May I have a WORD with you?

References:Romans 1:16-17Gospel - εὐαγγέλιον (yoo-ang-ghel'-ee-on)A reward for good tidings - see 2 Samuel 4Good tidings - 2 Samuel 18Mark 1:14-15 - the good news aboutPhilippians 1:5-27 - 7X in 22 vssNot Ashamed - ἐπαισχύνομαι (ep-ahee-skhoo'-nom-ahee)The world’s opposition to the GospelUnashamednessGalatians 1-2Another Gospel?False Gospel μεταστρέφω (met-as-tref'-o)turning 2X - Acts 2 quoting Joel, James 4:9Corrupted, twisted, distorted - Gal 1:7 1 Thess 1:4-7Power in sufferingvs 6 - joy with trouble, affliction, severe sufferingJustification - Article 4 of the Augsburg Confession“We teach that men cannot be justified before God by their own strength, merits or works, but are freely justified for Christ’s sake through faith, when they believe that they are received into favor and that their sins are forgiven for Christ’s sake, who by His death has made satisfaction for our sins. This faith God accounts as righteousness in His sight, Rom. 3 and 4.”Solas - by grace alone, through faith alone, according to the Word of God alone (two others)Grace - God’s Riches At Christ’s ExpenseMercy - not to receive what I deserveGrace - to receive what I don’t deserve

References:The Command - Isaiah 55:6-7Seek - imperative (command)Call - also imperativeSteps of repentanceThe urgency of “while you can find Him,” and “while He is near.”If you feel far from God, who moved?He will never leave or forsakeForsaking of wicked ways - see ESVBanishing of evil thoughts - see NLTReceiving the abundantly generous forgivenessOur Transcendant God - Isa 55:8-9Reality Check - don’t project your constraints, opinions or hurts onto GodThoughts - מַחֲשָׁבָה (makh-ash-aw-baw')Gen 6:51 Chron 28:9Ps 94:5-12 MSGHigher - גָּבַהּ  (gaw-bah')Exalted - God’s waysHaughty - human waysThe Majesty of MysteryWe squirm when God and God’s ways don’t make sense to us.But rejoice that God’s mercy and forgiveness are so far above our ability to be merciful and forgivingGod’s Word is Powerful!Agricultural exampleAs rain and snow are to physical lifeSo is God’s word to spiritual lifePromised PowerIt produces fruitIt accomplishes God’s intended purposeGod is not into idle talkHis words are intentionalPurposeful SendingIt is prosperousApplication Challenge:This week, identify one "thought" or "way" that you need to surrender to God's "higher way." Spend one minute each morning reading these six verses slowly, asking God to let His Word "water" your heart like rain on dry ground.Then spend another four minutes reading a paragraph or two in the New Testament. See what fruit comes in your life from the practice

References:Grief, suffering, hardship, pain… These are not signs of God’s abandonment or condemnation.Romans 8:35, 37-39Counter cultural The promise that allows people of faith to grieve differentlyPaul’s last letter, near the end of his life (martyrdom)2 Timothy 2:1-14The reality of discipleshipWhat witness do you bear when you are suffering?Endurance - κακοπαθέω (kak-op-ath-eh'-o)to suffer (endure) evils (hardships, troubles), to be afflictedUsed 4 times in NT3X in 2 Tim1X in James 5:13Three images, metaphorsSoldier - command and obedienceAthlete - coach and trainingFarmer - bearing fruit and receiving the blessingVs 7 - Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things.The trustworthy saying - vs 11-13If we die with Him… - baptism?If we endure hardship… - the Christian witness?If we deny Him… - a full comprehension of and rejection of grace?If we are faithless… - even when I can’t trust Him, He remains trustworthy.2 Tim 2:14’s words!λογομαχέω (log-om-akh-eh'-o) logomachyLogomachy - a dispute, argument, or "war of words" centered on the meaning, usage, or interpretation of words rather than on substantial issues.A compound of logos (words) and machomai (strive or fight)A NT hapax legomenonκαταστροφή (kat-as-trof-ay') catastropheIn 2 Timothy 2:14 and2 Peter 2:62 Timothy 4:9-18Paul is sufferingBut not despairingWhat about you and me?

References:Still being in the season of Easter I wanted to share with you some powerful insights the Lord laid on my heart that I shared with people at our late Good Friday Service.Reading the Passion According to St John 18:1-19:42Three images of powerJohn 18:3-9John 19:5-11John 19:25-27The display of worldly power met by True PowerAs the contingent arrived with torches, clubs and weapons, Jesus “stepped forward.”Jesus interrogated this group, “who are you looking for?”When they said Jesus the Nazarene, Jesus said “I Am.” - Ἐγώ εἰμι - ego eimiMoses asking God at the burning bush “Who should I say sent me?” God responded with “I Am that I Am. Tell them ‘I Am’ sent you.”At Jesus’ declaration of the divine name, the one’s who thought they had all the power were defeated, knocked over.The person who had the worldly power in that entire region is corrected by the I Am with all the real power.Pilate brings the scourged, abused, bloodied, thorn crowned Jesus out to the people following the strong-arming of the soldiers.The religious leaders say Jesus deserves to die because He claimed to be “son of god.”I put son and god in lower case to suggest how Pilate may have heard these words.That would have reminded him of how the Roman Emperor would take the name “divi filius,” Latin for son of god.Pilate plays his last power card.Don’t you realize I have the authority to set you free or crucify you?Jesus corrects Pilate. You have no authority except what has been given to you from My Father.In Jesus’ final sayings from the cross He demonstrates the power to still obey His Father by keeping the 5th of the 10 commandments.Honor your father and mother.Jesus saw to the completion of His obedience by entrusting John with it’s fulfillment.He calls us to fulfill His love for others by the new commandment to love others as we’ve been loved by Jesus.

References:The Passover is a time when Jewish households do a thourough cleaning of the home to be sure all leaven is removed.Deep Cleaning: Homes are thoroughly cleaned, including searching for and removing all crumbs of chametz.Symbolism: This process represents cleaning out the spiritual "leaven" (pride or sin) from within.Bedikat Chametz: A ritual search for the remaining leaven occurs on the night before Passover, followed by burning the collected items.Jesus told his disciples to “beware the yeast of the Pharisees and Saducees.”Matthew 16:1-12 - v 6: προσέχω (pros-ekh'-o)to bring to, bring nearto turn the mind to, attend to be attentivegive attention to, take heedto devote thought and effort to1 Corinthians 5:6-8 - ζύμη (dzoo'-may)leavenmetaph. of inveterate mental and moral corruption, viewed in its tendency to infect othersSee also Gal 5:2-10Jesus also used ζύμη to teach about the Kingdom of heaven (God). Matthew 13:33 & Luke 13:20-21The Kingdom is like… a simile (yeast in dough) Only used here in Mt and Lk σάτον (sat'-on) - measurea kind of dry measure, 3 gallons (14 litres)14 liters of all-purpose flour is approximately equal to 16.33 pounds.50 lbs of flour!!! Jesus is making a point here.Think: the dough is our world represented by the 50 lbs of flour, and God’s Kingdom spreads through it all as represented by the leaven. So, beware, but be aware.

References:The “Holy”Holy - ἅγιος (hag'-ee-os): most holy thing, a saint229 times in 219 vss in NTOften associated with the Spirit (Holy Spirit)Sometimes with placesThe holy city, being JerusalemThe Holiest place in the tabernacle The Holy of holies in the Temple (Heb 9)Hagiography vs damnatio memoriaeThe Holy “Triduum” -  not a Biblical word. Latin for three days (Maundy Thu, Good Fri, Holy Sat)History that impacted our history of the Holy TriduumThe Gospel’s story in relation to the Passion NarrativesMatthew - 28.6%Total chapters = 28Chapters focused on Holy Week = 8Mark - 37.5%Total Chapters = 16Chapters focused on Holy Week = 6Luke - 23%Total Chapters = 24Chapters focused on Holy Week = 5.5John - 47.6%Total Chapters = 21Chapters focused on Holy Week = 10All total, the narrative of the last week of Jesus’ life through the resurrection makes up over one third of the total Gospel witness.Many scholars have quipped that the Gospels are about the last week of Jesus’ ministry with an extended introduction.The Early Church (1st–3rd Century)The Fourth Century ExpansionMedieval Shifts20th Century onTheological SignificanceThe Counting of the "Three Days": Following the Jewish liturgical tradition, a day begins at sunset.Day 1: Thursday evening (The Last Supper, foot washing and the “new” command).Day 2: Friday evening (Crucifixion, death and burial).Day 3: Saturday (Quiet, waiting, pause).Continuous Liturgy: Liturgically, it is treated as one event. There is no final blessing on Holy ThursdayNo opening greeting on Good Friday. The comemoration that begins Thursday evening does not formally conclude until the end of the Easter Vigil.Application1. Holy Thursday (The Lord's Last Supper, Holy Communion )2. Good Friday (Celebration of the Lord's Passion)3. Holy Saturday & The Easter Vigil

