QT 26 Dec 19, 2 Pet 1:14,-15, Why do we willingly disregard truth?

2 Peter 1:14–15 (ESV) — 14 since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. 15 And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.

NOTE: Peter knew his death was soon and he was not concerned. He called it the "putting off of my body" as if it was a very natural thing. Well, I'm not sure it is natural, but because of the rebellion, all but two people have gone through the same thing (at least as of 120 years ago). For the believer, it carries no fear, that is death carries no fear. We have a hope of eternal life that is based on the life, death, and resurrection of the son of God. An event, witnessed and recorded by many people. Despite atheists attempt to suggest otherwise, no historical scholar takes seriously the notion that Jesus did not exist. The evidence is overwhelming. Myths do not cause first generation eyewitness to die for a cause. It is easy to fool second and third generations, but first generation are not fooled. Eyewitnesses do not die for lies, especially when there was no material gain. Peter was an eyewitness to the events of which he writes. He knew the truth. He risked everything because of the truth. He now readily will die for the truth. He was a fisherman, but he was not stupid. And technically, he was educated by the most brilliant rabbi of all time, Jesus. His concern is that the second and subsequent generations recall the truths he and other eyewitnesses have taught.

PRAYER: Father, there is no doubt about the battle being waged against Jesus Christ. Non-truths are taught with vigor by the enemies of God without any basis except hatred. The world easily believes these non-truths, because truth demands a change that they are not willing to make. The would rather die in ignorance and in sin than to admit you rule. Father, forgive us. Heal us. Open our eyes to spiritual truth.

QT 25 Dec 19, 2 Pet 1:5-8, Growing in Christ in stages

2 Peter 1:5–8 (ESV) — 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

NOTE: I think there are seasons in life where we are growing in different aspects. I do see the list as increasing in maturity. But I also see that it is a list where we are always  going through it all over again. And then are areas where we just struggle. I think my constant struggle is in self-control. While I am not heavy, I am certainly 10 to 20 pounds heavier than I would like to be. My struggle is saying no to food, even when I have made up my mind to say no, I somehow allow myself to be tricked by my body into eating something I really don't need. This is another goal for the new year, to be increasingly stronger in self control.

PRAYER: Father, I pray for the strength and power of the Holy Spirit to be present in my life this year and to help me say no to the temptations of the flesh, especially as it comes to eating.

QT 24 Dec 19, 1 Pet 5:6-7, Don't use humility as a means to be exalted

1 Peter 5:6–7 (ESV) — 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

NOTE: God is the one who exalts another, not the person himself. God knows the proper timing. Of course, if the only interest is in being exalted, then I doubt the time is any time soon. We really need to let go of our selfish desires to be recognized. We need to be completely content in who we are, not caring how another might view my success or lack of success. I saw a movie where the rich ruler of the house pretended to be a pan handler. He submitted to a number of humbling experiences. In the end, he gained far more than he gave up.

PRAYER: I do pray that my humility would not be a means to exaltation. I want to be real. I don't want to have secret and wicked thoughts. I want to humbly serve.

QT 23 Dec 19, 1 Pet 5:5, Learning humility in the new year

1 Peter 5:5 (ESV) — 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

NOTE: This has always been my struggle. This new year, I am resolving to downplay myself. I am not going to talk about my accomplishments. I am not going to bring up things I have accomplished. I am focusing on other people. I have no reason to uphold myself. I am content with who I am. I am content with my relationship with God. I want to serve others.

PRAYER: Father, give me the strength and power of the Holy Spirit to withhold my speech in those opportunities I have to boast. Let me fade back into the woodwork. Give me the power to show true humility

QT 19 Dec 19, 1 Pet 3:9, Be a blessing

1 Peter 3:9 (ESV) — 9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.

NOTE: In other words, don't act like the world. Don't  get even. Don't nurse grudges. Don't play the games that the world plays. Be different. Bless people with your presence, your words, your actions, your kindness, and your grace. Do people avoid you? Do people enjoy having you around? Do people appreciate you? Do you tear things down or do you build things and people up? The question for myself is -- what kind of person am I? Am I the one who is always finding fault? Or am I the one trying to encourage others with a blessing or by being a blessing?

PRAYER: Father, I want to be a blessing to others. Help me today to see opportunities to bless someone with my words.

QT 18 Dec 19, 1 Pet 4:4-5, The Word is our guidepost

1 Peter 4:4–5 (ESV) — 4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

NOTE: I think the world is surprised because deep down they feel the shame of their sin. The more people who join them, the better they feel. Almost like, misery loves company, except in the case it is, sinners enjoy more sinners. We will be maligned and attacked, because if the world does not attack, then they have acknowledged us right, and them wrong. The ways to avoid being wrong is to convince yourself you are right, involve yourself with people who think like you, attack those who don't, and most importantly, ignore God's Word. I say the latter because religious people can make the same above mistakes as the irreligious, and only the Word of God illuminated by the Holy Spirit can save us from our sinful flesh.

PRAYER: Father, protect us from the pride that makes us think we are always right. We are not right because we are believers. We are right when we truthfully follow the teachings of the Word of God.

QT 17 Dec 19, 1 Pet 3:21, Does baptism save?

1 Peter 3:21 (ESV) — Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

NOTE: Constable writes:

"The antecedent of “this” (sic) seems to be “water” (v. 20). Baptism saves Christians now as the water that floated Noah’s ark saved him and drowned his unbelieving antagonists. It does not save us by cleansing us from defilement, either physically or spiritually, but by announcing publicly that the person baptized has placed his or her faith in Jesus Christ. Baptism now delivers (saves) us from the consequences of siding with the world." (Expository Notes, 1 Peter, 2003)

I think Constable is right. Jesus has done all the work. Our response is threefold -- believe, repent, and choose. Those three verbs represent our mind, our heart, and our will. If any one of them is missing, I don't believe a person can become a Christian. While baptism is not necessary as the expression of our will, it certainly is a public expression of our will. Salvation is primarily internal, but the external element can be key in putting the stake in the ground. An unwillingness to publicly identify with Jesus' death raises doubt in regards to a person's actual conversion.

