Mark 8:15 - Watch Out for the Leaven of Herod

Mark 8:15

And He was giving orders to them, saying, "Watch out! Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod." 

Message: Watch out for the Leaven of Herod

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying: It is interesting to see how metaphors are used in the Bible. The dictionary definition of a metaphor is "a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable." It is figurative not literal. Thus, "time is a thief" means to say that like a thief that steals is time that steals moments from us. Or "Life is a roller coaster" means to say that life has ups and downs and can be compared to the ups and downs of a roller coaster. Thus, a metaphor takes one idea and places it into a picture or word picture to help us better understand. 

Thus, in this verse, "leaven" is a familiar item in baking. It is used to cause dough to rise. Leaven is a fermenting agent. It is a substance that makes the dough rise by producing gas and makes bread or baked goods, light and fluffy. Baking powder is a type of leaven, and something that I like, and use when I make biscuits as it makes the biscuits stand up and fluffy instead of being dense and flat. 

The leaven changes the original substance. It makes it different from the original. Puffs it up. It spreads. It changes everything.

For the Israelites, during the exodus, when they left Egypt, they had to leave quickly. They didn’t have time to let their bread rise so they baked unleavened bread. The Israelites time in Egypt was marked by bondage. They were being corrupted. Their time in Egypt started out being good for they went there to escape a famine but over time they were enslaved, Egypt wanted to control them and eventually Pharaoh ordered Hebrew boys to be killed. It began to be a place where they lost their identity as children of God, separating themselves from God's promise. 

Once they were freed from Egypt, the Israelites began to celebrate through commemorations specific things that they were doing at the time they left. One of those was having unleavened bread. In many instances, leaven is representing sin, or corruption or bondage. There are events when the Israelites will remove any form of leaven from their midst and commemorate their exodus. 

As such, in today's text Jesus is speaking to a large crowd and the disciples and says, "Watch out! Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod." Leaven here is not bread, but instead Jesus is saying beware of the corruption of the Pharisees and of Herod. Beware of what they represent and it spilling over into your life. Beware of what they are saying. 

In Mark 6:14-16, Herod is finding about Jesus from others. When people heard of Jesus in that day, it caused them to go to the source or go to Jesus and hear from him directly. Herod instead conjured up his conclusion of Jesus based upon what he heard and concluded with that Jesus is a risen John. Jesus warns his followers of listening to others. Instead go to the source.  

The other problem with Herod is he was only interested in an intellectual understanding. He was not moved to repentance. When we embrace Jesus we experience a heart change. It is not a change based upon what someone tells me I am to change, it is based upon what I want to change. I am called a new creature. 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come."

I have been conversing with some folks close to me. They actually seem to have a good understanding of Jesus and dying on the cross, but they have pointed out to me that they are not hip on making a life change or feeling like they are being told that they need a life change. They only want to go to school, they don't want to live in the real world. They don't want to repent and change their ways. They want the "get of jail free" card only. 

Summary: Jesus warns his followers to focus only on His words and not what others are saying about him. 

Prayer: O God, thank you for giving us this book and the richness of it. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

1 Kings 2:1-9 - Guidance to Solomon

1 Kings 2:1-9

"so that the Lord may carry out His promise which He spoke concerning me, saying, 'If your sons are careful of their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.'" (verse 4)

Message: Guidance to Solomon

Time: The author of 1&2 Kings (originally 1 book) is not known. First Kings follows the history of this divided kingdom from the death of David around 971 BC through the year 853 BC. First Kings reveals Solomon’s relationship with Yahweh and introduces the prophet Elijah who pronounces judgment on the evil northern king Ahab. Like other books, it helps us to understand the history of Israel and Judah. 

What the Lord is Saying: David’s time on earth is coming to an end. He knows this. He has a word for Solomon. David charges Solomon to "be strong...and show yourself a man." The charge is to be strong spiritually, militarily, and morally. It is also a charge to leadership, integrity, and faithfulness to God's law. Simple words but powerful words. 

Verse 3

"And keep the charge of the Lord your God" - remain faithful to God and remember the covenant relationship we have with God. "Walk in His ways" - have a close relationship with God. "keep His statutes, His commandments, His ordinances, and His testimonies" - the laws of God are comprehensive. They are specific laws and there are generally laws of God. The idea here is God permeates our entire lives, all the decisions we make and the way in which we live. "as written in the Law of Moses" - scripture stands the test of time; our faith is meant to continue from the past to the present and to the future. There is a continuity to God's message for His people. "that you may succeed in all that you do and wherever you turn" - there is well-being and fulfillment in our life; as we are faithful to God's commands good things happen. 

Verse 4

"so that the Lord may carry out His promise which He spoke concerning me" - this is the Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7:12-16); God makes a promise to His people and He fulfills it. But we also in return promise to remain faithful to His promises, walk in his ways, keep his statutes. It is important to keep God's blessings. I have noticed in my frequent conversations with people in Africa, it is very hard for them at times to admit there waywardness to God's ways. They obviously take it very serious to stay close to God's laws and His ways. I wonder if at times, I find it too easy to not stay close to God and His ways. "if your sons are careful of their way..." - that word careful is a word I hold onto and reminds me continually of how important it is to be intentional, not frivolous, but to take God's words to heart in our lives. And this is the person David charges Solomon to be. It is not an option. It is not a choice. It is the way we are supposed to be in life. 

It almost seems that David is asking Solomon to be a greater person than he was. David struggled with some passivity at times. He seems to charge Solomon to not be this way. In verse 5, he brings up Joab and the way in which he carried things out - "He also shed the blood of war in peace." Joab's acts were more vengeance rather than justice. Joab however was not a worthless man. At times he encourages faithfulness to God, but our faithfulness is not a part-time thing. But Solomon is to be different. He is to be a man of God all of the time. And Joab also is to receive some sort of justice - "do not let his gray hair go down to Sheol in peace." 

David also calls attention to the "sons of Barzillai" for their kindness to David during Absalom's rebellion. And despite Shimei cursing him he swore to not put him to death, God will not act vengeance on him. 

Thus, David gives guidance to Solomon. This is a great charge to Solomon. And a great charge to me, to remain faithful and a great charge for me to pass onto my children. 

Summary: David concludes his life by giving a great charge to Solomon to follow God, walk in His ways, and carry on the promise God made to David - to remain faithful. 

Promise: Seek to obey the Lord in all I do. 

Prayer: Lord, I have messed up many times in my life, but I pray that I can go forward and be the best person possible for you. I want to stay faithful to your promises and help those that are in need. I pray also for my children and those that come after me. I pray for Derek Lord that he lives a life pleasing to You. He has a good heart. Help him to shine. Thank you for Tyson's great love and his tenderness for others and faithfulness. You have made all my children to be great friends. Thank you for Megan's hard work and her sacrificial ways to her family. She works hard for you. My wife models this well for them and yet has a joy and love for life that I admire and am so thankful to have near me. Lord, protect people and protect those you place in my path. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

2 Samuel 6 - Uzzah's Error

2 Samuel 6

But when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out toward the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen nearly upset it. And the anger of the Lord burned against Uzzah, and God struck him down there for his irreverence; and he dies there by the ark of God. (verse 6-7)

Message: Uzzah's Error

Time: Second Samuel is set in the land of Israel during the reign of David and follows the course of his forty years as king of Israel (1011–971 BC). It chronicles the establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the expansion of Israel under God’s chosen leader. 

What the Lord is Saying: David's 40 year reign as King began in Judah for 7 years and then it moved to Jerusalem as his capital where a house is built for him. It was in I Samuel 6 that the Ark of the Covenant returned to Israel. It was there that I saw how bad things happened to people that thought they could possess the Ark and clearly the Ark belonged only in certain places. It had been in the city of Baalah Judah (Kiriath Jearim) (I Chronicles 13:5) to retrieve the ark as it had been in possession of the priest Abinidab. I Chronicles 13:7,9-10 says, "They moved the ark of God from Abinadab’s house on a new cart, with Uzzah and Ahio guiding it...When they came to the threshing floor of Kidon, Uzzah reached out his hand to steady the ark, because the oxen stumbled. The Lord’s anger burned against Uzzah, and he struck him down because he had put his hand on the ark." When this happened, this troubled David and instead of taking the Ark to Jerusalem, it was kept with "the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite" for 3 months and "the Lord blessed his household and everything he had."

