1 Timothy 4

1 Timothy 3

I think one of the interesting things about this chapter is not just the requirements set forth for a healthy church community and leadership, but the extension of this to the members of the church as well. These long lists of adjectives and qualities necessary are good convicting pictures of what it means to imitators of Christ. The ones that specifically stuck out to me were the ones in verses 2 and 3. They are such good descriptions of a Christ centered life:
self-controlled, respectable - point to us in control of our emotions and actions and owning up to our mistakes when they happen
hospitable, not violent but gentle - just more detailed ways for us to show the love of God and be slow to anger but quick in kindness. We show a true selflessness when we care for others over ourselves and take the emphasis off of us. I pray that this is something that I can do more often because it is easy to get lost in my goals and aspirations, but I think one of the best descriptions of these leadership positions refers to them as servants to others as Jesus came to serve not be served
not a lover of money - this one can be very difficult in the world and culture that we live it because we look to money for so many things like happiness, security, etc, but that doesn't excuse us. This love of money can be a destructive temptation that can overwhelm us if we aren't careful.

1 Timothy 2

These letters are so good because they bring up so many important topics that even in the course of a chapter it is often difficult to take it all in and really prayerfully consider and try to understand each point. At the same time, it is always encouraging to me that there is so much truth and guidance in each verse of the Bible. It is such an incredible resource that we have which is often easy to overlook rather than go to the word of God in our problems and our search for answers.

While there are many parts of this chapter that I need to reflect on and try to understand better, I was stopped early on by a bit of wording that I have probably overlooked when reading before, but this time it caused me to stop and really think. Verse one says:

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, (1 Timothy 2:1 ESV)

Now sounds basic enough, but what stuck out to me were the last 5 words, "be made for all people." All people regardless of what they have done or how I feel about them need and should be given prayers. Not backhanded prayers that are centered around me, but heartfelt prayers that they will feel God's presence in their lives. This includes all people, no matter how much evil may currently have a hold on them. If you don't think redemption and turning a life around is possible, go read Paul's conversion in the book of Acts and now God spoke to him in these many wonderful books as he was aiding the early church.

On a more individualized note, don't forget that we have to know what is going on in one another's lives to know how to pray for them. We have to build stronger relationships with one another and build trust to really share and support one another. I ask that you pray for me in this way so that I can build deeper relationships of trustworthiness and sharing without getting too caught up in myself that I forget about those around me.

1 Timothy 1

Since yesterday was the end of 2 Thessalonians, I figured we can keep going and run through 1 Timothy before doing a lighter finals week with just Psalms (for those of you on the Tech schedule). I pray that we can continue to make time for this even in busyness and stress.


5 The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, 7 desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions. (1 Timothy 1:5-7, ESV)

This is the passage that really stuck out to me the most and forced me to think and reflect a good deal tonight. In the context of talking about false teaching, verse 5 starts off dictating that the aim here is love, but rather than leave it at that, he details it for us that this is a love that flows forth from a pure heart, good conscience, and a sincere faith. I really enjoyed this perspective of the origins of this love and the conviction that it brings as we want our lives to reflect this so we can show the love of God.

After that, I also found the next part to be quite convicting when reflecting on it in relation to a book I have been reading. The main point of the section was: would you trust a younger version of yourself (say you 5 or 10 years ago aka teenage you) to make your decisions today? Or do you feel like you know more now that better equips you? One of the big points of this is that while we often trust ourselves to make these decisions, we often rightfully consult the help of outside sources when making decisions especially the Bible and prayer because while I often think that I fully understand an issue, many times I am humbled by the many things that I didn't know. While this is alright because it reminds me that I'm not the all-knowing God, it is also a good reminder that I don't know it all (or anywhere near it). Rather than allowing this to make us indecisive and fearful, I think it is a great reminder of how reliant we are on God and his word to help us make decisions in our lives. Hopefully, that makes enough sense. The reason this came to mind is verses 6 and 7 reminded me that there are many things about God and wisdom that his word is filled with that are still being revealed to me, and while I may be eager to think that I already understand a verse or an issue, I need to be open to others revealing new perspectives to me (that are rooted in God's word) as well especially since I am not a Bible expert. I desire to study it and come to know it more fully, but I am still learning. This may seem like a funny interpretation, but it was just a reminder to me that I am still learning and renewed my desire to read and reflect on his word to gain a better understanding through what God reveals to me.

2 Thessalonians 3

But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. (2 Thessalonians 3:3 ESV)

While this verse may seem pretty obvious, some times it is just good to have a nice reminder of the faithfulness of the Lord and that he will help guard our hearts from evil when we put up a fight against it. It was just a good reminder for me of his power and faithfulness to us as we fight the temptation of sin.


Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother. (2 Thessalonians 3:6, 10, 12, 15 ESV)

This may seem like a odd bunching verses since I did not grab the whole section, but these were the ones that stuck out to me of good reminders that while we show love to one another, some behaviors need to be dealt with to encourage and help each other grow. Specifically this deals with idleness and unwillingness to carry your own weight, but I do like that it offers direction to command and encourage in the Lord. And with this, we are not to "regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother." I'd say this especially stuck out because correcting someone in love can be a difficult task as to not pass judgement but help them see what God's word says is sinful behavior especially as it applies to situations today.

2 Thessalonians 2

Hey fellas,

I first want to apologize to yall for letting this slide for a while. While it isn't an excuse, I got pretty sick a few weeks ago which put me out for a little while and threw off my routines.

Anyways, that is in the past and while some of you may not be super excited to continue with this during dead week and finals, I think we should really consider how beneficial this can be in a time where it is easy to let our stress elevate school to our number 1 priority and leave out listening to God's word and praying (and I'm talking real, deep prayer, not the "holy crap I'm about to fail...God help me remember all of this" because that is not much of a deep intimate conversation). My point is that it will be very easy to stop the routines that we have developed during the semester as soon as classes start ending and finals and summer begins, but does that mean that we then sit in front of the tv all day or do other things and completely forget about our Bible reading and quiet time? Just because there is change in our lives, does that make God any different or any less worthy of our time and praise since he is still the all powerful creator of the universe? While we may change, He is unchanging.

One of my original goals with this was to help us aid in the development of beneficial lifelong habits of daily Bible reading and reflection that continues beyond the routines of just one semester so that we can see the joy in this and work to incorporate this into our lives for years to come. And yes, there may be changes that we need to make to have this be a more effective tool to aid in this process and keep us accountable, but that's why we're open to try new things with this because the main goal is for us to be staying in God's word and have others keeping us accountable to this.