PRAYER: Father, help us not to be fooled by our emotions. "Knowing Jesus" is more than a feeling and is not confirmed by feelings. It is confirmed by a changed life with a deep love to get into the word of God for food.

QT 16 Dec 19, 1 Pet 3:15, Always be prepared

1 Peter 3:15 (ESV) — 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,

NOTE: Always be prepared. It is wise to develop some apologetic skills -- not that most people could ever expect to answer any and all questions from a scoffer. There are just too many scoffers and each one needs only a few to represent a huge amount of arguments. Many arguments do collapse to a few, but there are no lack of individuals who want to disprove the bible or God. But there are many useful answers. The first and best is our testimony. "I do not know the answer to that question, although I can look for you, but I have found that Jesus Christ completely transformed my life." The work of the Holy Spirit cannot really be disputed, only doubted. Another answer of mine, "I have a book that has hundreds of supposed errors in scripture that a little logic and science answer -- most of the errors start with the assumption that the text is in error to make their argument, not really looking into the alternatives. I would be glad to investigate your 'question' if you are really interested." But really the best response only requires one to read 1 Cor 15. There are many eyewitnesses to the fact of the resurrection. The onus is on the scoffer to dismiss 500 people in mostly separate situations. If he tries to make issue of the records written by man. Well, archaeology has shown that what was written in the first century is nearly exactly what we still have today.

PRAYER: Father, help me not to shrink back when questioned. You have given me great wisdom. May I use it for your glory.

QT 12 Dec 19, 1 Pet 3:7, The husband's duties for his wife

1 Peter 3:7 (ESV) — Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

NOTE: Two things stand out to me in this passage. First, men are called to understand your wife. Wow, that is not easy. Understanding anyone is difficult but especially the opposite sex, and for a man, especially a wife. Understanding requires active listening, but not just her words, but also her emotions, her non-verbal communications, and her thoughts. A man doesn't need to think about these things as much in dealing with other men, at least that has been my experience. I do know there are exceptions but they seem few. The second point is the comment on weaker vessel. Constable writes,

Both the husband and the wife are vessels, but husbands are more typically similar to iron skillets whereas wives resemble china vases, being more delicate. They are equally important but different.

 

Again, many would probably disagree, but in my experience (sample size of 2 - wife and a daughter), I would agree. It is considerably easier to damage a woman through our words than a man. I guess this means I'm a sexist pig, or that I am exactly right and our culture wants to hide God's truth from our knowledge.

PRAYER: Father, help me to truly listen to my wife and understand her. I want her to know that I care for her, that I love her, and that she is very special to me.

QT 11 Dec 19, 1 Pet 3:3-4, The real beauty of an inner heart

1 Peter 3:3–4 (ESV) — 3 Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— 4 but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.

NOTE: I suppose many women do not this verse and the culture has told them not to like it. But I can't think of a more appealing beauty than of the inner spirit. Clothes provide a certain beauty, but the inner person is so much more beautiful and long-lasting. It truly is captivating. God calls it precious, what could be a better compliment?

PRAYER: I thank you for my wife. I know she is not perfect, but I do see that inner beauty in her and I love her so much for it.

QT 9 Dec 19, 1 Pet 2:16, Freedom is a good thing, lawless is not

1 Peter 2:16 (ESV) — Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.

NOTE: God wants us to be free. This verse follows an exhortation to submit to the secular governing authorities. You can be free and still subject to laws and rules. In fact, I'm not sure we can be free without laws and rules. Our very ability to do things (drive somewhere) would be inhibited by other's lawless actions (driving on whatever side of the road the person chose). So, it is a bit of false logic to assume freedom means no rules. Likewise, being free in Christ does not mean we are not under law. We certainly are still under the spirit of the law summed up in the statement to love the Lord your God with your whole being and your neighbor as yourself. Nearly all of our actions affect our neighbors, even the ones done in secret or private. I know that doesn't make sense but it is true. Our secret actions will reveal themselves in time -- they will. So, the application is to live as free men, and obey all the laws, because our witness to others (vs 2:15) is dependent upon our obedience. The only exception are laws in direct conflict with the commands of God.

PRAYER: Father, help me to live as a law-abiding citizen in all that I do. The standard is "what is the law," not "what can I get away with?" Change the mind and heart of believers because too many of us follow the world's view in these things.

QT 6 Dec 19, 1 Pet 2:11-12, Our witness is so important to the life of the Christian

1 Peter 2:11–12 (ESV) — 11 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. 12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.

NOTE: Our witness is so important. Outside of glorifying God, there may be no more important aspect to our life. And part of the reason our witness is important is that it glorifies God as well. But our witness has an impact on others, and as a result, others may glorify God someday as well. When we compromise moral commands or try to fit in with worldly mores, we dishonor God as well as misrepresent the gospel. This is our primary mission. We are not needed in the kingdom if we are not willing to live according to the Spirit.

PRAYER: Father, I pray we might all understand why it is so important to live according to Christian morals. As believers, give us a strong and beautiful witness to those around us. May they see the love of Christ through our actions and through our choices.

QT 4 Dec 19, 1 Pet 2:4-5, Being a stone that can be built upon

As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 2:4‭-‬5 ESV

NOTE: I am a living stone. I am part of a larger building. I stand upon the stones of others, men and women who lived lives that honored God. I now have a responsibility to build upon the stone of my life. I need to live in such a way that my life does not weaken the building.