2 Samuel 6 summarizes these same events told in I Chronicles 13. Chronicles adds that Uzzah was intending to steady the ark. 2 Samuel 6:6 says the "oxen nearly upset it." Something caused the ark to shake. It was being pulled by oxen. The terrain could have been uneven at times. Whatever the circumstances, it resulted in Uzzah reaching out and grabbing the ark. It seems most anyone would have done what he had done in that situation. And yet for doing it he was struck dead. 

After the events with Uzzah, David starts to question whether the ark should be with him, perhaps concerned that someone might make a similar gesture toward the ark unwittingly trying to help and be struck dead. David will eventually learn that only the Levites are to carry and transport the ark of God (I Chronicles 15:2). Uzzah was a Levite but the ark was not being carried, but instead on a cart. Uzzah did commit an error. Even if there was danger of it falling, it should not have touched because only the priest is able to touch the ark. 

David sees that Obed-edom is blessed for having the ark of God so he then makes plans to take it to Jerusalem - going 6 paces with it, then stopping and sacrificing. And David danced. Michal his wife saw David dancing and despised him, not understanding his joy of the Lord. David later explains to her how he celebrates to the Lord for His hand of providence and the joy he has with God. 

For me this is a lesson about being careful and realize that God's commandments are sacred, though in the New Testament there seems to be also a lesson on the heart being more of what God is concerned about. I suppose we always have to consider the situation at hand. I suppose there is the question as to whether or not commands must be followed by the letter of the Law, thus no variation or if there can be deviation because of circumstances. Overall, good intentions do not justify disobedience to God's Word, which had decreed that human hands should never touch the sacred ark of God's covenant. 

Summary: David now is ready to bring the Ark to Jerusalem and on the way there Uzzah touches the ark and only the priests are allowed to touch it and Uzzah is struck dead. 

Promise: The Lord's wrath is real and people need to be warned. 

Prayer: O God, thank you for having grace with me regarding my sin. Your patience overwhelms me. Your wrath is real and you are to be respected always. Thank you for knowing me and knowing my needs and also showing me the importance of following your ways. Lord, I ask for your discernment in regards to your commands and to what extent Your laws and commands need to be followed. Is it hard and fast like this always? As I read your word and study I see instances of doing things with an emphasis on heart and motivation, is that correct? Or it always precisely how you have laid out? Thank you for wisdom and understanding. And providing people in my life that you use as well to give me understanding. You are to be praised and adored. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Proverbs 10:19 - Better to be silent than speak

Proverbs 10:19

When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable,

But he who restrains his lips is wise. 

Message: Better to be silent than speak

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God. 

What the Lord is Saying: Wisdom and Transgression is the contrast today and the mouth and speaking are at the forefront of this proverb. The mouth has been mentioned thus far in verse 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, an 18. It definitely will be a common theme I think in Proverbs. The mouth conceals violence, babbles, can be discerning, can be foolish, and spreads slander. There is much caution in how our mouths are used. Today, the concern is simply one who speaks many words. Perhaps with so many warnings about the danger of speaking, it follows that a person that speaks a lot could be more susceptible to problems with their mouth. Here, the transgression or sin or offense is unavoidable. Therefore, restrain your lips. That is interesting in itself because wisdom I think is seen and to be seen it must be voiced and to be voiced is to speak words. Yet, it is the one that does not speak that is showing wisdom. Better to not speak than to say something that might get you into trouble. 

Various translations - Vice

NIV - Sin is not ended by multiplying words

NLT - Too much talk leads to sin

ESV - When words are many, transgression is not lacking

CEV - You will say the wrong thing if you talk too much

Good News - The more you talk, the more likely you are to sin

Various translations - Virtue

NIV - the prudent hold their tongues

NLT - Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.

ESV - whoever restrains his lips is prudent

CEV - be sensible and watch what you say

Good News - If you are wise, you will keep quiet

Jesus says (Matthew 12:36), "And I say to you, that every careless word that men shall speak, they shall render account for it in the day of judgment."  

Matthew Henry comments that a person needs to check oneself. Perhaps that is what is needed at times, to think before one speaks. It is almost saying that given a choice between speaking and not speaking, it is more sensible to not speak at all. 

Ecclesiastes 5:3, "...the voice of a fool [comes] through many words." 

Prayer: God, at times I am more silent. I see this more often though in a company of prominent people and often when I do not have as much confidence in what I could say. In school, I remember often being cared to speak, thinking I might stumble, not ever wanting to be called upon, for fear that I would say the wrong thing. I know it is important to speak, but help me God to restrain my tongue and remember I don't have to speak. Sometimes it is better to not interject a word and let things fall as they will. I so regret all of the words I spoke with the children in the house while they were growing up. I wish my words would have been less. Help me to realize that is not only many words, but the wrong words that get spoken as well that result in problems. And it is not only my outward words which I need to check but my inner words. Thank you Jesus for dying on the cross and covering my sin of my many words. Heal those that have been hurt by them. Be glorified. In Christ I pray. Amen. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Judges 9 - Danger from Within

Judges 9
56 Thus God repaid the wickedness of Abimelech, which he had done to his father in killing his seventy brothers. 57 Also God returned all the wickedness of the men of Shechem on their heads, and the curse of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal came upon them.

Message: Danger from Within

Time: Judges covers about 250 years from death of Joshua to birth of Samuel (1360-1110 BC). The people of Israel largely divided with different local triable judges. It was a period of stirring interventions by the Lord and also great disobedience on the part of the Israelites. Without a king, everyone did right in their own eyes (Judges 21:25). 

What the Lord is Saying: Gideon has died and now his son Abimelech is coming into power, but appears to be starting off on the wrong foot - focusing on himself instead of God as he becomes king (verse 7) at the expense of others who fall dead. 

I have seen this cycle in Judges with the people - Evil, Discipline, Prayer/Revival, Restoration. It now seems that the restoration period, as mentioned for example in Judges 8:28 as being 40 years was also marked by a period of people falling away. So it wasn't all good. It was simply that it wasn't a period of discipline. The Lord gave the people grace, but in that time was a gradual falling away. For instance, 8:30 mentions that Gideon had many wives (70 descendants) for soon after his death, without him around the people dove head first into idolatry (8:33). And so that descent is the precursor of this chapter. 

Abimelech decides that he should be king. He convinces the people around him that with all of the descendants Gideon has had, it makes the most sense to let himself be the ruling heir. He receives jewels from a worship house of Baal that allows him to hire fellows that will come with him to his father's house and kill his siblings, all 70 of them, though it is actually 69, as Jotham was spared (v. 4-5) because he hid himself. Jotham has still an allegiance with God. He tries to speak of this to the men of Shechem (v.7-21) a warning that God will judge these people for going their own way. 

After 3 years of Abimelech ruling (v. 22), an evil spirit is sent to create discord between Abimelech and the men of Shechem. This discord continues when the men of Shechem switch their trust from Abimelech now to a new leader - Gaal the son of Ebed. One of Abimelech's rulers hears of this and sets up an ambush (v. 32 "lie in wait in the field") and eventually overtook these other people creating the discord (v. 41) and eventually slaying all of these other companies of people (v. 45). But victory did not last long for Abimelech. A woman would end up throwing a stone on Abimelech, crushing his skull (53). He lived and rather than it being said a woman killed him, he has another man kill his with a sword (54). 

The discord had been set and God had used these evil men and their choices to eventually take away the opposition and presence of evil. 

