The Depth of His Love (Isaiah 5-6 / Ephesians 1)

In Isaiah 5, God appears upset with His people (v. 7, 13). I find it interesting to note that this passage identifies both partying (v. 11-12) and what we might label today as a bartender (v. 22). God's anger (v. 25) seems to be a result of both lifestyles being incongruous to the way His people should conduct themselves. Isaiah 5 makes sense after reading Isaiah 6 for in Isaiah 6, we learn of God's holy character (v. 1-3). After seeing God's holiness, Isaiah humbles himself (v. 5) and becomes hungry to do God's work (v. 8). Have you caught a fresh glimpse of God lately, humbled yourself, and told God, "Here I am, Send me"?

Re-read Ephesians 1:3-14. We have a lot to be thankful for! Here are three things I listed that the passage teaches that we have been given: every spiritual blessing in Christ (v.3), forgiveness and grace (v. 7), the Holy Spirit as a deposit guaranteeing our salvation (v. 13-14). Besides this, the passage also teaches we have been chosen and predestined (v. 4-5) and that God has taught us the mystery of His will (v. 9). Have you thanked God lately that He cares so deeply for you?

Idyllic Relationship? (Song of Solomon 4-6 / Galatians 3)

It is commonly believed that Song of Solomon 4:1-7 represents the beginning of marriage between Solomon and his newfound wife. The aftermath that follows their wedding includes their love-life and their honeymoon. Song of Solomon 3:6-5:1 represents the "cleaving" aspect found in a man-woman relationship, which also was commanded by God in Genesis 2:24 (MacArthur Bible Study, p. 747). The "weaving" component of this new marriage begins in 5:2 and ends in 6:3 with the couple's first argument (MacArthur Bible Study, p. 749). Sound familiar to anyone? I am sure there are many couples who argue before the wedding or honeymoon arrive. But 5:2 is the first record we have of Solomon and his wife involving themselves in a major dispute. This passage should be a great reminder to us that there are no idyllic relationships.

Galatians 3 is an all out attack launched against legalism. When we forget we are saved by grace and instead find our worth in our good deeds, we have failed miserably (3:3). Left to ourselves, we are as good as "filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6). Only in Christ is the old made new (2 Corinthians 5:17). What areas in your life are you giving yourself too much credit for?

Taking a stand ( Song of Solomon 3 / Galatans 2)

Song of Solomon 1-3 represents the dating or courtship element of a man-woman relationship. The "beloved" (the Shulamite woman) and the "lover" (King Solomon) appear to be madly in love with one another and do not mind their "friends" knowing about it. Thus the "leaving" process has begun (MacArthur Bible Commentary, p. 745, see also Genesis 2:24). It is important in dating or marital relationships to reflect the image of Christ for these relationships are an important witness to the world of Christ's relationship to His bride, the church (Ephesians 5:32). How are you doing in representing Christ through your dating or marital relationship?

In Galatians 2:11-20, Paul calls out Peter for his hypocrisy (2:13). On the surface, this seems incredible because these were two of the most influential leaders in the early church. Remember, Jesus told Peter that he was a rock and on him, He would build His church (Matthew 16:18). So how could Paul rebuke Peter? Because Peter was still a man. Peter was wrong in this instance and Paul's rebuke worked (2 Peter 3:15-16). The key doctrine at stake here was justification by grace through faith (MacArthur Bible Commentary, p. 1663). Are you willing to take a stand like Paul was able to take a stand for key doctrines within our faith?

We all will die (Ecclesiastes 7 / 2 Corinthians 13)

In light of the recent deaths in our community and church, Ecclesiastes 7:1-2 helps to keep our minds in proper perspective about what is important in life and what is not. Ecclesiastes 7:1 reminds us how difficult life on this earth is while 7:2 reminds us that we ought to think much about death and the afterlife since we all are destined to death. We should think much about the Bema judgment and the Great White Throne judgment that is to come. And we should remember that how we treat people is of great importance in the eyes of our Judge (Matthew 25:31-46). We will all be classified as either a goat or a sheep and we will all enter either into eternal punishment or eternal life. How much thought have you given to your eternal destiny? Though He did not have to, Jesus Christ came down from heaven to live a sinless life and to die in sinful humanity's place. Praise God for this free gift of salvation to those who would believe!

Paul was not weak in dealing with sin that was within the church (2 Corinthians 13:1-4) for it was the power of God and the Spirit of Christ who was working within him (13:3). Many churches today seemed to have all but lost the art of church discipline. However, it should be more important in today's postmodern culture than ever before. Pray that God will raise up more Paul's in today's church to carry out this all-important task.