PRAYER: Father, today help me to live a life that would be a witness to those around me. Help me to be concerned for others. Help me to look out for others. Help me to treat others as more important than myself.

QT 3 Dec 19, 1 Pet 2:2, Why don't we want to grow?

1 Peter 2:2 (ESV) — Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—

NOTE: It is such a simple truth, but having seen the struggles most committed Christians (attending IDGs) have in keeping a regular quiet time, I wonder if we really understand this simple verse. A baby would dies or be severely malnourished if it did not daily drink its mother's milk. And yet, so many "believers" skip the pure spiritual milk of the Word. How can we grow without nourishment? Are we fooling ourselves? Is our "growth" fake? Is it all a show? If we are not in the Word of God on a regular basis, we are malnourished believers, barely alive. I can't think of anything that discourages me more than seeing so many believers who do not regularly meet with God in his word. We are so weak spiritually.

PRAYER: Father, open the eyes of your church to their absolute need to meet with you regularly. Please, we don't want to live hypocritical lives. I know we choose. Help us to see our need for you.

QT 2 Dec 19, 1 Pet 1:24-25, The essentiality of the Word of God for life

1 Peter 1:24–25 (ESV) — 24 for

“All flesh is like grass

and all its glory like the flower of grass.

The grass withers,

and the flower falls,

25 but the word of the Lord remains forever.”

And this word is the good news that was preached to you.

NOTE: Everything that I touch and see is temporary. It is all going to pass away. There are only two things that I can interact with that are eternal: people and the Word of God. I can influence people toward an eternity in heaven by my relationship with them and my witness to them. But, the Word of God is the only perfect eternal thing on earth (outside of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit). Everything I do with the Word has value now and beyond this life. It has eternal value. And it has power to change me now. I can fix a lot of things, but I can't fix the decay caused by sin in my mind. The Word of God can repair my mind and my heart and other parts of my body damaged by sin. It can't do it completely, I need a new body to completely rid me of my body of sin. But for all the effort we put into external things for our body, the one thing we ought to do more is to immerse ourselves in the word.

PRAYER: Father, thank you for your Word and the cleansing effect it has on my mind and body.

QT 29 Nov 19, 1 Pet 1:17-19, Living for Christ in a serious manner

1 Peter 1:17–19 (ESV) — 17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, 18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

NOTE: While the 'exiled' referred to Jewish believers spread throughout the Roman empire, in a real sense, we are also exiles, separated from our true heavenly home. We are to live our lives in fear, because we know that we were ransomed from our futile ways of our forefathers. Again, this is a Jewish reference, but we have inherited our sin from our forefathers too, our culture. And our ransom was at a terrible price, the precious blood of Jesus. Do I really live like this? Or am I nonchalant about my faith and what it cost the savior? I think I live far too relaxed in regard to my faith. I need to be more serious about the salvation that God has given to me.

PRAYER: Father, I don't want to take for granted your unbelievable salvation. I want to be very serious in my private life. I want to live lovingly in my public life. Forgive me for my failures.

QT 28 Nov 19, 1 Pet 1:12, Who are we really serving?

1 Peter 1:12 (ESV) — It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.

NOTE: The prophets were trying to figure out what time the salvation of the Lord was coming. It was probably a disappointment to know that they would not see it themselves but they were serving others, who would be born many years after them. Even if it was a disappointment, it was also an incredible honor to serve God. Did they earn that honor? I wonder. While salvation is by grace, the choice of people to serve God seems dependent upon the actions of those selected. Mary was praised. Moses, David, Elijah, and Elisha were honored. They weren't perfect, but they pleased God. In fact, Hebrews 11 is a list of men and women, saved by grace, but serving because of obedience and faith. What are we missing out on based on our lack of obedience? Are we willing to serve even if we are not helping ourselves? I hope I am.

PRAYER: Father, thank you for the obedience of the men and women of faith who have gone before me. I want to have their attitude of service. It was not about them, it was about honoring you in service to others.

QT 27 Nov 19, 1 Pet 1:8-9, We don't see God today, but we do see life without God today

1 Peter 1:8–9 (ESV) — 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

NOTE: In the first century, many of the believers saw Jesus. Other believers knew eyewitnesses to the facts. Today, there are no eyewitnesses. There is no one who has seen Jesus. We do have the experience of the Holy Spirit. That is, we see the change the HS brings into our life. We feel the comfort of his presence. But, we do not see him. Jesus said as much to Nicodemus when he told him that the Spirit is like the wind, you see the effects of the wind, but you do not see the wind. Our faith then is based on two foundations, the logical truth of scripture, and the life changing presence of God in our life. It is not a leap in the dark. It never has been.

PRAYER: Father, another indication of your truth is the sad state of our world today as we depart further from your truth. Open our blinded eyes to see that our human solutions to life are not making us better but are destroying the very fabric of our souls and persons.

QT 26 Nov 19, 1 Pet 1:1-2, Saved for obedience

1 Peter 1:1–2 (ESV) —

1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,

To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood:

May grace and peace be multiplied to you.

NOTE: There is a lot of disagreement about the word foreknowledge. Both the Armenian and Calvinist use the verse to argue for their point of view. Using the Hermeneutical rule of common sense reading, it would seem to favor the Armenian view point. But, it would not mean God in his foreknowledge knew we were worthy of salvation, but rather God in his foreknowledge knew we would say "yes" to his offer of salvation that he gives to all men. And based on our choice to believe the truth, he has sanctified us for obedience to Jesus and salvation. We are part of his elect because he saw we would exercise a free will answer of yes to him. That is the straightforward way of viewing foreknowledge. In the Calvinist view, foreknowledge would not be required except to know of our existence. And we would be created to be saved. In contrast to being created to not be saved, as some might argue the discussion of Pharaoh in the book of Romans makes. In the end, I really can't say with any firmness, but I am thankful I am saved for eternal life with God.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for my salvation. Thank you that you give me life despite the fact that I am not at all worthy of your name.

