Happy Reformation Day!

Please enjoy this partial post from the Desiring God blog...the whole thing can be linked from HERE.

From John Piper-

Dear Friends,

Today is Reformation Day. Martin Luther posted his explosive 95 theses October 31, 1517. In the wake of Luther’s life, an army of Reformers soon emerged. Foremost among them was John Calvin. Together they recovered for the church the supreme authority and clarity of the Scriptures. Grace-erasing tradition had buried the glory of the gospel. But now light was breaking out. So the Reformers took up a Latin phrase to describe the wonder: “Post Tenebras Lux”—“After Darkness... Light.”

In honor of Calvin’s ministry and, even more, in celebration of the God who restored the gospel to his church, we are making this video available today. My prayer is that it would stir in your heart a fresh passion for the majesty of the word of God.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Something Dies

“¹³ For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” (Romans 8:13, ESV)

John Owen wrote a classic book in the 17th Century titled On The Mortification of Sin and he describes how we will either be actively killing sin in our life or sin will be killing us.  The apostle Paul made this clear in Romans 8 as cited above.

I have been enjoying a read of the following book that is easier to read and adapts John Owen's teaching into a shorter book...

Available at Amazon for Kindle or paperback

Another good option is this pdf that summarizes John Owens book and it contains a link to an even more detailed outline that is also very good if you want to get deeper into the topic...

Resurgence posting of Mortification of Sin outline HERE

Or go to the original...

Available at Amazon for Kindle or paperback

Soli Deo Gloria!

The New Plan!

So here is the new plan for this blog.  As you have noticed I stopped posting a couple months ago due to a ministry project that was taking my morning time and this has since left and returned in a couple variations but this time off has given me opportunity to evaluate my heart and what I was doing with the blog.  Here are my thoughts below...

Positives-

• Blog is valuable ministry tool for communication and encouragement of the saints
• Blog is valuable tool for making other resources easily available to folks in my men's group and such
• Blog is encouragement to those who want to see that Jeff is still fired up if that gives them hope of sustained joy or zeal as well

Negatives-

• Blog is a strain on my morning time and can be a distraction from God
• Blog is a source of spiritual pride or frustration as I am more or less successful in posting something "worthwhile"
• Blog too easily becomes my goal each morning rather than connecting with God

Conclusion-

I have decided that I will post once a week, probably on the weekend, to summarize what God is hitting me with through personal study, fellowship, looking at other resources, etc.  The posts will not really be an effort at expository reflection or anything fancy but rather sort of a weekly wrap-up that might include links to favorite blog posts or sermons or other messages or books or whatever.  

So there it is...once a week.  Let's go with that and see what happens.  

Soli Deo Gloria!

Calvary Love

I love meditating on what was happening during those hours that Jesus was on the cross.  

Jesus faced the worst temptation imaginable while suffering ultimate wrath and simultaneous abandonment at the hand of His Father- He could have released His hold on the universe and at once there would have existed NOTHING but the triune God of all eternity…IT WAS NOT NAILS THAT HELD HIM TO THAT CROSS! The Lion of the tribe of Judah has a warrior heart-

John Piper has written a beautiful poem that captures the heart of the matter.

Unsure when I will be blogging again and I am reconsidering the way I was doing it...

Soli Deo Gloria!

Still Here

Well- It's now been a month since my last post and I am still entrenched in a project that requires my morning hours in study and preparation of a 10-part series on the Christian Faith.

I think it may be as long as another month before I will be able to return to my journaling practice in my daily reading. I truly long to get back to this regular verse by verse study and I hope that anyone looking at this is themselves digging daily into God's Word for the nourishment of their soul.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Jeff

A New Direction

For anyone peeking into this blog, I will probably not be posting for a spell (maybe as long as a couple weeks or even a month) in order to focus on something new that now requires much of my morning time.

Since you took the trouble to look today, here are some captions from the first couple chapters of Jonathan Edward's Religious Affections (1746):

By this means, the devil gratifies himself, by bringing it to pass, that that should be offered to God, by multitudes, under a notion of a pleasing acceptable service to him, that is indeed above all things abominable to him. By this means he deceives great multitudes about the state of their souls; making them think they are something, when they are nothing; and so eternally undoes them; and not only so, but establishes many in a strong confidence of their eminent holiness, who are in God's sight some of the vilest of hypocrites. 

DOCTRINE. True religion, in great part, consists in holy affections. 

We see that the apostle, in observing and remarking the operations and exercises of religion in the Christians he wrote to, wherein their religion appeared to be true and of the right kind, when it had its greatest trial of what sort it was, being tried by persecution as gold is tried in the fire, and when their religion not only proved true, but was most pure, and cleansed from its dross and mixtures of that which was not true, and when religion appeared in them most in its genuine excellency and native beauty, and was found to praise, and honor, and glory; he singles out the religious affections of love and joy, that were then in exercise in them: these are the exercises of religion he takes notice of wherein their religion did thus appear true and pure, and in its proper glory. Here, I would,
As all the exercises of the inclination and will, are either in approving and liking, or disapproving and rejecting; so the affections are of two sorts; they are those by which the soul is carried out to what is in view, cleaving to it, or seeking it; or those by which it is averse from it, and opposes it. 

That religion which God requires, and will accept, does not consist in weak, dull, and lifeless wishes, raising us but a little above a state of indifference: God, in his word, greatly insists upon it, that we be good in earnest, "fervent in spirit," and our hearts vigorously engaged in religion: Rom. 12:11, "Be ye fervent in spirit, serving the Lord." Deut. 10:12, "And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord the God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul?" and chap. 6:4, 6, "Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy might." It is such a fervent vigorous engagedness of the heart in religion, that is the fruit of a real circumcision of the heart, or true regeneration, and that has the promises of life; Deut. 30:6, "And the Lord thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live." 

