Please use this thread for any discussions outside of the scheduled readings:

• Questions/comments
• Prayer Requests
• Praises

Proverbs 14:6   A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.

Proverbs 14:7   Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.

Proverbs 14:8   The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.

Proverbs 14:9   Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.

We look at these four verses from Chapter 14 today and see three of our four men of Proverbs, the scorned, the foolish, and the wise (also called “the righteous“)

I. A WISE person understands THE WORD (verse 6)

• It takes the Holy Spirit to discern the truths of scripture (see 1 Corinthians 2:14). And seeing as scorning is, by definition, rejecting the truth and values of scripture, the scorned cannot expect the Holy Spirit’s leading at learning them.
• Sure, the scorned can regurgitate things that they have been taught, and they might even be able to understand the most plain and simple truths as God reveals them. But they will will not be able to consistently feed themselves from the Bible and make application from it to direct the steps of their path (Psalm 119:105)
• And when does a scorner even try to make such an attempt to seek God’s truth? The answer is the only time it is convenient… when they are in trouble. The scorners wait until they have to face the consequences for scorning to try to save some face to even dare to learn a truth as a bargaining chip. But that isn’t how God works.
• Conversely, God seeks to bless those who want to walk with him, so he makes learning the word of God simpler to those of a pure heart.

II. A WISE person understands WHEN TO LEAVE (verse 7)

• God says to avoid the presence of the foolish. Why get caught up in their mischiefs and their punishments? It’s not a risk worth taking.
• And notice how God says we will understand who is foolish and who is not… it is by their language. We will know them by their fruits, but the first sign of that fruit is how they speak. Jesus said “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh”. To use simple vernacular, “whatever is in the well comes up in the bucket”.
• We will recognize the tone, the intentions, and the attitude of the foolish quickly enough if we would just pay attention. And when we see it, we should separate company.

III. A WISE person understands THEIR WAY (verse 8)

• It’s not hard, in hindsight, to see where we’ve been. Any person capable and willing to simply evaluate their own actions can realize when things go wrong and how it got that way. But it takes a special prudence to evaluate our present to have the foresight to discern where we are truly going.
• Now a wise person will take this one step further, and make sure to adjust their direction to match the will of God. But the foolish deceive themselves into thinking they won’t get caught, but can somehow scheme or manipulate their circumstances to avoid any consequences for their doings.

IV. A WISE person understands THE WEIGHT (verse 9)

• Fools make fun of sin and judgment from God. They think they are right and God is wrong, so this justifies it in their minds.
• But God takes sin very seriously. When we use humor to try to minimize how bad sin is, how serious the consequences for sin are, or how much it offends God, we invite judgment.
• If our sin necessitated the death of God the son on the cross to atone for it, then how can we justify ourselves while despising his sacrifice?

Hi,

I've had a really horrid year and have been trying to get back into faith to help me - though it's mostly an on/off thing.

I've tried getting in the word with some books easier to read than others - I've also used multiple commentaries on books/chapters/verses and YouTube videos whilst making notes. Currently I'm trying to do this with Proverbs, but am finding it difficult despite my efforts and also finding that I probably should be able to remember more than I do from previous books.

Maybe this is the reason for all the on/off aspects of it. As it definitely discouraging.

Any advice is greatly appreciated .

Prayer

O Lord,
Please stir up in us the fire of Love for you.
Please help us to stand up in joy for you,
in the face of those who would quash it down.
Help us to spread the joy of you with fire and Your peace in our hearts.
In Jesus' name we pray,
amen!

#Reading 1: Isaiah 35:4-7, New King James Version

^(4) Say to those who are fearful-hearted,
“Be strong, do not fear!
Behold, your God will come with vengeance,
With the recompense of God;
He will come and save you.”

^(5) Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,
And the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.
^(6) Then the lame shall leap like a deer,
And the tongue of the dumb sing.
For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness,
And streams in the desert.
^(7) The parched ground shall become a pool,
And the thirsty land springs of water;
In the habitation of jackals, where each lay,
There shall be grass with reeds and rushes.

#Reading 2: Isaiah 40:9-17, New King James Version

^(9) O Zion,
You who bring good tidings,
Get up into the high mountain;
O Jerusalem,
You who bring good tidings,
Lift up your voice with strength,
Lift it up, be not afraid;
Say to the cities of Judah, “Behold your God!”

^(10) Behold, the Lord God shall come with a strong hand,
And His arm shall rule for Him;
Behold, His reward is with Him,
And His work before Him.
^(11) He will feed His flock like a shepherd;
He will gather the lambs with His arm,
And carry them in His bosom,
And gently lead those who are with young.

^(12) Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand,
Measured heaven with a span
And calculated the dust of the earth in a measure?
Weighed the mountains in scales
And the hills in a balance?
^(13) Who has directed the Spirit of the Lord,
Or as His counselor has taught Him?
^(14) With whom did He take counsel, and who instructed Him,
And taught Him in the path of justice?
Who taught Him knowledge,
And showed Him the way of understanding?

^(15) Behold, the nations are as a drop in a bucket,
And are counted as the small dust on the scales;
Look, He lifts up the isles as a very little thing.
^(16) And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn,
Nor its beasts sufficient for a burnt offering.
^(17) All nations before Him are as nothing,
And they are counted by Him less than nothing and worthless.

