Proverbs 11:17 - Be Kind

Proverbs 11:17

A merciful person does himself good,

But the cruel person does himself harm.

Message: Be Kind

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: The contrasts here are between a merciful and cruel person with one who acts in a way that is is good for the individual while the other acts in a way that is harmful. Some of these proverbs are rather simple, straightforward and perhaps a little obvious. Have mercy, this is good. Being cruel does you harm. My actions and your actions make a difference. Yet, maybe the difference that writer is making here is doing these things for others makes an impact for sure on them, but what is noted here is that it makes an impact on me. The one who gives mercy reaps the benefit. The one who is cruel is impacted by this. Wow. I just saw this. I started this yesterday and initial didn't see the connecting in this verse and the significance, but it has personal significance on me. The person who acts reaps. 

We have been studying kindness in our Sunday School class and one thing that I notice, even though it seems a little overwhelming at times in the lesson in all its variance is that the kind person has an impact in a variety of ways and this kindness has far reaching impacts. There are numerous ways that we can be kind. It is not only through words, but actions such as listening or opening a door. 

On the flip side, cruelty doesn't simply happen when we are assaulting with words or actions, but it can happen in subtle manners. All forms of sin are cruel. 

On Bible Hub there are 5 questions related to this verse:

1. How does the principle of "reaping what you sow" apply to the concepts of kindness and cruelty in Proverbs 11:17? 

Being kind or merciful benefits others as well as your self. Being cruel toward others hurts others and hurts yourself. 

2. In what ways can you intentionally cultivate kindness in your daily interactions, and what impact might this have on your relationships?

I sense often I am prompted by the Spirit. When seeing a need, I can take it on myself. Like grabbing someone's cup after Sunday School or taking a shopping cart so someone does not have to take it to their spot. It is taking a moment to see people. 

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced the benefits of kindness or the consequences of cruelty. How did this experience shape your understanding of Proverbs 11:17?

For kindness I often think of my mother who was so kind to me always in providing for me and giving me gifts, thoughtful gifts. My father provided so much for me growing up, wanting me to experience different adventures. I remember a friend across the street deciding he didn't want to be my friend any longer. That was hard in the way he did it. 

4. How can the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5) enhance our understanding of the importance of kindness?

In general, one of the things the teachings of Jesus does is take our focus off of ourselves and this seems to be the focus of kindness, thinking of others first. And then as we do this, we receive a blessing. We all want things good for ourselves and we can achieve it through kindness. 

5. What practical steps can you take to address any tendencies toward cruelty in your life, and how can you seek God's help in this process?

Lord, help me to understand how I am cruel. I think often I am cruel with my thoughts toward others and then over time those thoughts start making their way into my dreams at night and finally into my emotions during the day. It is subtle but it happens. Help me to be focused on being kind to others even in my thoughts. 

In the King James, the word here described as merciful is "kind" in the King James. It is the Hebrew word "chesed," which encompasses mercy, loving-kindness, and loyalty.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for this lesson today and for taking the time to think about these contrasts, merciful or kindness and then also cruelty and helping me see that I have issues with doing the good less and the bad more. Reverse the trend in my life. Help me to be the one you have called me to be. 

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

2 Samuel 10 - David Subdues the Ammonites and Syrians

2 Samuel 10

Be strong, and let us show ourselves courageous for the sake of our people and for the cities of our God; and may the Lord do what is good in His sight. (verse 12)

Message: David Subdues the Ammonites and Syrians

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: Chapter 9 seemed to be a sort of interlude as Chapter 10 picks up where 8 sort of left off. In 9 David shows kindness to Mephibosheth and begins Chapter 10 with the same sort of idea, wanting to show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash. Scripture does not tell us clearly the relationship David had with Nahash. Nahash had wanted a covenant with Saul back in I Samuel 11, but Saul refused as the conditions for the covenant were dramatic. So this kindness David has does not seem to be related to that. Either way, David sought kindness and sends servants to console Nahash upon hearing of his father's death. But the princes of the Ammonites think David has ulterior motives and "shave off half of their beards, and cut their garments" of David's servants sending them back to David. 

We can make good efforts, but sometimes people still think the worst. 

Verse 6 comments that "the sons of Ammon saw that they had become odious to David" or unpleasant yet this was not the case, but thinking this they hired Arameans (Syrians) for a sort of protection. In 8:16 Joab was commissioned as head of the army. David sends Joab and that direction. Upon arrival, Ammonites are in battle ready mode, but Joab figures out how to defeat them and he proclaims "may the Lord do what is good in His sight." Whatever happens God is in charge. The Arameans then fled and then the Ammonites fled as well (v. 6-14). 

But the fighting didn't end, instead the Arameans regrouped but David now was at the helm and many were killed, thus making peace eventually with David. 

Again, I think the concern here is someone assuming the worst. And in response try to lead an army. I am not sure if Joab had to go to war, but he did and eventually David defeated those that were intent on coming against him. It seems like after all fled in verse 14 that it could have stopped, but the armies continued to take a stand and eventually were defeated. Unfortunate. The loss of life is great in these books of Samuel. 

Summary: David shows kindness to Nahash but it is misinterpreted and instead a war rises up, but the Lord is on David's side and the people are defeated. 

Promise: We should act with wisdom and kindness and be careful about listening to the wrong people in our lives. 

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for this lesson. It seems like a simple one of accepting kindness when it comes and not expecting the worse instead and being careful about who I am listening to in my life. I have been reading this book about truth and defining it and pursuing it, and this is good, but I need your help always in discerning what is right and wrong. I ask for your help and guidance. 

