QT 9/3/2026 Eph 3:7–13, FAT is a good thing

Ephesians 3:7–13 (ESV) —

7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. 8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, 10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. 13 So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.

 

NOTE: The main point of the passage is the predicted unity of Jews and Gentiles as believers, and even more importantly, their complete equality in Christ (Constable, 2003). What I prefer to focus on this morning, is how Paul viewed his ministry. Paul saw himself as a nobody, not deserving of any special treatment. Some have suggested he was also grammatically playing on words, as his name in Latin meant "little." From other passages, we know that his stature was not his defining quality (In Lystra, Barnabas was called Zeus, and Paul was called Hermes, mainly because he was the chief speaker) . He could also be like Hermes in his short height and slight chubbiness. The Corinthians said that his bodily presence was weak and even his speaking was of no account (in contrast to his letters). Whatever he looked like, Paul did not see himself as deserving of the incredible gift of God's grace, the preaching of the unsearchable riches of Christ to the Gentiles. And yet, this nobody in his own eyes, was the key man God used to change the entire known world.

 

We don't have to be a "somebody" for God to use. But I do think there are a few requirements which Paul met.

 

1. A daily desire to dig into the word of God
2. A priority placed on the things of God and the will of God
3. A teachable spirit willing to learn from others
4. A faithfulness to be obedient to God's word
5. A humility to accept the things of God no matter how seemingly unimportant to ourselves

 

PONDER:

1. There was a term we used to use to describe a potential disciple, it was FAT. It meant, Faithful, Available, and Teachable. Are you, am I FAT?

 

PRAYER: Father, I pray for believers in these days, that we would turn from our lazy and narcissistic ways, and recommit ourselves to serving you. Help us to see where we have placed our own comfort over service to others.

QT 9/2/2026 Eph 3:1–6, The mystery of the church

Ephesians 3:1–6 (ESV) —

1 For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— 2 assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. 4 When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. 6 This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

 

NOTE: There are 7 or 8 mysteries revealed in the New Testament, that were not revealed in the Old Testament, although they were hinted at. Paul calls them mysteries for that reason. The mystery here is that Gentiles are partakers with the Jews of the promises in Christ. We share the same body -- the universal church -- and both groups are one, and fellow heirs.

 

The new body is the church, which Paul discusses in other letters as well. Technically, there is no Jewish religion or law now. Jesus has fulfilled all the conditions of the law and has nailed the law to the cross. There is a new high priest, prophet, and king in direct violation of the old covenant (for one, Jesus of Judah as high priest), hence the need for the new covenant.

 

The prophets of old foretold these things, but Jesus was rejected by his own people and put to death by the Romans (Gentiles). For now, God has set aside Israel for a time (we call it the church age). Israel is still God's possession, and he promises to return in the end days to bring as many as possible into the real kingdom. In the meantime, we can pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

 

PONDER:

1. In Romans, Paul says God is not finished with his people, Israel. Are you praying that as many as possible will hear the gospel before the end of days?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for saving me from hell and giving me a new life, a born-again life. You have changed me from the inside out. I still fall, and yet you still pick me up. Have mercy upon me.

QT 9/1/2026 Eph 2:19–22, Continue in spiritual growth

Ephesians 2:19–22 (ESV) —

19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

 

NOTE: So, one of the questions I have had is whether we will have the Holy Spirit in the Kingdom. In Corinthians, it says our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, which is why we should keep it free from sin and other things that my damage the temple. In the passage today, it speaks to the Universal Church as growing into a holy temple to the Lord, but it also seems to imply the same thing for the individual is verse 22. Yes, we will have new bodies, but there is no reason to assume we still won't need the Holy Spirit. I don't believe we will be perfect in knowledge. We can still grow and learn even in the Millennial kingdom. We will need the Spirit's help as we fulfill the responsibilities given to us by Jesus in the new kingdom. And I kind of wonder, if what we are learning and doing now might also carry over into the new kingdom, minus the sin and its temptations from the flesh.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I think of this life as preparation for the kingdom?
2. Or do I live this life for myself?

 

PRAYER: Father, continue to help us grow and change. I don't know what the future holds, but I certainly don't want to be lazy in my service to you.