Summary: After the death of Gideon, his son Abimelech basically erects himself as king, slaying the his siblings, though one son Jotham remains, but discord erupts and Abimelech and the people of Shechem eventually period because of their sin. 

Promise: We must be careful of the sin we tolerate, it creates a discord among people, among us, that can be damaging. 

Prayer: O Lord, my allegiance to You needs to be one of my whole heart. It is not simply one of duty in order to receive blessings and yet blessings come when our lives are lived before you of heartfelt obedience. My trust in You needs to be one of trust in You not duty so that I will receive a blessing. It is hard to hear of discord that occurs. It is hard to be around it. Thank you for these lessons and the reminder to me of not letting sin be tolerated but also to remain consistent in my faith and trust of you. Teach me the meaning of this and help me to be guarded against the world and their ways. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Joshua 1:6-9 - Strength and Courage

Joshua 1:6-9

6 Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. 8 This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Message: Strength and Courage

Time: Joshua "Yahweh saves" led Israel, under God's command, to victorious conquest of the Promised Land. The book spans about 25 years, beginning about 1406 BC. The conquest of Canaan, numerous military campaigns and regathering of the nation are major components. 

What the Lord is Saying: After the death of Moses, God calls his assistant, Joshua to lead the nation of Israel to Canaan. In verse 2 the Lord calls Joshua to cross the Jordan, ultimately defeating and driving out the people of Canaan from their land. No small task. Israel was outnumbered. Previously, the people had question of this occurring. They lacked faith, seeing the obstacles before them. In the previous lesson he receives the promise that God will be with him. This should be all the comfort that one needs. But alas we also need encouraging words and reminders that God will be with us through thick and thin. 

After hearing that God would be with him, we get the words from the Lord to Joshua 'be strong and courageous.' Simple words but meaningful words that bring encouragement to many today, even me. I think of the large tasks before me often. My work and its long list of things to do simply continues to grow and grow. Even my personal time has books I'd like to read through and I seem to add more books to read so easily. And yet struggle to get through them, but enjoy it when I do. Of late, my stomach has been a problem as I have not been very regular in the bathroom. It feels like all of life, from sun up to sun down has burdens, obstacles, things I need to do and get through or would like to do. Maybe that is good and normal. Maybe it is what I have laid out before me and like, to always be achieving something. Michael W. Smith penned a song from his first release of this same title, 'So be Strong and Courageous.' I often think of it when I hear this admonition and sing it to myself. Good words to hear and be reminded of in life. 

And yet this isn't simply a 'believe in yourself' sort of creed, but it is words God gives following Him saying He will be with Joshua. Then following it are other words that go alongside the idea of being strong and courageous. Joshua is to remember the words of Moses that were commanded, more specifically 'the law.' 

"....be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you."

"This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth."

"you shall meditate on it day and night."

"...be careful to do according to all that is written in it..."

"Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Simple reminders here continue. Meditate on God's law. Be careful to do it. There is no reason to fear for the Lord God is with you wherever you go. 

Summary: The Lord encourages Joshua to be strong and courageous as he goes across the Jordan toward Canaan, remembering God's law, and being careful to follow it. 

Promise: Being obedience to God's word does not guarantee nothing bad will happen to a person, but those who obey God's word will finally win and we are to live lives in faithful obedience to God. 

Prayer: Thank you God for your words of encouragement you offer to Joshua and I believe you offer to me as well. I need to stay close to your words God always trusting in the Law of God which you have given me follow and obey. Keep me meditating on it and living by it. It is always relevant to my life, but no matter what I need to uphold it and so teach me to be guided by it always and help me to encourage this in others as well. I pray my family would be guided by it and trust in it always. Let it move in people's lives and change them. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

My Utmost for His Highest - May 18th - Careful Unreasonableness

Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? - Matthew 6:26, 28

    Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow, they simply are! Think of the sea, the air, the sun, the stars and the moon--all these are, and what a ministration they exert. So often we mar God's designed influence through us by our self-conscious effort to be consistent and useful. Jesus says that there is only one way to develop spiritually, and that is by concentration on God. "Do not bother about being of use to others; believe on Me (John 7:38)"--pay attention to the Source, and out of you will flow rivers of living water. We cannot get at the springs of our natural life by common sense, and Jesus is teaching that growth in spiritual life does not depend on our watching it, but on concentration on our Father in heaven. Our heavenly Father knows the circumstance we are in, and if we keep concentrated on Him we will grow spiritually as the lilies.

 
    The people who influence us most are not those who buttonhole us and talk to us, but those who live their lives like the stars in heaven and the lilies in the field, perfectly simply and unaffectedly. Those are the lives that mould us.

    If you want to be of use to God, get rightly related to Jesus Christ and He will make you of use unconsciously every minute you live.

- From Oswald Chambers, "My Utmost for His Highest" - Classic Edition

Highlights and Underlines are courtesy of Mom from her print edition.

My thoughts

To develop spiritually, we concentrate on God, not on our growth per se, but on Him and like the lilies of the field and the stars in the sky, we will exert Him as we focus on the Source. If we do this, unconsciously we will be in right relation to Him and be of use to Him. 

Mark 14:37-42 - Willing Spirits and Weak Flesh

Mark 14:37-42
37 And He *came and *found them sleeping, and *said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? 38 Keep watching and praying that you may not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 Again He went away and prayed, saying the same words. 40 And again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to answer Him. 41 And He *came the third time, and *said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough; the hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Get up, let us be going; behold, the one who betrays Me is at hand!”

Message: Willing Spirits and Weak Flesh

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus is preparing for a distressing time. He knows it. He comes down from the Mount of Olives to pray. He has predicted his death. But, he still asks for another way out, another way to satisfy the will of God. But no matter what He asks the will of God to be done. It is the night before He is crucified.

Up to this point, Jesus knows that Judas will betray Him. I wonder at this point if the Judas was with them. It seems that  he is not. Because it seems that one reason here in these verses as to why Jesus was asking Peter, James, and John to keep watch is because He knows that He will be given over to leaders, but He needs to pray. So he asks them to keep watch. Jesus is in great distress at this time, as has been recorded. And He *came and *found them sleeping, and *said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? The disciples are to do what Jesus says but continually they fail. And in this serious moment they have fallen asleep. Could you not keep watch for one hour? The task was somewhat simple. Whether the disciples thought this was an important task or not, they still had a task to do.

Keep watching and praying that you may not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. This statement was for a specific purpose and yet it can be applied to many areas of our ongoing lives. Do I actively watch and pray that I may not come into temptation? I wonder if I take my flesh serious enough. I am doing a better job in these months of training myself by God's word. God has given me a great love for my wife and I continue to make her #1 and I am fortunate because she responds well to me as well. She enjoys my company so I have no reason to look elsewhere and thus, temptations are lessened. I work hard on that relationship. The kids are leaving and that relationship is central in my life. The kids needs are less and yet they still need the Word of God. I am not speaking into their lives enough. I am not asking to pray for their needs like I should be doing. Pamela and I need to be a stronger force regarding prayer. I do not need to get too big for my own britches or think that I am safe and all is good. I need to continue to watch and be careful not only for temptations that hit me but temptations that hit my family. I am their leader.

Again He went away and prayed, saying the same words. And again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to answer Him. What a sad picture this is of the Lord and His followers. Christ gives so much to us, his life. He bore the sin of the world and we take it for granted. He remains faithful to pray for us and I need to take my commission before the Father more serious.

And He *came the third time, and *said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough; - It is sad to see this response by the disciples at this moment, but I also see a similar response by me and Jesus has come to me way more than 3 times and I have not replied.

the hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going; behold, the one who betrays Me is at hand!” Get up. Get ready. Get going. Don't delay. It is time.

Summary - Jesus is preparing His death. It is getting closer and his betrayal is closer at hand. He needs his disciples to stand by Him. They have said they won't deny him but then they fall asleep and don't watch when they are needed. The commission of God is for Him to be seized, but man is still responsible to be alert and watch for those that may come for Jesus. It is the day before his crucifixion.

