Tag Archives: Bible Study

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 28:14-30:11

Isaiah warns the rulers who think that they have found a way to avoid the troubles that are coming. He tells them that their refuge is built of lies and deceptions. He tells them that God has laid the solid foundation stone of truth for anyone who wishes to build on. Those who rely on it will survive the coming troubles. However, because they have chosen to build their refuge on lies and deceptions, it will be swept away in the coming storm. Those who have made a deal to avoid death and destruction on the basis of lies will find that God has overturned their deal and it is null and void.

***
I will build my refuge from the troubles of this world on the foundation stone of truth which God has laid. As Paul tells us that foundation stone is Jesus. I know all too many people who have built their lives on lies and deceptions. I will pray to God that He will give me the words to show them how to start over and build their lives on His truth.
***
Isaiah tells those who refuse to believe the promises that God is making that they are blind. He says that they fall into two classes, those who can read, but refuse to break the seal on the scroll to read what is written inside and those who cannot read. He says that they honor God with their lips, but in their hearts they have no interest in God. Their worship of God is nothing but rote following of man-made rules. Their wisdom will perish and what they know will vanish (the prophet is speaking here of those who have built a refuge on lies and deceptions). They think they can hide their evil plans and actions from God. The prophet tells us it is foolishness for the pot to call the potter stupid. The day is coming when the deaf will hear the words of God and the blind will see. The humble will be exalted and the poor will feast. The scoffers will be gone and the arrogant will disappear. Those who plot evil and use trickery to pervert justice will be killed.
The prophet follows this up by saying:

My people will no longer be ashamed
or turn pale with fear.

Galatians 3:23-4:31

We have been made children of God through Christ. As believers and followers of Christ we are no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female. We are all one in Christ. None of us are more, or less, important than others. God has sent His Spirit to live within us leading us to call God by a term of loving affection.

***
Every time I read this passage I think of how without Christ our relationship is, at best that of a son, or daughter, who called their father, “Father”. A stern figure to be respected and feared, but never approached. But now with Christ our relationship is that of a child, who when they become frightened because the shadows on the wall make them fear the monsters under the bed, cries out, “Daddy!” knowing that their father will come and drive the monsters away and hold them in his arms until the fear subsides. If you do not know God as that kind of father, I pray, with all of my being, that His Spirit will come to you and show you how much He loves you.
***
Paul asks the Galatians why they would want to return to that formal distant relationship, where they were enslaved to rules and regulations when they have this much closer relationship with a father who loves them? He asks that they remember how they felt when they took him in and cared for him in his sickness when he first came to Galatia. He tells them that those who are teaching that they must obey the letter of the law are zealous to win them over. But they are zealous to win them away from Paul rather than for their own good. They want to lead the believers to distrust Paul so that they will be more loyal and faithful to these new teachers. Paul tells them that zeal is a good thing when it is in a good cause AND when it is all the time. We need to be zealous for the right reasons and we need to be zealous all of the time, not just when it makes us look good.

Psalm 62:1-12

This psalm fits in so well with what the Spirit said to me from the passage in Isaiah.

I wait quietly before God,
for my victory comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress where I will never be shaken.

I will not try to drive away the threats I face. I will wait quietly for God to come and deal with them. I will cry out to my God when something causes me to fear, then I will quietly wait on Him. He is the rock upon which I will base my security. As long as I stand on Him, I will not be shaken or disturbed. I will rest quietly in His presence, knowing that my enemies cannot harm me there.

***

Proverbs 23:19-21

If you spend your time partying with drunkards and gluttons you will end up without any money or assets.