If we be not in good earnest in religion, and our wills and inclinations be not strongly exercised, we are nothing. The things of religion are so great, that there can be no suitableness in the exercises of our hearts, to their nature and importance, unless they be lively and powerful. In nothing is vigor in the actings of our inclinations so requisite, as in religion; and in nothing is lukewarmness so odious. True religion is evermore a powerful thing; and the power of it appears, in the first place in the inward exercises of it in the heart, where is the principal and original seat of it. Hence true religion is called the power of godliness, in distinction from the external appearances of it, that are the form of it, 2 Tim. 3:5: "Having a form of godliness, but denying thepower of it." The Spirit of God, in those that have sound and solid religion, is a spirit of powerful holy affection; and therefore, God is said "to have given the Spirit of power, and of love, and of a sound mind," 2 Tim. 1:7. And such, when they receive the Spirit of God, in his sanctifying and saving influences, are said to be "baptized with the Holy Ghost, and with fire;" by reason of the power and fervor of those exercises the Spirit of God excites in their hearts, whereby their hearts, when grace is in exercise, may be said to "burn within them;" as is said of the disciples, Luke 24:32. 

And though true grace has various degrees, and there are some that are but babes in Christ, in whom the exercise of the inclination and will, towards divine and heavenly things, is comparatively weak; yet everyone that has the power of godliness in his heart, has his inclinations and heart exercised towards God and divine things, with such strength and vigor that these holy exercises do prevail in him above all carnal or natural affections, and are effectual to overcome them: for every true disciple of Christ "loves him above father or mother, wife and children, brethren and sisters, houses and lands: yea, than his own life." From hence it follows, that wherever true religion is, there are vigorous exercises of the inclination and will towards divine objects: but by what was said before, the vigorous, lively, and sensible exercises of the will, are no other than the affections of the soul. 

Such is man's nature, that he is very inactive, any otherwise than he is influenced by some affection, either love or hatred, desire, hope, fear, or some other. These affections we see to be the springs that set men agoing, in all the affairs of life, and engage them in all their pursuits: these are the things that put men forward, and carry them along, in all their worldly business; and especially are men excited and animated by these, in all affairs wherein they are earnestly engaged, and which they pursue with vigor. We see the world of mankind to be exceeding busy and active; and the affections of men are the springs of the motion: take away all love and hatred, all hope and fear, all anger, zeal, and affectionate desire, and the world would be, in a great measure motionless and dead; there would be no such thing as activity amongst mankind, or any earnest pursuit whatsoever. It is affection that engages the covetous man, and him that is greedy of worldly profits, in his pursuits; and it is by the affections, that the ambitious man is put forward in pursuit of worldly glory; and it is the affections also that actuate the voluptuous man, in his pursuit of pleasure and sensual delights: the world continues, from age to age, in a continual commotion and agitation, in a pursuit of these things, but take away all affection, and the spring of all this motion would be gone, and the motion itself would cease. And as in worldly things, worldly affections are very much the spring of men's motion and action; so in religious matters, the spring of their actions is very much religious affection: he that has doctrinal knowledge and speculation only, without affection, never is engaged in the business of religion. 

3. Nothing is more manifest in fact, than that the things of religion take hold of men's souls, no further than they affect them. There are multitudes that often hear the word of God, and therein hear of those things that are infinitely great and important, and that most nearly concern them, and all that is heard seems to be wholly ineffectual upon them, and to make no alteration in their disposition or behavior; and the reason is, they are not affected with what they hear. There are many that often hear of the glorious perfections of God, his almighty power and boundless wisdom, his infinite majesty, and that holiness of God, by which he is of purer eyes than to behold evil, and cannot look on iniquity, and the heavens are not pure in his sight, and of God's infinite goodness and mercy, and hear of the great works of God's wisdom, power and goodness, wherein there appear the admirable manifestations of these perfections; they hear particularly of the unspeakable love of God and Christ, and of the great things that Christ has done and suffered, and of the great things of another world, of eternal misery in bearing the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God, and of endless blessedness and glory in the presence of God, and the enjoyment of his dear love; they also hear the peremptory commands of God, and his gracious counsels and warnings, and the sweet invitations of the gospel; I say, they often hear these things and yet remain as they were before, with no sensible alteration in them, either in heart or practice, because they are not affected with what they hear; and ever will be so till they are affected.--I am bold to assert, that there never was any considerable change wrought in the mind or conversation of any person, by anything of a religious nature, that ever he read, heard or saw, that had not his affections moved. Never was a natural man engaged earnestly to seek his salvation; never were any such brought to cry after wisdom, and lift up their voice for understanding, and to wrestle with God in prayer for mercy; and never was one humbled, and brought to the foot of God, from anything that ever he heard or imagined of his own unworthiness and deserving of God's displeasure; nor was ever one induced to fly for refuge unto Christ, while his heart remained unaffected.

My paraphrase:

Affections are thus- Fear, Hope, Love, Hatred of sin, Holy Desire for God, Holy Joy, Religious Sorrow, Mourning, and Brokenness, Gratitude and praise to God, Compassion, Zeal.

From hence it clearly and certainly appears, that great part of true religion consists in the affections. For love is not only one of the affections, but it is the first and chief of the affections, and the fountain of all the affections. From love arises hatred of those things which are contrary to what we love, or which oppose and thwart us in those things that we delight in: and from the various exercises of love and hatred, according to the circumstances of the objects of these affections, as present or absent, certain or uncertain, probable or improbable, arise all those other affections of desire, hope, fear, joy, grief, gratitude, anger, &c. From a vigorous, affectionate, and fervent love to God, will necessarily arise other religious affections; hence will arise an intense hatred and abhorrence of sin, fear of sin, and a dread of God's displeasure, gratitude to God for his goodness, complacence and joy in God, when God is graciously and sensibly present, and grief when he is absent, and a joyful hope when a future enjoyment of God is expected, and fervent zeal for the glory of God. And in like manner, from a fervent love to men, will arise all other virtuous affections towards men. 

