: Practicing dead faith is unhelpful in
improving a spiritual life. Living a
good life relishing advice and discipline.
Wisdom seeks knowledge, listening for anything that will help improve
the spiritual life with the Lord. That
includes correction and rejecting schemes such as starting a fire to improve
your living arrangements. Schemes of a
personal nature id selfish and demonstrates a lack of faith. Look for ways to do good and stay in His word
to increase faith.
P: Praise
be to God. Thank-You for Your grace and
love. Thank-You for holding people accountable. Help me to love discipline and look for ways
of doing good. Amen
[1] The
Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (Pr 12). (2009).
Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Garrett, D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol.
14, p. 129). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
2/11/22
13 If Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could
not go against the Lord’s command,
to do anything good or bad of my own will? I will say whatever the Lord says.[1]
O: Balaam
reminded Balak hat he could only speak what the Lord told him to say no matter
how much money or influence was used. It
seems this diviner or spiritualist had some morals and knew no one cannot go
against what God had blessed. He knew he
must tell the king whatever Lord told him.
What then would issue forth from the mouth of Balaam was a pronouncement
that Olson notes “unleashes all the power of the preceding heavenly visions
onto the stage of earthly history.”[2]
A: Hopeful we say in tune with God’s will. It is impossible to go against His will and
be blessed. We must relay what the Lord
has told us no matter the cost. I came
up against sin at Haili and repeatedly addressed it over 70 times to help Peter
understand. I could not sit idly by and
watch him self destruct. He was a good
friend who surprised me with the lies and slander spewing from him and I am
concerned for his spiritual health and maturity. For the most part the Spirit prompted my
heart to share the truth. What else could
I do?
P: I pray Lord we come to our senses to know You
more and more. In Your will are
blessings. In You will grace and
mercy. There is nothing that is missed by
You and You meet our needs. amen
2/10/22
the people became impatient because of the journey. 5 The
people spoke against God and Moses: “Why have you led us up from Egypt to die
in the wilderness? There is no bread or water, and we detest this wretched
food!” 6 Then the Lord
sent poisonous snakes among the people, and they bit them so that many
Israelites died.
7 The people then came to Moses and said,
“We have sinned by speaking against the Lord
and against you. Intercede with the Lord
so that He will take the snakes away from us.” And Moses interceded for the
people.
8 Then the Lord
said to Moses, “Make a snake image and mount it on a pole. When anyone who is
bitten looks at it, he will recover.”[1]
O: Grumbling again demonstrating a lack of faith and trust in the Lord.
The Israelites grew impatient and ungrateful for what the Lord provided. They
grew tired of the monotonous food and began to describe their food supply as
“miserable” (haqqĕlōqēl, “worthless,
contemptible”), thereby deploring and degrading that which God had so
graciously given to them for some forty years. When a person’s heart is intent
on rebellion and beset by discontent, even the best of gifts from the Lord can
lose their savor; nothing will fully satisfy until the heart is made right.[2]
The consequence was severe. Those grumbling died after being bitten by
snakes sent by God. Only when they
confessed their sins did God intervene by tell Moses to make a bronze serpent
for to look to for healing. The verb translated “look” (rāʾâ)
often carries with it the idea to see with belief or understanding, and it is
to be so interpreted in this context.[3]
A: Some
interesting conclusions can be drawn from this event. The snake on the pole did
not ward off evil but cured one once bitten.
Those bitten stood between life and death and need to show faith to be
saved from death by looking up. So
looking with hope for salvation and healing upon a form of that which has
rendered one in a position of living or dying was a wondrously paradoxical act
of faith in a God who controlled all power over life or death.[4]
Many take this story as a metaphor of Christ for we are saved through faith in
Him by the grace of God.
P: Praise be to You God for Your salvation through faith provided by Your grace. Praise ou God for Your mercy. I pray You strengthen my faith. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Nu 21:4–8). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
2/9/22
7 The one who corrects a mocker
will bring
dishonor on himself;
the one who
rebukes a wicked man will get hurt.
8 Don’t rebuke a mocker, or he will hate
you;
rebuke a
wise man, and he will love you.
9 Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser
still;
teach a
righteous man, and he will learn more.[1]
O: This is
wisdom plainly explained. A mocker is so full of himself and contemptuous of others that he will not
humble himself under any authority, not even under that of the Lord.[2] Consequently,
when one attempts to
correct a mocker, the mocker will reply with shaming insults. In addition, when
one corrects the wicked man that man will use whatever he can to hurt that the
one trying to help him. Continue to try
to correct mocker and he will hate you.
Inversely the wise will listen and humbly accept correction. The wise use correction as a learning device.
A: This
holds true at Haili. The mocker had all
sorts of bad reports. Reports that were
not backed up with evidence. Slanderous
reports and was unable to accepted correction.
He turned on me with gossip and attempted to hurt me by taking me to court. This man was so full of himself he felt he
could do no wrong. But wrong upon wrong
he did. This text is confirmation in whom
I was dealing with. I was the one continually discredited. I was the one submitting to discipline noy the
mocker.
P: Praise
You Lord for Your instruction and discipline.
Thank You Lord for Your patience and mercy. Help us Lord to always accept wisdom. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Pr 9:7–9). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Waltke, B. K. (2004). The Book of Proverbs, Chapters 1–15 (p. 440).
Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.
2/8/22
14 Then the whole
community broke into loud cries, and the people wept that night. 2 All
the Israelites complained about Moses and Aaron[1]
O: The people reacted to the report of the ten
negative reports rather than the two positive ones. The began to grumble and complain. In the present context the two phrases are
merged into one expression of intense lament as the people bemoaned their
situation, brought upon themselves by their unbelief in God’s promise and power.[2]
There was talk of going back to Egypt.
God had had enough. This is not the first time they have grumbled and
each time He threatened to wipe them out only to have Moses intercede. This time the judgement is severe. They will not live to see the promise land.
A: This goes to show if one does not faith in
God expect the worst. If one listens to
all the negative reports, it makes thing worst.
If one can’t take God’s promises by faith destruction will be the
result. I have felt like one crying in
the wilderness attempting to bring to light all the sin at Haili. To no avail no one listened to me except the
kahu. Yet the grumbling, lies, and gossip continued. The lack of discernment was heartbreaking. Their inability to accept a minority report
will be their downfall.
P: Paise You God. You are worthy of all praise. I pray for Haili that they eliminate the
gossip and address the lies. I pray I
will increase my trust in You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Nu 14:1–2). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
2/7/22
7 My son, obey my words,
and
treasure my commands.
2 Keep my commands and live;
protect my
teachings
as the
pupil of your eye.
3 Tie them to your fingers;
write them
on the tablet of your heart.[1]
O: Here the
Father is addressing and admonishing His child.
The structure of first sentence is an emphatic synonymous parallel to
the words obey and command. It is
implied that this must be done. This typical introduction aims at the adoption by
the succeeding generations of the teaching that the conditions for life are
“freedom within form, love within limits, and life within law”.[2] The repeat of “keep My commands” implies its
importance meaning by not following the commands may cost loss of life. Respect
the commands as an apple of the eye hold them with fingers close to the heart.
A: We must use our eyes to see the importance of
Gods commands for in them is illumination and guidance. Not to do so brings darkness and
failure. Use the hands for good works
and write the word of God on the heart by letting God in and becoming Lord of
your life. Also remember and memorize
the word of God.
P: Thank You Jesus for Your instruction and
teaching. Thank You for Your word. Help me Lord to apply it to my life and make
it apart of me. Amen
[1] The
Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (Pr 7). (2009).
Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Waltke, B. K. (2004). The Book of Proverbs, Chapters 1–15 (p. 368).
Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. From R. Van Leeuwen, Proverbs, p. 86.
2/5/22
21 For a man’s ways are before the Lord’s eyes,
and He
considers all his paths.
22 A wicked man’s iniquities entrap him;
he is
entangled in the ropes of his own sin.
23 He will die because there is no
discipline,
and be lost
because of his great stupidity. [1]
O: God see
all the ways of man. This text plainly
states consequences await from whatever behavior is demonstrated by all people.
A person reaps what he sows. (Gal. 6:7) “Before
the Lords eyes” means “He will evaluate, give judgement” (cf. 15:3) The Lord is
always watching and sin will punish itself. His denotes
the wicked as the agent who commits the iniquities
(ʿawōnōtāyw), a holistic word that encompasses both the misdeeds and their
punishment (i.e., “iniquity (resulting in guilt).”[2] Sin will be a trap
and catch the sinner. There will be no
escape. Will die (yāmût) refers to eternal death in opposition to the eternal life of the
righteous, not merely to either a premature death (see v. 11) or clinical
death. Apart from 30:7, where “to die” refers to clinical death, it refers to
death occasioned by the rejection of and/or the lack of life-giving instruction
(see 10:21; 15:10; 19:16; 23:13).[3]
So therefore death awaits the sinner,
and he will be snared by it.
A: One must
remember the Lord is always watching.
His eyes are everywhere even in the dark. One can rationalize and justify their
behavior to no avail. Sin will trap and
ensnare the sinner. Sin will be haunting have disastrous consequences. Listen to God. Walk in His ways. Let Him direct you by His word. His word is light. His burdens easy to
bear. Follow His teaching and life will
result. By making Him Lord of your life
one avoids the permanent death. Avoiding
sin, one avoids the traps that ensnare.
P: Praise You God for Your involvement in our lives. Thank You for thinking of us and guiding us. Help me Lord to weed out sin in my life so I can be with You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Pr 5:21–23). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Waltke, B. K. (2004). The Book of Proverbs, Chapters 1–15 (pp.
323–324). Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.
[3]
Waltke, B. K. (2004). The Book of Proverbs, Chapters 1–15 (p. 324).
Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.
2/4/22
20 My son, pay attention to my words;
listen
closely to my sayings.
21 Don’t lose sight of them;
keep them
within your heart.
22 For they are life to those who find them,
and health
to one’s whole body.
23 Guard your heart above all else,
for it is
the source of life.
24 Don’t let your mouth speak dishonestly,
and don’t
let your lips talk deviously.
25 Let your eyes look forward;
fix your gaze
straight ahead.
26 Carefully consider the path for your
feet,
and all
your ways will be established.
27 Don’t turn to the right or to the left;
keep your
feet away from evil. [1]
O: This
text is full of metaphors. It is an
appeal to stay true to Wisdom. The writer uses body parts in pleas with reader
to stay on the right path. Believers are
implored not to use the lips to twist words and lie for this is dishonest. The
feet are to turn and stay away from evil. Believers are also encouraged to not
look for evil with the eye for to do so evil will be found and could cause one
to stumble. At the same time, the text can be taken to urge the reader to
maintain the simplicity of biblical teaching.[2] The
heart is to be guarded above all else for it is the ‘source of all life’.
A: We are
to seek wisdom, avoid evil with one’s entire being. The heart, eyes, ears, mouth,
and feet are not to be used for evil.
The heart is primary for what comes from the heart reflects its
condition. (Lk 6:45) We must avoid temptation
and what ever distraction that would draw us to the right or left of the path
of righteousness. Remain in the word of God.
P: Praise be to God for Your instruction. You help us to walk straight and avoid temptation. Help us God to stay on the path You prepare for us. Help us avoid distractions and lead us from temptation. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Pr 4:20–27). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Garrett, D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol.
14, p. 89). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
2/3/22
22 Aaron lifted up his hands toward the people and blessed them. He came
down after sacrificing the sin offering, the burnt offering, and the fellowship
offering. 23 Moses and Aaron then entered the tent of meeting.
When they came out, they blessed the people, and the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people. [1]
O: Only
after the sacrifices the Lord made his presence known. This happens at the end
of the eight-day ceremony to consecrate the priests and prepare the
people. Twice they were blessed which is
significant since the word bless appears for the first time during this ceremony. By being consecrated it is apparent the
priest did not bless but has become a spokesperson for God. Due to the sacrifices
offer to God were acceptable His glory appeared. The sin offering, burnt
offering, and peace offering sometimes called the fellowship offering are necessary
for the Lord to come near.
A: It may
also be of significance that blessing follows the sacrifices made on behalf of
the people. This illustrates the New Testament truth that every spiritual
blessing comes to the Christian as a result of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ
upon the cross.[2] Jesus is now the Great High Priest who now
blesses all who consecrate themselves by confession of sins, giving Jesus your
all and fellowshipping or making peace with believers.
P: Thank You for Your blessings. Help me to be always thankful and praise You. Help me to be humble and offer my life to You. Help me to be strong, resist sin and offer help and resource to others. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Le 9:22–23). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
2/2/22
12 “Then bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the tent of meeting and
wash them with water. 13 Clothe
Aaron with the holy garments, anoint him, and consecrate him, so that he can
serve Me as a priest.[1]
O: The
priests must be consecrated. To do that he must be washed and anointed. The
priest is to draw near to the entrance. Todays English Version has “and have
them take a ritual bath,” but this may be influenced by verse 31 below.[2]
Finally this is all done so God may be served.
A: Today
all believers are priest for the most high God. He is to be served by those who
are consecrated. First the believers must
draw near and receive the washing through water and the Spirit (Jn 3:5). Than be
clothed in righteousness by putting one the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16) and be
anointed by the Holy Spirit. By this process believers can now be servants of
God and bring glory to Him.
P: Help us
Lord to be consecrated by You. Please help
us turn away from worldly behavior and wash away our sins. Anoint us a fresh so we can serve You. Help us Lord to bring glory to You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ex 40:12–13). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Osborn, N. D., & Hatton, H. A. (1999). A handbook on Exodus (p. 903). United Bible
Societies.
2/1/22
6 He made a mercy seat of pure gold, 45 inches long and 27 inches wide.[1]
O: God has illustrated
the gospel when one pictures the ark of the covenant. Here we find atonement
due to the purity of Christ represented in the mercy seat. The ark was a way
for God’s people to have a relationship with Him. Now though Jesus sacrifice
believers can have a relationship with God.
In the ark was the manna which represents the provisions of God and recalls
the feeding of 5000 in the gospels. God
will provide and meet to the needs of His people. Also, the ten commandments represented that
the Law would be kept in Christ. He would fully obey all the commands of God
for His people. It all comes to a climax
with the day of atonement when the blood was sprinkled on the mercy seat as a propitiation
for Israel. Now by faith in the gospel believers
are atoned of sins to develop a relationship with our God.
A: Now all believers not just the High Priest
can approach the mercy seat with boldness due to the redemptive work of Jesus. Believing in the resurrection power of the
Christ brings salvation. God provides
and meets the needs of His children. God
have given believers His word and to help improve understanding by giving illustrations
in the form of the ark among others. His
blood is salvation and life.
P: Praise You God for providing a way to have a relationship in You. Thank You for meeting our needs and providing all so that we lack in nothing. I pray we strengthen our relationship in You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ex 37:6). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
1/31/22
13 Now if I have indeed found favor in Your sight, please teach me Your ways,
and I will know You and find favor in Your sight. Now consider that this nation
is Your people.[1]
O: This is
the first instance the phrase ‘be please with or find favor’ which here is a conditional
sentence with ‘If’ than teach me because of finding favor. Moses is asking to know God’s ways and
consider ‘this nation’ as Your people. How can one know the ways of God?
As Luther’s friend Melanchthon once eloquently
stated, hoc est Christum cognoscere:
beneficia euis cognoscere (“To know Christ is to know his benefits”). There
is little room for mysticism in biblical religion; we do not know God by having
some sort of inexplicable ethereal communion with him, in which our feelings
are used as the evidence for our closeness to him. We know him by learning his
ways (i.e., his revealed standards, revealed methods, and revealed benefits)—in
other words by objective, rather than subjective, emotional, means.[2]
Here in the
text Moses is demonstrating leadership qualities by not only thinking of
himself but that of the nation. His
actions are instructive and exemplary for all those in leadership in God’s
service. Other biblical examples include
the attitude of Jesus (e.g., John 17:9, 15, 20, 24) and of Paul (e.g., Rom
10:1; 2 Cor 13:9).[3]
A: This
should be everyone’s desire. To know God
and find favor in His eyes should be everyone’s prayer. The blessings and peace available with a
relationship with God are immeasurable. Practice developing the relationship with
God daily by delving into His word and always have a prayer on your lips. Plus rid
your life of habitual sin and get into a habit of confession to be cleansed. That way we can draw closer to Him.
P: Lord I pray to find favor in Your eyes. Thank You for Your instruction. Thank You for Your forgiveness. Help us Lord to know You more and more. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ex 33:13). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
1/30/22
29 “This is what you
are to do for them to consecrate them to serve Me as priests. [1]
O: The Lord
has thought of everything. Here we have instructions on consecrating the
priests. It entails a sin offering (v.14),
wave offering (v.24), fellowship offering (v.28), and incense (30:8). This consecration
must be done daily (v.38), as well as an offering of incense twice a day. All this must be done so the Lord can dwell with
His people.
A: Today Christians
are a chosen race, a royal priesthood[2]. Believers have been consecrated
by Jesus Christ atoning sacrifice. Ever wonder why believers’ hands are lifted in
worship? It’s the wave offering. Worship is also a followship offering. In addition, prayer is to be offered up
without ceasing. There the practice of
consecration is still active today.
P: Praise You God for giving us a way to be consecrated through what
Jesus did for us on the cross. Help Lord
to offer our lives to us daily. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ex 29:1). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(1 Pe 2:9). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
1/29/22
33 Hang the veil under the clasps and bring the ark of the testimony
there behind the veil, so the veil will make a separation for you between the
holy place and the most holy place.[1]
O: The Lord
planned out every detail for the place where we can worship Him. He knew we would make mistakes, that we would
sin. He made away so we could be atoned,
forgiven, and saved. The high priest
entered the Holy of Holies to ask forgiveness for God’s people by sprinkling blood
of the sacrifice on the mercy seat for that year and would repeat every year as
though kicking the can down the road. We can now go to the mercy seat who is
Jesus who can go to whenever we need help.
A: 16 Therefore let us approach
the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace
to help us at the proper time. [2] There at the mercy seat our heart may be renewed,
made whole, and complete in God’s eyes.
We find grace and mercy, forgiveness, and peace. To be in presence of Christ is to be blessed. God has thought of everything for the good of
all those who draw near to Him.
P: Thank You God for providing all we need. Thank You for Your grace and peace. Thank You for providing a way to come to You
for help. Help me Lord to have a
repentant heart and humble spirit when I approach the mercy seat. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ex 26:33). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Heb 4:16). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
1/28/22
You have
seen what I did to the Egyptians and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and
brought you to Me.[1]
O: What the Lord did is unprecedented in the
history of mankind. He led Abraham away
from his homeland to the land the Lord will bless him and his generations to
come. Now that promise is coming to
fruition. God has led them through the desert
providing miracle after miracle. God
took over a million people into the desolate wilderness providing for there
every need. They lacked in nothing. God
had brought together and entire nation and blessed them.
A: Rest
assured the promise to Abraham continues to all who has entered the covenant
with God. God is faithful. He has offered Himself to all who believe and
live by faith. For He says the "The
just shall live by faith." Rm 1:17
God will continue to bless His children and meet their needs. We only need to believe and demonstrate
complete trust in Him. Like when Jesus
said the woman caught in adultery and the paralyzed man, “Go and sin no more”.
P: Praise You God. We can never
lift up enough but continue to praise You for all You have done. Help us Lord to do all we can to trust in You
and believe that You will take care of us.
1/27/22
22 Though you grind a fool
in a mortar
with a pestle along with grain,
you will
not separate his foolishness from him.[1]
O: This verse follows the ‘crucible’ in verse 21. It speaks of one’s reputation. The fool will not be separated from his
folly. No mater what is done the fool will not change his mind. Choose your friends carefully.
A: Don’t waste your time with fools. They lack wisdom and accountability. Their reputation is folly. Nothing can be done to change them so turn
them over to the world.
P: Praise God for Your instruction. Help me Lord to take it to heart and let You
change me. Amen
1/26/22
I will sing
to the Lord,
for He is
highly exalted;
He has
thrown the horse
and its
rider into the sea.
2 The Lord
is my strength and my song;
He has
become my salvation.
This is my
God, and I will praise Him,
my father’s
God, and I will exalt Him.
3 The Lord
is a warrior;
Yahweh is
His name.[1]
O: Sung in
the first person this song offers praise for what God has done for His chosen people. Moses was compelled by the wonderous act God
has shown with the miracle of the parting of the Red Sea. Many say this is a myth or fable but anyone
who knows the Lord knows he can make it so. Others wonder where this is exactly
but really need proof which demonstrates doubt.
However, there are monuments erected by Solomen on either side of the Red
Sea where they crossed. Moses composed
this song out of pure joy and amazement of what the Lord has done.
A: I want
this kind of enthusiasm for what the Lord has done in my life. I need to sing a song of praise for the Lord
has met all my needs. He has guided and
lead me to where I have needed to go and has taken care me and my family. Many songwriters have used these verses for
the songs and it is effective in showing gratitude and thanks for all the Lord
has done.
P: Praise You God for taking care of us. Thank You God for Your strength and faithfulness. Help me Lord to be grateful and thankful for all You do. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ex 15:1–3). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
1/25/22
19 Yeast must not be found in your houses for seven days. If anyone eats
something leavened, that person, whether a foreign resident or native of the
land, must be cut off from the community of Israel. [1]
O: Why is
God so concerned about yeast? Yeast as
you know are spores which can spread easily though out the dough. It is a member of the fungus family. At least 1500 species are recognized today. They are single celled and reproduce asexually. When conditions are right yeast can multiply exponentially. So, there is many analogies that can be taken
for God’s instructions. First eating unleavened
bread is a good reminder of God’s deliverance.
Abstaining from yeast is a matter of faith. Those who eat leaven bread must be cast out
of the community. It’s quite clear those
who do not follow God’s direction demonstrate unfaithfulness and sin turning
their backs to God.
A: It is
important to walk as God has directed us.
Yeast can be seen as a negative influence and able to contaminate one’s
whole life. Unfaithfulness has a way of
increasing and affecting other behaviors as well as having a negative impact on
our relationship with God. Avoid
temptation, shore up your relationship with God by prayer and digesting His word. When one sins it could affect the whole
followship.
P: Praise be
to God. You instill reminders to help us
remember You and what You have done in our lives. Help us Lord remain faithful. For the “righteous shall live by faith”. Amen
1/24/22
9 The Lord said to Moses,
“Pharaoh will not listen to you, so that My wonders may be multiplied in the
land of Egypt.”[1]
O: I have
always wondered why God hardens hearts.
Here is the answer. The hearts are hardened to multiply His wonders. This reminds the reader the result of the
plagues. God’s power and wonders were on display. The Hebrews were spared what was happening to
the Egyptians. I am also reminded of
what the psalmist said:
17 Don’t gloat when your enemy falls,
and don’t
let your heart rejoice when he stumbles,
18 or the Lord
will see, be displeased,
and turn
His wrath away from him.[2]
A: Pray for your enemies.
Only wish good for them. Know
that God has a plan. His works and wonders
will prevail. Know that God is always working,
and He will never let His people down.
P: I pray that I will not hider Your plan. Help me to be a vessel You can use. I pray so soft my heart so I will be able to
seeing Your signs and wonders. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ex 11:9). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Pr 24:17–18). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
1/23/22
For they
are slackers—that is why they are crying out, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to our
God.’ 9 Impose heavier work on the men. Then they will be
occupied with it and not pay attention to deceptive words.”[1]
O: Pharoah did not like what Moses told him what
God has said. So, he piles on the work
the quota remains the same. Pharoah knew
the people would not like it. Who wants
to be told they are lazy? He is using
his power to work against Moses. Little
did he know his is no match to God” power.
A: And so it
goes. Even today when hearing something
not agreeable people retaliate and make every attempt to punish the
speaker. Using any means available they seek
to turn others against you and discredit you.
Remember God is with you and anything that comes against you is no match
to God.
P: Praise You God for Your divine providence and power. Thank You God for taking care of Your people and leading them to salvation. Help us Lord to never forget You are in control. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ex 5:8–9). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
1/22/22
9 Then Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this child and nurse him
for me, and I will pay your wages.” So the woman took the boy and nursed him. 10 When
the child grew older, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her
son. She named him Moses, “Because,” she said, “I drew him out of the water.”[1]
O: It is obvious God’ hand is all over this
episode of His chosen people. Pharoah
orders all male newborn be thrown into the Nile. God uses Pharaoh’s edict to accomplish His
goals. By Moses’ mothers’ actions to
protect her child by placing him in a basket in the Nile. God has him found by Pharaoh’s daughter and
now his life will be secured. He will be
provided the best education, training, and royal upbringing. He will be an author, lawgiver, builder, and
military leader. God will prepare Moses
to lead His people out of Egypt.
A: God can take every circumstance to accomplish
His goals. He can turn things
around. He does this because He loves
His children. There is nothing He can
not do. So therefore, let God into your
heart and be a vessel that can be used by Him.
Let go of this world and its worry’s and He will not lead you astray.
P: Praise
You God for Your love for use. You will
never let us down nor lead us astray.
Help us Lord to open our hearts and let You lead us. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ex 2:9–10). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
1/21/22
2 All a man’s ways seem right to him,
but the Lord evaluates the motives. w
3 Doing what is righteous and just
is more
acceptable to the Lord than
sacrifice.
4 The lamp that guides the wicked—
haughty
eyes and an arrogant heart —is sin. [1]
O: The man may feel
their behavior is perfectly acceptable, but God knows why. He knows the condition of one’s heart. God judges the thoughts and motives of the
man. Yahweh’s
power of discernment goes beyond unmasking those who fool others; he even finds
out those who have fooled themselves.[2] Going through the motions by
attending church, praying, and giving of your time and money among other
religious rites are not necessarily evil, but God requires an obedient heart. God can discern the intentions of our heart. The
metaphor of the lamp implies that which gives guidance or direction. In
describing the “haughty eyes” and “proud heart” as the “lamp of the wicked” (v.
4), the text is saying that the devious are sure of themselves and think that
their cunning can guide them through life. Their treachery is a “lamp unto
their feet.”[3]
A:
We need to search our hearts and constantly inventory our motives
reflecting on our attitudes and compare them to the word of God. Are we following His command refraining from
sin and focusing on service. If we are
not following His commands and living in the flesh, we are not acceptable to
God. Arrogance and a haughty attitude is
contrary to spiritual maturity and has no part in the Christian walk.
P:
God help us to know what You want from us. Help us immerse ourselves in Your word and be
present with You. Help Lord with our
attitude and lead us to what is acceptable to You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Pr 21:2–4). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Garrett, D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol.
14, p. 179). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[3]
Garrett, D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol.
14, p. 180). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
1/20/22
25 And they said, “You have saved our lives. We have found favor in our
lord’s eyes and will be Pharaoh’s slaves.”[1]
O: Here we
find in God’s word how He turn around the troubles of His people. He uses anything to accomplish His purpose
(Rom 8:28). He turns ashes to beauty (Isa 61:3). Here He brought Jacob’s family
together and renew His promise telling Jacob through him He will make a great
nation.
A: God can
do marvelous things. He can take the
worst circumstances the accomplish great things. He can be a blessing if only we listen to Him
and let Him work in our lives.
P: Praise be to God. You are mighty and marvelous. Your wisdom is beyond measure and righteousness
incomparable. Thank You for being in my
life. Help me Lord to always trust in You.
Amen
1/19/22
9 Joseph remembered his dreams about them
and said to them, “You are spies. You have come to see the weakness of the
land.”
10 “No, my lord. Your servants have come to
buy food,” they said. 11 “We are all sons of one man. We are
honest; your servants are not spies.”[1]
O: The
brothers of Joseph are now receiving their punishment. Canaan part of the fertile crescent is now
experiencing a severe famine. The famine
is so bad they must seek food in Egypt.
They themselves state the treatment they are receiving was because of
what they did to Joseph. There response
is full of dread and regret for the knew what they did was wrong. They felt
they were being punished because of their actions.
A: As the proverb goes;
5 A false witness will not go unpunished,
and one who
utters lies will not escape. [2]
This is stated numerous times in Proverbs. There are always consequences to one’s behavior. God will eventually deal with you according to Your behavior. The wage of sin is death (Rom 6:16). Take care in knowing who you serve. As the brothers faced consequences for their behavior so will we. Do what is right, refrain from sin and the God of Jacob will be kind to you.
P: Lord I
pray that those who lie, and slander see the error of their ways and
repent. I pray that the fear of God is distilled
in their hearts. You see all things and
Your just in Your actions. Help us Lord
to walk the straight and narrow. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ge 42:9–11). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Pr 19:5). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
1/18/22
Now Joseph was well-built and
handsome. 7 After some time
his master’s wife looked longingly at Joseph and said, “Sleep with me.”
8 But he refused. “Look,” he said to his master’s wife, “with me here my master does not concern himself with anything in his house, and he has put all that he owns under my authority. 9 No one in this house is greater than I am. He has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. So how could I do such a great evil and sin against God?”[1]
O: Let look at Joseph’s life. He has experienced several calamities. His brother plotted his death only to sale him
to a caravan and winds up in Egypt. Then
sold to an Egyptian official he is being seduced by his owner’s wife. Did he once blame God for all his problems? No, he continued to be a vessel that could be
used by God. He refused the lady’s
advances concerned about the consequences.
He had three points for his refusal, (1) the
abuse of trust, (2) an offense against her husband, and (3) a sin against God.[2] He demonstrated integrity, Godly character,
and moral uprightness. Joseph remained
true to God in the face of adversity.
A: This is a great example
of how to face adversity. Consider the
consequences. Would the behavior be an offense?
Finally, is it a sin against God? The
text defines the life of Joseph as a man of integrity who lived moral
standards. The strength of his character is in line with God. In the face of adversity turn to God and do
not lower your moral standards. Consider
the consequences, pray and turn to God for help.
P: Praise be to God for all You have done for us. Thank You for the examples You for us. Help us Lord to live a life according to Your
plan. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ge 39:6–9). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Mathews, K. A. (2005). Genesis 11:27–50:26 (Vol. 1B, p. 734).
Broadman & Holman Publishers.
1/17/22
15 Acquitting the guilty and condemning the
just —
both are
detestable to the Lord. [1]
O: Today is
a simple proverb. The text speaks of
judging people. The context (vv. 14, 19) implies that the injustice here may involve
showing favor to those who are quick to bring lawsuits.[2] Obviously such practice is an abomination to
God. The kind of culture related here undermines
the civility of society and incites judgement by God.
A: Letting one get away with lies and slander
while vilifying one who confront such evil behavior invites the wrath of
God. Taking one to court attempting to
silence free speech is unreasonable and unChristlike. Confronting obvious evidence of bad sinful
behavior is not judgement but is what God asks for. We are not to demonstrate bad behavior but do
what is right as much as possible. In
that way an example is put forth of how good it is to walk with God.
P: Praise God for Your love and care for us. Thank You for Your word and Your Proverbs. Help us Lord to do the right things. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Pr 17:15). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Garrett, D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol.
14, pp. 161–162). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
1/16/22
18 Pride comes before destruction,
and an
arrogant spirit before a fall.
19 Better to be lowly of spirit with the
humble
than to
divide plunder with the proud. [1]
O: This
text contrasted humility and pride. What
does it mean to be proud and what does pridefulness look like? Proverbs here
links pride to robbery. In doing so, it alludes either to the arrogant
certainty of the criminal that he will not be caught or to the act of robbery
itself as an expression of self-centeredness and indifference to the rights of
others. At any rate, v. 18 teaches that the apparent prosperity of the proud is
short-lived.[2] In other words those infringing on first amendment
rights of others. Lacking regard for others welfare and feelings. Showing scorn of those they deem unworthy by
not speaking to them. Avoid such
behaviors or there will be a downfall.
A: We need
to pray for humility and search our hearts for any arrogant attitudes. Apply the word of God to your hearts and let
God transform you by the renewing of your mind.
Be tolerant of others’ opinions if it does not infringe on matters of
faith. Approach all things with love.
P: I praise You God for Your wisdom, love, and
care for us. Thank You for your
word. Thank You God for providing a way
to live. Helps us learn humility and eliminate
pride. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Pr 16:18–19). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Garrett, D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol.
14, p. 157). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
1/15/22
25 On the third day, when they were still in pain, two of Jacob’s sons,
Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brothers, took their swords, went into the
unsuspecting city, and killed every male.[1]
O: This is a tragic story. Simeon and Levi’s sister Ginah as raped and
they ere angry. They deceitfully enter
into an agreement that they will give Dinah to Shechem if they get circumcised.
Then on the third day when the men are
still sore from the procedure the two brothers attack. They exacted their revenge and took their
sister back. A wordplay on “took” (lāqaḥ) occurs in the description of
their deed. They “took their swords” (v. 25), “took Dinah” (v. 26), and “took”
(NIV, “seized”) the city’s plunder (v. 28). This was in retaliation to Shechem,
who initially “took” (v. 2) their sister. The brothers’ seizure of the women
and herds creates another irony, since the Hivites agreed to circumcision so
that they would enrich themselves by intermarriage (“take our/your/their
daughters,” lāqaḥ, vv. 9, 16, 21)
with the Jacobites. By the treacherous ruse of the brothers, the Hivites gained
nothing and lost all.[2]
There are consequences even if there is a feeling of justification. Two wrongs do not make it right. The
immediate consequence is they had to move in the future was the famine.
A: Even though they rescued their sister and exact
revenge judgement is not ours to give.
They never sought the Lord to direct them in what they should do. Revenge belongs to the Lord only because He
is righteous and holy without excuse. We
need to rely on God’s justice and not take matters into our own hands for there
will be consequences.
P: Help us Lord to be patent and wait on You. Help us trust that You will answer. For You are faithful and loving to Your children. Thank You for being in our lives. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ge 34:25). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Mathews, K. A. (2005). Genesis 11:27–50:26 (Vol. 1B, pp. 605–606).
Broadman & Holman Publishers.
1/14/22
24 Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak.[1]
O: This is the story where Jacob wrestled with
God. The reason he is wrestling is not
given. Interesting fact is the Hebrew word for wrestle and Jacob are similar. It seems to be a play on words. Jacob name means “he deceives”. When the dawn
comes the conflict ends after a draw Jacob asked for a blessing. After this incident Jacob walks away with a
limp and a name change. His name is now Israel.
Now he is always reminded that he wrestled with God and was blessed by it.
A: What I get from this is that we should all
wrestle with God. Like Jacob we can not
over come the Lord. We cannot deceive God,
but we can wrestle with Him through prayer to work out the conflicts in
life. Like Jacob facing the uncertainty and
apprehension of the meeting with his brother who threatened to kill him we to
can ask for a blessing from God.
P: I praise You God for giving us and opportunity
to come to You. We can wrestle with our
problems with You. I thank You that we
can pray to You and listen. Bless us God
in our daily walk with You. Amen
1/13/22
12 He told Rachel that he was her father’s relative, Rebekah’s son. She
ran and told her father. [1]
O: God
directed Jacob’s path. He led Jacob
directly to his relatives. He wound up
right in the place he needed to be. God
has set his plan into action and His chosen come to together to move it
forward. Eventually all nations will be
blessed thru Jacob.
A: We need
to trust in God for He will place right where He wants us. Have faith that things will work out. His will not forget His chosen. He will be faithful, and we will be blessed.
P: I praise You God for Your faithfulness, love, and care for Your children. Thank You for Your blessings. I pray that I always trust in Your faithfulness. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ge 29:12). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
1/12/22
13 Yahweh was standing there beside him, saying, “I am Yahweh, the God of
your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your offspring
the land that you are now sleeping on.[1]
O: This is
God talking to Jacob after Jacob must flee from Esau. Jacob had taken the blessing his father
promised to Esau. First Jacob obtained
Esau birthright and with deception obtain the blessing. But to receive the blessing he lied. Esau character was a source of consternation for
both his mom and dad. He had married
Canaanite wives. However, even when
Jacob acted with deception God tells him in a dream he will be blessed. How can that be? Jacob really didn’t want to do deceive his
father but went through with it with his mothers urging. Does Jacob receive judgement for his lie? It would seem so because he and his family
faced famine and wind up in Egypt far from the land promise to his descendants. Yet God will still use him to accomplish His
plan.
A: The bible shows us the mankind is
prefect. We only must believe in
God. He will work things out. It is only when we take things in our own hands,
we make mistakes. Confess them to God
and seek forgiveness. Be grateful and full
of thanksgiving. It is all in the
attitude we have for God. Do not have a
dead faith but be full of good works so God can use us.
P: God
thank You for Your forgiveness and steadfast love. Praise Your God for You are worthy. Help me with my attitude and be grateful You
are in my life. Help me produce good
fruit and be used by You. Amen
01/11/22
And the Lord said to her:
Two nations
are in your womb;
two people
will come from you and be separated.
One people
will be stronger than the other,
and the
older will serve the younger. [1]
O: The Lords speaks to everyone who asks. He answers pray without exception. Here Isaac’s wife is concerned. I Lord speaks
to her clearly. Faith is the key. She knew
the Lord and believed in His presence and knew He was in their lives.
A: The Lord hears our
prayers. He is faithful and will be of
help in time of need. He answers in
various and sundry ways (Hebs 1:1). We
only need to listen.
P: Lord I Pray that I
listen. Help me Lord to be more in tune
with You. Transform me into a person
that walks with You and talks to You always without ceasing. Amen
01/10/21
Lord, God of my master Abraham,” he prayed, “give me success today, and
show kindness to my master Abraham.[1]
O: This is a fine example of how we should
address all our problems. Abraham servant
entered an oath and had a job to find a wife for Isaac. He went to Lord to solve his problem because he
did not know where Abraham kin is.
A: Pray before
you enter all your endeavors. Bring your
problems to the Lord. Ask for help for
He answers prayer.
P: Lord please help us remember to come to you
and pray for Your help. Amen
01/09/22
01/08/21 Genesis 20:11
11 Abraham replied, “I thought, ‘There is absolutely no fear of God in
this place.[1]
O: Here we go again. Abraham deceives another king. He lies regarding his relationship with Sarah
denying she is married to him. God tells
the king to not touch her so there would be no question who the father is of the
child Sarah will bear. To his credit
however, Abraham admits his deception even though he rationalized his behavior
with an excuse. His reasoning was his critique
of the moral standards he expected from the inhabitants of Gerar by saying they
‘had no fear of God’. Like in Egypt Abraham
had emotions influence Him. He was
afraid. Remember he was not perfect and made mistakes. However, for the one ‘counted as righteous’
he admits the deception.
A: Once
more the bible shows the fallibility of man. Even the man who is the subject in
the great chapter on faith in Hebrews 11.
Five of the verses reflect Abraham’s walk-in faith but in here in Genesis
he lied. In some places in the ancient
middle east the punishment for lying is death.
God's law to the Israelites required compensation for injuries resulting
from deception or malicious lying. (Lev. 6:2-7; 19:11, 12) And a person
presenting false testimony was to receive the punishment that he desired to
inflict upon another by means of his lies. (Deut. 19:15-21). For Abraham he only wanted to save his skin, held
no malice and he confessed his lie. This
is what we must do. Admit to our short
comings and sins. If we deny them, we
are a liar as John tells us in 1 Jn 1:6.
Confession is good for the soul.
Remember fear God and not be afraid.
P: Help Lord to not be afraid, to fear You and confess my sins. Help me to humble myself and not worry for the consequences of my confession but rely on You to lift me up and provide forgiveness. Thank You Lord. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ge 20:11). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
01/07/21
19 The two angels
entered Sodom in the evening as Lot was sitting at Sodom’s gate. When Lot saw
them, he got up to meet them. He bowed with his face to the ground[1]
O: As the saying goes it is darkest before the
Dawn. Wickedness thrives in the dark. The Lord went down to check out Sodom and it
did not go well. The meeting with Lot is
contrast to the meeting with Abraham.
Lot’s encounter did not go well.
The angels came in the evening and in the morning Lot’s family were
fleeing for their lives. Lot and his family
were spared when ‘dawn arrived’(v.15) and when the ‘sun rose’(v.23) came God’s
judgement on the cities. With the coming
of the light all things will be made known.
A: Sodom was so evil no one righteous could be
found. Lot even offered his daughters to
be raped. The angels intervened and the
next morning was saved due to his relationship to Abraham. Remember God will
deal with sin especially hard for the wages of sin is death. Make no mistake God may not strike down the those
practicing sin right away, but the behavior will catch up with the sinner and
it will surely be their downfall.
P: I pray I
will recognize angels and act accordingly.
I need to welcome God in my life and listen. Help me Lord to know what is right and wrong
and address what is wrong right away. I
pray I will always act righteously.
Please Lord help me to grow in righteousness daily. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ge 19:1–2). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
01/06/22
3 Then Abram fell facedown, and God spoke with him: 4 “As
for Me, My covenant is with you: you will become the father of many
nations. 5 Your name
will no longer be Abram, but your name will be Abraham, for I will make you the
father of many nations.[1]
O: Abram threw
himself to the ground when God spoke to him. Abram was 99 years old when God came to him encouraging him again
reminding Abram of the covenant between him and God by changing his name to
mean he will be a father of multitudes.
Changing Abram’s name to Abraham.
God exclaimed this covenant is only between them explaining again he was
chosen to be blessed. El Shaddai (God
Almighty) has entered into a contact with the man who believed in Him as
evidence by laying prostate before his God and it was counted on him as
righteous. God got it right when He
choose Abraham although God could never get anything wrong Abraham is the right
man for the job.
A: I am glad that if we believe we will be
counted as righteous. Believe in God and
give Him (El Shaddai) the respect He deserves.
This is the only thing necessary to have a relationship with Him and
enter into His covenant. Remember the One
that passed between the pieces of oxen was God in the previous chapter. Meaning the promise is solely with Him. The bible was written for our redemption. Everywhere examples can be found of how God
can impact our lives if we only believe.
His promise has been proven time and time again. Everywhere His promises ring true for His believers.
P: Praise
You God for Your promises. Thank You for
Your word and what You do to help those who believe in You. You are a help in time of need. Thank You for all Your help. Thank You for taking care of those who believe
in You. Help us believe in You for there is nothing for us to worry about. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ge 17:3–5). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
01/05/22
8 Then Abram said to Lot, “Please, let’s not have quarreling between you
and me, or between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, since we are relatives. 9 Isn’t the whole land before
you? Separate from me: if you go to the left, I will go to the right; if you go
to the right, I will go to the left.” [1]
O: What was it about Abram that God choose him to
prepare the way of the Messiah? The
scripture where Abram is first introduced does not point to the reason why. However, Paul tells us why in Rom 4:3 Where
he writes Abram believed God and was counted to him as righteousness. In addition, God knows the heart of each man
and here in this text Abram demonstrates the condition of his heart. His nephew Lot servants and Abram’s were arguing
and fighting over the land’s resources.
Abram shows he is a peace maker and gives Lot first dibs for land of his
nephews choosing. Abram could have commanded
Lot to go here or there. He gave Lot a
choice.
A: In my heart
I know there is a God, and His name is Jesus. I pray that He molds my heart to
be like Abram. He believed and listened
to God. Abram set up alters and worship
God every chance he could. He acted on
his faith. Also, he was a mediator and a man of action in that he smooth things
out with his nephew plus rescued him when Lot was kidnapped. God knew he had the right man and today is
the time to follow Abram’s example.
Today believe in God so you too will be counted at righteous.
P: Praise You God for showing us examples of those who believed and how they lived. Help us to live by faith. Faith that Your plan is enough
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ge 13:8–9). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
01/04/22
4 And they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with
its top in the sky. Let us make a name
for ourselves; otherwise, we will be scattered over the face of the whole
earth.” [1]
O: Commentators explain many events written in
Genesis can be found in other ancient cultures literature, for example the
flood. However, this event is not one of
them. No place else can be found such a
story as the tower of babel. This is a
story like no other of how God is acting on history. God encourage both Adam and Noah to promulgate
the earth (1:28; 9:1). The people rather than dispersing settled in one
place. God would disperse them not necessarily
as punishment although His actions could be construed as such but to fulfill His
purpose for mankind. Indeed,
there was a unity desired by God, but it was one bestowed by God, not one
founded on a social state.[2] The people arrogantly felt they could bring
about the purposes of God on their own.
So, this is God rescuing them from their own devices so that they would evidentially
obtain God’s promissory blessing. Human
cooperation, when it is fueled by autonomy and directed toward self-interest,
is shown by the story to be shallow, impotent hubris.[3] This story depicts what happens when pride is
the motivating factor. Man will fall and
God will be the judge.
A: Again, attitude to so important. Years ago, in Bible College I heard the
phrase, “attitude check”. Is there
excessive pride and self-reliance? God
will deal with it one way or the other.
However, He rejects a prideful heart due to fact pride cannot be used
by God. He requires a humble heart, contrite,
chastened, and penitent. One that seeks
to serve and help others and not to seek to rule and control others. Ask the Lord to search your heart to access
what kind of attitude you have.
P: Help us Lord
to be use by You. Help us Lord to
improve our hearts to be used by You.
Help us deal with our pride. Help
us to let go of ourselves and let You work in our lives. I humbly ask in Your precious name Lord
Jesus. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ge 11:4). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Mathews, K. A. (1996). Genesis 1-11:26 (Vol. 1A, p. 473). Broadman
& Holman Publishers.
[3]
Mathews, K. A. (1996). Genesis 1-11:26 (Vol. 1A, p. 466). Broadman
& Holman Publishers.
01/03/22
5 When the Lord saw that
man’s wickedness was widespread on the earth and that every scheme his mind
thought of was nothing but evil all the time, 6 the Lord regretted that He had made man on
the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.[1]
O: God regretted He created man. Interesting
Moses is describing an emotion of God.
What does this all mean? Did God
make a mistake regretting His what He did?
I don’t think so. God has instilled
in man free will which gives everyone the ability to make a choice. God regrets the bad choices mankind has made.
God is repulsed because of “how great
man’s wickedness,” “every
inclination,” and “only evil all the time.”[2] Evil multiplied in correlation with the
population increase. God’s response to
man’s evil intentions is a wounded heart filled with great sadness and sorrow.
Then He set out to do something about.
A: Please
reevaluate one’s life. What are your
motivations? What are your innermost
thoughts? People of God are always
encouraged to search one’s heart.
Remember, what comes out of the person in an indication what is in the
heart. People of God have a responsibility
not to grieve the Holy Spirit. God has
given His people a choice. Choose
rightly.
P: Praise You God for giving us an opportunity for life. You give us a full life. Plus, You give us the right to choose. Please up us to choose rightly and walk in righteousness. In Jesus precious name, Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ge 6:5–6). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Mathews, K. A. (1996). Genesis 1-11:26 (Vol. 1A, p. 340). Broadman
& Holman Publishers.
01/02/22
6 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you furious? And why do you look despondent? 7 If you do what is right, won’t you be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.”[1]
O: Cain’s anger elicits a reaction from God and
reason why Cain’s offering is rejected.
Do we need specifics? Cain was not doing what was right. It appears this is not the first time the
brother made an offering and most likely learned of the practice from their
father Adam. However, this offering was different,
and Cain was indignant his was not accepted.
The problem was Cain’s lack of reverence and poor attitude. The problem is he did not bring all that he
could only some. He did not give with
100% commitment. Then he questioned God as if he did not know what he did
wrong. Cain wanted to bend the rules and
set his own which is a sin. God tells
him he must resist temptation when it is knocking at the door and kick it out
not letting it rule in one’s behavior and attitude. Take charge over sin now.
A: The picture posted today is from the ‘Brick
Testament’. It is a novel way of presenting the ‘Scheme of Redemption’. Today in the church many are not offering
their all and all. Not giving all they
got. Rom 11:16 says, Now if the firstfruits offered up are holy, so is the
whole batch. And if the root is holy, so are the branches. [2] If the members are holy the whole batch is
holy. Conversely unholiness affects all
the same way and offering will be rejected because of the corruption. At Haili a fire was set in the apartments and
then covered up with lies. The motives
of the fire were many. The story
regarding the fire changed several times.
Each time the trustees accepted the lies. This behavior continued causing one trustee
to resign because of the lies, harassment, partiality, and liable slander, behavior
that clearly would jeopardize his professional credentials. God will not accept
offering from those not ruling over sin, those demonstrating worldly behavior
with bad attitudes. Give back to God
100% of your life and acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will direct you
(Proverb 3:5-6).
P: O God I am sad. People in church enable sin and encourage the
growth of the bitter root. Please open
our eyes so we can turn to You. Help us
Lord to repentant. Help us Lord to grow
in discernment. Gives us the insight to
know that repentance is our responsibility realize what we have to repentant from. Thank You In Jesus name amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ge 4:6–7). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Ro 11:16). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
01/01/22
31 God saw all that He had made, and it was very good. Evening came and then morning: the sixth day.
[1]
O: God
looked around and was pleased with what He has created. It is obvious that we live in the dimension of
time. Creation has a point of origin. It has begun in a point of time and has a
beginning. God has made everything
looking at what He made said it was very good.
He used the word for the greatest acclamation for the completion of His
work. His word brought all of creation
into being and He was exceedingly satisfied.
The same word for very good is always used by the 2 spies describing Canaan
by their assessment of the land as “exceeding good” in Num 14:7.
A: We must not forget
that by His word we have everything needed for life, an abundant life. A life
with every need met. A life with bless out flow our needs. A life where the heart overflows. What a beautiful creation that instills awe
and wonder at the majesty and expansiveness of it all. In this new year remember God’s creation is a
blessing to all who acknowledge Him as Lord.
P: God I am awestruck at Your majesty, wisdom, and
Spirit. Thank you for Your creation. Thank You for Your word. I pray that I not forget who You are and give
You the respect You deserve. Amen
12/31/21
Hallelujah!
Salvation, glory,
and power belong to our God,
2 because His judgments are true and
righteous,[1]
O: Whether
those praising God are angels or the faithful is not relevant. What is important is the worship of the One
who is the source of salvation, glory and awesome power. Praise is being lifted
to God for what He has done to the unjust, unrepentant, wicked, and worldly entities. The martyrs, those who suffered for Christ’s
sake have been avenged. Hallelujah found only in this passage in the N.T. (vv.
1, 3, 4, 6) was used in liturgical Jewish (Hellenistic) worship, which has it sung by the
congregation and makes it an independent acclamation[2]. The praise is coming from
believers. The salvation refers to the completion of God’s scheme of redemption. It is the fundamental aspect of God’s redemptive work (cf. 7:9). Glory and power
follow and refer respectively to the majesty and the might revealed in
effecting a deliverance of such magnitude.[3] They are praising God for His actions are
true which carry the connotation of being valid. The punishment given by God
are well deserved, just and fair. Those
punished have corrupted the earth by their behavior and has caused suffering to
the servants of God[4]. They well be judged by God’s righteousness
and power.
A: Raise up
and praise Him who is worthy. The plan
of God will be accomplished. His glory
and power will be on display. God is
just, righteous, and true. He deserves all
the praise all the time. No exception. This is our job who claim He is our God. We are to glorify he through our praise and
worship. Hallelujah for what He has done
and will do. This New Year turn your eyes
to God. Praise Him without ceasing and worship
Him in spirit and truth.
P: Hallelujah! Praise You God. Help us to lift You up constantly. He us to acknowledge Your glory on power. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Re 19:1–2). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Schlier, H. (1964–). ἀλληλουϊά. In G. Kittel, G. W. Bromiley, & G.
Friedrich (Eds.), Theological dictionary
of the New Testament (electronic ed., Vol. 1, p. 264). Eerdmans.
[3]
Mounce, R. H. (1997). The Book of Revelation (p. 342). Wm. B.
Eerdmans Publishing Co.
[4]
Mounce, R. H. (1997). The Book of Revelation (p. 342). Wm. B.
Eerdmans Publishing Co.
12/30/21
6 Then I saw another angel flying high overhead, having the eternal
gospel to announce to the inhabitants of the earth—to every nation, tribe,
language, and people. 7 He
spoke with a loud voice: “Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His
judgment has come. Worship the Maker of
heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.” [1]
O: Here we are treated to another interlude in
between judgements. Readers are reminded
the saints will be vindicated by the gospel while those corrupted by the world
will be judged. The gospel is eternal,
and all will be told about it. The angel
is calling us worship God. We are told to fear God. The fear of
Yahweh is equated with knowledge דַּעַת, insight תְּבוּנָה, and wisdom itself, Prv. 1:29; 2:5 f.; 13:14 cf. 14:27; Job
28:28, so that precise differentiation of the terms is barely possible and is
probably not intended. We must rather assume that all the synon. terms relate
to the same basic attitude which is sought in wisdom teaching[2]It is an eternal
gospel in that it sets forth the eternal purpose of God for people. It relates
to judgment and salvation in the coming eternal age.[3] John was also addressing Gnosticism where they felt
love was enough without being afraid regarding their sins which they felt did
not impact the blessings of God.
A: Listen to what is presented and make a choice
to side with the righteous while there is still time. Everyone will be judged. Everyone will bow before God. Give God the respect He deserves due to His
glory and honor. Fear the consequences of rejecting God. Fear being excluded from the blessings from
God for His judgement not only causes fear but demands acknowledgement in reverence and submissive recognition[4]of God which helps
us to “cleave to” and “to love” God.
Have faith and awe, hope of salvation, and a healthy fear of Gods power
and judgement. Fear, holiness, and prayer are the marks of those who are freed
from their previous ἐπιθυμίαι (desires).[5] Knowledge is not enough. The demons know God. Let the deep respect of God motive you to accept
Him as Lord to avoid the terrible judgement to come.
P: Praise You God for You are worthy. You deserve all the honor and glory for Your eternal gospel. Helps Lord to not rely on our understanding but place our focus on You and Your word. Help us to demonstrate our respect and deep devotion to You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Re 14:6–7). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Balz, H., & Wanke, G. (1964–). φοβέω, φοβέομαι φόβος, δέος. In G. Kittel, G. W.
Bromiley, & G. Friedrich (Eds.), Theological
dictionary of the New Testament (electronic ed., Vol. 9, p. 202). Eerdmans.
[3]
Mounce, R. H. (1997). The Book of Revelation (pp. 270–271). Wm. B.
Eerdmans Publishing Co.
[4]
Balz, H., & Wanke, G. (1964–). φοβέω, φοβέομαι φόβος, δέος. In G. Kittel, G. W.
Bromiley, & G. Friedrich (Eds.), Theological
dictionary of the New Testament (electronic ed., Vol. 9, p. 201). Eerdmans.
[5]
Balz, H., & Wanke, G. (1964–). φοβέω, φοβέομαι φόβος, δέος. In G. Kittel, G. W.
Bromiley, & G. Friedrich (Eds.), Theological
dictionary of the New Testament (electronic ed., Vol. 9, p. 216). Eerdmans.
12/29/21
20 The rest of the people, who were not killed by these plagues, did not
repent of the works of their hands to stop worshiping demons and idols of gold,
silver, bronze, stone, and wood, which are not able to see, hear, or walk. 21 And they did not repent of
their murders, their sorceries, their sexual immorality, or their thefts. [1]
O: Not even seeing so many people die will cause
repentance. This is a sad commentary for
people are set firm in their belief, stubborn and hardhead. Even in the face of overwhelming evidence that
God’s judgement can be severe. The
people are unrepentant continuing to turn to worldly solutions rather than relying
on God. Idols such as money, prestige,
reputation[2]. Cancel culture is nearly the same as murder
and sorceries by using exaggerated words to tear down expressing disapproval,
exerting pressure, withdrawing support, and finding fault to expedite another’s
downfall. What is demonstrated is worldly
behavior passing judgement when judgement is not one to give. Judgement is Gods and those practicing cancel
culture are acting like God which is blasphemy.
A: Today cancel culture runs rampant for the
world sees it as a tool to be used to quickly bring another down in the court
of public opinion. The behavior is even
encouraged and supported in the church but can be toxic and problematic. The
problem is for the most part no proof is needed for any accusations. People feel free to offer any opinion whether
it is true or not. People can write
anything in social media without having to adhere to any ethical
standards. Sadly, too often are the case
false opinions are employed at another’s expense tanking the targets reputation. This sort of behavior lacks the hallmarks of
the fruit of the Spirit. Where is the
forgiveness? Love? Forbearance? Cancel culture demonstrates the works of the
flesh and has no place in the church today.
P: Praise God for giving us insight and understanding into Your ways and Your word. Help us Lord to demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit. Help us to walk righteously. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Re 9:20–21). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Hughes
writes, “The much-vaunted civilization of our day may be free from graven
images, but it is certainly not free from idolatry” (115). Romans 1:22–25
presents idolatry as humanity’s primary sin. It takes the form of exchanging
the glory of God for images of mortal man and animals (v. 23) and the truth of
God for a lie (v. 25). “Self-deification lies at the heart of human rebellion”
(Mounce, Romans, 79).[2]
12/28/21
2 Immediately I was in the Spirit, and a throne was set there in
heaven. One was seated on the throne,[1]
O:
John was put to task to write of his experience of being in the presence of God,
and he did a very good job. What a wonderful picture this verse brings to mind. John again is caught up in the Spirit like a “fresh
wave of ecstasy”[2]. What could be more beautiful? To see the Lord
seated on the throne and reminds me of Isa 6:1 where it is written the train of
His robe filled the temple with glory. I
pray that I too be caught up by the Spirit.
A: I love the song, “I see the Lord”. It goes like this; I see the Lord seated on
His throne and the train of the robe filled the temple with glory. And the whole earth is filled with His glory.
I can only image the color, the sound, and the whole experience in the presence
of God. I have limited experiences in the presence of God but each time it
happened the feeling was glorious. Pray
to Him for His presence in your life and you will be blessed beyond measure.
P: Thank You Lord for giving us an inkling of what You are. You have given us redemption, peace, and have shown us what glory is. Help us Lord to work out what Your will is in our life. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Re 4:2). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Moffatt,
376. Swete (67) writes, “The state of spiritual exaltation which preceded the
first vision … has returned, but in greater force.” Sweet says that the vision
of the open door “leads to renewed inspiration” (15). Charles (1.110) takes the
two visions as coming at different times and contends that vv. 1b–2a are a link
supplied by the Seer.[2]
12/27/21
Grace and peace
to you from the One who is, who was, and who is coming; from the seven spirits
before His throne;[1]
O: Grace
and peace is the usual greeting of the writers in the New Testament and something
that is missing in the sentiment of today’s society. To wish the grace and
peace of God is a loving act showing compassion for others. It is from the One that transcends time, the
Lord over time. He is the One who created time. What are the seven spirits? This is a difficult one since there are many opinions
and today’s culture is far removed from the time this book was written. However, the number seven in many places in the
bible means perfection. This fact is at play in Revelation. The seven spirits could refer to Isa 11:2 and
of course encompasses all the attributes listed by the prophet but has a much
deeper meaning of perfection such as giving us His word. All knowing, all seeing, permeates everything
in every way representing the one true God.
A: It would
be good to adopt the greeting so often used in the New Testament. Grace and peace to you. What a kind
sentiment. It gives the impression of
encouragement and edification. Also, this
text reminds us that God transcends time and is there for us always. His word also was written for us as the seven
spirits testify. Let’s be mindful the spirits are there to help us change and be
transformed to become more in His likeness.
P: I pray that I seek You always in all I
do. Thank You Jesus for Your word. You are helpful and inspiring. Praise You Jesus. Amen
12/26/21
7 Little children, let no one deceive you! The one who does what is
right is righteous, just as He is righteous. 8 The one who commits
sin is of the Devil, for the Devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God
was revealed for this purpose: to destroy the Devil’s works. 9 Everyone
who has been born of God does not sin, because His seed remains in him; he is
not able to sin, because he has been born of God. 10 This is
how God’s children—and the Devil’s children—are made evident. [1]
O: Earlier John stated when we say we have no
sin we lie and is not in the light (1 Jn 1:8).
Do not be deceived. This is an emphatic
warning no matter how plausible one appears. 7 times the word for deceit
appears in revelation regarding deception practiced
by the forces of evil against the servants of God[2]. Practicing what is right
helps to remain in the light of God walking away from sin. The works of the person is evidence of what
they stand for. We will know them by
their fruits.
A: Covering up sin is walking in darkness. Lying,
slandering, and gossiping plainly defines sin.
It is worldly works meant to take away from the body of Christ. It is works of the devil. The trouble with the church especially Haili
is they do not recognize sin or worst it serves their purpose. They have no idea what gossip is. They lack the discernment to recognize when
Peter is lying and slandering. It seemed
they enable such behavior by accepting only his testimony regarding the fire
when the bible clearly states testimony can only be acceptable when it comes
from two or more sources not a single person.
Peter has no other proof the support his deceit. Make no mistake he strives to deceive and
walks in darkness.
P: I pray the Peter can come back to You, repent
and turn from his deceit. I pray that
Haili no longer enables sin and helps to set the church back on track and focus
on You. Help us Lord to root out sin in
our lives and walk in the light. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(1 Jn 3:7–10). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Brown, R. E. (2008). The Epistles of John: translated, with introduction, notes,
and commentary (Vol. 30, p. 206). Yale University Press.
12/25/21
Exhortations to Godliness
19 Therefore, brothers, since we have
boldness to enter the sanctuary through the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way He
has opened for us through the curtain (that is, His flesh ), 21 and
since we have a great high priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a
true heart in full assurance of faith, our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil
conscience and our bodies washed in pure water.
23 Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without
wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
24 And let us be concerned about one another in order to
promote love and good works, 25 not staying away from our
worship meetings, as some habitually do, but encouraging each other, and all
the more as you see the day drawing near. [1]
O: Let’s make it a habit to enter the high holy place for we
now have confidence we will benefit from the promises of God. Our attitude has changed because of what
Jesus has done. We now can go to Him with confidence that He will listen. That “Most Holy Place” is the new life in the Spirit which the New
Covenant provides (“I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is
contrite and lowly in spirit”—Is 57:15).[2] Be true in heart, sincere in attitude, clean.
When something is clean, it is holy or
acceptable to God. When it is unclean, it is unholy (such as an unclean
spirit). The term can be used in a ritual sense to apply to moral standards for
living.[3] Our morals do not save us but is a clear sign
of one’s quality of life. High moral
standard is demonstrated by a genuine interest in one another’s welfare and needs.
Showing compassion and empathy for each other working to edify and building up
each other with encouragement and mutual accountability. Coming together in
worship not forsaking by showing up when believers come together.
A: First of all, in this season of Covid, it is
difficult to come together. However, when
church is open, and members don’t show up is a clear demonstration where one’s
priorities are. It is demonstrative of
one’s moral standards when one is only thinking of oneself. There is a lack of confidence, compassion,
and an unwillingness to address the needs of the body. The behavior is such that forsakes the
promises and lacking good works. Do not forsake
the assembly of the body for we are to promote love.
P: Thank You God for the boldness and confidence
You provide. Thank You for Your promises
and my life You have changed. I pray I
hold on to this faith You provide and not stray away from worship
meetings. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Heb 10:19–25). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] The
Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). Holman
Bible Publishers.
12/24/21
4 For it is impossible to renew to repentance those who were once
enlightened, who tasted the heavenly gift, became companions with the Holy Spirit,
5 tasted God’s good word and the powers of the coming age, 6 and
who have fallen away, because, to their own harm, they are recrucifying the Son
of God and holding Him up to contempt.[1]
O: Be
careful not to take this verse out of context.
What is the Spirit telling us here?
We must move on to a state of maturity for the immature who has once experienced
the Spirit can fall into a state of apostasy.
“There is nothing more that God can do,” namely, beyond the sin offering
of his Son; even there, however, the reference to God is indirect (e.g., ἀξιωθήσεται, 10:29). McCullough (1974.2) takes a middle position: “… while
‘impossible’ may refer to human impossibility, nevertheless the reason that it
is humanly impossible to bring them to repentance is because God wills it so.”[2]
All is based on one’s behavior. Their
own choosing on how to behave for by falling away, practicing sin, such as habitually
lying, ‘to their own harm’ put Christ back on the cross negating His death by
their own sins contemptuously.
A: Repeated slander, gossip, practicing cancel
culture, creating their own narrative redirecting from the truth. As I have said behavior is important for we
do not want to have dead works relaying the foundation of repentance but
working on our faith in God (6:1). Work
on growth in the knowledge of Him not looking to the world and what we can do
to improve their standing. We only need
to look to God, reading and applying His word, and developing our relationship
with God through prayer watching that we do not fall away.
P: Lord I pray those whose behavior puts Christ
back on the cross. Lord I pray their relationship
with You grows and they mature in You.
Help me Lord to improve my relationship with You. Help us all to focus on You and draw near to
You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Heb 6:4–6). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Ellingworth, P. (1993). The Epistle to the Hebrews: a commentary on the Greek text
(p. 319). W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press.
