I am using One Year Bible Online for my daily Bible study. For today, One Year Bible Online links here. I have found that by writing this daily blog of what I see when I read these scriptures, I get more out of them. I hope that by posting these ruminations others may get some benefit as well. If you have any thoughts or comments regarding these verses or what I have written about them, please post them.

Isaiah 8-9:21

     Isaiah predicts that before his new born son is old enough to say “Papa” or “Mama” Assyria will destroy the kingdom of Damascus and the kingdom of Israel (the Northern Kingdom). Assyria will sweep over those lands like a river overflowing its banks. The flood waters will rise up into Judah, but subside before Judah is completely submerged. Judah would not be overcome by Assyria because God was with them.
     In the time of trouble that was coming, God gave Isaiah a message that applies to all who wish to serve the Lord. The message is that we are not to become enmeshed in believing in conspiracy theories and afraid of earthly powers. We should make God our focus. We should fear only Him. If we have an appropriate fear of God He will keep us safe. Far too many people will find stumble over God, like a stone in the road, rather than shelter in His protection. When trouble strikes people will turn to mediums and the occult to find answers. Instead they should consult God, who would tell them what to do. People ignore God’s instructions and guidance only to find themselves lost, tired, and hungry. In their hunger, instead of turning to God and being fed, they will rage against Him and curse Him. Because they refuse to turn to God and accept His loving care they will see only darkness and despair everywhere they look.
     However, Isaiah tells us that, despite the unwillingness of people to turn to God, there is cause for hope. God will bring revival. He will call His people back to Him.

The people who walk in darkness
will see a great light.
For those who live in a land of deep darkness,
a light will shine.
This is traditionally viewed as a prophecy regarding the coming of Jesus, and it is. But I believe that it is more than that. It is a reflection of how God works in this world. People reject God and His commands. They rebel against His commands and seek to go their own way. The world descends into chaos and darkness. Everywhere people look they see despair, anguish, and trouble. A few, however, will remain faithful and when the darkness seems to cover the entire world, their light, the reflection of God’s glory, will shine forth. People will see this light and God’s Spirit will bring about a revival as people turn to Him as the answer to their troubles.

***

2 Corinthians 12:1-10

Paul speaks of a man who had a vision whereby he was caught up into the third heaven (I am unaware of any other references which suggest that there are multiple heavens and that they are numbered). He says that he would boast about such a man, but will not boast about himself, except for his weaknesses. Paul goes on to say that if he wanted to boast he would not be a fool, even though boasting is foolish, because it would be the truth. Paul says that he avoids boasting about such things because he wants people to judge him based on what he says about the revelations which God has given him. Paul then tells us that he was given a thorn in his side to keep him from becoming conceited. He tells us that this thorn was a messenger from Satan to torment him and keep him from pride. Paul plead with God on three occasions to have this thorn removed. God’s answer was that His grace was sufficient and that His power worked best through weakness. Today’s passage concludes with Paul telling us that it is when he is weak that he is strongest.

***
We do not know what the “thorn” in Paul’s side was. Many different people have theorized one thing and another, most commonly, a problem with his eyes. Whatever it was, the consensus is that it was some sort of physical disability/illness. Paul, who by God’s grace, was able to bring healing to so many was unable to experience healing for some physical disability or illness which he suffered for most of his ministry. The most important part of this passage is the idea that it is when we are weak that we are strongest. It is when we acknowledge that we have no ability on our own to do God’s will that God is most able to work through us to bring about change, both in ourselves and in the world around us. I am unable to make the world a better place. However, if I allow God’s Spirit to work through me, He is able to change the world in ways that are unimaginable before they happen. One of the reasons we so often fail to bring about the changes in the world around us is because we try to do it ourselves, rather than rely on God. Even there, part of the problem is that we shoot too low. God does not want to make small tweaks to our lives. He wants to transform us into His very image and likeness. God is not looking to light candles to illuminate the dark. He wants to light magnesium torches in order to banish the darkness.

Psalm 55:1-23

This psalm was written at a time when the psalmist was feeling betrayed by someone he counted a friend and a fellow servant of God. He wishes for the ability to fly away and escape from the shame and suffering this friend’s betrayal has brought upon him. However, despite what he is feeling he will still call upon the Lord and he gives us advice that we should all follow when we feel overwhelmed.

Give your burdens to the Lord,
and he will take care of you.
He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.
***
What a great verse for me today. I will give my burdens and cares to God. I suffered a disappointment at work today and this passage is a reminder that all goes according to God’s plan. He will use me to glorify His name and all that happens to me is part of His plan. He will guide me along His paths and show me how to serve Him.

Proverbs 23:4-5

This proverb reminds us that wealth is fleeting and that we should spend our energy on those things which are more important and last for an eternity. We should know that our own cleverness will never get us anywhere that is not on God’s path for our lives.