Along these same lines, I'm really glad that this Proverb showed up this morning because I think it is so telling of the Lord's impact and the work that he is doing through us as he is the one with all of the power and who "establishes our steps."

"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." (Proverbs 16:9 ESV)

So anyways, that may have been a little long winded, but now I really want to talk about 2 Thessalonians 2.

The passage that really stood out to me was the very end.

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word. (2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17 ESV)

While there were many difficult topics discussed in these verses. I enjoyed that it ended this way with a reminder of God's love, comfort, and hope previously and a request. The request begins as one of comfort, but not our typical material comfort or financial comfort or physical comfort that we all too often long for but one that is greater and more satisfying, a comfort of the heart. This is what we so often desire and try to quench it through other means. No matter the situation or the difficulty, God has the power to comfort the heart and give us peace when we rest in him and therefore are no longer reliant on things of this world. In then goes on to request not only this comfort that God is fully capable to provide, but when this happens for us to be established for good works and word. We desire both the peace and comfort that comes from him and then to go forth to do good works in love and show and tell the word of God. When our hearts are rooted in him, we desire this, and He is a generous God who can equip us in these ways as His people.

The last thing that I want to leave you with is a short but powerful passage that I read yesterday. It may help to take a little time to reflect on these words as they have made me think a lot.
http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/people-do-not-drift-toward-holiness

2 Thessalonians 1

Hey guys,

I figured we could continue into 2 Thessalonians as it is only 3 chapters and then pick a new book. Ideas are welcome. Have a great day.

We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. (2 Thessalonians 1:3 ESV)

While this may seem like a simple verse, it got me thinking. How often do I give God the praise when I see spiritual growth in others. I can often become very focused on myself and forget to thank God for the work that he is doing in the hearts of others around me. I also think that it is an interesting observation that faith and love for one another are linked here. This makes a lot of sense and illustrates for us the growth of community as we grow in faith and love for one another to build each other up. I hope that we don't overlook the value of this community for strengthening the church as we will need it when we go through rough times and others will need our help in their time of need. Isolating ourselves from community can be very counterproductive to our spiritual growth. We can easily convince ourselves that we are fine like that, but we miss out on so many great opportunities when withholding ourselves from a community of believers and make ourselves more vulnerable to attack.

1 Thessalonians 5

Repeat: 1 Thessalonians 4

Hey guys,

Sorry I fell behind on this last week. Things were pretty nuts with research. So today we're going to repeat 1 Thessalonians 4 since there were very few posts on it and finish the book with Chapter 5 tomorrow.

If you have any ideas for the next book, please let me know.

1 Thessalonians 4

For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you. (1 Thessalonians 4:7, 8 ESV)

We are called to cast off this impurity and live for God, and it's often easy to forget that when we disobey, we aren't disobeying man but God. When we sin, we are choosing something else over the living God who is in us. It's much simpler when we forget this and think that our actions only affect other people rather than having the ability to affect our relationship with the eternal God. I hope and pray that we will put him first and choose him over whatever else today and every day rather than being lured in by sinful pleasures and temptations.

1 Thessalonians 3

1 Thessalonians 2

For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. (1 Thessalonians 2:3, 4 ESV)

I think this was an important passage for me to hear this morning especially bringing up the point that as people who know the truth, we should no longer speak to please man but rather to please God. We don't make exceptions for the truth or water down the truth just because some people may not like the conviction that it causes them (including us sometimes). We can still show them love but cannot lie to them.

1 Thessalonians 1

For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. (1 Thessalonians 1:4, 5 ESV)

I really like the way that the gospel is portrayed here. I think it is so true of the word of God that it brings power, the Holy Spirit, and full conviction. Just think about it in your reading of God's word how it always has the power to both convict and transform us which is often what we desperately need is to be redirected to the truth and have God's word work in us. How we receive it and how we allow him to work in us is often our choice as many times we aren't willing to change and give up personal pleasures, but don't forget the power of his word which is why it is important to always have it on our hearts.

Psalm 11

The Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence. (Psalms 11:5 ESV)

I think that this concept of testing is important to remember. The Lord works in all different ways and often allows us to be tested so that we can be corrected but also as a possible way to show that we can overcome. Not always right away, but I think this is an important thing to remember as was seen in Job. I think this verse also points at the contrast between the testing that God does and the hatred that he has. These are two separate things even though we often confuse him testing a correcting us with hatred, but the first is done out of love.

Psalm 10

Psalm 9

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. (Psalms 9:1, 2 ESV)

While things have been really busy lately, I know that God has been helping me through it or I definitely would not be as far as I am. He has also been helping me see again how blessed I am to have this opportunity and be where I am today. So I feel like this Psalm started with much deserved praise and thankfulness. I have seen how easy it is to get caught up in always looking forward to the next thing, the next step, or the next stage of life rather than delighting in the here and now and the opportunities and blessings of today. I hope that we don't allow ourselves to fall victim to the trap but rather remember that each new day of life is a blessing and not a guarantee, and we should delight in one more day of being a part of God's great plan here on earth. This life is temporary, but our souls are eternal.

Psalm 8

Psalm 7

Hey guys,

I figured we could do a little transition with some Psalms again, and it might be a better for those of you on spring break this week that still want to keep up.

1 Peter 5

1 Peter 4

1 Peter 3

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 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. (1 Peter 3:8, 9 ESV)

So at risk of getting repetitive, verses 8 and 9 stuck out to me as well, but for specific reasons. Verse 8 I think really focuses on this call to love and have compassion on others rather than condemn. We are not the one judge but rather an instrument that God can use to show his love to other sinners that can potentially bring them back to him. He has the power to change lives completely, and I pray that he can use us to do that. I think this is especially important because people who don't know God may only see rules to follow and know that they don't meet those and think it's not for them. I've had people say to me before that religion isn't for them just because they realize that they are sinful and think that they aren't good enough. But that thinking just just makes me think of 2 Corithians 5:17 and Galatians 2:20. And in order to do that instrument of God's to other people, sympathy and a tender heart are necessary so that we don't just ignore or condemn (both verbally and mentally) the people in our lives already and others who are deep in sin.

At the same time, I often struggle with how best to integrate love while still convicting others and not coming off as indifferent to sin. Because it's quite safe to say that Jesus often called those out on their sin when they were wrong and directed many parables at the Pharisees and others, but he also died for us even though we are sinners and died to make us right with God even though we often turn from him in sin.