#Reading 3: Matthew 11:25-30, New King James Version

^(25) At that time Jesus answered and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. ^(26) Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. ^(27) All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. ^(28) Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ^(29) Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ^(30) For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Music for the Readings:

Then shall the eyes of the blind be open’d, He shall feed his flock Isaiah 35:5-6, Isaiah 40:11, Matthew 11:28-29 (5:26)

His yoke is easy Matthew 11:30 (2:40)

Note: Once again, one of the YouTube links no longer worked; that of the first piece above. I hope that the replacement I have chosen will do.

THOUGHTS and COMMENTS

Isaiah 40:12 and the following verses are reminiscent of God's answer in Job.

QUESTIONS

1. Isaiah 40:11 Reads,

He will feed His flock like a shepherd;
He will gather the lambs with His arm,
And carry them in His bosom,
And gently lead those who are with young.

Has Jesus been gentle with you in your life? How?

2. Matthew 11:25 reads,

At that time Jesus answered and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes.
What things, and who are these babes to whom God has revealed them?

3. Continuing in Matthew, verses 29 and 30 read,

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Perhaps this is related to question 1 above, but have you learned from Jesus? Have you found Jesus' yoke to be easy and his burden light?

Feel free to leave any thoughts, comments, or questions of your own!

Say to those who are fearful-hearted,
“Be strong, do not fear!
Behold, your God will come with vengeance,
With the recompense of God;
He will come and save you.”
Isaiah 35:4, NKJV

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Today’s reading is a prophecy that highlights a moment of great joy and victory for the people of Jerusalem. It portrays a future where a humble king, riding on a donkey, brings peace and salvation.   Ultimately, of course, we see this as being fulfilled in the life of Jesus Christ, the Messiah.  

Zechariah 9:9-14 (ESV)

THE COMING OF ZION’S KING

9 Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion!

Shout in triumph, Daughter Jerusalem!

Look, your King is coming to you;

he is righteous and victorious,

humble and riding on a donkey,

on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

10 I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim

and the horse from Jerusalem.

The bow of war will be removed,

and he will proclaim peace to the nations.

His dominion will extend from sea to sea,

from the Euphrates River

to the ends of the earth.

11 As for you,

because of the blood of your covenant,

I will release your prisoners

from the waterless cistern.

12 Return to a stronghold,

you prisoners who have hope;

today I declare that I will restore double to you.

13 For I will bend Judah as my bow;

I will fill that bow with Ephraim.

I will rouse your sons, Zion,

against your sons, Greece.,

I will make you like a warrior’s sword.

14 Then the Lord will appear over them,

and his arrow will fly like lightning.

The Lord God will sound the trumpet

and advance with the southern storms.

Youtube Video of Today’s Text from Handel’s Messiah

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHQpeGzio4k

Questions for Contemplation and Discussion

1.      How does the reign of the Messiah in today’ s passage contrast to the reign of Earthly kings?

2.      How does our expectation of Jesus coming during this time of advent compare/contrast with our expectation in the time leading up to Jesus crucifixion and resurrection (including Palm Sunday, the traditional time in the church year this text is used)?

3.      What is the “peace” that is proclaimed to the nations?

4.      Vs. 13 talks about God using His people as instruments of war.   What does this mean?  Does God use us in this way today?  Do we look for this in the future?  Is it physical warfare or spiritual warfare?

5.      What else does this passage teach us about Jesus and His work?

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. ^(2) (This was the first census that took place while^([)^(a)^(]) Quirinius was governor of Syria.) ^(3) And everyone went to their own town to register.

^(4) So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. ^(5) He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. ^(6) While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, ^(7) and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

^(8) And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ^(9) An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ^(10) But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ^(11) Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ^(12) This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

^(13) Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

^(14) “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

^(15) When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

^(16) So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. ^(17) When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ^(18) and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ^(19) But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. ^(20) The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Footnotes

1. Luke 2:2 Or This census took place before

Questions/Comments

1. I feel like I've heard there's some sort of controversy about this census mentioned in verses 1-2? Is it really that big of an issue or is this not really worth the fuss?

2. This one's from the Messiah Study that's in the Advent Reading schedule. How is Luke 2:9 similar to our readings in Isaiah 60:1-5 yesterday?

3. Circumstances (no room in the inn) led to Jesus

being placed in a manger, yet this is part of the

angel’s sign to the shepherds. Is this showing God’s detailed control of details

in this world toward the fulfilment of his plan, or is God just making use of what had already hap-

pened? Does the fact of the birth occurring in the town

Bethlehem, the city of David, affect your answer?-Also from the reading schedule

4. For verse 7, I've got a reference in my Bible to Philippians 2:6-8.

5. For verse 19, we have a slightly similar reference to Mary in Luke 2:51. Why is Mary singled out in particular in both instances? I've heard that Joseph possibly died before Jesus began His ministry-is this perhaps why we don't have any mention of what Joseph thought of all this? And what's the significance of Mary treasuring all these things and pondering them in her heart, as mentioned in verse 19?

6. I can't think of any other questions/comments, so feel free to bring any questions/comments of your own that you have!

Today features more readings from Isaiah in the music from Handel.  We start with a bass solo taken from Isaiah 60 which focuses on the people who are trapped in darkness being freed from that darkness by a great light shining on them unexpectedly.

The second selection, from Isaiah 9 which is certainly one of the best known from Handel’s Messiah, featuring a full, joyous choir celebrating the words of the prophet, which are perhaps the clearest foretelling of the Messiah coming as both God and man.

Videos of Messiah performances

Isaiah 60:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiLJC6p3sjM

Isaiah 9:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHK8hJ22SPw

Isaiah 60:1-5, 19-21 (ESV)

60 Arise, shine, for your light has come,

and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.

^(2)               For behold, darkness shall cover the earth,

and thick darkness the peoples;

but the Lord will arise upon you,

and his glory will be seen upon you.