Daily Bible Study

September 10, 2013 Bible Study — Whom Shall I Send?

September 9, 2013 AttilaDimedici

Isaiah 6-7:25

     Today’s passage begins with one of my favorite “scenes” from the Bible. Isaiah had a vision of God seated on a throne in the Temple. Isaiah’s response was to express fear and despair because he knew that he was a sinful man in the presence of a holy God. In particular, he expresses concern about his filthy lips. In response, one of the seraphim in attendance to God flew to him with a burning coal taken from the altar and touched it to Isaiah’s lips. The seraphim told Isaiah that his sins had been removed by the touching of the coal to his lips and they were forgiven.
     When Isaiah’s purification was completed he heard God call out, “Whom shall I send as my messenger? Whom shall I send?”
     Isaiah replied, “Here I am. Send me.”
     God gave Isaiah the message he was to deliver. The message to the people was that they would hear, but not understand. They would look, but not see. Isaiah was to tell the people that they would refuse to listen to God’s message and to see the signs He was giving them. If they were to truly listen and genuinely see what was happening, they would turn to God and be forgiven. However, they would not do so.

***
This passage starts by showing how we respond to finding ourselves in God’s presence if we are honest with ourselves. Isaiah responded in fear and despair. He knew that he was a sinful man whose mere presence placed a stain upon a holy God. God responds to Isaiah’s fear in a manner which would be unexpected if not for the revelation of the Bible. God sends one of His agents to purify Isaiah. The method of purification is symbolic in two ways. The first is that a burning coal touched to human lips would be expected to inflict great pain. As the seraphim approached Isaiah, he would have expected to experience a searing pain for an extended period of time (considering that he speaks moments after this, we conclude that the pain did not occur, or was fleeting). The second is that the heat of a burning coal would cauterised a wound and/or kill the infectious agents present where it touched. By applying a burning coal, the flow of sinful words would be stopped, the ability of the sin present on Isaiah’s lips to infect others would be eliminated.
Having purified and forgiven the sinner in His presence, a purification needed more for the sinner to feel able to be in God’s presence than for God to allow the sinner in His presence, God asks for someone to be His messenger. Having just been purified of his sins, Isaiah responds that since he is here, he is willing to go. We respond in the same way to God’s purifying us from our sins. If we have accepted the purification of our sins, we will find ourselves responding to God’s call for a messenger, not just by volunteering, but by enthusiastically volunteering. Isaiah’s response was not, “Well, if you’ve got no one else, I guess I could do it.” No, Isaiah’s response was “Ooh, Ooh, pick me! I’ll go! Send me! Let me do it!” All the while jumping up and down with his hand in the air. That is what happens to us when God purifies us of our sins, we want more than anything else in this world, or the next, to serve God however we can.

2 Corinthians 11:16-33

Paul says that he does not wish anyone to think him foolish, but since some apparently do think him foolish, he will indulge in some foolishness. He has been called a fool and others have boasted of how the believers should follow their teachings rather than Paul’s because of the credentials they have. Paul tells the Corinthians that whatever credentials these “super-apostles” (as Paul referred to them in yesterday’s passage) claim to have, he has it in spades. He is just as much a Hebrew, an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham as anyone. Paul goes on to tell them that he has worked harder and suffered more in service to Christ than any of these men would even claim, let alone have actually done. Paul makes all of these boasts almost under protest.

***
Paul taught through almost all of his writings that we should be humble and only boast of God’s working in and around us. Here he breaks from that. He does this because apparently teachers have arisen who are claiming great credentials and are claiming to have greater understanding of the Gospel than Paul. However, they are teaching things which are contrary to what Paul had taught. These were not people from among the disciples that had followed Jesus while He was preaching in Galilee and Judea.
In this passage Paul gives us a standard by which to measure people who claim to be speaking on behalf of God. First, he asks us to measure what they preach against what we have already learned. If it is consistent with what we already know, all well and good. If, however, it contradicts what we already believe regarding the Gospel, he provides us with standards by which to compare those who teach the competing doctrines. What kind of fruit does each preacher bear? Do they demonstrate concern for those in need? Have they suffered privation themselves in order to reach the lost? Paul continues this in tomorrow’s passage.

Psalm 54:1-7

A psalm to remember when we face troubles and difficulties. If we put out trust in God and serve Him to the best of our ability, we can cry out to Him and know that this will be true for us:

Behold, God is my helper;
The Lord is the sustainer of my soul.
He will recompense the evil to my foes;(NASB)
I will praise the Lord, for He will help me in times of trouble.

Proverbs 23:1-3

When invited to dine with the politically powerful, pay attention to what you are fed and who you are eating with. Do not let the food and entertainment distract you from what else is going on.

***

Daily Bible Study

September 9, 2013 Bible Study — Only Fools Say In Their Hearts, “There Is No God.”