The last thing that this made me think of is the call to love our enemies. Not just loving those who are easy to love and are nice to us, but also loving your enemy and praying and even blessing those who persecute you. Those are incredible heavy commands to ask God to bless someone who is opposing you for you faith, but they are the ones who truly need God's power to work in their lives if they are that opposed to him.

Anyways, these were some of the convictions that came to me reading this. The Bible is such a good resource for just that teaching and reminding us of the power and mercy of God but still convicting and correcting us to a closer talk with him.

1 Peter 2

There were a lot of really good points and areas for deep thought and reflection in this chapter, but I chose this verse because it really hit on some points that I needed to hear tonight.


    As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious,
(1 Peter 2:4 ESV)

This verse first reminds of the beauty and acceptance that God has for us, and the incredible role that he allows us to play in his plan. I'm not trying to oversimply this and say ok, God love me, good, let's move on. I think that's what we do all too often (or at least I do) and we miss what a beautiful picture this is. Men will pick out our imperfections and shortcomings and will laugh at us for this when we often get deceived into seeking their acceptance, but in that moment where we can feel so dejected, "but in the sight of God chosen and precious." He treasures our life and treasures us as his creation even when we are sitting around hating ourselves for something someone said or something that we failed at. Talk about an instant confidence boost no matter what people might say to me. I am chosen and precious in God's eyes, and he has something incredible planned for my life.

I hope this is something that we can all remember on a daily basis. Not that I think that we hate ourselves all of the time, but it's easy to get discouraged and feel insufficient and let other people convince us of just that.

I'm praying for yall. I hope that we can see that whatever happens tomorrow, good or bad. God is preparing us for his great plan which as the chapter also talks about, often involves suffering.

1 Peter 1

Hey guys,
I apologize for letting myself fall a little bit behind this week. My research work has taken up morning and night preparing for my thesis defense. That is no excuse so I apologize and will be caught up today.

On another note, today we start 1 Peter which won our vote. If you have any ideas or suggestions for the next book, let me know as this one is only 5 chapters so it will be done soon. I will try to make the next transition smoother with only a day or two of psalms.


Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, (1 Peter 1:3, 4 ESV)

This was a difficult chapter for me to choose between verses, but I feel like the message that this first section conveys was something that I desperately needed to be reminded of recently. Verse 3 first stuck out to me because it made me really think about all the things that God really did for us in the resurrection. Specifically for those of us who are not of Jewish descent, the opportunity of salvation as it has not extended to all of those who believe. That was really a heavy thought that I often looked past in the death and resurrection of Jesus. It's also so fitting that Christ didn't just die accomplishing these things for us, but he rose and gave us this living hope to sustain us until we see the beautiful inheritance alluded to in verse 4. "An inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading." Those three descriptors beautifully describe of us of the unimaginable that awaits. While sorrow will often be felt at the end of someone's life on earth, if we have confidence in our faith, then we should also rejoice because they are finally receiving their inheritance in heaven and get to be with God and glorify him.

My prayer is that you and I can remember these three adjectives that describe our inheritance to sustain us in times of trouble and the help remind others when they are struggling in their faith or dealing with death.

imperishable, undefiled, and unfading

Psalm 6

Psalm 5

For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you. The boastful shall not stand before your eyes; you hate all evildoers. You destroy those who speak lies; the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man. (Psalms 5:4-6 ESV)

I really enjoyed this Psalm because I found this first part to be especially true and convicting. It is one that I really need to take to heart and keep on my mind when struggling with the temptation of sin. Our God, while all powerful, is incredible merciful and sometimes it's easy to settle into sin and rely on his forgiveness rather than continue to fight against it, but we need to be on our guard against this complacency because this is giving in to the devil and sin without fighting against it. Which is essentially allowing ourselves to be ok with behavior that God abhors. I think this section of verses point out three major types of sin (not the only types but 3 major) that we need to fully grasp that they are sin and against God. I see them as: general wickedness when evil is dwelling in us, boastfulness and pride that creeps into our everyday thoughts and actions all too often, and the deceitfulness and lies that we let come out of our mouthes.

The pride and deceitfulness are ones that I struggle with the most, and I think it's often because we take so much of a short sighted approach that we don't see the implications. Dishonesty and deceitfulness takes root in our desire to live up to the expectations of others and put forward a version of ourselves that is a lie for others to see (I'm sure you can see too how this ties into pride). Often times we lie to people for fear of judgement and exposure of our sin. I had to laugh at the ridiculousness of it all recently as God was helping me to see a lot of this in my own life. Think about it. We are sinful Christians who have a loving, merciful God, but because we don't want people to see our brokenness and sin, we hide it from one another (which the devil loves when we do) and put on the I'm a perfect Christian face and smile and walk and talk and go through the day avoiding being confronted with the most important thing for us to talk about and that is our sin! We meet together in churches in front of our God who urges us to confess and repent, but we're each so afraid to let the other know that we're sinful and we put up these walls to who we really are rather than let it out. How silly is that. A church full of broken people afraid to let the next person know what the exact thing that Bible already told us for thousands of years: we are a broken people that fall victim to see.

This is how a sinner can feel so out of place at a church because we've gotten so good and putting on this mask and not wanting others to know.

Why do you think they call us hypocrites?

Why do you think they laugh and mock us when our elaborate plans to hide our sin become exposed?

I'm not saying this is every Christian by any means, but we are shooting ourselves in the foot by feeling like we have to be perfect and not wanting anyone to know when we fall short. God already knows, and he is the only one who matters so admit your sin and help others admit theirs so we can help each other and fight the battle together rather than turning into something that is more a comedy of lies (and pride).

Psalm 4

Man, I'm loving these Psalms so much that I'm having a tough time wanting to more on to the next book haha. We almost have a majority in the voting and we'll probably start the next book on Thursday.

This one led me on at first because verse 1 reminded me so much of Psalm 3, but then verse 2 knew exactly what to say to really convict me on my sinfulness in a number of different aspects. It talks about our love for vain words which hit hard at my pride and desire for approval especially when it follows the first part of that verse that said "how long shall my name be turned into shame?" As tough as it is to face, we are doing just that. I am shaming the name of the Lord when I know his promises but still seek acknowledgements and approval elsewhere. I am instead saying that I desire the approval of lying, sinful people over the eternal love of the perfect creator who made me exactly according to his plan and for his purposes. This was definitely a realization that I needed to hear today because often I really am shaming the name of the Lord in my actions and I thank him for putting this realization on my heart and pray that I can be more aware of it in my life.

