Isaiah 37:1-38:22 + Galatians 6:1-18 + Psalm 65:1-13 + Proverbs 23:24
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Old Testament – Great readings in Isaiah featuring King Hezekiah today! You’ll recall from yesterday’s readings that King Sennacherib of Assyria’s representative threw down some serious trash-talking at the walls of Jerusalem. (see yesterday’s blog entry below). Well today in chapter 37 we read about Hezekiah seeking the Lord’s help. Hezekiah takes all of this to God in prayer. Good move! How often in our lives today, when challenges come our way, do we take the challenges everywhere else BUT to God? Wouldn’t it be easier to take them directly to God? Why do we turn to alcohol or drugs or food or worrying or _______ (fill in your blank here) when we can simply take our challenges to the one true living God who can actually do something with them? Will you model what Hezekiah did when he received distressing news from the King of Assyria, in verses 14 through 17: “After Hezekiah received the letter and read it, he went up to the LORD’s Temple and spread it out before the LORD. And Hezekiah prayed this prayer before the LORD: “O LORD Almighty, God of Israel, you are enthroned between the mighty cherubim! You alone are God of all the kingdoms of the earth. You alone created the heavens and the earth. Listen to me, O LORD, and hear! Open your eyes, O LORD, and see! Listen to Sennacherib’s words of defiance against the living God.”
Well, Hezekiah’s prayer is clearly answered as we read in verse 36: “That night the angel of the LORD went out to the Assyrian camp and killed 185,000 Assyrian troops. When the surviving Assyrians woke up the next morning, they found corpses everywhere.” Below is an engraving of this verse by Gutave Dore.
I love Hezekiah’s poem of praise in chapter 38. Verse 16 stood out to me: “Lord, your discipline is good, for it leads to life and health.” Would you agree with Hezekiah on this point? Is God’s discipline good? Does God’s discipline lead to life and health? Are you accepting God’s discipline in your life today? I found this little reminder of some “good discipline” from a school website below. Not quite “the” Golden Rule below, but overall good stuff! 🙂
Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Isaiah chapter 38 titled “The Deliverance of Judah’s King” is at this link.
New Testament – We finish up Paul’s letter to the Galatians today. Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus begins tomorrow! We read some powerful teachings in Galatians chapter 6 today. I love verse 1: “Dear brothers and sisters, if another Christian is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.” This is such a great teaching. And one that I have a hunch we do not follow often enough… When was the last time you gently and humbly helped someone who is overcome by sin get back on the right track? I know for me that it has not been recently. And I know I’ve missed some opportunities in this regard. The last sentence in this verse is powerful and reminds me that we need to be particularly careful around sexual sin I think – to make sure we don’t fall into the same temptation ourselves. One important note for all of us is to not discuss with someone of the opposite sex their struggles with sexual sin! It is foolish to do so I believe. Men can discuss and counsel men in the area of sexual sin. And women, women. But I think it is just way too risky for men to discuss or counsel women in the area of sexual sin – and vice versa. I think we just open ourselves up potentially to temptation if we do this. I’m sure there are exceptions to this, but generally speaking, don’t go into a discussion on personal sexual sin struggles with someone of the opposite sex! While I’m on the topic here of sexual sin, does anyone have any good book recommendations for anyone who struggles in this area?
Bible.org’s excellent commentary on today’s readings in Galatians titled “Bearing Burdens: How One Sinner Relates to the Sin of Another” is at this link and “Sowing and Reaping” is at this link. Below is an image for Galatians 6:14 in today’s readings:
Psalms – Psalm 65 has some amazing verses about nature! I love verse 8 – “Those who live at the ends of the earth stand in awe of your wonders. From where the sun rises to where it sets, you inspire shouts of joy.” When is the last time you have been inspired to shout for joy to God for the beautiful sunset he created?
Verse 7 of the Psalm says this – “You quieted the raging oceans with their pounding waves and silenced the shouting of the nations.” When is the last time you have stood in complete silence before God because of his beautiful Creation?
Proverbs – Proverbs 23 verse 24 is one of those Proverbs that simply states a fact without giving advice per se: “The father of godly children has cause for joy. What a pleasure it is to have wise children.” This is of course true. My question for us today – are we ourselves godly children to our parents? Are we giving our parents pleasure because we ourselves are wise children?