QT 8/31/2026 Ephesians 2:14–18, Hate in today's society

Ephesians 2:14–18 (ESV) —

14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.

 

NOTE: There should be no hostility between Jew and Gentile, especially in the church. Antisemitism will probably reign in the world until the end days, but in the church, it should not. God has created one new man, the church in place of two: believing Jews and believing Gentiles. Both groups have received the message of peace. We, Gentiles, have access to the Father through the same Spirit that gives believing Jews access to the Father. We are one in Jesus.

 

But what about hostility to unbelieving Jews? The New Testament authors clearly tell believers (Jew and Gentile) to love our brothers and our neighbors as ourselves. We can disagree with actions taken by others, but we must love them. We can speak against sin, but we must love the sinner. The world does the opposite, it hates those who do not agree with its' philosophy. It says it hates those who hate, but the only haters are those opposed to us. They call it hate when we call sin what it is, sin. And we do need to be careful not to allow our hatred for the sin to cloud our respect for the individual. All people are made in the image of God (they are NOT children of God but they are made in his image). They deserve love and respect, and truth.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I hate the sin, but still love and respect the sinner?

 

PRAYER: Father, there is so much rage today. Most of the rage is on the political left. They killed a man, Charlie Kirk, for hate, but whenever he questioned an individual to show him how he hated, they never had an answer. The left hates those who will not support their sin. Help me to know how to love in word and deed. I know that loving a person includes telling the truth. Not telling the truth only deludes the person and is not loving. Help me to tell truth, and to show other signs of visible love to the person who considers me an enemy.

QT 8/28/2026 Eph 2:11–13, Receive or Rebel

Ephesians 2:11–13 (ESV) —

11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

 

NOTE: In a round-about way, Paul shares some of our rewards in Christ. We are not separated from Christ anymore. We are not alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, but new citizens. In fact, we are now God's possession and adopted into God's family. The world believes all people are God's children, but that is not what the bible teaches. Only those whom God has adopted into his family are children of God. John writes:

 

John 1:12 (ESV) — 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,

 

Also, we are not strangers to the covenants of promise. We do have hope now whereas we had no future prior to Jesus. We had no help, but now we have God and his special hope.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I really a  child of God? Have I placed my faith in Jesus Christ and his death on the cross as payment for my sins? Have I asked him into my life as Lord and Savior?

 

PRAYER: Father, It is so simple to receive your gift. Yet so many, in their rebellion, and refusal to give up their lives, actively fight against your gift. It doesn't take any work to become a child of God, but it does take work to rebel at every step.

QT 8/27/2026 Eph 2:8–10, Unworthy but saved by faith

Ephesians 2:8–10 (ESV) —

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

 

NOTE: The first verse puts God's sovereignty and man's free will into one phrase -- "by grace you have been saved through faith." God's grace initiates everything but it still requires a free will response, faith. The phrase "And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God," does not negate faith or free will, it just emphasizes that faith is not works. The bible says repent and believe -- those are not works. No matter how you might intellectually argue that an action, even a mental action, is a work, it is not. It is a response to God's gift. You don't earn a birthday present. The present is not earned by your reaching out and unwrapping it. The present is freely given, and the present is freely received. If it is earned, then it is a wage and not a gift. Of wages, God says that the "wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." All the work was accomplished by God. Jesus lived a perfect life. He died on the cross for my sin. He rose again from the dead. God loved me first, not the other way around. God gave me a sensitive heart to hear the good news. God convinced me of my sin. I received the gift by faith and became a child of God.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I realize that I was never good enough to be saved?
2. Do I entertain stupid notions that I was a good person?

 

PRAYER: Father, I do know my sin and my unworthiness, but I also realize that I have lived a fairly innocent and even naïve life. I was not exposed to the depravity that many see. So what? I still know that I have sinned, and probably every day. I know that compared to your infinite holiness, my good deeds, my best deeds, are dirty rags in your eyes. I realize that truth. So I will not fool myself with a false sense of arrogance for my life. I'm just thankful to be in the kingdom and to see life as it truly is.