Psalm 3

Verses 3 and 4 are definitely ones that I'm feeling and hit the nail right on the head from me now, but I just need to take them to heard and rely on him. I must say that this has been a very encouraging verse that I've needed to hear these last couple days because I've been pretty run down by he has blessed me greatly and continues to renew my spirit with his word. What a blessing!

Psalm 2

The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers take counsel together,
against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying,
“Let us burst their bonds apart
and cast away their cords from us.”
(Psalm 2:2-3 ESV)

While this may seen like an odd passage to pick as something that stood out to me, this reminded me a lot of Romans 12:14 that I was reading earlier today:

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.
(Romans 12:14 ESV)

When I first read this, I had to really think about it for a while because I have been convicted a lot on this concept of showing God's love to all people lately and trying to let that manifest itself in my life. But I was having a really difficult time imagining myself being able to not only forgive but bless someone who might persecute me for what I believe in. Not only am I a little afraid of this type of situation arising, but I feel like I would have a difficult time holding back my anger. I would like to think that I would be able to contain my anger so to not respond in cursing or hatred, but it is a difficult command to stop that anger from welling up in our hearts and instead, ask God to bless them. This is why I think it is particularly fitting that it repeats itself. It's like Paul is saying, "that's right, you read that correct. Bless, not curse."

I think this was also really weighing hard on me as I thought about the persecution that may come in our lives as we stand up for what we believe in. I often struggle with my fear of confrontation which many times causes me to stay quiet even when I disagree with something that is being said because it is easier to stand idly by than speak up and challenge someone. Part of it can be attributed to a desire to please people/for acceptance and probably part for fear of being challenged on something myself and not being able to successfully defend my point. I often pray for boldness and courage that I may not deny what I truly believe in and that the Lord will give me strength not to back down when given the opportunity to proclaim his message. Which also reminds me of Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
(Joshua 1:9 NIV)

So anyways, I will leave yall with that and just ask that you pray for me on these things, and I will continue praying for you as well.

May the Lord bless you and keep you.

Psalm 1

I figured that while we're picking out the next book, we can transition by reading through a few Psalms. So today we're looking at Psalm 1. If there is a different Psalm that is speaking to you today, you're welcome to post on it instead, and we'll continue with this through the weekend as I'll send out some options for the next book.


but his delight is in the law of the Lord , and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. (Psalms 1:2, 3 ESV)

I like how this psalm was convicting in its talk of evildoers and judgement but also encouraging as it starts in verses 2 and 3. For we all hopefully are at least understanding and feeling some of that desire to walk in the way of the Lord, and here it talks about the promises that parallel that. I also enjoy the visual of mediating on the law and instructions of the Lord day and night as we try to better know and understand God (Maybe it's just the nerd in me). That's why I think it's very important, no matter the circumstances, to make time for God day and night so that we put him in the place of honor where he belongs in our lives rather than on the back burner for when I have extra time. As always, this is much easier said than done, but we need to make sure this is a priority for us.

Hebrews 13

     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.”
(Hebrews 13:5 ESV)

Ever since reading Radical a few years ago, I have really been challenged on my views towards money and wealth especially looking to it for a sense of security and placing our trust in stored up worldly wealth rather than God. The book brought up a lot of really good points about responsibly saving as we are called to be good stewards of the money that we work for, but not hording and putting our trust in money.

I think this goes back to the point that I have become increasingly more aware of. While we may desire, say, and know that our priorities should be one way, a careful examination of our lives, the decisions we make on a daily basis, and the way that we spend our time often show otherwise. We come to realize how often we are focusing only on ourselves and putting our trust in money and things and the false sense of security that they provide. And I use "we" because I have first seen this in myself, and I'm trying to pay close attention to it daily and let God correct me when I need to be corrected.

One example of this that I thought was so telling in Radical was how our lives constantly follow this progression of never having enough money to be satisfied so we constantly want more and more. We keep putting God off and trading him for worldly things. Saying, God I can't give to the church right now, I don't have a stable income. Then, God I can't give right now, I'm trying to pay off my student loans. Then it becomes, God I can't give now, I'm trying to save up for the wedding then house then children's college fund and so on. We can always find a reason not to give, but truly sacrificing is pleasing to God as it says in verse 16:

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
(Hebrews 13:16 ESV)

Just like I wrote about some earlier. We are given an opportunity with the blessings that we have been provided to show God's love to many people on this earth through both service of others and donating our money to help them. We have an opportunity to show the love of Christ to people in our generosity and sacrifices which also allow us to take the focus off of ourselves and direct it to the needs of other people, not just what Marcus wants today or what Marcus wants to do now or Marcus wants to buy after getting paid. And when we willingly sacrifice in this way, we are saying that we value God over money and are not trying to serve two gods. Then we will be acting on verse 5, freeing ourselves from the love of money and being content with the blessings that God has provided us with rather than coveting and always desiring more.

It's easy to let giving become like anything else where we only want to do things when it is comfortable. We don't want to truly sacrifice, but rather only want to give money to the church from our excess. But God desires for us to put our confidence in him and say that I will not let money rule my life and guide my path, but rather give up my life to the all powerful creator God.

So we can confidently say,
“The Lord is my helper;
I will not fear;
what can man do to me?”
(Hebrews 13:6 ESV)

This is something that we cannot put off any longer or we run the risk of letting service of money dictate the rest of our lives.

Lastly, here is a great prayer that I think would definitely be an awesome on to pray over one another from time to time and possibly incorporate into our prayer lives.

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, 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.
(Hebrews 13:20-21 ESV)

Hebrews 12

Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?
“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
nor be weary when reproved by him.
For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and chastises every son whom he receives.”
(Hebrews 12:3-6 ESV)

So I read this chapter in the morning and this was one of the passages that stood out to me due to its sacrificial and disciplinary focus, but I did not get a chance to write my post until I got home tonight and reading back through it, I saw such an incredible picture of selfless, loving sacrifice. I had just finished a pretty long day that had drained me pretty good and still had more work to do tonight, but reading this made me realize no matter how much I know about the passion and sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross, it is a completely different thing to really internalize that and reflect on it daily. The suffering that he unjustly deserved on my behalf is indescribable, and I can't let myself lose sight of that and get wrapped up in me. It is all too easy to let my problems and my struggles with sin overshadow the bigger picture here. Christ conquered sin and death so that we are no longer slaves to sin but alive in Christ. We can cast off the burdens of this world and put our trust in him, and he will provide. There will be pain and sorrow, but take heart for he has overcome the world.

There is also a great point to be made here about discipline and the role it plays especially in tearing down our pride that I think we also need to reflect on as it is not an easy one to grasp.