^(3)               And nations shall come to your light,

and kings to the brightness of your rising.

^(4)               Lift up your eyes all around, and see;

they all gather together, they come to you;

your sons shall come from afar,

and your daughters shall be carried on the hip.

^(5)               Then you shall see and be radiant;

your heart shall thrill and exult,

because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you,

the wealth of the nations shall come to you.

^(19)             The sun shall be no more

your light by day,

nor for brightness shall the moon

give you light;

but the Lord will be your everlasting light,

and your God will be your glory.

^(20)             Your sun shall no more go down,

nor your moon withdraw itself;

for the Lord will be your everlasting light,

and your days of mourning shall be ended.

^(21)             Your people shall all be righteous;

they shall possess the land forever,

the branch of my planting, the work of my hands,

that I might be glorified.

^(22)             The least one shall become a clan,

and the smallest one a mighty nation;

I am the Lord;

in its time I will hasten it.

Isaiah 9:1-7 (ESV)

9 But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.

^(2)               The people who walked in darkness

have seen a great light;

those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,

on them has light shone.

^(3)               You have multiplied the nation;

you have increased its joy;

they rejoice before you

as with joy at the harvest,

as they are glad when they divide the spoil.

^(4)               For the yoke of his burden,

and the staff for his shoulder,

the rod of his oppressor,

you have broken as on the day of Midian.

^(5)               For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult

and every garment rolled in blood

will be burned as fuel for the fire.

^(6)               For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given;

and the government shall be upon his shoulder,

and his name shall be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

^(7)               Of the increase of his government and of peace

there will be no end,

on the throne of David and over his kingdom,

to establish it and to uphold it

with justice and with righteousness

from this time forth and forevermore.

The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Questions for Contemplation and Discussion

1.       The contrast of darkness and light in Isaiah 60 reminds me a lot of John 1 (and other things we have read in 1 John as well).  Do these terms have the same meaning in Isaiah and in John ?  How would you compare and contrast?

2.      John also seems to pick up the ideas of Isaiah 60:19 & 20 in Revelation 21:23 and Revelation 22:5.   Are these promises meant to be parallel and are they specific to the end of time, or is there a wider application?  In other words, are we currently in darkness and waiting for the light, or has the light come?

3.      What do the two passages (Isaiah 60 and Isaiah 9) have in common?

4.      What do the various titles given to the son in Isaiah 9 tell us about Him?

5.      What else in these verses (or performances) stand out to you?

Happy Monday! I pray GOD would help us grow in patience for and discernment for His Voice, that we would seek and obey what He asks of us, no matter how we feel about it, in Jesus' name! I pray that all those suffering, all those in and out of the Church who feel/are lost, all those in need of comfort, that they would receive what GOD knows they need, and that they would glorify Him for all that He does, whether that answer to prayer comes in a physical, financial, emotional, spiritual, or other way, in Jesus' name. I pray GOD would change our prayers if they are not perfectly aligned with Him Will/plans for us, and I come in agreement with all your prayers to GOD, in Jesus' name!

#Isaiah 40:6-10 NASB

A voice says, “Call out.” Then [a]he answered, “What shall I call out?” All flesh is grass, and all its [b]loveliness is like the flower of the field. 7 The grass withers, the flower fades, [c]When the breath of the Lord blows upon it; The people are indeed grass! 8 The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.

9 Go up on a high mountain, Zion, messenger of good news, Raise your voice forcefully, Jerusalem, messenger of good news; Raise it up, do not fear. Say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!” 10 Behold, the Lord [d]God will come with might, With His arm ruling for Him. Behold, His compensation is with Him, And His reward before Him.

##Isaiah 60:1 NASB

A Glorified Zion

“Arise, shine; for your light has come, And the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.

--- Thoughts and Questions ---

I can't think of any questions tonight, other than "how does this connect to the Gospels? How does this connect to Jesus' life and ministry?"

Sorry y'all.

Have a blessed week!

Is there any significance in the numbers of loops/materials that Bezalel uses? Is there a specific purpose to each chapter to make a point?

Please use this thread for any discussions outside of the scheduled readings:

• Questions/comments
• Prayer Requests
• Praises

Proverbs 13:9-10 (KJV)

9 The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out. 10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

There is a great, life changing truth in these two verses, it is better to rejoice in the goodness of God than to fight others for selfish gain. We cannot make much of ourselves and exalt God at the same time. If we rejoice IN HIM, the grace he gives us to repent and accept his salvation, and the fellowship he seeks to have with us afterwards, then we will spurn the deeds of wickedness that will craw our hearts away from God. But if we choose ours own selfish desires, then we do so only by the forsaking of God.

And this leads me to my next point, that our pride that lets us choose self, only does so at the expense of others. THERE ARE NO VICTIMLESS CRIMES. Our pride makes us monsters, and any thinking to the contrary is done at the expense of the truth. Shakespeare once said “the better part of valor is discretion” (Henry IV). He understood this bible truth. We cannot rise up to every single thing that annoys us unless our pride is in control. And to live this way is to live contrary to the clear teachings of scripture. Wisdom realizes that most, in fact, nearly all battles aren’t worth fighting. And this wisdom teaches us that we must save our energy, our resources, and our reputation for those few battles that are actually worth fighting.

Prayer

Dear Lord,
Have mercy on all of us and give each of us what we need
so that we can grow closer to you
and help our neighbors as ourselves.
Take from us what we don't need;
the things that come between us and You.
Clear our hearts so that we can focus on Your coming into our world
and the Light that You are to us in the darkness.
Thank You, Lord.
Amen.

