QT 31 Aug 2017, Rom 8:22-23, Groaning and awaiting our glorious redemption

Wk	Date	Passage	Key Verses(s) [Optional]	Basic Thing(s) Taught	Personal Insight(s) & Application(s)	Prayer Response
2	8/31	Rom 8:14-39	Romans 8:22–23 (ESV) — 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.	Creation groans awaiting for its' redemption. We groan as well, waiting for our new bodies which will not be defiled by this old nature who fights the Holy Spirit in us in order to rebel against God.	The world is not as God has planned. We chose to rebel. We really can't blame Adam or Eve, since we choose sin too. We can blame it on our defiled bodies, but we all know in our hearts that we would have fallen too. We need new bodies that are impervious to the effects of sin and temptation.	Father, I know our new bodies will be different. We will be free of the sinful nature. But even though that is my hope in the future, we are called to battle against our sinful desires, to put off sinful practices and to replace / put on things and activities and thoughts that please you. Give me strength to live a holy life today.

QT 30 Aug 17, 1 Cor 1:21, The incredible love of God

Wk	Date	Passage	Key Verses(s) [Optional]	Basic Thing(s) Taught	Personal Insight(s) & Application(s)	Prayer Response
2	8/30	1 Cor 1:18-31	1 Corinthians 1:21 (ESV) — 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.	You can't know God through wisdom or intellect. You can learn things about him, but intellect does not serve as a basis for a relationship with God.	Ultimately, to know God requires humility--to acknowledge that I am a failure and I can do nothing on my own. I'm a moral failure and not worth knowing, but God gave me worth and value by his Son dying for me.	Father, I cannot express how incredible your love is for me. You loved the un-lovables. You gave new life to the feeble. You transformed moral garbage into trophies of your love. Thank you!

QT 29 Aug 17, Mark 10:42-43, Jesus calls me to give up my pride and to serve others

Wk	Date	Passage	Key Verses(s) [Optional]	Basic Thing(s) Taught	Personal Insight(s) & Application(s)	Prayer Response
2	8/29	Mark 10:35-45 (key: 45)	Mark 10:42–43 (ESV) — 42 And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,	Jesus tells us NOT to go seeking for position, authority, or power in the kingdom. It is different. We are to seek to be servants, not rulers.	One of the exciting things about a new body is to be rid of the selfish ugly pride that encourages me to want to exalt myself over others. I can prepare myself today by being a servant of others first and foremost.	Father, open my eyes to how I can serve others with my life. Show me how to shut my mouth and not say anything when I want to boast of some accomplishment. Forgive me for my failures. Forgive me for my pride.

QT 24 Aug 17, Suffering and Long-suffering -- they go together

Psalm 42:7–8 (ESV) —

7 Deep calls to deep

at the roar of your waterfalls;

all your breakers and your waves

have gone over me.

8 By day the Lord commands his steadfast love,

and at night his song is with me,

a prayer to the God of my life.

NOTE: The mixture is common the Christian life. What is the mixture? It is pain and struggles combined with God's mercy and love. David is in over his head. The roar of the waterfall floods out all other voices. The breakers beat against him and the water passes over his head leaving him gasping for air. That is a pretty accurate image of what suffering feels like. At the same time, God reveals himself in small ways to remind us that he has not forgotten us. In the midst of the pain, it does feel like God has abandoned us. But then we get that glimpse. It comes again and again, but only for a short time. God allows suffering to do its work in our lives. Sometimes we need to experience despair, and so God allows it, and yet he is right there, but he feels just ought of grasp. I don't really have an answer, except that we must remind ourselves of truth and believe in his great love for us. He has promised never to abandon us. He is working for our good. If we are a child of God by faith, that is another promise. It hurts but he is still there. 

QT 23 Jul 17, Hope in God, our anchor in an ugly world

Psalm 42:5–6a (ESV) —

5 Why are you cast down, O my soul,

and why are you in turmoil within me?

Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,

my salvation 6 and my God. …

NOTE: This refrain or chorus is used twice in this psalm, and also in psalm 43. Maybe psalm 43 was an additional verse added later to psalm 42. The chorus is both sad and rejoiceful. The sad part is a recognition that life is not as we would like. Things don't work out the way we hope. People that we count on, let us down, they make poor choices or they act in an evil manner. The world is ugly with sin, in the midst of the beauty of creation. This is real. This is true. The psalmist does not hide his emotions nor does he dally in them. He immediately reminds himself of his reason for joy--hope in God. He is our salvation, and no matter what befalls us; we will again praise him. We will again experience an immeasurable joy that only our creator can give us. He is our Father; we are adopted into the family. His love for us knows no bounds and his favor for us cannot increase any more than it already exists. We are his beloved. In the midst of all the ugliness and pain in the world, there is a place of absolute peace and joy--it is knowing the God of the universe personally.

QT 21 Aug 17, Ps 42:1-2, A longing for something better

Psalm 42:1–2 (ESV) —

1 As a deer pants for flowing streams,

so pants my soul for you, O God.

2 My soul thirsts for God,

for the living God.

When shall I come and appear before God?

NOTE: This Hebrew word, sounds like awrog, only appears three times in scripture, twice in this verse and once by Joel. It means to pant or long for or to crave something. The examples all seem to include an immediate need brought about by life circumstances, like a slave who pants for shade, or the deer who has been running from a pursuer panting for water. I think as we realize how far life is from what God intended, we too long, pant for the original creation or at least a restoration of what was intended. That is the plan in the millennial kingdom, but life, for all its wonders, joys, beauty, and promise leaves a believer disappointed by the evil, ugliness, cruelty, and wickedness of our generation. David may have been running from Solomon or even some of his poor decisions with regard to his family, and his recognition that for all God has given, it is badly marred. I agree. Life is wonderful and yet so empty of what it should be. I long for the restoral. For people to realize that true happiness is not found in running from God but running to God. Lord open our eyes before we destroy ourselves.

QT 17 Aug 17, Ps 141:8-10, A relationship demands regular consistent time and priority

Psalm 141:8–10 (ESV) —

8 But my eyes are toward you, O God, my Lord;

in you I seek refuge; leave me not defenseless!

9 Keep me from the trap that they have laid for me

and from the snares of evildoers!

10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets,

while I pass by safely.

NOTE: More typically we talk about keeping our eyes on the path so that we will not fall into a hole, or twist our ankle on a rock. In the spiritual realm, the key is to keep our eyes on God and trust him to protect us from the trap or snare or net. This assumes that we are developing a relationship with God. Without regular intake of the word and regular communication through prayer, we can hardly be thought of as keeping our eyes on God. Once a week church does not qualify as keeping our eyes on God. Even throwing in Sun night and Wed night is not a suitable substitute for daily time with God. They may be salves for our conscience, but they are actually quite dangerous, because they make us think we have a relationship with God when we don't. No one would ever think that a husband and wife who met one morning and one evening a week to have a good growing relationship. Nor can you develop a relationship with your young children with so little time. Why do we think that is sufficient for God? We need to stop deceiving ourselves. A relationship with God takes regular consistent time and priority.

QT 16 Aug 17, Ps 141:5-6, Our nation (and we) need(s) to repent of all of our sins, not a selected few

Psalm 141:5–6 (ESV) —

5 Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness;

let him rebuke me—it is oil for my head;

let my head not refuse it.

Yet my prayer is continually against their evil deeds.

6 When their judges are thrown over the cliff,

then they shall hear my words, for they are pleasant.

NOTE: It is disheartening to see evil  forces at work on both sides of political issues. It is even more so when only one side is condemned by the media and our leaders, as if the other evil is legitimate or acceptable. But evil is evil and it is wrong. Whenever we treat each other with contempt and ridicule and lack of respect and violence, it is ALL wrong. It hurts, and I just need to pray for my country to see its' sin and evil. I pray, it won't be at death (imagery of a judge thrown over the cliff for evil rulings) that they finally recognized their sin. Open our eyes dear Lord that we can see all of the sin of our nation. I pray we would repent and might still turn back to you in repentance and humility. Help me to show the love of Christ to all people, for that is what is missing so much today.