Daily Bible Study

September 17, 2013 Bible Study — The Righteous Will Live By Faith

September 16, 2013 AttilaDimedici

Isaiah 25-28:13

Isaiah praises God for all His wonderful acts. God will destroy mighty cities, turning them into rubble. As a result, nations of ruthless people will learn to fear Him. In contrast to the destruction which God has and will bring upon the powerful and ruthless God has and will be a refuge for the poor and needy. God is spreading a feast out for all the peoples of the earth. Death has been swallowed up in victory. Those who declare that this is their God will partake of the feast and He will wipe away all tears.
God will bring down the cities of the arrogant so that the poor and needy, the oppressed, will be able to walk over them. He will smooth the path for the righteous so that it is not steep or rough. I will show my trust, my faith, in God by obeying His laws. I know that doing His will is the only path to lasting happiness and fulfillment. I strive to live like this

All night long I search for you;
in the morning I earnestly seek for God.

The wicked do not respond to God’s kindness. God will give them opportunity to repent, but they will continue to do evil until God brings judgment against them. The time is coming when God will punish the people of the earth for their sins. But when that day arrives He will also defend those who are faithful to Him. He will treat those who are faithful to Him as a vineyard, tearing out the briers and thorns to throw on the fire. However, even in that day, those who turn to Him in their distress will be welcomed into His arms.
We as people on this earth complain because God treats us as little children, spelling out His will a line at a time, a little here and a little there. However, God has tried showing us the big picture, offering us a place of rest, but we do not listen. Therefore, God will continue to show us His will a line at a time, a little here and a little there.

***
I, for one, am grateful for God’s patience in spelling out His will for my life a line at a time. I know sometimes I complain because I do not see where He is leading me, but I, also, know that when He has shown me I get distracted from what comes next and try to jump ahead to the “good” parts before the time is ripe. I just ask that God show me where to put my foot next.

Galatians 3:10-22

Paul points out that if we try to live by the law then we can never make a mistake, we must keep every aspect of the law every day for all of our lives. If we have ever made a mistake and committed even the most minor of sins then we cannot hold ourselves up as righteous. On the other hand if we live by faith, we recognize that we cannot possibly measure up to God’s standard and we rely on God to redeem us. It is through faith that we can have life. It is not by keeping the law that we are justified before God, because, sooner or later, we will fail to keep every element of the law. It is only by faith that Christ will provide us with righteousness that we can be justified before God. The law was given to show us that none of us are more righteous than others of us. All of us have sinned, have done things that cause harm to ourselves and others.

Psalm 61:1-8

This psalm shall be my prayer whenever I face troubles. I will cry to Lord and beg Him to hear my prayer. I will seek the safety of sheltering under His wings. He will hear me and answer my prayer. He reserves a place for those who fear Him. When my heart is overwhelmed I will cry to God for help.

***
Why does the psalmist cry out to God when his heart is overwhelmed? He does not say it here, but I know from my experience what the answer is. I cry out to God when my heart is overwhelmed because I know from experience that God will deliver me. I am striving to turn to Him sooner so that I can find and follow His path before I am overwhelmed.

Proverbs 23:17-18

I will not envy sinners, even when they appear to live a life I want for myself. I will continue to fear the Lord and strive to please Him, because nothing I desire compares with accomplishing that. I have never been disappointed by the rewards I have received for doing that which pleased the Lord.

Daily Bible Study

September 16, 2013 Bible Study — Let’s Feast and Drink, For Tomorrow We Die?

September 15, 2013 AttilaDimedici

Isaiah 22-24:23

Isaiah prophesied the fall of Jerusalem. He predicted that the people would make all kinds of preparations to protect the city. Except the one that mattered, calling out to God for deliverance. God called on the people to weep and mourn in repentance for their sins. Instead they danced and partied saying, “Let’s feast and drink, for tomorrow we die.” It is funny how many people today quote that line as the thing to do, when in this passage those who say it are being condemned.

***
This prophecy so strikes me as applying today. God is calling on people to express remorse for their wrongdoing and repent, but rather than do that people are doubling down on their sins and celebrating. How often have I heard people say “Let us eat or drink for tomorrow we die” as a philosophy of life? Yet, this passage tells us that this attitude is sin, one which God will not forget. The passage is directed at those who see trouble on the horizon and do everything in their power to meet it, except turning to God. Are we calling on those around us to call out to God for deliverance? Are we calling out to God for deliverance?

