11-14-10 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

The passage I read was 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

You can find it here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+15%3A1-11&version=NIV

My summary of the passage is this:

Paul reminds the believers in Corinth of the gospel he preached to them previously, emphasizing that this gospel is how they are saved and otherwise they are not.  He reiterates that Christ died for our sins and was buried and raised again appearing to Peter and the disciples and then  500 others (even though some no longer live changed by that experience).  Jesus then appeared to James and the apostles and lastly to Paul.  Paul then speaks quite humbly of himself as he explains that he is undeserving because he persecuted the church.  He goes further to explain that he has come to be who he is by grace alone.  He explains that it wasn’t him that did all that he did for God, but rather grace through him. 

As I reflect:

I first think of Paul reiterating the gospel to a saved people and then I compare it to my life.  While I am around my Christian brothers and sisters or while I write to them through the many forums made available to me, do I speak of and joyfully continue to share the gospel that we saved have all come to agree and stand on?  Perhaps a gentle reminder there that even among saved, it is good not to forget why.  We should remind each other of this more often.  It would be near impossible to do so without also expanding upon the fact that it is by grace that we are saved and it is by grace that we are capable of any good thing.  Not to lessen any portion of the Bible, for it is all God-breathed and is all useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, however I must say that often I am deeper impacted by the letters written by Paul.  Perhaps we share a common sarcasm to the method by which we answer people’s questions at times, or maybe it is a deeper sense of relation because like Paul, I once persecuted the church and attacked believers.  Regardless of the reason, I (like Paul) realize how very unworthy I am of grace.  We both acknowledge that the only good done through us is due to Christ alone.  We have both at times felt the least of our brethren.  I love that here he comes back to the very basic truth by which we are saved, the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  The fact that He died, rose again, and completely showed His grace, love, and omnipotence in sacrificing himself for our debts and resurrecting himself for our new life is the very basis of our belief system and without that, we are just another blind people aimlessly chasing after a god we cannot grasp.

My response to the Lord:

Lord, there is no greater love; no greater grace than that which you have given us on the cross.  But not in that alone, Jesus also rose again to show his grace on us that we may live as new creation in Christ.  Thank you Father for adopting us; for allowing us to drink from the living water; to partake in the body and blood; for your grace.  For you saw the punishment that we required for our sins against you, and you graciously paid our debt that we may know you through Christ.  Lord, my life is yours.  Every bit of me is yours.  This is all I have to give in thanks.  So with this life will I sing your praise and worship your holy name, and with this life will I seek to do your will.  In Jesus name.

11-13-10 Psalm 84:1-12

The passage I read was Psalm 84:1-12 

(I absolutely love this Psalm)

You can find it here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+84%3A1-12&version=NIV

My summary of the passage is this:

There are so many things to meditate and act on in this Psalm.  I feel like each point in this passage should have it’s own Bible study devoted to it.  These points will serve as my summary.

My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD

Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you.

Blessed are those whose strength is in you

They go from strength to strength

Look with favor on us

Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere (oh how I love those words… They are so close to my heart and so true to me)

I would rather be a door keeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.

The Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.

LORD Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you.

As I reflect:

I am first off reminded of the song “better is one day” (written by Matt Redman and later sung by him, Chris Tomlin, Kutless, Petra, and many other bands and worships across the globe. – INSPIRED BY GOD).  You can find it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bldv9M_nXXE.  It really is a beautiful song, as are the words of this Psalm.  

Each one of the points from the passage could be a study entirely in and of itself.  Our Lord is so beautiful and has provided so much for us.  How could I live even one moment without yearning to be in His presence; to go home to my Father?  So If I put some of these together I learn that I am blessed when I trust in the Lord, find my strength in Him, and dwell in His house.  I believe this is not just the church or Zion, but also a state of living; a state of mind that brings His kingdom closer with every step.  I often praise aloud during my days and occasionally I will come across verses or chorus lines that bring me to my knees in tears at just how wonderful it is to know Jesus and the things of my past that he has taken away from me.   I cannot in privacy listen to or sing along with any songs about going home to Heaven or wondering what it will be like without having a complete breakdown (healthy by the way) of my emotions.  There is no joy greater though a close 2^nd place goes to knowing that my children will also be going to the same place one day.  All thanks and praise be to God!  There are days when in praise and worship and I feel as though I have spent the entire day in His courts of praise.  I know there are days when I come back inside my home after this and my smile is just stuck like cement and others in my home can tell I have had tears in my eyes.  I feel at those times as though there is nothing that could ruin that moment; nothing that could take me out of His arms reach, or from the warmth of His light.  No sin is tempting to me when He has drawn that near to me.  I feel as though everything I have on this earth could be taken away and I could be thrown in the deepest darkest dungeon without even the slightest effect to my joy in the Lord.  As for verse 12 (Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you), I am living this now.  I have old colleagues at my last job that may not understand and daily I come across the looks of those who scorn or are jealous of my life.  It is quite simple.  I have no secret to success.  I have no hidden recipe of how my life is so blessed; how everything simply falls perfectly into place and just seem to work for us; how everything we apply ourselves to grows so quickly and does so well.  Instead, we wear the recipe on our shoulder openly for the world to see…The only reason we are blessed by our Lord, is that our trust is in Him.  We trust Him with every aspect of our life big and small.

My response to the Lord:

How else can I respond Father but to worship you as the Psalmist here also lifted up your name.  You are worthy of no less and so much more than my everything Lord.  I am so blessed by your love.  I look forward to the day I get to come home, but I thank you for the opportunity to serve you daily here as well.  Lord guide me to do you will as all that I am is yours.  

11-12-10 Psalm 111:1-10

The passage I read was Psalm 111:1-10

You can find it here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20111:1-10&version=NIV

My summary of the passage is this:

The Psalmist is celebrating God’s glory.  I think he himself summarizes the passage best by verse 1 as he says that he will praise the Lord with all his heart both in public and in private.  Here are some of the other points of the passage:

If we delight in God’s works, we ponder on them. 

The Lord is Gracious and compassionate.

He is faithful and just.

He redeemed his people.

His name is holy and awesome.

Verse 10 = “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding.  To him belongs eternal praise. “

As I reflect:

In reflection I am less likely to consider the praises of Our Lord as the topic of the lesson as this is something that naturally begins happening once one realizes what the Lord has done in their life (both for them and through them for others).  I believe the focus during my reflection is that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. The first Proverb (verse 1-7) says,

“¹ The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:

 ² for gaining wisdom and instruction;
   for understanding words of insight;
³ for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,
   doing what is right and just and fair;
⁴ for giving prudence to those who are simple,^[a]
   knowledge and discretion to the young—
⁵ let the wise listen and add to their learning,
   and let the discerning get guidance—
⁶ for understanding proverbs and parables,
   the sayings and riddles of the wise.^[b]

 ⁷ The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
   but fools^[c] despise wisdom and instruction. “

Verse 7 has stuck out to me for a number of years and it was the first thing that popped into my mind when I read the last verse of today’s passage too.  The fear of the Lord is a most important ingredient in our lives as Christians.  Have you ever stopped and really thought about why we should have this reverent, humble respect as we serve the living God?  I have.  I can say it’s humbling to consider that though we are given the gift of being able to communicate with the Creator.  It is certainly not our right and it is not to be taken for granted.  When you approach the Lord, you are approaching the King of Kings.