QT 25 Nov 19, Mal 4:5-6, The Day of the Lord is most assuredly coming

Malachi 4:5–6 (ESV) — 5 “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. 6 And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.”

NOTE: These are the last words of Malachi. It starts out in verse 1 with the Day of the Lord and the upcoming judgment. Elijah preceded the last days, but Israel rejected the Messiah, resulting in the church age, which will end and this short period of time will culminate in God's judgment through the tribulation and the establishment of the millennial rule of Christ on earth. It is coming. Prophecy has been fulfilled in absolute accuracy regarding his first coming. He will come again and with absolute accuracy fulfill the remaining prophecies.

PRAYER: Father, I am so glad that I know the truth. I am so glad that I know the savior. I look forward to the end of the ages. My heart pains for this wicked and lost world. We are hurting ourselves with our stupid beliefs that put human wisdom above your timeless wisdom. Forgive us.

QT 21 Nov 19, Mal 3:16, True Christian fellowship is talking about God

Malachi 3:16 (ESV) — Then those who feared the Lord spoke with one another. The Lord paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the Lord and esteemed his name.

NOTE: Constable suggests that some of the true believers got together, discussed Malachi's rebuke, and repented. And in turn, God's angels recorded the names of those who responded to his rebuke. This does give great insight into one of the most important aspects of walking with God -- good Christian fellowship. These are friends who don't spend time talking about the weather, sports, work, and politics, but spend time talking about what God is doing in their lives. The other things can be a part of friendship, but true Christian fellowship has a spiritual impact in the lives of the people involved -- how God answered prayer; how God used a particular verse in their life; areas that they are struggling in faith; etc. We are too "surface-y" and consequently miss out on the powerful impact of true Christian fellowship.

PRAYER: Father, I pray I would fellowship with others in a "spiritual" manner. May I talk about you and the things you are doing in my life.

QT 20 Nov 19, Mal 3:14-15, Doing the right thing because it is the right thing

Malachi 3:14–15 (ESV) — 14 You have said, ‘It is vain to serve God. What is the profit of our keeping his charge or of walking as in mourning before the Lord of hosts? 15 And now we call the arrogant blessed. Evildoers not only prosper but they put God to the test and they escape.’ ”

NOTE: The complaint is justified but short-sighted. Additionally, it ignores the moral requirement of integrity and doing the right thing, independent of the results. Certainly, no one should argue to do the right thing when there is material gain involved. That is a mercenary morality. This is where faith is important. Faith is not believing something that is not true. Faith is believing what God has said and trusting that he will fulfill his Word in his time.

PRAYER: Father, forgive us for our unbelief. Forgive us for expecting something out of our so-called goodness. Forgive us of our sin, our arrogance. Be merciful I pray.

QT 19 Nov 19, Mal 3:8, Giving versus Tithing

Malachi 3:8 (RSV) — 8 Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How are we robbing thee?’ In your tithes and offerings.

NOTE: Our concept of a tithe is much different than the Jewish people understood. The full tithe (Mal 3:10) consisted of two tithes per year and one every three years. Mathematically that amounted to an average giving per year of 22 percent per year. Some years were 19 percent and once every three years you gave 27 percent. So, if we believe the tithe is a biblical requirement, then we too are robbing God of the full tithe. Fortunately, we are not under the law but under grace. The New Testament principle is expressed in a number of verses, but three are key:

2 Corinthians 9:6–7 (RSV) — 6 The point is this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Galatians 6:7 (RSV) — 7 Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.

1 Corinthians 16:2 (RSV) — 2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that contributions need not be made when I come.

In the Old Testament, you would not set aside something each week. There was no way to measure that under the law. Do you put 2 times 52 divided by ten every week, which would be about 1 percent a week under the Jewish system. Or if you refuse to believe the scripture about a tithe twice a year, then one-half of a percent a week. They did not have the same concept of income. Calves and kids came in the spring and the harvest was mostly in the fall. Plus they gave from their entire wealth.

It is a different system today and there is a different standard. It is actually a higher standard. In my personal opinion, A tithe is a rich man's excuse to be greedy.

PRAYER: Father, our hearts are revealed in our giving. I pray that we would respond to you in hearts of gratitude as expressed in joyful giving.

QT 18 Nov 19, Mal 2:17, We have disgusted God

Malachi 2:17 (RSV) — 17 You have wearied the Lord with your words. Yet you say, “How have we wearied him?” By saying, “Every one who does evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and he delights in them.” Or by asking, “Where is the God of justice?”

NOTE: This is our great Christian nation of today. We have made evil good and good evil. We applaud those who defy God's word. We tell each other that if God exists, He is love and all will be saved. What a wicked and blind people we are! God is not wearied with our nation, God must be disgusted with our nation. A great and terrible judgment is coming upon our land. One does not have to be a prophet to say that or to realize the truth. We have sinned greatly against God. There is good, but for all of our good, we have allowed sin to creep into our lives as well. Many churches practice apostasy -- a renunciation of the very things God has communicated in His Word. Do we have any hope? Will be repent of our sin?

PRAYER: Father, forgive me for allowing the sin of the world to affect my thinking. Forgive me for my unkindness toward others. Forgive me for wicked thoughts. Open our eyes to see our true self. May the church still become a light to the dying in the midst of this wicked and corrupt generation.