Hebrews 11

I really was encouraged by these examples of people who had great faith in God, and their lives reflected this commitment. Especially when reading through the list in verses 35 to 37 as well as the specific people listed earlier in the chapter. Here are two verses that I also really enjoyed because of the power of what they promise and the power of God.


And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. (Hebrews 11:6 ESV)


By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. (Hebrews 11:3 ESV)

While verse 3 is a really easy one to glance at and look over, that thing that hit me most is the thought that it was the word of God that brought our entire universe into being. That is the power of his word, and we have been blessed with his word at our fingertips everyday. Let us not waste this opportunity to study it and understand the power of it and knowledge that it holds.

Hebrews 10

let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:22-25 ESV)

I really enjoyed this chapter, but this part definitely hit me as a call to charge forward boldly, purified by God, with a full assurance of faith, holding "fast the confession of our hope without wavering." Talk about empowering, but man do I need prayers for that kind of boldness and fearlessness to confess our hope without wavering. But that leads right into the next part that calls us to build each other up and stir up a desire in one another to show God's love and do good works. Also to encourage each other and build community with one another.

We desperately need to see this call and be committed to it. Not only to never go stagnant in our pursuit of God and think we're fine/better off than the next guy, but to always be drawing near to him and aligning our will with his so that we are not fighting with him but gladly giving our life to him and letting him work through us.

But the call doesn't stop here. We cannot let ourselves get so consumed in our "me-centered" world that we forget the impact that we have on those around us. We also have this call to build up other believers and encourage them in their faith because there will be times when we stumble and will need the help of a community of believers to pick us up and vice versa. This is a beautiful way that God can work in his church to help each other in times of trouble or sinfulness. This is the beauty of an active church community, and we are called to take part in this.

I also want to reflect on the part that talks about stirring up this desire to love and good works, not just in ourselves but in one another. That doesn't just mean giving in and serving and unwillingly helping people on occasion, but delighting in the opportunity to show the love of the Almighty God to other people so much that we not only desire the opportunity but want others to understand what a truly beautiful thing it is. Especially when selfless acts surprise people as much as they do in a world that is often ruled by selfishness and greed. Let us be a light in the world, pouring out his love to all people and empowering our brothers in Christ.

I love yall, and I'm loving this opportunity to read and discuss scripture with you.

Hebrews 9

Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins. (Hebrews 9:22 ESV)

For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. (Hebrews 9:24 ESV)

I really like how this book looks to tie the old and new testaments and go through the differences and promises of each covenant. It just ties it in so well for me when talking about the bloodshed required for the forgiveness of sins and the temporary job that the old sacrifices did and what Christ giving his life did for us. I think it also does the really important job in verse 24 of giving us a better understanding of what it really means for Jesus to intercede on our behalf.

so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him. (Hebrews 9:28 ESV)

This last verse was a good reminder for me that when he comes again will be a day of judgement. He already made the sacrifice of taking away our sins. That isn't what will happen then but instead, he will come to judge.

Hebrews 8

For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. (Hebrews 8:10 ESV)

For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more." (Hebrews 8:12 ESV)

How great is our God? We are a broken people who often struggle with sin daily, but he has made these promises to us that provide us with his forgiveness and mercy and remembers our sins no more. He is our God and we are his people.

Hebrews 7

    Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7:25 ESV)

    For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever. (Hebrews 7:28 ESV)

So this chapter definitely hit on some pretty dense topics, but here are the two verses that comforted me the most. The first because the thought of Jesus interceding on our behalf is very powerful even though we are the sinners who he gave his life for, but only God was able to turn something so gruesome and sin-filled into an eternal promise of forgiveness and mercy. And the second verse just reminded me of the great example that the gospels are for us as we have an account of the teaching and life of Jesus who faced the many trials and temptations of life and did it without sin, accepting the purpose that God had for his life on earth.

Hebrews 6

For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.
(Hebrews 6:4-6 ESV)

I think that there are a lot of deep theological debates surrounding this passage and others like it that I am not qualified to fully address or desire to, but I still feel like there are some important points that stand out to me from this passage no matter how you look at the person that it refers to as falling away. I think it is important to realize that while we may often struggle with specific beliefs, points of our faith, etc. which often revolve around a central theme of struggling to understand God and his purposes, to reject God and our faith is a serious thing. The way they put it here is "crucifying once again the Son of God" and if that doesn't convey the severity of something, I don't know what does. We have been given a great blessing to grow up in the church and know the word of God from a young age. Many spend their entire lives in search of meaning and answers that they often fill with idols of money, sex, fame, etc because they do not know the one, true God. Let us not deny him, but rather put our trust in him and allow him to work through us. Let us not ridicule and crucify the Son of God again, but glorify him. He has commanded us to this task, and it's about time we answer his call and not just when its convenient or when I find free time after all of my other priorities are taken care of.

Hebrews 5

For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. (Hebrews 5:1 ESV)

I thought this verse was a very good reminder of how Christ acts on our behalf as a good high priest would and in his sacrifice for our sins. He not only understands our sin and has felt the same temptations, but he was willing to suffer and die for our sin, a death he didn't deserve. Always good to have a reminder of this during Lent.

Hebrews 4

I have a quick story from this morning that I would like to share as it was very encouraging for me, and I hope it would also encourage you (as to the call in Hebrews 3:13).

This morning, I started to feel myself be overcome with temptation and misplaced desires, and I turned to prayer for guidance. One of the first verses that came to mind was the one about Jesus being tempted in every way but without sin, and since I didn't know the verse completely or where it was from, I looked it up on my phone and saw Hebrews 4:15. And needless to say, I was stunned. I had started reading the chapter this morning but hadn't made it that far just yet and to see that the verse which fell upon my heart when struggling with temptation was the same one that we would be reflecting on today was pretty shocking. For this I desired to thank God for providing in my struggle, and it just reminded me of the importance of faithful study of his word and memorization of verses so that his word is always on your heart ready to be called upon in your moment of need.

With this, I would just like to encourage you to hold fast to your study of his word and potentially challenge yourself towards memorizing scripture. If you're a little on the fence about memorizing scripture or don't think there is time, you should definitely check out this sermon that John Piper gave that I initially found on Daniel Richardson's blog a while back. For me, it was very impactful and showed me my need to pursue this challenge.

http://beholdingthebeloved.blogspot.com/2012/05/piper-on-bible-memorization.html?m=1

And lastly, here is the verse that is now quite close to my heart, and that I intend to begin memorizing. I would appreciate it if yall held me accountable to this.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15 ESV)

Hebrews 3

(For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.) Now Moses was faithful in all God's house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later, but Christ is faithful over God's house as a son. And we are his house if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope. (Hebrews 3:4-6 ESV)

I don't know if I'm just really liking the thought of God as the mighty, powerful, creator (probably because his creation always seems to amaze me) or what, but this passage really stuck out to me.

