2 Chronicles 6:18
18 “But will God really dwell on earth with men? The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built!
God is ‘big’ and glorious. Even the highest heaven cannot contain Him. But David and Solomon wanted to build a place for God to dwell on earth. God has to ‘bend down’ in order to dwell in Solomon’s Temple. I can see that God was responsive to David and Solomon’s wish. In fact, if God is not love, He will not allow them to build Him a temple as even the greatest temple cannot contain Him. The way I see it is that God is love. He is eager to have a relationship with man. So, in order to suit the ‘thinking’ of man, He allowed David and Solomon to build Him a temple to dwell in, just to provide a ‘humanly’ way for man to approach Him.
Closely related to this, our hearts are also a temple of God. Do we pay the same respect of David and Solomon to ‘decorate’ our hearts for God? Do we treasure the Holy Spirit who dwells in our hearts?
Frederick
====== Jane:
Proverbs 19:25b means what? I thought you would elaborated on that!
There is no condemnation in those who are in Jesus Christ. Seems we condrmn Ourselves!! We carry around slot if guilt trying to live up to expectation the world and God and the bible has for us. It’s a difficult thing being a Christian! Not easy, because we will never measure up. God loves us unconditionally!
Greetings
1 Chronicles 7:11+12
11 When Solomon had finished the temple of the Lord and the royal palace, and had succeeded in carrying out all he had in mind to do in the temple of the Lord and in his own palace, 12 the Lord appeared to him at night and said:
“I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself as a temple for sacrifices
The very fact that, God himself, shows up AT NIGHT to Solomon. In a very personal way and tells him He’s heard his prayer. It makes me think about how Solomon had the visual example in his dad David. First hand on how to have a tangible relationship with God. David knew God intimately. It shows in Solomon…
Peace
Imja
====== Dee:
Reading the comme tary up there and seeing the author’s and Neopolitan’s artwork..do you think those pinks and Browns and cream is where they got the ice cream flavor from 😆 🤣 just a thought. I love seeing Solomon building the temple and all the different Jon’s and helpers that went into it. It’s neat.
Romans..th thing I want to do I don’t and what I don’t want to do I do..carnal sin and trying to avoid temptation and being played is the hardest thing and surprisingly two little letters N-O is just as hard to say to people..that is something I have to get better at
David sang this out to God protecting me from my enemies..death stared at me but didn’t defeat me. God saved and protected Mr.
It’s sad to be so slothful to not even feed yourself because of laziness. I have been so tired sleep called me over food but yes it’s important to take care of this vessel the lord gave amen
Dee
====== John
Romans 7
If there is a choice, I would rather you read Bob Deffingbaugh’s commentary on this section than anything I write. If you do not have much time – at least read the Conclusions. It is a powerful commentary.
http://www.bible.org/page.asp?page_id=2304
Paul has talked about Christians not going back to obey the Law – “shackles” to a saved soul. And that the Law is good, it is sin that is evil and our “flesh” that is weak.
Romans 7:14-25
Struggling With Sin (The War within a Saved Soul)
Boy, this chapter has been tough. It has been hard to focus, and did not want to write – because of this section.
Earlier Paul talked about Salvation, and how when saved we are no longer at war with God. But one war seems to have been exchanged for another. Now within the Christian is a war with sin.
The “I DO” Verses
So tough to read. I can understand each sentence individually, but when read in toto (vs. 14-20), I find it hard to maintain the thread of thought. (Plan on re-reading it each day for awhile, until it flows.) Paul (and we as Christians) want to do good, but keep(s) on sinning. Huh? I thought we had the “new man”. What is Paul talking about?
Nestled in the middle of the paragraph, are the two truths that devastate me. I knew of one, then just realized the second tonight.
Vs. 18
“I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.” NIV
1) There is no good in my old nature (“flesh”).
2) There is no power in my new nature.
I knew the first, sin has a “base of operations” in my “flesh” (old nature), and it is working overtime. Satan would like nothing better than to discredit a Christian. He may have lost that soul, but by discrediting the Christian, he believes he can stop the geometric spread of Christianity. Sin is Satan’s WMD.
Andrew B.- the second reminded me of your question awhile back. We have the new nature – the “new mind”, but why isn’t Paul experiancing the “abundant blessings of the Holy Spirit? Why all this failure? At this point, it seems it is because of the “I”‘s.
“..but I cannot carry it out”
I (you) cannot do it. The “new man” is like a bomb, it has to be “armed” before it can be utilized. The “believer” is not qualified to do this, it must be “armed” by another. We can sit there all day long atop an “inert bomb” and we will be trampled by sin. We are not only not qualified to “arm” it, we are not qualified to “utilize” the bomb. We must depend on another.
“Who will rescue me from this body of death?” (sin and the old nature).
[“When Paul describes this body of death, some commentators see a reference to ancient kings who tormented their prisoners by shackling them to decomposing corpses. Paul longs to be cut free from the wretched body of death clinging to him.” – David Guzik]
The answer: “Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!”
and on to the next chapter….. 🙂
John
====== John:
Romans 8:1-8
The Power of the Holy Spirit
“‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of Hosts” (Zechariah 4:6).
“God’s work is never accomplished by human effort but only by divine enablement. It has always been this way.” – Bob Deffingbaugh
======================================================
One of the Great Truths
vs. 1a
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,..” NIV
“Since the Father does not condemn Jesus, neither can He condemn those are in Him. They are not condemned, they will not be condemned, and they cannot be condemned.” – David Guzik
Jesus’s death on the cross meant that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met “in us”.
[Paul was very careful, not “by us” – as we can do nothing to become righteous on our own. But “in us” – requirements fulfilled through Christ.]
Through Jesus’ ressurection we receive new life (new man) and the Power of the Holy Spirit.
Vs.8
Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” NIV
“Paul gives an easy way for us to determine if we walk in the Spirit or walk in the flesh – to simply see where our mind is set. The mind is the strategic battleground where the flesh and the Spirit fight.” – David Guzik
The mind controlled by the Spirit is “life and peace”. Sounds good! Much better than last chapter.