QT 8/26/2026 Eph 2:4–7, Changing the focus

Ephesians 2:4–7 (ESV) —

4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

 

NOTE: We were legitimately under God's wrath according to the preceding verses (2:1-3). Verse 4 sets up the contrast, "but God …." Because God is rich in mercy (meaning we don't get what we should deserve), and because of his great love for us (not based on anything we had done -- grace!), even when we were spiritually DEAD, made us alive in Jesus. We are raised up with God and seated with God in the heavenly places because of Jesus. What does that mean? It is actually a future physical state and a current spiritual state. We are changed inwardly such that we have new goals and new desires, spiritual goals and God's will. But physically, we are still on earth. The author states it in the past because of the assurity of the statement. In other words, it is a done deal. We will realize it in the coming ages, but from God's perspective, it has already been accomplished.

 

We need to recognize that our hope in the future kingdom is an absolute certainty. In fact John writes:

 

1 John 3:2–3 (ESV) — 2 Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.

 

This eschatological promise has a special benefit, it purifies us. When we stop living for the world and start living for our heavenly city, there is a purifying effect -- something every one of us should desire. It is good for our souls.

 

PONDER:

1. Life has many worries, concerns, and traps. How can we turn the channel (an old TV idiom) and start focusing on the Lord and not these temporary distractions?
2. Do I understand the undeserving nature of my salvation?

 

PRAYER: Father, for myself, I need to make the following verse a lifestyle practice.

 

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (ESV) — 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

 

Instead of a long prayer once a day, I need many short prayers throughout the day, thanking God, rejoicing, and asking for you to work in my life.

QT 8/25/2026 Eph 2:1-3, Recognizing that we need a savior

Ephesians 2:1–3 (ESV) —

1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the flesh and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.

 

NOTE: It seems that very few people truly understand our position before Christ, or for those who don't know Christ, their current condition before God. Wiersbe, writes:

 

“The unbeliever is not sick; he is dead! He does not need resuscitation; he needs resurrection. All lost sinners are dead, and the only difference between one sinner and another is the state of decay.”

 

Paxton adds,

 

“The only place were all men meet on a common level and share the same position is in their natural birth in sin.”

 

But, the Prince of the power of the air, has so clouded the minds of people that we believe our moral condition only needs teaching (pelagianism) or special drugs and regimens (semi-pelagianism) (source: Simpson, 1968).

 

We have a serious moral problem. There are no moral people on earth. "We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. (Rom 3:23)" It is essential that we come to this conclusion. Eternity is a bad time to find out your wrong.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I sure of my salvation?
2. Or am I depending on the fact that I am a good person? (clue: there are no "good" people on the earth, Rom 3:9-12 and Rom 3:20)

 

PRAYER: Father, I pray for the cloud to life from people's eyes and they would see themselves as they are -- sinners in rebellion to God. It started in the garden when we chose to be our own gods choosing what is good and evil. It continues today. Open our eyes to our sin. Open our eyes to Jesus, our only hope. I pray that people who read this note might repent and believe in Jesus as savior and Lord.

QT 8/24/2026 Eph 1:15-23, Pray to know, and pray to thank

Ephesians 1:15–23 (ESV) —

15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

 

NOTE: I do not think we appreciate enough what God has done in our lives and what God is doing now. The Ephesian's faith in the Lord and their love toward all the saints was a result of the change that God had wrought in their lives. Yes, they were choosing obedience and application of the word, but it was the Holy Spirit working within them to accomplish these changes. We can't rest on our Christian laurels or ever think we have made it. There is so much more to know about God, there is so much more to see, there is so much more in our hope. Our inheritance is glorious beyond belief, and God's power is beyond our understanding. Ultimately, God is in charge of all things. He allows 'stuff' to 'happen,' but he promises to bring good in the lives of those who know him. And he intervenes when he chooses to change the direction  of what evil men attempt.

 

What is the application? Pray and be thankful. Pray to know, see, and hope. Thank him for what he has done over the years to change the person you are today from the person you used to be.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I experiencing this change? If not, do I really know the savior?
2. If I have experiencing the born again life, am I pursuing the Lord with the same vigor?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for where I am today. I am different person. I am far from perfect but I am also far from who I was. You have changed my life from the inside out. You have given me insight and wisdom. You have used me to help others to grow and change in their knowledge of you. Thank you for your wonderful works.