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

2 Samuel 8-9 - Mephibosheth Sits at the Kings Table

2 Samuel 8-9

So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, for he ate at the king's table regularly. Now he was lame in both feet. (verse 9:9)

Message: Mephibosheth Sits at the Kings Table

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: In chapter 7, David has rest and God tells him He shall build a house for himself. David responds in praise to God, asks for further confirmation and for this, He praises God. 

In Chapter 8, David defeats the Philistines (verse 1), defeats Moab with the "Moabites becoming servants to David." David defeats Hadadezer, capturing horsemen, foot soldiers, then killing Arameans that came to help Hadadezer with the Arameans eventually becoming servants of David. David takes gold and bronze from these cities (v.2-8). 

Toi brings David silver, gold and bronze, with David dedicating them to the Lord. "He put garrisons in Edom...and all Edomites became servants to David." Thus, "David reigned over all Israel." David placed different people in charge: Joab over the army; Jehoshaphat the recorder (chief advisor); Zadok and Ahimelech priests; Seraiah the secretary; Benaiah over Cherethites and Pelethites; David's son's were chief ministers. 

In Chapter 9, there is a different thought or change of thought as David seeks to show kindness to Jonathan, though he has died. David made this promise in 1 Samuel 20:14-17 and 1 Samuel 20:42. Ziba, of the house of Saul, is called to David and David discovers there is a son of Jonathan that is crippled. David brought him from his place to him. David shows him kindness and restores the land of Saul to him. He makes this known to Ziba so that all of the land and produce would be for Mephibosheth and all in that land would be his servants. And "he ate at the king's table regularly." 

David didn't have to do this. Mephibosheth was crippled but became lame when his nurse fled from fear (4:4). But David honored his relationship with Jonathan. David is shown to take over the kingdom of Israel, defeating foes and establishing his leaders, and all the while He praises God and dedicates all he receives to the Lord. He surrenders all. And then from this he fulfills a commitment and has mercy on Jonathan's son.  David is showing kindness. The Hebrew word hesed is not adequately limited to the idea of kindness. It seeks the good of others and does not break promises. We are to be a people that puts the interest of others ahead of our own. David did not see him as an enemy. David never saw Saul as an enemy though Saul saw David as such. Likewise Jonathan. David looks out for others interests. 

This lesson in a good reminder to me as well, to be kind. Help me to be kind God in my interactions even as people are attacking me. 

Summary: David sets up Israel in defeating areas and taking hold of precious medals, giving glory to God and then fulfills a commitment to Jonathan by giving his son Mephibosheth Saul's land and sitting him at his table.

Promise: We love those who are not able to do anything for us. 

Prayer: Lord, I think of my wife and her work and am thankful for the love that she has for others, students that can't return that love in any way. She wants the best for them always and does not want to exasperate them, but show them respect. It is hard work as they fight her all the way, but this is a love that David had for Mephibosheth because of his commitment to Jonathan. Help me God to love in this way and to give without expecting in return. Help me God in this to honor You and glorify You. You are the great one. 

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

Ruth 4:13-22 - A Story of Hesed

Ruth 4:13-22

So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife, and he had relations with her. And the Lord enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son...they named him Obed. He is the father of Jesse, the father of David. (v.13, 17)

Message: A Story of Hesed

Time: According to Jewish tradition, Samuel wrote the book of Ruth. The events of Ruth occurred sometime between 1160 BC and 1100 BC. This book stands as a ray of light, showing the power of the love between God and His faithful people, even during difficult times that were present. It is written from Naomi's point of view. Ruth is the gift God placed in Naomi's life. 

What the Lord is Saying: Well, Boaz now marries Ruth. "He went into her." She gave birth to a son as "the Lord enabled her." The women of Bethlehem or the area let Naomi know God has provided a redeemer. They call her "Blessed." God has provided. This is a blessing of the Lord - God's provision. Reminds me in the moment of what God has blessed me with and provided me. My wife Pamela, my children - Tyson, Megan, Derek. These are God's gifts. He provides these gifts and I need to be more appreciative - every day. Forgive me Lord. 

The women go on in verse 15 to continuing words of encouragement. These are good women and say things that need to be said and say things that God has done. He is "a restorer of life." Despite all that Naomi lost and Ruth lost by losing the men of their life, God brought her home and he has restored her life. He has been "a sustainer of your old age." Again, God supports and nourishes her and provides what she needs. "Your daughter-in-law, who loves you and is better to you than seven sons." Sons are more important than daughters always. This is how the name is carried on. And yet they exclaim that Ruth is better than 7 sons. Seven even being a number in the Bible that is often showing completeness or perfection. But, no, Ruth is better. 

Then the women name Ruth's son - Obed (v. 17). 

And then a history lesson is given: generations of Perez: Perez - Hezron - Ram - Amminadab - Nahshon - Salmon - Boaz - Obed - Jesse - David. 

Naturally, all culminates with David. 

Hesed is kindness, but it goes beyond mere kindness to a covenantal kindness. It is unwavering commitment and refers often to God's unchanging love for Israel and for David. Ruth showed this type of commitment to Naomi by staying with her, even after her husband died. Boaz showed this type of care and kindness by caring about Elimelech and his family name, above his own. These individuals showed a loyal love to one another, an unwavering commitment that culminates in the royal line of David. 

Summary: Boaz marries Ruth and they give birth to Obed. The women of Bethlehem speak blessings on Naomi. 

Promise: God has shown us unwavering covenant loyalty and love—hesed—and we are to show the same in return to Him and to His people.

Prayer: Oh Father, you are eternally blessing me and showing your favor on my life. You have provided for me and sustained me. You have an amazing commitment to me and I praise you. Thank you for these words and the blessing they are to me. Give me strength each day. Help me to love others and be committed to them as you have blessed me. 

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

Ruth 2:19-3:5 - Naomi Sees God's Kindness

Ruth 2:19-3:5

And Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, "May he be blessed of the Lord who has not withdrawn his kindness to the living and to the dead." Again Naomi said to her, "The man is our relative, he is one of our closest relatives." 