Galatians 2:17-3:9

Every time I read this passage, I get confused about what Paul is trying to say here until I get to this verse:

I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God…(NIV)

I should not try to live for my own pleasure and enjoyment, rather I should put to death my own desires and live to fulfill God’s will. I can never succeed in following a set of rules, the law, closely enough to stand in God’s presence on my own merits. There is more to it than that. I will get more pleasure and fulfillment from doing what God desires than I can by seeking to satisfy my own earthly desires.

Psalm 60:1-12

When a people turn from God, He will strike them. He will break their defenses and turn them over to their enemies and to trouble. However, He will raise a banner as a rallying point for those who fear Him. There He will muster His forces and defend those who come to Him. From that rallying point, those who fear the Lord will sally forth. With God’s help they will be victorious over all opposition.

***
The key point in this psalm is that, in times of trouble, those who fear the Lord must look for where He is raising His banner and rush to that point in order to serve Him. From there God will send them forth to victory.

Proverbs 23:15-16

Do we make it our goal to mentor those around us to be wise and to say the right thing? Do we find joy when they show wisdom?

***

Daily Bible Study

September 15, 2013 Bible Study — Discipline Is Needed

September 14, 2013 AttilaDimedici

Isaiah 19-21:17

Isaiah prophesied that destruction and tribulation would come upon Egypt. Those who advise the rulers of Egypt would give advice that was wrong and foolish. Isaiah further prophesied that five cities in Egypt (at that time cities exerted control over the region surrounding them, so this would mean five regions of Egypt) would follow the Lord and ally with Israel (almost to the point of becoming one nation with Israel). Isaiah told us that God would strike Egypt, which would cause the people of that land to turn to the Lord and follow Him. When they turned to follow Him, God would heal them. In that day, Isaiah told us, there would be a road from Egypt to Assyria and the people would move back and forth on it freely. He wrote that Assyria and Egypt would be allied with Israel. This reads to me that these three would be formed into a confederation, or possibly a single nation. Reading this passage, Isaiah seems to be saying that the day will come when the Middle East will be united in worship of God.

***
This prophecy may have been fulfilled in the time period of the Early Church, before the rise of Islam. But as I read it, I cannot help but think that God is telling us that there will be a day like this in the future. There is one thing that this prophecy makes clear to me, the only path to peace in the Middle East is through Divine intervention and by God’s grace drawing the people of the region to unite in worship of Him.
***
Isaiah next prophesied concerning the fall of Babylon. His prophecy bears a great resemblance to what we are told actually happened in the Book of Daniel and in other historical records. This passage has often been seen as a warning to those nations which become complacent in their might and power. The Babylonian elites became arrogant and confident that no one could penetrate their city walls. However, God had other plans and Cyrus devised a plan that let him take advantage of their complacency.

Galatians 2:1-16

Paul wrote that when he went to Jerusalem after completing his first missionary journey he spoke with the leaders of the Church there. He explained to them in detail what he had been preaching to the Gentiles. Paul was concerned that the message he had been preaching might be deficient in some manner. He was not impressed by the reputations of the leaders, but he recognized the value of comparing his understanding of God’s word with his fellow believers. Paul claimed that the whole incident only occurred because some false believers had joined the Church in order to take away the freedom of belief in Christ and replace it with slavery to the Law. Paul went on to write that the leaders of the Church in Jerusalem added nothing to the message he was preaching. This means that Paul had arrived at the same Gospel through direct revelation and studying Scripture that they had been taught by Jesus.
Paul then told of a time when Peter came to Antioch. When Peter first arrived, he ate with the Gentiles, just as Paul did. However, when some Jewish believers arrived from Jerusalem Peter started taking his meals separate from the Gentiles according to traditional Jewish practice. Paul confronted Peter over his hypocrisy for pretending to follow Jewish custom in front of other Jews, when he lived otherwise in their absence. Paul pointed out to Peter that both men knew that they were made right with God by faith in Jesus, not by obeying the Law. No one is ever justified before God by their own works.