#Reading 1: Isaiah 7:1-17, New King James Version

#7

^(1) Now it came to pass in the days of Ahaz the son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, king of Judah, that Rezin king of Syria and Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel, went up to Jerusalem to make war against it, but could not prevail against it. ^(2) And it was told to the house of David, saying, “Syria’s forces are deployed in Ephraim.” So his heart and the heart of his people were moved as the trees of the woods are moved with the wind.

^(3) Then the Lord said to Isaiah, “Go out now to meet Ahaz, you and Shear-Jashub your son, at the end of the aqueduct from the upper pool, on the highway to the Fuller’s Field, ^(4) and say to him: ‘Take heed, and be quiet; do not fear or be fainthearted for these two stubs of smoking firebrands, for the fierce anger of Rezin and Syria, and the son of Remaliah. ^(5) Because Syria, Ephraim, and the son of Remaliah have plotted evil against you, saying, ^(6) “Let us go up against Judah and trouble it, and let us make a gap in its wall for ourselves, and set a king over them, the son of Tabel”— ^(7) thus says the Lord God:

“It shall not stand,
Nor shall it come to pass.
^(8) For the head of Syria is Damascus,
And the head of Damascus is Rezin.
Within sixty-five years Ephraim will be broken,
So that it will not be a people.
^(9) The head of Ephraim is Samaria,
And the head of Samaria is Remaliah’s son.
If you will not believe,
Surely you shall not be established.” ’ ”

^(10) Moreover the Lord spoke again to Ahaz, saying, ^(11) “Ask a sign for yourself from the Lord your God; ask it either in the depth or in the height above.”

^(12) But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, nor will I test the Lord!”

^(13) Then he said, “Hear now, O house of David! Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will you weary my God also? ^(14) Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. ^(15) Curds and honey He shall eat, that He may know to refuse the evil and choose the good. ^(16) For before the Child shall know to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land that you dread will be forsaken by both her kings. ^(17) The Lord will bring the king of Assyria upon you and your people and your father’s house—days that have not come since the day that Ephraim departed from Judah.”

#Reading 2: Matthew 1:20-25, New King James Version

#1

^(20) But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. ^(21) And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

^(22) So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: ^(23) “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

^(24) Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, ^(25) and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.

Music for the Readings:

Behold a virgin shall conceive Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23 (0:24)

Notes from original Messiah Study from which this music is taken:

Musically, Behold a Virgin Shall Conceive is immediately followed by the chorus O Thou That Tellest, however the passages on the prophecy of the virgin made more sense to be separated when dividing up the text for study. I highly recommend either listening to the next chorus in advance of tomorrow, or listening to the solo Behold a Virgin Shall Conceive again tomorrow with the next chorus.

To listen to both: See here (5:29)

QUESTIONS

1. At the end of our reading from Isaiah, Ahaz refuses to ask God for a sign though instructed to do so by the Lord's prophet Isaiah. So instead, God himself offers a sign. The sign is the child Immanuel. What shall that child know how to do?

2. How does this compare with the knowledge Adam and Eve took from the Garden?

3. What does the name of the child tell us about the child?

4. The name given to Jesus is rendered "Jesus," or "Yeshua," or "Joshua," all of which mean "Savior." He is not called "Immanuel" -- or is he? And if so, what form does this take?

Feel free to leave any thoughts, comments, or questions of your own!

But to the Son He says:
“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever;
A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom.
Hebrews 1:8, NKJV

Prayer

O Lord,
thank you for your gift of music,
so that this Advent, we can prepare a place in our hearts for you
not only by your Word,
but by your Word set to music.
Please may this Advent be a time of making room for you in our lives.
May we set aside the things that distract us from you,
and make room in our busy schedules for things that help us to focus on you,
including this music.

Thank you, Lord, Amen!

#Reading 1: Haggai 2:1-9, New King James Version

#2

^(1) In the seventh month, on the twenty-first of the month, the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet, saying: ^(2) “Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of the people, saying: ^(3) ‘Who is left among you who saw this temple in its former glory? And how do you see it now? In comparison with it, is this not in your eyes as nothing? ^(4) Yet now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ says the Lord; ‘and be strong, Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; and be strong, all you people of the land,’ says the Lord, ‘and work; for I am with you,’ says the Lord of hosts. ^(5) ‘According to the word that I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt, so My Spirit remains among you; do not fear!’

^(6) “For thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Once more (it is a little while) I will shake heaven and earth, the sea and dry land; ^(7) and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory,’ says the Lord of hosts. ^(8) ‘The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,’ says the Lord of hosts. ^(9) ‘The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former,’ says the Lord of hosts. ‘And in this place I will give peace,’ says the Lord of hosts.”

#Reading 2: Malachi 3:1-5, New King James Version

#3

^(1) “Behold, I send My messenger,
And he will prepare the way before Me.
And the Lord, whom you seek,
Will suddenly come to His temple,
Even the Messenger of the covenant,
In whom you delight.
Behold, He is coming,”
Says the Lord of hosts.

^(2) “But who can endure the day of His coming?
And who can stand when He appears?
For He is like a refiner’s fire
And like launderers’ soap.
^(3) He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver;
He will purify the sons of Levi,
And purge them as gold and silver,
That they may offer to the Lord
An offering in righteousness.

^(4) “Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem
Will be pleasant to the Lord,
As in the days of old,
As in former years.
^(5) And I will come near you for judgment;
I will be a swift witness
Against sorcerers,
Against adulterers,
Against perjurers,
Against those who exploit wage earners and widows and orphans,
And against those who turn away an alien—
Because they do not fear Me,”
Says the Lord of hosts.

