September 17, 2012 Bible Study

September 16, 2012 AttilaDimedici

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 25-28:13

Isaiah declares that he will praise the Lord because God will make strong nations declare His victory and ruthless nations fear Him. God will provide a fortress to protect the poor and weak from the storms of this world. God has laid out a feast for those who turn to Him. Isaiah tells us that God will remove the shadow of death which hangs over the earth. With Jesus’ resurrection, He has indeed done this. God will wipe away all tears. The way is not steep and rough for those who trust in God for their righteousness. God will smooth out the path before them. Isaiah makes a claim that I aim to make my own. He says that he seeks God earnestly in the morning. I am striving to do this. I have found that doing so makes it easier to do what is right all day long.
In this passage, Isaiah tells us that God’s kindness to the wicked does not cause them to do good. Instead they continue to do wrong, even when God gives them good things. It is only by God punishing the wicked that some of them will turn from their wicked ways to following God. God spells out his plans for us line by line, but do we listen? All too often we do not follow God’s plans for us and complain because He does not show us the big picture. Yet when He does show us the big picture we respond, “How can I get from here to there?” I need to be satisfied by following God’s plans for me one step at a time.

Galatians 3:10-22

Paul points out that if we depend upon following the law for our righteousness, we must never break even one point of the law. But, as he has shown elsewhere, everyone has failed to keep the law to one degree or another. Paul further shows that salvation cannot come from the Law because God made the promise to Abraham long before He gave the Law to Moses. The Law, being given many years later, cannot be the prerequisite for the promise. Rather than receiving righteousness through the Law, we receive God’s promised freedom through belief in Jesus. Ultimately, none of us can boast of our righteousness because what righteousness we have is a gift from God. So, even to the extent that I live a good life, this is no credit to me since it is a result of the power of the Holy Spirit within me. When I do good things this is not because I am better than others, it is merely the result of God’s gift to me. A gift that others can receive in equal measure.

Psalm 61:1-8

I, like the psalmist, will cry to the Lord for help. He will hear me and provide me a safe refuge. God will watch over me with His unfailing love and faithfulness. I will sing God’s praise as I shelter under His wings.

Proverbs 23:17-18

Today’s proverb tells us not to envy sinners. They may have things that we would like and they may appear to be living a wonderful life. But we should continue to fear the Lord and remember that things are not always as they appear. If we continue to live our lives in fear of the Lord, we will not be disappointed. Every so often I will observe people who seem to be living a life that is to be desired without following God. Yet, in every case where I have gotten to know those people well I have discovered that either they are struggling with problems I never face or there is an emptiness to it all that I am unwilling to accept.

Daily Bible Study

September 16, 2012 Bible Study

September 15, 2012 AttilaDimedici

Isaiah 22-24:23

     This passage really says a lot to me about today, but I do not know where to start talking about the message I see. The first bit I see is Isaiah writing about how in times of trouble, the leaders of the people slipped away and left the people leaderless. The remaining people made no effort to step up and lead the people to deal with their tribulation, they, also, attempted to slip away and leave the problems behind. Isaiah tells us that those who tried to slip away from the troubles failed to do so.
     Second, Isaiah writes about how in times of trouble, the people relied on human agency. They turned to the weapons and supplies they had stored up. They did this instead of what they should have done, which was turn to God and call on Him for help. Isaiah is not saying that we should not make plans for times of trouble or store up resources for times of hardship. He is saying that we should rely on God rather than believing that the plans and stores we have laid up will carry us through. In times of trouble, first we should cry out to God for help, then implement our plans to deal with the trouble. We should be willing to help others with the supplies we have laid aside, trusting God to supply our needs when our preparations fall short.
     The final bit that is part of one coherent message (I see how it all ties together, but cannot quite verbalize that link) is about those who instead of seeking to help those in need choose to spend their resources on their own pleasure in a fatalistic understanding that soon it will all be over. I know so many people who spend their resources on their own pleasure in the belief that there is no long term accountability for their actions.
     The next piece of this passage that speaks to me this morning is a prophecy against Tyre. Tyre was the center of a trading empire. Ships from Tyre sailed throughout the Mediterranean and beyond trading goods far and wide and bringing the wealth back to Tyre. The people of Tyre relied on their wealth and their importance to the wealth of others for their safety. Isaiah tells them that their wealth will not protect them from the coming judgement, neither will their importance to the wealth of others. So far in Isaiah, he has told us that God’s judgement will come against both the military powers and the economic powers of the earth. Neither military power, nor economic power will protect a people from God’s judgement on their sin. The U.S. is both an economic and a military power, but neither will protect its people from God’s judgement for their sins. Only by turning to God and following His commands can we obtain protection from His judgement. I must stop spending my resources on my pleasure and instead spend them to help those in greater need than myself.