First, it was that reference to God as the builder of ALL things which just reminded me of the beauty of his creation which includes not just objects but the people and personalities and thoughts in our world. Please take a moment to really think about the intricacy of not only the things we see, but the people too. There are some many thoughts and ideas and memories that go through my mind each second, and he is the powerful creator of all 7+ billion people currently and who knows how many more in the past. How easy it is to get lost in the thoughts and desires of me, but we were created for so much more than that.

Second, reread this promise: "we are his house if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope." I don't want to ramble on with that and take away from the power and meaning of that alone. (not saying any of you shouldn't discuss it, but I tend to ramble and would rather you just reflect on that)


But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. As it is said, "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion." (Hebrews 3:13-15 ESV)

I enjoyed this passage because of its call to exhort or strongly encourage each other everyday. I think this is hugely important because whether we recognize it or not, all of us could definitely use some encouragement in our faith everyday.

How can you spiritually encourage one another today and everyday? There are plenty more people that you impact each day without even realizing. How can you show them God's love and help them in their struggles or sadness. (Hint: if you can't think of ideas, today is cheap valentine chocolate day which works great for gifts to friends)

Hebrews 2

Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. (Hebrews 2:1 ESV)

I thought it was quite fitting that I shot through this verse quickly without really thinking on it the first time through. Just considering it a transition type verse between chapters, but now I really think it has more meaning than that. I think this is a call to really take to heart and treasure the word of God. Think about it from their perspective back then when they all didn't have their own Bibles to read so most all of it they got from listening to the scriptures read to them and stories told of Jesus' life. And he tells them to pay close attention or their hearts will drift away from the Lord, and we will fall victim to the temptation and distractions of this world that are put there to make us think of ourselves and our own comforts and pleasures rather than living to glorify the magnificent creator God who reigns supreme over all good and evil and has the power to create the heavens and the earth. If you want a good example of that read about the universe and look at some Hubble telescope pictures and be in awe and then look at the intricate details of human biology and physiology. From picometers to billions of light years, how can we not be in awe.

We have been given a huge blessing to have the words of God at our fingertips 24 hours a day. How often do you take that for granted?

Please don't let that fact leave you unaffected and unchanged. That's why I think it is more important than anything else to read and reflect on this daily. When you can start your day (even while walking somewhere) reading God's word and resting in his promises and dedicating that day to him. You will have his word on your mind throughout the rest of the day, and it will impact the way you think, speak, and act. Take this opportunity in Lent to make this a priority, and you will not regret it.

Keep his word in your heart because temptation will come and will draw us in with money, power, self-gratification, and other deceptive tactics that pull our focus to ourselves rather than him. And that's why I think it's so fitting that the chapter started with that verse and ends with this one:

For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. (Hebrews 2:18 ESV)

Pray to him. Abide in him. He knows your suffering and pain.

Do we feel like God isn't there when we are tempted?

I always liked how in the Act of Contrition it finishes with "I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy Grace, to sin no more and to avoid the nearest occasion of sin." We say this when repenting for our sins that we not only desire to sin no more but to avoid the things that cause us to sin. Think about all the time that we spend in front of TV shows and movies that fill our minds with temptation. How often the words that we speak and things that we do fill ourselves and others with temptation? Remember these two verses:
It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble. (Romans 14:21 ESV)
And the command of Jesus:
"You have heard that it was said, "You shall not commit adultery." But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell. (Matthew 5:27-30 ESV)

How can you refocus your life on him this Lent rather than ourselves so that even after Easter, we will have made lifelong changes?

Hebrews 1 and Ash Wednesday

At the start of Lent, we will be kicking off Hebrews today. Have a great Ash Wednesday!

And to which of the angels has he ever said, "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet"? (Hebrews 1:13 ESV)

I really enjoy this imagery of the power of God. Sometimes it is easy to be intimidated by evil and those who do the works of evil and oppose God, but who even holds a candle to our God that can make your enemies into your footstool.

I may have gone on a little tangent next, but I was pulled in by the reference to Psalm 110 here, and then I couldn't help but contemplate this verse later in the Psalm:

The Lord is at your right hand; he will shatter kings on the day of his wrath. (Psalms 110:5 ESV)

This verse just spoke very powerfully to me about God's power and how petty our focus on money and worldly power are to him. Our kings shatter at his wrath. Just think about that. So many people spend their whole lives in search of fame, fortune, and power. It's easy to get pulled into the traps of the devil. Stay on your guard and trust in the Lord's power.

2 Corinthians 4:11-12

Allaine's Post:

Today's verse comes from 2 Corinthians 4:11-12 (ESV)

[For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you.]

Reading this made me think of Romans 6:23. Both of which have the common theme of our sinful humans natures as leading to death, but the saving power of Christ leads to life. We who live will be given naturally to death but through the life of Jesus we too may live eternally. It is in our natural way of falling to death that Christ had to become one of us, to eat likes us, to breathe like us, to feel like us, and to suffer for us. The second half of verse 11 is powerful to me: "so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh." We are called to be Christ to the world, and to strive to be as holy as possible. Another verse that comes to mind is Galatians 3: 27 " For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ."

In the past I had the great privilege to work a wonderful man who devoted himself tirelessly to the poor and who passed away last year, Brother Sean Rogers. Before going out to feed and to minister to the homeless of Atlanta, we had a pre-meeting in which he stressed that we do not just be Christians to others. People find flaws in Christians and many claiming to be Christian do not really know Christ nor do they seek to spread God's love. Instead Brother Sean told us to be Christ Himself to others. Jesus Christ was human, but no one can find flaws in Christ.

Therefore let's allow Christ to manifest in us to expel the works of sin and death, and to bring light to the world.

-Allaine

Romans 2:1-11

Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed. He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. For God shows no partiality. (Romans 2:1-11 ESV)

This passage has quite a few different components to it that I thought would be beneficial to explore and reflect on today. It first touches on a very important point of God's judgement vs ours especially looking at the judgement of others for sin that we fall victim to as well. I especially liked in verse 4 talking about how God's kindness is meant to lead us to repent of our sins, not just falling into this pattern of sin and being ok with it because God will forgive us but understanding that we've done wrong and sinned against our God and need to desire to be made right with him.