Promise: The message is simple here today but the application is hard. The message is 'people be ready' but the application is we are to be ready. Seek God's face. My flesh is weak. Serve the Lord and follow through on this daily. Wake me up.

Prayer: Lord, help me to stand watch over me and my family for temptations that enter our lives. Forgive me Lord for not protecting my family better. Help me God to encourage them and pray for them as you direct me to. They are your children and they all need you, whether they are here in this house or farther away. Help me to protect my wife as well. Yes, your Spirit is willing, but Yes our flesh is weak and we resort to being trained too often by the world and its ways. Thank you for using this verse to instruct me. Keep me faithful. Lord, I need to turn to your more. Lord, free up those things that so often distract me and pull me away from living for You. Wake me up O God.

Mark 13:21-23 - False Signs and Wonders

Mark 13:21-23
21 And then if anyone says to you, ‘Behold, here is the Christ’; or, ‘Behold, He is there’; do not believe him; 22 for false Christs and false prophets will arise, and will show signs and wonders, in order to lead astray, if possible, the elect. 23 But take heed; behold, I have told you everything in advance.

Message: False Signs and Wonders

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus is giving now what mean have called the Olivet Discourse. He is on the Mount of Olives and pronouncing a prophecy centrally about the destruction of the temple, something that occurs in AD 70. He is preparing the disciples for events that will occur and their faith should not bend, they can continue to trust God for the outcomes. But, Jesus is being specific - false teachers will be present, religious leaders will also persecute believers, but we are to continue proclaiming the name of Jesus, and finally the believers will need to flee the city of Jerusalem for their lives to be spared.

In verses 5 and 6 Jesus mentions See to it that no one misleads you. Many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He!’ and will mislead many, giving a warning about false Messiahs. This is a warning even in our own day. At several times in scripture we are warned of these false teachers:

• 2 Timothy 4:3-4 - For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.
• Acts 20:28-30 - Be on guard for yourselves...I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.
• 2 Peter 3:17 - You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness
• I John 4:1-3 - Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world.

False teachers will always be present in our age. These are teachers inside our own churches and outside. I think God has given people a desire for spiritual things, but salvation is also a personal thing and Jesus is clear we are not only born physically, but we also must be born of the Spirit by the Spirit of God (John 3). That birth is personal and requires personal evaluation, but we are also relational people and we tend to often run with what others are doing rather than evaluating ourselves. Thus, we listen to quickly often to others who many times have selfish reasons for their positions. Jesus has been calling attention to people's motives recently and how we must be careful. 

No one is exempt from this, as Jesus mentions in verse 22 - in order to lead astray, if possible, the elect. Even the elect will try to be led astray. Jesus talks also about signs and wonders, something that Moses echoed in Deuteronomy 13:1-5. People will be drawn away by miraculous looking events - for false Christs and false prophets will arise, and will show signs and wonders. I believe this is becoming more and more difficult. One we have the enemy drawing people away by preaching that he is king of this world and we are focusing more on entertainment, safety, comfort, a life free of diseases, and ease. Then we also have the danger of those selling truth and in spiritual ways leading people away. It take great effort to not just acquiesce into the many forces swirling around us, but to remain firm in our faith. 

Summary - This passage is primarily to the Jewish Christians at this time for after the Romans invaded the city, false teacher would implore them not to flee, but to stay. Many were following Jesus because of His signs and wonders and these events would be duplicated, but Jesus had a more significant message of love, forgiveness, faith in God, repentance, person contrition and obedience that they couldn't miss. And we need this truth today as well. 

Promise: The truth of a teacher's words is determined not by the feats he can perform but by the orthodoxy of what he teaches (Tabletalk, October 10, 2016)

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the truth that You reveal to me and giving me a discerning heart. Thank you for the many wonderful teachers you have given us from previous generations, that have given true meaning to the scriptures. Help me to stay careful of who I listen to and direct me to those that are upholding truth correctly. I pray that everyone will have this same quest. Remove the deception from my family and friends. Train us in Your Word. Keep me on the alert. 

Mark 13:9-10 - Bearing Witness To Christ

Mark 13:9-10
9 “But be on your guard; for they will deliver you to the courts, and you will be flogged in the synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them. 10 The gospel must first be preached to all the nations.

Message: Bearing Witness To Christ

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Christ is in the middle of giving his Mount of Olives presentation or what is known as the Olivet Discourse on the future of Jerusalem and the temple. The previous four verses spoke of warnings that would occur - such as false teachers, wars, rumors of wars, and natural disasters, such as earthquakes. These would be come and the people of God need to be careful to not heed the teachings of those that will seek to coerce and mislead them, and also we are not be frightened.

But beyond these warnings are admonitions and commands that Jesus gives. But be on your guard. In essence, don't assume all is good all the time. Continue to carry out your duty amidst all of these disasters and misleading and deception that are occurring. It is somewhat to sad to see the number of people that have been deceived. It's rather alarming to see. That so many people can be convicted into the think that their truth is the right way is chilling. for they will deliver you to the courts which means people will end up in courts that they think will give them a fair trial but they will not. This nation of ours (USA) is becoming more and more secular and we cannot be surprised of the unjust way in which Bible believing people are being treated now. Yet, still we need to press on and continue the message that Christ has given us: to preach repentance and believe in His name. and you will be flogged in the synagogues; It is easy for me today to see this application to today's time. But for many they would be taken before the Sanhedrin (the ancient Jewish court system). It was normal in these times, in order to keep order, to beat people, scourge them or flog them. and you will stand before governors and kings for My sake; apostles would appear before Gallio (apostle Paul), Festus (apostle Paul's final hearing), Felix (Paul and other Judeans), Herod (John the Baptist), Agrippa (Paul), Nero (Peter and Paul), Domitian, and others. as a testimony to them - We do not simply accept these flogging and punishments, but do it for the testimony of Jesus.

The gospel must first be preached to all the nations.

“The fulfilment of this part of the prophecy we learn chiefly from the writings of the New Testament, which inform us that the gospel was preached by Paul in Arabia, and through the vast tract from Jerusalem to Iconium in Lycaonia, and in Galatia, and through all Asia Minor, and in Greece, and round about to Illyricum, and in Crete and Italy, probably also in Spain and Gaul. Besides, the gospel reached much farther than this apostle carried it; for we find him writing to Christians who had never seen his face. Also, we have still remaining Peter’s epistles to the converted Jews in Pontus, Asia, Cappadocia, and Bythynia. Probably the gospel was preached in these and many other countries by the Jews who sojourned there, and who, having come to Jerusalem to the passover, were converted on the day of pentecost. The Ethiopian eunuch, converted by Philip, would carry it likewise into his country. But whatever way it happened, the fact is certain, that in most of these countries churches were planted within thirty years after Christ’s death, or about ten years before the destruction of Jerusalem." - James Macknight (1721-1800) Scottish Minister

So this literally took place. The gospel was indeed preached to the known world at the time before the destruction of Jerusalem. This is also encouragement for me to preach the gospel, wherever I go and to support others who do this, like Shane and Alicia who are in India, which I discovered is the world's second biggest country with 1.3 Billion people. Wow. I had no idea.

Summary - This passage has relevance mostly to 2,000 years ago and its immediate prophetic fulfillment of the disciples and followers experiencing persecution for their faith. It was prophesied that the Gospel would also be preached and it was before the destruction of Jerusalem.  

Promise: Faithfulness to Christ may lead to difficult times, trials, and even arrest before governing authorities. But, through all of this we are to be witnesses and continue to proclaim the gospel. 