Galatians 2:17-3:9

There is a lot to be gotten from this passage and I find it difficult to put what Paul is saying here into my own words. I hope that anyone who is following my devotions reads this passage for themselves. One message that I get from this passage is a reminder of something God taught me years ago. I was struggling with sin. I felt called to be involved in God’s work, but felt like I would be being a hypocrite to do so before I overcame the sin in my life. The realization came to me that while I might not be able to stop doing the things I knew I should not be doing, that did not meant that I could not do the things I knew I should be doing. I followed that leading and soon discovered that I was no longer doing the things I should not be doing that I was powerless on my own to stop. I believe that is a significant part of Paul’s message to the Galatians here. Follow God, believe in Christ. Understand that only through the saving blood of Christ can our sins be overcome. We are all sinners and none of us have any claim of being better than any others. We will not overcome the sin in our lives through strength of character. We will only overcome the sin in our lives through the intervention of the Holy Spirit. Do not worry about following the Law, but instead trust in our faith in Jesus. Do those things that the Spirit calls you to do and do not worry about trying to overcome those sins that plague you. The Spirit will provide you deliverance from those sins in God’s time and then you will know that you have nothing to boast of in overcoming those sins. I did not overcome those sins I spoke of earlier, the Holy Spirit removed them from me when I gave up my struggle against them and did what the Spirit was calling me to. I turned those sins over to God and admitted that I was powerless to stop committing them. I have other sins in my life that I am powerless to stop committing. I am asking God to take them from me.

Psalm 60:1-12

The psalmist writes that the people have been struck by God’s judgement and are reeling from the effects. But God has provided us with a rallying point. If we rely on Him and turn to Him for victory, we will be strengthened and find security. When we seek to overcome through human intervention we will fail. Only by seeking God’s help and joining the battle on His side will we find victory. The question is not; “Is God on our side?” The question is; “Are we on God’s side?” In all too many conflicts the answer to the second question is “No” for everyone involved in the conflict.

Proverbs 23:15-16

This proverb speaks of the joy a parent will have when their child follows the path of wisdom. But this should also apply to any of us when those we have been placed in positions to mentor demonstrate wisdom. We should always be pleased when those whom we have provided guidance to show that they have learned wisdom, even when we are not the source of that wisdom. Of course, it also means that we should strive to demonstrate through our words and actions to those who have been our parents and teachers that we have acquired wisdom.

Daily Bible Study

September 15, 2012 Bible Study

September 14, 2012 AttilaDimedici

Isaiah 19-21:17

I read today’s passage and think about what is going on in the world. Isaiah prophesied against Egypt. He said that Egyptian would fight against Egyptian. Did that not just happen this summer? He says that God will hand Egypt over to “a hard, cruel master.” I could certainly envision Egypt’s current President as filling that role. Isaiah further prophesies that the Nile will fail to rise and flood the fields. The Nile has stopped rising to flood the fields since the Aswan Dam was built. The rest of the prophecy does not fit what we have so far seen, but it gives me cause for hope. The passage says that the people of Egypt will turn to the Lord. I believe that when Isaiah made this prophecy he was referring to a time in his future that is now long past. However, I am not sure that this prophecy does not also refer to what we see happening today. Perhaps the violence and strife we see in Egypt today will lead many of the people of Egypt to turn to the Lord. I pray for that outcome.

Galatians 2:1-16

Paul continues discussing the beginning of his ministry. He talks about going to the Jerusalem Council. He tells us that he wanted to see if what he was teaching was consistent with what those who had walked with Jesus in His earthly ministry taught. Paul reports that the apostles in Jerusalem agreed with his understanding that Gentiles did not need to become Jews and follow Jewish Law in order to become Christians. Paul continues to tell us that later when Peter came to Antioch, he confronted him over hypocrisy. When Peter first arrived in Antioch he ate with the Gentiles. However, when a delegation came from James, Peter began separating himself from the Gentiles and other Jewish Christians began following his lead. Paul confronted Peter about this. He pointed out to Peter that we are not justified by adherence to the Law, but only by faith in Jesus Christ.