John
====== Vance:
This comment is in response to this question:
“ Will you pray to accept Jesus as your savior today and allow him to free you from you bondage to sin? ”
The part…”allow Him to free you from sin” is not a ONE-TIME event. We are certainly MADE FREE FROM SIN by what Jesus did on the Cross… yet, do we live in freedom from bondage of sin?
We have to ALWAYS CHOOSE to trust God.. not ourselves.
I know we have not come to Romans 8 yet – but I can’t wait !
Realize the provision of GLORY God / Jesus has placed within us! As I meditate on these verses to come in Romans 8, I think of what I read this morning in “Shemos – Jewish Torah name for Exodus” in reference to Exodus 16 where the glory of God appeared to Moses, Aaron, and the people. This is where Yahweh provided quail and manna for the people.
In “Shemos – Exodus”, this is how Exodus 16:9 reads in that translation:
“…the glory of HASHEM appeared in a cloud.”
HASHEM is the word the
Torah uses for “the God of
Mercy”—the quintessential
name for God.
The definition of glory in the cloud– in the “Shemos” is excellent:
“the dwelling place of the Presence”.
ROMANS 8
1
THEREFORE, [there is] now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live [and] walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit.(A)
2
For the law of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has freed me from the law of sin and of death.
3
For God has done what the Law could not do, [its power] being weakened by the flesh [[a]the entire nature of man without the Holy Spirit]. Sending His own Son in the guise of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, [God] condemned sin in the flesh [[b]subdued, overcame, [c]deprived it of its power over all who accept that sacrifice],(B)
==> Romans 8, Verse 2
The law of the Spirit of Life is the law of our new being – created by the Lord Himself through Jesus on the cross.
This makes me think of I John 3:9 (Amplified) which reads:
No one born (begotten) of God [deliberately, knowingly, and [h]habitually] practices sin, for God’s nature abides in him
Yet, we have to CHOOSE to walk—to yield to—what God has placed within me. WOW!
==> Romans 8, Verse 3
God sent His own Son in the disguise of sinful man—yet as a TRUE MAN – who overcame
As the TRUEST MAN, Jesus was TRULY human. This means he also was dependent on the Father and the Spirit just as we are. AS SUCH,
He overcame the temptations which Adam and Eve failed when they were tempted by the devil. When they sinned and chose to yield to him, they gave their authority over earth to the evil one. Thus, the devil became “the god of this world.”
Jesus had to come as a man, and as a man He came to take back authority over earth—and give it back to redeemed men and women who trust in Jesus. Thus, we can live LIKE JESUS on this earth – and can obey the Lord to spread the Gospel over the earth. That is WHY we are here.
EPHESIANS 1 (Amplified)
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],(A)
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].
==> Romans 8, Verse 3
Sending His own Son in the guise of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, [God] … [[b]subdued, overcame, [c]deprived it of its power over all who accept that sacrifice],(B)
So..
In our weakness, is His strength. Yet, we must CONTINUALLY choose Him. Jesus’ IRON PILLARED DETERMINATION to trust God and the Father’s power are demonstrated in His victory over the world, flesh, and devil.
And His IRON-PILLARED WILL AND DETERMINATION are inside of US… who trust in Jesus!
Vance
====== Vance:
2 Chronicles 6 (NKJV)
14
and he said: “LORD God of Israel, there is no God in heaven or on earth like You, who keep Your covenant and mercy with Your servants who walk before You with all their hearts.
15
You have kept what You promised Your servant David my father; You have both spoken with Your mouth and fulfilled it with Your hand, as it is this day.
18
“But will God indeed dwell with men on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain You. How much less this temple [LITERALLY HOUSE] which I have built!
19
Yet regard the prayer of Your servant and his supplication, O LORD my God, and listen to the cry and the prayer which Your servant is praying before You:
20
THAT YOUR EYES MAY BE OPEN TOWARD THIS TEMPLE [Literally House] DAY AND NIGHT, TOWARD THE PLACE WHERE YOU SAID YOU WOULD PUT YOUR NAME, that You may hear the prayer which Your servant makes toward this place.
30
THEN HEAR FROM HEAVEN YOUR DWELLING PLACE, and forgive, and give to everyone according to all his ways, whose heart You know (for You alone know the hearts of the sons of men),
NOTE:
How matchless is the only true and living God!
I echo the question that the Holy Spirit spoke through Solomon: “But will God indeed dwell with men on the earth?”
Will God—who is the Most High and above all—indeed dwell with men on earth?
Note that God’s dwelling place is in heaven, yet He has put His Name in the Temple (literally HOUSE) that Solomon built.
The Temple (literally HOUSE) of God was the first step in preparing you and I for the truth that the Holy Spirit later revealed through the Lord Jesus:
man’s spirit and being is designed to be the “house” of the Spirit of the Most High through GRACE.
First, Jesus came in John 1 (Amplified Bible)
14
And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and TABERNACLED (FIXED HIS TENT OF FLESH, LIVED AWHILE) AMONG US; and we [actually] saw His glory (His honor, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten son receives from his father, full of grace (favor, loving-kindness) and truth.
Then, later through the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus—we can now become the houses of God.
Romans 8 (Amplified Bible)
10
But if Christ lives in you, [then although] your [natural] body is dead by reason of sin and guilt, the spirit is alive because of [the] righteousness [that He imputes to you].
~~~
May I—and may we—really ponder and meditate on the wonder of the Presence of God within us.
Once we really come to grasp and know clearly and with certainty the reality of God’s Presence in us as the Spirit teaches and convinces us—then our lives will never be the same.
We will bring glory to the One who honors us with His very Presence!
2 Chronicles 7 (NKJV)
3
When all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD on the temple, they bowed their faces to the ground on the pavement, and worshiped and praised the LORD, saying: “For He is good, for His mercy endures forever.” [Compare Psalm 106:1]
6
And the priests attended to their services; the Levites also with instruments of the music of the LORD, which King David had made to praise the LORD, saying, “For His mercy endures forever,” [Compare Psalm 106:1] whenever David offered praise by their ministry. The priests sounded trumpets opposite them, while all Israel stood.