12/23/21
Our Great High Priest
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to the confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tested in every way as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time. [1]
O: We Christians are exhorted to hold fast to our confession emphatically to the great High Priest Jesus Christ the Son of God. Κρατέω (Rev. 3:11) and its synonym κατέχω denote holding on to hope (6:18; 10:23), confidence (3:6, 14; 4:16), and the Christian confession (here and in 10:23).[2] For we have a High Priest who is intimately aware of us and what we face in our lives for He went through the same tests yet without sin. As part of the Christian family, He sympathizes with us as His children. We are family. Hold fast to the relationship of our High Priest as believers in Him. He is approachable so we can get help in time of need. So therefor hold fast to your faith so we can obtain hope and boldness before our God.
A: There is
confidence, boldness, and hope when we when we hold fast to our faith. What is this confession. We must maintain our allegiance with Christ
and always acknowledge what He is to us.
He is our Great High Priest which all mercy and grace to us who are His
children. Do not forget that His blood
is on the mercy seat for our forgiveness when we confess the gospel truth. Hold fast to that.
P: I pray to hold fast to my confession of the
gospel. Lord You are so good. You care for us as Your children. Thank You for giving us a hope. Help us Lord to hold fast to You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(Heb 4:14–16). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Ellingworth, P. (1993). The Epistle to the Hebrews: a commentary on the Greek text
(p. 267). W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press.
12/22/21
9 The Lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is
patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.[1]
O: It is
plainly stated here that our time is not His time. God is outside the dimension of time. God as a recent song goes is never early and never
late. This is said in Hab 2:3 “For the
revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove
false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay”.
God promises of 3:4 and 1:9 His “great and precious promises” ring true. Some scoffed at the promise of His return is
not happening. That is blasphemy and those who behave in blasphemous ways will
perish. Peter pleads with them saying
God does not wish that any perish but repent.
Those who do not show mercy will be judged. Sir 35:19
A: We must
pray for the scoffers. For those that blaspheme
God. God has great things in store and
those that tear down the church and criticize believers are doing just
that. When criticism and slanderous
behavior persecutes the church those behaving in manner will be judged. God will not tarry. Repent as God wants you to do.
P: Praise
you God for Your promises. Help us Lord
to be patient and treat each other with love and encouragement. Amen
12/21/21
7 Now the end of all things is near; therefore, be serious and disciplined
for prayer. 8 Above all, maintain an intense love for each
other, since love covers a multitude of
sins. s 9 Be
hospitable to one another without complaining.[1]
O: Now this is ethical behavior against such no
one can argue as wrong. Our walk with
Christ has everything to do with our behavior. Life as we know it will end
therefor be prepared and get yourself ready to present to the Lord. Peter is describing how we should act. Reference to the impending end is often used, as it is here, as the basis
for paranesis, since knowledge that there is an end of time, and a judgment
gives to the present its seriousness and its meaning.[2] This is the reason for the
seriousness and discipline. Make it a habit
to pray, show intense love for each other as if their life depended on it. Be civil, respectful, hospitality was a decisive mark of culture[3]. Of which complaining would be a detracting behavior. For those who
murmur and complain like those in Num 17:10 die. They misused their tongue so be careful how
you speak.
A: Peter gives us example after example
of how to live. Solid examples of strong
ethical behavior in the face of persecution.
So, therefor be serious and get into a habit of prayer. Be zealous in that behavior for it will strengthen
your walk. Learn and grow in love for
everyone through prayer and develop an attitude of gratitude to avoid
complaining.
P: Lord help me to grateful and show love
who I have been wronged. Help me to pray
more and more so I can demonstrate the kind of love you have for us. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (1 Pe 4:7–9). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Achtemeier, P. J. (1996). 1 Peter: a
commentary on First Peter. (E. J. Epp, Ed.) (p. 294).
Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press.
[3]
Stählin, G. (1964–). ξένος, ξενία, ξενίζω, ξενοδοχέω, φιλοξενία, φιλόξενος.
G. Kittel, G. W. Bromiley, & G. Friedrich (Eds.), Theological dictionary of the New Testament (electronic ed., Vol.
5, p. 17). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
12/20/21
16 These people are discontented grumblers, walking according to their desires;
their mouths utter arrogant words, flattering people for their own advantage. [1]
O: The
false teachers are what Jude is writing about.
These people are confronting Jude.
They are driven by personal motivations.
Either seeking recognition or improved standing among the bodies. Arrogant and flattering only looking for any advantage. They grumble and gossip to get their
way. They scold any who disagree where
they blame their fate on others. These
people fail to take personal responsibility of their behavior deflecting and
pointing to others, so any scrutiny is not directed to them.
A: We must
be careful of false teachers. They are
of the world with worldly motives that only brings death. Death to the church and death to them. Pray to God these people repent and turn from
their earthly motives and look to God to meet their needs. Replace selfish motives with ones that come
from heaven.
P: I praise You God. Your word is true and useful. You are plain and straight forward. Help us Lord to recognize our motives and get
them in line with You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Jud 16). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
12/19/21
16 But avoid irreverent, empty speech, for this will produce an even
greater measure of godlessness. 17 And
their word will spread like gangrene;[1]
O: Shun
profane topics and empty speech that is eloquent articulation without
sufficient meaningful information. It leads no where but down. Spreading everywhere. “profane” or “worldly” in the sense of
“godless.”[2]
Which could mean false testimony with opinions that are not true. As well as giving evidence based on only one source
themselves which is “ungodliness” or “impiety” in thought and action.[3]
A: Be
careful when a smooth talker ingratiates upon the body. Godless behavior that depends on self and
worldly concerns. The world has come
into the church with cancel culture and partiality.
P: God I
pray the body turns to You. I pray that
I stand firm and look to You in all my endeavors. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (2 Ti 2:16–17).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Knight, G. W. (1992). The Pastoral
Epistles: a commentary on the Greek text (p. 412). Grand Rapids,
MI; Carlisle, England: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press.
[3]
Knight, G. W. (1992). The Pastoral
Epistles: a commentary on the Greek text (p. 413). Grand Rapids,
MI; Carlisle, England: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press.
12/18/21
10 For there are also many rebellious people, full of empty talk and
deception, especially those from Judaism.
11 It is necessary to silence them; they overthrow whole
households by teaching what they shouldn’t in order to get money dishonestly.[1]
15 To the pure, everything is pure, but to those who are defiled and
unbelieving nothing is pure; in fact, both their mind and conscience are
defiled. 16 They profess to know God, but they deny Him by
their works. They are detestable,
disobedient, and disqualified for any good work.[2]
10 Reject a divisive person after a first and second warning, 11 knowing
that such a person is perverted and sins, being self-condemned.[3]
O: People who
are empty prattlers talking idly to deceive not necessarily Judaizes. It
is necessary to get them to stop their behavior. Their motives are not pure for they wish to
gain from their deceit. Tell tale sign
is a lack of conscience, compassion, or empathy marking them as defiled. Another sign is his relationship
history. Divorce and spurned by his
children are bad indicators which makes him detestable, disobedient, and disqualified for any
good work. This is a divisive person
who needs to be warned and rejected if he does not come to his senses.
A: Divisiveness a tendency to cause disagreement or hostility between people
starts with fruitless words and criticism.
Idle talk helps only the one seeking gain. Gain in reputation among other things is a poor
motive. We are here to glorify God not
our selves. Lacking conscience is
evident by repeated lies without remorse on how other are impacted by those
lies. Reflecting a lack of compassion demonstrating
a unconcern for the body as a whole.
P: I pray those causing division repent. I pray that the motives are pure and not self-serving. I pray compassion and love grow in them. I pray they are more concerned for others
than themselves. Help me Lord to love
them no matter what. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Tt 1:10–11).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Tt 1:15–16).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Tt 3:10–11).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
12/17/21
4 Now the Spirit
explicitly says that in later times some will depart from the faith, paying
attention to deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, 2 through
the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared. [1]
O: Paul speaks plainly of what the Spirit has
said. The Spirit has stated as being precisely so[2] that there will be some who
will fall away from the faith. The cause is paying attention to those
influenced by devil who is deceiving them with smooth talk and flattering charm. However, through this deceit behavior the
actual sin of slander and lies is not recognized. The consciences become clouded. Paul calls these people hypocrites a word he
only uses once. These people are so deceitful
people do not recognize the sin. “Paul is insinuating that their air of
devotion and ethical rigour is only a specious mask” (Kelly).[3]
A: This is true even today. A charmer comes into the body. Gets turned when he pays attention to gossip
and slander, tools of the devil. Then
runs with that info becoming an instrument of the devil. Uses his smooth talk and deceives others to a
point they do not recognize his slander and lies. Paul was right. Be watchful and have His word to be on guard.
P: I pray that the body will be watchful and decerning. I pray that those demonstrating deceitful behavior repent. Help us Lord to have motives that glorify you. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (1 Ti 4:1–2).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., Bauer, W., & Gingrich, F. W. (2000). A Greek-English
lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature
(3rd ed., p. 905). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
[3]
Knight, G. W. (1992). The Pastoral
Epistles: a commentary on the Greek text (p. 189). Grand Rapids,
MI; Carlisle, England: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press.
12/16/21
8 Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is
just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is
any moral excellence and if there is any praise—dwell on these things. 9 Do
what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of
peace will be with you.[1]
O: Here we have another tool to help as we live
our lives. The church at Philippi were
having problems with two ladies. As is
the case when prominent people have a dispute there is a danger of division
were others feels the need to take sides.
We are not to think ill of anyone. Look for whatever is uplifting, encouraging, and edifying. Paul turned
his thoughts to providing an environment of peace by unified thought.[2]
He gives specific examples on what our thoughts should be for he said, “dwells
on these things”. What is true,
honorable, just, pure, lovely, or commendable.
If any moral excellence and praise plan your lives with. He implores us to put these thoughts into
practice. When we live with these habits
God can work His peace into your life.
A: Do not look for fault in one another. Do not think ill of each other. We need to
capture our thoughts and place them under the authority of our Lord. It is important to develop habits worthy of glorifying
God. We are to turn to mental and
ethical thought in line with God to increase our knowledge of Him. By doing so our relationship deepens and spiritual
maturity grows.
P: Lord help us develop habits that bring us closer to you. Helps us develop habits that glorify You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Php 4:8–9).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Melick, R. R. (1991). Philippians,
Colossians, Philemon (Vol. 32, p. 150). Nashville: Broadman
& Holman Publishers.
12/15/21
10 Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength. 11 Put on the full armor of
God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil. 12 For
our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities,
against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil
in the heavens.[1]
O: The
bible to very informative and helpful. Its
instruction is timely and rings true.
Here Paul explains how to deal with the devils’ schemes. Be empowered by infinite awesome power of God
by put on the protection God provides.
Use the tools from God. His armor is prefect protection against the
minions of the devil in the darkness and purely evil. All we need for the battle God has given us.
A: Here are the tools God has given to do battle
with the devil. Truth, righteousness,
faith, salvation, the gospel of peace, and the word of God. Not in that particular
order but it is surprising that this list is all we need for victory. When the tools of God are put to use we are
able to stand against the enemy.
P: Help me Lord to put on and keep on Your armor
and always put to use Your tools having them at the ready. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Eph 6:10–12).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
12/14/21
18 Let no one disqualify you, insisting on ascetic practices and the
worship of angels, claiming access to a visionary realm, and inflated without
cause by his unspiritual mind. 19 He doesn’t hold on to the
head, from whom the whole body, nourished and held together by its ligaments
and tendons, develops with growth from God. [1]
O: This is
a scathing commentary of the Colossian controversy. “Be careful that no one
takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition,
based on the elemental forces of the world, and not based on Christ”.[2]
Worldly behavior and teachings not in Christ.
Intelligent, speaking eloquently rhetoric their arrogance will not allow
for correction for they perfectly understand anything detracting from their
opinions creates fear they may by found to be wrong. Here Paul says they do not “hold on to the
Head”. The head is Christ who nourishes the body. Where do these false teaches get their nourishment? From the fading world that corrupts.
A: We must hold on to Christ. We much take nourishment from Him. We must work on sanctification. We are to having nothing to do with those
causing controversy. Those that do not
listen to reason, refuse to address sinful behavior, lie, gossip, and slander
others are not of the body. Be careful
about people such as these.
P: I pray
Lord others who are attempting to tear down the body come to their senses and
come back to God and come back to the body.
I pray that I continue to challenge other to grow in Christ. Help me God to stay the course. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Col 2:18–19).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Col 2:8). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
12/13/21
Go to these people and say:
You will listen and listen,
yet never understand;
and you will look and look,
yet never perceive.
27 For the
hearts of these people
have grown callous,
their ears are hard of hearing,
and they have shut their eyes;
otherwise, they might see with their eyes
and hear with their ears,
understand with their heart,
and be converted,
and I would heal them. [1]
O: Quotes verbatim the Septuagint from Isa 6:9. For some
reason people will not listen, refuse to see, and resist a change of heart. Some people will be stubborn and refuse to
change their opinion. Due to their obduracy,
they miss true meaning of life and cannot be converted. There is a definitely a lack of insight in
some people. Some to a point of being pathological. If they had heard and understood the
divine word, they would have turned from their ways in repentance (epistrepsōsin) and received God’s
healing.[2]
A: God word does not change. It is still the same today. Reflected in this text are some in the church
today. We have liars who feel they can
lie if their goals are accomplished. If
it is the outcome they desire their feel justified in their behavior. However, they rely on themselves and ignore God
for the father of lies is the devil.
Lack of insight, devoid of empathy, arrogant, unable to admit mistakes and
behavior that blasphemies God. Characteristics
reflecting a calloused heart. Don’t be that guy.
P: Lord help gain a greater understanding of you. Help us to see You and hear You Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ac 28:26–27).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
12/12/21
16 I always do my best to have a clear conscience toward God and men.[1]
O: Paul as
not ashamed he was a follower of “The “Way” which they claimed was a “sect” of Judaism. He believed in the scriptures “just like the
Pharisees” both the law and the prophets and shared in the hope of the resurrection. Paul conscience is clear. Meaning he has no worries regarding the resurrection. For with that comes judgement and he has the
confidence of salvation through his faith in Jesus Christ.
O: Paul had
no doubts confident in his salvation.
That is a good feeling. There is
many times when I ask myself if I has done enough for my salvation. I have had doubts. Today I have worked out my salvation and know
beyond a shadow of a doubt I am free. My
conscience is clear because I am saved by grace. Forgiven and set free. There is no better feeling than that.
P: Praise
God for Your grace. That You for saving
me. Help me Lord to continue to mortify
sin. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ac 24:16).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
12/11/21
“Men of
Israel, help! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our
people, our law, and this place. What’s more, he also brought Greeks into the
temple and has profaned this holy place.”[1]
O: Here we find a Jew from Asia spreading rumors
and gossip about Paul. He is slandering
Paul without providing any proof.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
The whole assembly got involved while other rush in to see what was
happening. It is obvious powers and principalities
are behind the fracas because that of this world worked everyone up into a riot. It is obvious satan is behind this because he
is the father of lies.
A: Satan continues to run amuck today. Rumors, gossip, slander and all the spirits
of dissension are at work in the church.
Spirits of unforgiveness and criticism are rampant. The church needs to be cleansed by God. The church must turn to God and rely on Him
rather than listen to false testimony.
Testimony with no evidence of being true.
P: I pray the church turns to you. Help us Lord to grow in our ability to
discern the truth. Help grow in faith in
the Holy Spirit to stand against lies and glorify you. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ac 21:28).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
12/10/21
25 “And now I know that none of you will ever see my face again—everyone
I went about preaching the kingdom to. 26 Therefore I testify
to you this day that I am innocent of everyone’s blood, 27 for I did not shrink back
from declaring to you the whole plan of God.[1]
O: Paul knew what he was up against. Powers and principalities are at war with the
Spirit. Every place he went the battle
was engaged. Jerusalem was no different
other the forces against the spirit were more concentrated there. He never shrunk away from an opportunity to
proclaim the gospel. Many confirmed to
Paul what he suspected would happen and by the actions of others he was able to
get to Rome, the goal in his heart. So Paul’s plan turns out to be God’s plan.
A: In the face of great adversity Paul stood with courage
and assurance knowing the His God is greater than anything he will come against
him in this world. The faith and trust he
had in God are great examples to follow.
He has the confidence of God knowing that nothing can separate him from
God’s love. To live with that kind of
confidence is empowering. Something I look
up to and strive to emulate.
P: I pray to be like
Paul and a let go of fear and worry.
Improve my knowledge of You God and help me see You more clearly. Increase my confidence that the world has
nothing comparable to You. Help me to
not shrink away from proclaiming the gospel.
Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ac 20:25–27).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
12/09/21
14 Accept anyone who
is weak in faith, but don’t argue about doubtful issues.[1]
O: Arguing
can never be good. Those weak in faith
could refer to someone who could easily stumble in the face of temptation. How many times are we told not to argue? Here we are told not to argue regarding
disputable matters. Here he talks about
eating, drinking and special days. In
this age with could be issues that has nothing to do with the gospel or faith but
matters about church function and that which have nothing to do with sin. Those
which are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the
doctrine which ye learned. We are told
to turn away from them. (Rm 16:17) What is being discussed is the way the
believer should live, the actions that are permissible or required.[2]
A: Sin is
not up for discussion. However, we are not
to be stumbling blocks. It is very
important to consider the consequences of one’s behavior. Slow to speak and slow to anger. We are not justified by our behavior so be
careful how we act. We will be judged by
our behavior.
P: I pray
that I will not feel it necessary to argue.
Help me Lord to consider my behavior and how it relates to other. I want to show others who You are. Help me to do that please.
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ro 14:1). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Morris, L. (1988). The Epistle to the
Romans (p. 477). Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: W.B.
Eerdmans; Inter-Varsity Press.
12/08/21
16 So then it does not depend on human will or effort but on God who
shows mercy.[1]
O: We cannot will God’s grace and cannot perform
any work but are wholly dependent on God’s mercy. We cannot make it
happen. It is all up to God. “It is possible to look at those actions and
find something that we would not classify as justice, but if we concentrate on
those things [of the patriarchs] and overlook God’s mercy we miss the thrust of
it all. Paul sees clearly that if salvation were to rest on human willing and
human striving, we would all be in difficulties. But it does not. It depends on
the will and the mercy of God. That is clear in Christ’s atoning work. And it
is clear, as Paul is showing, when we look again at what God did among the
patriarchs in days of old.”[2]
A: I am so
glad for God has promised those who truly seek him will find Him. No hoops to jump through. No test to study for. No money can buy. The gift from God is free. He gives it freely to who He will. We don’t deserve it nor is there anything we can
do to earn it. Later in the book Paul states to confess with your lips and
believe in your heart that Jesus is Lord and raised from the dead you will be
saved. (10.9)
P: I pray God that all my know Your grace and salvation.
Thank You for Your free gift and thank You for what You did for us. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ro 9:16). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Morris, L. (1988). The Epistle to the
Romans (p. 360). Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: W.B.
Eerdmans; Inter-Varsity Press.
12/07/21
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who
loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life,
neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither
height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate
us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.[1]
O: This is
what songs are made of. The cadence is
powerful and declares the victory. Those
who come to know God find His love. For through Him we become more than
victors. Paul is convinced that there is nothing more powerful than God. Nothing will be able to separate us from God’s
love.
A: One of my most favorite verses in the
bible. Great is His love. There is nothing greater. This verse is both an encouragement and a
comfort knowing we are more than conquerors.
The assurance and confidence instilled by these words help us to
continue to strive in Him to spread the good news.
P: Praise God for His inspired word. Praise God for the confidence He give through His love. A love that can break every stronghold. Help us Lord to remember that love and that You have our back. Amen
[1] The New
International Version. (2011). (Ro 8:37–39). Grand Rapids, MI:
Zondervan.
12/06/21
17 For in it God’s righteousness is revealed from faith to faith, just as
it is written: The righteous will live
by faith.[1]
O: Here Paul quotes the Old Testament
regarding righteousness. A virtue that
comes through faith. What is righteousness and faith? Why are the words used hand in hand? Righteous is an ethical and moral virtue. However, the Hebrew meaning entails legal
standing which means innocent. Doing
right. Righteousness is linked to faith
for it is revealed from faith. In the New
Testament this noun normally denotes the attitude of trust, though sometimes it
refers to what is believed, that is, the faith (e.g., Jude 3).[2] Faith is the hallmark of salvation. Without faith one would not believe the
gospel. Without faith one cannot know
God. Without faith righteousness will
not be seen or revealed.
A: The righteous will live by faith. The righteous are made known only through
faith. Paul is simply emphasizing the
place of faith: “faith through and through”[3] and
uses a quote from the OT to prove his claim.
Faith in God transforms us. Makes
us new, vibrant, and right with God. We
become forgiven and made innocent by God though our faith. Trust and believe in the gospel and you are
made right.
P: I pray we believe in Your saving grace. Help us to completely trust in You. Help us to look to You for our salvation. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ro 1:17). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Morris, L. (1988). The Epistle to the
Romans (p. 49). Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: W.B.
Eerdmans; Inter-Varsity Press.
[3]
Morris, L. (1988). The Epistle to the
Romans (p. 70). Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: W.B.
Eerdmans; Inter-Varsity Press.
12/05/21
20 For I fear that perhaps when I come, I will not find you to be what I
want, and I may not be found by you to be what you want; there may be quarreling,
jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, slander, gossip, arrogance,
and disorder. I fear that when I come my God will again
humiliate me in your presence, and I will grieve for many who sinned before and
have not repented…[1]
O: Here we
find a list of vices that Paul fears he will find. This is not an exhaustive list of vices but vice
just the same. Vice that causes division
and strife greatly effecting the harmony, unity, and peace of the church. These behaviors pit one against another
causing people to take sides. Paul was expressing
concern they have returned to their worldly ways. These are behaviors anyone does not wish to
see. The verb ψιθυρίζω means “speak in a low voice,” “mutter,”
“mumble,” and the cognate noun ψιθυριστής (Rom. 1:29) refers
to a person who conducts “secret attacks on a person’s character as compared
with κατάλαλος [Rom.
1:30], an open detractor”[2] Meaning talking about others in a divisive
manner forces the listener to choose sides.
Make no mistake such behavior is worldly and has no place in the church.
A: I am not
alone in demonstrating behaviors such as these.
However, I strive to acknowledge and repent. I will not back away from such behavior when found
in the body confronting and bringing it out in the open. I am afraid many in leadership are caught in
the lies and are unwilling to admit it.
Thus, lacking support and coming up against the status-quo change unity
and peace were not possible. Such is the
grip of the strongman deeply entrenched and strangling the body of Christ. We fight a war not of flesh and blood but of
powers and principalities, spirits hell bent on tearing down the church. I was humiliated from those that were
unrepentant.
P: Thank You God. Praise You. You are glorified and holy. Blessed be Your name. Help us turn from our worldly behaviors and put on the mind of Christ. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (2 Co 12:20).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Harris, M. J. (2005). The Second Epistle
to the Corinthians: a commentary on the Greek text (pp.
899–900). Grand Rapids, MI; Milton Keynes, UK: W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co.; Paternoster
Press.
12/4/21
2 Instead, we have renounced shameful secret things, not walking in
deceit or distorting God’s message, but commending ourselves to every person’s
conscience in God’s sight by an open display of the truth.[1]
O: Paul emphatically
repudiated underhand and disgraceful behavior.
Deceitful actions are contrary to behavior becoming of a Christian. He is either defending himself against the
malicious charges of some Corinthian opponents (cf. 7:2; 12:16) or attacking
those whose ways of acting were secretive and shameful—or perhaps he is on
defense and attack simultaneously.[2] The only defense is the truth. The word for renounced is in the aorist tense
which means it is timeless. Always should
one reject an opinion or tactic unworthy of one’s calling. I prefer this translation here “the shameful
things that one hides,” NRSV[3]
or even “shameful practices devised in secret,” Martin 74[4]. We should therefore refuse to come along side
them and not distort the gospel. Be
doing so our conscience is in the light of Gods truth seen by all.
A: I have made every attempt to shine the light
on the truth. There have been so many
underhanded and deceitful behaviors at Haili I am ashamed to admit. I pray that behaviors are addressed but they
only get worse, to the extent Kahu retired rather than continue to be harassed
and defamed with distorted opinions by criminals. I too had to walk away rather than continue to
be an object of gossip and divisiveness.
The truth has yet to be told and I pray the leaders come to their senses
otherwise the church will die.
P: I pray to You God Almighty that You open the eyes of the blind. I pray that sin is revealed. Please bring Your peace in our lives. Help us to live in good conscience with You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (2 Co 4:2).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Harris, M. J. (2005). The Second Epistle
to the Corinthians: a commentary on the Greek text (p. 324).
Grand Rapids, MI; Milton Keynes, UK: W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co.; Paternoster Press.
[3]
Harris, M. J. (2005). The Second Epistle
to the Corinthians: a commentary on the Greek text (p. 324).
Grand Rapids, MI; Milton Keynes, UK: W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co.; Paternoster Press.
[4]
Harris, M. J. (2005). The Second Epistle
to the Corinthians: a commentary on the Greek text (p. 324).
Grand Rapids, MI; Milton Keynes, UK: W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co.; Paternoster Press.
12/3/21
33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.” 34 Come to your senses and
stop sinning, for some people are ignorant about God. I say this to your shame.[1]
O: Paul
tells us pointing to the shame sin creates.
Stop being seduced, cease to err, no longer be led astray. Hanging around liars and thieves will
influence in a bad way. Do not go on in this way. Paul is quoting a popular maximum which is
known to this day. When one hangs around
bad people the behaviors will be an influence.
Peers influence peers. Paul implores the body to come wake up from your
stupor, come to your senses. It is
imperative to come back to righteousness.
Paul’s theological word sin
(rightly) since here an attitude toward God,
other people, credal issues of faith, and conduct of life are all at issue.
Paul regularly regards sin less in
terms (if at all) of acts (plural) of
commission or omission than as an attitude,
stance, and state in which the human will is granted “autonomy” to turn
away from God and to seek self-gratification as the chief end of human life.[2]
A: At Haili those in power have influence a good
man to develop a bad attitude that has corrupted him to act out in ways that
has caused harm to the church. Many have
left due to the spirit of unforgiveness, and criticism let alone the sin of
slander and division showing partiality.
The gossip to too pervasive and influential. I pray they wake up and turn back to behavior
that uplifts and builds the church.
P: God You are plainly telling us to come to our senses, to stop sinning. You cannot be more plain. Help us Lord to act righteous and give us the power to stop sinning. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (1 Co 15:33–34).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Thiselton, A. C. (2000). The First Epistle
to the Corinthians: a commentary on the Greek text (p. 1256).
Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans.
12/2/21
26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is
honored, every part rejoices with it. [1]
O: What
goes on in the body effects the whole body.
If I stub my toe the pain goes up my body. A disability of a member impacts the whole
body. Now Paul has prepared the way for
a deeper understanding of the mutuality and empathy that marks the common
status and common bond of all believers.[2] When one member refuses to speak to another
is indicative of a disfunction in the body.
A: Be careful.
Your behavior affects others more ways than you realize. Be mindful and considerate. Also written elsewhere show love, forgiveness,
and compassion for each other putting others first in service as our Lord did.
P: Praise God for showing us how to live. Help me Lord to show love, compassion, and
forgiveness. Amen
[1] The New
International Version. (2011). (1 Co 12:26). Grand Rapids, MI:
Zondervan.
[2]
Thiselton, A. C. (2000). The First Epistle
to the Corinthians: a commentary on the Greek text (p. 1011).
Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans.
12/1/21
7 The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been
completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be
cheated? 8 Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you
do this to your brothers and sisters. 9 Or do you not know that
wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the
sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with
men r 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor
drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.[1]
O: Unable to address the issues let’s take it to
court. This is a sad commentary of today’s
litigious society. What is even more
tragic is when members of the same church must go before a judge. What a defeated attitude. Who is the wrong doer here? Paul is very clear. Paul lists
a great deal of sin here including slanders.
Slander causes a great deal of objective harm was done by this love of denigration.[2]
A:
Worldly behavior has no place in the church. Dragging me into court rather than resolving
the issue face to face is already a moral failure. Refusing to speak to me only worsens the
problem. In addition, the slander against
Kahu and his wife reflects a malady that needs healing. Failing to address the behavior causes division.
P: Praise be to God for plainly spelling out what should be done. I pray the right thing be done. I pray for an attitude of righteousness. Thank you, Jesus, for your word. Amen
[1] The New
International Version. (2011). (1 Co 6:7–10). Grand Rapids, MI:
Zondervan.
[2]
Hanse, H. (1964–). λοιδορέω, λοιδορία, λοίδορος, ἀντιλοιδορέω. G.
Kittel, G. W. Bromiley, & G. Friedrich (Eds.), Theological dictionary of the New Testament (electronic ed., Vol.
4, p. 293). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
11/30/21
True Wisdom
18Let no one deceive himself. If
any of you thinks he is wise in the ways of this world, he must become a fool
to become really wise. 19For the wisdom of this world is nonsense in
God’s sight. For it is written,
“He catches
the wise with their own trickery,”[1]
O: There is
no room for self-delusion. RSV translates “Anyone who thinks he is wiser than
the rest of you should become a fool by this world’s standards.”[2]
When one thinks the ways of the world is what should be done his words and
deeds will have destructive effects on the ‘temple’ of God. Paul states a principle that one must
recognize one’s own ignorance to gain wisdom.
Others refer the application of the principle back to 3:16–17, stating
that “the danger of sacrilege and of its heavy penalty (vv. 16, 17) is not so
remote as some … may think.”[3] Of course Those who puff themselves up will
be knocked down.
A: Do not
be deluded. Humble yourself and don’t
think your any wiser than the group.
Make yourself lowly and recognize you don’t have all the answers. Let go of pride and worldly influence.
P: Help me Lord with my pride. Humble me and help me think I am no better
than others. Amen
[1] International
standard version New Testament: version 1.1. (2000). (Print on
Demand ed., 1 Co 3:18–19). Yorba Linda, CA: The Learning Foundation.
[2]
Ellingworth, P., Hatton, H., & Ellingworth, P. (1995). A handbook on
Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians (p. 82). New York: United
Bible Societies.
[3]
Thiselton, A. C. (2000). The First Epistle
to the Corinthians: a commentary on the Greek text (p. 321).
Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans.
11/29/21
13 But we must always thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord,
because from the beginning God has chosen you for salvation through sanctification
by the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 14 He called you
to this through our gospel, so that you might obtain the glory of our Lord
Jesus Christ. 15 Therefore, brothers, stand firm and hold to
the traditions you were taught, either by our message or by our letter. [1]
O: Always
giving thanks for other believers in our lives is important. Sanctification is the work of the Holy Spirit
that separates believers in Jesus from the world; at the time of saving faith
in Jesus, the believer is made a saint; therefore, all believers are saints.
The believer participates with the Spirit in a process of transformation that
continues until glorification. The goal of sanctification is progressive
conformity to the image of Jesus Christ.[2] Paul is than giving an imperative to stand firm
‘in faith’ ‘in the Lord’ and ‘in the Holy Spirit’ as well as in the ‘belief of
the second coming of Christ’. These are
the traditions he speaks of.
A: Always give thanks for each other remembering
we were chosen and sanctified by the Spirit through our belief in the truth. We must stand firm in that belief for He is
coming again, and we shall meet Him. Be
ready for that meeting.
P: I pray we stand firm and get ready Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (2 Th 2:13–15).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard
version. (2009). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
11/28/21
18 So we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan
hindered us.[1]
O: What
does it mean “but Satan hinders us”. Let
look at Paul’s visit to Thessalonica in Acts 17. The unbelieving Jews being envious to the
point of jealousy not wanting others to have the joy of believing and walking
with Christ zealously stirred up the market loungers, evil men who had nothing better
to do, causing much trouble to the believers.
Those evil men where must likely continue to stir up trouble and thus
hindered Paul’s return.
A: Today is no different. Many in the church wish to remain with the
status quo not willing to change. When
something new presents itself those in power feel threaten and become zealous fighting
change. Unwittingly propping up evil men
creating gossip and slander stirring up trouble and hindering the Holy Spirit.
P: I pray
God You break the strongholds of Satan.
Help me Lord to have the patience and steadfastness to remain strong in
the face of adversity. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (1 Th 2:18).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
11/27/21
4 As they traveled through the towns,
they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem
for them to observe. 5 So
the churches were strengthened in the faith and increased in number daily.[1]
O: The team
now consists of Gentiles and Jews. It
seems Pual felt this composition was useful to reach as many people as
possible. He was able to work with many different
cultures knowing God shows no partiality.
However, the main purpose was to deliver the decision of the apostles
regarding behavior that must be observed.
This is so all are behaving is unity.
We are not to overly burden believers with rules and regulations such as
circumcision.
A: Focus on the basics, such as living out the gospel,
setting the example of Gods love and working on your relationship with God. The main things the apostles said was refrain
from anything associated with idols and sexual immorality. Today idols come in
many forms, so we want to be careful.
Money drives many a person’s life. Pride can get in the way od our walk
with God. People can draw our focus away
from God. Entertainment can take much of
our time with God. The list can go on
with your church, your ministry, humility, lifestyle and the idol of self, rights
and freedom, your challenges, social media, lust, rules, hatred and bitterness,
fear and worry, and the world.
Read more: https://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/10-idols-of-your-heart-to-remove/#ixzz7DTBsFzTK
P: I pray Lord I put You first. I pray that nothing distracts me from You. Help me to put away idols and draw near to You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ac 16:4–5).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
11/26/21
7 Don’t be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows he will
also reap, 8 because the one who sows to his flesh will reap
corruption from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal
life from the Spirit.[1]
O: Be careful how you behave, how you treat others. “The mocking or
despising of God lay in the behavior of those who, ‘consciously stressing the
possession of the divine Pneuma, for this reason held themselves to be perfect
Christians and openly boasted of their piety (Gal. 5:26; 6:3), but at the same
time were sowing to the σάρξ (flesh) and were
doing that equally consciously and emphatically’(W. Schmithals, Paul and the Gnostics, 54) “[2] As Paul says it is ok to be zealous (Gal 4:18)
if your motives are right. One’s
character should reflect Christ with love and Spirit.
A: It is unfortunate how my sow reaped so much
hostility. I underestimate the strength of
the bitter root and the level of spiritual maturity in me and the leaders of
the church. I hit the light switch and
they all scurred to find some shadow. I
admit I have made mistakes and will be more careful. Act mindful that the world will become upset. Act in love and constantly evaluate my
motives.
P: I pray for Haili and they turn their focus to You and increase their faith that You will provide if they turn to You for Help. Help me to sow what come from You Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ga 6:7–8).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Bruce, F. F. (1982). The Epistle to the
Galatians: a commentary on the Greek text (p. 264). Grand
Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co.
11/25/21
24 He was a good man, full of the Holy
Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.
25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for
Saul, 26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So,
for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers
of people.[1]
O: What an encouraging
description, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, being a good man. In addition, he found a partner in Saul who
was later to be called Paul. It also
appears they were also diligent, at the ready always to teach and encourage
others in the Lord. Supporting each
other the pair were very effective presenting the gospel bringing many to the
Lord. Barnabas
was a “bridge-builder,” one who was able to see the positive aspects in both
sides of an issue and to mediate between perspectives.[2]
A: Evangelism should
never be done alone. One should have
back up. Besides the support a team provides
accountability is also included. As a
pair each can encourage the other, back up each other and help where needed. This was my problem at Haili. I never found a good ally other than
Kahu. Because of the lack of support, I
had to bow out. It was too much to work
on alone.
P: Lord I pray for Haili that they turn to the what is right
and worship in spirit and truth. Amen
11/24/21
34 Then Peter began to speak: “Now I really understand that God doesn’t
show favoritism, 35 but in every nation the person who fears
Him and does righteousness is acceptable to Him.[1]
O: It is
assumed Cornelius and his family believed in God and knew a little about the gospel.
What is interesting Peter’s sermon is a bit different stating God shows no
partiality. Salvation is available to
all who has a deep respect for God and living right. Basically, there is no cookie cutter recipe
for salvation. It all has to do with attitude. With the right attitude one provides a
fertile atmosphere for life and peace.
A: It all has to do with attitude. One who has the fear of God and does what is
right has an opportunity to walk with God and experience what all that entails. Repentance has to do with attitude. An attitude that is open to listen, an
attitude willing to give up and surrender. Willing to give it all to God and serve
others.
P: I pray I have the right attitude that provides a futile environment for growth and sanctification. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ac 10:34–35).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
11/23/21
27 Barnabas, however, took him and brought him to the apostles and
explained to them how Saul had seen the Lord on the road and that He had talked
to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus. [1]
O: Barabas
is usually the other guy. Like the support but here he is the main figure. Here he is the mediator due to the apostle’s
fear and skepticism of Paul who had been a zealous force for the Sanhedrin. He was able to vouch for Paul telling them of
an authentic conversion and of how God has since used Paul for the kingdom.
A: As Barabas
so to we must stand up for follow believers.
Back up other believer and stand with them. We are to help fellow believers to be
accepted and overcome misconceptions and preconceived notions.
P: Praise God for His life changing grace and faithfulness. I pray I can be a mediator. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ac 9:27). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
11/22/21
8 Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and
signs among the people. [1]
O: This starts the climax of the narrative of the
progress of the gospel in Jerusalem. The
apostles were first warned to preach, then flogged, and then Stephen was
stoned. This is an example of the progression
of persecution something Jesus warned of.
What does it mean full of grace? There
are variants of this text. Others read
full of faith. This does not change the
meaning. We are saved by faith in the
grace of God. For Stephen the grace of God
changed him so much his countenance shown the love of God. The grace provided effective power for
wonders and signs including the ability to preach.
A: That should be our goal. To have a filling of grace that changes even
our appearance but also gives us power and a voice to spread the gospel. Lets take hold of the saving grace of God and
use it for His glory.
P: I pray to God for the changing grave to fill
me so I can proclaim You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ac 6:8). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
11/21/21
29 But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.[1]
O: When
told to stop doing what God has clearly said do, who must be obeyed. Is there really a choice? They were released from prison the night
before by God. God has written His
purpose on their heart. They must by God
prompt declare God message. They to apostles
the choice was clear. They must obey God.
A: This imperative remains true today. Who must we obey God or man? The answer is
plain. When strife and division are prevalent,
gossip and slander are regularly practiced, lies and unforgiveness courses through
the body God complies believer to address the problems. When a member tells another to shut up so that
sin can continue who do we obey?
P: I pray for the courage to address issues in
the church today Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ac 5:29). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
11/20/21
37 When they heard this, they came under
deep conviction and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles: “Brothers, what
must we do?”
38 “Repent,” Peter said to them, “and be baptized,
each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and
you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.[1]
O: Many readers
point to this verse as the means to salvation.
One must be careful to keep the verse in context. For the thief on the
cross was not baptized. It is implied
they believed in the gospel because that was the topic of his message. However, in this text are all the elements of
salvation and it all hinges on faith. The
people believe what Peter said and were changed by that believe. When one believes these things begin to
happen. One begins to repent, a urge to
be baptized, forgiveness of sin, and the Holy Spirit is giving. All this happen when one believes in the
gospel.
A:
Salvation pivots on faith which is belief in the saving grace of the
gospel. Believe that Jesus died for you
and arose conquering death and sin.
Believe in Jesus Christ and you will be saved.
P: I pray that the world finds the saving grave
of Jesus Christ. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ac 2:37–38).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
11/19/21
16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved[1]
O: Here it
is again. Whoever believers. Remember Jesus told Nicodemus one must be born
again (Jn 3:5). Also, John baptized with
water, but the Messiah will baptize with fire (Mt 3:11). Does this mean we have to go into the fire? No, it is a figurative expression. In Matthew the Baptism is all consuming where
the old man dies, and the Holy Spirit brings new life. Where is repentance in all this? It is implied with belief and needed for the
Holy Spirit to do its work. So therefore,
believe in your need for the Holy Spirit to come into your heart to make all
things new.
A: Believe and be baptized to be saved. Belief will change you, change your life, and
make you a new creation. The life will bear
fruits of the new creation. Fruit from being
part of the vine. A life that brings
glory to God.
P: I pray
God that you help us grow together. Help
us create fruit the glorifies You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mk 16:16).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
11/18/21
42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when
You come into Your kingdom!”
43 And He said to him, “I assure you: Today you will be with Me in paradise.” [1]
O: In the church where I came
to know Christ, they feel to be saved one must repent and be baptized. (Acts
2:38). Yet the man on the cross next to
Jesus will be in paradise with Jesus’ blessing.
He will not be baptized, and one cannot read into it that he will be. However, there is one thing the convict did
do. He believed Jesus was who he said He
was. He said remember me when You come
into Your Kingdom. He expressed his
belief publicly that Jesus is the Messiah.
All it takes for salvation is confession with your mouth and belief in
your heart that Jesus is Lord. (Rom 10:9)
A: This is an example of
salvation. Confess out loud and believe
in your that Jesus is Lord. Many have
gone down a rabbit hole to say it takes more that. You have do this and that and the other
thing. When one truly believes in their heart,
they are born again becoming a new creation and begin to live a life that is
changed. If one truly believes their
lives exhibit fruit because they are part of the vine. John said we will know them by their fruits. So what fruits are on display in your life?
P: Lord God I believe You are
my Lord a Savior. Help me grow good
fruits. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Lk 23:42–43).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
11/17/21
14 But He didn’t answer him on even one charge, so that the governor was
greatly amazed.[1]
O: Very unusual
behavior at one’s trial. To neither defend
yourself or deny your guilt, to be neither defiant nor compliant Jesus here shows
great self-control. Jesus is
demonstrating He is His own counsel. “There
is acceptance here, but nothing abject or craven. After Gethsemane Jesus
accepts the fate that is unfolding for him and has no wish to fight for his
life. This is a very unusual posture at a trial.”[2]
A: On trial
resigned to His fate Jesus sets a great example of humility and
self-control. He is obeying the will of
God His Father and accepted His fate. So,
to must we show humility and restraint in the face of our accusers.
P: I pray for humility and self-control in the
face of adversity. Help me to relax and
not be offended for all things work for good for those who love God and are
call according to his purpose. Help Lord
to so love and compassion. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mt 27:14).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Nolland, J. (2005). The Gospel of
Matthew: a commentary on the Greek text (p. 1164). Grand Rapids,
MI; Carlisle: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press.
11/16/21
8 “I told you I am He,” Jesus replied. “So if you’re looking for Me, let
these men go.” 9 This was to fulfill the words He had said: “I
have not lost one of those You have given Me.” [1]
O: To the point of Him being handed up to His
enemies Jesus is thinking of others and not Himself. He was more concerned about Peter and His
disciples than Himself. There was
nothing selfish about Him. He did
everything for us.
A: What a great example for the followers of
Jesus. Think of others putting them first. When facing my adversary at Haili who claims
I harassed him 74 times I willingly went to court. I did so for the sake of Haili. I was prompted 74 times by the Holy Spirit to
reach out and help him understand his behavior was causing problems with the
body. His lies and harassment and
coverup of an act of arson must be dealt with.
I did it at the cost of my well being to help the church.
P: Help us Lord to address our short comings and
not care what will happen to us. Help us
to put faith in You that things will work out.
Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Jn 18:8–9).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
11/15/21
33"I have told you these things so that
in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous!
I have conquered the world.”[1]
O: His word
brings peace. Follow Him can bring
suffering. That is understandable since
the world and those in charge will feel threatened when their control comes
into question. His followers belong in
the world but are not part of it. His
followers walk a different path and those who are different are looked upon with
suspicion. In Him is peace because Christ
is the Victor and has conquered the world.
A: Sad how
the clutches of the world can wreak havoc on believers. The strongman binds many believers needlessly. Feelings of fear effect boldness. The loss to control but believers are part of
the vine and receive all that is needed to survive from the branch. It helps to bear fruit and maintain God’s
commandments. That gives the peace when
in Him. “The world continues its wretched attacks, but those who are in Christ
share the victory he has won. They cannot be harmed by the world’s evil, and
they know who triumphs in the end. From this they take heart and begin to share
his peace.”[2]
P: Praise
You Father for Your Son. Thank You for
Your victory. Help us Lord to realize
there is nothing to worry about. Help us
grab hold of the peace. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Jn 16:33).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Carson, D. A. (1991). The Gospel
according to John (p. 550). Leicester, England; Grand Rapids,
MI: Inter-Varsity Press; W.B. Eerdmans.
11/14/21
6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. [1]
O: This could be translated
I am the true and living way. In answering Thomas Jesus describe how to get to
where He is going. Life and truth is an
added benefit on the way to God. He does
not simply blaze a trail He is the trail. In the way is life. He is the truth of God for He is God’s Word
in the flesh and He ‘embodies
the supreme revelation of God’.[2]
Jesus is the life (1:4), the one who has ‘life in himself’ (5:26), ‘the
resurrection and the life’ (11:25), ‘the true God and eternal life’ (1 Jn.
5:20).[3]
A: Jesus is the only way to heaven because He is
the truth and the life. When one repeatedly
lies they are not on the way. They have
fell off the path by repeatedly submitting false reports. Being honest allowing Jesus to be your guide
along the way life can be lived to it’s fullest. In Jesus is the way to life and truth.
P: I pray That we see the way. I pray we are not blind to Your way
Jesus. Help find it and live it. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Jn 14:6). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Carson, D. A. (1991). The Gospel
according to John (p. 491). Leicester, England; Grand Rapids,
MI: Inter-Varsity Press; W.B. Eerdmans.
[3]
Carson, D. A. (1991). The Gospel
according to John (p. 491). Leicester, England; Grand Rapids,
MI: Inter-Varsity Press; W.B. Eerdmans.
11/13/21
40 He has blinded their eyes
and hardened their hearts,
so that they would not see with their
eyes
or understand with their hearts,
and be converted,
and I would heal them. x
41 Isaiah said these things because he saw
His glory and spoke about Him.[1]
O: Isaiah prophecy relates to the human culpability
when presented with all the evidence God provides regarding salvation and need to
believe yet did not understand. Without
understanding there will not be healing.
Power blinds, control hardens hearts.
If one does not give up power and control all is lost.
A: It is
hard for those in power to give up that control and give the power over to
God. The fear of losing control can blind
and harden emotions making them one sided and unwilling to allow change. When the status quo is threatened they
understand only one thing, fight to maintain the power. The blinders are on and the emotions of the
heart grind to base feelings to maintain the power and control. Surrender and give the power and control to
Jesus.
P: I pray
the powers that be surrender. Help Jesus
please help us relinquish control and surrender what power we think we have.
Soften our hearts and help us understand so we may be healed. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Jn 12:40–41).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
11/12/21
40 “And the King will answer them, ‘I assure you:
Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’[1]
O: Do not look down on others. Do not neglect the needy. You are doing all this for the Lord. What ever one does impacts one’s relationship
with the Lord.
A: Be mindful your actions not only impact your
relationships in this world but also your relationship with the Lord. Show mercy, be helpful for any crossing your
path in life. Reach out and share what
have for you are helping the Lord.
P: Lord I
pray I have the courage and strength to help where I see a need Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mt 25:40).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
11/11/21
23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You pay a tenth of
mint, dill, and cumin, yet you have neglected the more important matters of the
law—justice, mercy, and faith. These things should have been done without
neglecting the others. 24 Blind guides! You strain out a gnat yet gulp down a camel! [1]
O: The
fourth woe to the religious leaders of the day.
They make every attempt to follow the letter of the law yet fail to
follow the spirit of the law. The leaders follow the law down to the minutia
yet miss the point. They neglect justice,
mercy, and faith. Focusing on doing the
right thing. Additionally, the central
import is the intent of law, to show mercy Hos 6:6. Clearly if one looks to
what Jesus said earlier regarding the greatest commandment and is reminded of Micah
6:8 the mandate is to love faithfulness.
Don’t be blind and strain at insignificant issues. The real issues will
grow to become unmanageable.
A: The religious leaders today must be careful
in focusing on the heart of the matter.
Doing what is right, showing mercy, and a love of faithfulness to God is
what is important. Calling out Kahu without
first talking to him is not justice.
Reporting false accusations repeatedly is not showing mercy. Refusing to reason together demonstrates a
lack of faithfulness to His word. Turn
it around and focus on what is important.
The intent of the law because did not do away with it. Focus on justice, mercy, and faithfulness.
P: I pray the leaders of the church finally see
what is most important. Help us do what
is right, show mercy, and love faithfulness.
Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mt 23:23–24).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
11/10/21
36 While you have the light, believe in the light so that you may become
sons of light.”[1]
O: Believe
in the Light of the world. Belief in Him
trust in Him commit to Him so that you may become sons of light. Light is such a good metaphor in that light
enable life as well as many other qualities.
A: Salvation is belief in the light. Darkness will not overtake those who believe
in the light. The helps us see, gives us
lifesaving warmth and life. One who does
things in the dark is not in the Light and will stumble.
P: I pray we believe in You Jesus and Your saving
act on the cross. Help those in darkness
come out Amen.
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Jn 12:36).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
11/9/21
27 He replied, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.”[1]
O: For God what is impossible for men is possible
for Him. I love this verse for with men
it is impossible to enter salvation. God
has made it possible. Earlier Jesus said
nothing is impossible with God (1:37).
Anybody can be saved from the rich to the poor. For God it is possible.
A: It is possible with God. God is the Key. He unlocks the gate. Those who enter can only enter with God. So therefor believe in the gospel to be with
God.
P: Praise be God for You have given a way to be
saved. He us to show this way to others.
Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Lk 18:27).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
11/8/21
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who
believes in Me, even if he dies, will live.
26 Everyone who lives and believes in Me will never
die—ever. Do you believe this?”[1]
O: Here we have
a plain mandate “Everyone who lives” in Jesus will not die. “There is neither resurrection nor eternal
life outside of him.”[2] Believe in Him.
A: It is quite simple. Believe in Jesus and you will have life.
P: I pray I believe in You. Here me in my unbelief, Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Jn 11:25–26).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Carson,
D. A. (1991). The Gospel
according to John (p. 412). Leicester, England; Grand Rapids,
MI: Inter-Varsity Press; W.B. Eerdmans.
11/7/21
The Coming of the Kingdom
20 Being asked by the Pharisees when the
kingdom of God will come, He answered them, “The
kingdom of God is not coming with something observable; 21 no
one will say, ‘Look here!’ or ‘There!’ For you see, the kingdom of God is among
you.” [1]
O: The Pharisees wanted to know what will show them when the
kingdom of God will be made known. This
could mean they are coming to the realization the Messiah is not what they expected. Jesus tells them the sign comes from within
them. “The coming
of the kingdom is not accompanied by ratifying or premonitory signs that men
can observe. To look for such is to misunderstand the character of the kingdom.”[2] They Could see the kingdom is in their midst
in the Son of Man Jesus.
A: Don’t
miss the point Jesus is here in the midst.
No sign is needed. No need to
look any further. God’s kingdom is present
so don’t miss out. Confess Jesus as your
Lord and Savior and believe in Him to be part of the Kingdom.
P: I pray to be part of the Kingdom. Help me in my belief in You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Lk 17:20–21).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Marshall, I. H. (1978). The Gospel of Luke:
a commentary on the Greek text (p. 655). Exeter: Paternoster
Press.
11/6/21
41 The Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you
are worried and upset about many things, 42 but one thing is
necessary. Mary has made the right choice,
and it will not be taken away from her.”[1]
O: Martha was feeling exasperated and frustrated feeling she
was doing all the work and needed help.
Jesus tells her in a kind way she need not worry but set her priorities
right. Focus on what is important like
Mary. Martha has been compared to the Apostle Peter: practical, impulsive, and
short-tempered to the point of rebuking the Lord himself. Mary is more like the
Apostle John: reflective, loving, and calm.
A: Set priorities appropriately. Focus on Jesus and his word first. He is number one priority. One need not worry for everything else will fall
into place and work out. No need worry. Spend time with Jesus and His word.
P: I pray I set my priorities right and focus on spending my time with You Lord and immerse myself in Your word. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Lk 10:41–42).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
11/5/21
The Light of the World
12 Then Jesus spoke to them again: “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.”[1]
O: Those who do not hide anything are walking in the light. The ‘light’ metaphor reminds of it’s uses in
the Old Testament.
The pillar
of light in the wilderness leading them to the promise land and protects His
people in Exodus. (Ex. 13:21–22, Ex. 14:19–25) The word of God, the law of God, is a light to guide the path of those
who cherish instruction (Ps. 119:105; Pr. 6:23); God’s light is shed abroad in
revelation (Ezk. 1:4, 13, 26–28) and salvation (Hab. 3:3–4). ‘Light is Yahweh
in action, Ps. 44:3’ (H. Conzelmann, TDNT
9, 320). Isaiah tells us that the servant of the Lord was appointed as a light to the Gentiles, that he might
bring God’s salvation to the ends of the earth (Is. 49:6). The coming
eschatological age would be a time when the Lord
himself would be the light for his people (Is. 60:19–22; cf. Rev. 21:23–24). Perhaps Zechariah 14:5b–7 is especially
significant, with its promise of continual light on the last day, followed by
the promise of living waters flowing from Jerusalem—this passage probably
forming part of the liturgical readings of this Feast (cf. notes on 7:37–39). The great, burning lights of the Feast of
Tabernacles resonate with such strains.[2]
A: Refusing to be transparent. Writing letters regarding others behavior without
disclosing its contents to the accused.
Not following scripture guidance (Mt 18) to confront the offender before
judging them. All this behavior is done
in the dark and has been demonstrated by certain members @ Haili. The trustees state they do not trust the
deacons yet condone this type of behavior which clearly sets them in a position
of condemnation by Christ for they harassed a man of God without facts to back
up their accusations. Who are they following for Jesus warned of those who are
in the dark and acting as pharisees?
P: Praise God for shining the light. Nothing is hidden from You. You chase away the darkness. Help us Lord to walk in the light. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Jn 8:12). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Carson, D. A. (1991). The Gospel
according to John (pp. 337–338). Leicester, England; Grand
Rapids, MI: Inter-Varsity Press; W.B. Eerdmans.
11/4/21
5 (For not even His brothers believed in Him.) [1]
O: Even Jesus’
brothers did not believe who He was. The
previous verses show their feelings as they spoke to Jesus with sarcasm. “But they, like so many of the superficial
disciples in 2:23–25; 6:60ff., could not perceive the significance of what they saw, and therefore did not penetrate to
Jesus’ real identity and entrust themselves entirely to him.”[2] Eventually they came to believe, and several became
great leaders in the Church.
A: Let’s
not be superficial with assumptions based on worldly speculation. That which comes from God is true. Look to His word and the moving of the Holy
Spirit to be your guide.
P: Praise God for Your love and care. Praise God for what was done for us and our salvation. I pray for guidance and truth that comes from You and not be of this world but shine You reflecting Your saving grace. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Jn 7:5). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Carson, D. A. (1991). The Gospel
according to John (p. 307). Leicester, England; Grand Rapids,
MI: Inter-Varsity Press; W.B. Eerdmans.
11/3/21
33 But turning around and looking at His disciples, He rebuked Peter and
said, “Get behind Me, Satan, because you’re not
thinking about God’s concerns, but man’s!” [1]
O: Peter
had just been called the rock yet now Jesus calls him Satan? What is all that about? Peter and the other chosen had expectations
of Jesus and He just told His Apostles what was going to happen to Him. Their understanding of Him was that He was
the political Messiah and what He told them did not fit their assumptions. Assumptions created by man. “To think in
human terms—when human terms conflict with the things of God—is no longer to be
disciple of Jesus but a disciple of Satan.” [2] Interesting Satan means ‘adversary’. Anyone who opposes God’s plans is an
adversary of God. For in order to
overcome Satan suffering is involved “for suffering is the only way to destroy
the stronghold of Satan”.[3]
A: The apostles were looking forward to a lustrous
future as leaders in the new government headed by Jesus. Same as certain leaders at Haili. They are adversaries to God’s plan with the
church and attempted to imposes their assumptions. False assumptions, dishonest opinions, lies,
and false accusations. Clearly becoming
tools of the devil, in great need of repentance and forgiveness. These people need to be rebuked and need to open their eyes to wiles of the devil because people are suffering.
P: God thank You for Your word. Help us to understand and apply it our lives. Help to be patient in our suffering and
glorify you. Help us to to open our eyes
to the adversary. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mk 8:33). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Edwards, J. R. (2002). The Gospel
according to Mark (p. 255). Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester,
England: Eerdmans; Apollos.
[3]
Edwards, J. R. (2002). The Gospel
according to Mark (p. 255). Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester,
England: Eerdmans; Apollos.
11/2/21
15 Then He commanded them: “Watch out! Beware of
the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.”[1]
O: Why was
Jesus warning about the yeast of the Pharisees and Herod? Did they write to laws and Herod was in
charge? “In rabbinic literature “yeast”
as a metaphor frequently refers to the tendency or intention of the human
heart, sometimes in a good sense, but most often in a bad sense. Similarly, in
only one instance in the NT does “yeast” carry a positive metaphorical sense
(Matt 13:33//Luke 13:21). In its dozen remaining uses “yeast” connotes
corruption, unholiness, and danger.”[2] They were the ones in power and told everyone
how to live yet their lives were hypocritical.
The pharisees were always on the lookout for transgressions pointing out
faults according to the laws they wrote.
They as well as Herod were judging and making decrees, a forcing other
to abide by the rules and laws they created.
They never looking at their behavior due to arrogance, and “holier than
thou attitude”. The power they held
corrupted them. Also, both Antipas and
the pharisees were against Jesus.
A: Today those who feel they are in power in
Haili. They have been critical and harassed
Kahu needlessly. They got in church last
Sunday all smiles at Kahu’s retirement as if they were gloating. It is very sad how blind and hypocritical
people can become. Judging behind Kuhu
and the deacons back. Gossiping and then saying we are filled with
the Holy Spirit. Demonstrating very poor
spiritual maturity and lacking discernment when some of their own clearly lies. That is the bad yeast my friends.
P: I pray God we clean out the yeast and do what is right in your eyes. Help us Lord to seek you. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mk 8:15). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Edwards, J. R. (2002). The Gospel
according to Mark (p. 238). Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester,
England: Eerdmans; Apollos.
11/1/21
28 “What can we do to perform the works of
God?” they asked.
29 Jesus replied, “This
is the work of God—that you believe in the One He has sent.”[1]
O: Everyone wants to be on the right side. Everyone wants to perform miracles. Everyone wants something of value. However, the people missed the point. Material notions of blessing are not worth pursuing.[2] God
requires something from His people.
There is a work His people must do. something that is required of His children
to obtain something of eternal value. His
people must believe in Him.
A: It is clear what must be done. Believe in the gospel. The writer of Hebrews says, “Without faith it
is impossible to please God” Heb 11:6.
The gospel has the power of salvation and given as a gift to those that
believe. Belief brings the transforming
power of salvation a gift that can only come from Jesus.
P:
Praise You Jesus for the work You have done here on earth. They you God for dyeing for me so that now I
can die to sin and be raised to life with You.
Help me to continue to believe and help me with me unbelief please. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Jn 6:28–29).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Carson, D. A. (1991). The Gospel
according to John (p. 285). Leicester, England; Grand Rapids,
MI: Inter-Varsity Press; W.B. Eerdmans.
10/31/21
12 So they went out and preached that people should repent.[1]
O: That
people should repent. This clearly states
what people ought to do. Repent. Repentance requires obedience. Obedience is a part of faith. Repentance means feel remorse, repent, be
converted (in a variety of relationships and in connection w. varied
responsibilities, moral, political, social, or religious).[2] Mostly in the N.T. it means to turn away from
sin.
A: What if you are sinning and you don’t know
your sinning. Or what if you do not
have the capacity to feel remorse. Sadly,
some people in this world suffer from a lack of insight or are in denial. The classic symptom of mental illnesses. James gives the remedy in James 5:16 because
healing is required.
P: Lord help us repent. Help us show remorse, be converted, and made
anew. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mk 6:12). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., Bauer, W., & Gingrich, F. W. (2000). A Greek-English
lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature
(3rd ed., p. 640). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
10/30/21
39 He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Silence! Be still!”
The wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 Then He said to
them, “Why are you fearful? Do you still have no faith?” [1]
O: Such power.
Jesus can rebuke the forces in this world. This miracle demonstrates the power of
God. He will not abandon His disciples. How did all this happen. “Not by prayer or
incantation, but by the authoritative word
of Jesus.”[2] His words prevented calamity. By His word He subdued the forces of this
world. There is great power in His word.
In addition, this miracle prove the Jesus had the power of God. Then He asked His followers why they were
afraid and where was their faith. After
all they have seen, still they had no faith.
In the eye of the storm the disciples panicked and accused Jesus of
forgetting about them. Jesus spoke out
against the disciples “losing heart” and their “cowardice” (see Mk 6:50-51) “The
real threat to faith comes not from lack of knowledge but from doubt and fear.”[3] What does faith mean? Faith leads on the one
side to the sense of “certainty,” “trustworthiness,” on the other to that of
“means of proof,” “proof”[4]
relating to compacts and fidelity to contracts in classical
Greek. In Hellenistic usage “it presupposes the overcoming of
objections“.[5] In
Stoicism, the attitude of faith is, however, a religious attitude to the degree
that in it man, as πιστός, ἐλεύθερος, and αἰδήμων, actualizes
his relationship to God.[6] Faith is described as both “fear” and “trust”
in our relationship with God in the OT. Think
of God’s faithfulness with His covenant and promises, i.e., “that which makes
God God.”[7]
It describes the richness the comes from a relationship with God. Faith expresses a total commitment to God. “It
denotes a relation to God which embraces the whole man in the totality of his
external conduct and inner life.” [8]
In God’s word without faith, one cannot be saved. It is that which is essential. This not to say without faith there can be no
miracles but without faith there can be no relationship to God. With faith in God one can achieve a state of security,
feeling of assurance, seeking refuge in time of temptation and danger. With
faith in God the future is secured.
Without faith there is no hope. Faith
is to believe, to trust, to hope, and to remain faithful to His word and acceptance
of the kerygma or proclamation of the gospel.
A: Faith is
essential in the relationship to God.
Faith in who God is and what He did.
He claims the storms of life. He
comforts the poor. He supplies all the
need of life and protects, provides assurances, and calms the heart. Putting trust in God in a sure thing,
bringing confidence and hope now and for the future.
P: I pray
my faith will increase. I pray I rest my
assurance in You when faced with trials and tribulations. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mk 4:39–40).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Edwards, J. R. (2002). The Gospel
according to Mark (p. 149). Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester,
England: Eerdmans; Apollos.
[3]
Edwards, J. R. (2002). The Gospel
according to Mark (p. 152). Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester,
England: Eerdmans; Apollos.
[4]
Bultmann, R. (1964–). πιστεύω, πίστις, πιστός, πιστόω, ἄπιστος, ἀπιστέω, ἀπιστία, ὀλιγόπιστος,
ὀλιγοπιστία. G. Kittel, G. W. Bromiley, & G. Friedrich (Eds.), Theological dictionary of the New Testament
(electronic ed., Vol. 6, p. 177). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
[5]
Bultmann, R. (1964–). πιστεύω, πίστις, πιστός, πιστόω, ἄπιστος, ἀπιστέω, ἀπιστία, ὀλιγόπιστος,
ὀλιγοπιστία. G. Kittel, G. W. Bromiley, & G. Friedrich (Eds.), Theological dictionary of the New Testament
(electronic ed., Vol. 6, p. 180). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
[6]
Bultmann, R. (1964–). πιστεύω, πίστις, πιστός, πιστόω, ἄπιστος, ἀπιστέω, ἀπιστία, ὀλιγόπιστος,
ὀλιγοπιστία. G. Kittel, G. W. Bromiley, & G. Friedrich (Eds.), Theological dictionary of the New Testament
(electronic ed., Vol. 6, p. 182). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
[7]
Bultmann, R. (1964–). πιστεύω, πίστις, πιστός, πιστόω, ἄπιστος, ἀπιστέω, ἀπιστία, ὀλιγόπιστος,
ὀλιγοπιστία. G. Kittel, G. W. Bromiley, & G. Friedrich (Eds.), Theological dictionary of the New Testament
(electronic ed., Vol. 6, p. 185). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
[8]
Bultmann, R. (1964–). πιστεύω, πίστις, πιστός, πιστόω, ἄπιστος, ἀπιστέω, ἀπιστία, ὀλιγόπιστος,
ὀλιγοπιστία. G. Kittel, G. W. Bromiley, & G. Friedrich (Eds.), Theological dictionary of the New Testament
(electronic ed., Vol. 6, p. 188). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
10/29/21
16 “No one, after lighting a lamp, covers
it with a basket or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lampstand so that
those who come in may see its light. 17 For
nothing is concealed that won’t be revealed, and nothing hidden that won’t be
made known and come to light. 18 Therefore
take care how you listen. For whoever has, more will be given to him; and
whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him.”[1]
O: Make one’s light shine so everyone can see. Whatever is hidden will be made know. In other words, if on what is hidden now will
be made know in the future. When it will
be made known will be an act of God either by His disciples or His judgement. All
will come to light. Be careful, therefore,
if one thinks they have something it will be taken away. “For if a person has
knowledge, he will be given (more)—by God, but if he has none—though he may
deceive himself into thinking he has some (cf. Jn. 9:40f.)—even the false
knowledge which he thinks he has will be taken away from him”.[2]
A: Take care with what you have been taught. Take heed and listen. Shine the light of Jesus. Do not foolishly try to hide it for all will
come to light. Continue to listen and
hear sound teaching of His word and shine so that His light will be seen. Be careful to apply His word to your heart for
sin to not rain in your life. By falsely
accusing someone and not making it right is saying the person is not good enough
to meet your standards. Blasphemy. Your standards will be taken away from you.