Psalm 59:1-17

In yet another psalm the psalmist calls on the Lord for deliverance from his enemies. He says that his enemies have contempt for the Lord. However, he asks the Lord not to kill them because soon forget such lessons. Instead he asks God to bring them low and let them live as living examples of the result of defying God. I have an additional reason that I ask God to allow my enemies to live. If they die, they will have lost their opportunity to turn to the Lord. I look at what happened in Libya and Egypt. The destruction and death of those who committed these acts would be in the best interests of the U.S., but I pray for their salvation. I pray that somehow they would come to know the Lord. I know the power of the Lord and I will sing His praises morning, noon and night.

Proverbs 23:13-14

Today’s proverb tells parents that they should, at times, use physical discipline on their children. Spanking a child will not lead to the child’s death. On the contrary, spanking the child may well save the child’s life (by teaching them to avoid behaviors which carry a high risk of death).

Daily Bible Study

September 14, 2012 Bible Study

September 13, 2012 AttilaDimedici

Isaiah 15-18:7

The prophet Isaiah prophecies that within three years of when he wrote this the land of Moab would be desolate, destroyed by a conquering army. Isaiah does not explicitly say, “This is why God is going to destroy Moab.” However, he talks about Moabs pride, arrogance and rage. He, also, tells us that the pagan gods they worship will not be able to save them. Those nations which rise up in arrogance and rage and which do not recognize the sovereignty of God will face destruction. But it is not “nations” which need to recognize the sovereignty of God. It is individual people who need to do so. Isaiah goes on from discussing the destruction of Moab to talking about the same fate falling on Syria and the Northern Kingdom. Isaiah tells us this will happen because the people turned from God. He, also, tells us that in the midst of this destruction at last a remnant will turn back to God. When the people turn to God, the enemies will die in the space of a night. Today’s passage ends with Isaiah’s prophecy regarding the fall of the military power that existed in Ethiopia in that day. He tells us that they will be brought low and then they will bring offerings to God. I take from this that those who rest their hope of safety in human efforts will face tragedy and sorrow. Our only hope for safety is trusting in God alone.

Galatians 1:1-24

Paul begins his letter to the Galatians by stating that he was appointed an apostle by God directly, not by any Church body or human delegation. He then prays for God’s grace and peace for his audience and praises God. He then goes on to question why they are accepting teachings which add to the Gospel things that are contradictory to the Gospel. He then goes on to explain how the message he taught came to him directly from God. Paul tells us that he was not taught by any of the apostles who preceded him. He explains that he received it by revelation. However, he goes on to point out that he spent time with Peter and James, the brother of Jesus, and that what he taught by revelation was consistent with what they taught through time spent with Jesus before His crucifixion. Paul did not teach something he received by revelation that superseded the teachings of those who had known Christ while He walked on this earth. Paul received by revelation a message that was consistent with the message taught by those who had walked with Jesus in His ministry on this earth.
I find this to be an important point. It represents the way to judge those who claim to be teaching what Jesus taught. Are their teachings consistent with what we find in Scripture? Or do they claim to have some authority source which supersedes that of the Bible? If they base their teaching on some source (whether a person or a document) that has sufficient authority to, in their minds, contradict the Bible, they are not teaching the Gospel. This is different from people who have an understanding of one part of the Bible which seems to contradict another part. In this latter case, we should seek the Spirit’s assistance in resolving this apparent conflict of God’s teachings.

Psalm 58:1-11

The psalmist cries out against those who rule over others with injustice and against judges who use their position to advance themselves at the expense of justice. He tells us that God will sweep them aside and destroy them. When that happens the godly will rejoice in the knowledge of God’s sovereignty.

Proverbs 23:12

Today’s proverb tells us that we should dedicate ourselves to learning. There is always more to be learned and we should always desire to learn.