QT 15 Nov 19, Mal 2:13-16, Divorce is a cancer to our society

Malachi 2:13–16 (ESV) — 13 And this second thing you do. You cover the Lord’s altar with tears, with weeping and groaning because he no longer regards the offering or accepts it with favor from your hand. 14 But you say, “Why does he not?” Because the Lord was witness between you and the wife of your youth, to whom you have been faithless, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. 15 Did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union? And what was the one God seeking? Godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and let none of you be faithless to the wife of your youth. 16 “For the man who does not love his wife but divorces her, says the Lord, the God of Israel, covers his garment with violence, says the Lord of hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless.”

NOTE: We are guilty as a culture and as a whole planet. Not only do we divorce freely, we have further blasphemed God by calling same-sex unions marriage. Marriage is uniquely defined by God. My heart hurts for those who believe a same-sex union will bring them happiness. I don't think it will, but they have a right to make those choices. If they don't believe in God, then there is not a lot to say. But if they do believe in the God of the Bible, they need to know that he calls same-sex relationships sin. I have no right to force behavior and I never will. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. But divorce and same-sex unions are not how God intended marriage to transpire. Of course, there is forgiveness. But we cannot act in a sinful manner knowing that there is always forgiveness available--that is hypocrisy. For myself, I must guard against faithlessness. I will never dismiss that danger. I need God's protection. I need to set up barriers. VP Pence was laughed at for his fences, but God does not laugh at a man who takes precautions with relationships. We all need to do the same.

PRAYER: Father, open our eyes to sin. Protect us from the enemies schemes. May we never dismiss sin, but may we always treat people as Jesus treated them. He did not look down on the woman who committed adultery but told her to go and sin no more. May we treat others with such kindness.

QT 14 Nov 19, Mal 2:11, Mixed faith marriages don't work

Malachi 2:11 (RSV) — Judah has been faithless, and abomination has been committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah has profaned the sanctuary of the Lord, which he loves, and has married the daughter of a foreign god.

NOTE: Mixed faith marriages do not work in Judaism or in Christianity (the fulfillment of Jewish promises). That sounds close-minded but it is what the prophet is saying. Paul has a similar statement in one of his letters to the Corinthians. Unfortunately, you can say this over and over again, but it does not seem to lodge in the mind of our children. They choose to believe the enemy and the world over their parents and have to learn the hard way. Some of it is just free will and our sinful nature. It does not matter how well you bring your children up, they will make choices, just like Adam and Eve, and just like the prodigal sons (I use the plural intentionally). It does not matter who your parents are. But, there are also children who make poor choices because they see Christianity as rules but no life. They don't see a difference in their parents. Church is not a relationship but a religion. And they don't believe. Their professors and teachers make emotional statements, sometimes with logic, and they quickly toss their faith away. They were never very serious, and they were never really taught how to think logically about the gospel. Science is extremely important to the Christian faith. Bible study is absolutely dependent on the rules of science and logic, but most fools don't realize it.

PRAYER: Come Lord Jesus, come. We are such fools. We need you. We need to be cleansed. We need to be changed by the Holy Spirit.

QT 13 Nov 19, Mal 2:4-5, God is great beyond words

Malachi 2:4–5 (ESV) — 4 So shall you know that I have sent this command to you, that my covenant with Levi may stand, says the Lord of hosts. 5 My covenant with him was one of life and peace, and I gave them to him. It was a covenant of fear, and he feared me. He stood in awe of my name.

NOTE: When he says "his covenant with Levi," this could not be the original Levi since there was no individual covenant with him. The covenant started with Aaron and Moses and the group of Levites who stood with them in opposition to the enemies within the people. The original Levi was not a man of peace. But both Aaron and Moses were known for the their long-suffering. The feared God greatly and especially feared for the people. The took their position with awe that they served the God of the universe. We have lost some of that awe and wonder. We need to rediscover the Holy God, who is "other." We are made in his image and yet he is not like us, he is "other." That is really what holy means. He is both transcendent and he is knowable. The terms do not contradict. You cannot know God fully or even in a small partial manner, and yet you can know God. In fact, as a believer, we are given the mind of Christ, which I assume to be the Holy Spirit's indwelling since my finite mind is too small for even a fraction of the mind of Christ. We should stand in awe or maybe better yet collapse to our knees in awe. We serve and know (in some degree) the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Creator of all things, and God of the universe.

PRAYER: Father, words cannot express what I want to say. The word awe falls far short. It is too small. Nothing can describe your greatness. You are everything and more. Nothing exists that you do not keep existing. Nothing was created that you did not create. In my desire to understand your incredible greatness, I am left with nothing. My words fail, my thoughts fall far short, but my heart senses a small piece of the awe I feel at knowing you.

QT 12 Nov 19, Mal 1:13, Do we really know the savior?

Malachi 1:13 (RSV) — ‘What a weariness this is,’ you say, and you sniff at me, says the Lord of hosts. You bring what has been taken by violence or is lame or sick, and this you bring as your offering! Shall I accept that from your hand? says the Lord.

NOTE: Wow, I guess people's non-verbal actions have not changed much over the years. I can visualize the "sniff" so clearly. We do it but we don't think it is worth our time or attention. The person says he is weary--how weary God must be! We still do this today. People "play" church. They do it out of some wrong sense of obligation or peer pressure or for others. There is no doubt in my mind that God is sick of it. That is why there will be many who will be cast out and who will say, "Lord, Lord, did we not do this and that for you?" And Jesus will answer, "Be gone, I do not even know you" (paraphrased). When the church is raptured, how many people who actually sit in the pews will be raptured? Most? More than half? Half? I wonder.

PRAYER: Father, I pray you would open the eyes of those who sit in the building called the church. I pray they might truly become part of the church, the body of Christ.

