Old Testament – Today in Ezra chapter 3 we read about the Israelites rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem. We read in verse 10 – “When the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, the priests in their vestments and with trumpets, and the Levites (the sons of Asaph) with cymbals, took their places to praise the LORD, as prescribed by David king of Israel.” There are some powerful chapters in Ezra as we read about the start of the rebuilding of the Temple, the opposition to it, and then its final completion. I like that verse 10 above tells us that the priests and the Levites praised God after the foundation to the Temple was laid. And I wonder about this in our lives today. Is there perhaps a “Temple” of some sort in your life that needs rebuilding? Is there a good habit that you have lost? A bad habit that you have picked up? Have you lost some of your zeal for God that you had earlier in your life? Do you want things to change? Do you want to rebuild a “Temple” in your life? How will you do so? Will you perhaps follow the example of the Israelites in Ezra and begin with the Foundation? Will you take the very first, maybe seemingly small steps to begin to rebuild your Temple? And – when you get to even just the foundation of your Temple being rebuilt, will you praise God as the priests and Levites did in Ezra? Many blessings to you as you begin your journey with God of rebuilding a Temple in your life!
New Testament – Bible.org’s commentary on today’s First Corinthians readings titled “True Wisdom” is at this link and “Substandard Saints” is at this link. Below is a powerful image for First Corinthians 3:3 from today’s readings:
Psalms – Psalm 28 verse 2 stood out to me today – “Listen to my prayer for mercy as I cry out to you for help, as I lift my hands toward your holy sanctuary.” The thing that stood out to me is the image of the Psalmist “lifting his hands” in prayer. I’m curious about this – if you don’t mind sharing in the Comments section below – do you periodically lift your hands in prayer? Do you kneel when you pray? Close your eyes? Bow your head? What do you do to really signify your worship and praise of God? Do you think lifting our hands or doing other body movements can change the way we pray to God – rather than doing nothing unique with our body? Let me know if you have Comments on this below… thanks… My quick thoughts are that we can absolutely pray at any time in any place without lifting our hands or closing our eyes or bowing, etc. I think this gets toward the idea of “praying unceasingly.” However – I do think there is something special about the times in our day when we can really spend some quality quiet time with God in prayer. And the best way for me to personally do this is by really changing my body language first – by kneeling down, closing my eyes, bowing my head, maybe lifting my hands, etc. This somehow I think brings me closer to God – it doesn’t bring God closer to me – he’s always close. But, somehow, what I do with my body before & during prayer can definitely make a difference in how long I will actually pray to God and how deep into prayer & listening I will go. How about for you?
Proverbs – Today in Proverbs 20 verse 24 we will read – “A person’s steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand his own way?” This is a powerful Proverb for us to consider. Do you believe that your steps are directed by God? I think so often we want to be in control of our own steps. And when we really try to take control of our own steps is when we so often stumble. . . It is so powerful for us to realize that the best thing we can possibly do in our lives is let God direct our steps! Let God lead us. And then let us pray we will follow. The question posed by at the end of this Proverb above is probably frustrating to our modern minds – “Whaddya mean I can’t understand my own way! That ain’t right. I am in charge around here!” Are we really? I mean, really? The question posed by this Proverb reminds me of another wise and famous Proverb in chapter 3, verses 5 through 6 – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” We should not ever try to make our own paths straight! Let God do it. He knows where we should be going. All we need to do is trust God. Simply trust. Do you trust God to direct your steps and make your paths straight?
Worship Video: Today’s Psalm reminds me of the Chris Tomlin song “Our God is Greater:”
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today:“A person’s steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand their own way?” Proverbs 20:24 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that all of your steps are directed by the Lord. Pray that you trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. Pray that the Lord will make your paths straight.
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:
Ezra 3-4:23
Mike asked the question “Is there perhaps a “Temple” of some sort in your life that needs rebuilding?” That is an important question; however, we must take into account a pattern of distraction and danger that circles around our rebuilding effort that is laid out in Ezra.
1) The enemy will use any means necessary to block the Temple we want to build for God (Ezra 4:1-2). The first attempt to block or discourage is an attempt to join in or collaborate on the project. Amos 3:3 states, Do two people walk hand in hand if they aren’t going to the same place? (MSG)
And Paul states In his 2nd letter to the Church at Corinth,
Don’t become partners with those who reject God. How can you make a partnership out of right and wrong? That’s not partnership; that’s war. Is light best friends with dark? Does Christ go strolling with the Devil? Do trust and mistrust hold hands? Who would think of setting up pagan idols in God’s holy Temple? But that is exactly what we are, each of us a temple in whom God lives. God himself put it this way: “I’ll live in them, move into them; I’ll be their God and they’ll be my people. (2Co 6:14-16 MSG)
2) Intimidation and sabotage: So these people started beating down the morale of the people of Judah, harassing them as they built. They even hired propagandists to sap their resolve. They kept this up for about fifteen years, throughout the lifetime of Cyrus king of Persia and on into the reign of Darius king of Persia. (Ezr 4:4-5 MSG). And the last trick I see in this reading, and probably there are more that I haven’t picked up.
3) Use the same political system that gave the go ahead to build to stop the project. The enemy waited for a regime change. Again later, in the time of Artaxerxes, Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and their associates wrote regarding the Jerusalem business to Artaxerxes king of Persia. The letter was written in Aramaic and translated. (What follows is written in Aramaic.) (Ezr 4:7 MSG) This worked for a while in stopping the rebuilding effort because the new king searched the archives for history of the city and citizens of Jerusalem. However, the search was not to locate the original decree giving the O.K. to rebuild. We humans have a tendency to forget what God has said, because we either stop believing the Word or we don’t keep reading it and forget what it says.
We must always keep before us the promises of God or else we will become discouraged and stop working on our Temples.
I Corinthians 2:6-3:4
We now go on to speak of another letter, but this letter was not written to discourage Believers but to straighten out and encourage. Paul in this section of his first letter to the church at Corinth explains to them the “Wisdom” that is of God and not the wisdom of this world. This Wisdom that can only come from God and is given to Believers only allows us to know the mind of God and to operate in that Wisdom.
However, Paul also says that this body of believers at Corinth is acting like children who have no teeth yet so he was and is unable to impart to them any kind of information because what he desires to impart requires teeth to chew on. Therefore, he can only “feed” them milk, like babies.
Hmmm, failure to grow up will cause one’s Temple not to be built ‘cause babies are not employed on construction projects and babies cannot handle the Wisdom of God. Maybe this is the fourth number that should go with Ezra and Temple building.
Psalm 28:1-9
[A Psalm] of David. UNTO YOU do I cry, O Lord my Rock, be not deaf and silent to me, lest, if You be silent to me, I become like those going down to the pit [the grave]. (Psa 28:1 AMP)
I can’t get this Temple building thing out of my head so everything I’m reading points me to building a foundation and the Temple. David calls out to the Lord who is his rock and juxtapose to the first verse, Paul states again to the church at Corinth (We will be reading this tomorrow), According to the grace (the special endowment for my task) of God bestowed on me, like a skillful architect and master builder I laid [the] foundation, and now another [man] is building upon it. But let each [man] be careful how he builds upon it, For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is [already] laid, which is Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). But if anyone builds upon the Foundation, whether it be with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, The work of each [one] will become [plainly, openly] known (shown for what it is); for the day [of Christ] will disclose and declare it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test and critically appraise the character and worth of the work each person has done. If the work which any person has built on this Foundation [any product of his efforts whatever] survives [this test], he will get his reward. But if any person’s work is burned up [under the test], he will suffer the loss [of it all, losing his reward], though he himself will be saved, but only as [one who has passed] through fire. [Job 23:10.] Do you not discern and understand that you [the whole church at Corinth] are God’s temple (His sanctuary), and that God’s Spirit has His permanent dwelling in you [to be at home in you, collectively as a church and also individually]? If anyone does hurt to God’s temple or corrupts it [with false doctrines] or destroys it, God will do hurt to him and bring him to the corruption of death and destroy him. For the temple of God is holy (sacred to Him) and that [temple] you [the believing church and its individual believers] are. (1Co 3:10-17 AMP)
The Temple we are building has already been preceded by a foundation that if not built by Christ is not really a solid foundation.
Proverbs 20:24-25
An impulsive vow is a trap; later you’ll wish you could get out of it. (Pro 20:25 MSG)
We are apt to make a vow or utter a “rash promise” in the confines of a body of believers, a church. Someone has an idea, a vision to do “something for the Lord.” We are caught up in their enthusiasm and don’t consult God in prayer. We sign up and instead of it being a joy when we do the “work of God” it becomes a burden and drudgery. Jesus said, “My yoke is easy my burden is light (Matthew 11:30). I believe what we have done is signed up under someone’s vision that God did not give us or tell us to do. We didn’t count the cost and we certainly didn’t consult the Master on the “work at hand.”
Could it be we are building with hay and stubble on our Temple foundation with someone else’s material and not God’s? If we find that, we are doing the wrong work we must continue because we must be people of our word. But don’t do it again.
Grace and peace, Ramona
====== Ramona:
Oops Mike I forgot to answer your question regarding Psalm 28, “I’m curious about this – if you don’t mind sharing in the Comments section below – do you periodically lift your hands in prayer? Do you kneel when you pray? Close your eyes? Bow your head? What do you do to really signify your worship and praise of God? Do you think lifting our hands or doing other body movements can change the way we pray to God – rather than doing nothing unique with our body?”
The stance of prayer can become a ritual that sets aside the communication with God for the posture. Since God hears us, believers, when we pray, I find that the stance we take is immaterial. If God speaks to you to lie prostrate on the floor while others around you are kneeling, then lie prostrate on the floor. If you can lie in bed on your back and pray, without falling asleep, then do that. I have walked 3/12 miles from or to my job to a subway connection because God told me to and I heard mightily from Him. I have been told to lie on the floor, sit on the floor, stand with my hands raised, because I felt led by the Holy Spirit to do so.
The key to communicating with God (Prayer) is submission of our spirits, not our physical bodies. Once our spirits our submitted our bodies will follow whatever way we are led to pray. By the way, Prayer should be more about us listening to God then us bring our laundry lists to God.
Grace and peace, Ramona
====== Pat:
Psalms 28:2 and Mike’s commentary touched me this morning. I was brought up in a very conservative Baptist church where you said nothing and made no movements during the church service. In addition, you said nothing and made no movement to draw attention to yourself if praying out in public. When I joined my present church about 15 years ago, I was uncomfortable at first when people would say “amen” during the service, or clap after a good musical presentation, or lift their hands while in prayer. I adjusted to it and it seems natural to me now for them to display their emotions in this manner but I still refrain from doing it myself. I have a dear friend who has been one of my best friends for over 50 years who would embarrass me and sometime even anger me when we were eating out because of the display she would make saying grace in a restaurant because I knew she didn’t make the same display when just the two of us would eat at her house or mine. I felt it was done for the benefit of public attention and discussed this with her. Now she just bows her head and prays to herself when we are eating out together and but I am bothered even more because I feel I have both hurt her and interfered with her way of worshipping. The thing that is really troubling me this morning is trying to deal with what it is inside of me that prevents me from being able to lift my hands in prayer when I love the Lord Jesus so dearly. For the first time I see this as a weakness in my personal faith and it is really lying heavily on my heart.
Pat
====== Romayne:
Before I elaborate on my own prayer life, I just wanted to say to Pat, please don’t stress on this issue of lifting hands – ultimately God doesn’t care if we sit still or do somersaults – it’s always and only our inner attitude and stance that matters to Him. If your heart is right with Him, you’ll find lifting your hands in private no problem as Micah Girl has said, and if you really wanted to ‘try it out’ in public, then wander back into a charismatic type service, and go for it. A few years ago when I was less ill, I used to regularly attend 2 churches – one (my Methodist) to give as they’d a low turnout, and the other was a charismatic one where I received, because I could worship in this way more freely. Don’t allow something like this to disturb your inner peace to such an extent that you’re not comfortable. That (in my view) only comes from one source! 🙂
Now, on the praying postures, similar to Pat, I was initially brought up in a quiet Methodist church where everybody sat silent and sung quietly with no outward demonstrations of worship in my eyes at all. Then I moved into a charismatic type church which was the opposite extreme – anything went & very OTT – equally uncomfortable. While I’m now back to my traditional Methodist roots, I still feel that lifting hands in worship is appropriate and I’m slowly pushing the boundaries on that one – not fully raised, but partly and enough for others to notice but not be uncomfortable with perhaps. I think those aspects of worship specifically mentioned in scripture definitely pull out the most in all of us as I now find it instinctive in my private worship to pray with hands held palms upwards to Him, and to worship with arms raised where/when I can manage it (disabled so it’s not always easy). I have also knelt many times and even managed to lie fully prostrate (now that really makes you feel humble before him!), but have only ever used each position in response to how He is leading me. Some worship songs challenge or ‘hit’ me so strongly I just have to get down on my knees before him, but when praying now, for the most part, I do so sitting with head bowed, and eyes closed (although have had to change that recently because of overwhelming fatigue that has me falling asleep if I dare close my eyes!).
I recently listened to an absolutely awesome sermon by a Pastor David Dykstra from Lafayette Reformed Baptist Church called “Confession – The sinners approach to God” which was primarily about our attitude in prayer before THE most AWESOME Being we know. It just truly opened up my eyes to some errant attitudes I had that I wasn’t really even aware of, and truly enabled me to approach God more respectfully. Sadly our Western culture hasn’t done what He would have us do – look to His people for an example of how we could do some things better perhaps – the religious Jews won’t speak His name, write it in full, nor dare to approach Him without due respect – fair enough they mix that up with a lot of other more ritualistic stuff which Jesus said was their downfall, but its their attitude that I think is better than ours at times. We sadly tend to either look at God as some big policeman in the sky and talk to him remotely in thees, thous and therefores with little true feeling, or else we’re at the other end of the scale, and treating him like a real down to earth buddy who’ll just accept us regardless, and let us away with bad attitudes, because He loves us!! Most true Christians recognise the errancy in both those extremes, but sometimes we can all be a little guilty of dabbling in each. For me, I now try to ensure I treat Him with the respect He is due, and follow biblical principles where possible (repentance, praise, worship etc) in my prayer time, but I also talk to Him easily and comfortably without fear (other than that borne out of respect).
If anyone would like a copy of that sermon as it appears to have disappeared off Sermon Audio, feel free to contact me and I’ll email it to you – it’s just under 5Mb in size.
Blessings. Romayne (apologies for length)
====== Michelle:
I think that the bible mentions different postures for prayer because our physical body does affect our attitude. It’s harder to be prideful on your knees. It’s harder to focus on your own glory when you are raising your hands to God.
I also think that there is such freedom in Christ that there is room for expressing ourselves to him many ways and our own comfort level with certain expressions or our own culture can inhibit us. I think that trying out different postures in private worship to God can free us up from wondering what others are thinking and then later in a more public setting whatever we feel best allows us to get in touch with God will occur naturally.
Michelle
====== Jenny:
1 Cor. has some awesome teachings!! v. 11-12 “Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.” this is what the world is lacking. There are things hidden from the eyes of the nonbeliever, rendering a person blind tho they arent aware until they are given new sight via new birth. I had an atheist tell me most atheists know more about the bible then Christians. While it could be accurate that many atheists are pretty well versed in the Bible, any wisdom is right over their head! these jewels are hidden from the spiritually dead. Like as Paul beautifully put it, only the spirit of God knows these things and we who receive Christ receive the spirit of God and these things are revealed. v 13-14 “These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” Paul just puts it so beautifully, it just speaks volumes to me!
Paul speaks of carnality…sadly seems like a lot of that is entering the church, causing fights, divisions…its just that: carnality! We arent to behave as the world does. Its a shame, and its over some really petty issues at times. Or, more serious ones, where the church is compromising the word of God and the model of the church in hopes of appearing more modern? Or more seeker friendly? I say if Jesus didnt compromise, we shouldnt! the early church should be our model.
I certainly agree with that proverb…i cannot understand my way. i can think i do, but in the end if i try to work things out, i end up in a real mess! I am easily confused! 😛 i just have to trust the Lord to lead, guide, and provide. He always does! Hes so very faithful!
Jenny
====== Julie:
I had never thought of raising my hands in prayer until a former pastor mentioned that God is our Father & in times of need in our young lives we raised our arms up to be lifted into our dad’s arms. So in times of worship where I am pouring myself out in submission I do it just in front of my body never over my head not to show a display to anyone but Him. I pray on my knees every morning but most anytime there is a need or request I just pray & give thanks.
Julie
====== Ben:
Psalm 28:2 I stand with my hands lifted up ans eyes closed while praying in church. while praying out side of church.I dont do that at work or in the street. I usually just talk to God quietly about situations. i dont want to appear crazy in the street by talking loud and throwing my hands around.Surely some one would cart me off to the crazy ben.I talk to God all day long in my heart saying thing like. The supervisor is doing this to me, Help Lord.I can not make it in life with out God who directs my feet and tells me what I should be doing at any given time.
Ben
====== Melissa:
Wow, Mike! I’ve read your Blog almost everyday this year, but never felt moved to comment. Today I can’t stop myself even though the list of things to do is too long for one day.
Yesterday, I started back to school to get my MA in Christian Leadership in Youth Ministry. I feel it is exactly the words God put in your “pen” today. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do and He will direct your paths.”
I am a talented theatre teacher and director, but over the past year I’ve been called to the church in a whole new way. I thought I knew how my gifts would help the church, but God has other plans. He is saying to me everyday, “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and Wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:1-4
As I’ve told people of my plans to go back to school online and eventually to start a theatre ministry, the devil has put several obstacles (people and situations in my path to discourage me). I, however, know this is His will. “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise.” 1 Corinthians 1:27
This morning as I look at my first reading and writing assignment, I beg God to open my eyes and ears that I may learn the information he wants me to have. I’m terrified because I did pray on August 3rd, “Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind for your love is ever before me.” Psalm 26:2. He is. I hope I can cling to him through the storms to end in his glory.
Please pray for my journey. It’s been 14 years since I got my MFA, but back to the books I go.
Thank you for being God’s instrument of encouragement in my life. I know there are thousands of people like me who take you for granted.
All His Blessings upon you.
Melissa
====== Debbie:
I enjoyed reading Ramona’s comments on building our temple for God. Cool how she tied everything together. I LOVE one year Bible blog! Thank you so much for this awesome tool! My husband and I use the audio feature to listen each day.
I do my best praying by walking – I have an outline I follow that helps me stay focused. If I’m serious I will kneel but I find my mind starts wandering when I am alone if I stay in one position too long.
Occasionally, a prayer group I use to attend would stand up and we would lift our hands and pray in the different directions (East, West, North, and South) binding the enemy and releasing God’s Spirit to work in the lives of the people. (We would pray for neighborhoods, cities, and countries in that particular geographic location.) That was always so powerful and moving.
Debbie
====== Art:
I love that standing, lifting of hands, and praying in different directions debbie! Powerful indeed!
Art
====== Reuben:
Lifting my hands in prayer is not typical, but it is something I do on occasion. Same would be true of bowing, kneeling, or laying prone.
Reuben
====== Will:
I loved Ann Voscamp’s comment in the book, One Thousand Gifts; “Praying with eyes wide open is the only way to pray without ceasing.”
I was glad when our prayer chairman at church suggested that when we intercede, we pray with our eyes open, so that we can be aware of how the person with whom we are interceding is doing. It is actually a really nice freedom to feel free to keep my eyes open during prayer!
Will
====== Billy:
I was taught to pray with my eyes closed and with my hands clasped and kneeling. I think it all depends on what helps you focus best.
Billy
====== Patricia:
We are to “Love the LORD our God with all our heart, soul, mind and body. Should we not then include body language when we worship Him?
Patricia
====== Duane:
I really enjoyed reading the comments of Mike & Ramona. Reading the thoughts of others can open one’s mind to looking more closely at the scripture verses and to ponder more deeply in what the spirit is saying to us.I think rebuilding the temple could be very encouraging to someone who may have fallen away from the Lord. I believe that prayer is an area where I can improve upon. I have prayed lying down, hands raised,standing, walking around’ eyes opened and eyes shut. I do a lot of praying while in my vehicle. But it seems I am only praying when it is convenient.What I want to do is get in the habit of setting a particular time of the day where I will just Listen & pray. If we are to stay close to God then we must not neglect his word.
Duane
====== Judie:
Okay Mike, your comments about rebuilding the temple, and your questions about whether we have a temple in our lives, and if so, do we want to rebuild it made me think you knew what I was thinking and feeling this morning as I took a very early morning walk. Are there some good habits that we have lost and do we need to reclaim them? Have we picked up some bad habits, and as we have grown old and are retired have we just become lazy in so many ways. I sure have. I just want to do things that are comforting to me. Well, this Bible Blog is definitely a comfort to me, but also a call for action! I still walk and ride my bike when the weather permits, but there are areas of my life that need exercise, and my walk with God is one of them.
I am so thankful for people like you who help keep us accountable in our faith and in serving the Lord. My Pastor is another one who is so inspired and full of the holy spirit.
As for praying on my knees, I can’t do that anymore. Walking and praying is when I talk to to God. Judie
====== Gaynor:
Thank you for your inspiring commentary. You asked how we use our body language in praise to our God. I have had a Christian dance team for 35 years and we minister in many churches and organisations, bringing praise and worship in a visible, picture form. For us, in the team, it is our personal expression and comes from an overflow of time spent with Him on our own and then together. As it says in the psalms, dancing is part of worship and praise. God is in the restoration business and I believe He is restoring anointed worship (not entertainment!) to the Body of our Messiah. Recently we staged a production on The Tabernacle, taking believers through the stages of the Tabernacle of Moses, until we finally enter the Holy of Holies by the blood of the Lamb. The congregation truly entered in and worshiped in a most wonderful and powerful way with us, with testimonies afterwards telling of a new freedom to worship and understanding of the approach to a Holy God through the Tabernacle in the light of Jesus. PTL!
Gaynor
====== Charles:
In Ezra, I’m struck by the first thing that the returning exiles do is build and use the altar. Not the temple church, not the city walls. In the same way, for those coming back to God, the first thing is to lay our selves at the feet of Jesus, the perfect sacrifice. The rest will follow, despite opposition, God will do it. Have confidence in what God will do in you.
Charles
====== William:
I have finally woke up to the fact that the temple most prophets talk about is our bodies. If we don’t lay the proper foundation in our own selves we are building with straw and stubble. Also GOD needs us to listen to his words and take them praises to him in prayer with our hands held hi to show we are listening to him and want to do what please HIM. WE are to stay visual of all his creation and To follow him which our earthly bodies with this earthly sinful nature will try to keep us from the real truth.
William
====== Robert:
1 Corinthians 2
As I examine this chapter I see how well I relate to Paul in his experiences.
First of all in verse 3, “I came to you in weakness and fear and with much trembling”. Even Paul was a fraidy cat when sharing the Gospel. That is the feeling I had when I stood in front of a congregation in Ghana to explain why I was there and how God had brought me to such a foreign land to share his Word. Man do I ever understand those emotions! Yet the Spirit’s power overcomes our weakness and the message makes its mark.
Secondly I think of verses 6 to 16 as a way to try to explain Knowledge verses Discernment. When I went to see my Doctor for my annual physical I asked him “What is Doctrine?” In short, his answer was: A group that shares values, beliefs and understanding. He went on to say that in the Medical Profession there are some weird things that require common sense, discernment and avoidance. He said sometimes his kids see or hear something and say, “Dad why don’t you do that?” Kind of like believing the Internet. He made the parallel of The Pope must at times wake up in the morning and say, “Wow, that is a bunch of B. S.” Again the Spirit discerns for us.
Robert
====== Ward:
Thank you for your reflection on these scriptures! The majority of the times I pray in a comfortable chair. There are also times I follow David’s lead and lay prostrate before Him. For a long time I desired to learn to pray without ceasing. through some teaching on Christ & Holy Spirit living in me. I realized I am allowed to share or walk with as a partner in my day. When I am living my life with Him this close to me, I can ask for help, wisdom or protection and praise Him immediately for His answers! Like David there are many different needs in life but knowing and experiencing that He is ALWAYS there is is a solid foundation.
Ward
======= Dee:
Very true Ramona..we have to be careful at the blocking of the temple that God is instructing us to build and as we go forward in the eays of the Lord, the enemy loves to steal, kill, and destroy. How sad! The Lord loves to bless us and the enemy can’t stand it. We must keep the full armor of God on and be diligent.
Wisdom and maturity both are talked about interchangeable in this section. To think as Christ..wow ..no eye nor ear has heard or seen..yet we are made in His image and likeness. So cool! So undermining went on towards David and he went to God in prayer. In Psalm 28..he spoke to God intimately. God heard him and helped him like he does to us. Trust God to be your strength
God knew the steps I laid out before it ever occurred. He knew this day before I knew. Lord thank you for your never ending love
Dee
====== John:
Ezra
Note: Ezra is descended from the line of Aaron, and pretty sure his great-grandfather, Hilkiah, was the priest that discovered “the book” that was given to Josiah.
Speaking of worship/praise – in Ezra 3:12 some of the older folks wept while many others shouted for joy.
Do not believe that they wept because the new temple would be less glorious than previous one. That would be hard to tell from foundation.
I believe in the spirit of worship/praise they were weeping out of joy that they would see a new temple built, or they were weeping in remembrance of the sins that had caused destruction of previous temple and the removal to Babylon.
Regardless some shouted, some wept, and it all went up to the Lord. ====================================================== Ezra 4
By their self-description it appears the people that wanted to join in the building process were Samarians. The author noted them as “adversaries or enemies”.
They were rejected out of hand. Why? They claimed to be seeking “your” God just like Ezra and company. Seems kind of harsh. In the spirit of fellowship, peace and getting along maybe they should have been invited to join in and help with the temple.
[Flashback] In 2Kings17:24-41 – these people were broght in from the outside to inhabit Samaria. Things did not go well, so King sent back a “priest” to teach them about the “God of Israel”. They did worship God, but also kept up with their idols and possibly child sacrifices. Via author of Kings it was being done even to this day.
So why not bring them in to help and “coach them up”. Well, they had already been taught by a priest sent by Assyrian king, and that did not help. Perhaps they were not truly seeking God as much as “including” Him in with their pack of gods.
Also, Israel does not have a very good history when mixing with influences of outside world – they tend to abandon God and worship idols.
When rejected the Samarians hindered building of temple, and eventually sent a letter back to Babylon. It was a half-truth. “True” – History of Israel “Not known” – How Israel would act in future. “Not Told” – That Cyrus had issued decree to rebuild. From Daniel, Esther, and later here we will see A Persian King’s decree could not be rescinded even by the same King.
It worked and building process was halted for a time. The half-truth worked in the world – just like it did on charges towards Jesus, as it does today in some public religious debates. Thank God that our God is not a God of half truths. ====================================================== Eccumenical Movements
Wonder how this applies to the eccumenical movement of today. I know we are to not get bent out of shape about non-essentials, but What is the point?????[Definately Rhetorical as I am just thinking outloud]
If groups of Christians want to get together and sign a document saying they agree on “blood of Christ” and Grace comes from God – that is great. But when one group basically says to its own people: ‘yes, blood and grace, but we also need to do this, this, and this.’ What is the point? I think if Paul was talking to a supposedly Christian group who wanted to follow “grace plus something else designed by man” his reaction would not be pretty.
It does not seem to me that our God is a God of compromise when it comes to spiritual matters. Not in the Old Testament, not by Jesus in Gospels, and certainly not come judgment time at Christ’s return.
[Note: Jesus did submit and recognize the to earthly authority of Romans and Sanhedrin, but on matters of God He did not compromise.]
John
====== John:
1Cor2
My understanding of Paul’s discussion of wisdom is that the wisdom of man (inherantly) cannot relate to God’s wisdom.
There is nothing wrong with man’s wisdom or knowledge regarding earthly matters. Technology is great, we have things bigger and better than past peoples, Science has made tremendous discoveries.
However, with all the technological and modern advances – sin still exists. Evil still exists. There is still war, murders, theft, etc. Man cannot solve the matters of the spirit with a new gadget or a new man-made plan.
To understand sin, evil, and understand God’s ultimate solution you need to turn from inward thinking (rational, logical, reasonable introspection)to God’s thinking. Trouble is “we” cannot do that on our own. To the unsaved it is foolishness. We need the “mind of Christ”.
When we receive and Believe IN Christ we get a “mind of Christ” and it all starts to make sense. Through the Holy Spirit we “get it”.
“This does not mean every believer has equal spiritual wisdom. And it does not mean we will understand all spiritual mysteries. It does mean every believer can understand the basics of the Christian message, which is unattainable (and undesirable) by human wisdom.” – David Guzik ====================================================== 1Cor2:15 The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man’s judgment:
“Paul is not saying that every Christian is above every criticism (after all, much of this letter is criticism). The point is clear: no natural man is equipped to judge a spiritual man.” – David Guzik
Perhaps Bob Deffingbaugh is right – that this is a compare and contrast verse. The spiritual man is able to appraise and understand the belief system and the position of the non-believer. Yet the reverse is not true. An unsaved person cannot understand the belief system and the position of a “believer”.
Seems like a Catch-22, yet God wants us to understand and provides a method for understanding. All it takes is: “WHOMSOEVER WILL”.
Old Testament – Today we begin the book of the priest & scribe Ezra!
Author: Ezra Date: Fifth century B.C. Content: The book of Ezra deals with the return of the Israelites to the land of Palestine after their captivity in Babylon. After describing first the return and how the work on the Temple was begun, the author tells us the problems that arose. After a great deal of trouble and early failure, the Temple was finally finished and rededicated to the glory of God. The ministry of Ezra is described in some detail, stressing the intercession that he made to God for the wayward people of the restored community. Theme: When the people of Israel returned home they saw this as the fulfillment of the promise of God. God had said he would never abandon his people, and although they were judged for their sin, God never stopped loving them. That God should care for the world to this degree is the deepest of mysteries. God desires our worship in return for his love, however. This may be seen in that he sent the prophets Haggai and Zechariah to speed the rebuilding of the Temple after the people, in discouragement, had ceased to work upon it. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 8) More commentary on Ezra is at this link: https://bible.org/article/book-ezra
Bible Project: Here is a terrific video overview of the book of Ezra!
New Testament – Today in First Corinthians 1 verse 18 we read – “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” What does this verse say to you? Does it speak to you in any way? What is the message of the cross? What does the message of the cross mean to you personally? Is it foolishness? Or, is it the power of God? I don’t know what it is about this verse, but it really is so powerful for me. I think that it brings the Gospel message back to the central point in time in history – Jesus on the cross. And what Jesus did on the cross changed everything. Jesus changed history. The power of the cross is such that Jesus continues to change things this very moment. He is changing you. He is changing me. To us who are being saved, is the message of the cross literally the power of God? Do you meditate upon the cross regularly and meditate upon what the message of the cross truly is? Are you sharing the message of the cross with others in your life?