My response to the Lord:

Lord, as I kneel before you in humble adoration, I bow my head in reverence.  Lord my God, I pray you hear my prayer and answer your servant.  Please mold me that you would find pleasure in your servant.  Fill me with knowledge and wisdom and help me to be bold and discerning in how that knowledge and wisdom is shared with a world in need.  Lord, you will be done in and through me.  In Jesus Name. 

11-11-10 Exodus 33:12-23

The passage I read was Exodus 33:12-23

You can find it here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+33%3A12-23&version=NIV

My summary of the passage is this:

Moses pleads with the Lord for His presence to go with him.  The Lord grants this.  Moses pleads with the Lord to see His glory.  The Lord grants a view of His back side as He passes by Moses but refuses to show His face saying that Moses would surely die if he saw the face of God.

As I reflect:

I think Moses shows several human characteristics here that are comforting to know he felt.  He showed worry, that he could not do this alone.  He showed reverence and asked the Lord to continue to find favor with him and to teach him. He showed hesitation and fear that even though the Lord said He would go with him, he wanted the enemy to know that the Lord was with Him.  Then he even requests a proving confirmation and shows his curiosity as he requests to see the Lord’s face.  All these things I have done.  I am not comforted at having something in common with Moses.  What is comforting to know, is how God responded.  God said, “I now you by name and you have found favor with me.”  He said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest… I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence.   I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.”   I am convinced it is with us who have also found favor in the Lord’s sight, that He is with us always through His Holy Spirit and that He goes with us into our battles.  There is nothing more comforting to know that I have The Almighty in my presence and that He cares for me.

My response to the Lord:

Lord, I thank you for your Holy Spirit here with me now.  I thank you for your compassion and you mercy undeserved that is poured out on me here.  I pray Lord that your goodness will be with me always; that your presence and rest will be with me.  I pray that by your grace I may please you with the life you have loaned me.  And Father, though at times I may fear what you have asked me to do, may I not hesitate or waver from your will.  In Jesus name I pray. Amen

11-10-10 2 Corinthians 8:1-9

The passage I read was 2 Corinthians 8:1-9

You can find it here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+8%3A1-9&version=NIV

My summary of the passage is this:

This was an encouragement and challenge to the believers at Corinth.  Paul here tells them about the churches at Macedonia.  He says they haven’t much but what they have they give.  He says they are in a trial and still overflowing with joy, that they are generous even beyond their ability to give, and that they are urging others to also be this generous.   Paul then challenges the believers at Corinth saying that they have so much faith and ability and that they have excelled in every good thing.  He says he wants to test their sincerity of love by comparing them with the earnestness of others (such as the churches in Macedonia).  They key verse that stands out to me is this:

⁹ For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.

As I reflect:

Even thought the believers at Corinth wwere doing so well in so many areas, there was still room for improvement and Paul was quick to challenge them to continue growth in the area of generosity.  As if it weren’t enough to compare them to this lowly set of churches with almost nothing, Paul goes one further and compares to our Lord Jesus Christ who gave all for us.  That’s pretty convicting.  A very strong example of the generosity that we ought to have in our own lives.  In another passage of scripture we are reminded that we ought to have the mindset/heartset to lay down our life for another (even an underserving person).   That Christ was willing to lay down His life to pay our debt and show His love for us while we were yet sinners is the ultimate example of what love truly is.  It is an example that we should all follow.  We should love not only those close to us, but even a complete stranger enough to die to our own desires to serve and help them any way we can.  I am reminded that we are Jesus Christ’s hands and feet here.  Where we go and how we act determines the view that others will make of what God is like.  If God’s followers are stingy with their gifts, then we have misrepresented our Father.  If God’s followers are willing to lay down their lives joyfully for the good of a stranger, how strong a witness of grace may we be to this world. 

My response to the Lord:

Lord, full of grace you gave your Son for my debt to be paid.  You loved me enough to do this and bring me close.  I can never thank you enough Father.  But while I am here on this Earth I can (if you are willing) be an ambassador for your kingdom.   I know the general public view of a “Christian” because it is this view of us that I must battle at every opportunity to witness.  Holy Father, I pray that you would use me and the many other men and women that are willing to change the public view of God by what our actions show.  Lord help us to be salt and light as we draw the lost closer to you.  Lord prepare the hearts of the many as we bring your kingdom.  May we be generous even to the end of our lives, faithful to serve, and may we lose not the joy you have allowed as we take hold of our labor for sake of the harvest.  In Jesus Name

11-07-10 Hebrews 3:1-11

The passage I read was Hebrews 3:1-11

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%203:1-11&version=NIV

My summary of the passage is this:

Fix your thoughts on Jesus.  God is the builder of everything.  Moses was a faithful servant.  Christ is faithful as the Son and is in charge of God’s house.  We are his house (if we hold firm to our belief system in Him).  Out of us have come some very faithful servants (such as Moses).  We need to believe and act on that belief In Jesus.  Think of the Israelite in the desert for 40 years.  Their unbelief and improper actions despite the Lord proving Himself in so many ways to them ended up causing them to lose their lives.

As I reflect:

This passage stands out in two sections to me.  One is a nice analogy of the body of the Lord.  The other section is a warning of accountability for unbelief. 

As for the analogy, we are His house.  It makes since.  He is our Architect; our Creator.   We our His creation.  The builder of the house deserves all glory for the compliment of the created.  Jesus is in charge of God’s house.  Moses was a servant in God’s house.  We are all to be good stewards of the creation He has given us. 

The second part seems to be pretty simple yet serves as a powerful reminder of accountability to the Christian.  If you have claimed to be a follower of God, then follow Him.  He will only tolerate your lack of commitment for so long.  The example was given to us here of the Israelites in the desert and the ground swallowing them up for their constant turning from the Lord.  We have also been told that if we continue to live in sin after Salvation, the Lord will eventually turn us over to that sin.  And we know that sin can carry a very high punishment outside of the grace of Gods Spirit.  It is good to be in the Law of the Spirit.  May we choose not to live in sin and reap the consequences that we are not able to bare.

My response to the Lord:

Thank you for your graciousness Holy Father.  Thank you for keeping me in your house; your body of believers.  May I never stray Lord.  May I never be like those who acknowledge you with their lips and then deny you with their actions.  Lord by your grace alone I stand.  

11-06-10 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

The passage I read was 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Thessalonians+3%3A1-5&version=NIV

My summary of the passage is this:

Paul shows confidence in the Thessalonians because of His confidence in God to work through them.  He asks for prayer to spread the Gospel.  He asks for prayer for deliverance from the wicked.  Then he pronounces blessings that the Lord is faithful and will strengthen and protect the Thessalonians.  He says, “may the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.”

As I reflect:

I already find myself over analyzing this one.  But taking it at it’s face value may have a better result of fruitfulness.  For this reason, I will look at the example set for me by a greater man than I.

