Isaiah 39:1-41:16 + Ephesians 1:1-23 + Psalm 66:1-20 + Proverbs 23:25-28
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Old Testament – Today in Isaiah chapter 39 we read about Hezekiah receiving envoys from Babylon. Unfortunately, he is a bit too hospitable with these envoys! He believes showing off his wealth will prove that he has worldly power and that the Babylonians will respect him and Judah. Isaiah sees that Hezekiah is relying on worldly wealth and not God, and Isaiah delivers a word from God that Judah will be exiled to Babylon Indeed, this comes true in 115 years in the future from when Isaiah delivers this word in this chapter. We will read more about the Babylonian exile later in this year’s One Year Bible readings. How about us, in our lives today – do we try to impress people with our worldly wealth or toys or stuff, like Hezekiah was trying to impress the Babylonians? And further, do we actually try to rely on this worldly stuff rather than rely on God?
You’ll notice that our readings in Isaiah today take on a new tone in chapter 40. Isaiah chapters 1 through 35 were prophesies against Judah and Jerusalem, chapters 36 through 39 were prophesies against Assyria and a foretelling of the rise of Babylon, and now in chapters 40 through 66 we will be reading about Judah and Jerusalem as if the Babylonian exile was nearly over. This week in Isaiah chapters 40 & 42 we will read some amazing prophecies about Jesus. (I get chills reading some of the verses in these chapters realizing they were written in the 8th century B.C. . .) Do you see a foretelling of John the Baptist today in chapter 40 verses 3 through 5: “Listen! I hear the voice of someone shouting, “Make a highway for the LORD through the wilderness. Make a straight, smooth road through the desert for our God. Fill the valleys and level the hills. Straighten out the curves and smooth off the rough spots. Then the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it together.”
Below is a great image for Isaiah 40:8 from today’s readings!
New Testament – Today we begin Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus! The map below shows where Ephesus is located, as well as other churches Paul wrote epistles to:
~ Ephesians ~
Author: Paul the apostle
Place: Rome
Date: A.D. 60 or 61
Content: Paul wrote this letter while a prisoner in Rome, his purpose being to comfort and encourage the believers in Asia Minor. He presents them with an overview of history, beginning in eternity past where God worked out his plans for the world, moving to the present where God is saving those who believe in Christ, and then to the future where all evil will be overcome. He points out that in the present there will be great conflict because our battle is with the forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12), but because we are members of Christ’s body, we have the power to withstand. Paul then deals with practical matters relating to living the Christian life: marriage, behavior, parents and children, and servants.
Theme: The basic idea in Ephesians is that God’s eternal plan is being worked out through Christ and his body, the church. When a man believes, he is in Christ and finds salvation and safety. God had planned for this from all eternity and has given to the believer everything that he needs for his Christian life, but it is for him to avail himself of the resources at his command. Paul closes the book by describing the provision that God has made for the believer so that he may withstand the worst of Satan’s attacks and when the battle is over, to be victorious. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 26) More great commentary on Ephesians is at this link.
There are so many amazing verses in Ephesians chapter 1 today! I love verse 18: “I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future he has promised to those he called. I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people.” How does this verse speak to you? Is your heart flooded with light today? Do you believe that your heart can indeed be flooded with light so that you can understand your wonderful future in Christ? I love this imagery of our hearts being flooded with light! Let Jesus’ light flood us today!
Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Ephesians titled “The Hope of Glory” is at this link.
Bible Project: Here is a great video overview of the book of Ephesians!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y71r-T98E2Q
Psalms – Psalm 66 verses 1 & 2 are awesome! “Shout joyful praises to God, all the earth! Sing about the glory of his name! Tell the world how glorious he is.” Do you tell the world about how glorious God is? How do you do this? Think these kids below might be singing & shouting joyfully to God? Think there is anything we might be able to learn from these kids? 🙂
Proverbs – Proverbs 23 verse 26 today is fantastic – “O my son, give me your heart. May your eyes delight in my ways of wisdom.” Can you imagine God saying this Proverb to you? What does it mean to give God your heart? How does one do this? Have you fully given God your heart? Are your eyes delighting in the ways of God’s wisdom?
Worship Video: Isaiah 40:28 today reminded me of the wonderful song “Everlasting God” by Brenton Brown:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGPTK24hQxc
Do you know our Everlasting God? Click here to know Him!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will – to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.” Ephesians 1:5-6 TNIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you have been adopted into God’s family through a saving faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Pray that your predestined life in Christ brings pleasure, praise and glory to God.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you from today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
Grace, love, peace, and joy!
Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.
p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )
======= Ramona:
Isaiah 39:1-41:16
Every time I read the 39th chapter of Isaiah I get upset. Hezekiah shows no understanding that God is a God of generations. There is no concern about his on off-spring. He is a I got mine, now you get yours. When his life was on the line, he turned his face to the wall and prayed for his life. When his children’s life is on the line he can only say, “This message you have given me from the LORD is good.” But the king was thinking, “At least there will be peace and security during my lifetime.” (39:8). When the Assyria was “knocking” at the door using intimidating words, the Lord your God, a statement made to Isaiah quickly become the Lord my God.
How much of this unconcern for the next generation is infused within our church’s. How many of us are sacrificing our children so we can say, “At least there will be peace and security during my lifetime?
A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just. (Pro 13:22)
The inheritance we leave for our children should never be a negative one it should be one that secures their spiritual future.
Grace and peace,
Ramona
======= Oriane:
(Ephesians 1:17-20)”….I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[f] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms”
This verse really resonates with me today. That the power of Christ live in the believers…the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. Great verse to meditate on! Something we tend to take for granted as christians. We are blessed with God’s strength to empower us in our christian walk and give glory to His name. Today I praise the Lord for the Holy Spirit and for the free gift of Salvation.
