The heart of the craftsman above the work itself

Since embarking on tri-bible.ai several friends have pointed out John Piper's sermon "against" AI. John Piper's argument actually reinforces many of the biblical themes about craftsmanship and tools. His distinction is not between "good tools" and "bad tools." It is between tools and worshipers. Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly uses tools, materials, and skilled craftsmanship, but He always values the heart of the craftsman above the work itself. The Bible consistently presents craftsmanship as a gift from God that is meant to reveal His character, bless others, enable worship, and steward creation. Work with excellence is not merely practical. It is an act of worship when offered to God. 

In Alpha Series we learn about Christopher Wren and the classic parable of the Three Bricklayers. It illustrates how having a sense of purpose changes your perspective. When asked what they are doing, the first man says he is "laying bricks," the second says he is "building a wall," and the third proudly says he is "building a cathedral."

Christopher Wren By Godfrey Kneller 

Here are the major biblical themes with representative references.

Theme	Key References	Summary
God is the first craftsman	Genesis 1:1-31, Psalm 19:1, Hebrews 11:3	God creates the universe with wisdom, order, beauty, and purpose. Human craftsmanship reflects His creative nature.
Humans created to cultivate	Genesis 1:26-28, Genesis 2:15	Humanity is commissioned to rule, cultivate, build, and care for creation. Work is part of God's original design before the Fall.
Skill is a gift from God	Exodus 31:1-11, Exodus 35:30-35	God personally fills craftsmen with His Spirit, wisdom, understanding, and skill for sacred work.
Excellence honors God	Ecclesiastes 9:10, Proverbs 22:29, Colossians 3:23-24	Whatever our hands find to do should be done wholeheartedly as service to the Lord.
Beauty matters in worship	Exodus 25-40, 1 Kings 6-7, Psalm 27:4	The Tabernacle and Temple demonstrate that beauty, design, and craftsmanship are part of worship.
Many gifts, one purpose	Romans 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 12:4-31, Ephesians 4:11-16	God distributes different skills so His people can build one another up.
Building wisely	Matthew 7:24-27, Luke 14:28-30, 1 Corinthians 3:9-15	Construction becomes a metaphor for wisdom, discipleship, and ministry.
Stewardship of resources	Matthew 25:14-30, Luke 16:10	Gifts, talents, tools, and opportunities are entrusted by God to be multiplied faithfully.
Ordinary work is holy	Acts 18:1-3, 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12	Paul made tents while preaching. Everyday work has dignity and witness.
Eternal craftsmanship	Revelation 21-22, Isaiah 60	The New Jerusalem is described with extraordinary architecture, precious materials, and artistic beauty.

Major craftsmen in Scripture

• Bezalel: The first person explicitly said to be "filled with the Spirit of God." Scripture: Exodus 31:1-11, Exodus 35:30-35, Exodus 36-38. Skills: goldsmithing, silversmithing, bronze work, stone cutting, woodworking, engraving, artistic design, leadership of craftsmen.
• Oholiab: Bezalel's assistant, gifted by God to teach and collaborate with other artisans in building the Tabernacle. Scripture: Exodus 31:6, Exodus 35:34-35, Exodus 38. Skills: teaching, embroidery, weaving, fine linen work, artistic craftsmanship, collaboration.
• Huram-Abi (Hiram): Master craftsman commissioned by Solomon to create the Temple's bronze works and decorative elements. Scripture: 1 Kings 7:13-47, 2 Chronicles 2:13-14, 2 Chronicles 4:11-22. Skills: bronze casting, metalworking, engraving, architecture, decorative design, engineering.
• Noah: Faithfully built the ark exactly according to God's specifications, demonstrating obedience through skilled construction. Scripture: Genesis 6:13-22, Genesis 7:1-5, Hebrews 11:7. Skills: shipbuilding, woodworking, large-scale construction, project execution, obedience.
• Solomon: Directed the construction of the Temple, organizing thousands of workers and artisans while overseeing one of Israel's greatest building projects. Scripture: 1 Kings 5-8, 2 Chronicles 2-7. Skills: architecture, project leadership, administration, procurement, construction management, design oversight.
• Joseph: Designed and administered Egypt's food storage system that preserved nations during famine. Scripture: Genesis 41:33-57. Skills: strategic planning, systems design, logistics, administration, resource management, leadership.
• David: Though best known as a shepherd and king, he was also a skilled musician, poet, military strategist, and designer who prepared extensively for the Temple. Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:14-23, 1 Chronicles 22:2-5, 1 Chronicles 28:11-19, Psalm titles. Skills: music, poetry, worship leadership, military strategy, leadership, architectural planning.
• Ezra: A skilled scribe devoted to studying, teaching, and preserving God's Law after the exile. Scripture: Ezra 7:6-10, Nehemiah 8:1-8. Skills: writing, copying manuscripts, teaching, scholarship, interpretation, leadership.
• Luke: Carefully researched and compiled an orderly historical account of the life of Christ and the early church. Scripture: Luke 1:1-4, Acts 1:1-3. Skills: historical research, writing, editing, interviewing, documentation, medicine.
• Paul: Supported his ministry through tentmaking while producing letters that continue to shape the Church. Scripture: Acts 18:1-3, 1 Thessalonians 2:9, 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9. Skills: tentmaking, leatherworking, teaching, writing, church planting, leadership.