Worship Video I realize I’m on a Casting Crowns kick these days, but, wow, they have some amazing worship songs! In our Isaiah readings today, King Hezekiah reminded me that when the world comes after us with taunts and lies like he was getting from the King of Assyria, well, we either have the option to believe those lies or instead we’ll choose to listen to the voice of Truth! (as King Hezekiah did in prayer!) Here’s Mark Hall from Casting Crowns singing “Voice of Truth” solo on the piano. This is such a beautiful song…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5K5l3DMWzLo
Do you know the Voice of Truth? Click here and receive beautiful Truth!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. People reap what they sow.” Galatians 6:7 TNIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you are not mocking God in any way, shape, or form in your life. Pray that you realize that you will reap what you sow in your life. Pray that you are sowing seeds of faith, hope and love through a saving faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
God bless,
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 37:1-38:22
The benefits and advantages of reading through two bible-reading programs has surfaced today. In the other program I use 2 Chronicles 32 is the Old Testament passage. Juxtaposed with or passage for today, I see something I’ve wondered about and never fully grasped until today. Today I see a time line. In fact this revelation gives me more understanding of the Galatians passage Mike has highlighted, >> I love verse 1 – “Dear brothers and sisters, if another Christian is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.” This is such a great teaching. And one that I have a hunch we do not follow often enough… >> (This passage comes with several caveats— one being conditional based on the words, “you who are godly…” I don’t know if Paul is using a bit of sarcasm, but everyone who is a Christian is not godly—and we are also warned to be careful and not to fall in the same temptation we are trying to rescue the person from. This means you must really no yourself and not operate from a position of what you want to be. The question needs to be asked, “Why would there be a strong warning not to fall into the same temptation?” ‘cause we are usually hit with an argument from the person who is falling into sin on why it is not a sin and if you have do not have a good understanding of what you believe and why, you will fall into the same pit your are trying to pull someone out from. . In addition, a lovely preacher once said, “Don’t preach in a bar if you like wine.”
Jerusalem was under attach only after Sennacherib, Assyria’s general, had destroyed all the other fortified cities in Judah, thus the use of the word “remnant” in today’s readings. As Anka has already mentioned, the God of Judah, was Isaiah’s God way before Hezekiah prayed to Him directly and He became Hezekiah’s God. We also see that the king of Judah became deathly ill AFTER the victory and his song or praise to God came AFTER his healing. But why was Hezekiah allowed to become sick, “Pride” In the 37th chapter we read what God spoke about and against Assyria:
Isa 37:26 Certainly you must have heard!
Long ago I worked it out,
in ancient times I planned it,
and now I am bringing it to pass.
The plan is this:
Fortified cities will crash
into heaps of ruins.
Isa 37:27 Their residents are powerless;
they are terrified and ashamed.
They are as short-lived as plants in the field
or green vegetation.
They are as short-lived as grass on the rooftops
when it is scorched by the east wind.
Isa 37:28 I know where you live
and everything you do
and how you rage against me.
Isa 37:29 Because you rage against me
and the uproar you create has reached my ears,
I will put my hook in your nose,
and my bridle between your lips,
and I will lead you back
the way you came.”
If we flip back to our readings, we did in 2 Chronicles 32, 2 Chronicles 32 we get, “the rest of the story.”
The LORD sent a messenger and he wiped out all the soldiers, princes, and officers in the army of the king of Assyria. So Sennacherib returned home humiliated. When he entered the temple of his god, some of his own sons struck him down with the sword. The LORD delivered Hezekiah and the residents of Jerusalem from the power of King Sennacherib of Assyria and from all the other nations. He made them secure on every side. Many were bringing presents to the LORD in Jerusalem and precious gifts to King Hezekiah of Judah. From that time on he was respected by all the nations. In those days Hezekiah was stricken with a terminal illness. He prayed to the LORD, who answered him and gave him a sign confirming that he would be healed. But Hezekiah was ungrateful; he had a proud attitude, provoking God to be angry at him, as well as Judah and Jerusalem. But then Hezekiah and the residents of Jerusalem humbled themselves and abandoned their pride, and the LORD was not angry with them for the rest of Hezekiah’s reign. Hezekiah was very wealthy and greatly respected. He made storehouses for his silver, gold, precious stones, spices, and all his other valuable possessions. He made storerooms for the harvest of grain, wine, and olive oil, and stalls for all his various kinds of livestock and his flocks. He built royal cities and owned a large number of sheep and cattle, for God gave him a huge amount of possessions. Hezekiah dammed up the source of the waters of the Upper Gihon and directed them down to the west side of the City of David. Hezekiah succeeded in all that he did. So when the envoys arrived from the Babylonian officials to visit him and inquire about the sign that occurred in the land, God left him alone to test him, in order to know his true motives. The rest of the events of Hezekiah’s reign, including his faithful deeds, are recorded in the vision of the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz, included in the Scroll of the Kings of Judah and Israel. Hezekiah passed away and was buried on the ascent of the tombs of the descendants of David. All the people of Judah and the residents of Jerusalem buried him with great honor. His son Manasseh replaced him as king.