References:ReviewSetting and background/context of JoelStructurePoem 1 - 1:1-20Poem 2 - 2:1-17God’s response - 2:18-27God will defeat the invaders - 2:20-21God will restore the land - 2:22-26God will dwell with His people - 2:27THE Day of the Lord - 2:28-3:16THE Day of the Lord in three mirrored parts begins with God’s presenceGod with us - 2:28-32 (Chapter 3 in the Hebrew text)“I will pour out my Spirit…” Not just fill the Temple, but …Upon all people: young & old, male & female, sons and daughters & servantsOld will dream, young will prophesy & see visionsActs 2, Pentecost and the beginning of the endCosmic signs, including a blood moon (3/3)blood and fire and columns of smokeἡμέρα (hay-mer'-ah) יוֹם (yome)  a dayany part of a day (thus three days could be one whole day and a part of the day before and after)of the last day of this present age, the day Christ will return from heaven, raise the dead, hold the final judgment, and perfect his kingdomSalvation for those who call on the Name (Yahweh)God will confront evil - Joel 3:1-16Vss 1-8 - The word of the Lord against those who oppose God and God’s peopleVss 9-16 - a poetic picture of God’s judgement on evilCompare v 10 with Isa 2:4 and Micah 4:3-4Compare v 13 with Isa 63:3-6 and Rev 14:19-20Restoration of everything - Joel 3:17-21Compare v 18 with Ez 47, Zech 14 and Rev 22Conclusion

References:ReviewSetting and background/context of JoelStructurePoem 1 - 1:1-20Poem 2 - 2:1-17God’s response - 2:18-27THE Day of the Lord - 2:28-3:16Joel 2:18-19 - God will take pityA turning point - upon repentance God shows love for the land and His peopleAnswered prayer - grain, wine, oil = satisfactionShame removed - the surrounding nations that once mocked Israel will be silencedGod’s response in three partsGod will defeat the invaders - 2:20-21From the north? Assyria? Babylon? Northern armies   צָפוֹן  (tsef-o-nee') from   צְפוֹנִי(tsaw-fone')  The call of Jeremiah Jer 1:13-14Calling the northern kingdom (Israel) back Jer 3:11-13possibly how people moved along the fertile crescent.Into the eastern sea and the western sea (Dead & Mediterranean) - meaning complete victoryThe stench of death as a great reminderStink בְּאשׁ (be-oshe') foul odorStench צַחֲנָה (tsakh-an-aw') only here in Joel Poetic way of saying total annihilation of the enemy  God will restore the land - 2:22-26Restoration to the animals and treesRestoration to the threshing floor and wine & olive pressesRestoration of what the locusts stole (remember four locusts from 1:4Locust #1 גָּזָם (gaw-zawm)Locust #2 אַרְבֶּה (ar-beh’) most common in OTLocust #3 יֶלֶק (yeh'-lek) young locustLocust #4 חָסִיל (khaw-seel') God will dwell with His people - 2:27

References:ReviewSetting and background/context of JoelStructurePoem 1 - 1:1-20Poem 2 - 2:1-17God’s response - 2:18-27THE Day of the Lord - 2:28-3:162nd Prophetic poem - Joel 2:1-17Announcement of disaster - 2:1-11The sounding of the shofar שׁוֹפָר (sho-far')The Eden imagery of 2:3 and shalomDescriptions of the judgement forcesWe’ve moved beyond locusts to a cosmic sort of army (think Rev 9)What to think of current events in light of these prophetic words?God’s army - 2:11The Lord is the One pronouncing judgementThe Day of the Lord is a terrible thingWho can survive?A call to repentance - 2:12-14Repent while there is timeRend not clothing (an outward show) but hearts (an inward sorrow for sin)God’s character (2:13)Ex 34:6Psalm 103:8God’s mystery (2:14) “who knows” 🤷An act of repentance - calling out to the lord - 2:15-17The shofar again, this time not for warning but for assemblyGather ALL people - see description in MSGPray: spare your people O Lord

References:ReviewSetting and background/context of JoelStructurePoem 1 - 1:1-20Poem 2 - 2:1-17God’s response - 2:18-27THE Day of the Lord - 2:28-3:162nd Prophetic poem - Joel 2:1-17Announcement of disaster - 2:1-11The sounding of the shofar שׁוֹפָר (sho-far')Meant to trigger an immediate physiological response: fear (awe) and readiness. Military Alert: It signaled that an invading army was visible from the watchtower.Judgment: While many Israelites expected the Day of the Lord to be a time of triumph over their enemies, Joel uses the trumpet to warn that the judgment is actually directed at them. 1st use: Ex 19:16-20; 20:18 the heavenly shofarJerico - Josh 6 - the shofar as a weapon of God’s holinessThe festival of trumpets - Lev 23:23-25 (Rosh Hashanah)NT - σάλπιγξ (salpigx) trumpetAt Christ’s return 1 Cor 15:52; 1 Thes 4:16By the seven angels of Rev 8:6-11:19Specifically the 5th trumpet, 1st terrorThe Eden imagery of 2:3 and shalomGen 2 - Eden createdJoel 2 - Eden de-createdBefore - shalomAfter - desolationRev 22 - Eden re-createdDescriptions of the judgement forcesWe’ve moved beyond locusts to a cosmic sort of army (think Rev 9)What to think of current events in light of these prophetic words?God’s army - 2:11The Lord is the One pronouncing judgementThe Day of the Lord is a terrible thingWho can survive?A call to repentance - 2:12-14Repent while there is timeRend not clothing (an outward show) but hearts (an inward sorrow for sin)God’s character (2:13)Ex 34:6Psalm 103:8God’s mystery (2:14) “who knows” 🤷An act of repentance - calling out to the lord - 2:15-17The shofar again, this time not for warning but for assemblyGather ALL people - see description in MSGPray: spare your people O Lord

References:Setting and background/context of JoelWho was Joel?When did Joel work as God’s Prophet?Some suggestions from the textTemple - JerusalemNo kings - ?Most likely post-exhile in the time of Ezra/NehemiahJoel shows familiarity with many other prophetsJoel never identifies any specific sin on Israel’s partHe announces God’s judgment, but doesn’t say why.Perhaps he assumes that the people, like himself, are familiar with the work of the other prophets.How is this short book layed out?Mirror image prophetic poems - sin leads to disasterCh 1 - a past Day of the LordCh 2 - vss 1-17 - a future Day of the LordCh 2 - vss 18-27 - God’s response - mercy leads to hopeGod’s defeat of enemiesGod’s restoration of the landGod’s presence among His peopleCh 2&3 - vss 2:28-3:21 - THE Day of the Lord - God’s Kingdom in its fullnessGod’s Spirit poured out - 2:28-32God’s defeat of evil among all nations - 3:1-16God’s renewal of all creation - 3:17-21Joel 1:1-4 - announcement of disasterThe mystery of v 4The four types of “locusts”Locust #1 גָּזָם (gaw-zawm)Locust #2 אַרְבֶּה (ar-beh’) most common in OTLocust #3 יֶלֶק (yeh'-lek) young locustLocust #4 חָסִיל (khaw-seel') A literal biological view - an infestation of desert locust described at each stage of its biological development from larvae to winged adultA political view - metaphor for four successive empires that invaded IsraelThe BabyloniansThe Medo-PersiansThe Greeks (Macedonians)The Romans A looking back - the 8th plague upon Egypt (Ex 10) has come upon IsraelTHE Day of the Lord view - Acts and Revelation draw from Joel’s imageryActs 2 - Pentecost: Peter says is a fulfillment of JoelRev 9:1-11 - the 1st terrorJoel 1:5-18 - a call to repentanceDrunkards, for there is no more wine, like a bride in black mourning her dead husbandPriests, farmers, leadersPut on sackcloth (burlap) שַׂק (sak)First mentioned in Gen 37:34 as Jacob mourned for his son JosephJoel 1:19-20 - Calling out to the Lord (an act of repentance)

References:40 Days of LentA season of introspection, devotion and journeying to the cross and the empty tombConsider Biblical 40 day/night periodsNoah and the flood - Gen 7 (purifying)Moses on Mt Sinai - Ex 24 (law-giving)Elijah’s journey to Mt Sinai - 1 Kings 19 (preparing)Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness - Mt 4; Lk 4 (fighting for us)Sackcloth, dust and AshesA sign of mourning - Esther 4:1A sign of repentance - Job 42:6; Jonah 3:6Nathan in The ChosenSpiritual disciplines: Prayer, Fasting and Alms-givingMat 6:1-6, 16-21In secret - κρυπτός from κρύπτω (kryptō)Reward - ἀποδίδωμι (ap-od-eed'-o-mee)Joel and the Day of the LordOne’s heart vs one’s outward appearanceOne of the most famous lines in the passage is: “Rend your hearts and not your garments.” This is crucial for Ash Wednesday because it prevents the ritual of receiving ashes from becoming a mere outward show. It sets a mandatory annual reminder that the 40-day journey ahead is an internal transformation that God works as we humbly align with Him.A total communal responseThe great refrain: "For he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love..."