All who are truly religious are not of this world, they are strangers here, and belong to heaven; they are born from above, heaven is their native country, and the nature which they receive by this heavenly birth, is a heavenly nature, they receive an anointing from above; that principle of true religion which is in them, is a communication of the religion of heaven; their grace is the dawn of glory; and God fits them for that world by conforming them to it. 

To instance in the duty of prayer: it is manifest, we are not appointed in this duty, to declare God's perfections, his majesty, holiness, goodness, and all-sufficiency, and our own meanness, emptiness, dependence, and unworthiness, and our wants and desires, to inform God of these things, or to incline his heart, and prevail with him to be willing to show us mercy; but suitably to affect our own hearts with the things we express, and so to prepare us to receive the blessings we ask. And such gestures and manner of external behavior in the worship of God, which custom has made to be significations of humility and reverence, can be of no further use than as they have some tendency to affect our own hearts, or the hearts of others. 

And the duty of singing praises to God seems to be appointed wholly to excite and express religious affections. No other reason can be assigned why we should express ourselves to God in verse, rather than in prose, and do it with music but only, that such is our nature and frame, that these things have a tendency to move our affections.
But yet it is evident, that religion consists so much in affection, as that without holy affection there is no true religion; and no light in the understanding is good, which does not produce holy affection in the heart: no habit or principle in the heart is good, which has no such exercise; and no external fruit is good, which does not proceed from such exercises.
But how insensible and unmoved are most men, about the great things of another world! How dull are their affections! How heavy and hard their hearts in these matters! Here their love is cold, their desires languid, their zeal low, and their gratitude small. How they can sit and hear of the infinite height, and depth, and length, and breadth of the love of God in Christ Jesus, of his giving his infinitely dear Son, to be offered up a sacrifice for the sins of men, and of the unparalleled love of the innocent, and holy, and tender Lamb of God, manifested in his dying agonies, his bloody sweat, his loud and bitter cries, and bleeding heart, and all this for enemies, to redeem them from deserved, eternal burnings, and to bring to unspeakable and everlasting joy and glory; and yet be cold, and heavy, insensible, and regardless! Where are the exercises of our affections proper, if not here? What is it that does more require them? And what can be a fit occasion of their lively and vigorous exercise, if not such a one as this? Can anything be set in our view, greater and more important? Any thing more wonderful and surprising? Or more nearly concerning our interest? Can we suppose the wise Creator implanted such principles in the human nature as the affections, to be of use to us, and to be exercised on certain proper occasions, but to lie still on such an occasion as this? 

There also the hateful nature of our sins is manifested in the most affecting manner possible: as we see the dreadful effects of them, in that our Redeemer, who undertook to answer for us, suffered for them. And there we have the most affecting manifestation of God's hatred of sin, and his wrath and justice in punishing it; as we see his justice in the strictness and inflexibleness of it; and his wrath in its terribleness, in so dreadfully punishing our sins, in one who was infinitely dear to him, and loving to us. So has God disposed things, in the affair of our redemption, and in his glorious dispensations, revealed to us in the gospel, as though everything were purposely contrived in such a manner, as to have the greatest possible tendency to reach our hearts in the most tender part, and move our affections most sensibly and strongly. How great cause have we therefore to be humbled to the dust, that we are no more affected!

Soli Deo Gloria!

Story of The Broken Roof (part 6)

Today's Reading: Mark 2:8-11

Mark 2:8–11 (ESV)⁸ And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question these things in your hearts? ⁹ Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’? ¹⁰ But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— ¹¹ “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.”

Story of The Broken Roof (part 5)

Today's Reading: Mark 2:6-7

Mark 2:6–7 (ESV)⁶ Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, ⁷ “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

Comment: See part 1 for a full outline of observations and questions.

Story of the Broken Roof (part 4)

Today's Reading: Mark 2:5

Mark 2:5 (ESV)

5 And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

Story of The Broken Roof (part 3)

Today's Reading: Mark 2:1-12

Comments: I am marching down the outline of my observations and questions raised in this passage. See part one for the full outline.

Further reflection beginning at verse 3 in addition to yesterday's thoughts- 

Mark 2:3–4 (ESV)³ And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. ⁴ And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay.

Story of the Broken Roof (part 2)

Today's Reading: Mark 2:1-12

Mark 2:1–12 (ESV)

2 And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. ² And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. ³ And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. ⁴ And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. ⁵ And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” ⁶ Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, ⁷ “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” ⁸ And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question these things in your hearts? ⁹ Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’? ¹⁰ But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— ¹¹ “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” ¹² And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”

Jesus was teaching in a home-

Q- What does this teach about the time and place for working for the kingdom?

A- Lord I think you call me to be ready to share my faith anywhere and anytime. I think that you want me teaching my family and considering your Word everywhere I go…

Deuteronomy 6:6–9 (ESV)

⁶ And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. ⁷ You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. ⁸ You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. ⁹ You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)

¹⁵ but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

Ephesians 5:20 (ESV)

²⁰ giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Many were gathered together and it included scribes. It seems that there are varied motives and desires among the people gathered around Jesus-

Q- Is there something taught here about what brings us to hear the Word of God or to consider Jesus and how are supposed to view Him that might be different than our initial concept of Him? 

A- Lord you bring all of us to hear your voice in different ways and using different motivations. You make it clear here that my initial view of you may not be accurate and that I always need to be open to your revelation and correction of my perspective as you corrected the perspective of may that were there in that house this day. Please teach me to listen and to consider what it is you are asking of me as I read your Word and as I consider your teaching.

Q-Does it speak to our attitudes and our humility and our surrender to who He is rather than what we want?

A- Lord you display a scenario where it takes humility and a willingness to surrender to what you are here to do rather than my holding on to what I think I want to happen or what I would like to see you do in my life. You demonstrate to various men here that your purpose is independent of what might be driving and motivating us and that we do best to surrender to your purpose.

Some faithful friends carry a man in through the roof to get him before Jesus-

Q- What does this teach about friendship and brotherhood?