A man of God should encourage other men and women of God.  He should do so not because of his faith in the human condition to do great things, but because of his faith in the Lord to do great things through people despite their human condition.  A man of God should always be humble enough to ask for help and accept prayer for deliverance from evil.  A man of God should take note of where other believer’s walks are and encourage them based on the good things that He sees God doing in their lives and he knows God will continue to do.  A man of God should bless others in the name of Jesus.  I have often said, “The Lord bless and keep you.”  Here, Paul says, “The Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.”  That is a very specific blessing.   Mine is a bit more general, but I like what outcome is implied more by Paul’s blessing of the Thessalonians.  If such a blessing were granted than the receiver would surely grow into Christ like characteristics of loving unconditionally and enduring for the sake of such love.  What a powerful blessing.

My response to the Lord:

Father, please teach me your ways.  Reveal to me your mysteries.  Open my eyes and ears to know you more Lord.  Thank you for the Biblical examples you have given us to live a life of devotion to you.   Please help me to incorporate these examples in my own life that I may better reflect your characteristics through me.  Help me to stay humble and accept the prayers of others.  Allow me to better see your work in others that I may encourage them on those paths.  Remind me that I am to bless others not only in action, but also in words that by faith I believe you will fulfill.  Help me daily Lord to be more like you and less like what was once me.  In Jesus name I pray.  Amen

11-05-10 Genesis 15:12-16 and Exodus 3:1-10

The passages I read were Genesis 15:12-16 and Exodus 3:1-10

You can find those passages here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=genesis%2015:12-16&version=TNIV

and here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=exodus%203:1-10&version=TNIV

My summary of the passages is this:

In the first passage Abram (later Abraham) goes into a deep sleep and dreams the Lord comes to him with a promise that for 400 years his descendants will be enslaved and mistreated in a country not their own.  The Lord says he will punish that country and save them from there, giving them great possessions. He also tells Abram that he will have a long and peaceful life.  

In the second passage, just over 400 years have passed now and the Lord comes to Moses in a burning bush, told him to take off his shoes (holy ground) and then said that He was concerned about the people’s sufferings.  He told Moses that He has come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and bring them into a land flowing with milk and honey.  He then sends Moses to bring the Israelites out of Egypt. 

As I reflect:

 I was tempted at first to simply say this Bible study has the obvious meaning that God never forgets His promises and He is faithful to keep them, but that doesn’t really say how I can apply it to my own life (which should be the goal when one reads the Word).  For me, I can say this tackles my impatience.  The Lord confirmed in me and my wife about 6 years ago that we were to work in ministry.  Though we minister as we can when we can and pretty much where ever we go, we haven’t actually gotten to step into a ministry with a full time role of any kind.  Here I am 6 years later searching for an internship in ministry and finding a great deal of difficulty at times.  I must not begin to doubt what God has confirmed in us.  It is simply a matter of time and finding the right ministry.  I know that He has an open door somewhere because He is faithful.  I know that He will lead me to it if I just keep seeking, because He is faithful.  I know that Moses (though scared and requiring help from his bro) did do what God said and because of that, God was faithful all through the process.  As He is being faithful with us also.  We continue the search and He makes sure my family and I are well taken care of financially, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, etc.  He has surrounded us with true friends that care and check up on us and are happy to be held accountable and to hold us accountable.  He really has taken care of every excuse that one could come up with to run away from this search.  He has labeled the hallway and set me on a path of trying door handles as I walk through it.  One of them will open.  That’s the one I’m going to keep looking for.  I know Moses felt like giving up so many times.  I have felt that way too.  “Oh I can just get a telemarketing job, or move to the beach and do labor till I find something in my comfort zone, or go into sales, or customer service call centers”.  But these are the areas God trained me in, not the areas He called our future to.  As the Lord is faithful to bring us to completion, I must also be faithful to attempt to be the product He has called me to be.   Being in front of people instead of being on the phone at a desk is out of my comfort zone.  Just as publicly speaking was out of the stuttering Moses’ comfort zone.    

My response to the Lord:

Holy Father, thank you so much for this study tonight.  I had no idea what reflection was going to bring.  Now I feel revived and reassured that I’m right where you want me.  Lord please forgive my sins and lead me away from temptations.  Please continue to mold and sanctify me through your Holy Spirit.  Please never cease in guiding me to your perfect will for this life.  Help me to focus and take one foot in front of the other; one knob after the other, until I come to your will.  Do not allow me to fall into a comfort zone like the days of ole.  I prayed and you have taken that away confirming that a different direction is what you have for me.  Lord help me to find the right door.  Take my hand Abba, for I cannot even breath without you.  Help me not to settle for what the world calls success, but to continually keep my eyes on you that this storm would not stop me from finding the other side of the valley.  Lord I praise and worship you for all your wonder.  You are glorious Lord.  

11-04-10 Psalm 36:5-12

The passage I read was Psalm 36:5-12

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%207:1-11&version=NIV

My summary of the passage is this:

God is faithful to fulfill the promises of his mercy which hath no end.  This passage is an edification of God.  The author is lifting up the name of the Lord and speaking of His love, kindness, righteousness, judgments, mercy, and light. 

As I reflect:

The very first 2 verses say,

⁵ Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens,
   your faithfulness to the skies.
⁶ Your righteousness is like the highest mountains,
   your justice like the great deep.

This immediately brought a song to mind.  “Your Love Oh Lord” by Third Day.

You can listen to that song here if you are unfamiliar:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEF7IoQ3eUk&ob=av2n

the lyrics read,

“Your love, oh Lord
Reaches to the heavens
Your faithfulness stretches to the sky
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains
Your justice flows like the ocean's tide
I will lift my voice
To worship You, my King
I will find my strength
In the shadow of your wings”

No doubt in my mind that this passage is where they got the inspiration for that song.  I love when I come across lyrics to a song I know in the Bible.  That just makes my day.

Anyhow, back to reflecting (now listening to the song).

These are such simple words and yet I never would have on my own come to write them down.  I think the closest I’ve ever come is when I tell the Lord allowed, “thank you for blessing me Lord.  I am sooo undeserving.  I am thankful that you keep blessing me, though I have not an understanding of the love you must have for a wretch like me to continue blessing even when I fail you.”  That’s almost a daily thing now.  I have to at some point (sometimes more than once) stop and thank my God for blessing so richly a man and family so undeserving of such grace.  That He chooses to lead me to His wings protection despite my offenses is a beauty this earth has nothing to compete with. 