Tools mentioned in the Bible

• Construction: Hammer, chisel, axe, saw, adze, measuring line, plumb line, square, level (conceptually), rope. References: Isaiah 44:13, Amos 7:7-8, Zechariah 4:10, Isaiah 28:17.
• Metalworking: Furnace, bellows, anvil, tongs, mold, crucible. References: Isaiah 44:12, Jeremiah 6:29, Proverbs 17:3, Malachi 3:2-3.
• Agriculture: Plow, ox yoke, sickle, winnowing fork, pruning hook. References: Isaiah 2:4, Luke 9:62, John 15:1-8, Matthew 3:12.
• Shepherding: Staff, rod, sling. References: Psalm 23, 1 Samuel 17, Ezekiel 34.
• Writing: Reed pen, scroll, ink, stylus, seal ring. References: Jeremiah 36, Ezekiel 9:2, Revelation 5.

Powerful biblical metaphors involving craftsmanship

• Potter and clay (Isaiah 64:8, Jeremiah 18:1-6, Romans 9:20-21)
• Refiner of silver and gold (Malachi 3:2-3, Proverbs 17:3)
• Vine dresser (John 15:1-8)
• Builder and cornerstone (Psalm 118:22, Ephesians 2:20)
• Body being built together (Ephesians 2:21-22)
• Living stones (1 Peter 2:4-5)
• Master builder (1 Corinthians 3:10)
• Sharpening iron (Proverbs 27:17)

Key theological principles

1. Skill originates with God. God gives wisdom, creativity, and technical ability (Exodus 31:3).
2. The Holy Spirit empowers practical work. The Spirit's work includes craftsmanship, not only preaching or prophecy (Exodus 31:3-5).
3. Beauty glorifies God. Artistic excellence reflects God's character and serves worship (Exodus 35-40).
4. Work is worship. All honest labor can be offered to God (Colossians 3:23-24).
5. Craftsmanship serves people. Skill is given to bless the community rather than elevate the individual (Ephesians 4:11-16).
6. God is preparing an eternal masterpiece. Individual believers, the church, and the New Creation are described as God's workmanship and building (Ephesians 2:10; Revelation 21).

A verse that brings these themes together is Ephesians 2:10:

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

The Greek word translated "workmanship" is ποίημα (poiēma), from which the English word poem is derived. Paul presents believers themselves as God's masterwork, created to reflect the skill, beauty, and purpose of the divine Craftsman.

https://www.joyfultoons.com/faith-hope-love/

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Saved by Grace, Empowered by God The Doctrine of Works

The Big Problem

Nehemiah's people did amazing things. They rebuilt Jerusalem's walls in just 52 days. They moved their families into a dangerous, empty city. They organized worship and sang at the dedication.