A- This is an awesome picture of faithful friends going to battle for one another. These men that were willing to roll up their sleeves to help their friend out is a great display of the brotherhood that you call me to participate in Lord. 

Q- What does this teach about commitment and conviction and radical obedience?

A- These men were radical in their obedience to their faith. They were certain that Jesus was the answer to their friends troubles and they stopped at nothing to get to Him. Their obedience to this conviction was radical and they were clearly not going to be discouraged by some difficulty or the need for hard work.

Q-  What does this teach about taking risk for the kingdom?

A- It seems necessary to take risk in the service of your kingdom Lord. These men risked physical harm, embarrassment,  the cost of house repair, and possibly imprisonment in order to get their friend before Jesus. Please give me similar trust and teach me to risk like this in the calling you give me to serve and lead my family as well as in ministry.

Q- What does this teach about trusting Jesus supremely?

A- These men trusted beyond doubt that you were the answer to their troubles. These men were certain that you had the power to heal their friend. These men trusted that you were worth the risk and the rouble. 

Q- What does this teach about not wasting your life by pursing other things when Jesus is waiting?

A- These men didn't wait another minute before they charged toward you Jesus. These men could have said something like "well, there isn't any room so we will just come back tomorrow or maybe catch him at another time really soon." No- these men were serious about seeing you immediately. They felt an urgency and had a sincere purpose that was wrapped up in you Lord. Please teach me to also live with this sense of urgency and this purpose that is all about you Lord. Let me not pass off service to your kingdom today for the sake of doing it tomorrow. Please teach me to make your kingdom top priority in my life that I might not waste time and effort on things that really don't matter.

Thank you for your Word Lord. Please continue to teach me as I consider what you reveal in this passage. Let me see the application for my life. I ask this to the glory of your name, amen.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Story of The Broken Roof

Today's Reading: Mark 2:1-5

	Overview-
	So here Jesus is preaching in a small house that is cramped for space and people are there each for their various reasons. Five men (one paralyzed) interrupt the meeting as they break through the roof to get the paralyzed man to Jesus as they no doubt have heard of the other paralytics healed by Jesus recently. Jesus doesn't heal him right away but rather declares his sin forgiven. Then, seemingly in response to the unspoken thoughts of the pharisees in the house, Jesus heals the man to evidence His authority to forgive sins. God is glorified greatly in this little home and there are numerous lessons that seem to be available here in this passage.
	Mark 2:1–5 (ESV) 2 And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. 2 And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. 3 And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. 4 And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. 5 And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

See Me For Who "I Am" (part 5)

Today's Reading: Psalm 90:9-11

Psalm 90:9–11 (ESV) 9  For all our days pass away under your wrath;
we bring our years to an end like a sigh.
 10  The years of our life are seventy,
or even by reason of strength eighty;
  yet their span is but toil and trouble;
they are soon gone, and we fly away.
 11  Who considers the power of your anger,
and your wrath according to the fear of you?

Prayer: Lord please illuminate your Word and as I briefly reflect on what you are showing regarding your wrath I pray that you would give me insight and wisdom that would lead to an appropriate response to this wrath that you poured onto your Son in my place. Thank you for your grace that shields me Lord. I ask this in Jesus name, amen.

Comments: See Part 1 for the complete outline on the Psalm.

Verses 9-11

• You bear wrath on behalf of your creation (holiness and justice results in a hatred of sin that brings the execution of wrath- which is good because you do it)

Lord it seems you reference Israel specifically here as Moses probably writes in reflection of how they are wandering the desert for this 40 years waiting for the generation to pass that resisted in unbelief and was refused therefore the right to enter the promised land. Moses may be lamenting about this time of passing under your wrath. I also see Lord that our days pass under your wrath in that we only know death and a limit of days because of our sin from Adam. I live under this understanding that compared to you this life is a vapor and is burdened with the result of sin and there is a curse of your wrath in this place. We toil and work for survival and for freedom from our own selfishness and sin in this fallen world. The limitation of my years stresses this huge contrast to who you are and to what I now have in your Son…eternal life! How beautiful is the last words of verse 10 that we fly away…like the hymn celebrating our reunion and redemption as we fly away from this world unto your heavenly realm, thank you that we have such a promise that being absent from the body is to be present with the Lord when we have trusted in your Son!

But do I consider the power of your anger adequately and does this influence my life in any way? Should it? Should your wrath be considered "according to the fear of you"? It would seem clear by inference here that you are advising such. It must be a narrow road for those that will honestly reflect and consider your wrath and how it is that this reality should influence us. Now Moses did not know of your cross yet and grace was not something understood yet, although you clearly dealt by grace already as this was the basis of your entire tabernacle and substitutionary process of sacrifice. So would Moses say this same thing to me today? Would he suggest that I am to reflect on your wrath? Should I, as a believer saved by grace through faith in your Son consider your wrath? Don't you want me to look forward to heaven and to rejoice in your grace? 

Ah, but how can I truly see the greatness of the glory of your grace and appreciate the heaven that you prepare for me if I do not understand what would have been my fate ? And how do I understand the love you have for me if I do not understand the ferocity with which you punished the substitute who took my place? Would I not develop a reliance on you that was rooted in the ideas of a spoiled child who deserves the love they receive and such a misunderstanding of your grace that I would abuse it and heap pain upon my savior to whom is due all praise and glory? I cannot add one iota nor am I worthy or capable of easing the sacrifice you made Lord Jesus, but let me honor that sacrifice with my life. Let me live in gratitude and let me obey you as this is your request…this is the reality of how I will live if indeed I love you.

Let me tonight consider these questions and search your Word for such a fullness of this inquiry and an understanding of how you lead me in this area of considering the terribleness of your wrath and what it should cause in me…maybe joy, compassion, obedience, eternal security and confidence, hunger for you, scales removed and a reality that understands your kingdom here on earth in the land of the living...