QT 8/21/2026 Eph 1:11-14, A promised inheritance dependent entirely on God

Ephesians 1:11–14 (ESV) —

11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

 

NOTE: In Jesus, we have an inheritance that we have been predestined to according to God's will. In other words, God chose us and with that comes an inheritance. When we heard and believed, we were sealed with the Holy Spirit, who remains in us as as the promise of that inheritance until we acquire possession. Intermingled in the midst of predestined and acquisition of a future inheritance, is "we heard and believed," and yet it is also all predestined. In God's infinite mind, this all fits together as a perfect puzzle. But in our finite mind, it doesn't. God did it all, even before the beginning of time, and then somehow, later in a moment in time, we freely chose to believe the gospel. How do we reconcile?

 

I choose to believe what God has revealed in the Scriptures as truth. My lack of understanding does not sentence God but rather exposes my limited human knowledge and understanding. I admit that compared to the infinite I am literally stupid. And that is true of comparing myself to many others with finite minds as well.

 

I don't understand predestination and free will. But I do understand promise. God has promised an inheritance and has sealed me with his Holy Spirit as a guarantee of that future inheritance. God is on the line, so to speak, for everything. I wait and praise him for his overwhelming kindness and mercy to me.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I secure in my salvation? Have I heard and believed?

 

PRAYER: Lord, I'm not sure I will even ask this question in heaven because I probably still will not understand. But I do believe that I am predestined to a future inheritance. And I know that I chose to believe after that fact. It does all fit together in your mind.

 

QT 8/20/2026 Eph 1:1-10, Unmerited salvation

Ephesians 1:1–10 (ESV) —

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,

To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed 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 upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in Christ, things in heaven and things on earth in him.

 

NOTE: These can be difficult verses to understand, but we must take them as face value. God chose us (referring to those who would believe in Christ) before the foundation of the world. His purpose is for us to be holy and blameless, which is both what Christ did on the cross by justification, and what we do in life by sanctification. There is a final stage, glorification, when we will have new bodies and be like him. At the same time, scripture is clear that we have free will and must repent and believe to be saved. So which is true, predestination or free will? From God's perspective, they are both true, even though they seem to be logically in opposition. Most things in life that are in opposition cannot both be true. That maxim is sound but this is one of the rare exceptions to the rule. In God's infinite wisdom it makes sense. In my finite mind, it does not seem to make sense. Of course my explanation of quantum mechanics to my toddler grandchildren does not make sense either. Likewise, adults don't seem to grasp my explanation of AI models as mostly matrix algebra. And they are even more confused when I show them the math to a simple problem. So, let's forget the conundrum and move onto the application.

 

John Stott (1979) writes "The doctrine of election is a stimulus to humility, not a ground for boasting." I have no merit in my salvation. The good works I do now, do not maintain my salvation -- God owns all of that. My good works are thankfulness, and the degree of my good works expresses the degree of my thankfulness for my salvation. So what about the person who calls himself a Christian but does nothing for the kingdom's sake? Is the person saved? Will have face a judgment at the great white throne, i.e., saved but judged in some way?

 

PONDER:

1. What does election mean to you?
2. Do you fully realized your unmerited condition?

 

PRAYER: Father, I will never even glimpse a degree of your holiness in my works. Thankfully, Jesus has given me the status of holy. In the meantime, until Jesus returns, I will do all I can to express my thankfulness for salvation.

QT 8/19/2026 Heb 13:22-24, Using my whole self to serve God

Hebrews 13:22–24 (ESV) —

22 I appeal to you, brothers, bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly. 23 You should know that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom I shall see you if he comes soon. 24 Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those who come from Italy send you greetings.

