9 October 2015

Scripture:

• Romans 3:21-31
• Ezekiel 31
• 1 Kings 4
• Psalm 69

Observations:

In Romans, we see Paul showing that, through the sacrifice of Jesus for the sins of us all, there is now righteousness apart from the law, which is imputed upon those who believe in him. Our righteousness, then, is no longer bound to our adherence of the law, but our adherence to the personage of Christ, the faith derived therefrom leading us naturally in obedience.

In Ezekiel, we see Ezekiel prophesying to Egypt, reminding them of Assyria and its might, before reminding them of its fall, insinuating that that just as they are being likened to Assyria in their height, they will liken Assyria in their fall.

In 1 Kings, we see the establishment of the officers of Solomon's kingdom and the growth and prosperity of the nation.

In Psalm 69, we see David seeking God. He is coming forward, broken, dishonoured, oppressed, and is seeking for God to so much as turn his face towards him and hold his oppressors at bay, tat he may be saved and other glorify God.

Application:

I'm all kinds of off-balance today. The psalm really resonated with me on that count and the reminder from Romans that it is not my own performance, but Christ's actions that make me righteous has definitely helped put my soul more at ease.

Prayer:

God, I thank you for your word. I thank you for your peace that, even when I am knocked off-balance by my sins and feel tossed about and out of control, I am brought back to level ground and set on my feet to move forwards, growing once again in you.

Lord, I need forgiveness for my sins, even so early into the day, for I am a man of an impure mind and wild desires. Help me to restrain my mind and desires to what honours you, not what gratifies my flesh.

Grant my wife the strength to face her current obstacles. Give her the strength to endure and the courage to overcome.

Give my parents the wisdom they need to make their decision.

Amen

7 October 2015

Scriptures:

• Romans 2:17-3:8
• Ezekiel 28
• 1 Kings 2
• Psalm 67

Observations:

• Romans 2:25
• 1 Kings 2:1-3

In the Romans passage, Paul continues his comments to the Jews holding the teachings of the law over others. He asks them to consider themselves - the law they teach, do they themselves follow it? Circumcision filled with vanity is considered uncircumcision and uncircumcision filled with Godliness is considered circumcision. Paul also tackles a few key issues in the beginning of chapter 3:

• What's the merit of being a Jew or being circumcised? The Jews were entrusted with God's words.
• Does the faithlessness of those bearing God's name nullify God's faithfulness? No, God is true despite that all of us are liars - God is justified in his own words
• If our unrighteousness displays God's righteousness, isn't God being unrighteous in punishing us? Of course not. How else would God judge the world?
• If my lie/sin happens to glorify God, why am I still considered a sinner? To be answered later
• Why not do evil, that good would come of it? To be answered later

In Ezekiel, we see God speaking against Tyre and Sidon, rebuking Tyre for its pride and describing their falls.

In 1 Kings, we see David's last words to Solomon, his heir. We also see Solomon fulfilling his final wishes and taking a very firm stance in securing his throne (maybe slightly too firm, but that's just me)

In the psalm, we see exhortation for the people to praise God, asking his blessings and singing in general praise.

Application:

Well, seeing as I'm giving a talk in youth group on witnessing, the aspect of the Romans passage on following what you teach stood out to me. That and David's words to Solomon, encouraging him to be strong, be a man, and follow God, are what stand out. 

These two passages, though, actually play into each other rather well. If I follow after God, keeping his commands and loving his word, then I will be following what I teach. What's more, I will be equipped with the strength I need to be strong and be a man of God, despite what opposition may arise.

Prayer:

Lord, I want to thank you today for the amazing time of worship we had. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of leading it and, despite my shortcomings and sins, allowing me to join in worshipping with my peers. I continue to ask that you would soften my heart and fill me with your love, that I would overflow with praise to you spontaneously. I see my sins, Lord, and my need to overcome them, but I also ask for the heartbrokenness that comes with a sincere desire to repent from my ways. Help me to stop checking my emotions at the door, but to allow them to push me towards you in love, need, grief, guilt, sorrow, and joy.

Give me the wisdom I need for my daily endeavours and help me to navigate the waters of marriage while trying to stay afloat in school. Help me to manage my time for maximal studying and retention, that I would honour you with my work.