From Berkhof Systematic Theology-

Sin is a very serious matter, and is taken seriously by God, though men often make light of it. It is not only a transgression of the law of God, but an attack on the great Lawgiver Himself, a revolt against God. It is an infringement on the inviolable righteousness of God, which is the very foundation of His throne (Ps. 97:2), and an affront to the spotless holiness of God, which requires of us that we be holy in all manner of living (1 Pet. 1:16). In view of this it is but natural that God should visit sin with punishment. In a word of fundamental significance He says: “I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me,” Ex. 20:5. The Bible abundantly testifies to the fact that God punishes sin both in this life and in the life to come.

From Grudem's Systematic Theology-

Wrath. It may surprise us to find how frequently the Bible talks about the wrath of God. Yet if God loves all that is right and good, and all that conforms to his moral character, then it should not be surprising that he would hate everything that is opposed to his moral character. God’s wrath directed against sin is therefore closely related to God’s holiness and justice. God’s wrath may be defined as follows: God’s wrath means that he intensely hates all sin.
Grudem, W. A. (2004). Systematic theology: An introduction to biblical doctrine (205–206). Leicester, England; Grand Rapids, MI: Inter-Varsity Press; Zondervan Pub. House.

Genesis 6:17 (ESV)¹⁷ For behold, I will bring a flood of waters upon the earth to destroy all flesh in which is the breath of life under heaven. Everything that is on the earth shall die. 

1 Chronicles 21:14–16 (ESV)¹⁴ So the Lord sent a pestilence on Israel, and 70,000 men of Israel fell. ¹⁵ And God sent the angel to Jerusalem to destroy it, but as he was about to destroy it, the Lord saw, and he relented from the calamity. And he said to the angel who was working destruction, “It is enough; now stay your hand.” And the angel of the Lord was standing by the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. ¹⁶ And David lifted his eyes and saw the angel of the Lord standing between earth and heaven, and in his hand a drawn sword stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders, clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces. 

Exodus 32:26–28 (ESV)²⁶ then Moses stood in the gate of the camp and said, “Who is on the Lord’s side? Come to me.” And all the sons of Levi gathered around him. ²⁷ And he said to them, “Thus says the Lord God of Israel, ‘Put your sword on your side each of you, and go to and fro from gate to gate throughout the camp, and each of you kill his brother and his companion and his neighbor.’ ” ²⁸ And the sons of Levi did according to the word of Moses. And that day about three thousand men of the people fell.

Lord you give many examples of your wrath being poured out in a temporal sense in the old testament and it could seem as if you were a God of wrath that turned into a new testament God of love. The great flood is the highest example of your hatred of sin and the pouring out of your temporal wrath on earth. However, none of the instances of your wrath represented in the old testament are the fullness of your wrath since you are infinite and eternal and therefore an injustice toward you, as revealed in scripture, requires an infinite and eternal payment. The truth is that the new testament speaks of terrible wrath to come…

John 3:36 (ESV)³⁶ Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. 

Romans 2:8 (ESV)⁸ but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. 

Revelation 6:16–17 (ESV)¹⁶ calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, ¹⁷ for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?” 

Revelation 19:15 (ESV)¹⁵ From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.

From Grudem's Systematic Theology-

It is appropriate to discuss the doctrine of hell in connection with the doctrine of final judgment. We may define hell as follows: Hell is a place of eternal conscious punishment for the wicked. Scripture teaches in several passages that there is such a place. At the end of the parable of the talents, the master says, “Cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth” (Matt. 25:30). This is one among several indications that there will be consciousness of punishment after the final judgment. Similarly, at the judgment the king will say to some, “Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matt. 25:41), and Jesus says that those thus condemned “will go away into eternal punishment but the righteous into eternal life” (Matt. 25:46). In this text, the parallel between “eternal life” and “eternal punishment” indicates that both states will be without end. 

Jesus refers to hell as “the unquenchable fire” (Mark 9:43), and says that hell is a place “where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched” (Mark 9:48). The story of the rich man and Lazarus also indicates a horrible consciousness of punishment:
The rich man also died and was buried; and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes, and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus in his bosom, and he called out, “Father Abraham, have mercy upon me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame.” (Luke 16:22–24)
He then begs Abraham to send Lazarus to his father’s house, “for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment” (Luke 16:28).
When we turn to Revelation, the descriptions of this eternal punishment are also very explicit:
If anyone worships the beast and its image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also shall drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured unmixed into the cup of his anger, and he shall be tormented with fire and sulphur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image and whoever receives the mark of its name. (Rev. 14:9–11) 

This passage very clearly affirms the idea of eternal conscious punishment of unbelievers.
Grudem, W. A. (2004). Systematic theology: An introduction to biblical doctrine (1148–1149). Leicester, England; Grand Rapids, MI: Inter-Varsity Press; Zondervan Pub. House.

So Lord, the reality is that the new testament presents far worse manifestation of your wrath in an eternal unending sense now graduating from a temporal earthly display. The ferocity seen in the flood, seen in the 70,000 Israelites slayed by one mighty angel, seen in the Levites slaughtering 3,000 idol worshiping Israelites at Sinai is intensified in the lake of fire and the second death that is revealed in the new testament. So too is the intensity of your love and grace displayed perfectly at the Cross and this is, of course, the solution to this terrible would-be fate.  

Lord the level to which you hate sin and how you will punish the unrepentant sinner forever and ever evidences the degree of your love for us in that you poured this very wrath that was stored up for us, in the case of your church (the believers), on your Son with the same ferocity and intensity. Your own Son bore what was due to me and would have taken me eternity to never even finish paying for. Somehow your perfect Son was able to atone for this unpayable debt I had to you and I was therefore redeemed and given new life in Him! 