Daily Bible Study

September 13, 2012 Bible Study

September 12, 2012 AttilaDimedici

Isaiah 12-14:32

Today’s passage begins by telling us that in the day of salvation we will sing praises to the Lord. Isaiah perceived the day of salvation to be that day still to come when Cyrus, king of the Persians, allowed the Jews to begin rebuilding Jerusalem. However, I believe that the day of salvation refers to something more than that. In addition to the time of Cyrus, it refers to the time after someone has accepted Christ as their Savior. I am certainly going to sing the following;

“God has come to save me.
I will trust in him and not be afraid.
The Lord God is my strength and my song;
he has given me victory.”
I will sing to the Lord and tell the nations what He has done. Or, at least, I will strive to have the courage to do so.
After discussing the day of salvation, Isaiah issues a prophecy concerning the fall of Babylon. Isaiah gives this prophecy about the fall of Babylon while Assyria is still the dominant power in the area. He then follows the prophecy against Babylon with a short prophecy about the fall of both Assyria and Philistia.
Within the prophecy about the fall of Babylon are some images and prophecies, that, like those about the day of salvation, apply beyond the time for which Isaiah foresaw them. “I, the Lord, will punish the world for its evil
and the wicked for their sin.
I will crush the arrogance of the proud
and humble the pride of the mighty.”
The day of the Lord’s judgement is coming when He will display His anger against those who oppress the innocent and powerless. The Bible is clear that both God’s mercy and His judgement will be displayed. There is an urgency to telling our friends and neighbors about God’s wondrous saving mercy, because His day of judgement will not be long withheld.

2 Corinthians 13:1-14

Paul concludes his second (third?) letter to the Corinthians by warning them that he will deal with those who continue in sin when he next visits them. Paul tells them that God’s power will be shown through his own weakness, just as it was displayed through the weakness of Christ’s crucifixion. Paul tells us to examine ourselves to see if our faith is genuine. We must not do what is wrong, but instead we should stand for the truth and do what is right. Like Paul we should strive to strengthen those around us and be willing to appear weak so that others may appear strong.

Psalm 57:1-11

Cry out to God for mercy and hide beneath the shadow of His wings. God’s love and faithfulness are unfailing and He will shelter those who call on Him. Let us sing His praises among the nations.

Proverbs 23:9-11

Today’s first proverb instructs us not to waste our time trying to convince the foolish, as they will not listen to wise advice. The second proverb warns against cheating our neighbors and taking advantage of the fatherless, because God Himself will take up their case.

Daily Bible Study

September 12, 2012 Bible Study

September 11, 2012 AttilaDimedici

Barony Wars Fencing 1 — Barony Wars Fencing

Isaiah 10-11:16

Today’s passage begins with Isaiah condemning unjust judges and those who issue unfair laws. He tells us that the effect of such judges and such laws falls disproportionately on the poor and the powerless. He goes on to tell us that God is bringing judgement against those who are behind such actions and that they will have nowhere to hide and no one to turn to. In this case, Isaiah tells us that God is bringing Assyria to execute his judgement. Isaiah then tells us that God is then going to bring judgement against Assyria. The Assyrians believed that their power was a result of their inherent greatness. They acknowledged no power greater than themselves. God declared that they were merely His tool and when He had finished the task for which He had built them up, He would bring judgement against them. We must remember to not get proud when we are successful. We are merely tools in God’s hands. I am but a tool in God’s hands for Him to use to accomplish His purposes.

Barony Wars Fencing 2 — Barony Wars Fencing

2 Corinthians 12:11-21

Paul tells the Corinthians that he feels like a fool. He should not have needed to lay out his credentials for them. He had shown them through signs and wonders when he was among them that God spoke through him. Now some of them were holding up others, who preached contrary to what Paul preached, as “super apostles”. Paul tells them that he was in no way inferior to those “super apostles”, even though he was nothing special himself. Paul goes in to point out to those of them who accuse him of using trickery to take advantage of them that he never took any money from them. He fully supported himself while he preached among them. Once again I see in Paul’s phrasing a suggestion that other preachers had come among the Corinthians and collected money from them to live a life of luxury. Finally, Paul tells them that he is writing all of this because he is afraid that when he comes among them they will be fighting among themselves and living immoral lifestyles. He tells them that if such is the case, they will not like his response.

Barony Wars — Po Silvertop shows both of his silver tops

Psalm 56:1-13

The psalmist tells us that he is being harassed and attacked by his enemies. Yet he puts his trust in God and will not be afraid because what can they do to him if God is on his side. We need fear nothing else if we fear God. Our enemies will retreat when we call on God for help. We should not allow our fear of others to diminish our trust in God.