References: The Day of the Lord - v 1Burning בָּעַר (bāʿar) - see Ex 3:2Joel 2:28-32Acts 2:16-21The זֵד (zade') arrogant and the רִשְׁעָה (rish-aw') wickedSame words as in 3:15 - the reversal making evil good and good evilFrom now on we will call the arrogant blessed. For those who do evil get rich, and those who dare God to punish them suffer no harm.Not only consuming the arogant and wicked, but their legacy and influence as wellRoots שֶׁרֶשׁ (sheh'-resh)  andBranches עָנָף (aw-nawf')Judgement: historical and future/finalSun of Righteousness - v2  Compare the judgement images in Joel with v 2The sun is turned to darkness Joel 2:10, 31, 3:15The sun brings healing - Mal 4:2Translator’s use of upper case for Sun or RighteousnessInterpreting this as Messianic prophecyHealing in (His/his/its) wingsSee Matthew 9:20-21 (fringe, hem, tassels)Vs 3 - the restoration of God’s justice and good/evil standardThe Law and the Prophets - vss 4-6The תּוֹרָה (Torah) of Moses: instruction, directionElijah to return BEFORE… devout Jews, particularly in Orthodox Judaism, are still waiting.During the Passover Seder, a cup of wine is poured and a chair is left empty for ElijahElijah will arrive to resolve disputes, reconcile families (v 6), and announce the final redemption.The arrival of Elijah is considered a direct precursor to the MessiahV 6: He will turn the heart (singular) of fathers (plural) to their children (plural) and the heart (singular) of children to their fathersA singular “heart” implies restoring a singular, unified, and loving relationship rather than fragmented, individual feelings.“Fathers” often refers to the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) and their covenant, meaning the hearts of the children (current generation) are to be turned toward that singular, ancestral, and righteous covenantal foundation.Matthew 17:3Each of the stories of Jesus’ transfigurationLuke 24:27 - post resurrection, Jesus took them through all the scriptures beginning with Moses and all the Prophets.“Otherwise” - the OT concludes and a period of four hundred odd years of Prophetic silence ensues.Mat 11:13-15Prophets and LawJohn IS ElijahThe Sound of 400 years of silence?Cultural unification under the Greeks (Hellenization)Political infrastructure under the RomansSpiritual preparation in Jewish diaspora with the establishment of the system of synagogues. Galatians 4:4-7… Period. Prophecy of Malachi 4:6 fulfilled

References: The sixth argument - 3:13-15God says “You’ve been hard on me” v 13The peoples’ typical response, “what are you talking about? How?”Vss 14-15 - “Why do the evil prosper and the righteous suffer?”A prominent question being wrestled out in JobThe theory of “temporal retribution.”See John 9 - “Who sinned that this man was born blind?”The Scroll of Rememberance - 3:16-18The remnantRemember Elijah’s morose assessment andGod’s correction - 1 Kings 19:9-18Names of the faithful recordedSee Dan 12:1; Lk 10:20; Heb 12:23; Rev 21:27Personal see Isa 49:16 - Don’t you love the image?Vss 17-18 - the answer to the peoples’ question in vss 14-15 What sense do we make of this?

References: The fifth argument - 3:6-12Immutability of God - vs 6See Hebrews 6:16-20Also Hebrews 13:8Therefore… People referred to as children of, or descendents of JacobAnother point back to Genesis; Jacob as deceiver, cheater, robber.An unanswered question of the people? Vs 7Consider God’s question to Adam “Where are you?” Gen 3:9To Cain “Where is Abel?” Gen 4:9Is it unanswered? God goes on to argue that the people have cheated (NLT) robbed (ESV, MSG) “Should people קָבַע (kaw-bah') cheat, robA word used only here in vss 8 & 9, and in Prov.See Prov 22:22-23 (used 2x in v 23) - context Vs 10 - Bring the full tithe… An answer to the peoples’ question in vs 7? Abraham - Gen 14:18-20Jacob - Gen 28:20-22Torah - Lev 27:30Nehemiah - Neh 13:10-12Putting God to the testDeut 6:16 - do NOTMat 4:7 - do NOTMal 3:10 - “Put me to the test!”Can we make sense of all this?

References: Review Malachi 1:1-2:9Love vs hateLove = God’s covenant faithfulnessHate = God’s disdain for prideful self relianceHonor vs contemptCorrecting from Part 1 - Mal 1:14The “cheat” נָכַל (naw-kal') - to be deceitful, be crafty, be knavishCurse - Septuagint ἐπικατάρατοςJesus becomes the curse (Gal 3:10-13)NOT the “cheat”The third argument - Mal 2:10-16Vss 10-12Vs 10: Imageo Dei - we are all created in the image of GodCreated - בָּרָא (baw-raw') see Gen 1:1, 27Betray - בָּגַד (baw-gad') - to act treacherously, deceitfully, deal treacherouslyThis word runs through the whole section“Why doesn’t the Lord accept my worship?”Consider Cain and Able - Gen 4The Prophet wants the reader to re-immerse in the primal stories of GenesisVss 13-16Men of Israel have married women of other people groups who worship idols.Oneness of marriage - v 15See Gen 2:24See Gen 1:29See Eph 5:31-33Marriage and divorceJesus’ words - Deut 24:1-4; Mt 19:3-121 Corinthians 7Divorce (putting away) (see Gen 3:23) is to cover with violence ( חָמָס - ḥāmās) The fourth argument - Mal 2:17 - 3:5Calling evil good and good evilImagine calling divorce a good thing and saying it is perfectly acceptable for any reason.Think of other things our world says that are contrary to God’s word. This is the temptation from Gen 3God’s messenger and the Day of the Lord3:1 describes the coming of both John the Baptist and Jesus.Refining - Handle’s Messiah (But Who May Abide the Day of His Coming)Worship song “Mighty Breath of God” - “Burning everything”

References: Historical settingWhere this book fits in the Old TestamentWhat was going on with the people of IsraelThe PastBabylonian captivity - Prophetic hopesReturn to Jerusalem - see Ezra & Nehemiah100 years after the returnRather than the New JerusalemWe see poverty, injustice and corruptionThe “burden” of Malachi (a name which means messenger)The first argument between God and God’s people - Chapter 1 vss 2-5LOVE vs hateאָהַב (aw-hav') - Septuagint ἀγαπάω (ag-ap-ah'-o)שָׂנֵא (saw-nay') -  Septuagint μισέω (mis-eh'-o) Jacob vs EsauLove = God’s covenant faithfulnessHate = God’s disdain for prideful self relianceSee Genesis 25 & 27See Obadiah (MIHAWWY Ep 38)  Consider the words in 1:3Desert - wildernessJackels - (KJV- dragons)The second argument - 1:6 through 2:9Honor vs contemptכָּבַד (kaw-vad') - to be heavy, be weighty, be grievous, be hard, be rich, be honourable, be glorious, be burdensome, be honouredבָּזָה (baw-zaw') - to despise, hold in contempt, disdain, to consider worthlessActions in worship that reveal an attitude of carelessness The “cheat” נָכַל (naw-kal') - to be deceitful, be crafty, be knavish - Septuagint ἐπικατάρατοςGalatians 3:10-13 - Jesus became the “cheat” (the accursed) in our place.Application to our lives of these argumentsLove vs hate and the cost of discipleship Luke 14:25-27How do I love Thee? Let me count the ways.  Honor vs contemptApply Jesus’ words in Luke 14 to your worshipIn what ways do you offer God your "leftovers" (time, energy, finances) instead of your best?If you offered your current level of devotion to God to your spouse or your boss, how would they respond?Grace vs works

References:This podcast has been about words, specifically God’s words.As another season and year gets going I’d like to direct us to the connections betweenOld and NewThe past, present and futureThe TimelessMalachi to John the BaptistThe burden (מַשָּׂא - mas-saw’) of the messageThe timeless vision Mal 1:11 (Holy ambiguity)Is orShall beCan we be grateful for 400 years of silence?What good are words in the silence?My favorite American author - William Faulkner“As I Lay Dying”“Words never fit even what they are trying to say atInvented by those who need them to fill up their lack”My words set to music by AI. Yikes! (Title: Gratitude Waves)[Verse 1]Tender footed first class,Never seeing star lightOr the life of eaglesBut the life of the masterFloat across the stage ofMake believe romancesBaroness who dances inThe set builder’s eyes[Pre-chorus]Words never fit even what they are trying to say atInvented by those who need them to fill up their lack[Verse 2]Simple strength of quiet fortitudeCrowning servitudeEthic born of a Navy blue collarNever asked permissionOf the man whose missionIs to hold tradition up more loosely than love[Pre-chorus][Chorus]Gratitude waves crashing on the shoreline of sorrowLevying back all the tearsAll the todays make me hungry for more tomorrowAdding to hope not to fears[Verse 3]Build a house or maybeBuild a home for babyAnd a baby’s siblingsHome is wherever the heart isGenerations progressJoyful heart reflectionThe giver’s given shines in the giving back[Bridge]Wings of the Dawn glowing red warning Mercy’s kairotic passage to come[Verse 4]Half a cent to sixtyRushing’s not your forteHeight and depth and length and breadthThe breath of a lifetimeWaiting for your room to be preparedNo need to be scaredSimply fall into His arms.Next Series - Malachi, in four or five parts