Music for the Readings:

Thus saith the Lord Haggai 2:6-7, Malachi 3:1 (1:30)

But who may abide Malachi 3:2 (4:35)

And he shall purify Malachi 3:3 (2:40)*
^(*Note: the original video for this music has been removed from YouTube, so I offer this alternative.)

THOUGHTS and COMMENTS

Haggai 2:7 reads, ...And they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory.

"The Desire of All Nations."

Followed by Malachi 3:1, ...And the Lord, whom you seek,
Will suddenly come to His temple,
Even the Messenger of the covenant,
In whom you delight...

"The Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight."

QUESTIONS

1. Who is the "Desire of All Nations"? Do we desire that one, too?

2. Who is "the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight"? Is that one our delight?

3. If not, what can we do to turn our desire toward that one? How can we make real our true delight?

4. If we need help, how can we get it? Is there any hope for such help offered in today's reading from Haggai? In Malachi? What form does that help take?

Feel free to leave any thoughts, comments, or questions of your own!

...Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Colossians 2:2c-3

Hello! Delete if not allowed. I have been searching the internet for a book a friend and I discussed around late 2018/early 2019. The main point of this book, I believe, was adopting liturgical practices in your everyday life, but it was not Liturgy of the Ordinary. We remember the cover being darker with bread and wine on it. Hoping sending it out to the masses will help us end this search.

Comfort, comfort my people,
says your God.
^(2) Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
and proclaim to her
that her hard service has been completed,
that her sin has been paid for,
that she has received from the Lord’s hand
double for all her sins.

^(3) A voice of one calling:
“In the wilderness prepare
the way for the Lord^([)^(a)^(]);
make straight in the desert
a highway for our God.^([)^(b)^(])
^(4) Every valley shall be raised up,
every mountain and hill made low;
the rough ground shall become level,
the rugged places a plain.
^(5) And the glory of the Lord will be revealed,
and all people will see it together.
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

Footnotes:

1. Isaiah 40:3 Or A voice of one calling in the wilderness: / “Prepare the way for the Lord

2. Isaiah 40:3 Hebrew; Septuagint make straight the paths of our God

Questions/Comments

1. For some reason, I was under some vague impression that there was some sort of debate over who wrote this passage-whether it was actually Isaiah son of Amoz the prophet, another prophet named Isaiah, or some unnamed prophet hundreds of years after Isaiah. Is this debate real or am I wrong? Or am I thinking of something else? And if this debate is actually real, how much (if any) of a difference does it make?

2. When you consider the previous 39 chapters of Isaiah overall, does this passage surprise you?

3. It looks like in the 4 Gospel accounts verses 3-5 are used, or mainly just verse 3. What do you make of verses 1-2 and why do you suppose they're not brought up in the Gospel accounts?

4. How do verses 4-5 fit in with the other 3 verses? Also, I remember that Martin Luther King Jr. quoted this part in his "I have a Dream" speech.

5. So here's something I've been wondering about overall:

a) How would the people who first heard these words have thought about them?

b) How would the Jewish people who lived in between Malachi and Jesus' time have thought about/viewed these words-considering the rise and fall of many empires like Persia, Alexander the Great's empire and his successors, the Hasmonean dynasty (the brief Jewish independent kingdom after the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid empire), and Rome?

c) How would the people in John the Baptist and Jesus' days have thought about these words when John the Baptist and Jesus brought up this passage?

d) How would the readers who would read the Gospel accounts in the aftermath of Jesus' time on earth have viewed these words?

e) So we're looking at this passage, centuries after Isaiah 40 and Jesus' time. How does this passage make an impression on us, now that we have the entire Bible to look back on?

I suppose here's what I'm getting at overall with Q5: How much does the response to this passage (if at all) change as the years go on, depending on who hears/reads over it? Is the general emotion hope, doubt, cynicism, joy, inspire belief in God and His promises, etc?

Hopefully, Q5 makes sense overall. And feel free to ask any other questions/comment on what stands out for you!

The two letters to Timothy were probably written years apart, but are very thematically similar. The following topics are covered in both letters to encourage and instruct Timothy as a young leader in the church.

• Warnings about false teachers
• Perseverance in the faith
• Propriety in worship
• Godliness and good works
• A Call away from the love of money and things of this world.

Questions for discussion

1. Did anything in these books surprise you?

2. Paul in both books warns against the idea of "idle words" or "empty words" and quarelling over words. What is he referring to in these cases and why was it such a problem?

3. What is your biggest take away form these two books? What will you take away form these books to change your life?

Happy Monday! I pray GOD would help us run to Him in temptation and trials and confusion, that we would show forth His Love and patience in everything we face, in Jesus' name!

This is our last reading in this book. The summary will be tomorrow.

#2 Timothy 4:9-22 NASB

Personal Concerns

Make every effort to come to me soon; 10 for Demas, having loved this present [a]world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to [b]Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Take along Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service. 12 But I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the overcoat which I left at Troas with Carpus, and the books, especially the parchments. 14 Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. 15 Be on guard against him yourself too, for he vigorously opposed our [c]teaching.

16 At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. 17 But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might [d]be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will [e]bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to [f]Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

19 Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus remained at Corinth, but I left Trophimus sick at Miletus. 21 Make every effort to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, also Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers and sisters.

22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.