Prayer: O Lord, you are beautiful, thank you for tough times. Remind me that I can go through them because you have been so great to me and it is all for your glory. Thank you for the men and women that have come before me and have shown me what it means to suffer and die for the sake of Your Name. Lord, I struggle at times today knowing what it really means to suffer for You with all of the creature comforts I have and I often think that much of life now is protecting myself against that suffering. I think of the missionary that died recently in Cameroon after raising support for 3 years and then being there for just 2 weeks. That is hard to reconcile, but you will be glorified no matter what. Keep me focused on You day in and day out, teaching me what it means to follow you.

Mark 8:14-15 - The Leaven of the Pharisees and the Leaven of Herod

Mark 8:14-15
14 And they had forgotten to take bread, and did not have more than one loaf in the boat with them. 15 And He was giving orders to them, saying, “Watch out! Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.”

Message: The Leaven of the Pharisees and the Leaven of Herod

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying: 

Preface: Jesus continues his journey to preach the Gospel: Repent and Believe. But not everyone believes. He sees in people differences of belief and unbelief. Along the way Jesus has a desire to meet people's needs as many have needs and have sacrificed much simply to come see and hear from Him. But the Pharisees are also questioning Him, seeing in Him something much different from the tradition of the time. Most recently, he has declared to the Pharisees that he isn't there to put on a magic show and show them a sign as he knows mere signs will not bring them to faith.

Those questions from the Pharisees in verses 11-13 were an interlude and now Jesus comes back to the disciples, who were with him, entering a boat, on their way to the district of Dalmanutha, the region of Galilee. After feeding the 4000, they ate and were satisfied; and they picked up seven large baskets full of what was left over of the broken pieces. Then Jesus entered the boat with His disciples. And now we read they had forgotten to take bread, and did not have more than one loaf in the boat with them. So after feeding 4,000 and having bread left over they got into the boat, but left the bread behind or maybe they had sent it with the 4,000 people who were returning their journey home. Either way, they did not have bread. 

But Jesus wants to teach them something through this process as he always does. It is like he can't seem to get through a message with the disciples. They continue to make their decisions about what they can see in front of them. Jesus is trying to have them look at life through His eyes and what God can provide. They are not to look at life just with one sense: their eyes. The message of the Gospel includes beholding the Power of God and believing in it. It is believing that God can change circumstances beyond what we can see or even according to our understanding (Prov. 3:5). It is trusting in the power of God. It is a sobering lesson and reminder to me as I navigate through life. Is my hope in life short-sighted? 

Jesus transitions to a statement on leaven. Leaven expands dough. Leaven or yeast ferments the starches in the dough and cause the dough to increase in size. Without it, the dough would just be flat and not rise. One does not need much leaven, but just a little is needed. Leaven is a common term used in the Bible and it generally is speaking of sin in a person. The little amount of sin, while seemingly insignificant has far-reaching outcomes. 


So, Jesus says Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” Look out, even the little amount of leaven that the Pharisees bring forward can transform what is good and useful into something bad and useless. It is unclear exactly what was being referred to that would taint things, but no matter, there is the warning that a little can change a lot in life. 

I notice this. In life we tend to call out the big sins: murder, corruption, embezzlement, adultery, alcoholic or other addictions - we call out the things that society might throw you in a jail cell or prison for a long time. Right now, in our country the issue is sexual harassment. And that itself is a good example, because that is something that may seem insignificant to one person, but to another person, the offending party, it materializes into something bigger. I notice in life then that what we often do is dance with danger. In a subtle manner, we allow things to come into our lives and view them as harmless and over time they take over. 

I continue to be amazed at American society and this age of entertainment in which we live in. All o life seems to center on this, to the point that we are now in a constant state of not simply rewriting our morals, but abandoning them. So, we must be careful, as Numbers points out, be careful in our lives of what we are allowing to effect it.  

Summary: Jesus continues to teach through all of life's circumstances. This is the amazing thing about Jesus is he takes any situation and teaches. Here the disciples have gotten on a boat without the food they had and Jesus startles them with the idea that they need to be aware of how they can in a subtle way be drawn away. He uses the bread to speak of the leaven. Don't get caught up in what you don't have.  

Promise: From Tabletalk - When we harden our hearts even just a little bit and refuse to obey God on what we might consider a minor matter, we introduce leaven in our lives that can spread to other areas. It is imperative, therefore, that we regularly repent of our disobedience and seek to obey the Lord in all of life. We should be striving for obedience in all matters, not just the really "big" ones.  

Prayer: Lord, help me to value all of life and to take seriously all my choices  of how I spend my time. I want to not only glorify you, but protect myself from the way I allow matter into my life that does not please you. Guard us Lord. 

Proverbs 7:21-27 - The Gatekeeper of Death

Proverbs 7:21-27
With her many persuasions she entices him; with her flattering lips she seduces him.
Suddenly he follows her as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as fetters to the discipline of a fool,
Until an arrow pierces through his liver; as a bird hastens to the snare, so he does not know that it his life.

Now therefore, sons, listen to me, and pay attention to the words of my mouth.
Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways, do not stray into her paths.
For many are the victims she has cast down, and numerous are all her slain.
Her house is the way to Sheol, descending to the chambers of death.

Message:  The Gatekeeper of Death

Time: King Solomon is the principal writer of Proverbs. Solomon's proverbs were penned around 900 B.C. In the Book of Proverbs, Solomon reveals the mind of God in matters high and lofty and in common, ordinary, everyday situations, too. It appears that no topic escaped King Solomon's attention. Matters pertaining to personal conduct, sexual relations, business, wealth, charity, ambition, discipline, debt, child-rearing, character, alcohol, politics, revenge, and godliness are among the many topics covered in this rich collection of wise sayings.

What the Lord is Saying: 

Background
For me, the crux of the first 20 verses of Proverbs 7 is the pleading from a father to his son to treasure the commandments that he is passing along. Treasure the words of the sage, of the Father God. Stay close to them. Adhere to  them in your life, for only then will you be able to withstand the temptations that will be present in this life. And temptations will be many. But, the sexual temptations, or the carrying away of ourselves to abandon our principles will be the strongest. We can't even give them a moment. The door opens when we allow ourselves to be in a dangerous environment. For the young boy, it is walking down the road of the adulteress, where she lives. There are other ways to get to our destination, so we should not even go there. 

The Problem
These remaining verses catapult the encounter and we get to witness first hand what is in store for the person that gets pulled away. I must admit, as a man, these verses resonate with me because I am pulled away too easily, it would seem. The clothing manufacturers have continued to make clothing that simply show off too much of a woman. I struggle with my eyes and it is a struggle when people are bending over in front of you or wearing short dresses. I'm captivated by my wife, but would prefer it in the privacy of my own home. It's really a horrible thing for the man to live with for it is everywhere. And the phone makes it worse. It is too easily accessible. Thus, the title of this message: the gatekeeper of death.

Studying this passage
Verse 21 begins "with her many persuasions." Again, these to me are not just verbal, but they are visual persuasions. They could be a glance, an alluring look, but most likely they are the way a person carries oneself. 'Many persuasions' also speaks to the many different ways we are confronted with this. The temptation now shows itself in so many different ways. But also in these verses is the inference that the person is reluctant because "she entices" and "she seduces." Thus, even in these verses, one could apply I Corinthians 10:13 in that there is a way out when the temptation presents itself.

And then the striking words of verse 22 "suddenly he follows her as an ox goes to slaughter." The road to death is set. The man is walking it. He is captivated, and yet, his life will never be the same. The visual expression of an ox going to slaughter is such an assault; it is such a picture of what the sin does to us. It because a drug that overtakes all of our senses. The ox is obviously not realizing his destination. The ox is being led somewhere that it is thought will only yield good outcomes. The "slaughter" represents the end, not the journey. But "he does not know it is his life." He is consumed with the moment, not the end. The consequences or results of this act are not overtaken by the momentary high.

And so the chapter ends the way it begins. There are words from the wise one to the son, "Listen to me" and "pay attention." Here is the reason: "Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways" and "do not stray into her paths." In these words is the idea I think of 1 Corinthians 10:13 and it is "don't go there." Don't put yourself in a position that is hard to come back from. Once the ox is on the way to the slaughter, it is too late. I must think about this in my life. For instance, I just realized that when I am down on life, or angry, then it is not good to have my phone with me and so, like going to bed - don't bring it to bed. Leave it in the other room. 