(2 Chronicles 32:21-33 NET.)
Hezekiah fell into the same sin the king of Assyria fell into, Pride. He did not realize that he was part of God’s plan. Instead, he thought that God was part of his plan. Pride blinds you into thinking, “It’s all about you.” The King of Assyria thought he was bigger than Israel and Judah’s God, he too did not know that he was part of a plan. He thought he was, “All that and a bag of chips,” he thought he was a God slayer because he had slain other gods.
Grace and peace,
Ramona
======= Amy:
Just thought I’d sign in and say I am still reading along despite the fact I missed a couple summer months.
Amy
======= Hunter:
Thanks for this wonderful blog and the comments which help me to hunger for the Lord.
Hunter
======== Anka:
It may be that the LORD your God will hear the words of the field commander, whom his master, the king of Assyria, has sent to ridicule the living God, and that he will rebuke him for the words the LORD your God has heard. Therefore pray for the remnant that still survives.”
I couldn’t help noticing King Hezekiah said”the Lord YOUR God”…I kept going over and over this passage …my thoughts were this is a King who heard the threats,was afraid..thought MAYBE God will fight for Israel,then maybe not.He made a decision not surrender to Assyria and asked Isaiah to pray for those that are left alive after the Assyrian king attacks.Then when the letter comes from the Assyrian king,King Hezekiah decides to pray to God himself.
How often do we run to others to pray for us because we fear “their God”won’t listen to us anyway…..A friend who’s going through a period where the temptation to fall into sexual sin seems to be overwhelming….he asked that I pray for him.I asked him to draw nearer to God,maybe even join the OYB..The Lord is our God,our father…the best place to hide is under His wings when the storm hits..and keep our eyes on things His word.
God bless you all
Anka
======= Penny:
Mike,
I have been reading your blog site for about two months. I wanted to revive an old practice of reading through the Bible in a year and this site has been inspiring, encouraging, and challenging. Thanks for being faithful and obedient in what God has called you to do. I was inspired today by Hezekiah’s response to calamity both in terms of the arrogant military advances of Sennecharib and his army and how he turned to the Lord when faced with the prognosis of sickness and death.
I was challenged by the verse let those who are taught share all good things with him who teaches. I’ve been gaining a lot of rich spiritual nourishment from this ministry. I think it’s time to sow something back into it so the harvest continues and increases.
Mike, you asked if anyone had read anything helpful in gently restoring those who have fallen into sin and guarding ourselves against sin. A book that I highly recommend is “When Godly People do Ungodly Things” by Beth Moore. This book is so gentle and restorative and equips the believer to do everything we can to stand firm in a day of mass seduction.
All for Him,
Penny
========= Jan:
The Purity Principal by Randy Alcorn, Sex & the Supremacy of Christ by John Piper/Justin Taylor & Every Man’s or Woman’s Battle by Steven Arterburn.
Jan
======== Sylvia:
Mike, I want to thank you for this ministry. What a blessing it is! I’ve tried to do this so many times and never got further than the book of Joshua! The videos have added a whole new dimension to this endeavor. Thank you!
As I was reading Isaiah 37:14-15, I was struck by the fact that he took the letter and “Spead it out before the LORD” and then he prayed. So often, I pray in panic mode, asking God to help me while I try to deal with a situation. I need to “spead it out before the LORD” and then wait on Him to deal with the situation instead!
I found myself humming the hymn “How Great Thou Art” while I was reading Psalm 65!
Galatians 6:14 really convicted me. “Because of that cross, my interest in this world died long ago, and the world’s interest in me is also long dead.” I think that the more we fall in love with Jesus,the less interest we will have in the things of this world and the less tempting sin will be. It seems like the more I keep my eyes fixed on Jesus, the less the world seems to “mess with” me! When I take my eyes off Him and my faith weakens a bit, that’s when the enemy seems to think he’s got a chance with me and he launches an all-out attack. His interest in me seems to die when he thinks it won’t be worth the trouble!