--- Thoughts and Questions ---

1. What is the difference between gossip/slander and what Paul is telling Timothy in the 1st paragraph here? How can we avoid this sin/speaking maliciously, or avoid leading others to speak maliciously about other people?
2. What "first defense" is Paul referring to in v. 16? Is it recorded in Scripture?
3. What do you notice from this passage, or what does this passage bring to mind for you?

Have a blessed week!

Please use this thread for any discussions outside of the scheduled readings:

• Questions/comments
• Prayer Requests
• Praises

Proverbs 12:15   The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

Proverbs 12:16   A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.

Proverbs 12:17   He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.

Proverbs 12:18   There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.

Proverbs 12:19   The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

Proverbs 12:20   Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.

Here we see the contrast between the fool and the wise person displayed in the way they communicate

V15 - Fools will not listen, because they assume nobody knows as much about the situation as they do. But a wise person will hear as much advice as he or she can get, and sorts through the pros and cons, and make an informed decision. This is why fools seem to act so hasty while wise people understand that time spent looking at the facts is rarely wasted, and only in the direst of emergencies should one act without thinking it through.

V16- Fools communicate mostly out of emotion. Their anger is evident, as are their joys (which are usually misplaced in the wrong things). When someone upsets them, fools will often immediately go public, trying to make a viral sensation to shame the one who dared to cross them. But a wis person “hideth shame”, they solve things quietly, because they want honest results, not to get back at someone. And if they can, a wise person will try to build up the one who wronged them in the interest of paying it forward so someone else doesn’t have the same result they initially did. In other words, the wise person knows the carrot is far better than the stick when it comes to getting results.

V17 - God is ALWAYS honored with the truth, even when it inconvenient to our own goals. This is just as true in courts and legal proceedings as it is in our casual conversations. Those who make up things to sway opinions are usually found out, and God often gets involved to make sure that it happens.

V18 - Fools speak to wound and inflict pain. Their goals aren’t peacefulness and reconciliation. There are times the truth hurts, and then we must speak those things in love, with grace, seasoned with salt to make it more palatable and relatable as to how and why and how to trust God going forward. But those who seek to inflict pain on others, out of cruel pleasure or for personal advancement, are acting the way a fool acts constantly and naturally.

V19 - Because God values truth and honors peacemakers, he will intervene when necessary to keep order on behalf of those that honor him. He makes sure the reputation of one who is truly honest will be protected, and the reputation of those that live by lying will be dishonored. It often happens in his timing, but that is because he has eternal purposes in mind when he intervenes in our temporal world.

V20 - Fools who delight in evil struggle with the truth. And even when they do present the truth, it is rarely simple and straightforward. There’s always a catch or a nuance because it better suits the narrative they want to put forward. But one who speaks the truth, even when it is to their own hurt, because it is right and because it brings peace… well they will have the peace they seek. They will know the joy of peace of mind and the guiltlessness that comes from always doing the right thing, by faith, because it honors God. Fools do not have that, so they mock anyone who seeks what they can never have.

Questions:

1. How does tone affect our communication and what does it say about how we present things? Does it helps us seem more honest or less?

2. Have you ever been hated for being honest? How did that shape what you did in the future?

3. How fast do you display anger? What do you think that says about your walk with God?

Prayer

O Lord,
Here we are again,
gathered in Spirit online
to read and study Your Word.
May it sink into us, find good soil, and grow in us,
so that we may grow in Your Love by Your power:
and so in our daily lives Love those around us,
especially those in need,
our neighbors.
Help us to be aware
in each moment
and take that first step forward
so that Your power to help us comes
for the good of those in need.
In Jesus' name we pray, amen!

As always I include two translations of today's reading.

#2 Timothy 4:1-8, New King James Version

#4

^(1) I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: ^(2) Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. ^(3) For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; ^(4) and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. ^(5) But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

^(6) For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. ^(7) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ^(8) Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

#2 Timothy 4:1-8, New Living Translation

#4

^(1) I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom: ^(2) Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.

^(3) For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. ^(4) They will reject the truth and chase after myths.

^(5) But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.

^(6) As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. ^(7) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. ^(8) And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.

THOUGHTS and COMMENTS

I was stunned when I noticed that the New King James Translation has an exclamation point in Paul's Letter: "Preach the Word!" -- a rarity.
And nearly more surprised to find that the more modern New Living Translation does not include one here.

QUESTIONS

1. Does anything about the situation Paul describes here sound like modern times? Which part, and how so?

2. Verse 2 reads: "Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching."

What does "exhort" mean, and how should we do that for others? How about "longsuffering"?

3. Verse 7 is quite well known: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

Paul lived with all his might for God. Do I live like Paul did? Do you? What would have to happen to stir you up you and I to live like this, so that we could with confidence say this at the end of our days?

4. Verse 8: Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

"All who have loved his appearing." What a great phrase. What do you think it means?

Feel free to leave any thoughts, comments, or questions of your own!

Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
James 1:12, NKJV

2 Timothy 3:10-17 (ESV)

All Scripture Is Breathed Out by God

^(10) You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, Ps**^(11)** my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. ^(12) Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, ^(13) while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. ^(14) But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it ^(15) and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. ^(16) All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, ^(17) that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Questions for Contemplation and Discussion

1.      How do evil people “go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived”?

2.      What spiritual disciplines do you practice to ensure that you are being equipped for good works as mentioned in verse 17?

3.      What role does scripture play in your life?  How does it influence your choices and decisions?

4.      Did you learn the things of scripture from your childhood as Timothy did, or did you come to it later?  How has that impacted your faith?