Oriane
======== Zenimah:
Ephesians 1:1-23
I Love the Ephesian prayers,every time I come to the word US, I put my name there. I also pray for others and substitute US with their name.I feel the power and straight in my body when I prayer like that.I see changes in the person I am praying for also. It’s real powerful.
Zenimah
====== Tish:
Oh my! Today is my first day reading along with you and here we are looking at the first verse the Lord ever quickened into my spirit 26 years ago when I got saved.
Isaiah 41:10 says Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
At the time, I had no clue of the many trials and tribulations ahead and how much fear would try to dominate my life. My Pastor says the right hand signifies His greatest strength. Thank you for nudging me back to this today. You are a blessing.,,
Tish
======== Joe:
He makes everything work out according to his plan.
In the worries of everyday life, the corruption of society, the greed, hate, and dissent, we know that our God (who is greater then anyone) makes everything work out according to his plan. This is comforting.
Joe
======= Dee:
So true Ramona..it is our God given responsibility to teach, pray and train our children and ones we are entrusted to love and seek the Lord. It breaks my heart that even some of my parents at school hace such a low mentality for their children and the mistakes of their past they speak on their own kids their own offspring. Where is the training and love and fear of the Lord. It’s scary.
Ephesians..we were predestined in Chridt before the foundation of the world. He loves us all amd wants all to come to the saving knowledge of the Lord before it’s too late. We all have free will amd must choose this precious gift of eternity.Amen
Dee
======= Renee:
There are so many great scriptures in Isaiah chapters 39-41.
But right now… this scripture says it all:
Is. 41:13 For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
Great prayer for encouragement today
Ephesians 1:18-23
18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
Psalm 66 Only God deserves all of the best of our praises and thanks
Shalom to all
Renee
======= Karen:
From Hezekiah today, I am reminded that pride is ever present temptation especially after having received so much blessings from the Lord. I am also grateful for the comfort that God brings to His people, “but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” As the verse states first though, I must take the step to ‘wait for Him’ in order to receive the blessing on having my strength renewed.
In Ephesians, the way Paul expressed his thankfulness to the believers after having heard about their spiritual growth challenges me to examine if I also yearn to see ‘having spirit of wisdom, ‘hearts enlightened’, ‘know their hope’ in others. From parent to child, spouse to spouse, Sunday school teachers to their students, small group leaders to their members; one cannot be a blessing to others without having the heart attitude like Paul.
Karen
======= Jack:
Verse 18 in Ephesians hits home, says that the eyes of my heart be enlightened so that I may know the hope, the glorious inheritances in us through Jesus. We’re also marked with the seal of Holy Spirit who is our consoler guiding our lives through times good and bad.
Jack
========= John:
Ephesians 1:1-23 – Part 1
I love Ephesians – apparently so do pastors as there are many sermons and commentaries on Ephesians. I am glad I am not missing this great book of the Bible – as I did last year. There are so many nuggets of information and truth here – it can really clarify what God is up to. Let’s get to it.
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Once again Paul states that he is an apostle – not one appointed by man, but by the will of God.
Blessed is God – He is worthy. God blesses us (the believer) in the heavenly realms…Why the heavens, and why not earth? As we will see later a believer already has a place in heaven – Gods blessing us in the heavenly realms would apply to the earth as well. A “believer” has dual citizenship – our home is heaven, and our temporary abode is earth.
What has he blessed us with – love, peace, joy, strength. 2Peter1:3 says,”His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness”. We have everything we need – there are no missing ingredients. Why do some Christians seem to struggle so much – are they accessing the Holy Spirit? Are they trusting in, relying on, depending on God for their Christian walk, or are they trying to do it on their own????? Are they living in the Spirit? It makes a big difference, as I have found out this past summer.
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Eph 1:4-5
For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will…
Tough verses for the non-election people. No wiggle room. Chose and predestined are completed actions. Chose means he “selected for Himself”, and predestined means “appointed beforehand” (creation). Why? In accordance with his pleasure and will.
In the Greek tenses “to be holy and blameless in his sight” is now and forevermore.
Look – I do not know why he chose me or you. I certainly was not worthy of the choice – none of us are worthy. But it was said before to Moses in Ex 33:19b – “I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” We will understand everything when we get to heaven – and it will make perfect sense.
This does not get us out of praying for people to be saved – we do not know who God intends to save. This does not get us out of sharing witness and the gospel – we are the personal touch for God that he has always had with people of earth. Instead of God coming down to a mountain – hundreds of millions of us, embedded with the Holy Spirit (God) and abiding in Christ (God) are to speak the truth and His Word. WE ARE the manifestation of God’s personal touch here on earth – so don’t you dare sit back and avoid sharing because it is all preordained.
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Eph 1:9-10
And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.
“mystery of His will” – Can you remember a time when you did not get it? When you did not understand Jesus, the cross, salvation? It may be harder for ones who came to Christ at an early age, but I became a Christian at 48, and I all to well remember that I had no clue before then what God’s plan for salvation was for us. I remember earnestly praying for the truth to be revealed to me – then I picked up the Bible and read Gospel of John – and there it was – clear as a bell.
All things will have reached their fulfillment with Christ as the head of heaven in Earth – either at a certain time or with a certain number of believers (as Paul states in Romans). This made me think – how selfish to pray to God for Christ to come back sooner rather than later. If God answered that prayer – there would be people destroyed who were supposed to be believers, and believers not born yet left out of the kingdom of heaven. Of course it will not happen – because it is not God’s will nor are we praying in God’s will. How selfish of me – and I do not make that prayer anymore.
John
======== John:
Ephesians 1:1-23 – Part 2
Eph 1:11
In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,
Seems repetitive, but when ideas are repeated so close together – I think it is wise to take seriously their importance. It is all done according to His plan by His will for the glory of God. It is not about us – it is about God.