My response to the Lord:

Your love Lord, is everywhere in my life and I am not blind to how very often you are faithful to me, though I find myself unfaithful in my flesh.  It is because you are so truly righteous that I fear your justice at times Father.  But I have nothing to fear for your unfailing love provided that my debt be paid for me due to my inability to pay the price myself.  This is something that is far beyond our poor power to fully grasp; that your love would not only allow for forgiveness, but that you would take in those that are responsible for your sons torture and death by way of sin against you….I am without words when I think that you not only are not going to destroy me for that, but that you love me enough to invite me to take refuge under your wing.  The Lord has provided all that I need and soo much more.  Perhaps had I heard of the life that you give to your children, I wouldn’t have believed it.  But that I am blinded by it daily in my own life, makes it impossible to deny.   Lord keep my heart upright though my flesh fail, that I may stay in your light and love.  I ask the same of your other children; my brothers and sisters.  May none of us become so so self centered or arrogant to stand against you, nor so blind or easily led that we should fallow your enemies.  Let them not stand against us Father.  In Jesus Name

11-03-10 Deuteronomy 7:1-11

The passage I read was Deuteronomy 7:1-11

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%207:1-11&version=NIV

My summary of the passage is this:

God is about to give land to his children and he instructs them how to take hold of it.  He tells them to completely destroy and drive out the nations in the way there and he is very specific in telling his children not to become one with those nations or in any way accept them and their pagan rituals.  He makes it clear that if they end up letting their sons marry the daughters of those nations or vice versa, that it will result in pagan worship and that God would then need to punish His children out of anger.  He is not only specific as to what not to do, but He also tells them exactly what to do.  Burn down carved wooden gods, break down alters, etc.  He then goes on to explain that He didn’t set apart the people of God because they were special in and of themselves.  Matter of fact is that they were almost nothing when they were found.  Instead, the reason that God saved them was 2 fold.  1 because He loved them.   2 because He keeps His covenants and is loyal.  He had made a covenant with the forefathers of this generation and was now keeping it.  This passage is wrapped up with a final reminder that even though he is loyal to those who love him, he is also quick to pay the wages of death to those who hate him.  The passage stops at verse 11 saying to “take care to follow the commands, decrees and laws I give you today.”

As I reflect:

This week’s bible studies are supposed to in one way or another reflect God’s faithfulness.  I decided a few weeks ago not to let what the bible studies or “supposed” to be about effect what I might take away from the Word if given the openness to receiving directly from God what is meant to be given to me in that passage.  It is no different in this passage.  Instead of focusing on God’s faithfulness, I am left looking at the passage as a whole and waiting on a message that I can and will apply to my life.  

Here are some things that kinda stick out:

Do not be unequally yoked

Do not accept evil

We are a treasured possession of God

We weren’t chosen because of our own greatness.

We were chosen because of love

God is faithful to His word

Take care to follow the commands and decrees and laws of God

As I came across the second to last point that stands out there, I got my reflection.  God is faithful to his word, yes, but He also has a condition set in verse 9.  He said Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.

Notice the last part of that verse states the condition of the covenant… It is to those who love Him and keep his commandments.  That idea is kind of reflected in the first couple verses too as the Lord discusses the specifics of what to do as he brings them into the land.  There are conditions that we are asked to meet in our walk with Christ.  I’m not saying that these conditions necessarily are the basis of our salvation, but they are certainly things that we need to remember on the daily.  Looking at my own salvation for example, I know that I am saved from hell.  I know that I am saved from my own sin’s condemnation.  But the only reason I know that is because I walk in a different law.   The law of the Spirit through life in Christ Jesus, and this affects my ability to be free from such condemnation.  Promise = freedom from condemnation, condition = walk in the law of the Spirit.  Promise = all things work together for the good, condition = love God and be called according to His purpose.  Promise = eternal life with Christ Jesus, condition = confess with your lips and believe in your heart (which WILL affect how you live) that Jesus is Lord over your entire life.  There are many other conditional offers that exceed just being saved from eternity in hell.  There is still more to a Christian walk.  There are characteristics and fruits offered when we meet the required conditions of seeking after Him fervently and making our request known properly.  That being said, this study did indeed come back to God’s faithfulness.  It’s quite clear now just how this passage applies in that light.  The conditions or part of the equation sometimes.  Like God is faithful to forgive us (promise) if we will repent (turn away from) and confess our sins (condition of our heart). 

My response to the Lord:

Lord, so far beyond our poor ability to grasp is the depth of the plans you have made for us.  That you have so perfectly set up every little intricate detail is amazing to me.  Even the rules by which we live and die, you have plainly given to us to either receive and follow, or ignore and fall.  Thank you for putting thought into me Lord.  Thank you for giving us the opportunities to improve and grow as we seek after you.  May I daily be reminded of who I am in you and reflect it in my walk, talk, and thought.   Thank you for your faithfulness Lord.  I can rely on you to do what you said you will do, if I will do what you have asked me to do.  And I thank you for your unconditional love and blessings undeserved that despite my failures, you continue to offer me and my family.  I truly love you Father.  

10-30-10 Revelation 2:1-7

The passage I read was Revelation 2:1-7

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+2%3A1-7&version=NIV

My summary of the passage is this:

Jesus himself dictates this evaluation of the church of Ephesus.  He commends them for their deeds, perseverance, and for testing and finding false apostles (calling them out).   The problem is that they have done these things because of a sense of duty instead of a sense of love.  They did not have agape.  This is a love that depends not on the condition or attractiveness of being with the one that is loved, but rather it is dependent upon the condition of the heart from which it flows forth unconditionally.  It is the love that Christ showed us and that we are to in turn show the world (john 13:34).  This band of brothers had forgotten this love and thus they were commended for works and some of their view points but they were rebuked for turning away from love.  As a result of losing this Godly love, they also lost love for one another even as brothers (phileo).  It is quite possible that their testing of everyone created an atmosphere of distrust where love could no longer grow. Jesus then tells them to 1 – remember their former condition (love), 2 – repent (turn from current unlove), and 3 – love again.  Jesus then tells them that if they don’t repent they will die (there is now no church at Ephesus).   Then there is a promise to the one that would overcome (anyone who would actually repent and find their ability to love again) that they should eat of the tree of life (have eternal life).  There is a reward offered to each church in fact should they individually choose to overcome. 

As I reflect:

I can totally feel the weight of my sin of judgment in this passage.  I see a church that was very similar in thought to myself.  There is a Word and it must be followed to the T.  That’s me.  I want to follow the Word of God exactly as it was written and unfortunately I often end up judging others that don’t have that same desire.  I can see where that moved this church to a lack of love.  And as if the loss of love wasn’t scary enough to think about, the church was also destroyed and is no more as a result.  I mean I have all the motivation in the world already and have been fully convicted by the Holy Spirit to get a grip on my judgment issues.  I have been working on it and believe there is an improvement that has been made for sure.  But this is a reminder to me that not only should I continue to get unrighteous judgment molded out of my life, but also I need to keep a focus on loving unconditionally those very same persons or genres that I currently struggle with judging.  It’s just like Jesus was telling them.  It’s not enough just to repent of the sin, but one also needs to go to the root of that sin and replace it with the good that belongs there too.  My unrighteous judgment must fully cease and be fully replaced with love.  It is not enough to just stop judging people. 

My response to the Lord:

I am thankful that you are working on my heart Lord.  I am thankful for a circle of accountability to help me along this path.  Though I have recognized that I have an issue with judgment, I had not really paid much attention to any other areas that may have been affected by that.  I now know that my love for others has also b3een hurt as a result of my allowing judgment into my life.  Knowing now, I ask not only that you would continue to rid my life of all unrighteous judgment, but also that you would replace it with love Lord.  Please help me to learn to love others as you have loved me Father. In Jesus name. 