Message: Naomi Sees God's Kindness

Time: According to Jewish tradition, Samuel wrote the book of Ruth. The events of Ruth occurred sometime between 1160 BC and 1100 BC. This book stands as a ray of light, showing the power of the love between God and His faithful people, even during difficult times that were present. It is written from Naomi's point of view. Ruth is the gift God placed in Naomi's life. 

What the Lord is Saying: Thus far, it is not clear what Boaz is feeling toward Ruth, based upon the comments. She referred her as a daughter (v. 8) so she is younger than he and also in verse 5 asked the reapers of the harvest, "Whose young woman is this?" At this point, they are in Bethlehem (Judah). Ruth has gone to the fields to glean with the reapers, leaving a portion for strangers or those in need. Boaz sees Ruth and wonders who she is and then proceeds to protect her and value her. Makes sure she is comfortable with the other women and places a great value on her. Gives her addition barley to take back to her mother-in-law. He knows about Ruth and how she came back with her mother-in-law. 

In verse 19, Naomi remarks that the person that took care of her should be blessed and found out it was Boaz. Naomi is enamored by his kindness and mentions that and also that he is a close relative (v.20). Tabletalk reading today teaches me of Deuteronomy 25:5-10. Verse 5 says that when a brother dies, the other brother will marry the widow. The first born shall assume the name of the dead brother. The brother who refuses is called "him whose sandal is removed." The wife is not to simply find a husband from the lot of strangers, but from a kinsman. So Ruth mentions this now. Perhaps Boaz can fulfill a need to be a husband to Ruth. Naomi confirms to Ruth that it is good for her to be with the other maidens and work near them. 

Naomi makes mention to Ruth that she should be doing her best to have Ruth be married. Ruth sets it up. In verse 2 she remarks, "he winnows barley at the threshing floor tonight." In Palestine a wind rises from the sea at about four o’clock in the afternoon, and lasts till half an hour before sunset. The winnowing process is to throw up the grain, after being trodden down, against the wind with a shovel. Boaz, most likely was a wealthy man and it was common for the farmer to remain all night in harvest-time on the threshing floor. 

She tells Ruth to "Wash yourself...anoint yourself and put on your [best] clothes, and [go] down to the threshing floor." Then in verse 4, "When he lies down...go and uncover his feet and lie down; then he will tell you what you shall do." Ruth is basically to do the courting and be the one that makes the move towards him. 

Ruth seems to arrange this, in order to possibly induce Boaz to take upon this responsibility as mentioned by the law. Boaz probably slept on a mat or skin and slept in the clothes he wore during the day, as Ruth did. Ruth would be lying down in sort of a cross to him, at the point of his feet. The uncovering of the feet is to awaken him. 

And at this point, hopefully it would be compelling to Boaz to enter into marriage with Ruth. Boaz will tell her if he is indeed the kinsman to fulfill that role and duty. 

Summary: Naomi plans a way for Boaz to hopefully see that he can fulfill the law to take Ruth for his wife. 

Promise: God has covenant loyalty in our lives and his kindness radiates through other people as well. 

Prayer: O God, it is your kindness that leads to repentance and I am amazed as well of the kindness that people show towards me. It is powerful in my life. Thank you for showing me that kindness in your word and in my life. I am very thankful for people and their kindness. Help me to be kind as well. 

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

Titus 3:4-6 - God's Initiative in Justification

Titus 3:4-6

But when the kindness of God our Savior and His Love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior. 

Message: God's Initiative in Justification

Time: Paul wrote his letter to Titus from Nicopolis in AD 63, after the apostle’s release from his first Roman imprisonment. Paul identified himself as the author of the letter to Titus. Titus accompanied Paul on his third missionary journey. Paul accompanied Titus to the island of Crete, where he intended Titus to lead and organize the island’s churches in their early years of existence. 

What the Lord is Saying:

There are different ways that Scripture talk of salvation. In Romans 10:1, Paul writes, "Brethren, my heart's desire and my prayer to God for them is for salvation." This is his appeal to Israel to be redeemed by Christ and enjoy all that salvation offers in Christ -- justification, adoption, sanctification, and glorification. In other ways, like I Corinthians 1:18, Paul speaks to the ongoing purification that occurs in the believer, "For the word of God  is to those who are perishing foolishness, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." Titus 3:4-6 explains how we are declared righteous, "when the kindness of God....appeared, He saved us not on the basis of deeds...but according to His mercy..."

The chief need of everyone is to be saved. Everyone is perishing. Everyone needs the power of God displayed in his kindness to save us. Salvation is not by our deeds, but according to His mercy. 

Paul also in these verses refers to "the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit."  Some have argued that this speaks of the act of baptism ("washing") in order to erase the original sin born onto man or baby. And some say that this is another example of baptism being a part of the conversion process of a believer. Yet, Paul mentions in places like Romans 4:5 faith is the instrument of righteousness - "...not work, but believes in Him ...his faith is reckoned as righteousness." Galatians 2:15-16 repeats this, "even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith in Christ."  Thus the idea I think is that anything beyond faith could be construed as a work although some may argue that acts of obedience follow faith and baptism is one of those acts of obedience that should follow faith in every believer. 

So what did Paul mean when he wrote these words -- "the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit?" To wash is to remove dirt. The only other use of this word washing is found in Ephesians 5:26, "that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word." This verse provides a parallel act of husbands loving wives just as Christ loved the Church (Eph 5:25) that loving and Christ giving Himself up for the church marks an act of cleansing her by the washing of water with the word. This seems to not be a literal washing but rather Christ's act of giving Himself for the church is so that the church is covered, as in a washing, with the Word of God. So does this help us with Titus 3:5? 

