Day 21 - Matthew 13:52 - Thru the Bible 2019

Bible Readings: Genesis 42:18-43:34; Matthew13:47-14:12; Psalm18:16-36; Proverbs 4:7-10


Matthew 13:52 Then He said to them, "Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old."

What a beautiful verse!  Every scribe who is instructed about the kingdom of heaven...the Scriptures...is likened to a householder who brings forth out of his treasures both old and new.  So much rich truth and beauty to share from the Scriptures with one another as we study His word!!  As citizens of heaven we fill our hearts with this treasure daily.  In truth, the “Word” lives within us!  These treasures...old and new...when brought out never contradict each other but only enhance the meaning of another or clear up misunderstandings.

Romans 15:4
For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.

2 Timothy 3:16,17
16 All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Matthew 12:35
35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

2 Corinthians 4:5-7
5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. 6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

Song of Songs 7:13
13 The mandrakes give a smell, and at our gates [are] all manner of pleasant [fruits], new and old, [which] I have laid up for thee, O my beloved.

Day 20 - Matthew 13:44-46 - Thru the Bible 2019

Bible Reading: Genesis 41:17-42:17; Matthew13:24-46; Psalm 18:1-15; Proverbs 4:1-6

Matthew 13:46 Pearl of Great Price...I really liked Henry Morris' interpretation of this parable.  He says that the treasure in the field parable and the pearl of great price both teach the same basic truth under different figures. (like the mustard seed and the leaven parables) He says that both these parables speak to the tremendous value of becoming true citizens of the kingdom.  In both cases the one finding the kingdom surrenders all he had to gain it.  He quoted Paul in Philippians 3:8 here and Hebrews 11:6

Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

To gain the kingdom, Dr. Morris says, the Lord may not call on us to give up all, but we must be willing, in effect, to do so.  We are "dead" in our sins, and dead men do not bargain, hoping  to enter the kingdom and yet holding on to the world.  He points to the rich young ruler in Luke 18, who, when being told he must give up all his possessions if he would "inherit eternal life",  refused to follow Jesus. 

(The common opinion or interpretation of these parables is that the "man" in each case is Christ, the "treasure" is Israel and the "pearl" the church)  This Henry Morris says seems to miss the thrust of the other parables in Matthew 13 all of which have to do with the character and people of the physical aspect of God's kingdom. )

Day 19 - Psalm 17 - Thru the Bible 2019

Bible Reading: Genesis 39:1-41:16; Matthew 12:46-13:23; Psalm 17:1-15; Proverbs 3:33-35

Psalm 17 is the first of three Psalms specifically titled a Prayer of David and it is filled with David’s heartfelt petitions.  It is so easy to see why God said this about David in 1 Samuel 13:14:

The Lord hath sought out a man after his own heart,

 And then this in Psalm 89

I have found My servant David;

With My holy oil I have anointed him,

And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, 'I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.'—Acts 13:22

Henry Morris says that this Psalm can only be fully understood if applied prophetically to the Lord Jesus.  

As I read Psalm 17 this morning, my heart was drawn to verse 7 which speaks of the Lord's lovingkindness to those who put their trust in Him. 

Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them.--Psalm 17:7

Father,

Your lovingkindness is better than life...It is the rejoicing of my heart.  You are my God who comforts me when my soul is downcast.  One glimpse of You and Your kindness to me in Christ Jesus and my heart is lifted up and my spirit renewed within me.  Blessed be my God, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;  who comfort me in all my tribulation.  You turn my mourning into dancing and lead  me always in triumph.

My desire is for You, Father.  Show me your tender mercies.  Hear my cry and bring me up out of the pit.  Set my feet upon a rock and establish my steps.  Put your song in my heart.

Let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.

Day 18 - Genesis 37; Matthew 12, Psalm 16 - Thru the Bible 2019

Bible Reading: Genesis 37:1-38:30; Matthew 12:22-45; Psalm 16:1-11; Proverbs 3:27-32 

Speaking to the unpardonable sin...

Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.  And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.--Matthew 12:31-32

In the context of this passage (12:22-32) verse 22 tells us that a man was brought to Jesus who was demon-possessed, blind and mute.  Jesus heals him so that the man both spoke and saw.  The people were amazed and wondered if Jesus could be the Son of David.  When the Pharisees heard of it, they rejected this clear witness of the Holy Spirit that Jesus was God come in the flesh (casting out a demon and healing) and attributed Jesus' powers to Satan.  This is not surprising in that Jesus' healing of the man with the withered hand on the Sabbath (in the previous passage) caused them to immediately go out and hold a council together against Him on how they might destroy Him.  The truth was in front of their face and they willfully rejected it.  They had observed Him performing other miracles that were clearly done by power supplied by God... Miracles that were "freely given" by Jesus in lovingkindness toward those who were obviously suffering and/or oppressed by evil.

Jesus' words are in verses 31 and 32 are clear, and they are merciful as He is warning the Pharisees against calling His good evil.  Their subsequent rejection of Him especially in the light of what they had seen of Jesus and heard of him was willful and according to the explanations I read, showed an utter rejection of the ministry of the Holy Spirit which testifies to Jesus. (John 15:26)

David Guzik: "When that testimony of Jesus is fully and finally rejected, one has truly blasphemed the Holy Spirit and essentially called Him a liar in respect to His testimony about Jesus. The religious leaders were close to this." 

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.--John 3:18

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.--John 3:36

Christians who are afraid that they have “blasphemed the Holy Spirit” need not worry, because by that very admission, they have shown that their desire is not to blaspheme the Holy Spirit.


Matthew Henry writes:
 
“Let it be observed that no man who believes the divine mission of Jesus Christ ever can commit this sin” “We have reason to think that none are guilty of this sin, who believe that Christ is the Son of God, and sincerely desire to have part in his merit and mercy: and those who fear they have committed this sin, give a good sign that they have not”

see also Genesis 6:3 and Jeremiah 7:16 

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For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.--Matthew 12:37

Your words will either justify you or condemn you. 

 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.  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.--Romans 10:9-10



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 Genesis 37....I really love when I reach the story of Joseph in Genesis, and his story goes all the way to Chapter 50!  God spends 12 chapters on a single individual.  Why?  Because Joseph is a beautiful picture of His Son, Jesus!  I can't remember when I heard it or who said it but at one time in the very beginning of my walk with the Lord, I was told to look for Jesus on every page of the Bible...it was one of the best pieces of advice I have ever received and in the story of Joseph, we see Jesus everywhere!  

For instance, Genesis 37:3 says this:

Now Israel loved Joseph more...of many colors.

 Jesus' Father loved Him dearly..

And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." --Matthew 3:17


Who else was hated by His brothers...

But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peaceably to him.--Genesis 37:4  

He came unto his own, and his own received him not.--John 1:11

For no one does anything in secret while he himself seeks to be known openly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world."  For even His brothers did not believe in Him. --John 7:4-5 


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Psalm 16...Before I read Psalm 16, I read an introduction/background for it.  This intro told me that it was a messianic Psalm telling us what Jesus was thinking the night before He was crucified.  I read it then, thinking on Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.  It obviously applies to David but in applying it also to Jesus it became rich with meaning and significance. 

For example:

Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.  For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.--Psalm 16:9-10

As I do your will...as I drink the cup that You have prepared for me, I know You will not leave me in the grave. (my flesh also shall rest in hope) This points to the resurrection.


Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.--Psalm 16:11

Verse 10 speaks to the resurrection then clearly verse 11 speaks to Jesus' Ascension...of His return to Heaven. (where is fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore.)

So thankful for Jesus who made Psalm 16:9-11 also true for you and me because He did the will of His Father in heaven.  Absent from the body, present with the Lord...
 




 

Day 17 - Genesis 35:1-3 - Thru the Bible 2019

Bible Reading: Genesis 35: 1–36: 43 Matthew 12: 1-21 Psalm 15: 1-5 Proverbs 3: 21-26

Then God said to Jacob, "Arise, go up to Bethel and dwell there; and make an altar there to God, who appeared to you when you fled from the face of Esau your brother." 2 And Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, "Put away the foreign gods that are among you, purify yourselves, and change your garments. 3 "Then let us arise and go up to Bethel; and I will make an altar there to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and has been with me in the way which I have gone."—Genesis 35:1-3

From my point of view or anyone’s really, Jacobs family is disintegrating..His daughter raped, his sons taking revenge and murdering all the males in Shechem (not to mention the deception and blasphemy that preceded that act). Jacob said it best...”ye (speaking to his sons) have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land.” Things looked pretty hopeless and downright scary for Jacob.  