10-29-10 Ezekiel 39:21-29

The passage I read was Ezekiel 39:21-29

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel%2039:21-29&version=NIV

My summary of the passage is this:

 God will be brought glory not only in his punishment of his children when they turn away from him, but also in his compassion to bring them back from captivity.  (very summarized) ;-)

As I reflect:

I have read about the Israelites in several books for several years and I am always surprised that no matter how often the Lord blesses them or builds them up, they always seem to turn away from Him once they are living life to the max and all.  They always turn away and end up serving other Gods and having sex with neighboring nations and making a mockery of the nation of God.  Then God sends a prophet to warn them to get straight or He’s going to have to punish them for His name’s sake.  Then the people refuse to repent and God punishes them (often to the brink of total annihilation).  Then the few remaining people of Israel eventually repent and God restores them and quickly rebuilds the population of His children and lifts them back up to a status that glorifies Him.  Then the cycle starts all over again.  I gotta admit, it can be pretty frustrating to read this sometimes.  I think to myself, “how can a nation that has been so close to God and seen His works first hand among them, continually walk away and commit adultery with the rest of the world?!”  It’s insane to me.  But, I find myself doing the same thing in a shorter time frame and on a smaller scale.  If I am the product of God’s saving grace and I make a choice to sin (whether conscious or sub), then haven’t I done the same thing the nation of Israel did?  Haven’t I also disobeyed my Lord even though I walk with Him daily and His presence and power are made very clearly known to me?  The grace that can be taken from this passage is encouraging to me.  That my God is sovereign even to have compassion on those that have turned completely away from Him, gives me a continuous hope that He will not fail to bring me back when I falter in my steps.  He won’t give me over to my mistakes and keep his head turned away forever.  He is faithful and He will complete the work He begun in me.  There will be times when I mess up and He allows accountability.  But, I will grow through those times and He will pick me back up and continue to teach and lead me.  If He can have compassion on a nation such as Israel after all that they did, and if He can restore them, then how could I ever think for even a second that He wouldn’t also have compassion on me and restore me for His glory’s sake.

My response to the Lord:

Lord, I cannot enough thank you for my salvation.  That you have the ability to turn someone over to their sins and allow their enemies to destroy them is obvious to me.  That you are so compassionate as to forgive them and restore them afterwards is beyond my ability to fully grasp.  I long to be so compassionate Lord.  I thank you for not allowing your wrath to come upon me and I hope I never give you cause to allow it.  May I live a life that gives you glory.  May I do this from a desire to serve my King.  In Jesus name.

10-28-10 Psalm 79:1-13

The passage I read was Psalm 79:1-13

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2079:1-13&version=NIV

My summary of the passage is this:

God has allowed the Israelites to reap what they sowed and now they are broken and calling out for forgiveness.  They are pleading with God and trying to reason with him to forgive them and protect his reputation by stopping and punishing all of Israel’s enemies that are attacking them.  They know that they’ve done wrong, but are asking the Lord to pardon them.  They say that they will then praise God forever. 

As I reflect:

Well, I can’t say that I am currently under attack from surrounding nations for my sins against God and for not heading His warnings that were given many times before allowing everyone to attack me.  I have however been there.  I have been given over to my sin before.  I remember what it felt like to be pulled by Satan the direction of the flesh, while the Holy Spirit whispers in the ear to turn and walk in the light.  I have also been neck deep in the muck and mire of Godlessness before as a result of my own sins past, and I know what it is like to reap what is sown…Though, not in full for I would surely have died many times by now if so. 

In this passage what stood out to me most was that the people of Israel didn’t just cry out, “SAVE ME!!!” or “HELP!!” or “STOP LETTING THEM KILL US!!”.  No, they instead reasoned with God.  I know that Asaph was a choirmaster and poet of David’s time and all poets certainly have the ability to mold words.  But I don’t believe that’s what Asaph was doing.  I believe when he wrote this, he very clearly was displaying the accountability of God’s children as well as the pre notion that God can be reasoned with and will forgive His children if their heart is truly repentant.

 I also noticed that God’s people pulled on a string of pride or sovereignty when they told the Lord not to let others make fun of Him by attacking his helpless children.  That was interesting.  I think I’d be too afraid to make such a bold statement even in calling out for the salvation of my God.  It almost seems like an attempt at manipulation of the all knowing Creator. Lol – not likely to happen.  It may very well show not the state of their heart in approach to God as much as their fear from attack by enemies and desperation for Salvation from the only one who can save in such a circumstance.  May we all be so desperate for God in our lives daily that we should call out for His holy presence to forgive us and guide us in His ways.   May we not turn so far away from Him that only devastation can bring us back.  Do not stray Christian.. Do not stray even for a moment.  Stay in communication without God and know that He hears you and is reasonable to consider your voice.  If you are saved, there is no brick wall that separated you from your King.  Know Him.  Know His personality.  Befriend God.

My response to the Lord:

Lord God, such passages remind me to kneel humbly, for you are great and mighty and indeed you can destroy a nation if need be.  If you can do this to your beloved nation Israel, you could certainly bring me low and desolate my life as well should you choose to.  I pray I never cause you to feel this is needed with me Father.  I have read that you now call me “friend” Jesus.  If this is so, then I am taken back by your generosity all the more that someone so undeserving as myself would not only be forgiven for holding the hammer and the nail, but that you would even come to know me as a friend…Wow!  God, Thank you for always being here for me.  Thank you for allowing me to grow from a child to a man and to walk with you.  Thank you for spending my concept of time with me and for sharing with me this wonderful life you have provided.  I cannot imagine ever walking away from you, but if even the thought should somehow enter my mind, Lord I ask you to quickly correct me and return me to the path that leads to righteousness.  Do not oh God allow me to walk so far from the path that only devastation could bring me back.  I pray these things humbly in your name Jesus.

10-27-10 Deuteronomy 6:4-15 (with Alex)

The passage I read was Deuteronomy 6:4-15

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%206:4-15&version=NIV

My summary of the passage is this:

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.  Love Him out loud.  Don’t hide your love for God.  Love Him openly in such a way that every person that sees you or comes to your house, knows that you love God.  Do not forget this for even a moment of your day.

When the Lord has saved you, and you are walking in obedience to Him and all is good and you are greatly blessed and He is generous and giving you life, don’t during this time forget Him.  Don’t in the easy breezy times in life choose to walk into sin and serve other gods (i.e. yourself, money, lust, sins of self indulgence).   There is a high accountability for such actions because the Lord is a jealous God.

My son said:

When we get something good, we can’t forget that Jesus gave it to us.  And we can’t worship other gods or He’ll wipe us off the face of the planet and we’ll burn in hell.