Let this understanding of your wrath move me to the following ends:

• Gratitude for your grace and the demerited favor you have chosen to show me
• May I therefore respond in loving obedience and surrender to your Lordship
• Hunger for holiness and a transformed life by the power of your Spirit
• May I therefore take joy in spiritual disciplines that draw me near to you
• Longing to see my family honor you and seek you first
• May I therefore sacrifice myself in service to my wife and lead my family with humility and love
• Compassion for the lost 
• May I therefore take seriously the great commission to make disciples and may I be a fisher of men 

Please show me Lord what these ends look like in practical ways so that they are not just lofty thoughts but reality in my life. I ask these things to the glory of your name, amen.

Discussion on Wrath from Piper's Desiring God website...

Soli Deo Gloria!

See Me For Who "I Am" (part 4)

Well maybe by tonight there will be a part 4!

Thank you Lord for your faithfulness and for you grace that sustains us even when we deserve the opposite.

Here is an incredible sermon by John Piper on God's sovereign grace...check it our if you have not heard this one yet:

Sustained by Sovereign Grace Forever- John Piper 1996 (Audio Only)

See Me For Who "I Am" (part 3)

Today's Reading: Psalm 90:8

Psalm 90:8 (ESV) ⁸  You have set our iniquities before you,
our secret sins in the light of your presence.

Comments: See Part 1 for the complete outline on the Psalm.

See Me For Who "I Am" (part 2)

Today's Reading: Psalm 90:3-7 (this link takes you to ESV bible online and it can read the text to you if you like)

Comments: See Part 1 for the complete outline on the Psalm.

Psalm 90:3–7 (ESV) 3  You return man to dust
and say, “Return, O children of man!”
 4  For a thousand years in your sight
are but as yesterday when it is past,
or as a watch in the night.
 5  You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream,
like grass that is renewed in the morning:
 6  in the morning it flourishes and is renewed;
in the evening it fades and withers.
 7  For we are brought to an end by your anger;
by your wrath we are dismayed.

See Me For Who "I Am" (part 1)

Today's Reading: Psalm 90:1-2

Setting-

From the Bible Knowledge Commentary-

Contrasting God’s eternity with human transitoriness, and confessing that man’s days pass away in God’s wrath, the psalmist prayed that the compassionate God would give His people success for their labors and joy for their sorrows.
According to the superscription the psalm is “a prayer of Moses, the man of God” (cf. Deut. 33:1). There are no compelling reasons to reject this view, though many commentators do. If it was written by Moses, the occasion of his writing it is unknown. However, the period of the wilderness wanderings, when a generation of Israelites perished in the desert, readily suggests itself as the background for the psalm. If Moses was the author this is the oldest of the 150 psalms.
Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). Vol. 1: The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (859). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

Thank you for this amazing picture of how the contrast between us and you can give such hope and such comfort to those that would fear you and that would trust in your Son. Thank you for the ways that you are not like us and how these attributes make all the difference in how I may relate to you and how I might try to understand the world I live in and how I relate to it. Please help me to unpack the wisdom that you have placed in this Psalm, likely written before all the others. Let me not make anything up Lord but illuminate your Word and allow me to draw correct and meaningful conclusions that I can apply to my life today.

Your Provision is Good

Today's Reading: Numbers 11

	Self pity-
	Numbers 11:1 (ESV) 11 And the people complained in the hearing of the Lord about their misfortunes, and when the Lord heard it, his anger was kindled, and the fire of the Lord burned among them and consumed some outlying parts of the camp.

Watch and Listen

Today's Reading: Numbers 10

	Setting-
	So Israel has been at the base of mount Sinai for about a year now… From the ESV Study Bible- Israel Strikes Camp at Sinai. The people of Israel have been at Sinai for almost a full year (see Ex. 19:1). Israel now leaves Sinai to begin its journey to the Promised Land under the guidance and direction of the shekinah glory (i.e., the dwelling glory cloud). This text describes the striking of the Israelite camp and the order of march of the tribes. Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (281). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
	Sound the call!-
	Numbers 10:1–2 (ESV)10 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Make two silver trumpets. Of hammered work you shall make them, and you shall use them for summoning the congregation and for breaking camp.

Of Course I Want You

Today's Reading: Mark 1:29-45

	The quiet place of prayer and meditation on the Word-
	Mark 1:35 (ESV) 35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.

More Than Information

Today's Reading: Mark 1:21-28

	And the Word became flesh-
	Mark 1:21–22 (ESV) 21 And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. 22 And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.

The Kingdom Has Arrived!

Today's Reading: Mark 1:14-20

	It was all for this-
	Mark 1:15 (ESV) 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

The Humanity!

Today's Reading: Mark 1:12-13

	Jesus' Humanity-
	Mark 1:12–13 (ESV)12 The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.

The Cross in the Jordan

Today's Reading: Mark1:1-11

	The Need is Clear-
	Mark 1:4–5 (ESV)4 John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

So Says Mark

Today's Reading: Preview look at the Book of Mark

	Questions-
	1. Who wrote the book? 2. When was it written in comparison to other books? 3. What is the historical chronology? 4. Is there a specific audience? 5. What is the major theme or purpose of the book? 6. Anything else special?
	From the Bible Knowledge Commentary-
	Mark is the shortest of the four Gospels. From the 4th till the 19th centuries it was largely neglected by scholars because it was commonly regarded as an abridgment of Matthew. But by the end of the 19th century the theory that Mark was the first Gospel written gained widespread acceptance. Since then Mark has been the object of intense interest and study.

Let Me Know Your Power & Beauty Now

Today's Reading: Psalm 27

	Unnaproachable light-
	Psalm 27:1 (ESV) 1  The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?   The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

The Plan Applies to You

Today's Reading: Numbers 9

	Now remember-
	Numbers 9:2–3 (ESV) 2 “Let the people of Israel keep the Passover at its appointed time. 3 On the fourteenth day of this month, at twilight, you shall keep it at its appointed time; according to all its statutes and all its rules you shall keep it.”