Psalm 59:1-17

The psalmist calls on God to rescue him from his enemies. However, he asks that God not kill them because people too quickly forget such lessons. Instead, he asks that God allow them to be destroyed by the words they speak (which they think no one who will hold them accountable has heard). The psalmist tells us that his enemies come out at night and scavenge like wild dogs. However, he rises in the morning with a song of praise for the Lord on his lips. Yes, I will strive for this:

But as for me, I will sing about your power.
Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love.

Proverbs 23:13-14

The proverb writer advises us that parents who truly love their children will discipline them. He points out that it may sometimes be necessary to impose physical discipline to teach a child to avoid behavior that might lead to their death.

***

Daily Bible Study

September 14, 2013 Bible Study — Commit Yourself to Instruction

September 13, 2013 AttilaDimedici

Isaiah 15-18:7

Isaiah prophesied that the land of Moab would go from being a fertile land to being a desolate land. The people of Moab would cry out to their gods, but no one would save them. He then gave a similar prophecy about Aram (Syria) and Israel (I believe this is a reference to the Northern Kingdom here, but in context it may be the entire people of Israel). This is to happen because they have turned from the God who can save them.

***
Today’s passage contains references to what will happen to peoples who turn from God to worship idols. As they descend further into evil God stores up judgment against them. But hidden in among the judgment coming upon the people for doing evil is cause for hope. Isaiah writes that only a few will remain who will turn to Him. The destruction will come and in the evening the remainder will wait in terror, but in the morning their enemies will be dead. Those who turn to God will be saved from the destruction which God is bringing.

Galatians 1:1-24

Paul began his letter to the Galatians with a them he had written of to the Corinthians as well. He wrote that he has heard reports that they have been receptive to teachings contrary to the gospel which he taught them. Apparently, they have been misled by some speakers who are twisting the gospel message into something it is not. Paul wrote that there is only one gospel. Anyone who teaches anything contrary to what he originally taught them will fall under God’s curse, even if that someone is Paul himself, or even an angel from heaven. Paul said that if his goal was pleasing people he would not now be a servant of Christ.
Paul reminds the Galatian believers that his message is not a man-made one, but rather one he received from God. He reminded them of how he persecuted the Church in his attempt to destroy it before his conversion. He brought up his zeal for following Jewish traditions as a motivating factor in that effort. He then pointed out that he had been chosen by God out of God’s grace. God revealed Jesus, His son, to Paul so that Paul would proclaim God’s Good News to the Gentiles. Paul wrote that when he received the revelation from God, he did not seek out human teachers. Rather he spent several years communing with God and studying the Scripture on his own. The only teaching about the Gospel that Paul received from men before he began his ministry was 15 days he spent with Peter and James, the brother of Jesus. After this short visit in Jerusalem, Paul went on his first missionary journey, preaching the Gospel.

***
Paul is emphasizing here that the message he preached was based on direct revelation and studying the scripture. Yet, it agreed with the message preached by those apostles, and others, who had studied at Jesus’ side during His earthly ministry.

Psalm 58:1-11

This psalm reminds us that there is a God who will judge those who do evil. The judges on this earth may make unjust rulings, but God will call them to account. God will avenge injustice. There will be times when injustice seems to reign, but God will pass judgment on the evildoer.

Proverbs 23:12

I will seek knowledge and commit myself to being instructed in wisdom and knowledge.

Daily Bible Study

September 13, 2013 Bible Study — Greet One Another With a Holy Kiss

September 12, 2013 AttilaDimedici

Isaiah 12-14:32

Isaiah tells us that the day will come when we will be able to drink deeply from the fountain of salvation. That day is now.