 

NOTE: After reading the book and the commentaries, I am slightly leaning toward Luke as the author. Paul never referred to Timothy as anything but Timothy, whereas the author here uses the adjective brother Timothy. Previously in the book are a few uniquely Lukan sayings. Even the "word of exhortation" is only seen in Acts where Luke quotes (or translates) a synagogue leader's message to Paul. My problem with Luke as the author is that the book is very Jewish, and yes, Luke was at the least a Greek proselyte. Also, while Luke is scholarly in his writing, the topic seems to requires more of a rabbi's learning. Of course, Luke spent a decade with a rabbi by the name of Paul, so who is to say that Luke did not develop a strong theological basis. Lastly, Paul says in Rom 3:1-2 that the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God, meaning the writers of scripture, up until that point has all been Jewish. I think the most likely argument is Luke was a Hellenistic Jew.

 

What does it matter? If it is Luke, I would argue that Luke took advantage of the opportunities before him (his long period of time with Paul) and Luke used his skills (writing) in the power of the Holy Spirit to write a large part of the New Testament (Luke, Acts, and possibly Hebrews),  even without Hebrews, he wrote about 27.5 percent compared to Paul's 23.5 percent. The book of Hebrews, author unknown, accounts for 3.6 percent.

 

My point, is what are my physical gifts (traits), in addition to my spiritual gifts, in addition to my current situation that provide me an unique opportunity to serve God? What can I be doing?

 

PONDER:

1. What are my gifts, strengths, vocation, interests, and location that can be used for the kingdom's sake?
2. Am I taking advantage of all that God has done in my life to be used by him?

 

PRAYER: Father, as my days running a grandparent daycare get fewer and easier, what is the next place to serve you? Lead me and guide me in your will. Use the person you created for your glory.

QT 8/18/2026 Heb 13:17–21, The importance of Leaders

Hebrews 13:17–21 (ESV) —

17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

18 Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things. 19 I urge you the more earnestly to do this in order that I may be restored to you the sooner.

20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

 

NOTE: Obey your leaders, pray for your leaders, do the will of God. Three pieces of instruction to end the book. If the Hebrews believers had listened to their leaders in the first place, they would not be where they are at the time of this letter, almost having to start over again in the faith.

 

Hebrews 5:12–14 (ESV) — 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, 13 for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. 14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

 

I think American culture is very susceptible to this "go-it-on-your-own" philosophy. We distrust leaders, especially if they don't completely agree with our views on certain subjects. We are very arrogant and rebellious people group. We ran away from Europe and started a new nation in a treacherous land. We are fiercely independent, and I say that to our shame, because spiritual growth requires dependence, obedience, and humility. We don't get to decide what is true, we look to God's word to settle those issues, but it is not our opinion, it is the word of God's instruction. We need to trust our leaders, and learn from them. They are not perfect, but there is so much we can learn from them if we humble ourselves.

 

PONDER:

1. When was the last time I made a specific application as a result of a pastor's message, not an "I ought to change," but an "I will do x by date y in obedience to the message"?
2. What is my humility like around the Pastor? He is far from perfect, but his wisdom can teach me a lot.

 

PRAYER: Father, help me to realize that my leaders, the pastors, deserve my attention, my humility, and my obedience. You have placed them over me and I am blessed when I listen to their counsel.

QT 8/17/2026 Heb 13:11-16, Bearing Jesus' shame

Hebrews 13:11–16 (ESV) —

11 For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy places by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp. 12 So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. 13 Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. 14 For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. 15 Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. 16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

 

NOTE: In order to sanctify his own people, Jesus went outside the city gates. Jesus was outside the camp, sacrificed in unsanctified territory. This would have been hard for the Jewish person to hear, because it was a disgrace, but Jesus bore our disgrace, and we need to stand up and bear his disgrace. In the Jewish world, Jesus' name is treated with contempt by many. In the secular gentile world, the term "christian" is becoming increasingly so as well. But we are not trying to gain entrance into any earthly city, we have our own city, a glorious city, the New Jerusalem. It is a city built by God and it has rooms for us to live. It is our real retirement home. There is nothing on this earth which will compare to it. Instead of trying to live for the things of the world, we need to identify with Jesus and live for the things of God. We will not be disappointed.

 

PONDER:

1. What am I really living for, wealth, comfort, fame, experiences, etc.?
2. When will I release my grasp on the things of this world, and reach out for that which has real value?

 

PRAYER: Father, I pray for you to open my eyes to where I secretly grasp the things of the world. I don't want to live for petty things but for things that have real value.