Aug 2017, A Collection of Recent Quiet Times

Passage	Key Verses(s) [Optional]	Basic Thing(s) Taught	Personal Insight(s) & Application(s)
Gal 2:15-21 (key:16)	Galatians 2:17-18,21 (ESV) — 17 But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! 18 For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. … 21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.	What is it that Paul tore down? It is the idea that a man can be saved by works of the law. If I support that idea, I am a sinner, in two senses. One, I do not believe Jesus died for my sin, hence my sin is not paid for, and two, I am hurting (sinning against) others by suggesting the way to righteousness is through the law.	Even worse, by suggesting the law as a means to please God, I nullify the grace of God. What is the purpose of Christ' death if it is not to make us righteous in God's eyes. I cannot earn any more of his favor. I can honor by obedience. I can show my love to him by my obedience. But I cannot increase my favor in his sight or the love that he has for me as a son. Those are established by Jesus' death not by my works.
Rom 3:9-31 (key: 20)	Romans 3:20–21 (ESV) — 20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. 21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—	No human being can be justified by works of the law. No one can do it. There is no justification in good works or being better than another or in kindness or self-sacrifice or a martyr's death. There is NONE. The LAW does a few things, but the one major thing it does, is that it shows us that we are sinners--we all fail to keep the law. The righteousness of God is made known APART from the law. It has nothing to do with the law.	I think as believers we have a difficult accepting the fact that the ten commandments or other biblical laws do not gain us something. It is hard to let go of that very human being-type thought. We feel we ought to do something. Few things are actually free, except those given in love. Why is it so hard to believe in God's love and in the free gift he offers to those he loves? We may not all be God's children, but all people are loved by God.
Matt 27:1-14 (should have been to 26, and the next 27-44)	Matthew 27:6–10 (ESV) — 6 But the chief priests, taking the pieces of silver, said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since it is blood money.” 7 So they took counsel and bought with them the potter’s field as a burial place for strangers. 8 Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. 9 Then was fulfilled what had been spoken by the prophet Jeremiah, saying, “And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him on whom a price had been set by some of the sons of Israel, 10 and they gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord directed me.”	The Priests knew it was wrong. They were right in not taking money for the betrayal in an innocent man. So, on one hand, they obey the legal requirements of the law, and on the other hand, they disobey the spirit of the law by being party to the death of an innocent man.	This passage is an example of compromise, and yet somehow feeling that you are "right" before God. We can never be right before God on our own. We will always fail. We will always be tempted to compromise. And we will always feel like a failure. But Jesus' death for us has secured God's favor and his love. He will always see Jesus when he looks at us.
Matt 27:15-44	Matthew 27:24–25 (ESV) — 24 So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.” 25 And all the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!”	Pilate washed his hands but he had the authority, but no knowledge. Israel accepted the blood, but they had no authority and the knowledge. It is not so easy to wash away sin. You cannot just walk away. You cannot use a basin to get clean. Jesus' blood which was being bandied about was the only blood which could truly cleanse a person. And Jesus died for those with knowledge and those without knowledge of his purpose. And ultimately, it was God's plan to put Jesus to death for our sin.	The only real authority was God's. But it was Jesus, the son of God, who chose to die for us. Jesus died because he loved us. Pilate washed his hands to avoid a riot on his career. The Jews accepted the consequences because they did not want to change. Everybody thought they were doing something, but only one person was doing something good. Jesus, out of love, died in our place for our sin.
Matt 27:45-56	Matthew 27:62–64 (ESV) — 62 The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate 63 and said, “Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise.’ 64 Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last fraud will be worse than the first.”	Plotting and scheming. Scheming and plotting. Sometimes, it seems that is all we do. For all their plotting, they weren't very effective. Because you scheme against God. You can scheme and plot against a great many people, but it makes no sense to scheme or plot against God. And if you do, you will just find yourself a part of his plan. The Pharisees only added more proof of the resurrection by their scheming.	Do I scheme and plot in life? Or do I wait upon God for him to do his will? The more effective strategy is not to scheme, but it is to pray. If it is God's will, prayer will be certainly more effective than any effort I take on my own effort and will.

QT 14 Aug 17, Ps 141:1-2, He knows us completely

Psalm 141:1–2 (ESV) —

1 O Lord, I call upon you; hasten to me!

Give ear to my voice when I call to you!

2 Let my prayer be counted as incense before you,

and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!

NOTE: I'm not sure if this is the supporting verse or if there are others in the OT, but the idea of incense symbolizing prayer is also found in Revelation. We tend to think of incense as a pleasant aroma. There are a number of things that are a pleasant aroma of God. While I don't have the verse at my fingertip, I believe how we live our life is a pleasant aroma to God. And this verse tells us that our prayers are a pleasant aroma to God. We tend to focus on what we get out of prayer, that is answers to our requests. To God, prayer is an essential aspect of our relationship, something God desires greatly. And, it is pleasant aroma. It is pleasing to the Father. God desires for us to pray, to open up, to share our struggles and disappointments and fears. He knows us. He wants us to be completely honest -- it makes no sense to do otherwise. God is one person we can reveal the worst of our character, since he won't be shocked as he already know us completely. Father, thank you that I don't need to hide anything from you. You love me despite knowing me completely already. I feel so unworthy of that great love.