September 8, 2013 AttilaDimedici

Isaiah 3-5:30

Isaiah prophesied a time of judgment on Judah and Jerusalem. A time when all of the things that bind a nation together will be gone, when those who rise to positions of leadership will be those with no experience. The young will rise up against the old and the vulgar will sneer at the honorable. It will be a time of trouble because the people refused to follow God’s instructions and provoked Him to His face. However, Isaiah tells us that all will be well for the godly. It is the wicked who are doomed and will receive the punishment they deserve.

***
I read this and it strikes me that what Isaiah is describing resembles what I see around me in our society today. I see both the open contempt for God’s commands and the following of leaders who have shown no ability to lead. I, also, see the young insulting their elders and the vulgar sneering at those who cling to honor. All in all, when I look at society around me, I find it frightening. However, this passage gives me a window for hope, for it tells us that all will be well for those who genuinely strive to do God’s will. It tells me that all I need to do to avoid the doom I see coming is to more closely follow God, giving His Spirit control over my life.
***
Isaiah tells us that God is going to bring judgment on those who are unfaithful to Him. He is going to tear down and uproot His vineyard. Yet, He is going to plant a new vine there and tend and care for it. God is going to destroy those who have turned away from His word, but He is going to strengthen and cultivate those who serve Him.

2 Corinthians 11:1-15

Paul expresses serious concern for the Church in Corinth. He fears that they will be deceived by those preaching a different Jesus than the one Paul preaches and a different Spirit from the one they already received. Paul tells them that he is in no way inferior to these self-proclaimed “super-apostles”. Paul admits that he is not a terribly dynamic speaker, but he is knows what he is talking about.

***
I have come to believe that Paul was not being humble when he said here that he was not a good speaker. The more I have studied the New Testament (especially Paul’s writing and the Book of Acts) the more I have come to the conclusion that Paul was a passionate, but uninspiring preacher. I believe Paul’s success was not due to his skill as a preacher, rather it was due to his willingness to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and to give credit to the Spirit. As I read today’s passage it appears to me that some very skilled speakers had begun to preach to the Corinthian church and were gaining a following. These preachers were somewhat like certain TV preachers of today. They preached a very attractive message and convinced the Christians in Corinth to donate a large amount of money to their “ministry”, money which was spent more on a lavish lifestyle for the preachers than on doing the work of God. Paul points out that, despite their claims, their ministry was not just like his. Unlike these “super-apostles”, Paul refused to accept any money towards his ministry from the Corinthians. He flat out calls these men false apostles and says that they are servants of Satan.

Psalm 53:1-6

This psalm starts with one of my favorite verses:

Only fools say in their hearts,
“There is no God.”
They are corrupt, and their actions are evil;
not one of them does good!

The psalmist continues by telling us that God looks for those who have consistently sought Him, but we have all turned away, no one does good.
***
This psalm reminds me of how foolish those who insist that there is no God are, but it also reminds me that I am not really any better than they. I have failed to live as God expected of me. It is only through the grace of God that I have been redeemed and have come to know and believe that He is real. I, too, came close to being one of those fools who say that there is no God.

Proverbs 22:28-29

Do not think that you will get away with cheating people by changing standards that people assume are timeless. Those with wealth and power will be able to command the most talented workers for their projects.

Daily Bible Study

September 8, 2013 Bible Study — Boast Only About the Lord

September 7, 2013 AttilaDimedici

Isaiah 1-2:22

     Isaiah begins his prophecies by declaring that God’s people do not recognize His care for them. Isaiah was speaking to the children of Israel when he wrote this, but I think it applies to people in general. I see so many people who refuse to turn to God, even though things are going badly for themselves and those around them. Why do the people of this country continue to invite punishment and rebel against God?
     God does not want our sacrifices, offerings, and pious meetings. He wants us to learn to do good and seek justice. He wants us to help the oppressed, to defend the cause of the fatherless, and to plead the case of widows. Look around, we are becoming a country of fatherless children and mothers without husbands (in a manner of speaking, widows). God is calling us to step forward to help those in these situations, to say that children need both a father and a mother. He is also calling on us to be there for those who find themselves in such circumstances, no matter whose fault it is. Our sins are like scarlet, but God will make them white as snow, if we but allow Him.
     Our land was once known as a land of justice. Now, we have chosen to follow leaders who are rebels against God and companions of thieves. God is going to take out his anger on His foes and gain vengeance against His enemies. Are we careful not to be counted in that number? Are we ashamed of the idols we have worshiped? Of the things we have chosen as higher priorities than doing God’s will?
     The next passage is one that is often quoted. Isaiah tells us that in the last days the Lord’s house will be raised above all others and people from all over the world will stream there to worship the Lord. In those days, people will desire to hear God’s commands and will strive to obey them. God will settle the disputes between peoples and nations will no longer even train for war. Isaiah chapter 2 verses 1-4 paint a beautiful scene, but Isaiah tells us that before that day comes there will be a day of judgment. A day when human arrogance will be humbled and the Lord alone will be exalted. On that day, the enemies of God will crawl into holes in an attempt to hide from the terror of the Lord and the majesty of God. I do not want to be counted among God’s enemies on that day. Which means that I must strive to allow Him to control my life so that I will do His will now (not tomorrow, or the next day).