Perhaps Paul is communicating that the washing occurs by way of God regenerating and renewing the follower of Christ through the Holy Spirit. So in both instances it could simply be talking about washing being a symbol or emblem to provide the picture of how the power of the Holy Spirit converges upon us by way of God's mercy -- the Holy Spirit washes us or bathes us or renews us. We are renewed in a bath. From this standpoint, it does not seem like a literal baptism is being spoken. But, I went to the commentaries and saw that Charles Ellicott (19th c Church of England) states that God has put us in the state of salvation by the laver of regeneration which is the baptism ordinance or sacrament. Then Albert Barnes (19th c Presbyterian Church) states it is not the laver but rather a symbol or emblem of regeneration. And the other commentaries have the differing views. 

Thus, where are we at the end of the day? I believe the text can have only one meaning, and yet we do not have Paul here with us and so we sit as detectives trying to figure out what it is that it says. Because of the differing views, my conclusion is we can't know and so this issue is non-essential to our salvation and can result in debate. And yet, if I had to choose an interpretation, I would say washing is a symbol or emblem of regeneration rather than speaking of the act of baptism as an ordinance for salvation. 

Promise: What I know is that Jesus has saved us by His mercy and not by our deeds and we must have faith.

Prayer: Lord, it is fun to take time to look at your word, examine it and study it to see what it says. Lord, in this passage I understand that faith is clear and I thank you for giving me that faith in You and confirming yourself to me over and over. I am not righteous and yet you have made me righteous by the life and work of Christ Jesus and me believing in Him. I thank you that I have been baptized and you showed me the importance of this. God, there are places in your Word that I must admit I have questions and I do not have an overwhelming conclusion of what is meant. Help me Holy Spirit to walk in truth and reveal to me what is the right way, but keep me strong in You and studying and focusing on those things that matter most. Help me God to speak to others about your truth and respect people that may have a different conviction. You speak to me and use me and for that I will never understand but thank you for this. 

Note: I follow the readings from the Tabletalk Magazine devotional, though I am a little behind and working through 2017 devotionals. 2017 is a study of key biblical doctrines celebrating the 500th year of the Reformation. The month of June is about justification; May was about solus Christus - Christ Alone; April, salvation by grace alone; March, the sovereign providence of God; February, the doctrine of revelation and the various aspects of the doctrine of Scripture that sola Scriptura seeks to preserve; January, the doctrine of God.

 - The Sins of the Gentiles - Though born with God being evident, Gentiles do not honor God or give thanks, look to their selves for truth, and God gives them over to their sin, and in the process God's wrath is sin which will culminate on the Day of the Lord. The Sins of the Jews - Jews thought their status meant only Gentiles were true sinners. Romans 2 and 3 explains that Jews are just as guilty before God. The Law and Accountability - the Law reminds us we are sinners and doing good will not outweigh this bad; I am condemned. Righteousness According to the Law - The Law can make one righteous if obedient to all. Our sin keeps us from this. Human Inability - the simple reminder that man cannot make himself righteous because he is a sinner. The Obedience of One - with Jesus all obedience was completed in Him which resulted in Him taking on all sin; we trust only in His words, not ours. 

Mark 5:21-24a - Jairus Comes to Jesus

Mark 5:21-24a
21 When Jesus had crossed over again in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around Him; and so He stayed by the seashore.22 One of the synagogue officials named Jairus *came up, and on seeing Him, *fell at His feet 23 and *implored Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death; please come and lay Your hands on her, so that she will get well and live.” 24a And He went off with him;

Message: Jairus Comes to Jesus

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:

Jesus has left the Geradene side of the lake (sea of Galilee) and now come back to the west side, at Capernaum and a large crowd gathered around Him; people were waiting for him to come back, anticipating his arrival. Thus, Jesus is getting more popular. "Christ ennobled Bethlehem by his birth, Nazareth by his education, and Jerusalem By his death, so he honored Capernaum by making it his ordinary residence, and the focus, so to speak, of his preaching and miracles. (Pulpit Commentary)."

One of the synagogue officials named Jairus came up, and on seeing Him, fell at His feet. Synagogue officials were Jewish layman (not full-time ministers) in charge of maintaining the building and organizing, such as the schedule of synagogue services; though there could have been more than one of these per synagogue.

Jairus implored Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death; please come and lay Your hands on her, so that she will get well and live.” Matthew remarked that she was already dead in his account, yet later in Mark (v. 35) was the declaration that the daughter had died before the Lord could get to her. As a reminder, this account given to Mark probably came from Peter. It is possible that Peter knew Jairus or perhaps this stood out from Peter. It's difficult to know the details of these events. What we do know is Jesus went off with him. Jesus has compassion and concern and he addresses this man's need.

Promise: I can be confident that Jesus will address needs, my needs. He has compassion on specific needs and Mark wants us to know this through these words.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being personal. Thank you for loving people, all people, and desiring to help people in their time of need. Thank you for the message that we receive from these words that you do care for people and want the best for them. Help us to have confidence in You at all times and in life. You will not always do exactly what we want all the time, but I continue to praise your name. Help others to trust you as well. Draw people closer to you.

Ecclesiastes 8:10-11 - Presuming upon God's Kindness

Ecclesiastes 8:10-11
¹⁰ So then, I have seen the wicked buried, those who used to go in and out from the holy place, and they are soon forgotten in the city where they did thus. This too is futility. ¹¹ Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed quickly, therefore the hearts of the sons of men among them are given fully to do evil.


Message: Presuming upon God's Kindness

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:

I have studied chapter 8 of Ecclesiastes yet. My first reading of these verses sees a view of the wicked buried, in their graves, gone. And there is a connection with them and the holy place, the temple gathering. They have died and they are forgotten now. The outcome of evil deeds is not executed quickly. The wicked know this. Their hearts are given fully to do evil.