QT 12 Aug 17, My Favorite Songs

I started to write down my three favorite songs, and then I found and remembered more.

You Are My Hiding Place - I am weak and I fail God, but I just need to trust him. He will protect me and take care of me.

In His Time - when my son was born, I held onto the truths of this son that God makes all things beautiful in his time. I couldn't see it, but I believed it. And he has made all things beautiful.

I Can Only Imagine - This describes my joy about heaven. Surrounded by his glory will be so overwhelming. I think I will fall on my knees and cry -- I won't be able to speak. And then maybe I will dance for Jesus, because I really never dance here on earth.

I Want To Be Where You Are  - Some of these songs remind me of different times in my life, but this is my desire, to be in God's presence.

You Are My All in All - This goes back to a men's movement, promise-keepers, and represents my heart's desire. God is the treasure that I seek. To give up, I'd be a fool. He took my sin and my shame. When I fall down, he continues to pick me up. Jesus, worthy is your name.

In Moments Like These - Such a quiet and peaceful song, that expresses our hearts. Usually I don't like to sing "I love thee Lord" because my love is so shallow compared to God's love. He truly loves me. I love him in a much weaker way. And so, sometimes I don't like to say those words. But this song is quiet and right.

Breathe - I want my daily bread to be God's word. I want the air I breath to be his presence. I am so desperate for God. And I would be so loss without God.

Oceans - I think I have walked through some deep waters in my life, so I can feel the struggle in this song. And I want to always to live in God's embrace when the waves attack.

Revelation Song - A very powerful song that brings me to tears. My savior, the lamb of God, is so worthy. God is so worthy. Such a beautiful praise song.

There are other older songs like How Great Thou Art; Be Still My Soul; Amazing Grace; Be Still My Soul; and others. I feel like I just had a worship service thinking through, listening, and singing all these songs. Thank you God for your presence today.

QT 10 Aug 17, Ps 32:8-9, The hard way or the easy way?

Psalm 32:8–9 (ESV) —

8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;

I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

9 Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding,

which must be curbed with bit and bridle,

or it will not stay near you.

NOTE: For a child of God (and not everyone is a child of God -- only those born of God by new birth), this verse is a warning from our Father. You can learn one of two ways -- the easy way where you listen to God's instruction and counsel, and follow his commands. Or, the hard way, where you fight God, and he must continually curb you in a painful manner (bit and bridle). If a person is not a child of God, that is he has not put his faith in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, God allows that person to experience the world without him. Unfortunately, people refuse to view it that way, and instead rant and rave about how unfair and cruel the world is and how that proves God does not exist. But in the garden, we made it clear that we did not want God to rule us. We rebelled. God gave us what we wanted--life without him ruling; life with ourselves acting as gods. We have it, but we don't like that either. The believer is a person who has repented and accepted the free gift of salvation. God is at work in that person's life. God is using all things for good in that person's life, although they may not feel good at the time. How are we going to learn? The hard way or the easier way.

QT 9 Aug 17, Ps 32:5-7, Repentance precedes protection

Psalm 32:5–7 (ESV) —

5 I acknowledged my sin to you,

and I did not cover my iniquity;

I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”

and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah

6 Therefore let everyone who is godly

offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found;

surely in the rush of great waters,

they shall not reach him.

7 You are a hiding place for me;

you preserve me from trouble;

you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah

NOTE: It may seem obvious that verses 6 and 7 follow verse 5, but in a very real sense, God's protection follows our repentance. There are consequences to sin that God does not remove, at least not as a rule or promise. And we do know that in all things, he works for the good of those who love him. But I think these verses are discussing his discipline. And I do think he removes his hand of discipline on us when we repent of sin. We cannot trust God for his protection as long as we are in rebellion--at least that is the thought that David suggests. When we are living in rebellion to God, even as a believer, the great waters can overwhelm us and trouble can find us. Those too are warning signs that we have a much deeper problem and that is our relationship with our creator. I think repentance ought to be a part of our prayer every day, for the things we are aware and even the things we may not be aware. The far worst thing is to be separated from God by our sin.