Sylvia
======== Henry:
Taking your problems and troubles to God – sounds easy, but we are so full of ourselves that we rather deal with our own problems our way. Guess what? We stuff up big time. We make it even worse than it was before. I have learnt the hard. I now take all my problems, troubles, sickness, depression, finances etc, etc ,etc to God. i pray daily [every spare minute I have] to God. He has a plan for us and we simply have seek that plan by listening to God, not asking God, but listen. He does talk to us all the time. All you have to do is listen silently, open your mind to Him and the answers are there. Believe me 🙂
Henry
======= Dee:
I love the not giving up attitude of Hezekiah and crying out to the Lord and the Lord sustained him.
I love Galatians and Paul’s last words to the Galatian church as he gets ready tomorrow to go to Ephesus..and Ephesian church. Yeah!
Nature and it’s beauty..the glory of God around us is beautiful 🙂
I love his splendor and might
I also love proverbs..I do have wise children and they bring me such joy. I was a joy to my mom and dad. I wanted to make them proud and hope I did and especially the Lord proud
Dee
====== Robert:
Isaiah 38:7 – 8
Did you see that? God stops time! I always love this because it’s been “proven”. Now before you jump on your horse I think it is imperative that you do the reading from a highly regarded source about the history of Harold Hill, NASA and the Bible. It’s a great article by David Mikkelson from Snoopes. Published February 2000.
https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/the-lost-day/
There is a lot of play on words by Mikkelson like using the word legend. However, as someone said before, “Science isn’t truth, it is finding truth.”
Other Biblical Sources.
Joshua was concerned because he was surrounded by the enemy and if darkness fell they would overpower them. So Joshua asked the Lord to make the sun stand still! That’s right — “The sun stood still and the moon stayed — and hasted not to go down about a whole day!” (Joshua 10:12-13)
2 Kings 20:11 And Isaiah the prophet cried unto the LORD: and he brought the shadow ten degrees backward, by which it had gone down in the dial of Ahaz.
I also liked reading, Harold Hill’s book. How to Live Like a King’s Kid. 1974
Robert
======== Renee:
Isaiah 37:17-22 and Isaiah 38:2-4
Hezekiah knew who to turn to & God answered him. He hears our hearts cry.
17 Give ear, Lord, and hear; open your eyes, Lord, and see; listen to all the words Sennacherib has sent to ridicule the living God.
18 “It is true, Lord, that the Assyrian kings have laid waste all these peoples and their lands. 19 They have thrown their gods into the fire and destroyed them, for they were not gods but only wood and stone, fashioned by human hands. 20 Now, Lord our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you, Lord, are the only God.”
21 Then Isaiah son of Amoz sent a message to Hezekiah: “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: Because you have prayed to me concerning Sennacherib king of Assyria, 22 this is the word the Lord has spoken against him…
2 Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, 3 “Remember, Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.
4 Then the word of the Lord came to Isaiah: 5 “Go and tell Hezekiah, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will add fifteen years to your life. 6 And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city.
Galatians 6:7-10
7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Ps. 65
1 Praise awaits you, our God, in Zion;
to you our vows will be fulfilled.
2 You who answer prayer,
to you all people will come.
Renee
======== Angela:
I noticed that in the past few days the readings have been mentioning circumcision and fleshly vs godly a lot. As I read Galatians 6:11-16, I interpreted that circumcision does not mean you are saved; it’s simply something fleshly to boast about but it does not actually save you. Some people also do it to prevent themselves from being persecuted for being a Christian. As verse 13 and 15 say, “Not even those who are circumcised keep the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your circumcision in the flesh… Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation.” Faith is what really saves you, so it doesn’t matter whether you’re circumcised or not. The Bible says that peace and mercy will come to everyone who follows this rule.
This is a good message because many people think just by following the law and physically doing things like circumcision will win them their salvation, but actually, it’s the opposite. Only by faith and being born again in Christ will you become saved.
Angela
======== Karen:
I can imagine the doubts that others throw at us is exactly what the king of Assyria did when he taunted at King Hezekiah. Life is full of trials and tribulation and the voices of “King Sennacherib” will inevitably come to attack our faith in the Lord. I am reminded that instead of milling around and giving too much thought about these doubting voices, I shall do exactly what King Hezekiah did where he went straight to the Lord’s temple and laid out his concerns before God. That’s the only way to defend ourselves from spiritual attacks.
Karen
======== Jane:
I struggle with gently reminding someone of their sin and sounding judgemental.. I think you should pray for the right words if you want to approach and admonish someone. I have seen my
Mother judge someone on their appearance but not see her own pride. May God gives us wisdom as we talk to others and use our words wisely., reading Tony Evans book “watch your mouth” is a
Must read.