None of it made them right with God.

That surprises us. But it's true and it matters for your life too.

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Nobody Measures Up

God's people have always struggled to obey him. Israel got God's law at Mount Sinai. They worshiped a golden calf days later. God gave them a homeland. They chased other gods almost immediately.

The pattern never changes. The Bible names it plainly:

"There is no one righteous, not even one." — Romans 3:10

Every person falls short of God's perfect standard. That includes you, and it includes me. No amount of good behavior closes that gap.

Only God can declare a person truly righteous.

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Grace Changes Everything

So how does anyone get right with God?

The answer is grace, God's free gift through faith.

Nehemiah's people offered sacrifices and worshiped God. They weren't earning points with God. They were trusting his promise to send a Savior. Every sacrifice pointed forward to Jesus.

Paul puts it simply in Ephesians 2:8-10:

• We are saved by grace, through faith.
• It is God's gift — not something we earn.
• But God created us to do good works too.

Grace doesn't cancel out works. It puts them in the right place.

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A Thread That Proves the Point

Look at one priestly family in Nehemiah 12 — the division of Abijah.

King David organized priests into 24 teams around 960 BC. Abijah was the eighth team. Babylon destroyed Jerusalem. The priests went into exile. But when the people returned, Abijah's family came home too. Nehemiah wrote their name in his list.

Five hundred years later, a priest named Zechariah served his rotation. An angel appeared to him in the temple. His son would be John the Baptist — the one who announced Jesus.

Luke 1:5 says Zechariah "belonged to the priestly division of Abijah."

Those priests didn't earn that moment. They just showed up. They were faithful in their rotation. God worked through their ordinary obedience for extraordinary purposes.

That's your story too.

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What Works Really Are

If grace saves us, why do works matter? Three reasons.

• Works are a thank-you. Nehemiah's people sang at the walls because God had rescued them. We serve God because he already saved us — not to get him to save us.
• Works are a public statement. James 2:18 says faith shows itself through action. What we do tells the world who we belong to. Our lives speak louder than our words.
• Works are Spirit-powered change. Growing in Christ isn't just trying harder. God's Spirit changes what we want. He moves us from selfishness toward generosity. That change shows up in how we live.
• Moses prayed: "Establish the work of our hands." — Psalm 90:17
• He wasn't asking God to bless his achievements. He was asking God to make his small efforts matter for big purposes.

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Two Wrong Turns

This doctrine warns us about two common mistakes.

Mistake 1: Thinking you can earn God's favor.

This man performs well and feels proud. He fails and feels crushed. He can never rest. He is always keeping score. But he's not serving God, he's auditing himself.

Mistake 2: Thinking effort doesn't matter.

This man hears "grace saves you" and stops trying. He thinks being forgiven means being passive. But Ephesians 2:10 says we were created for good works. God prepared them for us in advance.

Both mistakes miss the point. Grace produces devotion. It never replaces it.

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You Are Part a Bigger Story

Abijah's priests didn't know they were 500 years upstream from John the Baptist. They couldn't see the thread running through their faithfulness. They just served their rotation and trusted God.

You are in the same spot.

You don't see what God is doing through your faithfulness. You don't know which conversation or act of service he will use. But you are here, in this moment, for his purposes.

The question isn't "Am I impressive enough?" The question is simpler: "Am I faithful where God has placed me?"

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Three Things to Remember

You are secure. God holds you — not because you perform well, but because Jesus did.

You are grateful. Every act of service is a thank offering, not a down payment.

You are active. God prepared good works for you. Go do them.

The walls of Jerusalem were built by imperfect people serving a perfect God. Their faithfulness outlasted their lifetimes. So will yours.