Below are two wonderful images for verses 27 and 30 & 31 courtesy of hearlight.org (link on the menu to the left):
Psalms – I love verse 11 today – “Teach me how to live, O LORD. Lead me along the path of honesty.” Teach me how to live… what a beautiful prayer! God – Teach us how to live! Lead us along the path of honesty! Teach us how to live… And Psalm 27 verse 14 today is wonderful for us to meditate upon: “Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.” Is there an area of your life where you feel like you are waiting for the Lord to show up? Do you believe that the Lord will show up? I pray that this Psalm will encourage within you the virtue of patience. The Lord will show up. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.
Proverbs – Proverbs 20 verse 22 today teaches us: “Don’t say, “I will get even for this wrong.” Wait for the Lord to handle the matter.” This is a great reminder that Justice is not for us to carry out. Justice is the Lord’s!
Worship Video: Today’s readings in First Corinthians reminds me of the Jeremy Camp song, “The Answer:”
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today:“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that the message of the cross is the power of God in your life through your saving faith in Jesus Christ. Pray for those in your family, your friends, and others you know who feel that the message of the cross is foolishness. Pray that they won’t eternally perish.
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.
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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS: (our Group Bible Study is below! : )
======= Ramona:
Ezra 1:1-2:70
THE KING’S heart is in the hand of the Lord, as are the watercourses; He turns it whichever way He wills. (Proverbs 21:1 AMP)
There is no other explanation for this seemingly coincidental event. Even with the world warring, nation against nation, peoples against peoples, God is Sovereign no matter what man thinks.
These are those who came from Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Kerub, Addon, and Immer. They weren’t able to prove their ancestry, whether they were true Israelites or not: Delaiah, Tobiah, and Nekoda, 652 in all. Likewise with these priestly families: Hobaiah, Hakkoz, and Barzillai, who had married a daughter of Barzillai the Gileadite and took that name. They had thoroughly searched for their family records but couldn’t find them. And so they were barred from priestly work as ritually unclean. (Ezra 2:59-62 MSG)
If the Old Testament was written as examples for us to follow, and in regard to error, not follow, then we should be showing due diligence in picking leaders, and a leader is really anyone who is seen by the congregation, from the volunteers who clean the bathrooms to the ushers and if big enough, the people who facilitate parking.
I Corinthians 1:18-2:5
The wisdom the word calls wisdom is nothing but folly and foolishness. Outside of the Mind of God, apart from the salvation of Jesus Christ, there is no wisdom. It is a powerful thing when believers filter the education they have received in school through the lens of the gospel.
Psalm 27:7-14
You have said, Seek My face [inquire for and require My presence as your vital need]. My heart says to You, Your face (Your presence), Lord, will I seek, inquire for, and require [of necessity and on the authority of Your Word]. (Psa 27:8 AMP)
The above verse excites me. God wants to be in vital union with me, he wants to carry on a conversation with me. This is so exciting because I know that the creator of the universe has time and wants to spend time with me so that we can have sweet fellowship in our relationship as Father-daughter, as Master-servant, and as Redeemer-and the-one-delivered. I have not spoken in secret, in a corner of the land of darkness; I did not call the descendants of Jacob [to a fruitless service], saying, Seek Me for nothing [but I promised them a just reward]. I, the Lord, speak righteousness (the truth–trustworthy, straightforward correspondence between deeds and words); I declare things that are right. [John 18:20.] (Isa 45:19 AMP)
Now without faith it is impossible to please him, for the one who approaches God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. (Heb 11:6 NET.)
Proverbs 20:20-23
One of the problems with seeking our own vengeance is that it ties us to the sin and the person who committed the sin against us. Focusing on a wrong, plants our feet deep into the soil of bitterness and grudges and we become immovable, failing to take hold of what God has for us. Freedom means letting go of past hurts and moving on. Besides, God can “pay back” the person in such a way that you can never ever think dream up in your wildest imagination.
My example:
I entered college when I was thirty-five as a single never married black parent of two, and on welfare. I had just begun to explore the scriptures and who God was to me three years before the incident I am about to describe. I don’t believe at the time I could truly say I was a Christian. In doing the paperwork to transfer my credits from a two-year school to a four year school, I found myself in a small elevator heading toward the Financial Aid Office when the elevator stopped and two professors deep in conversation get in. They had come from a pre-semester faculty meeting I guessed because they were lamenting the school accepting more “minority” students and how it would lower the standards.
Because they were deep in conversation, they didn’t see me or acknowledge my presence until with horror I said excuse me to exit the elevator when I got to my floor. I saw the anguish on their faces and said, “Oops, too late,” and walked off. There was a battle going on within me to a) report them, b) curse them out or c) ignore them. I chose “c.”
Fast forward, thee years latter and two months before my graduation with honors and 5 awards, I was leaving the school when I stopped to chat with security. Also speaking with security was a man truly distressed. He was scheduled to teach a required Freshman Math Class and the department had changed the book. His yellowed notes for the text they had always used were now unless. I asked him if could I look at the first chapter and saw it was all about “Sets.” I said, “O, this is easy,” and immediately proceeded to give this man in distress some pointers on how he might teach the class, said good-by and left the building. As I walked down the street, the memory of the elevator incident flashed before me and I laughed. The professor who had voiced the complaint about minorities had just received a math lesson from that which he feared, a minority. I hadn’t remembered the incident nor carried it with bitterness through my years of study there. I had absolutely forgotten the elevator encounter, until God brought it back to me.
Today it stands as a reminder to me about my own propensity to pre-judge.
Grace and peace, Ramona
====== Deepak:
Dear,
Today verses feels me that this is particularly for me, because i am 50% in the way of jesus, balance 50% i am trying to be but i can’t,waiting for the GOD grace to getstrengthto follow jesus so iam waitig for a long time, The photo and the verses mentioned above makes me feel that this message isexclusive for me from the Lord. I having a passion that i am with Jesus(jesus is my best friend, my father, my mother my relative, my neighbour and my all).
Thanks Deepak.
====== Kristie:
Hi Deepak, are you new to this blog? I have been gone for a while and this is my first day back reading this blog. Maybe you could explain more by what you mean that you are waiting for Jesus and that you are 50% there. Tell us what it is like in India as well!
I am just back from a Central Asia, and the list of returning exiles in Ezra 2 reminds me of what it is showing others the pictures of the people I met….can anyone understand what these people mean to me? Or are they just faces.
This list in Ezra 2 is like this. All these families are important to God and they are returning home! They speak of God’s faithfulness. But do we just see it as a list of names of people who don’t matter to us?
Just a thought.
Kristie
====== Emma:
Hi there everyone!
Well, this comment isn’t specific to today’s readings, but it’s something that I continue to be challenged by as I read the Old Testament. Like in 1 Samuel 28, Samuel tells Saul that he has lost favour with God because, (verse 18) he did not “obey the Lord or carry out his fierce wrath against the Amalekites”. I continue to be challenged by occasions in the Bible when we read that God has commanded others to kill for him, such as in this passage – it says in the Ten Commandments that this is forbidden. Yet on more than one occasion, it seems as if God wants this to happen?? Sorry if this is a real obvious question, but it’s an objection that I often find among non Christians, and I always find it hard to answer when I’m not too sure myself!
Thanks everyone, I love reading all your comments!
Emma
====== Jenny:
I love 1 Corith. 1:18: “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” As I engage in conversations with others, I see many ppl who truly think the gospel is foolish…I cant understand that reasoning!! The power of Christ is my life source in every sense! I am freed from the bondage of sin, I am allowed to have rest and peace inside that I longed for all my life, I finally have it! I am forgiven, I am now able to forgive others, I am free from bitterness and anger. I tried for years to get that peace on my own. I tried to change on my own. But the power of Christ in one’s life can truly transform lives. I cant even write down all the wonderful ways the Lord Jesus has rescued me. Not just in this life, but eternally…I’m putting my soul in His hands and I dont want my life, heart or soul in any one else’s! I’ve recently been in conversations with atheists and other nonbelievers and the thought of the gospel is ridiculous to them…honestly, that shocked me. Even when I was rebellious, living for myself, I never thought that way, I always knew deep down what Christ did, tho I didnt fully understand or receieve it at that time. I love v. 25: “Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” Amen!! You can bet your life on that!! Human wisdom is complete rubbish! Like I shared before in a philosphy class I took years ago, God allowed me to feel what nonbelievers did, the confusion and weight that I couldnt bare…it was a taste of what nonbelievers live with. It was awful!!!!! I RAN to the Lord! I love His peace, rest, TRUTH. So many ppl claim to be looking for truth, but are they really? There is absolute truth, its in Christ Jesus and once you drink of the living water you will never thirst again! I THANK the Lord Jesus for not giving up on me! he is soooo good!! I cant understand why everyone doesnt want that assurance. Not only in this life but the assurance of salvation. Well one thing is for sure, the devil is working overtime in these last days.
Proverbs. How many times have I sought to get revenge in my heart only to have the Lord remind me its not my place! when I act in vengeance, i regret it…because I have sinned against God, I cant say it doesnt feel good to “get even”. But I have never regretted NOT seeking revenge. Its much harder to walk away. Ihear ppl all the time talking about how they got in a fight or cussed someone out and they act so proud. I just think to myself, why are they proud of that? its easy to lose your temper and act like a jerk, haha. Because being a jerk comes naturally to us, our sinful nature. Its much much harder to go against our nature. I feel its commendable to do so, and its pleasing to the Lord who not only sees my actions but my heart. When God says, Let it go! I better!
Psalms v.3 “I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.” I cant even tell you what this means to me! I know this all too well…i have come so close, in the past, to losing heart in this world. God has been gracious to me! v.14. “Wait on the Lord”. A very valuable lesson God is teaching me. …I think this is a hard one for everyone, because by nature, we dont like to wait…but it is good to trust in God. Everything I waited for has been well worth the wait!
Jenny
======= Lori:
John, Ramona, and Vance,
I know I have addressed you before, but I cannot tell you how much you each influence my life. Just today, you all shared something personal about your lives. Thank you for the blessing you give by sharing your wisdom and hearts.
Lori
====== Carli:
“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise;God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong”…how powerful is that? That just changed my whole perspective…what a way to look at life and God in a new and fresh way. He never stops amazing me. He’s ways are not our ways and His thoughts are so much higher than our own…it just remindes me how much Ive grown and still how much I have to go…He’s so amazing. It just reminds me that he uses the little things that we take for granted or the things we disregard God uses it all for His glory and to achieve His purpose and His plan.
Carli
====== Greg:
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18 NIV The way I see it the people of the world live in a two-dimensional world and believers live in a three-dimensional world. The people of the world can not understand things of the three-dimensional world. They have no concept, no understanding, literally no depth to understanding it. Believers that are of the three-dimensional world totally get it because it is so clear. They see from a different perspective.
Greg
====== Art:
What a great example from Proverbs you provided, Ramona, by your own personal experience!
Your life experiences, your thoughts, and especially your heart for God have been a true example and inspiration to us. We thank God for your sharing in ministry to us.
Art
====== Joyce:
Mike, Thank you for your encouragement and reminder in 8/4’s blog! i was having some difficulties catching up on my daily bible reading. Appreciate very much how you compare reading God’s Word to eating meals. Indeed we will not stop eating meals, or allow our kids to stop eating meals. How could we not take in God’s Word regularly? Time flies, it’s already August! One of the biggest blessings in my life this year, is to come across this blog, to follow along (by God’s grace), and to read the comments/feedbacks from brothers and sisters. Thank you Mike! Thank you all of you! May God continue to use this blog to encourage, remind, correct, and bless many, bringing many closer to Him!
Sincerely, Joyce
====== Russ:
I like how Paul says even if God were weak, he would be stronger than us.
Russ
====== Becky:
I needed this study today. I just found your site. Psalm 27:14 and Proverbs 20:22 spoke to my heart. I am going through something now even though it is hard I must wait on the Lord and let Him take care of the problem.
Becky
====== Renee:
I love how Paul’s humility and words leave you with Christ’s power as the main focus…period. Jesus is most important.
1 Cor. 2 – 5 And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.[c] 2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. 4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, 5 so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.
Renee
====== Nancy:
Ramona thank you for sharing your story. I do believe God has a wonderful sense of humor & He shared it with you in that memory. ☝️✝️
Nancy
====== Dee:
I love getting to a new level and book. I finished 2 Chronicles yesterday (didn’t get to post, website error amd was down) but read and now onto Ezra. The ruling of Nevuchadnezzar taken Israel captive and rebuilding of temple.
Now onto 1 Corinthians.. I love how the Lord uses the weak to confound the wise. There are so many no it all’s that think the world would stop if they weren’t running it. It’s crazy. How foolishness a mindset. God uses those inexperienced that rely on him to say I got ya!!
I am waiting Lord..you know patience has never been my virtue..but I see things being fulfilled that I have waited on and I see that I am still waiting and you know what it us okay. God you are so good!
Dee
======= John:
1Cor1
1Cor1:18 “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” NIV
It has been only 2+ years since I was saved. I remember what I used to think about the Bible prior to April 2004: – for the weak – someone who needs a crutch in life – fairy tales, nice moral stories, antiquated. All this with having never read the Bible.
Got tired of having to fend off agressive Christians – so decided to prove the Bible contradictory or in error. Read atheist websites ridiculing Bible and Christian Apologetic responses. Tried to find bible errors on my own. I could not.
Then one night (actually sat up in bed), and thought – ‘What if its true?’. If God created universe, can’t He have a book? Doesn’t matter how it came about- councils, ancient texts, scribes, etc. Why can’t the Creator of Universe have a book to reveal Himself and His plan to mankind?
So decided to change perspective and read the Bible as if it is the Truth. I was advised to just read Gospel of John and Romans over and over. Romans was tough – and did not really get it – (Hence why I did a commentary last month on Romans – If I could explain it in writing, then it would internalize).
But Gospel of John “I got”. Read it a few times, checked some archaelogical data, some historical facts, listened to a few commentaries and movies on gospel – and WOW!
If this was true, then Jesus the Son of God and John the writer were saying some pretty radical stuff. Stuff that was not talked about in my Catholic upbringing (1960’s). Born from above (again)? Receive Him and Believe in Him is all it took? Verifying Old Testament as pointing to Him (thereby its importance)? If you reject Him, then you are lost?
Well, it became decision time, and I have told that story before in other posts.
But what changed?
How did I go from thinking the Bible was foolish, to taking it seriously as the message and power of God?
John 6:44 “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day.” NIV
Can only say, ‘God was drawing me to Him’. I was giving an honest effort to disprove the Bible, and kept thinking – these Christian Apologists are pretty persuasive. Then when I decided to stop trying to disprove the Bible and read it as if it were “true”, it was as if I had put on a different set of glasses. Things made sense. No changes in me – reading comprehension ,intelligence, vocabulary all the same, but…. God had removed my “blinders” to reveal Himself and His plan to me.
Since then, have talked to the wise, the scholars and philosophers (plenty of those in a college town), other religious types (non-Christian) about the Gospel and what happened to me. Sadly, most just want to argue the minutae. They don’t get the big picture, or even try to see it.
Mankind wants to come up with the answer. Mankind wants to figure it out, with mankind figuring into the picture somehow. The “foolishness” they cannot accept is Mankind plays no part in God’s solution. I often tell these people, “It is not so much if I am right, but what if you are wrong? You owe it to yourself to look at this more intensely and with honesty.”
Meanwhile, I figure God put them in my life for a reason. Put them on prayer list and Pray for God to continue drawing them, and for Him to take their “blinders” off so they can see the “message and power of God”.
John
====== John:
Foolishness
In 1Cor Paul uses foolishness a lot. I know most understand that it is the perceived “foolishness” by man as per verse 18.
Just like the perceived “weakness” of Christ on the cross is wrong when viewed in terms of the Ressurection. ====================================================== 1Cor1:27-29 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.” NIV
“God isn’t saying that it is better to be foolish or uneducated. Rather, He is saying that the world’s wisdom and education does not bring us salvation in Jesus Christ. “In putting the strong and wise and great to shame, God does not exalt the weak and uneducated and worthless, but brings all of them down to one common level.” (Calvin)
“God has called the weak and ignorant first, but not exclusively; shepherds first, then wise men; fishermen first, then the educated (like Paul, who was himself an educated man).” – David Guzik
“The ancient Christians were for the most part slaves and men of low station; the whole history of the expansion of the church is in reality a progressive victory of the ignorant over the learned, the lowly over the lofty, until the emperor himself laid down his crown before the cross of Christ.” (Alford, quoting Olshausen)
John
====== John:
Ezra1&2
Power was off yesterday due to a storm – so I am reposting link on Cyrus for those with an interest.
Cyrus
There is extra-biblical evidence that Cyrus was aware of the prophecies. The first-century Jewish writer Flavius Josephus wrote:
…by reading the book which left behind of his prophecies; for this prophet said that God had spoken thus to him in a secret vision “My will is, that Cyrus, whom I have appointed to be king over many and great nations, send back my people to their own land, and build my temple.” Accordingly, when Cyrus read this, and admired the divine power, an earnest desire and ambition seized upon him to fulfil what was so written. (Flavius Josephus, Antiquities, xi, Chapt. 1-2) http://www.templemount.org/secondtmp.html
I did some quick looking up but was not real successful.
Estimates of total number of Jews taken captive to Babylon range from 10,000 – 18,000.
The roughly 50,000 who returned were labelled as a “minority” of the Jewish Population in Babylon after 70 years. I always thought roughly 50,000 left and 50,000 remained in Babylon – but cannot find the “remaining” number anywhere.
The estimates of actual number returning here in EZRA including women and children are 120,000 to 130,000.
Reasons given for Jews who decided to remain in Babylon was lifestyle and freedoms were pleasant enough that they did not want to go back.
Jewish Encyclopedia mentions that in the Ezra group only people who could prove their genealogies (Jewish ancestral line) were allowed in the band. If so, apparently some people got lax on keeping up with the “family tree” while in Babylon.
In the end, I am reminded that approximatley 2,000,000 Jews came in from the Wilderness to Canaan, the hundreds of thousands of fighting men that were given in census’ in past readings, and growth of the nation over time – yet……
this was it. A remnant. Not as bad as Noah’s eight, but this is what is left of the Nation of Israel after incurring God’s Judgment.
John
====== John:
Ezra1&2
Cyrus
There is extra-biblical evidence that Cyrus was aware of the prophecies. The first-century Jewish writer Flavius Josephus wrote:
…by reading the book which left behind of his prophecies; for this prophet said that God had spoken thus to him in a secret vision “My will is, that Cyrus, whom I have appointed to be king over many and great nations, send back my people to their own land, and build my temple.” Accordingly, when Cyrus read this, and admired the divine power, an earnest desire and ambition seized upon him to fulfil what was so written. (Flavius Josephus, Antiquities, xi, Chapt. 1-2) http://www.templemount.org/secondtmp.html
Theme: God saving a remnant – like He alweays does in the Bible. Lesson of true worship to the Creator of the universe and the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will be learned.
Estimates of total number of Jews taken captive to Babylon range from 10,000 – 18,000.
The roughly 50,000 who returned were labelled as a “minority” of the Jewish Population in Babylon after 70 years. My understanding is the 50,000 were out of a population of 2,000,000+ Jews in Babylon.
The estimates of actual number returning here in EZRA including women and children are 120,000 to 130,000.
Reasons given for Jews who decided to remain in Babylon was lifestyle and freedoms were pleasant enough that they did not want to go back.
[Note: I tink there is a picture of salvation here. If God did not draw people to Him, none would choose God on their own. None would be saved. Here God drew His people (the remnant) to Him – without God touching their heart none would have left Babylon to return to the “Promised Land”:
“.. —everyone whose heart God had moved—prepared to go up and build the house of the LORD in Jerusalem.” Ezraq 1:5b]
In the end, I am reminded that approximatley 2,000,000 Jews came in from the Wilderness to Canaan, the hundreds of thousands of fighting men that were given in census’ in past readings, and growth of the nation over time – yet……
this was it. A remnant. Not as bad as Noah’s eight, but this is what is left of the Nation of Israel after incurring God’s Judgment.
Ezra 2
Why the List?
God is a God of great detail. In addition, I believe it is meant to show the many different facets of Israel that went back, the details were important for land rights, for worship, and so that we do not just think ‘Oh 50,000 faceless people trekked back to Israel.’
These people were individuals, flesh and blood, who were going back to an area that had been devastated by the Babylonians.
John
====== John:
1Cor1
1Cor1:18 “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” NIV
To those perishing (non-believers) the message of the cross is foolish – silly. Man without God is a totally worthless being whose only value lies in the possibility that that divine life can be reinstated in him by God. We have no value??? Are you kidding me? I did not see it until I asked God to show me the truth, and the non-believer will never see it until his heart is softened and he/she seeks out God.
“But to us who are being saved, the cross is the key to the release of all God’s blessing in human life. It is the way to experience the healing of God in the heart, the deliverance from the reign of sin, and the entry into wholeness, peace, and joy. The cross is an inescapable part of that process.” [Ray Stedman] ================================================================================= Wisdom of the World
The Bible is not against knowledge. God encourages the pursuit of knowledge. Knowledge is the discovery of truth.
Wisdom is the “use of truth”. this is where mankind gets all screwed up. If mankind is in rebellion, and our backs are turned to God, then how can we include God in our interpretation of truth. We can’t. And if God exists (and he does) then man’s wisdom misses the mark.
That is why mankind repeats the mistakes of History. Why mankind has never gotten anything, on a large scale and over time correct: ex. Government, Social projects, Peace, environmental stuff, man-made religions etc. We don’t get it because overall mankind tries to figure it out on our own.
Man wants signs from God, or sophisticated debate and ways to validate our goodness. God just says: Here is the cross! Take it or leave it. that is the miracle you are looking for, and that is the way to validate yourself – only through Christ.
Mankind does not get it and never will. Only individuals who God draws and are saved can comprehend the wisdom of God. ================================================================================= Foolish is used a little differently at end of the chapter:
1Cor1:27-29 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.” NIV
“God isn’t saying that it is better to be foolish or uneducated. Rather, He is saying that the world’s wisdom and education does not bring us salvation in Jesus Christ. “In putting the strong and wise and great to shame, God does not exalt the weak and uneducated and worthless, but brings all of them down to one common level.” (Calvin)
“God has called the weak and ignorant first, but not exclusively; shepherds first, then wise men; fishermen first, then the educated (like Paul, who was himself an educated man).” – David Guzik
“The ancient Christians were for the most part slaves and men of low station; the whole history of the expansion of the church is in reality a progressive victory of the ignorant over the learned, the lowly over the lofty, until the emperor himself laid down his crown before the cross of Christ.” (Alford, quoting Olshausen)
John
====== Vance:
I CORINTHIANS 1
Verse 30 (NEW KING JAMES VERSION
But of Him (i.e., God the Father) you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption—
Verse 30 (Amplified Bible)
But it is from Him that you have your life in Christ Jesus, Whom God made our Wisdom from God, [revealed to us a knowledge of the divine plan of salvation previously hidden, manifesting itself as] our Righteousness [thus making us upright and putting us in right standing with God], and our Consecration [making us pure and holy], and our Redemption [providing our ransom from eternal penalty for sin].
~~~~~~ PSALM 27
10 Even if my father and mother abandon me, the LORD will hold me close. ~~~~~~~
Psalm 27:10 is a very special verse to me personally as my mother did, in fact, choose not to be a part of our family. I thank God every day for my father, a single parent, who raised me. Now, I pray often that my father will trust in the Lord Jesus and become my brother in Christ !
That way, we can not only share human life (my father literally was the only link to being my immediate family), but the riches of spiritual life as well !
His name is Will (Wilbur) Brown.
Note, the wonderful riches we ALREADY have in Christ… which Jesus HAS ALREADY PAID FOR !
Are we living and experiencing who Christ is IN US and who we are IN CHRIST ?
“Christ in you is the certain, guaranteed hope of glory” Colossians 1:27
Vance
====== Vance:
PSALM 27 (NEW LIVING TRANSLATION)
7 Listen to my pleading, O LORD. Be merciful and answer me!
8 My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.”
And my heart responds, “LORD, I am coming.”
* Notice the HUGE additional DEPTH of meaning of these verses in the Amplified Bible.
Note this information explaining the Amplified Bible:
The Amplified Bible takes both word meaning and context into account in order to accurately translate the original text from one language into another. The Amplified Bible does this through the use of explanatory alternate readings and amplifications to assist the reader in understanding what Scripture really says.
PSALM 27 (AMPLIFIED BIBLE)
7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud; have mercy and be gracious to me and answer me! 8 You have said, Seek My face
==> [inquire for and require My presence as your vital need].
My heart says to You, Your face ==> (Your presence), Lord,
==> will I seek, inquire for, ==> and require [of necessity and on the authority of Your Word].
WOW ! The Amplified Bible really adds EXCELLENT ATTITUDES of: a) trust of the human heart b) intensity of worship
I know that a few of you reading this are behind on our readings. If you fall too far behind in our readings, please don’t get discouraged! Just skip ahead to today’s readings and start keeping pace with us once again. I don’t want you to stop reading the Bible just because you feel like you’re so far behind. It’s kind of like if you fell behind in eating a meal. You wouldn’t stop eating meals would you? Of course not. We need food. And likewise, we critically need the spiritual food the Bible offers us. So, please, don’t just read these blogs and not read the Bible. . . 🙂 Skip ahead to today’s readings and jump back on board with us! Aren’t you hungry for God’s food?
Old Testament – Today we wrap up Second Chronicles. Ezra begins tomorrow!
New Testament – Today we begin Paul’s first letter to the church in Corinth!
First Corinthians Author: Paul the apostle Place: Ephesus Date: A.D. 55 Content: Paul had established a church in the Greek city of Corinth on his second missionary journey (see Acts 18:1-8), but things had gone very badly after his departure. He felt it necessary to write them concerning the many problems that had arisen. They were challenging his apostleship, abusing the Lord’s Supper, wondering about eating meat sacrificed to idols, going to court against one another, condoning immorality, denying the resurrection, arguing about marriage – to name a few of the problems. Paul felt that he had to deal with the situation, lest everything in Corinth fall to pieces. As Paul more or less systematically goes through these problems, he touches upon many of the fundamental teachings of the faith. Theme: Paul’s major purpose in writing this letter was to correct some glaring abuses in the church at Corinth, showing the importance of how we live. It is not enough to say that we are Christians; we must also act like Christians. Not to do so is to bring dishonor upon the name of Christ. Paul also stresses the all-sufficiency of Christ for the believer. In Christ we are made pure, holy, and acceptable to God. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 24-25)
Psalms – Psalm 27 verse 1 is so powerful: “The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” How is the Lord your light and salvation today? How is the Lord your stronghold? Are you afraid of anything?
Proverbs – Proverbs 20 verse 20 today teaches us: “If you curse your father or mother, the lamp of your life will be snuffed out.” This is a great reminder to honor your father & mother! How have you learned to honor your father & mother in your life? Have there been blessings because you have honored them?
Worship Video: Today’s readings reminds me of Josiah Queen’s song “Dusty Bibles:”
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today:“If you curse your father or mother, your lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.” Proverbs 20:20 TNIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you won’t curse your father or mother. Pray that you will honor your father and mother. Pray for your father and mother.
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:
II Chronicles 35-36:23
I wonder what the priests did, the ones assigned to carry the Ark, when Solomon built and dedicated the temple and it had a permanent resting place for it? Did they just hang out at the Temple when it was their time to carry the Ark they no longer carried? Spiritual unemployment is probably more deadly and dangerous then being unemployed in a career or the job one has chosen.
For all the years that the Ark set in the Temple, no one until Josiah, realized they could be doing something else, like help the people worship the God they had been designated to serve. Am I endanger of falling into spiritual unemployment?
Reading about Josiah’s unprovoked endeavor to go to war against King Neco who was at war, but not with Judea, reminded me of the following Proverb,
He who, passing by, stops to meddle with strife that is none of his business is like one who takes a dog by the ears. (Pro 26:17 AMP)
Josiah took the dog by the ears and eventually he had to let go … Wasn’t a pretty picture.
I Corinthians 1:1-17
Loaded down with gifts but still acting like little children, loaded down with the favor of God, yet forming groups to try to one-up the other group affiliated with that other guy. Think Paul’s warning only applies to the church at Corinth think again. Our value does not come from which Theologian, Preacher/Teacher we follow or which edifice we attend and call a church, but our value is given to us by the saving work done by Jesus Christ on the Cross.
Psalm 27:1-6
The LORD is my light and my salvation– so why should I be afraid? The LORD protects me from danger– so why should I tremble?
If I gave the Lord, then nothing should frighten me, if I am in a dangerous situation, why shudder. It just occurred to me that if I have fear and I am trembling at danger, I have made a choice, consciously unconsciously, to leave God and Jesus Christ out of the picture. That is not a good thing; it is a dangerous thing.
Proverbs 20:20-21
Maybe I’m making a big stretch, but the twenty-first verse speaks of inheritance. We usually, or should I say I usually here the word inheritance and think someone died and left something to someone and it usually isn’t me. I see inheritance as something passed on at the death of someone on the earth but I’ve never really applied it to what Jesus did on the Cross.
At Jesus’ death, he left an inheritance for those who call upon his name. Really, He left it for the whole world but to receive it something must be done,
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (Rom 10:9 KJV)
In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: (Eph 1:11 KJVR)
Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. (Eph 1:14 KJVR)
The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, (Eph 1:18 KJVR)
There are many scriptures that tell of the Believer’s inheritance and many have probably tried to appropriate what has been given to them to early, like the Prodigal Son. Just like him we take what has been given to us without first understanding its value, then we waste it. But when we come back to our “right mind,” the Father accepts us again even when we come back in the mindset of a servant.
Grace and peace, Ramona
====== Vance:
What a great way to demonstrate Christ as we serve others by helping meet the need for the starving children… in Jesus’ Name!
2 Chronicles 35 25 The prophet Jeremiah composed funeral songs for Josiah, and to this day choirs still sing these sad songs about his death. These songs of sorrow have become a tradition and are recorded in The Book of Laments.
God will always honor those who love and honor Him… even if those in the world or those who are among God’s people who have the mindset of the world mock.
2 Chronicles 36 14 All the leaders of the priests and the people became more and more unfaithful. They followed the pagan practices of the surrounding nations, desecrating the Temple of the LORD in Jerusalem.
What were the pagan practices of the nations? This has a practical effect today, not just for our personal lives, but for our modern culture as well. I am referring to the so-called “scholarly” book entitled “The DaVinci Code” written by Dan Brown. There are many claims made in the book. However, if one carefully looks at the sources the author Dan Brown quotes from, many of the sources are not credible.