P: I pray we all take care and heed the teaching of Jesus. I pray we shine His word and cloth ourselves in His righteousness. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Lk 8:16–18).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Marshall, I. H. (1978). The Gospel of Luke:
a commentary on the Greek text (p. 330). Exeter: Paternoster
Press.
10/28/21
In these circumstances,
a crowd of many thousands came together, so that they were trampling on one
another. He began to say to His disciples first: “Be on
your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2 There is nothing covered
that won’t be uncovered, nothing hidden that won’t be made known. 3 Therefore, whatever you
have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered
in an ear in private rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops”.[1]
O: Due to upwards
to ten thousand people trampling each other following Jesus He focuses
primarily on His disciples saying be on guard, pay attention, look out. The yeast is the attitude and teaching the
Pharisees had which had a pervasive influence.
“Leaven in Scripture is generally a type of evil which corrupts and spreads, disturbing, puffing up and souring
that which it influences”.[2]
He is both warning that attempts to cover up and conceal behavior will be
uncovered and then encourages His disciples speak out against such behavior. “Verse
3 is much like Matthew 10:26–27, where the disciples are encouraged not to be
afraid but to declare publicly what they have heard privately from Jesus”.[3]
Jesus is saying be bold and speak the truth.
A: This is a sad commentary of the leaders in Jesus’
day and the leaders in the church today.
The church is reeling because of the hypocrisy today. Haili is no different. The so-called leaders were upset Kahu felt
impelled to initiate a TRO against a person who assaulted a parishioner. Yet a trustee attempted to slap a TRO against
me, and they did nothing. In fact, the trustees declared earlier their main
goal was to avoid litigation yet allowed a trustee to drag me into court. He lost due to the fact he attempted to infringe
on my first amendment rights because I called him out regarding his lies and
cover up. The judge commented that any
reasonable person would not be upset by my posts. This means this trustee was unreasonable and continues
to refuse to reason together. Be bold in
the truth and reject those demonstrating hypocrisy and proclaim the behavior
from the rooftops.
P: God Your
promises are true. Help us forgive each
other. Help us have compassion for each
other. Help us make known what has been
covered up. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Lk 12:1–3).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Plummer, A. (1896). A critical and exegetical
commentary on the Gospel according to S. Luke (p. 318). London:
T&T Clark International.
10/27/21
50 For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven, that person is My
brother and sister and mother.[1]
O: Jesus
tells us what we must do. We must do the
will of the Father. The will of
God. In this He has identified His disciples. “The point is that those who do the will of
the Father are ‘everything’ to Jesus”.[2] But what is the will of God? It basically calls
for an attitude consistent with God. To
do the will of God is to keep His word and follow His commandments. It is also knowing Him, praying to Him, and
developing a relationship with Him.
A: Jesus
has asked His followers to do several things along with doing the will of
God. He has commanded to Be Born Again
(Jn 3:7), Repent and Believe (Mk 1:14-15), Come to Me (Mt 11:28-30), Listen to
My Voice (Jn 15:4-5), Abide in Me (Jn 15:9), Follow Me (Mk 1:17), Love Me (Jn
14:15), Worship Me (Jn 12:26), and Receive the Holy Spirit (Jn 21:20-21).[3] Not doing these things
places one in danger of being told “I don’t know you”. It is important to develop a relationship
with God.
P: I pray I
develop a relationship with God and grow in my knowledge of Him and His will.
Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard
version. (2009). (Mt 12:50). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Nolland, J. (2005). The Gospel of Matthew: a commentary on the
Greek text (p. 519). Grand Rapids, MI; Carlisle: W.B. Eerdmans;
Paternoster Press.
10/26/21
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these
things will be provided for you. 34 Therefore
don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day
has enough trouble of its own.[1]
O: Look to God for the needs of day to day
living. Seek out the Kingdom of God for
that is what must claim our attention.
Jesus said the Kingdom of God is at hand and here we are encouraged to
first orient our attitudes and lifestyle to His righteousness and have a
Kingdom mindset. Only when we correctly orient
our motives and intentions to the things of God, His kingdom and righteousness
of His, will there be nothing to worry about.
Righteous behavior as God is righteous must first be sought and strived
for (Mt 5:48). ‘All’ is continent on the correct behavior by striving to put
all things God first.
A: Salvation comes by grace based on placing
faith in Jesus. A blessed life is based
on seeking His Kingdom and righteousness.
One must strive to be transformed by the platitudes of righteous
attitude and behavior. We are not to be
of the kingdom of this world but put on the mind of Christ (1Cor 2:14-16). That way we know we are seeking out God and
His way.
P: Praise
You God for giving us a blueprint on how we must live. I pray we seize hold of this verse and seek
You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mt 6:33–34).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
10/25/21
9 As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the
tax office, and He said to him, “Follow Me!” So, he got up and followed Him. [1]
O: Only
here is Matthew named but the other two synoptic gospels name the tax collector
Levi. What is interesting is that
Matthew immediately when asked got up and followed Jesus. The tax collector must had held high status
among his colleagues due to the many at attended the feast at his house. He was a strategic acquisition to assist in
reaching the lost.
A: When
Jesus calls people immediately drop everything and follow. I remember my calling clearly and it was no
question that God called me and told me what I must do. I was to follow Him. So, I made a turn and sought Him ever since. The example of Matthew calling
reminds to leave the world behind and introduce those in the world to Jesus.
P: I pray we
continue to follow You. I pray we heed
Your call. God help us to walk straight
and show others who You are. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mt 9:9). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
10/24/21
8 Right away Jesus understood in His spirit that they were thinking like
this within themselves and said to them, “Why are you thinking these things in
your hearts? 9 Which is
easier: to say to the paralytic, ‘Your
sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, pick up your mat, and walk’? 10 But so you may know that
the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,” He told the paralytic, 11 “I
tell you: get up, pick up your mat, and go home.” [1]
O: Jesus knows
the hearts of man. He knew what the
reactions of those present would be. When Mark says, “Jesus knew in his
spirit” (see 8:12; John 2:25), he implies more than human knowledge; Jesus not
only knows the sins of the paralytic, but he also knows the hearts of the
scribes.[2] Jesus can heal but is He able to heal the spiritual
paralysis of the Pharisees? Their learning
and mindset make healing difficult. They
were unwilling to accept authority coming from anyone else but themselves.
A: The same
could be said of those in leadership of the church today. I posted a holiday meme with an innocent
message of blessedness. I tagged a
former friend, a leader in the church, due to prompts I received from the Holy
Spirit. In his arrogance the man was
livid misinterpreting the post becoming offended. This man needs healing, both spiritually and
mentally, but is unwilling to listen to the spiritual authority of the church. Stating I harassed him I was only acting on behalf
of what the Holy Spirit told me. Trying
to infringe on my first amendment rights he attempted to silence me but failed. I, standing on the side of God will be
victorious. I only must wait on God.
P: Praise
God for Your word. Thank You for Your
guidance and prompts. Help us Lord to
seek the healing of our spirit and minds.
Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mk 2:8–11).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Edwards, J. R. (2002). The Gospel
according to Mark (p. 78). Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England:
Eerdmans; Apollos.
10/23/21
19 “This, then, is the judgment: The light has come into the world, and
people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. 20 For
everyone who practices wicked things hates the light and avoids it, so that his
deeds may not be exposed. 21 But anyone who lives by the truth
comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God.”[1]
O: One of
the best metaphors used by Jesus because the contrast is so stark. What is the difference between light and
dark, night and day? One gives the other
takes away. One has a positive influence
the other negative. One is avoided the
other is sought depending on one’s motives.
Here those loving darkness has the negative effect so the evil deeds
will not be exposed. Those living by the
truth work in full view of others to glorify God.
A: Those
who work behind others back with gossip without confirming the truth. Making up accusations in the hopes something
sticks. Attempts to covering up illegal
activity. All of which is evil motives
done in the dark. Harassment based on
groundless ill-conceived irreverent motives is absolutely evil. This is the behavior of some of the church leaders
demonstrating poor spiritual maturity and a lack of understanding of how Christians
ought to behave. Behavior needs to be
completed in the light for all to see.
P: I pray we see the light. I pray we come to the light. I pray You reveal what is right and how we
should than live. Help us to grow in
spiritual maturity and turn away from evil.
Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Jn 3:19–21).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
10/22/21
A voice of one crying out in the
wilderness:
Prepare the way for the Lord;
make His paths straight!
5 Every
valley will be filled,
and every mountain and hill will be made
low;
the crooked will become straight,
the rough ways smooth,
6 and everyone will
see the salvation of God. l
7 He then
said to the crowds who came out to be baptized by him, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming
wrath? 8 Therefore
produce fruit consistent with repentance. And don’t start saying to yourselves,
‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you that God is able to raise up
children for Abraham from these stones! 9 Even now the ax is
ready to strike the root of the trees! Therefore, every tree that doesn’t
produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” [1]
O: God herald His coming in more ways than
one. God has given the world warning upon
warning. More than can be counted. What is the warning and what must be done? God will humble the world and straighten it
out. Do not presume that lifelong
attendance in Haili can guarantee salvation. Everyone will see the salvation but not
everyone will be saved. Why? Free will.
A choice must happen. John says
produce fruit consistent with repentance.
There must be a change of heart, turn from sin, and a production of good
fruit.
A: Continued sin with no evidence of repentance demonstrates
a lack of faith. Gossip, lies, slander, causing division, and lacking
repentance is a sign that Haili is not preparing the way of the Lord. Calling members racist, passing judgement
without even talking to the supposed offenders is worlding behavior. The members must come together, work out
differences, demonstrate a change in attitude with love and forgiveness. The hearts must change to prepare for the
Lord.
P: Lord I pray hearts will change. I pray love prevails. I pray that faith grows and good fruit is
produced. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Lk 3:4–9).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
10/21/21
51 Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth and was obedient to
them. His mother kept all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in
wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and with people.[1]
O: Not much is known of His early life, however,
this passage gives a glimpse of part of it. Jesus knew who He was early in His
life. He subjected Himself to His parents,
much as a servant obeys his master. His mother also as any loving mother would,
treasured in her heart the wonderful acts of her son and was most likely one of
Lukes sources. He was obedient, increased
in wisdom and stature, and favor with God and people. Increased (προέκοπτεν) is an interesting term. Originally used as a nautical term meaning, “to make headway in spite of blows,”[2]. It has morphed into
making progress in a virtuous life. In
other words, he grew in respect, was well liked, and looked up to by His family,
friends, and neighbors, as well as God.
A: This passage reflects how a Christian should
grow. To have the attitude of a servant. To advance in wisdom and stature finding favor
in one’s behavior. That is increasing in
behavior that is edifying, encouraging, and building each other up. Behavior that does not demonstrate an
advancement of positive virtues is detrimental to Christian growth. Muckraking, slander, attempting to tear down
others goes not promote any edification.
If one finds fault there is a need to directly address the issue with
the person. Not go behind his back without
his knowledge. What purpose does that behavior serve? It is only self-serving, selfish, mean
behavior. We are to demonstrate growth
that brings glory to God.
P: Praise
You God for Your Word and the examples set down before us. Help us Lord to grow into living a more virtuous
life. Help us Lord in glorifying You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Lk 2:51–52).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Stählin, G. (1964–). προκοπή, προκόπτω. G. Kittel, G. W. Bromiley,
& G. Friedrich (Eds.), Theological
dictionary of the New Testament (electronic ed., Vol. 6, p. 704). Grand
Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
10/20/21
37 For nothing will be impossible with God.”[1]
O: As we live,
we realize there is an existence. God
brought that into being. And there it
is. We can be. For God nothing is impossible
and because of that we have come to be.
The special thing is we have been created in His image. There is nothing He can not do. He is nether powerless or disabled. That power is manifest in His Spirit. The same Spirit remains in His children. The
kingdom of heaven has drawn nigh.
A: The power of God is with-in His children. That power that brought life into being is
available. Another familiar quote
written by Paul; “I can do all things through Christ” Ph 4:13 and again in
Genesis; “Is anything impossible for the Lord?”[2] Have faith that God is at work in the lives
of those who believe.
P: Praise You God for Your life-giving power. Help Your children understand the life-giving force is available and know Your kingdom is at hand. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Lk 1:37). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ge 18:13–14). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
10/19/21
1 The historical
record of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham: [1]
O: Genealogies
were important to the Jews. Even today ancestry
searches are a big seller. However,
Matthew’s list proves Jesus is the Christ, from the house of David. It is a record of Jesus origin and begins
with His messianic title setting out to prove He is from the seed of Abraham. There
are several names of interest in his list and the line is on Joseph’s
side. Joseph is not the natural father
of Jesus but does report Mary is Jesus mother.
In addition, the line lists four woman, a wicked King, and gentiles. The list clearly declares the prophecy (Gen
49:10) fulfilled. With the names of
woman, gentiles, and sinners, the list also declares Jesus has come for
everyone.
A: Confirmation that God has come to live among
the world. He is here with open arms to
any who believe. He has prophesized and
it has come to be. The good news the
Kingdom of Heavan is at hand. Salvation
has come to mankind.
P: Praise You God for giving the world Your Son. Thank you for walking among the world and yet not be apart of it. Thank You for showing Your children the way. I pray I walk worthy of Your calling. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mt 1:1). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
10/18/21
4 Life was in Him,
and that
life was the light of men.
5 That light shines in the darkness,
yet the
darkness did not overcome it.[1]
O: Life and light,
two of greatest metaphors given to Jesus the Son of man and the Son of
God. ‘Life’ and ‘light’ are almost universal religious
symbols.[2] They are a perfect
illustration of the Word. Darkness cannot be present in light and light illuminates
everything. Light is nourishing. Light brings life. Nothing can grow without it. Speaking of life when written in the in the
bible salvation comes to mind. In this
passage the Word brings life and light.
In other words, The Word brings salvation to mankind.
A: The Word came a dwelt among us. The Word has given the way to salvation. There was no darkness, no sneakiness. No going behind someone’s back in an
underhanded way. Jesus worked in the
open for all to see. He spoke the truth
and came to bring life and bring people together and not to tear His people’s
life apart.
P: Praise You God for
coming down to us and offering salvation.
Thank-You for light and life so that those who believe have life and
light in their life. Help us to always
walk in light. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Jn 1:4–5).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Carson, D. A. (1991). The Gospel
according to John (p. 118). Leicester, England; Grand Rapids,
MI: Inter-Varsity Press; W.B. Eerdmans.
10/17/21
What should
we say then? Should we continue in sin
so that grace may multiply? 2 Absolutely
not! How can we who died to sin still
live in it? [1]
O: Simple
question with an answer containing no doubt.
How can one who is born again continue to sin? What then shall we say? This is a question all who died with Christ
in baptism need to ask. The former life
is put down for a new life in grace.
A: Plainly slandering Kahu with half truths and
false accusations need to stop. Lying so
that grace may grow. The answer is a
resounding no. Do not go back to worldly
ways. The consequences are grave.
P: I pray Lord the leaders at Haili come to
their senses and \hold those who are sinning accountable. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ro 6:1–2).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
10/16/21 From Sapphires@hopeoftheworld.org
Thus
The Lord has Already Said
Thursday, October 14, 2021
Throughout the Bible as in
Ezekiel 37, it says "Thus saith the Lord" which we understand as the
Lord is saying. But when you read "thus saith the Lord", most of the
time it doesn't quite mean "thus saith the Lord" - as in the present
tense. The Hebrew word for "saith" is most often, 'Amar.' 'Amar' is
not the present tense - but the past or perfect tense. That makes a big
difference. It means it's already done, finished. It means that it's already
perfectly established. The Word of God is perfect, finished, done. Thus, when
God says something, it's as good as done. So when you take the Word and
promises of God, there's no question, no if, no maybe. Amar means it's settled,
done, sealed, finished, accomplished - it's a done deal. Stand on the Word,
believe in it, be confident in the Word because the Word, promise, assurance of
God is as good as done. Thus says the Lord, the Lord has spoken.
From
Message #473 - Divine Hebrew Time Travel
Scripture: Isaiah 55:11
Today's Mission - Today,
look for a promise of God in the Word of God. Consider it as good as done.
10/15/21
13 As it is written: I have loved Jacob, but I have hated Esau.
God’s Selection Is Just
14 What should we say then? Is there injustice with God? Absolutely not! 15 For He tells Moses:
I will show mercy
to whom I will show mercy,
and I will have compassion
on whom I will have compassion.[1]
O: This passage
always puzzled me. How can a loving God hate? There are several ways to explain this, but
it is confusing until I read Thomas Aquinas comments on this verse. “God pre-elects Jacob over Esau, not because the
former is holy but so that he might become holy.[2] Predestination accomplishes His goal. God has a plan for His children. This passage clearly spoke of God choosing Israel
and opposed Edom. The means God did not
like Esau as much as Jocob.
A: Wrapping
my head about predestination has been difficult. However, those predestine have been for His purpose. Pray the mercy and compassion of God shines
through His chosen. His chosen must not loss sight of God purpose in this
world. His children are set apart and
stand in unity together to glorify God.
P: Praise
You God for Your plan. I pray I never
loss sight of You and Your actions in my life.
Help me Lord to learn how You can bring people together and be of one
mind. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ro 9:13–15).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Greenman
& Larsen eds. (2005) Reading Romans Through
the Centuries (pg.92) Grand Rapids, MI; Brazos Press
10/14/21
41 These who were recorded by name came in the days of King Hezekiah of
Judah, attacked the Hamites’ tents and the Meunites who were found there, and
set them apart for destruction, as they are today.[1]
O: The
Hamites, people from Egypt and Meunites, of whom little is known, were given
over to total destruction. They were ‘set
apart’, in other words the term in Hebrew refers to the irrevocable giving over
of things or persons to the Lord by totally destroying them. It is not mentioned why, however, the nations
in Canaan were so debased, worshipping Baal, sacrificing their children, and
all sorts of detestable practices. God was cleaning up the country. He gave these two people up for annihilation.
A: As Christians we too are set apart. The old man should have passed away and now Christians
are new in behavior and lifestyle. It is
the outward refection of Christs work in His children. Conversely, not accepting Christ’s saving
grace, one will be set apart for destruction.
By not demonstrating an outward change does not demonstrate the change
expected by God’s work. By continuing to
lie, slander, gossip and create division demonstrate works other than what comes
from God.
P: Praise You God for Your saving grace. Thank You helping to put away the old man and becoming a new creation. Help me to demonstrate Your love and concern. I pray those who continue to sin to repent. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (1 Ch 4:41).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
10/13/21
From Adam to Abraham
1 Adam, Seth, Enosh, [1]
O: Why all the lists of names? This is a list of origins. The genealogies demonstrate Israel’s place in
the world. In addition, God chosen people
are identified by these lists. How the Messiah
came from David and the House of Judah.
The lists help develop His people understanding of how they are chosen.
A: Christian should know through His word how we are all connected. Christians worldwide have the same salvation
and chosen to be children of God by the saving grace of Jesus Christ. The descendant of David who the prophets
point out the source of salvation. The
lists confirm it.
P: I pray we realize
who we are in You. I pray we have faith
in the connection to the Bible where the information of You found and details
how we can come to know You. I pray we
have faith in Your word to help us grow spiritually and discern what we must do. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard
version. (2009). (1 Ch 1:1). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
10/12/21
22 Then I instructed the Levites to purify themselves
and guard the gates in order to keep the Sabbath day holy.
Remember me for this also, my God, and
look on me with compassion in keeping with Your abundant, faithful love.[1]
O: Nehemiah demanded those in service consecrate themselves before the Lord. When impure those in service to the Lord makes things worse. The Jews were breaking the sabbath, intermarrying, and neglecting their tithes. He had to repurify the temple and the Levites. Then the Law of Moses was read. That means all the nation had renew their understanding of the law and to turn back to God’s covenant or face the consequences.
A: Keep the Sabbath day holy. What does that mean today? Now that God’s word has been placed in the heart of those who believe than now the body is the temple. Let’s go a bit further with this metaphor. The body is part of a larger body, the church. Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.[2] Lying is not acceptable behavior by leaders of the church and creates a unholy relationships within God’s body.
P: I pray the leaders of the church purify themselves. I pray they grow in discernment. Learning what is good, pleasing and perfect will of God. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ne 13:22). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ro 12:1–2).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
10/11/21
10 Then he said to them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet,
and send portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to
our Lord. Do not grieve, because the joy of the Lord
is your stronghold.”[1]
O: This
could be part of a fellowship offering and fellowship meal. The day was sacred and was to be shared by
everyone. Reading the word of God should be an eye-opening experience. To the Jews they realized they need to return
to God and as a result wept and mourned because of the previous actions of the
nation. The reading helped them realize
what they must do. Reading His word
should bring joy. “One’s faith is optimistic because of God’s power. Real joy
is an expression of faith in what God can do and is doing.”[2]
A: Fellowship is so important. It helps all to come together. Plus, the word should bring joy because God
has given those with understanding direction and a plan. His plan for salvation. That should bring joy and gladness.
P: I pray my faith is increase and my
understanding grows. Help us increase in
fellowship and come together in unity.
Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ne 8:10). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Breneman, M. (1993). Ezra, Nehemiah,
Esther (electronic ed., Vol. 10, p. 228). Nashville: Broadman
& Holman Publishers.
10/10/21
2 Then I put my brother Hanani in charge of Jerusalem, along with
Hananiah, commander of the
fortress, because he was a faithful man
who feared God more than most.[1]
O: “Nehemiah again showed qualities of good
leadership in delegating authority. At the same time, he was careful to select
men of integrity who feared God”.[2] He choose a man who was faithful and feared
God. A man with integrity; the quality of being honest and having
strong moral principles; moral uprightness. Those with integrity lack corruption. Nehemiah was the governor a knew it was
important to have men with the right qualities put in places of authority would
bode well with God’s people.
A: Likewise, the church needs leaders with
integrity. Honest and God fearing. Strong moral principles are necessary to
develop the churches spiritual maturity.
Without it will the world creeps in and develops a bitter root which
grows corrupting all it touches. Those
with positive or negative opinions are not wrong. However, false opinions presented with half,
slanted truths or without facts to collaborate the opinions is worldly and part
of the “cancel culture”. Be upright, honest,
demonstrating strong moral principles in all your behaviors.
P: I pray God that You move in the church. I pray leaders in the church step up and show
integrity. Help us Lord do the right
thing. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ne 7:2). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Breneman, M. (1993). Ezra, Nehemiah,
Esther (electronic ed., Vol. 10, p. 216). Nashville: Broadman
& Holman Publishers.
10/9/21
4 Listen, our God, for we are despised. Make their insults return on their own heads and let them be taken as plunder to a land of captivity. 5 Do not cover their guilt or let their sin be erased from Your sight, because they have provoked the builders.[1]
O: Before Nehemiah did anything he prayed. This is a spoken curse and seems to go
against Christ’s teachings. The
imprecations are common in both Psalms[2] and Jeremiah (11:18–20;
15:15; 17:18; 18:19–23)[3]. His request was for divine judgement against
sin clear taught in scripture. It was a petition
for God to act not for personal vengeance (cf. Rom 12:19-21). It is a desire for God’s work and God’s
honor. Opposition to the wall was
opposition to the will of God. “It may have had a rhetorical function to
encourage confidence before opposition. D. Kidner explains that in the Old
Testament imprecations, “horror may be piled on horror more to express the
speaker’s sense of outrage than to spell out the penalties he literally
intends” (cf. Jer 20:15–17).[4] We as Christians under the new covenant are
admonished to love our enemies. Our
primary concern is spreading the gospel and leading the wicked to faith and
forgiveness through the message of the cross. Nevertheless, God’s people can
ask him to judge injustice and to thwart the plans of those who would hinder
God’s work.[5]
A: I have much opposition faced in my efforts to
address sin. I told Peter to step down because
he refused to take back his dishonest opinion of Kahu and his wife. He gossiped behind my back and the order was rescinded. He was emboldened and develop a plot to get
Kahu fired. Using evil and dishonest
behavior he accused Kahu of breaking the law on numerous occasions again with
dishonest opinions, gossip, and slander.
Peter took me to court attempting to slap a TRO against me. He did not realize he was infringing on my 1st
amendment rights and religious freedoms.
He even perjured himself in court.
All I can do is pray.
P: I pray Your will be done. I pray God that my adversaries see the error of their ways. I pray their insults are turns against them. As Nehemiah prayed, “Do not cover their guilt or let their sin be erased from Your sight, because they have provoked the builders”. I pray that everything works out. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ne 4:4–5).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] See
Pss 5:10; 28:4–5; 31:17–18; 35:4–8; 58:6–11; 59:5, 11–13; 69:22–28; 79:6–7, 12;
83:9–18; 109:6–15; 137:7–9; 139:19–22; 140:9–11. On the imprecations in Psalms,
see W. A. VanGemeren, “Psalms,” EBC, ed. F. E. Gaebelein (Grand Rapids:
Zondervan, 1991), 5:830–32; J. C. Laney, “A Fresh Look at the Imprecatory
Psalms,” BSac 138 (1981): 35–45; C.
Martin, “The Imprecations in the Psalms,” in Classical Essays in Old Testament Interpretation, ed. W. C. Kaiser
Jr., 113–32 (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1972); J. G. Vos, “The Ethical Problems of
the Imprecatory Psalms,” WTJ 4
(1942): 123–38.
[3]
Breneman, M. (1993). Ezra, Nehemiah,
Esther (electronic ed., Vol. 10, p. 194). Nashville: Broadman
& Holman Publishers.
[4]
Breneman, M. (1993). Ezra, Nehemiah,
Esther (electronic ed., Vol. 10, p. 195). Nashville: Broadman
& Holman Publishers.
[5]
Breneman, M. (1993). Ezra, Nehemiah,
Esther (electronic ed., Vol. 10, p. 195). Nashville: Broadman
& Holman Publishers.
10/8/21
The remnant
in the province, who survived the exile, are in great trouble and disgrace.
Jerusalem’s wall has been broken down, and its gates have been burned down.[1]
O: God’s people were in trouble due to there
broken down wall. They were very vulnerable
and left open for attack. Enemies could
very easily infiltrate there ranks and they could ne overrun. The wall needed to be repaired.
A: The came could be said of God’s people
today. Our relationship with God is said
to be a hedge of protection, a mighty fortress.
Ever try to penetrate a well grown hedge? Impossible.
His children need to build a strong relationship with God to be
protected from the wiles of the devil. Without a strong wall infiltrator will enter
and attempt to tear down the righteous remnant.
P: Lord thank You for Your word. Thank You for Your help. Help us Lord to strengthen our relationship through prayer and reading Your word. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ne 1:3). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
10/7/21
5 At the evening offering, I got up from my humiliation, with my tunic
and robe torn. Then I fell on my knees and spread out my hands to Yahweh my
God.[1]
O: Ezra
faced with bad news regarding the exiles did the only thing he knew to do. He went to his knees. He went before God with and attitude of
humility. He knew how great the
influence of foreigners would be because of inter-marriage. How easy the world and their evil practices
could creep in and pollute God’s people.
Therefore, he went to God for help.
A: Another great example of what to do when
faced with problems. Go to God. Go to God with an attitude of humility. Get on your knees. It is said the apostle James did this so
often his knees were calloused like a camel.
There is even a well known song regarding prayer.
What a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
P:
Help us remember God You are our source in time of need. When we are heavy burdened let us take it to
You. Help us to be humble and contrite
knowing we are unworthy but by Your grace You can help. Help us find comfort in You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ezr 9:5). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
10/6/21
“The hand
of our God is gracious to all who seek Him, but His great anger is against all
who abandon Him.” 23 So
we fasted and pleaded with our God about this, and He granted our request.[1]
O: Ezra
totally depended on God for protect. The
king gave them literally gave them tons of gold. They refused protection from him turning to
God they put their faith in God’s protection so all to see. The king also gave them all the gold for an
offering to the Jews God. The Jews fasted
and pleaded to God, and He granted them protection and help them get to
Jerusalem in record time. 1500 Jews left
and reached Jerusalem in less than 5 months. God blessed them abundantly because they
humbly came to Him and asked.
A: Here is the principle His people need. Totally depend on Him. Talk to Him and if it seems to hard fast and
pray. First and foremost, pray to put total
trust in God. Develop a relationship by
reading His word and talking to Him. If
faith is waning fast and pray for God listens.
James implores us: 16 Therefore, confess your sins to
one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The urgent
request of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect.[2]
P: Praise You God for listening to Your
children. We only have to ask, and You take
care of us. Help me Lord to totally put
my trust in You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ezr 8:22–23).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Jas 5:16).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
10/5/21
8 “You, on the other hand, have turned from the way. You have caused many to stumble by your
instruction. You have violated the covenant of Levi,” says the Lord of Hosts. 9 “So I
in turn have made you despised and humiliated before all the people because you
are not keeping My ways but are showing partiality in your instruction.”[1]
O: Turning from “the way” rather than walking in
“peace and uprightness” (v.6) has dire consequences. Therefore, it is very important to pay close
attention to His instruction. Violating
the commandments of the Lord will not go unpunished. Some of which are, become a object of contempt,
and looked upon as a chagrin to the congregation. Because of the severe consequences.
God repeats the reason for the malady the priests were experiencing and for
that matter, congregations also today, showing partiality with God’s covenant. That is observing some but not all.
A: No one
is exempt for God’s judgment. Even me when
I impulsively spoke lies. I experienced the
consequences clearly spoken in this text.
Humiliation and contempt. Thank
God for His grace, forgiveness, and correction but turning the feelings of others
around is not possible by me. All I can
do is follow God’s instruction, walk in His way, and learn from Him. Let Him work through me.
P: O Lord You are awesome. You help us. You take are of us. You love us and offering Your grace. Praise You Lord. Help us to apply Your instruction to our hearts. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mal 2:8–9).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
10/4/21
But when
Haman saw Mordecai at the King’s Gate, and Mordecai didn’t rise or tremble in
fear at his presence, Haman was filled with rage toward Mordecai. [1]
O: What did
Mordecai do to cause so much hate from Haman?
He did nothing deserving Haman vile response. Mordecai observed the edicts from God when it
conflicts with the edicts of man. Mordecai
would not bow and pay homage to a man.
This type of reverent respect is reserved for his God and God
alone. The age-old question is why are God’s
people hated so? People find excuses to
be offended but what is the real reason behind the hate and aggression? The devil, the father of lies, is cause of
the persecutions.
A: Today it
is no different. People around the world
and even in my own back yard show contempt for Christians. Especially if there is a disagreement. Where is civility, where is the common sense
to sit down and reason together.
Hawaiians have an excellent resource to work out problems. It is called Ho’oponopono. People at Haili refuse to participate. The process requires humility and
forgiveness. Qualities lacking in those
causing the hakaka (arguing). Do not
worry like with the Jews in Esther God will deliver His people.
P: Lord our deliverer, our relief and shelter in time of trouble. Help us to remember what You have done. Help us to not worry and be assured You are in control. Help us Lord to have complete confidence and hope You will take care of us. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Es 5:9). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
10/3/21
5 When Haman saw that Mordecai was not bowing down or paying him homage,
he was filled with rage. 6 And
when he learned of Mordecai’s ethnic identity, Haman decided not to do away with
Mordecai alone. He planned to destroy all of Mordecai’s people, the Jews,
throughout Ahasuerus’s kingdom.[1]
O: This is
just another example that people will go to any length to address their perceived
offence. Haman looked for ways to destroy
God’s people. To him there was only one
way to address the problem. Wipe out the
Jews. God will not let this happen. The devil again is making every effort to destroy
God’s remnant.
A: Today people who feel offended attempt to
cancel the offender. It is called cancel
culture and the behavior is of the world attempting to eliminate the voice of
the truth. Today if one disagrees with
popular opinion, they are villainized.
The world has no room for alternate opinions. Debate is not an option
and the ability to reason together is scorned. Hate prevails in the world and the
art of loving on each other lost.
P: I pray that love prevails. I pray we can reason together. I pray worldly behavior in the church is
addressed. I pray those in church discern
what cancel culture is and change by Your love.
Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Es 3:5–6).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
10/02/21
Psalm 149
Praise for God’s Triumph
1 Hallelujah!
Sing to the
Lord a new song,
His praise
in the assembly of the godly.
2 Let Israel celebrate its Maker;
let the
children of Zion rejoice in their King.
3 Let them praise His name with dancing
and make
music to Him with tambourine and lyre.
4 For Yahweh takes pleasure in His people;
He adorns
the humble with salvation. [1]
O: I like what Augustine said about this Psalm: Let us praise the Lord both in voice, and in understanding, and in
good works; and, as this Psalm exhorteth, let us sing unto Him a new song. It
beginneth: “Sing ye to the Lord a new song. His praise is in the Church of the
Saints” (ver. 1). The old man hath an old song, the new man a new song.[2] Praise the Lord by all means.
Praise the Lord with a new song, new attitude, new insight, and in all works,
for it is all the Lord’s doing so give Him all that’s a part of life.
A:
He deserves all the praise because of what He has done and what He can
do. From Him comes all life, the worlds
very existence. Salvation and blessings
come from Him. His Word and His very
presence create a newness. Glory and
grace are the catalyst for a transformation and newness every day. His children are “new every morning” (Lam 3:23). God deserves all the praise for He is worthy and inhabits the
praises of His people (Psalm 22:3).
P: Praise God for He is good. Praise God for all He has done. Praise God for salvation and making us a new creation. Thank You God for all You have done by Your grace. Help Lord to work at being worthy of Your blessings. Help us Lord to produce good fruit and working hard in doing what is right in Your eyes. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard
version. (2009). (Ps 149). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Augustine of Hippo. (1888). Expositions on the Book of Psalms. In P. Schaff
(Ed.), A. C. Coxe (Trans.), Saint
Augustin: Expositions on the Book of Psalms (Vol. 8, p. 677). New York:
Christian Literature Company.
9//30/21
Psalm 118
Thanksgiving for Victory
1 Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;
His
faithful love endures forever.
2 Let Israel say,
“His
faithful love endures forever.”
3 Let the house of Aaron say,
“His
faithful love endures forever.”
4 Let those who fear the Lord say,
“His
faithful love endures forever.”
5 I called to the Lord in distress;
the Lord answered me
and put me
in a spacious place. c
6 The Lord
is for me; I will not be afraid.
What can
man do to me?
7 The Lord
is my helper,
Therefore,
I will look in triumph on those who hate me.[1]
O: I love to sing this.
I love to pray this. In Christ
there is victory. Today the word is straight forward because His love endures
forever. My enemies may do want they
like. I am protected by God. His word says so.
A: John said, “if we
say we have no sin we are lairs” (1 Jn 1:10) and again “In my alarm I said, “All
men are liars”” (Ps 116:11). Why, don’t
my adversaries admit it. No matter that
is their loss. I have done what God has
told me to do despite what other have tried to do to me. I have been told to stop and shut-up and don’t
speak to my adversaries. God says otherwise. I have done not what man has told me but what
God has told me to do. My adversaries
are convicted by the Holy Spirit, and He has them squirming in their seats.
P: Praise You God for You are good. Your love endures forever. I pray the church comes to their senses. I pray they turn to You. I pray they support Kahu and they come together as one. Thank You for Your word a guidance. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard
version. (2009). (Ps 118). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
9/29/21
The Wise
42 The upright see it and rejoice,
and all
injustice shuts its mouth.
43 Let whoever is wise pay attention to
these things
and consider
the Lord’s acts of faithful love.[1]
O: The upright recognizes God moving among them. The Psalm could refer to the rebuilding of the temple and the resulting rejoicing. It was completed despite what the critics said. “all injustice” could be translated as “all wicked people” or “all wrong doers”[2]. Due to the moving of God, they now have nothing to say. Therefor pay attention, “consider, ponder, think about”; see its use in 28:5a, “regard.”[3]for the Lord moves among His people. God is active. He is no sluggard. He is steadfast and faithful to His people. The RSV puts it like this:
43 Whoever is wise, let him give heed to these
things;
let men
consider the steadfast love of the Lord.
[4]
A: Remember what the Lord has done. He has made a way to heaven. He has brought salvation to the world. Those who oppose the plans of God will be silenced. His children are to pay attention to Him. Consider and ponder His steadfast love. Pay attention to His faithfulness. He will always be with His children.
P: Praise You God for
Your faithful steadfast love. Thank You
for Your care and help us ponder You ways and see how You are active among Your
children. Help us to You on our minds
always. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ps 107:42–43).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Bratcher, R. G., & Reyburn, W. D. (1991). A translator’s
handbook on the book of Psalms (p. 932). New York: United Bible
Societies.
[3]
Bratcher, R. G., & Reyburn, W. D. (1991). A translator’s
handbook on the book of Psalms (p. 932). New York: United Bible
Societies.
[4] The Revised
Standard Version. (1971). (Ps 107:43). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos
Research Systems, Inc.
9/28/21
Call for True Religion
Don’t be
afraid. 16 These are the things you must do: Speak truth to one
another; make true and sound decisions within your gates. 17 Do
not plot evil in your hearts against your neighbor, and do not love perjury,
for I hate all this”—this is the Lord’s
declaration. [1]
O: God’s
people needed encouragement. When they
returned from exile they were discouraged.
Their cities and the Temple were in ruin. They had to rebuild their lives, their cities,
their Temple. Rebuilding their lives
were going slow and they were losing heart.
God used His prophet to encourage and give them heart to stay the course.
“Don’t be afraid”. The response is
expressed in terms that are strongly ethical in content (compare 7:9–10). As in
7:9–10, these demands take the form of four imperatives, two positive (verse
16) and two negative (verse 17).[2]
Be honest with each other and present the facts accurately (Eph 4:25). Make sound decisions based on truthful evidence
and make for peace. In your gates is
thus a figure of speech meaning “in the law courts,”[3]. The next two imperatives are equally
important but negative as compared to the previous positive imperatives. Do not make plans to get someone fired and
reframe from lying in the courts. God exclaims
He hates lying, injustice, and violence.
A: Writing to the Committee of Ministry claiming
Kahu has violated ethical principles to get him fired, without first discussing
the concerns with Kahu demonstrates a plot with evil intent. A plot not based on facts but speculation and
false assumptions. The letters to the
COM and one sent to the deacons were dishonest opinions filled with gossip and unforgiveness. This behavior is what the world calls “Cancel
Culture”. Worldly behavior has no place in His body. It is imperative we endeavor to
seek to be honest and present truthful evidence to support our decisions. We must
come together in honest, truthful communion. This behavior is evidence of the
True Religion. We do not want the Lord to hate our behavior, or our lives will
be destroyed.
P: Praise You God for Your encouragement, grace, and wisdom. Thank You for Your Word. Help us Lord to get honest and come together in unity. Help us Lord to make decisions based on truthful evidence. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Zec 8:15–17).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Clark, D. J., & Hatton, H. A. (2002). A handbook on
Zechariah (p. 214). New York: United Bible Societies.
[3]
Clark, D. J., & Hatton, H. A. (2002). A handbook on
Zechariah (p. 215). New York: United Bible Societies.
9/27/21
20 The word of the Lord came
to Haggai a second time on the twenty-fourth day of the month: 21 “Speak
to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah: I am going to shake the heavens and the
earth. 22 I will
overturn royal thrones and destroy the power of the Gentile kingdoms. I will overturn chariots and their riders.
Horses and their riders will fall, each by his brother’s sword. 23 On
that day”—this is the declaration of the Lord
of Hosts—“I will take you, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, My servant”—this is the
Lord’s declaration—“and make you
like My signet ring, for I have chosen
you.” This is the declaration of the Lord of Hosts. [1]
O: Prophesy
by the Lord can be an encouragement and confirmation. This passage can be interpreted 3 different ways. It’s a reference to Zerubbabel but also can
apply to the Messiah plus His servants.
The bible repeatedly declares, “Serve the Lord”. Serving the Lord has its benefits. Here this text spells out those in power who
do not serve God, “on that day” will be brought down. Their power and how it’s implemented will be
destroyed. His servants will be divinely
protected and given power.
A: This prophesy can be applied now at
Haili. Those who feel they are in power
only serve their interests. Who called
out when taking church property for personal use and replacing it with junk and
leaving the office in a shambles is a disgrace.
When offering an opinion that is untrue essentially lying about Kahu and
his wife repeatedly, again serves personal interests. Gossip and slander cause division. Those who do not serve the Lord and consider themselves
in power will be brought down as the bible says. Those who serve the Lord will be vindicated
and will be under His protection.
P: Lord God help us rid ourselves of personal interests and focus on serving You. Help us to be bold and point out sin. Improve our confidence knowing You have our back. Praise You God for all Your provision. Your grace is enough, but You don’t stop there. You provide an abundant life. Praise God. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Hag 2:20–23).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
9/26/21
4 Even so, be strong, Zerubbabel”—this is the Lord’s declaration.
“Be strong, Joshua son of Jehozadak, high priest. Be strong, all you
people of the land”—this is the Lord’s
declaration. “Work! For I am with you” —the declaration of the Lord of Hosts. 5 “This
is the promise I made to you when you came out of Egypt, and My Spirit is
present among you; don’t be afraid.” [1]
O: Three times God gives the imperative, “Be
strong”. God is with us. His Spirit is
present. His promises are true. He admonishes the king, priests, and the
people to be strong. Each of them is
called upon to allow God’s Spirit to renew their determination and moral
courage for the task ahead.[2]
A: Lately I have been reminded that God is ever
present in my life. If I do anything to desecrate His presence it is my own
fault. He encourages me to be strong. I must do my part as the Jews had to do their
part in building the temple. I am now
the temple and must be strong inn building it up.
P: Thank You God for Your Word. Thank You for admonishing me to be
strong. Thank You for helping me to
refocus on You and Your presence in my life.
Help me to be strong and not be afraid.
Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Hag 2:4–5).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Taylor, R. A., & Clendenen, E. R. (2004). Haggai, Malachi
(Vol. 21A, p. 152). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
9/25/21
A Call to
Repentance
Zephaniah
2:3; 3:11
2:3 Seek the Lord,
all you humble of the earth,
who carry
out what He commands.
Seek
righteousness, seek humility;
perhaps you
will be concealed
on the day
of the Lord’s anger. [1]
Final Restoration Promised
3:11 On that day you will not be put to shame
because of
everything you have done
in
rebelling against Me.
For then I
will remove
your proud,
arrogant people from among you,
and you
will never again be haughty
on My holy
mountain.[2]
O: It is a sad commentary on God’s people. The call to repentance continues. Why do people not listen? The Day of the Lord
is coming. Seek righteousness, humility
and perhaps you will be spared. Continue
rebelling with a proud, arrogant, haughty behavior and you will be purged from
God.
A: Refusing to speak to God’s children. Refusing to be honest regarding sin. Making false accusations against Kahu. Standing proud while telling lies, justifying
taking a Christian to court and then utterly losing. All sin than requires repentance. Like the prophet said seek humility and
righteousness.
P: I pray Lord that those with arrogant
attitudes come to their senses. I pray
the church comes together in repentance and humbly seek You. Help us all repentant. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Zep 2:3). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Zep 3:11).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
9/24/21
2 How long, Lord,
must I call for help
and You do
not listen
or cry out
to You about violence f
and You do
not save?
3 Why do You force me to look at injustice?
Why do You tolerate
wrongdoing?
Oppression
and violence are right in front of me.
Strife is
ongoing, and conflict escalates.[1]
O: The
prophet asks God why must injustice continue.
Why must I call for help and nothing happens. The prophet had a burden with the apparent success
of the unrighteous. The righteous Josiah
kills by a pagan army. Habakkuk put his burden
before the Lord.
A: These concerns continue to this day. Leaders in the church dole injustice in the form
of lies, gossip, and slander. Others in
the church tolerate this wrongdoing. Some
leaders in church have no clue what gossip is.
If they did, they would not be participating in it. Strife continues. These concerns must be taken
to the Lord. Remember the Jews were
delivered from their oppressors time and time again.
P: Please Lord help us to grow in Your righteousness. Help us understand social justice is not the
answer for the gospel shows no partiality.
Help us Lord to participate in a revival. A revival of a closer walk with You. Help us grow in spiritual maturity. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Hab 1:2–4).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
9/23/21
18 Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who
seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing
false about him. [1]
O: Offering a personal opinion is “bound up in
personal glory and has his ego bound up with his witness, and so at least in
part he speaks to gain honour… for himself. Jesus is quite unlike that.[2] Earlier I wrote that proof is needed when
opinions are cited. Jesus had proof from
the Father because there was nothing false about Him. His actions testified of the truth He has
brought into this world. No one could do
the works He did unless He is from God.
A: watch
your mouth. Be careful with your
motives. Watch the ego and be mindful
that what you say needs to be backed up with truth. Do not speak on your own, with your own ideas
but prayerfully speak from what you learn from God and His word. That way you will be speaking the truth and offer
your opinion based on your ideas.
P: Lord I pray we as a church look to You and
use Your example of humbleness. Thank
You for providing the truth on how we should than live. We are not our own but bought at a
price. Help us Lord to live and speak in
the truth. Amen
[1] The New
International Version. (2011). (Jn 7:18). Grand Rapids, MI:
Zondervan.
[2]
Carson, D. A. (1991). The Gospel
according to John (p. 313). Leicester, England; Grand Rapids,
MI: Inter-Varsity Press; W.B. Eerdmans.
9/22/21
27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal
life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed
his seal of approval.” [1]
O: A difficult
verse. Many have felt this to harsh when
70 disciples left. They wanted material subsistence
but didn’t realize Jesus was offering spiritual subsistence. Spiritual food
that comes from above the endures for eternity.
God has given His seal of approval.
This does say do not work but the emphasis is on pouring their energy
into pursuing (i.e. they should ‘work
for’) food that endures to eternal life.[2] Jesus
is the food and we need only look to Jesus sacrificial act and believe He is
God for the holy gifts of God are bestowed by the Holy Spirit granting eternal
life. Jesus is the Son of Man referring
to Himself as fully human in the flesh.
This must be believed for He is the messiah and through that belief
eternity becomes available. God has placed
His approval on Jesus.
A: Yes, work is important. There are actions needing to take place to
obtain the things of heaven. Yes, grace
and salvation are freely given. Freely
given to those who believe in the righteous acts of Jesus. He is the Christ the Messiah who takes away
the sin of the world. By that belief the
gifts from heaven are bestowed giving the believer ability to be sustain for
all eternity. Believers can exercise
those gifts and live an abundant life.
P: Praise God for coming to us and giving us food that will sustain for
all eternity. I pray beliers serve You
by seeking the food only You provide.
Help us Lord to get othe food from the Holy Spirit. Amen
[1] The New
International Version. (2011). (Jn 6:27). Grand Rapids, MI:
Zondervan.
[2]
Carson, D. A. (1991). The Gospel
according to John (p. 284). Leicester, England; Grand Rapids,
MI: Inter-Varsity Press; W.B. Eerdmans.
9/20/21
31 “If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true.[1]
O: This statement
by Jesus should make people sit-up and take notice. Of course, what Jesus spoke is valid because
He always spoke the truth. According to
Jewish principle that self-witness is illegitimate on its own but needs collaboration
of the evidence from outside sources. Those
who accept testimony without supporting evidence are blind.
A: One life needs to be a witness of the work of
God. Others need to see the works of God
in your life. Call it the fruit of the Spirit,
morally virtuous character behavior exhibiting gifts among the body of
Christ. Giving testimony that cannot be collaborated,
has no witnesses, with no evidence fails to muster a not guilty verdict. Especially if that testimony comes from one
who has repeatedly lie on numerous occasions without repentance or a changed
life.
P: I pray people sit-up and take notice. God
help them discern what is right. Please
Lord help people do not make rash decisions but to ask questions and seek
evidence and turn to You God. In You are
the answer You are here to help us.
Praise You God Amen
[1] The New
International Version. (2011). (Jn 5:31). Grand Rapids, MI:
Zondervan.
9/19/21
23 But an hour is coming, and is now here, when the true
worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. Yes, the Father wants
such people to worship Him. 24 God is spirit, and those who
worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” [1]
O: Let God
be the judge. Here and now. True worshipers’ worship in spirit and truth.
What does this mean? Remember Jesus said
this in Sameria. The time is here to worship
through Jesus does not worship in some physical location. He is in the hearts of those who believe He
is God. The belief in the gospel of
Jesus Christ has their spirit transformed enabling the development of moral virtues
such as the fruits of the spirit. The
Jews brought us salvation in the sense handing us their knowledge of God within
the Old Testament. Now we have the new
covenant in Jesus who has now given us the ability to develop a knowledge of
the supernatural relationship with God by the help of the Holy Spirit. Believers’ spirits are therefore transformed.
True worship conversely cannot happen amidst falsehoods and lies.
A: Spirit and truth. The matrix needed for true worship. With the help of the Holy Spirit believers
are given direction on how to live by relation.
Relation though His word. We now as believers in the gospel develop
through His transformation knowledge that He is in the believers’ heart. Our spirit is quickened to live more like Him
and improve our moral virtues, increasing the fruits of the Spirit. Falsehoods and lies negate true worship.
P: I pray members of the body grow in knowledge
of You. I pray members grow in spiritual
maturity. I pray the members develop
moral virtues. Help us Lord to worship
in spirit and truth. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Jn 4:23–24).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
9/18/21
1 I am at rest in God alone;
my
salvation comes from Him.
2 He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my
stronghold; I will never be shaken.
3 How long will you threaten a man?
Will all of
you attack
as if he
were a leaning wall
or a
tottering stone fence?
4 They only plan to bring him down
from his
high position.
They take
pleasure in lying;
they bless
with their mouths,
but they
curse inwardly. [1]
O: God is
the only source of complete rest and safety.
He id a refuge and unshakeable stronghold. This must be remembered during hard times and
tribulations. When taken to court for
speaking the truth. How long will these
people threaten with their lies? God
will continue to stand before His people.
Those who attack us worldly weapons which will prove ineffective. Accusations base on falsehoods reek of
worldly designs.
A: God is a stronghold. The righteous run to Him. He is salvation, a rock that cannot be
shaken. Nothing can stand against
Him. No worries when lies and gossip
surround for the righteous are given discernment and know schemes of the world
will not prevail.
P: I pray God, I remember You got this. Help me to solely rely on You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ps 62:1–4).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
9/17/21
Thanksgiving for God’s Deliverance
1 Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;
His
faithful love endures forever.
2 Let the redeemed of the Lord proclaim
that He has
redeemed them from the hand of the foe[1]
O: The heading for this psalm varies i.e. “In Praise of God’s Goodness.” Other
headings are: “God, a refuge in all dangers”; “The Lord’s constant love”;
“Divine providence.” The tev
heading may be adapted for use in some languages by recasting it to say, for
example, “Let us thank God because he is good” or “God is good; so let us thank
him.”[2]This
Psalm seems to be sung attending festivals. “Give thanks with a grateful heart”
as the song goes. God’s love is incomparable. His love is beyond comprehension. It is deep and wide and all encompassing. By
His love comes grace and redemption. It
is an affirmation of God faithfulness.
The Psalm is a call to praise Him who is so faithful and just. We who are saved by the Lord are called to
give Him praise.
A: It is very
important to give praise repeatedly for what the Lord has done. Give praise for His faithfulness, give praise
for His love, and give praise for His redemption. He has delivered us from
death. He has delivered us from our
foes. The call for praise brings the
Lords actions up to the front of mind helping us to keep fresh the memories of
what the Lord has done for us. Do not
let praise be silent but let our thanks ring out. Let us come together and celebrate the Lord
in our life with thanksgiving and praise.
P: Praise You God for all that You have done. Praise you for Your enduring love and Your
everlasting faithfulness. Praise You for
Your redemption and protection from my foes.
Help me to lways praise and thank You.
Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ps 107:1–2).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Bratcher, R. G., & Reyburn, W. D. (1991). A translator’s
handbook on the book of Psalms (p. 920). New York: United Bible
Societies.
9/16/21
61 The Spirit of the Lord God is on Me,
because the
Lord has anointed Me
to bring
good news to the poor.
He has sent
Me to heal the brokenhearted,
to proclaim
liberty to the captives
and freedom
to the prisoners;
2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor,
and the day
of our God’s vengeance;
to comfort
all who mourn,
3 to provide for those who mourn in Zion;
to give
them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
festive oil
instead of mourning,
and
splendid clothes instead of despair.
And they
will be called righteous trees,
planted by
the Lord
to glorify
Him. [1]
O: I am so grateful for Jesus. This
passage is another indication the Jesus was a man while also God. He was a servant. He stood up in the synagogue and quoted
this verse in Luke 4:17–21 clearly stating
the verse referred to Him. Good news for
us all. All may benefit from His
preaching. He heals, brings liberty,
freedom, comfort. Brings beauty from ashes,
clothes us in splendor and righteousness. Finally, those who listen to the good
news can glorify God
A: Listen and heed His calling. He can work miracles. Wonderful, impossible, awe-inspiring
miracles. He can turn disasters into blessings. Calamities into beauty. All it takes is faith in the grace of God. Listen to the good news.
P: God thank you for doing what You did. Thank you for being a servant and for dying for
us all. Help us have faith in Your grace
and improve our understanding of how You will turn all that happens to those
who love You to good. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Is 61:1–3).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
9/15/21
9 The Lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is
patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.[1]
O: We need to escape corruption (1:4) but are
unable without His promises. Again, don’t be scoffers (3:4) because God has promised
His return. Be ready and make every
attempt to be found in peace without spot or blemish (3:14). Christ has given Himself as a propitiation giving
an opportunity for Him to blot out sin in His chosen. If sin remains effort to rid the corruption
is incomplete. Make every effort to be completely
in the Lord. The Day of the Lord is
coming.
A: Remember His promises. We must walk as if He is coming today. Make every attempt to cast off corruption and
sin and walk blameless.
P: I pray we live a life in anticipation of Your
coming. Help to walk as You would have
us walk. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (2 Pe 3:9).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
9/14/21
17 No weapon formed against you will
succeed,
and you
will refute any accusation
raised
against you in court.
This is the
heritage of the Lord’s servants,
and their
righteousness is from Me.”
This is the Lord’s declaration. [1]
O: The word of God is true. We are blessed. Taken to court the accusations were
refuted. So not only promised physical protection
but moral accusations will be repulsed.
The key is acting righteously the behavior given by God. Those who truly
serve God inherit His protection and given righteousness.
A: Acting on God’s prompts calling attention to
sin and worldly behavior where this bad behavior should not be. This was God using me to bring attention to
the source of all the hakaka in the church. One member so alarmed by the prompts of the
Holy Spirit blamed His servant and dragged me to court to silence me. Yet, in the court he perjured himself and lost. The judge several times stated any reasonable
person would not be upset by my prompts and ruled in my favor.
P: Lord You always side with Your children. Your love is everlasting and Your promises
true and will come to past. Help us Lord
to put aside sins and seek righteousness.
Help us Lord to mend relationships.
Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Is 54:17).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
9/13/21
Growth in the Faith
3 His divine power has given us everything
required for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by
His own glory and goodness. 4 By these He has given us very
great and precious promises, so that through them you may share in the divine nature,
escaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desires. 5 For
this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with goodness,
goodness with knowledge, 6 knowledge with self-control, self-control
with endurance, endurance with godliness, 7 godliness with
brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For
if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they will keep you from being useless
or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 The person
who lacks these things is blind and shortsighted and has forgotten the
cleansing from his past sins.[1]
O: We have all we need for life
due to our knowledge of Him. There must
be a demonstratable growth in faith as evidence by supplementing your faith
with the attributes list here starting with goodness and ending with love. Do not be fruitless and useless by lacking
any supplement of your faith. For if you are lacking the attributes, you are
blind and shortsighted. It is imperative
we who have knowledge of Him reach out in brotherly affection and discuss the
issues. By ignoring and refusing to
reason together indicates a lack of faith.
In other words, there is no excuse for not living a godly life, for
believers have already received everything that is necessary to do so.[2]
To say this is between only the plaintiff and defendant is blind lacking the insight
that behavior such as taking another member to court effects the whole
body. Refusing to talk to another member
demonstrates a lack of faith and love.
A: Our faith must be exercised.
Faith is characterized by absolute trust and dependence on Him for
salvation. We are called out of world
and Peter gives practical help on how to increase this faith given by God, in
one’s life. Show goodness, increase in
knowledge of the gospel, demonstrate self-control, endure, show godliness,
brotherly affection, and love. God has given
us very great and precious promises. Here are the tools to help you experience
Him abundantly.
P: I pray members of the body realize we must come together and grow
in faith. Help us put into practice the
tools given to us by You and Your word.
Thank you for faith. Help us grow
in faith.
Lord help us put away the ways of the world by refusing to talk to
other members and reach out to mend relationships. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (2 Pe 1:3–9).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Davids, P. H. (2006). The letters of 2
Peter and Jude (p. 168). Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans
Pub. Co.
11 Look, all you who kindle a fire,
who
encircle yourselves with firebrands;
walk in the
light of your fire
and in the firebrands
you have lit!
This is
what you’ll get from My hand:
you will
lie down in a place of torment. [1]
O: Another metaphor. What happened to the Israelites because
of their sins? They were disobedient and
wound up paying dearly. Tormented and pull
from their county by the hooks placed in their mouths. The judge is God, and no one will escape. It does not matter if no one has knowledge of
your unlawful behavior. God knows. Fear
the day of the Lord.
A: No longer act as if you’re in charge. Making decisions behind others back. Bring the behavior out and experience healing in the light. The consequence when remaining in the dark is worst than coming into the light.
P: I pray that we all behave like we are being seen by others. Working together for Your glory. I pray for the church. I pray for peace and harmony. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Is 50:11).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
43 Now this is what the Lord says—
the One who
created you, Jacob,
and the One
who formed you, Israel —
“Do not
fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have
called you by your name; you are Mine.[1]
O: Who is He talking about?
The whole chapter is about God’s grace to the redeemed. As a church God has a special relationship
through grace with His people. People chosen
as His choose His people the Israelites.
Those who are His need not fear.
Isaiah uses several metaphors to describe that He take care of His chosen. By grace we are saved. It is grace that holds His chosen together as
a body. His grace is what His apostles relied
on. (Rom 1:5) The statement “I will
pour out my spirit” (v.3) reminds us of Joel 2:29, with its fulfillment at
Pentecost and the Gentile evangelization that followed it.[2]
A: As His chosen
we must remain in His grace. For in His grace,
we are safe. In Him is peace and harmony
even in the mist of problems. Grace
binds His together only if it Him who is served. Let go of anything that detracts for Him
because nothing else matters but Him.
Have no fear because “8 Above all, maintain an intense love
for each other, since love covers a
multitude of sins.[3]”
P: Praise You
God. I lift You up and thank you for
Your grace. Help us remain in Your grace
and bring us together in Your love. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Is 43:1). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Grogan, G. W. (1986). Isaiah. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Isaiah,
Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel (Vol. 6, p. 264). Grand Rapids, MI:
Zondervan Publishing House.
[3] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (1 Pe 4:8).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
10 For the
one who wants to love life
and to see good days
must keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from speaking deceit,
11 and he must
turn away from evil
and do what is good.
He must seek peace and
pursue it,
12 because the
eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
and His ears are open to their request.
But the face of the Lord is against
those who do what is evil. [1]
O: Logic can be applied with this passage. Go you want to love life? Do you want to see
a good life? It is imperative to keep
your tongue from evil and reframe from deceit.
Peace must be pursued. It is
logical that if one speaks deceitfully and has evil on his tongue God face will
turn away. Living an evil life of deceit
creates undue stress. Plus, God will not
be a part of their life.
A: Turn away
from evil and do what is good. When the trustees say “Kahu has no vision” they
mean he does not have our vision. How
can he support the trustees’ vision when they embrace evil and deceit? Live a
life that brings peace and unity. Seek
to rid one’s life of anything appearing to be evil. Fill one’s heart with God’s word for what
comes out of the month reflects the condition of the heart.
P: I pray that
all evil and deceit is far from my lips.
I pray that the condition of my heart is good. Lord help the church leaders especially the
trustees reject evil and submit to God.
Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (1 Pe 3:10–12).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
2 So rid yourselves of
all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all slander. 2 Like newborn infants,
desire the pure spiritual milk, so that you may grow by it for your salvation,[1]
O: Take off,
put away, and don’t pick up these behaviors again. This is the imperative Peter resounds. He is “describing an action of those who are
now to make God’s regenerative word their primary desire (2:2*)”.[2] The word used for ‘rid yourselves’
is regularly used for the elimination of sin in the NT. Including the word ‘all’ three times makes it
clear. None of these vices must be found
in the believer. These behaviors are injurious
to the believer’s spiritual heart and relationship with God. Acts of malice lacks any motivation based on
love. Malice is evil and naughty. In fact, all these vices hurt the body of
Christ which is bound together with mutual love. Practicing these behaviors clearly demonstrates
motives contrary to God’s word. (1:22; Rom 13:10). We must be different from the world and be
motivated by love not bent on tearing the body apart. Desire regeneration in the word of God.
A:
Take off all manner of sin. Being
reborn do not go back to the ways of the world. Immerse yourself in the word of
God. Let it fill your heart and become a
regenerating force helping to growing in spiritual maturity and acting out the
greatest commandment. Love God and love
others (Mark 12:28-34).
P:
I pray the church is motivated by love and seek to be immerse in His
word. Help us Lord to show that love. Help us Lord to be gentle and loving. Help us to stand firm on Your word and encourage
others to put away vices. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (1 Pe 2:1–2).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Achtemeier, P. J. (1996). 1 Peter: a
commentary on First Peter. (E. J. Epp, Ed.) (p. 144).
Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press.
14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires of your
former ignorance. 15 But as the One who called you is
holy, you also are to be holy in all
your conduct; 16 for it is written, Be holy, because I am holy.[1]
O: It is imperative to be holy in
all your conduct. Peter implores us to
be obedient as children are to their parents.
“Obedience
here, however, is not a neutral word; it stands as a virtual equivalent of
“faith” (cf. 1:2*, 22*; cf. also Rom 1:5*; 16:26*)[2]” The metaphor implies obedience to God. So, there are two imperatives here; resist conformity
with the world and behave in a manner of holiness.
A: I am sick and tired of the behavior of the
trustees and the leader of the council. I
wish I did not have to do this. There has been a concerted effort to support
sin. The lies of one trustee
continues. His conduct and those who
support him is contrary to holy conduct and conforms to worldly behavior. The statement by this trustee lacks any collaboration. He has repeatedly lied. Lied to the COM with false accusations. Lied to the deacons. Acted with lawlessness by entering Kahu’s
office without authorization and falsely accused Kahu of breaking the law. Perjured himself in court when he was asked
if he was confronted by my accusation of cover-up said no, yet Kahu and Daniel
spoke to him about his cover-up just a few days prior to the hearing. He has now changed his story (another
indication he is lying). It is
documented there was no police activity months before or after the incident he
tried to cover up. Sadly, other leaders
support him and in so doing conform to the world demonstrating a lack of
holiness.
P: I pray for the church to come to their senses. I pray for a great turn to holiness. Help us not be conformed to the world. Help us to be bold in confronting sinful
behavior. Help us Lord to transformed by
the renewing of our minds. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (1 Pe 1:14–16).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Achtemeier, P. J. (1996). 1 Peter: a
commentary on First Peter. (E. J. Epp, Ed.) (p. 120).
Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press.
16 Therefore, confess your sins to one
another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The urgent request
of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect. 17 Elijah was a man with a
nature like ours; yet he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and for three
years and six months it did not rain on the land. 18 Then he prayed again, and
the sky gave rain, and the land produced its fruit.
19 My brothers, if any among you strays from
the truth, and someone turns him back, 20 let
him know that whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his
life from death and cover a multitude of sins.[1]
O:
Confession is imperative. “Christians,
then, are to confess their sins to one another. The act of confession was
important in Hebrew religion for individuals (Lv. 5:5; Nu. 5:7; Pss. 32:5;
38:3–4; 40:12; 51:3–5; Pr. 20:9; 28:13; Jb. 33:26–28; Pss. Sol. 9:6; 1QS
1:23–2:1; CD 20:28) as well as for the community (Lv. 16:21; 26:40; Dn. 9:4–10;
Ezk. 10:1; Bar. 1:15–2:10; Jud. 9:1–14; Tob. 3:1–6; 3 Macc. 2:2–20; 6:2–15).