"Establish the work of our hands for us — yes, establish the work of our hands." — Psalm 90:17

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Scripture references: Romans 3:10 / Ephesians 2:8-10 / Romans 11:6; Galatians 2:16; 2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 3:4-8; James 2:14-18; 2 Peter 1:5-11 / Psalm 90:16-17

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The Final Debrief: What We Carry Into Glory

Every believer stands on the same foundation, Jesus Christ. But what each one builds upon that foundation is tested by fire at the Bema seat of Christ. Paul's warning in 1 Corinthians 3 is not about salvation but about legacy: wood, hay, and stubble represent the self-serving, the superficial, and the temporally motivated, while gold, silver, and precious stones represent faithful obedience built for God's glory. The judgment seat described in 2 Corinthians 5 is not a courtroom of condemnation but an accounting of stewardship. every deed done in the body examined not for guilt, but for faithfulness. The reward of that faithfulness is heard in the simplest words imaginable: "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21). But the teaching does not end with the reward, it ends with worship. Revelation 4 reveals that the crowns given to the elders are not kept as trophies; they are cast before the throne of the One who alone is worthy to receive glory, honor, and power. The whole arc of the teaching presses a single question: What are you building, and for whom? What survives the fire will be laid at His feet and that changes everything about how we live today.

Works That Follow Us: What we do in this life has eternal weight.

• Revelation 14:13: our works follow us beyond death.
• 1 Corinthians 3:10–15: Christ tests the quality of our work; only what is fireproof remains.
• 2 Corinthians 5:10: every believer appears before Christ for reward.
• Colossians 3:23–24: work done “unto the Lord” becomes inheritance.
• Ephesians 6:7–8: the Lord repays the good we do.
• Hebrews 6:10: God is not unjust to forget faithful labor.

Character That Carries Forward: Sanctification is not discarded at death. It is completed.

• Romans 8:29–30: God’s endgame is Christlikeness.
• 1 John 3:2: we will be like Him when we see Him.
• 2 Corinthians 3:18: the transformation happening now continues into what is revealed then.
• Philippians 1:6: He finishes what He starts.
• Colossians 3:10: renewed into the image of the Creator.
• Jude 24: He keeps us and presents us blameless with joy.

Souls Won and Discipled: People, not possessions, cross into eternity.

• 1 Thessalonians 2:19–20: believers Paul invested in are his crown.
• Philippians 4:1: people are lasting fruit.
• Daniel 12:3: leading many to righteousness shines forever.
• John 4:36: the sower and reaper rejoice together.
• Proverbs 11:30: the one who wins souls is wise.

Rewards, Faithfulness, and Stewardship

The Parable Framework: Jesus ties eternal reward to faithfulness in ordinary responsibility.

• Matthew 25:14–30: talents judged; reward proportional to faithfulness.
• Luke 19:11–27: faithfulness over “very little” leads to authority over cities.
• Matthew 25:34–40: serving “the least of these” is serving Christ.

Crowns as Specific Rewards

• 2 Timothy 4:8: crown of righteousness for loving His appearing.
• James 1:12 / Revelation 2:10: crown of life for endurance.
• 1 Peter 5:4: crown of glory for faithful shepherds.
• 1 Corinthians 9:24–27: imperishable crown for disciplined service.
• Revelation 3:11: hold fast so no one takes your crown.

Stewardship Principles

• Luke 16:10–12: faithfulness with what is small reveals readiness for true riches.
• Matthew 6:19–21: treasure in heaven, not on earth.
• Luke 12:42–48: much given, much required.
• Romans 14:12: each gives an account to God.
• Hebrews 4:13: nothing hidden before Him.

Accounting for Time and Gifts

• Ephesians 5:15–16: redeem the time.
• 1 Peter 4:10: steward spiritual gifts for others.
• Matthew 12:36: account even for careless words.
• Ecclesiastes 12:13–14: every deed brought into judgment.

Hearing “Well Done”

The Direct Words

• Matthew 25:21, 23: “Well done… enter the joy of your Master.”
• Luke 19:17: faithfulness in little brings kingdom authority.

Approval From God, Not Men

• 2 Timothy 2:15: present yourself to God as one approved.
• 1 Corinthians 4:3–5: the Lord examines motives.
• Galatians 1:10: seek His approval, not applause.
• John 5:44: desire the glory that comes from God.