One of the points Dan Brown emphasizes in his book is that Jesus was never seen as more than man, and that the Church supposedly suppressed all documents that did not agree with their view that Jesus is God. Also, Mr. Brown emphasizes that Mary Magdalene was the “chalice” for the blood of Christ, and that she carried seed. Dan Brown then quotes from dubious sources that the seed of Christ is still on the earth today in France!
However, one of the most shocking points he emphasizes is the concept of the truth of female goddesses which, supposedly, Jesus was affirming—and which the Church (being male chauvinists) rejected.
So…God’s Word is ALWAYS relevent: In I Samuel 7, Samuel urged Israel to repent:
3 Then Samuel said to all the house of Israel, If you are returning to the Lord with all your hearts, then
** put away the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth [female deities] from among you
** and direct your hearts to the Lord and serve Him only,
and He will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.
4 So the Israelites put away the Baals and the Ashtaroth, and served the Lord only. 5 Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpah and I will pray to the Lord for you.
God will ALWAYS come through in His time and way as we seek Him first!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
20 The few who survived were taken away to Babylon, and they became servants to the king and his sons until the kingdom of Persia came to power.
21 So the message of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah was fulfilled. The land finally enjoyed its Sabbath rest, lying desolate for seventy years, just as the prophet had said.
These verses include the taking of Daniel and his friends. Even when people forsaking God and even in the fiercest heat of God’s judgment against sin—God preserves a remnant of precious jewels of those who love and worship Him with pure hearts.
And these jewels of faith and faithfulness, rooted in the God Himself, then save the entire people of God!
So… the choices you and I make TODAY… WILL affect your descendants and others around you.
Thank God that He is faithful, and that He will ALWAYS fulfill His Word!
God IS ALWAYS faithful. However, we ARE NOT ALWAYS faithful to His commitment to His Word.
Even in our weakness, we can call on the Lord Jesus, and He will strengthen us!
I Corinthians 1 7 Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8 He will keep you strong right up to the end, and he will keep you free from all blame on the great day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. 9 God will surely do this for you, for he always does just what he says, and he is the one who invited you into this wonderful friendship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
These last verses make me think of one of the greatest promises God has made in His Word (Amplified):
Hebrews 10 23 So let us seize and hold fast and retain without wavering the [c]hope we cherish and confess and our acknowledgement of it, for He Who promised is reliable (sure) and faithful to His word.
I Thessalonians 5 23 And may the God of peace Himself sanctify you through and through [separate you from profane things, make you pure and wholly consecrated to God]; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved sound and complete [and found] blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah). 24 Faithful is He Who is calling you [to Himself] and utterly trustworthy, and He will also do it [fulfill His call by hallowing and keeping you].
Vance
====== John:
Cyrus
There is extra-biblical evidence that Cyrus was aware of the prophecies. The first-century Jewish writer Flavius Josephus wrote:
…by reading the book which left behind of his prophecies; for this prophet said that God had spoken thus to him in a secret vision “My will is, that Cyrus, whom I have appointed to be king over many and great nations, send back my people to their own land, and build my temple.” Accordingly, when Cyrus read this, and admired the divine power, an earnest desire and ambition seized upon him to fulfil what was so written. (Flavius Josephus, Antiquities, xi, Chapt. 1-2) http://www.templemount.org/secondtmp.html
Not included: Population at Paul’s time around 400,000. Large temple dedicated to Venus (Aphrodite), staffed with 1,000 temple prostitutes.
“The Corinthian people were also world known: for partying, drunkenness, and loose sexual morals. The term Korinthiazomai was well known in the Roman Empire and it meant literally “to live like a Corinthian.” But everyone knew it really meant “to be sexually out of control.” “Aelian, the late Greek writer, tells us that if ever a Corinthian was shown upon the stage in a Greek play he was shown drunk.” (Barclay) ====================================================== In his “Thanksgiving” I am struck by Paul reaffirming that God has bestowed the grace, through Him you are enriched, He will make sure (keep you strong), and a reminder: our God is a Faithful God.
It is all through God, and one of the passages that leads me to believe we cannot lose salvation. ====================================================== Unity is again the theme. With approximately 200 Christians amongst a population of 400,000 – there must be a lot of outside distractions. The last thing that is needed is discord amongst the “believers”.
I wonder if the “I follow Christ” crowd were being referred to as perhaps the “sanctimonius” bunch??? Thinking of themselves too good to mix with others??? [just thinking out loud]
They were (as we are) to stick to the Gospel – that is what we are unified about – Jesus Christ. The words of Paul, Peter and Apollos may have differed but there message was the same.
John
====== Jan:
I’m so glad some of you commented on King Josiah going to war against King Neco.I was looking forward to Mike commenting on this (2 Chron. 35:22).Am I understanding correctly that God spoke to Neco, who is a non-believer?
Jan
====== Vance:
2 Chronicles 35 (NKJV) 18 There had been no Passover kept in Israel like that since the days of Samuel the prophet; and none of the kings of Israel had kept such a Passover as Josiah kept, with the priests and the Levites, all Judah and Israel who were present, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 19 In the eighteenth year of the reign of Josiah this Passover was kept.
NOTE: See the beauty of community as each group, each person fulfilled their proper roles in joyous celebration of the Lord’s deliverance. Out of joy they helped each other worship God with reverence.
It must have been a beautiful sight to behold.
2 Chronicles 35 (NKJV) 20 After all this, when Josiah had prepared the temple, Necho king of Egypt came up to fight against Carchemish by the Euphrates; and Josiah went out against him. 21 But he sent messengers to him, saying, “What have I to do with you, king of Judah? I have not come against you this day, but against the house with which I have war; for God commanded me to make haste. Refrain from meddling with God, who is with me, lest He destroy you.”
NOTE It is puzzling why King Josiah meddled in the affairs of Necho king of Egypt. It was not Josiah’s battle, nor did Necho king of Egypt want to fight Josiah.
Perhaps (this is only my opinion) this was God’s way of sparing Josiah so that God could fulfill the promise He had made to Josiah in 2 Chronicles 34 (NKJV): 27 because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before God when you heard His words against this place and against its inhabitants, and you humbled yourself before Me, and you tore your clothes and wept before Me, I also have heard you,” says the LORD. 28 “Surely I will gather you to your fathers, and you shall be gathered to your grave in peace; and your eyes shall not see all the calamity which I will bring on this place and its inhabitants.”’” So they brought back word to the king. ~~~
OR… Josiah could have lived longer by living with more wisdom. Foolishness can end a life early.
Perhaps Josiah could have had an opportunity to glorify God longer and lead the people of Israel deeper into the goodness of the Lord. ~~~
2 Chronicles 36 (NKJV) 20 And those who escaped from the sword he carried away to Babylon, where they became servants to him and his sons until the rule of the kingdom of Persia, 21 to fulfill the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her Sabbaths. As long as she lay desolate she kept Sabbath, to fulfill seventy years.
NOTE: I know Christians have differing views on the Sabbath.
Some say it is Saturday, and some say the Christian Sabbath is on Sunday.
Other Christians say that there is no “day” set aside for the Sabbath, and that there is a lifestyle of “Sabbath rest” into which each believer can choose to live based on God’s grace.
Either way—regardless of the particular view of the Sabbath day—it seems to me that God places a great deal of importance on us choosing to deliberately set aside time to seek Him.
We are called to deliberately and regularly seek the Lord, receive and drink from His Grace, and take time to be holy as He enables us.
Hebrews 3 (NKJV) 12 Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; 13 but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, 15 while it is said: “ Today, if you will hear His voice,do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” [Psalm 95:7, 8]
Hebrews 4 (NKJV) 1 Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. 2 For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it [OR did profit them, since they were not united by faith with those who heeded it]. 3 For we who have believed do enter that rest,
8 For if Joshua had given them rest, then He would not afterward have spoken of another day. 9 There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. 10 For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.
Hebrews 4 (Amplified Bible) 11 Let us therefore be zealous and exert ourselves and strive diligently to enter that rest [of God, to know and experience it for ourselves], that no one may fall or perish by the same kind of unbelief and disobedience [into which those in the wilderness fell].
14 Inasmuch then as we have a great High Priest Who has [already] ascended and passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession [of faith in Him]. 15 For we do not have a High Priest Who is unable to understand and sympathize and have a shared feeling with our weaknesses and infirmities and liability to the assaults of temptation, but One Who has been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sinning.
BY GOD’S GRACE, we are made holy in His sight because of the supreme, matchless sacrifice of the Lord Jesus in our place and on our behalf.
I Corinthians 1 (NKJV) 2 To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, WITH ALL WHO IN EVERY PLACE CALL ON THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD, both theirs and ours: ~~~
May we take time to spend in God’s Presence so He can confirm us to the end, that is to complete what He started in us with joy.
Then, we can become in our lives what God has already made us to be in Christ!
I Corinthians 1 (NKJV) 8 who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Psalm 27 (NKJV) 4 One thing I have desired of the LORD, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in His temple. 5 For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; in the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock.
Vance
====== Russ:
God gave Paul incredible wisdom. To know how dangerous factions could be and to warn about them in the earliest of churches. Unfortunately, I have personally witnessed factions destroy a church. Just another example of the bible being as true today as it was in 55AD
Russ
====== Joyce:
Mike and everyone, Psalm 27:4-6 Amplified Bible ‘4 One thing I have asked of the Lord, and that I will seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord [in His presence] all the days of my life, To gaze upon the beauty [the delightful loveliness and majestic grandeur] of the Lord And to meditate in His temple. 5 For in the day of trouble He will hide me in His shelter; In the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock. 6 And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me, In His tent I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.’ i’m quoting the following from Difficult Times, Psalm 27:1-6, sermon from http://www.brandonweb.com – ‘David said his first priority was to dwell or remain in the presence of God. If that is also our number one desire, we will be able to trust in Him in times of trouble. When we begin to sink deep into the mire of sin and problems, we know we can call out to Him, we know He is near. (Psa 40:2) “He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.”‘ May God bless all the Christians to have our first priority be to dwell with Him each day, that we may have hope and help from Him in our times of trouble. Thank you Mike for serving God and serving many through this One Year Bible blog! May God continue to bless you with spiritual insights and wisdom; may God provide for and bless your life; may God use this blog to bring His Truth to the far corners of the earth, that many will come to revere Him, amen.
God bless! Joyce
====== Dee:
Wow we wrapped up 2 n 1 today..or 2 n 1 day I should say. 2 Chronicles..meddling into business Josiah has no business messing with..but it was prophesied..so..there’s that.
We finished Romans..into 1 Corinthians..yay.. love the book of Corinthians..
I love Psalm 27 the Lord is our shield and our hope! I love how God’s not dead!! Yes..
Old Testament – Wow… I thought today’s readings are some of the best we’ve had in a while! King Josiah cleaned up house for God! Unfortunately, the southern kingdom of Judah is about to meet a similar fate as the northern kingdom of Israel did. But King Josiah goes down with a fight for the Lord in today’s readings! I wonder about this in our lives today – are we willing to fight for the Lord and his values in the way that Josiah did today? Or, perhaps “fight” isn’t quite the right word, as Jesus taught us to turn the other cheek…. but, then, considering this, should we simply be meek and mild and not fight for things of the Lord? I don’t think Jesus modeled this entirely either. Jesus turned over some tables in the Temple and turned over some ideas about God during His life… What can we learn about a zeal for God from Josiah and Jesus’ lives? Below is an image of King Josiah and his men destroying a pagan altar from today’s readings:
Verse 15 reminds me of the old adage – “Dusty Bibles lead to dirty lives…” 🙂 – “Hilkiah said to Shaphan the court secretary, “I have found the Book of the Law in the LORD’s Temple!” Then Hilkiah gave the scroll to Shaphan.” That is amazing to think about – that finding the Book of the Law in the Lord’s Temple was a big find! Most commentaries suggest that the scroll was either the entire Pentateuch (Genesis-Deuteronomy) or possibly just Deuteronomy. Imagine if you will that the Bible was “forgotten” about for generations and then finally discovered today!
King Josiah’s words in verse 21 are wonderful repentful words – “Go to the Temple and speak to the Lord for me and for all the remnant of Israel and Judah. Inquire about the words written in the scroll that has been found. For the Lord’s great anger has been poured out on us because our ancestors have not obeyed the word of the Lord. We have not been doing everything this scroll says we must do.” Have you ever had ah-ha experiences like this in your life? Where you realize finally what God wants you to do – and you realize that you have not been doing it? Well, fortunately God is a God that Psalm 145 verse 8 tells us, “is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.” There is room for repentance with God! When you have these ah-ha moments like King Josiah did, will you turn in repentance and humble yourself before God?
Verses 29 & 30 demonstrate true leadership from King Josiah! – “Then the king summoned all the leaders of Judah and Jerusalem. And the king went up to the Temple of the LORD with all the people of Judah and Jerusalem and the priests and the Levites–all the people from the greatest to the least. There the king read to them the entire Book of the Covenant that had been found in the LORD’s Temple.”
New Testament – We finish up Romans today! Tomorrow we embark on First Corinthians! Romans has been a powerful book for me to read and study this year. I hope it has been for you as well? I love the closing words in this book today from Paul in Romans 16 verses 25 through 27: “God is able to make you strong, just as the Good News says. It is the message about Jesus Christ and his plan for you Gentiles, a plan kept secret from the beginning of time. But now as the prophets foretold and as the eternal God has commanded, this message is made known to all Gentiles everywhere, so that they might believe and obey Christ. To God, who alone is wise, be the glory forever through Jesus Christ. Amen.” Do you believe that God is able to make you strong? Are there areas of your life currently where you feel weak? Will you turn these areas over to God completely, so that he can strengthen you? To God, who indeed alone is wise, be the glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.
Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Romans titled “Watching Out for Wolves” is at this link.
Psalms – Today in Psalm 26 verse 2 we read: “Put me on trial, LORD, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and affections.” What a powerful reflection from David – God, test my motives and affections. What are your motives? Why do you do what you do in life? Whom are you doing it all for? What are your affections? Who do you pledge your loyalties to? Who do you give your heart to? Where are you investing your time, treasure and talents? Have you ever asked God to test your motives and affections?
Verse 8 of this Psalm reminds me of my church and I pray it reminds you of your church as well: “I love your sanctuary, LORD, the place where your glory shines.” Wow… the place where God’s glory shines! Yes, I do believe this happens in our churches – even if we maybe don’t notice it sometimes. When we come together as the body of Christ each week, God’s glory shines! Will you take a moment to really pay attention to God’s glory shining in your church as you attend a service this upcoming weekend?
Proverbs – Proverbs 20 verse 19 is quite a Proverb! Perhaps convicting for some of us – “A gossip tells secrets, so don’t hang around with someone who talks too much.” This Proverb reminds me of something I posted up recently – I find all too often that we all too often talk about “nothing.” Or, even worse than talking about nothing is that we talk about others. We gossip. We tell secrets. There is so much wisdom in “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” Keep our mouths shut. You’ll be appearing wise this way! 🙂 Do you gossip? Do you hang around someone that talks too much? Think this is good for your relationship with God? Think this is good for your relationship with others?
Worship Video: Today’s readings in Romans reminded me of Matt Maher’s song “Turn Around:”
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today:“A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.” Proverbs 20:19 TNIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you won’t participate in gossip. Pray against gossip in your church, family, and place of work.
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:
II Chronicles 33:14-34:43
Our pride makes repentance a difficult thing to do. And when one repents, meaning to turn back, when they are a national leader, well—that is a most difficult thing to do. Manasseh did his repentance in public view.
Attached to each form of worship, be it idols or the True God, there is a political mindset, a group, that jockeys for power and a seat of influence to maneuver the hands and mind that rules the nation. Manasseh destroyed all religious worship that was not directed toward God. That was a bold step to take. I can hear and see in my minds eye the political uproar, the coalitions disbanding and banding together trying to get to the king’s ear. (33:14-17)
When I came to the thirty-fourth chapter, I became fascinated with the ages and stages of Josiah and his father, King Amon (chapter 33:21-24). Josiah’s father (the son of Manasseh, only ruled for two years because of his wickedness. When he came into power he was twenty-two years and he had a son who was six, which means Josiah was born to Amon when he was only sixteen years old. Amon produced a child at sixteen; his son Josiah produced a revival.
At the ripe age of eight, Josiah became king. Eight years latter, he inspires a revival by seeking the God of his ancestor, David. He began clearing the land of idols his father had brought back into the land as well as into the daily political life of the rulers. Then ten years latter, the land having been cleansed, the Temple is set to be repaired. Change is a process not an event. When we turn our hearts toward God, He may instantaneously remove some things that are deadly from our lives, but many things that are not pleasing to Him take time to be removed.
Mike comments on how amazing and unbelievable it is to not have the Book of the Law in plan sight and in use in the Temple built to honor the Name of God, the God who gave the Law. Not only was it out-of-sight, it was lost in a room. My question to this find, “How long was it lost and/or which king was the last to actively seek it out and use it?
Romans 16:10-27 The words of the Bible are timeless and never grow old no matter how many generations come and go between the time the words were written and the present day. Paul warns,
Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who create dissensions and obstacles contrary to the teaching that you learned. Avoid them! (Rom 16:17 NET.)
The above words are as fresh and pertinent as the day they were written. In order to “watch” for the people that distort the Word of God, one must know what to watch for. Thank you Mike for inviting and encouraging all of us to come into this site and partake of God’s wonderful Words, our guide our yardstick by which we measure every other word.
O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. (Psa 34:8 KJV)
Psalm 26:1-12
Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have integrity, and I trust in the Lord without wavering. (Psa 26:1 NET.)
Man may declare you guilty, but when we walk uprightly before God and do what He requires of us, God will declare us innocent.
Proverbs 20:19 We just love gossip it feeds are ego. We get a kick out of knowing things other people don’t know. Information has value, and we not only will pay a huge price to get that information, we will sell it to the highest bidder as we pass it along. However, the price we are willing to pay and the selling price we extract from a buyer is not measured in gold, but it is measured in integrity and self-worth.
If a gossip tells secrets, and we are willing to pay the cost to get those secrets, the seller we buy the secrets from will unreservedly sell us also.. What they have done to others, they will do to us. .
Grace and peace, Ramona
======= Vance:
2 CHRONICLES 34
33 So Josiah removed all detestable idols from the entire land of Israel and required everyone to worship the LORD their God. And throughout the rest of his lifetime, they did not turn away from the LORD, the God of their ancestors.
ROMANS 16
20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
PSALM 26
2 Put me on trial, LORD, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and affections. 3 For I am constantly aware of your unfailing love, and I have lived according to your truth.
COMMENT: It is so easy to hide things from people, to look good for others, but still be harboring idols in my heart.
2 Chronicles 34:33 begins: “So Josiah removed all detestable idols from the entire land……”
We see the universe around us through cameras in space that show us things that the people in the Bible never saw. And, through science, we also see the universe inside of us: the complexity of each cell of our body, of each organ, of each system.
Yet, the human heart—which no scientist can see—must be revealed to us. So we need to ask God to shine the light of the Word through the Spirit in our spirits to illuminate what is in us… so WE can see where we need to repent.
Psalm 26:2 is the only reasonable prayer: “Put me on trial, LORD, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and affections.”
I John 1:7 As we walk in the light as God is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus continually cleanses us from sin
~~~~~~~~~~ Adam was created to have dominion over earth, as being created in total dependence on God, with the Father’s authority working through him. When Adam failed to overcome temptation, he handed over authority to the devil. Thus, Satan illegally became “the god of this world.”
Jesus became a man—the Perfect Man—to overcome the temptations that Adam failed. And He succeeded. Thus, as a Man—representing men who are redeemed in Christ—He restored the authority to Christians to have spiritual dominion authority over sin, the world, the devil.
Like Adam, we are totally dependent on the Father, God can use our prayers to overcome… not just in our lives, but to help others find their strength in the Lord.
I pray that I see it with eyes of the spirit / Spirit… I pray we all see who we are in Christ !
As the Holy Spirit through Apostle Paul said:
17 [For I always pray to] the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, that He may grant you a spirit of wisdom and revelation [of insight into mysteries and secrets] in the [deep and intimate] knowledge of Him, 18 By having the eyes of your heart flooded with light, so that you can know and understand the hope to which He has called you, and how rich is His glorious inheritance in the saints (His set-apart ones), 19 And [so that you can know and understand] what is the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His power in and for us who believe, as demonstrated in the working of His mighty strength, 20 Which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His [own] right hand in the heavenly [places], 21 Far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and every name that is named [above every title that can be conferred], not only in this age and in this world, but also in the age and the world which are to come.
22 And He has put all things under His feet and has appointed Him the universal and supreme Head of the church [a headship exercised throughout the church],(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].
Thus, purity opens the way for us to be used of the Lord to accomplish Romans 16:20
“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.”
G – GOD’S R – RICHES A – AT C – CHRIST’S E – EXPENSE
Vance
====== Charles:
hi, just want to thank mike for finding all these great paintings related to what’s in the bible. it just reinforces the importance of knowing the word…..we will be in Rome this Sept. and can’t wait to see some of these in person.
Charles
====== Vance:
2 Chronicles 34 (NKJV) 1 Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem. 2 And he did what was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the ways of his father David; he did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. 3 For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, he began to seek the God of his father David; and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of the high places, the wooden images, the carved images, and the molded images.
NOTE: We should never, ever take Sunday school for granted. Surely Josiah must have been taught in the ways of the Lord as a child. Look at the effect of godly and loving teaching on this young man:
When Josiah was young (age 8), he became king. Then eight (8) years into his reign (about age 16), he began to earnestly and persistently seek the Lord. When he was about 20 years old began to purge evil out of the nation. ~~~
May we follow all of these examples: 1. to provide loving and godly teaching for our children 2. that the children would seek the Lord early with all of their hearts 3. that we would purge all evil from our domains in Jesus’ Name.
As we do all of this—ONLY THROUGH GRACE—we can be fit for service of love to others!
Romans 16 (NKJV) 19 For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil. 20 And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
25 Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began 26 but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith— 27 to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.
NOTE: May we always “be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil”.
May we be completely established in the Lord through prayer, surrender, fellowship with the Lord throughout the day, and the Word of God.
May “the God of peace will crush Satan under [our] feet shortly.”
We as humans–and certainly as those who worship the Lord Jesus through the Spirit of God– are given the earth as the arena in which to establish God’s covenant and glory.
Psalm 115 (NKJV) 16 The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD’s; but the earth He has given to the children of men.
May we walk with a definite and clear purpose borne out of true repentance and faith, and joy in the Lord. ~~~
Psalm 26 (NKJV) 2 Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my mind and my heart. 3 For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes, and I have walked in Your truth.
NOTE: This is great! Earlier, God withdrew from King Hezekiah to test what was in his heart.
Here, David (as it seems to me) is taking the initiative and asking God to search Him.
BEFORE WE ARE TESTED by life and by what God allows, MAY WE ALWAYS INVITE THE HOLY SPIRIT TO SEARCH US AND TO FILL US.
May God’s lovingkindness [always be] before [our] eyes” every day.
I have been meditating on Romans 6 and Philippians 3. I found this wonderful devotion by Charles Spurgeon on “The power of his resurrection.” – Philippians 3:10. See below.
“The doctrine of a risen Saviour is exceedingly precious. The resurrection is the corner-stone of the entire building of Christianity.”
“The doctrine is the basis of the experience, but as the flower is more lovely than the root, so is the experience of fellowship with the risen Saviour more lovely than the doctrine itself.”
“Though you cannot, like the disciples, see him visibly, yet I bid you aspire to see Christ Jesus by the eye of faith; and though, like Mary Magdalene, you may not ‘touch’ him, yet may you be privileged to converse with him, and to know that he is risen, you yourselves being risen in him to newness of life.”
“To know a crucified Saviour as having crucified all my sins, is a high degree of knowledge; but to know a risen Saviour as having justified me, and to realize that he has bestowed upon me new life, having given me to be a new creature through his own newness of life, this is a noble style of experience: short of it, none ought to rest satisfied.”
“May you both ‘know him, and the power of his resurrection.’ Why should souls who are quickened with Jesus, wear the grave-clothes of worldliness and unbelief? Rise, for the Lord is risen.”
Vance
====== Mae:
Romans was really powerful! I’ve really enjoyed reading this! Verse 25 of this chapter is such an encouraging “Now all glory to God, who is able to make you strong, just as my Good News says. This message about Jesus Christ has revealed his plan for you Gentiles, a plan kept secret from the beginning of time”. ~ The Lord Jesus Christ is the only one who can make you strong! If you think differently (and sad enough I do know people who think differently) you should think again. Some people think that succes in whatever area can make them strong, or a relationship with a certain person will make them strong. I feel that’s such a misleading thought by the enemy. We should give God all the glory! (verse 27 “All glory to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, forever. Amen”.) He and He alone has the power and wisdom to strengthen you. Open your heart for Him and let Him work powerfully in your life and you’ll see! Seek the Lord, put the difficulties of your life in His hands and let Him do the rest. That, my friend, is your freedom as a Christian!
Mae
====== John:
Romans 16
WHERE IS PETER?
Romans was written in 56-57 A.D.. Nowhere in Paul’s Greetings is Peter mentioned. Either Peter was not in Rome yet, or Paul was being very rude. Peter traditionally is thought to have bben crucified (upside-down) in Rome by Nero in 62 A.D.
With the exception of a couple of apostles, the deaths of the apostles are accounts of tradition. Perhaps by not mentioning them anywhere in the Bible God is saying what they did in life was more important than anything revolving around their deaths.
Apostles were messengers of God. They evangelized and planted churches. Perhaps making rounds to check up on their churches, but except for Peter there are no claims that apostles were ever heads (bishops) of local churches (unless in a group of elders). Bishop status does not seem to be in the apostle’s job descriptions at least in God’s revealed view. ================================================================================= 16:17 I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.
Unfortunately back then and even today – if you are in a Christian church not all are believers. Sadly, this may also include people with responsibility in the church. Pray for discernment, submit to God, and let Him lead you to the Church best suited for you. ================================================================================= 16:25 Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel….
God establishes your belief. God knows if you are a true Christian, and you should know. If you are not sure, perhaps it is time to pray to God about your faith.
John
====== John:
2 Chronicles 33:14-34:33
II Chronicles 33 VERSES 18-20
1. Manasseh’s conversion is very similar to that of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar’s pride brought him to a state of madness until he finally looked up to the true and living God. And Manasseh also had to be broken before he would look to God.
VERSES 21-23
1. Amon, Manasseh’s son, was also a wicked king and he is spinning out of control, away from God. Amon does not repent of his sin but remains lost moving in the opposite direction of God. The die was cast, and the nation was sinking lower and lower, drowning in their wickedness.
VERSES 24-25
1. Amon was only king for 2 years before he was assassinated by his own men. And in his death Josiah is now king and Josiah brings about the last revival before the Southern Kingdom of Judah is taken into captivity by the Babylonians. We are about 34 years away from Babylon’s first invasion of the Southern Kingdom of Judah. http://www.ccmanitowoc.org/Library/Guglielmo-Joe/Studies/TH/14-2CH/TH1067.HTM
2 Chron 34 VERSES 1-2
1. The Southern Kingdom of Judah had five good kings that brought spiritual reform to the nation as a result of their returning to the Lord and their obedience to His Word. These kings were Asa, Jehoshaphat, Joash, Hezekiah, and now Josiah. ================================================================================= PROPHECY: VERSE 5
1. What Josiah did here was the fulfillment of a prophecy that was made some 300 years earlier, back in I Kings chapter 13. To set the stage for this prophecy, the kingdom was divided, Rehoboam to the south, and Jeroboam to the north. And Jeroboam was concerned that many of his people would go to the temple in Jerusalem, in the south, to worship God, and they would not return to his kingdom in the north because there was no temple, no place of worship. So he makes two golden calves, sets one in Dan and one in Bethel so the people could now go and worship God.
Now we are told in I Kings chapter 13 that “…a man of God went from Judah to Bethel by the word of the LORD, and Jeroboam stood by the altar to burn incense. Then he cried out against the altar by the word of the LORD, and said, ‘O altar, altar! Thus says the LORD: ‘Behold, a child, Josiah by name, shall be born to the house of David; and on you he shall sacrifice the priests of the high places who burn incense on you, and men’s bones shall be burned on you.'” I Kings 13:1-2. God called Josiah by name 300 years before he was born and Josiah fulfilled this prophecy, just as God had said he would. ================================================================================= FOR SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS GOD’S WORD WAS LOST – HOW SAD!!!!!
VERSES 14-15
1. It is so easy for something that is precious to get lost in the garbage, and that is what happened to the Word of God. But Hilkiah finds a copy of the books of Moses, the Pentateuch, from Genesis to Deuteronomy.
VERSES 29-33
1. Again, you have to love the heart of Josiah. He could have just kicked back in his lazy boy chair, waiting to go home with the Lord, he was saved. There was nothing he could do to stop the judgment, it was going to come upon the nation. But instead of sitting around, he leads the people by giving them the Word of God and being an example to them. And yes, many did not follow with a loyal heart, but that did not stop Josiah, he forged ahead, doing all he could do, and allowing God to do the rest.
Just wanted to post a note about the division/denomination type issue you mentioned in the blog. Romans 14 tells us to not be a stumbling block to our brothers and sisters in Christ. Was reading that chapter in several versions and thought it would be good to note on here.
Helene
====== Billy:
The Proverbs have definitely made me think before I act.
Billy
====== Dee:
That is interesting..looking at Ramona’s post amd the commentary about the bible being lost and then found. That is crazy. Dusty bibles lead to dusty lives as the commentary said. I wonder if that is what happened to the leaders before Manasseh and Josiah..hmmm. could be. But now revelation. Knowledge is being spread.
Wow another book down..the book of Roman’s! We must be on watch and be obedient and not listen to wrong teaching but walk in the way of the Lord. Love and serve him only. Amen!
Psalm 26..in the congregation I bless the Lord. I love my church body and love to bless them and in turn I have such a blessing right around the corner. Isn’t it beat how God operates.
Ouch that is a tough one. Me and my walking buddy have had our share of tale-bearing. Does that mean both of us need to step away. Pray for us definitely. Have an awesome night
Old Testament – Well, it was bound to happen. Assyria conquered Israel. They were bound to go after Judah / Jerusalem soon enough. Tough to stop an ego / power like that. It’s “never enough”. So, we get the bold boasts before the walls of Jerusalem by King Sennacherib of Assyria’s representatives in Second Chronicles 32. Verse 14 includes this boast, which probably didn’t make God too happy: “Name just one time when any god, anywhere, was able to rescue his people from me! What makes you think your God can do any better?”