Most of these passages are connected with healing from illness or salvation
from some other distress which God has brought upon the community or person. Likewise,
the NT (Mk. 1:5; Mt. 3:6; Acts 19:18; 1 Jn. 1:9) and the early church knew of
confession of sin (1 Clem. 51:3; 52:1; Did. 4:14; 14:1; Barn. 19:12; Hermas Vis. 1.1.3; 3.1.5–6; Sim. 9.23.4). In all of these cases
(with the possible exception of 1:9) there is an open and public acknowledgment
of guilt, usually in the church (or community gathering in Judaism; cf. O
Michel, TDNT V, 202–220).[2] Without it there is no healing. Confession purifies the person and the
community of believers. Righteousness is
not possible unless sins are confessed.
This fact is sobering. Healing is
connected to forgiveness of sin. Forgiveness
of sin cannot happen without confession.
It is our duty to attempt to turn one who strays from the truth. The action of turning will save his life and
cover many sins.
A: Confession is good for the soul. I have done it often. I require healing. Mentally the past 18 months have been a challenge. Feelings of being overwhelmed, frustration of
those sinning in the church. No movement
on resolution. Gossip, lies, cover up
and enabling bad behaviors. I confess I
am not perfect. My pride gets in the
way. I pray for humility, and it
happens. I am humbled and must give it
to God.
P: I pray those causing problems confess the sins. I pray for healing of the church. Help us to humble ourselves and turn to You. Help us confess one to another so we can have healing. Help our prayer to be effective, powerful, intense, and fervent. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Jas 5:16–20).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Davids, P. H. (1982). The Epistle of
James: a commentary on the Greek text (pp. 195–196). Grand
Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
6 But He gives greater grace. Therefore He
says:
God resists the proud,
but gives grace to the humble. k
7 Therefore,
submit to God. But resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and He
will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts,
double-minded people! 9 Be
miserable and mourn and weep. Your laughter must change to mourning and your
joy to sorrow. 10 Humble
yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you. [1]
O: We have no business
being proud. Arrogance is a sign of
pride. Remember pride goes before the
fall. (Proverbs 16:18) We all fall short of the glory of God. We all need His saving grace. Draw near to Him. Press until something happens. Earnestly seek what needs to be cleansed in
the heart. Be a single-minded person. Strive for humility before the Lord and let
Him exalt you. God gives grace to the
humble. (Pronerbs 3:34). This passage is a call for repentance. As Clement commented, “ 1 Seeing then that we are the portion of
one who is holy, let us do all the deeds of sanctification, fleeing from evil
speaking, and abominable and impure embraces…[2]” We are nothing without God. Without sanctification one can does not live
his life to the fullest. With out God
one is at the mercy of a cruel world and tossed about. With God there a blessed assurance of abundant
life.
A: Humility, the ability
of hold the tongue and seek to understand.
Showing compassion, consideration, for others and showing you care is what
God asks for. Cleanse your hearts not thinking ill will of anybody. Do not seek to ruin lives, do not seek to
ruin careers. Seek to mend, encourage,
build up and edify. Humble yourselves
and God will be honored. Be cognizant of
pride for pride hinders to work of God.
P: Cleanse us Lord. Help us rid our lives of pride. Praise You God for bringing the proud down and exalting the Humble. Help us learn what true humility is. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman
Christian standard version. (2009). (Jas 4:6–10). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Clement I, P., Ignatius, S., Bishop of Antioch, Polycarp, S., Bishop of Smyrna,
& Lake, K. (1912–1913). The Apostolic
fathers. (K. Lake, Ed.) (Vol. 1, p. 59). Cambridge MA; London:
Harvard University Press.
O: This is
so true. Earlier James says if one does
not stumble, he is mature. I have
stumbled like James admitted (3.1-2). I not yet mature. This verse highlights the danger of the tongue.
The tongue has a doubleness. It can both
blessing and curse. The word for curse
is very interesting. κατάρα, from καταρᾶσθαι “to enchant” or “bewitch,” means
“curse.” A curse is
a directly expressed or indicated utterance which in virtue of a supernatural
nexus of operation brings harm by its very expression to the one against whom
it is directed. In the
judicial procedures of ancient peoples curses play a significant role, e.g., in
the execution of punishment, the enforcement of law etc.; the oath is
originally a pledge or declaration on the condition of self-cursing. … Jesus
forbade His disciples to curse as an act of revenge (Lk. 6:28 and par. and cf.
Jm. 3:9–12).[3]
Therefore, speaking ill of someone only to destroy their reputation is cursing
that can set a fire so to speak.
A: Do not
set that fire. Do not speak ill of
others. Going behind someone’s back and
gossiping about them. Writing letters
full false accusations. Just a few
examples witnessed among church leadership.
Clearly, maturity needs to improve. Such behaviors poison the whole
body. Please lets be a source of sweet
water.
P: I pray
for maturity. I pray for mature growth
in the church. I pray we offer blessings
and praise. I pray we encourage each
other. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Jas 3:6). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Jas 3:10–11).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[3]
Büchsel, F. (1964–). ἀρά, καταράομαι, κατάρα, ἐπικατάρατος, ἐπάρατος.
G. Kittel, G. W. Bromiley, & G. Friedrich (Eds.), Theological dictionary of the New Testament (electronic ed., Vol.
1, p. 449). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
They do not
look to the Holy One of Israel
and they do
not seek the Lord’s help.
2 But He also is wise and brings disaster.
He does not
go back on what He says;
He will
rise up against the house of wicked men
and against
the allies of evildoers. [1]
And
Faith and Works
14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone
says he has faith but does not have works? Can his faith save him? [2]
O: What does this mean: Can his faith save him? Yes, faith without works is dead. Dead means no redemption. Your faith must be manifested with good works such
as harvesting good fruits. However, if
works manifest wicked deeds such as going behind Kahu’s back submitting letters
full of label with indefensible statement based on lies and false speculation
the Lord will deal out judgment. Make no
mistake, when not seeking God, acting out behind others back, gossiping and
acting on hearsay are not a manifestation of faith.
A: Faith is
characterized by absolute trust and dependence on Him for salvation. Demonstrating anything contrary to the trust
in God is not a demonstration of faith.
Faith is being truthful. Faith
brings glory to God. Actions that
attempt to bring disunity, sinful acts, gossip and going behind peoples back
with false accusations and covering up illegal behavior demonstrate a lack of
faith. Faith with works that bring glory
to God build up the saved. The opposite
brings disaster.
P: I pray for the church.
I pray faith increases and there is a demonstration of good works. I pray for unity and harmony. Help us come together in faith, work together
to Your glory and be a shine example of tolerance and loving fellowship Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Is 31:1–2).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Jas 2:14).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
15 Woe to those who go to great lengths
to hide
their plans from the Lord.
They do
their works in darkness,
and say,
“Who sees us? Who knows us?”
16 You have turned things around,
as if the
potter were the same as the clay.
How can
what is made say about its maker,
“He didn’t
make me”?
How can
what is formed
say about
the one who formed it,
“He doesn’t
understand what he’s doing”? [1]
O: This behavior attempts to say God does not know what one is
doing thinking they van hide the behavior from God. People like this attempt to create a
narrative to change others minds regarding bad behavior. Coming up with stories as if one can create
different circumstances. There is
spiritual blindness. The people honor
God with their lips but their hearts are far from Him. The behavior is reminiscent of a godless
religion. Arrogance, lack of humility,
making it up due to uncomfortable questions.
It reminds us of what Jesus said to the pharisees. (Matthew 15:9 )
A: I have pointed out
this behavior time and time again. Sin
unsets God and His children. Bad
behavior such as lies, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition,
slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder wreak havoc on the church. The behavior must not continue. Pray for wisdom,
pray for faith, pray for guidance.
P: Praise God for You can see all things. Nothing is hidden from You. Praise You God for Your story. Help us God to stop the behavior. Help the people understand gossip is hurtful. Slander is an attempt to tear someone apart. Help us God to follow you. Please Lord increase wisdom, faith and guide us to righteous behavior. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Is 29:15–16).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
20 Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead our Lord
Jesus—the great Shepherd of the sheep —with the blood of the everlasting
covenant, [1]
O: The God of peace, an attribute Isaiah gave (Isaiah
9:6). How can our God be of peace when
in the Old Testament He destroyed many peoples?
In the OT as well as the new God has always been the judge of unrighteousness. Those counties destroyed by God practiced
detestable behavior. They were killers
of children for sacrifices and worship idols.
God does not take to kindly to bad behavior. Peace comes to those who follow those who believe
in the gospel. Those who believe in the
gospel of God are saved by Jesus Christ once and for all sacrificial offering. Those who believe are the covered by Jesus’
blood. It is an everlasting covenant.
A: Peace His gives us. Not the peace the offers but God’s peace. (John
14:27) If one does not have peace than one is doing something contrary to the
covenant. The problem is sin. Sin saps peace. Sin disrupts unity. Sin breaks down harmony. With the Prince of Peace whatever happens know
God is control. In that knowledge assurance
and faith grows and strengthens the believer.
P: I pray for unity and harmony in the
church. I pray the gossip and lies cease. I pray those causing problems seek You and
pray without ceasing. I pray for peace
in the church. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Heb 13:20).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
My son, do not take the Lord’s discipline
lightly
or faint when you are reproved by Him,
6 for the
Lord disciplines the one He loves
and punishes every son He receives. a
7 Endure suffering as discipline: God is
dealing with you as sons. For what son is there that a father does not
discipline? 8 But if you are without discipline—which all receive
—then you are illegitimate children and not sons. [1]
A: Repeated lies.
Slandering Kahu and his wife repeatedly.
Covering up illegal behavior and with no consequence, no discipline so
far. The behavior indicates a greater
underlying condition. The behavior
demonstrates an unrepentant heart. For
what comes out of the mouth characterizes the condition of the heart. 16“Are you still so
dull?” Jesus asked them. 17“Don’t you see that
whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? 18But
the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these
defile them. 19For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual
immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. 20These are what defile a person;
but eating with unwashed hands does not defile them.” Mt 5:16-20 When
behavior is not disciplined one cannot be corrected. We all need correction. We all fall short.
P: I pray those in need of discipline are humbled. Help us to accept discipline as a blessing. Help us to count it all joy. Help people develop insight towards their behaviors and submit to discipline. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Heb 12:5–8).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
6Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who
comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who
diligently search for him.[1]
O: Plainly
stated faith is required in one’s walk with God. It is a reward when seeking God. Faith is given by God when one believes in
His promises. Faith is God’s gift. Faith is an action word. When one acts upon faith, faith begins to
grow.
A: Faith is given when acting on belief. Belief that Christ died, was raised, and
resides on the right hand of God. Jesus
is the Christ the son of the living God and lives in the hearts of those who
believe. It is impossible to please God
without faith because faith comes from belief and is a gift from God.
P: Praise You God. Help us to continue to profess our belief in
Your gospel, the gospel of God. Amen
[1] International
standard version New Testament: version 1.1. (2000). (Print on
Demand ed., Heb 11:6). Yorba Linda, CA: The Learning Foundation.
38 But My
righteous one will live by faith;
and if he draws back,
I have no pleasure in him.[1]
O: As Ambrosiaster said believers will be known by faith and
righteousness so too unbelievers are known by ungodliness and unrighteousness. God takes no pleasure in bad behavior. Guilt is a constant companion to those who
draw back for now the law is written on the hearts of men and behavior affects
the conscience. Without a good
conscience gives an indication improvement is needed. Believers are marked by faithfulness relying
on God and His word.
A: What are you known
by? Faith or unrighteousness? There is no excuse. Guilt is real. Search your heart and act righteously and
obtain a good conscience.
P: I pray for those demonstrating bad behavior. I pray they listen to their conscience and
address the guilt. Help me Lord to
increase my reliance in You and I walk in righteousness. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Heb 10:38).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
15 Therefore, He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are
called might receive the promise of the eternal inheritance, because a death
has taken place for redemption from the transgressions committed under the
first covenant.[1]
O: Jesus replaced
the first covenant for His sacrifice was far superior to the yearly offering
for our sins. He did not do away with
the old but improved upon it. For now,
the law is written on the hearts of His children. Christ our mediator promises redemption due
to His sacrifice.
A: Behold all things have become new. We have a new covenant in our hearts when
asking Jesus to be Lord of our lives. Reminds me of :
Ps 45:7
7 You love
righteousness and hate wickedness;
therefore
God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of joy
more than
your companions.[2]
And Heb 2:1
2 We must, therefore, pay even more
attention to what we have heard, so that we will not drift away.[3]
Remember the Great Mediator and maintain a walk in righteous.
P: I pray for all who accept Jesus does not forget His promises and walk
in righteous as best they can. Help us
come together in unity. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Heb 9:15).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ps 45:7). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Heb 2:1). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
3 What will you do on the day of punishment
when
devastation comes from far away?
Who will
you run to for help?
Where will
you leave your wealth?
4 There will be nothing to do
except crouch
among the prisoners
or fall
among the slain.
In all
this, His anger is not removed,
and His
hand is still raised to strike.[1]
O: God is just. His covenant fair. His requests reasonable and easy. His burden light and bearable. However, practicing evil will bring His wrath. What can be done for someone who lies and
will not be respectful of spiritual authority.
There is no hiding place for those who do not trust in God.
A: Following the Lord provides standards and direction. Following something else provides destruction
and death. With God all things are
possible. Love God and do not place your
hope in nothing else.
P: I pray those with pilikia
come to their senses. To continue to
bring rubbish to the church only brings hakaka.
Peace is in Christ and Him alone.
I pray we seek Christ. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Is 10:3–4).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
18 Who is a God like You,
removing
iniquity and passing over rebellion
for the
remnant of His inheritance?
He does not
hold on to His anger forever,
because He
delights in faithful love.
19 He will again have compassion on us;
He will
vanquish our iniquities.
You will
cast all our sins
into the
depths of the sea.
20 You will show loyalty to Jacob
and
faithful love to Abraham,
as You
swore to our fathers
from days
long ago. [1]
O: There is none like You. You abide by Your promises. You are faithful and full of grace. Your covenant is true and beneficial. Our repentant sins will be cast into the sea
and forgiveness flows to those who faithfully love Him. Remember if we love Him, we will follow his
commandments. God will bring us out of rebellious
people and remove the iniquity’
Though
great our sins and sore our wounds
and deep
and dark our fall,
His helping
mercy hath no bounds,
his love
surpassing all.
Our trusty
living Shepherd he,
Who shall
at last set Israel free
from all
their sin and sorrow.[2]
A: God promises are
so reassuring. If we turn to Him, we
have hope. He forgives, restores, and
makes new. Who can do that? We must return to Him than worries and fears
will vanish.
P: I pray that I
continue to focus on Your words, Your commandments, and Your grace. Help me to continue to focus on Your precepts
and walk by Your guidance. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mic 7:18–20).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Barker, K. L. (1999). Micah, Nahum,
Habakkuk, Zephaniah (Vol. 20, p. 135). Nashville: Broadman &
Holman Publishers.
O: This
verse speaks of apostates. Ones who do
not listen to reason. Who once
understood what it means to walk with Christ but now have put Him back on the
cross to suffer. They refuse to share in
the suffering. To their harm, making
their own decisions, have for various reasons fallen away from the powers of
the Spirit and word, walking by their own design. It is impossible to renew repentance if one
is an apostate and continues to walk as the world does.
A: Seek mature teaching. Accept responsibility for your behavior.
Those that chase after worldly. It’s reminiscent
of Psalm 49:9 Can the One who shaped the ear not hear, the One who formed the
eye not see? Clueless are those who
reject His sound judgement. Do not be
clueless. Seek God and search His word.
P: Praise God for His word. Help us not to fall away. Help us to continue to walk with You and not fall away. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Heb 6:4–6).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
2 Worship the Lord
with gladness;
come before
him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the Lord is God.
It is he
who made us, and we are his;
we are his
people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his
courts with praise;
give thanks
to him and praise his name.
5 For the Lord
is good and his love endures forever;
his
faithfulness continues through all generations. [1]
O: Psalms are a sacred song or hymn, in particular any of those contained
in the biblical Book of Psalms and used in Christian and Jewish worship. Here we find praise. We are told to continually have a praise on
our lips and thankfulness on our hearts.
The reason we live is because of God.
Happy are His acts in our life and abundant blessings abound.
A:
A friend once told me to change the way you think about the things you
think about[2]. It took a while but I have discovered what he
told me to be helpful. I have learned to
be responsible for my behavior and to give thanks to God for everything. Worship and give thanks for salvation is at
hand.
P:
Praise be to God. I give thanks
for Your blessings and work in my life.
Help those in need here and aboard.
Especially in Afghanistan. Please give those persecuted strength and
courage. Help them and meet their
needs. Amen
[1] The New
International Version. (2011). (Ps 100:1–5). Grand Rapids, MI:
Zondervan.
[2] Living
a More Intentional Life. Massey,
Cary. (1976)
Today, if you hear His voice,
do not harden your hearts. t
8 For if Joshua had given them rest, God
would not have spoken later about another day. 9 Therefore, a
Sabbath rest remains for God’s people. 10 For the person who
has entered His rest has rested from his own works, just as God did from
His. 11 Let us then make
every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall into the same pattern
of disobedience.
12 For the word of God is living and effective
and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation
of soul and spirit, joints, and marrow. It is able to judge the ideas and
thoughts of the heart. 13 No
creature is hidden from Him, but all things are naked and exposed to the eyes
of Him to whom we must give an account. [1]
P: I pray for unity. I pray for peace. I pray we can enter tp rest God
provides. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Heb 4:7–13).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
the
knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. [1]
O: This is the central theme of Hosea. Loyalty and knowledge of God are who is most
important. “This is one of the great texts of the
prophets—Jesus used it to expose the hypocrisy of his opponents (Matt 9:13;
12:7). Here, again, the two great desiderata of Hosea, love and the knowledge
of God, reappear.[2] God requires love and compassion. The virtues are necessary to develop a
meaningful relationship with God.
A: Seek to
know God and live a life loyal to His covenants. One can not know God and live in unrepentant
sin. Sins are impediments to ones walk
with God and true spirituality. Put His
word in your heart so you might not sin against God.
P: Help me Lord to deal with the sin in my life. Help me to put it down so I can know You more
and more. Amen,
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ho 6:6). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Garrett, D. A. (1997). Hosea, Joel
(Vol. 19A, p. 161). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
O: This is
the central point of the whole epistle.[2] Jesus
was fully human to make a way for our forgiveness. Think about if He was not fully human there
would be no propitiation. Also, as the high priest His exceptional service to
His children He was willing gave up His life so that we may have life abundantly. He went through temptation to help His
children with theirs.
A: We have
a God who is not out of touch. He knows
His children and is there to help every step of the way. Bare in mind Jesus set the example and by imitating
His servant menta;ity life is better for we will not be upset when someone
falls short. It is our job to help them
pivk up the pieces’
P: I pray I look to You for help when I am
tempted. Help me to be a servant and
help wherever needed. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Heb 2:17–18).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Ellingworth, P. (1993). The Epistle to the
Hebrews: a commentary on the Greek text (p. 179). Grand Rapids,
MI; Carlisle: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press.
1 Long ago God spoke
to the fathers by the prophets at different times and in different ways. 2 In these last days, He has
spoken to us by His Son. God has appointed Him heir of all things and made the universe
through Him. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the
exact expression of His nature, sustaining all things by His powerful word. After making purification for sins, He sat
down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.[1]
O: Pack
full of info this text begins one of most comprehensive work bringing together
both the Old and New Testament. Beginning
with how God spoke though the prophets to how He speaks to us now. Even to the point of salvation. God word is clear, Jesus Christ is how He
speaks to us now. Jesus is the word of
God who came to us so our sins may be purified.
So what is written here explains the reason for Christ work in this
world.
A: We must listen to the word of God. It’s how He speaks to us now. Remember in the word of God are the answered needed
to live an abundant life. Filled with
His word he speaks to our heart and offers a way to be purified and cleansed of
our sins. Through Him we are sustained
and renewed by His powerful word. The
exact expression of His nature is shown by His word.
P:I pray I
listen to You God. For in You everything
becomes clear. In You is salvation and
purification of sin. Thank You for Your
blessed assurance. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Heb 1:1–3).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
9 And He replied:
Go! Say to
these people:
Keep
listening, but do not understand;
keep
looking, but do not perceive.
10 Dull the minds of these people;
deafen
their ears and blind their eyes;
otherwise,
they might see with their eyes
and hear
with their ears,
understand
with their minds,
turn back
and be healed.[1]
O: I knew this verse sounded familiar. It’s quoted in all
four gospels and twice by Paul. A bit sarcastically and somewhat contempt God
is saying continue with your behavior.
See where that we get ya. Get God
in your heart or you will be dragged off with hooks in your months to places
you don’t want to go. Isn’t that what
happened to the Jews? Don’t be so dull.
A: Turn and listen to
God. Live by His standards. Abide in His sacraments. Don’t be unreasonable. Unstop the ears and
listen to the Judge. Turn from behaviors
such as discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip,
arrogance, and disorder. God with
heal. As Isaiah was cleansed by the burning
coal so must we be cleansed by the Messiah for grace to fill us up. One sacrament, repentance will allow the Holy
Spirit to work His grace in you. The others add grace upon grace.
P: Grace and peace
God I am so grateful for Your grave and peace.
I am so thankful for You and what You have given Your children. I pray for those in Afghanistan. Give them strength and courage. Keep them safe and out of harm’s way. Help people turn to You in this time of uncertainty. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Is 6:9–10).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
and good
evil,
who
substitute darkness for light
and light
for darkness,
who
substitute bitter for sweet
and sweet
for bitter.
21 Woe to those who are wise in their own
opinion
and clever
in their own sight. [1]
O: This “woe” has a link with the previous one (v.18) for “deceit” is
there expounded as skepticism about the ways of God. Unhappily it is an easy
journey from such skepticism to the total reversal of values this verse
demonstrates, for God is the source of all values; and if we are wrong about
him, we can soon be wrong about everything. The Pharisees’ rejection of Christ
showed itself in the same way, for they attributed the works of the Holy Spirit
to Beelzebub[2]
The same could be said of those that forward lies as truth. Those who live by gossip and use it to
advance issues have indeed substituted bitter for sweet. Those who judge on hearsay and rumors have skewed
ethics opposite from the ways of God.
A: Learn discernment. Press into God by reading and meditating on God’s
word. Pray for understanding. Practice the sacraments as often as possible
especially penitence. By addressing our faults
and asking forgiveness can make one right with God. By addressing the faults in the church do
not seek vengeance but judgement. God
will judge the evil doers He will shine the light on it and at times uses His children
to rebuke, correct and edify the body.
Bad behavior must be addressed, or discord grows.
P: I pray that You God will bring to light
behavior that other make out as good but in fact is sin. I praise You God for Your good and Your
word. Help us to confront bad behavior
and not turn it around but stop the behavior and then do good. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Is 5:20–21).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
10 Reject a divisive person after a first and second warning, 11 knowing
that such a person is perverted and sins, being self-condemned. [1]
O: Here is
a difficult verse. Those we loved who we
called friend, who was respected and thought highly of, yet now demonstrates
what is truly in his heart. Divisiveness
refers to a sectarian and denotes the “adherent of a heresy.”[2] It is an adjective refers to the previous
verse regarding the false teachers. We
are to avoid and reject them because the person is perverted and sins. This person is self-condemned. Unfortunately, some will remain in depravity refusing
to listen to reason holding on to beliefs that serve their purpose. It is very hard to let them go out of concern
for their spiritual health. Yet, when
they refuse to face the truth there is nothing can be done.
A: There
will come a point when one must walk away from those who create division. Walk away from quarrelsome arguments and
foolish debates. They are
pointless. Stand on the truth and
behavior that brings people together. It is hard but avoid and reject one who’s
behavior is divisive. It must be done
because the sectarian teacher refuses to listen and will only cause more
problems.
P: God I plead with You to change the hearts of
those causing division and creating argument.
Unstop their ears and soften their hearts. For if not enlighten the church and help them
understand we must let them go. Help us
bring unity and be of one mind. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Tt 3:10–11).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Schlier, H. (1964–). αἱρέομαι, αἵρεσις, αἱρετικός, αἱρετίζω, διαιρέω, διαίρεσις.
G. Kittel, G. W. Bromiley, & G. Friedrich (Eds.), Theological dictionary of the New Testament (electronic ed., Vol.
1, p. 184). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
who say:
“Disaster will never overtake
or confront
us,”
will die by
the sword. [1]
O: This is confirmation.
Leave it to the Lord. We can rebuke,
reprove, correct, and educate but God completes the work. Amos as well as all the prophet’s foretold
God is the judge. His righteous acts
will prevail. Remember God will hold his
creation accountable for their sin unless there is a change in the heart, repentance. The Israelites had a smug attitude thinking
because they were God’s chosen nothing bad will happen because God will come to
the rescue as He has done many times before. The complacent attitude is not
what God desires. The Israelites did not
show obedience to God. The high places
remained. Idols and temples in Bethel
and Dan as well as Asherah polse remained.
Because of their disobedience Amos declared death will come.
A: People today in church continue to the same attitude of
complacency saying I have grown up in the church. I know God. I have the Holy Spirit. Yet behaviors demonstrate a lack of
obedience. Behaviors such as discord,
jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance, and
disorder. Modern research indicates that people who gossip generally have very
high levels of anxiety and anger, the gossip can be a defense mechanism to
relieve their anxiety. They often feel isolated, threatened, and lonely so see
gossiping as a quick fix. However, engaging in gossip makes them unpopular
because they cannot be trusted. Repentance
and a turn to what is right will remedy the people and help create a unified
body.
P: Praise be to God
for Your prophets. They shine the
light. I pray people come to there senses
and realize the behavior presented causes discord and strife. Help us to see where we can be obedient and
walk together in unity. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Am 9:10). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
13 This testimony is true. So, rebuke them sharply, that they may be
sound in the faith 14 and may not pay attention to Jewish myths
and the commands of men who reject the truth.
15 To the pure, everything is pure, but to
those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; in fact, both their mind
and conscience are defiled. 16 They profess to know God, but
they deny Him by their works. They are
detestable, disobedient, and disqualified for any good work.[1]
O: It is
clear Paul implores the elders and overseers to call out those who demonstrate
teachings contrary to the gospel. To
rebuke is a responsibility. Many think this passage does not apply to them
because they are not following Jewish myths.
However, Paul is concerned about ones walk with God. If one is not pure their lives and walk are
not pure. They demonstrate behavior that
shows no love and causes division. This
passage also shows why bad behavior continues in the church. Many do not have a pure heart which in turn
defies both the mind and conscience impacting the ability to decern what is
right.
A: It is an overseers’ responsibility to confront
that demonstrating works adversely effecting the gospel. Members have left the church because of their
bad behavior. The gossip rumors and lies
has influence people to walk out of the church.
It is not pleasant to rebuke but necessary in the hopes those with bad
behavior may come to their senses and demonstrate sound faith. The motive is for all to let Christ
change from within to the glory of God.
P: Lord I am so grateful
for Your word. Help us to surround ourselves with Scripture about the truth of our
place with Christ into our heart. And remove the input that steals our sense of
security in Christ. Purify our
conscience, strengthen our walk, and improve our behavior. Help us to show love and be gentle in our
rebukes having You always in the forefront of our minds and motiving our
behavior.
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Tt 1:13–16).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
2 Proclaim the message; persist in it whether convenient or not; rebuke,
correct, and encourage with great patience and teaching. 3 For
the time will come when they will not tolerate sound doctrine, but according to
their own desires, will multiply teachers for themselves because they have an
itch to hear something new.[1]
O: Encourage to continue to proclaim the message. By
the urging of the inspired word, one must press on with great patience to correct,
rebuke and encourage. Continue to teach
sound doctrine even if it is rejected.
At times it will not be convenient. Nevertheless, persist in teaching
what is right. Some will reject the
message because it is not what they want to hear. It is hard to tolerate sound doctrine when
hearing convicts the soul.
A: I have
been blamed for many things. What I am
most proud of is the persistent proclamation of the truth and the message of sound
doctrine. My persistence struck a
nerve. Fingers were pointed at me as the
instigator however it was by prompts of the Holy Spirit. So, therefor if anything is to be the blame
it is God for encouraging me to persist in rebuke, correction and encouraging a
turn to sound doctrine and do what is right.
P: I pray God people open their eyes to sound
doctrine. I pray they listen and not
turn away to what they don't want to hear. I
pray for a change of heart and a move to make things right. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (2 Ti 4:2–3).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: This is
a sad commentary of the condition of certain leaders in the church. There is no attempt to right the wrongs. No reconciliation. If any of the offences have been committed than
one falls into the category of false, teachers.
One leader refused to reconcile with his father. Leaders have blasphemed by stating others who
walk with Christ are not good enough. In other words, their claim implies God’s
work is not good enough and dig up past events as if to justify their claim. It correlates to blasphemy to say God’s work
in us is not good enough and state they should behave according to how they see
fit. Who made them judge?
A: Bad
attitudes abound, holding to a form of godliness but denying its power.
Behavior without aloha, unloving, irreconcilable, and slanderers stating Kahu
has broken the law on several occasions.
Flat out lies in attempts to assassinate Kahu’s character indicates
exactly what Paul is saying. Make every
attempt to reconcile with each other.
Any gift to God will be unacceptable unless one attempts to make right
with those wronged. Love what is good in
God’s eye and seek Him as to how to make things right.
P: I pray to You, my God. Move me in ways to make things right. Help me to reach those with no insight. Help me to help those grow in discernment. Help me help those causing argument to grow
in understanding and grow in the urge to make things right. Help me to set a good example. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (2 Ti 3:2–5).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: The
point is to call upon the Lord with a “pure heart” (v23). A pure heart is humanly impossible but only
comes with the grace of God and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. A pure heart is efficacious to teach and
bring patience leading others to the knowledge of truth through repentance. Avoid
arguments so that others may come to their senses and escape the clutches of
the devil.
A: Hakaka
continues the in church. Righteousness
is not pursued. Quarrels and ignorant disputes
rage on. The hakaka remains for the simple
fact that unity is not sought. Disputes
arise due to the lack of discernment.
Gossip, lies, and unrepentant behavior allow the hakaka to
continue. Refusal to accept the
recommendations of spiritual authority causes the wounds of hurt and prejudice
to run deeper. The roots of disunity
grow stronger. Come to your senses and
pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord
from a pure heart given by God’s grace and His Spirit.
P: I pray the people come to their senses. Help us develop a pure heart and turn from
the behavior that continues to create problems.
Help us to flee from the passions that cause disunity and hakaka. Help us to be gentle and patient, teaching
them so the repentance brings the knowledge of truth, and they sense the trap
the devil has lied and thus can be avoided.
Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (2 Ti 2:22–26).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
3 I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience as my ancestors did,
when I constantly remember you in my prayer’s night and day. 4 Remembering your tears, I
long to see you so that I may be filled with joy, 5 clearly
recalling your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois, then in
your mother Eunice, and that I am convinced is in you also. [1]
O: With a good
conscience constantly praying for his protégé he encourages by clearly
recalling his faith. Paul writes how he
longs to meet with his timothy and what joy that will be. How would one feel with there mentor
exclaiming he has not forgotten you? To
have your mentor thank God because of you is one of the highest forms of encouragement.
A: Encourage your mentors. Keep your conscience velar and pray
constantly for them. Always look forward
to a time when one can meet up again and renew their faith for there is strength
in numbers.
P: I pray for
a clear conscience and the keep my mentors in mind and constant prayer. Help us Lord to be of one mind and filled
with Spirit. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (2 Tim 1:3–5).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
3 If anyone teaches other doctrine and does not agree with the sound
teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the teaching that promotes godliness,
4 he is conceited, understanding nothing, but has a sick
interest in disputes and arguments over words.
From these come envy, quarreling, slander, evil suspicions, 5 and
constant disagreement among people whose minds are depraved and deprived of the
truth, who imagine that godliness is a way to material gain.[1]
O: For the third time in Timothy, Paul addresses
false teachers. God’s word never grows old. This is a sad commentary on present
day church. When sound doctrine and teaching that promotes godliness is
rejected the result is disputes and arguments which escalate to quarreling, lies,
paranoia and depravity. The false
teachers today claim events that happened years ago can still be held as evidence
against those who committed the infraction even when repentance and reconciliation
is evident. Forgiveness is out of the
question and the false teachers continue to dreg up false accusations attempting
to discredit those holding fast to sound doctrine.
A: Search
the scriptures to prove sound doctrine.
Where there is strife, arguments, and disputes there is no unity. This behavior creates envy, quarreling, slander,
and paranoia. With these behaviors
present at church indicates Paul was right.
People in the church reject the sound doctrine presented by the deacons
and wish to argue against God’s word.
P: I pray that people realize the emotions demonstrated is result of God moving and bringing conviction to the hearts of the dissenters. Help them understand Your ways and Your desire. Help bring unity to the church and deal with the slanders and quarreling faction. Let us reason together Lord with pure motives. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (1 Ti 6:3–5). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
O: These verses have to with elders or leaders
of the church. ‘Because those in
positions of leadership are subject to scrutiny, criticism, and rumors, Paul
cautions Timothy not to “accept” or “acknowledge” as correct (BAGD s.v. παραδέχομαι) an “accusation/charge (κατηγορία) against (κατά) an elder
unless” there are the requisite witnesses’[2] Paul urges Tim to follow the example given in
Dt. 19:15; cf. also Jn. 8:17; Dt. 17:6; Heb. 10:28[3] and
practice the teaching in Mt. 18:16 and 2 Cor. 13:1. Two or three witnesses must confirm the
testimony. The rebuke must be taken
before the church publicly
when there is no repentance.
A: Do not
be quick to appoint elders until their motives and lifestyle. Rebuke when other
also become aware of sin. It can not be
coming only from one person. Hopefully,
there will be a positive response but there is great responsibility in
leadership.
P: Lord I pray for the courage and strength to
address the sin of the elders. I pray
for conviction, repentance, and a turning away from sin. I pray the leaders do the right thing and put
Christ back in the center of there lives.
Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (1 Ti 5:19–22).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Knight, G. W. (1992). The Pastoral
Epistles: a commentary on the Greek text (p. 235). Grand Rapids,
MI; Carlisle, England: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press.
[3]
Knight, G. W. (1992). The Pastoral
Epistles: a commentary on the Greek text (p. 235). Grand Rapids,
MI; Carlisle, England: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press.
“Believe in Yahweh your God, and you will be established; believe in
His prophets, and you will succeed.” 21 Then he consulted with
the people and appointed some to sing for the Lord
and some to praise the splendor of His holiness. When they went out in front of the armed
forces, they kept singing:
Give thanks
to the Lord,
for His
faithful love endures forever. [1]
O: The word rings
true today even when written thousands of years ago. Believe in God. To sum it up have faith and
demonstrate it in songs of praise.
Remember the Lord inhabits the praises of His people (Ps 22.3). Have faith that the one with power and life
goes before you. Maintain an attitude of
joy because there is nothing to worry about.
A: When temptation rears up sing to God. Sing of His faithfulness for You are not
alone. Believe God is with you. Believe and you will be established. You will be saved.
P: I pray that I have a praise on my lips always. I pray I let You go before me. Help my faith grow in You Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (2 Ch 20:20–21). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
2 First of all,
then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made
for everyone, 2 for kings and all those who are in authority,
so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and
dignity. 3 This is good,
and it pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved
and to come to the knowledge of the truth. [1]
O: First and foremost, pray for everyone for
this is pleasing to God because He wants everyone to know the truth. This is Paul’s
urging and exhortation. A very good
habit the God takes kindly to. It is my
opinion prayer is first in importance. These four terms (of prayer) delineate
aspects of what should mark prayers: δεήσεις, making requests
for specific needs; προσευχάς, bringing those in view before God; ἐντεύξεις, appealing
boldly on their behalf; and εὐχαριστίας, thankfulness for
them. That the four words are plural points to more than one expression of
prayer and suggests the involvement of a number of those in the congregation[2]
A: In the Christian walk Paul urges to ask and
seek God’s guidance and pray that others may come to know the truth. As Christ appealed for unity in John 17 so to
must Christian follow the example and petition God for tranquility and peace. Make prayer a habit.
P: I give thanks for all You have done. Help me to pray. Help me to develop a habit and grow in pray as can be a good habit to help others learn the truth. Help me improve my prayer life. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (1 Ti 2:1–4).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Knight, G. W. (1992). The Pastoral
Epistles: a commentary on the Greek text (p. 115). Grand Rapids,
MI; Carlisle, England: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press.
O: Remember life comes from God. He is the One who has given His creation
vitality. Pual exhorts his readers to display
the attitude enthusiastically.
For the wrong doer will receive what is just as will the righteous.
A: Do not forget what God has done to your heart. Those who believe are new and forgiven. Let the light shine with enthusiasm and
vitality.
P: I pray that I\ always
show outwardly what You have done for me.
Amen.
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Col 3:23–25).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
6 Therefore, as you have received Christ
Jesus the Lord, walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and
established in the faith, just as you were taught, overflowing with gratitude.
8 Be careful that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition, based on the elemental forces of the world, and not based on Christ.[1]
O: This passage (2:6-7)
is the thematic statement of Paul’s letter according to Dunn.[2]
Keys words here are Jesus Christ, faith, walk, taught, and thankfulness. Based on the rock build from what has been given
to the body. Do not be deceived by the
status quo or traditions ‘not based on Christ’.
‘The point
is the close rooting in Christ, the lifegiving soil and sustaining foundation.’[3] Be careful one is not beguiled by persuasiveness
and plausibility.[4]
Paul had already alluded to his fears for the Colossians—the danger of them being
deluded by specious
arguments used by plausible religious salesmen (2:4).[5] Now he addresses the issue head on. Paul had handed to them the teaching and they
received the formative tradition of hearing and receiving the gospel through
faith. Remember to walk with Him. In other words remember what you had seen,
heard, from Christ through Paul and stay rooted in that fruitful and nourishing
ground tended by God. Paul used forceful
metaphors the traditions handed down from Jesus and the teaching of Paul provides
the root and foundation for a new life and a new outlook which gives peace and
hope for life.
A: Always seek
Christ in all your ways. Remember the
source of the faith and in that is power because your standing on the cornerstone
and gaining sustenance from the root of our faith. The rooted metaphor provided a vivid image of
preaching/teaching as an effective sowing that results in a well-rooted plant
(perfect participle; cf. Sir. 24:12—of wisdom; Psalms of Solomon 14:4; Odes
of Solomon 38:17–22). The importance of deep roots was well understood in
Jewish tradition (e.g., Jer. 17:8; Ezek. 31:7; Sir. 40:15). Naturally the image
is complementary to the “fruit-bearing” metaphor of 1:10[6]. That which is grounded can be built upon to strengthen
and gain maturity. So stay rooted to the cornerstone and relinquish
the status-quo.
P: God I pray to remain fruitful and gain
maturity. I pray to remain rooted in You
and stand on Your foundation. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Col 2:6–8).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Dunn, J. D. G. (1996). The Epistles to the
Colossians and to Philemon: a commentary on the Greek text (p.
133). Grand Rapids, MI; Carlisle: William B. Eerdmans Publishing; Paternoster
Press.
[3]
Maurer, C. (1964–). ῥίζα, ῥιζόω, ἐκριζόω. G. Kittel, G. W. Bromiley,
& G. Friedrich (Eds.), Theological
dictionary of the New Testament (electronic ed., Vol. 6, p. 990). Grand
Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
[4]
Dunn, J. D. G. (1996). The Epistles to the
Colossians and to Philemon: a commentary on the Greek text (p.
133). Grand Rapids, MI; Carlisle: William B. Eerdmans Publishing; Paternoster
Press.
[5]
Dunn, J. D. G. (1996). The Epistles to the
Colossians and to Philemon: a commentary on the Greek text (p.
138). Grand Rapids, MI; Carlisle: William B. Eerdmans Publishing; Paternoster
Press.
[6]
Dunn, J. D. G. (1996). The Epistles to the
Colossians and to Philemon: a commentary on the Greek text (pp.
141–142). Grand Rapids, MI; Carlisle: William B. Eerdmans Publishing;
Paternoster Press.
28 We proclaim Him, warning, and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so
that we may present everyone mature in Christ.[1]
O: The goal
here is to present spiritual maturity.
This is an solemn accountment, instructing warning, exhorting. warning,
admonishing, and correcting. ‘Paul saw
it as a characteristic ministry to be exercised widely within his churches
(Rom. 15:14; 1 Thes. 5:12, 14; 2 Thes. 3:15).[2] We are everyone responsible for each other. Pual here repeated everyone 3 times using repetition
as a teaching tool for emphasis. So that
all may be presented without blemish, whole. Complete ‘moral character, of
which blameless Noah was a classic example’ (Gen. 6:9)[3].
A: Maturity as taught by the scriptures is only
achieved by conforming to the behavior of the servant and following what has
been taught. Absorbed the word of God. Apply it to a walk the has been corrected and
admonished what the word tells everyone.
Be united and display the fruit of the spirit.
P: Thank you God for Your instruction and the
great benefit You provide to assist everyone to be presented as mature. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Col 1:28).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Dunn, J. D. G. (1996). The Epistles to the
Colossians and to Philemon: a commentary on the Greek text (p.
124). Grand Rapids, MI; Carlisle: William B. Eerdmans Publishing; Paternoster
Press.
[3]
Dunn, J. D. G. (1996). The Epistles to the
Colossians and to Philemon: a commentary on the Greek text (p.
125). Grand Rapids, MI; Carlisle: William B. Eerdmans Publishing; Paternoster
Press.
8 Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is
just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is
any moral excellence and if there is any praise—dwell on these things. 9 Do
what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of
peace will be with you. [1]
O: This is
a prefect example of how to be ‘like-minded’.
Unified in thought think on these things. Paul pleads to consider and chart course by these
principles. Ponder hat is honorable, just pure, lovely, commendable, moral
excellence, and praise. Dwell on these things
to be the guide through life’s troubles.
He used to verbs to help bring understanding of how the body should than
live. He addresses both mental and
ethical concerns to address how a servant of God go about living in this world.
[2] By dwelling on and putting into practice the principles
brought forth and behave as Paul has shown while he is with us. When pondering and put in practice what leads
to unity than the peace of God become available.
A: Seek out
a common ground with good moral and ethical foundation found in God’s word. Ponder and make the principles laid out in
the verse will lead to responsible Christian living. Apply the knowledge to the heart. Let the principles
be a guide so the peace of God is demonstrated.
P: Praise
You Lord. I lift You up and give thanks
for Your word. How can I ponder these
things without You. Help to apply Your
word to my heart and bring peace to my life with the peace only You can provide. Help to put into practice whatever is morally
and ethically right. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Php 4:8–9).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Melick, R. R. (1991). Philippians,
Colossians, Philemon (Vol. 32, p. 150). Nashville: Broadman
& Holman Publishers.
O:
Wonderful proclamation. ’Be found in Him’.
Who found Paul and what was found? ‘Be’ is presently now and ongoing non-stop,
as if always found from this point on.
Found is righteousness. Righteousness founded in faith. What went for righteousness before is now
lost for God has revealed to those found knowledge of the gospel. The very power of creation.
The second section of this warning (3:7-11)
explains Paul’s real values. The false teachers were evil workers (see 3:2).
While Paul’s evaluation was penetrating, he realized that their outlook was the same as
his had been. In fact, the burden of this entire section is carried by a
theme of Paul’s life before and after Christ. The real value Paul found was in
knowing Christ personally. That brought a true zeal for perfect character not
found through the law.[2]
Paul’s
theme here is packed with deep theology.
He is describing true value. True
value is found in faith. He breaks down the
value of faith very succinctly as justification (v7), sanctification (v10), and
glorification (v11). Classical systematic theology.[3]
A: Goals are important. Without them there can be no faith. My goal as Paul’s is to know Him. Have knowledge of Him grow in a relationship
with Him. To know suffering is for a
good cause increases faith and deepens the relationship with Christ. Letting go of past and press forward to the
finish line praying that God be glorified.
P: I Thank God everyday in that I have been found. Praise You God for what You have done and can and will do. You are great and great things You have done. I pray I have the goals Yu have shown me always foremost in my mind. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Php 3:9–11).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Melick, R. R. (1991). Philippians,
Colossians, Philemon (Vol. 32, pp. 130–131). Nashville: Broadman
& Holman Publishers.
[3]
Melick, R. R. (1991). Philippians,
Colossians, Philemon (Vol. 32, p. 131). Nashville: Broadman
& Holman Publishers.
2 If then there is
any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with
the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by
thinking the same way, having the same love, sharing the same feelings,
focusing on one goal. 3 Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit,
but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. 4 Everyone
should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of
others. [1]
O: What Paul wrote here is the basics for his
appeal for unity. Four expressions of attitudes are introduced by the word ‘if’
in verse one. The four statements recalls the blessings of being in Christ’s community. Encouragement, moral support, fellowship with
God, and mercy. All attributes of unity.
Paul would be filled with ‘joy’ with
those like-minded. The content of
his exhortation is that they be “like-minded.”
The verb used here occurs ten times
in Philippians (of twenty-three times in the Pauline corpus). It speaks to the
intellect (i.e., a way of thinking), but it goes beyond that. It incorporates
the will and emotions into a comprehensive outlook which affects the attitude. With
this word and the contexts in which it occurs, Paul spoke of the values and
ambitions which surface through the mind. This is unity. It is not found in an
identical lifestyle or personality. It occurs when Christian people have the
same values and loves. Paul sought that in this church.[2]
Humility, unselfishness,
love, fellowship in the Spirit. Hallmarks
of peace and harmony.
A: Let us
be like-minded when it comes to unity. We
all must put on the mind of Christ finding behaviors that bring us
together. Here are excellent examples of
how to act and behave. Attitudes make
the person, which makes whatever attitude important. No one can deny there
are good and bad attitudes. Be
like-minded, as the scriptures exhort us, developing attitudes that bring peace
and unity.
P: Praise God You have given us all we need to
be like-minded coming together, united in You so we may be one together working
on spreading the gospel. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Php 2:1–4).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Melick, R. R. (1991). Philippians,
Colossians, Philemon (Vol. 32, pp. 93–94). Nashville: Broadman
& Holman Publishers.
27 Just one thing: Live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of
Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you
that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, working side by side
for the faith that comes from the gospel, 28 not being
frightened in any way by your opponents.
This is a sign of destruction for them, but of your deliverance —and
this is from God. 29 For it has been given to you on Christ’s
behalf not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him, 30 having
the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I have. [1]
O: ‘In this first
section of commands, Paul urged the church to be true to the faith.’[2]
To be unified standing firm in one spirit, one mind, together living a life
worthy of the gospel. The word used for “Live
Your life” implies a strong moral and ethical content to one’s conduct with ‘overtones
of citizenship responsibilities[3]. Conduct that demonstrates fruit of the Spirit
and present a unified stand for all to see the transforming effects of the
gospel. The Christian community must stand as one in
spirit and soul striving together with the faith of the gospel. The attitude must be the same with each
member inside and demonstrate a unified body to the world. It is faith in the gospel that brings the
members together and the body benefits.
It is a team effort requiring complete harmony of the members as the
word for ‘stand’ implies. ‘Complete harmony of purpose and coordination of
various elements was necessary to achieve God’s purposes.’[4] With this stance there is no fear only
deliverance. The steadfastness is a ‘sign’
a ‘stamp of approval’ by God and a sign to unbelievers of God deliverance. “Suffering’ is privilege according to the Greek
words Paul used. The conflict demonstrates
member’s and unbeliever’s confirmation of God grace for in suffering comes
deliverance.
A: Members of the body must be together with
one mind united by faith in the gospel to remain steadfast in the face of
suffering. By standing united with upstanding
moral and ethical behavior the world will know what the body of Christ is all
about. By standing firm the gospel will
be proclaimed. ‘ Be of one spirit, contending as one for the faith of the gospel’
Phil 1:27b
P: I pray God Your people be one in spirit,
living a life worthy of the gospel of Christ working together. In this the body is delivered. Help Your people return to holy behavior and
not fear suffering. Your grace is enough. Help Your people in turning to the faith of
the gospel. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Php 1:27–30).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Melick, R. R. (1991). Philippians, Colossians, Philemon
(Vol. 32, p. 88). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[3]
Melick, R. R. (1991). Philippians,
Colossians, Philemon (Vol. 32, p. 89). Nashville: Broadman &
Holman Publishers.
[4]
Melick, R. R. (1991). Philippians,
Colossians, Philemon (Vol. 32, p. 90). Nashville: Broadman &
Holman Publishers.
4 Listen, my sons, to a father’s
discipline,
and pay attention
so that you may gain understanding,
2 for I am giving you good instruction.
Don’t
abandon my teaching.
3 When I was a son with my father,
tender and
precious to my mother,
4 he taught me and said:
“Your heart
must hold on to my words.
Keep my
commands and live.
5 Get wisdom, get understanding;
don’t
forget or turn away from the words of my mouth. [1]
O: Listen, pay attention do not throw out the Lord’s instruction. By doing so life is rewarded. Forget the prosperity principle, which is not
a guarantee, the reward is life for eternity.
A: So stay in the word.
Let it fill your heart. It will
replace what is evil with what is good and improve one’s walk with God and work
with sanctification.
P: I pray Lord I will not turn from Ur instruction. Help me Lord to lay it up in my heart. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Pr 4:1–5).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
22 Then Samuel said:
Does the Lord
take pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices
as much as
in obeying the Lord?
Look: to obey is better than sacrifice,
to pay
attention is better than the fat of rams.
23 For
rebellion is like the sin of divination,
and defiance is like wickedness and
idolatry.
Because you
have rejected the word of the Lord,
He has
rejected you as king. [1]
O: Praise
the Lord. He has aloud me to return to
my devotions. I am beginning at the call
of David a man after God’s own heart.
Saul screwed up. Sam takes no
pleasure in declaring the word of the Lord.
God is unchanging and demands an upright character to lead His people.
A: Powerful
is the word of God. Damning is those who
rebel, grumble, and make excuses for unrighteous disobedience. His word is plain. Rebellion is sin. Defiance, wickedness, idolic.
Need I explain what divination means? It is kine like opposite discernment. No
need rejection. We need one who is called.
P: Praise
the Lord, my Triune. I stand, there I stand in the gap. I continue to cry but love of You. How You have been there ‘beyond the pale’
never forsaking me. I lay at Your feet, my
Triune, emptying myself, applying kenosis. Your Life resounds in me. Thank You, Your Grace abounds, I am so grateful. You fill me.
You are my only Source of help in time of need. Keep me and help us Your
people learn Your Aloha Shalom. Amene
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (1 Sa 15:22–23).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
Ok ok God, Sam is angry. I have to follow God's direction and instruction completely. Amen God has said put a cork in it and that's what I am doing. I tried to do my devotions today but I can't get past v.11. Praise God. Please everyone go to Him for instruckion (is that even a word God?) Please direct my path. Amen
6 For if I want to boast, I will not be a fool, because I will be
telling the truth. But I will spare you,
so that no one can credit me with something beyond what he sees in me or hears
from me,[1]
11 I have become a fool; you forced it on me. I should have been endorsed
by you, since I am not in any way inferior to the “super-apostles,” even though
I am nothing.[2]
O: In this text Paul gives another reason for his
zealous boast.
The admission—not a question—is γέγονα ἄφρων, “I have been ‘playing the fool’ ” (TCNT), not “I have become
(irreversibly!) a fool.” By writing as he had, by engaging in “foolish
boasting” (cf. 11:1, 16–18, 21b, 30; 12:1), by indulging in comparisons with
his opponents (11:22–29; 12:1–5), by boasting “as the world does” (11:18), he
had been “foolish” (ἄφρων). Not everything in the “Fool’s Speech”
(11:1–12:10) had been foolish or boasting, but he recognized the principal
thrust of that “speech.” Yes, he had worn a fool’s mask, but he was no fool
(11:16; 12:6) and the mask had now been removed (note the perfect γέγονα). [3]
Paul in no
way belittles himself. The readers attitude
has forced his hand. There was factions
and Paul pleading with them to listen to him pulling out all the stops. He is no fool for he only speaks the truth (v.6),
and they should listen.
Because the Corinthians had failed to “commend”
him, to rally to his defense and act as his vindicators, he had been forced to
boast himself. Had they commended him as they should have, he would not have
been compelled to “play the fool” and engage in self-praise.[4]
A: Factions abound. The church is pressed as Paul was. Those who hold the banner high are pressured
due to all the quarreling, jealousy,
outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions,
slander, gossip, arrogance, and
disorder.[5]
The church today is no different. There
is no longer respect for spiritual authority and people are doing anything whether
right or wrong. Turn to what is authoritative,
the Bible. Come together in unity under
His banner and standard. God’s word cannot be discounted, discredited, and
proven false. Those that experience the
conviction of the Holy Spirit blame the uncomfortable feelings on believers and
misdirect their wrath. Hopefully, that
conviction helps them turn to that Who is convicting, God.
P: Praise You God for Your word. You are the greatest encouragement. Your blessings are the most refreshing. Your peace surpasses understanding bring the most complete, fulfilling rest one can have. Help us Lord to stand on Your word, speak the truth and redirect the worlds wrath to salvation. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (2 Co 12:6).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (2 Co 12:11).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[3]
Harris, M. J. (2005). The Second Epistle
to the Corinthians: a commentary on the Greek text (pp.
870–871). Grand Rapids, MI; Milton Keynes, UK: W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co.;
Paternoster Press.
[4]
Harris, M. J. (2005). The Second Epistle
to the Corinthians: a commentary on the Greek text (p. 871).
Grand Rapids, MI; Milton Keynes, UK: W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co.; Paternoster Press.
[5] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (2 Co 12:20).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
3 But I fear that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your
minds may be seduced from a complete and pure devotion to Christ.[1]
O: “But I
am afraid that just as the snake deceived Eve by his cunning, your minds may
somehow be corrupted and lured away from your single-mindedness and your purity
in relation to Christ.”[2]This
text is one of the reasons why he is so concerned for the Corinthians. He is ramping up his confrontation with eloquent
so-called “super apostles” who have been telling them things contrary to the gospel. Paul is obviously upset and expresses his holy
zeal as jealousy. He compares the
speakers to the serpent and encourages believers not be seduced but be completely
and purely devoted to Christ. Paul has a
concern the believers may be led astray from the Way and not demonstrate simplistic,
sincere, upright[3] devotion to Christ. In other words, become incomplete and fragmented
with division.
A: How many times have people been led astray
by eloquent, deceptive rhetoric. Just
look at overwhelming number of the cults.
Examples are everywhere in the modern church. There is division and many take sides because
of a member’s deceptive rhetoric. Many
of the problems they perceive are based on hearsay, rumors, gossip, bad
assumptions, and not on the bible. They
may have not been fully truthful and have demonstrated lawlessness numerous
times. ‘Super-apostles’ faults are duplicitous.
Many leaders have been seduced by eloquent
deceptive speech. Please bring them out
of the darkness. Direct Them to light of the gospel and encourage them to demonstrate
‘a complete and pure devotion to Christ’.
P: Lord You are awesome. Your love and concern for us is humbling. Joy from You is like a beautiful sunrise. Help us Lord to come together in unity demonstrating aloha to all no matter who they are and what they have done. God You are the judge and many leaders have been found wanting. Please help them to turn to You, repent, turn from evil and step into Your light. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (2 Co 11:3).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Harris, M. J. (2005). The Second Epistle
to the Corinthians: a commentary on the Greek text (p. 739).
Grand Rapids, MI; Milton Keynes, UK: W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co.; Paternoster Press.
[3]
Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., Bauer, W., & Gingrich, F. W. (2000). A Greek-English
lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature
(3rd ed., p. 104). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
2 I beg you that when I am present I will not need to be bold with the
confidence by which I plan to challenge certain people who think we are
behaving in an unspiritual way. 3 For
though we live in the body, we do not wage war in an unspiritual way, 4 since
the weapons of our warfare are not worldly,
but are powerful through God for
the demolition of strongholds. We demolish arguments 5 and
every high-minded thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, taking
every thought captive to obey Christ. 6 And we are ready to
punish any disobedience, once your obedience has been confirmed. [1]
O: Paul’s
tone has changed. He holds nothing
back. Christians face a war, but God has
given us tools to fight. Paul implores Christians
to depend on divine resources rather than the world.
A: What are
the tools. Paul covered that with the
whole armor:
13 This is why you must take up the full
armor of God, so that you may be able to
resist in the evil day, and having
prepared everything, to take your stand. 14 Stand, therefore,
with
truth like a belt around your waist,
righteousness like armor on your chest,
15 and your feet sandaled with readiness
for the
gospel of peace.
16 In every situation take the shield of faith,
and with it
you will be able to extinguish
all the
flaming arrows of the evil one.
17 Take the helmet of salvation,
and the
sword of the Spirit,
which is
God’s word.
18 Pray
at all times in the Spirit with
every prayer and request, and stay alert
in this with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.[2]
P: I pray
that those who go to war do so with all the tools You provide. The battle belongs to You. Praise the Lord! Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (2 Co 10:2–6).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Eph 6:13–18).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
1 God, give Your justice to the king
and Your
righteousness to the king’s son.
2 He will judge Your people with
righteousness
and Your
afflicted ones with justice.
3 May the mountains bring prosperity to the people
and the
hills, righteousness.
4 May he vindicate the afflicted among the
people,
help the
poor,
and crush
the oppressor.[1]
O: Actually a prayer asking one to pray for the king or
those who judge over His people. That
God teaches justice. That the king be righteous.
In
some languages “judge” as a verb combines the notions of “investigation” and
“judgment.” Righteousness is often
rendered as “true” or “straightness,” or by figurative expressions. V.1-2
could be translated as follows “O God, show our king how you judge matters
fairly, and teach our king your goodness.”[2] The needy may
sometimes be rendered “people who do not have what they need.” Oppressor is sometimes rendered “those
who hold other people down” or “those who take away other people’s rights.” In
other languages an oppressor is “a person who derides others” or “one who eats
on the backs of others,” meaning that he exploits them for his own advantage.[3]
A: Pray, pray, and pray
some more. Pray for those who judge.
Pray for the oppressed and the oppressors. Use the psalm to help pray. Use the words of God to speak to Him. The wisdom and depth of His understanding
overwhelms and overflows with grace and peace.
Never forget to pray.
P: Lord You are good. Your grace is fathomless. Thank you Thank you. Help us o always have a
prayer on our lips. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ps 72:1–4).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Bratcher, R. G., & Reyburn, W. D. (1991). A translator’s
handbook on the book of Psalms (p. 622). New York: United Bible
Societies.
[3]
Bratcher, R. G., & Reyburn, W. D. (1991). A translator’s
handbook on the book of Psalms (pp. 623–624). New York: United
Bible Societies.
10 So I say, “I am grieved
that the
right hand of the Most High has changed.”
11 I will remember the Lord’s works;
yes, I will
remember Your ancient wonders.
12 I will reflect on all You have done
and
meditate on Your actions.
13 God, Your way is holy.
What god is
great like God?
14 You are the God who works wonders;
You
revealed Your strength among the peoples.
15 With power You redeemed Your people,
the
descendants of Jacob and Joseph.[1]
O: This must be written by David due to all the problems he
was experiencing. He felt God have left
and no longer is showing His love. Verse 10 is difficult to translate. njv translates “It is my fault”—which would be an
almost unprecedented statement.[2] It is better to follow a more likely translation
as HCB does here. David is incredibly
sad. The second sentence is the most
difficult but could be rendered as a rhetorical question because God is the
same as always and does not change. However, His behavior is different to the
people of this world in that He will not save those who refuse to repent.
A: Even during trials and tribulations remember the works He
has done. I love the song by Tommy
Walker, “We will Remember”:
We
will remember, we will remember
We will remember the works of Your hands
We will stop and give you praise
For great is Thy faithfulness.
God has redeemed those who turn
to Him and grow in their relationship with Him. Do not forget what God is capable
of.
P: Yes, Lord I grieve. It is hard to praise You in the mists of
troubles. I pray You help me remember
what You can do. You are a blessing and
there is nothing to fear for those in You.
Help me Lord to remember the works of Your hand in my life for great is
Your faithfulness. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ps 77:10–15).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Bratcher, R. G., & Reyburn, W. D. (1991). A translator’s
handbook on the book of Psalms (p. 675). New York: United Bible
Societies.
7 Therefore, dear
friends, since we have such promises, let us cleanse ourselves from every
impurity of the flesh and spirit, completing our sanctification in the fear of
God.[1]
O: The text
today is packed full of meaning. This is
the final verse in an astounding paragraph 6:14-7:1 Managing the temple (the
body) is the central theme and the ethics of Paul is implied by the indicative-imperative
dialectic “You are;
therefore be!”[2] throughout. Paul is explaining how to live the Christian life.
Emphatically therefore due to the 7 promises in 6:17-18, it is imperative we
cleanse ourselves completely not by ritual washing but by the fear (No
single English word conveys every aspect of the word fear in this phrase. The meaning includes worshipful submission,
reverential awe, and obedient respect to the covenant-keeping God of Israel[3])
of God, from every and all impurities physically and spiritually. Every possible form that defiles must go, rejecting
the worldly way of life. Paul claims we
must be made perfect, ridding ourselves constantly of that which does not bring
glory to God thereby becoming more complete in our sanctification.
As used here, the expression καθαρίζω ἀπό (“cleanse from”) is elliptical, with ἀπό denoting
separation. The sense is “Let us cleanse ourselves96 [by keeping clear
of …].” There is no necessary implication that Paul and the Corinthians were
already defiled in body or spirit and so needed cleansing, just as “let us
throw off the deeds of darkness” (Rom. 13:12) need not imply that Paul and the
Roman believers were clothed in evil. The constant need to repudiate any possible defilement (παντὸς μολυσμοῦ) is Paul’s point. The aorist καθαρίσωμεν does not point to a single decisive act but to repeated action
conceived of unitarily. μολυσμός, “defilement,”
“pollution,” a NT hapax legomenon,
denotes something that makes a person ceremonially or morally unclean and
therefore unfit for worship.[4]
A: How
should we than therefore live? How ya gonna act? Demonstrate a constant vigil addressing
anything that may defile. Search one’s heart, capture every thought, evaluate
one’s motives, for anything that will not bring glory to God. Walk in obedience circumspect fully with eyes
wide open growing and developing a lifestyle reflecting the holiness of God. There must be a constant vigilance.
P: Praise
You Lord. Thank you for Your help and encouragement. Help us Lord to gain insight as to how to cleanse
ourselves of anything that detracts from Your glory. Open the eyes of our hearts the help us see
what we need to do in order to draw closer to You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard
version. (2009). (2 Co 7). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Harris, M. J. (2005). The Second Epistle
to the Corinthians: a commentary on the Greek text (p. 514).
Grand Rapids, MI; Milton Keynes, UK: W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co.; Paternoster Press.
[3] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard
version. (2009). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[4]
Harris, M. J. (2005). The Second Epistle
to the Corinthians: a commentary on the Greek text (p. 512).
Grand Rapids, MI; Milton Keynes, UK: W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co.; Paternoster Press.
6 Working together with Him, we also
appeal to you, “Don’t receive God’s grace in vain.” 2 For He
says:
I heard you in an acceptable time,
and I helped you in the day of salvation. y
Look, now
is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation…. [1]
11 We have spoken openly to you,
Corinthians; our heart has been opened wide. 12 You are not
limited by us, but you are limited by your own affections. 13 I
speak as to my children. As a proper response, you should also be open to us.[2]
O: Most important to all Paul writes is "Work together". Part of this text is a quote from Isaiah, one of the “Servant
songs” taken from Isa 49:8. God has
responded and now is the time for your salvation. Isa 49:1-13 is a wonderful passage relating
to Israel’s salvation and not only the Jews, but the passage references the
gentiles also. Paul probably loved the
passage because he could relate to it. Isaiah
talks about one called and set apart in v.1; v.5 talks about a twofold mission
to the Jews and then the gentiles v.6; and finally, misgivings about the result
of his mission v.4. Paul was concerned
that his work was in vain since they questioned his ministry and were listening
to others causing division. Paul further explains his ministry but pleads with
them there is no better time than now to accept the gospel. Paul a pilar of the Apostle calls on the
Corinthians to deal with their problems and not let the afflictions limit them
but respond rightly to the message as he has done.
Listen to his examples for nothing has limited him in his joy and ministry.
A: Today is as good a
time as any. Change and turn to the
gospel. Accept Jesus into your heart and
focus on Him, who He is and what He has one and will do. Listen to the Word for
He was present from before the beginning.
His love has never waned nor wavered. Rid one life of that which limits one from opening
your hearts and lives to Christ.