Hand in Hand (Proverbs 27-29 / 2 Corinthians 10)

Much wisdom can be gleaned from Proverbs 27-29. The very first verse (27:1) reminds us that our life is in God's hand. Health comes from the Lord and without it, we would not be able to do the things we plan and look forward to doing tomorrow. The very last verse (29:27) describes the difference between the righteous and unrighteous. These two groups are worlds apart and always will be. Proverbs 27:21 also stood out to me in today's reading. Many men succomb to the praise of men rather than submit to the fear of God in times of peer pressure and various trials. However, if one's heart is set toward pleasing God, unpopularity is often a resulting means. Listen to these words spoken by Christ in Matthew 5:11-12: "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

2 Corinthians 10:5 speaks of taking every thought captive and making it obedient unto Christ. How has your thought life been of late? Do you find yourself grabbing each thought and submitting it unto God's Word? This verse becomes hard to put into action when we do not take the time to learn what God wants to teach us in His Word. Prayer and Scripture intake often go hand in hand.

Parenting 101 (Proverbs 22-23 / 2 Corinthians 8)

Today's section of reading contains many practical tips for parenting children. Proverbs 22:6 is a great principle for parents to hang their hat on. Though kids sometimes do seem to depart from the faith for a while, they rarely forget their parent's teachings. Proverbs 22:15 teaches the appropriateness of spanking a child. Disciplining a child in this manner is one of many God-given ways to drive away the "folly" found in children. Proverbs 23:13-14 continue along on these same lines. I can testify that when this type of discipline is implemented in the life of a child, it often pays off with good results in the grand scheme of things. Unfortunately, many parents today have an imbalance to their way of disciplining children and thus we rightly have laws in place concerning the abuse of children. What ways can you identify where discipline in your past had helped you to become a better person today?

2 Corinthians 8:10 is a thought-provoking verse. Paul says that the Corinthian church was "not only the first to give but also to have the desire to do so." We often give to God by giving our tithes to the local church. But how many of us can truly say that giving to our local church is one of our highest desires?

Sorry or Not? (Proverbs 19-21 / 2 Corinthians 7)

This morning's reading was Proverbs 19-21. I personally am not a huge fan of reading three chapters of Proverbs in one setting. This book of wisdom is so rich that it is often said one should read one chapter of Proverbs for every day of the month (since there are 31 chapters). I can write a commentary on one verse from Proverbs, yet I find it difficult to use this entry to explain one chapter, yet alone three. So I would like to concentrate on one verse in today's reading and that is Proverbs 20:24. I have read this verse many times but I do not believe I have fully grasped its meaning until today. God's sovereignty overrules even our decision-making. We can never fully understand where we are in life because without God, we are not even allowed to wake up, yet alone make decisions. We will never fully comprehend our "own way" because it is in God that we "live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28). Stop trying to figure it all out. Instead, put God first place in your life and watch where He will "direct your steps" (Matthew 6:33).

2 Corinthians 7:8-12 explains the difference between godly sorrow (repentance) and worldly sorrow (repentance). If you say I am sorry yet continue to walk in the dark, "you lie and do not practice the truth" (I John 1:6). The problem is not a dim light. The problem is there is no light. Godly sorrow on the other hand keeps with true repentance (7:10) and finds itself truly forgiven in God's sight (I John 1:9). Faith without works is dead (James 1:17).

Motives (Proverbs 6 - 7 / 2 Cortinthians 2)

Proverbs 6:1-5 can be summed up as "loving your neighbor." If you have done something wrong to your fellow-man, you should do your best to make it right. Verses 6-11 speak of the consequences of being a lazy person. Though an easy road to take, the path is troublesome and is not worth its trouble to take. Verses 12-19 gives us many characteristics which God hates that can often be found in people. Do you find these characteristics in some of your close friends? If so, you may need to seperate yourself somewhat from these "friends" so that you do not find yourself walking in their footsteps. Chapter 6 closes by noting the great cost of adultery (v. 32-35). In chapter 7, the father warns his son to stay away from the adulteress woman. What are you doing today to guard your heart from adultery (Proverbs 4:23)?

At the heart of Paul's letter to the church at Corinth was love and compassion (2 Corinthians 2:4). Paul also wanted to test the church's obedience (v. 9). Paul believed in forgiving and comforting others so that they would not experience excessive grief or sorrow (v. 7). Whether in written word or speech, what is the motive behind the words you use?