Be with my wife right now. Help her to use some of today to relax, unwind, and spend time with you. Help her to come to the cause of her back and abdominal issues, that it may be treated. 

Give my parents the necessary wisdom and reveal to us where your will dictates they go right now.

In your name I pray,

Amen

6 October 2015

Scriptures:

• Romans 2:1-16
• Ezekiel 27
• 1 Kings 1:28-53
• Psalm 66

Observations:

In the Romans passage, Paul is speaking to those who claim the law and judge others therefrom. Those who seek God will find him. Those who seek themselves will receive their just dues, for righteousness does not come from hearing or knowing the law, but from obeying it.

In Ezekiel, we see, once more, the downfall of Tyre, as the mercantile exploits of Tyre are recounted in exquisite detail, before its abrupt fall.

In 1 Kings, we see the actions of David and his council to Adonijah's presumption.

In the psalm today, we see the psalmist praising God for his might and deeds, for how he has taken Israel through many tribulations into a place of well-being. So, we see the psalmist promising a sacrifice to God out of the sheer joy and praise he has to offer to God.

Application:

Honesty, I really want the joy of the psalmist. To be able to step out and make a grand gesture of praise because I want to is awesome. 

Of course, there's nothing stopping me but myself and my thousand hangups.

What was that part in the Romans passage about seeking God genuinely? (Rom 2:14-15)

So, as one who knows God and knows the law, should not my life and praise be even more honouring to God?

Prayer:

Lord, my outward life needs work. Of course, that also means my inward life needs work. 

I don't want to be a hypocrite, proclaiming your greatness while not allowing it to impact my heart. Instead, Lord, permit your word and your love to impact my heart even more greatly than in the past, that, from the overflow of gratitude and love, my words and actions would speak of you, proclaiming your works to those around me.

Teach and allow me to trust you more deeply.

Amen

5 October 2015

Scriptures:

• Romans 1:18-32
• Ezekiel 26
• 1 Kings 1:1-27
• Psalm 65

Observations:

The Romans passage is very much like the Ezekiel passages we've been seeing, wherein a people who starts off with evidence that God exists, yet turns away from God and, therefore, is given over to their depravity.

The Ezekiel passage prophesies the fall of Tyre in the siege of Nebuchadnezzar as punishment for Tyre's seeking of gain through Israel's fall. Looking at the prophesy and the history, I expected that Nebuchanezzar's siege would have sacked and ruined Tyre, but it only attacked the mainland half (which is the part mentioned) of Tyre, driving most everyone out and into the island half of the city. Alexander the Great brought Tyre to its eventual, complete demise.

In 1 Kings, we have David nearing his death. At this time, another of his sons decided to set himself up as the next king without David's knowledge. So, we see Nathan, the prophet, and Bathsheba, the mother of Solomon, who was supposed to be the next king, coming to bring this issue to David.

The psalm today is praising God for his goodness, his providence, and his might, describing how the earth itself gives praise to God.

Application:

The only application I see from these passages is another admonishment to be aware of my standing with God. Where do I stand? Am I indulging myself in illicit things, devoting myself to false idols, absorbing myself in the wrong ideas or uses of time?

I'm tired and becoming increasingly so. Medical school is excellent, but it takes so much out of me that I find myself cutting corners to get some time to myself. I need to use my time appropriately and effectively, if I want to make it anywhere.

Prayer:

God, give me wisdom. I know I have sinned in a number of ways, lust, anger, bitterness, and I need your forgiveness. I see myself beginning to enter a spiral of selfishness again and I don't want that to happen. Help me to be completely satisfied in you and to trust in you for my energy and strength each day. Let me not grow weary from the studies I should be engaged with and give me the motivation to use my time more responsibly. I cannot afford to be slack in any manner.

Be with my wife, too. Help her to encourage me in my studies and to not be disappointed, drained, or feel abandoned by my need to study and help me to know when to put the books away to best serve her.

Give my parents the wisdom they need for this moment. If there's any insight you wish to come from me, please show me.

Also, show my wife and I where you're planning for us to serve.

Bring my sister back to you, Lord.

Amen