P: Praise God for his witness Paul. With You Paul held nothing back but did all he could to serve You. Help us Lord to open our hearts and lives to You Helps us Lord to listen to You. Mold us into Your image to be more like You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (2 Co 6:1-2). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (2 Co 6:11–13).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
7 For we walk by faith, not by sight, 8 and
we are confident and satisfied to be out of the body and at home with the
Lord. 9 Therefore, whether
we are at home or away, we make it our aim to be pleasing to Him. 10 For
we must all appear before the tribunal of Christ, so that each may be repaid
for what he has done in the body, whether good or worthless.
11 Therefore, because we know the fear of
the Lord, we seek to persuade people. We are completely open before God, and I
hope we are completely open to your consciences as well.[1]
O: We do not have the luxury of a cloud by day or
a pillar of fire by night to guide us, but we do have His word. Have faith in the covenant of God. God has given us a testament of Him and has
told us what to count on. We can be of
good ‘conscience’ when we do what God asks.
For all believers have been called.
We must answer by words and deeds conforming to His image. Be confident and satisfied for His children
lack in nothing. God is our great provider
so make it your ‘aim to please Him’. No
one can ‘out give God’. So, therefore, ‘fear
God’ for He will turn away those who do not know Him. He will judge everyone.
A:
Faith to me is an action word. Walk by faith. Walking requires behaving consistent to His
word. Behavior that conforms to God’s
agreement with us. Walk by His
commandments so that we may know Him and have a relationship with Him. Be confident in the knowledge of God. Have total respect for the One who has
called. Fear the Lord for creation is in
His hands and He has a plan. His
presence is everywhere, and He works in history to restore His people bringing
about salvation. Everything will be made
complete; either complete blessings or complete destruction. Be ‘completely
open to God’.
P:
Blessed be the Lord. Blessed be Your
name. Praises for Your revelation and
words of salvation. Help us to walk completely by faith. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (2 Co 5:6–11).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
4 Therefore, since
we have this ministry because we were shown mercy, we do not give up.[1]
O: Paul now
takes up the theme of the book reflecting on God’s mercy making His children a fragrance
pleasing to those who know Him but the smell of death to those who do not (2
Cor 2:14-17). Also, by His mercy we are raised from glory to glory where the “ministry
of righteousness overflows with even more glory (2 Cor 3:9)”[2]. His children have been summoned to proclaim
the message God has revealed to those who believe. Do not give up! How many times has this been said in His
word? 23 times His children are
encouraged to persevere. This is the ministry displayed in the way one walks
and talks. It is a ministry emoting God’s
mercy by demonstrating moral behavior that brings people together in unity and proclaiming
the gospel. His children act as “agents in spreading the knowledge of God and
in calling people to turn to the Lord of the glorious new covenant, and in
particular because of the Spirit’s liberating and transforming work”[3].
A: 2
Corinthians is a powerful book and often overlooked but has a powerful message
in keeping the faith. The church has so
many problems the message still rings true today. Do not give up. Continue with the ministry God has summoned
who have heard the call. Remember His children
are trustees of the great treasure God bestowed. As trustees, summoned, are entrusted to use
God’s gifts wisely by turning away from the behavior of the world and walk in
the light of the glory of Jesus Christ.
Proclaiming the gospel in words and deeds.
P: O Lord You are glorious. You are gracious, full of mercy and worthy of all praise. Help us Lord to reflect the brilliance and majesty of Your Spirit and shine Your light to all through our way of life, behavior, and the words we speak. Help us Lord to bring glory to You in all we do. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (2 Co 4:1).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (2 Co 3:9). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
[3]
Harris, M. J. (2005). The Second Epistle
to the Corinthians: a commentary on the Greek text (p. 322).
Grand Rapids, MI; Milton Keynes, UK: W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co.; Paternoster Press.
46 How long, Lord?
Will You hide Yourself forever?
Will Your
anger keep burning like fire?
47 Remember how short my life is.
Have You
created everyone for nothing?
48 What man can live and never see death?
Who can
save himself from the power of Sheol? Selah
49 Lord, where are the former acts of Your
faithful love
that You
swore to David in Your faithfulness?
50 Remember, Lord, the ridicule against Your
servants—
in my heart
I carry abuse from all the peoples—
51 how Your enemies have ridiculed, Lord,
how they
have ridiculed every step of Your anointed.
52 May the Lord
be praised forever.
Amen and
amen. [1]
O: A lament. A cry from
real life. The Psalmist shows his frustration. A prayer to God asking when will God present Himself. Life is short and it is unknown how much
longer the ridicule and abuse can be tolerated.
The Psalmist appealing to God. He
prays to the one who can save from death.
He lifts his voice to his only source of salvation pleading for help
from his adversaries.
A: Prayer is not the only thing one can do to stand up to
abuse. The hard part is maintaining one’s
joy throughout the adverse experiences. Remembering
to have a praise is also difficult. Recall
what James said. Be of good cheer, these tests strengthen faith and patience
and that through patience one can gain perfection, be complete, lacking in
nothing (James 1:2-4). All who walk with
Christ if done right will experience tribulation. It is a fact, no one walking with Christ is
alone in suffering which is a sad testimony of the world. The king of lies is in firm control of this
world but be encouraged He has conquered the world and the king of darkness no
longer has any power over His children.
P: Praise You Lord. Thank-You be being ever present with Your word. Thank You for inspiring the writers of Your word. In it we find solace and Your shalom, selah. Help us Lord to not forget we are not alone. Help us to not forget Your joy. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ps 89:46–52).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
4 For I wrote to you with many tears out of an extremely troubled and
anguished heart—not that you should be hurt, but that you should know the
abundant love I have for you.[1]
O: Paul was
troubled, and his heart grieved because of what was reported and what he
experienced during his last visit. “Paul
did not write to them to vent his anger and to inflict on them the same pain they
had dealt him (see Phil 1:17). We learn from 2 Corinthians that Paul had four
motives in writing his letter.
1. He wrote so that his next visit would
bring joy instead of pain (2:3). In 13:10 he says he writes these things in 2
Corinthians while he is away from them so that he will not have to use a heavy
hand when he is present. If they respond obediently, his visit will bring joy.
This joy is more than good cheer over a happy reunion. Joy for Paul is related
to the submission of the community to God’s will, which in turn advances the
gospel and brings glory to God.
2. He wanted them to know ultimately of his love (2:4; see 3:2; 12:15;
1 Cor 16:24).
3. He wanted to test their obedience (2:9).
4. He wanted to reveal to them their real earnestness for Paul (7:11–12)[2]”
A: The same can be said of why I email the leaders of the church today. Out of love I ask for correction and repentance so that joy can be made known, and God glorified. I take no joy in addressing sin, but something must be done. Sin cannot be ignored or satan will be given free reign.
P: I praise
You God. I worship You. I lift my voice to You God. I proclaim You as Lord God above all
else. I know You inhabit the praises of
Your people. Worship and glory go hand
in hand. Help us Lord to be in unity listening
to You and each other. Help us Lord to
do all things out of love, be respectful and speak the truth. Help us not to be passive but active in the
fight against powers and principalities.
Help us always to put sin to death. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (2 Co 2:4).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Garland, D. E. (1999). 2 Corinthians
(Vol. 29, p. 114). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
16 But God says to the wicked:
“What right
do you have to recite My statutes
and to take
My covenant on your lips?
17 You hate instruction
and turn
your back on My words. c
18 When you see a thief,
you make
friends with him,
and you
associate with adulterers.
19 You unleash your mouth for evil
and harness
your tongue for deceit.
20 You sit, maligning your brother,
slandering
your mother’s son.
21 You have done these things, and I kept
silent;
you thought
I was just like you.
But I will
rebuke you
and lay out
the case before you.[1]
O: You may look at this verse and feel that this text does
not apply to you because you do not associate with adulterers and slandering
your mother’s son. Consider this, the language
used in this text is etymologically Ugaritic in origin. The Ugaritic language is an extinct upper
Syrian language. The phrase regarding who was slandered is difficult to
translate “since the Ugaritic parallelism suggests
that we might be here dealing with a poetic cliché”.[2]
The true meaning has been lost, however, remember maligning and slandering one’s
brother is the referred to as works of the flesh by Paul. The behavior is evil and continues to this
day in the church. God will rebuke such
behavior.
A: Some call me a bully, harassing others in the church. The only legitimate accusation of me is calling out bad behavior. I consider not the person but the behavior evil, foul, and a disgrace to God. God loves His children and constantly provides direction and guidance. Make no mistake, He will rebuke even if He is silent now. The punishment is coming. Therefore, do not “unleash your mouth for evil and harness your tongue for deceit” but do everything with the motive of love.
P: Praise You God Your instruction is clear. Even
though Your medium comes through ancient tongues there is no mistake in what You’re
telling us. Help us Lord to turn away
from evil. Helps us not to malign others
but only speak the truth with love. Help
us God to grow in Your love. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ps 50:16–21).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Dahood, M., S. J. (2008). Psalms I: 1-50:
Introduction, translation, and notes (Vol. 16, pp. 309–310). New
Haven; London: Yale University Press.
13 This is the way of those who are
arrogant,
and of
their followers,
who approve
of their words. Selah
14 Like sheep they are headed for Sheol;
Death will
shepherd them.
The upright
will rule over them in the morning,
and their
form will waste away in Sheol,
far from
their lofty abode.
15 But God will redeem my life
from the
power of Sheol,
for He will
take me. Selah
[1]
O: This poem to full of subtle irony using the
local dialect for several play on words. The irony is no more evident than here
when the personification of death eats those heading for Sheol, the arrogant
and those who are complacent of such behavior.
Behavior such as self-satisfied, smug, uncritical attitudes with no
desire nor felt need to change. Those who approve of the words of the arrogant are
also complicit in a sense collaborating with those demonstrating bad behavior
and will share the same fate. Selah is
another interesting word found throughout the Psalms. Due to the exact meaning is lost conjecture comes
into play for several meanings can be applied.
I like to think of it as an exclamation where those listening recite
together a word meaning ‘forever’.
A: I put my trust in the Lord and do not listen
to the words of the arrogant. I do not
follow hearsay to justify my beliefs.
Wealth and success are fleeting and untrustworthy. I seek what is sure and true and turn away
from bad attitudes and behavior. I will
not follow after complacency but seek a renewing of my mind, changing, becoming
more Christlike from His mercies which are new every morning.
P: Lord You are so good. Your word is full of wisdom, filling and satisfying. Your word is complete and prefect giving life
and giving it forever. Praise You God
and help us change. Help us to see the
errors of your ways and plant Your word in our hearts to become more like You.
Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ps 49:13–15).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
9 I will say to God, my rock,
“Why have
You forgotten me?
Why must I
go about in sorrow
because of
the enemy’s oppression?”
10 My adversaries taunt me,
as if
crushing my bones,
while all
day long they say to me,
“Where is
your God?”
11 Why am I so depressed?
Why this
turmoil within me?
Put your
hope in God, for I will still praise Him,
my Savior
and my God.[1]
O: Lyrics are written in this text with a simple refrain and
bridge. Depressed is the refrain but I
still praise Him is the bridge. Oppressed
but I still praise Him. Why am I
depressed? Why must I feel sorrow? Why am I taunted and awash with turmoil is
the refrain? Still, I will praise Him is
the bridge that brings the senses back to God.
A: Remember what refrains mean “To stop, break or curb.” It is repeated again and again down through
history. If Christians feel that way know
they’re in good company. The prophets, the
judges and kings went through it. Jesus experienced sorrow, oppression, and
taunts. It is a fact those who follow
Jesus will suffer, for the world will rebel.
Jesus is the bridge, in the Psalm our rock. Therefor I put my hope in my
Savior and my God.
P: Praise God my Rock,
my Hope. In You I place my trust and I
will still praise You. Help me Lord to look to You and praise You in all
circumstances. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ps 42:9–11).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
God Judges the Proud
1 Why brag about evil, you hero!
God’s
faithful love is constant.
2 Like a sharpened razor,
your tongue
devises destruction,
working
treachery.
3 You love evil instead of good,
lying
instead of speaking truthfully. Selah
4 You love any words that destroy,
you
treacherous tongue![1]
O: This Psalm is different than the other. It is very direct in requesting judgement to
one who stands proud but does evil. The
evil spoke of here is gossip and lies.
The gossip is treacherous intending division and destruction of
others. Seeking to discredit others with
the tongue. The first four verses are a
condemnation of the enemy, evil. Other
headings of the text could read: “ “God’s Judgment and Grace.”;
“True and false security”; “The fate of cynics”; “The deceitful tongue.” In
some languages it will be necessary to substitute verb phrases for the nouns in
this title; for example, “God judges people and shows how kind he is.” ”[2] In first line in the text is an idiom
difficult to translate but could be said something like this “You hot-shot, braggart,
trying to make yourself look good.”
However, the text refers to one who has an agenda, using evil to work
his treachery, an evil doer.
A: Just
know God sees everything. The Psalm is
almost a lament, but all will be made known.
Those who work with evil will be punished. I must be careful not to have this Psalm
refer to me. What are my motives? Do I
want to destroy? Are my motives good? I
must be careful to encourage fellowship and remember we all have sinned. However, if I continue to use evil to justify
my actions God will condemn me.
P: Praise
You Lord and thank You for Your encouragement and insurance that You will take
care of Your children. I pray I do not boast,
that my motives are in line with You and my behavior glorifies You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ps 52:1–4).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Bratcher, R. G., & Reyburn, W. D. (1991). A translator’s
handbook on the book of Psalms (p. 478). New York: United Bible
Societies.
4 How happy is the man
who has put
his trust in the Lord
and has not
turned to the proud
or to those
who run after lies! [1]
O: Not much to say about this straightforward text. Hard to read it any differently than what it
means. Put your trust in the Lord. Do not pay attention to the prideful and walk
away from lies. Make the Lord as the
only ‘object of trust, what one
believes in or has confidence’.[2] Place all of one’s confidence in the one who
provides peace and security faithfully, the Lord the one and only God.
A: Recently many have
turned away from this truth and listen to lies from other who stand proud. Even in church many are listening to lies
from prideful people. Gossip reigns
causing all kinds of problems. Lies
prevail and cause division. It is a sad commentary of the state of church. People are chasing after that which is insincere
and works of the flesh. Put your trust
in the source of joy, happiness, and peace.
P: Praise God for Your security, peace, and joy. Thank-You for the confidence and trust You foster. Help us to grow in our trust in You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ps 40:4). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Swanson, J. (1997). Dictionary of
Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains : Hebrew (Old Testament)
(electronic ed.). Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
Why God is Angry?
8 The Lord’s
anger burned against Israel, and He sold them to Cushan-rishathaim king of
Aram-naharaim, and the
Israelites served him eight years. [1]
O: Anger is such an intense emotion. However,
the expression of anger is at times appropriate. God was angry for good reason. Previously the Lord saw His chosen doing what
was evil in His eyes. The Lord was
hot. Here He gave His children over to bondage
for the first time since leaving Egypt because of their bad behavior. He still loved thme but angered by their behavior
and doled out punishment hoping the behavior will be corrected. Many commentors state He “removed His hedge of
protection”. His anger was justified for it was against their behavior.
A: Anger
can both good and bad. If anger wells up
look to what caused it. We are always to
seek the cause of our emotions with us, so look inward to what motivated or elicited
the anger. The cause of emotions is
only with one’s perception of the event. People respond to the same eternal
events differently because of different temperaments and perceptions. Each individual is responsible for their emotions
because emotions are a matter of choice. “Was it sin and what displeases God or
was it an expression of rage that seeks to benefit self, rather another and
extends beyond the appropriate time? If
one can benefit from the anger and goes to sleep with it is inappropriate and ultimately
works against the individual who expresses the emotion (cf. Eph 4:26; Jms
1:19-20)”.[2]
P: God You are righteous and just. You glory is all around us. Help us be glad for mercy and grace. Help us to let joy well up in You. Help us please to demonstrate behavior
pleasing to You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Jdg 3:8). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Apologetics
Study Bible-HCSB (Judges 3:8)
18 For to begin with, I hear that when you come together as a church
there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it. 19 There
must, indeed, be factions among you, so that those who are approved may be
recognized among you.[1]
O: So, is
Paul saying division is ok in this text? Not by any translation are division and
factions good. Peter also discusses the
issue of factions in 2 Pt 2:1 calling those causing division false teachers. In ancient Greek, the word for division or split
called for punishment of the ones causing the problem or inciting a group to
take sides. The punishment was same as
with those caught stealing.[2] In Galatians Paul calls the action of division
works of the flesh for it creates factions.
Christians need to be like-minded and stive for unity. Christ prayed we be part of the vine
producing fruit not the bitter root which defiles many (Jn 17cf., Heb 12:15).
Paul abhorred the approval of man which means nothing. Rather he like the
author of Hebrews looks to Jesus Christ as the author and finisher of our faith
(Heb 12:2).
A: I seek
the approval of no man. I have been called
many things by the cancel culture. I have
been threatened for my perceived harassment.
I have been accosted in the sanctuary, threatened with lawsuits because in
my humble opinion speak the truth. Division is abhorrent, sinful and works of
the flesh. Taking sides has no place in
the body of Christ. I throw all my support
to Jesus. He is the faction I wish to
see. Stop the attitude of worldly culture that demands people take sides, unwilling
to listen, canceling other as unworthy.
That is judgmental and blasphemy talking. We must come together as one
in unity with Jesus.
P: Lord thank you for Your word. Praise You for the guidance and direction You
provide. I am grateful for Your grace
and peace. Help us Lord to grow in unity.
Help us to come together with the attitude of Your Shalom. Your
completeness, the bond that can bring us together in peace and serenity. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (1 Co 11:18–19).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Maurer,
C. (1964–). σχίζω, σχίσμα. G. Kittel, G. W. Bromiley, &
G. Friedrich (Eds.), Theological
dictionary of the New Testament (electronic ed., Vol. 7, p. 963). Grand
Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
8 God reigns over the nations;
God is
seated on His holy throne.
9 The nobles of the peoples have assembled
with the
people of the God of Abraham.
For the leaders
of the earth belong to God;
He is
greatly exalted.[1]
O: The leaders belong to God. Hope the leader return the favor. The beginning of the chapter exalts God by
clapping hands. It seems all cultures
use the clapping of hands to show honor and praise. The Israelites are no different. Our God is ruler of all nations in the world
and we must exalt Him to be worthy.
A: ‘Clap your hands all the people shout to God with a word of praise’. It’s one of first songs I learned as a
Christian. What a joyful song. Very uplifting and praiseworthy. We are to show our adoration and have joy in
our hearts for God the creator who put everything in motion. The creator and director of all still looks
to each and every one of His children and guides their paths.
P: Praise You God for You are worthy of all praise. You care for ALL Your creation. Your love is boundless and uplifting. Help us Lord to clap in our joy. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ps 47:8–9).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
27 Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so
that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified.[1]
O: In this
text Paul continues with the metaphor of the athlete demonstrating self-control
in getting the body into shape by discipline so not to be disqualified. He practices his trade regularly forgetting
the failures of the past and pressing forward to the upward calling of Christ (Philippians
3:14). His illustration brings many
layers of meanings and applications telling his listeners listener to exercise faithful
lives.
A: ‘Practice
makes perfect’, as the saying goes. Our
walk with Christ is no different. Faith
is an action verb which needs to be exercised to build in strength and perseverance. Prayer, reading His word and hanging out with
Christians. Think on how to improve one’s
walk with Christ. By developing one’s
relationship with God and each other.
See you in the race.
P: Praise
God for Your great illustrations helping us to put to practice how we should
live. Help us Lord to exercise our faith
as often as possible. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (1 Co 9:27).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
8 About food offered
to idols: We know that “we all have
knowledge.” Knowledge inflates with pride,
but love builds up. 2 If anyone thinks he knows anything, he
does not yet know it as he ought to know it.
3 But if anyone loves God, he is known by Him. [1]
O: This is
a difficult text to interpret. Food
offered or food consecrated to Gods?
Many early church leaders forbade believers to eat any meat that came
from the temple. Here I lean to a
broader sense, to refrain from anything related to idol worship or anything
cultic because the idiom used here is unknown to present readers. However, the refence to knowledge perplexes
me and needs further study. For ‘we all
have knowledge’ to one degree or another but knowledge has a propensity to cause
pride to well up. Pride is not good and is the opposite of love. Pride is disruptive but love builds up. So therefor, the last part of the text sums
it all up ‘love God’ so that He knows you.
A: Finally do
everything that shows your love for God.
Please do not act on anything that jeopardizes that witness. We must build up and not tear down causing division
because of pride in knowledge. Be
careful to demonstrate the love of God in all you do.
P: God You are love. Help us to show our love of You in all we do. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (1 Co 8:1–3).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
Various Situations of Life
17 However, each one must live his life in the situation the Lord assigned when God called him. This is what I command in all the churches. [1]
O: I like the way The Message puts it; “17 And
don’t be wishing you were someplace else or with someone else. Where you are
right now is God’s place for you. Live and obey and love and believe right
there. God, not your marital status, defines your life. Don’t think I’m being
harder on you than on the others. I give this same counsel in all the churches”. This gives the intent of the text. God has placed you right where you need to
be. God can use you wherever you are “just
as you are”.
A: Don’t be envious longing for more. God has given you just what you need. Pray to God and ask Him how He can use the
life He gave you to glorify Him.
P: I pray to you my
source and my life God. You have given
all I need. Praise You God for I lack in
nothing. Open my eyes to see how You can use me. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (1 Co 7:17).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
Lawsuits among Believers
6 If any of you has a legal dispute against another, do you dare go to court before the unrighteous, and not before the saints?[1]
O: The very first word in the text reflects Paul’s outrage and disappointment. τολμᾷ could be translated ‘how dare you?’. But normally τολμάω is used in the positive sense of courageous, daring, and Does he have the face to …? misses the nuance of ironic, dry humor which may also give a more interpersonal, less confrontational note to the admittedly emphatic rebuke.[2] To take disputes among Christians to the world’s courts is incredulous. The question introduced is rhetorical due to the obvious answer is heavens no! Paul is vehemently encouraging the believers to take their disputes to the saints and work it out.
A: Be not of the world and do what you used to do. God tells us in His word elsewhere to ‘Come lets reason together’ Isa 1:18. We must talk with gentleness and love with the intent to work together in unity so an answer may come. We must be more concerned for others than of ourselves. Much importantly come together and be of like mind Rm 15:5.
P: Lord You are Good. Praise You Jesus. Thank-you for bringing us together. Praise God.
Help us Lord to put away our differences and come tighter in unity to be
of ‘like mind’ in Jesus. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard
version. (2009). (1 Co 6:1). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Thiselton, A. C. (2000). The First Epistle
to the Corinthians: a commentary on the Greek text (pp.
423–424). Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans.
A Plea for Rescue
For the
choir director: according to “The Lilies.”
Davidic.
1 Save me, God,
for the
water has risen to my neck.
2 I have sunk in deep mud, and there is no
footing;
I have come
into deep waters,
and a flood
sweeps over me.
3 I am weary from my crying;
my throat
is parched.
My eyes
fail, looking for my God.
4 Those who hate me without cause
are more
numerous than the hairs of my head;
my
deceitful enemies, who would destroy me,
are
powerful.
Though I
did not steal, I must repay.[1]
O: At times life can be overwhelming. Especially when serving God. Christ asked, “are you able to drink from the
cup?”(Mt 20:22) The cup of
suffering. When in your walk with Christ
if you are not suffering are you doing it right? This plea of rescue helps to remind those in Christ
suffering are not alone. Even David
suffered. The morning will come because
His blessings are new every morning.
Many will raise up arguing causing strife and division. Know that Powers of darkness are always on
the ready to fight, waging war against the light.
A: Do not
be dismayed. God warned what will happen
to those working against Him living contrary to His covenant. Remember what happened to Achan in Jos
7:1cf. Also, some consider Paul a bully reading
him as hectoring and abrasive, throwing his weight around and asserting his
views. In Galatians, he does not mince his words in his criticism of Peter, and
he tells his ‘Judaizing’ opponents where to go and what to do in no uncertain
terms![2] I am honored when I am labeled a bully when I
point out bad behavior in the name of Jesus. People demand I repay the so-called
insults with apologies. I am humble that
I suffer in doing the work of Jesus.
P: I pray
that we can withstand the continuous assaults from the powers of darkness. Thank You god for Your promises. Thank You for your faithfulness. Praise You
for Your love. Help us Lord to face
adversity and suffering with love. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ps 69:title–4).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] www.psephizo.com/biblical-studies/why-preach-on-paul/
The Faithful Manager
4 A person should consider us in
this way: as servants of Christ and managers of God’s mysteries. 2 In this regard, it is
expected of managers that each one of them be found faithful. 3 It is of little importance
to me that I should be evaluated by you or by any human court. In fact, I don’t even evaluate myself. 4 For
I am not conscious of anything against myself, but I am not justified by this.
The One who evaluates me is the Lord. 5 Therefore don’t judge
anything prematurely, before the Lord comes, who will both bring to light what
is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of the hearts. And then praise
will come to each one from God.[1]
O: Rest assured God
will bring to light all things that are hidden.
Paul is addressing the division in the Corinth Church. He is referring to faithful servants. Some in the church said they are following
the instructions of Apollos or Paul.
This behavior is still seen today when some say they answer only to the
moderator or a certain trustee. Paul
states it is of little importance to be evaluated by the members or even by the
courts, he answers to the Lord. He was
not justified by anyone but admonishes the members not to judge. Only the Lord knows the intentions of the
heart. Moreover, it is expected (literally
translated ‘required’) managers be faithful to God however many are not serving
as ministers of Christ working out the mysteries of God made known to us but
are acting out on others advice.
A: Today there are factions in the church. Disunity created
by gossip and loyalties to people who perceive themselves as in charge
prevails. Look to God’s evaluation for
He will tear down these strongholds to bring glory to Himself. He will bring to light that which relies on confidentiality
and those acting out behind others backs to create division. Only the powers and principalities in the world
operate in that manner. To create unity,
forsake division and attempt reconciliation by coming together and reason out the
issues in the name of Jesus.
P: Help us Lord to
desire what You require faithfulness and unity, devotion to only You and obedience
to Your covenant. Praise You God for
Your wisdom and guidance. In You is
glory and justification. Help us Lord to
continually evaluate our lives and draw closer to You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (1 Co 4:1–5).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
Instruction in Wisdom
Davidic.
1 Do not be agitated by evildoers;
do not envy
those who do wrong.
2 For they wither quickly like grass
and wilt
like tender green plants.
3 Trust in the Lord and do what is good;
dwell in
the land and live securely.
4 Take delight in the Lord,
and He will
give you your heart’s desires.[1]
O: The
wisdom of God is far superior which nothing can compare. His instruction is true and brings peace and
love. Don’t let your anger well up because
of actions by evildoers. The word for
agitation means: be angry, aroused,
burn with anger, have a temper, i.e., have a strong feeling of displeasure,
with a focus of an action to follow (Ex 22:23); (nif) enraged (Isa 41:11; 45:24+); 2. LN 50 (tifel) compete, contend with, i.e., try to outdo
others, implied to be with zeal (Jer 12:5; 22:15+); 3. LN 25.223–25.250 (hitp) fret, formally,
anger, i.e., be in a state of worry and concern as an extension of being
internally angry (Ps 37:1, 7, 8; Pr 24:19+); 4. LN 25.33–25.58 (hif) be zealous, i.e.,
have a deep concern and eager desire (Ne 3:20)[2].
A: Clearly
God is saying do not worry about. Instead,
be encouraged for the evildoers will face their fate. Put your trust in Lord and continue to do
good. This text is like ‘Holy water on
my skin’. It is a confirmation that God
is in control.
P: Praise God for You are on it. In You I place my trust in You. Help me Lord to’ let go and let You work. Help me to step back and let You take over. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ps 37:title–4).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Swanson, J. (1997). Dictionary of
Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains : Hebrew (Old Testament)
(electronic ed.). Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
Song of Moses
32 Pay attention, heavens, and I will
speak;
listen,
earth, to the words of my mouth.
2 Let my teaching fall like rain
and my word
settle like dew,
like gentle
rain on new grass
and showers
on tender plants.
3 For I will proclaim Yahweh’s name.
Declare the
greatness of our God!
4 The Rock —His work is perfect;
all His
ways are entirely just.
A faithful God,
without prejudice,
He is
righteous and true.
5 His people have acted corruptly toward
Him;
this is
their defect —they are not His children
but a
devious and crooked generation. [1]
O: Here we
find God’s lawsuit. He is calling His
witnesses. His people have stiff-necks
or as locals say hard-heads. Devious and
crooked having a defect. This is a sad commentary
on the Israelites but are we much different?
A: Be Careful
how you walk with the Lord. Remember His
covenant. In that both blessings and
curses result from how one follows the Lord.
Search your heart to find Him and His desires.
P: God I am
humbled by You. You are prefect in all
Your ways. Help us to love you more and
more. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard
version. (2009). (Dt 32:1–5). Nashville: Holman Bible
Publishers.
Returning to the Lord
30 “When all these things happen to you—the blessings and curses I have set before you—and you come to your senses…[1]
O: I like the way Holman translates the text, ‘Come to your senses’. In other words, God’s blessings and curses come to mind. When His commands are remembered, applied to one’s life and turned to. Than and only than the Lord will restore and make right His children’s lives.
A: Return to what the Lord commands and all will be made whole. Follow the Lord making Him Lord of your heart and turn away from the things of the world, blessings will flow and curses will not affect you.
P: Praise be to God for His righteousness
and promises are true. He who created
everything is still in control and will bless those who are His. Help us Lord to ‘come to our senses’. Turn to You and follow You and place You as
Lord of our hearts. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard
version. (2009). (Dt 30:1). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
Blessings for Obedience
28 “Now if you faithfully obey the Lord your God and are careful to follow
all His commands I am giving you today, the Lord
your God will put you far above all the nations of the earth. 2 All these blessings will
come and overtake you, because you obey the Lord
your God[1]
O: His faithful obedient children are in for blessings. ‘obey the Lord’ is
stated twice. First in the beginning and
at the end of the text. The repetition emphasizes the importance of obedience. 72 verses reference obedience in the bible
but what does it mean? Paul summed up the
OT as love for God and man. There must
be unconditional Love in our lives. By loving
God and loving what God loves obedience is the result. Our utmost devotion to the commands of God
lead to obedience and Gods blessings.
A: Love God and love your neighbor. Jesus said these are the most important
commands. We must follow Jesus’
direction. As the hymn says, ‘Trust and
obey for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.’ There is no
doubt God will bless those who obey.
P:
Praise God for giving us an opportunity to know what You’re asking us to
do. Help us Lord to what is necessary to
follow You in spirit and truth. Help us
to obey You in all things Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard
version. (2009). (Dt 28:1–2). Nashville: Holman Bible
Publishers.
17 “Remember what the Amalekites did to you on the journey after you left
Egypt. 18 They met you
along the way and attacked all your stragglers from behind when you were tired
and weary. They did not fear God.[1]
O: Here God
implores His children not to forget the unrepentant actions of those who do not
fear God, against His people.
The Amalekites, whom the Old Testament traces
back to Eliphaz, son of Esau, and his concubine Timna (Gen 36:12), lived in the
Arabian deserts east and south of the Dead Sea (Gen 36:16; Num 13:29; 14:25).
They were a fierce nomadic people, hostile to Israel as their flagrant attack
on the weak and elderly of the Exodus wanderers makes clear (Exod 17:8–16).
Because of this cowardly
act, the Lord placed them under his judgment (Exod 17:14), promising to
bring them to utter ruin (Num 24:20). Eventually this came to pass but long
after Israel’s settlement in Canaan. Saul was first commissioned to do so (1
Sam 15:1–3); but when he failed, the task fell to David, who appears to have
been at least largely successful in achieving the long-sought objective (2 Sam
8:12).[2]
Such cowardly
acts could be analogized to recent events in the church. Such as attacking the
Kahu with slanderous lies and gossiping behind the backs of church leaders. Writing
libelous accusations to the church council on Oahu. This is a cowardly act done behind the congregations
back.
A: I have heard
it said time and again, “forgive and forget”.
How can That happen when there has been no repentance and reconciliation
the current events that cast darkness and separation on the body. I feel there is a bullseye on my back due to
my continued stance against sin and demanding accountability. I will not forget the false accusations
leveled at Kahu and his wife on numerous occasions which came to my attention last
May and has been repeated since then. I
cannot forget and will continue to hold accountable those who bring sin into
the body until true repentance is demonstrated.
Only than with repentance can healing begin.
P: Thank God for Your word. Help us Lord to repent and place our sins at Your
feet. Only than can forgiveness happen
and healing begin. Humble us Lord and continue
to seek You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Dt 25:17–18).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Merrill, E. H. (1994). Deuteronomy
(Vol. 4, p. 331). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
4 When the time came to completion, God sent His Son, born of a woman,
born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, so that we
might receive adoption as sons. 6 And
because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts,
crying, “Abba, Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave
but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. [1]
O: This
text reminds me of the song ‘He is never early never late’. God is there at just the right time. I recall trying to get to my dad's house in
Western NY during Christmas break. I was
cold and I was on the side of the road praying to God earnestly to get me home.
I was freezing not realizing the danger
I was in but praying all same knowing I needed help. A man shows up asked me where I was going and
took me to a trucker stop where I could ask for a ride. I got one and was able to witness to the guy. God came to me in the nick of time and used
me. The Spirit in my heart makes a
connection to God for I am now an heir with Jesus.
A: Let the Spirit work in your life. Know that He is present with you and for you
to be helpful and fulfill your life.
Pray and ask Him into your heart and you also will be heirs to eternal
life, redeemed. Blessings will come in
the morning for God shows up at just the right time. Have faith in that. He will show up.
P: Praise You God for showing up in the fullness
of time. Thank You for being a ever
present force working for my good. Help me
Lord to bring glory to You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ga 4:4–7).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
Show no pity!
13 You must not look on him with pity but purge from Israel the guilt of
shedding innocent blood, and you will prosper. [1]
18 The judges are to make a careful investigation, and if the witness
turns out to be a liar who has falsely accused his brother, 19 you
must do to him as he intended to do to his brother. You must purge the evil
from you. 20 Then everyone else will hear and be afraid, and
they will never again do anything evil like this among you. 21 You must not show pity:
life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, and foot for foot. [2]
O: At least
9 times His word tells us to show no pity for those who have committed sin. Granted, the verses are all in the OT however,
Jesus did not abolish the OT He only fulfilled it. The promises found in the OT are still a covenant condition today. In other words, if one sins,
he will be judged. We must be of good
conscience purging guilt. Both Peter and
Paul, as well as in Hebrews exhorted God’s people to have a good conscience (1
Peter 3:16, 1 Timothy 1:5, Hebrews 13:18) in addition to 12 other verses.[3] Offering pity, rationalizing, and justifying works
of the flesh as not wrong, places blame on those making excuses for others sin
therefore bringing guilt to the body of Christ.
A: One must stand firm with the standard set
before us. The body of Christ must walk
in holiness, casting out sin thereby relieving one another of guilt and creat a
good conscience. The body of Christ is
set apart from the world called by Jesus Christ to proclaim the gospel. The body must not be marred with the culture
of the world among weighted down with guilt and sin. Jesus said there will be weeds (Matthew
13:1-23, Mark 4:1-20, and Luke 8:1-15) so the body must be always gardening pulling
weeds.
P: Praise You God for Your insight and peace. Thank You for the ability to clear our conscience and walk uprightly. Help the body to stand up to sin show no pity and not make excuses. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Dt 19:13).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Dt 19:18–21).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] Source:
https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Clear-Consciences
What is your motive?
9 Be careful that there is not this wicked thought in your heart,[1]
12 The person who acts arrogantly, refusing to listen either to the
priest who stands there serving the Lord
your God or to the judge, must die. You must purge the evil from Israel.[2]
11 Now I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel preached by me is
not based on human thought.[3]
O: Text
taken from both testaments means one must be careful not take the meaning of
His word out of context. From Deut. we have
a summary of Moses sermon to God’s chosen people. No wonder Deut. is quoted most often in the
NT. One must evaluate one’s thoughts and
determine the motives. Do not regard
oneself as superior to someone or something and thus act in a haughty or
snobbish manner. Did not withhold help from those you can give. If the thoughts
are to setup a person’s demise, are not helpful or cancel and judge another
unworthy, the thoughts can be construed as wicked. In other words, to ‘put down’ a person and be
verbally abusive with false accusations which only makes the environment a
wreck waiting to happen. Arrogance by refusing
to listen to God’s chosen leaders is unacceptable, worthy of death in the OT. Today the behavior requires discipline. When pointing out such works of the flesh it
is not done with the concern to please people but to please God. There is no joy in addressing division, attempting
to bring two sides together in unity when the parties involved act in arrogance
and refuse to listen. The actions
addressing bad behavior, by there very nature, are not pleasing to any of the
parties involved but hopefully motivated by what is pleasing to God.
A: As Paul exhorts us to take every thought
captive (2 Cor. 10:5). Every thought should be considered whether it is
pleasing to God or pleasing to people.
Why is the thought there and for what purpose? Will it build up the body or tear it down? Several developments in the church have
caused division and attempts to force His children to take sides. Look at the events for what they are. Powers and principalities causing disunity.
Besides, as you well know, ‘a house divided cannot stand’. Abraham Lincoln proclaimed this truth in his ‘House
divided’ speech echoing what Jesus said in Mark 3:25.
P: Lord Your
guidance is beyond the wisdom of man.
You word provides a clear path.
You have said what should be in our minds. Help us to act as You would have us do with pure
motives and a clear conscience. Help us Lord to make You our King. King of our hearts and soul, for us to dwell
on You covenant and what is pleasing to You day and night. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Dt 15:9). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Dt 17:12).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ga 1:11). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
Love of the Lord and
Love of Humankind
12 “And now, Israel, what does the Lord
your God ask of you except to fear the Lord your God by walking in all His
ways, to love Him, and to worship the Lord
your God with all your heart and all your soul?
13 Keep the Lord’s
commands and statutes I am giving you today, for your own good.[1]
O: Repeated
again and again though out the scriptures imploring His people to walk with
God. It is a covenant God has committed to
us for us as a blessing to those who follow Him. The Commentary puts it much better than I:
The appeal to covenant recommitment is in the form of a rhetorical question
packed with covenant vocabulary. What does the Lord your God ask? He asks for
five things specifically, all of which have been addressed over and over in
Moses’ parentheses throughout the book (cf. also Mic 6:8).
1. He demands first of all that his people
fear him. The verb employed (yārēʾ)
is one that speaks of terror, indeed, but more than that. It expresses
reverential awe, the kind one shows in the presence of transcendent and awesome
power and that motivates one to worship and obedience (cf. Deut 5:29; 6:2, 13,
24; 31:12–13).
2. Proper fear leads to a godly walk or
lifestyle. The language of travel or pilgrimage is a favorite biblical metaphor
to express adherence to principles and pathways of obedience (cf. Deut 5:33;
11:22; 19:9; 26:17; 28:9; 30:16).
The sequence of fearing and walking is
logical enough, for one’s behavior must be predicated upon attitude. How, then,
does love come next, particularly if it be viewed (as it should here) as a
technical term denoting covenant reciprocation? The answer lies perhaps in
viewing (1) and (2) as a matching pair and (3), (4), and (5) as a second group
in which love becomes the basis for serving God and observing his covenant
requirements.
3. Love, though most commonly bearing
emotive overtones, is much at home in covenant contexts as a synonym of
election. That is, God’s choices are a function and expression of his love, a
love that must find its response and counterpart in the commitment of the
chosen one to love (i.e., choose) God in return (Deut 5:10; 6:5; 7:9, 13; 11:1,
13, 22; 13:3; 19:9; 30:6, 16, 20). Such response, to be meaningful, must be
manifest in deeds.
4. Thus, Israel was to serve the Lord
with unreserved and unqualified devotion, one that marked them out as God’s
peculiar people who had been made his servant nation in achieving his
redemptive purposes (Deut 6:13; 7:4; 11:13; 13:4).
5. Specifically, this service consists of
observing the Lord’s commands (miṣwôt)
and decrees (ḥuqqôt). Service is not
abstract or vacuous, then, but in covenant relational terms it speaks of strict
conformity to precise stipulations (Deut 4:6; 6:1; 8:6, 11; 11:8, 22; 12:14;
26:16; 28:45).[2]
A: Micah sums up nicely what we must do:
8 Mankind, He has told you what is good
and what it
is the Lord requires of you:
to act
justly,
to love
faithfulness,
and to walk
humbly with your God.[3]
He has told us time and time again at least 16 times to walk fully in
His ways. Without Him it cannot be done. We must be a help and a service to the
everyone. There are no exceptions.
P: God You are in control. Help us to walk fully in Your statues. Help us to love with all we have. Help us to be of service and do good. Help us to hold up Your statured in our
lives. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Dt 10:12–13).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Merrill, E. H. (1994). Deuteronomy
(Vol. 4, pp. 201–202). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[3] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mic 6:8). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
10 But He directly pays back and destroys those who hate Him. He will not hesitate to directly pay back the
one who hates Him. 11 So keep the command—the statutes and
ordinances—that I am giving you to follow today. [1]
O: Please
be careful regarding one’s relationship to God. Do not rebuff or turn your back
on the agreement God made with His people.
Those who hate him will quickly experience his
destruction. Again, “to hate,” in the context of covenant terminology, means
“to reject, to repudiate as a covenant partner” (cf. 5:9; 9:28). Such covenant
disloyalty deserves recompense, one described here (literally) as “repay to
their face.” This expression occurs only here and probably means that the
judgment would not be reserved for unborn generations but would fall
immediately upon those who had sinned in this manner, right there and then.
This view finds support in the fact that God “will not be slow” to repay (lit.,
“will not be afterward” in doing so).[2]
He calls us
to be a holy people. The word of God
references Holy over 150 times in the NT alone.
Obviously, God beseeches His people to be set apart and follow His
statues.
A: We are not
to be like the world who reject the one true God and His word. He will destroy all oppose Him. Stay in His word and walk in His
statues. Be Holy as He is Holy.
P: Praise the Lord o my soul and all that is within me. Praise the Lord. Help us as only You can to be Holy. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Dt 7:10–11).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Merrill, E. H. (1994). Deuteronomy
(Vol. 4, p. 181). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
True Joy
1 Vindicate me, God, and defend my cause
against an
ungodly nation;
rescue me
from the deceitful and unjust man.
2 For You are the God of my refuge.
Why have
You rejected me?
Why must I
go about in sorrow
because of the enemy’s oppression? 3 Send
Your light and Your truth; let them lead me.
Let them
bring me to Your holy mountain,
to Your
dwelling place.
4 Then I will come to the altar of God,
to God, my
greatest joy.
I will
praise You with the lyre,
God, my
God.[1]
O: The text does not make clear whether the ungodly people are Gentiles or faithless Jews.[2] One
thing is sure, those who are deceitful, unjust, and oppressive do not worship
God. However, ask for God to send His
light and truth for He is our rescue and refuge. No matter what God is the
greatest joy no one can deny.
A: Sing to
God a new song and praise Him. Rest and
relax for the Lord has a dwelling place of peace for you now and forever. Worship the Lord The one true God and put
aside the works of the flesh.
P: I thank
you Lord for Your peace, for Your refuge and joy. You are great and I worship You. I come to Your alter and sing praises to
You. Help me Lord to worship You in
spirit and truth. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ps 43:1–4).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Bratcher, R. G., & Reyburn, W. D. (1991). A translator’s
handbook on the book of Psalms (p. 406). New York: United Bible
Societies.
“Man’s evil and
God’s love”[1]
1 An oracle within my heart
concerning
the transgression of the wicked person:
There is no
dread of God before his eyes,
2 for in his own eyes he flatters himself
too much
to discover
and hate his sin.
3 The words of his mouth are malicious and
deceptive;
he has
stopped acting wisely and doing good.
4 Even on his bed he makes malicious plans.
He sets
himself on a path that is not good
and does
not reject evil. [2]
O: : The definition of man’s evil and the works he demonstrates. There is no fear of God, his arrogance blinds him of the ungodly behavior he acts out. His words cause division and demands people take sides. His practices do not produce good works and he does not reject lies and other evils. Actually v.1 is difficult to translate so I quote a very good commentary to help understand it.
At the end of line b the Masoretic text has “my heart”; some Hebrew manuscripts and some of the ancient versions have his heart, which is followed by most translations.* tob translates the Masoretic text “The impious oracle of the infidel comes to my mind”; njv “I know what Transgression says to the wicked”; niv “An oracle is within my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked”; frcl “I keep in mind the maxim that expresses the evildoer’s rebellion.” It seems best to translate “his heart.” In many languages it is unnatural to say that sin can speak, since that is the activity of people. However, it is possible to employ causative constructions which essentially preserve the components of meaning; for example, “Sin causes the wicked to listen deep in his heart,” “Sin causes the wicked to listen intently,” “Sin makes the wicked person hear the voice of evil in his heart,” or “Sin causes people who do evil things to hear bad advice in their hearts.” In languages in which sin cannot serve as a subject or as an agent of an event, but only as an event, it may be necessary to say, for example, “When people sin they know what it does to them deep in their heart.” It is sometimes possible to employ a simile: “When a person sins, it is like someone speaking to him deep in his heart.”[3]
P: Lord help me with discernment and be encouraged that You are my Rock and Protector. Help me to be clam and not take matters into my own heads. Amen
[1] Bratcher, R. G., & Reyburn, W. D. (1991). A translator’s handbook on the book of Psalms (p. 342). New York: United Bible Societies.
[2] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ps 36:1–4). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] Bratcher, R. G., & Reyburn, W. D. (1991). A translator’s handbook on the book of Psalms (pp. 342–343). New York: United Bible Societies.
[4] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ps 36:11).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
29 “So I said to you: Don’t be terrified or afraid of them! 30 The Lord your God who goes before you will
fight for you, just as you saw Him do for you in Egypt. 31 And
you saw in the wilderness how the Lord
your God carried you as a man carries his son all along the way you traveled
until you reached this place.[1]
O: “Don’t
be afraid…the Lord goes before you”. God
has gone before us. He provides His first injunction[2] for His
war, “Yahweh’s War”. Do not be afraid and
put your trust in God. This is His
war. He is making a way for the promise land.
Secondly, He will fight for you. The
battle is the Lord. The God of the exodus as a warrior has shown His prowess
with the greatest nation back in the day Egypt[3]. The
other nations the Israelites came against knew this and were afraid.
A: God will make a way. In Him is the victory. ‘The
battle belongs to the Lord’. Moses
encourages the Israelites to not be afraid for Yahweh is with them. He is for them and will do battle for
them. He will go before and make a way. As
He always had before. Have faith and be
of courage. Trust in the Lord.
P: I praise
you Lord for Your grace and protection. Help
Me Lord to be patient and relax knowing that Your plan will take place. Help me to be in Your will. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Dt 1:29–31).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Merrill, E. H. (1994). Deuteronomy
(Vol. 4, p. 79). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[3] ibid
The Barren Fig Tree Is Cursed
12 The next day when they came out from
Bethany, He was hungry. 13 After seeing in the distance a fig
tree with leaves, He went to find out if there was anything on it. When He came
to it, He found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. 14 He
said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again!” And His disciples heard it.[1]
O: Here we find an object lesson,
a parable as it was visible observation of what happen when good fruit is not
produced. As any manager of a vineyard
can attest a tree that does not produce fruit will be destroyed. When the disciples passed by the fig tree the
next day it was withered. It is a vivid
reminder to be productive in the kingdom.
Do not fertilize with the works of the flesh which will create negative
growth and division but demonstrate the fruits of the Spirit. Gal 5:16-26
A: Keep in step with the Spirit. How? Reflect, evaluate, assess and pray to
see what your life is producing. Are you
a blessing or causing difficulty? Are
you bringing people together or causing division? Are you building up the body of Christ or
trying to tear it apart? Christ calls us
to one in unity as He is one united with God (John 17:21) and be part of vine (John
15: 1-11). Paul calls us to be one in
the Spirit (Philippians 2:1-2). Unity is
so important because we can be more fruitful in numbers. Produce good fruit or be cursed.
P: Praise be to God for the help You provide to
be more united. Help us Lord to grow together
in unity producing good fruits. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mk 11:12–14).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
38 But Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you’re asking. Are you able to drink the cup I drink or to
be baptized with the baptism I am
baptized with?”[1]
O: Do we
know all that comes along with the covenant with God? No, but God reveals what
we need know as we follow Him. The OT is
full of word pictures and allegories that can be applied to the Christians life
today. The Israelites had to conquer the
promised land. Today we must do battle
with sin and fight the powers and principalities of this world. Along with the battle are the consequences. One can hope for victory but fighting evil
forces cause suffering. When one goes
against the world the going will be tough.
The world does not like bringing light to the works of the flesh. So, we
put on the whole armor of God and the life I now live in the body, I live by
faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me Gal. 2:20.
A: Rest
assured if we are not suffering for Christ, we are doing it wrong. The road less traveled is the Via Dolorosa “sorrowful
way”. It can not be avoided when walking
with Christ. The Son of Man came to give
His life as a service to all. (v.45). 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 tells us our lives are
not our own but brought for a price and elsewhere take up your cross (Luke 9:23). Putting it all together our walk is to be
Christlike (1 John 2:6) and suffering is a part of it.
P: I pray Lord to give strength and courage to
accept my fate. That I do not lose my Joy. Like Peter and Paul who sang praises to You
while in jail please help me maintain a good attitude. Help me to be more like You and deny myself
for your sake and further the kingdom.
Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mk 10:38).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
29 And He told them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer [and
fasting].”[1]
O: Other manuscripts
omit bracketed text which was inserted in later texts probably due the early
church emphasis on fasting. However,
this is the first time Mark writes about Jesus encouraging His disciples to
pray. This text confirms there is a correlation
of faith with prayer (see v.19). The disciples
were having difficulty healing the epileptic boy. Jesus told them why. Jewish teachers often explained more
mature subjects to their disciples in private. Some rabbis were seen as miracle
workers, but not often did they expect their disciples to be able to do
miracles—and certainly not in the rabbi’s name (v. 39). Exorcists’
methods normally focused on their own power or, more precisely, their ability
to manipulate other powers; Jesus here emphasizes prayer instead (9:29).[2] Faith in Jesus is the key and only with a
deep relationship with Jesus is it possible.
Prayer to Him develops that relation and strengthens faith.
A: Prayer is
needed in difficult times. It is difficult
to be in this world and not be affected by it.
Evil powers and principalities are hard at work making every attempt to
disrupt and divide the body of Christ.
Prayer is referenced over 600 times in the bible.[3] With prayer so often mentioned the activity must
be especially important. Therefore, the effective Christian must pray without
ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). It is
a habit needed for it is the action taken after putting on the whole armer of
God; 18 Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer
and request, and stay alert in this with all perseverance and intercession
for all the saints.[4]
P: O Lord help us develop a deep close relationship with You. In You can we grow our faith and become mature. In You we have no cause for concern. In You all fear is gone. Help us Lord to make our strong and secure in You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard
version. (2009). (Mk 9:29). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Keener, C. S. (1993). The IVP Bible background commentary: New
Testament (Mk 9:28–30). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
[4] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version.
(2009). (Eph 6:18). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
15 Then He commanded them: “Watch out! Beware of the yeast of the
Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.”[1]
O: Although
what Jesus meant by using “yeast’ as a metaphor, rest assure it was not
good. Anything Jesus said regarding the
pharisees and Herod are negative. Such as ‘vipers’ and ‘whitewashed sepulchers’. If one can guess the one thing both Herod and
the pharisees had in common was unbelief and other behaviors such as gossip. Unbelief is what the disciples were
demonstrating in the boat fretting over one loaf of bread. Unbelief can spread like yeast and the
disciples were affected by it.
A: Sadly, people are impacted by unbelief and
gossip terribly. The behavior is in the church
and spreads like wildfire. For what ever
reason people don’t believe and spread gossip to divide the body. They become pawns of the devil in the battle
of the people’s hearts. Beware, believe
in the truth and do not be like the pharisees.
P: Praise God for being an excellent teacher providing
prefect guidance. Help me to increase my
belief and not be used by the devil. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mk 8:15). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
12 Therefore declare: I grant him My covenant of peace. 13 It will be a covenant of
perpetual priesthood for him and his future descendants, because he was zealous
for his God and made atonement for the Israelites.” [1]
O: God is
great! It is great to hear a positive declaration from God. God declares He granted a ‘covenant of peace’. The covenant of peace or well-being, also
known from Isa 54:10 and Ezek 34:25, provided assurance to the beneficiaries
that God was with them to will and to work to his good pleasure. The benefits
that would accrue to the covenant recipients were safe dwelling and abundant
blessing. [2]
Why such a blessing bestowed on one who has murder two people? Phinehas had zeal and as God puts it His
zeal. These two murdered were flaunting themselves
in view of the tabernacle. Are we not
told hat happens to those who sin? These
two were involved in Baal worship and the result is death. Ardour of zeal, passion, i.e., a strong desire and deep devotion
for an object[3]is seen in
the text. Phinehas was rewarded for
listening to God and taking initiative
to address the issue. His action benefited the whole assembly by
the plaque stopping.
A: This behavior is what is needed in the church. Not murder but zeal against those who
sin. This attitude will bring blessings
and peace. By acting against those who
sin eliminating those who blatantly flaunt sin in the body of Christ. Action is required, initiative must be taken,
something must be done. Peace will the result.
P: Praise God for His covenant of pace. The Prince of Peace. I pray my actions will bring peace. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Nu 25:12–13).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[3]
Swanson, J. (1997). Dictionary of
Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains : Hebrew (Old Testament)
(electronic ed.). Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
6 He answered them, “Isaiah prophesied
correctly about you hypocrites, as it is written:
These people honor Me
with their lips,
but their heart is far from Me.
7 They worship Me in vain,
teaching as
doctrines the commands of men.[1]
O: Again the pharisees made an attempt to discredit Jesus. He quoted Isaiah 29:13. The crux of the issue
is the traditions of men. It is so
important to know what come out of the heart not what goes into the stomach. In the Torah it was the priests that need to
wash hands and those who touched anything unclean. Jesus disciples were only eating bread. The Pharisees were only going through the
motions with the “traditions of elders” but their motives were all wrong. The rituals were the concern of the pharisees
which was legalistic. The love how to do
stuff rather than the love for why one does.
The reasoning was faulty for it came from man not God. The result of the pretense is that
“ ‘their teachings are but rules taught by men,’ ” thus idolatry,
that is, the replacement of the divine by the merely human. With regard to the
oral tradition, the Pharisees substitute interpretations of the law for the law
itself, indeed interpretations at variance with the intent of the law.[2]
In other words their heat was in the wrong place.
A: When rituals, repetitive prayer, regulations in worship hinder a
true connection to God then rethink your motives. God desires obedience and mercy rather than
sacrifice;
1 Samuel
15:22, Hosea 6:6, Proverbs 21:3, Matt 9:13.
What comes out from the heart should be love, mercy, kindness, and gentleness. Love most of all. Look to discover the intent of the law for
the OT is summed up in loving God and man.
This is what the pharisees were lacking by placing burdens and rules
beyond the what the law intended. The laws
purpose was to demonstrate a way of life and behavior that stood out as
exceptional to the world. Live an exceptional
life different than the world.
P: Glory be to God. Thank You Jesus. I give You all I got and glad You are good
and in my life.
I pray that my motive
are clear and the love I have is plain for all to see. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mk 7:6–7).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Edwards, J. R. (2002). The Gospel
according to Mark (p. 209). Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester,
England: Eerdmans; Apollos.
40 They started laughing at Him, but He put them all outside. He took the
child’s father, mother, and those who were with Him, and entered the place
where the child was.[1]
O: Imagine that,
laughing at God incarnate. They never expected what happened next. They were utterly astounded, greatly amazed. “ἐξέστησαν μεγάλῃ ἐκστάσει they were quite
beside themselves w. amazement Mk 5:42[2]. There are two verbs for amazement
with an adjective describing the verbs as great. The phrase might well be a idiom that
something fantastic has happened. By
laughing Jesus told them to get out. By
their actions they forfeit witnessing a great miracle. What happen floored them causing them to
reconsider their attitudes.
A: Where are you at with your walk with God? Are you skeptical or do you expect the
unexpected? How often have we prayed,
and have it answered in an unexpected way?
I have been without a full-time job for 18 months, but God has provided
in ways I never would have considered, and I lack in nothing. In fact, there is still surplus coming in. Praise God.
P: Praise goes to You Lord. All praise and adoration. Help us Lord to not be irrelevant and laugh at You for your miracles will utterly astound and ultimately give You glory. Help us with growing our faith and expect You to answer prayer. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mk 5:40). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., Bauer, W., & Gingrich, F. W. (2000). A Greek-English
lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature
(3rd ed., p. 309). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
The Parable of the Sower
4 Again He began to teach by the sea, and a very large crowd gathered around Him.[1]
O: Why did Jesus teach the crowd with parables? Taken from the Jesus Film Project
there can be three reasons; First they are easy to understand, second, they are
easy to remember, last they show the heart of the listeners. Jesus used common tasks like farming and
baking. The construct of the story has a
certain ‘cadence’ that one can easily recall.
Those with bad attitude or ‘hard head’ do not accept the premise
thinking it is ‘silly and irrelevant’.
The Apologetics Study Bible regarding parables says this:
Did Jesus
really speak in parables to hide the kingdom from “those outside”? According to the context here, yes and
no. Proper listening is the theme that
connects the parables in Chapter 4 and Jesus spoke in parables to distinguish between
“anyone who has ears to hear” (v.9 that is those with responsive hearts) and
those who do not. He knew His parables
would have opposite effects on those ready to listen and those not ready. He therefore implied an element of culpability
in the audience (see Mt 13:14). To those
who have ears to hear, more revelation of the kingdom will but given, but those
who do not have ears to hear, even what revelation has been given will be taken
away or will prove ineffective (Mk4:25).
The quote in verse 12 is from Is.
6.9-10. Concealing the message came in
response to the people’s repeated, prolonged hardening, but the end of Is. 6 nevertheless
promises the remnant would repent and return.
A: Be open to the Holy Spirits urgings and renounce pride. Be not be like the Pharisees with hard heads and
prideful attitudes. Soften the heart and allow the Lord to ‘mold you and make
you to what He wants you to be’. This
requires humility, admitting responsibly, and hold yourself accountable. True repentance and asking God to be the Lord
of your life is what is required to understand the will of God.
P: As David writes in Psalm 29.
Give unto the Lord, O you mighty ones, Give unto the Lord glory and
strength. Give unto the Lord the glory due
to His name; Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. God is great and mighty. His love is deep, fulfilling
and beyond compare. He only has our best
interest in mind. Help us Lord to not
worry or fret. Help us to let go of our
anxieties and be humble accepting Your word and follow You. Help us Jesus to make You Lord of our life.
Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard
version. (2009). (Mk 4:1). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
30 “But the person who acts defiantly, whether native or foreign
resident, blasphemes the Lord. That person is to be cut off from his people.
31 He will certainly be cut off, because he has despised the Lord’s word and broken His command; his
guilt remains on him.”[1]
O: The text is plain. The one who sins defiantly may not feel the
guilt of his violation, but he is nonetheless guilty before God and man.[2]
Literally, one who shows a high hand, thus acting defiantly against God’s
word. In addition, by demonstrating no
guilt for the actions against God, which is blasphemy, their fate is sealed. God does not like rebellion and push back. Complete trust and devotion to His word in
required. He only has good instore for
those who follow unquestioning obedience.
The thrust of the entire passage reaches its
climax in the broader context of Israel’s rebellion in rejecting the Promised
Land and, hence rejecting God. The nation’s defiance was an example of a sin of
“a high hand” in that they had symbolically raised their fists in defiance of
God, and for this there was no means of sacrifice that could deliver them from
judgment. In the previous contexts of inadvertent infractions of the law by the
community as a whole or by the individual, forgiveness was attainable through
prescribed ritual sacrifices. But in the case of outright and deliberate
rebellion, nothing could compensate for the people’s sin, nothing could remove
the impurity except the manifestation of the grace and mercy of God.[3]
This is not
to say one cannot plead with God.
Elsewhere His word says ‘come let us reason together’ Isa 1:18. However,
His covenant and promises are not up for debate.
A: Do not be
so hard head. Submit and surrender to
God. No grumble, complain and criticize
God’s plan for your life. He only has
good planned for those who are obedient, follow His word and develop a
relationship with Him.
P: I praise You God and lift You up humbling
myself praying I do not defy You and Your word.
For Your promises are true Your blessings abound. Help me Lord to always follow Your direction
for it is good for me and Your kingdom.
Amen
4 Suddenly the Lord said to
Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, “You three come out to the tent of meeting.” So the
three of them went out.[1]
O: Interesting the three spiritual leaders of
the community are summoned by God. Aaron
the high priest, Miriam, a prophetess, head of the spirit-filled women (Exod
15:20f), probably
the head of the women’s auxiliary and of course Moses the writer of the book. Why?
There was a rebellion of sorts. Miriam was complaining with her brother
Aaron, criticizing Moses. Whichever
was intended in the case raised by Miriam, the questioning of Moses’ exclusive
right as Israel’s leader was at the heart of the issue, though based on a
questioning of his wife’s ethnicity.[2] God
does not like grumblers.
A: Grumbling has consequences. Miriam skin turned white. Look at motives, attitudes, and thoughts
toward each other. It is important how
we treat our fellow man. Paul tells us to capture our thoughts. 2 Cor 10:5. Be
renewed by God Rom 12:1-2. Be honest and
demonstrate love. (Romans 13:8-10).
P: Praise God. Your word says a lot. It points us in the right direction and how to live. I pray that I search my heart and capture my thoughts. Help me to see if I need to change anything in me. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Nu 12:4). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
My Stronghold
1 The Lord
is my light and my salvation—
whom should
I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
of whom
should I be afraid?
2 When evildoers came against me to devour
my flesh,
my foes and
my enemies stumbled and fell. [1]
O: God is the source of Light, salvation, a stronghold of protection and
security. God will take care of His foes. His foes are my foes. One who does
evil have stumbled and fell. That is exactly how the Psalm is written. If one
chooses evil that one will stumble and fall. This only follows the previous
verse and so because He is the Lord. He shows the way with His light and saves
me, protects me, therefore, I am not afraid.
A: ‘True Love casts out all fear’ (1Jn 4:18). I do not have to be paranoid. I do not have to worry what others say about
me. ‘You are with me. Your rod and staff
comfort me and my cup runs over’ (Ps. 23:4).
God is so good.
P: I know You are good because You have been good to me. I do not need any proof for my life is satisfying and I am grateful. I live for You for You give me everything. I pray I am always grateful. I pray I never lose sight of Your joy. Thank You Jesus Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ps 27:1–2).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
10 So they heaped many honors on us, and when we sailed, they gave us
what we needed. [1]
O: Simple
devotion today. Live life with righteousness
and blessings abounds. Paul survived
shipwreck and snake bite as well as many other adversities because he lived a
life that showed everyone he was on a mission from God. A life blameless and
above reproach. A fruitful life has
rewards. He and the people with him were
blessed with all they needed.
A: Live a
life that shows others one is on a mission from God and one will be able to
handle life’s adversities because God will provide all that is needed to live. No worries, God has got you.
P: Praise
You God You got this. Help me Lord to
live a life blameless and above reproach and strive to run the race worthy of You.
Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ac 28:10).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
The Good Shepherd
A Davidic
psalm.
1 The Lord
is my shepherd;
there is
nothing I lack.[1]
O: Here we find another blessing of assurance. What a lovely
metaphor. Think about it. Bedouins, the wanders of the world, were
shepherds. Many have a low opinion of
nomadic people, but the way of life is in everyone past and the Bedouins
provided many necessities such as meat, milk, wool and skins. Sustenance is provided, such as food and
drink, materials for clothing, shelter, and storage. In other words, the Great Shepherd provides
for His flock, all the flocks needs are met and lack in nothing.
A: Throughout my Christian
life God has provided my needs. I have
always lacked in nothing. The Psalm,
Gods word are true blessings. A relief
to stress, anxiety and a way to peace is what the promise of God provides. It is such a relief that His children do not
have to worry for the Great Shepherd is the prefect guide.
P: I can not give You enough praise. You are so faithful and full of grace. You have given us everything we need, and we lack in nothing. Bless You Lord, bless You. Help us Lord to always be grateful and count our blessings. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ps 23:title–1).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
Compensation for Wrongdoing
5 The Lord
spoke to Moses: 6 “Tell the Israelites: When a man or woman
commits any sin against another, that person acts unfaithfully toward the LORD and is guilty. 7 The person is to confess
the sin he has committed. He is to pay full compensation, add a fifth of its
value to it, and give it to the individual he has wronged.[1]
O: ‘The Lord spoke’ again and again. How many times does He ask for confession in
His word? All one needs to do is google it. At least 50 times. Who ever said ‘Confession is good for the
soul’ was in tuned to God’s Spirit. Here again the text demonstrates the wisdom
of God that no human could have put into words.