At the end of this passage is more ammunition. It is the father building the case. He hopes that the son would simply listen to his words. He would hope that this is compelling enough. But, he also then shows the son the results of the sinful lifestyle. This paints the picture of any addiction in our lives.

For many are the victims she has cast down, 
and numerous are all her slain.
Her house is the way to Sheol, 
descending to the chambers of death.

The language is final. They are victims. They are numerous. This is a problem many have. They are slain - again death. Her house is on the trek to death. Her house is lower than any person really wants to go. It should be clear, but instead deception has taken over. 

Promise: The foolish young man who heeds the call of the adulteress will find nothing but destruction in her arms.

Prayer: Oh Lord, I need help in this. I am not strong. I am too easily lured away. Once the sin starts, it just continues to be a problem. I'm embarrassed as to what this sin has done to me over the years. To think that I can be so easily enticed. Lord, place a hedge around me. I need your protection. Give me strength. Give me rest today. Lord, I want to be free. I hate the feeling of being a slave to it. I want to follow you. Help me Lord. 

Proverbs 6:16-17 - Three Things the Lord Hates

Proverbs 6:16-17
¹⁶ There are six things which the Lord hates,
Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him:
¹⁷ Haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
And hands that shed innocent blood,

Promise: Three Things the Lord Hates

Time: It seems that Proverbs was written and then compiled sometime between the tenth and sixth centuries B.C. Proverbs was probably written during the reign of Solomon, 971-931 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying: 

This is interesting. Obviously, Solomon seems to be speaking to a group of people, reminding them of what God hates. Chapter 6 has been summarizes as parental counsel. It is interesting, it starts with son being snared by the words of your mouth. Be on guard for what your mouth can lead you to do. We need to careful with our words. And then there is a warning to the sluggard and the speaker brings up the ant. How in some ways humiliating that he looks at the smallest creature whereby a baby's footprint could smash it and yet he looks to that creature as an example for hard work. The ant keeps working, no matter the obstacles, the ant is working. The ant is either working or sleeping. Get up. Stop just sleeping. Wake up and get busy. Then, he addresses one with a perverse mouth. This person is a wicked man, a worthless person. This chapter is shaping up to be a chapter about the mouth.

Then he emphasizes 6 things the Lord hates, but it's not just six, it's seven. This isn't a new section, just a new subject. He is continuing his counsel.

And today i look at the first three:

• Haughty eyes - This is thinking more highly of myself than I ought. At the start of the day, I must understand who I am. I am a child of God. I am a child. He is God. He is my father. I am not to think more of myself than is necessary. This doesn't have anything to do with self-esteem which is believing in myself. I have no reason to not believe in myself because God loves me and I am his child. I have confidence in who I am, for sure, but here I am simply realizing that God is always in charge. I need to be careful that I don't put to much credence on my own work, thinking that I control outcomes. I surrender to God and he is in charge. This is the opposite of the fear of God. It is being humble. I can definitely say, "I can do this" but not "I'm good." Only God is good and I can do this because God is on my side. This pride is the beginning of all other sins. The only reason I disobey God's commands is because I think I can. I want it my way. And my eyes are the giveaway. In Ephesians 4:2, Paul begins with a list of virtues and he begins with "Humility" or the opposite of pride.  
• Lying tongue - The speaker now mentions the tongue. After beginning with pride, the beginning of all other sins, he mentions once again the tongue. Earlier, at the beginning of this chapter was a warning about being snared by the words of our mouth. But, lying wasn't the focus there, but rather it was more being careful about our words and those words getting ourselves in trouble. And then there was a warning about having a perverse mouth. Once again, the mouth is ugly and can degrade people, belittle them. Those were warnings about the mouth. And now, he addresses a lying tongue. Jesus is the Truth. If I speak untruth then I am in opposition to God and I show no regard for God's character. Lying harms me and it can harm other people. I admit, I have struggling with lying most of my life. I really struggled with it as a kid, all growing and through college. I can remember specific ways that I lied. I felt it necessary to just tweak the truth. I wanted people to see me a little better so I changed words. Its horrible. I didn't trust that the person God had made was really good enough to present themselves before others. The reason I am a liar is because I practice lying.
• Shedding of innocent blood - It is one thing to have pride and to think that your way is always the better way, but to then carry out the act and take away the life of another. The horrible thing I see about abortion is a person deciding which life is more important. A choice was made to have sex and now people are deciding the result needs to be removed. This verse speaks of innocent blood. It is not speaking of war, but is speaking of taking someone's life when they haven't done anything wrong. As I read the paper and hear of bombings and slayings and murders, repeatedly there are innocent lives being hurt. This 23 year old boy that went to a bible study and then opened fire on those there is someone thinking that he must decided who is worth keeping around. It's just not that far from abortion. We stare at this young man and give him the death penalty while the potential money is told, she had every right to make that choice. Are not both parties innocent?

Promise: Be careful about my thoughts, my mouth, and thinking I am in control.

My Prayer: Lord, help me to be guided by your truths. On my own, I am selfish and think I know what is best for me. Keep me centered on You, truly humble, and understanding that I am your child at all times. I can never get away from you nor do I want to. Guard me from haughty, prideful eyes, that think I know what is best. And forgive me for my lying tongue, for not trusting in the person you have made in me. And forgive us as a society for the taking of innocent lives.

I Corinthians 3:1-4 - No Such Thing

I Corinthians 3:1-4
¹ And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ. ² I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able, ³ for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men? ⁴ For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not mere men?

Message: No Such Thing

Time: This epistle was written to the church that resided in Corinth of Achaia. First Corinthians is a response to a letter that Paul received from the Corinthian church, and that letter was probably a response to another of Paul's letters. This letter was composed in Ephesus around AD 54-55, and such topics as division, sexual immorality, lawsuits, marriage, Christian liberty, order of worship, and the resurrection are covered in this epistle.

What the Lord is Saying: 

My first glance at this passage has Paul writing that his words had to be written in a way that they could understand. He used words that were like milk and thus, easy to digest. It reminds of the people that I often speak with, at the mall or online with the online ministry I am involved in. I am reminded that my words should be simple and easy to digest, not speaking over people, with a lot of Christian language, until I understand that they can handle those words. The reason those in Corinth couldn't understand was Paul recognized that the were "still fleshly" and "walking like mere men." They had jealousy and strife among them.

This passage in a way parallels with a passage I studied two days ago: I John 2:19 -- They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that it would be shown that they all are not of us. I say this because as I speak to people it is a challenge to discern where people are at spiritually. Some might have Christian language, but it is really hard to know if they are of faith. My conversations with people are rarely sitting down for long conversations, but rather are snippets of time. So, when I do speak, my word usage I think needs to sound "milk" like until I know my audience can sustain more solid food. 

The Tabletalk reading today gave the concern that many think a Christian can be carnal meaning saying a sinners prayer, but not making God Lord till much later. But, Lordship is a package deal. We are often shedding sin from our lives in varying degrees,, throughout our life, but fruit should be manifest at all times. A Christian is one that bears fruit. The passage doesn't say they are not spiritual men, but that they still act at times like they are fleshly. 

Promise: I need to be sensitive to people, realizing that all are at different stages of spirituality. The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth.

I John 2:19 - Those Who Go Out From Us

I John 2:19
They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that it would be shown that they all are not of us.

Message: Those Who Go Out From Us

Time: A date of authorship ranges from around 65 AD to AD 95-110. John, the son of Zebedee, one of the 12 disciples is said to be the author. The main theme is love and fellowship and is written to those who are already believers.

What the Lord is Saying:

As a reminder, this is a book written to believers. In verses 15-24 is given the division title of "Do Not Love the World" and it contrasts love of the world versus not. Thus, if you are not, then you have the love of the Father in you.