NOTE:
It is obvious from the first three (3) verses in 2 Chronicles 7 how eager God is to demonstrate the Glory of His Presence and His Love to man.
It is also obvious that God’s Name is His Presence! His Presence is Glorious!
May these truths be lodged deep within you and I as we meditate on Colossians 1:27
“Christ in you—Who is the certain, guaranteed hope of Glory!”
May God’s manifest Glory be demonstrated more and more in our lives as we pray, meditate, surrender, and have deep and intimate fellowship with the Lord. Then, the will of the Lord Jesus will be fulfilled:
John 7 (NKJV)
38
He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, OUT OF HIS HEART WILL FLOW RIVERS OF LIVING WATER.”
John 14 (NKJV)
21
He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. AND HE WHO LOVES ME WILL BE LOVED BY MY FATHER, AND I WILL LOVE HIM AND MANIFEST MYSELF TO HIM.”
~~~
Romans 7 (NKJV)
20
Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.
21
I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good.
22
For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man.
23
But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
NOTE:
I like these jewels of truth – my paraphrase:
a. Because I do what I do not want to do, I no longer sin—but SIN DWELLING IN ME
b. I do not mean I am not responsible for sin I commit
c. I see two (2) unchanging laws within me at the same time:
* Law of God’s Overcoming Righteousness:
I am righteous in my inner man and delight to do God’s will.
* Law of sin and death in my members
I am called to the process of surrender and doing God’s will, so my whole being and all my members are trained in righteousness through Holy Spirit
Yes… we have to practice righteousness, and yes we have to choose to participate in being set apart and sanctified. Yes, we always have to resist sin in the power of the Spirit.
Yet, may we never forget WHO WE ALREADY ARE in Christ. We are not “helpless victims” as we resist sin and the sin in our members.
We are already spiritual victors through Christ, and He—only by His matchless grace—has imparted to us His victory!
I thoroughly enjoy these rich verses in Romans 8 (Amplified).
1
THEREFORE, [there is] now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live [and] walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit.
2
For THE LAW OF THE SPIRIT OF LIFE [which is] in Christ Jesus
** [THE LAW OF OUR NEW BEING]
Has Freed Me From The Law Of Sin And Of Death.
3
For God has done what the Law could not do, [its power] being weakened by the flesh [the entire nature of man without the Holy Spirit]. SENDING HIS OWN SON IN THE GUISE OF SINFUL FLESH AND AS AN OFFERING FOR SIN, [GOD] CONDEMNED SIN IN THE FLESH
** [Subdued, Overcame, Deprived It Of Its Power Over All Who Accept That Sacrifice],
4
So that the righteous and just requirement of the Law might be fully met in us who live and move not in the ways of the flesh BUT IN THE WAYS OF THE SPIRIT [OUR LIVES GOVERNED NOT BY THE STANDARDS AND ACCORDING TO THE DICTATES OF THE FLESH,
** But Controlled By The Holy Spirit].
~~~
May we really realize who we already ARE in Christ! Did you catch that the Law of the Spirit of Life IS THE LAW OF OUR NEW BEING!
We are alive in our spirits because of God’s righteousness! So before Satan deliberately focuses attacks on us through sin in our members, MAY WE DELIBERATELY SET OUR MINDS on Christ and His Overcoming Life.
Then, we will be prepared! Prepared not just to “survive”, but prepared to OVERCOME and to win many for the Lord Jesus!
So, may we put our highest priority on fellowship and intimacy with the Holy Spirit. His Life is in us!
We are in Christ and Christ is in us!
Then, may we take the next stept and fulfill the Holy Spirit’s joy of unity TOGETHER as expressions of the Body of Christ all over the world:
Philippians 2 (NKJV)
2
fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
THEN, as we do that, then the victory of Christ—we are in Christ and He is in us—will be MORE manifest so all people in the world WILL NOT BE ABLE TO MISS THE REALITY, PRESENCE, AND GLORY OF JESUS in us!
This is the will of Jesus:
John 17 (NKJV)
21
that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.
22
And The Glory Which You Gave Me I Have Given Them, That They May Be One Just As We Are One:
23
I IN THEM, AND YOU IN ME; THAT THEY MAY BE MADE PERFECT IN ONE, AND THAT THE WORLD MAY KNOW THAT YOU HAVE SENT ME, AND HAVE LOVED THEM AS YOU HAVE LOVED ME.
~~~
Proverbs 19 (NKJV)
24
A lazy man buries his hand in the bowl,
[Septuagint and Syriac read bosom; Targum and Vulgate read ARMPIT] and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.
25
Strike a scoffer, and the simple will become wary; rebuke one who has understanding, and he will discern knowledge.
NOTE:
Please notice the note in the New King James Version I have included after the phrase “A lazy man buries his hand in the bowl”. One possible alternate meaning of “bowl” is “armpit”.
Then a comical picture came to mind: I chuckled to myself when I read this. I thought of a lazy man who had one hand in his armpit (I HOPE HE SHOWERED!!)—while he was sucking the thumb of his other hand!
~~~
Proverbs 19: 24 really speaks volumes. But, in one way, this verse appears to have nothing to do with American society, as Americans are moving at a faster and frenzied pace than ever.
Yet, in another way, verse 24 precisely speaks to our fast paced and frenzied American culture. For, though we are busy and very active, the business of “busy-ness” can be a huge distraction to keep us from doing what we are called to do.
So, we can be extremely busy at the wrong thing, and yet be lazy at doing the right thing.
Mike had written this as one of his comments on Proverbs
“So – thankfully – as we know from our recent Romans readings, we can be free from our lazy ways! Being in relationship with Jesus has literally cured me of my laziness.”
My question is this? Mike mentioned: “as we know from our recent Romans readings, we can be free from our lazy ways!”
Which recent Romans readings pertain to laziness? Maybe I was so lazy, I missed it! (Ha!)
I am extremely glad that being in relationship with the Lord Jesus has cured Mike of laziness. In Jesus’ Matchless Name—I receive some of that zeal with wisdom!