The story continues in Genesis 35: 1 And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there… Bethel—previously called Luz until the night Jacob had an encounter with God—was the place where Jacob was saved. It was the place where Jacob said “Surely, God is in this place, and I did not know it.” Now God says, “Go back to the place you met Me.” How gracious is our God!!  I am so thankful that no matter how far I have strayed, no matter how much I have messed up, God has provided for me (us)a way of return through the death of His Son on the cross.

Jacob and his family are sunk pretty deep in the mire but the Lord graciously sets his feet back on a rock and showed him the path on which to place his feet.  When I think what my life would look like without that way back...without the hope of heaven...if when I sinned I was done and had no hope of reconciliation only the darkness of hell before me...life would not be worth living and death would only be a worse option. 

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,

5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),—Ephesians 2:4-5

Where can I go from Your Spirit?

Or where can I flee from Your presence?

8 If I ascend into heaven, You are there;

If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.

9 If I take the wings of the morning,

And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

10 Even there Your hand shall lead me,

And Your right hand shall hold me.

11 If I say, "Surely the darkness shall fallfn on me,"

Even the night shall be light about me;—Psalm 139: 7-11

But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more,—Romans 5:20b

Day 16 - Matthew 11:11;Matthew 11:28-30; Proverbs 3 - Thru the Bible 2019

Bible Reading:  Genesis 32: 13–34: 31 Matthew 11: 7-30 Psalm 14: 1-7 Proverbs 3: 19-20

No matter how many times I have read thru the following passage over the years, it always confuses me in that I need to go back and see what Bible expositors say about it.  The following is from David Guzik...I like the Spurgeon quote the best. 

Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.—Matt 11:11

According to Jesus, John then was greater than Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Job, Daniel or any other of the Old Testament men of God. 

He who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he: “Though John was great, he was not born again under the New Covenant. This is because he lived and died before the completion of Jesus’ work at the cross and empty tomb. Therefore, he did not enjoy the benefits of the New Covenant (1 Corinthians 11:25, 2 Corinthians 3:6, Hebrews 8:6-13).”—Guzik

“As we may say, as a rule, that the darkest day is lighter than the brightest night; so John, though first of his own order, is behind the last of the new or Gospel order. The least in the Gospel stands on higher ground than the greatest under the law.”—Spurgeon

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“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”—Matt 11:28-30

Come to Me...a phrase to write on your heart and remember throughout the day...His call is to those that feel overwhelmed and burdened...that’s me...His heart is gentle and lowly...His yoke is easy ( can be translated kind) and His gift to us when we “come” is rest.❤️

The fool has said in his heart,

"There is no God."

They are corrupt,

They have done abominable works,

There is none who does good.—Prov 3

The fool:  Atheists and pantheists are mere fools in the sight of the omniscient God, regardless of their intellectual achievements.  The delusion that this beautiful, intricately complex cosmos, with its multitudes of marvelously designed living creatures, could have evolved by itself is absurd in the highest degree.—Henry Morris 

Day 15 - Psalm 13 - Thru the Bible 2019

Bible Reading:  Genesis 31: 17–32: 12 Matthew 10: 24–11: 6 Psalm 13: 1-6 Proverbs 3: 16-18

How long o Lord.? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?  How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily?  How long will my enemy be exalted over me?--Psalm 13:1-2 

When we are waiting and cast down how slowly time passes.  Sadness and grief can at times seem to make time stand still.  David cries out here.  You can hear his despair, his grief and sadness are overwhelming him.  He cries out to God in His distress...feeling abandoned and forgotten.  I am so thankful that the Bible is replete with reminders that our God does not forget us.  We are His beloved child.  A mom may forget her nursing infant, but God does not forget us...we are inscribed on the palms of His hand.  His love and presence abide with us always. Even in our darkest moment, He is with us...working it all together for our good and His glory.

Sorrow is a heavy burden.  The Lord Jesus has surely borne our griefs and carried our sorrows.  He knows what we are going through...in a very personal way. He understands your sorrow even better than you do.  He has borne it.

David's sorrow is made worse because he is bowed down and sad and yet his enemy laughs at him.  It doesn't get much worse than that...unless, of course, that enemy is a family member or trusted friend.  Someone who held your heart.  This was often the case with David.  His own son betrayed Him and sought to kill him.  His trusted counselor also.  David understood deep, deep sorrow and grief.

The next verses begin to turn David's despair.  He goes to the right place..to God His exceeding joy.  His hope and his help!