Proverbs 23:6-8

Today’s proverb tells us not to eat food provided by someone who is stingy, who is constantly keeping track of what everything costs. The food is likely to not be good and your host will not appreciate any compliments you pay him. We should also take care not to be like the host described.

Daily Bible Study

September 11, 2012 Bible Study

September 10, 2012 AttilaDimedici

Isaiah 8-9:21

     Today’s passage begins with a warning to the people of Judah. Isaiah tells them that their joy over the misfortune of their enemies is misplaced. Because they celebrated Assyria’s conquest of the Northern Kingdom, Assyria will invade them as well. We should not rejoice over the misfortune of others, even if they are our enemies. It is one thing to celebrate that God has delivered us from our enemies. It is another to celebrate that our enemies are suffering.
     Isaiah goes on to tell us not to fall into the trap of seeing conspiracies everywhere. We should not fear the things that those around us fear, we should not share their dread. Instead, we should fear the Lord alone. If we do so, He will keep us safe. I will put my trust in the Lord and I will pass on His instructions to any who might look to me for teaching. Isaiah tells us that many people will reject God’s guidance and instead will turn to mediums and those who claim to speak with the dead for guidance. We should not follow their lead, but we should look to God for guidance. Those who reject God’s guidance will be tired and hungry. I do not know if he meant it this way, but I see so many people who are spiritually hungry, yet refuse to “eat” that which will satisfy their hunger. Instead they go from one type of spiritual junk food to another, while ignoring the feast that God has prepared for them.
     Isaiah tells us that as dark and dismal as things may seem, it is not the end. God will send His light to us. Indeed, God has done so. Yet even after God has sent His son to us there are those who continue to wallow in darkness and evil. Those who choose to not see. As a result, God will again bring His judgement against those who refuse to follow His ways. I pray that I may be a light to those around me so that perhaps some of them might choose to follow the Light.

2 Corinthians 12:1-10

Paul continues to “boast” of his credentials as a servant of God. He talks about a vision he had of heaven. A vision of things so wonderful that he cannot find the words to describe them. Then he says that for all that, none of those “credentials” are what he will boast about. His background as a Jew, his training in Jewish law, the persecution and suffering he has experienced to promote the Gospel, even his vision of heaven, none of those things are the credentials which validate his message. Paul tells us that instead it is his weakness, his “thorn in my flesh” which validates his message. I do not know what the thorn in Paul’s flesh was. I have heard some conjecture that it was his eyesight, there is some reason to believe that Paul had a problem with his vision. Perhaps that is what his “thorn” was, or perhaps it was some other physical malady. However, as I read this, it strikes me that perhaps it was some sin that Paul struggled with, some temptation that he found difficult to resist. That would be consistent with what Paul wrote in Romans 7 where he said, “I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.” Paul asked God to take this “thorn”, whatever it was, from him, but God did not. Instead, God told Paul that His grace would be sufficient for Paul. God wants us to acknowledge that we are weak, that we are no better than anyone else. I pray to God that I never look at others and think, “They are such terrible sinners. Thank God I am better than that.” Unfortunately, I am quite sure that I have fallen prey to that temptation in the past and that I will do so again in the future. Nevertheless, I will continue to strive against falling into that pit.

Psalm 55:1-23

The psalmist in this passage is bemoaning the fact that a friend has betrayed him. Someone with whom he worshiped the Lord has turned on him and is attempting to bring him down. Despite the fact that someone he considered a brother in the Lord has betrayed him, the psalmist still declares that he will trust the Lord. If we give our burdens to the Lord, He will carry them for us. The Lord will take care of us and keep us from slipping and falling on the slippery places in this walk of our life. When I read this I envision hiking through the woods with a pack on our backs. We come to a place where the footing is difficult and slippery. The Lord is like that person who helps us by taking the pack off our back and holding our arm so that we do not fall on the wet rocks.

Proverbs 23:4-5

Today’s proverb advises against exhausting ourselves seeking wealth. Wealth is not permanent and we should not spend all of our energy in pursuit of it. Instead we should pursue righteousness and serving the Lord.