2 Corinthians 10:1-18

Paul declares his authority. He asks the Corinthians to listen to his words and act upon them so that he will not have to be forceful with those who think he is acting purely from human motives. Paul tells us that, while we are in the world, we are called not to wage war as the world does, but with heavenly weapons. We should rely on divine power to demolish the strongholds which stand against the knowledge of God. Let us make our every thought obedient to Christ. Let us not commend ourselves and measure ourselves against our own standard. Rather let us measure ourselves against God’s standard and thus recognize that we are not “all that”. I will boast only of the Lord. I do not desire to commend myself. I seek the commendation of the Lord, which I can only receive if I give Him full control over my life.

***
For the last several days I have been seeing again and again places in my daily Bible study where I am called to give the Lord control over my life. I am not capable in and of myself to please God. It is only by asking His Spirit to control me that I will be able to live in a manner pleasing to Him.

Psalm 52:1-9

David wrote this psalm (or had it written) to point out the folly of a person with power (in this case a mighty warrior) bragging of the evil he has done. David warns him that God will exact vengeance for the evil he has done against others. On the other hand those who trust in God and do what is right will be honored by God.

Proverbs 22:26-27

Do not co-sign a loan for someone unless you are prepared to pay it off. They may, despite their best intentions, fail to do so and you will be stuck with the bill.

***

Daily Bible Study

September 7, 2013 Bible Study — God Loves a Cheerful Giver

September 6, 2013 AttilaDimedici

Song of Solomon 5-8:14

I am not sure of my understanding of today’s passage. I may be misreading what is intended. However, it appears to me that the young woman is portrayed as playing hard to get. When she does this, the young man turns away. She realizes her mistake and pursues him. This gets her into trouble. She asks her friends to tell her lover that she wants him back. They both express their continued love for one another. The young woman wishes that she did not have to be mindful of the rules of propriety. Once more the young woman tells other women to wait until the time is right to allow sexual elements into a relationship. Finally, we have a young woman’s brothers vowing to what is in their power to protect their sister from being used by other men.

2 Corinthians 9:1-15

Paul tells the Corinthians that he does not really think he needed to write to remind them to give to this ministry, since it was their idea in the first place. As a matter of fact, it was Paul telling them about the Corinthian’s enthusiasm for giving to this ministry that inspired the Macedonian believers to give. However, Paul wanted to make sure that the Corinthians were aware that he had been telling others about what they were doing so that they were prepared when these others came to Corinth.
Paul continues by telling them that any gift they give should be just that, a gift. They should only give that which they are willing to give and should not give anything out of a feeling of compulsion. Each individual should decide for themselves how much to give. They should only give that which they can give without reluctance and no one should make anyone feel compelled to give. If we share freely with those in need out of our surplus, God will see to it that we always have sufficient surplus to give to those in need. Paul tells us that two good things result when we give from our surplus to those in need. The first is that those in need have their needs met, but just as importantly, others will praise God because of our generosity.

***
This passage points out that we should give to help those in need out of recognition of the fact that all that we have is a gift from God. It is ours to do with as we will, but God gave it to us so that we can bring glory to His name. In addition, Paul’s teaching here reminds us of Jesus’ parable of the talents. There Jesus told that each of us has been given resources from God that we are to put to use for God’s gain. Those who make the best use of those resources will be given more. This is true of those who serve God with their resources and those who do not. The main difference being that those who serve God with their resources have a different idea about what is best…and about what is more. Mother Theresa (there are probably better examples than Mother Theresa, but since they were so successful, no one has ever heard of them) would have said that she had more than Bill Gates.
There is another point I want to make about this passage. From time to time, someone will argue that Christians should favor government programs that help the poor, based on various passages which tell us that we are to help the poor. However, this passage makes it clear that each individual is to decide for themselves how much they are called to give to the poor and that no one is to feel compelled to give any more than that amount. There are many arguments against government aid for the poor, but I am only going to make one here. Government aid for the poor is never voluntary. It always requires a certain amount from each person according to what someone else believes is that person’s surplus, not according to what that person believes is their surplus. That runs directly contrary to what Paul is teaching here. I am not being charitable when I spend your money to help the poor (although I may be being charitable by spending my time doing so).

Psalm 51:1-19

I love this psalm. It contains so many points of the Gospel message.