As I reflect:

Loving the Lord is not something you only do in prayer before dinner.  It’s not something you just do in church on Sunday morning.  It’s not something you only share in secrecy should a friend or close loved one ask you on the down low.   Loving the Lord is to be done all the time and it’s to be done openly.  If someone comes to my house, they should know that I love the Lord.  It should be obvious.  If I go to the supermarket, what reason do I have to talk to a cashier or someone in line without letting them know that I love the Lord because He first loved me.  I should be excited to share this information with people.  I think too often I let that conversation fall through my fingers because I care too much what that person will think of me.  That’s complete rubbish.  I am saved from hell.  I am saved from my own addictive sin nature.  I am happy about that and I want others to also be saved from the same things.  If I am truly  loving the Lord with all of my heart, soul, and strength, then I should be constantly sharing his good Word with others.  It should not be something that can be concealed.  It is also important to remember on the daily, that when all is well and it is so often easy to fall into sin, I cannot forget that God has saved me from the fire and I need to keep my eyes on Him.  It’s easy for someone who is saved to focus on God and spend time in prayer and outreach when times are rough because our struggles and suffering draws us nearer to Him.  But when things are going great…. When we are being blessed left and right and there are no struggles to be seen in any direction; these are the times to watch out for the attack.  It’s so easy to sin when you aren’t on your toes.  So easy to trip when your forget to watch how your walkin.

My son said:

Sometimes when I’m having a lot of fun, I forget about Jesus.  I forget about Him totally and am just having too much fun to remember He is here with me.  And I think a way to not do that is to love the Lord with all my heart and soul and strength because you can’t forget someone you love that much. 

My response to the Lord:

Lord, I already feel you pushing gently on my heart to witness.  I pray your would continue to build up a stronger more bold will in me to do so every time and to not shy down for fear of judgment from others.  I want to share your Word Father.   You are blessing me with such consistency that it can almost become a thing not considered from time to time as I become used to walking in your grace.  This however is a wrong way of thinking.  Lord please keep me ever mindful and alert to the enemy’s attacks.  I pray I keep my eyes on you always, during the storm and during the perfect weather.  Lord, may I always grow in devotion to you.  May I never step to the left or the right or the back, but rather keep my focus on you and continue to grow in servitude.  May I serve you each day more than the last Father.  In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

My son said:

Dear Lord, please help us not forget you are here with us all the time.  And please help us love you with all our heart, all our strength, and all our soul.  Amen.

10-23-10 Psalm 31:14-24

The passage I read was Psalm 31:14-24

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+31%3A14-24&version=NIV

My summary of the passage is this:

Fear the Lord and put your trust in Him alone and He will deliver you from your enemies and put them to rest.  The Lord is good and has stored up blessings for those that would follow Him.  He will protect them who seek refuge in Him.  V24 – Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.

As I reflect:

Similar to the last Bible study are the concepts of the deliverance spoken of in this passage, that they apply to those who fear the Lord (or live in reverence before Him) and are not just generally offered or said to be readily handed out to everyone equally.  There is again that difference between the saved (under his wing) and the unsaved (devoured by their own evil desires).   But that’s not what really caught my focus here.  Some of the words in this passage are very close to my heart from personal experience.  They have played a part many times throughout the changing of whom I walked for.  From about 3 months before I was delivered from my many worldly addictions and attitudes, through the time that the deliverance begun, through the hardest times of change, on through the breaking point when light was starting to shine through, on up through beginning to walk with Him and even up to now, this passage has held true.  He has delivered me from my enemies (v15) and from those that pursued me.  I have been saved in His unfailing love (v16).  Those who sought my life and lied about me to others were paid back and put to shame (v17 – 18).  As I have come to live in reverence before Him, his goodness has not ceased to flow greatly beyond anything I ever could have earned, and it is plain for all to see (v19).  I have been freed from my past accusers and they no longer have a hold on me (v20).  It was not during a time which I was in church or in the Word or walking in any righteous matter that the Lord saved me….  It was during my deepest darkest sin that He reached in and pulled me from the fire (v21).  Even though I thought that He had turned a completely deaf ear to me, I called out for him to change/save me from what I had become, and he answered (v22).  That He came to call me saint….and even to call me “friend”, I am ever thankful for.  I deserve it not, but I will sing his praise and forever my hope will remain in God (v23-24).  I now know that I can always trust in my God (v14), for he is mighty to save.

My response to the Lord:

Lord of my life, I am before you on my knees.  There is no other place I want to be, for you Lord have saved me from my sin.  You have saved me from all of my iniquities and from those who sought my life.  You have torn down my accusers and pulled me from the fire.  My life is yours.  Fully Lord, I am yours.  If there is anything in me that is not of you, then take it from me Father.  I lay it down.  Replace my bad with your good; my failures, with your success; my mindset, with your truth.  I will ever praise you for saving me; for allowing me to dwell safely under your wing always.  Even in the midst of battle you are there protecting me so often from my own mistakes.  To simply sing that, “there is none like you” is an understatement by far, for you are indescribably beautiful to me Lord.  Forever, I am your servant Jesus.

10-22-10 Psalm 107:1-9 (with Alex)

The passage I read was Psalm 107:1-9

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+107%3A1-9&version=NIV

My summary of the passage is this:

Verse 8 sums it up for me,

 ⁸ Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
       and his wonderful deeds for men,

My son summed it up like this:

Give thanks to the Lord for He is good.  He helps people north, south, east, and west.  He helps people that need water and takes them to a place where they can get it. And He fills people with good things.

As I reflect:

In reflecting, the first thing I noticed about the passage was that in verse two it says, “let the redeemed of the Lord say this – “ and then the psalmist continues in sharing thanks for God’s unfailing love by saying how the Lord delivered his children from their distress and led them to where they could settle.  It talks about His wonderful deeds for men by satisfying their thirst and hunger with good things.  What stood out to me here as well as many other places in the word is that this was specific to a genre of people.  This was the thanks given by the “redeemed”… The saved.  A friend of mine on facebook recently posted a reminder for the secular world to read the full verse before quoting out of context.  I believe they have an excellent point.  The specific verse they were speaking on was all things work together for the good….(for those who love God and are called according to his purpose).  It’s true, far too many times the secular world would like to take the promises that are said only of the saved, and say those promises of themselves.  But these are things that the unsaved don’t fully understand.   Just as in this passage when thanks is given for redemption.  How can the lost fully grasp what this means if they have yet to take hold of the saving grace of Jesus’ blood on the cross?  How can a dying world thank God for being filled when they hunger and thirst when they don’t understand the context.  For He fills us with good things because we hunger and thirst for Him.  I think the secular artist of this age paint a good picture of what I’m trying to say.  They stand on stage after writing songs that glorify pre-maritial sex, drugs, lust, having other gods (ie. Money, material possessions), and following after things in this world, and then they give “thanks” to God.  I have to say that they don’t understand redemption because they haven’t been redeemed.  When I thank God, it’s because I know what I have been saved from.  I know that my every breath comes from Him.  I know that if there is anything good in my life, it is because of Jesus.  His Holy Spirit has provided every good characteristic in me as a bi-product of my experiences and seeking His wisdom.  I thank God because I know where I was and where I was headed.  I thank God because when I seek Him and I don’t give up, I find Him.  He answers my prayer.  He leads me to feed on every word that comes from his mouth. 

My son said:

I think it means to thank God for his love and for all that He has provided us. 