Recorded remotely while travelingReferences: My “One Word” for 2026 - Health3 John 1:2 - “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.” 3 John 1:2 ESVWhat constitutes “good health?”Health - healthy:  ὑγιαίνω (hoog-ee-ah'-ee-no)to be sound, to be well, to be in good healthMetaphorically:of Christians whose opinions are free from any mixture of errorof one who keeps the graces and is strongHealthy vs sick people - Luke 5:29-32Health through Healing  Jeremiah 30:12-17 - אֲרוּכָה (ar-oo-kaw')  Isaiah 58 especially vs 8Jer 33 especially vs 62 Chronicles 24:13 - Healing the House of the Lord (the Temple)1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - your body is the Temple…“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.”  Prov 17:22 NLT

References: The 26th of December is Boxing Day! In the UK and Canada. Churches would fill alms boxes during Advent, which the clergy would then distribute to the poor on St. Stephen's Day, directly linking charity with this date.It became a day for servants to receive their Christmas gifts (boxes) and time off after working on Christmas Day.Good King Wenceslas Christmas CaroleGood King Wenceslas looked out on the Feast of Stephen, When the snow lay round about, deep and crisp and even. Brightly shone the moon that night, though the frost was cruel, When a poor man came in sight, gath’ring winter fuel.“Hither, page, and stand by me, if you know it, telling, Yonder peasant, who is he? Where and what his dwelling?” “Sire, he lives a good league hence, underneath the mountain, Right against the forest fence, by Saint Agnes’ fountain.”“Bring me food and bring me wine, bring me pine logs hither, You and I will see him dine, when we bear them thither.” Page and monarch, forth they went, forth they went together, Through the cold wind’s wild lament and the bitter weather.“Sire, the night is darker now, and the wind blows stronger, Fails my heart, I know not how; I can go no longer.” “Mark my footsteps, my good page, tread now in them boldly, You shall find the winter’s rage freeze your blood less coldly.”In his master’s steps he trod, where the snow lay dinted; Heat was in the very sod which the saint had printed. Therefore, Christian men, be sure, while God’s gifts possessing, You who now will bless the poor shall yourselves find blessing.Wren Day in Ireland. Each connected to the Feast of StephenWho was St Stephen? Acts 6 - the first seven Deacons are selected and appointed by the Apostles.Vs 2 - “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve διακονέω (dee-ak-on-eh'-o) tables.Listed by name in vs 5Stephen is the only one of the 7 said to be full of faith and the Holy Spirit.In vs 8 we are told that Stephen did miracles and signs among the people, which get Stephen in hot water with the Jewish leaders.Stephen ends up on trial because of the false testimony of a couple of lying witnessesBy vs 15 Stephen’s fate is sealed and God begins the process of transforming him to glory.ἀτενίζω (at-en-id'-zo) - they fixed their eyes upon himHis face was like that of an angelActs 7 - Stephen’s testimony and stoningFrom vs 2 to 50 Stephen gives a long recollection of the history of the people of Israel.Vs 51-53 is Stephen’s accusation of the religious leaders.The leaders are enraged and Stephen is given a vision of God’s throne room.We find out at the end of the chapter, as Stephen is being executed by stoning, that the whole affair is overseen by Saul, who became Paul the ApostleAs Stephen ἀτενίζω (gazes intently) into heaven, his last words were, vs 60, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”Why honor St Stephen on December 26?The discovery of his relics in 415 ADSt Augustine’s testimonies of miraculous healings

References: Comedian Bill Engval had as a part of his routine a joke about stupid questions. “Here’s your sign,” was an “I’m stupid” sign.The word for sign in Greek is σημεῖον (say-mi'-on)A common word used 77 times in 69 vss in NTIt can be positivesigns and wonders accompanying those sent by God (Acts 5:12).Circumcision was a sign that Abraham already had faith and was accepted by God (Rom 4:11)It can be negativeJudas gave a sign for his betrayal of Jesus (Mt 26:48)The religious leaders demanded a sign (Luke 11:29-30)The sign for the shepherds was a baby, swaddled and lying in a manger.While there is no Biblical evidence for it, there is rabbinic tradition that describes a practice of swaddling lambs marked for sacrifice …Protection: Wrapping lambs in cloths (swaddling) prevented them from getting blemishes, ensuring their suitability for sacrifice, and a manger offered a safe space.Symbolic Significance: Bethlehem was known for its temple lambs, and shepherds would recognize swaddled lambs in mangers, making the sign in Luke 2:12 meaningful for them as representing the "Lamb of God".No room in the κατάλυμα (kat-al'-oo-mah)Mark 14:14; Luke 22:11Guest room not innAn inn is πανδοχεῖον (pan-dokk-i'-on)Luke 10:30-37 (esp. vs 34)Jesus was found in a common, peasant home where the shepherds would have been welcome and at home, not concerned for his safety or well being. (Compare Matthew 2:11)The sign was one to honor and lift up the lowly. So, they rejoiced and praised God (vs 20).

References: When the flu gets me down, I punt. My brain will not allow me to do a full episode. Enjoy.Ecclesiastes 3:1 “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” NLTseason -  זְמָן - (zem-awn') - a set time, appointed time  Nehemiah 2:6 “So it pleased the king to send me when I had given him a time.” ESVIn Esther 9:27 & 31 - Purim - “They declared they would never fail to celebrate these two prescribed days at the appointed time each year.” NLT time -  עֵת - (ayth) - most common word for timeMatthew 2:1-18; Luke 1:8-20Chronos vs Kairosχρόνος - (chronos) - Mt 2:7καιρός - (kairos) - Lk 1:20

References: Fixing our thoughts - λογίζομαι - talk to yourself, meditate, ponder.This is a plan for disciplining our minds to be like the mind of Christ - see Phil 2:2 ESVPhilippans 4:8SO, think [ λογίζομαι (log-id'-zom-ahee) - middle voice verb from λόγος ] speak to yourself about, fix your thoughts upon…Last episode - lovely, admirableThe seventh focal point (two nouns)Excellence - ἀρετή (ar-et-ay) moral excellence, courageous goodness, or virtue.A quality of God and God’s work that leads to praise.Examples from the SeptuagintIsa 43:21 - we were made for this purposeIsa 42:12 - the whole world shows God’s excellence.1 Peter 2:9 - we are commissioned to show God’s excellence by living in such a way that reveals our having been brought from darkness to Light.A high quality of character.2 Peter 1:3, 5 - moral excellence, virtueThink about Christ-like character, selfless actions, and anything that displays outstanding moral courage and goodness.Fixing one’s thoughts on excellence calls believers to look for examples of God’s goodness displayed in the virtue of others and strive for it in themselves.Praiseworthiness - ἔπαινος (epainos) commendation, approval, or a thing deserving of acclaim.Compare and contrast praise and praiseworthinessGod's works, His redemptive acts, and anything that ultimately brings glory to Him. The verb “to praise.”The heavenly host - Luke 2:13The healed parlytic - Acts 3:8Our works or God’s works in and through us.God makes us praiseworthy - Rom 2:29 MSGThe fruit of our salvation - Phil 1:11 - see MSGTo the praise of His glory - Eph 1:5-6, 12, 14 Refining of faith - 1 Peter 1:6-7 MSGIt's the ultimate litmus test: does this thought, action, or idea deserve to be publicly commended and does it point to God's greatness?SO, the 6 adjectives and 7th (two nouns) all point us back to God and God’s intention and plan to make us to be like Him and represent Him well in the world around us.Give us a discipline plan for being conformed to Christ, so that when anxiety arises, we can trade the worries for intimate communicative relationship (prayer) whereby God gives peace that protects our hearts and minds in Christ.This is a plan for disciplining our minds to be like the mind of Christ - see Phil 2:2 ESV