The Replacements

Today's Reading: Numbers 8

The replacements-

Numbers 8:5–6 (ESV)5 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 6 “Take the Levites from among the people of Israel and cleanse them.  Numbers 8:12–13 (ESV)12 Then the Levites shall lay their hands on the heads of the bulls, and you shall offer the one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering to the Lord to make atonement for the Levites. 13 And you shall set the Levites before Aaron and his sons, and shall offer them as a wave offering to the Lord.

Not the Droids We Are Looking For (updated)

Today's Reading: Acts 28

	Not the droids we are looking for-
	Acts 28:1–2 (ESV) 28 After we were brought safely through, we then learned that the island was called Malta. 2 The native people showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold.

I Call and Provide

Today's Reading: Numbers 7

	Context-
	Numbers 7:1 (ESV)7 On the day when Moses had finished setting up the tabernacle and had anointed and consecrated it with all its furnishings and had anointed and consecrated the altar with all its utensils,

Stick Together!

Today's Reading: Acts 27

	Setting:
	Paul just finished giving defense before Agrippa and although Agrippa believes Paul innocent and was willing to free him, since Paul had appealed to Caesar- he must be taken to Rome. Chapter 27 picks up where they load Paul into a boat and head out…(for a three hour tour as it were).
	The plan-
	Acts 27:1–2 (ESV) 27 And when it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan Cohort named Julius. 2 And embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to the ports along the coast of Asia, we put to sea, accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica.

Fear Not!

Today's Reading: Psalm 23:4

	Fear NOT!-
	Psalm 23:4 (ESV) 4  Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,   for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Walking the Bank

Today's Reading: Psalm 23:1-3

	Overview of Psalm 23-
	From the Matthew Henry Commentary- Many of David’s psalms are full of complaints, but this is full of comforts, and the expressions of delight in God’s great goodness and dependence upon him. It is a psalm which has been sung by good Christians, and will be while the world stands, with a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction. I. The psalmist here claims relation to God, as his shepherd (v. 1). II. He recounts his experience of the kind things God had done for him as his shepherd (v. 2, 3, 5). III. Hence he infers that he should want no good (v. 1), that he needed to fear no evil (v. 4), that God would never leave nor forsake him in a way of mercy; and therefore he resolves never to leave nor forsake God in a way of duty (v. 6). In this he had certainly an eye, not only to the blessings of God’s providence, which made his outward condition prosperous, but to the communications of God’s grace, received by a lively faith, and returned in a warm devotion, which filled his soul with joy unspeakable. And, as in the foregoing psalm he represented Christ dying for his sheep, so here he represents Christians receiving the benefit of all the care and tenderness of that great and good shepherd. Henry, M. (1994). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible: Complete and unabridged in one volume (Ps 22:22–31). Peabody: Hendrickson.

Commit Yourself to Me

Today's Reading: Numbers 6

	Comments: Happy Fourth of July! Again, not so clean but gotta run... Non-priestly vow-
	Numbers 6:1–2 (ESV) 6 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When either a man or a woman makes a special vow, the vow of a Nazirite, to separate himself to the Lord,

Faithful Bride

Today's Reading: Numbers 5

Comments: Another rough one to be cleaned up and completed later...

	Protect the church-
	Numbers 5:1–3 (ESV) 5 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Command the people of Israel that they put out of the camp everyone who is leprous or has a discharge and everyone who is unclean through contact with the dead. 3 You shall put out both male and female, putting them outside the camp, that they may not defile their camp, in the midst of which I dwell.”

It is Finished!- Part 3

Today's Reading: Psalm 22:22-31

A purpose fulfilled-

Psalm 22:22 (ESV) 22  I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you: Some comments on the entire Psalm- This is a kind of gem among the Psalms, and is peculiarly excellent and remarkable. It contains those deep, sublime, and heavy sufferings of Christ, when agonizing in the midst of the terrors and pangs of divine wrath and death which surpass all human thought and comprehension. I know not whether any Psalm throughout the whole book contains matter more weighty, or from which the hearts of the godly can so truly perceive those sighs and groans, inexpressible by man, which their Lord and Head, Jesus Christ, uttered when conflicting for us in the midst of death, and in the midst of the pains and terrors of hell. Wherefore this Psalm ought to be most highly prized by all who have any acquaintance with temptations of faith and spiritual conflicts.—Martin Luther.

It is Finished!- Part 2

Today's Reading: Psalm 22:11-21

	Comments:
	Yesterday (and today) I chose to post a lot of what Spurgeon had to say about Psalm 22 because clearly he is very insightful and I didn't have much to add…nor time enough to reflect on every bit of it.  Today I pick up at verse 11 and continue through verse 21. There seems to be some natural division in the Psalm…

It is Finished!- Part 1

Today' Reading: Psalm 22:1-10

	Abandoned-
	Psalm 22:1a (ESV) 1  My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

It is Plain (udated 6/30/12)

Today's Reading: Acts 26

	Setting-
	Paul has been captive for over two years and turned down an offer to be tried in Jerusalem in favor of appealing to Caesar. He is now giving a defense of himself before King Agrippa (king is the title but he is essentially governor over certain portions of the Roman empire- Nero is King at this time). Paul has been captive since the Jews grabbed him out of the temple where he was assisting some other Jews with their Nazirite vow and properly observing Jewish customs. There was nothing done that would warrant charges other than their hatred for his message of Jesus being the Son of God and the only way to be redeemed.
	Paul gives a complete defense-
	Acts 26:1–2 (ESV)26 So Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense: 2 “I consider myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am going to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews,