Hello r/biblereading

The season of Advent does not officially start until the first of four Sundays prior to Christmas day, which this year is December 1st. We will be starting our Advent readings a bit earlier, on the 20th of November, mostly because it fits there very well from a scheduling perspective. We will be doing a study based on Handel's Messiah, and have it broken up into 23 days of readings. Based on our normal schedule that will take us to complete on Friday , December 20th. We have customarily taken the week of Christmas off since a lot of us are traveling and spending time with family anyway and expect we'll do so this year as well, so the schedule worked out particularly well for that.

The study based on the Messsiah is not something I came up with, its actually an advent study previously completed on this sub about six years ago, though I don't think many people here today were also here back then. Reddit user u/likefenton appears to be the original author so we are certainly in his debt.

Our current schedule page is updated with our readings based on the original study. Occasionally we have some sections repeated, but not too much. Frequently there is more than one reading for a day, though when this happens they are usually related and not too long.

A PDF of the original study (as well as a previous post on here sharing it) can be found linked at the end of this post, which contains helpful information, possibly study questions, and links to relevant YouTube videos of a performance of the sections of the piece applicable to each day's readings. You are welcome to utilize questions from there in your post if you'd like, or you can certainly come up with your own. I would like to have the YouTube performance linked in the posts though.

As always, everyone's efforts to keep this sub running are appreciated. If you need any schedule changes or other assistance, feel free to reach out to me in the comments on this post or directly via message or chat.

Links:

Previous Post: https://www.reddit.com/r/biblereading/comments/rax7dk/handels_messiah_music_bible_readings_meditations/

PDF of Study: https://drive.google.com/file/d/16VArQRf0Ux-1ik6QzLO4luJHw5uYvym2/view

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. ^(2) People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, ^(3) without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, ^(4) treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— ^(5) having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

^(6) They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, ^(7) always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. ^(8) Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the truth. They are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. ^(9) But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.

Questions/Comments

1. What exactly does Paul mean when he says in verse 5 "having a form of godliness but denying its power"?

2. Q2 and Q3 are related, I think. Who exactly is Paul talking about? Verses 1-5 appears to be more widespread, but in the second half, Paul appears to be narrowing his focus and getting more specific. So is Paul speaking about people/humanity in general or is he thinking of a specific group? Or maybe both?

3. Verse 5 mentions "Have nothing to do with such people", which is throwing me off. If Paul is thinking about people in general, then is he pushing for Timothy and those with him to just avoid whoever they run into? But at the same time, Paul mentioning "these teachers" and "men of depraved minds" in verse 8 leads me to believe Paul is talking about certain people in mind.

4. What's the significance of verses 6-7 in terms of "gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, ^(7) always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth."  Why does Paul go into specific details involving these women?

5. According to a commentary note in my Bible and a brief look online, apparently this "Jannes and Jambres" were those magicians during the 10 plagues in Exodus 7:11 and Exodus 9:11. If that's the case, why didn't Moses (who from what I understand wrote most of the first 5 books of the Bible) mention the names of these magicians? And why does Paul bring up the names here?

And why does he compare this opposition Moses faced to this particular situation happening in Paul's time?

6. Somewhat related to Q2-Q3. Are we living in the last days? And how should we respond?

Paul continues his encouragement of Timothy, in particular around dealing with quarrelling and dissension within the congregation. 

2 Timothy 2:14-26 (ESV)

A Worker Approved by God

^(14) Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. ^(15) Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. ^(16) But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, ^(17) and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, ^(18) who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some. Num**^(19)** But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”

^(20) Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. ^(21) Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.

^(22) So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. ^(23) Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. ^(24) And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, ^(25) correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, ^(26) and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

Questions for Contemplation and Discussion

1.      Quarreling “about words” was brought up in 1 Timothy as well (6:4).  He also here references “irreverent babble” and “foolish, ignorant controversies”.  What are some examples of arguments that might fall into these categories?

2.      How do we “rightly handle the word of truth.”?

3.      How do we cleanse ourselves from what is dishonorable?   What does it mean to be a vessel for honorable use?

4.      How do we correct opponents “with gentleness”? Why is this important?

Happy Monday! I pray the Lord would give us understanding in everything in His Word, and in life, in Jesus' name! I pray we would be set apart from the world by GOD's Word, which is truth (John 17:17), and that we would know and understand what GOD is doing/wants to do in the world, in the Church, and in us and our families, friends, and acquaintances, in Jesus' name!

#2 Timothy 2:1-13 NASB

Be Strong

You therefore, my [a]son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful [b]people who will be able to teach others also. 3 Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him. 5 And if someone likewise competes as an athlete, he is not [c]crowned as victor unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. 7 Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel, 9 [d]for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not imprisoned. 10 For this reason I endure all things for the sake of [e]those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory. 11 The statement is trustworthy:

For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him;

12 If we endure, we will also reign with Him;

If we [f]deny Him, He will also deny us;

13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.

--- Thoughts and Questions ---

1. What does it mean to be "strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus?"
2. What does v. 4 mean for us? What "affairs of everyday life" should we be avoiding?
3. Verse 8-10 struck me. Paul is being mocked, as is Jesus, and people are rationalizing away the Truth of the Gospel for a falsehood, for something that looks like Jesus at first glance, but is empty and without power, and yet Paul is inspired by the Holy Spirit to remind Timothy that the Gospel is not imprisoned! No matter we may be experiencing, it is not the end of GOD's Plan, either for the world, or for us, even if we die here on Earth. The Gospel, the "Good News" of GOD will continue on until GOD brings it to its completion, and ultimately it cannot be stopped, there are only those who will refuse its Power for Forgiveness and Transformation and Healing.
4. What do you notice? What do you feel lead to talk about today/tonight?