Surely God is my salvation;
I will trust and not be afraid.
The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense;
he has become my salvation.(NIV)
“I will trust and not be afraid.” That is a statement of faith that I am determined to make my own. I will trust that God will provide for me when I do His will and I will not be afraid if what others will do or say about me doing God’s will.
Isaiah writes a warning to those who rely on their earthly might. He writes of the coming fall of Babylon, this at a time when Babylon is just rising in power to challenge Assyria. He tells Babylon, Assyria, and Philistia that God will cast them down because of the evil they have done (or will do) in their arrogant belief in their own power. Isaiah warns anyone who will listen that might does not make right. No matter how mighty any nation may be God is mightier yet. He will bring judgment against those who do evil.

2 Corinthians 13:1-14

     Paul writes that he is about to make his third visit to Corinth. He had warned them about some sinful acts when he was there on his second visit. He is now warning them again in his absence. Some of the Corinthian believers had been demanding proof that Paul was speaking a message from God, if those in the church had not repented and turned from their sins, Paul promised to bring the proof they were looking for. However, he warns them that they will not proof a pleasant experience. Christ was crucified in weakness, yet He lives in the power of God. In the same way, Paul was weak, but God’s power would channel through him when next he visited the Corinthian Church.
     Paul told the Corinthian believers that they should examine and test themselves. If they discover Jesus within themselves they have not failed the test. Paul has confidence that as they test themselves and what the Spirit is saying within them, they will realize that Paul also has not failed the test. He believes that God’s Spirit will show them that Paul’s teaching accurately reflects God’s instructions for us. He goes on to say that he is happy to come off as weak if by so doing the Corinthian believers are shown to be strong. He is praying that they will be fully restored and reconciled to God. He is writing to them so that when he is with them in person he will not need to tear into them and discipline them. Paul wants to be able to encourage them and show them how to grow in the Lord when he is with them.
     Paul concludes his letter by calling on them to rejoice in the Lord. He asks them to encourage each other and to live in unity. We should seek to mature in the Lord as we love one another. He tells them to greet each other with a holy kiss. He then blesses them with the grace of Jesus, the love of God, and fellowship of the Holy Spirit.

***
In the Church in America we do not often address Paul’s instruction to the Corinthians to greet each other with a holy kiss. It makes us uncomfortable. However, it contains an important lesson for us. Perhaps if we focused more on it it would help us address one of the greatest problems on our society. Our society has a tendency to view all physical contact between two humans as either violent or sexual. The Bible teaches that we as humans need physical contact and that not all non-violent physical contact is sexual. We need to be aware of the tendency of our sexuality to insert itself into all of our relationships. But we also need to emphasize the Biblical truth that not all non-violent physical contact is sexual in nature. We as human beings need to have physical contact with one another that is not about gratifying our sexual desires.

Psalm 57:1-11

A psalm of praise that we should read in that spirit. It is also a psalm to remember when troubles seem to be all around us. Let us have faith in God and give glory to His name. His love and faithfulness will not fail. Our enemies may set traps for us and dig pits in our path, but, if we trust in God, it will be they who are caught in the traps they set. They will be the ones to fall into the pits they dig for us. I will be confident in God’s love and I will sing His praises. I will exalt God before all who live.

Proverbs 23:9-11

The first of these proverbs is one I need to take to heart. I need to spend less time arguing with those who will not listen to wise arguments. Of course, I, also, have to work to make sure that I am not the one being a fool.
Do not cheat others out of what is theirs just because you can. Do not ever make the mistake of thinking that someone is powerless and does not have protector, because God will be their defender and He will take up their cause.

***

Daily Bible Study

September 12, 2013 Bible Study — Characteristics of a Godly Leader

September 11, 2013 AttilaDimedici

Isaiah 10-11:16

Isaiah warns those with political power who use that power to enrich themselves and oppress the poor and needy. God will send disaster upon them and they will have no one to call on for rescue. This is as true today as it was in the days of Isaiah. God does not look the other way. He will bring judgment, in His time, against those who use their power to oppress. Isaiah then speaks to the king of Assyria (and to all whom God has used to bring His judgment on evildoers). He tells the king of Assyria that he has been a tool which God has used to punish His people for their sins. However, the king of Assyria believes that he has risen through his own abilities and that he can do as he pleases. God says that He will punish him for his hubris. This warning applies to all who believe that their might is their own and can be exercised without restraint.
Isaiah made a prophecy about a leader who was to arise in the future. As a Christian, I understand this leader to be Jesus Christ. However, the passage lists some characteristics that we should look for in our leaders.