Daily Bible Study

September 10, 2012 Bible Study

September 9, 2012 AttilaDimedici

Isaiah 6-7:25

Today’s passage includes Isaiah’s calling. Isaiah finds himself in the presence of God and his response is instructive.

“Woe is me, for I am ruined!
Because I am a man of unclean lips,
And I live among a people of unclean lips;
For my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.”(NASB)
We should all feel this way when we find ourselves in the presence of God, and the message of Christianity is that we always are in the presence of God. In addition to my other sins, like Isaiah, I am a man of unclean lips. I say things that I should not. I lie. I brag about myself. I say things about others that are hurtful. I say things that bring disrepute to the Gospel. But there is good news. God will send one of His seraphim to bring a coal from the altar before God and place it against my mouth, cleansing it. I am forgiven because Christ died on the cross, but sometimes there is still pain involved in accepting that forgiveness. Sometimes I have to go to those I have wronged with my words and ask their forgiveness. That is not easy for me.
There is more to this passage, because immediately after having his lips seared Isaiah hears God say, “Who will be my messenger?” Isaiah at once responds by calling out, “Here I am. Send me.” This was not a quiet little statement, hoping that no one heard him. This was a loud calling out of his willingness to serve God. I pray that when I hear God calling for someone to perform some service that I too will cry out, “Here I am. Send me!”
Isaiah then tells us how when the kings of Israel and Syria allied themselves together to conquer Judah, God sent him with a message to King Ahaz. Isaiah’s message was that the invasion they were plotting would never take place. If Ahaz’s faith was firm, God would make him stand firm. Then Isaiah tells King Ahaz to ask for a sign that God would do as He said He would. Ahaz refused to ask for a sign. This was not because his faith was such that he did not need a sign to believe the message, but because his faith was weak and he was afraid that any sign he asked for would not happen. Isaiah gave him a sign, and that sign became a sign for us as well. Isaiah told Ahaz that a young woman, a virgin, would conceive and bear a son. By the time that son was old enough to know right from wrong, the two kings that Ahaz feared would be destroyed. I am sure that such a child was born while Ahaz was king, but this prophesy also referred to another child. One that was also called “Immanuel” or “God is with us”.

2 Corinthians 11:16-33

Paul confronts the Corinthians about the teachers who had come among them and taught them things contrary to what Paul had taught and contrary to the gospel. He tells the Corinthians that whatever they claim as a basis for their authority, he could match it, or surpass it. If they claim authority from their Jewishness, Paul is just as much a Jew as they. If they claim to be servants of Christ, Paul has done more. He has suffered more persecution than they because of his ministry. Paul then lists the things he has willingly suffered in order to spread the gospel. We do not know who these other teachers whose teachings Paul is trying to counter. But, based on what Paul says about them here and in some of the passages I read on previous days, I am pretty sure that it was obvious to anyone who looked at them that they had suffered little for their teachings. In fact, they probably looked as if they prospered from their teachings. This once again shows how the Christian standard of success differs from that of the world. The world’s standard of success is fancy clothes, a nice house, and a fine car. The Christian standard of success is going without, persecution and suffering.

Psalm 54:1-7

God will come and rescue us in our times of trouble. If we rely on the Lord, the plans of those who plot against us will be turned against them. We must remember to praise the Lord and turn to Him with free will offerings.

Proverbs 23:1-3

Today’s proverb tells us to pay attention to what is going on around us when those in authority over us provide us with a meal. This applies at company parties and if your boss takes you out for a meal. Pay attention to his or her behavior. Base how much you eat or what you order on his or her choices. Do not order the most expensive item on the menu.

Daily Bible Study

September 9, 2012 Bible Study

September 7, 2012 AttilaDimedici

I am going to be away this weekend, so I am posting this study a day early for anybody who uses my musings for their daily devotional. I do not know if anybody does so, but since I am structuring this blog for that possibility I thought I should provide for those who might actually be doing so.