I am a sinner. I have sinned time and again.
Only God can cleanse me from my sin. There is nothing I can do myself to make my sins right. It is only by accepting God’s cleansing that my sin can be forgiven.
It is only by recognizing that without God I am broken that I can be healed.
Any true joy that I will experience is a gift from God.
Once God has cleansed me and healed me, I have an obligation to teach others about His grace. This is not to show them how much better than them I am (because I’m not), but to show them how they too can be cleansed and healed.
There is nothing I can give God that He needs, what He wants from me is for me to recognize how much I need His grace.

The only way that I can please God is by surrendering control over my life unto Him. I have failed God repeatedly. I ask Him to fill me with His Spirit and take control of my life so that I may serve His will. I strive time and again to give God control. I ask that He take that control and use me to bring glory to His name.

Proverbs 22:24-25

It is dangerous to hang out with those who do not control their temper because we may learn to behave in the same way.

***

Daily Bible Study

September 6, 2013 Bible Study — Accountability in Handling Church Funds

September 5, 2013 AttilaDimedici

Song of Solomon 1-4:16

The Song of Solomon represents a beautiful exchange between two people in love. The young man says that she is the most beautiful among women. The young woman says that her lover is pleasing beyond words. There is a lot of veiled sexual imagery in this passage, however, the young woman reminds other young women not to awaken love until it is time, to wait until marriage before becoming sexually active.
The young woman says of the young man that he belongs to her and she belongs to him. The young man says that she has captured his heart and is his treasure. It is wonderful to be in such a relationship. I love my wife and this passage reflects my feelings towards her. I am hers and she is mine. She has captured my heart and is my treasure.

2 Corinthians 8:16-24

Paul tells the Corinthians that when he suggested to Titus that Titus return to Corinth, Titus enthusiastically embraced the idea. In addition, Paul was sending two other believers with Titus. One was a man praised by all of the churches in Macedonia for his service to the Gospel and chosen by them to accompany Paul in taking their offerings to the believers in Jerusalem. The second man is someone whom Paul has chosen for his enthusiasm in serving the Lord. Paul tells the church in Corinth to tell those who wonder whether Titus can be trusted that he has been a partner with Paul in his ministry.

***
In this passage Paul gives us a model to follow when gathering money for a charitable cause. When the money has been gathered, Paul is sending it accompanied by two men from the local churches. They have been chosen because they are known and trusted by the people who had given the money. Paul is careful to take every effort to make sure that everyone can be confident that he (and Titus) are handling the money according to the wishes of those who gave it.
In the same way, we today should manage the financial affairs of our congregations and other organizations striving to do God’s work so that everyone can have confidence that we are spending the money in the manner and for the purposes which we claim.

Psalm 50:1-23

The psalmist tells us that God will summon all of humanity before Him and at that time He will pass judgment on those who have entered into a covenant with Him. He does not need our material possessions and giving them to Him is not going to appease His anger. He wants us to be thankful to Him and to fulfill His will in all of our actions. Those who join in with thieves and adulterers will gain nothing from reciting God’s words or promising to enter into a covenant with Him. The only path to salvation from God’s judgment is to accept His free gift and to thankfully honor Him in all that we do.

Proverbs 22:22-23

Just because the law will allow you to exploit the poor and prevent the needy to have recourse to the courts to stop your taking advantage of them does not mean that you will be home free. The courts may not defend the poor and needy, but God will. We will all answer to Him for how we treat our fellow man.

Daily Bible Study

September 5, 2013 Bible Study — Give in Proportion to What You Have

September 4, 2013 AttilaDimedici

Ecclesiastes 10-12:14

Today’s passage is a series of wise sayings that everyone should read from time to time. It starts by warning us that a single foolish act can ruin a lifetime of wisdom and honor. All constructive activity has inherent dangers, prepare for them. The wise person makes sure that their tools are properly prepared before starting a task. If you start with bad (foolish) assumptions, your conclusions will be bad(foolishly wicked), no matter how logical the thoughts that lead from the assumptions to the conclusions. No one can predict the future. Spread your investments out over multiple ventures so that a single disaster will not wipe you out. Watch what you say about others because your words might reach their ears unexpectedly. We cannot understand all of what God does, it is beyond our ability.
The writer concludes all of his thoughts on wisdom and life by telling us to fear God and obey His commands. God will judge us for everything we do, including the things that we do in secret.

2 Corinthians 8:1-15

Paul tells the Church in Corinth that God has been working strongly in Macedonia. The members of the Macedonian churches were facing many troubles and had very little wealth. Nevertheless, they were determined to aid the believers in Jerusalem (a project which was started by the Church in Corinth). Paul tells the believers in Corinth that the believers in Macedonia were giving all they were able to afford and even more than they could afford. Their first action was to give themselves to God with all of their hearts.
Paul then asks the Church in Corinth to follow through on their commitment to aiding the believers in Jerusalem. He makes it clear that he is not asking them to sacrifice themselves the way that the believers in Macedonia had done. He reminds them that not only were they the first to give but they were the first to have the idea to give in order to aid the believers in Jerusalem. Now he is urging them to follow through and see their idea through to the finish. Paul asks them to give according to their ability and to do so eagerly. He stresses that they are to give according to what they have, not according to what they do not have. He makes it clear that he does not want them to give to the point that they will suffer hardship from it.