Eph 1:12
“in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.”
“to hope” – the Greek word means to hope with certainty, or “trust”.
“for the praise of His glory” – before the beginning when just the Trinity existed God received praise and glory from the Trinity. What could be better than that perfect praise and glory? Well, in the end when evil is totally erased – there will be angels and hundreds of millions (or billions) of God’s children conformed into the image of Christ – also giving Him praise and glory. Isn’t that greater than it was before the beginning?
What is God up to? It is about His glory not us. All of his attributes magnified to the highest level beacause He is worthy. For anyone else this would sound egotistical and vain – but this is the Creator of the Universe – HE is WORTHY.
Just think if someone came to your country and started doing miracles, prospered the country to its greatest prosperity ever, fixed all the problems, etc. you do not think people of that country would be falling all over themselves praising this guy or woman, building statues to him/her, making them king for life, etc. How much more so is God worthy of praise and glory.
[Note: Makes one understand how the Anti-Christ will be so popular, doesn’t it?]
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Eph 1:13b-14
Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.
believed and marked are completed actions – “is a deposit” is now and forevermore in the Greek tense.
We are marked with God’s seal. It is a big thing to have a paper with a king’s seal on it – how much more so God. The earnest or deposit is the spiritual blessings we have now until we receive our full inheritance in heaven. Same idea as depositing money on land – but God will never go back on his word – we are marked with a seal – His word and Spirit.
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Thanksgiving and Prayer
We need to know God better. Jesus knew God. Through the power of the Spirit, prayer, and His Word we will get closer to knowing the revealed God just as Jesus did – to be completed in heaven, but begun while we are still here on earth.
We need to understabnd the greatness of his gift to us, and the power behind it.
Christ is the head of the church. Church in Greek “ekklesia” is not a building nor institution, but it literally means “assembly of people (believers) – the church is us. That is always the way it is defined in the Bible. Let no one tell you different.
John
========= John:
Is 39
I think the lesson in Hezekiah’s actions here are that prosperity and ggod times or more threatening to our behavior before God then bad times.
Compare how many times we get down on our knees and pray to God when times are good and then when they are bad.
How many times when we are blessed do we think to ourselves that we did it and are worthy of the prosperity. When times are bad – believers and even some non-Christians are all too willing to lay it on God.
The truth is ALL things come from God – and we would do well to remember that in good and bad times.
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Is 41:8
“But you, O Israel, my servant,
Jacob, whom I have chosen,
you descendants of Abraham my friend,
When people read the Old Testament, or do not read it, and say it is about the old God, the New Testament is where it is at – I find it sad.
The thread in the Old Testament is the same as the New – we are to rely on, trust in, and depend on God – period.
Here is another one of the parallels between the Old and the New. God chose Israel – the nation had one (authorized) temple in Jerusalem.
We have just seen in Ephesians that God chose us (believers) and set us apart just like Israel.
Hey, Israel is one entity, a nation, and we are many different people. how is that similar? Well, Israel, the entity, had one temple, and God promised Israel, the nation, that he would fulfill promises. We (believers) each have a temple in us – the Holy Spirit. God will keep His promise to the nation of Israel (not each and every person ever born to Israel), but God will keep his promise to us – each one a unit with a temple indwelt.
John
======== Vance:
I like this comment about Hezekiah:
“He believes showing off his wealth will prove that he has worldly power and that the Babylonians will respect him and Judah.”
It is interesting that we have to always guard our steps. Hezekiah rested on God’s blessings (instead of God) and foolishly boasted AFTER God healed him. (SEE 2 CHRONICLES 20:1 – 19)
There are ONLY TWO (2) purposes that I see from God’s Word for blessing and prosperity. Neither of them include “keeping up with the Jonses” or trying to impress our neighbors with so-called “status”. The two (2) reasons are:
a. God loves us, and He wants to genuinely bless us
b. God blesses us so we can bless others, so we can establish His covenant—the Gospel of Righteousness in Jesus—in the world around us.
I like Deuteronomy 8:1 – 18. In these verses, God humbled and tested the people of Israel so they would know what was in their hearts. Then He told them that He would bless them and bring them into a land of abundance.
Then He strictly warned them to not get so comfortable with His blessings that they forgot the Loving Father and said that they, by themselves and by their hands, achieved this wealth and blessing.
However, even after all of these warnings, God still CLEARLY stated His will that He wants to bless His people (because He loves them) and because He wants people in the world to know and be established in His love in Jesus:
Deuteronomy 8 (Amplified)
2
And you shall [earnestly] remember all the way which the Lord your God led you these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and to prove you, to know what was in your [mind and] heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not.
3
And He humbled you and allowed you to hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know nor did your fathers know,
* that He might make you recognize and personally know that man does not live by bread only, but man
lives by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord.
16
[God] Who fed you in the wilderness with manna, which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and test you, to do you good in the end.
17
And beware lest you say in your [mind and] heart, My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.
18
But you shall [earnestly] remember the Lord your God, for it is He Who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.
**
WE MUST ALWAYS GUARD OUR HEARTS!
People can have hearts that are hard against God whether we are poor or wealthy in the riches of this world.
**
Money or lack of money does not make a mature spiritual person.
Humbly yielding to the Lord, receiving His Spirit, and being established in His Word and His righteousness in worship and obedience do make a mature spiritual person.
Matthew 4 (Amplified)
2
And He went without food for forty days and forty nights, and later He was hungry.
3
And the tempter came and said to Him, If You are God’s Son, command these stones to be made [loaves of] bread.
4
But He replied, It has been written, Man shall not live and be upheld and sustained by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.
WHAT AM I HUNGRY FOR? What do I spend my time thinking about and meditating on? What is in my heart will overflow into my words and actions.