God’s command to treat others fairly is beneficial in reducing stress
thus demonstrating the practical blessings He promised. A testament that following the teachings God
gave in His word is good for His children.
A:
His children must listen to God to obtain the information needed to walk
righteously. Read His word for it is alive,
useful, and a covenant with God. In His
instruction are blessings, fruitfulness, and abundant joy. He tells us how to change, obtain redemption,
and forgiveness. Pray and mediate on His word daily and treat people
fairly. It will be a relief.
P: Thank you Lord for Your word and blessings. All praise is what You deserve. Help us to be grateful for You and apply a
deep hearted respect for You. He us to
follow You and walk in Your ways. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Nu 5:5–7).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
5 The Lord
spoke…8 They are to take
care of all the furnishings of the tent
of meeting and perform duties for the Israelites by attending to the service of
the tabernacle.[1]
O: The most
important detail in this text is the Lord spoke pointing again to the
theological focus on the revelatory nature of divine speech. [2]. One cannot imply more emphasis to the word of
God. His word is the standard to live
by, the testament of God, His word. By
His word one gains knowledge, understanding, purpose, most importantly salvation. In this text contains God plan. He has thought of every detail, addressed
every need, and delivered His plan. Since
His children is part of the priesthood He commands to ‘take care of all’…’to the
service of the tabernacle’. So,
therefore, this text points to Christ and His service to all mankind. Christ is the example all believers must follow.
A: Let that
statement sink in. God commands His priesthood
to take care of all. In other words, be mindful of the needs about the service of
the tabernacle. The tabernacle is both
the body of Christ and the lives of His children. This is a faith check. Service your walk with God and His body. Bring glory to God though the service of your
faith.
P: God You are so good. Your plan is complete. You have worked out every detail. All praise is due to You. You are great and greatly to be praised. Help please. Help Your believers to service our faith. Please make the way clear to love and help others. Help Your believers to be of service in every need presented. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Nu 3:8). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
16 I always do my best to have a clear conscience toward God and men.[1]
O: This is a good example of how Christians should
than live. Always do your best and have
a clear conscience toward God.
A: Put forth one’s best effort. Do everything for the glory of God. Keep one’s conscience clear. Do what is right.
P: I pray God that I do the right thing, bring
glory to You and keep my conscience clear.
Amen.
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ac 24:16).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
11 The following night, the Lord stood by him and said, “Have courage! For as you have testified about Me in
Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”[1]
O: Paul had
a close relationship with Jesus. He
stood by him, encouraged him, and told him His plans.
A: What a
blessed assurance. Jesus will stand by
you. All we must do is draw close to
Him. Develop that kind of relationship
through prayer and reading His word.
P: Praise You Lord. You will stand by me if I stand by You. Help me Lord to develop a havit that helps me
grow in to greater spiritual maturity. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ac 23:11).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
Dependence on the Lord
Davidic.
1 Lord,
I turn to You. l
2 My God, I trust in You.
Do not let
me be disgraced;
do not let
my enemies gloat over me.
3 No one who waits for You
will be
disgraced;
those who
act treacherously without cause
will be
disgraced. [1]
O: A praise and a petition. This remarkably interesting text speaks to
me. The psalm is an acoustic. They are prayers for help, guidance,
forgiveness; (2) verses 8–14, God’s character, and attributes[2].
First an address of praise and trust 1–2a and first Petition 2b–3.[3] The acoustic is difficult to identify but basically
refers to adoration of God and His virtue in whom we can trust.
A: Praise and prayer praise and prayer. The psalmist teaches us to go to God first
and foremost. With God there is
protection without God there is no protection.
Assurance or not which would one rather have? The answer is clear go with God and wait for
Him.
P: Praise be to God. You have given us a clear choice. Thank You. I pray that my prayer will never be repetitious or folly but in sincerity I seek you always Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ps 25:title–3).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Bratcher, R. G., & Reyburn, W. D. (1991). A translator’s
handbook on the book of Psalms (p. 244). New York: United Bible
Societies.
[3]
Bratcher, R. G., & Reyburn, W. D. (1991). A translator’s
handbook on the book of Psalms (p. 244). New York: United Bible
Societies.
The King of Glory
A Davidic
psalm.
1 The earth and everything in it,
the world
and its inhabitants,
belong to
the Lord;
2 for He laid its foundation on the seas,
and
established it on the rivers.
3 Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?
Who may
stand in His holy place?
4 The one who has clean hands and a pure
heart,
who has not
set his mind on what is false,
and who has
not sworn deceitfully.
5 He will receive blessing from the Lord,
and
righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek
Him,
who seek
the face of the God of Jacob.[1]
O: Who can enter the presence of the Lord? Who can stand with Him? What is required to able to worship? This psalm is most likely a “entrance
liturgy” song by pilgrims seek entry to the
temple. It is about the attitude of the heart.
It is said it is important what come out of the heart for in it shows
the contents of what is inside. God will
not accept the worship of one not pure in heart.
A: I have written what the requirements are for
Church leaders. This is a psalm
regarding the priests who enter the presences of God. Now Christians are part of the priesthood who
should set an example to others looking to the body of Christ and must be pure
in heart. Rid yourself of all deceit and
set your mind on what is true. Only than one will be able to worship the Creator
of everything.
P: Praise You God for offering us guidelines
into what is proper for us to come to You.
Praise You for giving us an understanding of what is right. Help us to develop the attitude need to approach
You. Help us to rid our lives of deceit
on turn away for false reports. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ps 24:title–6).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
28 Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock that the Holy Spirit has appointed you to as
overseers, to shepherd the church of
God, which He purchased with His own
blood. 29 I know that
after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.
30 And men will rise up from your own number with deviant
doctrines to lure the disciples into following them. 31 Therefore be on the alert,
remembering that night and day for three years I did not stop warning each one
of you with tears. [1]
O: Take heed,
pay attention to God’s people. Paul
is warning the Ephesian elders of a time to come when religious predators would
ravage the flock of God.[2] There will be and
now is wolfs who wish to accomplish goals contrary to the gospel of unity and
love. Those who site facts not in
evidence and character assassinate due to opinions based on hearsay and rumors
to persuade and lure God’s people away from the truth. Deviant doctrines tear down and destroy God’s
work fracturing His body. Therefore, the
emphatic plea resounds twice, stay alert for God has not stopped warning His
children of this. (see Matt 7:15, Eph 5:6–14, Col 2:8 & Rev 2:2).
A: The goal
is shepherd God’s people. Bring them
together in unity under the light of God’s truth. God’s people must work
together to accomplish God’s work. Stay alert, remain in His word, pray for wisdom
and discernment. Continue to develop
relationships with one another and God, walking upright in His Spirit.
P: God I
fear the church as lost its way.
Predators have taken hold. God
You are great. Your love casts out all
fear. Help me to be bold in proclaiming
the truth. Give us a way to come together
in unity and put aside petty differences.
Help us above all forsake sin, rise to Your calling, and shine the
gospel. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ac 20:28–31).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
19 The Lord spoke to Moses: 2 “Speak
to the entire Israelite community and tell them: Be holy because I, Yahweh your
God, am holy. [1]
O: How many
times have you heard God say this before; “Be holy as I am Holy”. The word ‘Holy’ is found over 1200 times in
the bible. The exhortation ‘to be holy
as God is holy’ can be found at least 9 times. What
does this mean? God’s people are to set
themselves apart for the world. The
practices of those in the world are far different than the body of Christ. Those of the Way are to build each other up
to make God look good. Those of the
world tear people down to make themselves look good. Selfish, uncaring, lacking
empathy, the ‘ends justify the means ‘attitude, showing little or no compassion
for the hurt created by behavior contrary to the works of God’s people is not
holy. God’s people bear good fruits not demonstrating
the works of the flesh. God implores us
to be holy and gives a way to do it.
A: Lets do
some soul searching to seek ways to become holy. Go the Jesus, listen to the Holy Spirit, lay
up the word of God in the heart so that we may not sin. Find out how holy people act by reading of
the great mentors of the bible. Like David ‘a man after God own heart’ seek the
heart of God. Behaviors such as praying, doing devotions daily, and seeking out
those likeminded, are practiced by effective Christians who strive to be holy.
P: Praise
You God for making a way to be holy.
Thank You for Your guidance and direction. You are holy and have given us many
examples. Help us Lord please to be holy
and develop a lifestyle that brings glory to You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Le 19:1–2).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
5 When Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was occupied
with preaching the message and solemnly testified to the Jews that Jesus is the
Messiah. 6 But when they
resisted and blasphemed, he shook his robe and told them, “Your blood is on
your own heads! [1]
O: When
Paul’s friends arrived with help from the other churches Paul’s time was freed
up to do more preaching throughout the week and not just on the sabbath. However,
the Jews resisted again demonstrating terrible behavior. Behavior of “Reproached; treated with opprobrious or
contemptuous language”, as Strongs defines it. The Greek English Lexicon defines
it as:
‘to demean through speech’, an esp. sensitive matter in an honor-shame
oriented society. to speak in a disrespectful way that demeans, denigrates,
maligns;
ⓐ in relation to
humans slander, revile, defame[2]
As Paul in
Romans puts it; So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God’s
command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves.[3]
One is opposing God, thus many versions translate the word βλασφημέω in Acts
18:6‘blaspheme’ (HCSB, ASV, KJV, etc.) which is awfully bad behavior.
A: Do not
resist those in spiritual authority or judgement will happen. Why, because those who resist have judged and
the bible says ‘Judge not less you be judged’ Mt 7:1. Those who demonstrate such behavior as the
Jews in Acts will reap what they sow. This
concept is related in the bible at least 10 times, especially in Gal. 6:7 Be
not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he
also reap. Be a servant, listen with patience and humility. Be of a contrite heart show love and gentle
behavior. Go to God and search both the
scriptures and the heart to become holy as a chosen people of God.
P: I pray God we work on sanctification. We are not prefect and need to be humbled. Help us grow to become holy and act as
servants give of ourselves unselfishly laying down our differences and coming
together for You in unity. Thank You
Lord for Your work in us. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ac 18:5–6).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Arndt,
W., Danker, F. W., Bauer, W., & Gingrich, F. W. (2000). A Greek-English
lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature (3rd ed., p.
178). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
[3] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ro 13:2). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
The Bereans Search
the Scriptures
11 The people here were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica,
since they welcomed the message with eagerness and examined the Scriptures
daily to see if these things were so.[1]
O: Luke had
a much better opinion of the Bereans than of those in Thessalonica. The word he used (eugenesteros) most often translated
as ‘noble minded’ means having the type of attitude ordinarily
associated with well-bred persons, noble-minded,
open-minded[2]. They were not the type to be influenced by
hear-say and rumors. The Bereans set out
to confirm the testimony of Paul rather than listen to the rabble rousers. The
Jewish troublemakers offered no proof whereas Paul stood on the word of God.
A: When
Jesus sets one free that one is free indeed.
Free to make up one’s own mind free to come to whatever conclusion they
chose. Be ‘noble minded’. Those who let others make conclusions for
them by hearsay and rumors be careful, for they may be influence by gossip. The conclusion may be wrong if not researched
at the source. The problems created by
gossip are great and divisive. One much
not take another word at face value but search for proof.
P: Praise You God for word. Thank You for giving us proof of You
existence and work in History. Help me Lord to remain in our word and search
for the Truth for than I will remain free.
Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ac 17:11).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., Bauer, W., & Gingrich, F. W. (2000). A Greek-English
lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature
(3rd ed., p. 404). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
there was a
disciple named Timothy, the son of a believing Jewish woman, but his father was
a Greek. 2 The brothers at Lystra and Iconium spoke highly of
him.[1]
O: One
would be grateful when others recognize your worth. It should be a humbling experience to be
handpicked by Paul. A pillar of the Christian
community, the bulwark of Gods plans to reach the whole world.
A: So,
treat others gently, with love and devote oneself to be a servant. Develop a reputation
of that of a Christian. Try not to create
problems but work on unity and peace.
Show others the love of God.
P: I offer
my praise to You God. I offer
thanksgiving for Your grace. Help me to
develop a good reputation. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ac 16:1–2).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
10 Now then, why are you testing God by putting a yoke on the disciples’ necks
that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear? 11 On
the contrary, we believe we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus in
the same way they are.” [1]
O: Why must
we demand of others more than what God requires? Salvation can now be written on the hearts. At what lengths must we prove our faith? God knows what is in the heart. Did not Paul say the law can be summed up by
loving God and our neighbor? The yoke of
the law was taken care of by Christ’s act on the cross. Now the law is written on the hearts of those
who trust and have faith in the one true God.
God showed the disciplines that faith was enough to follow Jesus. Why should we ask more?
A: One need
not tell others how to walk with God. It
is enough to have faith that God will transform those who believe in Him. There is no formula no set of rules. True believers devote themselves to the works
of God in their life. Read the bible and
praying working out salvation in sanctification by having a close relationship
with Him.
P: Praise You Lord. You plan is prefect. You have it all worked out. Praise You.
I pray that my relationship grows in You as well as my faith. Helpful me follow You, trust You and have all
my faith in You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ac 15:10–11).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
The Restitution
Offering
Le 5:17 “If someone sins and without knowing it violates any of the Lord’s commands concerning anything
prohibited, he bears the consequences of his guilt.[1]
Acts 14:2 But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up and poisoned the minds
of the Gentiles against the brothers.[2]
O: This (text)
addresses general offenses or violations of the Law, indicating that they are
also regarded as a desecration of the name of God.[3] This
is regarding those who unwittingly blaspheme God. Many do not realize those who falsely testify
against another person is a personal affront to God. Everyone is made in God’s
image and are criticizing God’s creation figuratively. God did not make them good enough. God’s principles apply.
The same is
true with gossip. Many today do not know
what their sin is. Gossip is so much a
part of todays culture and being so commonplace many do not even realize their
doing it. As in Acts the ones who
refused to believe poisoned the minds of those who did, causing division and
strive by stirring people up. The Jews gossiped and worked against the acts of
God.
A: Examine
behavior and compare to the fruits of God.
If the behavior causes hatred, rivalry, jealously, outbursts of anger,
quarrels, conflicts, factions, it is working against the Spirit. Therefore, as Paul encourages ‘live by the
Spirit’ so one may not demonstrate the works of the flesh (Gal 5:16cf).
P: God we are so bad. Times we do not know we
are working against You. Help us Lord
please to see what we are doing is wrong.
Help us recognize gossip and false testimony as sin and a personal
affront to You. Help us please Lord to
repent and develop sacrificial lives pleasing to You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Le 5:17). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ac 14:2). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
3 “If his gift is a burnt offering
from the herd, he is to bring an unblemished male. He must bring it to the entrance to the tent
of meeting so that he may be accepted by
the Lord.[1]
O: How can
God dwell with sinful people? The answer
is He cannot unless that same people make a sacrifice that is acceptable to
God.
The English title, Leviticus, comes from the
Latin Vulgate translation of the Greek term Leuitikon.
The Greek term is an adjectival form, “Levitical,” which thus means “that
which concerns the priests.” Since Hellenistic Jews called the priests
“Levites” (an equation already evident in Deut 17:9, 18; 18:1), the meaning of
the Greek title is actually no different from the traditional title of the
Jews, the “book of priests.”[2]
Jesus said
in Matthew 5:17-18 He came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it. Not a dot or iota will be taken away from it
till everything is accomplished. Jesus
was the ultimate sacrifice for His priesthood the body of Christ. Therefore, the believer must follow Christ’s
example as part of the priesthood by offering their life as a sacrifice (Rom
12:1).
A: His
people must live a life holy and pleasing to God. A life that is reasonable
worship. Like the holy people of old a
life dedicated to God is a reasonable form of worship. Sin must not be apart of that life for sin is
abhorred by God and cannot be in His presents.
As part of the holy priesthood 1 Pet 2:9 humble yourselves by offering your
life as a living sacrifice to God.
P: I pray God we open our eyes to seeing how we can
offer ourselves to You. Make us humble
an seek ways to please You by turning away from sin and provide a reasonable
form of worship. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Le 1:3). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
Psalm 15
A Description of the Godly
A Davidic
psalm.
1 Lord, who can dwell in Your tent?
Who can
live on Your holy mountain?
2 The one who lives honestly, practices
righteousness,
and
acknowledges the truth in his heart —
3 who does not slander with his tongue,
who does
not harm his friend
or
discredit his neighbor,
4 who despises the one rejected by the Lord
but honors
those who fear the Lord,
who keeps
his word whatever the cost,
5 who does not lend his money at interest
or take a
bribe against the innocent —
the one who
does these things will never be moved. [1]
O: This
Psalm is written to help His people prepare for worship. It is a song they sang before they entered
the temple. It can be used for self-examination. To help His people determine the condition of
their heart, their attitude, their relationships, and the truth in their word.
A: Today
the word has the same purpose. To help His people examine their hearts,
motives, attitude, and word. Look into one’s
behavior, walk, relationships and consider what is in one’s heart. Remove the hate, bias, agendas, and behaviors
not glorifying God. Demonstrate righteousness
and honesty. Walk with God.
P: Praise
God for His inspiration, for His word and love for those who choose to walk
with You. Help examine the hearts of
those who walk with You. Open the eyes
of Your people to see how to walk righteously with You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ps 15). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
28 Peter said to them, “You know it’s forbidden for a Jewish man to associate
with or visit a foreigner. But God has
shown me that I must not call any person common or unclean. 29 That’s why I came without
any objection when I was sent for. So I ask: Why did you send for me?”[1]
O: The gospel will go where it is needed. God does not discriminate. He looks at the heart not the nationality. Here we have the history and how the Lord
included all nations for His blessings.
There should not be any law that separates mankind. Acceptance of all nationalities equally demonstrates
the will of God. This is the goodness of God shining brightly.
A: His children
need to let go of any preconceived notions and assumptions. Personal agendas and expectations have no
place in God’s will. His people need to
listen to both God and man with respect and humility. Cordial behavior as Peter demonstrated is
most important. Gentleness and respectfulness
is what’s in order, to glorify the Messiah.
For this can be His peoples only agenda, that is to bring glory to God.
P: Praise
You God for Your glory. Praise You Jesus
for Your word. Praise You Holy Spirit
for Your inspiration. I pray we grow in knowledge
of You and commit ourselves to Your word and will. Help me to glory You in behavior, deed, and
word. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ac 10:27–29).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
36 1 Bezalel,
Oholiab, and all the skilled people are to work based on everything the Lord has commanded. The Lord has given them wisdom and
understanding to know how to do all the work of constructing the sanctuary.”[1]
O: The Israelites
were to make, as on commentor put it, Something Beautiful for God.[2] This cannot be overstated for they
were making the dwelling place of God. Because
it was the place God would dwell it had to be built to God’s specifications. ‘The caveat is
that all the actual builders must be gifted by God (“to whom the Lord has given skill and ability to know
how to carry out all the work”) and that everything must be accomplished
strictly according to the revealed divine plan (“just as the Lord has commanded”; cf. Exod 26:30)’.[3]
The meaning is rich and deep. The HS
inspires and God gives the gifts to accomplish His purpose. Here again the trinity is implied. Christ is the foundation.
A: No need
to worry. God gives His people what is needed to accomplish His task. He has a
plan, He is in control and He has it all worked out. His people must only
develop faith and a deeper relationship with Him. To love Him more and trust in His plan. No worries.
P: I pray God I seek a deeper relationship with
You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ex 36). Nashville: Holman
Bible Publishers.
[2]
Ryken, P. G., & Hughes, R. K. (2005). Exodus: saved for
God’s glory (p. 1094). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
4 When the people heard this bad news, they
mourned and did not put on their jewelry.
5 For the Lord
said to Moses: “Tell the Israelites: You are a stiff-necked people. If I went
with you for a single moment, I would destroy you. Now take off your jewelry,
and I will decide what to do with you.” 6 So the Israelites
remained stripped of their jewelry from Mount Horeb onward. [1]
O: His people longed for His presence of God. They were sadden due to the fact they did
evil in His sight. God stated he will not come with them less He destroys them.
They were punished and demoted to being led by an angel. “Man cannot approach God by any means he
devises, man can only approach God when He makes a way,” John MacArthur. His people began to show there mourning by
taking off there jewlry and dressing plainly.
In the ancient Near East, mourning tended to
involve appearance, not just attitude, so that what one wore was a part of the
appearance aspect of mourning. Nothing fancy could adorn a mourner because
fancy dress was associated with cheerfulness and might contradict the desired
pattern, which was thoroughgoing mourning behavior designed to appeal to a god
(or the true God) for relief of suffering (including in this case relief from
the unknown miseries that might be subsumed under “and I will decide what to do
with you”). Consequently, they removed all adornment and made their appearance
“plain” as a sign of mourning.[2]
A: The fear of the Lord must take precedence. He will be our God and we His people. Believe in His promise. The Israelites failed to follow Him. They were ‘stiff necked’ The generation who left Egypt never saw the
promise land. The grumbling and
complaining ground them down. Let the Lord change the mourning into gladness by
following Him.
P: Help me Lord to follow You, put my faith in
You, show my respect for You and change my mourning into gladness. Praise You for Your promises. We lift You up and give You praise. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ex 33:4–6).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
6 “You are to place the altar in front of
the veil by the ark of the testimony—in front of the mercy seat that is over
the testimony—where I will meet with you. 7 Aaron must burn
fragrant incense on it; he must burn it every morning when he tends the
lamps. 8 When Aaron sets
up the lamps at twilight, he must burn incense. There is to be an incense
offering before the Lord
throughout your generations. 9 You must not offer unauthorized
incense on it, or a burnt or grain offering; you are not to pour a drink
offering on it.
10 “Once a year Aaron is to perform the purification rite on the horns of the altar. Throughout your generations he is to perform the purification rite for it once a year, with the blood of the sin offering for atonement. The altar is especially holy to the Lord.”[1]
O: This text
has so much. The Lord will meet us at
the mercy seat which now is Jesus. His
people are direct to pray every 12 hours which suggests around the clock
petitions to God. In addition, His people must not substitute any other kind of
pray to anything else.
A: This a
good example of how to develop a relationship to God. Pray as often as possible in the name of
Jesus. We can meet God through Jesus His people intercessor. The behavior is essential
for every effective Christian. James 5:16
P: Lord Jesus I pray that I continue to develop
a prayer life to grow my relationship with You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ex 30:6–10).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
44 I will consecrate the tent of meeting and the altar; I will also
consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve Me as priests. 45 I will
dwell among the Israelites and be their God.
46 And they will know that I am Yahweh their God, who
brought them out of the land of Egypt, so that I might dwell among them. I am
Yahweh their God.[1]
O: This
text makes clear who will be doing the sanctification. God is only the one or place who can make Holy. This is His covenant. He said He will do it and He has made His
people Holy. His promise is true and has
come to fruition. “[The]tabernacle was fully built and in use, God’s
presence would be specially manifest there—still a visible indicator of his
living among his people but now in the form of his “house.” Thus, he promised
that “there I will meet you and speak to you” (Moses and presumably anyone who
was his proper successor), and “there also I will meet with the Israelites” (v.
43). [2] The body of Christ is now the tabernacle and
His people now have Him in their hearts.
The ‘know’ has a much deeper meaning than translated in English. “Know here means more than
just intellectual knowledge. It means to “know by experience” (Durham).[3] Much different than other religions, His people
can come to know Him personally deep in their hearts, the seat of the soul. One on one. He is then and now His peoples
only God. This seems fitting that at the
end of the passage God places His ‘signature’ as if He stamped His approval on
what is written ‘I am Yahweh their God.’
A: Our God
has come down to dwell with His people.
What other religion can say that.
With God now in His peoples heart the world can be changed. With God in His people’s heart comes great responsibility. To be holy and walk-in righteousness w/o
guilt. For with God in the heart to sin
will cause the guilt of crucifying Jesus all over again. Have a clear
conscience for God is with you in you and is all about you. Worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:23-26).
P: Praise God from Whom all blessings flow. How gracious and merciful You are. How faithful. Your testimony is true and Your will we be done. I pray I the body of Christ develops a deeper understand come closer to knowing You personally. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ex 29:44–46).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Stuart, D. K. (2006). Exodus
(Vol. 2, p. 630). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers. [Brackets mine]
[3]
Osborn, N. D., & Hatton, H. A. (1999). A handbook on
Exodus (p. 136). New York: United Bible Societies.
Seven Chosen to Serve
6 In those days, as the number of the disciples
was multiplying, there arose a complaint by the Hellenistic Jews against the
Hebraic Jews that their widows were
being overlooked in the daily distribution.[1]
O: The date of this incident was most likely mid-thirties. The church was experiencing unprecedented
growth. With the growth came administrative
problems. The problem disclosed here was between two ethnic groups. The
Hellenistic Jews from the dispersion and the Hebrew Jews in Judea.
As so often
with ethnic groups, they tended to associate with those who shared their
language and cultural background. As the church increased and came to include
more and more of these “Hellenist” converts, it is only natural that they would
have formed close associations with one another, perhaps even meeting in home
fellowships together. There is no reason to picture a breach or separation in
the total Christian community—only the sort of “distancing” created by natural
linguistic and cultural differences.[2]
God does not like to hear complaints and grumbling. However, He will address the issues. The important point here is the devotion to
prayer and seeking God for the solution.
As the spiritual leaders of the body the apostles acted and did what was
right due to the urgency of addressing the needs of the widows. A primary mode of worship is helping those in
need and neglect of widows would be a stain on the body.
A: So, it goes today issues arise in the body of Christ. God has given an example of how to deal with
it. Those with spiritual authority given
by God must humble themselves and seek God for solutions not excuses. Such is the responsibility of the leaders in
the body of Christ. Complaints must be
addressed and with the knowledge of the body, work things out with Gods help.
P: O Lord help those who have complaints seek a solution rather than
talking among themselves. Please include
to whole when addressing the issues. We
are not alone and do not worry that we must solve every problem. You God are sovereign. Help us work together in unity toward
solutions devoting ourselves in prayer and seeking Your guidance. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard
version. (2009). (Ac 6:1). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
Laws on Honesty, Justice, and Fair Treatment with a Reminder that
God is Enforcer (23:1–9)[1]
23 “You must not
spread a false report. Do not join the wicked to be a malicious witness.[2]
O: This
text is plain. Reject rumors and hearsay
for they may be false and one who repeats them will be judged. Participation in such behavior will be unfair,
cause disunity, prejudice opinions, and division. It is malicious behavior. “Do not spread
false reports” (v. 1). Spreading a false report could be damaging to the
covenant community in several ways. It could influence what people thought
about an individual so that they would relate differently to him than otherwise
would have been the case; when the time came for people to testify in a court
case about someone, their attitudes and even recollections could be prejudiced
by the false “common knowledge” that the false report created.”[3]
A: God
urges His people to be honest. This type
of behavior is stated in numerous verses, as well in humanity down thru history.
So goes the saying ‘honestly is the best policy’. Todays culture lacks a moral compass
professing situational ethics thinking ‘the ends justify the means’ and if I
think it is right than it must be.
Everything done must be compared to the standard set before by His word. What kind of character participates in and is
a party to spreading false reports? The text here state the character is wicked.
P: O God
have mercy on our nation. We have done
what is wicked in Your eye. I pray for
our leaders and ask You bless them with wisdom and understanding. The world has lost it’s way. Help us find direction in You and Your
word. Help us to discern what is
right. Help to be open to and lead by
the Spirit. Amen
28 “You
must not blaspheme God or curse a leader among your people.[1]
O: Remarkably interesting text God gave me today. I say to those who think this devotion as
foolish gibberish remember what the word of God says in 1 Corinthians 2:14 person who isn't spiritual doesn't accept
the things of God's Spirit, for they are nonsense to him. He can't understand
them because they are spiritually evaluated. We all know that swearing and name calling
is disrespectful. Taking the Lords name
in vain is foolish yes. However, doing
the same thing to leaders is the same thing as blaspheming God. Both examples of the behavior are given in one
sentence of God’s text this devotion is addressing. Addressing our leaders in the world and the
church with ‘verbal assaults and disrespect’ and blaspheming God is one and the
same. Remember God has placed the leaders in their position therefor swearing at
and calling them names is blaspheming God’s choice. Thus, blaspheming God.
The first of this group of laws requiring respect for
God’s holiness addresses the way a verbal attack can represent a serious sort
of assault. Modern people used to the notion of virtually unlimited freedom of
speech may not be fully aware of the power of words to do harm and to disrupt
relationships, whereas ancients in some instances more clearly understood the
dangers of unbridled free speech. God’s people could not curse either him or
any legitimate leader in Israelite society. Paul’s words before the Sanhedrin
demonstrate his (and their) understanding that this applied even to those who
may have been abusing their authority and that the law referred indeed to
verbal attacks (Acts 23:5, “Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people”).[2]
Additionally, all humans
are created in God’s image. Then to
take this a step further when one is swearing and being despiteful to another
are disrespecting God’s creation.
Therefor the behavior is disrespecting God. That behavior places one in an uncomfortable
position for one will be facing destruction by opposing God.
A: One must always spiritual appraise one’s
behavior. Behavior must be compared to
His word. That is why it is so important
to be in His word daily and devoting oneself to Him continuously always having
a word of praise. Encouragement and uplifting behavior glorifies God and builds
up His body. Contrary to popular opinion
bashing and verbally attacking leaders is ungodly and blasphemous. Be watchful circumspectly (Ephesians 5:15-16)
with discernment regarding one’s behavior so that God may be glorified.
P: Praise You God for Your word. Your word is plain and straight forward. Your will and promise will be accomplished. Build Your body up, prepare Your church Lord. Help us Lord to remain in Your word. Help us to glorify You in all we do. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ex 22:28).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
19 Therefore repent and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped out,
that seasons of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, 20 and that He may send
Jesus, who has been appointed for you as
the Messiah.[1]
O: What
does repent mean? This is a necessary action
for salvation. That is why the term is
so important. By saying one believes in
Jesus one has to turn ones back on the behavior of this perverse generation, “thus giving rise to a certain ambiguity. Thus μετανοέω, which is
comparatively rare in both class. and Hell. Gk., can have various senses.
1. It can
first mean “to note after, later,” often with the implication “too
late,” Epicharmus Fr., 41 (I, 204, Diels5): οὐ μετανοεῖν ἀλλὰ
προνοεῖν χρὴ τὸν ἄνδρα τὸν σοφόν, Democr. Fr., 66 (II, 158, Diels5): προβουλεύεσθαι κρεῖσσον
πρὸ τῶν πράξεων ἢ μετανοεῖν, “to agree subsequently,” BGU, 747, I, 10 ff.: καὶ οἰό[μ]ενος
με[τ]ανοή[σι]ν ἡμεῖν ἐπῖχό[ν] σοι τῷ κυρίῳ δηλῶσαι.
2. It can
then mean “to change one’s mind (νοῦς),” which, in view of the many senses of νοῦς → 952, might mean “to adopt another
view,” “to change one’s feelings,”
3. From sense 2.,
if the change of mind derives from recognition that the earlier view was
foolish, improper or evil, there arises the sense “to regret,” “to
feel remorse,[2]
The Term
for “repentance” is not necessarily found in the OT but the concept is particularly
the concept of conversion which is further developed in the NT. Especially in fasting accompanied by
confession of sin 1 Samuel 7:6. With that confession comes penitence. From Amos to Joel the prophets were critical
of Isreal’s behavior which incurred the wrath of God.
“What Amos is saying is that the people’s penitence is not firmly anchored at
the depth where it becomes genuine encounter with God. It does not lead, then,
to a personal and existential relation between God and man. Hosea in his
criticism starts with the fact that penitence is frivolous and confident of
results. Instead, the old prophetic demand for social righteousness is raised
again and again. Palms 54, with its view that all sin is directed
against God alone (v. 4), believes that there can be true renewal only in a
pure heart and new and strong spirit which God creates (v. 10).[3]
A: Repentance is no small thing. Like when one needs to quit drugs one needs to change everything. Attitude, behavior, thoughts, friends. In other words, change one’s life and continue to mortify sin. Abor bad behavior and change to glorify God. Seek to do what is right. Repentance is no simple thing as evidenced, by the number of volumes written about it. To change is only possible with God as Peter & Paul said it was not I but God in me.
P: Help me Lord to repent and change. Help me take a 180 by turning to face You and seek Your direction. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ac 3:19–20).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Behm, J., & Würthwein, E. (1964–). νοέω, νοῦς, νόημα, ἀνόητος, ἄνοια, δυσνόητος, διάνοια,
διανόημα, ἔννοια, εὐνοέω, εὔνοια, κατανοέω, μετανοέω, μετάνοια, ἀμετανόητος,
προνοέω, πρόνοια, ὑπονοέω, ὑπόνοια, νουθετέω, νουθεσία. G.
Kittel, G. W. Bromiley, & G. Friedrich (Eds.), Theological dictionary of the New Testament (electronic ed., Vol.
4, p. 976). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
[3]
Behm, J., & Würthwein, E. (1964–). νοέω, νοῦς, νόημα, ἀνόητος, ἄνοια, δυσνόητος, διάνοια,
διανόημα, ἔννοια, εὐνοέω, εὔνοια, κατανοέω, μετανοέω, μετάνοια, ἀμετανόητος,
προνοέω, πρόνοια, ὑπονοέω, ὑπόνοια, νουθετέω, νουθεσία. G.
Kittel, G. W. Bromiley, & G. Friedrich (Eds.), Theological dictionary of the New Testament (electronic ed., Vol.
4, p. 983-984, 988). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
[4] Behm, J., & Würthwein, E. (1964–). νοέω, νοῦς, νόημα, ἀνόητος, ἄνοια, δυσνόητος, διάνοια, διανόημα, ἔννοια, εὐνοέω, εὔνοια, κατανοέω, μετανοέω, μετάνοια, ἀμετανόητος, προνοέω, πρόνοια, ὑπονοέω, ὑπόνοια, νουθετέω, νουθεσία. G. Kittel, G. W. Bromiley, & G. Friedrich (Eds.), Theological dictionary of the New Testament (electronic ed., Vol. 4, p. 1002). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
40 And with many other words he testified and strongly urged them,
saying, “Be saved from this corrupt generation!” [1]
O: The
words are not Peter entire speech only the points needed to declare emphatically, preached as
exhortation in the power of the Spirit of God, and which carries with it
already in this time the eternal comfort of God the Father.[2]
How bad
must a generation get when one says enough already and look for something more meaningful. Peter here implores his listeners to turn to
Jesus the answer from all corruption. His reference to a “corrupt
generation” (skolias, “crooked,
perverse”) is Old Testament language for a generation that is stubborn
and rebellious and not faithful to God (Ps 78:8; cf. Deut 32:5; Phil 2:15).
[3]
A: Turn
from the stubbornness, rebellious attitude.
Listen to the word of God. Let it
sink in by turning away from corruption which leads to death. Peter used as strong of language he could to
help others understand the gospel for salvation. Times have not changed. The generation is
still corrupt. The living gospel also is still available for any seeking the
answer to deadly corruption. Believe
that Jesus is God who can save.
P: Praise You God for the Helper, the Counselor You have given us. Thank You for the Holy Spirit. With Your help You empowered the apostles. Even now You empower all believers to walk away from this corrupt generation. I pray for help to walk in the life changing presence of You. Help me to strengthen my belief by remaining in Your word. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ac 2:40). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Schmitz, O. (1964–). παρακαλέω, παράκλησις. G. Kittel, G. W. Bromiley,
& G. Friedrich (Eds.), Theological
dictionary of the New Testament (electronic ed., Vol. 5, p. 799). Grand
Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
7 They must take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and
the lintel of the houses where they eat them.[1]
O: ‘The
blood’ is an indelible image. It is rich
in meaning but it is not what saved the Israelites. The Israelites salvation is in the belief
this action will keep them safe. They
were obedient to God’s command. The ancient
church fathers found so much meaning in this text suggesting such allegories
like being covered by the blood or going though baptism. However, this is a for shadow of the
redemptive act of Jesus on the cross.
This is God’s scheme of redemption.
From the beginning God is fulfilling His plan for salvation. His actions in Egypt gave proof to His
awesome power and came to fruition with the sacrificial Lamb on the cross. All one must do is believe and let God complete
the transformation of salvation.
A: Belief
in the redemptive process of the blood of Jesus is all it takes. How simple is that? The gospel is so plain
and uncomplicated. The salvation from
God comes though belief that Jesus is the Christ and He died for you and me. With belief one’s faith in God is manifested
by the moving of the Holy Spirit directing one toward the transformation of God’s
sanctification.
P: Thank You,
Thank You, Thank you God. Praise You
Jesus. David sang in Psalms 22 The king rejoices in your strength, LORD. How
greatly he rejoices in your deliverance. You have granted him the desire
of his heart and have not withheld what his lips requested. You go before him
with wonderful blessings and put a crown of fine gold on his head. He
asked life from you, and you gave it to him—a long life for ever and
ever. His glory is great because of your deliverance, you have given him
honor and majesty. So do I praise You.
I pray to be bold proclaiming Your salvation is available all. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman
Christian standard version. (2009). (Ex 12:7). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
2 But if you refuse to let them go and keep holding them[1]
O: The
story of the Exodus is timeless. Keith
Green released an album in 1980 “So You Wanna Go Back to Egypt”. Other contemporary Christian music also uses
the theme. Look at all the plagues Egypt
experienced due to the pharaoh hardened heart. It is “an expression found
many times in Exodus to describe the stubbornness of the Pharaoh. Sometimes it
is the Lord who hardens the king’s heart; sometimes he hardens his own heart.
The heart was thought to be the center of thinking, of intelligence, and a hard
heart indicated a stubborn attitude. In each instance one of three different
Hebrew words is used to describe his heart as either “difficult,” “strong,” or
“heavy,” but the meaning is always that the king is “stubborn.” (The first time used
in 4:21) the word meaning “strong” is used”[2] In other words, God used pharaoh’s harden
heart to demonstrate who He is. With the
10 plagues came a greater understanding of the power of God and the lengths He
will go for His people. However, why
would one want to back to the oppression and bondage of Egypt which today is an
analogy of sin. God’s people were slaves
and God came to call them out from that misery.
Why want to go back?
A: What does one experience by being
stubborn? What is accomplished? Egypt experienced
plagues. One today will experience
hardship. Inflexibility, unwillingness
to change and a rigid attitude delivers bad fruit. What needs to take place is a softening. Let God into one’s heart and He will direct one’s
life by allowing to let go of stubbornness.
Love softens the attitude so therefor grow in God’s love.
P:
God You are great. Great is Your
power. Great is Your love for Your
people. Great is Your plan and great are
Your blessings. Help me Lord to soften
my heart and those in church leadership as well as all Christians. It is so easy to fall back into old
ways. Help change the heart and soften
it with love. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ex 9:1–2).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Osborn, N. D., & Hatton, H. A. (1999). A handbook on
Exodus (p. 94). New York: United Bible Societies. (parentheses mine)
40 But the other answered, rebuking him: “Don’t you even fear God, since
you are undergoing the same punishment? 41 We are punished
justly, because we’re getting back what we deserve for the things we did, but
this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then
he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!”[1]
O: I am reminded of Toby Mac’s song, “Love Broke Thru”. It all began with Jesus. From the beginning He had us in mind. “Don’t you even fear God?” To quote Toby “I was a hopeless fool” yet my
Lord, innocent, give His life for me. Fear
God. That phrase is so potent yet difficult
to translate. Greek verbs are notorious
for presenting problems translating from one language to another. At least for
me that is true. It is worth noting
that even later the δέος group denotes “fear,” “apprehension,”
while φόβος is used for “sudden and violent fear,” “fright,” “panic.”[2] This means one’s
feelings toward God must be deep seated and primary. The meaning has great intensity and
force. Enough as to cause the criminal
to rebuke the first, saying “Don’t you have enough sense to know we deserve
this?” It has the force: do not even you (who of
all men should know better) fear God?[3] The second criminal due to his fear of God
was forgiven and went to heaven.
A: Today ask the question, “What is my attitude
toward God?” Where is the fear, respect,
adoration, and reverence that should be always be given to God? At what level or how deeply seated is concern
regarding one’s walk with God. Are we
always reflecting on our approach to the One who has all power and mighty beyond
measure? Be concerned regarding the
great responsibility placed on His children and live accordingly. Glorify Him in all things giving all that is
within.
P: Jesus You gave Your all. Please help me to do the same. Help me to grow in my reverence and respect for You. Help me let my emotions permeate Your love and that I devote all to You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Lk 23:40–42).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Balz, H., & Wanke, G. (1964–). φοβέω, φοβέομαι φόβος, δέος. G. Kittel, G. W.
Bromiley, & G. Friedrich (Eds.), Theological
dictionary of the New Testament (electronic ed., Vol. 9, p. 190). Grand
Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
[3]
Marshall, I. H. (1978). The Gospel of Luke:
a commentary on the Greek text (pp. 871–872). Exeter:
Paternoster Press.
36 Then He said to them, “But now, whoever has a money-bag should take
it, and also a traveling bag. And whoever does not have a sword should sell his
robe and buy one. 37 For I tell you, what is written must be
fulfilled in Me: And He was counted
among the outlaws. (Is 52.12)
Yes, what is written about Me is coming to its fulfillment.”[1]
O: A
difficult text to understand. Is one to
take this literally or figuratively? As
we take the text in context to the whole of scriptures elsewhere for it is certain
Jesus is referring to the way one must face the suffering incurred by following
Him. The Greek word for sword could also
be translated as a knife. This writer takes this text to mean one must take up
the ‘sword’ as one of a surgeon’s knife to cut to the tendons and joints of the
body of Christ like that which is a part of the whole armor of God; His word.
A: It has
been stated plainly elsewhere those who truly follow Jesus can expect to experience
suffering but here Jesus reminds to be prepared. The sword is particularly important part of one’s
defense. It is the one item in the Christian
tool chest that is indispensable. The
world of God is essential for ones walk with Christ (2 Timothy 3:16).
P: Praise
God for Your inspiration for, Your care and love for us. Thank-You Jesus. You deserve all the praise and glory. Help me Lord to use Your word for all things
I face and glorify You in all that I do.
Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Lk 22:36–37).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
God’s Glory, Man’s Dignity
For the
choir director: on the Gittith. A Davidic psalm.
1 Yahweh, our Lord,
how
magnificent is Your name throughout the earth!
You have
covered the heavens with Your majesty. l
2 Because of Your adversaries,
You have
established a stronghold
from the
mouths of children and nursing infants
to silence
the enemy and the avenger.
3 When I observe Your heavens,
the work of
Your fingers,
the moon
and the stars,
which You
set in place,
4 what is man that You remember him,
the son of
man that You look after him?[1]
O: David was awe struck.
He looked around him and marvel at the sights he sees. Same with everyone who looks at the Milky Way
and see such infinite beauty. Just consider
the human cell and its complexity. Yet God is concerned with you and me. He takes care of us. Loves us and m,eets all
our needs.
A: Consider the birds how God provides for them. He loves us and nothing in our life is
lacking. My cup overflows.
P: Praise You God for Your love and care. Thank-You for helping me. Praise You for Your concern and
understanding. Help me please to love
You more and more Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ps 8:title–4).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
my son, you
return from the kill.
He
crouches; he lies down like a lion
or a
lioness—who dares to rouse him? [1]
O: One does not think of Genesis as prophetic, but we have a
prophecy here. Out of Judah came the
Messiah. He is called the Lion of Judah
(Rev 5:5). Interesting because Judah was
earlier in the book, contrasted to Joseph as being Joseph’s complete opposite
in behavior but has since changed his ways and has made every attempt to make
things right acting righteously by pledging for the safety and also offer to
take the place of Benjamin (cf Gen 43, see also devotion of 1/16/21 Getting back to God alohatek.blogspot.com). There in Bethlehem the blessing to all people
comes through him rather than Rueben who slept with his father’s woman or Simeon
and Levi who attacked and wipeout several towns. They never demonstrated
repentance or any change in behavior thereby forfeiting their blessings.
A: The Christian will make mistakes. It is bound to
happen. The Christian can also turn it
around, repent and put to death the sin in one’s life. Let the Holy Spirit guide you. Be open to the
change except responsibility and act according to the standard set before us. The word of God. The bible.
Many verses in the bible offer guidance.
The psalmist wrote the word of God lights his path (Psalms 119:105).
David praised God in Ps 32:8, after his repentance, for His guidance.
P: My Lord and my God I give You all the praise. You are worthy and full of grace. I pray I search my life, clean out my closets,
and rid myself of all that displeases You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard
version. (2009). (Ge 49:9). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
26 “ ‘I tell you, that to everyone who
has, more will be given; and from the one who does not have, even what he does
have will be taken away. [1]
O: Critics have asked who said this. ‘Whose words are these?[2]’ Was it the king in the parable or
Jesus Himself? The question is mute because
Jesus told the parable and states a well-known principle. Mankind has a
responsibility. The more than has been
given more is expected. On the other hand,
if one does not use one will lose it. See also 8:18, Mk. 4:25. This is called a doublet; a common saying of
Jesus. He likely said this often when
faced with the hypocritical behavior of the pharisees.
A: Take the responsibility
Jesus calls for seriously. When one has learned
much is expected. The parable is like ‘The
Talents’ in Matthew 25:14-30. Use one’s
skills and gifts for the kingdom.
Christians have been tasked to help spread the Kingdom of God that is one’s
heart. Share it do not spare it. Spread
it do not neglect it.
P: I praise You Father for Your great wisdom and understanding. Thank You for providing principles to live by. Help me to cultivate my Spirit to be more aligned with Yours in my heart. Help me to be industrious in Your kingdom, to be fruitful and giving. In Jesus name. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Lk 19:26).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: I love this text. ‘The squeaky wheel gets the grease.’ Elsewhere
God tells us not to stop praying, give thanks in all things, praise, and trust
in God all of time (Ps 146). Pray without
ceasing. Hebrews 13:15 ‘Through Him
then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the
fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.’[2] We are told to be persistent.
A: Remember God has given all that we need. We lack in nothing, however, if we need help
ask. Keep on asking until you get an
answer. God is listening and will always
answer Your prayer.
P: Praise
God You listen to Your people. Help me
Lord to recognize Your answer which You always provide. Help me Lord to seek Your will Amen.
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Lk 18:4–5).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Source:
https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Lips
17 He said to His disciples, “Offenses will
certainly come, but woe to the one they come through! 2 It
would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were
thrown into the sea than for him to cause one of these little ones to
stumble. 3 Be on your
guard. If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. 4 And
if he sins against you seven times in a day, and comes back to you seven times,
saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.” [1]
O: The overall theme addresses the appropriate attitude of the
Christian community. There are causes
for sin and it is better to die than be the cause of someone’s sin. Take
heed and look at oneself seeking out any stumbling block to children, the poor
and destitute, but here Jesus is referring to those who believe. Nevertheless,
it is a sad thing for the person responsible for causing temptation in view of
the judgment which he will have to face.[2] If
the person repents, we must forgive and forgive often and repeatedly.
A: Check one’s attitude. Are we
loving and forgiving? Is there any stumbling block in one’s life? How are our lives
effecting others? Forgive and always evaluate one’s lifestyle and
attitude. Take on the mind of Christ.
P: Praise be to God. I have all the help I need in You. Stumbling blocks abound and I pray I rid my
life of any and address any believer who is with love and gentle concern. Help me not to be afraid but give all the
glory amen.
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard
version. (2009). (Lk 17:1–4). Nashville: Holman Bible
Publishers.
[2]
Marshall, I. H. (1978). The Gospel of Luke:
a commentary on the Greek text (p. 641). Exeter: Paternoster
Press.
Who finds favor
with God?
21 But the Lord was with
Joseph and extended kindness to him. He
granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.[1]
O: Time and
time again God found favor in Joseph. A
sharp contrast to his brother Judah.
Joseph lived a life with God, but Judah lived a life of deceit. Joseph prospered in adversity, but Judah had to
seek help. Joseph was a blessing to others
and Judah created problems. By the
comparison of the two one can discern who had God’s favor and why. Joseph did what was right and did not make
excuses but to seek God and proclaim God to everyone.
A: The bible says elsewhere to acknowledge the
Lord in all your ways, and He will direct your path (Proverbs 3:6). Those who find favor with God acknowledge the
Lord not only by the way one lives one’s life, but by one’s thoughts as well.
In one’s walk of faith, you will battle with sin. Cry out to God for help,
believe in His promises, and know that God will work in one’s life to make one
into the image of His Son. He will find favor
with you and bless you.
P: Praise
You God with the stories You provide.
Praise You for the great examples You provide. You provide to all who find favor in
You. Thank You God for providing the
examples giving us the information we need to follow You. Help me God to find that favor in You so I
can show others what Your favor is all about. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ge 39:21).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
12 If anyone does not repent,
God will
sharpen His sword;
He has strung
His bow and made it ready.
13 He has prepared His deadly weapons;
He tips His
arrows with fire.
14 See, the wicked one is pregnant with
evil,
conceives
trouble, and gives birth to deceit.
15 He dug a pit and hollowed it out
but fell
into the hole he had made.
16 His trouble comes back on his own head,
and his
violence falls on the top of his head.
17 I will thank the Lord for His righteousness;
I will sing
about the name of Yahweh the Most High.[1]
O: It is so true. Unrepentance has consequences. ‘Deadly weapons’ brings to mind what are the wages of sin (Romans 6:23). ‘Arrows dipped in fire’ recalls God’s
judgement by fire where the ‘judgement of fire’ is mentioned 29 times in the bible. Therefor in no uncertain terms the unrepentant
sinner will face consequences.
A: Unrepentant
dig a hole for themselves and then cannot get out of it unless they repent. Salvation does not come on our own
accord. We cannot do it alone. God is faithful and what He says is
true. Repent for all are sinners and
fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).
Seek His glory through repentance.
P: Praise You God for Your glory. Thank-You for Your word. Help me to pray for the unrepentant in my
life. Help me pray for them daily that
they find You. Amen.
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ps 7:12–17).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
5 And to them, He said, “Which of you whose son or ox falls into a well,
will not immediately pull him out on the Sabbath day?” [1]
O: Which is
better? To do good or follow the
law. Really this is not hard. The Whole law can be summed up in loving your
neighbor Gal 5:14.
A: Do not
be like to pharisees. Blind by their own
ambition and power feared their authority was being usurped by Jesus. Later in the chapter Jesus instruction was to
be humble seeking a low position letting go of arrogance. Seek to do good and
love those who give you a hard time.
P: Praise
God for Your wisdom and advice.
Help me to apply the law to my heart, love all, and seek to do good. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Lk 14:5). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree
6 And He told this parable: “A man had a
fig tree that was planted in his vineyard. He came looking for fruit on it and
found none. 7 He told
the vineyard worker, ‘Listen, for three years I have come looking for fruit on
this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it even waste the soil?’
8 “But he replied to him, ‘Sir, leave it
this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. 9 Perhaps it will bear fruit
next year, but if not, you can cut it down.’” [1]
O: Tending the vineyard requires work. The gardener could any Christian. The Lord has
judged one of the plants (a member of Christ’s body) as not being productive. The Christian must work with others to till
the soil and fertilize to help the members become fruitful. Making conditions in the vineyard favorable for
growth is very important. One professing to be of Christ must mentor, encourage
teach and exhort by modeling good behavior is the point here. The phrase ‘Why should it even waste the
soil?’ expresses the thought,
‘unfruitful itself, why should it also waste ground that could be put to
fruitful use?’; the tree not only takes up space, but in fact exhausts the
ground by taking nourishment from it[2].
A: Keep working the soil of the vineyard.
Fertilize it with the word of God. Encourage,
exhort, and lift people with Love. Pray
for good fruit and productive lives in the Kingdom of God. Build each other up. Model a Godly life and mention others as
Jesus did his disciples. Till and fertilize the church.
P: Praise You God for the guidance You
provide. You are good and only has good in
store for those that profess You Lord of their lives. I pray I never get tired of tilling the
soil. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Lk 13:6–9).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Marshall, I. H. (1978). The Gospel of Luke:
a commentary on the Greek text (p. 555). Exeter: Paternoster
Press.
Be on your guard
against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2 There is nothing covered
that will not be uncovered, nothing hidden that will not be made known. 3 Therefore, whatever you
have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered
in an ear in private rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.[1]
O: Do not be like the pharisees. For the pharisees sin will affect the whole
church. Sin roots will continue to grow
if not addressed. They were afraid their
behavior would be made know. They judged
as if they had their own authority usurping God. The behavior will not remain hidden. Jesus is addressing the crisis that developed
with His relationship with them described in the previous chapter. How does one address crisis? Do as Jesus did. Do not shy away but act boldly with God and
proclaim the truth.
A: Be bold.
Stand up to sin. Speak the
truth. Look to Jesus for help and
direction. Later in this chapter Jesus explains
not to worry but respect God and He will provide.
P: Praise You God for taking Care of us. Thank you for Your truth, love, and
provision. Praise Jesus for what You have given us. Thank You for the peace that is a real comfort. I pray that I act boldly when addresses sin
in the church. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Lk 12:1–3).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
1 Answer me when I call,
God, who
vindicates me.
You freed
me from affliction;
be gracious
to me and hear my prayer.
2 How long, exalted men, will my honor be
insulted?
How long
will you love what is worthless
and pursue
a lie? Selah
3 Know that the Lord has set apart
the
faithful for Himself;
the Lord will hear when I call to Him.
4 Be angry and do not sin;
on your
bed, reflect in your heart and be still.[1]
O: One who stress the
standards of God will be insulted. Those
who walk in the world have no idea about the ways of God. They consider God’s way foolish and feel His
word is contradictory. However, God will
not fail. He may be slow as some feel,
but He is at work all the time. He will be victorious.
A: Maintain the ways of
God. Continue to practice effective
Christian behaviors and God will take care of the rest.
P: Lord I pray I
continue to seek You. I pray I continue
to walk with You. For You are my
blessings my refuge and strength. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ps 4:1–4).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
5 Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.’ 6 If
a son of peace is there, your peace will
rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. [1]
O: The
phrase ‘son of peace’ is an idiom. The idiom
is a well-known phrase that would be difficult to understand by someone who does
not know the language or customs of the writer i.e. a phrase like ‘what in blue
blazes’. Marshal explains the text as
such:
It can mean 1. a peaceable person; or 2. a man
worthy of, destined for peace; cf. ‘a son of the world to come’, ‘children of
hell’, ‘sons of the resurrection’ and similar expressions (20:36; cf. 16:8; SB
I, 476–478; II, 166). This is undoubtedly the meaning here (Lagrange, 295;
Manson, Sayings, 257). The saying
does not refer to finding a house in which there are already disciples, but to
offering salvation to those who are willing to receive it, as Matthew’s use of ἄξιος indicates.
Such a person will receive the blessing offered to him. ἐπαναπαήσομαι is the second future passive of ἐπαναπαύω, ‘to rest,
find rest’ (Rom. 2:17**; Nu. 11:25; 2 Ki. 2:15). Matthew has the imperative ἐλθάτω. Luke
expresses the alternative situation with εἰ δὲ μή γε (5:36), which has
replaced the fuller expression reflected in Mt. If not received, the blessing
will return to the disciples (ἐπιστρέφω, which is again
perhaps original). The idea is not that the disciples get the blessing instead,
but simply that the intended recipient forfeits it; its withdrawal is
tantamount to a curse (H. Windisch, TDNT I, 496–502, especially 499). Behind
the saying lie Semitic ideas of the power of the spoken word, now understood in
terms of the efficacy of the proclamation of the gospel (cf. 1 Thes. 2:13).[2]
One interesting
point is the idea about the spoken word as having power much like the Hawaiians
feel. Since the sayings carry the
immediacy of the spoken word, considered to be the highest form of cultural
expression in old Hawai‘i, they bring us closer to the everyday thoughts and
lives of the Hawaiians who created them[3].There
is power in the gospel and those who do not accept ‘forfeit’ the blessing.
A: Let the ‘son
of peace’ reign in one’s tent. This meaning
can be so deep and personal that if one does not except the gospel the blessing
is forfeit and will not be of any benefit.
The body is where one lives.
Accept the message and have peace.
P: Praise You God for the peace You bring. Help us to continue to accept Your word,
believe and apply it to my life living as You would have me. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Lk 10:5–6).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Marshall, I. H. (1978). The Gospel of Luke:
a commentary on the Greek text (p. 420). Exeter: Paternoster
Press.
41 Jesus replied, “You unbelieving and rebellious generation! How long will I be with you and put up with
you? Bring your son here.” [1]
O: Here is
another judgement by Jesus. In fact, He
is calling people names. This text to me
is difficult because the question is who He is talking to. He is not calling
the disciples names. Most likely the
words are addressed to the father as was earlier in 5.20 where the caretakers
of the disabled addressed. The word for
rebellious means to cause to depart
from an accepted standard of oral or spiritual values, make crooked, pervert[2]. So, the disciples never departed from any
spiritual values but were influenced by the father’s unbelief. Jesus healed the son.
A: One must not rebel and depart from spiritual
values and pervert the gospel. Anyone who distracts from the works of God are
of an unbelieving generation. One must
live in unison with the kingdom of God and the gospel to not become a part of a
generation where God can not work.
Unbelief and rebellion hinder the Spirit not by Gods choice, for all
things are possible with Him, but the choice of man. Choose God.
P: Praise God for You are a source of help no
matter what the world thinks. I pray
that unbelief and rebellion to God has no place in my life. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Lk 9:41). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., Bauer, W., & Gingrich, F. W. (2000). A Greek-English
lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature
(3rd ed., p. 237). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
5 “A sower went out to sow his seed. As he was sowing, some fell along
the path; it was trampled on, and the birds of the sky ate it up. 6 Other
seed fell on the rock; when it sprang up, it withered, since it lacked
moisture. 7 Other seed fell among thorns; the thorns sprang up
with it and choked it. 8 Still other seed fell on good ground;
when it sprang up, it produced a crop: 100 times what was sown.” [1]
O: There is four different ways to accept the
gospel. The sower is Jesus and seed are His words and deeds. Some have hardened hearts where the word of
God cannot take root in the soul and flourish. The birds (demons) will come to scoop one way
and the trampling may be meant to reflect the contempt which the word suffers
in the world (Heb. 10:29)[2].
Others will accept the gospel but do not practice effective Christian behavior
and whither, turning away. Those that don’t leave the world ‘s behaviors get choked
and tied down, hindered by the influence of the world. However, when the word falls on futile ground
it produces fruit proportional to the high standard of merit in the person. The word for ‘good’ relating to the ground is remarkably
interesting. The etymology of the word ἀγαθός shows the meaning changed from somewhat
philosophical in classical Greek (When used of pers., freq. in ref. to good
citizenship or acceptance of communal responsibility[3]) to religious connotations in koine Greek
(pert. to meeting a high standard of worth and merit, good[4]).
A: Jesus sows
and it is our responsibility is to till the soil. If nothing is done to the soil poor fruit will
be produced. Till, fertilize, weed, and
prune the soil so one can bear abundant fruit.
If not, one will languish and waste away. Be a productive gardener maintaining a ‘high
standard of merit’ set by Jesus Christ our Lord.
P: Praise You God for bringing us such a great example of what we must do to produce a life pleasing to You. Help us to reach for the standard You set before us. Please help us improve our moral standards and work on the garden in of our soul by developing behaviors effective in spiritual growth and brings glory to You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Lk 8:5–8).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Marshall, I. H. (1978). The Gospel of Luke:
a commentary on the Greek text (p. 319). Exeter: Paternoster
Press.
[3]
Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., Bauer, W., & Gingrich, F. W. (2000). A Greek-English lexicon
of the New Testament and other early Christian literature (3rd
ed., p. 3). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
[4]
Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., Bauer, W., & Gingrich, F. W. (2000). A Greek-English
lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature
(3rd ed., p. 3). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Confidence
in Troubled Times
1 Lord, how my foes increase!
There are
many who attack me.
2 Many say about me,
“There is
no help for him in God.” Selah
3 But You, Lord,
are a shield around me,
my glory,
and the One who lifts up my head.
4 I cry aloud to the Lord,
and He
answers me from His holy mountain. Selah
5 I lie down and sleep.
I wake
again because the Lord sustains
me.
6 I am not afraid of the thousands of
people
who have
taken their stand against me on every side.
7 Rise up, Lord!
Save me, my
God!
You strike
all my enemies on the cheek;
You break
the teeth of the wicked.
8 Salvation belongs to the Lord;
may Your
blessing be on Your people. [1]
O: Psalms is refreshing.
They are blessings from heaven.
With so much encouragement the love of God shines thru. Salvation pours for the words of the
psalmist. The Lord is a shield. He
answers the plea of His people. He is
salvation.
A: Use the psalms for encouragement. Use them in prayer. There is power in the word of God. His word is a source of refreshing life and
regeneration.
God, I come to You in humble prayer. My enemies surround me. You are my shield and salvation. I have nothing to worry about. I give You all the praise for You are worthy. Amen.
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ps 3:1–8).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
Do Not Judge
37 “Do not judge, and you will not be
judged. Do not condemn, and you will not
be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.[1]
O: I know this is going to hard to understand but Jesus does
not prohibit judging of any sort. This
at face value seems to be a contradiction however as with all scripture one
needs to ascertain the context. This is
the verse most quoted by far that any other and is the most misunderstood. Rather Jesus warned to not judge as if the
actions do not apply also to oneself. Jesus
in Luke 6:42 tells us to take the log out of our eye before you judge. To judge
someone in a harsh spirit is to take on the role of God. Only the Lord can see the motives of the
heart as we can only see outward appearances.
A: Judging someone without seeking their point of view and
discussing their motives is naïve. One
must go to the person and try to understand their point of view. Without talking to someone and passing
judgement only brings judgement to all parties.
It is unbiblical not to talk to the person committing the alleged offence.
(Mt 18:15) In addition, it is our responsibility to address sin wherever it is
found. This is judgement but necessary (Rom
6:12) for sin must not reign in the Christians life or the church. Therefor a decision must be made (judgement)
as to ascertain how to proceed regarding sin.
Please place this scripture in your heart “Just as you want others to do
for you, do the same for them.”[2]
Pray always that people address sin appropriately in the church and everyday
life.
P: I praise
You God and lift You up for You are worthy.
I pray I honor and glorify you always.
Help me Lord to demonstrate You in my life and give me the courage to do
what is right. Help me to combat sin. I
want to behave how I want others to behave towards me. Thankyou Jesus Amen.
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Lk 6:37). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Lk 6:31). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
22 But perceiving their thoughts, Jesus replied to them, “Why are you
thinking this in your hearts? 23 Which
is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’?[1]
O: Interesting
the verb for ‘perceiving’ in the Greek Επιγνους is a compound aorist meaning know exactly, completely, through and
through[2].
This is another insight of God’s perception. Also, later in the text the
rhetorical question demonstrates His divinity, which was identified by the
pharisees, because man can do neither.
Man cannot forgive sins or tell someone bedridden get up and walk. Let alone immediately heal. Proof upon proof that God walked among us for
our benefit.
A: More reasons to believe in God.
He can forgive sins and heal. He
has blessed by walking among man as God promised to Abraham. All nations will come to know God. All people have an opportunity to be blessed. One only must believe. This new year please find your faith in God
and He will bless you. For in faith in God, righteousness is found.
P: Praise You God for Your righteousness. Thank You Jesus for walking among man showing man the blessings from God and His love. Help me with my faith. Strengthen the faith in me to glorify You. Help me please to demonstrate You in me in all things and proclaim the gospel whenever and wherever I can. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Lk 5:22–23).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., Bauer, W., & Gingrich, F. W. (2000). A Greek-English
lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature
(3rd ed., p. 369). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
4 Then Jesus
returned from the Jordan, full of the Holy Spirit, and was led by the
Spirit in the wilderness[1]
O: Preparation. This
text is all about preparation. God always prepares those He called. John the Baptist prepared the way and Jesus
accepted the call and was internally prepared by facing the opportunity of
temptation by satan.
A: God has got you. He will protect you and give what you
need to stand up against the wiles of the devil. 13 No temptation has come your way that is too hard for flesh
and blood to bear. But God can be trusted not to allow you to suffer any
temptation beyond your powers of endurance. He will see to it that every
temptation has a way out, so that it will never be impossible for you to bear
it. 1 Cor 10:13 (Phillips)
P: I pray Lord I find my strength in You Lord. Help me to use Your word, Your Spirit and
Your wisdom. Help me to resist the temptation
and seek Your help. Amen.
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Lk 4:1). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
9 Even now the ax is ready to strike the root of the trees! Therefore,
every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the
fire.”[1]
O: Fruit is mentioned often. Even in Genesis. There are good or bad kinds of fruit and is
the best judge of character. (See Wis. 4:3–5, Isa. 10:34) Judgement is here now
for the Kingdom of God is here.