I pray for “zeal with wisdom” for I find myself going fast—but sometimes I feel like a laboratory rat continually running around in an enclosed maze in the laboratory. I do not just want to be “doing” things—I want to be wise and find out what the Lord’s will is—and do that.
As Jesus said, “I only do those things I see my Father doing.” May we emulate the best example in the world, that of the Lord Jesus—the Perfect Man Who always resisted sin and distraction—as He prayed and then followed His Father.
Vance
II Chronicles 26:1-28:27
Here we have another king, Uzziah, who sought the Lord only as long as the High Priest, Zechariah, lived. God gave this man success as long as he sought the Lord,
5 Uzziah sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. And as long as the king sought the LORD, God gave him success (26:5 NLT).
Success, real success comes from the Lord when we follow after God. The first time I remember hearing this concept were in the words God spoke to Joshua before he lead Israel into the Promise Land.
This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success. (Jos 1:8 AMP)
Success does not mean prosperity the way we usually think of it; in fact one can be prosperous in man’s eye and not have “good” success. The use of the adjective “good” before the word success implies one’s success can be bad. Today I read in the paper that a very wealthy man, who others said taught them how to love and loved his family, Arthur Zankel, jumped out of the ninth floor window of his apartment building. He was indeed prosperous: but was he successful in God’s economy.
It seems that godly success had a inherent trap for us, illegal conversion. We take what belongs to God, done under the power of God and covert it to success accomplished by me, myself and I, the unholy trinity. Studying the rise and downfall of Israel’s and Judah’ kings should be a warning and example for us in what NOT to do when we are blessed with success done God’s way.
Romans 13:1-14
Rom 13:1-2 NET. Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except by God’s appointment, and the authorities that exist have been instituted by God. (2) So the person who resists such authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will incur judgment
Hmmm, so we ARE supposed to obey our governing bodies, even when they are not Christian. Paul wrote this as a citizen of the Roman Empire, a not so very nice government. So what was that thing about not paying taxes because …
There are a lot of us Christians who think we are above the law of the land. We justify our breaking of the laws. We even justify not obeying rules and regulations of the local church body we attend. “Yes, I know we are asked not to leave before the Pastor dismisses us and especially when the alter call has gone out and we are praying for those who have accepted Jesus Christ, but I have an emergency.” Then latter you find that emergency is being the first on line to get the tape or CD of the message Pastor just spoke on about obedience. If we cannot obey and honor the laws of the land, our church and our jobs given be the people we can see; do we really think we are going to obey God whom we cannot?
Joh 14:15 NET. “If you love me, you will obey my commandments.”
Who is speaking? Jesus.
Psalm 23:1-6
I know this Psalm is read at funerals; however, I’ve always been uncomfortable when it is read over a deceased body or when death is talked about, but that is my thing. I look at the transition from verses two and three, which state, “He maketh me…; He leadeth …; He restoreth …,” then in verse four, “Yea, though I walk…” Shepherds lead and sheep follow, but sometimes they walk off and follow something else. Yet the Good Shepherd goes and looks for the lost sheep (John 10:11). That looking for the lost sheep and finding them is where I see verse four coming in.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
(Psa 23:4 KJVR)
If Jesus is light and life, then death is not with Him. If I have taken it upon myself to walk after a hireling, someone who doesn’t love the sheep, then I will find myself in the Valley of the Shadow of death. A shadow has no substance; it is not the real thing. A shadow is, (1. darkened shape of something in light: a darkened shape on a surface that falls behind somebody or something blocking the light– Encarta® World English Dictionary [North American Edition] © & (P)2005). I’ve never been bitten by a shadow of a dog but I’ve been bitten by the real thing.
The rod and staff of a shepherd is used to fend off wild animals, or people, and to pull the animal out of crevices, holes and bramble bushes the wandering sheep might find themselves in.
As stated in the beginning this is my problem and something I’ve thought about over the years.
Proverbs 20:11
Hmmm, there is this way of thinking that ALL children are born sin free. They not born bad, they become bad by their environments and the people surrounding them. This eleventh verse makes no mention of the parents or the neighborhood. Life is all about choices and even a child can choose to do good or do evil no matter the neighborhood or their parentage. And if even children are known by their acts, then what follows, as Mike has stated, we adults are definitely know by our acts, not our words or intentions.
When we excuse our behavior using our intentions as justification and we turn and judge others by their acts/behavior we are being hypocritical based on yesterdays readings. Yikes!
Grace and peace,
Ramona
====== Ramona:
2 Chronicles 26:1-28:27
Mike I’m glad you commented on the pattern we keep seeing in the “good” kings, their tendency, and our tendency to begin the “race” with a deliberate action and goal in sight; but, along the way we become distracted and go off course. The implication and consequences of our heart and actions taking us off course is also seen in today’s Proverbs. When we make a choice, and it is a choice, to go off course and dabble in sin as we near the goal line, others are watching and taking note. The notice may not be about judging behavior so much as it is about determining who God is through seen actions. Good tree produces good fruit; Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.
Ever since I began taking note of this pattern of good kings turning bad, I have been seeking God for its cause, I have been concerned that I too may fall into this trap. We all are capable of winding up shipwrecked on the way to the purpose God has designed for us. Yet, I also see another purpose for this recording of these “good” king’s failures, it points to Jesus being the ONLY one who was capable of not only keeping the Law but fulfilling the Law. Jesus is the real King of kings. It was my own understanding of that which led me to realize that in order to not loose sight of the goal, one must understand that it is not about what I want, what I like, or even what I need; but it is all about keeping Jesus and His Father in focus. Once I begin thinking that what God has blessed me with and the favor that is upon me, which God has given me is because I have been good enough, worked hard enough and read my bible enough, my failure to achieve my purpose is assured.
My “works,” the things I do because of who God is, is what I’m suppose to do whether I am rewarded or not, complimented or not, thanked or not. My righteousness has nothing to do with how “Christianly” I act, because the Word says, my righteousness is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:4). We became, I become arrogant when I think my salvation, my redemption has anything to do with me, and it does not. It is all about Jesus.