Insight from TableTalk for today, August 12, 2015 -- If a society's justice system is known for it inefficiency and for taking far longer than necessary to deal with the criminal element, the criminal element is emboldened.

This is a troubling thing with criminal acts. It is tough to see how long it takes some to merit any consequences, to the point that we expect God to deal with the criminal activity immediately, even at times outside of the justice system. 

But, am I not thankful that there are not quick consequences and it is his kindness that leads me to repentance.

Promise: Just may seem to be delayed, but it always comes at the right time. Our just God will set things right, so we have ample reason to trust in Him.

Ephesians 1:3-14 - The Inevitable Question

Ephesians 1:3-14
³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, ⁴ just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love ⁵ He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, ⁶ to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. ⁷ In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace ⁸ which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight ⁹ He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him ¹⁰ with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him ¹¹ also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, ¹² to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory. ¹³ In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, ¹⁴ who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.
 
Message: The Inevitable Question

Time: Paul wrote the letter to the Ephesians sometime in AD 60–61, around the same time he wrote Colossians and Philemon. Ephesians deals with topics at the core of being a Christian - faith and practice, no matter the situation.

What the Lord is Saying:

My Prayer based upon the passage
Lord, I have been blessed by You God, my Father and blessed with every spiritual blessing, in the heavens, in Christ. I am blessed because of being in Christ. God, you chose me to be in Christ before you laid the foundation of this world and you destined me to be holy (set apart) and blameless (without sin) before God. You destined me before hand to be your children through the work and life of Jesus Christ, because of your kindness, the kindness of Your will. Your grace or your gift despite my condition as a sinner, which is a gift from Christ to me. In Christ I have been redeemed through his cleansing blood. You have cleaned me, you have forgiven my sins, simply because of the riches of Your grace which you poor on us. It cost so much and yet you shower that costly gift on us. And even after giving us this gift, in your wise way and in the special knowledge that you have, you have made known to us the mystery of your eternal plan and will, once again according to your kind plan purposed in Christ. This purpose saw the future and saw that all things in Christ, seeing all things in the heavens and on the earth. In Christ, I have an inheritance in my life because of the pre-determined purpose of God. You will work all things after the counsel of His will. In Christ, I am the first to have hope and this praises Him and lifts up His glory. And being in Christ, I, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of being set free, and after listening, believed, I have been sealed in Christ with the Holy Spirit promised to me. The Holy Spirit is given to me as a pledge of a future inheritance, giving me a view to being completely redeemed or saved of being God's own possession. I praise Him and His glory is to be praised for all of this.

My summary of this passage
This is a great prayer and a great passage. There is so much meat to this prayer. God has blessed us. That is a done deal. We have received every spiritual blessing possible. That is a done deal. My position in Christ will never be better or worse than it is now. I have been pardoned, my sins simple excused. I have been redeemed; I've been made right with God. I've been adopted; I am not simply called, but I have been grafted in to be with God. I am a branch, not merely a stick; I am connected with God. I have peace in Christ. There is nothing better than peace.

All of these blessings have been conferred upon me because of one thing: being in Christ. Being in Christ was the result of God choosing me before God laid the foundation of this world. Before the foundation of the world it was determined I would be holy or set apart; I would be blameless or without sin, before God. But, never does this happen because of my works or effort, but because of the work and life of Jesus Christ. My condition of being a sinner is completely irrelevant to my position before Christ. My worth and acceptance before God is based upon Christ, not me. In Christ I have been redeemed through his cleansing blood. Because of Christ I am forgiven. Because of Christ I am clean.

But I am not finished. My work is not done on this earth nor is Christ's work in me done on this earth. In Christ, my purpose is to be for the praise of His Glory. God works all things, in my life, after the counsel of His will. I am never alone here. I have the Holy Spirit in me, working through me, living in me, and still that work points to His Glory. 

TableTalk's assessment
This passage mentions predestination and they want to argue that the doctrine of predestination is central to the Bible. It is not simply a Pauline doctrine, but it is a Bible doctrine. Whether Calvinist, Arminian, Presbyterian, Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican, there is a teaching on predestination. "The difference has to do with the basis of predestination (God's simple foreknowledge or His eternal decree), whether predestination extends to the salvation of individuals, and so forth."

Promise: My position in Christ is because of Christ.