Consider and hear me, O Lord my God; Enlighten my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; lest my enemy say, "I have prevailed against him;" Lest those who trouble me rejoice when I am moved.--Psalm 13:3-4

Coming to God and crying out to Him in our weakness, our hopelessness and our despair changes everything.  I cannot imagine...I shudder to think of what my life would be like if I could not do this.   Spurgeon says that the mercy seat is the life of hope and the death of despair.

Day 14 - Matthew 10:17-20; Matthew 10:15/Matthew 11:11

Bible Reading: Genesis 30: 1–31: 16 Matthew 10: 1-23 Psalm 12: 1-8 Proverbs 3:13-15

17 "But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues.

18 "You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.

19 "But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak;

20 "for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.—Matt 10:17-20

—I like that Jesus warns us ahead of time of things that will happen...

—I like that He tells us that His Spirit will be with us and will give us the words we should speak...

—I especially like that He tells us why.  Opposition and persecution provide opportunities for evangelism at every level...even at the highest levels of government...  

But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel...What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.—Philippians 1:16,18

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Matthew 10:15/Matthew 11:11

In Matthew 10:15 Jesus speaks to degrees of punishment in hell. Sodom and Gomorrah were unbelievably wicked and are destined, as it says in Jude, for eternal fire.  Relatively speaking, the cities of Israel were less wicked, but Jesus says that in the day of judgment it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah. He further makes his point in Chapter 11 by pronouncing woe on the cities of Israel who refused to repent despite the “mighty works” that were done in them.  These cities had experienced both the ministry of John the Baptist and Jesus.  Much light was given them and therefore they had a greater responsibility in their decision to reject Him.  To whom much is given, much is required. 

Luke 12:48 (NKJV)

"But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.  

Day 13 - Genesis 29:35 - Thru the Bible 2019

Bible Reading:  Genesis 28: 1–29: 35 Matthew 9: 18-38 Psalm 11: 1-7 Proverbs 3: 11-12

And she conceived again and bore a son, and said, "Now I will praise the LORD." Therefore she called his name Judah. Then she stopped bearing.—Genesis 29:35

Judah, whose name means praise, was destined to produce the kingly tribe—including David and, eventually Christ. It was so awesome for me to read that this is the first mention of the word translated praise....more commonly rendered “give thanks” in the Bible.  

From Days of Praise - “Whenever Leah spoke to her son, she would actually be calling him “Thanks” and thus in effect remembering her gratitude for this gift of a special son.

We also continue to give thanks every day for that special Son of the tribe of Judah, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!—Romans 11:33

Day 10 - Proverbs 3:1-2 - Thru the Bible 2019

Bible Reading: Genesis 23:1-24:51; Matthew 8:1-17; Psalm 9:13-20; Proverbs 3:1-6


My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.—Prov 3:1-2

The commandments are not to keep me in a box, but for my protection—that I might have a long, good, successful life.

For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.

 John 14:21-24 (NKJV)
21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. 22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? 23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.

Day 12 - Matt 9:11-13 - Thru the Bible 2019

Bible Reading:  Genesis 26: 17–27: 46 Matthew 9: 1-17 Psalm 10: 16-18 Proverbs 3: 9-10

Thankful for my God’s steadfast love that never ceases...

And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?"

12 But when he heard it, he said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.

13 Go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."—Matt 9:11-13

Cross-reference verses:

For I desire mercy and not sacrifice,

And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.—Hosea 6:6

This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.—1 Timothy 1:15

Day 11 - Psalm 10/Genesis 16:13 - Thru the Bible 2019

Bible Reading: Genesis 24:52-26:16; Matthew8:18-34; Psalm 10:1-15; Proverbs 3:7-8

The verse below from a recent reading in Genesis came to mind  as I read through Psalm 10. (Ps:10-14; 17-18)

Hagar speaking...

So she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, “You are a God of seeing,”for she said, “Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.”—Genesis 16:13 ESV

God does see...He is our God who sees.  He knows what each of us faced yesterday and what we will face today.   He hears the cry of the humble...Truly He is the God who looks after us (me)!  