Reproducing the same Greek text as Psalms 62:13 and Proverbs 24:12, in verse 6, Paul reiterates the concept that we will be rendered according to our works. I'm not telling anyone to change their views on this topic, but I'd just like to look at this and take consider it for what it's worth and reflect on it. As I've said before, I see the gospel's call to love the Lord fully, put your trust in him, spread his word to all people, and show others God's love by serving so that they may see and know him. We are his earthly instruments to show his eternal love to all people if we willingly let him (and sometimes he'll even use us when we're unwilling). However you personally believe it, I know there definitely is a call for us to love and serve others that Jesus talks about on many occasions in the gospel (I think Matthew 25:31-46 is a great example of this when Jesus speaks of the final judgement), and we need to think about this call to love and serve on a daily basis.

I think this is a major part of what we are called to do as followers of Christ that is getting looked over quite often in a self focused lifestyle, and for the sake of our souls we cannot let this happen as the last part of the passage alludes to.

Today's Challenge

Hey guys,

Let me preface this: There is no new reading today. Please take some time to catch up on yesterdays so that we can get some good discussion going. Maybe what you want to comment on is not directly in the passage but something that has already been said in the comments (not meaning to insight argument or angry debate but rather convey another viewpoint or convict/challenge by expounding on an idea or reflection, just felt the need to throw that in there so that we remember that we are discussing in love). Totally up to how you feel when reading all of it. Just do it in love, and I think we can learn a lot from what each of us see and are convicted by.

Above was my main point to just get us thinking and discussing on yesterday's verse. The rest is just a conviction I have been feeling this morning that I thought I would share.

I have been convicted about the difference between how I want to spend my time and how I actually spend it especially when it comes to the weekend where I have more free time and less obligations. While I desire to serve God and be his instrument in this world, many times, I get taken away by distractions and things that offer immediate gratification rather than staying disciplined. I've been trying to eliminate unproductive distractions and refocus my heart, but please pray for me in this. This is a good time heading into the Lenten season to look at ourselves and see where our hearts lie. Not where we know they should but where our actions show them to be. A heart truly rooted in Christ lets him spill out into all areas of our life in thought, word, and deed.

God please help all of us to desire you in this way and have Christ firmly rooted in our lives so that he impacts everything that we do.

Hebrews 11:13-16

Travis' Post

These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.
(Hebrews 11:13-16 ESV)

This passage reminds me of how God wants us to treat sin. While the Israelites referred to above were fleeing their old homes to receive God's promised land, we must flee from sin and our old lives to receive God's promised life. The important part of this is the mindset that these people had. It says, "If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return." I know that whenever I try to make a change towards loving God and living accordingly, I always think of the pleasure cost. I think of the sin I am giving up. As a result, I typically stumble back into that sin. This passage clearly says that if we step forward towards God's promise with his promise in mind, we will reach it. At the same time, the old things will be left behind. This is a complete change in mindset from a "don't do that" process to a "let's do that" process. As Hebrews 11 is sometimes called the "Hall of Faith," the bottom line of this passage is that it takes faith to step towards God's promises in our lives. If we act in that faith we will not be disappointed because, even "if we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself." (2 Timothy 2:13 ESV)

Grace and Peace!
-Travis

Malachi 4 and Weekend Plan

Please read!!!!

Since today is the last day of Malachi, tomorrow we are taking a little different approach before starting our next book.

We are going to go with Travis' idea and rotate who the lead blogger for the day will be. That person will get to pick any passage of their choosing to discuss for the day, and everyone else will comment on it with their thoughts with the intent of discussion.

Please try to get it posted early in the day because that way we all have time to look it over and discuss.

Travis will start tomorrow and later I'll post the planned order.

Here's the order that we'll go in:

Malachi 3

Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts. Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight, says the Lord of hosts. (Malachi 3:10-12 ESV)

I did a last minute change up on this one. While I liked other verses from the chapter more, I realized that this was the section that I most needed to hear and needed to apply to my life and that's probably why I didn't like it as much. This passage stared me down and ask, "are you putting your trust in God?" And man was I eager to move past it and reflect on another verse and decide that was good enough, but I couldn't help but feel most convicted by this one and that I needed to take it's message to heart.

It's easy to look over a lot of this and say "Oh they weren't giving their best to God. Shame on them. Ok I understand this book. What's next?" But there is so much more happening here than just that. There are deeper issues that need to be uncovered and that's what God is getting at in this passage. He is calling out the trust issue that is present when we are unwilling to sacrifice beyond what is easy. It is much easier to give from our excess when it is convenient, but he calls us to make it a sacrifice for our church so that we have to put our trust in him rather than security of money (this does not mean to be irresponsible with money and not save, but to give generously and put your trust in him). He will provide. Put your trust in him, and he will show you.

Malachi 2

I bounced around on this one trying to decide what verse to go with (typical) especially with the covenant with Levi and its rewards and also with the verses on sanctity of marriage, but finally decided on this one:

You have wearied the Lord with your words. But you say, "How have we wearied him?" By saying, "Everyone 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?" (Malachi 2:17 ESV)

I think this one is especially convicting as it talks of how he is "wearied" by our spreading a false understanding of him, and the double standards that we use when sometimes we beg for him to be merciful and others we want him to bring justice to other sinners. And how we cannot just rest in him and be in awe of his plan, but rather try to tell him how things should be like we know better than him. I think that a greater knowledge and understanding of God would help us through these times rather than get angry at him because there will be suffering and struggle, but he will bring justice, not as we see fit, but as he sees fit in the end.

Malachi 1

"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. But you say, "How have we despised your name?" By offering polluted food upon my altar. But you say, "How have we polluted you?" By saying that the Lord 's table may be despised. When you offer blind animals in sacrifice, is that not evil? And when you offer those that are lame or sick, is that not evil? Present that to your governor; will he accept you or show you favor? says the Lord of hosts. (Malachi 1:6-8 ESV)

The second half of this chapter was pretty convicting for me as the Lord says the Priests despise his name because they offer sacrifices that are not worthy. Rather than giving what they promised and he deserves, they are giving what not even human rulers would accept nonetheless God. While the animal sacrifices do not continue today because of Jesus, I think it's a very good question to ask ourselves if we're giving God what he deserves or just what we're willing to part with (in both time and money). Are we really sacrificing for him? Or living as we like with him as an afterthought? Are we only willing to give to him when it's easy and when we have everything that we want? Remember that the Lord despised their tainted offering. He desires to be our first love and priority.

Any verse day!

Post any passage that you'd like today and any thoughts on the next book. We'll start the next book tomorrow.