Tabitha and Gandalf wake up from their nap

Isaiah 3-5:30

Isaiah speaks of the utter devastation that will come upon the Kingdom of Judah. He also talks about why this judgement is coming. The people of Judah were sinning openly, making no attempt to hide their sins. Rather than try and hide their sins they were proudly displaying them. In the middle of discussing the coming judgement Isaiah tells the godly that all will be well with them, it is the wicked who are about to be judged. Isaiah condemns the people of Judah for oppressing the poor. As I read this I get the feeling that a break down in sexual morals leads to a break down in social justice morals. A society that embraces sexual sins will soon embrace oppressing the poor.
In the middle of describing the terrible judgement that is coming to the people of Judah for their sins, Isaiah prophecies that God will work an act of Salvation for those who survive and turn to Him. Isaiah then immediately turns back to condemning the people of Judah. He speaks of those who throw grand parties with every sort of alcohol, food and entertainment, yet never give a thought to God nor pay any attention to what He is doing. He speaks of the utter destruction that will come upon such people. I read this passage and think that it is time for Christians to cry out a warning to those around us that the time to turn to the Lord is short. I think that the Church in the U.S. has failed to show the connection between sin and oppression. We have failed to make the connection between sin and oppression to those around us.

2 Corinthians 11:1-15

Paul expressed concern that the Corinthian Christians would allow false teachers to lead them to follow doctrines foreign to the Gospel. Paul warns them against teachings that contradict what he originally taught them, no matter how persuasive or eloquent the one teaching them. He also gives a very subtle comment about how they can judge between his teachings and those of these “super apostles”. He points out that he made no financial gain from his preaching among them. It seems to me that one of the lessons Paul is trying to convey here is that we should be suspicious of those who stand to profit from the “gospel” they are preaching. This is not to be confused with those who make their living from preaching the gospel. It is about those who afford fancy clothes and fine cars on the basis of their preaching while their “flock” is often of more modest means.

Psalm 53:1-6

The psalmist starts out by saying that only fools believe that there is no God. He then continues by telling us that everyone has turned away from God. No human is in a position to hold themselves up as more godly than others. We have all sinned and none of us do good. Yet even so God has sent Christ to offer salvation. God will restore His people unto Him.

Proverbs 22:28-29

Today’s first proverb tells us not to cheat our neighbors by moving the markers that indicate the edges of our property. I think this really comes down to telling us that we should not cheat our neighbor. The second proverb tells us that those who are truly skilled at what they do will be employed by those from the highest levels of society.

Daily Bible Study

September 8, 2012 Bible Study

September 7, 2012 AttilaDimedici

Isaiah 1-2:22

Today I begin reading the Book of Isaiah. He starts out by condemning the children of Israel for turning away from God. Isaiah tells them that God has no interest in the “correct” forms of worship. What God wants from us is for us to learn to do good, to seek justice, to help the oppressed, defend the cause of orphans, and fight for the rights of widows. He tells us that if we turn to God and repent, God will wash away our sin and make us clean. Isaiah uses the metaphor of purifying silver here. When silver becomes thoroughly corroded it can be purified by melting it down in a crucible and removing the dross that floats to the top. Isaiah says that God is going to treat the children of Israel like corroded silver. I believe that God does similar things to other nations as well. When a nation of people start to allow injustice to thrive and the powerless to be oppressed, God will bring judgement on them.
After telling us that a judgement is coming to those who observe the forms of worship without the substance, Isaiah puts in a section talking about the day when God will extend His will throughout the earth. A day will come when, “Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.” Then Isaiah tells us that before that day, the day of God’s judgement will come. When the day of trial comes, we must not rely on humans. Instead we must rely on God to save and protect us.

2 Corinthians 10:1-18

Paul begs the Corinthians to take his words to heart and change their ways so that he does not need to be confrontational when he next visits them. He tells them that he does not use human power and weapons to fight against false arguments. Instead he uses the weapons and power of God. It is through God’s power that we can overcome rebellious thoughts and teach people to obey Christ. Paul goes on to give us a guideline for distinguishing leaders who are serving God from those who are serving themselves. Leaders who are serving God speak and act to build up those in the Church. Leaders who are serving themselves tear down those that they “lead”. Finally he tells us that we should not boast about ourselves. We should only boast about the Lord. We should not commend ourselves, but instead allow the Lord to commend us.

Psalm 52:1-9

The psalmist tells us that there are those who build their power on lies and deception. They tear down others to make themselves appear more powerful. God will judge them and bring them to ruin. Those who rely on God will have a slower, but more reliable rise.

Proverbs 22:26-27

Today’s proverb warns us not to stand as security for someone else’s debt unless we can afford to pay the debt ourselves.

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