Jane
======== Marie:
One of the best books I have ever read is “Love, Sex and Lasting Relationships” by Chip Ingram My life turned around after reading this book!!
Blessings,
Marie
========= Alan:
“The man in the mirror” I forget the author’s name. Very helpful for me many years ago.
Alan
======= John:
Isaiah 37
Assyria blasphemes God.
Hezekiah’s Prayer
Notice the format – praise, plea, and acknowledging God’s power and soverignty as the only hope of Jerusalem. (rely on, trust in, and depend on the Lord)
Much the same argument made by Moses to save the people in the wilderness. ‘Do it for your name’s sake.’Hezekiah did not say Jerusalem merited saving – but stated that God is the only God and He could save Israel.
======================================================
Is 37:26
“Have you not heard?
Long ago I ordained it.
In days of old I planned it;
now I have brought it to pass,
that you have turned fortified cities
into piles of stone.
Referenced in Isaiah 10:5-6. In verse Is 37:12 on God describes that Assyria was to plunder and reduce to rubble the cities of Israel. However pride took over and Sennacharib thought he and his gods were greater than all – and he sought to destroy Israel. This God would not allow – for His name’s sake.
God would not allow Assyrian army to storm Jerusalem nor take it under seige. The Assyrian army would be depleted and Sennacharib would die by the sword in his land.
God would act, and in so doing His name would be glorified.
======================================================
Is 37:36
Then the angel of the LORD went out and put to death a hundred and eighty-five thousand men in the Assyrian camp.
Egyptian legend has it that a pack of rodents invaded the camp and chewed up all the bowstrings of the archers. Perhaps rodents imparted some kind of quick acting plague???? Whether rodents or angel guiding rodents, or angel himself – Sennacharib withdrew from Jerusalem and it was spared.
Archaeology
Assyria was thought to be a Bible myth until Ninevah was uncovered in 18th century. One less thing for the skeptics to list about the Bible 🙂 A well preserved cuneform prism was uncovered outling all of Assyria’s military campaigns during this time. Total and complete victory in each campaign – except Jerusalem. strangely silent on why Jerusalem was spared. (Imagine that!) Two links below are very short reads on the “prism.
http://www.bible-history.com/assyria_archaeology/archaeology_of_ancient_assyria_conclusion.html
http://biblehistory.ca/article.php?fragid=1&year=-688
Lastly, God said Assyrian king would fall by the sword in his own land. Clay tablet was unearthed that mentions Sennacharib’s death just as verse 38 states. Perhaps the sons were able to kill their faither because of his failure at Jerusalem and the depleted state of his army??????
http://www.bible-history.com/empires/prism.html
Archaelogy does not prove the Bible by itself, but every dig and find so far concerning places and names has verified the Bible’s account which had often been derided as fiction by skeptics.
John
======== John:
Gal 6
verse 1a: Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently.
“The overtaken ones need to be restored. They are not to be ignored. They are not to be excused. They are not to be destroyed. The goal is always restoration.
This job of restoration is often neglected in the church. We have a tendency to either pretend the sin never happened, or we tend to react too harshly towards the one who has sinned. The balance between these two extremes can only be negotiated by the spiritual. It should be normal to do what God says here, but it isn’t. It is all too easy to respond to someone’s sin with gossip, harsh judgment, or undiscerning approval.” – David Guzik
======================================================
There is no contradiction between bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2) and each one shall bear his own load (Galatians 6:5). In Galatians 6:5, Paul speaks of our final accountability before God. In Galatians 6:2, he speaks of our need to care for others in the body of Christ.
ii. There is also a difference in the wording Paul uses. The word for load in Galatians 6:5 is a common term for a man’s backpack. The word for burdens in Galatians 6:2 is a different word meaning “heavy burdens” – those that are more than a man should carry. In the end, we will are all responsible for our own work, but we can help bear the burdens of others. – David Guzik
======================================================
Gla 6:8
The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
Once again not a verse that says you lose salvation. the Greek verb tenses indicate a habitual continuing action. One who continually sows sin is not saved, and one who continually sows by the Spirit is saved. Not that either one is exclusive. there will be times when a non-believer looks good, and times when a saint lookks bad – but the overall should be looked at as to the predominate fruits of the person.
We should do good in the Spirit to all people – BUT especially to the “family of believers”.