I loved this note on Matt 8:29 - “Jesus, thou Son of God.  These “devils” (actually demons or evil spirits)....could recognize Jesus for who He was, even though He was now also a man.  In fact, both Satan and his demons,on various occasions, called Jesus “Son of God,” but they never called a Him “Son of man.”  They apparently refuse to acknowledge that “Jesus Christ is come in the flesh” 

John 4:2-3a Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God:

Day 8 - Matthew 6:33-34 - Thru the Bible 2019

Bible Reading: Genesis 18:16-19:38; Matthew 6:25-7:14; Psalm 8:1-9; Proverbs 2:6-15

❤️But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.—Matthew 6:33-34

Father...Thank you that Your word shows us how to order our lives...When I focus on You and draw my very life from You...when I surrender and meditate on Your word...when I seek Your wisdom and grace...when I want Your will and your purposes...when I abide in You and seek Your kingdom first, all the rest is added unto me. "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit saith the Lord of Hosts."

My Anna at "the land"...

Day 7 - Proverb 2:1-5 - Thru the Bible 2019

Bible Readings: Genesis 16: 1–18: 15 Matthew 6: 1-24 Psalm 7: 1-17 Proverbs 2: 1-5

My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you, 2 So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding; 3 Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding, 4 If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures; 5 Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, And find the knowledge of God.

So grateful to God for the words of Proverbs 2...for His steadfast love that surrounds me as I read, study and pray through His word. (Something I would otherwise not do, unless He was faithful by His Spirit to draw me daily) Without His word how would I know the true God...how would I know the real me...how would I know how to rightly use my time...how would I know how to prepare for eternity??  Where would I go for true answers, for godly guidance, for real comfort...for His peaceable and pure wisdom?? So very thankful that He redeemed my life from destruction...pulling me up from the miry clay and setting my feet upon a rock...praise to our God!

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.—Hebrews 4:12

16 Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.

17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.—2 Corinthians 3:16-18

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.—Romans 12:2

16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.—2Timothy 2:16-17

Day 4 - Psalm 4 - Thru the Bible 2019

Bible Readings: Genesis 8: 1–10: 32 Matthew 4: 12-25 Psalm 4: 1-8 Proverbs 1: 20-23

Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.—Ps 4:4-5

When my heart is overwhelmed with sorrow or anger or the trials and heartbreak that come with living in a fallen world, these verses are more often than not, the ones the Lord brings to mind.  I like the KJV here the best.  Stand in awe of God!  Remember who your God is!  Offer the sacrifices of righteousness (for me this means to do the next right thing) and put my trust in Him.  My Jehovah-Shammah will be forever near...LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.

Day 3 -Thru the Bible 2019

Readings:  Genesis 5: 1–7: 24 Matthew 3: 7–4: 11 Psalm 3: 1-8 Proverbs 1: 10-19

I love how all these verses painted the same picture for me this morning...God [is] our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.

THEN THE LORD said to Noah, “Come into the ark, you with all your household, for you [alone] I have seen as righteous (doing what is right) before Me in this generation.—Genesis 7:1

Cross-reference verses

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.—Ps 27:5

Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon those who fear Him [and worship Him with awe-inspired reverence and obedience], On those who hope [confidently] in His compassion and lovingkindness, To rescue their lives from death And keep them alive in famine.—Ps 33:18-19

then [in light of the fact that all this is true, be sure that] the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trial, and how to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment,—2 Peter 2:9

But You, O LORD, are a shield for me, My glory [and my honor], and the One who lifts my head.—Ps 3:3

Going Thru the Bible in 2019

Day 2

Readings: Genesis 3-4; Matthew 2:13-3:6; Psalm 2;  Proverbs1:7-9

So much in each of these readings! Two things really hit my heart as I read...one was God’s mercy even amidst His wrath and the second was how when Adam and Eve’s eyes were opened it broke their dependence on God. 

First mercy amidst wrath...Our “sentence” could have  been so much worse. So much mercy in each decree.  For example:

      16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. 

Sorrow and pain come with childbirth but that is forgotten for the joy that a child is brought into the world.  Also, because a mom in the beginning of a child’s life usually spends a greater amount of her time with her children she has the opportunity and the responsibility to have a significant impact on them spiritually....to raise godly children.  I think that is part of what is meant in 1 Tim 2:15:

15Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.

God’s commands are good...His “sentences” here in Genesis 3 are not meant to destroy us but to bring us to repentance.

The second thing that hit me was man’s dependence on God before the fall...they walked together in the garden...Adam checked everything he did out with God first and what he didn’t know he asked God.  After eating the fruit Adam and Eve had the knowledge to discern both good and evil, but that knowledge was without God at their side. Prior to salvation and yes even now at times, I think I know better than God.  (Knowledge puffs up) God’s ways are paradoxical to the world’s ways. The world says grow more and more independent as you age...God says without me you can do nothing.  