Psalm 106:6-48 - A Call for Us to Remember

Psalm 106:6-48

We have sinned like our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have behaved wickedly. Our fathers in Egypt did not understand Your wonders; they did not remember Your abundant kindnesses, but rebelled by the sea, at the Red Sea. Nevertheless He saved them for the sake of His name, that He might make His power known. Thus He rebuked the Red Sea and it dried up, and He led them through the deeps, as through the wilderness. So He saved them from the hand of the one who hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy. The waters covered their adversaries; not one of them was left. Then they believed His words; they sang His praise. They quickly forgot His works; they did not wait for His counsel, but craved intensely in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert. So He gave them their request, but sent a wasting disease among them. When they became envious of Moses in the camp, and of Aaron, the holy one of the Lord, the earth opened and swallowed up Dathan, and engulfed the company of Abiram. And a fire blazed up in their company; the flame consumed the wicked. They made a calf in Horeb and worshiped a molten image. Thus they exchanged their glory for the image of an ox that eats grass. They forgot God their Savior, who had done great things in Egypt, wonders in the land of Ham and awesome things by the Red Sea. Therefore He said that He would destroy them, had not Moses His chosen one stood in the breach before Him, to turn away His wrath from destroying them. Then they despised the pleasant land; they did not believe in His word, but grumbled in their tents; they did not listen to the voice of the Lord. Therefore He swore to them that He would cast them down in the wilderness, and that He would cast their seed among the nations and scatter them in the lands. They joined themselves also to Baal-peor, and ate sacrifices offered to the dead. Thus they provoked Him to anger with their deeds, and the plague broke out among them. Then Phinehas stood up and interposed, and so the plague was stayed. And it was reckoned to him for righteousness, to all generations forever. They also provoked Him to wrath at the waters of Meribah, so that it went hard with Moses on their account; because they were rebellious against His Spirit, he spoke rashly with his lips. They did not destroy the peoples, as the Lord commanded them, but they mingled with the nations and learned their practices, and served their idols, which became a snare to them. They even sacrificed their sons and their daughters to the demons, and shed innocent blood, the blood of their sons and their daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan; and the land was polluted with the blood. Thus they became unclean in their practices, and played the harlot in their deeds. Therefore the anger of the Lord was kindled against His people and He abhorred His inheritance. Then He gave them into the hand of the nations, and those who hated them ruled over them. Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were subdued under their power. Many times He would deliver them; they, however, were rebellious in their counsel, and so sank down in their iniquity. Nevertheless He looked upon their distress when He heard their cry; and He remembered His covenant for their sake, and relented according to the greatness of His lovingkindness. He also made them objects of compassion in the presence of all their captors. Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the nations, to give thanks to Your holy name and glory in Your praise. Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting even to everlasting. And let all the people say, “Amen.” Praise the Lord!

Message: A call for us to remember

Time: The psalms were written by many different people across a period of a thousand years in Israel's history. They are thought to have been compiled and put together in their present form by some unknown editor shortly after the captivity ended about 537 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

The words of the first 5 verses of Psalm 106 yesterday, in my reading, can basically be summed up with the proclamation that "God is great; His deeds are mighty; His ways are true; so God, show Your favor on us." 

The beginning focus, from this Psalm, is on the greatness of God and the only reason He would show favor to us is because He is great. I was reminded yesterday of my need to speak of His greatness, but also to remember the things that He has done in my life. I began a writing in which I would document those things. I must remember. We must remember. Without remembering, we forget what has occurred and the blessings that we have received. They happen and occur constantly. 

As a kid and even as I got older, I always the theme of that 80s song from Edin-Adahl singing, "Bring back the joy of my salvation." It was a stark reminder that I remember the thrill that I experienced embracing the Gospel and its reality upon my life. 

The rest of this Psalm, is dark, as it speaks to a people that did not remember God. It begins with the memory that we sinned, repeating iniquity (We have sinned like our fathers), and yet God saved us in order to show His power (Nevertheless He saved them for the sake of His name), rescuing them from their foes (redeemed them from the hand of the enemy). For a moment, they believe and sang his praise, but then forgot, got selfish, and blamed God (tempted God in the desert). But they did not simply forget, but they replaced their Love for God with a Love for something else (They made a calf in Horeb and worshiped a molten image). God said He would destroy them, but Moses intervened. But they still did not surrender, but continued in their march away from God (They forgot God their Savior, who had done great things in Egypt) and a plague resulted and their doom was near; but then Phinehas intervened (Phinehas stood up and interposed, and so the plague was stayed). But they continued abandoning God and their descent continued (they mingled with the nations and learned their practices, and served their idols) and even as they spiraled down, He remembered His covenant with them (He remembered His covenant for their sake). We must praise God. Praise the Lord. He restores us and saves us despite our constant attempts to run the other way. We must stay close to Him and remember what we have received, and be thankful and not forget.

Promise: Remember what the Lord has done in my life. Don't forget.

Psalm 119:41-48 - Saved to Testify

Psalm 119:41-48

May Your lovingkindnesses also come to me, 
O Lord, Your salvation according to Your word; 
So I will have an answer for him who reproaches me, 
for I trust in Your word. 
And do not take the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, 
for I wait for Your ordinances. 
So I will keep Your law continually, 
forever and ever. 
And I will walk at liberty, 
for I seek Your precepts. 
I will also speak of Your testimonies before kings 
and shall not be ashamed. 
I shall delight in Your commandments, 
which I love. 
And I shall lift up my hands to Your commandments, which I love; 
and I will meditate on Your statutes.

Message: I am saved to testify of God's kindness, my salvation, His work in me and I live each day for Him. I am not to be silent before men. 

Time: The psalms were written by many different people across a period of a thousand years in Israel's history. They are thought to have been compiled and put together in their present form by some unknown editor shortly after the captivity ended about 537 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

[I'm struggling today, Lord. I am just letting the events of life get me down; back hurting; a couple employees at work not working on work; so much to do at work; and then the daily grind here of making breakfast, lunches and wondering if any dinners are planned; Christmas and presents and just spending more than we should on family pictures; being behind on emails; just many different things - life stuff, that shouldn't drag me down, but does.]

May Your lovingkindnesses also come to me, O Lord, Your salvation according to Your word; Lord, it is your kindness that leads me to repentance. Your kindness has come to me. It is your love for me that leads me to salvation. Your salvation has come to me. I am saved by Grace according to Your word. I am redeemed because you have sent your sin to bear a burden I cannot pay. It makes sense. My works are filthy rags. I need you God.

So I will have an answer for him who reproaches me, for I trust in Your word. Lord, you are the one, you showed me yesterday, that reproaches me and corrects me. You O Lord tell me when I am wrong. But, others do as well. People often tell me that I am silly for believing what I do and in sod doing they mock my faithfulness to You and the Law. But, I trust in You and that is good enough for you and so that is good enough for any of the situations that I am dealing with in my life. I find strength in your Word.

And do not take the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for I wait for Your ordinances. Do not take the word of truth out of my mouth. Lord, help me to remember the words I have remembered from the past. Thank you for the people you placed in my life, to encourage me to memorize your words of truth; to put them into my life, for Phil Floyd and others who helped me in memorization. Use your word each day to remind me of your ordinances, to train me. 