Sorry – but I had to cut and paste most of this as I am being called out to minister to a friend – link to total commentary is here:
http://www.enduringword.com/commentaries/4806.htm
John
======== Vance:
ISAIAH 38:16
“Lord, your discipline is good, for it leads to life and health.”
ISAIAH 37:14 – 16
“After Hezekiah received the letter and read it, he went up to the LORD’s Temple and spread it out before the LORD. And Hezekiah prayed this prayer before the LORD:
“O LORD Almighty, God of Israel, you are enthroned between the mighty cherubim! You alone are God of all the kingdoms of the earth. You alone created the heavens and the earth.”
GALATIANS 6:1
“Dear brothers and sisters, if another Christian is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.”
****************
NOTE: godly
Greek word and meaning:
pneumatikos
(pneuma = breath, spirit // from God’s Spirit)
1. Relating to the human spirit, or rational soul, as part of the man which is akin to God and serves as his instrument or organ
a) That which possesses the nature of the rational soul
It is interesting to me that a soul can ONLY be “rational” when it is properly related to spirit / God’s Spirit!
There are plenty of “irrational” souls all over the world.
*****************
This is not in the reading for today, but I was meditating on the GLORY of God, which we are INCREASINGLY changed into as we meditate and ponder the Lord. Hezekiah focused on the Lord – His Greatness, Majesty, and Glory:
“O LORD Almighty, God of Israel, you are enthroned between the mighty cherubim! You alone are God of all the kingdoms of the earth. You alone created the heavens and the earth.”
2 CORINTHIANS 3:18 (NKJV)
18
But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed
into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
UNVEILED FACES –
* Because we are deeply
repentant
* Because we turn to the
Lord
* Because we continually
behold, focus on, and
love the Lord
THANK GOD! –
* For the GLORY of God in
the Lord Jesus!
* For the GLORY of God in
the Gospel of Jesus!
** BEHOLDING AS IN A MIRROR
THE GLORY OF THE LORD
JESUS –
* Is the OBJECT of our
focus, desire, and love!
* Is the MIRROR by which we
see ourselves changing in
the GLORY of Jesus
If we FOCUS on Jesus and HELP OTHERS FOCUS on Jesus, we PROTECT ourselves from falling. Thus, we are able to graciously help:
* OTHERS to KEEP from
falling
* OTHERS GET UP from falling
Lord, I receive YOUR discipline – to train me to always focus on You!
Vance
========= Vance:
Isaiah 37 (NKJV)
21
Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent to Hezekiah, saying, “Thus says the LORD God of Israel, ‘Because you have prayed to Me. . .
22
this is the word which the LORD has spoken. . .
35
‘ For I will defend this city, to save it for My own sake and for My servant David’s sake.’”
36
Then the angel of the LORD [Or Angel of the LORD]
went out, and killed in the camp of the Assyrians one hundred and eighty-five thousand; and when people arose early in the morning, there were the corpses—all dead.
Galatians 6 (NKJV)
14
But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom [Or by which (the cross)]
the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
15
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.
NOTE:
God covenant and His promises: the only way we can know God is faithful to us is by His covenant.
God had made a covenant with David to make a house for David and to ensure that one of David’s sons would rule as King. The Lord Jesus later fulfilled that covenant.
Because of this covenant, God fulfilled His promise to save Jerusalem from Sennacherib king of Assyria.
God Himself – the Angel of the Lord, the pre-incarnate Lord Jesus — worked to execute the promise God had made to save Jerusalem from Sennacherib king of Assyria.
God made, established, sealed, and ratified a new covenant through the Cross of the Lord Jesus. The New Covenant.
I really like this excellent quote by Andrew Murray in his book, “Two Covenants”. I pray you meditate on it and it will build you up and encourage you.
“In the Old Covenant man had the opportunity given him to prove what he could do, with the aid of all the means of grace God could bestow. That Covenant ended in man proving his own unfaithfulness and failure.”
“In the New Covenant, God is to prove what He can do with man, all unfaithful and feeble as he is, when He is allowed and trusted to do all the work.”
“The Old Covenant was one dependent on man’s obedience, one which he could break, and did break (Jer. 31:31, 32).”
Jeremiah 31 (NKJV)
31
“Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah—
32
not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says the LORD.
~~~
The quote by Andrew Murray ends with this:
“The New Covenant was one which God has engaged shall never be broken; He Himself keeps it and ensures our keeping it: so He makes it an Everlasting Covenant. It will repay us richly to look a little deeper into this.”
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