I MUST DELIBERATELY PLACE GOD’S WORD into my heart, and I must deliberately choose to obey it. OF COURSE, this is not always easy. We like to live based on feelings and circumstances instead of passing through feelings and circumstances with God’s Word planted in us.
John 15 (Amplified)
7
If you live in Me [abide vitally united to Me] and My words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you.
EPHESIANS 1
I like this comment:
“God had planned for this from all eternity and has given to the believer everything that he needs for his Christian life, but it is for him to avail himself of the resources at his command.”
Do I—do we—meditate on who Jesus is in us… and on who I—who we—are in Jesus?
EPHESIANS 1 (Amplified)
19
And [so that you can know and understand] what is the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His power in and for us who believe, as demonstrated in the working of His mighty strength,
20
Which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His [own] right hand in the heavenly [places],
21
Far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and every name that is named [above every title that can be conferred], not only in this age and in this world, but also in the age and the world which are to come.
22
And He has put all things under His feet and has appointed Him the universal and supreme Head of the church [a headship exercised throughout the church],
23
Which is His body, the fullness of Him Who fills all in all [for in that body lives the full measure of Him Who makes everything complete, and Who fills everything everywhere with Himself].
You and I are “the fullness of Him Who fills all in all. For IN US lives the FULL MEASURE OF HIM Who makes everything complete.”
Do we know and believe this?
How did we get in this position? It is certainly not because we deserved it. It is NOT about our not being worthy. IT IS ABOUT Jesus IN US:
* And He has put all things under His – JESUS’—feet
* He has has appointed Him—JESUS—to be the universal and supreme Head of the church
* WE HAVE a headship WHICH IS TO BE exercised throughout the church.
WOW!
Vance
======== Vance:
Isaiah 39 (NKJV)
1
At that time Merodach-Baladan the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah, for he heard that he had been sick and had recovered.
2
And Hezekiah was pleased with them, and showed them the house of his treasures—the silver and gold, the spices and precious ointment, and all his armory—all that was found among his treasures. There was nothing in his house or in all his dominion that Hezekiah did not show them.
3
Then Isaiah the prophet went to King Hezekiah, and said to him, “What did these men say, and from where did they come to you?” So Hezekiah said, “They came to me from a far country, from Babylon.”
4
And he said, “What have they seen in your house?” So Hezekiah answered, “They have seen all that is in my house; there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shown them.”
5
Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of the LORD of hosts:
6
‘Behold, the days are coming when all that is in your house, and what your fathers have accumulated until this day, shall be carried to Babylon; nothing shall be left,’ says the LORD.
7
‘And they shall take away some of your sons who will descend from you, whom you will beget; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.’”
NOTE:
The Geneva Study Bible has this note on verse 6:
“By the grievousness of the punishment is declared how greatly God detested ambition and vain glory.”
John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible has this comment on verse 3:
“. . . in the time of [King Hezekiah’s] distress and illness he could sent for [Isaiah the prophet], but now being well, and in prosperity, he forgot the prophet, to send for him, and have his advice, how he should behave towards these men, as not to offend the Lord”
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary has this comment:
“Hezekiah showed his treasures and armour, and other proofs of his wealth and power. This was the effect of pride and ostentation, and departing from simple reliance on God.”
“He also seems to have missed the opportunity of speaking to the Chaldeans, about Him who had wrought the miracles which excited their attention, and of pointing out to them the absurdity and evil of idolatry.”
“What is more common than to show our friends our houses and possessions? But if we do this in the pride of ours hearts, to gain applause from men, not giving praise to God, it becomes sin in us, as it did in Hezekiah.”
Isaiah 40 (NKJV)
1
“Comfort, yes, comfort My people!” says your God.
2
“ Speak comfort to Jerusalem, and cry out to her, that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned; for she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins.”
3
The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “ Prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
4
Every valley shall be exalted and every mountain and hill brought low; the crooked places shall be made straight and the rough places smooth;
5
The glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”
NOTE:
I truly thank God for His everlasting covenant that He initiated with Abraham, that He Himself will keep.
God is the only One Who can ensure His covenant is fulfilled, and God is the only One Who can ensure that we keep His covenant.
Even now, though the godly King Hezekiah had sinned and even though the people of Israel had sinned—God’s purposes will not be thwarted and His promises will be fulfilled:
a. “Comfort, yes, comfort My people!” says your God. “ Speak comfort to Jerusalem”
b. “The glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”
Isaiah 40 (NKJV)
11
He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those who are with young.
12
Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, measured heaven with a span and calculated the dust of the earth in a measure? Weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance?
13
Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, or as His counselor has taught Him?
14
With whom did He take counsel, and who instructed Him, and taught Him in the path of justice? Who taught Him knowledge, and showed Him the way of understanding?
15
Behold, the nations are as a drop in a bucket, and are counted as the small dust on the scales; look, He lifts up the isles as a very little thing.
NOTE:
These wonderful verses only highlight more the amazing glory and majesty of Who God is. Human words fail for me at this point.
Also, these excellent verses highlight God’s grace.
Note I Corinthians 2 (NKJV):
15
But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. 16 For “who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?” [Isaiah 40:13] But we have the mind of Christ.
Note the cross reference between this verse in I Corinthians 2 and Isaiah 40:13. This only highlights God’s grace even more.
May we take the time to ponder this. This truly shows me that the Spirit of Christ is within those who have repented and have yielded their lives to Christ as Lord and Savior.
Christ was—and is—a real Person, and as such, He has his own mind.
May we make a point to spend quality time with the Lord in prayer, worship, and prayer.
Then, the wonderful gift of the “Spirit of Christ with His own mind” can rule, guide and enable us to do His will.