My response to the Lord:

Dearest Father in Heaven, I know what you have saved me from.  You and you alone have pulled me from the depths of hell and redeemed me among men.  You chose me, and by your mercy you forgave my sinful self.  You lifted my head and led me by your spirit daily working sanctification into my life.  Lord, you covered me in your son’s righteous blood… There is no sacrifice greater than that you sacrificed for me…. A sinner who had turned his back on all that you were.  I am so thankful that you chased after me and didn’t let me go.  I am thankful that you reached in and took my heart of stone and melted it.  Thank you for removing what used to be me, and installing the upgrade that only you could give.  May I function well as a part of your body, by the only means of showing my thankfulness to you – being a light into the dark.  In Jesus name.

My son said:

Dear Lord, thank you for loving us.  Thank you for giving us the good that we don’t deserve and please keep us from doing wrong and keep us clean.  

10-21-10 Psalm 145:1-21 (with Alex)

The passage I read was Psalm 145:1-21

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+145%3A1-21&version=NIV

My summary of the passage is this:

The Lord is great and worthy of praise.  We should receive from the last generation their stories of His greatness and pass them on to our kids.  We should meditate on His wonderful works and tell others about them.  Celebrate and be joyous.  The Lord is faithful to all his promises and He loves his creation. He upholds all who fall and lifts up those who are bowed down.  He feeds us.  He is righteous.  He loves us.  He is near those who call on him in truth.  He hears and answers those who fear him.  He watches over those who love him, but destroys the wicked.    Praise Him.

My son said:

They’re talking about how great Jesus is and how they praise Him. 

As I reflect:

That’s a hard one to summarize.  Each verse seems to point out yet another wonderful thing about our God.  As I read this passage, I was reminded of a situation in my own life.  I realize that often in this day and age we don’t hand down a story from generation to generation anymore.  It seems to all be converted to electronic and possibly adjusted media now.  Although that can make it hard to believe in some of the findings being shared on the internet, I personally can say I have seen and heard of miracles from those that I know would not lie or modify the story.  I personally share the evidence of God and His miracles in my life with my children on a daily. 

 Here are the verses that got me thinking:

 ⁶ They will tell of the power of your awesome works,
       and I will proclaim your great deeds.

 ⁷ They will celebrate your abundant goodness
       and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

 ¹¹ They will tell of the glory of your kingdom
       and speak of your might,

 ¹² so that all men may know of your mighty acts
       and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

This reminds me of when my wife and I were discussing our finances so long ago in our first apartment.  My wife kept telling me she felt like it was time to move and I kept responding that our finances weren’t in order yet and we didn’t have enough extra money to consider moving up yet when we could barely afford where we were at.  My argument to my wife was that we needed to be good stewards of our money before the Lord would bless us with a larger place.  My wife’s position was one that I couldn’t deny came from the Holy Spirit speaking to her.  She said to me, “Honey, do you remember the story of Peter walking on the water to Jesus?”  “yes” “You remember how the weather was?”  I said “yes, it was a huge storm.  Your point?”  She replied, “Peter didn’t wait for the weather to be calm before he stepped out of the boat.  And If you will keep your eyes on Jesus, I know this storm won’t affect the blessings He has in store for us.”  With that being the end of that conversation, I was stumped… I couldn’t argue with her willingness to take a leap of faith and I jumped on board as we stepped out of the boat in the middle of a financial storm.  The very next day when I got home from work, she had a list of houses to go and look at and off we went.  At the very first house, we saw the largest back yard we had ever seen among any family member or friend.  It had huge shade trees and a living room that seemed to go on forever.  A tri-level house with three bedrooms and a garage?!  “Wow”, I thought, “there’s no way we can afford something like this”.  And despite my doubt, we had prayed together previously that He would open doors no one could close if He wanted us somewhere, and close doors that no one could open if He didn’t.  As we were preparing to leave and thanking the gentleman for his time, he got off the cell phone he had and handed me the keys to the place saying, “My dad says these belong to you.”  And so it is today that we live in that house and we pay just $50 more than what we paid every month in that small apartment.  Well, after that transaction I can’t think of a single friend or family member we didn’t tell.  As me and the kiddos work on landscaping or improving upon the house, I have been asked more than once why we were doing it.  I always tell them of the grace God had on us by using this man to bless us and that we would bless him back by improving upon his property so that when we leave, it’s worth more, not less. 

I think stories like that are important to share.  Some people call it coincidence but for those that love God and are called according to His purpose, we know it’s a much different thing.  We don’t share the stories with people because of coincidence.  We are sharing of the mighty and wonderful God we serve who is worthy of all praise and glory.  There are many miracles big and small, noticeable and hidden that I have shared with friends, family, strangers, work colleagues, etc.  This is something we should always do.  We should share and pass on the stories of what the Lord has done in our lives and it doesn’t have to be something huge like being raised from the dead or having a total care destruction type accident without even a scratch.  You could share something that is easy to miss but may just be enough of a reminder to the person you share with that the Lord is gracious and compassionate.  I believe the point here is to be joyful because of what the Lord has done (every good thing big and small) and to share it with others. 

My son reflected:

That we need to tell other people about Jesus and what He did for us.  And then those people can also talk about Him. 

My response to the Lord:

Lord…  You know me to be a man not eloquent with words.  I am no longer articulate or as intellectual as I was in my youth (a result of my own past choices to sin).  But, Lord if my articulation was to be granted back to me for one moment in time, I long that it would be used to better worship and exalt your Holy Name.  Father…You have made me glad beyond description and so I sing to you day and night.  There are not enough words understood by my feeble mind to describe your wonders enough.  That I would never cease to share your glorious works with others Lord, let that be my prayer.  Speak through me as I attempt to share what you have done and are continuing to do during this journey Father.  Hear my voice as I sing your praises, for this is my gift back to you Abba.  Be pleased at the joy you have caused in my life.  In Jesus Name…

My son responded:

Dear Lord, thank you for all of your creations and all you’ve done for us.  Amen

10-20-10 Mark 10:17-22 (Alex joined me)

The passage I read was Mark 10:17-22

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+10%3A17-22&version=NIV

My summary of the passage is this:

A man expressed his desire to get eternal life.  After he expressed this to Jesus, Jesus asked him if he knew the commands and then he listed 6 commands prohibiting wrong actions and attitudes against others.  The man said he had followed all these commands.  Jesus knew that there was an obstacle in the man’s path to Heaven.  The man valued his riches even more than a relationship with Christ and thus He told the man to go and sell all his belongings and then to come back and follow him.  The man was sad cuz he was very wealthy.

My 9 year old son summed up the passage like this:

A man went up to Jesus and said how can I go to Heaven.  The man called Jesus good teacher.  And Jesus said no one is good except God.  Jesus said go sell all your stuff and then come follow me, and the man walked away sad because the man cared about his money more than Jesus. 