It’s great to see that Hezekiah took all of this to God in prayer in verse 20 – “Then King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz cried out in prayer to God in heaven.” 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 whatever – can we simply take our challenges to the one true living God who can actually do something with them? Below is a painting of “The destruction of Sennacherib and his army” by the artist Rubens (1577-1640), which is currently at the Alte Pinakothek Museum in Munich –
Hezekiah later in this chapter receives envoys from Babylon. You’ll recall from our Second Kings readings (full details are in Second Kings 20:12-20) that unfortunately, Hezekiah is a bit too hospitable with these envoys.He believes showing off his wealth will prove that he has worldly power and that the Babylonians will respect him and Judah.Isaiah sees that Hezekiah is relying on worldly wealth and not God, and Isaiah delivers a word from God that Judah will be exiled to Babylon. Indeed, this comes true in 115 years from when Isaiah delivers this word. How about us, in our lives today – do we try to impress people with our worldly wealth or toys or stuff, like Hezekiah was trying to impress the Babylonians?And further, do we actually try to rely on this worldly stuff rather than rely on God?
New Testament – Paul’s words in Romans 15 verse 30 stood out to me today – “Dear brothers and sisters, I urge you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. Do this because of your love for me, given to you by the Holy Spirit.” The thing that stood out to me in these verses is Paul’s encouragement to his brothers and sisters in Christ in Rome to pray for him. Not only to pray for him – but to “join me in my struggle.” That is pretty powerful to consider. That we can actually join someone in their struggle – in their work for the Kingdom of God – by praying for them! And I’ll be honest – I do not do this enough. I rarely join my pastors and family and friends and spiritual mentors in their struggle by praying to God for them. I rarely join my missionary friends in their struggle by praying for them. I rarely join my brothers and sisters in Christ who are persecuted in other countries for being Christian by praying for them. I simply do not pray for others enough. And in not doing so, I honestly think I am missing out on something powerful. I am missing out on joining them in their struggle for the Kingdom of God! My selfishness in not praying for others doing Kingdom work in this world is my loss. But – this actually sounds selfish – “my missing out – my loss.” Sometimes I guess I try to trick myself into doing something good (praying for others) by attaching a selfish reason (so I won’t miss out). The truth here is that our pastors and priests and missionaries and spiritual mentors need us to take up the struggle with them by praying to God for them. Even Paul needed this prayer coverage – and he asked for it! I am afraid that too often our pastors and priests and missionaries and others doing God’s work may not ask us for our prayers. But they need them! So – are you regularly praying for others in your life who are in ministry? Are you joining them in their struggle? Will you begin today / tonight by praying for someone in your life that you know who is in ministry? Will you take up the struggle with them?
Below is a great image for Romans 15:32 today –
Psalms – Psalm 25 verse 22 really stood out to me today: “O God, ransom Israel from all its troubles.” As I read this, the Christmas carol, “O Come O Come Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel” comes to my mind. Indeed, God would answer this prayer of King David’s and send his Son to ransom Israel!
Proverbs – I love Proverbs 20 verse 17! What a great analogy – “Stolen bread tastes sweet, but it turns to gravel in the mouth.” Stealing is obviously a sin. And the spoils of this sin may taste sweet at first – but quickly turn to inedible gravel in our mouths. Well, I think this analogy works really with any sin we might commit. For one brief moment it seems sweet. But it quickly rots! Why do we sin in the first place? I think we’re obviously looking for something. We’re thinking the sin is going to deliver us something we’re missing. But, of course, it doesn’t deliver. It’s empty. And sin can only pay the wage of decay and death. Only God can deliver what we mistakenly look to sin to deliver. Will you repent of sins you are committing? Will you instead turn to God to deliver what you are looking for? He will deliver. Will you stop building upon any mountains of sin in your life that turn quickly to nothing but mountains of gravel?
Worship Video: King Hezekiah’s prayer to God in our 2nd Chronicles readings today reminded me of Chris Tomlin’s fantastic song “How Great Is Our God:”
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today:“I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.” Romans 15:30 TNIV
Prayer Point: Pray for your pastors and spiritual mentors on a regular basis. Join them in their struggles of ministry by praying for them.
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:
II Chronicles 32-33:13
An unholy alliance that is what this invasion is about; the reason Sennacherib is jockeying to position himself to knock down the door is because Assyria was given a foothold. Israel made them, Judah made them my country, the USA has made them and every other country on the face of the earth has made them, unholy alliances. Since countries are made up of its people as in math, it is a principal—the whole is equal to the sum of its parts, the country only does what its people do, only it does it on a macro level.
We make relationships not based on their righteousness but based on what we can get and what that relationship will do for us. Israel, Judah and we ourselves, sin because we fail to submit to God who is the only whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. God is the whole and God is also the great I Am, the parts. God is the I Am everything you need me to be, yet we fail to seek Him, but we will seek others to get what we should be getting from God.
I believe Assyria entered Judah because she had already invited Assyria into her midst, just like Israel did, and she failed to learn from her sister Israel’s mistake (II Kings 15-16), you can’t make peace with someone who has war in their heart, in Israel’s’ case you can’t buy peace. You cannot bribe the devil. If you do you are giving him a foothold into your life, your house, and the lives of your children’s children.
Hezakiah not only repeated what Israel did, he also followed in his predecessors footsteps, King Ahaz, giving Assyria a bribe to back off or come to Judah’s aid.
At that time King Rezin of Syria and King Pekah son of Remaliah of Israel attacked Jerusalem. They besieged Ahaz, but were unable to conquer him. (At that time King Rezin of Syria recovered Elat for Syria; he drove the Judahites from there. Syrians arrived in Elat and live there to this very day.) Ahaz sent messengers to King Tiglath-pileser of Assyria, saying, “I am your servant and your dependent. March up and rescue me from the power of the king of Syria and the king of Israel, who have attacked me.” Then Ahaz took the silver and gold that were in the Lord’s temple and in the treasuries of the royal palace and sent it as tribute to the king of Assyria. The king of Assyria responded favorably to his request; he attacked Damascus and captured it. He deported the people to Kir and executed Rezin. When King Ahaz went to meet with King Tiglath-pileser of Assyria in Damascus, he saw the altar there. King Ahaz sent to Uriah the priest a drawing of the altar and a blueprint for its design. Uriah the priest built an altar in conformity to the plans King Ahaz had sent from Damascus. Uriah the priest finished it before King Ahaz arrived back from Damascus. (2Ki 16:5-11 NET.).
Also in II Kings, Hezekiah states that he had a treaty with the Assarians, violated that treaty then pays for that violation.
In the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah’s reign, King Sennacherib of Assyria marched up against all the fortified cities of Judah and captured them. King Hezekiah of Judah sent this message to the king of Assyria, who was at Lachish, “I have violated our treaty. If you leave, I will do whatever you demand.” So the king of Assyria demanded that King Hezekiah of Judah pay three hundred units of silver and thirty units of gold. (2Ki 18:13-14 NET.)
God delivered Hezekiah from the enemy, but the enemy came back after Hezekiah’s death. The enemy was not the king the enemy was the Kingdom of Assyria itself, not the men who ruled.
Jesus said, Do not give that which is holy (the sacred thing) to the dogs, and do not throw your pearls before hogs, lest they trample upon them with their feet and turn and tear you in pieces. (Mat 7:6 AMP). I believe when we look for alliances with others without forming an alliance with God to defeat our enemies, we may be successful using our own skills and cunning, but we are only delaying the attack, the enemy will be back. Bribing the enemy won’t work, appeasing him may last until he gets tired of using you as entertainment but he will turn and rend you to pieces.
The things that belong to God, are God’s. We cannot take what is holy and pay the enemy off, it won’t work.
God is in the miracle business; however, it is one thing to need a miracle because sin is in the earth, but is is another to need a miracle because of bad choices. We run the risk of “testing” God when we make the same bad choices over and over and over again. This is tough stuff to think about.
Grace and peace, Ramona
======= Vance:
2 Chronicles 32:31
31 However, when ambassadors arrived from Babylon to ask about the remarkable events that had taken place in the land, God withdrew from Hezekiah in order to test him and to see what was really in his heart.
The Lord says that He “withdrew” in order to “test” Hezekiah
The word “withdrew” is translated “left” in the King James Version. In Strong’s Concordance, the Hebrew word and meaning are:
HEBREW WORD: `azab {aw-zab’}
1) to leave, loose, forsake a) (Qal) to leave 1) to depart from, leave behind, leave, let alone 2) to leave, abandon, forsake, neglect, apostatise 3) to let loose, set free, let go, free
The word “test”. In Strong’s Concordance, the Hebrew word and meaning are:
HEBREW WORD: nacah {naw-saw’}
1) to test, try, prove, tempt, assay, put to the proof or test a) (Piel) 1) to test, try 2) to attempt, assay, try 3) to test, try, prove, tempt
I am sure this seems very cruel to many people. They ask “Why would God leave someone at any time, or at their point of need?” Others are convinced that this only proves to them that the Bible contradicts itself.
Yet, consider this: We need to be tested. We need to see FOR OURSELVES what is IN US. Otherwise, I am convinced we may only learn the “doctrine” of the need to depend totally on the Lord God…and not practice that truth.
This makes me think of the following verses:
NLT: James 1:12 God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
KJV: Psalm 66:10 For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.
KJV: Deuteronomy 8:2, 3 All the commandments which I command thee this day shall ye observe to do, that ye may live, and multiply, and go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers.
And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, [and] to prove thee, to know what [was] in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.
And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every [word] that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.
Genesis 22:15-17 And the angel of the LORD called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time,
And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only [son]:
That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which [is] upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;
And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.
The test of Abraham, according to the Jewish Torah, is very instructive. According to the Scriptures, Abraham took servants, the donkey with the wood, and Isaac to obey God. However, according to the Torah, one of the servants was Ishmael. When they reached the place for the offering, Abraham saw the place for the offering:
Genesis 22:4 – Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off.
According to the Torah, this means that Abraham, being a man of spiritual sight because He had walked with the Lord faithfully, saw the Presence of HASHEM (God of Mercy) hovering over the place of the offering.
Further, according to the Jewish Torah, Abraham turned to Ishmael and asked him, “Do you see it?” This question meant: “Do you see God’s Presence which marks the place of offering?” Ishmael replied, “No.” Then Abraham asked Isaac, “Do you see it?” And Isaac replied, “Yes.”
Then Abraham said to Ishmael, “Because you, like the donkey, do not have the spiritual perception to see God’s Presence, stay here with the donkey.” Then, because Isaac had the spiritual depth and perception to see God’s Presence, he went with his father Abraham.
Isn’t that the point of testing? After all, it is very easy to only rely on comfort and our humanity. We always need to press through “the veil” as it were—I am interpreting the “veil” here as our senses. Press through to experience the Presence of HASHEM, the God of Mercy!
As the Apostle Paul says in the Amplified Bible:
Philippians 3:8 Yes, furthermore, I count everything as loss compared to the possession of the priceless privilege (the overwhelming preciousness, the surpassing worth, and supreme advantage) of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord and of progressively becoming more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him [of perceiving and recognizing and understanding Him more fully and clearly]. For His sake I have lost everything and consider it all to be mere rubbish (refuse, dregs), in order that I may win (gain) Christ (the Anointed One).
Vance
====== John:
Romans
1) Like Mike I am humbled at Paul’s prayer request. It seems no matter how many lists I make, computer aided memo, or remember in my head – I always forget someone or something each day. My prayer life is way better than when I was saved, but it is still woefully lacking. Praise God, that the Holy Spirit makes up for my ineptitude in this area.
2) I was impressed by the sheer number of people Paul greets at the end of Romans. Men AND Women, who were integral to the “body of Christ” in Rome.
3) Rom 16:7 has provided some discussion as to who is an “apostle”. I thought I understood, but need to think on it more – (definately a non-essential :). John MacArthur has an answer to this question, and I merely post it for info. http://www.biblebb.com/files/macqa/1301-N-16.htm
There is also an issue that Junias may be a women’s name that would lead to interesting discussion involving leadership in the church. However, from the Greek and few articles I find – there is no definitive way to tell the gender of Junias.
Chronicles
Here is an article on Sennacherib’s prism an archeological find that talks about the siege of Jerusalem from the Assyrian perspective. Also cites Herodotus and Josephus.
2 Chronicles 32 (NKJV) 7 “Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid nor dismayed before the king of Assyria, nor before all the multitude that is with him; for there are more with us than with him. 8 With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.
NOTE: We have the wonderful opportunity to meditate on, and wait in the Lord’s Presence daily in worship and praise so that we can know that we know that we know—that “with us is the LORD our God”.
May people know we are different by our lives and our words. May people be encouraged and challenged just by who we are. May people see the Lord Jesus in us.
Acts 4 (NKJV) 13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. ~~~
2 Chronicles 32 (NKJV) 31 However, regarding the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, whom they sent to him to inquire about the wonder that was done in the land, God withdrew from him, in order to test him, that He might know all that was in his heart.
NOTE: God knows what is in our hearts. However, we need to know. I think I know what is in my heart, but do I really? I need God’s Spirit to show me.
And I need to regularly spend time in prayer and in the words of the Lord Jesus so I really see my heart before God.
Mark 7 (NKJV) 20 And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. 21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within and defile a man.” ~~~
“God withdrew from him, in order to test him, that He might know all that was in his heart.” WOW!
I am convinced this was God’s Mercy and Love in action, to show Hezekiah that he really needed to rely on God—and that he should never forget it.
We can have—and we must have—inner strength in the inner man of our spirits that sustain and refresh us. However, our strength is from being “poor in spirit”.
Psalm 51 (NKJV) 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart— these, O God, You will not despise. ~~~
2 Chronicles 33 (NKJV) 10 And the LORD spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they would not listen. 11 Therefore the LORD brought upon them the captains of the army of the king of Assyria, who took Manasseh with hooks [That is— nose hooks], bound him with bronze fetters, and carried him off to Babylon. 12 Now when he was in affliction, he implored the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, 13 and prayed to Him; and He received his entreaty, heard his supplication, and brought him back to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD was God.
NOTE: THANK GOD that Hezekiah’s son Manasseh finally “knew that the LORD was God”. But what a tragically unnecessary route to go to discover that!
Surely Manasseh saw his father follow after the Lord and he saw the benefit of following the Lord.
Manasseh also saw his father’s faults and sins, and how the Lord dealt with Hezekiah as a result of those.
We really need to pray for the children of the world, of our nation, and of our families! THEY ARE THE NEXT GENERATION!
What kind of generation will they be? May we “strive together with [them] in prayers to God for” the children! (Adapation of Romans 15:30).
Romans 15 (NKJV) 26 For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. 27 It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things.
NOTE: Thank God for Israel. Thank God for Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Thank God for David and all for all of his descendants who followed wholeheartedly after the Lord.
THANK GOD FOR THE LORD JESUS—the son of David, the son of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob.
May we pray daily and give out of the monies with which God has blessed us to the Christians in Jerusalem and in the nearby Arabic nations.
Thank God for the oldest Christian communities which are in Israel and in Arabic nations (like Turkey, Egypt, etc.)
May we pray daily for the peace of Jerusalem.
Amen.
Vance
====== Jennie:
As I read the stories of the Kings of Israel, I’m encouraged by the fact that God always gives his forgiveness to those who truly repent. One generation would fall, but the other would take up His cause. An individual King would fall, then realize his sin, and take up His cause again. I also know, that when I fail, I can renew my love for Him and take up His cause again. What a blessing, and an encouragement!
Jennie
====== Dee:
Wow, that is so true Ramona! And let me say this to you Ramona..you have been as faithful as Mike has in your commentaries and readings, and I and everyone else can tell how much the “wiser” you are from your reads, you write some powerful anointed Bible based stuff..for all our ears to hear..Faith comes by hearing and hearing the Word of God..I commend you and Bless both you and Mike in what you do!
Dee
====== Debbie:
I was just thinking of your comment “join me in my struggle” and I think that it is not only an individual sin of neglect in many of our lives today but it is also a huge neglect of the church. Churches are failing to have prayer meetings where we can join together in the struggle of prayer for others. I use to go to a Saturday morning prayer meeting and the pastor of the church would faithfully come and pray with a handful of folks who would show up for prayer (that was back in the 80s). I sure do miss those days. The Lord keeps prompting me to start a prayer meeting … pray with me that I will.
Debbie
====== Pat:
Mike, your commentary on today’s Bible reading is just awesome. You have given us so much to think about and consider in our own life. You have persuaded me that I need to be praying for others even though I don’t know them personally. Thank you for allowing the Lord to speak through you. Thank you for continuing this mission you are on by bringing us daily Bible studies. I have been with you since the beginning and they have enriched my life.
Pat
====== Judie:
I thank you too Mike. This daily blog mean so much to me . I have learned so much and grown so much in my faith and you help keep me accountable to the kind of person God wants me to be . Judie
====== Dee:
That is so true..you can’t buy peace. It had to be earned and mutual. That is hard to receive at times..
In Roman’s it made me realize something about myself. I can be selfish at times. I think my problems are big problems when in the scheme of things they are not. This is what I thought of in this. Lord forgive me for my troubles and preserve me when I am pushed to the limit like David was and our Lord.
When we do wrong we nay think or feel good at first but in the end is dangerous
Dee
====== John:
Romans 15
15:3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.
Interestingly, Paul does not pull an example from Jesus’ life here on earth -crucifixion, wilderness, sparse conditions. No, Paul yuses OT Scripture (Psalm 69). Jesus suffered for us on the Cross, but he also suffered insults (words).
In following Christ, we will hear words that are not pleasing to us, that we do not agree with – that hurt. Those words all too often will come from other believers. But working in the body of Christ is not about pleasing ourselves, it is about something much bigger. Rather than argue and tear apart the Body of Christ, we shuld just bear the failings of the weak members of the body. ================================================================================= as it is written: “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing hymns to your name.” 10Again, it says, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.” 11And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and sing praises to him, all you peoples.” 12And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in him.”
The verses above show the progression of the Gentile mission:
1) Proclaim God to the Gentiles. 2) Invite the Gentiles to join in praise of God. 3) The call and belief of Gentiles.
Look at Galatians 5:22-23 that lists the fruits of the Spirit.
5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Paul’s prayer, benediction, is a prayer for God to work in the believer:
Giving joy and peace – fruits of the spirit.
For those who trust in Him – for those who humbly submit to God’s authority over their lives.
SO THAT: you may be exceedingly confident and certain of God’s work BY THE POWER of the Holy Spirit. That is how God works in us – through the Holy Spirit. Just as our model – Jesus- had worked in Him when he was here on earth. Not a step Jesus took, not a word Jesus said, not a miracle was performed that was not from the Father through the power of the Holy Spirit. ================================================================================= 15:14 I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another.
Knowledge and works without God are rooted in self. Paul believes the believers are not good but “full of goodness”. Another fruit of the Spirit. through submission to the Father Paul feels they are given the knowledge and the abilty to work with each other in the Body of Christ.
John
====== John:
II CHRONICLES 30
VERSES 2-3
1. Hezekiah began his reign the first month of the ecclesiastical or religious year, which was the month of Nisan or March/April. Now the Passover was also celebrated in the month of Nisan. The problem was that the temple was not cleaned until the 16th of the month, and Passover began on the 14th of the month, followed by the feast of unleavened bread which began on the 15th of the month and ran for 7 days. Also the priests had not sanctified themselves or cleansed themselves as yet. So they could not celebrate Passover in the first month.
Interestingly enough, in Numbers 9:9-11 we read “Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘If anyone of you or your posterity is unclean because of a corpse, or is far away on a journey, he may still keep the Lord’s Passover. On the fourteenth day of the second month, at twilight, they may keep it. They shall eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs.'” So God made a provision that if you could not celebrate Passover in the first month you could celebrate it on the 14th day of the second month.
VERSES 18-20
1. The people from the Northern Kingdom of Israel were into idolatry so long, they did not even know how to cleanse themselves, and yet they yearned to come back to the Lord. They were seeking after God. And thus, they just came as they were. Now Hezekiah could have refused to let them join in this religious ritual. He could have looked at their outward appearance and rejected them from entering in. But he understood that it was not the religious ritual, celebrating Passover, that saves you, it is a mater of the heart and the people were seeking after the true and living God.
2. The opposite seems to be happening today, where people are prevented from entering a church because of they way they look, the way the dress or whatever. Back in the 1970’s there was a hippie couple who were truly seeking the Lord and they entered a church to get right with God. But because of the way they looked, the pastor told them to first go and get cleaned up, cut their hair, change their clothes, and then come back. They never did! God is saying to come just as you are! It is a matter of the heart and not the clothes you wear. May we never forget that here at Calvary Chapel, for all are welcome!
Until the mid 19th century, scholars doubted the existence of Assyria (the wisdom of man????). At that time archaeologists uncoverd three Assyrian cities including the Capital Ninevah. Tens of thousands of tablets containing immense data have been recovered.
One of those tablets contained information on Sennacherib’s invasion of Israel. links are below.
“Sennacherib, the warrior king, had bragged about his humbling of Hezekiah, trapping him in Jerusalem as he surrounded and prepared to storm the city.
Although Sennacherib painstakingly recorded the cities he captured and destroyed, one city is conspicuously absent—Jerusalem. He speaks only of besieging Hezekiah in the city—not of taking it or Judah’s king. What happened? The Assyrians, like other great empires of the time, left no records of their military defeats.”
“Interesting note: Egyptian sources make mention of Sennacherib’s defeat in the conflict with Judah, but gives the credit for the victory to an Egyptian god who sent field mice into the camp of the Assyrians to eat their bowstrings and thus they fled from battle.”
1. Manasseh was like his grandfather, Ahaz. And all the spiritual reform that Hezekiah brought into the land, Manasseh destroyed with a blink of an eye. He even goes as far as setting up an idol in the holy of holies, sacrificing his children to the god Molech, and going after all the abominations that the nations who were driven from the land were into. It is much easier to go downhill than it is to go uphill. And Manasseh gives us that example in how he brought the Southern Kingdom of Judah to the pit!
VERSES 8-10
1. Isn’t God’s mercy unbelievable! Manasseh should have been wiped out and yet God is calling to him, trying to get him to listen and to get the nation to listen, but they refused. It was during the reign of Manasseh that tradition tells us that he took Isaiah the prophet captive, placed him in a hollowed out log, and sawed him in two. He did not want to hear what the prophets had to say, for they went against what he was doing. Thus, he gets rid of the prophets.
VERSE 11
1. Since he refused to listen to the prophets, God tries to get his attention by taken him captive by the Assyrians, as they placed hooks in his nose and fetters on him, and carried him away to Babylon.
VERSES 12-13
1. This is what Manasseh needed before he was broken and would look up. God knows what it will take before we are low enough and helpless enough, to look up to Him and repent of our sin. Manasseh repents and is restored to the kingdom in Jerusalem!
Old Testament – We have great readings today in Second Chronicles chapter 30 about King Hezekiah inviting all of Israel and Judah to celebrate the Passover of the Lord! Yeah, sure, they ended up celebrating it a month later than normal because not enough priests had been purified, nor enough folks gathered in Jerusalem at the original time. But, in light of the Passover not being widely celebrated in many years, this was huge. I love Hezekiah’s letter that he wrote – and verse 9 in particular: “For if you return to the LORD, your relatives and your children will be treated mercifully by their captors, and they will be able to return to this land. For the LORD your God is gracious and merciful. If you return to him, he will not continue to turn his face from you.” Think these words of Hezekiah’s could apply to us in our lives today as well? Do you need to return to the Lord in any area of your life? Is there a sin that you are still indulging in that is hampering your relationship with God? Will you confess and repent of that sin? Will you return to the Lord? For the Lord your God is indeed gracious and merciful…
New Testament – Romans 15 verses 2 and 3 definitely give us much to think about: “We should please others. If we do what helps them, we will build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didn’t please himself.” That’s a bit of a counter-intuitive statement compared to what our culture preaches. We should please others? I think our culture would say instead, “We should please ourselves! It’s all about you! You are #1!” and so on. This is the beauty of the Gospel. It is counter-cultural in so many beautiful ways. It’s the great revolution. It turns the world upside down. The last shall be first. Blessed are the peacemakers. Rejoice when you are persecuted. We should please others. So, are you living your life to please others? Are you doing what helps them? Are you building them up in the Lord?
Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Romans titled “Pleasing Others and Praising God” is at this link. Below is a great image for Romans 15:5 –
Psalms – Psalm 25 has some amazing verses today! I think I could write some reflections and questions on each of the verses today… Maybe a good thing for each of us to do is to re-read this Psalm today and really reflect on what the verses are saying to our hearts. David wrote this Psalm as a prayer for God’s mercies when he was suffering affliction for his sins and when enemies were seizing this occasion to attack him. It’s a very penitential Psalm. One that we might need to pray to God from time to time as David did. I do like verse 5 a lot and I believe it will speak to each of you going through the One Year Bible this year – “Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.” Do you believe that reading God’s Word each day is allowing you to be led by God’s truth? Are you being taught each day? Then – that last sentence in verse 5 is amazing. I cannot honestly say that all day long I put my hope in God. I pray that I do… but I think sometimes I drift away from putting my hope in God and I put my hope in myself – or maybe even sometimes I lose hope! I get discouraged about a situation. I get stressed. I worry. If we put our hope all day long in God, do you think we would get discouraged, stressed, or worried? I don’t think we would…
Psalm 25 verse 15 really stood out to me today – “My eyes are always looking to the LORD for help, for he alone can rescue me from the traps of my enemies.” I have come to realize more and more lately that the Enemy is indeed constantly setting traps for us. I don’t mean to scare anyone here – but I think this is something very important for us to realize. It has been said that the greatest trick the Devil can play on us is to make us think that he does not exist. If we don’t think the Devil exists, then we logically won’t think that he’s setting any traps for us. Let me assure you – this is clearly Biblical – the Devil exists. Evil exists in this world. Temptation exists. And evil does not rest. However – the good news – God is so much bigger and stronger and brighter (and this list can go on) than the Devil – the Enemy. David says in this Psalm that his eyes are ALWAYS looking to the Lord for help. Why? Because God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit alone can rescue us from the traps of the Enemy. Again, the traps are out there for us in this modern world. The temptations and dark alleys and wrong turns call to us unceasingly. But – again, great news here – we can be saved from all of that nonsense; all of that darkness; indeed all of that death, through a relationship with Jesus. Jesus saves. Jesus saves us from ourselves. From our sin. And from the Enemy that sets traps for us. Like David in this Psalm, are your eyes always looking to the Lord for help? Please don’t ever take your eyes off God and His mercies, power, and strength.
Proverbs – Proverbs 20 verse 15 is so true for our modern world: “Wise speech is rarer and more valuable than gold and rubies.” I hope I don’t come off sounding too critical or judgmental here, but I seem to notice that people today talk more and more about “nothing.” I mean, I guess it just seems to me that so many of us – myself included – major in minor things. Meaning, we will know every single statistic about our local sports team and talk about these stats all the time. Which then makes me wonder – do we invest as much time into know God’s Word, knowing God’s Will, as we do in knowing stats? Or knowing gossip on celebrities? Or knowing what’s going on with the latest TV reality show? I guess this Proverb today just rings so true for me – Wise speech is rarer and more valuable than gold and rubies. It is rare. And it is valuable. What type of words are coming out of your mouth these days? Is it wise speech? Or is it perhaps on occasion a whole lot of nothing? Let us invest our words thoughtfully each day in wise speech. Let us share with others that which is more valuable than gold and rubies.
Worship Video: Today’s readings in Second Chronicles reminded me of Britt Nicole’s song “You:”
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today:“We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.” Romans 15:1-2 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you are bearing with the failings of the weak every days. Pray that you are building up your neighbor. Pray for strength – to serve.
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.
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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS: (our Group Bible Study is below! : )
======= Ramona:
II Chronicles 30-31:21 There were six passages in today’s readings that really struck me, four are in the thirtieth chapter.
1) 4 This plan for keeping the Passover seemed right to the king and all the people.
Interesting how when we don’t know what to do, the first place we have a tendency to go is our sense of fairness of right and wrong. However, as we’ve learned in reading through the book of Judges (17:16; 21:25), what seems right could be deadly wrong. However, this time it turned out good.– There is a way which seems right to a man and appears straight before him, but at the end of it is the way of death. (Pro 14:12 AMP)
2) 10 The messengers went from town to town throughout Ephraim and Manasseh and as far as the territory of Zebulun. But most of the people just laughed at the messengers and made fun of them. 11However, some from Asher, Manasseh, and Zebulun humbled themselves and went to Jerusalem.
When we make a decision to submit to the Will of God and walk the narrow path, we must be prepared to face ridicule and isolation. That old gang of ours probably won’t be as supportive as they were when we were on our way to hell.
3) 18 Most of those who came from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun had not purified themselves. But King Hezekiah prayed for them, and they were allowed to eat the Passover meal anyway, even though this was contrary to God’s laws. For Hezekiah said, “May the LORD, who is good, pardon those 19 who decide to follow the LORD, the God of their ancestors, even though they are not properly cleansed for the ceremony.” 20 And the LORD listened to Hezekiah’s prayer and healed the people.
We can mess up and be wrong, wrong, wrong; however, earnest heartfelt prayer for those in error can bring those who are out of step with God’s commands, back into favor. God is Good!
4) 25 The entire assembly of Judah rejoiced, including the priests, the Levites, all who came from the land of Israel, the foreigners who came to the festival, and all those who lived in Judah. 26 There was great joy in the city, for Jerusalem had not seen a celebration like this one since the days of Solomon, King David’s son. 27 Then the Levitical priests stood and blessed the people, and God heard them from his holy dwelling in heaven.
“God heard them…” Why did God hear them? Sometimes we think that we must do all kinds of jumping through hoops for God to hear us. I’ve heard people asking for others to join in with them to pray for a situation because they want to “Storm the Gates of Heaven,” as if we have to force the Grace of God in order for God to act. Grace by its very nature cannot be earned or merited; the Grace of God is free. He hears us because we are His. I believe God heard them from his holy dwelling in heaven because there was joy in the city. — He said to them, “Go and eat delicacies and drink sweet drinks and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared. For this day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (Neh 8:10 NET.)
5) 1 Now when the festival ended, the Israelites who attended went to all the towns of Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh, and they smashed the sacred pillars, cut down the Asherah poles, and removed the pagan shrines and altars. After this, the Israelites returned to their own towns and homes.
Society today tells us that we must be tolerant of the religious practices of others, and I believe we should. However, these idols and sacred pillars and Asherath poles that were smashed and cut down did not belong to foreigners, but to fellow Jews who considered the Holy One of Israel, just one of the many gods. How much tolerance should I show, if any, to those who call themselves Christians, yet worship at the alters of idols, both things and people that are placed above God.
6) 21 In all that he did in the service of the Temple of God and in his efforts to follow the law and the commands, Hezekiah sought his God wholeheartedly. As a result, he was very successful.
Our success, true success does not come from following the latest marketing trends and business models discussed in Forbes or Business Week and the Wharton School of Business, but in following the Word of God. That is the only success that will last and satisfy.