Wise in Heart (Proverbs 3-5 / 2 Corinthians 1)

A father's spiritual duty is to pass onto his children the ways of the Lord (Proverbs 3:1). It is our duty to faithfully trust God (3:5), honor Him with our tithe (3:9), and to find wisdom (3:12). We are to seek wisdom above all else (4:7) for wisdom's benefits are many (4:6). Those who do not find wisdom walk themselves on the broad way of destruction (4:15-19, Matthew 7:13) and their pain is much. Those who walk the narrow road (Matthew 7:14) are "wise in heart." The words "wise" and "heart" work together according to Scripture (4:23). Those who walk in God's discipline are loved by God (3:11-12) whereas those who walk not in God's discipline often endure a life of pain, remorse, and shame (5:11-14, 22-23). Which road do you find youself on today?

In 2 Corinthians 1:23, Paul was giving the church at Corinth time to repent of their sins. He opted to take the high road and give the church time and patience rather than rush back and rip into them with the wrong spirit (1:24). Paul was in the habit of visiting churches (1:15-16) because of the care and compassion he felt for them (1:3-7). Do you possess a heart for your church and city?

God, My Refuge (Psalms 140-142 / I Corinthians 14)

Psalms 140 teaches us that there are evil men all around us, but that God is able to protect those that belong to Him (2 Timothy 1:12, John 10:29). In Psalms 141:5, David actually asks for reproof (2 Timothy 3:16) from wise men. This is one reason we know that David had a heart for God (I Samuel 13:14). In Psalms 142:4, David finds himself in a cave with no one to care for him. But read verses 5-7. As bad as the situation is, David knows that God cares so David cries out to his "Refuge" (v. 5) for help. Do you view God as a refuge, the One who is able to shield you from the enemy? "But I know whom I have believed, And am persuaded that He is able / To keep that which I've committed Unto Him against that day" (2008 Baptist Hymnal, p. 353).

In I Corinthians 14, Paul keeps the focus on church unity by again focusing on love. Paul is basically saying that preaching edifies the believer because the listener understands what is being said in his native language (14:6, 10-12). However, to hear one speak in tongues without an interpretation is not doing anyone any good and may even possibly be promoting division (14:14-20). Do you find yourself doing anything in the church setting that might be creating division?

One Life ( Psalms 139 / 1 Corinthians 13)

This morning, I was contacted by an old friend of mine who is a student sunday school teacher at his church. He shared a real life story with me about one of his girl students who was raped and may possibly be pregnant. What should she do in a situation such as the one she finds herself in? Many would opt for an immediate abortion. If you read Psalms 139 with me this morning, you should know what God would have this young lady do. Reread verses 14-16. Each life is precious to God and He does not make mistakes. Life itself comes from God and He would have a wonderful plan pre-ordained for this young soul. The wrong mindset in abortion takes root when we believe that life begins with us. When we view babies as coming from the Lord, we have an obligation to keep them alive despite the means at which they arrived to us. Are not you thankful that someone did not throw your life away in the wastebasket?

When reading the love chapter (I Corinthians 13), we often forget that Paul wrote this letter to the church at Corinth. We tend to individualize this chapter and love to use this passage at weddings. Perhaps we should re-title this chapter the unity chapter. Love is the means by which a church stays as one (John 17:21). With that being said, do you see love as the dominant operating principle in your church?

The Gift Giver ( Psalms 135 to 136 / 1 Corinthians 12)

Psalms 135 is a comparison of God's glory to the glory of idols. Whereas God's minister's praise Him for His mighty works (v. 2-14), idol worship falls upon deaf ears (v. 15-18). Psalms 136 simply identifies God as our Sustainer. God created the sun to provide constant light during the day (v. 8) and food for every creature (v. 25) so that the earth's daily activities can remain intact. Half of the Psalm is made up of the phrase, "His love endures forever." When we see that God's love will go into all of eternity, we can comprehend more fully the interpretation of this particular Psalm. Take some time today to turn off all of the noise and see God at work in the life of His creation.

Paul begins I Corinthians 12 by noting that his recipients were formerly wrapped up in idol-worship (v. 2). Then Paul speaks abundantly about spiritual gifts (v. 4-31). Paul concludes the chapter by leading into his next segment on the greatest spiritual gift, love (v. 31). Might Paul be hinting that love for God's gifts is in no comparison to love for God Himself? Check your soul and make sure you are more in love with the Gift-Giver than the gifts themselves. We should not long for God's bountiful hand more than we should long to see His beautiful face.