As I reflect:

To say that the world puts their possessions before God is an understatement.  This is something that most Christians know.  I believe what I can take from this is a reminder that Christians also have this same struggle often.  It is sometimes hard to take time out of the day to do a Bible study.  It shouldn’t be…. But it is sometimes a chore.  We need to get back to the basics here and remember what our walk is all about.  It’s not about our job, our favorite tv show or having a brew with the neighbor.  It’s about Jesus.  If we can remember at all times to keep Him the center of our lives and put nothing before Him, than we too should have this “treasure in heaven” that Jesus spoke of to the man.  We too, are offered an eternal gift of Christ’s presence if we will but persevere and keep our eyes on him.  Let’s remember not to let our daily routines get between us and the Lord’s will for us.  Put God first, and everything else will follow.

My 9 year old son reflected:

We are like that man.  People are.  People like their stuff more and don’t read the Bible.  So we should be sure that we read the Bible every day so we know what Jesus is saying.  Tell other people about Jesus.  Show them Jesus is more important than our stuff.

My response to the Lord:

Dear Lord, I am sorry.  I apologize to Your Highness.  For I have sinned against you far too often in placing things before you.  You are worth so much more than just the short times in a day that I spend speaking to you or learning your Word.  I do have a desire to spend more time with you, but admit that my flesh is often very weak and falls into the distractions of this world.  Lord, I have dedicated myself to you time and time again, that you would simply use me as you will.  However, I fail often in being useful as I am not focusing on you.  Help my spiritual ADHD that I may keep you at the center of everything I am living for.  Lord, guide and convict me through your Holy Spirit daily to keep my eyes on you and not get side tracked in the darkened world.   In Jesus name.

My son responded as well:

Dear Lord, please help us get into your word more often so we don’t be like that man.  And, help people by giving away our stuff.  Amen

10-16-10 Isaiah 45:18-25

The passage I read was Isaiah 45:18-25

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2045:18-25&version=NIV

My summary of the passage is this:

To me, the passage is stating several things.  One area of discussion is that God will have no other gods before him.  It’s a command and must be followed.  Another area it seems to discuss is the jealousy of God; the longing for his children to come back to him.  He is not only jealous of the wanderings of his chosen but also of those that have not yet chosen to follow.  In this passage he lays down a very good argument for following him.  The Lord points out that many have prophesied in His name about things that have since come to be.  So if God has told man what is to happen, and then it happened, how come people haven’t realized that the rest of what he said must be true also?  That’s a huge point here I think.  God is saying we have all the proof needed that His word is true and that He is the living and all powerful God of creation.  Come and follow Him.  He also gives the alternative.  He says every knee will bow, but makes it a point to separate those who would bow by force verse those who bow now by choice.  There is a different outcome for them both.  One will be found righteous and will exult, the other is put to shame.  In summary, clearly the passage says that we are to seek/come to God, be saved, and then present His truths to others so that they too may be lead to the cross.  But don’t take my word for it…. Take a gander into the Word of the Almighty.

As I reflect:

In looking at what the passage is asking of me; what God is telling me, I have found that there are a couple commands in this passage: Draw near to God, be saved, and have no other God’s before me.  Taking these things into consideration, I can say that I am following the commands in this passage.  What else is there I wondered.  He is talking to the lost it would seem.  Calling out to those that have wandered away from Him and think they can find answers else where.  Through several versions of the Bible I read.  I was eventually led to read the King James version and verse 24 stood out to me most here.

 ²⁴Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed.

Pretty well sums it up to me.  In the Lord = righteousness and strength.  Not in the Lord = Ashamed.  I have been there.  Before I was saved I sought out worldly wisdom.  I tried to gain by my own means and I ignored God as much as I could.  I ran from Him straight into the darkness and tried to be of this world.  But I couldn’t stay there.  I just couldn’t stand the sin I was covered in.  I couldn’t stand. the life style that was leading me not into Heavens gates, but directly into a hell of solitude.  I was lost and ashamed and at the end of my rope when I picked up a Bible in a homeless shelter and said a prayer that I could start over and be different this time.  I have since that time grown in strength and righteousness that is not my own.  I have found that in the Lord I have these things given to me freely as I follow after Him.  The Word of God is indeed truth, and it is powerful.

My response to the Lord:

Lord God, You never gave up on me.  You knew where my road would take me and you continuously left messages and signs for me to turn around and run to you.  You were waiting for me to pick up your word that night and spend time praying to you and listening to what you had to share with me.  Thank you Father.  It is only because of you that I am alive today and have a future in your kingdom.  Lord place in me a heart to seek and save that which was lost.  Lord help me to be used by you in the salvation of others that are headed down that same road I was on so that one day they would be freed from their shame and be able to say they have righteousness and strength in you.  I love you Father.  In Jesus name I pray. Amen

10-15-10 Isaiah 11:1-10

The passage I read was Isaiah 11:1-10

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2011:1-10&version=NIV

My summary of the passage is this:

There is no real good way that I can think of to summarize this other than to say that this is a prophecy of things yet to come and some things that have since passed.  At the time it was written, it was talking about the first and second coming of Jesus and the kingdom of God to follow.  The first time as God incarnate and then events following the rapture for the believer.  It speaks of the condition of the house of David when Jesus was born (thus the cut off tree and small rod (Jesus) that shot out of the bottom of the stump (broken almost gone house of David/descendent from his line).  And it tells of His wondrous character and power as He walked the Earth and when we are again graced by His physical presence.  Through this prophecy it is very eloquently worded and beautiful to here.  Almost seems like poetry.   I encourage you to read it in any version of the Bible.  If you are a believer, you will smile.

As I reflect:

Some verses stand out to me:

 ³ and he will delight in the fear of the LORD.
       He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes,
       or decide by what he hears with his ears;

 ⁴ but with righteousness he will judge the needy,
       with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth.
       He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth;
       with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.

 ⁹ They will neither harm nor destroy
       on all my holy mountain,
       for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD
       as the waters cover the sea.

 ¹⁰ In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his place of rest will be glorious.

As for reflecting, well…. I gotta say reading this just made me really look forward to seeing my King and being able to say I’m finally home.  I know that until then, we all have a purpose and mine is to answer the calling and raise my children to do the same.  This requires more than myself.  It requires the Lord, for I am unable to accomplish His will without His Holy Spirit living in and through me.  All that is possible in my life is because He allows me breath.  In these verses I have seen more of His characteristics that I am to reflect in my own life.   He shows the priority and reminds me that He has come to seek and save the lost, care for the oppressed, feed the hungry, use the Word of God to slay the wicked.  I too should have the faith to stand for what is right and help those that the Lord has enabled me to help.  I should use the Word of God (my Sword of the Spirit) to fight in this ongoing war against evil.  I should mount all of the armor of God daily and not forget even for a moment who is with me and to Whom the battle belongs.

My response to the Lord:

Thank you Jesus for setting an example that no number of words could have fully explained.  Thank you for your walk on earth; for everything you said and did here to show us love, discernment, mercy, endurance, wisdom, and so much more.  Thank you for your gift of salvation that you took our shame on the cross and that you bore my punishment for me.  May I learn from you all of my days.  I pray that you would help me to apply your holy word daily to my life and the lives of those I come in contact with.  May there never be a moment that my identity if forgotten, for my identity is in you.  May I never forget where I have come from because of your reaching in and pulling me from fire.  May I always share the love you have shown me Jesus.  Amen