The things these “good” kings had in common is this:
1) Over time they began thinking more and more that they were special and thus they had no need for godly council. They also thought that their “riches” which were acquired because of the favor of God, was an indication of how smart or wise they were—any wisdom they had previously was Wisdom given to them by God to use for a specific purpose.
2) The people surrounding them their advisers either believed the king was omnipotent and spoke as God, or didn’t want to “rock” the boat by holding the king accountable for his actions. In other words, they had their own agenda: when people fail to confront leadership they are either afraid for their lives, position or income making that leader their god.
These kings probably had many more things in common; however, the above two have become entrenched in my head.
Grace and peace,
Ramona
====== Dottie:
I believe it is important to remember that when we allow people, places and things to come between God and us, then we are allowing ourselves to be set up by satan. I am older, and I have come much closer to God with experiences and age. I have learned through all the trials and tribulations, the losses and gains, deaths of family members and even the death of one of my children, that it is always best to run, not walk to our Lord and Savior! When I turn to my family, friends, and my church family, He provides what I need for my life and any situation I am going through. I have strength in the numbers of those who rally around me and share their support and love to me, they lift me up in prayer and I receive so much from my heavenly father. I count it a miracle that I did not fall away from God in my youth. I was far from perfect, but I knew I could come to Him with a humble heart and repent and He would forgive me and let me know I could move on and live for Him. His word is a lamp unto my feet as well, showing me the path He has chosen for me to follow. I have learned to trust in Him with a child-like faith, simple and believing always, my faith in Him will grow as long as I am available, knowledgable with His word, and trust in Him always!
Dottie
====== Susanne:
Our actions don’t save us or make us right with God, but they matter.
Yes they do… my experience is that I have had to learn it! It is required.
There have been actions that God has dealt with me about & even
tho others may have same/similar, His requirement of me has actually
been a blessing because it protects me where I am weaker than others!
I suspect that it is not just me, but that the Lord will teach, guide, chastize,
each of us in His own way for each. Even “little” things & details matter.
I believe His revealing the type things regarding my actions is His Grace provided
to me so that I am able. Called to holiness???? I can’t even begin to do that
on my own. I have needed to listen, learn, obey. My motivation is not to obtain
holiness for me & be puffed up how others think of me.
I think His grace that does a work in me, He uses in His mysterious ways
to show Himself to others- for His purposes & His glory. I need to get “myself”
out of His way!
Interesting to me & thought I’d share from one of the “big guns”! (McGee- Thru the Bible)
If you were arrested for being a Christian would there be enough evidence to convict you?
Or would you be able to get off free?
Would they look at your life and find you are not living
(actions) as a Christian should? Would they find you do not walk in integrity? Would they find no goodness, no desire for purity? (holiness)
May we all be blessed, find His favor & grace. Have mercy on us Lord.
Have a great week.
Susanne
====== Wendy:
Psalms 23:1 was my personal verse for the day. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. My family is walking through a difficult time right now financially. My husband works in the auto industry and cars just are not selling right now with the gas prices. Praise God gas has dropped some this week. Because of high gas prices, you know food costs are up as well and we feed a family of 6. It has been hard, we own a rental property and the tenant moved out because she lost her job due to cut backs, and now we are paying two mortgages as we look for a new renter or purchaser. Although we can’t see the answer or solution to our financial crisis at the moment, we know that God is faithful and can be trusted. We know he is our shepard and he is not going to let us want for anything. Who better to look over us during a time of need. Romans just really encouraged us today that despite what we are going through, so are so many other people. One thing that does not cost us a penny is love. We are completely free to give it away all day long, to each other and our neighbor, and that would be whoever God puts in our path today. We are so thankful for his word and we are so sad as we read the plight of the Kings. It just baffles me that they could turn to such evil ways. Indeed how we make it is as you said, we go to church, we serve at church, we go to small group and we lead small group. We surround ourselves with the body of Christ. That is how in difficult times we make it and we make it with peace and joy. Be blessed today in His name.
Wendy
====== Jenny:
I was thinking of this video as i was reading the psalm. haha, its soooooo precious!!!
Jenny
====== Elizabeth
Very nice! Love the lessons, the pictures, the video! Thanks for the encouragement.
Elizabeth
====== Art:
I agree with Elizabeth about lessons, pictures, and video. Let me add once again that the “comments” page has been a daily blessing to me. For those who write, please continue. I pray a prayer of thankfulness daily for your insight!
Art
====== Joyce:
Mike and everyone,
appreciate the reminder today in Romans 13:11-14 (Amplified Bible),
11 Do this, knowing that this is a critical time. It is already the hour for you to awaken from your sleep [of spiritual complacency]; for our salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed [in Christ].
12 The night [this present evil age] is almost gone and the day [of Christ’s return] is almost here. So let us fling away the works of darkness and put on the [full] armor of light.
13 Let us conduct ourselves properly and honorably as in the [light of] day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and irresponsibility, not in quarreling and jealousy.
14 But clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for [nor even think about gratifying] the flesh in regard to its improper desires.
In Romans 8:6 (NIV) Paul also told us,
6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.
I read these words in blueletterbible.org’s Sermon Notes for Romans 13:11,
‘May we know the times in which we live,
may we understand the urgency about the things of the Lord,
may we yield our lives continually to the control of the Holy Spirit.’
Mike,
Thank you very much for your faithfulness in serving God and serving people through this One Year Bible Blog,
may God bless you – may He continue to bless you with His wisdom and insights in understanding His Word,
may His grace be with you and your family!
may God use this blog to bring His Truth to far corners of the earth,
may He use this blog to bring many to worship Him and believe in Him.
Blessings to all of you!
Joyce
====== Dee:
Its sad that our poor Ole kings could only do right as long as there was a good mentor and priest alive! Helping lead the way..without him it’s like a force takes over them..they turn evil and he starts fussing and raging in a temple wanting to burn incense which was unlawful
Roman’s..talks about living righteous living no debauchery or sinful living..wonder how many heeded Paul’s advice
Psalm 23!! Very good sign and verse..love this chapter and the cute video.