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."—Matthew 11:28-30

Hannah's Prayer

“The LORD kills and makes alive; He brings down to the grave and brings up. The LORD makes poor and makes rich; He brings low and lifts up. (1 Samuel 2:6, 7, NKJV).

This is part of Hannah's prayer of thanksgiving for the LORD taking away her barrenness and giving her a son, Samuel. It is a surprising to me that in the midst of extolling the LORD's kindness to her, she is succinctly pointing out His sovereign control of everything.`

It is almost brutal in its formulation in that the LORD, without apology or need to justify His purposes, KILLS, MAKES ALIVE, BRINGS DOWN TO THE GRAVE, BRINGS UP (resurrects), MAKES POOR, MAKES RICH, BRINGS LOW (humiliates), and LIFTS UP (exalts).

All this from a woman who is unfailingly described as gentle, loving, righteous, and nurturing... the wife whom Elkanah loved more than his other wife, despite her being barren, and the other wife fertile.

These are remarkable truths and insights from Hannah about her God. She KNEW these characteristics of her God as certainly as she knew that her longed-for son was a gift from above.

I believe these are vitally important truths for us to understand about our God, as well.

I find it strangely comforting that the Lord never makes any excuse or apology for doing the things that He does.  He is not the author of evil, but neither does He avoid responsibility for allowing it to happen. I understand that this is, in part, because He always has His good purposes in view. He always works ALL things together for good to those who love Him.

Even the things that can devastate us in this life.

He allows them for His reasons, which are as far above our thoughts as the heavens are above the earth. And it is, for us, an opportunity to exercise that measure of faith which we have all been dealt. We are to trust Him “through the Valley of the Shadow of Death”.

Remember, Hannah's declaration of God's sovereign power and authority are entwined within her prayer of thanksgiving for her son. She bore the heartache and stigma of being childless for years, until, in God's timing, and in response to her prayers, He gave her the desire of her heart.

And her son, Samuel, was to be one of the greatest prophets and judges of Israel.

Like Job, Hannah knew that the LORD gives and the LORD takes away; blessed be the name of the LORD.

We live in a world that can sometimes appear overwhelmingly dark and evil, but the LORD is in control.

We sometimes can be faced with insurmountable obstacles, pain, or loss, but the LORD is in control.

We are often at the mercy of circumstances that we can't even begin to cope with, but the LORD is in control.

And He DOES work all things together for good. He DOES care for us, even though the world does not.

He has promised a future and a hope. He sent His Son to redeem us from everlasting torment. 

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38, 39, NKJV).

And... For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18, NKJV).

In Him,

Bill L

My Strong Habitation...

Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.--Psalm 71:3

I am redeemed!  You, my God, have set me free!  You are the house of my habitation..in You I live, move and have my being.  You, O Lord, are my house of defense, my strong tower...my rock.  To You and to You alone will I continually resort.  You have given commandment to save me!  Bend down your ear and deliver me speedily from those who are my enemies...from those who desire to see me fall.  For thy namesake lead me and guide me.  Pull me out of the net they have secretly laid for me.  You are my strength and into Your hands I commit my spirit.   I rejoice in Your mercy.....You have considered my trouble and have known my soul in all its adversities.  You have not given me into the hands of my enemies but have set my feet in a wide place.  You are always with me. 

Have mercy on me Lord, for I am in trouble.  Have mercy on me Lord for I am weak.  My soul is consumed with grief and my eyes from crying.  My times are in Your hands.  You hear me when I cry and draw me out of many waters.  My weakness does not place me in jeopardy because You are my strong tower!   Hide me in the secret place of Your tabernacle, show to me Your marvelous kindness.  Make Your face to shine upon me, and save me for thy mercies sake. My hope is in You, my God who preserves the faithful and strengthens the hearts of those who fear You. 

I dwell under the shadow of the Almighty God!  You are my refuge and my fortress...my God in whom I will trust..  You give your angels charge over me to keep me in all my ways and make all things work together for good for me...I am called for Your purposes.   You, Father, know my name and have set Your love upon me.!!   I can come boldly to Your throne of grace to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.  When I call, You will answer.  You will honor me and deliver me and show me Your salvation.  I will be strong and of good courage...I will fear not; nor shall I be afraid:  for the Lord, my God goes with me and will not fail me nor forsake me. Happy am I because my God is the Lord.