QT 8/14/2026 Heb 13:6–10, What do I really fear?

Hebrews 13:6–10 (ESV) —

6 So we can confidently say,

“The Lord is my helper;

I will not fear;

what can man do to me?”

7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 9 Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them. 10 We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat.

 

NOTE: Verse 6 has been a source of great comfort during some of the darker days of my life. The thought goes something like this: what is the very worst thing that can happen? What is the very worst thing man can do to me? The worst thing is to physically die. But, God says that he is my helper and I do not need to fear even death.

 

In light of eternity, these are really momentary troubles. Paul says in his second recorded letter to the Corinthians:

 

2 Corinthians 4:17–18 (NIV84) — 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

 

I remember first seeing this verse many years ago while under much suffering. My first thought was that my troubles were hardly light and certainly did not feel momentary. But from God's eternal perspective, they were exactly that. In fact, life itself is momentary in comparison to eternity.

 

So, I need to let go. I need to trust my helper. I need not fear. There is nothing the world can throw at me which God cannot handle.

 

PONDER:

1. Can I let go of my fears? God says that he is my helper and I should not fear.

 

PRAYER: Father, worry seems like such a constant in life. Why? Why do we let it? Once again Lord, I cast all my worries upon you. Once again, I say out loud, I trust you, my helper and my God. I will not fear.

QT 8/13/2026 Heb 13:1–5, Rage or peace

Hebrews 13:1–5 (ESV) —

1 Let brotherly love continue. 2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. 3 Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. 4 Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. 5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

 

NOTE: One could probably argue how much of these verses are actually practices in our culture. In regard to verse 1, brotherly love, it seems to be dependent on your political affiliation, and certain beliefs about life. If you are too far away from someone in that area, then there seems to be a philosophy that brotherly hatred is appropriate, even to the point of hurting another. We are governed by rage, not by love. And if you are on the other political spectrum, even if you have never raised your voice against a stranger, your beliefs are considered your violence to society, rather than your physical acts.

 

Both sides do seem to care for those in prison, except when politics are involved. It seems climbing a wall or entering a building is considered vandalism and worthy of prison. Mistreatment is also a two-tier system where violent acts against society is dependent upon their color, gender, or political party.

 

Verses on marriage and greed (such as verses 4 and 5) are passe in this new society that has denigrated the God of the bible. The response is no different than Eve and Adam in the second chapter of Genesis, people want to be their own gods to choose their own right and wrong. They have rejected God's rule, and then complain when God allows them to experience the effects of their poor choice.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I so blind, I cannot see my own hatred?
2. Is my life governed by rage or peace, and what does that say about my philosophy?

 

PRAYER: Father, there is so much hatred. I pray for mercy that you would help people to see beyond their emotions, and to see the truth of your word.

QT 8/12/2026 Heb 12:25–29, One more shaking is coming

Hebrews 12:25–29 (ESV) —

25 See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven. 26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” 27 This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, 29 for our God is a consuming fire.

 

NOTE: In the Exodus, God spoke from earth warning the people, and they did not escape. Every person, 20 years and older, except Joshua and Caleb died before entering the promise land. Now God speaks from heaven and tells us another shaking is coming, and a judgment is coming upon those who refuse to believe. We, who have put our faith in Christ, should be immensely grateful, because we have attached ourselves to a kingdom that can never be shaken. But this world, will be severely judged. God has promised a coming judgment. Of all people, we who have experienced his mercy and a changed life through the Holy Spirit, should be the most vocal in sharing the real good news. There is peace with God and eternal life to all who will accept his gift by belief in the finished work on the cross that paid the penalty for our sins.

 

PONDER:

1. If I believe, am I eager to share the good news?
2. If I believe, what am I living for, the things of the world, or a relationship with God?

 

PRAYER: Father, it will be a scary time during the last shaking. I pray for those who are left, that they would open their eyes to truth and hear the gospel with soft hearts, and turn and be saved.

QT 8/11/2026 Heb 12:22–24, A glorious future

Hebrews 12:22–24 (ESV) —

22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, 23 and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

 

NOTE: It says "you have come" using the perfect tense verb, meaning that the action has already been completed, whether or not it is in the past, present, or future. In God's eyes, it is done. In Jesus' words, "it is finished."