The Joy of the Master

• Matthew 25:21: reward includes shared joy.
• Hebrews 12:2: Jesus endured for the joy ahead; we follow that pattern.
• Zephaniah 3:17: God rejoices over His people.

Standing Before the Judge-King

• Revelation 22:12: Christ returns with rewards in hand.
• Isaiah 40:10: His recompense is with Him.
• Hebrews 11:6: He rewards diligent seekers.
• Romans 2:6–7: He renders according to works.

The Crown Returned in Worship

• Revelation 4:10–11: every crown is cast at His feet. Reward becomes worship.

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Heart Attitudes and Actions That Please the Lord Isaiah 59-66

 We're studying Zechariah in BSF and got to read a familiar passage, 

 "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion - to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. - Isaiah 61:1-3

This got me reading Isaiah 59-66, I asked Claude to consolidate a list of heart attitudes and actions faithful believers can take that please the Lord:

Heart Attitudes

Humility and Contrition

• Being humble and contrite in spirit (66:2)
• Acknowledging we are the clay and God is the potter (64:8)
• Recognizing God as our Father and Redeemer (63:16; 64:8)

Reverence and Fear of God

• Trembling at God's word (66:2, 5)
• Revering His ways and remembering them (64:5)

Repentance and Acknowledgment of Sin

• Repenting of sins (59:20; turning from rebellion, treachery, lies)
• Acknowledging our iniquities and offenses (59:12-13)
• Recognizing our uncleanness and need for cleansing (64:6)

Delight and Joy in God

• Delighting greatly in the Lord (61:10)
• Soul rejoicing in God (61:10)
• Rejoicing and being glad in what God creates (65:18)
• Heart rejoicing when seeing God's work (66:14)

Trust and Waiting

• Waiting for Him (64:4)
• Looking to the Lord and seeking Him (65:10)

Actions and Practices

Prayer and Intercession

• Calling on the Lord's name (64:7; 62:6)
• Giving ourselves no rest in prayer (62:6)
• Giving God no rest until He establishes Jerusalem (62:7)
• Striving to lay hold of God (64:7)

Worship and Praise

• Telling of the Lord's kindnesses and praiseworthy deeds (63:7)
• Bringing acceptable offerings to God's altar (60:7)
• Proclaiming the praise of the Lord (60:6)

Righteousness and Justice

• Gladly doing right (64:5)
• Being clothed with garments of salvation and robed in righteousness (61:10)
• Not calling for injustice or relying on empty arguments (contrast to 59:4)

Response to God's Light

• Arising and shining when God's light comes (60:1)
• Looking and being radiant (60:5)

Solidarity with God's People

• Rejoicing with Jerusalem and being glad for her (66:10)
• Mourning over Jerusalem (66:10)
• Not keeping silent for Zion's sake (62:1)

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The Breastplate of Righteousness: Protected Living

 Righteousness that comes from God

The breastplate protects the heart. Paul roots that protection not in our performance but in God’s righteousness given through Christ.

• “Stand firm… with the breastplate of righteousness in place.” (Ephesians 6:14)

• “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.” (Romans 3:22)

• “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

• “Not having a righteousness of my own… but that which is through faith in Christ.” (Philippians 3:9)

Righteousness is a gift before it becomes a lifestyle.

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Ephesians 1–3: Foundations

Paul spends three chapters telling believers who they are before he tells them how to live. Identity fuels obedience.

Key foundations:

• Chosen before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4).

• Adopted as sons and daughters (Ephesians 1:5).

• Redeemed through His blood (Ephesians 1:7).

• Sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13–14).

• Made alive with Christ (Ephesians 2:4–5).

• Saved by grace, not works (Ephesians 2:8–9).

• God’s workmanship, created for good works (Ephesians 2:10).

• Strengthened with power through the Spirit in the inner person (Ephesians 3:16–19).

The breastplate rests on these truths. Righteous living grows from secure identity.

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Ephesians 4–6: Evidence in daily life

Chapters 4–6 shift from identity to evidence. Righteousness becomes visible.