But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and with his wife's knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God. When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him. After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter said to her, Tell me whether you sold the land for so much. And she said, Yes, for so much. But Peter said to her, How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out. Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things. (Acts 5:1-11 ESV)

I struck me as a very powerful story but yet slightly odd due to it taking place after the resurrection during the early formation of the church. I see that this is no small sin and being an offense against God, the reaction is what we deserve for our sin, but this is after Jesus did die on the cross. Not saying that I know better than God what he should have done in this circumstance but there was no chance for repentance for this couple. In a sense, why am I more deserving than they to get the opportunity to right myself with God? Do yall have any thoughts on this because I have been thinking about it for a lot of the morning?

(They in this next verse refers to the high priest and the Sadducees)

and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. (Acts 5:40-42 ESV)

These verses I had to include because I thought that their response was awesome. "rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name." How cool is that.

But can you let me know or comment if you have any thoughts on my earlier question about that passage?

What's next?

It's probably best to take the day off so we can catch up on reading and with the super bowl tonight.

But we need ideas for the next book or if we want to change up the style some like Travis suggested or just do a mix between the two. I'm fine with whatever yall want to do.

I read some out of Malachi that I really enjoyed so that may be a good option for a quick old testament book if yall are interested in that. It had a lot of very relevant themes that think could spark good discussion.

Just an idea. So now comment with your thoughts please.

Ephesians 6

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:10-12 ESV)

In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, (Ephesians 6:16-17 ESV)

These two passages really stuck out to me for their metaphors for strength and faith in the Lord and their use in fighting off the evil one. It is often not flesh and blood that we are fighting but rather a powerful evil force who is too much for us but pales in comparison to God.

Ephesians 5

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous ( that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. (Ephesians 5:1-6 ESV)

Talk about hitting me hard right from the beginning and convicting me on a lot of things. The full wait of the command is thrown on right from the beginning as Paul says to be imitators of God as beloved children. Not do what you want but be nice to people and love those that are easy to love but rather imitate God. Which takes an understanding of God to know how we should imitate him, but he goes on to give more detail as well. Paul tells us to walk in love as Christ loved. Yet another huge challenge as Christ loved us so much as to take on all our sins, face brutal beating and mockery and gave his life for our sake all because he loved us and wanted to save us from the fate that we deserved. In doing this, he showed us a glimpse of the Fathers love for us. Then he goes on to convict us about specific actions that have no place in those who are deserving of his kingdom. It was especially tough when he references foolish talk and crude joking specifically because those are things that I often find myself falling victim to. I often need to make sure that the things which I say build people up rather than beat them down and that my humor isn't crude or inappropriately directed. And that I strive to imitate God and be filled up with his love so that I may pour out his love to all people especially those in most need of it.

Ephesians 4

so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (Ephesians 4:14-16 ESV)

I really like this verse as it talks about us growing up in your spiritual maturity in Christ. First that we grow as to not be deceived by human cunning and be grounded in the truth which I think can be very important when today a lot of false feel good spirituality concepts are floating around. Many people looking for the satisfaction without the conviction which is definitely not the complete action of giving up our lives to God that the gospel calls us to. We need to know the words of God for ourselves so that we aren't deceived but rather can instruct people.

Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:26-29 ESV)

This passage points to some very good lessons that are beneficial to remember. In the last couple years, I was convicted a lot about holding onto anger that I just wasn't showing but letting it manifest itself in my words and actions. It wasn't until I saw the destructive nature of what I was doing that I felt the call to forgive. God has forgiven me for so much and so many times that I've sinned against him, but I was too arrogant to forgive others who were flawed and sinful like myself. The story that really convicted me is on this website. I would encourage you to read it since it is short and think about the times that you were upset about the sin of another and held onto it all too long. http://www.fisheaters.com/twomonks.html

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:31, 32 ESV)

I thought this fit in so well with what I was just taking about that it hit the stop as well. Put away the anger and forgive as Christ forgave you.

Ephesians 3

Ok so I went a different route with this one then typically because of what Verse 3 said:

assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you, how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. (Ephesians 3:2, 3 ESV)

This brought my mind completely to Paul's conversion which I had not thought about in a while so I decided to go back to it because I couldn't get my mind off of the incredibly display of God's power and ability to turn around any life that is so clearly shown in the case of Paul. Yes this is a little long, but I thought it was important to see the revelation, his eyes being opened and the amazement of the Jews to see such a transformation in no time at all. So here it is from Acts 9:

But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? And he said, Who are you, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do. The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Here I am, Lord. And the Lord said to him, Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight. But Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name. But the Lord said to him, Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name. So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit. And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; and taking food, he was strengthened. For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, He is the Son of God. And all who heard him were amazed and said, Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests? But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ. (Acts 9:1-22 ESV)

I think this sequence of events is incredible enough to read. Bringing about the complete transformation of a man who was persecuting the disciples and killing to openly preaching himself. He was on his way to arrest more and then with Jesus' appearance to him everything changed. All leading up to his proclaiming that Jesus is the Christ which confounded the Jews because it was so contrary to his recent actions. This is a great example to me of the incredible power of God to work in the lives of anyone no matter how much sin they have committed or how much anger may have filled their hearts.

Ephesians 2

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ— by grace you have been saved— (Ephesians 2:4-5 ESV)

This was right after the lead up of the verses talking about the hold that sin and temptation have on us. I think it just describes it so well putting it that he is rich in mercy and his great love because we are dead in our trespasses. We are in no way deserving because all of the sin in our lives and all of the times that we fall short, but he loves us and is merciful even when we reject him in our sin.

In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:22 ESV)

I think that this is a great reminder that we are a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit and Acts provides many examples of the power that the Holy Spirit can work in us when we are faithful and put our trust completely in God. It also makes me thing about the passages that refer to our bodies as a temple and how we should treat it as such and prize and take care of ourselves. As well as treat ourselves as a dwelling place of God. That in and of itself is enough to convict us in our actions but also provide us with boldness in the reassurance that the Holy Spirit is present within us.

Ephesians 1

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, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, (Ephesians 1:18-20 ESV)

It is Paul's prayer that we may know what awaits us in Christ, and the last point stuck out to me the most where he talks about the "immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe." Talk about an incredible reassurance that all things are possible for those who believe in his true power. It's also quite convicting that we should never be fearful or consider ourselves too insignificant to do his work with his immeasurable power with us.

Ephesians

Hey everybody,

We start tomorrow with Ephesians 1.

Remember it's just one chapter a day and post your verse of choice with a short reflection as a comment on my post.