References: Fixing our thoughts - λογίζομαι - talk to yourself, meditate, ponder.Mark 11:29-33 - you can invite others into the conversationPhilippians 4:6-7Trade anxiety for intimate communication with God (prayer)God will give peace you can’t wrap your head aroundThat peace will guard (protect, defend, keep) your heart and mind in Christ JesusPhilippans 4:8SO, think [ λογίζομαι (log-id'-zom-ahee) - middle voice verb from λόγος ] speak to yourself about, fix your thoughts upon…Last episode - true, honorableThe third two of six adjectives - both hapax legomenaThis can make interpretation trickier or more fun, depending on your perspective.Looking at other sources of usageTaking the word apart and interpretting from Biblical usage of the partsLovely - προσφιλής (pros-fee-lace')Things that are pleasing and promote peace rather than turmoil, are acceptable in God's eyes (ie. loving family relationships, acts of kindness, generosity, humble service, etc.)Derivation: from the compounding ofπρός - preposition meaningat, near, byto, towards, with, with regard toφιλέω - verb meaningto loveto approve of, to liketo treat affectionately or kindly, to welcome or befriendto show signs of loveThus, to show signs of love towards…JesusHealing (myriad examples) Mk 5:25-34Loving enemies (Mt 5:39 - The Chosen season 6 preview clip)Peter with Cornelieus Acts 10:28-29Paul’s memory of the Galatians (Gal 4:13-16)You’ve seen remarkably loving acts towards another. By whom? What did it mean to you to see this? Fix your thoughts of those kinds of examples.Admirable - εὔφημος (yoo'-fay-mos), commendable (ESV), of good report (KJV)Things that are well-spoken of, reputable, and constructive, actively looking for the good in others and focusing on positive, uplifting news and actions.Derivation from the compounding ofεὖ - adverb meaningto be well off, fare wellprosper, acting wellφήμη - noun meaning “a good report”from φημί - verb meaning “to declare”from φῶς - “light” and φαίνω - “shine”Thus, stories of the light shining wellas Jesus’ fame spread (see Mt 4:24; Mk 1:28-29; Lk 5:15, etc.)The Corinthian’s generosity 2 Cor 9:6-15You’ve experienced the light of Christ shining from another believer. Who? How does the good report of their admirable actions affect you? Fix your thoughts on those kinds of stories.Check out Social Media people like @mdmotivator or @joshlilj 

References: Fixing our thoughts - λογίζομαι - talk to yourself, meditate, ponder.Mark 11:29-33 - you can invite others into the conversationPhilippians 4:6-7Trade anxiety for intimate communication with God (prayer)God will give peace you can’t wrap your head aroundThat peace will guard (protect, defend, keep) your heart and mind in Christ JesusPhilippans 4:8SO, think [ λογίζομαι (log-id'-zom-ahee) - middle voice verb from λόγος ] speak to yourself about, fix your thoughts upon…Last episode - true, honorableThe second two of six adjectivesRight - δίκαιος (dikaios) 81x in 76 vssThings that are righteous, just, living in conformity to God's standards and treating others with fairness and integrity.Mt 1:19 Joseph was a “just” man…Mt 20:1-15 - the workers in the vineyard. The landowner tells them they will be paid what is “diaios.” The irony is, of course, the first workers feeling like it is un-just.To some degree, we are capable of being δίκαιος.Lk 12:54-57 - Peterson in MSG says “use your common sense.But, Gal 3:10-12 (therefore, Thayer 1.c)So, hunger and thirst for δικαιοσύνη (dik-ah-yos-oo'-nay) righteousness. See Mt 5:6Pure - ἁγνός (hagnos) 8x in 8 vssThings that are wholesome, clean, and free from moral impurity. Focuses on thoughts and actions that are set apart from the corruption of the world. Sharing the same etymology with the adjective ἅγιος (hag'-ee-os) meaning “holy.”1 Tim 5:21-23 - keep one’s self “pure.” Drink a little wine… hahaTitus 2:3-5 - NOT the current time’s revulsion at what’s called “purity culture.” See also 1 Pt 3:1-7To live dependant upon and conformed to the standard of God’s holy will and ways.1 John 3:2-3 - becoming like Jesus2 Cor 7:8-13 - “make things right” (NLT), “proved yourselves innocent” (ESV), “with purity of heart” (MSG).1 Peter 1:16 (hageeos) Be holy [pure] for I am holy [pure].Both things that are δίκαιος “right” and things that are ἁγνός “pure” are only fully so by the grace, influence and power of God who alone is perfectly right and pure. Fixing our thoughts on these things is, like things that are true and honorable, fixing our thoughts on Jesus. 

References: Let’s fix our thoughtsPhilippians 4:6-7Trade anxiety for intimate communication with God (prayer)God will give peace you can’t wrap your head aroundThat peace will guard (protect, defend, keep) your heart and mind in Christ JesusPhilippans 4:8SO, think [ λογίζομαι (log-id'-zom-ahee) - middle voice verb from λόγος ] speak to yourself about…The first two of six adjectivesTrueἀληθής (alēthēs) things that conform to reality, that is what’s REALLY real. It is not just about factual correctness, but the ultimate truth found in God's Word and characterJesus is the personification of truth.What lies does Satan try to sell you?I’m alone (1 Kings 19)My situation is hopeless (Heb 6)Imposter’s Syndrom (Rom 12)AI mimicking reality: it is difficult to tell real from fakeFeeds mimic reality, deepfakes disturb and unnerve, biased narratives provoke.The lie hook gets set when your thoughts race, you share without verifying, etc.Fixing our thoughtsWhat is REALLY real?God’s Word, His Kingdom, His promises, etc.Honorableσεμνός (semnos) people/behaviors that are "respectable," or "dignified" In the NT this word is never disconnected from someone. It’s not about whatever is honorable, but WHOever is honorable.See 1 Tim 3:8-11Who comes to your mind?Why? Seriously?How much time do you typically give to…“Conversation” that is REALLY gossipDishonorable humor or drama (think TV shows, movies, comedians)Attention seeking, trolling for “likes” (think social media)Those who want to humiliate others for their viewsFixing our thoughtsWho do you “want to be when you grow up?”What makes these real people examples attractive?Ask yourself, WWRoJD “What Would Ray or Joanie Do?”  IYKYKFinally, λογίζομαι - talk to yourself, meditate, ponder, fix your thoughts.Mark 11:29-33 - you can invite others into the conversationThe qualification of “among themselves” is added to the middle voice of the verb

References: What’s all this about six seven?CBS News online reported that dictionary.com chose 6-7 as the 2025 word of the year“a ‘nonsensical and playfully absurd’ slang term”The evolution and cultural impactNot “knowing” makes some people anxious6-7 has been irritating teachersI’ve seen reports of 6-7 being banned from schools, etc. Can you imagine how trying to ban kids from saying “groovy” in the 60s would have gone over?Do I want to stop worrying?Philippians 4:6-7 (haha) is about stopping with the worrying (μεριμνάω - merimnaō verb from…)μέριμνα - (mer'-im-nah): care, anxiety (all 3 synoptic gospels parable of the sower, the seed that fell among thorns was choked out by the μέριμνα of this worldFrom μερίζω - (merizō): to divide, be split into factions (Mark 3:24-25 a house divided, a kingdom divided; 1 Cor 1:13 is Christ divided; Rom 12:3 the portion God has given)From μέρος - (mer'-os): a part due or assigned to one, lot, destiny (John 13:8 - if you don’t let me wash you, you will have no part with me [no share, won’t belong to me]6-7 is a way Gen Alpha feel a part of something others don’t understandBut ALL who are in Christ have a part in the Body of Christ (1 Cor 12)Pray (προσευχή) with supplications (δέησις) and thanksgivings (εὐχαριστία)Where will I find peace? Through vs 6 comes vs 7The peace beyond understanding will keepφρουρέω (froo-reh'-o)to guard, protect by a military guard, either to prevent hostile invasion, or to keep the inhabitants of a besieged city from flightto protect by guarding, to keep by watching and guarding to preserve one for the attainment of somethingSO, a final thing, fix your thoughts on…λογίζομαι (logizomai) middle voice verb from λόγος the noun to consider, take into account, weigh, meditate onλέγω (legō)to say, to speak, affirm over, maintain, to teach, to exhort, advise, to command, direct, to point out with words, intend, meanLiving out what my thoughts are fixed uponA 4 part series on the 6 adjectives and the 7th (2 nouns) upon which we should meditate

References: Learning to want what God wants can happen through the primary and urgent matter of communicating with God.1 Timothy 2:1-4 through Supplications, Prayers, Intercessions, Thanksgivings… so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.This is good and pleases God our SaviorEph 5:8-10 “Once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! 9 For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. 10 Carefully determine what pleases the Lord.”The undeniable connection is that our commitment to offer supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings for all people pleases the Lord.Doing this demonstrates to ourselves and others the “light from the Lord” in us.John 9:4-9φῶς (phōs) - lightGod is light because light has the extremely delicate, subtle, pure, brilliant qualityof truth and its knowledge, together with the spiritual purity associated with itthat which is exposed to the view of all, openly, publiclyreason, mindthe power of understanding esp. moral and spiritual truthThis definition of “light” connects to the opening of the blind man’s eyes.Jesus spit in the dirt and made mud to spread on the man’s eyesWhen he washed, his eyes were opened. This was not just a physical opening, but opened the man to a new moral and spiritual understanding.πτύω (ptoo'-o) - spitThe irony - when his eyes were opened, suddenly other’s eyes were clouded“Isn’t this the man who used to sit and beg?”Some said he was, and others said, “No, he just looks like him!”The Pharisees and religious leaders are pronounced “blind” by Jesus (see John 9:39-41).Jesus’ may open and bring light to our eyes by where and how we are looking in s.p.i.t. prayer (is the acronym a coincidence? I think so. haha).Consider the four types with an exampleSupplications - look around and ask for what you see as needs and wants.Prayers - look up into the face of God, still your heart and soul and listen.Intercessions - look in and see the heart transformation God works that we may intercede according to His heart.Thanksgivings - look ahead to what He has already done in the future.