Romans 15:1-22 I seem to be really focusing on specific scriptures in today’s reading. The fourth verse states, Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. They give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises.
We are on this journey, reading through the Bible in one year, to not only form a relationship with God, God and His Word are One (John 1:1), but to find out about God. We are journeying to discover the patterns and principals He desires us to adhere to so that we can be a success, and to encourage us by reading how God dealt with His people in the past and to truly know in our very fiber of being that God is Love.
Psalm 25:1-15
3 No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced, but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others.
Wow! We can find ourselves so tied up in knots because we are in bondage to what other people think.. We tremble in our beds, in the midst of a crowded room, on our jobs because we are afraid that our mouths, our actions may cause us to be disgraced. And if we do put our size ten feet in our mouths, we allow that “shame” to hound our every waking moment, and that ain’t good. But this word says, only those who try to deceive others will be disgraced.
Here is some free advice, if embarrassments come because of missteps which come to anyone and everyone, then laugh it off and live a life free of the shame that can totally paralyze you. Now, if disgrace came because of deception and deceit, repent and go ask for forgiveness and do not do it again.
Proverbs 20:13-15 13 If you love sleep, you will end in poverty. Keep your eyes open, and there will be plenty to eat!
I got this feeling this verse is talking about spiritual sleep, and not the forty winks and eight hours of rest kind of sleep. There are many different Hebrew words translated poor or poverty and they all don’t mean, lacking resources.
Decided to do a quick “Word Study” by seeking out my friend, Mr. Strong and in his dictionary I get confirmation that this sleep and poverty has more to do with one’s spiritual condition then sleeping too long in one’s bed:
H3423 (Strong’s Number) ירשׁ ירשׁ yârash yârêsh yaw-rash’, yaw-raysh’ A primitive root; to occupy (be driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish, to ruin: – cast out, consume, destroy, disinherit, dispossess, drive (-ing) out, enjoy, expel, X without fail, (give to, leave for) inherit (-ance, -or), + magistrate, be (make) poor, come to poverty, (give to, make to) possess, get (have) in (take) possession, seize upon, succeed, X utterly.
This poverty comes by not taking care of business.
Grace and peace, Ramona
====== John:
Genealogy
I was looking at Romans 15:4 about the scripture (OT) were written for our learning and to give us hope. Then I ran across this:
Look in Genesis 5. I buckle sometimes at reading genealogies, but if you look at names from Adam to Noah and look at translations (meanings of names) – it gets kind of interesting.
Seth – Appointed Enosh – Man Kenan – To Acquire Mahalalel – God’s Praise Jared – To descend Enoch – Dedicated Methusaleh – Man who was sent Lamech – Mighty Noah – Rest, Quiet, Peace http://www.biblicalbabyname.com/
So we have:
Appointed Man to Acquire God’s Praise to descend…Dedicated Man who was sent..Mighty…Rest,Quiet, Peace
I guess you have to assume that the appointed man was to bring: Rest, Quiet, Peace. However, I think this is a good enough description of Christ.
I apologize if this is “old hat” to some, but I found it kind of neat and wanted to share.
John
====== Vance:
I heard a statement on “Family Life Today” (sponsored by Campus Crusade for Christ) with Dennis Rainey that really blessed me:
“Spiritual growth occurs when we exercise our soul in response to the problems of life not on the basis of our feelings, but on the basis of the Word of God.”
WOW! I agree 100%, and that is excellent.
When we are born again, we are born again in our spirits. We feed our spirits by reading and feeding on the Word 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].
I Peter 2 (NKJV) 2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby [up to salvation] 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
~~
Yet, the rest of our personality —
(our souls: mind, will, emotions, etc., and our bodies) —
then also need to fully surrendered, brought to maturity, and saved.
THANK GOD that “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ”. (Philippians 1:6)
PRAISE THE LORD! ~~~
2 Chronicles 30 (NKJV) 18 For a multitude of the people, many from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet they ate the Passover contrary to what was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, “May the good LORD provide atonement for everyone 19 who prepares his heart to seek God, the LORD God of his fathers, though he is not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary.” 20 And the LORD listened to Hezekiah and healed the people.
NOTE: THANK GOD that He looks on our hearts. THANK GOD that we do not have to “perform with perfection” every one of God’s commands. (Of course, if we love God, we will WANT to obey with all of our beings!)
We can prepare our hearts to seek the Lord. We can trust the Lord to help us to exercise our souls in response to the problems of life not on the basis of our feelings, but on the basis of the Word of God.
We can feed our spirits so they become stronger and stronger!
2 Chronicles 31 (NKJV) 20 Thus Hezekiah did throughout all Judah, and he did what was good and right and true before the LORD his God. 21 And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, in the law and in the commandment, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart. So he prospered.
NOTE: God desires to truly prosper us—that is, that we be enriched spiritually so we walk in God’s wisdom to be blessed in every area of our life.
THEN, WE CAN GIVE MORE AND SACRIFICE MORE to the Lord. A godly heart with a deep thirst to honor God always wants to serve the Lord and God’s people.
WHAT AN HONOR! To offer all of what we have that God has given to us out of worship and love for God–
and to suffer persecution for the Name of the Lord Jesus! This is the calling of Jesus.
“Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God.” (Romans 12:1)
Romans 15 (NKJV) 1 We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification.
NOTE: AMEN! May we be so established in the Lord that we are unbendable and unshakable witnesses of God’s Word!
Romans 15 (NKJV) 20 And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man’s foundation,
NOTE: I wonder if “where Christ is not named” now applies to America as well as other countries in which the Gospel historically has been planted.
I just met another person last Sunday who forcefully informed me that Jesus in the early years not recorded in the New Testament studied and learned from a Buddha in India. He also informed me that there are more “gospels” than what are included in the New Testament.
I had a chance to share God’s Word with him.
May we pray for all to know Jesus, and may we embrace the passion that others will really see and know the Lord Jesus!
Psalm 25 (NKJV) 12 Who is the man that fears the LORD? Him shall He teach in the way He chooses. 13 He himself shall dwell in prosperity, and his descendants shall inherit the earth. 14 The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him, and He will show them His covenant. 15 My eyes are ever toward the LORD, for He shall pluck my feet out of the net.
NOTE: Amen and Amen!
“The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him, and He will show them His covenant.”
May we spend time in secret with the LORD away from the cares and distractions of family and of the world.
May we place ourselves under God’s grace and authority so He can teach us the secrets He has for us, and so we can personally learn from God His covenant.
AMEN!
Vance
====== John:
Romans 15:1-22
Paul continues on the idea of the “strong in faith” subordinating themselves to the “weak in faith. In Romans 15 he adds a caveat.
Don’t yield yourself to the weak because it makes you feel good, or smug. Do it out of goodness, love for your brother, and to build up his faith.
We are to reflect the qualities of Christ who humbled himself by coming to earth as a “man”, who came because He loved us, and it was the Father’s Will. In all things we should strive to emulate Christ.
[NOTE: Yielding to the one with weaker faith is not about condoning unbiblical practices, it is about yielding to one who has a sincere belief in his non-essential practices. Paul is very tough in later Epistles on those who Sin continuosly or practice deceit within the church.] ====================================================== Rom 15:4 “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” NIV
Paul writes this after citing Psalm 69 to emphasize the OT was written to teach us.
Teach us what?
That through the steadfastness and encouraging promises of the Scripture we see: That God keeps his Word, that his plan is unfolding by His Will, and thus God’s Word and plan will be fulfilled in the future according to the prophecies.
So what are we to be hoping (having certain expectations) for?
Not justification, that is already accomplished. We now are to look forward to the day when Jesus comes the second time. ====================================================== WE CANNOT DO IT ON OUR OWN
Paul comes back to the idea of unity in the church, and prays:
Rom 15:5 “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus,” NIV
In Rom 7:18 makes clear there is no power in the new nature. The power to do the suggested items in the last few chapters is not in us. It goes against the “flesh”.
When we access the Holy Spirit by offering ourselves as a continual living sacrifice – focused on God, His Word, and prayer – then God will unleash the power and abundance of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Then the changes will occur and we will start fulfilling suggestions of Paul. It is an on-going process and will not be completed until we reach heaven.
Paul repeats this concept here by asking God to “give” (Gk. didomi: give, grant, bestow) the spirit of unity amongst the “brotherhood”.
We should want this because this is how Christ accepted us – and twice Paul mentions it is to praise and give glory to God. ====================================================== Paul gives four OT verses to encourage the Gentiles – this was suppose to happen, God foreknew it in his plan, it was foretold, and it came to pass. That the Gentiles would be part of the elect and co-heirs to heaven. ====================================================== Paul has written to the Romans to reaffirm things they know. In other words, Paul was long-distancing his encouragement and exhortation phase of ministry.
He had been busy preaching from Jerusalem to Yugoslavia and back to those who had not heard of Christ. Not that he reached EVERY person, but he established churches, as beacons of light that would emit more light to the area through its members.
Now that that has been done – his eyes are westward, and he hopes to finally get to Rome via a trip to Spain. Paul gets there but he gets there by God’s plan 🙂
John
====== Janice:
thank you RAMONA FOR HELPING TO MAKE THE READINGS EASIER TO UNDERSTAND AND FOR GIVING ME THE MUCH NEEDED HELP WITH INERPRETATION..WHEN I OPEN MY EYES TO UNDERSTANDING AND FEEL IN MY HEART THIS IS THE RIGHT THING..THEN I CAN BE FULL….MAY GOD SHINE HIS LIGHT ON ALL
Janice
====== Billy:
Thanks Mike. Your words about “knowing every sports statistic” hit home as I am a big fan of the Olympics and stay up late when I normally would go to bed. Give me the strength to devote as much time to God’s word !!
Billy
====== Jane:
Amen Mike! Today’s readings and your blog are spot on! God wants us to please others. We are living in a self seeking world. Its all about self. How can we turn away from self? Philippians 2:3-4, 8 ” Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit,but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also the interest of others. Just as Jesus humbled himself..” There’s is such a joy in serving others, just as Christ came to serve. Also our hope is in him. He is our rest and rescue as in psalms 25:5 Do you know the Christian song “Shoulders” by King and country? It’s a fabulous song with great lyrics for one to meditate on. I’m so thankful for these spirit filled Christian artists who share their love of Christ through music. We have to hope because once we lose hope we lose our way because it’s hope that leads us to our eternal Father. Blessings to all today and you Mike!
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,” Ephesians 3:20 NIV http://bible.com/111/eph.3.20.niv This verse came to me as I read your blog Mike. The devil is at work. Oh yeah we need to recognize it!!! We need to have power over him! That’s where eph 3:20 comes in . Believe God to have given us power to defeat the devil. He is able. God can . I spent a couple days at the beach with friends. The girl had s reality show on. It was trash. Nothing constructive. I chose to walk away. I want my Life to reflect Christ . I want my words to be wise not senseless!
Jane
===== Robert:
2 Chronicles 30 – 32
For some reason I enjoyed reading this chronicle about Hezekiah today. Some things that stood out were the invitation letter to the people in 30: 6-10 that is comparable to what God said to Solomon in 2 Chronicles 7:14. It’s all sort of a template of what we do in church and a similar action we see in vs. 19, the forgiveness we receive during a sacrament, like the Lord’s Supper.
In Chapter 31 we see all the people named, even kids, everyone was important enough to be named and made special. Imagine your name in the Bible! The best part of all this is the result of doing right and the chapter ends….And so he prospered.
Romans 15:14-22
Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles reminded me of a good friend’s similar compelling passion to speak the Gospel and do a ministry to the people in Liberia. Karen founded a wonderful organization called THE PROVISION OF HOPE in 2000 when things were in chaos after a devastating war in Liberia. She continues her loving outreach and gives hope to thousands of people. https://www.provisionofhope.com/
Psalm 25:15
My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare. I think this scripture lines up nicely with what the Lord taught us in his prayer, “and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil”.
Robert
======= Dee:
Thanks Ramona! I love the old testament and the kings and hearing their stories of old especially Hezekiah Solomon and David…
Roman’s oh man it’s good all the time! Encouragement in God’s promises
Psalm 25 Why are we in bondage by others thoughts..why do we allow it?
Proverbs loving sleep will end in poverty..what do they say rest is for the weary or weak.. I feel it lately.. teacher tired..lol be 🙌 😇
Old Testament – We are re-introduced to King Hezekiah of Judah in today’s readings! The quantity of the Chronicler’s writings about the reign of Hezekiah is second only to the reigns of David & Solomon. We’ll be reading about Hezekiah again in the coming days. Reading about Hezekiah today was such a breath of fresh air after the atrocities of King Ahaz in yesterday’s readings… Hezekiah is a hero! He re-opens the Temple! He reinstitutes the sacrifices to God! You’ll recall from our readings in Second Kings chapter 18 verses 5 through 7 we got an overview of who Hezekiah was – “Hezekiah trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel. There was never another king like him in the land of Judah, either before or after his time. He remained faithful to the LORD in everything, and he carefully obeyed all the commands the LORD had given Moses. So the LORD was with him, and Hezekiah was successful in everything he did.” Below is a coloured woodcut from Henry VIII´s Great Bible, from the year 1538, of King Hezekiah burning pagan idols:
New Testament – Paul’s writings in Roman’s chapter 14 about the dangers of criticizing and judging others are powerful! I love verses 12 & 13: “Yes, each of us will have to give a personal account to God. So don’t condemn each other anymore. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not put an obstacle in another Christian’s path.” Wow… that is something for each of us to consider. That we ourselves can actually put obstacles in another Christian’s path toward God! Do you think that you have ever done this in your life? I do think that I have. Never intentionally. But, when I have stopped loving and serving others and instead began judging and criticizing others, I do believe I have placed obstacles in other people’s paths! Not to mention my own path! Let us pray that we are not obstacles to others by judging and criticizing…
Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Romans titled “Love and Liberty: Liberties Love Won’t Take” is at this link. Below is a great image for Romans 14:8 from today’s readings –
Psalms – Psalm 24 is a beautiful Psalm! Check out this brief snippet of commentary on this Psalm from bible.org: “The Israelites have returned from a battle with the Canaanites. They are proceeding up to the sanctuary on the holy mount to give praise to Yahweh for the great and mighty victory in battle, carrying with them the Ark of the Covenant, the symbol of Yahweh’s presence with them. As they approach the gate, they are met by the Levites who function as gatekeepers. It is their part to ask who may enter the sanctuary of the Lord; and it is the priests’ part to answer with the stipulations from the Law. Whoever meets these qualifications may enter and fellowship with Yahweh… The psalm then concludes with the worshipers calling to the gates to make way for Yahweh to come in to His sanctuary, for why should the King of Glory stoop to go under a doorway? ” (also, any Chris Tomlin fans out there will definitely recognize this Psalm – on his CD “Arriving” I think the 2nd or 3rd to last song is called “King of Glory” based on this Psalm – it’s the best song on this overall fantastic CD in my humble opinion! 🙂
Proverbs – Proverbs 20:12 today teaches us: “Ears to hear and eyes to see–both are gifts from the LORD.” Amen! It is interesting that this Proverb doesn’t mention our mouths to talk… Seems like this Proverb is really a good reminder that listening and seeing are amazing gifts. Gifts that allow us to listen to others and enjoy God’s beautifully created world. And yes, I do believe our mouths are gifts too for communication to others. But it is interesting that we have 2 ears and 2 eyes, and just 1 mouth. Think there is a message in this math equation for us? 🙂
YouTube: Based on Psalm 24, here is Chris Tomlin and Jesse Reeves talking about the song “King of Glory” and how it relates to Psalm 24. This is a powerful song… Who is this King of Glory!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today:“If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” Romans 14:8 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you are living for the Lord today. Pray that you will die in the Lord. Pray that you belong to the Lord.
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:
II Chronicles 29:1-36 This is a joyous occasion, Temple worship is being restored, purification of the sanctuary and the utensils used in worship, yet I feel so sad because of the futility of their actions. My sadness comes from knowing that Judah will go into exile, the temple will be burnt and torn down because Judah, like her sister Israel has a wicked heart and will be carried off. However, God always provides for Himself a remnant.
To me it is sad that Hezekiah had to command the burnt offerings to be resumed (27), he had to order the Levites to sing praises to the Lord (33). It is sad that the Levites who were commanded to worship also were in a better spiritual place then the priests (34)
All of these things can be and are committed by believers today and that includes me. How sad that we wonder off and when brought back into the fellowship of the Saints, we have to be commanded to worship God. The Old Testament was written so that the believers today would not fall into the same traps, sin and the same thinking that the saints of old fell into (1 Cor. 10:6;11)
Let us not grow wary in our well doing (Gal. 6:9) so that we wonder off down the wrong rode.
II Chronicles 29 34 But there were too few priests to prepare all the burnt offerings, so their relatives the Levites helped them until the work was finished and until more priests had been purified. For the Levites had been more conscientious about purifying themselves than the priests.
Sad, so sad.
Romans 14:1-23 I have always called this chapter, well not always, the “Mind Your Own Business” chapter. Unless it is “sin”, someone’s setting of the table a particular way, eating of food, dancing before the Lord, wearing make-up or no make-up is their own business. We in the body of Christ seem to haggle over things that do not matter as far as our salvation goes. Yes, sin is not to be practiced, but when we make our personal convictions the law, we become like the Pharisees, we put our “laws” above God’s.
Your personal convictions [on such matters]–exercise [them] as in God’s presence, keeping them to yourself [striving only to know the truth and obey His will]. Blessed (happy, to be envied) is he who has no reason to judge himself for what he approves [who does not convict himself by what he chooses to do]. (Rom 14:22 AMP)
Psalm 24:1-10
7 Open up, ancient gates! Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter. 8 Who is the King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, invincible in battle. 9 Open up, ancient gates! Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter. 10 Who is the King of glory? The LORD Almighty– he is the King of glory.
I love the above refrain it gives me Goosebumps. It brings me back to my childhood when I became excited when a parade was coming down the main street. The marching bands the drum major and the twirlers. It is a sense of something big is coming, a sense of anticipation and great expectations. I think that sense, that child’s sense of opportunity and hope should be our state of mind every time we opened up the Bible to read, something good this way comes.
Proverbs 20:12
The hearing ear and the seeing eye–the Lord has made both of them. (Pro 20:12 AMP)
Hmmm, if God has made both the ear and eye, then we are without excuse when we say about His Words, I didn’t see or hear that, or know that. We have been given the facilities to use in asking, seeking and knocking to discover God and the His will for our lives.
Grace and peace, Ramona
====== Rob:
Do not Tempt
This is a theme not often digested by the mass media today – marketing companies encourage the Jones family to be ostentatious.
Paul harkens back to the theme of “subordination”.
If in public or in mixed company with unbelievers. The Strong in faith should subordinate himself to the weaker. Strong should yield to the weak. Honor his interests over your own. Love him.
Rom 14:15b “…Do not by your eating destroy your brother for whom Christ died.” NIV
Rob
====== Kitty:
Praise the Lord – the King of glory!
Thank you Mike! You are such a blessing 🙂
Kitty
====== Art:
The Romans passage today begs the question: what is a disputable matter? Paul was using dietary regimens as an example, but its not clear what else we are meant to assume in that category. I can think of many matters in the church today which are frequently disputed… where someone somewhere has decided that a matter is wide open for re-interpretation, however many of these, from the standpoint of orthodoxy, were never intended to be and frankly, ought not to be. I.e., they are not disputable in the eyes of God.
The distinction makes all the difference in the world. I may call something core doctrine and someone else can easily quote this passage back to me and say don’t put a stumbling block in my path.
Which is all to ask: where are the boundaries of what’s disputable? Thots?
Art
====== Brian:
This is a good reminder, especially in this time when most of us are busy asserting our freedom in Christ to do whatever.
‘Giving no offense, neither to the Jew, nor to the Greek, nor to the Church of God.’ 1 Cor 10:32
We are called to lay aside our freedom in respect for our brother’s conscience, so as to not cause him to stumble.
Brian
====== Frederick:
It is delightful to read the revival brought by Hezekiah.
Frederick
====== Shirley:
I was always fascinated with the relationship Hezekiah had with the Lord. God send message to let him know his days on earth would be coming to an end soon, and he should set his house in order. Hezekiah was able to recall and remind the Lord about some of the things he did. remind you there is nothing hidden from God. However because of what Hezekiah said God responded by adding some years to his life. this is a reminder to all of us who claims to be children of God, to make sure that we have a relationship with the Lord, and that our relationship is in right standing with Him.
Shirley
====== Michael:
Mike I agree with you! I like God’s math too, it seems to work in our favour all ways, even in some we don’t always want it to(overloading my mouth). Very funny, but true. I am now 30 years old and when I was younger I had all the right answers and, no, you couldn’t tell me different. I just knew I was right. Now though, I see that even though I may be right there’s something more valuable than just winning an argument or proving yourself as being correct. People respect you more and will be more honoring in helping you if you are a person of humility instead of strength. Thank you!!
Michael
====== Charles:
Proverbs 20:12 – ears and eyes, gifts from God A beautiful sunset or a pretty bird, a beautiful song or a bird’s singing – impossible to describe to someone unfortunately born blind or deaf. Even the science behind sight and sound is amazing! Creation is “Indescribable” and “How great is our God”! – both awesome songs on Chris Tomlin’s Arriving CD also.(Indescribable is the best IMHO) Thanks again for your blog, Mike – it has inspired me to go thru God’s Word.
Charles
====== Dee:
What I loved especially is Roman’s and Proverbs today. I have been treated ugly by my sis in law in how to advise my grown daughter how to live ..like our religious upbringing is not as good as hers. This chapter made me think of that. Mind your business chapter. Do not be like Pharisees.
Also love the Bassett Pic every time and the teacher in me loves the math equation. 2 ears and 1 mouth for a reason. 2 eyes as well. We need to hear God’s word and see His beauty more than run off at mouth
Dee
====== Dee:
It’s nice to see some peace and a goodly king in Hezekiah instead of the corruptness of Ahab. The Word said that Hezekiah was obedient like his ancestor David. Good for once.
While we are living amd dying to the Lord we also are living sacrifices and should remain vigilant in not making another child of God stumble. We is okay to us might he a trap for another.
God’s glory and salvation coming for us! Praise the Lord
Ears to hear and eyes to see are gifts from the Lord. Amen Hallelujah
Dee
====== John:
Romans 14:1-23
When we critique, criticize , or make a fuss about non-essentials in another’s Christian life, we are in a small way – playing God. If the person is a true believer then God will deal with the actions and words of another believer. God does not need your help in this area.
Our job is to love and build-up one another. The building up should be in character and regarding the essentials of the Christian faith.
We do not know where this person came from (in totality) before becoming a Christian, and we do not know how God is working in their lives. We certainly do not know their heart like God.
There is enough to do with sharing the gospel, and with sharing our gifts with the Body of Christ. Getting caught up in non-essentials is a waste of time – and satan LOVES it!
John
====== John:
2 Chronicles 29:1-36
VERSE 3
1. Hezekiah wastes no time in bringing forth spiritual reform to the nation. The first thing he does is to re-open the house of worship, the temple, and to repair it. Why did he have to do this? Because during his fathers reign, Ahaz closed everything up that had to do with the Lord. We are told in II Chronicles 28:24 “So Ahaz gathered the articles of the house of God, cut in pieces the articles of the house of God, shut up the doors of the house of the LORD, and made for himself altars in every corner of Jerusalem.” Thus, Hezekiah is going to open the doors of worship once again, the place where spiritual revival is to begin.
VERSES 4-5
1. The temple was used as a big storage area where all the junk, all that was worthless was kept. And I think many times we fill our hearts with all kinds of garbage, like bitterness, anger, covetousness, all kinds of carnality, and in doing that or having that in our hearts, we have a hard time worshipping the Lord. You see, we are the temple of God, and God wants us to remove that garbage from His temple, and the amazing thing is, that as God purges more and more of that garbage from our hearts, from our lives, the easier it is to worship Him.
VERSES 12-17
1. As the priests came together, they sanctified themselves before the Lord and then began to clean the house of the Lord. During the reign of Ahaz the house of the Lord, the temple, became a big storage area for junk. It took them 8 days to clean the outer court and another 8 days to clean the temple proper or the holy place and the holy of holies. 16 days in all to remove all the junk that had been stored there and to restore the house of God to a place of worship. That tells me that the temple was trashed, for it was not just a couple of guys doing the cleaning, but the priests came together to assist in this work, and they took the trash out to the Brook Kidron. This was a major cleaning project and yet it was so important in re-establishing the worship of God.
Seems pretty simple. Paul is addressing the Christian brotherhood in Rome. What is going on?
In Rome – Christians were made up of converted Jews who had a background of ritual, ceremony, and festivals. Also there were Gentiles who had come to righteousness in faith through Christ. Slaves and freemen. These also had varying degrees of past worship styles. Some of the above preferred to cling to some old traditions, some wanted nothing to do with them.
In non-essential things there were some differences amongst the “church body”.
Even more so in America today:
“Within the church are people at all different levels of life, both physically and spiritually–young people to old people. Some people have been saved fifty years; others have come to know Christ within the last forty-eight hours. Some come from irreligious, atheistic, or humanistic backgrounds; others come from devout Roman Catholic families. Some used to be Mormons or Jehovah’s Witnesses. Some come from legalistic fundamentalist churches, and others come from loose, free-wheeling churches.
Within the church today are new Christians holding onto old habits and traditions. It takes time before they can let go of such things because they’re so ingrained. People have preferences in things from dress to music to diet to entertainment. – http://www.biblebb.com/files/MAC/sg45-108.htm
Define “Strong” and “Weak”
Strong: Liberated brothers and sisters in Christ fully understand what it means to be free in Christ– they don’t cling to meaningless traditions and forms of religion. They understand fully that they are free from sin, death, hell, and Satan. They understand they are not obligated to follow holy days and ceremonies. They know they are free to make choices dependent on how the Spirit of God moves in their hearts. Such people are strong in the faith.
Weak: These individuals continue to hang onto the rituals and ceremonies of their past, refusing to let go. They don’t believe they have freedom in Christ to do otherwise. Such freedom threatens them, so they prefer remain as they are. – ibid. ====================================================== Do not Judge.
Jesus said it on the Sermon on the Mount, and Paul is saying it here.
The admonition goes out twice to the strong AND the weak. We are all brothers in Christ, saved by the grace of God. Judging one another hurts the unity of the “body”, and hinders the Christian growth of the body. If “bickering” becomes public it also reflects badly on God. (Ex. Christians act like that? I want no part of them.)
Besides it is not our province. If one is convinced in his own mind about a non-essential – then let God judge at the appropriate time. Everything we do is unto the Lord – so let it be – and do not Judge one another on these non-essentials. ====================================================== Do not Tempt
Paul harkens back to the theme of “subordination”.
If in public or in mixed company with unbelievers. The Strong in faith should subordinate himself to the weaker. Strong should yield to the weak. Honor his interests over your own. Love him.
Rom 14:15b “…Do not by your eating destroy your brother for whom Christ died.” NIV
I can think of two ways that brother is destroyed: 1) Weak brother gets so worked up in contempt and disdain for what you ate. That he loses focus on God, loses grace and Power of holy Spirit and languishes as a Christian.
2)Weak brother joins you because you are of strong faith – overiding his conscience. By ignoring conscience he may establish a trend, and ignore when the Holy Spirit prompts him, in the future, on a crucial issue through his conscience.
Every action we do as Christians shoul lead to harmony and growth of the “church” – not dissension. ====================================================== Contemporary Times
While Paul is talking about food and drink. The same thoughts should apply to non-essentials of today.
Hair length, dress, style of music, Lent, eschatology, to name a few.
Here are five questions to ask yourself, if not at the time – later when you reflect on an incident or choosing to exercise a liberty in Christ:
1)Will it violate my conscience or my understanding of the Lordship of Christ?
2)Will it be a bad example or a good example to others if I do this?
2 CHRONICLES 29 (NKJV) 5 and [King Hezekiah] said to them: “Hear me, Levites! Now sanctify yourselves, sanctify the house of the LORD God of your fathers, and carry out the rubbish from the holy place.
10 “Now it is in my heart to make a covenant with the LORD God of Israel, that His fierce wrath may turn away from us.
18 Then they went in to King Hezekiah and said, “We have cleansed all the house of the LORD, the altar of burnt offerings with all its articles, and the table of the showbread with all its articles. 19 Moreover all the articles which King Ahaz in his reign had cast aside in his transgression we have prepared and sanctified; and there they are, before the altar of the LORD.”
27 Then Hezekiah commanded them to offer the burnt offering on the altar. And when the burnt offering began, the song of the LORD also began, with the trumpets and with the instruments of David king of Israel.
30 Moreover King Hezekiah and the leaders commanded the Levites to sing praise to the LORD with the words of David and of Asaph the seer. So they sang praises with gladness, and they bowed their heads and worshiped.
NOTE: Verse 27: What is “the song of the LORD”? From the context, it seems like when they sang “praise to the LORD with the words of David and of Asaph the seer” (verse 30).
May we cleanse ourselves—that is bring ourselves to be cleansed in the Presence of the Lord—daily and regularly so we are fit for service.
The Lord Jesus tells us how. ~~~
John 3 (NKJV) 20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”
The LORD God already sees and knows. The Lord Jesus wants us to come into His Light so all the idols can be removed and we can be cleansed, ready to properly love and serve the LORD.
Then all of the confused and mixed up areas can be put in order under the guidance of the LORD. ~~~
Romans 14 (NKJV) 7 For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. 8 For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living.
16 Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; 17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.
NOTE: What is my passion? Yes, I thank God for the many giftings, talents and skills that God has placed within me. But, what do I do with them?
What is my passion? It needs to be that I love the Lord Jesus first and foremost with a passion.
It needs to be to that Christ “might be Lord of both the dead and the living”.
And since Christ ALONE is Lord, I have no right to be someone else’s “Lord” and demand agreement with everything I say or feel.
Where God’s Word is clear—we all need to completely clear as well. Where the Holy Spirit is unclear in Scripture—we need to give each other freedom to learn.
We always need to walk in true love and respect out of reverence for Christ towards one another. ~~~
Psalm 24 (NKJV) 3 Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who may stand in His holy place? 4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, nor sworn deceitfully. 5 He shall receive blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. 6 This is Jacob, the generation of those who seek Him, who seek Your face. Selah
NOTE: The “generation of those who seek Him”.
That is, this is the TYPE and QUALITY of people in all ages whose worship the Lord Himself seeks and is pleased with.
Cleansing and preparation. Yes, we need to be cleansed and prepared for service to the Lord—because we love Him.
But we first need to cleansed and prepared to be IN HIS PRESENCE and to properly love the LORD GOD.
Everything we do is to flow out of our love and passion for the PRESENCE of the Lord God as revealed in the Lord Jesus Christ.