In His Timing

Today's Reading: Numbers 4

	Setting-
	In this chapter God directs Moses and Aaron (He usually just speaks to Moses) to take a census amongst the levitical tribe to determine those who are at least 30 years old and can serve in the tabernacle. God outlines the various components of the tabernacle and court that are to be carried, setup, and managed by each of the three clans (within the tribe of Levi) in addition to Moses and the priests (Aaron's sons).  The sons of Kohath (Kohathites) are given the high honor of carrying the most holy things but there is huge penalty should they blow it and accidentally touch anything but the carrying poles… Numbers 4:4 (ESV)4 This is the service of the sons of Kohath in the tent of meeting: the most holy things.
	Personalize it method (Rick Warren's 40 Days in the Word): Lord, please speak to me in your Word and reveal yourself to me. I aks this in Jesus name, amen. Maturity required-
	Numbers 4:3 (ESV)3 from thirty years old up to fifty years old, all who can come on duty, to do the work in the tent of meeting. See Jeff that maturity and continued dedication to me should be present in those that would serve in ministry. Recall that many might respond to my Word but then their roots may not go deep and they turn from me at trouble or they become caught in the thorns due to the cares, riches, and pleasures of this life. I call my faithful servants to demonstrate a maturity and a trust in me that extends beyond circumstances and emotions Jeff. From the Matthew Henry Commentary- They were not to be employed till they were thirty years old, because till then they were in danger of retaining something childish and youthful and had not gravity enough to do the service, and wear the honour, of a Levite. They were entered as probationers at twenty-five years old, (ch.8:24), and in David’s time, when there was more work to be done, at twenty (1 Chr. 23:24, and so Ezra 3:8); but they must be five years learning and waiting, and so fitting themselves for service; nay, in David’s time they were ten years in preparation, from twenty to thirty. John Baptist began his public ministry, and Christ his, at thirty years old. This is not in the letter of it obligatory on gospel ministers now, as if they must either not begin their work till thirty years old or must leave off at fifty; but it gives us two good rules:—(1.) That ministers must not be novices, 1 Tim. 3:6. It is a work that requires ripeness of judgment and great steadiness, and therefore those are very unfit for it who are but babes in knowledge and have not put away childish things. (2.) That they must learn before they teach, serve before they rule, and must first be proved, 1 Tim. 3:10. Henry, M. (1996). Matthew Henry's commentary on the whole Bible : Complete and unabridged in one volume (Nu 4:1–20). Peabody: Hendrickson.
	Move when He moves-
	Numbers 4:5 (ESV)5 When the camp is to set out, Aaron and his sons shall go in and take down the veil of the screen and cover the ark of the testimony with it. See that the priests could only enter the most holy section of the tabernacle once I removed my glory so that they would not perish due to entering before the day of atonement... Leviticus 16:2 (ESV)2 and the Lord said to Moses, “Tell Aaron your brother not to come at any time into the Holy Place inside the veil, before the mercy seat that is on the ark, so that he may not die. For I will appear in the cloud over the mercy seat. From the Matthew Henry Commentary- and yet, the necessity of their unsettled state requiring it, that law is here dispensed with; for every time they removed Aaron and his sons went in to take down the ark, and make it up for carriage; for (as the learned bishop Patrick suggests) the shechinah, or display of the divine majesty, which was over the mercy-seat, removed for the present in the pillar of cloud, which was taken up, and then the ark was not dangerous to be approached. Henry, M. (1996). Matthew Henry's commentary on the whole Bible : Complete and unabridged in one volume (Nu 4:1–20). Peabody: Hendrickson. Exodus 40:36–38 (ESV)36 Throughout all their journeys, whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out. 37 But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out till the day that it was taken up. 38 For the cloud of the Lord was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys. So know Jeff that there will be a time and a place for action. Do not suppose to live by your own timing or your own plan, but always wait on me and know that I will reveal to you when and what you are to do. Always listen for my counsel by remaining in my Word and in prayer lest you miss the lifting of the cloud from the tabernacle. You might think it time to do this or that in my name but unless it is by my timing it is to ruin!
	Look Alive!-
	Numbers 4:6 (ESV)6 Then they shall put on it a covering of goatskin and spread on top of that a cloth all of blue, and shall put in its poles. Jeff, know that you walk amongst this world bearing the tabernacle as I indwell you. Walk adorned in beauty and handle this tabernacle with great care! Do you suppose I care more or less for the tabernacle of your heart compared to this tabernacle of wood, metal, cloth, and gold that I describe in this passage? From the Matthew Henry Comentary- Those that are faithful to God should endeavour likewise to appear beautiful before men, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour. Henry, M. (1996). Matthew Henry's commentary on the whole Bible : Complete and unabridged in one volume (Nu 4:1–20). Peabody: Hendrickson.
	Guard one another-
	Numbers 4:17–19 (ESV)17 The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, 18 “Let not the tribe of the clans of the Kohathites be destroyed from among the Levites, 19 but deal thus with them, that they may live and not die when they come near to the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in and appoint them each to his task and to his burden, Jeff, as the priests did for the Kohathites- guard one another in your service to me. Stand by one another and do not let your brothers stray from the path or mishandle my Word or their hearts... Hebrews 3:12–14 (ESV)12 Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. 13 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. Application and Prayer: Today I will pray and seek the God's lead with any ideas of ministry I may have Today I will know that I must always listen for the Lord's timing Today I will know that failure of something I am certain was good may be due to me not listening for His timing Today I will look alive and represent well the tabernacle  Thank you for speaking to me in your Word Lord. Please let me live by the lessons here and bless me in my doing according to James 1:22-25. I ask this in Jesus name, amen. Soli Deo Gloria! View blog from a computer or iPad for more content. Follow @dailysurrender

The Impossible is Mandatory

	Today's Reading: Numbers 3 Holiness is Goodness and requires Punishment of Sin-
	Numbers 3:4 (ESV)4 But Nadab and Abihu died before the Lord when they offered unauthorized fire before the Lord in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children. So Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests in the lifetime of Aaron their father.

I am With You- Who Can Challenge Me?

Today's Reading: Acts 25


Comments: No time to clean this up this morning!

	Hatred for Paul-
	Acts 25:1–3 (ESV) 25 Now three days after Festus had arrived in the province, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. 2 And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews laid out their case against Paul, and they urged him, 3 asking as a favor against Paul that he summon him to Jerusalem—because they were planning an ambush to kill him on the way.