QT 8 Aug 17, Ps 32:3-4, Shame is God's warning mechanism

Psalm 32:3–4 (ESV) —

3 For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away

through my groaning all day long.

4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;

my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah

NOTE: I know that modern psychology wants to eliminate certain mores because they create shame. They recognize that shame is a debilitating emotion. What they don't realize is that shame, while painful and destructive, is God's tool to get our attention that our actions or attitudes are wrong, and that continued activity will ruin us even more. And so in that sense, shame is a warning mechanism. But do we really believe it is for our good? If we have discounted God as our creator, then the bible does not have information useful to our lives from the point of view of the builder or creator, such as a user manual for a piece of software. If we are the product of random chance then the bible contains good ideas by multiple authors. But if God is our creator, as I believe he is, then the bible is life's encyclopedia of information on living life to the fullest. I started to write "God's secret" and then realized that there is nothing secret about it, rather it is ignored though readily available to almost all.

QT 7 Aug 17, Ps 32:1-2, Our real need is to flush our bodies of sin

Psalm 32:1–2 (ESV) —

1 Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,

whose sin is covered.

2 Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity,

and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

NOTE: Why is a person blessed to have his sins forgiven? Because we were not designed (created) for sin. It is an abnormality. For all the things that we try to do to our bodies to be more healthy, the primary issue is sin. God never intended for us to live in sin. He never intended for us to die. He did intend for us to have purpose, to work, to have relationships, to appreciate beauty, and to know him. But our sin separated us from the creator's intent. Our struggle is not so much with the foods we eat, but with a body decaying because of sin. And that is why forgiveness and spiritual cleansing is so important. We can flush our bodies using all kinds of concoctions. But only the blood of Jesus can wash away our sins. Repentance restores us. And someday, when Jesus returns for us, we will receive new bodies, immune (in some way) to sin. And yes, we will be blessed, … , so happy to be finally rid of the major defect to our creation, sin.

QT 3 Aug 17, Ps 51:15-17, God wants our heart, actions will flow out of a repentant heart

Psalm 51:15–17 (ESV) —

15 O Lord, open my lips,

and my mouth will declare your praise.

16 For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;

you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.

17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;

a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

NOTE: It is easy to give a gift or do something physical in an attempt to appease. To change internally, is a lot harder, because deep down we known it has to be real to be effective. In the area of the physical response, we can give things and also not be honest, but we feel it more when we try to be sorry inside and yet we know we are not sorry. I think what bothered David the most is that he realized that his sin was specifically against God. How? When David sought out Bathsheba, he knew it was wrong. He knew God saw it. He lived hiding a sin he knew could not be hidden. And yet, he tried to ignore the internal while focusing on the externals. And by doing all that he was saying, that God's commandments are not the best for my life--I will choose my own rules--I will live like other kings. Whatever his motivations, in the end it was good to be found out and publicly denounced by Nathan. He was probably relieved to let the ugliness see the light. And now, after 9-10 months, he writes what he should have said almost a year earlier. It hurt, everything about it hurt--the very reason God has established his law--because he knows what is best for us. May we always immediately turn to God in brokenness and confession.

QT 2 Aug 17, Ps 51:7-12, Someday this battle with sin will end

Psalm 51:7–12 (ESV) —

7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;

wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

8 Let me hear joy and gladness;

let the bones that you have broken rejoice.

9 Hide your face from my sins,

and blot out all my iniquities.

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,

and renew a right spirit within me.

11 Cast me not away from your presence,

and take not your Holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation,

and uphold me with a willing spirit.

NOTE: The reality of sin is that it is painful. It might feel good for a moment, but deep down, it tears apart our soul. We hurt. We feel the shame. No matter how much we have hardened our heart, our spirit cannot deny the cry of pain. We know it is wrong. And that is why forgiveness, cleansing, the washing of our soul, feels so good. We want to remove the stain and pain. We desire so much for a clean heart and a right spirit. We need God's presence. We so desire to live in the joy of our salvation, and even though our sins cannot remove the promise, the joy can disappear in a life of sin. I understand David's heart in this Psalm. I have felt it as have many others. The joy of holiness is only glimpsed in this life. Someday we will have new bodies, unstained by sin, and we will truly realize the joy of our salvation. How I look forward to that day.