The LORD demands purity—and He alone can make us who He wants us to be as we yield to Him in worship.
Then we can serve God acceptably, walking in the mind of Christ with His Love and Wisdom.
2 Timothy 2 (NKJV) 19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ [the Lord] depart from iniquity.” 20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. 21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. ~~~
Proverbs 20 (NKJV) 12 The hearing ear and the seeing eye, the LORD has made them both.
Thank God for the ability to see with human eyes. But WE NEED more desperately to see Christ with the eyes of our heart.
Ephesians 1 (Amplified Bible) 17 [For I always pray to] the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, that He may grant you a spirit of wisdom and revelation [of insight into mysteries and secrets] in the [deep and intimate] knowledge of Him, 18 By having the eyes of your heart flooded with light, so that you can know and understand the hope to which He has called you, and how rich is His glorious inheritance in the saints (His set-apart ones), 19 And [so that you can know and understand] what is the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His power in and for us who believe, as demonstrated in the working of His mighty strength, 20 Which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His [own] right hand in the heavenly [places]
Vance
====== Vance:
This morning, I was praying and asking God to remove any idols from my life, and to cleanse my life from all and any filthiness.
Then, the Holy Spirit brought back to my mind this verse from His Word in Romans 6 (NKJV):
4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
~~~ WE HAVE BEEN BURIED WITH CHRIST THR0UGH BAPTISM INTO THE DEATH OF CHRIST.
Note this verse from Romans 6 (NKJV): 3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?
~~~
The word “baptize” is a very rich and powerful word:
GREEK: Baptizo – Strong’s # 907 a. To dip repeatedly; to immerse; to submerge
b. To cleanse by dipping or submerging; to make clean; to wash one’s self; bathe ~~~
PICTURE TWO MEN ALONE, RUNNING THROUGH THE FOREST. One man is a very bad man chasing the other man to kill him.
Finally, the first man realizes as he runs into a body of water, that there is no more place for him to run.
So he faces the bad man. The bad man chasing the first man has his mind intently fixed on only one purpose: to kill the man he is chasing.
Either the first man kills the bad man or the bad man will kill the first man.
No room for any other compromise.
The first man turns to face the bad man as he realizes this is his last battle with the bad man. Only one can win.
The bad man eagerly and angrily jumps into the water and the two men struggle.
Finally, after much struggle, the first man feels an adreline rush and he gets the upper hand. He is able to hold down the bad man until he is weakened.
He pulls up the bad man to see if he is still breathing. The bad man, through weakened, is still filled with hatred and is will not leave without killing the first man.
So the first man holds the bad man down again and agaiin and again… until the bad man’s body desperately tries to get out of the water so he can breathe.
Finally, the bad man’s life leaves the body and his body is lifeless. ~~~
That, in word picture form, is how I picture BAPTIZO in Romans 6:3.
We are powerless against the old man, and the old man is part of us. There is no escape from the old man.
On the Cross, the Lord Jesus Himself enters the struggle. Jesus Himself submerges the old man over and over and over again… until the life is gone from the old man.
He is completely dead. ~~~
WE ARE COMPLETELY DEAD TO SIN… in Christ.
Now, we have the wonderful opportunity and joy (and responsibility) to enter into the death of the old man which Jesus has accomplished for us. ~~~
All of came to me in a flash of imagination as I was asking God to help me remove all idols and to cleanse my life — so I can be used by the Lord for His glory.
Romans 6 (NKJV) 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Old Testament – Today in Second Chronicles chapter 26 we read about Uzziah ruling in Judah – along with his sin and punishment. Uzziah, like other kings of Judah we’ve read about recently honored God in his early years, but then fell away in his later years. Sad! I pray that none of us fall into the trap of honoring God now and then dishonoring him later in our lives. How do you suppose we can avoid this trap? I think one of the key things is to read the Bible daily. But I also am realizing more and more that we need to be in community with other Christians consistently. Yes, church every weekend. But more than that – small groups, Bible studies, accountability groups, etc. We need to encourage and challenge each other in community to continue running our race strong! Are you in consistent community with other Christians in your life today? If not, will you consider joining a small group or Bible study at your church? If you’re not going to church, will you start going to church this weekend? Do you see the danger of not being in community with other Christians, and ending up perhaps like some of the kings of Judah who dishonored God later in their lives? Please, please, please – be in a consistent community with other Christians! Below is an oil painting by Rembrandt titled “The King Uzziah Stricken with Leprosy” from the year 1635:
Today in Second Chronicles chapter 28 we read about King Ahaz of Judah. You will note that the reign of Ahab is the only reign in which the Chronicler does not mention a single redeeming feature… Things are obviously getting worse for the southern Kingdom of Judah! A very interesting thing happens in verses 9 through 15 where we are introduced to the prophet Obed in Samaria, and the northern captors show kindness to their captives from Judah. In fact, some scholars believe that verses 14 & 15 may even be the background for Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan!! This is very powerful to consider! Do you see how these 2 verses could be background for Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan? “So the warriors released the prisoners and handed over the plunder in the sight of all the leaders and people. Then the four men mentioned by name came forward and distributed clothes from the plunder to the prisoners who were naked. They provided clothing and sandals to wear, gave them enough food and drink, and dressed their wounds with olive oil. They put those who were weak on donkeys and took all the prisoners back to their own land–to Jericho, the city of palms. Then they returned to Samaria.” Below is the artist Vincent van Gogh’s take on the parable of the Good Samaritan from the year 1890:
New Testament – Tyndale’s One Year Bible Companion has a great overview of three historical interpretations of how Christians are to submit to the government per Paul’s writings in Romans chapter 13 verse 1 today: “1. Some Christians believe the state is so corrupt that Christians should have as little to do with it as possible. 2. Others believe that God has given the state authority in certain areas and the church authority in others. Christians can be loyal to both and can work for either. They should not however confuse the two. 3. Still others believe that Christians have a responsibility to make the state better. They can do this politically by electing high-principled leaders. None of these 3 views advocate rebelling against or refusing to obey the government’s laws or regulations unless those laws clearly require you to violate the moral standards revealed by God.” Bible.org’s commentary on this subject titled “The Christian and Civil Government” is at this link. I lean toward a mix of #2 and #3 these days. I think there is much value in Christians paying attention to local and national and international governments, and getting involved. Let us not just throw our hands up in the air and think that our government is nothing but this image below… 🙂 (or if we do think our government is nothing but this image below, then let us work to change the reality!)
How incredibly powerful are Paul’s words in Romans 13 verses 8 through 10 – “Pay all your debts, except the debt of love for others. You can never finish paying that! If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill all the requirements of God’s law. For the commandments against adultery and murder and stealing and coveting–and any other commandment–are all summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”Love does no wrong to anyone, so love satisfies all of God’s requirements.” Wow… great stuff. Love satisfies all of God’s requirements. Do you believe this to be true? What type of love do you think Paul is talking about here? A passive love? An active love? Who is the last person you paid the debt of love to? Who is the next person you will pay the debt of love to? Will you pay the debt of love to somebody in your life each and every day?
Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Romans titled “Love, Law, and the Last Days” is at this link.
Psalms – Psalm 23! What a Psalm!! This is the first Psalm for sure that I ever really read and was comforted by without a doubt. Psalm 23 is a profession of joyful trust in God as the good Shepherd-King by David. I like The Message’s take on Psalm 23 at this link. Bible.org has a wonderful commentary on Psalm 23 titled “A Psalm that calms the soul”at this link.
Proverbs – Today in Proverbs 20 verse 11 we read – “Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right.” This is an interesting Proverb for me to meditate upon. I focus in on the word “actions” here. Basically this Proverb to me is saying that actions matter. Our actions don’t save us or make us right with God, but they matter. Even children are known by their actions. Do you think that you and I are known by our actions? If so, what are our actions saying to others? Is our conduct pure and right? I have some friends who seem to think that actions do not matter – particularly once we are in relationship with Jesus. I get very nervous with this line of thinking. I think particularly once we are in a relationship with Jesus, we are called to follow Jesus and we are called to holiness. We are called to be saints. Yes, saints. Now, don’t get me wrong – we will stumble. We will fall. We will not be perfect this side of heaven. Even after being in relationship with Jesus we will make mistakes. But, I believe we are called to live our lives such that we incrementally start to look more and more like God’s own son, Jesus. I believe we are called to love like Jesus. Forgive like Jesus. Give like Jesus. And this list goes on – check out the Beatitudes in Matthew 5 for a nice list of actions for us to emulate. So – even a child is known by his actions. What would people say about you based on your actions these days? Would they see that you are becoming more and more like Jesus with each passing day, week, month, and year? Do you think your actions matter?
YouTube: As we’re reading Psalm 23 today, this video of Abby reciting Psalm 23 seems wholly appropriate!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on six verses of Scripture today:“The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” Psalm 23:1-6 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that the Lord is your shepherd. Pray that you are not in want. Pray that your soul is being restored by the Lord. Pray that you will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Pray you will memorize Psalm 23 today, and pray this Psalm frequently.
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.
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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS: (our Group Bible Study is below! : )
======= Ramona:
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)
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.
[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 ====================================================== 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!
Old Testament – Today in Second Chronicles 24 verse 1 we read – “Joash was seven years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem forty years.” This is quite a young age to be crowned king! (yep, that’s Joash on the right in the image below – the priest presenting him to the people is on the left)
Did you notice in today’s readings that Joash followed God in his early years, when Jehoiada the priest was alive (verses 1-16), and then turned to evil and idolatry after Jehoiada’s death (verses 17-27)? One of the saddest parts was Joash’s murder of Jehoiada’s grandson Zechariah in verse 20. (Note that the text says son, but scholars believe Jehoiada’s son was Berekiah, and Zechariah was Berekiah’s son – Biblical genealogies sometimes skip a generation.) Jesus Himself references the atrocity of this murder when facing His own murderers in Matthew 23:35! This quote of Jesus’ comes just after delivering his seven woes in Matthew 23: “And so upon you will come all the righteous blood that has been shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berekiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.”
New Testament – Wow! Could Romans chapter 12 be one of the most powerful chapters in the Bible?? I love this chapter… Please take a moment to re-read this chapter if you can. Verses 1 through 3 have been so powerful for me personally since the early days of my Christian walk – “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritualact of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” I really don’t know what commentary I could add to these words of Paul’s. I love the thought of our bodies being living sacrifices to God. (There is of course the old joke that the only problem with a living sacrifice is that it tends to crawl off the altar… 🙂 And the warning to not conform any longer to the pattern of this world is so so so true…. and we all know it. But I find myself still falling prey to the pattern of this world. Its temptations do not cease. But! We can be transformed by the renewing of our minds to test and approve what God’s will is. Through a loving and growing relationship with Jesus, we can overcome the temptations and the death this world will offer us all too frequently. In view of God’s mercy, will you offer your body today as God as a living sacrifice?
Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Romans titled “The Road to Renewal” is at this link and “Thinking Straight about Spiritual Gifts” is at this link and “What is this Thing Called Love” is at this link. Below are 2 wonderful images for Romans chapter 12 verse 2 and verses 4 & 5:
Psalms – What’s one good reason to go to church at all? Check out Psalm 22 verse 22: “Then I will declare the wonder of your name to my brothers and sisters. I will praise you among all your people.” Praising God with other brothers and sisters through worship, tithing, learning, serving and being in community in church is a great reason to go to church! To declare the wonder of God’s name! To praise God among all his people. Wow… yes… this is church!
Proverbs – Proverbs 20 verse 10 is convicting – “The LORD despises double standards of every kind.” I am afraid that I often do have double standards in the way I live my own life. I am afraid perhaps we all do to a degree. We hold ourselves to one standard when we are at church and among our friends and maybe even typing on this blog… 🙂 But, then, late at night or early in the morning or during the day perhaps we let this standard – this Christian standard – simply go. We become judgmental. We gossip. We complain. We lust. We give in to our old addictions. We fall prey to a double standard. Please don’t ever forget that God calls us to the highest standard! And he sent us his Son Jesus to set us free from the bondage of sin from the bondage of double standards. Through faith in Jesus we are gifted with the Holy Spirit living within our very bodies, which is an amazing blessing to consider! God gives us everything that we need to live a life of high moral standards. Will we pray unceasingly to let our double standards go? Will we leave the double standards behind once and for all? Will we stop living our lives with two faces?
Worship God: Today’s readings reminded me of Christian Paul’s song “Yes I am:”
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today:“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is true worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:1-2 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you are offering your body as a living sacrifice to God today. Pray that you are not conforming to the pattern of this world, but are being transformed by the renewing of your mind. Pray you are walking and living in the center of God’s will for your life – His good, pleasing and perfect will.
Comments from You & Questions of the Day: 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.
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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS: (our Group Bible Study is below! : )
======= Ramona:
II Chronicles 24-25:28 I’m not sure if I’ve covered this in my writing before but I’ve been focused, obsessed whatever the word used, with Proverbs 25:28 for at least three to four years. I meditate on it, I ask God for a clearer understanding of what it means, and it reads like this in the Amplified translation,
He who has no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down and without walls. (Pro 25:28 AMP)
The notes in the Amplified cross-reference this verse with the sixteenth chapter and the thirty-second verse,
He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, he who rules his [own] spirit than he who takes a city. (Pro 16:32 AMP)
Self-control as opposed to external control seems to be key in walking with God. I do not believe we have it within ourselves to maintain control of ourselves outside of Jesus Christ. External controls do work in most instances; however, once those controls are removed, well…who we really are comes out. Joash operated under pressure of external control, Jehoiada the priest. His son, Amaziah, operated under the external pressure of fear; as long as he was under the threat of an invading army, he looked to the Lord. When God defeated that army, Amaziah became like most of us, he took the glory for himself. Pride led him to believe that he now was “All that and a bag of chips.” Wouldn’t it be a shame and silly for the donkey, that Jesus rode on when he entered Jerusalem to the cheers of the crowds, to think that the palms, the cheers the shouts of Hosanna, were for him? Yet we take credit every day for the things God has worked out for us. We think we are, “All that and a bag of chips with a Sneakers Bar thrown in.”
Internal controls will keep us, I believe, from operating with duel personalities, one way with folks and the other way when we think no one is looking. Who we really are is who we are when we are by ourselves. That is really, really scary and unsettling to admit.
It is amazing how these readings fit together, a theme from the Old Testament dovetails right into the New
Romans 12:1-21 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Rom 12:1-2 KJVR)
I just love the poetry of the King James in these two verses. The key, I believe to gaining self-control can be found in these wonderful two verses. We need to have our minds renewed, we need to change the way we think. We need to come out of thinking as the world thinks and begin to think as God thinks. This renewing of the mind really hit me the end of last year.
I have a two-bedroom apartment, which has three-sided exposure, north, east and south. In November 2004 I found out that the external and the inside walls between the kitchen and bathroom as well as one of the bedrooms were loaded with mold. And because the bricks had not been pointed for probably ten years, the inside external walls had mold also. I had a complete gut renovation in my apartment with my furniture inside and covered up (dust, no matter how well you cover everything will get in that is what dusts does). With no walls, no bathroom, no radiators and no kitchen sink I bunked at my neighbors and God showed me what it means to renew one’s mind, as well as the insidiousness of sin as represented by mold (leprosy in a house) in the Book of Leviticus (14:34-55).
On deep inspection, my apartment walls were of two minds they looked fine on the outside but on the inside, things were rotten and moldy. They could not spray it out or clean it with a mixture of bleach, the walls had to come down. The Greek word translated, “Renew” in the King James Version came to life for me and God continually brought Romans 12:1-2 to my mind for the three weeks I slept on my neighbor’s couch.
G342 ἀνακαίνωσις anakainōsis an-ak-ah’ee-no-sis From G341; renovation: – renewing.
We have been so ingrained in the thinking of the ways of the world instead of the ways of God, we need gut renovations of the mind. There are walls that need to come down. This Site provides the opportunity for everyone who comes through these portals to begin that renovation so that the duality of thinking we have become so use to stops. I also saw in that process of renovation how uncomfortable I felt while the walls I had become so accustomed to came down and finally were no longer there. There were no radiators, no toilet, no bathtub and sink. I had to use someone else’s facilities (Could this have been an example of how Christian Brothers and Sisters “bear” up one and another when someone goes through this process of renovation?).
Psalm 22:19-31 27 The whole earth will acknowledge the LORD and return to him. People from every nation will bow down before him. 28 For the LORD is king! He rules all the nations.
When things don’t seem to be going well, when people look like they are getting away with murder, figuratively and literally, these two verses let us know that God will rule and all of us who are rebellious will bow before the Lord and acknowledge that Jesus is Lord.
Proverbs 20:8-10
At first glance, the eighth verse appears to be kind of off,
8 When a king judges, he carefully weighs all the evidence, distinguishing the bad from the good.
If I think back in history and even looking at the kings in the Bible—-well, they didn’t judge fairly let alone distinguish right from wrong, good from evil. But then I looked again. One who is a “true” king and the one who is the True King will judge fairly and righteously. Having a crown on one’s head has as much to do with making one a king as a mouse falling into the cookie jar making it a cookie.
And to top it all off, verse nine and ten overarch everything in today’s readings that deal with hypocrisy, duality of one’s thinking and just straddling the fence when it comes to our Christian walk,
9 Who can say, “I have cleansed my heart; I am pure and free from sin”?
10 The LORD despises double standards of every kind.
I truly believe this; the above cannot be done until we walk in full submission to God. We can try on our own strength but we will fail. Unless we submit to God, presenting our bodies by placing ourselves on the Alter of God and allowing Him to set us on fire burning off everything that is not of Him, and leave those fire extinguishers home.
Grace and peace, Ramona
====== Vance:
Perhaps my comments and meditations have been a bit too long for this format. I am not trying to provide a long devotional for “show”. I actually only put what I have been meditating on in my own life.
For today, I can only add this one meditation from my own devotional… which fits well into NOT HAVING a double standard and PRESENTING our lives
Numbers 14 is the infamous chapter when the children of Israel finally rebelled against the Lord. After the twelve (12) spies had come back from viewing the people and the land God had promised them, the people literally “went berserk”. They wanted to stone the two (2) faithful spies. They planned to “hire” a new leader, and go back to slavery in Egypt (more comfortable ?!!?)
Numbers 14, verses 9 and 10 (Amplified) really hit me hard this morning. It fits right in with choosing to be a living sacrifice and choosing to not have double standards — which we can ONLY do with the help of God’s Spirit:
9 Only do not rebel against the Lord, neither fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their defense and the shadow [of protection] is removed from over them, but the Lord is with us. Fear them not.
10 But all the congregation said to stone [Joshua and Caleb] with stones. But the glory of the Lord appeared at the Tent of Meeting before all the Israelites….
This is very instructive for me in my life right now:
— Faith is NOT a feeling. Faith is a CHOICE. What do I do IF all “hell” seems to be coming against me, and I feel as if absolutely cannot do what God tells me to do?
This passage instructs me that my soul (will, mind, emotions) and body can be trained — through my conscious choice and dependence on the Father — to do God’s will.
“Though it feels as if He slays me, Yet I will trust Him.” (my paraphrase of Job’s words)
Actually, I am conviced God allows these “slaying of the flesh” times so we can walk in the death to the sinful nature that Jesus already paid for and purchased for us.
Vance
====== Eve:
I like your post. Honestly both Romans12:1-3 and Proverbs20:10 are seem significant to me. I have been accused of being two faced in years past, and I wish I had seen my body as a living sacrifice. I can only pray that I will be able to do so now. Thanks:)
Eve
====== Nathan:
The Romans passage really hit home for me today. I am a manager of a christian radio station & music Director of our church, yet I still struggle with God’s will for me. I don’t have a peace with where I’m at in my life & what I’m doing. I’ve always struggled with God’s perfect will for me as far as a vocation. The Romans passage today seemed to have the answer. I just didn’t see it before. The proverbs passage hit home today as well. I really enjoy making this web site part of my devotions. I look forward to the insights that are shared.
Nathan
====== Jan:
Mike, thank you for providing the link for the article “What is this Thing Called Love” – what a wonderfully truthful article & so apropos for me at this time in my walk. I have been ministering the love of God to people in such a way that they probably don’t see it like that & had to deal with an issue last night (before reading the article) that grieved me to do & did with fear & trembling. As always, God confirms with His love & wisdom the next day as He usually does because I am always doubting myself. I have forwarded the article to many that I do love & some that don’t love me & may be an enemy now – but I will not shrink back as the Word of God says in loving others with His love, whether it hurts them or me. Dying to ourselves daily & laying down our lives for others is usually not an easy job nor relished by many – but the fruit of our labor & reward in eternity is worth it all.
Jan
======= John:
Romans 12:1-21
Paul has concluded the lecture part of Christianity 101. Up to now, we have been exposed to the background information of Condemnation, Justification, Sanctification, History, and Prophecy.
Now it is time for the lab – the practical application. Here the rubber hits the road. ====================================================== Living Sacrifices
We know how to become a Christian – you mean there is more? Yes, Salvation is more than fire insurance.
We are to offer our bodies as “living sacrifices”…
The Greek verb tenses indicate you offer (completed action) the ongoing sacrifice of your body. It is to be year by year, month by month, day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute.
Some say martyrdom is easier than the idea of continually trying to live as a Christian 24/7. Perhaps but that is not what Paul is saying – he is asking you to yield to God, to offer “all of you” (no holding back), submit to His Will, you do not run the “show” anymore.
…holy and pleasing to God…
Wait a minute, what about our worldly “flesh” that is not going to please God.
Yielding to God is pleasing to Him. The altar in the OT is sometimes called the “Lord’s table”. When we offer ourselves (yielding) on the Lord’s table, perhaps Ex 29:27 applies?
“Then the altar will be most holy, and whatever touches it will be holy.” NIV -or- “The holiness we bring to the altar is a decision for holiness, and yielding to the work of holiness in our life. As we present our bodies a living sacrifice, God makes our life holy by burning away impurities – David Guzik
…this is your rational/logical act of worship.
The sacrifice of dead animals in OT was one thing, but the greater mercies employed by God in your salvation – demand a much higher form of sacrifice – “All of You” – “A Living Sacrifice”.
[NOTE: Not one mention of church, building, or ritual here – worship is 24/7 by offering yourself to God.]
Sounds good in theory, but this 24/7 thing is going to be tough to do. I don’t think I can.
That is the point: YOU CAN’T.
Rom 12:2 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..” NIV
“Not conform” and “transformed” are in Greek tenses – ongoing commands to you done by an outside force. God will do it. Yield yourself to God, and let him do the work needed in you. Through the Power of the Holy Spirit and his grace. So that you will be the Living proof by your changed life to God’s good, pleasing and perfect Will. ====================================================== Things to remember while God is Working in you:
Be humble. In regard to Spiritual Gifts – Do not become prideful, reflect on how and why you received them. They are to be used for the “body of Christ”, not as a stump for you to proclaim yourself “special”. We are to use our gifts to glorify God – not be a “showboat”.
The next list is pretty straightforward, and moves in outward circles from individual to Christian brothers to the world – thoughts on a few:
1)”Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.” – It may be easy to do one or the other – the Christian is to do both.
2)”Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” – not the idea of being a “Holy Roller”. The idea is to be internally (spiritual)boiling over in your desire to “serve” the Lord.
Rev 3:16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
Don’t be lukewarm. It is better to be “cold” and sit on the sidelines, than to be lukewarm and playacting like being a Christian.
3)”Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” – We are to share our resources with other Christians (saints)in “need”. Hospitality to the “world” – love and being generous.
4)”Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position” – While this is good advice on the world, I believe this is in section adressing Christian interaction.
In the last two years, I have seen on occasion a shunning of people in a church that did not look or conform to the standards of the members. We are not a “club” – we are a “body”. ====================================================== 5)Do not repay anyone evil for evil. – AHA! I found my contradiction. OT says “eye for an eye” etc. Uh no,
“Those verses are talking about public law that deals with the nation of Israel. A nation is to have a system of justice that retaliates against evil.” – John MacArthur
Verse 17 is saying YOU do not repay evil for evil. Remember back to Cain, how God put a mark on him. I do not think that was so much acceding to Cain’s request for mercy – but God not allowing any indivuidual to exact revenge on Cain. There were no nations at that time to have a government in force to prosecute Cain.
6)”If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” – If it be possible indicates that it may not always be possible.” (Murray)
7)”…In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Interesting thought here by Keil and Delitzsch is that we are not to do good to make the person feel bad (shame him). We are to do good because we ought to do good, and the burning coals represent self-accusing repentance.
John
====== Lori:
John, Ramona, and Vance, I looks so forward everyday to reading how you all look at our scriptures for the day. So insightful, and so educational. Thank you. I can tell it’s hard work. Thank you.
Lori
====== John:
Romans 12:1-21
My first two years as a Christian, I used to read verses like Romans 9-21, and the exhortations of James and John, and get really discouraged. I want to live like that, but I can’t.
9Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Are you kidding me, and that is just the first few verses. I fail repeatedly. What is wrong with me, etc.
It was very discouraging, and it would affect my prayer life, my bible studies, and my Christian walk would not even feel like a crawl, but that I was stuck in some thicket.
Then as I prayed about it the first few verses of Romans 12 hit me like a thunderbolt. ================================================================================= 12:1-2 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual[a] act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Paul has spent 11 chapters discussing God’s anger and judgment on non-believers, the righteousness of faith of believers, and the history and future status of Israel.
Now, He is instructing us on how we are to live for Christ. And in the first few verses is the key.
Your rightful service once saved with a renewed spirit and endwelled by the Holy Spirit, is to follow up on your commitment to Jesus as YUOR Lord and not just your Savior.
A servant of the king is loyal to the king body and soul (spirit). You have a new spirit, now offer up your body as a living perpetual sacrifice. This is a one-time (Aorist active indicative in the Greek) completed or in the process of being completed offering.
Lord do with it as you will – You are in charge. Let it be for your glory. When you perform this offering, then on a daily basis you can resist the pattern of this world. That is not a list of “DON’TS” it is not living in the mindset of pride, it is not doing what is best for you to advance in this world. It is not about you.
How does this happen? Because you daily (by submission and humility) are being transformed by the renewing of your mind. This is the work of the Holy Spirit. It will not happen overnight, but I can attest through myself and other Christians I know, that you will see progress from year to year. When you fail, you just get up and trust God will continue to work with you and teach your mind. It is like learning to walk – there will be stumbling.
Summary: Now that you are a believer, you are able to make a right spiritual decision to offer to serve the Lord with your Body. Humbly submit to God, and let Him do the work in you that He ordained before time began. Trust in, rely on, and depend on God as it is all for His Glory, and He is big enough to do the job.
VISIT WITH MY PASTOR
Three years ago, when I realized what Paul was saying I rushed to one of my pastors. I asked why this was not being taught, why were we told we must do all these things (not in a legalist way), but that we need to act like Christians. Why were we not taught to give ourselves over to God on a continual basis in a humble, submissive, reverant, and trusting (Characteristics of the heart of David) and let God work in us through the power of the Holy Spirit?
I wish I could say the conversation went well, but It was not all I had hoped for upon entering the office. This concept of relying on God had been confirmed to me over and over before my appointment. But no more so than what happened a month later.
Our head pastor returned from an overseas sabbatical, and gave his first sermon on – you guessed it – Romans 12:1-3. I thought that the associate pastor had said something to my pastor, but he denied it, and said he had been working on that sermon for awhile on his own and had not shared it with him until his return.
Look this will not be easy in the early stages. I know. Satan hates it when Christians figure this out, and wants us to keep trying to go back to “self”.
I have never been more sure about anything in the Bible, than we need to just let God be God. When we come to him, it should be in the spirit, and in the body as servants, and trust in Him to run our lives.
Does this mean we just sit back in a chair and say – go ahead God get on with it. Nope, it means we should have a daily attidude of submission and humility towards the Father, and then get up and walk about our day. Trusting in Him to renew our minds and provide us with opportunities to share.
Think I am wrong? Who is our perfect model? It is Jesus, and it is pretty clear from the Gospels that being humble and submissive to the Father while here on earth was what Jesus was all about. Jesus depended on God for every word, every step, and every action He took on earth. Are we any better as children of God????????? Jesus did it perfectly, we ought to at least be attempting to follow His model of submission to the Father so we can grow in Christain maturity.
John
====== John:
2 Chronicles 24-25:28 II CHRONICLES 24
VERSES 1-3
“1. Jehoiada, who was the high priest, was truly the power behind the throne. He brought a godly influence back into the land and was influencing young Joash in the things he should do. He was a good role model for this child king. And the people of Judah were blessed by the actions of this man. It is as Solomon said in Proverbs 29:2, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.”
VERSE 9
1. What collection did Moses impose on the children of Israel in the wilderness? In Exodus chapter 30 we see that a half-shekel was to be given by every male, 20 years old and up, each year. This money was then used for the upkeep of the tabernacle, and now it was to be used in the upkeep of the temple. Now they could give more for this project if they wanted to, but this was the least they could do.
VERSE 15
1. Jehoiada did not die because of some illness, but because he was full of days. He completed the work he was called to do and God was gracious in allowing him to live for 130 years, for he was a positive influence in the life of Joash and because of that the nation was blessed by God.
VERSE 16
1. Now his burial is in sharp contrast to that of Jehoram. When Jehoram died no one cared and they had such a lack of respect for this king, that they did not even bury him in the tombs of the kings, there was no great burning of incense for him. Because of his evil influence, the people were glad he was dead. But Jehoiada, the high priest and not a king, was buried with the kings because the people loved him for bringing spiritual reform to the nation, by putting God back on the throne. It was a sad day when this man died.
VERSES 17-18
1. Isn’t it amazing how quickly Joash changed after the death of Jehoiada. He loved the honor of men and was molded by their influence. In a sense Joash was like a spiritual chameleon, changing his behavior to fit those that were around him. This just tells me that Joash never really had a heart for the Lord, he was just influenced by those around him, and in the end his true colors came out, and as we will see, they are not pretty.”
“1. This verse sheds some light on a works theology. You can do good things, help all kinds of people, and yet if your heart is not right before God, it is meaningless. You can even serve God but if your heart is far from Him, if you don’t have a relationship with Him, then all the work you do is meaningless. Amaziah did good things but his heart was far from the Lord. Yes it was far better for Amaziah to do good rather than evil, the people benefited from that. But he was still lost, his heart was far from the Lord. And that my friends is a sobering thought!
VERSE 9
1. Notice the concern of Amaziah, the money he is going to lose if he lets these men go. Amaziah wants God’s help but he also wants the money. Jesus spoke on this issue of serving two masters in Luke 16:13 when He said “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” God is telling Amaziah not to worry about the money, God is not broke.