QT 11 Nov 19, Malachi 1:6-7, Giving God our very best

Malachi 1:6–7 (RSV) — 6 “A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear? says the Lord of hosts to you, O priests, who despise my name. You say, ‘How have we despised thy name?’ 7 By offering polluted food upon my altar. And you say, ‘How have we polluted it?’ By thinking that the Lord’s table may be despised.

NOTE: The priests were religious leaders. They mediated between the people and God. They specifically handled the holy items and offered the sacrifices. They also taught the people. But they were not giving their best. They were doing shoddy work. In the military, we had a phrase, "good enough for the government" and unfortunately it permeated much  of the government. But when it came to doing something for a General, it was done very well. That's God's argument (Mal 1:8). We should treat him (God) better than even the most important person we have ever served. God is holy. To do anything for God less than the best is to dishonor his name. As a Christian leader and a teacher, the implication is obvious. I must do the very best job I can do in researching and teaching passages of scripture. I must never skimp. I must never decide that something is "good enough," my work and effort (ultimately to God) must be exemplary.

PRAYER: Lord, help me to do my very best in service to you. Whether it is teaching or leading or managing or interacting in the world, I want to be the very best witness I can for your name. I want to be gentle and kind. I want to be like Jesus.

QT 7 Nov 19, Phil 4:10-13, Do you know the secret of contentment?

Philippians 4:10–13 (ESV) — 10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

NOTE: The latter sentence, Phil 4:13, is quoted quite often. But the context is a little different than the reason for which people often quote it. The context is contentment -- whether well-fed or hungry, in abundance or need, Paul had learned the secret of contentment. We might reply, "but it is easy to be content when there is an abundance." That is not necessarily true. When a person is in abundance, he can get what he needs or want on a whim. But does he really need it? And should he really get it? Those are spiritual questions. And they are difficult, especially when your flesh is telling you that you need that thing or that experience. How do you know whether it is truly a need? You have the funds and it barely makes a dent in your abundance. But is it good for your soul? I think that is harder sometimes than not having to deal with the issue because of a lack of funds.

PRAYER: Father, credit cards give people the illusion of having the funds to satisfy their every desire. But they have not yet learned the secret of contentment--that a relationship with Jesus can satisfy the deepest desires of our souls. Open our eyes to see you and to love you with all of our hearts.

QT 6 Nov 19, Phil 4:8-9, Healing is so close …

Philippians 4:8–9 (ESV) — 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

NOTE: Talk about a great verse for mental health, this would be near the top of the list. Mental health can be caused by physical or chemical makeup. But it is also something we can bring upon ourselves. There is a battle on-going for the control of our mind. A number of mental health issues can develop from excessive bitterness, unwillingness to forgive, comparisons, covetous, anger, and victimization -- to name a few. We can do these things to ourselves. The evil one can convince us to wallow in mental behavior that slowly destroys our mind. Paul lists a different way of thinking that can bring healing from the spiritual impacts of the enemy. In Romans, Paul also mentions the need to renew our mind. The word of God has the power to break enemy strongholds in our mind. But the enemy wants to do everything possible to keep us from daily getting into the word of God. He knows there is healing in a daily relationship with the savior.

PRAYER: Father, the healing balm is within our reach, but we refuse to reach out. Please, open our minds to see and understand truth. We don't have to be powerless babes living in the muck. We can rise up to be the men and women of God you designed us to be. Have mercy on us. Help us to see and understand the absolute need for daily intake of your word.

QT 5 Nov 19, Phil 4:5, Others should recognize our "unselfishness"

Philippians 4:5 (RSV) — Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand.

NOTE: The ESV translates forbearance as reasonableness. NIV says gentleness. NASB uses gentle spirit. Finally, the Amplified is worth quoting the whole verse, Philippians 4:5 (AMP) — Let all men know and perceive and recognize your unselfishness (your considerateness, your forbearing spirit). The Lord is near [He is coming soon]. This is also the application of Philippians 2, the attitude of giving up your rights. I actually like the word "reasonableness" the best. I work with individuals that are completely unreasonable. It is their way or else. I see it often. At times, as a Director, I am tempted to act similarly. But then I ask myself, how important is the issue really? If it is not an ethical or moral issue, it really does not matter. Do I have to have my way? Does it matter so much if I give in? I want to be known as gentle and reasonable, as opposed to the other opposite descriptions.

PRAYER: Father, give me a gentle spirit so that people enjoy working with me. I pray that my life would honor Jesus Christ and show people the power of the gospel.

QT 4 Nov 19, Phil 4:2-3, We are called to give up our rights

Philippians 4:2–3 (RSV) — 2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 And I ask you also, true yokefellow, help these women, for they have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

NOTE: Paul calls out two women by name in the church to come together in agreement. The issue is not mentioned. This does seem unusual for a letter from Paul. I assume that the disagreement was well known in the church and that the two women were important members of the church. Not all disagreements can be solved. But in this case, Paul seems to feel that it can be solved. In context with the book, this is a perfect illustration of Jesus' example of humility and of Jesus giving up his rights to save us. One or both of these women need to be the mature believer and come together in unity. Does it mean they have to agree? I'm not sure on that point, but certainly the public fighting, or gossiping, or slander--if those were involved-- needs to come to an end.

PRAYER: Father, there is one person at work which I do have great difficulty in showing friendship. I need to be the one to let go of his stupid comments and not reply in kind. I need to be the mature one. The first step is to ignore his attacks, and the second step is to be positive about his contributions. Father, help me today to do that.

QT 1 Nov 19, Phil 3:18-19, Enemies of the cross are all around

Philippians 3:18–19 (RSV) — 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is the belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.