References: Learning to want what God wants can happen through the primary and urgent matter of communicating with God.1 Timothy 2:1-4 through Supplications, Prayers, Intercessions, Thanksgivingsεὐχαριστία (yoo-khar-is-tee'-ah) thankfulness, the giving of thanks (Remeber Phil 4:6 & Col 4:2)An attitude of gratitude - the blessing and benefits of thankfulness.Thankfulness is something even unbelievers value and practice.Most common prayer entry pointCan you think of a time someone didn’t open a prayer with “Thank you God for…” or some version of that?Consider your practice of thankfulness in prayer.We thank God for circumstancesWe thank God for His goodnessWe thank God for people Thanksgivings for ALL PEOPLE?How hard would it be to make a list of people for whom you are not thankful?How would you offer prayers of thanksgiving for them?Prolepsis: what is itGenesis 20:3 - “you’re dead!” מוּת  (mooth)  Isaiah 65:8 - “new wine” in the grape clusterLuke 1:68-70 - “he has visited” and “has raised up” - note verb mood - indicative (a done deal before Jesus is even born)2 Timothy 1:10 - “abolished death” - καταργέω (katargeō)to cause a person or thing to have no further efficiencyto deprive of force, influence, powerto cause to cease, put an end to, do away withProleptic GratitudePresent subjunctive - “so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity” (1 Tim 2:2)Verb mood - Is the mood of possibility and potentiality. The action described may or may not occur, depending upon circumstances. (see Gen 20:3)Can you give thanks then for what God has already done in the future?Imagine how praying this way would change YOUPut prayers of proleptic gratitude in the context of the previous 3 forms of prayer.Look around at the needs, and ask God to actLook up and listen to what God has to say to you about your requestsLook in and see how God needs to conform your heart to His ownLook ahead at what God is able to do. Let God open your eyes to what He is capable of doing. Then give thanks for that.

References: Learning to want what God wants can happen through the primary and urgent matter of communicating with God.1 Timothy 2:1-4 through Supplication, Prayer, Intercession, Thanksgivingἔντευξις (ent'-yook-sis) noun - ἐντυγχάνω (en-toong-khan'-o) verb Noun 2X - 1 Tim 2:1 & 4:51 Tim 4:1-10 - ἔντευξις = prayer in NLT and ESV“It” is made acceptable byThe word of God andBy intercessionVerb 5X - two negatively, three positivelyActs 25:24 & Rom 11:2The Jews “interceding” against PaulElijah “interceding” against IsraelRom 8:27, 34 & Heb 7:25Of the Holy Spirit’s intercedingOf Christ’s intercedingConsider the root of ἐντυγχάνω, τυγχάνω (toong-khan'-o)to hit the mark (of one discharging a javelin or arrow),to reach, fall out, of he who meets one or presents himself unsoughtI find this helpful when put together with the positive examples of Holy Spirit and Jesus hitting the mark of accord with the heart of the Father in their intercessionsFor our intercessions, we look in. We listen to the voice of God as God reveals to us through the Spirit and the Word, God’s heart for everyone. Keeping in mind Jer 17:9-10We cannot trust our own heart of flesh/stone in intercession.We must listen, surrender, and allow God to reveal His heart for our hearts, thus for othersPsalm 139:23-24 - Know my heart, point out it’s flaws and lead me in Your way.

References: Learning to want what God wants can happen through the primary and urgent matter of communicating with God.1 Timothy 2:1-4 through Supplication, Prayer, Intercession, ThanksgivingPrayer - προσευχή (pros-yoo-khay') noun  & προσεύχομαι (pros-yoo'-khom-ahee) verb is the most common, generic word for prayer. Consider MSG translation of 1 Tim 2:1 “Pray every way you know how…” In some NT passages δέησις is used synonomously for prayer.Hebrews 5:7 “Jesus offered up prayers (deēsis) and supplications (hiketēria)...”In others, they are used together in the same passage.Philippians 4:6Ephesians 6:18So, let’s think of some of the generic qualities of prayer.It involves at least two, sometimes more, beings (a human and God)It should be thought of as communicationFace to faceLook up to look into the face of GodIt is ideally dialogical (consider example of Bartimaeaus again.His supplication - Lord have mercy.Jesus’ response - what do you want me to do for you?His response - I want to see.What part of communication in the form of a dialogue doesn’t fit with your NORMAL experience of prayer? Listening?What if Paul used these two words side by side, in this order, to say “Go ahead, make your prayers! Ask away. But then listen to God’s response.”Think of proseuchē as listening to God, being alert, watchful.Colossians 4:2 “Continue steadfastly in prayer (proseuchē), being watchful (γρηγορέω - grēgoreō) in it (in prayer) with thanksgiving (eucharistia - the 4th of the 4 words Paul uses in 1 Tim 2:1).Revelation 3:2-3 “Wake up (grēgoreō)... Remember, then, what you received and heard. Listening for God and listening to God are like remaining alert, awake, being watchful, attentive.How do we listen in prayer? Actively, not passively.My experience of being still and knowing that God is God. (see Ps 46:10)Listening by God’s WordTo recognize God’s voice (Jn 10:14-16)To meditate (soaking in God’s word shapes us from the inside out)To atune our ears to LISTENListening to the SpiritImpressionsThoughtsThe still small voice (1 Kings 19:12) (The Spirit speaking in my spirit).Listening to God speak through others.What are we listening for?For God’s willThy kingdom come, Thy will be doneGod’s irrefutable promisesFor God’s heartWhat God wants θέλω (thelō), though God won’t deny human will (1 Tim 2:4)What God desires, even in the face of a blind obedience or rigid adherence to the law (Mt 9:9-13)To atune our will and heart to His for the sake of being ready to make intercession for others.Wanting what God wantsLook up.

References: Learning to want what God wants can happen through the primary and urgent matter of communicating with God.1 Timothy 2:1-4 through Supplication, Prayer, Intercession, ThanksgivingMatthew 7:7-11 - αἰτέω aiteo - askConsider Jesus’ illustrationsRecall Solomon and BartemaeusMark 10:35 - James and John: give us what we want (desire) aiteoJohn 4:9-10 - Jesus asks aiteo first, then tells the woman that if she only knew, she would be asking aiteo. Supplication (deēsis)For one’s self: (noun only in Luke, verb also in Mt 1x)Mt 9:38 - the one time in a Gospel other than Luke (ask for harvest workers to be sent)Luke 1:13 (Zechariah's specific plea for a son), 2:37 (Anna’s constant and needy petitions), 5:33 (the disciples of John fasted and “prayed” (deēsis)).Luke 8:28 (unclean spirits (Legion) make supplication)For others: we see that prayer for others isn’t always “intercession.”Romans 10:1 (Paul’s desire and (deēsis) for Israel), 2 Cor 1:11 (the Corinthian community in their (deēsis) for Paul and his coworkers), 2 Tim 1:3 (Paul thanks God that he remembers Timothy "in my (deēsis) night and day).Supplication: a seeking, asking, entreating, of God1 Timothy 2:1 - δέησις (deēsis): supplicationdenotes an earnest plea rising from a sense of need.focuses on a specific request placed before God, whether for oneself or for others. The word highlights dependency, urgency and humility.Paul describes supplication as a part of love within the Body for the BodyEph 6:18 (generic prayer & supplication)vs 19-20 (continues the supplication of v 18)Supplication as a part of mission.2 Cor 1:8-11Paul and his companions were facing overwhelming opposition. They were ready to give up, to collapse.But the supplications of God’s people in Corinth sustained.1 Peter 3:8-12Peter is reminding that God hears the supplications of those who are right with HimThis also lead to life that is worth living.Look Around. What issues do you notice In your life? In the lives of those close to you? In the world? How would you express the desire that God would do something about these issues (wants, needs)? That expression would be, in terms of prayer, a supplication.God gives permissionGod encourages our askingGod wants to know what is on your heart.