VERSE 10
1. Now why in the world were they so angry. Yes they were dismissed from the battle but they should have rejoiced, they still got paid for doing nothing. The reason is this. If you were victorious in battle you would take home with you much spoil from the victory as you plundered the troops and the cities. Thus, they had lost lots of money by being dismissed and they were not happy about it, and they will try to get even with Amaziah as we shall see in a few verses here.
VERSE 14
1. I find this truly amazing. God has just given him the victory over the Edomites with 100,000 less troops, and in this victory Amaziah gathers the gods of the people he has just defeated, and brings them home with him. In doing this, he is now worshipping these gods. And you think “Why in the world would he do something as stupid as that?” It is really quite simple for we see it done all the time today. When your backs are up against the wall, and you have no other place to turn, you turn to the true and living God for help. But after the trouble is over you turn back to the gods of this world, the gods of the flesh. They appeal to you, even though you know they can’t help you, but they can satisfy your flesh. Amaziah does just that, he went to the gods of this world, the gods of the Edomites, for he no longer needed the true and living God. Well, he may have thought that way, but the reality is, he needed God more than ever in his life, and so do we!” http://www.ccmanitowoc.org/Library/Guglielmo-Joe/Studies/TH/14-2CH/TH1064.HTM
John
====== Luch:
If there could only be one chapter bible I would vote for Romans 12
Luch
====== Bob:
Romans 12:2a: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Like Ramona, this verse has a story for me too. Four years ago I was researching a technique that uses neurofeedback to train the mind to think in a different way. This has been helpful for people suffering from post traumatic stress to concussions. One day I talked to a pastor that was at the clinic that offered this brain training and he tied this verse into what results from brain optimization. Not to diminish the true meaning of what Paul is getting at here but If you know anyone with abnormal behavior or disorder this technique may be of help. http://www.brainstatetech.com/about-us
Bob
====== Jane:
I believe as Christians on our spiritual journey , our life will always be a battle! Prov. 20:10. There’s so many things in our life that become double standards! Unless we are perfect. It isn’t gonna happen. Not until we meet Jesus and become like Him. We can offer our bodies as living sacrifices but the temptations will not go away! Everyday we are tempted n tried. The closer I get to God the stronger The spiritual battles are within me. Satan is all the more active. How many times did Jesus say Satan get behind me. Or to Peter. In mark 8:33 . I pray every day for strength. I surround myself with his word, support from friends and family but ultimately we keep,our eyes fixed on Jesus and ask for his mercy.
Jane
====== Robert:
Romans 12
The first word, “Therefore” is really a hinge where Paul refers to everything he has written about in Chapters 1-11 about righteousness, grace, reconciliation and faith.
I did a recap of ROMANS Chapters 1-11 Paul has established Israel’s guilt in the early chapters of this Epistle. In chapters 1 and 2, he indicts mankind in general and the Jews in particular. Through creation, God revealed His divine nature to mankind. Men should have received this revelation and responded by worshipping Him. Instead, man exchanged the truth of God for a lie and chose to worship the creature rather than the Creator. Because of this, mankind is guilty before God and deserving of divine wrath. This is the essence of Romans 1:18-32. In chapter 2, Paul indicts the Jews in particular for taking great pride in their possession of the law but failing to practice it. In chapters 3 and 4, he demonstrates that law-keeping cannot save anyone. The law reveals that all men are sinners, under divine condemnation. The law shows man’s need of righteousness, but it cannot provide that righteousness. Salvation must come, apart from men, apart from law-keeping. Salvation has been provided by God, through Christ. In chapters 5-8 Paul presses on to explain God’s provision for righteousness in Jesus Christ and its implications. As Paul comes to the end of Romans 8, he encourages his readers by assuring them that their lives are secure in the hands of a God who is sovereign. God causes all things to work together to accomplish His purpose for those who love Him, and for those who are called in accordance with His purpose (8:28). In eternity past, He chose (foreknew) those whom He would save. He also mapped out (predestined) His plans for our lives in Christ. In time, God calls those whom He has chosen to Himself, justifying them through the blood of Jesus Christ. When Christ returns to establish God’s kingdom on earth, we shall be glorified. As an example of God’s sovereign control of history, Paul turns in chapters 9-11 to God’s purpose for both the Jews and the Gentiles.
2nd chronicle..it’s amazing that environment plays a big part of rulers. While young king was being groomed he did what was right. Soon as mentor died..he started doing wrong. Hmmm
Roman’s is an awesome book
Psalm 22:22 wow Proverb I pray I won’t have a double standard. I also renew my mind daily. Amen
Dee
====== Dee:
Joash..so young and easily guided in the way in which to rule amd then when his godly counsel was gone, he abandoned ship. How sad. How very sad. And to kill Johoida’s child or grandchild. Sad.
I love this chapter! It steadily reminds me of the gifting God places on our life. The ability to teach..do it with greatness an as if you lead..lead with integrity..many bodies and parts are there in the body of Christ and we have to know which part and be led by the Lord as to how to use that ability given to us. Amen
In the end, God is God and all powerful in the earth. What a sacrifice our Lord gave that we may be saved. This is Amazing Grace!
Proverbs 20:8-10 double standards part. Why is it when we hear that..we think of others who have done wrong instead of ourselves?? Hmmm. It is that way as humans. We always want to point a finger when really in the end, we are just as guilty. Things to ponder on and self convicting…
Old Testament – Today in Second Chronicles 21 verses 12 through 15 we read about a letter that one would really not want to receive… “Then Elijah the prophet wrote Jehoram this letter: “This is what the LORD, the God of your ancestor David, says: You have not followed the good example of your father, Jehoshaphat, or your grandfather King Asa of Judah. Instead, you have been as evil as the kings of Israel. You have led the people of Jerusalem and Judah to worship idols, just as King Ahab did in Israel. And you have even killed your own brothers, men who were better than you. So now the LORD is about to strike you, your people, your children, your wives, and all that is yours with a heavy blow. You yourself will be stricken with a severe intestinal disease until it causes your bowels to come out.” The face on Jehoram in this image below captures well what one would be feeling like after receiving a letter like this from a prophet of God…
In Second Chronicles 23 today Jehoiada the priest leads a revolt against Queen Athaliah. Below is French artist Antoine Coypel’s (1661-1722) take on the scene:
New Testament – Paul bursts out in some great praise and worship of God today in Romans 11 verses 33 through 36: “Oh, what a wonderful God we have! How great are his riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his methods! For who can know what the Lord is thinking? Who knows enough to be his counselor? And who could ever give him so much that he would have to pay it back? For everything comes from him; everything exists by his power and is intended for his glory. To him be glory evermore. Amen.” Great stuff! I love that second to last full sentence that tells us that everything is intended for God’s glory. So true. And yet so easy for us to forget. You my friend are intended for God’s glory! It is a beautiful truth to consider. Are you living your life fully for God’s glory? Are there any areas of your life that would not be seen as giving glory to God? Will you let those un-glorious aspects of your life go? Will you walk fully in the LIGHT of God’s glory?
Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings from Romans titled “The Kindness and Severity of God” is at this link and “The Wisdom of God and the Wisdom of Man” is at this link.
Psalms – Psalm 22 is an amazing Psalm. This Psalm is the most quoted Psalm in the New Testament. Re-read this Psalm again and see if you see parallels to Jesus’ crucifixion? There are a lot in this Psalm. I’ll list a few – Psalm 22:1a was quoted by Jesus on the cross – “My God, my God! Why have you forsaken me?” As we see in Matthew 27:46 – “About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?”–which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
Psalm 22 Verse 8: “”Is this the one who relies on the LORD? Then let the LORD save him! If the LORD loves him so much, let the LORD rescue him!”” We see in similar fashion in Matthew 27:42-43: ““He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ ”
Psalm 22 verses 16 & 17 make me want to cry… “They have pierced my hands and feet. I can count every bone in my body.” The piercing of the hands and feet of Jesus are apparent with how the crucifixion took place. And these Psalm 22 verses are similar to John 19:33-37: “But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken,” and, as another scripture says, “They will look on the one they have pierced.””
And verse 18: “They divide my clothes among themselves and throw dice for my garments.” Compare to John 19:23-24 – “When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. “Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.””
Proverbs – Proverbs 20 verse 7 today is a wonderful reminder that the way we live our lives today sets an example for children: “The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children after them.” What type of example are you setting for children in your life? Are you walking with integrity? Do you believe children will be blessed after you because you walked with integrity?
Worship Video: Our Psalm 22 readings today reminded me of Chris and Conrad’s song called “Lead me to the Cross.” Here is a terrific live version of this song:
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today:“The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.” Proverbs 20:7 TNIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you are leading a blameless life. Pray that you hunger and thirst for righteousness each and every day of your life. Pray that your children are blessed because of your godly example.
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.
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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS: (our Group Bible Study is below! : )
======= Ramona:
II Chronicles 21:1-23:21
“There is no success without a successor.” If that statement is true then both Israel and Judah were not successful kingdoms. Today’s reading, no all the readings of the Books of the Bible that are known as History, 1 Samuel through II Chronicles, show the failure of each king, including David and Solomon to rule sin free and to reign in total and perfect righteousness. But in the horizon waited the King of kings standing ready to awaiting His entrance in the fullness of time. And that King is Jesus. No matter how good an earthly king was, the missteps made by each one, no matter how many or few, brought upon themselves and the people they ruled consequences they were unable to bear.
But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. (Gal 4:4-7 KJV) Johoshaphat left no heir waiting in the wings upon his death. He left his oldest son to take his place but age nor was birth order ever used by God to call or appoint someone to a leadership role. David was the youngest of Jessie’s sons, yet he was the one God picked to be king over Israel after having rejected Saul. Jacob, the younger brother, was chosen by God to rule over Esau, the older. God looks at the heart, man looks at the appearance and the customs of the day to pick leaders who can’t lead.
The last part of verse nine in the twenty-second just floored me, “None of the surviving members of Ahaziah’s family were capable of ruling the kingdom”
I believe this sad state of affairs can only come abut when we focus our attention on the immediacy of the now and fail to understand we owe the future generations a continuity of right living, right thinking and right believing. We cannot just tell them to do as I say and not as I do; it does not work. Our behaviors speak so loudly that our words are drowned out by our actions.
Romans 11:13-36 Jew or Greek (non-Jew), it doesn’t matter all our made righteousness not by works or linage, but by the root of the tree of righteousness and the root is the, God and His Son, Jesus. There is nothing we can give to God, there is nothing we can do to earn or inherit righteousness and favor with God. God shows mercy on whom He desires to show mercy.
Psalm 22:1-18
8 “Is this the one who relies on the LORD? Then let the LORD save him! If the LORD loves him so much, let the LORD rescue him!”
These word were not only spoken by the crowd as they watched Jesus hang on the cross, but these words are spoken about every person who calls on the Name of Jesus. Ever here some people talk about someone behind their back who is in some kind of trouble who they know is a Christian,? I have heard conversations laced with vitriol as I rode home from work on the train talking about people who found themselves in trouble who happed to be believers. And if you’re a Christian there are folks talking about you.
Proverbs 20:7
Did not realize this Proverb would apply to what I wrote about today’s reading in Chronicles.
The righteous man walks in his integrity; blessed (happy, fortunate, enviable) are his children after him. (Pro 20:7 AMP)
Grace and peace, Ramona
====== Colleen:
I know this is the 2nd time reading through the Psalms, but this is the first time I realized the similarity of Jesus’ cruxifiction…eerie because I didn’t read it as “David” at all this time..Almost as if David was providing the script for what would happen later. Left me with a bit to think about today.
Colleen
====== Stuart:
Again and again I puzzle over the failure of OT leaders to worship God and not false gods. Even now, in the 21st century the world continues to fall.
May God help us. Amen
Stuart
====== John:
Stuart,
It is more appealing to worship false gods. You can design a god that you approve of and that you can get along with in life. If you worship the treue God you have to submit to His authority and allow Him to run your life. People bridle at that because of – PRIDE. It was true then, and it is true today.
Worshipping the True God really only works consistently when you turn back to God and seek Him, and have your heart changed. Or have your heart changed and go seek Him. Depending on your theology 🙂 From that comes repenting and belief and an endwelling of the Holy Spirit of all believers.
John
====== Teriann:
Yesterday, we read 2Ch.20:33, “The high places, however, were not removed, and the people still had not set their hearts on the God of their fathers.” Then today we read of three generations of royal sons being wiped out save one. It made me wonder how the descendants of good king Jehoshaphat could sink so low. I think it starts with justifying the small infractions of God’s law. Just like the weeds in my garden, if they are not uprooted early, they grow at an alarming rate! It seems like a big leap to go from burning incense to God in an unauthorized place to killing all your brothers, but I’ll bet you Jehoram felt perfectly justified in doing it; as did his wife in killing all her grandsons. I think this can be seen when she yelled, “treason! treason!” Somehow she had gotten to the place of thinking that she had the right to the throne. Isn’t that the nature of sin? The minute we justify even the smallest sin as not that bad compared to what we see others doing is when the deception begins.
Teriann
======Marianne:
Athaliah has to be one of the most wicked women in the Bible. Any grandmother who would kill her grandchildren (or any hier) is wicked to the core. Children are a blessing from the Lord, but grandchildren are the abundant blessing. I love my children, but grandchildren remind me of the unconditional love of God. The wonder of God often greets me through one of my ten grandchildren.
Marianne
====== Gladys:
This is great inspiration.
Challenged to walk in integrity.
Gladys
====== Dee:
Sad that Jehosaphat, Jahoida and all the kings that did not follow in the godly steps were giving consequences..sad but true when we forget to seek the Lord..it brings death or intestines rottening..our sin is like filthy stinky rags..
Roman’s..none are made righteous..no not one..only the blessed name of Jesus makes us whole. What can wash us white as snow? Nothing but the blood of Jesus,
Psalm..is awesome..I love to remember this one but it’s 😔 too. ..it is a 📸 of Jesus, love ❤️ 😍
Proverbs..lineage for our children..love as well!
Be blessed,,
Dee
====== Dee:
I ponder on how Kings of Israel are and were so bad and Kings of Judah followed more in the Lord. However today the King of Judah didn’t get the news or blessing he wanted at all. Every action has a reaction and actions have consequences.
Also I ponder on Paul and how incredible it was to want to emulate Christ to save more of us! Isn’t that neat. Non Jews..weren’t considered that special back then yet he knew God had a heart for all.
This Psalm almost sounds like a Shakespeare sonnet or from Romeo Romeo. Maybe Shakespeare gained insight from the Father, our Lord. Who knows.
We glean from our fathers and learn from his ways. It’s sad the number of homes are without a male, a dad in the home..makes me sad for that.
Dee
====== John:
Romans 11:13-24
After Paul talks about the hardening of hearts of the nation of Israel, he says that because of Israels transgression it led to riches (or abundance) for the world and Gentiles.
Paul although he continues talking about Israel, speaks directly to the Gentiles.
Regarding Israel – vs. 15 “For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?” NIV
Bob Deffingbaugh offered some insights to this verse, but I would like to offer anohter one. Paul is using Jesus, the cross, and ressurection as a “type” to talk about Israels future.
Reconciliation happened at the cross – it was great – and he is comparing this to Gentile inclusion in God’s plan. The ressurection brought “eternal life” it was the apex of the three day event. That is what Israel’s return to God will be like – the apex of God’s plan regarding salvation.
vs.16 “If the part of the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy; if the root is holy, so are the branches.” NIV
The idea of “holy” here being “set apart”. ====================================================== Ingrafted Branches
Before I was saved – I was trying to disprove the Bible by looking for “contradictions”. These verses of the “ingrafted branches” are a favorite of Bible skeptics. They claim Paul talked about security of salvation (never separated from God) earlier in Romans, and now says the Gentiles can be set aside (separated) like Israel, or worse “cut off” from God. [Note: Skeptics are not trying to figure out what God is saying, they just look for contradictions in print. It is funny – skeptics will take things literally when it suits their purpose.]
Bob touched on it, but I think this is important in case you run into a Bible skeptic in your Christian walk. It is important to know what the (trunk) good olive tree represents.
What the (trunk) good olive tree is NOT:
1) It is not Salvation. The roots of tree are either patriarchs, or God’s covenants and promises to the nation of Israel. Either way the tree cannot be Salvation rooted in either of these two things. Salvation is rooted in God.
2) It is not the nation of Israel. It can be symbolically used as Israel, and certainly the nation of Israel is rooted in Patriarchs/covenants. The unbelieving branches of Israel could be seen as separated from the nation via different dispersements of the Jews. However, the Nation has rejected Christ – so then (the Nation) the trunk is not rooted in the belief of Moses, Abraham, and David. Morever, Gentiles WERE NOT grafted (brought) into the Nation of Israel.
So what is the trunk of the good olive tree?
I believe like Bob says, that it is the priveleges, blessings and kindness of God that is rooted in the patriarchs/covenants toward Israel. Unlike Bob I do not see Salvation as part of these graces. Salvation is a work of God – brought about by grace and mercy.
John 5:29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”
The tree trunk is like the vine Jesus talks about in John 15. Jesus talks to believers about abiding in the vine (grace) of God. I think Paul is talking about the same thing here in Romans 11. The tree provides sap (grace) so that the branches – natural (Jews) and grafted (Gentiles) will bear fruit (riches and abundance) to the glory of God.
[Note: Greek words of Wild Olive tree and olive tree are two different words. Wild – oleaster or wild olive tree. Olive tree – domesticated for fruit bearing.]
If this is all true, then Paul is saying to the Gentiles:
1)Do not boast over other branches. All branches share the same sap (graces) from God, which is rooted in Israel (patriarchs/covenants). All branches are on good olive tree by the same belief in God. You (Gentiles) did nothing to earn your way onto the tree.
2)Don’t be arrogant about the branches that were cut off from God’s Priveleges, Blessings, and Grace. For if you exhibit pride and arrogance in this, you too may be treated like the cut off branches who also were full of pride and arrogance instead of humility to the Lord.
3)Regard the sternness and kindness of God. Ancestry does not mean one will stay in God’s graces regardless of belief, but if you stay in your belief and abide in Him, you will keep experiancing God’s graces and bear much fruit (riches/abundance). Again – the idea of John 15 and the Vine.
And afterall, if the Jewish nation comes to believe, it will also be grafted back in. It can happen, because it will be more natural than the grafting of the Gentiles.
John
====== John:
Romans 11:24-36
All Israel will be Saved
Paul has said why Israel is blinded, don’t jump on their collective unbelieving backs in derision, because salvation is coming to the (collective) Nation of Israel.
When? Vs. 25b “..Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in.”
“Full number” here is Gk. “pleroma” with the idea of a ship inasmuch as it is filled (i.e. manned) with sailors, rowers, and soldiers. (When the ship is fully manned we can take on the Jewish people and set sail.- ME)
Jews have been disobediant; just like you were before Salvation. Just like you they will receive God’s mercy based on His word and the Prophets. Is that so hard to believe?
“The gifts and calling of God are irrevocable: This is another reason why God hasn’t given up on national and ethnic Israel. This principle, stated by Paul, comforts us far beyond its direct relevance to Israel. It means that God will not give up on us, and He leaves the path to restoration open.” – David Guzik ====================================================== Doxology
Who can know, who can advise, who can lend to God.
No one, because –
36For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.
It is about God’s Glory.
John
======= John:
2 Chronicles 21-23:21
21 VERSES 8-11
1. The result of Jehoram’s actions, that is leading the people away from the Lord, was that God brought judgment upon the nation. He did this by causing various nations to rise up against them and I don’t believe it was because God was vindictive, but because He wanted to awaken them from their spiritual sleep and draw them back to Him. The sad thing here is Jehoram did not repent of his sins and turn to God, but continued down that road away from God and straight to hell. But he was not alone in his actions, for he is leading the nation down that same path. As Jesus said in Matthew 15:14 “…They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.”
VERSE 12a
1. Now some have difficulty with this because they say Elijah was taken up to be with the Lord prior to this event, so he could not have written this letter of coming judgment. First of all Elijah was a prophet of God and God could have had him write this letter in advance. There are many examples of this but one that sticks out in my mind is found in the book of Isaiah where we see hundreds of years before Cyrus, king of Persia was even born, God called him by name. He not only spoke of his name but explained how they were going to destroy the Babylonians and enter this fortified city through its gates. (Isaiah 45). So it can be simply explained for God knows the things that are coming to pass before they happen, and He used the prophets to speak to the people, not only speaking forth the words of God, but also speaking of future events that will come to pass.
22 VERSES 1-2
1. In II Kings 8:26 we are told that Ahaziah was 22 years old when he became king and not 42 years old as is stated here in II Chronicles. It seems we have a copyist error here in II Chronicles, which is easy to do with numbers.
2. Because of that many try and say that the Bible is not reliable and is filled with many discrepancies, especially the Old Testament. The earliest manuscripts of the Old Testament was from 916 AD until the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls which date around 125 BC. The Scroll of Isaiah is some 24 feet long and 10 inches high. In comparing it with the text of more than 1,000 years earlier, from 916 AD, we find that it is 95% accurate and the 5% variation consisted chiefly of variations in spelling and in not one case did it change the meaning or the intent of the Scripture. No doctrine was changed. William Green said “It may safely be said that no other work of antiquity has been so accurately transmitted.” The original text of the Scriptures were without error and the entire Old Testament of today has only 1/2 of 1% error, that again does not change one doctrine. So the Scriptures are accurate, for they have been one of the most highly analyzed books of antiquity. In fact there is more evidence for the reliability of the New Testament than any 10 pieces of classical literature put together. In fact, if anyone says that the New Testament is not reliable, they will have to throw out all literature of antiquity. Today we have between 14 to 15,000 manuscripts to work from, the number 2 book is the Iliad and it only has 643 manuscripts.” http://www.ccmanitowoc.org/Library/Guglielmo-Joe/Studies/TH/14-2CH/TH1063.HTM
23 VERSES 3-7
1. This kid had more body guards than our president. Wherever he went he was protected. And if anyone got to close to him, they were to be put to death. Extreme measures it seems to protect this young child.
2. Why would they use such extreme measures to protect Joash? Because Joash was the last remaining descendant of David who could be king. And if you remember, it was through the lineage of David that the Messiah was to come. Thus, if you destroyed the lineage of David you would prevent the Messiah from coming. Yes Athaliah was wicked and responsible for her actions, but behind the scenes you can see the demonic influence going on. Satan was trying to prevent the seed of the woman from being born, the Messiah, who would give him a mortal wound. Thus, in Genesis we see him go to work and influence Cain, who killed Abel. But the Messiah was not to come through Cain or Abel, but through another son, Seth. And every time the Messianic lineage is more defined, Satan comes after it. anti-Semitism has Demonic roots and you can trace this throughout the Old Testament, for every time you see mass murder, check and see if that is where the Messiah was to come from, chances are it was. And in the New Testament, we see Herod being used by Satan to destroy all the children from the age of 2 and under, why? Because the Messiah was born and he was trying to destroy Him. Herod did not want anyone to usurp his throne, and Satan did not want the Messiah to destroy him! Athaliah was following suit, and so Joash had to be protected.” http://www.ccmanitowoc.org/Library/Guglielmo-Joe/Studies/TH/14-2CH/TH1063.HTM
John
====== Vance:
ROMANS 11
OUR GIVING – GOD’S RESPONSE OF LOVE 35 And who could ever give him so much that he would have to pay it back?
When God accepts our giving and multiplies it back for His use and our benefit, it is ONLY because of His mercy and Love !
Jesus said, “Give, and it SHALL be given back to you—GOOD measure, PRESSED down, SHAKEN together, and STILL RUNNING over! For according to the measure you give, shall it be given to you.” Luke 6:38 (Also see 2 Corinthians 9:1-10 on sowing and reaping)
GOD’S GLORY 36 For everything comes from him; everything exists by his power and is intended for his glory. To him be glory evermore. Amen.
THE MESSAGE 36 Everything comes from him; Everything happens through him; Everything ends up in him. Always glory! Always praise! Yes. Yes. Yes.
I like the thoughts given earlier: Will you let those un- glorious aspects of your life go? Will you walk fully into the light of God’s glory?
Walking fully in the light of God’s glory…..
This reminds me of Exodus 33 (Amplified Bible)…. Insights into God’s Glorious Presence
The people of Israel had just poked God “in the face” so to speak by deliberately rejecting Him and making their own golden calf idol to worship.
Amazingly, they proclaimed in Exodus 32:4 (Amplified): 4 And he received the gold at their hand and fashioned it with a graving tool and made it a molten calf; and they said, These are your gods, O Israel, which brought you up out of the land of Egypt!
This is the Father’s response to them in chapter
chapter 33 1 THE LORD said to Moses, Depart, go up from here, you and the people whom you have brought from the land of Egypt, to the land which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, To your descendants I will give it. 2 I will send an [a]Angel before you, and I will drive out the Canaanite, Amorite, Hittite, Perizzite, Hivite, and Jebusite.(A) 3 Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey; but I will not go up among you, for you are a stiff-necked people, lest I destroy you on the way. 4 When the people heard these evil tidings, they mourned and no man put on his ornaments.
Notice verse 3: “I will not go up among you…lest I destroy you on the way.” Some people have interpreted that as part of a false dichotomy between the “God of the Old Testament – who is always angry and vengeful” and the “God of the New Testament – who is always loving.”
Nothing could be further from the truth! God is the same. “I the Lord do not change. Therefore, you are not consumed,” is what the Lord said in Malachi 3:6. And, of course, “Jesus is the same – yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)
Rather, this is simply a statement of the excellence and brightness of God’s very Glorious Presence will destroy us!
And… of course, God was displeased with them. Thank God that when we have sinned, God’s full Presence does not simply manifest Himself—we would not survive the experience !
Note that Moses sets up a tent where God’s Presence is more obviously manifested:
7 Now Moses used to take [his own] tent and pitch it outside the camp, far off from the camp, and he called it the tent of meeting [of God with His own people]. And everyone who sought the Lord went out to [that temporary] tent of meeting which was outside the camp. 8 When Moses went out to the tent of meeting, all the people rose and stood, every man at his tent door, and looked after Moses until he had gone into the tent. 9 When Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would descend and stand at the door of the tent, and the Lord would talk with Moses. 10 And all the people saw the pillar of cloud stand at the tent door, and all the people rose up and worshiped, every man at his tent door.
It is interesting that Moses would take HIS OWN tent and pitch it outside the camp, and he called his personal tent the “tent of meeting of God with His people. This speaks volumes of our ongoing PERSONAL relationship with the Lord. This speaks of the need to “pray without ceasing” throughout the day…AND of the need to set aside what Pastor David Wilkerson calls the “trysting place”—the regular place to go to seek the Lord.
Then notice in verse 7: “And everyone who sought the Lord went out to that temporary tent – Moses’ personal tent – of meeting outside the camp.”
Moses was welcome. And in all times – all are welcome in God’s Presence, too! Even in time of severe discipline for sin.
Moses’ prayer should be ours:
14 And the Lord said, My Presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest. 15 And Moses said to the Lord, If Your Presence does not go with me, do not carry us up from here!
It is true that it is not ONLY our discipline or devotion that are the keys. After all, there are very devout Muslims, Buddhists, Jews, etc.
“It doesn’t matter what you believe, as long as you sincerely and wholeheartedly believe it”… IS NOT TRUE !
(The terrorists have wholeheartedly belief too!)
Rather, it is GOD MANIFESTING HIS GLORY IN OUR LIVES…
Notice Moses’ continuing prayer:
18 And Moses said, I beseech You, show me Your glory. 19 And God said, I will make
ALL MY GOODNESS pass before you, and I will
PROCLAIM MY NAME, THE LORD, before you;
for I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy and loving-kindness on whom I will show mercy and loving-kindness.(C)
Then it HIT ME: how is God’s glory and Name injected into our lives and revealed through our lives?
THROUGH HIS WORD ! Of course, yielding ourselves and praying are part of this.
2 PETER 1 3 For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [[d]full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue). 4 By means of these He has bestowed on us His precious and exceedingly great promises, so that through them you may escape [by flight] from the moral decay (rottenness and corruption) that is in the world because of covetousness (lust and greed), and become sharers (partakers) of the divine nature.
NOTE: (verse 4) By means of His Glory and Goodness, the Father has given us His precious and exceedingly great promises.
When we meditate on His Word, yielding to His Word and His Presence—this releases the glory and goodness of God CONTAINED IN THE PROMISES… into our lives! ISN’T THAT GREAT !
(verse 4) …and become sharers (partakers) of the divine nature.
GOD IS SO GOOD
Vance
====== Vance:
2 Chronicles 21-23:21 (NKJV)
NOTE: For me a very good quick summary of these verses can be found in Ezekiel 18, as below. Even though Jehoshaphat was faithful to serve the Lord, his sons were not.
Ezekiel 18 (NKJV) 19 “Yet you say, ‘Why should the son not bear the guilt of the father?’ Because the son has done what is lawful and right, and has kept all My statutes and observed them, he shall surely live. 20 The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself. ~~~
These verses can be a source of great comfort and wisdom for godly parents who have tried their very best to raise children in love and to fear and love the Lord.
Yet, for some reason their children rebel against what the parents taught. IT IS NOT THE PARENTS FAULT that their children are not following after God and the Lord Jesus.
Yes, it is painful, and I am sure that it is easy for parents who love the Lord to feel guilty when they see their children not following the Lord. Humanly and emotionally, I am sure it is easy for them to feel “It was not a good parent, and that is why my children are not following after God.”
True, no human is without sin, and no parent is totally pure in the sight of God because we are all sinners.
Yet, God will not forget the labor of love, worship, and faith of parents (after repenting and following the Lord for themselves with all of their hearts) who have taught their children in love to follow after the Lord.
“The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son.” ~~~
2 Chronicles 22 (NKJV) 7 His going to Joram was God’s occasion for Ahaziah’s downfall; for when he arrived, he went out with Jehoram against Jehu the son of Nimshi, whom the LORD had anointed to cut off the house of Ahab. 8 And it happened, when Jehu was executing judgment on the house of Ahab, and found the princes of Judah and the sons of Ahaziah’s brothers who served Ahaziah, that he killed them.
NOTE: Yet, consider the effect of chosen rebellion and sin on children when a parent does choose to disobey. David—called by God Himself to be “a man after God’s own heart” sinned, and look at the consequences that had on his children.
Notice the last part of verse 7 above: “…Jehu the son of Nimshi, whom the LORD had anointed to cut off the house of Ahab.”
God had appointed Jehu to cut off the house of Ahab because of his persistent wickedness.
Though children do not bear the guilt of the parents’ sins, when parents do choose to persist in deliberately chosen sin—those sins do open a door for the influence and consequences of sin on their family.
When we sin—though no one is responsible but us for our sin—the effect of our sin extends to our families. No one sins in a vacuum.
The idea that “it is my life and I can sin if I want to for it will hurt no one by me” is a lie. ~~~
Romans 11 (NKJV) 19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.” 20 Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. 22 Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness [of God], if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.