Verse 18 speaks of the anti-Christ which is defined in verse 22 as anyone who denies that Jesus is the Christ. More specifically, in verse 19 is the explanation of people that are walking with Christians, living with them, walking alongside them, going to church, practicing disciplines, but they were not really of us. It is said that there are two different types of faith: professing faith and possessing faith. There are those that accompany faith and faith practices for reasons that are not about living faith in our lives. I think this is a really hard concept because so much of the Western Christian is embodied in the ways of the world and end up looking like a full-time follower of the world and those things of the world and just a part-time Christian.

One example of this type of person that is only professing faith is they don't remain or persevere -- otherwise they would have remained with us. There is a lack of consistency. This is something that is concerning because there are disciplines of the faith that some do not perform. People willingly go to church, but few show up to share their faith on outreach night or when there is a prayer meeting gathering, few attend. They put up with church, living it on a part-time basis, but are not willing to make it a full-time commitment.

Some might use this text as a marker to describe those who fall away from the faith, but rather it is a picture of those who are wolves in sheep's clothing. They never had true faith to begin with. When push comes to shove, they flee. But, its possible that someone has true faith and falls away for a season, but then returns. Sometimes I think people pass judgment on someone but do not see the full picture of their life.

Promise: When we see people seemingly falling away, we should pray for a repentant heart, but ultimately trust God for the outcome of their life.

Ecclesiastes 8:16-17 - Embracing our Finitude

Ecclesiastes 8:16-17
¹⁶ When I gave my heart to know wisdom and to see the task which has been done on the earth (even though one should never sleep day or night), ¹⁷ and I saw every work of God, I concluded that man cannot discover the work which has been done under the sun. Even though man should seek laboriously, he will not discover; and though the wise man should say, “I know,” he cannot discover.

Message: Embracing our Finitude 

Time: Solomon's authorship is not stated. Solomon's reign as king of Israel lasted from around 970 B.C. to around 930 B.C. The Book of Ecclesiastes was likely written towards the end of his reign, approximately 935 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

Finitude is the state of having limits or bounds. As a reminder Solomon has been called the wisest man in the world. I love verse 17 and have memorized the first part of it. Personally, I can accept that I do not know everything. I am a finite creature, with limits right now. God reveals himself in ways he deems appropriate. There are amazing ways of providence and redemption that he has displayed in my life and for those things I can trust him. There are many things I do not understand and for those I must hold on to the truth of what I do know and trust God that his plan is established. 

People everywhere are saying, "I know." But, we don't really know. No one knows it all. What people do is come up with something that feels safe to them, that makes sense within the bounds of who we are. Yet, to be a child of God is to recognize that I have limits in my understanding.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, "He has made everything beautiful in its own time, and he has set eternity in our hearts, yet so that no man can find out the work with God has done from beginning to end." So in these verses, 16 and 17, what is it that Solomon is saying that is different from what he previously said? 

In verse 15 is the words that man has nothing better to do under the sun that to eat, drink and be merry. Verse 16 is the reason verse 15 has been stated. He is arguing now for this conclusion. 

Here are thoughts from Rev. Joseph Benson, a Methodist minister who lived to be 74, dying in 1821. Over the course of 7 years, 1811-1818 he published his notes from the Old and New Testament. He was a contemporary of John Wesley. living in Cumberland, England.

he had diligently studied wherein man’s wisdom consists, and had observed the restlessness of men’s minds and bodies in other courses; and to see the business — To observe men’s various designs and employments, and their unwearied labours about worldly things. For there is that neither day nor night seeth sleep — Having now mentioned the business which is done, or which man doth, upon earth, he further adds, as an evidence of man’s eagerness in pursuing his business, For even by day and by night he — The busy man; seeth not sleep with his eyes — He grudges himself necessary refreshments, and disquiets himself with endless cares and labours.

It is clear that I am to be a student of God's word, desire to read it and know it. But, at the same time there is a freedom in Christ, that I can trust in what God is doing. I am not to worry. I am not to fret. I am to pray if something of concern comes to mind. I am not in control. If there are things I do not understand, it is better to enjoy life than to be obsessive about uncovering those mysteries. This is what I conclude from Benson's words. Man, if left to his own devices is restless. The whole work of God cannot be grasped, so there is no reason to toil to discover it.

I found this quote from the Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary published in 1871by Robert Jamieson, Andrew Robert Fausset and David Brown, who lived in Glasgow, York, and and Glasgow, respectively.

I saw that man cannot find out (the reason of) God's inscrutable dealings with the "just" and with the "wicked" here (Ec 8:14; Ec 3:11; Job 5:9; Ro 11:33); his duty is to acquiesce in them as good, because they are God's, though he sees not all the reasons for them (Ps 73:16). It is enough to know "the righteous are in God's hand" (Ec 9:1)

We simply conclude that God is good. His ways are good. We will not understand his dealings with the just and wicked, but we can conclude the righteous are in God's hand. 

Promise: We are to enjoy life and we can, because God is in control. We are to live in the comfortable enjoyment of God's blessings. I

Ecclesiastes 5:4-7 - Timely Payment of Vows

Ecclesiastes 5:4-7
When you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it; for He takes no delight in fools. Pay what you vow! It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay. Do not let your speech cause you to sin and do not say in the presence of the messenger of God that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry on account of your voice and destroy the work of your hands? For in many dreams and in many words there is emptiness. Rather, fear God.

Message: Timely payment of vows

Time: Solomon's authorship is not stated. Solomon's reign as king of Israel lasted from around 970 B.C. to around 930 B.C. The Book of Ecclesiastes was likely written towards the end of his reign, approximately 935 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

The first 3 verses of this chapter were very good as they spoke of being careful with our words and it reminded me of the song, "let the words of my mouth" and the line, "be pleasing to you." I am not to be hasty with my words and it is better that my words are few rather than plentiful.

These next 4 verses continue to expand on that thought and idea. More specifically, this passage is focused on vows or oaths that we make before God. I am reminded of the foxhole confessions that have been made, "God, get me out of this moment and I will serve you all the days of my life" or "I will become a priest." Those confessions I always found interesting because when you are at the end of your rope you then realize that it is only God that can save and the thought that God wants everyone to be a priest or always faithful before he will intervene and rescue a person.

I think the vow word means different words today: promise, contract, legal tender. We must be careful in what we say we are going to provide. This chapter started off by saying I need to be careful with the words I say; I need to also be careful about the promises I make for I am to be faithful in carrying out those promises. And do i ever try to deviate from a promise? 

[I have been working on this lesson for 2 days now. I guess I am struggling with the word vow and what that means to me. It just seems like a word that we do not use much and yet it is a word I hear from religious people when I watch historical religious movies.]

It seems like verses 1-3 of this chapter were about keeping your words few and not saying more than you should. It was about being careful with your speech. And this one is still speaking of being careful, but it is also about being a man of your word. It reminds me of the DeGarmo and Key song called just that:

He that obeys will be holy
He that believes will obey
Say what you mean but remember
To do what you say
So be a man of your word

I just remember that simple song and that simple reminder.

This passage ends with the phrase that in many words there is emptiness. Rather, fear God.


Promise: Lean on God rather than leaning on our words.

Proverbs 5:1-14 - The Trap of Adultery

Proverbs 5:1-14
¹ My son, give attention to my wisdom, incline your ear to my understanding;
² That you may observe discretion and your lips may reserve knowledge.
³ For the lips of an adulteress drip honey and smoother than oil is her speech;
⁴ But in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.
⁵ Her feet go down to death,  her steps take hold of Sheol.
⁶ She does not ponder the path of life; her ways are unstable, she does not know it.