So I will keep Your law continually, forever and ever. I will keep your commandments all my days. This is my desire, my lot, my ambition, to follow you all the days of my life. And I will walk at liberty, for I seek Your precepts. There is freedom in you Lord. I can walk each day in this freedom. Why is their freedom? It is because I seek your precepts. And this is not a burden to me, but something i seek after each day. I seek after You. I want You. 

I will also speak of Your testimonies before kings and shall not be ashamed. I am not in Christ simply for my own benefit and simply to make myself look better, but I am here to speak of You. It is my allegiance to You that is my heart cry. Before kings I will speak of Your work in my life. I will not be ashamed of the Gospel (Romans 1;16). 

I shall delight in Your commandments, which I love. And I shall lift up my hands to Your commandments, which I love; and I will meditate on Your statutes. Lord, at the end of the day, all that should matter in my life is the delight of staying true to Your commandments. Loving those commandments leads me down the correct path. I shall lift up my hands in praise to You and meditate on Your statutes. 

[At the end of the day, what I see is that my heart's desire is to be with the Lord. I need to be reminded, amidst all the pressures of life that God is there. He has saved me. Despite pain and struggles, I need your strength Lord to carry me. Thank you for your kindness. Forgive me for getting too distracted with what is right in front of me at this moment.] 

Promise: There is freedom in Christ. 

Romans 11:23-24 - The Miracle of Restoration

Romans 11:23-24 - ²³ And they also, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. ²⁴ For if you were cut off from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these who are the natural branches be grafted into their own olive tree?

Message: Being Grafted in, Again, Restored

Time: Written in AD 57 from Greece, to the Christians, both Gentile and Jewish in Rome.

What the Lord is Saying: 


The Set Up
Paul continues to be on this theme or explanation of the grafting in of Gentiles. But it really seems to be talking about how God grafts in Gentiles and Jews. He does it based upon his gracious choice (11:5). 

From yesterday, verse 22 was kind of a challenging verse, that I'm not sure if I understood the complete meaning of it: Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God’s kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off.

The phrase "if you continue in His kindness" mesmerized me. According to the Table Talk guide they felt like this wasn't referring to someone losing their salvation, but instead was speaking to the entire Gentile nation, in the same way previously where verses had spoken of the entire Jewish nation. I guess in the context of this particular chapter and these verses, that would seem to make sense as the texts have been talking about corporate Jewish and Gentile nation in the verses. 

Graft in Again - 23
And so now in verse 23, Paul makes the proclamation that if the Gentiles or really anyone does not continue in their unbelief they will be grafted in again. Again, the language here, I see could be somewhat confusing, but to me it is coming from different perspectives. 

God grafts in. It is God's kindness. It is God's foreknowledge. But, it is man's belief. It is man not having pride in his belief or position. It is man not falling from the truth. SO, in some ways these verse give the non-Christian hope. God is not unshakeable. God knows the saved and chooses people, but God's choosing is not random. 

Maybe what Paul is wanting to get across to people is that God is not random because there is obviously potential to think this about God based upon his choosing. But, I definitely do see that he does not choose empty vessels. He doesn't go out and choose people that have no faith or state no belief or make no proclamation of God in their life. God is not random. 

God restores people from all walks of life - 24
In verse 24 mentions olive trees. It mentions a wild tree, a cultivated tree, and then an "own" tree. The final tree being one that people are now a part of, for it is the own tree. Could it be that Paul is simply describing trees of all different sorts or different backgrounds where God restores people to himself? There are wild trees and cultivated trees, so there are people from different backgrounds, but in the end people become part of the grafted in ones, whether they are Jews or Gentiles or whatever. 


Promise: The Lord is able to bring people back to himself, from all walks of life.



 

Romans 11:19-22 - Broken Branches

Romans 11:19-22 - ¹⁹ You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” ²⁰ Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear; ²¹ for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either. ²² Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God’s kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off.

Message: God's kindness leads us to repentance. Those that fall away receive the severity of God.

Time: Written in AD 57 from Greece, to the Christians, both Gentile and Jewish in Rome.

What the Lord is Saying:

Up to this point
I have been walking through text that is talking about the grafting in of the Gentiles because the Jewish people turned to their own way of righteousness rather than accepting the righteousness which is by faith. Paul communicates very directly how God's grace means that people are chosen by God based upon His choosing. Because of this, we never are to be arrogant or prideful about our faith in Christ. We haven't done anything special to deserve it. Yet, through all of this I am to be a witness and proclaim the message of the gospel continually in my life.

Broken branches - 19,20
Remember, branches (the Jewish nation) have been broken so that I might be grafted in. It is prophetic that the Gentile people have been grafted in, brought in to the family of God. However, we are not be conceited. Conceited is somewhat similar to pride, talked about in Romans 11:18. To be conceited is to have an excessively conceited view point of one's abilities or appearance. The focus is not to be on me. But, I am to live in Godly fear. Fear is to have reverential awe of God. Either way, my focus is not to be on my abilities, but instead to be on God and what He has done. 

Set aside for having pride - 21
This is an interesting verse because Paul shows that the Jews were set aside or not grafted in because of their unbelief and then he says that the Gentiles could find themselves in the same predicament because of their pride or self-conceited attitude.  

Kindness and Severity Contrasted - 22
We know earlier that God's kindness leads us to repentance (2:4). The problem with people is they fall away, and God is severe with them. God's kindness however lea2ds to repentance. God chooses people through His kindness. People reject God. Interesting contrast. It's not that God chooses some to hell, but rather they fall from Him and He gives them hell, yet in the reverse He chooses some with His kindness. It is always an interesting contrast. 