NOTE: No one is saved by works. Period.
Yet, if Christians choose to persistently disobey (which makes no sense) and do not want to turn from sin—the question must be asked: Are they really Christians?
Though God’s grace will never fail any man, a true Christian choosing to disobey can still choose to walk away from God’s grace. Again, the effects of that harmful and foolish decision are very destructive and dangerous.
“Grace” that does not create a desire to obey is not grace – it is deception.
Psalm 22 (NKJV) 7 All those who see Me ridicule Me; they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, 8 “He trusted in [hoped in or praised] the LORD , let Him rescue Him; let Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him!”
NOTE: There is much that could be said about this very excellent and rich passage of Scripture. Yet, I liked the quote below. Even though the quote is about Romans 11, I thought it really fit
I really liked this excellent quote below:
source: The Kindness and Severity of God (Romans 11:13-24) By: Bob Deffinbaugh , Th.M.
“Faith required Abraham to obey, trusting in God rather to live by appearances.”
“God calls upon us to give up our lives in order to gain them, to take up our cross in order to serve Him. OBEDIENCE TO GOD’S WORD BY FAITH MAY OFTEN SEEM INCONSISTENT WITH WHAT HE HAS PROMISED TO ACCOMPLISH, BUT GOD’S WAYS ARE OFTEN ACCOMPLISHED BY THE MOST UNLIKELY MEANS.” ~~~
Very few, if any, of the Jews expected the Messiah to be crucified. After all, God would not treat His Chosen Servant that way.
And for us—yes it is true that God has chosen all who trust in Christ that we are to be “blessed in order to be a blessing”. Of course, the primary and key blessing is spiritual—we are made right with God.
Yet, God has also promised to provide blessings for us on earth so we can use those resources to further the Kingdom – as seen in Psalm 67 (NKJV): 1 God be merciful to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us, Selah 2 That Your way may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations.
~~~ OBEDIENCE TO GOD’S WORD BY FAITH MAY OFTEN SEEM INCONSISTENT WITH WHAT HE HAS PROMISED TO ACCOMPLISH. Yet, God’s promises and His Word will never fail.
If we die for the Lord as Jesus died for us according to God’s plan—then we are blessed indeed.
If God allows us to have a lot of material blessings and have a lot of money so we can pray and give millions to support missions and God’s Word in the Gospel of the Lord Jesus—then we are blessed indeed.
Our blessings are in Christ. May we use all of our lives and all of God’s blessings for His purposes—otherwise we will held to account.
CONCLUSION:
Christianity is NOT a religion. I hate religion.
It is a RELATIONSHIP with God through the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The core of the living Christian faith IS THE CROSS.
For each one of us, regardless of our financial station in life, is called to the Cross.
Jesus Himself said, in Luke 14 (NKJV) 26 “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. 33 So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.
~~~ There is no second thought or no wavering in Jesus’ words.
All people called by the Matchless Name of Christ are called to: “cleave steadfastly to Christ, conform wholly to Christ’s example in living and, if need by, by dying also.”
(Luke 9:23 – AMPLIFIED BIBLE notes]
Does that mean we are all called to hate money and our families and live in a cave, depending only on the Lord to take care of us.
Certainly not. The Scripture says, “He does not work, let him not eat” in 2 Thessalonians.
Note what the Holy Spirit speaks through Paul in Ephesians 4 (NKJV): 28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. ~~~
Some may be called to literally lay down their lives in physical death for the sake of the Gospel.
ALL OF US ARE CALLED TO DIE TO THE LOWER SELF, and to sin.
Matthew 10 (Amplified Bible) 38 And he who does not take up his cross and follow Me [cleave steadfastly to Me, conforming wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying also] is not worthy of Me. 39 Whoever finds his [lower] life will lose it [the higher life], and whoever loses his [lower] life on My account will find it [the higher life].
~~~
But for those NOT called to literally physicially die for Jesus, how are we to live, to use our money, to use our time?
I really like and am challenged by what John Wesley had to say about this.
John Wesley in his sermon titled, “The Use of Money” said this:
“Catch on fire with enthusiasm and people will come for miles to watch you burn.”
“Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.”
“Statement known as ‘John Wesley’s Rule’: Do all the good you can,
in all the ways you can,
to all the souls you can,
in every place you can,
at all the times you can,
with all the zeal you can,
as long as ever you can.”
~~~
As I reflect on what this means for my life, I ask myself these questions:
* Do I trust Jesus as Savior?
* Do I find Jesus to my loving Lord?
* Do I treasure Jesus?
I am challenged in my being about really LAYING DOWN my life for Jesus in modern America.
I have been moved to volunteer at a ministry which ministers to the homeless through giving food, hope, and the Gospel.
I believe I will follow up and become that volunteer and lay my life down for others in that way.
I will learn, by grace, to lay my life down for my wife and to love her as Jesus has loved me.
C.T. Studd was moved to give up his wealth of money.
He said, “If Christ be God and died for me, then there is nothing too great that I can do for Him.”
WE ARE CALLED TO BE LIKE JESUS – to die to self and to follow Jesus in serving others for the Gospel.
If we do not do that, we are going to be severely disciplined by our loving Lord.
I Peter 4 (NKJV) 17 For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 Now “ If the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?” [Proverbs 11:31] 19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.
Ezra 3-4:23
Mike asked the question “Is there perhaps a “Temple” of some sort in your life that needs rebuilding?” That is an important question; however, we must take into account a pattern of distraction and danger that circles around our rebuilding effort that is laid out in Ezra.
1) The enemy will use any means necessary to block the Temple we want to build for God (Ezra 4:1-2). The first attempt to block or discourage is an attempt to join in or collaborate on the project. Amos 3:3 states, Do two people walk hand in hand if they aren’t going to the same place? (MSG)
And Paul states In his 2nd letter to the Church at Corinth,
Don’t become partners with those who reject God. How can you make a partnership out of right and wrong? That’s not partnership; that’s war. Is light best friends with dark? Does Christ go strolling with the Devil? Do trust and mistrust hold hands? Who would think of setting up pagan idols in God’s holy Temple? But that is exactly what we are, each of us a temple in whom God lives. God himself put it this way: “I’ll live in them, move into them; I’ll be their God and they’ll be my people. (2Co 6:14-16 MSG)
2) Intimidation and sabotage: So these people started beating down the morale of the people of Judah, harassing them as they built. They even hired propagandists to sap their resolve. They kept this up for about fifteen years, throughout the lifetime of Cyrus king of Persia and on into the reign of Darius king of Persia. (Ezr 4:4-5 MSG). And the last trick I see in this reading, and probably there are more that I haven’t picked up.
3) Use the same political system that gave the go ahead to build to stop the project. The enemy waited for a regime change.
Again later, in the time of Artaxerxes, Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and their associates wrote regarding the Jerusalem business to Artaxerxes king of Persia. The letter was written in Aramaic and translated. (What follows is written in Aramaic.) (Ezr 4:7 MSG)
This worked for a while in stopping the rebuilding effort because the new king searched the archives for history of the city and citizens of Jerusalem. However, the search was not to locate the original decree giving the O.K. to rebuild. We humans have a tendency to forget what God has said, because we either stop believing the Word or we don’t keep reading it and forget what it says.
We must always keep before us the promises of God or else we will become discouraged and stop working on our Temples.
I Corinthians 2:6-3:4
We now go on to speak of another letter, but this letter was not written to discourage Believers but to straighten out and encourage. Paul in this section of his first letter to the church at Corinth explains to them the “Wisdom” that is of God and not the wisdom of this world. This Wisdom that can only come from God and is given to Believers only allows us to know the mind of God and to operate in that Wisdom.
However, Paul also says that this body of believers at Corinth is acting like children who have no teeth yet so he was and is unable to impart to them any kind of information because what he desires to impart requires teeth to chew on. Therefore, he can only “feed” them milk, like babies.
Hmmm, failure to grow up will cause one’s Temple not to be built ‘cause babies are not employed on construction projects and babies cannot handle the Wisdom of God. Maybe this is the fourth number that should go with Ezra and Temple building.
Psalm 28:1-9
[A Psalm] of David. UNTO YOU do I cry, O Lord my Rock, be not deaf and silent to me, lest, if You be silent to me, I become like those going down to the pit [the grave].
(Psa 28:1 AMP)
I can’t get this Temple building thing out of my head so everything I’m reading points me to building a foundation and the Temple. David calls out to the Lord who is his rock and juxtapose to the first verse, Paul states again to the church at Corinth (We will be reading this tomorrow),
According to the grace (the special endowment for my task) of God bestowed on me, like a skillful architect and master builder I laid [the] foundation, and now another [man] is building upon it. But let each [man] be careful how he builds upon it, For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is [already] laid, which is Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). But if anyone builds upon the Foundation, whether it be with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, The work of each [one] will become [plainly, openly] known (shown for what it is); for the day [of Christ] will disclose and declare it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test and critically appraise the character and worth of the work each person has done. If the work which any person has built on this Foundation [any product of his efforts whatever] survives [this test], he will get his reward. But if any person’s work is burned up [under the test], he will suffer the loss [of it all, losing his reward], though he himself will be saved, but only as [one who has passed] through fire. [Job 23:10.] Do you not discern and understand that you [the whole church at Corinth] are God’s temple (His sanctuary), and that God’s Spirit has His permanent dwelling in you [to be at home in you, collectively as a church and also individually]? If anyone does hurt to God’s temple or corrupts it [with false doctrines] or destroys it, God will do hurt to him and bring him to the corruption of death and destroy him. For the temple of God is holy (sacred to Him) and that [temple] you [the believing church and its individual believers] are.
(1Co 3:10-17 AMP)
The Temple we are building has already been preceded by a foundation that if not built by Christ is not really a solid foundation.
Proverbs 20:24-25
An impulsive vow is a trap; later you’ll wish you could get out of it. (Pro 20:25 MSG)
We are apt to make a vow or utter a “rash promise” in the confines of a body of believers, a church. Someone has an idea, a vision to do “something for the Lord.” We are caught up in their enthusiasm and don’t consult God in prayer. We sign up and instead of it being a joy when we do the “work of God” it becomes a burden and drudgery. Jesus said, “My yoke is easy my burden is light (Matthew 11:30). I believe what we have done is signed up under someone’s vision that God did not give us or tell us to do. We didn’t count the cost and we certainly didn’t consult the Master on the “work at hand.”
Could it be we are building with hay and stubble on our Temple foundation with someone else’s material and not God’s? If we find that, we are doing the wrong work we must continue because we must be people of our word. But don’t do it again.
Grace and peace,
Ramona
====== Ramona:
Oops Mike I forgot to answer your question regarding Psalm 28,
“I’m curious about this – if you don’t mind sharing in the Comments section below – do you periodically lift your hands in prayer? Do you kneel when you pray? Close your eyes? Bow your head? What do you do to really signify your worship and praise of God? Do you think lifting our hands or doing other body movements can change the way we pray to God – rather than doing nothing unique with our body?”
The stance of prayer can become a ritual that sets aside the communication with God for the posture. Since God hears us, believers, when we pray, I find that the stance we take is immaterial. If God speaks to you to lie prostrate on the floor while others around you are kneeling, then lie prostrate on the floor. If you can lie in bed on your back and pray, without falling asleep, then do that. I have walked 3/12 miles from or to my job to a subway connection because God told me to and I heard mightily from Him. I have been told to lie on the floor, sit on the floor, stand with my hands raised, because I felt led by the Holy Spirit to do so.
The key to communicating with God (Prayer) is submission of our spirits, not our physical bodies. Once our spirits our submitted our bodies will follow whatever way we are led to pray. By the way, Prayer should be more about us listening to God then us bring our laundry lists to God.
Grace and peace,
Ramona
====== Pat:
Psalms 28:2 and Mike’s commentary touched me this morning. I was brought up in a very conservative Baptist church where you said nothing and made no movements during the church service. In addition, you said nothing and made no movement to draw attention to yourself if praying out in public. When I joined my present church about 15 years ago, I was uncomfortable at first when people would say “amen” during the service, or clap after a good musical presentation, or lift their hands while in prayer. I adjusted to it and it seems natural to me now for them to display their emotions in this manner but I still refrain from doing it myself. I have a dear friend who has been one of my best friends for over 50 years who would embarrass me and sometime even anger me when we were eating out because of the display she would make saying grace in a restaurant because I knew she didn’t make the same display when just the two of us would eat at her house or mine. I felt it was done for the benefit of public attention and discussed this with her. Now she just bows her head and prays to herself when we are eating out together and but I am bothered even more because I feel I have both hurt her and interfered with her way of worshipping. The thing that is really troubling me this morning is trying to deal with what it is inside of me that prevents me from being able to lift my hands in prayer when I love the Lord Jesus so dearly. For the first time I see this as a weakness in my personal faith and it is really lying heavily on my heart.
Pat
====== Romayne:
Before I elaborate on my own prayer life, I just wanted to say to Pat, please don’t stress on this issue of lifting hands – ultimately God doesn’t care if we sit still or do somersaults – it’s always and only our inner attitude and stance that matters to Him. If your heart is right with Him, you’ll find lifting your hands in private no problem as Micah Girl has said, and if you really wanted to ‘try it out’ in public, then wander back into a charismatic type service, and go for it. A few years ago when I was less ill, I used to regularly attend 2 churches – one (my Methodist) to give as they’d a low turnout, and the other was a charismatic one where I received, because I could worship in this way more freely. Don’t allow something like this to disturb your inner peace to such an extent that you’re not comfortable. That (in my view) only comes from one source! 🙂
Now, on the praying postures, similar to Pat, I was initially brought up in a quiet Methodist church where everybody sat silent and sung quietly with no outward demonstrations of worship in my eyes at all. Then I moved into a charismatic type church which was the opposite extreme – anything went & very OTT – equally uncomfortable. While I’m now back to my traditional Methodist roots, I still feel that lifting hands in worship is appropriate and I’m slowly pushing the boundaries on that one – not fully raised, but partly and enough for others to notice but not be uncomfortable with perhaps. I think those aspects of worship specifically mentioned in scripture definitely pull out the most in all of us as I now find it instinctive in my private worship to pray with hands held palms upwards to Him, and to worship with arms raised where/when I can manage it (disabled so it’s not always easy). I have also knelt many times and even managed to lie fully prostrate (now that really makes you feel humble before him!), but have only ever used each position in response to how He is leading me. Some worship songs challenge or ‘hit’ me so strongly I just have to get down on my knees before him, but when praying now, for the most part, I do so sitting with head bowed, and eyes closed (although have had to change that recently because of overwhelming fatigue that has me falling asleep if I dare close my eyes!).
I recently listened to an absolutely awesome sermon by a Pastor David Dykstra from Lafayette Reformed Baptist Church called “Confession – The sinners approach to God” which was primarily about our attitude in prayer before THE most AWESOME Being we know. It just truly opened up my eyes to some errant attitudes I had that I wasn’t really even aware of, and truly enabled me to approach God more respectfully. Sadly our Western culture hasn’t done what He would have us do – look to His people for an example of how we could do some things better perhaps – the religious Jews won’t speak His name, write it in full, nor dare to approach Him without due respect – fair enough they mix that up with a lot of other more ritualistic stuff which Jesus said was their downfall, but its their attitude that I think is better than ours at times. We sadly tend to either look at God as some big policeman in the sky and talk to him remotely in thees, thous and therefores with little true feeling, or else we’re at the other end of the scale, and treating him like a real down to earth buddy who’ll just accept us regardless, and let us away with bad attitudes, because He loves us!! Most true Christians recognise the errancy in both those extremes, but sometimes we can all be a little guilty of dabbling in each. For me, I now try to ensure I treat Him with the respect He is due, and follow biblical principles where possible (repentance, praise, worship etc) in my prayer time, but I also talk to Him easily and comfortably without fear (other than that borne out of respect).
If anyone would like a copy of that sermon as it appears to have disappeared off Sermon Audio, feel free to contact me and I’ll email it to you – it’s just under 5Mb in size.
Blessings. Romayne (apologies for length)
====== Michelle:
I think that the bible mentions different postures for prayer because our physical body does affect our attitude. It’s harder to be prideful on your knees. It’s harder to focus on your own glory when you are raising your hands to God.
I also think that there is such freedom in Christ that there is room for expressing ourselves to him many ways and our own comfort level with certain expressions or our own culture can inhibit us. I think that trying out different postures in private worship to God can free us up from wondering what others are thinking and then later in a more public setting whatever we feel best allows us to get in touch with God will occur naturally.
Michelle
====== Jenny:
1 Cor. has some awesome teachings!! v. 11-12 “Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.”
this is what the world is lacking. There are things hidden from the eyes of the nonbeliever, rendering a person blind tho they arent aware until they are given new sight via new birth. I had an atheist tell me most atheists know more about the bible then Christians. While it could be accurate that many atheists are pretty well versed in the Bible, any wisdom is right over their head! these jewels are hidden from the spiritually dead. Like as Paul beautifully put it, only the spirit of God knows these things and we who receive Christ receive the spirit of God and these things are revealed.
v 13-14 “These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”
Paul just puts it so beautifully, it just speaks volumes to me!
Paul speaks of carnality…sadly seems like a lot of that is entering the church, causing fights, divisions…its just that: carnality! We arent to behave as the world does. Its a shame, and its over some really petty issues at times. Or, more serious ones, where the church is compromising the word of God and the model of the church in hopes of appearing more modern? Or more seeker friendly? I say if Jesus didnt compromise, we shouldnt! the early church should be our model.
I certainly agree with that proverb…i cannot understand my way. i can think i do, but in the end if i try to work things out, i end up in a real mess! I am easily confused! 😛
i just have to trust the Lord to lead, guide, and provide. He always does! Hes so very faithful!
Jenny
====== Julie:
I had never thought of raising my hands in prayer until a former pastor mentioned that God is our Father & in times of need in our young lives we raised our arms up to be lifted into our dad’s arms. So in times of worship where I am pouring myself out in submission I do it just in front of my body never over my head not to show a display to anyone but Him. I pray on my knees every morning but most anytime there is a need or request I just pray & give thanks.
Julie
====== Ben:
Psalm 28:2
I stand with my hands lifted up ans eyes closed while praying in church. while praying out side of church.I dont do that at work or in the street. I usually just talk to God quietly about situations. i dont want to appear crazy in the street by talking loud and throwing my hands around.Surely some one would cart me off to the crazy ben.I talk to God all day long in my heart saying thing like. The supervisor is doing this to me, Help Lord.I can not make it in life with out God who directs my feet and tells me what I should be doing at any given time.
Ben
====== Melissa:
Wow, Mike! I’ve read your Blog almost everyday this year, but never felt moved to comment. Today I can’t stop myself even though the list of things to do is too long for one day.
Yesterday, I started back to school to get my MA in Christian Leadership in Youth Ministry. I feel it is exactly the words God put in your “pen” today. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do and He will direct your paths.”
I am a talented theatre teacher and director, but over the past year I’ve been called to the church in a whole new way. I thought I knew how my gifts would help the church, but God has other plans. He is saying to me everyday, “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and Wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:1-4
As I’ve told people of my plans to go back to school online and eventually to start a theatre ministry, the devil has put several obstacles (people and situations in my path to discourage me). I, however, know this is His will. “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise.” 1 Corinthians 1:27
This morning as I look at my first reading and writing assignment, I beg God to open my eyes and ears that I may learn the information he wants me to have. I’m terrified because I did pray on August 3rd, “Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind for your love is ever before me.” Psalm 26:2. He is. I hope I can cling to him through the storms to end in his glory.
Please pray for my journey. It’s been 14 years since I got my MFA, but back to the books I go.
Thank you for being God’s instrument of encouragement in my life. I know there are thousands of people like me who take you for granted.
All His Blessings upon you.
Melissa
====== Debbie:
I enjoyed reading Ramona’s comments on building our temple for God. Cool how she tied everything together. I LOVE one year Bible blog! Thank you so much for this awesome tool! My husband and I use the audio feature to listen each day.
I do my best praying by walking – I have an outline I follow that helps me stay focused. If I’m serious I will kneel but I find my mind starts wandering when I am alone if I stay in one position too long.
Occasionally, a prayer group I use to attend would stand up and we would lift our hands and pray in the different directions (East, West, North, and South) binding the enemy and releasing God’s Spirit to work in the lives of the people. (We would pray for neighborhoods, cities, and countries in that particular geographic location.) That was always so powerful and moving.
Debbie
====== Art:
I love that standing, lifting of hands, and praying in different directions debbie! Powerful indeed!
Art
====== Reuben:
Lifting my hands in prayer is not typical, but it is something I do on occasion. Same would be true of bowing, kneeling, or laying prone.
Reuben
====== Will:
I loved Ann Voscamp’s comment in the book, One Thousand Gifts; “Praying with eyes wide open is the only way to pray without ceasing.”
I was glad when our prayer chairman at church suggested that when we intercede, we pray with our eyes open, so that we can be aware of how the person with whom we are interceding is doing. It is actually a really nice freedom to feel free to keep my eyes open during prayer!
Will
====== Billy:
I was taught to pray with my eyes closed and with my hands clasped and kneeling. I think it all depends on what helps you focus best.
Billy
====== Patricia:
We are to “Love the LORD our God with all our heart, soul, mind and body. Should we not then include body language when we worship Him?
Patricia
====== Duane:
I really enjoyed reading the comments of Mike & Ramona. Reading the thoughts of others can open one’s mind to looking more closely at the scripture verses and to ponder more deeply in what the spirit is saying to us.I think rebuilding the temple could be very encouraging to someone who may have fallen away from the Lord. I believe that prayer is an area where I can improve upon. I have prayed lying down, hands raised,standing, walking around’ eyes opened and eyes shut. I do a lot of praying while in my vehicle. But it seems I am only praying when it is convenient.What I want to do is get in the habit of setting a particular time of the day where I will just Listen & pray. If we are to stay close to God then we must not neglect his word.
Duane
====== Judie:
Okay Mike, your comments about rebuilding the temple, and your questions about whether we have a temple in our lives, and if so, do we want to rebuild it made me think you knew what I was thinking and feeling this morning as I took a very early morning walk. Are there some good habits that we have lost and do we need to reclaim them? Have we picked up some bad habits, and as we have grown old and are retired have we just become lazy in so many ways. I sure have. I just want to do things that are comforting to me. Well, this Bible Blog is definitely a comfort to me, but also a call for action! I still walk and ride my bike when the weather permits, but there are areas of my life that need exercise, and my walk with God is one of them.
I am so thankful for people like you who help keep us accountable in our faith and in serving the Lord. My Pastor is another one who is so inspired and full of the holy spirit.
As for praying on my knees, I can’t do that anymore. Walking and praying is when I talk to to God.
Judie
====== Gaynor:
Thank you for your inspiring commentary. You asked how we use our body language in praise to our God. I have had a Christian dance team for 35 years and we minister in many churches and organisations, bringing praise and worship in a visible, picture form. For us, in the team, it is our personal expression and comes from an overflow of time spent with Him on our own and then together. As it says in the psalms, dancing is part of worship and praise. God is in the restoration business and I believe He is restoring anointed worship (not entertainment!) to the Body of our Messiah. Recently we staged a production on The Tabernacle, taking believers through the stages of the Tabernacle of Moses, until we finally enter the Holy of Holies by the blood of the Lamb. The congregation truly entered in and worshiped in a most wonderful and powerful way with us, with testimonies afterwards telling of a new freedom to worship and understanding of the approach to a Holy God through the Tabernacle in the light of Jesus. PTL!
Gaynor
====== Charles:
In Ezra, I’m struck by the first thing that the returning exiles do is build and use the altar. Not the temple church, not the city walls. In the same way, for those coming back to God, the first thing is to lay our selves at the feet of Jesus, the perfect sacrifice. The rest will follow, despite opposition, God will do it. Have confidence in what God will do in you.
Charles
====== William:
I have finally woke up to the fact that the temple most prophets talk about is our bodies. If we don’t lay the proper foundation in our own selves we are building with straw and stubble. Also GOD needs us to listen to his words and take them praises to him in prayer with our hands held hi to show we are listening to him and want to do what please HIM. WE are to stay visual of all his creation and To follow him which our earthly bodies with this earthly sinful nature will try to keep us from the real truth.
William
====== Robert:
1 Corinthians 2
As I examine this chapter I see how well I relate to Paul in his experiences.
First of all in verse 3, “I came to you in weakness and fear and with much trembling”. Even Paul was a fraidy cat when sharing the Gospel. That is the feeling I had when I stood in front of a congregation in Ghana to explain why I was there and how God had brought me to such a foreign land to share his Word. Man do I ever understand those emotions! Yet the Spirit’s power overcomes our weakness and the message makes its mark.
Secondly I think of verses 6 to 16 as a way to try to explain Knowledge verses Discernment.
When I went to see my Doctor for my annual physical I asked him “What is Doctrine?”
In short, his answer was: A group that shares values, beliefs and understanding. He went on to say that in the Medical Profession there are some weird things that require common sense, discernment and avoidance. He said sometimes his kids see or hear something and say, “Dad why don’t you do that?” Kind of like believing the Internet. He made the parallel of The Pope must at times wake up in the morning and say, “Wow, that is a bunch of B. S.” Again the Spirit discerns for us.
Robert
====== Ward:
Thank you for your reflection on these scriptures! The majority of the times I pray in a comfortable chair. There are also times I follow David’s lead and lay prostrate before Him. For a long time I desired to learn to pray without ceasing. through some teaching on Christ & Holy Spirit living in me. I realized I am allowed to share or walk with as a partner in my day. When I am living my life with Him this close to me, I can ask for help, wisdom or protection and praise Him immediately for His answers! Like David there are many different needs in life but knowing and experiencing that He is ALWAYS there is is a solid foundation.
Ward
======= Dee:
Very true Ramona..we have to be careful at the blocking of the temple that God is instructing us to build and as we go forward in the eays of the Lord, the enemy loves to steal, kill, and destroy. How sad! The Lord loves to bless us and the enemy can’t stand it. We must keep the full armor of God on and be diligent.
Wisdom and maturity both are talked about interchangeable in this section. To think as Christ..wow ..no eye nor ear has heard or seen..yet we are made in His image and likeness. So cool!
So undermining went on towards David and he went to God in prayer. In Psalm 28..he spoke to God intimately. God heard him and helped him like he does to us. Trust God to be your strength
God knew the steps I laid out before it ever occurred. He knew this day before I knew. Lord thank you for your never ending love
Dee
====== John:
Ezra
Note: Ezra is descended from the line of Aaron, and pretty sure his great-grandfather, Hilkiah, was the priest that discovered “the book” that was given to Josiah.
Speaking of worship/praise – in Ezra 3:12 some of the older folks wept while many others shouted for joy.
Do not believe that they wept because the new temple would be less glorious than previous one. That would be hard to tell from foundation.
I believe in the spirit of worship/praise they were weeping out of joy that they would see a new temple built, or they were weeping in remembrance of the sins that had caused destruction of previous temple and the removal to Babylon.
Regardless some shouted, some wept, and it all went up to the Lord.
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Ezra 4
By their self-description it appears the people that wanted to join in the building process were Samarians. The author noted them as “adversaries or enemies”.
They were rejected out of hand. Why? They claimed to be seeking “your” God just like Ezra and company. Seems kind of harsh. In the spirit of fellowship, peace and getting along maybe they should have been invited to join in and help with the temple.
[Flashback] In 2Kings17:24-41 – these people were broght in from the outside to inhabit Samaria. Things did not go well, so King sent back a “priest” to teach them about the “God of Israel”. They did worship God, but also kept up with their idols and possibly child sacrifices. Via author of Kings it was being done even to this day.
So why not bring them in to help and “coach them up”. Well, they had already been taught by a priest sent by Assyrian king, and that did not help. Perhaps they were not truly seeking God as much as “including” Him in with their pack of gods.
Also, Israel does not have a very good history when mixing with influences of outside world – they tend to abandon God and worship idols.
When rejected the Samarians hindered building of temple, and eventually sent a letter back to Babylon. It was a half-truth.
“True” – History of Israel
“Not known” – How Israel would act in future.
“Not Told” – That Cyrus had issued decree to rebuild. From Daniel, Esther, and later here we will see A Persian King’s decree could not be rescinded even by the same King.
It worked and building process was halted for a time. The half-truth worked in the world – just like it did on charges towards Jesus, as it does today in some public religious debates. Thank God that our God is not a God of half truths.
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Eccumenical Movements
Wonder how this applies to the eccumenical movement of today. I know we are to not get bent out of shape about non-essentials, but What is the point?????[Definately Rhetorical as I am just thinking outloud]
If groups of Christians want to get together and sign a document saying they agree on “blood of Christ” and Grace comes from God – that is great. But when one group basically says to its own people: ‘yes, blood and grace, but we also need to do this, this, and this.’ What is the point? I think if Paul was talking to a supposedly Christian group who wanted to follow “grace plus something else designed by man” his reaction would not be pretty.
It does not seem to me that our God is a God of compromise when it comes to spiritual matters. Not in the Old Testament, not by Jesus in Gospels, and certainly not come judgment time at Christ’s return.
[Note: Jesus did submit and recognize the to earthly authority of Romans and Sanhedrin, but on matters of God He did not compromise.]
John
====== John:
1Cor2
My understanding of Paul’s discussion of wisdom is that the wisdom of man (inherantly) cannot relate to God’s wisdom.
There is nothing wrong with man’s wisdom or knowledge regarding earthly matters. Technology is great, we have things bigger and better than past peoples, Science has made tremendous discoveries.
However, with all the technological and modern advances – sin still exists. Evil still exists. There is still war, murders, theft, etc. Man cannot solve the matters of the spirit with a new gadget or a new man-made plan.
To understand sin, evil, and understand God’s ultimate solution you need to turn from inward thinking (rational, logical, reasonable introspection)to God’s thinking. Trouble is “we” cannot do that on our own. To the unsaved it is foolishness. We need the “mind of Christ”.
When we receive and Believe IN Christ we get a “mind of Christ” and it all starts to make sense. Through the Holy Spirit we “get it”.
“This does not mean every believer has equal spiritual wisdom. And it does not mean we will understand all spiritual mysteries. It does mean every believer can understand the basics of the Christian message, which is unattainable (and undesirable) by human wisdom.” – David Guzik
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1Cor2:15 The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man’s judgment:
“Paul is not saying that every Christian is above every criticism (after all, much of this letter is criticism). The point is clear: no natural man is equipped to judge a spiritual man.” – David Guzik
Perhaps Bob Deffingbaugh is right – that this is a compare and contrast verse. The spiritual man is able to appraise and understand the belief system and the position of the non-believer. Yet the reverse is not true. An unsaved person cannot understand the belief system and the position of a “believer”.
Seems like a Catch-22, yet God wants us to understand and provides a method for understanding. All it takes is:
“WHOMSOEVER WILL”.
John