⁷ Now then, my sons, listen to me and do not depart from the words of my mouth.
⁸ Keep your way far from her and do not go near the door of her house,
⁹ Or you will give your vigor to others and your years to the cruel one;
¹⁰ And strangers will be filled with your strength and your hard-earned goods will go to the house of an alien; 

 ¹¹ And you groan at your final end, when your flesh and your body are consumed;
¹² And you say, “How I have hated instruction! And my heart spurned reproof!
¹³ “I have not listened to the voice of my teachers, nor inclined my ear to my instructors!
¹⁴ “I was almost in utter the midst of the assembly and congregation.”

Message: The Trap of Adultery

Time: It seems that Proverbs was written and then compiled sometime between the tenth and sixth centuries B.C. Proverbs was probably written during the reign of Solomon, 971-931 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

The focus of today's passage is on adultery. This is long because it is meant to be clear. This is not fire to play with.

One thing that I looked at and noticed in my study yesterday of Proverbs 1, was that people are enticed and taken away by something often in their life. I often call this a temptation or that I have wandered off path and are engaging in sin. In actuality, in the Bible, this is referred to as having an idol in our lives. Idolatry is anything in our lives that we do to bring us joy and we do it in order to give us peace about life. We do it to give us joy. Our joy is not found in Christ, but it is found in this other thing that isn't just a part of our life but it becomes often what keeps us going. It becomes what we spend our money on or what we spend most of our time on. It becomes what we think about. And over time, God and His word are replaced more and more. No longer am I surrendering to God and His word and thinking that God's word is the highest source of good in my life. Now, I see this idol as that which can give me joy.

Their is idolatry in: video games, TV watching, Movie watching, eating, shopping, music, smoking, drinking alcohol, drugs, friends. There are many different idols in our lives, some not even so sin apparent.

This is rampant in our lives. The idol could be anything and often with people, it is anything. And yet what most people find, when they are honest with themselves is this idol does not necessarily bring them lasting joy. There isn't a peace in life like there is when Christ is on the throne. Testimonies from people resonate this when they say, "I tried ........ and it never brought complete satisfaction, but then I turned my life over to Christ and let Him take the reins and life became fulfilled."

In Proverbs 1:10-19 the enticement was friends that lured the pupil away to do things that were impure. The passage spoke of evil things but that evil could be anything. The key was it was with the wrong people, doing bad stuff, and that bad stuff ended up having a consequence. The last phrase of verse 19 says, "It takes away the life of its possessors." It's end is death. And today in this passage is immediately an equal warning as Solomon says in verse 5, "her feet go down to death; her steps take hold of Sheol."

What is it that I have done in my life to try and replace God in order to give me the peace and enjoyment that only He can bring? For me, money comes to mind. It's not that I have a lot, necessarily, but I often think that if I just had enough then life would be simpler. I say this because our wants are abundant and so I think that by having those things that I desire, and my family desires, that then I will be satisfied. Yet, I know it will be momentary because our desires never cease.

Very Important Subject Matter
First of all, I like how Solomon begins. Son, (1) Give your attention to me. Not an easy task sometimes in life to get someone to concentrate on what the other person is saying. Solomon clearly is saying that "I have something important to say. (2) Incline your ear to my understanding. Bend your ear not just to listen, but understand. We hear a lot of things each day, but how much do we really internalize or then practice? Solomon is saying to his pupils, what I have to say is meant to be followed. (3) That you may observe discretion. Retain these words in your heart. These words are my counsel to you. (4) Your lips may reserve knowledge. Literally, this is "Thy lips shall keep." This is life long understanding. This is life long "watch out." This is not momentary or just for a season. This is long-term. You need to be able to speak these words back to me. This is how important these words are. You need to be able to state this in your own words.

Warning
Verse 3 is interesting for the translation I have used has translated the word zur to mean adulteress. Zur is translated in the KJV as strange. The meaning is this is an apostate Israelite woman gone over to the idolatrous impurities of heathen religion. The idea of adultery here is someone that has traded in something they have been called to be for something else. It is not necessarily speaking of a woman that has started out with a husband and decided that her husband did not satisfy her desires, for whatever reason, and so is seeking out something else, not God-given, but what man has provided. God has been traded in for what people think is something better.

James 4:4 is a verse I have tried to memorize. It says, "You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." James is speaking to people that have chosen to trade or replace God with the things of the world and for this he speaks to the people as adulterers.

This is significant because what is being spoken of here is not simply reserved for married people that are seeking after other people in their life and are practicing sex with someone else in their life. It is true that is adultery. God has given you a gift of a mate and you are saying to God, "The gift that you gave me is not what I think I need; I choose someone else and I think that person will fulfill my needs."

The application then for Proverbs 5 is far reaching. Adultery here is actually treason or any idol that we might have in our life.

And the idol or whatever we are being tempted to have in our life drips with honey. It is sweet. It is appealing. It suits my tastes. It drips honey and smoother than oil is her speech.  I can see why the word adulteress was chosen because this woman is using flattering speech, smooth talk, offering something which man desires, alluring speech. This is not, "Come over and clean the toilet" no this is come experience your wildest dreams. 

Not as it appears
Verses 4-6 then basically say, "things are not as they appear." Though this strange woman has spoken with flattery and allured you in her direction, in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. Her feet go down to death, her steps take hold of Sheol. She does not ponder the path of life; her ways are unstable, she does not know it. 

Wormwood is an herb and an eastern medicine this was looked upon as being poisonous. Wormwood is the complete opposite of wormwood. It reminds me of the movie Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and the man that lured people by showing them sweet candy on his truck and then when they crawled in the truck it turned into a cell block. It went from sweetness to being a prisoner. 

Solomon says it affects the body (feet go down to death) and affects the soul (steps take hold of Sheol/grave/hell). Idols in our life don't just want a part of our life, but they want your entire life. She does not ponder the path of life. In her is not a big picture. If we could see our entire life in a moment, upon making a decision, it would affect our decision making. There are ramifications for our choices, but if we train ourselves into not looking at those consequences then over time we no longer have any long-term perspective thinking.

Heinrich Albert Schultens (1749-1793) stated that the design of the wise man seems to be, to point out the inconstancy, irregularity, and wickedness, of the strange woman's life. Her ways are inconstant; she is not attached to her husband, or to any one man, but abandons herself to the first comer; has neither knowledge, wisdom, nor discernment; she has no other rule than her passion, no other end than her pleasure. She is profligate, and wholly lost; affected neither by the fear of God, nor the care of her own salvation.

Second Warning
As if one warning was not enough, Solomon gives a second warning. This is a very significant event. In verse 7 and 8 he states further to: (1) Listen to me; He said previously that he wanted the pupil's attention and wanted his ear bent to understand. He says again, "listen to me." Listen to what I am going to tell you. The pupil will now hear of the consequence. (2) Do not depart from the words of my mouth; Don't choose the path; do not depart from my words. (3) Keep your way far from her; The last warning I saw in Proverbs 1:10-19 was Keep your feet from their path. With this issue the feet are to be far from the path. (4) Do not go near the door of her house. To clarify further, do not even go near the door of the house. We all know that going inside is a disaster, but do not even go near the door. 

A Hard Life
In a way this final part is similar to "God gave them over" found in Romans 1 (one of my favorite passages). The warnings have occurred. The danger sign is in place. "Keep Out" has been posted. But, if that isn't enough, he will now detail the results of going down that wrong path.

Or you will give your vigor to others and your years to the cruel one - Your strength; your person; your life and your future, will be handed over to the cruel one. The idea of vigor is what your life has meant thus far. Other translations use the word honor. Who you are is being given away. 

And strangers will be filled with your strength and your hard-earned goods will go to the house of an alien. Everything you have worked for is gone.  

And you groan at your final end, when your flesh and your body are consumed; And you say, “How I have hated instruction! And my heart spurned reproof! I have not listened to the voice of my teachers, nor inclined my ear to my instructors! I was almost in utter the midst of the assembly and congregation.” Pride has taken over. Recovery in this moment is practically hopeless. 

Promise: Beware. Beware. Beware. Adultery always has destructive consequences.