Promise: God prunes branches.



 

Romans 9:27-29 - The Salvation of Israel's Remnant

Romans 9:27-29 - 27 Isaiah cries out concerning Israel, “Unlough the number of the sons of Israel be like the sand of the sea, it is the remnant that will be saved; 28 for the Lord will execute His word on the earth, thoroughly and quickly.” 29 And just as Isaiah foretold, “Unless the Lord of Sabaoth had left to us a posterity, We would have become like Sodom, and would have resembled Gomorrah.”

Message: The remnant remains.

Time: Romulus founded ancient Rome about 753 BC. By 600 BC it had become a wealthy, flourishing city with a monarch. Around 500 BC, the monarch was overthrown. A republic resulted and after war, Rome became the only great power in the Mediterranean, succeeding the empire of Alexander the Great. Before and after the birth of Christ, Rome's dominion continued to expand to about two thirds the size of the continental US. At the time Paul wrote, Rome had a population of about 1,000,000. Most were slaves. It was a vast empire, but had many religions present. It is unknown how the church started in Rome, but Gentiles and Jews both were involved. Paul was writing to address a problem, but he wanted to be there and perhaps, make Rome his base for his missionary journey's

What the Lord is Saying:

The key word here is "remnant" in verse 27. Paul is taking a quotation from Isaiah 10:22, " For though your people, O Israel, may be like the sand of the sea, a remnant within them will return; A destruction is determined, overflowing with righteousness." However, from what I have read, Paul is not quoting from the Hebrew, but from the Greek version of this verse for the phrase, "A destruction is determined, overflowing with righteousness" has been excluded here by Paul. The focus though, I think Paul is making here, is that not everyone who is of Israel will return or be saved or escape judgment.

We turn our focus toward God and trust Him for outcomes. Paul is speaking to Jews though (and Gentiles) in Rome. But, I think he just wants to make another point that God chooses. God determines. God is sovereign. God knows. I don't think Paul is saying that the door is closed on the Jew or those of Israel. But, he is saying that there are some that will be saved and some that will not be saved.

In verse 28, we can also look at Isaiah 10:23 which says, "For a complete destruction, one that is decreed, the Lord God of hosts will execute in the midst of the whole land."

The comfort that I can receive from all of these verses is God has a purpose. He has a plan. And I can trust Him for that plan and that purpose. God will work. He execute his plan on the earth. It is also amazing that this is seen to be thorough and quick. As I age and get older, life gets quicker. Life is on a sprint at the moment and I think it will continue.  

I need to not get focused on the outcome, but remain focused on the repentance. I need to remain focused on acknowledging my sin before God and coming before Jesus and asking forgiveness. I recognize that Jesus is the healer. He is the One. I can trust in Him. He leads me to God and takes me there by His life. That is the focus of my days. 

Promise: Through the Lord's mercy, a remnant of His followers will remain. All Sin. All Loved. All called. A remnant remains. 

Romans 2:3-5 - Presuming upon God's Kindness

Romans 2:3-5 3 But do you suppose this, O man, when you pass judgment on those who practice such things and do the same yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? 5 But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,

Message: Judgment and the Kindness of God

Time: Written sometime in AD 57-58, probably from Corinth, at the end of Paul's third missionary journey. Chapter 2 seems to be written to the Jew though the Jew is not addressed till verse 17.

What the Lord is Saying:

As a review, Romans 2 is not telling us how to be saved, but telling us how God will judge. Many Jews believed that because of the promise God gave Abraham that they would therefore escape the judgment of God, though the Gentile would be judged.

The Jews are being addressed here in verse 3 as they often were in the practice of judging others. Paul wanted to clearly show that their judging did not mean they would escape God's wrath.

Again, the purpose of this chapter and all words spoken by Paul, as we discovered earlier in chapter one is to point people to Jesus. Here, talking about judgment, should remind us that Jesus took on Himself the entire wrath of God. We can escape the results of judgment by embracing Christ and what He has done for us on the cross.

I have always struggled a little with the contrast from verse 3 to verse 4. What does the kindness of God have to do with judgment?

In studying this, I read a sermon by Brian Bill. He states:

The riches of God’s kindness and the complexities of God’s judgment are difficult to fully comprehend. This passage teaches that God is kind and He condemns; He is love and He has laws; He is just and He is the justifier of the unjust.

When God judges sin, He is pronouncing a judgment based upon the sin we have committed. We are sinners. When a judge judges a person in a courtroom. The focus is on the crime the person committed and whether the person truly committed the crime.

In contrast, it is God's desire to have people repent. If God's desire was judgment then God would judge people the moment they sin. I find it funny that people often are bothered that God allows sin to occur. People think that if God is real he should deal with bad things immediately and yet they don't want Him to do this in their own life, but just in ways that they deem appropriate.

1. But, God's kindness is wonderful. He is kind to us by not dealing with us the moment we sin, but giving us a chance to repent. Psalm 145:17 says, "The Lord is righteous in all His ways and loving toward what he has made." God loves us so much that he wants to redeem us. Sin should produce sorrow. Sin should not produce an accusation. 
2. God is tolerant meaning he "holds back" judgment on two warring parties. Psalm 130:3, "If you O Lord kept a record of sin, O Lord, who could stand?" 
3. He is patient. He holds back what we deserve. Again, he is given us an opportunity to repent or turn from our sin. 

Yet, verse 5 presents a horrible reality of man. Man is stubborn. Man won't repent. Despite the fact that God doesn't judge us on the spot, man doesn't recognize his sin and continues in it. Thus, he is continually storing up more and more wrath from God. God's case against man is growing. And at some point God, a revelation of all the sin of man will occur and man will be accountable for his wrongdoing. 


Promise: God doesn't want to judge man. God wants man to repent.