A: Look to one’s character. What fruit have one produced? What has been developed in one’s life? What is the legacy, the results? All need to
reflect what the impact one’s life has made.
Live for God.
P: I pray that I am diligent in source for the Kingdom of God and reflect on how my character can be more like God. Amen.
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Lk 3:9). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
3 In the course of time Cain presented some of the land’s produce as an
offering to the Lord. 4 And Abel also presented an
offering—some of the firstborn of his flock and their fat portions[1]
O: ‘In the
course of time’ only relates to the passage of the brother’s time work culminating
in a time for an offering. The
difference of the brothers offering is contrasted by Cain only offering some of
his produce whereas Able offered the best of his labor, the firstborn, and choices
parts.
A: We are to offer the best to the Lord not just
some. Our skills are to bring glory to
God and not giving our best is only half heartedly giving. God wants our whole heart and for us to give
it our all not just some.
P: Lord I pray my life brings glory to you. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ge 4:3–4).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
37 For nothing will be impossible with God.”[1]
O: Nothing,
nothing at all is impossible with God.
Emphasis on with God. The wording
is based on Gn. 18:14, μὴ ἀδυνατεῖ παρὰ τῷ θεῷ ῥῆμα; (hayippālēʾ mēyhwh ḏāḇār) Is anything impossible for the Lord?[2],
but the thought is a common one (Job 10:13 LXX par. 42:2; Je. 32:27; Zc. 8:6;
Mt. 19:6 par. Mk. 10:27 par. Lk. 18:27). οὐ … πᾶς is a
Semitic expression, meaning οὐδείς (Acts 10:14; et al.; BD 3021). ἀδυνατέω is ‘to be
impossible’ (Mt. 17:20**).[3]
A: As we
start a new year let us not forget.
Nothing is to hard for God. The impossibility
can happen.
P: I pray that You God continue to work in my life. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Lk 1:37). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ge 18:14).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[3]
Marshall, I. H. (1978). The Gospel of Luke:
a commentary on the Greek text (p. 72). Exeter: Paternoster
Press.
8 But the cowards, unbelievers, vile, murderers, sexually immoral,
sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars —their share will be in the lake that burns
with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”[1]
O: Be
careful how you live. John wrote in Rev.
he made the mistake of worshipping the wrong way two times. It only points to the fact of how easy the
mistake can be made. The angel told him
twice to stop that. So too we must not be
idolaters. It is interesting the word
cowards appears here. Jesus also used
the word twice implying they were afraid due to having little faith. The word here refers to a person lacking
confidence.[2]
The behaviors in this text can be found elsewhere in the bible where the writer
implores readers not to have these behaviors in their life. The behaviors will cause one not to be in the
book of life and one con not enter heaven.
A: These vile behaviors must not be in any part
of ones walk. Repent and turn to God
demonstrating good fruits.
P: I pray
that I a rid myself of all vile behavior walk upright and in righteousness. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Re 21:8). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., Bauer, W., & Gingrich, F. W. (2000). A Greek-English
lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature
(3rd ed., p. 215). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
15 Then I saw another
great and awe-inspiring sign in heaven:
seven angels with the seven last plagues, for with them, God’s wrath
will be completed.[1]
O: This is
the beginning of the end. Most commentators
feel the bowls will come in the last days.
God’s wrath is described following this text. Calamity and anguish will be poured out
plaguing the remaining population. I t
will be a day like no other. The judgment
of God will be swift and complete.
A: Be ready watch out the Lord is coming. Look to God who will make good his promises.
P: I pray
God I will be ready and prepared. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Re 15:1). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
9 So I went to the angel and asked him to give me the little scroll. He
said to me, “Take and eat it; it will be bitter in your stomach, but it will be
as sweet as honey in your mouth.” [1]
O: The
small scroll was bittersweet. The reference
refers to the bible. It is sweet when
read but bitter when its judgmental prophecies take place. The scripture is before the seventh trumpet
sounds. That is the beginning of the
wrath of God begins and everything will be made know to the unbeliever. The number 7 is mention 54 times in
Revelation. It has a meaning of
completeness and perfection. The seventh
trumpet blown by the seventh angel only creates a greater picture of
completeness of God’s plan.
A: Swallow the scripture and believe the Lord is
coming to judge the world. All will be
judged on the day of the Lord. Believers
will have the seal of God. Which can be
taken as a godly attitude and behavior.
A way of life that demonstrates a devotion, love, and fear of God.
P: I pray that all be ready and genuinely believing in You god. That we will be found worthy of Your judgement. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Re 10:9). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
2 I also saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy
to open the scroll and break its seals?”[1]
O: That is
the question. “Who is worthy?” Not I.
Not any man on this earth. Only the Lamb
of God. The One who made the ultimate sacrifice
for all. The plan of God will be
complete one day. Woo to those who are
not worthy. This is the start of the
great tribulation. The strong and mighty
angel reminds me of the announcer yelling, “Are you ready to rumble?” Only the voice was loud and full of authority
announcing the judgement of the earth.
Get ready He who that is worthy will open the scroll and judgement will
that place. This is God’s plan, and He does
not fail.
A: Faith,
trust, and belief in the plan of God will be the salvation everyone is looking
for. Jesus will answer the call from the angel and come forward to open the
book. Judgement will take place. Belief that He is worthy and will do what He
says is explicitly implied and necessary throughout the whole bible. The revelation God’s plan come to a climax
and everything will be completed.
Believe it and live by God’s plan.
P: Praise
You God for the plan You Have. Help us
believe in You and be encourage that those who believe in You are saved. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Re 5:2). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
15 Do not love the world or the things that belong to the world. If
anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him.[1]
O: There
can be no doubt that in the present context it means ‘worldly attitudes or
values that are opposed to God’ (cf. Jas 4:4).[2] Another
take as this verse is; Brown, The
Epistles of John, 312, 323–25, adopts a position different from most other
commentators when he says that the readers are being warned not to be like the
secessionists who love the world. The secessionists, he observes, ‘concentrate
on the incarnation when God showed his love for the world by sending His only
Son, but they pay no attention to the salvific import of what happened
afterwards during Jesus’ ministry when He turned from the world to his own’. Today when Christmas is becoming more and more materialistic and the real
reason for the season is becoming fading more and more from the world, Christians
must remember why the Christ came to us. He conquered this world and all the
trappings of the world. Christians are
admonished not to love the world. This
is one of the tests of fellowship with Christ and the brethren.
A: Always
remember why Christ came for us. This is
the ‘last hour’, the last epoch, the last phase of God’s plan. Jesus made it possible that all may know who
He is. ‘Where does our help come from?’ Not the world. Love God with everything you got.
P: Our heavenly Father. Thank you for giving us Your Son so we may live. Thank You and praise You. Help us to turn from the world and develop an understanding of what it means not to conform to the world but to be transformed by putting our love in You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (1 Jn 2:15).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Kruse, C. G. (2000). The letters of John
(p. 94). Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: W.B. Eerdmans Pub.; Apollos.
21 So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Don’t write, ‘The
King of the Jews,’ but that He said, ‘I
am the King of the Jews.’ ” [1]
O: The
statement made by the chief priest is so ironic. Jesus never said He was God. He did not have to. His actions spoke louder than words. However, many times (7) He said, “I am the True
Vine”, I am the Light of the world, I am the Door, I am the Bread of Life, I am
the Good Shepperd, I am the Way, Truth and Life, and I am the Resurrection and
Life. God told Moses “I am” (YHWH). The Jews for fear they would get God’s name
wrong only said “The Name” when referring to God. The irony leighs in the high priests’ words calling
Jesus God using Jesus own words.
A: So much about Jesus is written in His
word. John called Him the Logos. (Word). His name describes who He is and what He can
Do. The name of God is the most
important to understand because it helps for one to put their trust in God if one
knows Him personally. The name of God shows
He can touch everyone wherever one needs help and peace. The name of God gives us assurance He is here
always and has given the gift of life.
His word proves it because the bible is a miraculous book complete and
true useful to help with every aspect of life.
P: Praise God for Your word for your actions,
Your plan, and Your faithfulness. Help
us Lord please to remember the You are there to help. You are Love, You are peace, and You are ever
present. Help us to be grateful and
thankful and faithful to You. Help use Lord to grow in knowing You and be made
complete by You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Jn 19:21).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
2 Every branch in Me that does not produce fruit He removes, and He
prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit.[1]
O: “Does this
verse deny John’s promise that God will protect those who are truly His? No but it is a reminder that true believers
will preserver. Those who do not we
never truly His. (1Jn 2:19)” (Apologetics
Study Bible, Holman Bible Publishers / 2017)
A: It is
important to remember the type of fruit produced is the guiding factor facture
in gauging one’s walk with God. Bad
fruit will be cut out of the body and with good fruit will be pruned in order
to produce more.
P: Help me Lord to produce good fruit Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Jn 15:2). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
John 14:27
27 “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you
as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful.[1]
O: The
peace here relates to what the Messiah will bring peace in the OT and Jesus
made the peace complete in the NT. It
has a sense of a peaceful attitude or state of mind that only God. The Hebrew word for peace has a root meaning of
’well-being’. Peace has something to do
with relationships, relationships with others, God and even with your mind. Is. 54:10 relates to the peace the covenant
with God brings and will never be withdrawn.
Peace is the greatest gift of all.
The Prince of peace. He is the reason
for this season. Jesus is the harbinger of
peace, ushering the new covenant with Peace that can now dwell in our hearts. The
meaning also pertains to rest and salvation. It is the salvation of Christ[2]
A: Only God
can give the total peace and complete rest.
Confess that Jesus is the Christ and ask Him to be Lord. He is the Way Truth ad the Life. He has peace rest for all those that ask Him
into their life.
P: Praise You
Father in heaven. I ask you to bring the
peace and fill my heart. amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Jn 14:27).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Foerster, W. (1964–). εἰρήνη, εἰρηνεύω, εἰρηνικός, εἰρηνοποιός, εἰρηνοποιέω.
G. Kittel, G. W. Bromiley, & G. Friedrich (Eds.), Theological dictionary of the New Testament (electronic ed., Vol.
2, p. 413). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
O: The question remains, “What is Jesus angry
about”? There are two reasons suggested
by scholars. First, He is angry that sin
has brought death into this fallen world and second, He could be angry because
they do not yet understand who He is and that He came into this world to bring
life. The latter does not fit His
character as loving and understanding for those who are grieving. Therefore, He
is angry not because Lazarus sinned but by what sin has wrought in this
world. The Greek word for angry is extraordinarily
strong. It went deep into His heart due
to the great compassion He has. The
amount of anger is proportional to the intense love and concern He has for His
children. He cares deeply for those in
the mist of sin and unbelief. The Greek words
indicated His intense dislike for sins tyranny and death. (Apologetics Study
Bible, Holman Bible Publishers / 2017) For two words in the verse are
indicative of strong emotions indicating Jesus was greatly disturbed. He was
both deeply moved which means to cause
inward turmoil, stir up, disturb, unsettle[2] and angry meaning
to feel strongly, have an intense feeling of concern.[3]
A: As for
me there needs to be the same concern and intense compassion for those in sin
and do not belief. There should intense emotions
to abhor sin and do everything possible to address it in my life and the
church. The motive to lead other out of
sin should be all encompassing. Jesus
was bringing glory to His father and I should do the same with my life,
actions, attitudes, and emotions. They
should all be the same as Jesus and I should feel strongly about sin and walk
accordingly.
P: Praise You Lord. Great is Your name and You
should be greatly praised. He me Lord to
be more and more like You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Jn 11:33).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Arndt,
W., Danker, F. W., Bauer, W., & Gingrich, F. W. (2000). A Greek-English
lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature
(3rd ed., p. 990). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
[3]
Swanson, J. (1997). Dictionary of
Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains: Greek (New Testament)
(electronic ed.). Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
34 Jesus responded, “I assure you: Everyone who commits sin is a slave of
sin. 35 A slave does not
remain in the household forever, but a son does remain forever. 36 Therefore, if the Son sets
you free, you really will be free. 37 I know you are descendants
of Abraham, but you are trying to kill Me because My word is not welcome among
you.[1]
O: Jesus responds
with an emphatic declaration or statement of the truth. Verily, verily sin will ensnare and draw one
into bondage. (Rm 6:12, 13, 17) Therefore, remain in the Son. Sin means missing
the mark, walking in darkness and results in death and destruction. Remaining in the Son brings one into the
light and gives life everlasting. In the Son one finds freedom and the burdens
of this world will fall way. Those who
know Him and welcome His word are free indeed!
A: Strive to
know Him. Seek out His word in your
life. Find freedom when you welcome
Jesus’ word. Find His fruits and let Him
help you nurture them. Your burdens will
be lifted, the conscience cleared, and you will find a release from sin through
listening and believing the Son. Let Jesus break the chains of sin and choose
the light of the world Jesus the Christ.
P: I pray to
You Lord for You give life. You are great
and mighty. Freedom, true freedom only
comes from You. I pray that I always
welcome Your word in my life. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Jn 8:34–37).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
Many Disciples Desert Jesus
61 Jesus, knowing in Himself that His disciples were
complaining about this, asked them, “Does this offend you? 62 Then
what if you were to observe the Son of Man ascending to where He was before? 63 The
Spirit is the One who gives life. The flesh does not help at all. The words
that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life. 64 But there
are some among you who don’t believe.” [1]
O: The Greek word skandalizo has a root meaning of snare or trap but has no real English counterpart[1]. σκανδαλίζω means “to unsettle in faith”[2] in context to the word group in the text. It is where the word scandal comes from. Jesus responds to the disciples grumbling and complaining with astonishment. The expression he used is colored with sadness and offered this question feeling extremely disappointed; “Does this offend you?”. Phillips paraphrase’s skandalizo this way “Is this too much for you?” In other words, Jesus was concerned about their faith. If they where offended by the statement about His flesh and blood than how would they feel when the Messiah was scandalously and brutally humiliated on the cross? [3] Many will not believe and walk away (1 Cor. 1:23). John uses this word often in his gospel and letters. There was a crisis of faith. The compulsion to go astray (σκάνδαλον), a weapon of the darkness to which the loveless Christian in his lovelessness has given a place within (Jn 16:11), is also a snare from without. Love and faith are closely related here; for the man who abides in love there is no obstacle on the way of faith.[4]
A: Abide in love.
Be confident with whatever the word of God says. Trust that Jesus is
right and true. Believe that Jesus is
the Christ the Son of the living God and live. He talked about taking part in
His suffering and when asked of Peter if he were leaving too, Peter said “Where
would I go?” (6.68) There is no place better than Jesus. Peter is credited with making the great
confession of faith (Mt. 16:16, Mk. 8:29). One should take Peter’s lead and do
likewise. Make your confession known (1 Jn.
1:9) because no one else can offer peace of the soul, now and forevermore.
P: Praise You God for giving a way to life, peace, and completeness. I pray I am not offended by what You say. I pray my actions are steep in love and faith. Please make my faith strong. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Jn 6:61–64).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard
version. (2009). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[3]
Stählin, G. (1964–). σκάνδαλον, σκανδαλίζω. G. Kittel, G. W. Bromiley,
& G. Friedrich (Eds.), Theological
dictionary of the New Testament (electronic ed., Vol. 7, p. 356). Grand
Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
[4]
Carson, D. A. (1991). The Gospel
according to John (p. 301). Leicester, England; Grand Rapids,
MI: Inter-Varsity Press; W.B. Eerdmans.
[5]
Stählin, G. (1964–). σκάνδαλον, σκανδαλίζω. G. Kittel, G. W. Bromiley,
& G. Friedrich (Eds.), Theological
dictionary of the New Testament (electronic ed., Vol. 7, p. 357). Grand
Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
19 “This, then, is the judgment: The light has come into the world, and
people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. 20 For
everyone who practices wicked things hates the light and avoids it, so that his
deeds may not be exposed. 21 But anyone who lives by the truth
comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God.”[1]
O: Jesus
came with conviction and in earnest wishing all would believe. Even Nicodemus who at first told Jesus he knew
Jesus came from God but in the end of the conversation he was confused and not
sure what to believe. Hopefully, later he
became even more convinced the Christ has arrived. The Jewish leaders had problems believing due
to their pride as the chosen people. Also,
because of their preconceived notions of what the messiah would be. They were
in the dark unlike the Samaritans who believed the messiah would come as a
teacher and a miracle worker and accepted Jesus into their lives. They came to
the light and listened which was much different than the Jews rejecting Him. As the light of the
world (8:12), Jesus is the revelation of God and the objectification of divine
holiness and purity. But men loved
darkness instead of light: they preferred to live without such knowledge of
God, without such brilliant purity. The reason was fundamentally moral: their deeds were evil. They were not
willing to live by the truth; they valued their pride more than their
integrity, their prejudice more than contrite faith. Worse, anyone in this camp
hates the light and refuses to come to it for
fear that his deeds will be exposed (elengchthē).
The verb suggests not only exposure but shame and conviction.[2]
A: Seek the light, seek to
be morally pure, seek to relinquish pride and expectations. Reflect on Jesus revelation He came into the
world to shine the light of salvation.
Act according to the standards set by God. Review the walk one lives by and turn to the
holiness of God. For 1 Pet 1.16 says “Be
holy as I am holy” Mortify sin constantly, putting it to death, for sin lives
in this world and can snare the believer.
Also, Matthew 5.48 says "Be ye perfect as your Father in heaven is
perfect,” The Greek states literally to be complete, that is be morally pure,
spiritually mature walking upright in righteousness. The future mood
ἔσεσθε (lit. ‘you will be’) is imperatival[3]. Jesus is saying be prefect in love. Be like
the church of old, (Ezra 6.21) by returning to holiness.
P: I praise You God for Your guidance and
instruction. I pray the church turns to
holiness. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Jn 3:19–21).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Carson, D. A. (1991). The Gospel
according to John (p. 207). Leicester, England; Grand Rapids,
MI: Inter-Varsity Press; W.B. Eerdmans.
[3]
Nolland, J. (2005). The Gospel of
Matthew: a commentary on the Greek text (p. 270). Grand Rapids,
MI; Carlisle: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press. (italics mine)
Growth in the Faith
3 His divine power has given us everything
required for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by
His own glory and goodness. 4 By these He has given us very
great and precious promises, so that through them you may share in the divine nature,
escaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desires. [1]
O: Here Peter
has instructed God has provided for all one’s needs. This is through a close, strong, and fruitful
relationship with Him. His power flows through
those who truly know Him. The focus of this text is what God has given; therefore,
one has no excuse to not live a godly life turning away (escaping) the worldly
influences. For believers have already received everything that is necessary
to do so.[2] The origin comes from the divine power of
God. His marvelous promises encourage
inspire and help in growing into a godly Christian lifestyle steeped in faith. It
is He who has saved by His ‘glory and goodness’.
A: Faith in
everything that God gives makes one complete and at peace, knowing all things
will work out and everything will be OK, now, and forever. A sincere fruitful walk with Him helps one
develop the relationship with the One who is in control. A relationship that is heartfelt, honest deep
all-consuming helps build faith. It is a
conviction without doubt that God has got this because now the Christian has a
share of what God will do and all that He does is good to those who believe. Please continue to read the rest of the
paragraph for more instruction on building faith. Remembering Christ and His action
on the cross as a foundation of faith.
Faith in the One who has power over death.
P: God You are good all the time. You take and active role in those who trust in You. That trust is a “Can’t wait to see what You will do next” kind of faith. The trust as a child has in his father. Help us Lord not to falter and live a life worthy of Your glory. Amen.
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (2 Pe 1:3–4).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Davids, P. H. (2006). The letters of 2
Peter and Jude (p. 168). Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans
Pub. Co.
15 but honor the Messiah as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give
a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. 16 However, do this with
gentleness and respect, keeping your conscience clear, so that when you are accused,
those who denounce your Christian life will be put to shame. 17 For
it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for
doing evil.[1]
O: Above
all in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. (NRSV)[2]is another
translation of v. 15. Than be prepare to
witness explaining the gospel objectively.
Do not take on the adversity personally but be objective by including the
Lord in your defense. Behavior such as described in v.16 will bring glory to
God. Behave consistently according to one’s
deepest conviction, namely that Christ is Lord of one’s life. Act with all gentleness, humbly, respectful,
doing good and have a good conscience.
A: Be prepared, view problems objectively with
power of the HS. Read the scripture,
apply it to one’s heart. Pray often and be in fellowship with other who love
Jesus. By doing these simple suggestions
will prepare a defense in time of need.
For growth in sanctification is necessary for a defense to make any
progress in becoming more Christ. One
needs to know what one is defending.
P: Praise you God for You are good. You give all that is needed to live a full
and joyful life. Help me Lord to be
prepared and be used by You. Help in my
readiness and be on the lookout to where I am needed and act accordingly. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (1 Pe 3:15–17).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Achtemeier, P. J. (1996). 1 Peter: a
commentary on First Peter. (E. J. Epp, Ed.). Minneapolis, MN:
Fortress Press.
O: James is a fascinating book. One of the earliest written books in the NT the
apostle probably wrote the book within a decade of Jesus’s resurrection and was
deep in dealing with the prosecution of his brothers and sisters. Rich in content and instruction it is easy to
see why this book was accepted as part of God word. He writes of how one must
behave in the face of adversity. For by actively
working out the faith provided the Christian the means to grow and be spiritually
strong in the experience of various trials (πειρασμός other meanings: testing, possibly
accusing, or attempting to learn if one is a Christian) in the face of persecution. Now in 2:24 difficult verse states that faith
in not enough. This v at first glance
seems to contradict Paul in Romans
3:28. However, one must consider the
context; Paul was discussing faith in the law was useless, whereas James is discussing what good
faith produces. Faith is necessary but with true faith comes good works. Elsewhere God admonishes believers with faith
in Christ to produce good fruits and discern the fruits of others. A faithful believer walks and talks the word
of God, proving faith through action.
Faith can develop one’s character and influence growth to be more like
God. James exhorts believers everywhere to actively practice faith by doing
good works and building the kingdom.
Faith is a joyful relationship with God, trusts He is in control and
acts accordingly.
A: One must evaluate
one’s faith daily. In prayer and devotions
develop a relationship with God. Work with Him, study His word daily and talk to
Him constantly. An effective Christian
demonstrates what faith produces; the fruit of the spirit Gal
5:22-23. Keep in mind a walk with
Christ is a witness to His grace and peace so act let one’s life depended on a
behavior that brings glory to God. Walk
and talk the changing power of the gospel.
P: Jesus You are my God.
All praises belong to You.
Thank-you for Your grace that can change, and faith that will grow by
dwelling on Your promises and living a life under Your glory and love. Praise You for all worries are taken care of
and the faith, through earnest prayer, everything will be ok. Please help Lord to continue to walk in You,
to remain in Your word and seek You while continuing to work on sanctification. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard
version. (2009). (Jas 2:24). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
Heb 12 Therefore, since
we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside
every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance
the race that lies before us, 2 keeping our eyes on Jesus, the
source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured
a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s
throne. [1]
7 Endure suffering as discipline: God is dealing with you as sons. For
what son is there that a father does not discipline? 8 But if
you are without discipline—which all receive —then you are illegitimate
children and not sons.[2]
11 No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on,
however, it yields the fruit of peace and righteousness to those who have been
trained by it.[3]
9 Do not be led astray by various kinds of strange teachings; for it is
good for the heart to be established by grace[4]
Jude 10 But these people blaspheme anything they do not understand. What they
know by instinct like unreasoning animals—they destroy themselves with these
things.[5]
O: Let the
scripture speak to the heart. Continue to run emphatically having the source and perfecter of faith the focus of how
to live. Avoid sin which can be cumbersome and trap the soul. Suffering is an intracule part of the way of the Christ and discipline is needed, without such shows a lack of conscience and illegitimacy. Use discipline as a source to learn, train
and grow for it produces good fruit.
Be watchful to not be led astray by apostates, the false teachers who
slander, creating division and descent.
Consider the words being used and discern whether the words build up or
tear down. Do the words edify or destroy?
A: Be disciplined
always focusing on Whom we believe. Set
sights on Him who has created everything including the way to salvation. Evaluate behavior comparing what the word of
God admonishes everyone how life should now be lived. Look to discipline as a useful tool, a positive
action on growth and confirmation of a good conscience. Reflect on what needs to be rooted out, that
which ensnares and eliminate slander. Make sure the behavior presented builds up the body of Christ and does not set about to destroy.
P: Praise God for Your guidance and concern of how
we should live and giving us instruction.
Please help us to live according to Your word that You have laid in our
hearts. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Heb 12:1–2).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Heb 12:7–8).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Heb 12:10–11).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[4] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Heb 13:9).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[5] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Jud 10). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
Faith
11 Now faith is the reality of what is
hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.[1]
O: This is the beginning of the
great chapter on faith. This is not a
subjective definition of faith but explains the objective basis of one’s faith. For a conjunction at the beginning of the verse
relating to the faith stated previously is transitional, not contrastive as in 10:39: the
author is moving on to a full treatment of the faith he has just mentioned[2]. The reality or substance of what is hope is a
matter of faith. Hope is the foundation
of faith in the glory of God and His promises. In addition, faith is proof or
evidence, a gift from God who is not seen but known as real. The text implies a sureness of understanding
what a Christian stands on. Christian
faith is positively believing, and confidence, a 100% trust salvation comes
from God. If we are to name a
convincing subject, it can only be God, A faith which of itself contained or
offered proof of things unseen would not be the faith of Hebrews, which stands
on the revelation, Word and promise of God and has nothing but what it
receives. Thus, faith is confidence in what is hoped for since it is the
divinely given conviction of things unseen. Büchsel[3]
A: This is the mark of
those who believe. There is no doubt, a positive
conviction that salvation comes from God.
Jesus said faith is like a mustard seed (Luke 17:6) and it can
grow. With cultivation by study, prayer,
fellowship with God and the body of Christ faith can be made strong by the knowlegde that Jesus is Lord and gives salvation those who profess faith in Him. If faith is not practiced or developed it
will not grow nor flourish.
P: I praise you God for You have given proof and conviction that by faith we can stand on Your promises as true and righteous. Thankyou for Your Son . We have been given a gift we have not seen but is of substance and a gives assurance and peace. I pray I always work on my faith. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard
version. (2009). (Heb 11:1). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Ellingworth, P. (1993). The Epistle to the
Hebrews: a commentary on the Greek text (p. 564). Grand Rapids,
MI; Carlisle: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press.
[3]
Büchsel, F. (1964–). ἐλέγχω, ἔλεγξις, ἔλεγχος, ἐλεγμός. G. Kittel, G.
W. Bromiley, & G. Friedrich (Eds.), Theological
dictionary of the New Testament (electronic ed., Vol. 2, p. 476). Grand
Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
11 We have a great deal to say about this,
and it is difficult to explain, since you have become too lazy to understand. 12 Although
by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the basic
principles of God’s revelation again. You need milk, not solid food. 13 Now everyone who lives on
milk is inexperienced with the message about righteousness, because he is an
infant. 14 But solid food is for the mature—for those whose
senses have been trained to distinguish between good and evil.[1]
O: This is a
particularly important text. It is an
evaluation of the level of maturity is needed to determine what can be
understood. The writer here implies the
readers have stopped growing and in fact have “retrogression, and the
possibility of apostasy[2]” because the readers have not been working on spiritual growth. An observation here regarding the failures of
the churches to inculcate and teach a sense of moral responsibility is a
problem. In addition, the text claims
the hearers are unskilled in the word of righteousness. In fact, the readers have demonstrated
difficulty in understanding the meaning of righteousness. Spiritual maturity is crucial in Christian leadership. Maturity is required for discernment of what
is good and evil. It requires an ability to be taught, listen, and evaluate
behavior. In other words, know sin and address
it appropriately as well as encourage and edify the body.
A: Be aware of the level of maturity in one’s
life and those in in fellowship. The level
of spiritual maturity is so important. Keeping up in prayer, being taught by
God’s word daily, living a holy life, as well as associating with the spiritually
mature in fellowship are effective habits of spiritual growth. Discernment in recognizing
sin is essential.
P: Praise You Heavenly Father. I lift You up and give You the glory You deserve. Thankyou for Your word and guidance. I pray for the diligence and fortitude to continue to learn, listen and pray to You. I ask that I always seek You, grow in You and conform to Your ways and change my life by constantly giving praise, reading Your word and never stop praying. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Heb 5:11–14).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Ellingworth,
P. (1993). The Epistle to the
Hebrews: a commentary on the Greek text (p. 301). Grand Rapids,
MI; Carlisle: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press.
Philemon’s Love and Faith
4 I always thank my God when I mention you
in my prayers, 5 because I hear of your love and faith toward
the Lord Jesus and for all the saints. 6 I pray that your
participation in the faith may become effective through knowing every good thing
that is in us for the glory of Christ. 7 For I have great joy
and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed
through you, brother. [1]
O: Thanksgiving
and prayer. This is so special. Paul has heard of the recipient’s devotion
and positive influence of his lifestyle. Paul is praying for him because of the
great relief he has provided to the body.
Paul is full of encouragement with this letter. He prays this saint
becomes active in the sharing of the faith so that one might have full
understanding of every good thing one has in Christ which should be the prayer
of all saints everywhere.
A: One
would hope to have such a good report told regarding one’s walk with
Christ. What are people reporting about you? Is there love for each other or are one’s
efforts disrupting the unity of the body? Is one’s behavior refreshing and edifying
the body? Is one’s life full of good works
building up the body? It would be such a
blessing if all the brothers and sister’s behavior develop good reports. Pray for the body that the saint’s faith will
be effective in glorifying God and grow in knowledge of all things good.
P: Lord bless You and thank you for Your servants providing good works that help grow Your kingdom. Thankyou for Your inspiration through Your word. Lord I pray I will be an encouragement and grow in wisdom for Your body. I pray I develop good reports in my life to be effective in serving You and the saint’s. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Phm 4–7). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of
Christ Jesus. 4 No one
serving as a soldier gets entangled in the concerns of civilian life; he seeks
to please the recruiter. 5 Also, if anyone competes as an
athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The
hardworking farmer ought to be the first to get a share of the crops. 7 Consider what I say, for
the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
8 Keep your attention on Jesus Christ as
risen from the dead and descended from David. This is according to my gospel. 9 I
suffer for it to the point of being bound like a criminal, but God’s message is
not bound.[1]
O: Consider, pay attention, keep in mind the sound teaching Paul is
demonstrating. He is telling Tim in got
this. Earlier he referred to an athlete
must play by the rules and be hard working as a farmer. The rules are practice, train, gain expertise
in the race. By following the rules, one will be a competent participant that
will not easily lose or get disqualified.
The work of a farmer is hard and the ministry throughout the bible is
explained as being difficult. A farmer
who is energetic can be successful of which Paul implied the of the amount of
energy can be the determination of a successful ministry. If one does it right,
there will be suffering. Barrett summarizes Paul’s purpose in 2 Tim 2:3–7 as
“to exhort Timothy to take his share of hardship; and the metaphors, when duly
pondered, suggest that beyond warfare is victory, beyond athletic effort a
prize, and beyond agricultural labor a crop.” Barrett, Pastoral Epistles, 102.[2]
However, the message of God His word is not
chained by the messenger suffering.
Above all the gospel is spread by divine power.
A: Those in ministry can expect suffering and need to work
all the harder because we share in Christ suffering. Look at what the result is. History has been forever changed. The gospel continues to bring salvation to
the whole world by the hard work, preparation, stamina, courage for the fight, willingness to
suffer, and faithfulness in his conduct of ministry. In the previous paragraph
one is shown one must behave like a teacher, soldier, athlete, and farmer. Therefor God will cause the ministry to grow.
P: Lord thank
you for giving sound instruction and being evolved in my life. Praise be to God for His word and
faithfulness. Praise God for He is at
work in the world and He is Lord over all.
Help us Lord to remember Your sound teaching and make it clear to
others. Help us develop our courage, love,
and grow in strength in our walk with You.
Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (2 Ti 2:3–9).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Lea,
T. D., & Griffin, H. P. (1992). 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (Vol. 34).
Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
7 For an overseer, as God’s administrator,
must be blameless, not arrogant, not hot-tempered, not addicted to wine, not a
bully, not greedy for money, 8 but hospitable, loving what is
good, sensible, righteous, holy, self-controlled, 9 holding to
the faithful message as taught, so that he will be able both to encourage with
sound teaching and to refute those who contradict it.[1]
O: Compare to 1 Tim 3.1… these are qualifications and responsibilities
for the elder with the most important implied with in the term itself i.e. they
must be leaders and doing that which is right. Mainly all elders must be called
by the Holy Spirit as God’s administrator.
They are to be shepherds. They are elders in
status (not in virtue of their age but in virtue of their position and
accreditation), and they are bishops in responsibility.[2]
Elders must be morally reliable, levelheaded not given to excess. Demonstrate love, living an honorable and exemplary
life. They should be a skilled teacher “faithful
to the message as taught” and confront those who “contradict” the truth. Other references elders are exhorted to
oversee and feed the flock. (Acts 20.28)
There are also five attributes they most not have two of which are found only
here. The vices mention has implications elders must act in the opposite of the
word used. Be not self-willed but gentle
and kind, not easily upset “inclined to anger, quick tempered”[3] but peaceable.
Not addicted but demonstrate self-control.
Not being a pugnacious but have an attitude of humble servitude. Not
to take but to give. In this list of
five vices Paul has singled out ways in which one may be gripped and controlled
by the different sins of self: pride, anger, and desire for drink, dominance,
or wealth. [4] Ones with these negative behaviors are
disqualified.
A: Christ has
made those who believe a new person. To
look at the qualifications of elder and apply them is difficult. God did not say there would not be difficulty
in walking in the way of the gospel but He has given a path to help. Through living an effective Christian life endeavoring
to seek Him in all things through prayer, bible study, and fellowship, nothing
is impossible. Seek out His will, lay up
His word in the heart, address sin immediately and be humble taking on the
mind of Christ.
P: Praise
God from Whom all life originates and flows. You continue to give grace and forgiveness. Great and mighty are You for You have given a wonderful gift in the savior
Christ the Lord. Help us strive with
You helping the Kingdom and teach Your truth. Help us to meet these
qualifications and always walk uprightly and be of help to others.
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Tt 1:7–9).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Beyer, H. W. (1964–). ἐπισκέπτομαι, ἐπισκοπέω, ἐπισκοπή, ἐπίσκοπος, ἀλλοτριεπίσκοπος.
G. Kittel, G. W. Bromiley, & G. Friedrich (Eds.), Theological dictionary of the New Testament (electronic ed., Vol.
2, p. 616). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
[3]
Knight, G. W. (1992). The Pastoral
Epistles: a commentary on the Greek text (p. 291). Grand Rapids,
MI; Carlisle, England: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press.
[4]
Knight, G. W. (1992). The Pastoral
Epistles: a commentary on the Greek text (p. 292). Grand Rapids,
MI; Carlisle, England: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press.
Demonic Influence
4 Now the Spirit explicitly says that in
later times some will depart from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits
and the teachings of demons, 2 through the hypocrisy of liars
whose consciences are seared.[1]
O: We have several hapax legomenon (only found once in the bible)
words and word combinations in this text. The word ῥητῶς is found here only in the NT. It means explicitly. The Holy Spirit actively spoke clearly and
without any vagueness or ambiguity than and now presently. In other words, God continues to speak to us
as He did to the early Christians. There will be some who will depart the faith,
deceived by all sorts of evil spirits such as gossip and liars. The word for depart is in emphatic future
tense indictive of prophecy meaning it has happened then and will happen now. πνεύμασιν πλάνοις is also found here
only meaning deceitful spirits leading astray and teaching those who pay
attention to them. Ψευδολογία is also a hapax legomenon found only here and means
speaking lies but goes much deeper; they are esp. dangerous because they
play a role [ἐν ὑποκρίσει] that puts
their victims off the scent; like actors who play parts so well that their
words have the ring of truth[2] Meaning these people are hypocrites with
κεκαυτηριασμένων, the last hapax
legomenon, which literally means the brand given slaves. In other words, the
hypocrite’s conscience has been marked as belonging to or slaves to demons and they have no idea sin is being committed.
A: So, what does this mean for us and how can it be applied. Teachings must be grounded in God’s word
bearing in mind one must meet the qualifications Paul wrote in I Peter
3.1-7. These qualifications apply to all
church leaders. All will be known by
their fruits. What are the results of one’s
behavior? This is the clues Christians must
look for. Any behavior that demonstrates
anything less than truthful has no place in the body. Pay attention to trustworthy sources. Know what truth is by comparing everything to
God’s word.
P: Praise God. You have given
all that is needed to live. I accept You
and Your righteousness and love. Your
wisdom is vast and Your plans pure. Help
me please Lord to discern what is right and not pay attention to liars and hypocrites.
Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard
version. (2009). (1 Ti 4:1–2). Nashville: Holman Bible
Publishers.
[2]
Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., Bauer, W., & Gingrich, F. W. (2000). A Greek-English
lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature
(3rd ed., p. 1096). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
6 Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in Him, 7 rooted
and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught,
overflowing with gratitude. [1]
O: Paul is
concerned about the influences of those outside the body. The false teachers and repeatedly explains
that if one walks with Christ than the work of God permeates the soul growing roots
and making a firm foundation built up from the cornerstone, Jesus. The following Vv 8-15 are all about the
conversion and offers those who continue to profess Christ as Lord, behavior,
and knowledge of the mystery of the gospel, makes one less likely to be lead
astray by false teaching. With all gratitude due to awareness of the
contentment and peace that comes with a relationship with Christ and being one
with the body.
A: Walking
in Christ, living His word, pray always for others and how one can help. Remaining in the body, growing strong in the
Lord, encouraging others and show concern with for their well-being offering
help and support. As Christians being an
asset, using the fruit from Christ for the body and adding to it the skills all
posses at one degree or the other.
P: Oh, my heavenly
Father. Praise You name. Thank-you for Your relationship with me. Thank-you for helping me grow and making me
strong. Without You I would be dead but now I have life. Help me to always walk with You. Help me to seek You and go to You in prayer
always. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Col 2:6–7).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
20 My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about
anything, but that now as always, with all boldness, Christ will be highly
honored in my body, whether by life or by death. [1]
O: The love
Paul has for his readers shown here. His
word for waiting with ‘pronounced anticipation and perseverance,' as far as I
can see is only found here. It could be
a word Paul coined because of his high confidence he has found Hope in his life
and will find Hope in his readers lives also.
Ashamed does not mean guilty for Paul has done nothing “that which is
disgraceful”[2]
or will not be stumbling for he is bold standing on the cornerstone. He expected God would give him the grace to
preach the gospel so that he would not be put to shame in his confession here
and now. [3] He knows that come what may with all
confidence either in his life or death Christ will be glorified.
A This is
what those who profess to be Christians need to strive for. To be excited with great expectation and not be
embarrassed by one’s behavior. To have
great courage acting boldly in preaching and living the gospel. Come what may everything in this life must
bring glory to God even unto death. This
behavior is what one should strive to imitate.
P: Praises
to the Lord. Thank you, Jesus, for giving examples of the appropriate attitude.
No longer death has it sting. You Lord are great and awesome. Help me to be bold and courageous and demonstrate
behavior that brings glory to You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Php 1:20).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Bultmann, R. (1964–). αἰσχύνω, ἐπαισχύνω, καταισχύνω, αἰσχύνη, αἰσχρός, αἰσχρότης.
G. Kittel, G. W. Bromiley, & G. Friedrich (Eds.), Theological dictionary of the New Testament (electronic ed., Vol.
1, p. 190). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
[3]
Melick, R. R. (1991). Philippians, Colossians,
Philemon (Vol. 32, p. 83). Nashville: Broadman & Holman
Publishers.
9 How can a young man keep his way pure?
By keeping Your
word.
10 I have sought You with all my heart;
do not let
me wander from Your commands.
11 I have treasured Your word in my heart
so that I
may not sin against You. [1]
14 Stand, therefore,
with truth
like a belt around your waist,
righteousness
like armor on your chest,
15 and your feet sandaled with readiness
for the
gospel of peace.
16 In every situation take the shield of
faith,
and with it
you will be able to extinguish
all the
flaming arrows of the evil one.
17 Take the helmet of salvation,
and the sword
of the Spirit,
which is
God’s word. [2]
O: Today the text is both in Psalms and Ephesians. These are exhortations to keep His word intimately
part of one’s life. Lay it up in the center
of one’s heart and soul. Psalm 119 is all about the word of God and written
with acrostics to help with memorization.
Paul admonishes to put on as many times as needed the full armor of God. The only way this can be accomplished is with
God’s active work in the lives of His children.
His gift of truth, righteousness, gospel, faith, salvation, and the Holy
Spirit. Most of all Paul implores his
readers to stand firm. The nouns for
truth and righteousness is the same words used in the Greek OT txt of Isaiah
11:5 which “describes
the rule of the future Davidic king”[3] and refers
to the Christian solder loyal and faithful devotion. All these terms refer to
the integrity and character one must put on.
The word study of the text yields a rich and deep meaning on how one
should walk in this world and is a great teaching tool.
A: Thy word
have I laid in my heart that I might not sin against thee. Read it, ponder it, dwell on His word daily
and make it an intimate part of one’s Life for His sake so one my live with
fullness.
P: Glory to
our Heavenly Father. You have given us
all we need. Help me Lord please to put
on the whole armor of God. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ps 119:9–11).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Eph 6:14–17).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[3]
Bratcher, R. G., & Nida, E. A. (1993). A handbook on
Paul’s letter to the Ephesians (p. 161). New York: United Bible
Societies.
7 We have redemption in Him through His blood, the forgiveness of our
trespasses, according to the riches of His grace 8 that He
lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. 9 He made
known to us the mystery of His will,
according to His good pleasure that He planned in Him 10 for the
administration of the days of
fulfillment —to bring everything together in the Messiah, both things in heaven and things on
earth in Him.[1]
O: We have
been set free by Jesus voluntarily giving His blood unto death and resurrection. God’s sacrifice was a propitiation offering
forgiveness once and for all through His grace which He lavished upon those Paul was writing
to the saints i.e. those who believe and are saved. The text is the middle of a long sentence
starting from Vv 3 to 14. He has made
known the mystery hidden from us who were once dead in a sinful world. His covenant
has come at just the right time leaving nothing out making His OT promises
complete in providing the Messiah, the Christ to all bringing both Jew and
Gentle together.
A: Blessed assurance
is what this verse gives me. I have been
forgiven and made complete because of what Jesus did for me. By His plan, the gospel has set me free. I was determined saved through my faith that
God has done these things and not by anything I could do. This faith in the
gospel has set my life on a course to bring glory to God. Heaven has been brought down to me.
P: God You are so good. In You is peace. In You is fulfillment. I lift You up with all praise for You have lavished Your grace on us who believe. Help me Lord to bring glory to You in all I do. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Eph 1:7–10).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
Warning against Divisive People
17 Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out
for those who cause dissensions and obstacles contrary to the doctrine you have
learned. Avoid them, 18 for
such people do not serve our Lord Christ but their own appetites. They deceive
the hearts of the unsuspecting with smooth talk and flattering words.[1]
O: My translation: I implore you to look at with a
critical eye those who create objective disunity and are causes of offence.
Behavior not taught in the bible. Do not have fellowship with them because they
are only concerned with themselves. With smooth plausible speech they deceive
the unsuspecting. The word
for the kind of speech Paul uses is found only here in the NT. He is here
showing that the “friendly speeches and fine words” by which the recipients of
the letter are deceitfully wooed are simply a mask for fraudulent purposes.[2]
The children of God must be decerning of others motives and fruits.
A: I must
pray to be diligent in recognizing my motives and make them agreeable to Him. Also, I must work on the discernment of
others behavior looking for the fruit.
Those in the body of Christ need to demonstrate good fruit. Gal 5:22. My
heart must have God’s word and Holy Spirit so I must practice effective
spiritual habits to see people how God sees them. Praying constantly. Reading His word daily and fellowshipping
with the body of Christ as much as I can.
P: I praise
You Jesus. Thank you for Your love. Help me to be courageous addressing behavior for
the church to grow. Help me to weed out
the bad fruit and help grow good. Amen.
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ro 16:17–18).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Weiss, K. (1964–). χρηστός, χρηστότης, χρηστεύομαι, χρηστολογία. G.
Kittel, G. W. Bromiley, & G. Friedrich (Eds.), Theological dictionary of the New Testament (electronic ed., Vol.
9, p. 492). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
A Living Sacrifice
12 Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of
God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing
to God; this is your spiritual worship.[1]
O: God character comes through with this verse. Considering His great concern and compassion to those who truly make Him Lord of His life. But what does Paul mean by living sacrifice? In the OT true sacrifice was given in faithfulness and love. Without this sacrificial attitude there is no relationship with God. Today, our bodies are the temple and the alter is the center of our being, our heart the seat of our soul. The sacrifice suggests the covenant God gave to all. His promise of salvation through the Christ and belief in the gospel deems we now must be faithful and loving to our God and others. Jesus completed the covenant and the many of the promises of the OT has been fulfilled. Paul tells us we must be Holy and by that character and devotion we are acceptable. Make life a mirror of God with a life worthy of the promise. We are to give ourselves entirely to God and our lives must revolve around Him. This is an intelligent act and spiritual walk with God. A reasonable service and acceptable worship because of all God had done and continues to do.
A: I have life because of Jesus.
I have freedom because of the gospel.
My life must be a living proof that I follow God. My behavior must be holy and acceptable and
reflect God’s presence in me. By prayer
and reading his word daily and fellowship with those like minded I will grow in
my spiritual worship and provide an appropriate sacrifice. Within humility, love and faithfulness to God
I need reach out to others with the gospel.
My motivation should be His.
P: Praise You Lord for Your promises.
Thankyou for Your faithfulness and love.
I pray I wil mirror that to others and give my life wholly to You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard
version. (2009). (Ro 12:1). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
6 For we know that our old self was
crucified with Him in order that sin’s dominion over the body may be abolished, so that we may no longer be enslaved to sin, 7 since
a person who has died is freed from sin’s claims. 8 Now if we died with Christ,
we believe that we will also live with Him, 9 because we know
that Christ, having been raised from the dead, will not die again. Death no
longer rules over Him. 10 For
in light of the fact that He died, He died to sin once for all; but in light of
the fact that He lives, He lives to God. 11 So, you too
consider yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.[1]
O: A
wonderful text. Because of Jesus victory over death we are to no longer slaves
to death and sin when we give our lives to Jesus in faith and make Him Lord of
our life. The term for slavery is a very
detestable concept to many. Praise be to God because we are all slaves to
something. Jesus has given us a choice whereas
without Christ’s saving grace we would have no choice for before Christ is
accepted everyone is a slave to the flesh, to sin, impurity, and immoral
impulses. With Christ as our Lord He has
made us both His bondservant and freedman (1Co 7.22). A lovely paradox but much
more because now we have life forever in the most powerful Guardian and glorious
Benefactor. The Bringer of Light and Creator of the world. He is my salvation.
A: I must
remember always whom I serve. Jesus is
Lord of life. He is my Lord, and my only
purpose is to bring glory to HIM. I must
show in all manner who I serve always. A
tall order but can be done if I give it all to HIM for my life is now not my
own but His. He has given me power though the Holy Spirit to overcome sin on a
daily basis for as I live sin lives too and I must consider the matter thoroughly,
ponder, and repeatedly reflect how to die to sin. Sin is not dead but must be dealt with
continuously for repentance is not a onetime deal. Daily do I profess my need for Christ and His
mercies are new every morning.
P: Praise the Lord for freedom has come though a Servant of the Most High God Jesus the Christ the Son of God. Praise God for the mystery You revealed in the paradox of slavery and servitude. Only those who serve the Lord in faith knowing who they serve intimately. Your way is best and fruitful. The blessings flow through service. Help me Lord to be humbly Your servant. Please show me what to do. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ro 6:6–11).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
God’s Good News for Rome
1 Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle and singled
out for God’s good news — 2 which
He promised long ago through His
prophets in the Holy Scriptures— 3 concerning
His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who was a descendant of David according to the
flesh 4 and who has been
declared to be the powerful Son of
God by the resurrection from the dead
according to the Spirit of holiness. 5 We
have received grace and apostleship through Him to bring about the obedience of
faith among all the nations, on behalf of His name, 6 including
yourselves who also belong to Jesus Christ by calling:
7 To all who are in Rome, loved by God, called
as saints.[1]
O: Now I am in Romans one of Paul’s greatest letters and one of most difficult to translate. He starts
the letter by writing one long sentence quoted above. Starting with the term slave this sentence
needs to be taken apart due to the many profound meanings within the text. Paul
is writing to both Gentiles and Jews. The
gentiles would have difficulty with the word slave due to the pride they had in
their freedom. The Jews had needed to
know Jesus is descendant of David since He is the Messiah. The whole book is a proclamation of the
gospel. Jesus is Lord God coming in flesh, was resurrected for the Spirit to
come and draw all back to God. So packed
in this text is servitude, the trinity, the gospel, grace, obedience in faith, and the calling
of the saints consisting of both Jews and Gentiles.
A: We are to act like Paul showing no partiality, a servant to all, most importantly, slave to God. δοῦλος has such a rich and deep meaning difficult to define. In Hellenistic Judaism and the SEPTUAGINT the word is mostly used for the priests in their service to God and has a liturgical flavor. One thing, we are no longer enslaved to impurity but subservient to God. We now turn our attention to things of God and how we must live for Him and all that entails’. We are owned by God and meant to serve Him. With grace and love we are to act on proclaiming the gospel and walk according the calling. That is a walk by faith.
P: Praying to You God. You are so good. You have given me all I need. All praise and glory are due to You. Help me to continue to be thankful and walk in faith and truth. Help me Lord to proclaim the gospel. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard
version. (2009). (Ro 1:1–7). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
Stand Firm
13 But we must always thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God has chosen you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and through belief in the truth.[1]
O: We are chosen by God because of sanctification. Without sanctification one cannot be part of
the elect. This is really the choice of believers
for God cannot chose those who do not intentionally walk in the Spirit and do
not believe the truth. Free will is
still active and Paul admonishes to stand firm in the faith.
A: Stand firm, do what is right, walk in the Spirit and be
helpful in the body. The chosen support
each other, build each up and edify bringing glory to God. Be faithful to the
truth and work on sanctification. Give
praise and pray without ceasing and give thanks for everything. Be grateful God working.
P: I give thanks to God my salvation and the source of my hope. Your love is everlasting, Your promises true. Help me please to remain firm in the truth walking in the Spirit and never tire of doing good. Help me please God to maintain an attitude of gratitude. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (2 Th 2:13).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
We recall,
in the presence of our God and Father, your work of faith, labor of love, and
endurance of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, knowing your election, brothers loved by God.[1]
O: Paul
here is given thanks for the evidence that they were chosen by God. Their good works we a prefect demonstration of
belonging to the community of God. Their
actions proved they were loved and accepted by God. This makes clear our actions must demonstrate
a walk with God to be elected by God. Paul give an admonition faith must be worked
out in love and patience in such a way as to demonstrate God’s calling.
A: Here is
a perfect example of how we should than live.
Growing in faith, demonstrating love in all actions and being patient enduring
the actions of others who behave badly. Paul was concerned for all the persecutions
the Thessalonians faced and was gladdened to hear their church was strong and
growing. I can only hope and pray my
actions are cause for a good report to God and be called a member of the
community of God.
P: Praise
God in highest. I give thanks to You
because of Your word and faithfulness. I
pray my character is in line with You. I pray my behavior demonstrates Your
love for me and I have faith when persecuted.
Help me Lord to remain a part of the vine grow in faith love and
patience and practice all Your fruits. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (1 Th 1:3–4).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
4 Do what is good, Lord, to the good,
to those
whose hearts are upright.
5 But as for those who turn aside to
crooked ways,
the Lord will banish them with the
evildoers. [1]
O: God continues to encourage us. He upholds His promise and
affirms His righteousness. We are His
children when we align with His precepts.
He wants good behavior turning aside crooked and deceitful ways. He encourages to walk in the light and think
of good things to do for Him.
A: My behavior must glorify Him. All my choices must be with Him in mind. Sin
is not an option. I must edify and encourage.
Build up and please God. I must
work in His kingdom to help expand and broaden His influence.
P: Praise be to
God. The psalms declare Your glory. My life must do the same. Help me Lord to clarify You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ps 125:4–5).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
12 So he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without wedding
clothes?’ The man was speechless. [1]
O: Jesus
has said many will follow but not all will be accepted. Here the man was invited but was not wearing
the required clothing. He was speechless
because he had no excuse and was told to leave.
It was a well-known the king had clothes one could borrow if
needed. So true today also, we are
responsible for our salvation. One needs
to walk the talk, repent, abhor sin and maintain behavior acceptable to God
which is one’s reasonable service. God
gave His word that all who believe will enter the kingdom. one must believe one will be transformed by
Him and take off the cloths of this world.
A: His
parables are clear. The behavior demonstrates who is Lord of one’s life. Search and find what one need to get rid of
in one’s life. Put on His gifts freely
offer. He said one will be known the
fruit. Seek not to divide but work to fit into the kingdom. One must change. Seek
out anything that is of the world in One’s life and get rid of it. Be circumspectly
considering all circumstances and possible consequences of one’s behavior and strive
to be as Christ like as possible. Through prayer and His word, it is possible
for one to be prefect in forgiveness as God is prefect. Love others as yourself sums it nicely.
P: Praise You God You give understanding to all who truly seek You. Your parables are great illustrations pointing out what must be done plainly to follow You. Help me Lord to change. He me Lord to rid myself of the behavior of the world. I need to cloth myself in righteousness. Help me see others as You see them. I pray for wisdom and insight to work on becoming more like You daily. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mt 22:12).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
15I am allowed to do what I want with my own money, am I not? Or is your
eye evil because I am good?’ 16In the same way, the last will be
first, and the first will be last. For many are called, but few are chosen.”[1]
O: This
parable always puzzled me. What does it
have to do with the Kingdom? It has to do with God’s offer to all. What is to us if
the arrangement God gave us is the same to all? There has been criticism from
the Jews regarding Gentles given the Holy Spirit, yet they do not follow the
law. The Jews were jealous having worked
in the vineyard for generations yet now the same promise is offered to the gentiles.
One commentor liken the parable to the prodigal
son. Both show the generosity of
God.
A: We need
not question God. Who are we in His eyes? We cannot roll our eyes to God’s promise to
those who believe and who accepts Him as Lord and Savior. We are not to be jealous by generously accept
all our brothers and sisters who have made the great confession. The promise is the same to all because God
never changes.
P: Praise
You God You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. You promise for Your children is the same to
all. I only must believe. Your promise cannot be simpler. Lord help me with my unbelief. Amen
[1] International
standard version New Testament: version 1.1. (2000). (Print on
Demand ed., Mt 20:15–16). Yorba Linda, CA: The Learning Foundation.
20 “Because of your little faith,” He told them. “For I assure you: If
you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, ‘Move
from here to there,’ and it will move.
Nothing will be impossible for you.
[21 However, this kind does not come out except by
prayer and fasting.]”[1]
O: Jesus is
speaking to His disciples as well as the present age. Faith here has such a deep meaning. It implies an unwillingness to commit oneself to another or respond positively to the
other’s words or actions or
lack of commitment to a relationship or pledge.[2] In other words a lack of belief or unfaithfulness. What the disciples needed was to practice the
faith they had. It is not that they did
not have enough. The other manuscripts
add prayer and fasting, and I do not doubt that Jesus said this many
times. In fact, He probably repeated
these words on many occasions during His ministry on earth.
A: Faith is all we need. Nothing is impossible with You when we truly walk with You and make You Lord of our life. A trust and
belief that God’s power is enough. I ran
across this acrostic regarding faith in the preface of The Apologetics Bible:
F is for forgiveness. We have
nothing if we do not have God’s forgiveness Ep 1:7a.
A is for available. Available to
all but not automatic. Jn 3:16; Mt 7:21a.
I is for impossible. It is
impossible for God to let sin into heaven We are all sinners Jms 2:13a; Rm 3:23.
T is for turn which means repent.
Turn from sin and self to Christ. Lk 13:3b; Rm 10:9
H is for heaven. Here and
hereafter. Jn10:10b; Jn 14:3
P: Help me Lord to pray and fast because somethings in this world can not be done if I am not in Your will. Things fall apart when I loss sight of You. Praise be to God for sending Your Son to fulfill Your promise and covenant with Your child. We can now be heirs and all praise goes out to You. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mt 17:20–21).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., Bauer, W., & Gingrich, F. W. (2000). A Greek-English
lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature
(3rd ed., p. 103). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living
God!”[1]
O: Peter’s
confession I feel is the greatest verse in the bible. He says Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s
promise and covenant to mankind. Jesus
is the chosen One, the anointed One the completion of the law. Jesus is the Christ the Messiah spoken of by
the prophets and because of God’s love He came for you and I and the whole
world.
A: This is
what the church will be built on. The Messiah has come to unite Israel and all
the who believe Jesus is the Christ. Faith
in Christ is so important. Faith brings
unity. Faith brings salvation. Faith brings me to God. Here is the bridge that spans the divide. Jesus through faith that He is the Messiah
brings me to God.
P: Paise be
to God. You have bridged the great
divide. Thanks be to Jesus Your Son who fulfilled
Your promise by coming to us and giving Yourself freely to save all who have
faith in You. Help me to trust You, to
give myself to You. Help me to not let
my flesh get in the way and increase my faith.
Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mt 16:16).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
33 He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast
that a woman took and mixed into 50 pounds of flour until it spread through all
of it.” [1]
O: The
kingdom of heaven will affect everything.
Leaven had a bad connotation elsewhere in scriptures. One commentor used this illusion as God can
transform something bad, make it good and thus has a great influence on the
kingdom. M. Green, (p. 138) Matthew for
Today [2]
Yeast and leaven are interchangeable here but proves that God can take
something small and insignificant and create an impact influencing everyone within
contact.
A: I must remember
that I am not insignificant. I can make
a difference with God. God can use me in
all circumstances if I make Him Lord of my life. God’s influence and will is unstoppable. Faith in Him is paramount. I must turn my will over to Him.
P: Praise
be to God. You are faithful Your justice
is true. Help me Lord to give my life to
You. Help me do Your will Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mt 13:33).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Morris, L. (1992). The Gospel
according to Matthew. Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: W.B.
Eerdmans; Inter-Varsity Press.
4 But perceiving their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why are you thinking evil
things in your hearts? 5 For
which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and
walk’? 6 But so you may know that the Son of Man has authority
on earth to forgive sins”[1]
O: Jesus
knows what is on our minds. What evils
lurk there. This verse has always puzzled
me. Why is it easier to say one thing
than the other? Basically, by saying “get
up and walk” will be easily perceived by all.
What will not be seen is harder to decern such as “your sins are
forgiven”. Jesus said this to show He
had the authority to forgive sins.
Something the leaders were reluctant to admit. They would rather criticize Jesus than praise
God the man was healed.
A: We need
to watch out what is on our minds and look at our motivation. Are we willing to accept the blessings of God
by full repentance or wallow in sin and be blind to the word and works of God.
P: Lord
praise for Your word. Your wisdom and
grace is all I need. Help me Lord to
look at my motive and get them in line with You. Amen.
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mt 9:4–6).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if
the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It is no longer good
for anything but to be thrown out and trampled on by men.
14 “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.[1]
O: Again, the emphatic command permeates throughout
this section showing or giving
emphasis; expressing to be salt and light forcibly and clearly. Apart from the obvious role of salt in flavoring
and preserving, in the ancient world it was seen as a purifying or cleansing
agent.[2]
2 Ch 13:5 Don’t you know that the Lord God of Israel gave the kingship over Israel to David
and his descendants forever by a covenant of salt? 3 Remain
pure in your walk and be a shining light.
In other words, be different God’s children are called out from the
world.
A: I must
be different than the world. I must show
love for my enemies. I must be patient respectful.
I do so want to do the right thing. Only I have to be humble, gentle and realize
I need to treat people how I want to be treated.
P: I pray God that I improve my attitude and be
more like You. I need to be prefect in
my forgiveness. I need to judge people
in such a way that shows I respect them treat them as if I want to help them. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mt 5:13–16).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Nolland, J. (2005). The Gospel of
Matthew: a commentary on the Greek text (p. 212). Grand Rapids,
MI; Carlisle: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press.
3 The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mt 5:13–16).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
17 From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, because the kingdom of heaven
has come near!” [1]
O: Repent is a verb that is present, active, imperative. In other words, this is a command that this
be done now. It means a complete turn from sin. As a prerequisite for experiencing the Reign of
God in the preaching of John the Baptist and Jesus[2] There must be a
change in attitude toward sin and righteousness. The kingdom of heaven is
present but can not enter ones life without repenting.
A: Search one’s life. Scan the hearth, attitudes, thoughts, and
behaviors to find anything not in line with the gospel. Question how open one’s mind is to the Spirit
of God. Rely on His presence to help
with the repentance and turning away from anything that hinders the gospel.
P: I give glory to You God. In You all is good. Praise You Jesus for giving the Holy Spirit and putting the Kingdom in our hearts. I pray that I will always have mind of repent and turn away from the influences of this world. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mt 4:17). Nashville:
Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., Bauer, W., & Gingrich, F. W. (2000). A Greek-English
lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature
(3rd ed., p. 640). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
19 You have thought all along that we were defending ourselves to
you. No, in the sight of God we are
speaking in Christ, and everything, dear friends, is for building you up. 20 For I fear that perhaps
when I come I will not find you to be what I want, and I may not be found by
you to be what you want; there may be
quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, slander,
gossip, arrogance, and disorder. 21 I
fear that when I come my God will again
humiliate me in your presence, and I will grieve for many who sinned
before and have not repented of the
moral impurity, sexual immorality, and
promiscuity they practiced. [1]
5 Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith. Examine yourselves. Or
do you yourselves not recognize that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless you fail
the test. 6 And I hope
you will recognize that we do not fail the test.[2]
O: Earlier in the book Paul wrote about his concern
the Corinthians lack of understanding regarding important things. He knew God whose very name is Jealous (Exod. 34:14).
His jealous anger burns against sin (Exod. 20:5; Ezek. 23:25)[3] Paul has made the behavior that is not
acceptable noticeably clear here and in Gal 5.
He warned them he was going to very plain. Sin must be confronted. He encourages that one must always test oneself. Is the behavior acceptable, edifying,
building up? These are important things.
A: Always put
oneself to the test. Is the behavior helpful. Edifying?
Does it bring glory to God? Most
of all is it sin? Sin must be dealt
with. We are sinners. Sin does get placed on hold when Christ is
accepted as Lord and savior. Repentance
is not a one-time deal. We must deal
with it daily. This is what is called sanctification. It a process and His mercies are new every
morning.
P: Praise God.
Your grace and mercies are great.
There is blessed assurance in You. Thank-you for Your unending
forgiveness. I pray I can emulate
You. I pray that You are evident in all
I do, and my behavior glorifies You helping to build up the church. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (2 Co 12:19–21).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (2 Co 13:5–6).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[3]
Harris, M. J. (2005). The Second Epistle
to the Corinthians: a commentary on the Greek text (pp.
734–735). Grand Rapids, MI; Milton Keynes, UK: W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co.;
Paternoster Press.
4 since the weapons of our warfare are not worldly but are powerful
through God for the demolition of strongholds. We demolish arguments 5 and
every high-minded thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, taking
every thought captive to obey Christ. 6 And we are ready to
punish any disobedience, once your obedience has been confirmed. [1]
O: God has said many times His weapons are greater than
anything in the world. The weapons are not of a worldly nature but created by
God. They are endowed with His power. His weapons will tear down
any obstacle, break any barrier. The gospel will pierce and destroy all
arguments. With His weapons even thoughts can be taken care of. v6
is an emphatic obedience. Others translate the verse differently, but the
emphatic voice remains. “any act of disloyalty” (GNB)
or “every act of rebellion” (TCNT), or even “any trace of disobedience”
(Goodspeed), but the expression could be personalized, if the abstract παρακοή stands for
the concrete οἱ παρακούοντες and means “any who refuse to obey” or
“all who may be disobedient” (Conybeare in Conybeare and Howson 457)[2]
A:
The weapons of God must be used against anything hindering the gospel,
any barrier, any stronghold with roots deep in the body of Christ. That is confrontation is inevitable because
God will not put up with any obstacle adversely impacting His work. However, there must be a spirit of love, gentleness,
and respect in the confrontation. Make
no mistake any disobedience will be dealt with by God.
P: God almighty Your power is great. Your strength is without equal. You see all. Nothing is hidden from You. You will have victory. Help us be the agent of Your mercy and grace. Give us strength and insight to hold every thought captive. Give us courage to confront disobedience and anything that places a stumbling block in the path You laid before us. Help us do it in love, compassion, and grace. Amen.