Proverbs 20:11 oh my goodness..talks about children and how to live and what to listen for..this is good stuff
Dee
====== Dee:
You know it’s rather sad that the kings are pursuing the Lord when led but when you are left to decide after so many years of leading, you would think they learned and would stay disciplined and committed to the Lord. And yet, I see more that avoid the Lord all their life and then something tragic or old age catches up or sickness and then at the end of the race, the tides change and they seek the Lord. It’s different in the bible days..hmmm and with God comes success.
Wake up, dress up, look up, clean up was the words from Mr. Dooley the commentator but I like that..it is our moral obligation to be aware of our love for community and serve in the government of life and to purely love the Lord. Dress like you have authority..own it..look up..seek the Lord daily..and if it’s no good..help make our planet better.
I love the Lord’s prayer..it is very comforting and I see myself very much alive and laying in green pastures..so quiet so serene. It’s lovely!
Yes our actions matter and the way in which we bring our child(ren) up matter. It’s matters to Him, it should matter to us. He loves us.
Dee
====== John:
Romans 13:1-14
Model citizen
I have more trouble with Peter’s urging to be a model employee. Constantly have to bite my tongue at the workplace. In the United States, it is not so hard to submit to the government. I may not like some of the policies or laws, but that is not my call.
Government is better than anarchy. It is important to note here Paul is talking about good governments. “Good” in the sense that they do not harass the citizenry and do evil against the people. If a government is evil, and is persecuting Christians, then one has to decide whether they will live and demean Christ, or stand up for one’s belief and possible be tortured and die.
=================================================================================
13:4b “…But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.”
This may be unpopular, but the Bible clearly indicates that the sword is one for cutting – killing. Government (society) is set up by God to provide punishment for those who do wrong, and for those who spill blood in a cold blooded pre-meditated fashion – that would be with the death penalty. It also would apply to a case for war, if the cause was “just” and the wrongdoers (country, faction) are clearly identifiable.
God does not want vengence taken by individuals, but society is set up by God to administer justice here on earth. We are (and it is very difficult at times) to forgive the wrongdoer (against us), but it is clear that after forgiving, there is nothing wrong with wanting justice done by a legal system.
All things come from God. If we are under a good government, there should be no problem with submission. Anything less would not be a good representative of God and the Christian faith. As Ramona said, if we cannot submit to clear identifiable authority here on earth, how is it that we will be able to submit to a God who is Spirit.
“..and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
The Law can be fulfilled if we love one another as ourselves and love God – for if you love with “agape” (self-sacrificing love), you will not want to commit any of the sins under the Law.
Problem is: in the “flesh” we do not exhibit agape love. We are all about pride, and advancing our oun cause.
As a non-believer, even hen we do good acts, it most of the time can be traced back to them making us feel good about ourselves.
As a believer we will not be a hypocrite. Our spirits have been renewed, we have offered our body to the Lord to be His servant, and we want to have agape love. We desire to do what is right and just.
Daily we humbly submit to God, and clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ. We should be inseparable, abiding in Him, and He in us. With this attitude we are fed the grace and assistance of the Holy Spirit to renew our minds, and we will progress to the point where we more and more love (agape) like God. Where we will sin less and less, because we love and do not desire to sin.
For a believer, we cannot progress in this love on our own, we MUST submit to the Father, and our Lord, and let Him do the changes necessary for us to obey these passages.
John
====== John:
2 Chronicles 26-28:27
26 VERSES 16-23
1. Uzziah got a little to big for his own good. He was a king and not a priest and thus he could not go into the temple and offer incense to the Lord, only the priest could. But, because of his big head, he thought he could approach God any way he wanted. And because of that God struck him with leprosy and he was banished from the city and had to co-reign with his son Jotham. Many today try and do what Uzziah did, approach God any way they want. But there is only one High Priest, only one bridge builder between God and man, and that is Jesus Christ. You can’t approach God through any other means. You see, you have a case of spiritual leprosy outside of Christ, and thus, like Uzziah, you will be banished from the kingdom, the kingdom of God. The only cure for this disease is found in Jesus Christ, as His blood cleanses us from all our sins.
II CHRONICLES 27
VERSES 1-2
1. Jotham was also a good king except he did not enter the temple of the Lord. Now why in the world was he so reluctant to enter the house of worship? Most likely he saw what happened to his father Uzziah, and because of that he did not want to have anything to do with the temple. The problem was that Uzziah’s leprosy was due to his disobedience to God and so Jotham’s fears were unsubstantiated. Now it could be that his refusal to enter the place of worship may have set the stage for his son Ahaz to plunge the nation into a spiritual nose dive in which they will never fully recover from. They, like the Northern Kingdom of Israel, were moving closer and closer to God’s judgment and their captivity. Right now the Northern Kingdom of Israel is less than 30 years from their captivity by the Assyrians.
II CHRONICLES 28
VERSES 1-4
1. When God associates a king with the kings of Israel, the Northern Kingdom, it was a rebuke. You see, the Northern Kingdom of Israel had no good kings, they all were evil, some worse than others. And so God is saying that Ahaz was just as wicked as they were. He was not at all like David, the standard for all kings to be judged by. And as we have said before, David was not perfect, but he never lead the nation into idolatry. Ahaz, on the other hand, goes crazy and sets up all these places of worship, offering sacrifice to all these pagan gods, and even offering his own children in the fire as a sacrifice to them.
VERSES 14-15
1. It was a common practice to humiliate your captives, and many times they took them away naked. But now they are given clothes and food, and the weak are even given donkeys to ride on so they can make their way home. They did the right thing in releasing their captives.
VERSES 16-21
1. Ahaz and the Southern Kingdom of Judah are being attacked from every side. And you would think that this would at least get his attention and cause Ahaz to look up, but the kings heart is so hard and he refuses to listen to the warnings, to see why this is happening. He shuts his eyes to the truth.
VERSE 22
1. As the pressure from God increases, Ahaz hardens his heart even more and he refuses to look up. And many do the same today as God is trying to get their attention, they do everything they can to look the other way and not acknowledge Him.
VERSE 23
1. How many times have you heard people say to you “It really doesn’t matter what you believe, as long as you believe in something.” God is telling us through this example of Ahaz that sincerity in something does not save you, for it was the downfall of Ahaz. And Ahaz was very sincere in his walk with these other gods, just as many people are today.