References: The alarming rise in conflict within churches at current eventsThe Body of Christ - (Rom 12:5; 1 Cor 10:17, 12:27; Eph 4:12, 5:23; Col 1:24; Heb 13:3)Oneness and Peace in Christ - Eph 2:11-22Enmity - ἔχθρα (ekh'-thrah) vs 15 & 16Carefully joined together - συναρμολογέω (soon-ar-mol-og-eh'-o) (see v 21 in MSG)Ways we fracture the oneness of the Body (see Gal 5:20)Impatience and self-centeredness Jas 4:1-2 - guarding against (Eph 4:1-3) Unresolved issues and importing fights from elsewhereHeb 12:14-15Disrespecting church leadershipNum 12; 1 Thess 5:12-13; Heb 13:17Seven things God hates: Prov 6:16-19Koinonia (κοινωνία) - fellowship, association, community, communion, joint participation, partnership, intimacy, etc.Acts 2:42 - the four qualities or characteristics of the gathered followers of Christ1 Jn 1:1-4 - within the community of faith and with GodPhil 1:3-11 - sharing in the mission of the KingdomCol 3:8-17 - represent Christ in all you say and do (while koinonia doesn’t appear in this passage, it shows us the value of this fellowship)

References: John 15:7 - ask whatever you WANT - theloTo will, have in mind, intend, to purpose, to desire, to wish, to take delight inTo bring my thelo to the Lord is a form of prayer.So, just ask in prayer for a job paying 7-8-9 figures, for a Lamborghini, for a vacation home at the beachCompare James 4:1-3With James 1:5-8 John 15:7 - If you remain in me and my words remain in you…The “ask” form of prayer is called supplication.Amazingly, God knows that our asks won’t always align with His thelo, but He invites us to ask anyway, because of our dependent relationship.What would I ask for?Consider Solomon1 Kings 3:5- 15aGod gave what Solomon asked for AND what he hadn’t asked for (wealth, fame, etc.)Consider BartemaeusMark 10:46-52Jesus gave what Bartemaeus asked for AND… a new life, purpose, community?What does God want? - 1 Timothy 2:1-4Paul prefaces his statement about what God wants with an urgent call to intimate communication with God that he captures in four words.Supplication (deēsis)Prayer (proseuchē)Intercession (enteuxis)Thanksgiving (eucharistia) Through these practices of communication with God, we can learn to want what God wants. Our hearts get conformed to the likeness of Christ’s heart.We come to want all people to be saved and come to understand the truth.

References: 100th Episode - This is a laughing matter.laugh - צָחַק (tsaw-khak'); שָׂחַק (saw-khak')Abraham and Sarah give birth to יִצְחָק (yits-khawk')Psalm 2:1-4 - God laughs at those who plot to get free of GodZechariah and Elizabeth name John (Lk 1:57-66)To me this scene makes me laugh more than any other Bible scene (so Monty Python like)     To celebrate a milestone, recalling God’s faithfulness and honoring God’s goodness?Joshua 3-4 - crossing the Jordan and the memorial4:7 - memorial - זִכָּרוֹן  (zik-rone') 1 Samuel 7 - Samuel raised an Ebenezer (like a memorial)(which means “the stone of help”), for he said, “Up to this point the Lord has helped us!“Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”“Here I raise my Ebenezer;” “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,”Robert Robinson’s storySo here is to the next however many episodes.

References: 98 episodes ago - “Remembering to Forget”Revelation 21:1-5Deuteronomy 26:1-11Isaiah 43:14-19On the brink of the 100th episode milestone.Spiritual Blessing - Ephesians 1:3-11“Before He made the world…”πρὸ καταβολῆς - “before the foundation…”“bring everything together…”ἀνακεφαλαιόω (an-ak-ef-al-ah'-ee-om-ahee)to sum up (again), to repeat summarily, to condense into a summarycan be literally translated as "recapitulate". Christ "recapitulates"—or sums up—all things in Himself, fulfilling God's plan to bring creation and humanity to unity in Him, rather than being divided by the first Adam's sin.Romans 5:12-17Romans 13:9What may God want me to do differently?

References: The significance of the town gate.That justice may be done, though not in an arbitrary wayRemember from Ruth: Part 1 - Deut 25:7-10Consider the Magna Carta of 1215 & a jury of peersThe family redeemer - rights and responsibilitiesRights - v 4: he wants the landResponsibilities - v 6: he doesn’t want the risk of responsibility  -  SO“In those days…” (in former times, in the olden times…)The author’s parenthetical explanation of a practice no longer observed.The taking off of the sandal (shoe)Ref. Joshua 1:3 - where you set foot - landA surrendering of rights, rather than a humiliation per Deut 25:10The land and the widow are entrusted to BoazThe elders as witnesses - vs 9-11a עֵד (ayd) - witness, testimonySeptuagint - μάρτυς (mar'-toos) - see Acts 1:8Job 16:18-22 - a witness in heaven, 19:25-27 (Redeemer)We who are followers of Christ are witnesses to Christ’s Redeeming powerBlessing: “May…” vs 11, 12, 14, 15… Ruth be fruitful.… Boaz be prosperous.… the Lord’s people be blessed.… Obed become Naomi’s strength and provide for her. עוֹבֵד  (o-bade') - Servant - Grandfather of King DavidTransition: from misery to hope (genealogy)

References: We can arrange, but God brings to fruition. Naomi’s conviction/responsibilityBoaz will be winnowing זָרָה (zaw-raw')  … as God winnows the righteous from the unrighteousHow do we fair in God’s winnowing process?Boaz was in good spirits, his heart was merry, he felt great. (see Ecc 3:13)v 9 - “spread your wings over your servant.”Recall last episode and 2:12Ruth 3:11 - “a virtuous woman”think of the “Eshet Chayil”, recited before the Shabbat meal on Friday evenings. (The Chosen)Ruth’s obedience/risk/blessingRuth’s actions could have soiled her reputation …Humiliation vs. humilityReminded of John 12:1-8; Mt 26:6-13… and Boaz’s reputation (v 14)Boaz generously blesses her and NaomiGod won’t rest until He has taken care of our redemption!

References: Wisdom: Proverbs 7:4 - מוֹדָע - (mo-dah') - kins-man(woman), relativeBoaz - he was prominent, wealthy, powerful: related to Naomi’s deceased husbandRuth works Boaz’s field by “chance?” - וַיִּקֶר מִקְרֶהָ  - (kaw-raw' mik-reh') - unforeseen meeting or event, accident, happening, chance, fortune -  used 10X in OT, 7 in Ecc. ! - WisdomWhen God is involved, there is no such thing as “luck” or chance. (see 1 Sam 6:1-18)     Ruth trying to survive meets the dignity of gleaning. לָקַט - (law-kat') & Boaz’s example (vs. 8-9, 14-17, 21)Torah background Lev 19:9-10 - ESV heading - “Love your neighbor as yourself.”Deut 24:19-22 - “for the foreigners, orphans, and widows” and because YOU were a slave in Egypt For us todayStewardship of our livesBusiness ownersWith your stuffSpirituallyBeyond “charitable giving.”Rather than a hand out, a hand upBlessings - vs 12, 19, 20“under whose wings…” כָּנָף (kaw-nawf') (Mal 4:2; Lk 8:43-48)  “May the Lord bless…” - “he is showing his kindness”“family redeemer” - גָּאַל (gaw-al') - to redeem, act as kinsman-redeemer, avenge, revenge, ransom   

References: Helpful context for getting into RuthThe time of the Judges - see Judges 2:6-19Judges 10:6 - 12:7 - Jephthah (Ammon & Moab) "Israel had no king and everyone did what was right in their own eyes" - Judges 17:6, 18:1, 19:1, 21:25Ruth is an amazing story of God’s salvation for Israel.From no king (last sentence of Judges) to David, the great king whose Son, Jesus, became the King of kingsThis comes through the salvation of Naomi and Ruth.1:1-5 - taking matters into our own handsHow is God involved in the everyday joys and tragedies of your life?1:6-15 - life is too bitter מָרַר (maw-rar'), the Lord is against me.vs 8 - חֶסֶד (kheh'-sed) - loyalty, goodness, kindness, faithfulness  vs 11 - Deuteronomy 25:5-10 - levirate marriageConsider Naomi’s character as seen in the actions of those around her (Orpah, Ruth, Townswomen (vs 19-21)).Naomi - נָעֳמִי (no-om-ee')   Mara - מָרָא (maw-raw')  Consider Ruth’s character.vs 16-17 - LOYALTY! (Hesed)1:22 - a positive premonition of provision from GodGod is hardly mentioned in this story, but He is all over it.Compare your understanding of God’s involvement in your life to Naomi’s.Compare Orpah’s decision to Ruth’s. What do you see about their character and faith (or lack thereof)?What’s your take away? Application? 