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (2 Co 10:4–6).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2]
Harris, M. J. (2005). The Second Epistle
to the Corinthians: a commentary on the Greek text (p. 685).
Grand Rapids, MI; Milton Keynes, UK: W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co.; Paternoster Press.
17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there
is freedom. 18 We all, with unveiled faces, are looking as in a
mirror at a the glory of the
Lord and are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit.[1]
O: Freedom,
growing sanctification, transformation and reflecting the glory of the Lord. All from the Lord who is the Spirit. How great and wonderful is He.
A: Look at
your spirit within you people. Is it in line with God? Is the glory of God
progressing your sanctification? Are you
growing in the Lord or are you still a child?
These are things you can use to test your walk with God.
P: Praise be to God! Alleluia, glory be to Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Great and mighty You are. Help me Lord please help me test my walk. Help me to shine Your glory in my way of life. Help me to show others who You are in my life. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (2 Co 3:17–18).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
5 For as the sufferings of
Christ overflow to us, so through Christ
our comfort also overflows.[1]
O: To me this is a difficult verse and I pray to
God I understand it. As I understand it we all share in the suffering of
Christ. For without it there would be no comfort. There is a purpose for
suffering. As in every paradox Christ shows us the unexpected occurs. The
suffering brings comfort.
A: I take this verse as a comfort knowing
suffering is necessary and reassuring in my walk with Christ. It's a
confirmation I am growing and on the path doing something right if I suffer in
the name of Christ. There is comfort in that knowledge for with the
suffering comes comfort. To me that is a great consolation.
P: Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort.[2] I offer praises and rejoicing in Your faithfulness, steadfastness and joy in Your promises. You take pleasure in Your covenant and thanks be to Jesus it has been given to us who believe. I pray I don't forget You have comfort in Your suffering. It is a honor the suffer for You. I pray I see You in all I do. Thank you for all the suffering, the confirmations and encouragement. For in the suffering I know I am with You. I can glorify You and take comfort in that. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (2 Co 1:5).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (2 Co 1:3).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
4 For Yahweh takes pleasure in His people,
He adorns
the humble with salvation.
5 Let the godly celebrate in triumphal glory,
let them
shout for joy on their beds.
6 Let the exaltation of God be in their
mouths
and a
double-edged sword in their hands[1]
O: This verse
tells one there are tools one can use in ones' walk with Him. The first is God’s pleasure with the
humble. So be humble. Another tool is celebrating His presence in
one’s life. Sing praises to God. Hail the accolades to Him loudly. The Lord inhabits the praises of His people.[2]
In video gaming the best weapon is prized and sought after. One other tool is
His sword. There is no greater tool
outside of Christ and The Holy Spirit Himself.
Search His word. It is more
powerful and sharper than anything in this world. Use it and live by it. There’s
victory in Jesus.
A: One must be
humble and study His word. It is a lamp
and can fill the heart becoming a part of ones being. Additionally, always have
a praise on one’s lips. The Lord will be
there. Always! His word is enough. He
takes care of every problem. Therefor
one must be humble, sing praises, and lay up His word in one’s heart. Use the
tools He gives each and everyone.
P: Praise You God. You provide all that is needed to live. You meet the needs of Your people. Always! I lift You up and You humble me knowing You are there in my life going before me and fighting my battles. Help me please, humble me and improve my attitude so I can put my spirit in praises to You. Help me praise You out loud always. I pray You give me motivation to read Your word and apply it in my life. Amen
[1] The Holy Bible:
Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ps 149:4–6).
Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible:
King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900
Authorized Version., Ps 22:3). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
12 So, with yourselves, since you are so eager to
possess spiritual gifts, concentrate your ambition upon receiving those which
make for the real growth of your church. [1]
O: Meyer sees the ὑμεῖς (So) as related more closely to the disasters of the previous
examples than to the eagerness for spiritual experiences, i.e., you are in this
absurd situation, so take fresh stock and reorder your priorities.[2]
In other words take a close look at what you are doing. Is your behavior helpful and useful? Good thing there is a zealous attitude but be
more so toward building the church. What is interesting here is the plural form
of Spirits, therefor seek what helps and edifies the body of Christ. The more
the better.
A: Pray for
gifts that will build the body up. As
with improving your health one must exercise one also must but into practice my
gifts that are in line of the Spirit in the body. Again, is what I am doing adding to or taking
away the church. Am I helping or hurt
the body? I always must ask my
conscience. My priority must be in line
with the true Spirit.
P: Praise You God. Help me to always praise You. I am grateful for Your presence and The Holy Spirit in my heart. Help me to make my priorities more attuned to You. Amen
[2]
Thiselton, A. C. (2000). The First Epistle to the Corinthians: a
commentary on the Greek text (p. 1106). Grand Rapids, MI: W.B.
Eerdmans. (Parentheses mine)
[1]
Prior, D. (1985). The message of 1
Corinthians: life in the local church (p. 166). Leicester,
England; Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
31 Therefore, brothers, we are not children of the slave but
of the free woman.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009).
(Ga 4:31). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: Those who by faith believe in Christ belong to the
covenant. They are the seed of Abraham
and born into freedom and part of the body of Christ. The 'ones who are called' and apart of the
church.
A: We have freedom in Christ. We have been called out of bondage. The chains to sin have been broken. It means I'm not just a member of some organization,
but I've been called out of an old life, called out of sin, called out of
gloom, called out of anger, called out of selfishness, called out of lust,
addiction, carnality, and fear. I must
live a life free from all that.
P: Praise God for Your freedom. Help me to walk in freedom and glorify You. Amen
Acts 21.28
28 shouting, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people, our law, and this place. What’s more, he also brought Greeks into the temple and has profaned this holy place.”
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ac 21:28). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O:
Lies, gossip. rumors. and hearsay. This is what the enemy uses as
tools to work it's way into the church. Beware of the enemies devices
and stand against them.
A: I need to strengthen my resolve to uphold
the word of God and proclaim the gospel. For in God's word and the
gospel is power, unimaginable power. Great and awesome is He.
P: Ty God for Your word and Your life saving gospel. Ty You for Your peace, power, and strength & love saving me and the church. Help me to put on the whole armor of God, defend the body of Christ with Your word and the Holy Spirit. Amen
10/24/20 Acts19.8
8 Then he entered the synagogue and spoke boldly over a period of three months, engaging in discussion and trying to persuade them about the things of the kingdom of God.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ac 19:8). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: Paul spoke boldly for a significant amount of time. He was on the offensive, tireless in discussing the gospel and the kingdom of God. He gave proof and was diligently serving God full of truth and fervor with the strength of the Lord.
A: That is what I must do. Set about teaching and preaching the gospel tirelessly for He will renew my strength.
P: I praise Dod for His never ending power. I pray I can tap into that power. Amen
10/23/20 Jb13.18; Acts 17.30b
18 Now then, I have prepared my case;
I know that I am right.
Ac 17.30b God now commands all people everywhere to repent
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Job 13:18; Ac 17:30b). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: Rightness is there such a word? Upright we must stand and find the sure way. Straight and narrow with good footing. See it? Repent and travel in the the Way of God.
A: Rest, humility, peace, and wellness from being right. God makes everything right & I know Him. I search my life, my walk, my heart, the center of my being for what is right. Due to repentance all that is wrong is gone from my life.
P: Got to thank You God. You are right. In You is peace, the bridge is built. I am complete with You and have enough to be happy. I am content. Amen
10/22/20 Jb 11.6-8; 12.12-13,16, Acts 15.5,9
6 He would show you the secrets of wisdom,
for true wisdom has two sides.
Know then that God has chosen to overlook some of your sin.
7 Can you fathom the depths of God
or discover the limits of the Almighty?
8 They are higher than the heavens—what can you do?
They are deeper than Sheol—what can you know?
12 Wisdom is found with the elderly,
and understanding comes with long life.
13 Wisdom and strength belong to God;
counsel and understanding are His.
16 True wisdom and power belong to Him.
The deceived and the deceiver are His.
5 But some of the believers from the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to command them to keep the law of Moses!”
9 He made no distinction between us and them
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Job 11:6–8, 12:12–13,16; Ac 15:5, 9a). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: Accountability and listening is key in wisdom. Answer the question. Do we know if we if have just enough for every situation? Yes we do but He gives more and continues to pile it on to help us be insightful and wise. That is enough so gain knowledge of His way for there is 2 sides to to every story and no end to His compassion. Don't be pharisaical. "Pharisaic bullies who impose their notions on others" (off the internet) Qualifying salvation which God only supplies. No one can force you to believe. It is a choice by everyone. Faith in Christ is necessary. It's a test of love. I Cor 13.13.
A:Instruction in wisdom is plain. He has it, I need it, I pray for it from Him because He made it and uses it for us to glorify Him. I need to jump in the boat with Him as we all do. The remnant remain. Got to work together. He cleanses hearts w/o distinction, no partiality. The Lord has done this He is the build of all things.
P:I pray we 'all' respond & turn to You in great numbers. Lord I need humility, gentleness and respect; praying for You to come. I need You Lord I need You. Amen
10/21/20 Jb 10.16-17; Acts 13.9-10, 14.2
16 If I am proud, You hunt me like a lion
and again display Your miraculous power against me.
17 You produce new witnesses against me
and multiply Your anger toward me.
Hardships assault me, wave after wave.
13.9 Then Saul—also called Paul—filled with the Holy Spirit, stared straight at the sorcerer 10 and said, “You son of the Devil, full of all deceit and all fraud, enemy of all righteousness! Won’t you ever stop perverting the straight paths of the Lord?
14.2 But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up and poisoned the minds of the Gentiles against the brothers.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Job 10:16–17, Ac 13:9–10, 14:2). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O:People refused to listen & poisoned minds, rejecting the gospel brings "profound grief" ft note; (pg 1646, Apol. Study Bible. HCSB, 2007) see Rm 9.2. Proud emotions will be beat down by God's miraculous power. New witnesses (info) threatens me. Hardship will be upon me because of pride. Paul like God stares straight into the false prophet & leader of strays, full of deceit and all fraud. Please, stop perverting the way of God.
A: Stand up, walk with prefect integrity in His way and be bold w/ the GNews. The Rock has built it.
P: Praise be to You. Praises and thanksgiving. Only You are the righteousness One. In You is everything I need. There is strength, direction, righteousness all the good and helpfulness in Your word. I pray I walk in prefect integrity humbly. Show me the Way please Amen
10/20/20 Jb 7:21
21 Why not forgive my sin
and pardon my transgression?
For soon I will lie down in the grave.
You will eagerly seek me, but I will be gone.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Job 7:21). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: Rhetorical Question. He does forgive and pardon. Job is confused in his suffering as well as anyone might be, seeing the amount of suffering he endured. He will still see us when we die. He spoke and everything came into being. Nothing escapes His view.
A: Repent and be saved, Walk in prefect integrity so nothing can phase your faith.
P: Praise be to You creator of everything. Everything is put in my life to glorify You. I pray I truly repent and turn from my wicked, wretched ways and walk with You Amen
10/19/20 Ps 108.5-7a
5 God, be exalted above the heavens,
and let Your glory be over the whole earth.
6 Save with Your right hand and answer me
so that those You love may be rescued.
7 God has spoken in His sanctuary:
“I will triumph!
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ps 108:5–7). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
10/18/20 Acts 8.12
12 But when they believed Philip, as he preached the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ac 8:12). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: The gospel is the great equalizer. In the gospel there are no “half-breeds,” no physical rejects, no place for any human prejudices. There is acceptance for all, joy for all, “great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10). Polhill, J. B. (1992). Acts (Vol. 26, p. 215). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
A: The gospel is the best news of all. Preach Christ crucified and raised from the dead to sit with the Father in glory. There is power in the words and deeds of the Lord.
P: Praise You God for the gospel. You have given all we need to tell others who You are and what You did. I praise I will preach the gospel in my words, actions and deeds. Amen
10/17/20 Jb 1.1; 3b. 5b, 6a, 2.1a, sons of God. v15a, Jb 2.3. Acts 6:5, 7:23 7:29, 49, 51, 53 evidence.
Jb 1.1 There was a man in the country of Uz named Job. He was a man of perfect integrity, who feared God and turned away from evil. 3b...Job was the greatest man among all the people of the east. 5b 'In prayer'. For Job thought: Perhaps my children have sinned, having cursed God in their hearts. This was Job’s regular practice. 6, 2.1a One day the sons of God... v.15a the Sabeans... 2:3 "He still retains his integrity, even though you incited Me against him, to destroy him without just cause.”
Acts 6.5 So they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit,7.23 “As he (Moses) was approaching the age of 40, he decided to visit his brothers, the Israelites. 27 “But the one who was mistreating his neighbor pushed him away, saying: Who appointed you a ruler and a judge over us"?
49 Heaven is My throne,
and earth My footstool.
51 “You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears!... 53 You received the law under the direction of angels and yet have not kept it.”
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Job 1:1,3b, 5b, 6a, 15, 2:1a, 3, Ac 6:5; 7:23, 27, 49, 51,53). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O:Prefect integrity 1.1, 2.3(Mt 5.48, Eph 4.20-24) walking upright w/o sin, in Son as son, (2.1a). Prophet, ( Jb 25.20, Lamentations 4:21); 'wisdom' (see 28.28, Prv 3.7). Job's regular practice, prayer for his kids. Labeled greatest man of all v.1.3b. Than sabeans v.15a, attack w/o cause. poof all gone, Suffering intensely. Praying intently that they may not sin. Jb 1.6a, 2.1a"Spiritual, believers become sons & keiki (love words). So even though it might seem @ 1st glance, violent there are no good reasons to allow certain evils we see, this does not provide strong evidence that these evils are unjustified. The argument that 'da kine' evils we see make it unlikely God exists has been seen to be weak" Compare and contrast suffering. One can be in His vision, image but trips, falls, but not hurt to bad, things happen. Sometimes "Philosophical problem of evil has to do with what is reasonable to believe". (quotes frm article, by Gregory E. Gassle, pg 737, Apol. Study Bible. HCSB, 2007) Worldly evil, cultures, "does not make it impossible to believe in one mighty God can be all powerful, all loving, Creator", quote frm above article. Acts are full disclosure, growth, spiritually mature. Ac 6.5 Qualities qualify for leadership, deacons. 40 yrs it came to his heart. Judge? Ac 7:27, 35. Transform hearts, turn them Son of Man v. 49. Suffer if you don't turn v. 51,53.
A: I offer prayer that we don't sin. Boy, one guy was preaching perfection on our campus in the 70's. Interesting proposition. Walking purely in a straight line praying not to sin, grow in wisdom, knowing I'm a child of God and called to be His servant.
P: Lord I pray To You the One true God. Mighty and great You are. The One who answers prayer. Giver of great compassion and grace. All Praise be to You. You always give direction and support. I pray, I pray and pray some more. I Pray for transformation of hearts. Amen
10/16/20 Acts 5.29
29 But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard ( HCSB) version. (2009). (Ac 5:29). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: This is the ultimate authority we must listen to. The maker of heaven and earth is in charge and we must listen. He is all we need to make it in the world. All our actions should be done with obedience to God in mind.
A: What is God asking in His still small voice. He is asking for obedience. I must "trust and obey, for there's no other way, to happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey".
P: Pray and all thanks go to You God. Lord I pray I always obey You. Help me to listen and follow You. Help me to always have You in mind capturing every thought and examine my life to focus on Your will. Amen
10/15/20
Ne 13:21 but I warned them, “Why are you camping in front of the wall? If you do it again, I’ll use force against you.” After that they did not come again on the Sabbath. 22 Then I instructed the Levites to purify themselves and guard the gates in order to keep the Sabbath day holy.
Mal 2:9 “So I in turn have made you despised and humiliated before all the people because you are not keeping My ways but are showing partiality in your instruction.” 10 Don’t all of us have one Father? Didn’t one God create us? Why then do we act treacherously against one another, profaning the covenant of our fathers?
Acts 4:29 And now, Lord, consider their threats, and grant that Your slaves may speak Your message with complete boldness
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ne 13:21–22; Mal 2:9–10; Ac 4:29). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: You have been warned, remember me I kept Your abundant love. In not keeping the way of God, showing partiality to the children of God and acting treacherously and detestability profanes the covenant of God. Now Lord give us boldness to stand to spread the gospel.
A: God is my judge. He is faithful and His love everlasting. I must give God my problems, my challenges, my battles. God can do much more with them than I could ever dream of. Pray He grants boldness to proclaim His word.
P: Blessed be the name of the Lord almighty. Praise be to You my God. Thank you for Your word and salvation. I pray for boldness to proclaim the gospel. Amen
10/14/20 Psalms one
The Two Ways
1 How happy is the man
who does not follow the advice of the wicked
or take the path of sinners
or join a group of mockers!
2 Instead, his delight is in the LORD’s instruction,
and he meditates on it day and night.
3 He is like a tree planted beside streams of water
that bears its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.
4 The wicked are not like this;
instead, they are like chaff that the wind blows away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not survive the judgment,
and sinners will not be in the community of the righteous.
6 For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked leads to ruin.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ps 1:1–6). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: "The reader is sometimes taken back by the blunt and powerful words that the psalmists used. But these folk were often in life and death situations, attacked by ruthless and cruel enemies, betrayed by friends, or in natural dangers as they traveled the land. Because there is no lasting peace and no sense of security, life was a daily challenge. Yet they were convinced that the Lord reigned over the affairs of men, and so they rejoiced over the law of God as their guide." Introduction to Psalms, Apologetics Study Bible 2007 Holman Bible Pub. Nashville.
A: Two ways. there are only two ways to go. I choose to the way of God.
P: Praise be the God over all. Praise You Jesus, and You too HS. I am grateful You are at work in my life. Grateful for Your guidance and love. Grateful for Your humbling compassion. Help me Lord to work on going the right way. Help me to work on Your fruit. Amen
10/13/20 Neh 9.18b-19a; 27; 10.28b; Acts 2.20-21
Ne 18b This is your God who brought you out of Egypt,”
and they had committed terrible blasphemies,
19 You did not abandon them in the wilderness
because of Your great compassion.
27 So You handed them over to their enemies,
who oppressed them.
In their time of distress, they cried out to You,
and You heard from heaven.
In Your abundant compassion
You gave them deliverers, who rescued them
from the power of their enemies.
10.28b everyone who is able to understand and who has separated themselves from the surrounding peoples to obey the law of God—
Acts 2.20 The sun will be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood
before the great and remarkable Day of the Lord comes.
21 Then everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord will be saved.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ne 9:18a–19b; 27; 10.28b; Ac 2:20–21). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: We are not abandon but covered with great compassion. In times of destress You listen to the cry. Everyone who understands His word, separated as a holy people, obeying, walk with Him. Now take this as a metaphor, figuratively, the emotions will turn to darkness, blood red will cover them before the Lord. Whomever calls His name will be saved.
A: I need to be in His word, obeying and calling Him by His name repeatedly, daily. I am saved by this daily habit.
P: I praise You God. You are good. Only You can save. Help me maintain spiritually effective habits so I can grow and help in the great commission. Amen
10/12/20 Neh 8.3b
…he read out of it from daybreak until noon before the men, the women, and those who could understand. All the people listened attentively to the book of the law.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ne 8:3b). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: Got this email today from CBN.
|
Dear
Kevin, The Jewish celebration of Simchat Torah (literally “Rejoicing
with the Torah”) begins today at sundown! Simchat Torah is a
special day marking the conclusion of the annual cycle of public Torah
readings (the first five books of the Bible), and the beginning of a new
cycle. This occasion is about
rejoicing with the Torah and is a component of the Jewish holiday of Shemini
Atzeret (“Eighth Day of Assembly”) immediately following the festival of
Sukkot. There is an ancient
Jewish custom to dance for hours around the bima (lectern) in a
circle symbolizing the eternity of the Torah and its Author. For Christians, this
celebration reminds us of the important need to devote ourselves to studying
the Scriptures and applying its message to our daily lives. Today, as the Jewish
community observes Simchat Torah, will you also join us in praying for Israel
and God’s chosen people around the globe? This Simchat Torah, may we all recommit ourselves to God and
His eternal Word. God bless you! |
A: God's word must be read. Some of it even sounds good read aloud. Let eating, consuming mana of Gods word for substance, sustainability.
P: Help me Lord to read of You everyday. Help me crave Your word and make it apart of life. For You are good and bring peace, a rest, nourishing me with Your love. A true rest deep and comforting. Refreshing Lord Amen
10/11/20 Neh 6.8,13-14, Psalm 146.6-8, Lk 24.25,38
8 Then I replied to him, “There is nothing to these rumors you are spreading; you are inventing them in your own mind.”
13 He was hired, so that I would be intimidated, do as he suggested, sin, and get a bad reputation, in order that they could discredit me.
14 My God, remember Tobiah and Sanballat for what they have done, and also Noadiah the prophetess and the other prophets who wanted to intimidate me.
Ps 146:6–8
6 the Maker of heaven and earth,
the sea and everything in them.
He remains faithful forever,
7 executing justice for the exploited
and giving food to the hungry.
The LORD frees prisoners.
8 The LORD opens the eyes of the blind.
The LORD raises up those who are oppressed. h
The LORD loves the righteous.
Lk 24.25, 38
25 He said to them, “How unwise and slow you are to believe in your hearts all that the prophets have spoken!
38 “Why are you troubled?”
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ne 6:8,13–14,Ps 146:6–8,Lk 24:25,38). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: Today was a treasure trove, a storehouse of information. 5 verses referenced. Telling a story of how to face hearsay and rumors.
A: Pray for remembrance of the facts, intimation will not work because praying for those that try to discredit, frees, opens, raises up & Loves the righteous. All positive reactions, optimistic. Some of the church are slow, guys and gals, boys and girls. Take it easy and don't be troubled.
P: Lord turn me away from my troubles. My Father how unwise and slow I am. Free, raise me up as You see fit and help me open my eyes to see others as You do. Help me grow in righteousness and demonstrate love. Amen
10/10/20 Neh 4.4-5
4 Listen, our God, for we are despised. Make their insults return on their own heads and let them be taken as plunder to a land of captivity. 5 Do not cover their guilt or let their sin be erased from Your sight, because they have provoked the builders.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ne 4:4–5). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: I love Nehemiah. A man under pressure. And what does he do? He prays to God don't hide nothing. God sees all the hakaka (A difficult word to translate, just know it ain't good).
A: Under pressure I must press into God for He is my fortress and shelter. Pray, pray without ceasing, and pray some more.
P: You are my God in Whom I trust. Help me Lord to stand, to let You calm the storm. Help me to stand with you in the peace only You give. Help me press on, press in and continue to grow in You. Grow strong in Your relationship with me. Help me let You have the victory because life is in You alone. Amen
10/09/20 Lk 22.67-68
67 They said, “If You are the Messiah, tell us.”
But He said to them, “If I do tell you, you will not believe. 68 And if I ask you, you will not answer. 69 But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the Power of God.”
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Lk 22:67–69). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: Many will not listen. Many will not believe no matter the proof or how many times you tell them. This is not to say I'm the messiah but to proclaim the truth; to proclaim the Gospel and God's word, many will not accept and reject His claims.
A: Listen to God and His word. Believe and you shall live. Accept His word and lay it in your heart so that no sin will harbor with-in you. You will have abundant life once the gospel is accepted and lights the path. Reject His claims and His word is certain death for He has the power over life and death.
P:Praise You God for You have made Yourself known in various and sundry ways. Your guidance is plain and straight forward. I pray I listen always to You and not the world who mock and ridicule gossip and judge hearsay and distorted truths. Please give me strength and wisdom to not react to the world but pray, making every effort to be gentile and respectful. Amen
10/08/20 Ezra 9.1
The people of Israel, the priests, and the Levites have not separated themselves from the surrounding peoples whose detestable practices
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ezr 9:1). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: We as God people need to behave in such a way that is different from the world. We must live a life holy and acceptable to God which is our reasonable service Rom 12.1. This verse is an echo in Ez 6.21.
A: I must be set apart from this world. Walk in His statues. Make every attempt to address any and all sin.
P: Praise God. I need to seek You. I am not worthy. I am sinner. Help me in my unbelief. Help me repent and walk with You. Amen
10/7/20 Lk 20.46
46 “Beware of the scribes, who want to go around in long robes and who love greetings in the marketplaces, the front seats in the synagogues, and the places of honor at banquets."
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Lk 20:46). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: We have much to look forward to and much to look out for. Watch out for those that are puffed up with attitude and lack of humility.
A: Be ever praising God and seeking His favor not others. Favor from hevean not the world. Seek to be humble, gentile, and respectful.
P: Praise you Lord. I am grateful for Your guidance and direction, the standard You created. Help me to be gentile, respectful, and develop a humble attitude. amen
10/6/20 Lk 19.47
47 Every day He was teaching in the temple complex. The chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people were looking for a way to destroy Him...
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Lk 19:47). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: Every day Jesus was out there doing His work. He did not take time off. He was doing God's work all the time and The people of power plot and made every attempt to trap Him.
A: Every day I must be doing God's work. People will attempt to trip me up but if I'm walking with God doing His work I'll be ok.
P:Lord I pray I will always be at Your side doing your work. amen
10/5/20 Es 4.13-14
13 Mordecai told the messenger to reply to Esther, “Don’t think that you will escape the fate of all the Jews because you are in the king’s palace. 14 If you keep silent at this time, liberation and deliverance will come to the Jewish people from another place, but you and your father’s house will be destroyed. Who knows, perhaps you have come to your royal position for such a time as this.”
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Es 4:13–14). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: 'Will you escape fate' by being silent. Be apart of the liberation and deliverance. Don't sit back and let others do it. Make a stand speak up and come against the world and it's influences. Speak against sin or you will be complicit and that fate will befall you too.
A: I must speak up. I must come against the world. Come what may I must make my stand. I must stand firm if all that I have done has no results. Even if I suffer the consequences I have the satisfaction of God know I have done what He has asked. That is all I can do. That is all I need. God is all I need. I pray and I read and address what I see as unfit behavior for the the kingdom of God.
P: Praise God. Thank you for Your love and grace. I pray that I do what is right in the eyes of God. I pray I always make a stand for God and His kingdom. Amen
10/4/20 Lk 17.1-4
He said to His disciples, “Offenses will certainly come, but woe to the one they come through! 2 It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea than for him to cause one of these little ones to stumble. 3 Be on your guard. If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. 4 And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and comes back to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Lk 17:1–4). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: Verse 3 is similar to Mt 18.15. The bible is clear. People will harass God's children and will be judged. The word for offences means, "an action or circumstance that leads one to act contrary to a proper course of action or set of beliefs, temptation to sin, enticement to apostasy, false belief, etc., fig. ext. of 1 (Ezk 7:19 Aq. and Sym.; Wsd 14:11) Mt 18:7abc; Lk 17:1" 1. Presenting a commentary of prior incidents contrary to the facts is a stumbling block. These verses is an admonishment to provide a rebuke which is a "denouncement and express strong disapproval"2 to the behavior that is a stumbling block, which is sin. The words for rebuke and offence are also found in Mt 16:22,23.
A: Jesus is clear. There are consequences to sin. In addition there are consequences to forgiveness also. As a christian it is my responsibility to address stumbling blocks and bring to light behavior contrary to the truth and forgive. My responsibility is to always present a defense of the gospel, fight the enemy of the faith, and address sin for sin is not dead (Rm 8.13) and continues to roam the earth. The first enemy is the course (or age) of this world. That is, the world system itself, and not the people in the world (Eph 6:12). The second is the prince of the power of the air, that is Satan – who roams the earth seeking whom he may devour (1 Pet 5:8). Third is our very own flesh.3 I am accountable to God and my behavior will be judged. Therefore I must continually review my life, forgive repeatedly, and demonstrate actions that champion the faith. All will be made known.
P: Praise You God for Your instruction. You have given everything needed to live. The life You give is so full of grace and mercy. I can not give enough thanks. For what You have given me is enough. I need nothing more for You have given me enough. You word will not not come back void. Help me Lord to remain strong. Fill me with courage. Help me to use the the tools You provide to combat the enemy, to demonstrate Your fruit, and seek Your kingdom. Help me to shine the gospel and present Your grace. Amen.
1Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., Bauer, W., & Gingrich, F. W. (2000). A Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature (3rd ed., p. 926). Chicago: University of Chicago Press. (bold letters are mine)
2Swanson, J. (1997). Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains: Greek (New Testament) (electronic ed.). Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
10/3/20 Ezra 5.12
12 But since our fathers angered the God of heaven, He handed them over to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this temple and deported the people to Babylon.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ezr 5:12). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: Confession is a good thing. Honesty is the best policy. The Jews were well aware of the reasons why they were deported. 'Although God is sovereign, decisions we make do affect history. History is a dialogue between God and humankind.'1. As Christians we are we are reminded our actions matter.
1.Breneman, M. (1993). Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther (electronic ed., Vol. 10, p. 111). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
A: I need to remember God's convenient. His promise is clear. If we walk in the light, working on sanctification and killing sin.
P: Praise You Jesus. I am grateful and give thanks. You have made clear there is consequence to our behavior. We must remember You will meter out judgement so help me Lord to walk in Your statutes. Amen
10/2/20 Zech 13.1
“On that day a fountain will be opened for the house of David and for the residents of Jerusalem, to wash away sin and impurity.
Christian Standard Bible. (2020). (Zec 13:1). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: God is speaking to His people thru the prophet. God will cleanse His people. "On that day' God will bring salvation. The theme focuses on God's baptism. He will open the fountain and wash away sin.
A: I need to walk in the light and confess my sins for He has proclaimed that 'on that day' He will wash away my iniquity. He is good, He is faithful and just and His word true.
P: Praise you God. Thank you Jesus. I have been made white as snow because of what You have done. You are all I need. Help me Lord to walk in the light. Amen
10/1/20 Lk 14.34
34 “Now, salt is good, but if salt should lose its taste, how will it be made salty? 35 It isn’t fit for the soil or for the manure pile; they throw it out. Let anyone who has ears to hear listen.”
Christian Standard Bible. (2020). (Lk 14:34–35). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: Here the "reference [is to salt's] two most important mundane functions, the preservation and the seasoning of food. Luke’s conclusion that “salt is good” (v. 34) logically applies to Jesus’ call to discipleship. Salt is more than a metaphor of discipleship; it is a veritable quality of it. Christians are not commanded to be nice, but to be salty. Salt is savory, it not only preserves food from putrefaction but makes it enjoyable to eat. Insipid and tasteless salt does none of these and is utterly worthless. So it is with Jesus’ disciples. The believers for whom Jesus is more important than family and friends, even their own lives, who take up their crosses as living martyrs, and who forsake the claims of possessions are savory salt who bring joy to God and make palpable differences in the world. Christians who are not salty are not Christian at all, more useless than those who never claimed to follow Jesus in the first place".
Edwards, J. R. (2015). The Gospel according to Luke. (D. A. Carson, Ed.) (p. 430). Grand Rapids, MI; Cambridge, U.K.; Nottingham, England: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; Apollos.
A: Jesus gives me an example of how to be a disciple. He continues to offer tools to help me understand how to walk with Him. I must be salty and help others preserve their walk with Him. I must be able to assist and be a support. Edifying and building up others. I must be 'good'.
P: Lord You are good. Your word is everlasting and good and You never stop working. Help me Lord to be like salt and season people with the likeness of You. Amen
9/30/20 Zech 8.16-17
16 These are the things you must do: Speak truth to one another; make true and sound decisions within your gates. 17 Do not plot evil in your hearts against your neighbor, and do not love perjury, for I hate all this”—this is the LORD’s declaration.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Zec 8:16–17). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: Truth is so important. My words are so important. My word is my bond. I must encourage and do what is right with my neighbor not plot against him.
A: I need to be working on walking in the truth and not dig up dirt on my neighbor.
P:I praise You God for Your word. You encourage and remind me of what I should do. Your ways are true and You help me make sound decisions. Help me Lord to walk in the truth. Amen
9/29/20 Zech 4.6b
Not by strength or by might, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of Hosts.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Zec 4:6). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: The Lord's spirit can work thru everything and anything. I do not need to use my 'potential to exert force in performing some function'1. My strength, wealth, position, or anything else I can muster is not needed because the Lord will take care of it.
A: God has my back. There is nothing I need to worry about. I need to remember His spirit is enough.
P: I pray God that You take care of my problems at church. Please help me walk in the light. You spirit is all I need. Anoint me fill me and make me whole. Lord help me give the fight to You. Amen
1. Swanson, J. (1997). Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains : Hebrew (Old Testament) (electronic ed.). Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
9/28/20 Lk 11.53-54
53 When he left there, the scribes and the Pharisees began to oppose him fiercely and to cross-examine him about many things; 54 they were lying in wait for him to trap him in something he said.
O: The leaders of the day plotted and argued fiercely making every attempt to trip up Jesus. Waiting and watching plotting how to trap Him.
A: The same is true today. People fiercely oppose the truth about the bible and His word. One wrong word or if anything is said that is not pc they make every attempt to crucify and cancel.
P: Lord our Father in Heaven may I honor You in all that I do and not be concerned with the world or any of it's trapping because You have conquered the world. Amen
Christian Standard Bible. (2020). (Lk 11:53–54). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
9/27/20 Hag 2.21-23
21 “Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah: I am going to shake the heavens and the earth. 22 I will overturn royal thrones and destroy the power of the Gentile kingdoms. I will overturn chariots and their riders. Horses and their riders will fall, each by his brother’s sword. 23 On that day”—this is the declaration of the LORD of Armies—“I will take you, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, my servant”—this is the LORD’s declaration—“and make you like my signet ring, for I have chosen you.” This is the declaration of the LORD of Armies.
Christian Standard Bible. (2020). (Hag 2:21–23). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: Prophecy from God can have multiple meanings. That's the beauty of His word. It can be applied to my life also. He will overturn and destroy all who oppose Him. He will lift up those He has chosen, His servants.
A: In God there is victory. He will fight when I serve Him. The 'battle belongs to the Lord'. What have to worry about. 'Great and mighty is He'. I like to 'trust and obey' the God of the universe for His 'yoke is light', His path is clear and He has set it before me.
P: Praise You God my Father in heaven. I lift my eyes to You. I look to You for direction and guidance. You give me all I need. Thank you God. Lord help me to serve you, walk in Your ways and work to glorify You. amen
9/26/20 Lk 9.62
62 But Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Christian Standard Bible. (2020). (Lk 9:62). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: Let the past go. God has taken care of if. Imua Move forward always looking to the present and put my back into the work presently before me.
A: I have no business thinking of the past. I will leave my regrets there and take what I have learned and live in the present. I need only concern myself with what I do now giving the Lord praise and make every attempt to glorify Him.
P: I praise You God for Your word. You have given us all we need to focus our lives on You and to live our life in Your grace and do all we can do to glorify You. Help me Lord to live in the present and live a life that brings glory to You. Amen
9/25/20 Lk 8.17
17 For nothing is concealed that won’t be revealed...
Christian Standard Bible. (2020). (Lk 8:17). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: The parables of Jesus are so awesome. Here all things will become known. God knows all things & He will make them known to all.
A: I want to live a life accordingly knowing that things I do in secret is not in secret at all because God knows and will hold me accountable.
P: God You are good all the time. Praise Jesus and thank You for Your word. It's true and sure. I pray that I fear You in all things. Respect and have You first in mind so all things I do are not regretful. Amen.
9/24/20 Ps 85.10-13
10 Mercy and truth are met together;
Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
11 Truth shall spring out of the earth;
And righteousness shall look down from heaven.
12 Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good;
And our land shall yield her increase.
13 Righteousness shall go before him;
And shall set us in the way of his steps.
The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Ps 85:10–13). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
O: I love psalms. This is very self explanatory. God is our salvation. With salvation comes all that is good.
A: I want to remember all God has instore with His salvation.
P: Praise God from Whom all blessings flow. I can't say it enough God. You are good. All that comes from You is good. All the time praises should be on my lips. "I sing praises to Your name." Amen
9/23/20 Lk 6.28
28 Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Lk 6:28). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
O: Jesus encourages us to live the paradox. To do what is opposite what the world would do. Be different and show love not hate.
A: When I am abused, slandered, mistreated, and cursed I must not take it personal but let my God in me work and to will what He would do. I must bless and pray.
P: Praise You God. You are my protection and my shelter. I need not worry how others treat me because Your treatment is far better and safe. I pray I will always bless and pray for those that give me a hard time. Amen.
9/22/20 Ps 123.3.4
3 Show us favor, LORD, show us favor,
for we’ve had more than enough contempt.
4 We’ve had more than enough
scorn from the arrogant
and contempt from the proud.
Christian Standard Bible. (2020). (Ps 123:3–4). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: Prayer is always important. Communication with God develops the relationship. It strengthens and grows. Needing to petition God regarding all that is effecting the relationships to others and God Himself gives help and assurance. Hope and grace are given by prayers.
A: When I experience hardship I must understand I am not alone. The bible recounts numerous hardships. God is with me. He assures me and gives me solace and peace. I am comforted by God when I pray about my troubles. He takes them from me and I am encouraged.
P: God you are good. You are there for me and I only need to ask and You help me. Help me Lord to always have a prayer on my lips. Amen
9/21/20 Lk 4.1,2
Then Jesus left the Jordan, full of the Holy Spirit, and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness 2 for forty days to be tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and when they were over, he was hungry.
Christian Standard Bible. (2020). (Lk 4:1–2). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: Jesus prepared Himself for the ministry. It's the way of God. He prepares those for the ministry. He gives us the experience needed and time to grow into His purpose driven life.
A: God has prepared me, sending me halfway around the world traveling throughout the pacific and working in social services on the Big Island. He has helped me understand cultural sensitivity. I am ready.
P: I pray God You fill me with the Holy Spirit. I know You are good and Your plans sure. Please give me the strength and courage to do Your work and the ministry You prepared me for. Help me spread the good news Amen
9/20/20 Ps 130.7-8
7 Israel, put your hope in the LORD.
For there is faithful love with the LORD,
and with Him is redemption in abundance.
8 And He will redeem Israel
from all its sins.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ps 130:7–8). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: My hope is with God because of all He has done. His faithful and abundant love fills me up. My blessings are unending and my cup overflows.
A: I need to remind myself of how blessed I am. I need to keep God in the front of my mind always putting Him first. I need to always remember how blessed I am.
P: Please God continue to encourage me helping me grow and mature. Praise You God at how Your blessing flow unending. Your grace is enough. Thank you Jesus from whom all blessings flow. Amen
9/19/20 Lk 2.52
52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and with people.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Lk 2:52). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: Favor with God is the subject here. With God there is growth in many areas. Wisdom and stature can mean many things but they entail maturity. Favor with God brings maturity.
A: I must seek to be 'with God' as often as possible. I must seek His favor and the only way I know is prayer, reading His word and fellowship.
P: Oh God my father. Your word is true, full of power. In You is growth and maturity. Help me be 'with You' so You can find favor in all I do. Please help me find favor in You. Amen
9/18/20 Lk 1.37
37 "For no word from God will ever fail.”
The New International Version. (2011). (Lk 1:37). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
O: Or can be translated "Nothing is impossible with God" God, His power and might is infinite. It is written in the gospels. Paul says it in Phil 4.13. Actually 13 verses in the bible declare this fact. God has made it clear. When you are with God all things are possible. But you have to be in God's will. Being with God means everything.
A: I need to keep this first in mind. God can accomplish anything when I'm with Him. No one will prevail against 'powers and principalities' without God. His power is great and infinite. There is no need for fear and dread with God. In Romans Paul declares: "Now we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose." Rom 8:28 TLV (Tree of Life version)
P: God almighty You are great and have done great things. You are always working. Praise be to You God. Help me to live on this premise; Your word, and understand with You 'nothing is impossible'. Amen.
9/17/20 Rev 22.14
14 “Blessed are those who wash their robes,[f] so that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates.
O: KJV translates "those who keep the commandments" the first part of the passage. Interested the verses can be called passages because we are passing thru life and His word guides us. We always have to get clean. It's a process of life called sanctification.
A: I have to repeatedly wash up. Wash the world off so I can stop tracking it in. He shows us how to walk. He transforms us into His image when He come to Him for a washing. His direction is sure and true.
P: I pray I recognize what needs to be washed. Myself is what needs to be cleansed on a daily basis so I can deny myself and take on your yoke and cross and follow You. Help me to see what needs to be washed and give me the strength and courage to do just that. Give me eyes to see and ears to hear. Praise You God.
9/16/20 Psalms 128.1
1 How happy is everyone who fears the LORD,
who walks in His ways!
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ps 128:1). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: No single English word conveys every aspect of the word fear in this phrase. The meaning includes worshipful submission, reverential awe, and obedient respect to the covenant-keeping God of Israel.1 How walking with the Lord brings much joy. He is good and His goodness comes to me. How joyous is that
A: It's so important to walk with the Lord. Walking with the Lord brings happiness and peace. Also walking in the Lord is walking in His ways. His ways are good, His ways are just, and His ways are righteous.
P: Lord God my Father in heaven You are good. Your ways are right. Your path is straight. Help me to walk with You Amen
1.The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
9/15/20 Ps 145.2,3
2 I will praise You every day;
I will honor Your name forever and ever.
3 Yahweh is great and is highly praised;
His greatness is unsearchable.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ps 145:2–3). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: Praise God to Him be the glory. His name is blessed and He is mighty. I can not thank Him enough.
A: It is so important to honor God in all that I do and not tarnish His name in my life but to add to it. After reading the eschatological passages these verses are refreshing because God is good. He is great and mighty and is to be praise. To know He is always working, His greatness has no end, is encouraging. His name is powerful, sound, and fulfilling.
P: Help me Lord to be inspired by Your greatness. Instill in me the awe of Your name. Your greatness You display everywhere. Praise You God for You have given me a direction to go. Help me not deviate from Your path, Your word, and not tarnish Your name. Help me not forget who You are and what You have done in my life. Your name is greatly to be praised everyday, all day! Amen
9/14/20 Ezek 36.33
33 “This is what the Lord GOD says: On the day I cleanse you from all your iniquities, I will cause the cities to be inhabited, and the ruins will be rebuilt.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Eze 36:33). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: God does not forget. God remembers me. He cleanses me. My conscience is clean. I am whole. All I have He has given me. "All of these things will be added to me". Alleluia. Seeking Him because He is my God.
A: Put God first and put away the other stuff I love. Turn away to focus on my God. I will be built up.
P: I pray God You will give me strength to put away the stuff that hurts me. Amen
9/13/20 Rev18.8
8 For this reason her plagues will come in one day —
death and grief and famine.
She will be burned up with fire,
because the Lord God who judges her is mighty.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Re 18:8). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: Well I am in the same boat. I must remember that God is mighty and history is His story.
A: What is my responsibility? Jesus said to love. The bible says to get of the world and die to self or the judgement be on me. Walk with Him talk to Him, listen to His word. Judgement is coming.
P: Praise You God for opening my eyes, for softening my heart, for saving me. I give thanks for clearing my conscience and helping me find joy. Help me Lord to grow in the spirit and display your fruit. Amen
9/11/20 Dan 1.19b-20, Rev 16.7
Daniel praised the God of heaven 20 and declared:
May the name of God
be praised forever and ever,
for wisdom and power belong to Him.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Da 2:19–20). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
7 Then I heard someone from the altar say:
Yes, Lord God, the Almighty,
true and righteous are Your judgments.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Re 16:7). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: Through out the Bible God displayed what He can do. Forever He will be in control and exercising His power. Great it that power incomparable to anything. Way beyond what we can know.
A: Lord is to be respected, worshiped, and praised because He never stops working; never ceases to amaze. His power comes in what is possible to Him which is anything and everything. His power is endless and limitless. This what I need not forget because He can do all things. To Him nothing is impossible; nothing to hard.
P: My Lord and my God. You great and mighty. What is it I need for by your power, wisdom, true and righteous. You are all I need all I need to seek and find. Sanctify me with all of You, need transformation from the only true power I have access to. He me see Your judgement and direction. Help me see You Amen.
9/10/20 Lam 3.22, Rev 15.3b
22 Because of the LORD’s faithful love
we do not perish,
for His mercies never end.
23 They are new every morning;
great is Your faithfulness!
24 I say: The LORD is my portion,
therefore I will put my hope in Him.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (La 3:22–24). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
Great and awe-inspiring are Your works,
Lord God, the Almighty;
righteous and true are Your ways,
King of the Nations.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Re 15:3). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: "I sing praises to Your, praises to Your name. Great is Your faithfulness!" Your mercies are never ending. Every day I receive mercies. New presents from morning till night everlasting. God is good all the time. Even in the mist of total destruction Jer proclaimed his praises for God. In Him alone is true hope.
A: I can not thank God enough for all the blessings. The hope He brings is all I need; in Him alone will I trust. I have so much to be grateful for. I need to "count my blessings. Name them one by one".
P: Praise You God Help me develop a grateful heart. You love me more than I know. Help me realize that love and show others Your love. Amen
9/9/20 Lam 2.17
17 The LORD has done what He planned;
He has accomplished His decree,
which He ordained in days of old.
He has demolished without compassion,
letting the enemy gloat over you
and exalting the horn of your adversaries.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (La 2:17). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: Careful because the plans of God will always take place. Sin will be demolished along with all who commit sin. Sinful people will ultimately fail. So it went with Judah.
A: His ways must be mine. I should only want the best for everyone, not judge but bring to light my wrong doing and repent. That way I will avoid destruction and be blessed.
P: Help me Lord to seek out the sin in my life so can I walk in Your edicts and follow your commands for you are good. Amen
9/8/20 Ps 48.10
10 Your name, God, like Your praise,
reaches to the ends of the earth;
Your right hand is filled with justice.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ps 48:10). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: Your reputation extends thru-out the world. Your salvation is good. It is Your judgment. You are generous and beneficent. Your justice is what I need.
A: I need to praise you all the time seek You in all things and submit to Your justice. It is what I need.
P: I pray Your praise will always be on my lips because You are always with me. You are everywhere and You are good Your justice is right and brings peace. Help me remember I need Your justice Amen
9/7/20 Rev 12.13,14
13 When the dragon saw that he had been thrown to earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male child. 14 The woman was given two wings of a great eagle, so that she could fly from the serpent’s presence to her place in the wilderness, where she was fed for a time, times, and half a time.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Re 12:13–14). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: The church will be presecuted by the devil but God with give use what we need to prevail.
A: I am reminded of what the prophet said about mounting up with wings of eagle. He will provide a way of escape and I will be ok.
P: Lord help me to praise You, to thank You because it will be ok. I have a sense of dread. Please bring clam and assurance that it will be ok. Amen
9/5/20 Ezek 28.25
25 “This is what the Lord GOD says: When I gather the house of Israel from the peoples where they are scattered and demonstrate My holiness through them in the sight of the nations, then they will live in their own land, which I gave to My servant Jacob.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Eze 28:25). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: He will bring us all together at one point so all will know that He is God.
A: If I walk in His statues He will bring me together with all others who are with Him.
P: I pray that all will walk with Him so we all will be together. Amen
9/4/20 Ezek 22.1-2
22 The word of the LORD came to me: 2 “As for you, son of man, will you pass judgment? Will you pass judgment against the city of blood? Then explain all her detestable practices to her.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Eze 22:1–2). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: Oh city of murders is a city of bloodshed. The Cancel culture is present today in the church. There is no actual bloodshed but people are discounted and rejected and judged. Just as they judged the Lord will judge them.
A: I need to listen, not pass judgement. I need to reach out and help not point fingers discount others. I need to give my problems to God not act on them alone.
P: I pray Lord my ears are open and mind is open to You. I pray You show me how to Love and give that Love. I need to mirror God so He will shine. What can do and be apart of Your healing. Amen
9/3/20 Psalms 111.10
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
all who follow His instructions have good insight.
His praise endures forever.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ps 111:10). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: 6 But they who have the fear of God, and inquire concerning the Godhead and truth, and have their heart towards the Lord, perceive quickly and understand all that is said to them, because they have the fear of the Lord in themselves; for where the Lord dwells, there also is great understanding. ‘Cleave therefore to the Lord,’ and you shall understand and perceive all things.
Clement I, P., Ignatius, S., Bishop of Antioch, Polycarp, S., Bishop of Smyrna, & Lake, K. (1912–1913). The Apostolic fathers. (K. Lake, Ed.) (Vol. 2, p. 113). Cambridge MA; London: Harvard University Press.
A: Fear of the Lord is study in itself. It has a deep meaning from reverence to dread. Whatever the case I must have great respect for the Lord because of who He is and the responsibility He has given me. Also for what He can do. He is forever and has His hand on everything. I need to do what is right and praise Him always. Only He can increase my understanding.
P: Lord help me develop a great respect for you. Increase my understanding of You. Help me to praise You forever Amen.
9/2/20 Ezek 18.30-32
30 “Therefore, house of Israel, I will judge each one of you according to his ways.” This is the declaration of the Lord GOD. “Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so they will not be a stumbling block that causes your punishment. 31 Throw off all the transgressions you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, house of Israel? 32 For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death.” This is the declaration of the Lord GOD. “So repent and live!
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Eze 18:30–32). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: Repentance and turn away from ALL transgressions. That is what's need to experience the Joy of the Lord. Only than will the fruit of Spirit grow. Only than can the Lord work in my life. Only than can I live life to it's fullness.
A: I need to search my life and turn away from all transgressions. Repent and strengthen my walk with God. Stop judging stop that which does not glorify God. All transgressions need to be dealt with. Turn an 180 and face God let Him work in my life and live.
P: Search my life and help me cut out al transgressions Give me the courage and strength to repent and turn to you. Amen
9/1/20 Psalm 70.4
Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You;
let those who love Your salvation
continually say, “God is great!”
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ps 70:4). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: David was be attacked and crying out to God. Even in the mist of His trails he praise God.
A: Even if I'm attacked and my character is under siege I will praise God. I am so glad God has given us examples of what to do and not do when we walk with Him.
Praise You God for remembering me. For taking care of me and letting live. In You is joy, peace and comfort. You encourage me and let me know what to do. I praise You for being in my life. He me always praise You in what ever circumstance. Amen
8/31/20 Ezek 14.10-11, Rev 5.13
10 They will bear their punishment—the punishment of the one who inquires will be the same as that of the prophet— 11 in order that the house of Israel may no longer stray from following Me and no longer defile themselves with all their transgressions. Then they will be My people and I will be their God.” This is the declaration of the Lord GOD.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Eze 14:10–11). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
13 I heard every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them say:
Blessing and honor and glory and dominion
to the One seated on the throne,
and to the Lamb, forever and ever!
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Re 5:13). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: It all has to do with trusting in the Lord. Walking in righteousness and avoiding that which defiles. Earlier in the book the prophet disclosed that the ppl put idols in their hearts. They where punished for it. The same can be said for the ppl today. Do not stray from His ordinances. Put down the transgressions and no longer be defiled. Only than will God call his ppl His. There will be a time when every creature will call out to God.
A: I need to walk away from that which transgresses from God. Get rid of the defiles. With His word He has provided me the tools to do just that. His word increases my faith and trust in Him. His Holy Spirit gives me the help I need. Praise God I have all that I need to walk with God. I must not stray from this. In the end I will be His and standing praising to my God.
P: I pray to You God. To my source of joy, peace. love and life. Help me and give me strength to put all that defiles me and is not from God. Help me to work out my salvation. Amen
8/30/20 Ezek 11.18-20; Rev 4.8
18 “When they arrive there, they will remove all its detestable things and practices from it. 19 And I will give them one heart and put a new spirit within them; I will remove their heart of stone from their bodies and give them a heart of flesh, 20 so they may follow My statutes, keep My ordinances, and practice them. Then they will be My people, and I will be their God.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Eze 11:18–20). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
Holy, holy, holy,
Lord God, the Almighty,
who was, who is, and who is coming.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Re 4:8). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: When I get there. Arrive and stay. Stay where? Stay with the Lord. He will work on my heart. There salvation is than He will be my God. When I realize He is my God and Savior I will have a new heart. I need to move in that direction to get there and praise the Lord.
A: I need to always look at arriving at Salvation. Of getting there and being with my God. I praise Him for He is glorious and promised a new heart. I will be His and He mine. That is the goal of getting there.
P: Blessed be the Lord. Help me remember I am there. I have arrived and You are my God. Please give me strength to remain there always. Glory be to God. Amen
8/29/20 Rev 3.20
20 Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and have dinner with him, and he with Me.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Re 3:20). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: If I am open to the Lord I will fellowship with Him and He with me,
A: I need to listen to the Lord. I need to hear His word and open my heart and let Him in. Than I will eat and have fellowship. By being with Him I will be satisfied and I will know Him. That is most important to know Him.
P: I pray that I will always listen first to You Lord. I pray I will always hear and be open to Your knock gentle as it is. Help to strain to hear to always be listening and also be open to your knock. Amen
8/28/20 Ezek 2.8, 3.20; Re 2:27
8 “And you, son of man, listen to what I tell you: Do not be rebellious like that rebellious house. Open your mouth and eat what I am giving you.”
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Eze 2:8). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
20 Now if a righteous person turns from his righteousness and practices iniquity, and I put a stumbling block in front of him, he will die. If you did not warn him, he will die because of his sin and the righteous acts he did will not be remembered. Yet I will hold you responsible for his blood.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Eze 3:20). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
27 and he will shepherd them with an iron scepter;
he will shatter them like pottery
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Re 2:27). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: Praise be to God for giving His word. It is to be consumed giving me a standard seeing God's character and emulate Him. His word must be taken in and become apart of me to transform me. I, also, need to share His word to help others. God has given a responsibility to warn others to walk with Him. To walk in righteousness or a shattering will happen.
A: I have been given a great responsibility. However, I have been given guidance, a standard pressed before me, a direction to go. All the while I am encouraged and nourished by His word. With Him I can grow into His righteousness, His character, to be transformed from glory to glory by His love and care.
P: I pray to be on the straight and narrow. Seeking Him and applying His word in my life, my heart, and my mind. Transform me, renew my mind. Search me and help me to walk in You and Your word. I need You, Your strength, Your guidance. Help me to keep Your praise on my lips and Your joy in my heart. Amen
8/27/20 Ps 144.1,2
1 May the LORD, my rock, be praised,
who trains my hands for battle
and my fingers for warfare.
2 He is my faithful love and my fortress,
my stronghold and my deliverer.
He is my shield, and I take refuge in Him;
He subdues my people under me.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ps 144:1–2). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: True protection is in the Lord. He is the ultimate defense from all sorts of trouble.
A: The Lord has my back. He trains me through His word. He goes before me and fights my battles. He is faithful and trustworthy. All I need to do is trust and obey and He will take care of the rest.
P: Lord I praise You and pray that I always trust and obey You. Amen
8/26/20 Jer 50.6
My people are lost sheep;
their shepherds have led them astray,
guiding them the wrong way in the mountains.
They have wandered from mountain to hill;
they have forgotten their resting place.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Je 50:6). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: We are all lost if we wander, go the wrong way and forget His resting place.
A: I need to seek the rest that only God gives as the writer of Heb spoke of (Heb 4.10)
P: Thank You Lord for offering a resting place. Help me to find Your rest Amen
8/24/20 1Jn 5.16
16 If anyone sees his brother committing a sin that does not bring death, he should ask, and God will give life to him—to those who commit sin that doesn’t bring death. There is sin that brings death. I am not saying he should pray about that.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (1 Jn 5:16). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: Prayer is important. Prayer is necessary. Prayer is called for when we see a follow believer sinning.
A: I have promise that if I pray it will help. Prayer is powerful and needed when I see a believer practicing unrighteousness.
P: Lord help me to always and in everything. I need to pray for my brothers and sisters. I need to lift up those that are sinning. Help me to practice prayer often. Amen
8/23/20 1 Jn 4.7,8
7 Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (1 Jn 4:7–8). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: This is one of the first verses I memorized. It all has to do with love. Love is the test that I may know that I am His disciple
A: God is Love. Love is a choice. Love is fruit I must cultivate and is my litmus test to know I am walking with God
P: Praise You God for giving me a gauge to help me know I am am walking with You. Please help love grow in me. Amen
8/22/20 Jer 29.11,12
11 For I know the plans I have for you” —this is the LORD’s declaration—“plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 You will call to Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Je 29:11–13). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: Classic verse. One that is heard repeatedly. If only the country could do this. The whole world for that matter. God is well qualified to handle the problems of this world. He can deal with them all if I come ti Him and pray.
A: God's promise is true and clear. He will restore me this country and world if I only turn to Him come to Him and pray. My relationship with God is my all and all.
P: I pray that I pray to You Lord without ceasing. I pray I have a constant prayer on my lips. I pray I always turn to You and seek your face, I grow the my relationship in You deepens and expanses to those around me. I pray that my faith in You strengthens and enhances Your glory Amen.
8/21/20 1Jn 2.28,29
28 So now, little children, remain in Him, so that when He appears we may have boldness and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. 29 If you know that He is righteous, you know this as well: Everyone who does what is right has been born of Him.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (1 Jn 2:28–29). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: It is important to work out our salvation. To always work on sanctification. By this I will remain in Him and walk in the light not stumbling.
A: I am grateful of the direction God gives me. I am grateful of the light He shines. He makes everything so clear and plain. It is simple. Walk in His commandments and it will be ok.
P: Praise You Lord. You are good. As the psalmist says, "Open the gates of righteousness for me; I will enter through them and give thanks to You Lord. This is the gate of the Lord; the righteous will enter through it." You show me the way to go. Help to walk in You always. Amen.
8/20/20 1 Jn 1.6
6 If we say, “We have fellowship with Him,” yet we walk in darkness, we are lying and are not practicing the truth.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (1 Jn 1:6). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: Walking is all apart of faith. It matters where we walk.
A: My life must be transparent. Nothing must be hidden and withheld. For than it would be in the dark. Walking means to put into practice what I have learn. To be truthful and loving. To be compassionate and care.
P: Dear Lord help me to walk in the light. Shine your light on all my life. Give me the courage to take everthing out of darkness and walking completely in the light. Amen.
8/19/20 Jer 46:27
27 But you, My servant Jacob, do not be afraid,
and do not be discouraged, Israel,
for without fail I will save you from far away
and your descendants, from the land of their captivity!
Jacob will return and have calm and quiet
with no one to frighten him.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Je 46:27). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: Those who serve the Lord will be saved. There will be nothing to fear and courage will be my companion. There is calm and peace in His service.
A: What does service to the Lord look like? Doing what is right, walking in His percepts. Following His commands and glorifying Him.
P: I pray that I will always serve You, Lord. That I put You first and walk in You and seek Your will. Amen
8/18/20 (Jn 20:29
29 Jesus said, “Because you have seen Me, you have believed. Those who believe without seeing are blessed.”
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Jn 20:29). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: It is blessed assurance that Jesus is there if only we believe.
A: I can be assured Jesus is a blessings in many ways. I know that I am His child because I believe.
P: I praise you God for sending your Son for my salvation and blessings. I am blessed and at peace because of what I believe Jesus did for us. Help me to always be reminded of your blessings. Amen
8/17/20 Jn 19:11
11 “You would have no authority over Me at all,” Jesus answered him, “if it hadn’t been given you from above. This is why the one who handed Me over to you has the greater sin.”
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Jn 19:11). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: All authority comes from God.
A: I need to look to Him for guidance and understand. In Him I will be given authority. If I remain in Him all problems will be dealt with by Him.
P: I must lift You up in my life because all authority and power. I must increase my faith for your grace Lord. Help me to be more consistent in seeking You in all thing for only You provide the assurance that everything will work out because You have all authority. Amen
8/16/20 Psalm 112.1,2
Hallelujah!
Happy is the man who fears the LORD,
taking great delight in His commands.
2 His descendants will be powerful in the land;
the generation of the upright will be blessed.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ps 112:1–2). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: It is so important to respect God. To walk in His precepts, to do what He say and trust His truths. His word will come to pass.
A: I am so glad the Lord has given me direction and purpose. He has shown me how to walk with Him. His way is easy His yoke is light. His word is all I need to walk with Him.
P: Dear Lord I thank you for taking care of me a poor sinner. Thank you Lord for working on me daily. Thank you for showing me my faults and pointing me in the right direction. Help me to stay with You and seek You out in everything. Amen
8/15/20 Jn17.23
23 I am in them and You are in Me.
May they be made completely one,
so the world may know You have sent Me
and have loved them as You have loved Me.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Jn 17:23). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: Unity is what happens when Jesus is in us. He brings us together.
A: I need to demonstrate an outward, tangible, loving cooperation with one another; to link into the power of God for His purpose to evangelize the world.
P: I pray that I grow in You, grow in Your love, compassion and unity. I need to grow in humility and understanding to help bring unity. Help me to take responsibility in my behavior to improve and do my best to improve unity. Amen
8/14/20 Jer 17.9,10
9 The heart is more deceitful than anything else,
and incurable—who can understand it?
10 I, Yahweh, examine the mind,
I test the heart
to give to each according to his way,
according to what his actions deserve.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Je 17:9–10). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O:God is with us. He knows us intimately. My thoughts, motives, behaviors, relationships and the quality of our life, He knows every aspect of my life. He gives us what we deserve.
A: I need to realize that everything that happens is for a reason. I need to pray to God to find out what it means and how I can use what happens to me to glorify God.
P: I thank you God that You are involved with my life. Help me Lord to understand what I use to glorify You. Help Lord to be humble and let my pride go knowing that adversity or anything else can be used to You to further your kingdom here on earth. Amen
8/13/20 Jn 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Jn 15:5). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: I am given a gage where I can look at my life and see what kind of fruit I am producing. It is encouraging God gives us such plain direction.
A: I need to produce the fruit of the Spirit. I need to persevere in growing the fruit, remain on the vine and accept the pruning of God to glorify Him.
P: Thanks Lord for giving me plain examples on how I should live. Help me to grow the fruit that comes from You and prune the stuff that is not good and helpful.
8/12/20 Jn 14.27
27 peace is Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Jn 14:27). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: What a wonderful verse. One of my favorites. The word peace has such deep meaning. It is a study in itself. The peace of God completes us and makes us whole. Peace is the bridge that connects us to God.
A: Gods peace comes from a relationship in Him. His peace is nothing like the world. His peace is a blessing when I walk with Him. He puts everything back together and I have nothing to anxious nor afraid of. Only He can bring calm in the face of adversity.
P: Lord You are great. Your peace is full and wonderful, deep and wide. It takes away my worries and anxiety. I am grateful and glad Your in my life. Please help me forget that You are the source of my peace. Amen
8/11/20 S: Jn 13.15
15 For I have given you an example that you also should do just as I have done for you.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Jn 13:15). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: Jesus set the example. He was @ service to His disciples.
A: I need to follow that example to be a servant. Serve others and be of help and encouragement. I need to set an example.
P: Lord help me to develop a servant heart. Help me to be of help to those in need. Humble my heart Amen
8/10/20 S: Je 5.4
Then I thought:
They are just the poor;
they have played the fool.
For they don’t understand the way of the LORD,
the justice of their God.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Je 5:4). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O: They did not understand what God needed from them. The law is plain. The 10 commandments. Living a life dedicated to God.
A: His word is plain. I need to apply it to my heart. Love and devotion is what He wants. It is Love that He gives,
P: Lord I need so much help with my heart. Help me gain more understanding of You and Your way. Help me to desire to live a life dedicated to God.
8/9/20 S:Je 4.27–28For this is what the LORD says:
The whole land will be a desolation,
but I will not finish it off.
28 Because of this, the earth will mourn;
the skies above will grow dark.
I have spoken; I have planned,
and I will not relent or turn back from it.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Je 4:27–28). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
O:The Lord will not forget His promises, His plans. He will always focus on our salvation.
A:It is I who must trust and obey, to repent and turn to Him my salvation by faith in His plans.
P:I seek you God, Your strength. Help me to search my heart, help me in my faith and increase my trust in You. I want to rely on You alone amen.
8/8/20
S: Jn 10.19 "Again a division took place among the Jews because of these words."
O:There will always be division in the world. It is human nature. I must seek the spiritual qualities of God rather than the natural inclinations of man.
A: Avoid division for it is of the world. If I believe the Word of God and I will be saved.
P: I pray to You my Lord for You alone are my salvation. Your word gives life. Help me Lord to practice bringing people together in You by Your word and avoid division. Amen
8/7/20 Devotions
Scripture Zeph 3.9 "For I will restore pure speech to the
peoples so that all of them may call on the name of Yahweh and serve Him with a
single purpose."
Ob: I want to seek the Lord. "Single purpose" in the Hebrew says to "put my shoulder into it". i.e. with all my might. All my heart and everything within me wants to seek His kingdom.
App: When I walk with God my speech will become pure. I need to seek Him for He alone will restore me.
Prayer: Praise YOU God for You restore. Help me God to develop and in grow as Your child. Help me to earnestly desire to seek You in all things. Amen
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