Then, and only then, can we fulfill the commandment of our Lord:
John 13 (NKJV)
34
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
35
By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Isaiah 40 (NKJV)
28
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable.
29
He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength.
30
Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall,
31
But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
NOTE:
This chapter is so wonderfully rich! I need to create a new human word and then explain the definition to people in order to express the wonderful grace of God!
The Creator God actually stoops down to help us—so why would we possibly refuse?
Isaiah 41 (NKJV)
15
“ Behold, I will make you into a new threshing sledge with sharp teeth; you shall thresh the mountains and beat them small, and make the hills like chaff.
16
You shall winnow them, the wind shall carry them away, and the whirlwind shall scatter them; you shall rejoice in the LORD, and glory in the Holy One of Israel.
NOTE:
What a wonderful privilege we have in prayer and intercession to shape nations.
Of course, we have no power inherent within ourselves. Yet, because we have the actually Spirit of Christ within Who has His own mind, Christ Himself can guide us how to pray.
And Christ will always answer His own prayer.
The entire Godhead, then, is part of this process:
The Spirit of God always prays according to the will of the Father, and the Father God hears the prayer of the Spirit and always answers. Also, Christ—resurrected bodily in glory—is also praying at the right hand of the Father confirming and agreeing with the prayer of the Father and the Spirit. (Romans 8)
If we are in tune with the Godhead through prayer, worship and praise—then this wonderful promise that Jesus made to us can come true:
John 15 (NKJV)
7
If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
8
By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
Also, then, there is this most excellent promise, spoken by the authority of our Lord Jesus Himself:
Matthew 18 (NKJV)
19
“Again I say [Again, assuredly, I say] to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.
We on earth and the Godhead agree. Spirit guided prayers accomplish God’s ordained will!
Ephesians 1 (Amplified Bible)
17
[For I always pray to] the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, that He may grant you a spirit of wisdom and revelation [of insight into mysteries and secrets] in the [deep and intimate] knowledge of Him,
18
By having the eyes of your heart flooded with light, so that you can know and understand the hope to which He has called you, and how rich is His glorious inheritance in the saints (His set-apart ones),
19
And [so that you can know and understand] what is the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His power in and for us who believe, as demonstrated in the working of His mighty strength,
20
Which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His [own] right hand in the heavenly [places],
21
Far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and every name that is named [above every title that can be conferred], not only in this age and in this world, but also in the age and the world which are to come.
22
And He has put all things under His feet and has appointed Him the universal and supreme Head of the church [a headship exercised throughout the church],
(Psalm 8:6)
23
Which is His body, the fullness of Him Who fills all in all [for in that body lives the full measure of Him Who makes everything complete, and Who fills everything everywhere with Himself].
NOTE:
This is excellent confirmation by the Spirit to us of our wonderful position in Christ that God has graciously granted to us. We are created to reflect the glory of Christ in our every day lives.
May we truly see: “what is the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His power in and for us who believe”
We can only do this as God Himself through His Spirit grants us His wisdom and revelation of what He Himself has given us.
To keep us from falling into pride as King Hezehiah did, we will always need to—and we want to (through grace)—always seek the Lord and be dependent on Him.
Psalm 66 (NKJV)
5
Come and see the works of God; He is awesome in His doing toward the sons of men.
NOTE:
All I can say is a hearty, “AMEN” !
Vance
Martin Luther is a giant of faith. He and his faith are still alive in the Presence of Jesus. Note some of his commentary on Galatians:
GALATIANS 1
VERSE 1.
O foolish Galatians.
Paul reproves the Galatians rather sharply when he calls them “fools, bewitched, and disobedient.”
Grace does not suddenly transform a Christian into a new and perfect creature. Dregs of the old and natural corruption remain. The Spirit of God cannot at once overcome human deficiency. Sanctification takes time.
VERSE 1.
Who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth?
Since the devil has this uncanny ability to make us believe a lie until we would swear a thousand times it were the truth, we must not be proud, but walk in fear and humility, and call upon the Lord Jesus to save us from temptation.
Although I am a doctor of divinity, and have preached Christ and fought His battles for a long time, I know from personal experience how difficult it is to hold fast to the truth. I cannot always shake off Satan. I cannot always apprehend Christ as the Scriptures portray Him. Sometimes the devil distorts Christ to my vision. But thanks be to God, who keeps us in His Word, in faith, and in prayer.
VERSE 2.
This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
We must learn that forgiveness of sins, Christ, and the Holy Ghost, are freely granted unto us at the preaching of faith, in spite of our sinfulness. We are not to waste time thinking how unworthy we are of the blessings of God. We are to know that it pleased God freely to give us His unspeakable gifts. If He offers His gifts free of charge, why not take them? Why worry about our lack of worthiness? Why not accept gifts with joy and thanksgiving?
GALATIANS 5
VERSE 6.
For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
The question occurs to us, What difference is there between faith and hope? We find it difficult to see any difference. Faith and hope are so closely linked that they cannot be separated. Still there is a difference between them.
First, hope and faith differ in regard to their sources. Faith originates in the understanding, while hope rises in the will.
Secondly, they differ in regard to their functions. Faith says what is to be done. Faith teaches, describes, directs. Hope exhorts the mind to be strong and courageous.
Thirdly, they differ in regard to their objectives. Faith concentrates on the truth. Hope looks to the goodness of God.
Fourthly, they differ in sequence. Faith is the beginning of life before tribulation. (Hebrews 11.) Hope comes later and is born of tribulation. (Romans 5.)
Fifthly, they differ in regard to their effects. Faith is a judge. It judges errors. Hope is a soldier. It fights against tribulations, the Cross, despondency, despair, and waits for better things to come in the midst of evil.
VERSE 6.
For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but faith which worketh by love.