References: Back from visiting 5 NPs and many other wondersExperienced joy in the discovery, awe, marvel, etc.Isa 55:12 NLT - You will live in joy and peace. The mountains and hills will burst into song, and the trees of the field will clap their hands!Ps 16:11b - in your presence there is fullness of joyBut can we give God joy?We can grieve the Holy Spirit.Eph 4:29-32 ESVLuke 15 - the lost sheep and lost coin foundσυγχαίρω - (soong-khah'-ee-ro) to rejoice with, take part in another's joyχαρά (khar-ah') joy … in heaven? The shepherd’s!Upon returning home we got time with kids and grandkids - what a delight!Psalm 149:4 - The LORD delights in His people…Delights - רָצָה (raw-tsaw') - to be pleased with, be favourable to, accept favourablySee Psalm 147:10-1110 He takes no pleasure in the strength of a horse or in human might. 11 No, the Lord’s delight is in those who fear him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love.Be a reason that the LORD is pleased as God delights in your reverential hope, trusting in His unfailing love

References: 2 Th 1:3-12; 1 Th 5:23-28; 2 Th 3:1-18Escape the “pay-back” mentality2 Th 1:6 - ἀνταποδίδωμι (an-tap-od-ee'-do-mee)in a good sense, to repay, requitein a bad sense, penalty and vengeanceLk 14:12-14 - God will reward youRom 12:19 - Dear friends, never take revenge.Heb 10:30 - also said, “The Lord will judge his own people. The tri-unity of our being1 Th 5:23 - ὁλόκληρος (hol'-ok'-lay-ros) complete, entire, wholeJames 1:2-4πνεῦμα - ψυχή - σῶμα (spirit, mind, body)Connective “and”s - καί (share commentary)The Great Shema and the great commandmentsArmoring Up1 Th 5:8Breastplate of faith and loveHelmet of salvationThere were forgeries going around2 Th 2:2 - “Don’t believe them, even if they claim to have had a spiritual vision, a revelation, or a letter supposedly from us.2 Th 3:17 - in his own hand writing.

References: Happy 4th of July!1 Th 4:13-18; 5:1-11; 2 Th 2:1-12“Heaven,” “Hell,” and the fullness of God’s KingdomThe mystery - the “resurrection of the body” and the Kingdom in it’s fullnessRapture theology (Darby) and (pre) (post) (a)millennialism confusionἁρπάζω (har-pad'-zo) caught up (in Latin: raptus)Acts 8:39 - Philip2 Cor 12:2, 4 - PaulRev 12:5 - JesusMatthew 24:37-421 Th 4:17 - clouds and air - see MSG 1 Th 4:13 - grieving with hopeDead or sleeping - falling asleep in a car or on a planeκεκοιμημένων (to still, calm, quiet, to fall asleep, to sleep, to die)Lk 22 - disciples in gardenJn 11 - LazarusActs 7 - StephenActs 12 - Peterλυπέω (grieving)Mt 17:22-23 (NLT, ESV, MSG)1 Pt 1:3-9 (vs 6 in ESV)

References:1 Th 4:1-12; 5:12-22; 2 Th 3:6-15God’s will - θέλημα - (thel'-ay-mah) will, what one wishes or has determined shall be doneof the purpose of God to bless mankind through ChristConnection to 1 Tim 2:4 of what God wishes to be done by uscommands, preceptsLord’s Prayer - thy will be done on earth…Holy and loving rather than unclean and lazyἁγιασμός (holiness) vs ἀκαθαρσία (uncleanness)Compare the set apartness of holiness with the uncleanness of fruitlessness (see John 15:2)Love (phileo & agape) is action while laziness is inaction within the community (koinonia) ἄτακτος (lazy, disorderly, out of ranks)Compare 1 Th 5:14 & 2 Th 3:6 with the example of the Roman officer in Luke 7

References:Participation in Christ1 Thess 2:1-13Flattery - κολακεία (kol-ak-i'-ah) only hereSimiles of familial relationshipsLike children (infants)Like a motherLike a father Their faithful response to the Word of Godλόγον τοῦ θεοῦ - Word of Godvs 13 and the three understandings of Word of God1 Thessalonians 2:14-16 - Suffering Persecution1 Thess 2:17-20 - A Good Reportv 18 - ἐγκόπτω (eng-kop'-to) - to cut into, to impede one's course by cutting off his way, hinderv 19 - στέφανος - crownv 20 - ἡ δόξα ἡμῶν καὶ ἡ χαρά “pride and joy”Hearts bound together1 Thess 3:1-10Prayer for Increase in their spirits1 Thess 3:11-13

References:Historical Setting - Acts 17:1-152nd Mission JourneyPaul and Barnabas go separate waysBarnabas and John MarkPaul and SilasActs 16-17ThessalonicaBerea to Athens1 Thessalonians 1:1-3Greeting and prayer of thanksgivingFaith–hope–love v 3ἔργον (er'-gon) work [of faith]κόπος (kop'-os) labor [of love]ὑπομονή (hoop-om-on-ay') [of hope]1 Thess 1:4-10Celebrating their conversionEncouraging their endurance

References:Acts 2The significance of “heaven” or “the heavens”οὐρανός (oo-ran-os') - the heavensActs 2:2, 2:5, 2:19, 2:34The upper story, the lower story, our storyLord’s Prayer - “on earth as it is in heaven”Think throne or rule/reignThe Temple of God - ναός (nah-os') “the sanctuary or cell of the temple, where the image of the god was placed which is distinguished from the whole enclosure.”1 Corinthians 3:16-17 - the “you” is plural1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - singularThe High Priest in the TempleHoly of Holies - the curtain - Mat 27:51Jesus as our perfect High Priest - Hebrews 7:15-28Jesus as our spotless lamb - John 1:29We as representatives of heaven - 1 Peter 2:4-12 (v9)γένος ἐκλεκτόν - a people chosenβασίλειον ἱεράτευμα  - royal priestsἔθνος ἅγιον - a nation (ethnic group) that is holyCooperating with God unto the fullness of His KingdomRomans 8:28 - who is working? συνεργέω (soon-erg-eh'-o)God & those who love HimAll things for the good

An Application of the AscensionReferences:How the Gospels endMatthew 28:16-20Mark 16:8 - +shorter ending - +longer ending16:20 - συνεργέω (soon-erg-eh'-o)James 2:22 - trust and response (faith & actions)Romans 8:28 - who is working? God & those who love HimLuke 24:49-53 - οὐρανός (oo-ran-os') - the heavensJohn 21:18-25The Beginning of ActsActs 1:1-5Proofs of Resurrection and the KingdomActs 1:6-8Confusion and CommissionActs 1:9-14Reminder and Prayerful WaitingThe 40 Days - Preparation and TransitionMoses’ 40 years from Shepherd of sheep to Shepherding Leader of IsraelElijah’s 40 days to Mt Sinai in 1 Kings 19Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness before beginning His ministryLook back on the past 40 days - “on earth as in heaven”What has the Lord been preparing in you?Where do you feel/think God is leading you?What areas of your life is God transitioning you to live by the power of His indwelling presence

References:The power of God’s WordIsaiah 55:11 - empty -  רֵיקָם  (ray-kawm'), void, without effect, vainlyExodus 3:19-22 - illustrate how God’s word will not return without accomplishing its purpose Ex 12:31-36Taking the Chapter apartIsa 55:1-5An Invitation to the abundant life of covenant relationshipSatisfy - שָׂבְעָה (sov-aw')  Isa 56:11, Jude 1:Isa 55:6-7A Call to Repentance and God's MercyIsa 55:8-11God’s higher thoughts and waysThoughts - מַחֲשָׁבָה (makh-ash-aw-baw')device, plan, purpose  God’s powerful WordIsa 55:12-13A picture of God’s joy and peaceLife application questionsWhat about my own unfulfillment?Will I grow in my “listening?”What about drawing others towards the Source?

References:Inspiring passagesJohn 14:12“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater (μείζονα) works, because I am going to be with the Father.John 15:5“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing (οὐδέν).1 Timothy 6:1212 Fight (ἀγωνίζου) the good fight (ἀγῶνα) for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses.2 Timothy 4:77 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.Don’t Let Me Walk AwayI know that when I try to follow Jesus’ lead, sometimes I succeedAnd I know that when I do it really doesn’t have anything to do with meI know that when I ask, you always give me the strength, strength to standBut I know that the enemy is always, oh so close at handPre-chorusSo I want you to know that I know I have no hope in myselfI want you to know that I know there is nobody elseI want you to know, want you to hear it from meI intend to stay the course to the endSo here is what I needChorusI need you to fill me, now more than everI need your strength to help me fight the good fight from day to dayI want your passion down deep inside meTake hold my spirit. Never let me go. Don’t let me walk awayI know that living out your call to be a holy man of God is tough, and I make it rough‘Cause I know that my faults and failures often bring me to my kneesI know that when I get discouraged it’s easy to drop the pace, to quit the raceAnd I know that there’s a fine line of grace thatkeeps me from giving up and walking away.BridgeThe godly life is more than what I know andYour heart breaks when I give upSo you fight for me that I may firmly stand andWhatever you do, may your promises be true for me each dayDon’t let me walk away.I know that when I try to follow Jesus’ lead, you make me succeed“Don’t Let Me Walk Away,” words and music by John Bromhal ©2001 Bromhaljohn Music. All Rights Reserved. Taking the lyrics apart