And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—

Let us turn to people upon whom God’s Spirit resides when we look for someone to lead. But the prophet does not leave it at that. He tells us how to recognize that God’s Spirit is resting on someone.

the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,

They will know what to do in difficult situations. They will demonstrate wisdom and understanding.

the Spirit of counsel and might,

But more than that, they will be able to give others wise advice when they face trouble and will exhibit God’s power when evil makes its presence known.

the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.

A good leader will demonstrate knowledge of God..and will fear Him in his innermost being.

He will delight in obeying the Lord.

As a result, a good leader will take pleasure in doing God’s will.

He will not judge by appearance
nor make a decision based on hearsay.

A good leader will look beyond appearances and seek knowledge of a situation before he makes a decision. He will not rely on hearsay, but will seek out the facts.

He will give justice to the poor
and make fair decisions for the exploited.

A good leader will look out for the interests of those who are usually left out of the calculations of those with power. Only Christ will ever fully fulfill this prophecy (there is more to it), but let us look for men like this to be our leaders.

2 Corinthians 12:11-21

Paul wrote that he felt like a fool for writing the way he did, highlighting his accomplishments and credentials. He did so because he felt compelled to do so to show the Corinthians that he was no less than the “super apostles” that had come to them since his last visit. He goes on to say that he is about to come to visit them a third time and once more he will accept no support from them. Paul is clearly responding to people who had claimed that he was not trusted because he had used trickery to take advantage of the Corinthian believers. Paul points out to them that it is a strange form of taking advantage when the person doing the taking advantage receives no benefit from those he is taking advantage of. He points out that even the men he sent to them as his messengers, such as Titus, did not take advantage of them. Paul concludes by explaining that he did not write his defense of himself for the sake of his own reputation. Rather, he wrote this defense of his own credentials so that the Corinthian believers would listen to his message and take it to heart.

***
Paul shows us in this passage the importance of leaders in the Church being above the appearance of impropriety. Those who were attempting to lead the Corinthian believers astray had accused Paul of using trickery and deceit to convince them to follow his teachings. Paul points out that he received no benefits from their following what he taught them. He essentially asks them what he gained from this supposed trickery? How did he take advantage of them? In the same way, leaders in our congregations today should make sure that their behavior is above reproach so that those who seek to undermine their ministry have no basis for maligning them.

Psalm 56:1-13

This psalm has a message that I will take to heart. I will tell anyone who is afraid that this psalm contains the answer to their fears.

But when I am afraid,
I will put my trust in You.
I praise God for what he has promised.
I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?
What can mere mortals do to me?

This is the thing to always remember, if we put our trust in God, He will be faithful. He has promised that all things work together for the good of those who love Him. There is nothing that can happen to us that is outside of God’s control. This is such an important concept that the psalmist repeats it.

I praise God for what he has promised;
yes, I praise the Lord for what he has promised.
I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?
What can mere mortals do to me?

I will put my trust in God and as a result I will never need to fear anyone else.

Proverbs 23:6-8

The proverb writer warns us against accepting hospitality from a begrudging/stingy host. He warns us that no matter how tasty the food, the “price” we pay, when we accept food from someone who offered expecting to be refused, will be more than we wish to pay.

***

Daily Bible Study

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

September 11, 2013 AttilaDimedici

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.

Fact and Fantasy

Tag Archives: Bible Study

September 18, 2013 Bible Study — What Am I Building My Refuge On?

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September 15, 2013 Bible Study — Discipline Is Needed

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September 14, 2013 Bible Study — Commit Yourself to Instruction

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September 13, 2013 Bible Study — Greet One Another With a Holy Kiss

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September 12, 2013 Bible Study — Characteristics of a Godly Leader

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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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