***
This is a great passage about being charitable. First, Paul commends the Macedonian believers for being generous beyond their means, but he does not hold them up as an example to be emulated (although neither does he discourage us from emulating them). Then he emphasized the importance of giving eagerly. We should only give as much as we are able to do without regret. If we cannot give an amount without worrying how we will pay our bills, we should not give that much. On the other hand, if we have more than we need to meet our basic needs and another believer has less than they need, we should share with them. Our goal should be equality in the body of believers, Paul does not speak of it here, but elsewhere he instructs that those who do not do all that they can to care for themselves and their loved ones should not be given aid from the body of believers (except so as to show them how they can do more).
Paul tells us that we are each to decide for ourselves how much we can and should give. Then we are to give that amount eagerly. This passage is both a challenge and a comfort to me. It is a challenge because I have not been giving as much as I feel that I should lately. On the other hand it is a comfort because I have suffered some financial hardships (a period of unemployment and unanticipated care troubles, among other things) over the last year that have made it difficult for me to cover all of my bills. This passage tells me that God does not expect me to give to the point where I experience hardship as a result of giving to others. However, it also tells me that I should eagerly give to those less fortunate than myself. I have made some poor decisions regarding my finances in the past that led the financial setbacks of the last year or so to be difficult. I have resolved to not make those mistakes going forward and this passage has strengthened my resolve to give God complete control over my finances.

Psalm 49:1-20

The psalmist tells us that we should all listen to his message, whether we are rich, or poor, politically powerful, or without power, socially influential, or not. He tells us that there is no reason to fear trouble from our enemies, no matter how wealthy or powerful they may be. Our enemies will all die in due time, no one has sufficient wealth or power to give a ransom to God to rescue themselves from death. No one can pay enough to live forever and never see the grave. There is only one way to have life eternal. That is if God redeems us from the grave and takes us to Himself. The wicked may grow rich, but they will die. And when they do, they will take none of that wealth with them.

***
I much prefer the NIV translation of verse 13 and 14.

This is the fate of those who trust in themselves,
and of their followers, who approve their sayings.
They are like sheep and are destined to die;
death will be their shepherd
(but the upright will prevail over them in the morning).
Their forms will decay in the grave,
far from their princely mansions.

There are many people who are completely self-reliant, who think that they do not need God. They are destined to die and will end up rotting in the grave. In time they will be forgotten, no matter what they may think they accomplished in this life. I am not too proud to declare that I need God, for He can redeem me from that fate (and He has).

Proverbs 22:20-21

Once again I prefer the NIV translation. In the NIV the writer tells us that he has written sayings of counsel and wisdom which teach us to be honest and to speak the truth. There is more to being honest and speaking the truth than not saying things which you know to be untrue. Being honest and speaking the truth means that I will not say things which I expect others to interpret falsely.

***

Daily Bible Study

September 4, 2013 Bible Study — He Will Be My Guide, Even to the End

September 3, 2013 AttilaDimedici

Ecclesiastes 7-9:18

     There are a lot of bits of wisdom spread throughout today’s passage. The writer starts by telling us that it is better to have a good reputation than the finest perfume. It is better for people who have known you for a while to think well of you than to make a good first impression on everyone you meet. If you spend time with someone who is mourning you will become closer to them than to someone who is celebrating. We should value wise criticism more than foolish praise. Learning to control one’s temper is the path to wisdom, because anger leads us to do foolish things.
     The writer advises us not to be over-wise, or over-righteous. There comes a point when our efforts to act wisely, or righteously, become self-defeating and have the opposite result. The writer is making the point of moderation in all things, including wisdom and righteousness. If we try too hard to be wise, we will end up being foolish. If we try too hard to be righteous, we will end up driving people away from us and failing to serve God’s purposes.
     The writer further reminds us that death comes to everyone. The fastest runner does not necessarily win the race. The strongest warrior does not necessarily win the battle. Those who have been educated do not always know the correct answer. Chance and circumstances effect the outcome of all of these things. It is better to pay attention to the quiet words of a wise person, than to the shouts of a fool with power.