VERSE 24
1. Because the king wasn’t hearing from the true and living God, he was going to make sure that no one else would hear, so he shuts up the house of God, blocks it off so no one could enter. He tried to stomp God out, but let me tell you something, that will never happen.
http://www.ccmanitowoc.org/Library/Guglielmo-Joe/Studies/TH/14-2CH/TH1065.HTM
John
====== John:
Romans 13:1-7
[Note of warning: It seems like we have a checklist of things to do as a Christian. Be careful to not make it a checklist – or you can turn it into a form of the Law.]
I have been uncomfortable with this first section of Romans 13 in the past, but it is a logical progression from Romans 12. It flows from:
1) From moving to God, to Christians, to the world, to Government – the theme is subordination.
[Subordination: Subject to the authority or control of another.]
2) Do not repay evil with evil; Do not take revenge.
Paul beseeches us to subordinate (yield) ourselves to God as a living sacrifice. Than to others (Honor one another above yourselves), and now to Government.
OK. I understand submitting and yielding to God, but other individuals, and government (particularly bad government) – I don’t know. Seems tough to do.
It is. Mankind hates and rebels against Authority. From Adam on. Whether it is worshipping false idols, to the Kings in Chronicles who come to see themselves as above “things”, to avoiding someone who is just too “needy”, to “speeding” in our cars, we rebel. Maybe not all the time, in fact we can be compliant, but are we submissive?
Probably not. It is only through yielding to God that we can obtain the grace and “power of the Holy Spirit” to be submissive in other areas. That is why Paul lists it first in the order of “subordiantion”. God will change us. God will change us inside and out so that we will be a living testimony to his Grace and Power.
======================================================
Submission to the Authorities
This seems to be a true litmus test of our perception of God’s Sovereignty. Do we believe God is soverign? Do we believe that the authorities that exist were and are established by God? Perhaps one may find it is easier to agree if you are inhabitants of major world countries.
But what about Pharoah, Nebuchadnezzar,Genghis Kahn, Hitler, Stalin, Pol Pot, or Saddam?
If you believe in God’s sovereignty, than the answer is – yes, they were established or allowed to rule by God. It was for a reason, and if we do not understand – someday we will.
John 19:11 “Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.”
Christ lived in the time of Herod and Pilate. Paul lived in Nero’s time. Not once did they question their earthly positions of power. Jesus and Paul knew and understood the “source” of their earthly power.
Jesus may have railed against the Pharisees, Sadducess, and scribes, for perverting the Law and not “knowing” the Father – but he never put in question their authority status. In fact Jesus was pointedly submissive in that area.
“Since governments have authority from God, we are bound to obey them – unless, of course, they order us to do something in contradiction to God’s law. Then, we are commanded to obey God before man (as in Acts 4:19).”
Daniel is the best example of this principle. Daniel and his friends obeyed and served the Babylonian government willingly – they acknowledged their authority. They disobeyed a command when it conflicted with God’s commands. But they acknowledged and submitted themselves to Babylonian authority. Even to the point of punishment.
“Paul’s idea is that Christians should be the best citizens of all. Even though they are loyal to God before they are loyal to the state Christians are good citizens because they are honest, give no trouble to the state, pay their taxes, and – most importantly – pray for the state and the rulers.” – David Guzik
{NOTE: As I write this and think on it – it seems to me that the thrust of Paul’s point is regarding civil obediance. Being a good citizen. Obeying the law, and recognizing the authority of government to make and uphold the law for that country.] ======================================================
Punishment for Breaking the Law
Rom 13:4b-5
“But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.” NIV
In regards to upholding the law – Government is God’s agent.
Daniel and his friends submitted, Paul allowed he would submit if found guilty of the charges, and Jesus did submit even when the judgment was completely bogus and rigged.
Right or wrong. Carried out correctly or incorrectly. Justice and punishment is the province of the government – not individuals. If it is wrong – God will certainly take care of it in the future.
I believe the sword is a reference to capital punishment. I understand that others do not agree. My reasoning is the sword was used in capital punishment for Roman citizens (beheadings). Crucifixion was reserved for slaves and foreigners. There are plenty of secular sites that mention this fact. I am satisfied that it was a method for Roman Execution. One link is:
http://www.lamp.ac.uk/~noy/death3.htm
Paul concludes this thought with we are not only to submit because we fear punishment (shallow), but because of our conscience.
Our mind has been renewed by God. It should prick our conscience if we get away with something or rail against authorities being wrong to judge us. We know that God wants us to submit to Civil authority. We should be like Daniel – Submit to and Support their authority, yet keep our integrity with God. If this means persecution – so be it.
John
====== John:
Romans 13:8-14
Rom 13:8 “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.” NIV
Some teach this as you should have NO debt. That is not a bad principal, but I do not think that is what Paul is saying in this verse.
Jesus permitted borrowing in Matt 5:42
“Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”
Paul has been talking about subordination, and I think that this verse means: We are not to owe somebody so much that we are subordinate (beholding) to them because of the money. This would be an impure reason to yield to others. Our subordination to others is to be out of “love”. Perhaps I am wrong though – and I am open to other interpretations.
======================================================
Rom 13:10b “..Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”
I am in agreement with Roslyn here. We should yield our bodies as a living sacrifice not only because it is logical, but because we love God and want to please Him. Through loving and yielding to God we can truly “love others”.
“..We need to be committed to a right walk with God instead of a sleep-walk with God.” – David Guzik
Why? Because you are nearer salvation today than when you first believed.
Wait a minute! I thought we acheived salvation (justification) when we believed? Yes, you did. The Greek word for salvation is “soteria” and can mean “present salvation – upon belief” or “future salvation – the sum of benefits and blessings which the Christians, redeemed from all earthly ills, will enjoy after the visible return of Christ from heaven in the consummated and eternal kingdom of God.” The meaning is to be determined by context.
Whether it is based on the return of Jesus or one is closer to meeting God after we die – the point is the same. Our days are numbered, and the time to “walk with God” here on earth is shorter by the day.