Have a blessed week!

Please use this thread for any discussions outside of the scheduled readings:

• Questions/comments
• Prayer Requests
• Praises

Proverbs 11:12-13   “12 He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace. 13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.”

Wisdom doesn’t have to tear others down to be successful! If you have to speak evil of others to feel better about yourself, then you are simply not wise. There is no other way to put it. If you can keep your mouth shut when the opportunity comes to hurt someone else or not, then God says you are wise.

Notice that God isn’t simply talking about senseless chatter and rumors. The phrase “revealeth secrets” *assumes the issue is true*!!! But God says that things shared with you in confidence are expected to stay confidential! Because wisdom understands that one of the keys to being successful in life is maintaining great relationships. And as soon as you become labeled “untrustworthy” people will equate it with being “unreliable”.

1 Timothy 6:11-12 (ESV)

Fight the Good Fight of Faith

^(11) But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. ^(12) Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. ^(13) I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, ^(14) to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, ^(15) which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, ^(16) who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.

^(17) As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. ^(18) They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, ^(19) thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

^(20) O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” ^(21) for by professing it some have swerved from the faith.

Grace be with you.

Questions for Contemplation and Discussion

1.      What is “the good fight of the faith” and how should Timothy fight it?  How do we fight it?

2.      How does one “Take hold of the eternal life” to which they are called?

3.      Verses 15b and 16 seem like a bit of an excursion.  What’s going on in this passage?

4.      We’ve discussed the idea of using the gifts God gave us to further His kingdom (both earlier in this book, and way back in 2 Corinthians especially).  Here in vs. 17 Paul also says that God provides us “everything to enjoy.”  How do we balance enjoyment and furthing God’s kingdom with the gifts God gave us?

5.      What is the false “knowledge” Paul closes the letter with?

Prayer

O Lord, O Lord, O Lord,
Our world needs you now more than ever.
Thank you for being with us in all situations, always.
Thank you for strengthening us when we feel weak or afraid.
"For you have not given us a spirit of fear,
but of power and Love and a sound mind."
Thank you for your Spirit, Lord. Be with all whom we Love, and provide for all our needs. Help us to be sure to Love ALL our neighbors as ourselves.
In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

As always I include two translations of today's reading.

#2 Timothy 1:1-18, New King James Version

#1

^(1) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,

^(2) To Timothy, a beloved son:

Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

^(3) I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, ^(4) greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, ^(5) when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. ^(6) Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. ^(7) For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

^(8) Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, ^(9) who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, ^(10) but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, ^(11) to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. ^(12) For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.

^(13) Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. ^(14) That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.

^(15) This you know, that all those in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. ^(16) The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain; ^(17) but when he arrived in Rome, he sought me out very zealously and found me. ^(18) The Lord grant to him that he may find mercy from the Lord in that Day—and you know very well how many ways he ministered to me at Ephesus.

#2 Timothy 1:1-18, New Living Translation

#1

^(1) This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. I have been sent out to tell others about the life he has promised through faith in Christ Jesus.

^(2) I am writing to Timothy, my dear son.

May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace.

^(3) Timothy, I thank God for you—the God I serve with a clear conscience, just as my ancestors did. Night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. ^(4) I long to see you again, for I remember your tears as we parted. And I will be filled with joy when we are together again.

^(5) I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. ^(6) This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. ^(7) For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

^(8) So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News. ^(9) For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. ^(10) And now he has made all of this plain to us by the appearing of Christ Jesus, our Savior. He broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News. ^(11) And God chose me to be a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of this Good News.

^(12) That is why I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return.

^(13) Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me—a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus. ^(14) Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you.

^(15) As you know, everyone from the province of Asia has deserted me—even Phygelus and Hermogenes.

^(16) May the Lord show special kindness to Onesiphorus and all his family because he often visited and encouraged me. He was never ashamed of me because I was in chains. ^(17) When he came to Rome, he searched everywhere until he found me. ^(18) May the Lord show him special kindness on the day of Christ’s return. And you know very well how helpful he was in Ephesus.

THOUGHTS and COMMENTS

What a letter of strength and faith from Paul.

How we need this faith now.

And God gives it to those who trust in him!

QUESTIONS

1. Sometimes it feels hard in this life. We have fear for ourselves, for our loved ones. Here is Paul writing from prison, expecting to die soon. What can we take from this to strengthen ourselves, with God's help?

2. What is your favorite verse from today's reading?

Feel free to leave any thoughts, comments, or questions of your own!

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV

 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, ^(4) they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions^(5) and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.

^(6) But godliness with contentment is great gain. ^(7) For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. ^(8) But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. ^(9) Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. ^(10) For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Questions/Comments

1. In verse 4-5, was Paul thinking of any particular "controversies and quarrels about words" in his day or was he just speaking generally?

2. In verses 5-6, why does Paul stress that "godliness with contentment is great gain" in contrast to those who thought "godliness was a means to financial gain"?

3. A commentary note in my Bible tells me that apparently verse 10 is sometimes misquoted as "money is the root of all evil." Is this actually the case? If it is, why do you suppose this happens? This commentary note also tells me that verse 7 is a fairly used quote (though apparently, verse 7 is quoted accurately usually).

4. In verse 10, why would "some people" be eager for money in the context of this letter? And what does Paul mean when he's says they've "wandered from the faith"?

5. I'll be honest, I was having a hard time trying to come up with questions today for some reason, so feel free to ask any other questions/point out anything that stands out to you!