2 Corinthians 7:8-16

Paul tells the Corinthians that he is sorry he caused them pain with his previous letter, but is not sorry that he wrote the letter. He regrets that his letter caused them pain, however, that pain led them to repentance and to change their ways. When they read Paul’s letter they became sorrowful that they had caused him such pain so as to inspire him to write that letter. Their godly sorrow caused them to change their behavior and move on without regrets. As opposed to worldly sorrow which causes us to spend our time regretting our past behavior without actually changing the behavior which gives us the regret. The godly sorrow they felt made the eager to take the actions necessary to correct what had gone wrong and earnest in their desire to do right going forward. It inspired them to eagerly see justice done. They did everything they could to make things right and showed themselves to not be in agreement with the sin that had been in their midst. Paul tells the Corinthian Church that he had not written his previous letter either for the person who had done wrong, nor for the victim. Rather he had written it for the entire congregation so that they could see for themselves how determined they were to do right.

Psalm 48:1-14

A wonderful psalm about the glory and power of God. However, it is more than that. It tells us that the rulers of this earth will join together to attack the people of God. The psalmist tells us that on that day, God will stand forth and destroy their forces in the same manner that a storm at sea destroys sailing vessels. God’s love is unfailing and He will make His people safe forever. I will make the final stanza of this psalm my prayer:

This God is my God for ever and ever;
he will be my guide even to the end.

Proverbs 22:17-19

Pay attention to the words of the wise and keep them always close. Remember those words and always be prepared to repeat them when facing any issue. How can I know who are the wise people whose words I should pay attention to, and who are those to whose words I should not pay such close attention? The teachings of the wise will lead me to trust in the Lord.

***

Daily Bible Study

September 3, 2013 Bible Study — Do Not Partner With Unbelievers

September 2, 2013 AttilaDimedici

Ecclesiastes 4-6:12

     There is a focus on meaninglessness throughout the book of Ecclesiastes. I am not quite sure what to make of that focus, except to say that if we are not striving to serve God’s will then everything we do is meaningless. Nevertheless there are some good points about behaviors which are beneficial and others which are harmful to ourselves. In today’s passage the writer tells us that most people are motivated to work hard out of envy of others. He tells us that being idle leads to ruin, but that it is better to be satisfied with enough than to work even harder to get more. He points out that it is foolish to acquire more than one needs if you do not have any loved ones to pass it on to.
     The writer mentions the importance of having a companion to stand beside through thick and thin. He then goes on to say that a group of three is even stronger in the face of life’s problems. This strikes me especially since recently my wife and I have found ourselves forming a close friendship with a third person. As this friendship has become closer and we have found ourselves doing more together, our faith walk has become stronger and our lives have become more fulfilling. All three of us have attempted to include others in this group, but few of those who share our common interests share our faith and those who share our faith commitment do not share our common interests. As a result, we have become three who lend support to each other as we attempt to live our faith in our leisure activities.
     The final point which comes hits home to me out of today’s passage is the importance of spending more time listening than talking when involved in worship. But more than that, we should choose our words carefully rather than make rash promises which we may not be able to keep.

2 Corinthians 6:14-7:7

Today’s passage begins with Paul telling us that believers should not partner with unbelievers. I have seen this most often applied to marriage, but I believe that it applies in other areas as well. As a matter of fact, it appears to me that Paul would have been shocked that anyone would have taken it that way (not because he felt it was OK for a believer to marry an unbeliever, but because he felt that it was so obvious that they should not that he couldn’t imagine why you would need to actually say it). Paul tells us that every believer is God’s temple and every unbeliever is a temple to idols. There can be no union between a temple of God and a temple of the devil. We cannot partner with unbelievers in order to accomplish shared goals, because we do not actually have any goals which we share with unbelievers. The goal of all of our actions as Christians is to glorify God.

***
Several years ago I knew some Christians that became active in trying to bring about social change in light of their Christian convictions. On one of the issues they were working on there were secular organizations which shared their view on that very narrow issue (but not on the reasons that issue was wrong). The organization they were part of partnered with those secular organizations to form an umbrella organization specifically targeting this particular issue. However, only a few short years later, I read a news article where the umbrella organization was supporting the entire agenda of the secular organizations some aspects of which were contrary to Biblical principles.
***
Paul goes on from there to discuss how when he was in Macedonia, he was feeling down from all of the difficulties and trials he was facing. However, just at the point when he was feeling the most discouraged, Titus arrived with news of how the Corinthians reacted to his first letter. This lifted Paul’s spirit and brought him joy.

Psalm 47:1-9

The psalmist calls on everyone from every nation to praise the Lord. God is king over all of the earth. He will subdue all nations under the feet of His chosen ones. God gathers the influential from every nation together with the children of Abraham to worship Him (God’s definition of “influential” may not be the same as ours). Let us praise God because all of the rulers on the face of the earth belong to God (whether they want to or not).

Proverbs 22:16

Those who oppress the poor in order to increase their own wealth and those who attempt to gain influence by giving to the rich will soon find their wealth is gone.