So act decently – act like a Christian, or more importantly “be” a Christian. This starts with focusing on God, prayer, meditating on His word, and offering yourself as a living Sacrifice.
“..it isn’t as if Jesus does it for us as we sit back; instead, He does it through us as we willingly and actively partner with Him.” David Guzik
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NOTE: I have said a few times that it is only through God’s grace and power of the Holy Spirit that we will change or be able to fulfill Paul’s suggestion list.
While I believe that to be true – it may lend itself to mean that we are passive bystanders in God’s miraculous work. That is not correct. It is by our constant and on-going living sacrifice (by Greek verb tenses) to God that we obtain the graces and abundance of the Holy Spirit.
That ongoing living sacrifice only happens when we are focused (fixated, set on)God, in His Word, and through diligent prayer. If we are as Paul says in the end of Romans 13 – thinking about how to gratify the desires of our sinful nature, then we are not thinking about God.
[I can multi-task; I cannot multi-think :)]
Try this: When a sinful thought or urge presents itself, think of God, recall a verse or Bible lesson, or pray. If you do that the sinful thought cannot co-exist at the same moment.
The flip side of this is if we are not constantly offering a “living sacrifice” to God, then His Grace and abundance of the Holy Spirit do not flow to us. The spicket dries up. While God provides abundantly beyond all measure – we control the faucet.
When we love God, want to be obediant to Him, and offer up ourselves – God will ensure we have all we need and more. When this happens and we progress in our Christian walk – we will reflect his glory and light – thus giving glory to God.
John
====== Vance:
2 Chronicles 26 (NKJV)
16
But when he [King Uzziah] was strong his heart was lifted up, to his destruction, for he transgressed against the LORD his God by entering the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense.
2 Chronicles 28 (NKJV)
4
And he [Ahaz] sacrificed and burned incense on the high places, on the hills, and under every green tree.
5
Therefore the LORD his God delivered him into the hand of the king of Syria. They defeated him, and carried away a great multitude of them as captives, and brought them to Damascus. Then he was also delivered into the hand of the king of Israel, who defeated him with a great slaughter.
NOTE:
The wages of sin is death. Period.
Sin starts in the heart, in the hidden places where no one sees the attitude and choice of pride.
This pride became planted in both Ahaz, one who early on gave himself over to evil, and then in King Hezekiah.
I am sure that Hezekiah did not just wake up one morning, and instantaneously developed a “strong heart [that] was lifted up” against God.
The heart is key. May our inner man be strong in the LORD – always.
The most excellent and wonderful gift of God is eternal life, and this means that we are reborn in our spirits—in our inner beings.
The rest of our personalities—soul, mind, and emotions—need to come under the authority of God’s grace and holiness as we walk in obedience to the Lord by the Holy Spirit.
I really like what the Holy Spirit teaches through the Apostle Paul in Romans 7 (NKJV):
22
For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man.
In Romans 7, Paul did not understand how he could be doing the things that he hated and then NOT doing the things he loved – as in the verse below from Romans 7 (NKJV):
23
But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members
THE SEED OF RIGHTEOUSNESS is placed within us by the matchless Grace of God through the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. We receive the Gift of Eternal life and Righteousness by faith when we receive Christ as Lord and Savior into our lives.
I John 3 (NKJV)
9
Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.
I like this translation of the above verse in I John (Amplified Bible):
9
“No one born (begotten) of God [deliberately, knowingly, and habitually] practices sin,
for God’s nature abides in him [His principle of life, the divine sperm, remains permanently within him];
and he cannot practice sinning because he is born (begotten) of God.”
Why do we not want to practice sin? Why are we able to trust in God and to learn not to practice sin—even if that sin is an area of great weakness and temptation?
Because “God’s nature abides in” us or (as the NKJV puts is) “God’s seed remains in” us.
PRAISE THE LORD!
May we pray the prayer of the Holy Spirit given through the Apostle Paul over our lives daily—so we can avoid deception of the so-called “strength of sinful pride”—and walk in true strength as we learn totally on JESUS!
Ephesians 3 (NKJV)
14
For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
16
that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man
AND THE RICHES OF GLORY IN GOD HAVE NO END!
The following verse says the same thing in different words – Romans 13 (NKJV)
14
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.
~~~
Romans 13 (NKJV)
4
For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.
NOTE:
Whether we always agree with our government leaders—they are anointed by God Himself to “execute wrath on him who practices evil.” May we intercede and pray daily for our leaders and the leaders of other nations so that they have God’s wisdom to do what God calls them to do.
May we also pray for all leaders of all nations that they may come to truly understand and then worship the true and living God Who loved them enough to send Jesus to die for them so they can know and love God.
Then, with wisdom, government leaders—undergirded by the Spirit of God through the persistent prayers of God’s people—can not only work to stamp out evil. These leaders girded through the Spirit through prayer can also establish good in their respective countries.
Evil is overcome with goodness.
May we pray daily for nations’ leaders so they will be used of God to bring God’s wisdom and truth to others in their capacity as leaders.
Romans 13 (NKJV)
10
Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
NOTE:
I know I break God’s law and will of Love every day. May I seek the Lord in true and righteous brokenness and repentance—so God’s true and holy Love can shine through me.
May this be true for all of us!
NOTE: I tremendously enjoy this version of Psalm 23
Psalm 23 (Amplified Bible)
1
THE LORD is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack.
2
He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters.
3
He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him–not for my earning it, but] for His name’s sake.
4
Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me.
5
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my [brimming] cup runs over.
6
Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place.
NOTE:
This entire Psalm is excellent. NOTE the reality of HESED—the Old Testament word which is GOD’S GRACE—in verse 3:
“He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him–not for my earning it, but] for His name’s sake.”
FOR HIS NAME’S SAKE.
THANK GOD THAT WE CAN TRUST GOD TO FINISH WHAT HE STARTED IN US—to lead us each day in paths of righteousness FOR HIS NAME’S SAKE. We can NEVER work hard enough to have righteousness.
GOD WILL PROTECT HIS NAME—and we can give ourselves over in confidence to the Lord’s enabling power!
Vance