NOTE: If he is referring to believers, destruction would be physical death. But I think he would have addressed believers differently. I think that these are people outside of the church who have an influence on the church. There are many who, unfortunately, influence the church. The media with its so-called experts, talk show hosts, actors, actresses, directors, movie producers, supposedly unbiased news shows, etc., all influence the church. They create a worldview in their shows that influence our thinking because we are not grounded in God's word. Politicians (who are also a product of the media) fan the flames of the worldview for personal gain. We are awash in evil and wicked thinking by enemies of the cross, men and women whose god is the belly (what feels and tastes good as opposed to what is morally and rationally good). They glory in their shame -- transgenderism, gender identity, diversity for diversity sake, the list goes on. They have minds focused only on earthly things. They do not understand spiritual things. Their hearts are seared by sin. Sadly, they will live in delusion until their eternal death. I only wish we did not look so much like them.

PRAYER: Father, forgive us for elevating human understanding and the worldview of today above your word. Truth is not relative. It is absolute and given by the moral lawgiver. All of our attempts to be our own gods have failed miserably. Forgive us, we are so deceived and so wicked.

QT 31 Oct 19, Phil 3:13-15, What is our "one thing" we do?

Philippians 3:13–15 (RSV) — 13 Brethren, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature be thus minded; and if in anything you are otherwise minded, God will reveal that also to you.

NOTE: The picture here is really about running and competing in an athletic event. A few things stand out -- "but one thing I do." This is really important. This is the driving goal of Paul's life. Nothing else compares. Second item to stand out is the number of prepositional phrases -- toward, for the, of the, of, and in. What is Paul's goal? It is an upward call of God in Christ Jesus. In the races, highly respected officers would hand the reward down to the participant. There is a reward for living the Christian life correctly. We all receive eternal life, but there are rewards only given to those who live completely for Jesus. The mature know this, the immature fight against it because they want to wallow in the world.

PRAYER: Father, I want to live like Paul. I want to earn a reward for faithful service. I want a crown that I can wear and then throw down at your feet to communicate how thankful I am for my salvation. I know I am unworthy of salvation, but I am not unworthy enough to say I'm thankful or to worship you correctly.

QT 30 Oct 19, Phil 3:11, Experiencing the rapture

Philippians 3:11 (RSV) — … that if possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

NOTE: The resurrection from the dead is a promise in scripture. All believers in Christ who have died are guaranteed a resurrection from the dead. Part of the difficulty with this passage is that the translation here is probably not the best. Paul creates a word "out-resurrection" which is not used in any other place. There are many explanations for "out-resurrection" and I think he refers to the resurrection while one lives, or the rapture. I don't think he feared death and maybe he wanted to die to experience everything the savior experienced. But I think he wanted to see Christ returning to rapture the saints. It is a resurrection out of the body, which is dead because of a sin, into a new glorified body. Only believers alive at Jesus' coming will experience a resurrection from their body into a new glorified body. Believers who have died, will be resurrected from the grave into a new glorified body. And technically, since their dead bodies are decayed, their spirits will be combined with new bodies at the rapture.

PRAYER: Father, it is so hard to imagine life in a glorified body. I am so used to dealing with my sinful nature on a daily basis. I look forward to that day when you will rescue me from this body. I hope to see it and to experience the rapture, because I wish to see justice finally come.

QT 29 Oct 19, Phil 2:27, While we have great hope in death, it is also a sad tim

Philippians 2:27 (RSV) — Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

NOTE: In the earlier part of the letter, Paul said it was far better to be with the Lord. But here, Paul expresses the reality of death to those left behind--sorrow upon sorrow. Yes, we know a believer has a great future, but there is sorrow in the passing of a loved one or a close friend. It is okay. It is normal. It is an emotion that is part of real life and not to be neglected. To be sad does not mean that you don’t believe in heaven, but that you are an emotionally healthy person who loves and cares for others.

PRAYER: Father, help me to encourage others who struggle with the reality of death. Help me to encourage them to cry when a love one passes. Help us not to live as stoic Christians who checked their emotions at the door. We need to be real.

QT 28 Oct 19, Phil 2:20-21, True leaders are genuinely anxious for their team

Philippians 2:20–21 (RSV) — 20 I have no one like him, who will be genuinely anxious for your welfare. 21 They all look after their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.

NOTE: I believe that this is the key to leadership, a genuine concern for the welfare of your team. A leader who is looking after his interests is not serving as a Christian leader because the welfare of the team is the  interest of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Looking deeper, the words welfare and interests are not there in the Greek, at least from what I can tell. They are implied. Instead the words yours and themselves are in the Greek. The emphasis is on leaders who are only concerned for themselves as opposed to yours, or the things that are important to you. Paul had no one like Timothy in that regard. He cared about people. This has also been a passion of mine since I took my first job as a leader -- when I was appointed a squadron commander. I am called to love the people who work for me. I need to care for them and to protect them like my own family.

PRAYER: Father, help me to know how I can care for and to protect the people on my team. I want to help them grow as persons. I wish that they could see the love of Jesus Christ in my life. Let me be your light in a dark world.

QT 24 Oct 19, Phil 2:5-7, Extreme humility

Philippians 2:5–7 (RSV) — 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.

NOTE: The illustration here of Jesus as God becoming a man is so otherworldly as to seem incomprehensible to the point, which is about humbling yourself. Jesus was God and Jesus emptied himself to become a man. There is no human counterpart other than dying for another person. Paul seems to be saying, I not talking about humbling yourself a little, I am suggest a complete humbling to the point that I die (my estimation of my importance). But then I wonder, can anyone have that type of mind? If Paul, in essence the Lord speaking through Paul, is asking me to completely humble myself for the sake of others, then it must be possible. This is the most difficult struggle of my arrogant life. I really do struggle. I want to puff myself up and make sure that people know of my accomplishments or my knowledge. I need to let go of that. I really need to ditch those efforts.