Daily Bible Study

September 2, 2013 Bible Study –Now Is the Time of Salvation

September 1, 2013 AttilaDimedici

Ecclesiastes 1-3:22

Ecclesiastes begins with the writer telling us that everything is meaningless. In some ways, Ecclesiastes can be a depressing book. The writer speaks of how so many things are cyclical and that nothing has really changed throughout recorded history. He points out that the things that people refer to as new, happened in the past. People act as if history began when they were born.

***
     I have discussed this in my blog before, but this passage brings it up again. Years ago I was seeking proof that God existed. I really wanted something that would satisfy my reasoning mind as evidence I could use to prove both to myself and to others that the God I believed in existed. I was unable to find any such proof that would prove that anything beyond the material world existed. If you start with the assumption that the material world is all that exists, it is impossible to prove that anything beyond the material world does exist. This led me into great depression, much like that expressed in the book of Ecclesiastes, because if this world is all there is, what is the point of putting out the effort life requires?
     I finally realized that I could not accept the idea of a purposeless life. So, I decided that even though I did not have the evidence of God’s existence that I desired, I would live as if I did. I would live as if the Gospel message was true. Within a short period of time, I knew that God existed in the manner I had been seeking to know. I had learned that it is possible to know things which you cannot prove.
     The writer here talks about how nothing is really new. He is not talking about technology, but about human nature. People think that something is new because they have never seen it before in their life time. Time and again, people think they have some new insight that negates centuries old values, but it is merely the recycling of an idea that has proven to not stand the test of time.
***
     In his discussion of the meaningless of life, the writer tells us something very important. He writes it so beautifully that I will quote it here: For everything there is a season,
a time for every activity under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
A time to search and a time to quit searching.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace.
This is something we all need to remember. There is an appropriate time for everything and we need to pay attention to what it is time for.

2 Corinthians 6:1-13

Paul urges the Corinthians to act on the gift of God’s grace which they have received. Now is the day of salvation.

***
This passage is often used, correctly, to remind us that when God calls us the time to act on that call is NOW, not tomorrow, or next week. This is a hard one for us to follow, partly because we are always afraid that it is not God calling us. I am working on responding any way, because I realize it is a lot easier to guide something (or someone) that is in motion than something that is standing still.
***
Paul continues by saying that he works hard to conduct his ministry in such a manner so as not to place a stumbling block in anyone’s path. He spoke truthfully and relied on the power of God. The only tools he was willing to use in his ministry were righteousness and truth. He was confident that they were more than adequate both as an offensive weapon to pierce evil and as a defense to protect himself from evil.

Psalm 46:1-11

What a lovely psalm. As I read this psalm today, there were three pieces to it that spoke to me separately. It begins:

God is our refuge and strength,
always ready to help in times of trouble.
So we will not fear when earthquakes come
and the mountains crumble into the sea.
Let the oceans roar and foam.
Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!
Do we believe this? I was fortunate that I was raised by parents who took this passage (and others like it) to heart. I was raised to be sure that no matter what happened God was in charge and things would work out well for me. The faith my parents did not mean that nothing bad would happen to me, merely that everything that did happen would be according to God’s will and if I lived in His will, I would find joy in whatever came my way. I am not immune to fear, but my parents instilled a trust of God in my heart that allows me, most of the time, to face life’s problems with equanimity.
The second piece tells us that it is God who brings wars to an end. When God decides that the time for war has come to an end, the war will stop. Those who attempt to take up weapons after that will find those weapons failing to function. When God says, “Be still, and know that I am God!” All will stop and learn what it means to worship Him.
Which brings me to the third piece of this psalm. That phrase, “Be still, and know that I am God!” is a command. We can choose to obey it voluntarily, or the time will come when God will force us to do so. Usually God speaks in a still, small voice, asking us to be still and listen, but have you ever known that person, who normally speaks quietly, that, on those rare occasions when they raise their voice, even the toughest, nastiest characters cringe? That is God. I do not want to be the one who causes God to raise His voice.

Proverbs 22:15

Despite what some say, children are not naturally good, or wise. They need to be disciplined so as to learn good and wise behavior.

Fact and Fantasy

Monthly Archives: September 2013

September 11, 2013 Bible Study — The People Who Walk In Darkness Will See a Great Light

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September 10, 2013 Bible Study — Whom Shall I Send?

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September 9, 2013 Bible Study — Only Fools Say In Their Hearts, “There Is No God.”

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September 8, 2013 Bible Study — Boast Only About the Lord

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September 7, 2013 Bible Study — God Loves a Cheerful Giver

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September 6, 2013 Bible Study — Accountability in Handling Church Funds

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September 5, 2013 Bible Study — Give in Proportion to What You Have

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September 4, 2013 Bible Study — He Will Be My Guide, Even to the End

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September 3, 2013 Bible Study — Do Not Partner With Unbelievers

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September 2, 2013 Bible Study –Now Is the Time of Salvation

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