To think, “If faith justifies without works, let us work nothing,” is to despise the grace of God. Idle faith is not justifying faith. In this terse manner Paul presents the whole life of a Christian. Inwardly it consists in faith towards God, outwardly in love towards our fellow-men.
VERSE 7.
Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?
The words, “Ye did run well,” are encouraging indeed. Often our lives seem to creep rather than to run. But if we abide in the true doctrine and walk in the spirit, we have nothing to worry about. God judges our lives differently. What may seem to us a life slow in Christian development may seem to God a life of rapid progression in grace.
Vance
======= Anka:
“The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24And they praised God because of me.
What a great testimony and it must have been a huge encouragement for the persecuted church.I guess God knows we sometimes have doubts,it seems like we get the tougher end of the stick than even those who have no regard at all for God…yet like a father he still draws us near.
After I became a christian,I joined a church that seemed pretty big on spreading the word.As time went on I began to ask certain questions in my heart….we were always invited to sow big time into the work of God…yet no mention was made of the poor…if a member was in financial distress he was encouraged to sow a seed etc….we were really encouraged to sow into the lives of our ministers to get a prophets reward…a pastor in one of the satelite churches even decided to take on the name “pastor wealth”.Well after a while I got a scholarship outside the country(which I really didn’t want)and not long ago I also started really studying God’s word with the OYB.Where I’m going with this is that sometimes,we get caught up in the wrong gospel…but when you really want to know the truth,God will make a way…the way may seem a bit tight(really uncomfortable)but well,that’s why it’s called the straight and narrow I guess.
God bless you all
Anka
======== Luch:
I think God calls us to be faithful to each other in being part of the ‘correction process’. Proverbs 9:8,9 says, Reprove a scoffer and he will hate you, reprove a wise person and they will love you. Give instruction to a wise person,and he will be still wiser. Teach a righteous person, and they increase their learning.” The other thought is Proverbs 27:5-6, Better is open rebuke than ove that is concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.
I guess the key to approaching someone to ‘check them’ is that you have a heart for them and really love them. I wouldn’t just go around ‘correcting people’ unless I have some kind of relationship with them. I think it’s also wise to learn to ‘ask questions’ in a low key way rather than to make ‘pronouncements’ about one’s behaviour. I hope those couple of thoughts are useful to you John.
regarding today’s reading, I love that Paul says “God was pleased to reveal His Son in me”. Isn’t that what our faith is about–having a continual fresh revelation of the Son of God….In gal 2:20 he will say it again, “i have been crucified with Christ. I no longer live but Christ lives in me.” It seems today we are caught up in popular, evangelical religious activity but there seems to be so little of people living in intimacy with Jesus as Paul was promoting. People are propped up by the religious programs that are ‘offered’ a la carte but who is pursuing Jesus with intensity and passion??
Luch
======= Vance:
Proverbs 23 (NKJV)
12
Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to words of knowledge.
NOTE:
This, to me, seems to summarize the entire reading of the judgments of the nations and of today’s reading.
How we “apply” the heart is key. Our time and what we do with our time is the most precious and important decision we can ever make.
I like this from Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary:
“Here is a parent correcting his child: accompanied with prayer, and blessed of God, it may prove a means of preventing his destruction. Here is a parent encouraging his child, telling him what would be for his good.”
Hebrews 12 (NKJV)
9
Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits [Heavenly Father] and live?
10
For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He [our Heavenly Father with perfect wisdom disciplines us] for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness.
Galatians 1 (NKJV)
3
Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ,
4
who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,
5
to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
NOTE:
Jesus came that we have eternal life. And eternal life begins NOW. “Greater is He Who is in us than he that is of and in the world” (I John 4)
We are called to live being “deliver[ed] from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father” through the working of the Lord Jesus by the sealing of the Spirit.
Galatians 1 (NKJV)
12
For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.
NOTE:
When the Lord Jesus is revealed to us, He will come to always CONFIRM THAT GOD’S WORD IS TRUE!
2 Corinthians 1 (NKJV)
19
For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me, Silvanus, and Timothy—was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes.
20
For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.
We need always to obtain, and then maintain a personal relationship with the Living Lord Jesus through the Holy Spirit, rooted and grounded in the Word of God and prayer.
Vance
======== John:
Isaiah 15-18
Prophecies of Judgment:
MOAB (JORDAN), DAMASCUS (SYRIA), CUSH (ETHIOPIA OR ?)
Looking up history – all seemed to have been taken down and destroyed (to some degree) by Assyria. That will fulfill the prophecy in the near term – although not exactly, which lends itself to the idea of a long term fulfillment.
======================================================
MOAB (JORDAN)
Moab region of Jordan originally settled (supposedly) by Lot’s eldest son (through incestuous relationship with daughter). Ruth was a Moabite. David sent his parents to Moab for safety during struggle with Saul.
Symbolically, commentators refer to this group of people as “people who profess to believe in God”, but in reality “have no relationship with God”.
Whether literal or symbolic, God will judge the people represented. It seems that there are people left in the end.
If literal, God is said to spare Jordan, because that is where the remnant will flee to (Petra, Jordan) during the Tribulation, and those Jordanians (that are left) will become “believers” with the remnant?????
If Moab symbolic of some group – there will be some portion of those people who are “false positive” in their faith that will convert during the end times.
Is16:5 is cited in Acts15:16 as an indication that this is a time when Jesus will return to “rule”. Reaffirming that this is talking about the “end times” – millenium period???? First the Gentiles will be harvested for the “believers”, and when that is done God will turn back to the remnant (Israel), and establish His throne (David’s).
======================================================
DAMASCUS (SYRIA)
Is17:1
“An oracle concerning Damascus:
“See, Damascus will no longer be a city
but will become a heap of ruins.” NIV
This is the verse people and prophecy sites kept citing during the recent conflict in the Middle East. The Syrians acknowledged that their military was on alert, and aircraft was manned 24/7 during that conflict. It does not take much of an imagination to paint a scenario where Damascus, as a city, would be at risk. “Heap of ruins” means there ain’t no rebuilding.