 

What is completed? Our citizenship in heaven is already established. In Judaism, Zion referred to the hill where the temple sat, as well as the restoration of David's tent (Amos 9:11; Isa 16:1), and to the place where the Messiah would rule from (Ps 110:1-4). Technically, the temple mount was Moriah, but OT prophecies never use that name. The city of the living God and the heavenly Jerusalem are the same thing. The myriad of angels will be gathered in a festival. The spirits of righteous men made perfect refers to both Old and New Testament saints. Finally, Jesus will rule in this new city. His point is that you, the reader, who has put your faith in Christ, you are already there, maybe not physically now, but it is completed work that will be fulfilled at the proper time. Nothing can take away God's promise to you. The future is glorious -- why, oh why do we settle for sin's fleeting pleasures in light of this miracle for us?

 

PONDER:

1. How can I do a better job remembering my future so as not to let sin have a foothold in my life?
2. Why do I become discouraged when the future is so glorious?

 

PRAYER: Father, I pray that we would not listen to the world's lies but we would focus on the truth of your word. Encourage us. Hold us close. Protect us from false thoughts.

QT 8/10/2026 Heb 12:18–21, Fear of the Lord and the Love of God

Hebrews 12:18–21 (ESV) —

18 For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest 19 and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them. 20 For they could not endure the order that was given, “If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned.” 21 Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I tremble with fear.”

 

NOTE: This passage is to give context to the preceding warnings of God's discipline and of falling back. Again, let me reiterate, one can't lose their salvation because salvation is God's doing, not man's. Although it is quite possible for someone to think they are a Christian, but are not. If we think we are good enough for heaven, we are not Christians. David L. Allen (2010) writes "The fear which Moses and the people experienced in the presence of God at Sinai was motivated by their awareness of the infinite gap between their humanity and God’s divinity." We have a great need, and if we have truly believed in Jesus for our salvation, we should also be consumed by a great thankfulness.

 

I don't think we truly understand what it means to fear the Lord. Yes, the bible does say that perfect love casts out fear. But I think our redefining of "the fear of God" into "respect" misses something of great importance. There is a tension between God's love and the discipline of God which is often ignored. I have no answers or great explanations. There are many mysteries of God beyond my contemplation, such as the trinity or foreknowledge. But my understanding or lack of understanding does not change the truth. We need to fear God.

 

PONDER:

1. How often do I think about the fear of God, especially when tempted toward sin?
2. I am totally convinced in God's love for me, but do I take his discipline seriously?

 

PRAYER: Father, I am a struggling and failing son often. I am comforted that I cannot earn your love. I am fully loved. I do fear your discipline, not because I think that it is not for my good, I just don't like being uncomfortable or living through painful circumstances to get my attention. I want to obey first. I want to listen to the still small voice. Protect me. Don't allow temptation to gain a foothold in my soul.

QT 8/7/2026 Heb 12:12-13, What path are you on?

Hebrews 12:12–13 (ESV) —

12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.

 

NOTE: As I read verses 12-13, I'm challenged with the thought, "it doesn't have to be that way," In other words, we can take the circuitous path, not listening to God, and find ourselves almost immobilized by the effort--physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Or we can take a straight path that brings healing to our soul. I am not suggesting a "health and wealth" gospel approach, but rather an approach that starts each day in the word of God and prayer. An approach that takes the things God is revealing and applies them practically to our life, slowing changing us from one degree of glory to another into the likeness of Jesus. There is peace, wholeness, and joy in this approach. Life will still throw curve balls. We will still face persecution. But while happiness depends on right happenings, joy depends only on connection to the vine, Jesus, and that starts with a daily abiding in the word of God.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I still striving to fit my will into God's will?
2. Am I willing to pursue God first and foremost, and see him meet my needs?

 

PRAYER: Father, I know I need to be obedient. I need to be listening to your word. I've read the bible more than a dozen times, studied all but a handful of the bible books, memorized 1000's of verses, and yet each day in the word is like a new meal, cooked by a master chef for me to enjoy. Father, we can never be too much in your word.