PRAYER: Father, help me to see today (especially in my class) how I am trying to exalt myself. Bring to mind my quiet time. Expose my sin to me. Give me grace and strength to humble myself for the sake of others.

QT 22 Oct 19, Phil 1:29-30, Stand up for truth

Philippians 1:29–30 (RSV) — 29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, 30 engaged in the same conflict which you saw and now hear to be mine.

NOTE: I don't suffer like Paul or other first century believers. Yes, my views are marginalized. Yes, my opportunities are limited due to my close-minded thinking. Yes, people may laugh at me behind my back, and even at times, ridicule my ideas publicly. All these things hurt, but they are not suffering. I don't wish to experience suffering, but my point is that I do not want to live in a way to avoid it. It is possible to avoid it. But, I want to be honest and bold with my faith. While the majority may disagree with me, I am not alone. I'm not even sure the majority in churches agree with me. I believe we are undergoing an apostasy in the church today. Apostasy is when believers reject God's word for a worldview opposed to God. But those of us who still believe that the entire bible is the word of God, we need to be unified.

PRAYER: Father, help the true Church to stand up against the wickedness in the world. Give us boldness and courage to say what others do not want to hear.

QT 21 Oct 19, Phil 1:24-25, What is my ministry and am I fully engaged?

Philippians 1:24–25 (RSV) — 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith,

NOTE: Paul was convinced that it was not his time to go to heaven, because he was needed here on earth. Which is not to say that someone is indispensable to God. Paul was not. God could have found a replacement. But Paul realized that God was using him and was planning on using him more. It is nice to be needed and it is even better when you are needed for the good of all. I wonder if I am needed? It is a good question for all of us to ponder. What is our ministry? Are we engaged in ministry? Are we giving God one hundred percent or enough to get by? Only full commitment is sufficient. God does not need half-hearted servants. I desire to be needed.

PRAYER: Father help me to see the opportunities you put before me for ministry. I pray that I would be fully engaged. I pray I would be whole-hearted. I pray that I would not shrink back.

QT 18 Oct 19, Phil 1:17-18, I can rejoice in all things

Philippians 1:17–18 (RSV) — 17 the former proclaim Christ out of partisanship, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in that I rejoice.

NOTE: By the end of his life, Paul was a positive individual. I don't think he started out that way. He seems much harsher in his letter to Galatians. Of course, in the letter to the Galatians, the Judaizers had changed the gospel, and so that is a different problem. Still, he is not bothered by people with the wrong motives. He sees God's hand at work in the good and the bad. He is not discouraged. In fact, he is making special effort to communicate to the Philippians that things are going well. I can't imagine Paul sulking or playing the "woe is me" card. Why? Because he truly believed in the sovereign hand of God in his life. No matter how bad things were going, he trusted in God and maintained his hope in God.

PRAYER: Father, protect me from the world's traps. One of them is to feel sorry for yourself when things don't go the way you want them. Lord, I want to rejoice always and maintain a positive attitude because you are my hope and you are in charge.

QT 17 Oct 2019, Phil 1:6, We have to make disciples for the good of the body

Philippians 1:6 (RSV) — And I am sure that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

NOTE: Paul was confident of the work that God was doing in the lives of his spiritual children. I wonder why? Maybe because he saw it in their commitment to him. Maybe he saw it in their suffering. I don't see it in my church or most churches I've been involved. I see people, who call themselves Christians, living carnal lives. They are nice, but they are not witnesses. I see gossip and petty arguments and selfishness. I don't see enough disciples or disciple-making -- at least according to Jesus' definition. A disciple is simply a follower, but Jesus put stringent requirements on the term to be his disciple. Maybe Paul's confidence was that he truly communicated and taught people to be Jesus' disciples according to Jesus' definition. Yes, if that was the case, I too could have the same confidence in the church body.

PRAYER: Father open our eyes to the reality of our salvation. Help us to truly live as disciples and to truly make disciples. We don't need facts, what we need is application of the truths to our lives. We know ninety percent of what we will ever know about the bible, but we only live one percent of it. Change us I pray.

QT 16 Oct 19, 2 Thess 3:14, We need to stand up for truth

2 Thessalonians 3:14 (RSV) — If any one refuses to obey what we say in this letter, note that man, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed.

NOTE: Obedience to the word of God is not optional even in our country. Freedom, liberty, privacy, and tolerance do not give a believing Christian the right to choose what to obey in the scriptures. Certainly, we cannot force anyone in the church regarding behavior. But, we should not choose to just accept disobedience as their choice. We should warn those in sin, and if we must, we should have nothing to do with those who refuse to obey the word. These are hard teachings and they apply to the major teachings of scripture, not to issues of conscience or personal convictions.

PRAYER: Father, sometimes it is difficult to discern disobedience to specific instruction from the world. Give us wisdom to act in a manner worthy of the gospel and out of love for our brother and sister. We want to see people obey the word for their good.

QT 14 Oct 19, 2 Thess 3:6, We have no responsibility to help the idle

2 Thessalonians 3:6 (RSV) — Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is living in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us.

NOTE: There are some in the church that are poor because they are lazy and do not want to work. They don't really try and they are satisfied with others taking care of them. I almost said "content" but they are not really content because they always want others to do more for them. We have no responsibility to these people. Verse 10 says if anyone will not work, let him not eat. That is the command of scripture. The problem with government taking over the "welfare" business is that people think they are owed or deserving of support by meeting the conditions. They is no real person or face to meet so that they see who is sacrificing and giving to let them eat. We have seriously hurt our culture and certain groups of people by our government programs to help people. Work is good and for our good.

PRAYER: Father, I pray that I would remember this and live by it. I always want to be an example of a person who works, and who shows his belief in work by working. You have given me much, and I want to follow your commands throughout the rest of my life.