Symbolically, this would be the people that reject and have always rejected the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. For these people in end times there rejection will seal their “complete doom”.
Isaiah here does not say how this will happen, just that it does. Seems the destruction of the state and it’s citizens is complete. The judgment of God on a people who have historically been at war with Israel since the time of Book of Kings, and have continually rejected the God of Israel.
NOTE: Pre-trib rapture works in nice here in that if there are “believers” in Syria – they will not be around for this destruction.
Bottom-line: This is another place where you do not have to understand or interpret Prophecy to come to grips with Jesus’ return. Can you see elements in Isaiah that have come true or seem very likely to come true soon. If you can picture an escalating scenario where Damascus is at risk…..then…
….are you praying for salvation of loved ones and friends? Are you living with a sense of urgency in Christ? Do you share the gospel when presented the opportunity?
======================================================
CUSH (ETHIOPIA OR ?)
Ethiopia, Group of African nations, Nations of the world, the United States????? A lot of speculation here, but in the end there is nothing new in the chapter.
There will be judgment and then gifts (worship) to the ruler of the world (Jesus). The judgement will take out the non-believers, and the people who came to Christ during the Tribulation will be the one’s worshipping along with saints in “glorified bodies” in the millenium??????. (Still thinking this one out 🙂
What did Solomon say, “Nothing new under the sun”? the idea of the world being judged is not new. Even if this is the United States ( a stretch at best) Billy Graham said,
“If God doesn’t judge America He will have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah.”
(attributed to Graham)
John
======= Ramona:
Isaiah 15:1-18:7
As I read chapters 15 & 16, I am intrigued by the judgment of Moab. Moab was Israel’s relative, conceived by an incestuous relationship between Lot, Abraham’s nephew, and Lot’s oldest daughter. Ruth, King David’s great-grandmother, was from Moab yet God does not look upon this nation or any nation by considering their blood relationship with Israel/Judah, he looks upon the nation’s relationship to Himself.
I think about how many of us think that we can skate into God’s kingdom based on who and what are in our genealogies. Our access to certain benefits upon the earth and in our countries and communities may be given or denied based on who are parents and forefathers were, but God is a forward looking God. Our past and current connections to great men and woman of God matter not unless we have a current relationship with Him. God has no grandchildren, only children.
Grace and peace,
Ramona
======= John:
Galatians 1
Two for two. I am keeping track of epistles and how many of the problems are “internal to the church” versus external persecution. How does this relate today to the problems of the church? Are most of our problems internal? do they revolve around unsound, watered down, or false gospels?????
======================================================
STERN, SOLEMN, and SEVERE
Galatians does not contain one word of commendation, praise, or thanksgiving. There is no request for prayer, and there is no mention of their standing in Christ. – Paraphrase from J. Vernon McGee
This “letter” is a declaration of emancipation from legalism of any type.
“Galatians is the strongest declaration of and defense of the doctrine of “justification by faith” in or out of Scripture.” – ibid
“Grace is a way “to life” and a way “of life”. – ibid.
======================================================
Paul’s background
and 180 degree turn to Christ.
Like I told my friend Ed – who takes Paul with a “grain of salt”. Either Paul is telling the Truth, and you better take him seriously, or Paul is lying or mistaken – and this whole Christian thing is for the “birds”.
I think when you go from leading persecutor of Christians to leading evangelist for Christians – that should be enough to sit up and take heed of what the man writes in his “letters”. Something happened!!!!
======================================================
Two points
1)patience
I always thought it would be neat to be like Paul. Get knocked off a horse, get up, commune with the Lord, and go out to your ministry.
I did not realize that given the time frames and dates implied in Paul’s bio here that Paul spent close to FOURTEEN years in Arabia. Doing what? My guess, is he was learning the gospel and applying it to what he knew as Pharisee regarding the Old Testament. I would not be surprised if Paul’s tutor here was Jesus Christ.
Makes the last two years I have been studying seem like a pittance. I am much more patient now regarding what God’s plans for me are in this life. If Paul took fourteen years before heading out – who am I to demand less????
2) James – Jesus’ brother
Gal1:19 “I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother.” NIV
I have stayed away from this in the past, but this is the definative Greek statement in the Bible regarding James’ relationship to Jesus.
I know this will be hard for some to accept, but you need to examine it, and decide for oneself. James is not a brother “in” Christ – James is the brother “of” Christ. The Greek texts are consistent and clear in the grammatical structure of this verse.
Jesus having an earthly half-brother – if true – should have a profound effect on the theology of some “believers”. For others not so much.
Here is a link: analyzing Greek and going to extra-biblical sources starting in section 3.3. If you have a problem with this concept – PLEASE – just read through the article, think about it ,pray about it ,and decide for yourself.
http://www.christianorigins.com/doherty-muller.html
NOTE: One of the explanations given by some is that Joseph, being older, had children before marriage to Mary. But that can not be true. Jesus had blood rights to David’s throne thru Mary, but His legal rights (the “male” line) to the throne of David came through Joseph as the Eldest Child (adoptive status is same as natural status in those times). To be the eldest child with the legal rights to David’s throne – there could be no pre-existing living offspring of Joseph. Any other offspring of Joseph had to be after Jesus’ birth. God pays pretty good attention to “detail”, He does not violate standards He previously set up, sooooo……
John
======= Bethany:
This reading today in gal. ch. 1 was really speaking to me.
also with what you wrote about no-one appointing you to do this web-site missionary outreach …well, God used what you wrote today to really speak into my heart about what my mission will be!! thank you, and God Bless your efforts. You really are reaching people, whether you know it or not!
your friend,
Bethany
======= Susanne:
Haha!!!
Yup…. “Dive” was my same immediate thought!!!!!
…. sink or swim- just dive in! The outcome is of the Lord. He will bless obedience and choice to follow the Spirit’s lead. Mike- you are a testimony- worldwide!!! Thank you.
I’ve “senced” your CALL and i pray right now… in the Name of Jesus… a hedge of protection against anything that makes you “feel unqualified”. Lord, please bless Mike with courage to be simple, yet bold in sharing Your love with others and creativity to do it in all his “weakness”. Thank You Lord that You choose weak & show forth Yourself for me to “see”. I am encouraged and more! AMEN
In His Love, with a grateful heart, ~susanne
p.s. today our 2 sisters, Jen & Mae will meet personally! i share this for prayer request to any who are led. Jen has had somewhat of a challenge and asked for prayer regarding her father & cancer. i’m also sharing cuz i’m so excited for them both… excited to see God at “work” and how He ordains divine appointments!
Susanne
======= Jake:
Thank you for the UTube music. Today I want to dive into the bible and life with my Lord.
Jake
======= Karen:
I think, Mike, that the beauty of what you are doing is that it sets the mind to thinking more on what was read this morning. Sometimes we have a tendency to read it and forget it. You get one to pondering a bit more on just what was meant by what we read. Also, your referrals to other sources gives opportunity to dig deeper. I thank God that you have given so much thought to this Bible blog. HUGS!
Karen
======= Shari:
Mike, what you are doing is helping those who have not understood the bible be able to see it in a way that is a part of our daily lives. Please continue this for the thousands of people around the
world each day who depend on you. Blessings, Shari
======== Billy:
Mike, Praise the Lord !! that you were called to write this blog.
Billy
======= Anita:
Mike, I thank God and you every day that you were called to write this blog. This is the second year that I have participated in this blog and have gained so much from yours and Ramona’s comments and insights.
Anita
======= Bob:
Galatians: Sometimes the smallest voice we hear is the most profound. I was given a simple image of a Pastor’s collar just at the end of an intense Men’s Bible Study that provoked me to search out exactly what in Proverbs 23:12 we read: “Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.” Now I am in Seminary. A call that I would resonate with what Martin Luther writes. “…do not become a teacher or preacher, in fact try to avoid it because it should be God that promotes you to that responsibility. It has to be in your bones and a burning fire in your soul to be God’s representative.” (Re: Acts 1:11-23)
Bob
======= Michelle:
Thank you for your dedication to this ministry. For years I have read with you as time and internet access allow. God is always so faithful.
Michelle
======= Jane:
Galatians 1:10 really spoke to me this am. I feel like I spent an eternity being s people pleaser. Being brought up in s large family I was taught not to ruffle feathers and promote peace. And to repress anger. Over time I learned not to have courage but seek to please. That’s different than what the bible teaches. It says please only God. Wow. I hsve learned this the hard way. Because I drilled this with control issues into my kids. I’m learning courage to speak up and give God glory and to seek to please God by biblical teaching
Jane
======== Sandra:
MIKE ,I BOLDLY APPLAUSE U FOR THIS BIBLE STUDY. GOD WORKING NG THRU U.I CAN SEE HOW DEEP U SEARCH AND MAPS,PICTURES AND THE MANY THINGS U POST ARE SO ENCOURAGING. MAY GOD EVEN DEEPLY BLESS U MORE. I ENJOY!!!!
Sandra
======== Imja:
Is. 16:5
In love a throne will be established;
in faithfulness a man will sit on it—
one from the house[c] of David—
one who in judging seeks justice
and speeds the cause of righteousness.
Gal. 1:10 and 15
10 Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.
15 But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased 16 to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being.
Ps.58:11
11 Then people will say,
“Surely the righteous still are rewarded;
surely there is a God who judges the earth.”
Proverbs 23:12
12 Apply your heart to instruction
and your ears to words of knowledge.
Shalom to all 🙂
Imja
======== Nancy:
Seeing how the church was influenced by false teaching caused me to think about what is happening today. Denominations are splitting over doctrine. Conservative vs liberal.
The liberals believe that gays should become ministers of the gospel. That it is not a sin to be gay. That the word homosexual only showed up in a 1947 translation & that it wasn’t the sin that condemned Sodom & Gomorrah. Conservatives believe that it is a sin.
I believe gay people can attend the church to become saved. Once saved they need to denounce that life style & strive to overcome it. Similar to a drunk becoming sober, or a thief to not steal etc. Ephesians 4.28. We all have sins we need to overcome.
My understanding is that the Liberals do not see it that way. That a person can continue in that lifestyle & be saved. They can become ministers of this gospel.
It is tragic what is happening, a new believer left my church to attend a liberal church because of it. Another person I’ve known for years lives in that life style & believes they were saved as a teenager. They quote scripture they believe support that lifestyle.
I believe 2 Corinthians 4.4 niv explains why this is happening.
“The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”
Our world has lost its mooring. Whether these are the last days are not I can’t say. The early church was under Nero a horrible man & still the church survived. My prayer is to stand strong in these dark days & pray.
Nancy
========= Dee:
The Moabites..these were discussed on how they wanted to attack Israelites but saw the sz of Israel. They tried cursing Israelites but couldn’t get leaders to curse them. We always have a Moab in our life and there are always “Israelites”. What are we going to do? How will we react.?
Galatians..such a good book. Paul doesn’t beat around the bush telling that there is only one way and God’s Word is eternal..he is so bold and forthcoming and filled with the spirit.
Psalm 58..it talks about judging..are we in the right frame to judge? Can we should we,,?
Instruction and knowledge. Make sure you check on wisdom and have a knowledge deep and secure. Amen
Dee