Paul outlines the lifestyle:

• Put off the old self and put on the new (Ephesians 4:22–24).

• Speak truthfully (Ephesians 4:25).

• Control anger (Ephesians 4:26–27).

• Work honestly and share generously (Ephesians 4:28).

• Build others up with your words (Ephesians 4:29).

• Forgive as God forgave you (Ephesians 4:32).

• Walk in love as Christ loved (Ephesians 5:1–2).

• Walk as children of light (Ephesians 5:8–10).

• Submit to one another in reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21).

• Stand firm against spiritual forces (Ephesians 6:10–12).

This is righteousness in action. Identity produces integrity.

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Guarding the heart through obedient living

The heart is the command center. Righteousness shields it.

• “Guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23)

• “Above all else, keep your heart with all diligence.” (Proverbs 4:23 NKJV/NIV)

• Jesus warned that sin flows from an unguarded heart (Mark 7:20–23).

• Obedience strengthens the armor: “If you love Me, keep My commands.” (John 14:15)

• “Blessed are those who walk in obedience… who seek Him with all their heart.” (Psalm 119:1–2)

Righteousness lived out closes the gaps where the enemy seeks entry.

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God, make my heart Yours again: obedience, integrity, and character

I'm grateful to have spent the last weekend with my friend Daniel Henderson, he mentored me in a men's group and baptized me in 2005. He gave me a book a few years back called Glorious Finish. A glorious finish starts in the heart, not the spotlight. Your calling is first to intimacy with Christ, then to ministry. Activity without abiding leads to drift. Worship creates humility. Neglect creates self-reliance. Daily rhythms of prayer, Scripture, and honest community protect you from fatigue and pride. Ministry is the overflow of a healthy soul. Revival begins when you stop trying to produce outcomes and return to God. The reward is a life that ends well, with integrity intact and Christ exalted.

Glorious Finish – Outline

1. The Core Problem

• Ministry drift begins when leaders substitute activity for abiding.
• Burnout, comparison, ego, and performance creep in unnoticed.
• Leaders lose intimacy with God long before they lose influence.

2. The Call to Identity Before Activity

• Who you are in Christ is more important than what you do for Christ.
• Success is not measured by output but by obedience, integrity, and character.
• Your private life determines your public ministry.

3. Two Possible Endings

• Glorious Finish: A life marked by faithfulness, integrity, and spiritual fruit.
• Dishonorable Discharge: A leader undone by neglect, self-reliance, or hidden compromise.
• The trajectory is shaped by daily choices, not dramatic moments.

4. The Four Rhythms That Sustain a Glorious Finish

a. Reasons

• Clarity of calling and purpose.
• Ministry anchored in God’s glory, not personal success.

b. Rhythms

• Daily worship.
• Consistent Scripture meditation.
• Praying with others.
• Guarding your heart and habits.

c. Results

• Renewed joy.
• Stronger resilience.
• Greater humility.
• Spiritual authenticity.

d. Rewards

• Endurance over decades.
• God’s pleasure, not people’s applause.
• A finish marked by faithfulness and intimacy.

5. The Great Exchange: Worship vs. Neglect

• Worship cultivates dependence, humility, and strength.
• Neglect produces professionalism, self-reliance, and spiritual erosion.
• Revival begins with returning to God, not working harder for God.

6. The Leader’s Inner Life

• Leaders lose their way when they lose their private life with God.
• Daily intimacy is the antidote to fear, comparison, pride, and exhaustion.
• Spiritual disciplines protect the soul and align the heart to Christ.

7. Finishing Well

• Faithfulness is formed over time.
• Finishing well requires guardrails, accountability, confession, and community.
• A glorious finish is not the result of talent. It is the result of daily surrender.

seeking God for revival, praise God it never ends. 

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No Longer a Sinner but Righteous and Holy - by Paul Fetchner

I met Paul years ago and he shares his thoughts via email, I wanted to preserve this and meditate on it, enjoy.

Our BSF Adventure in the Revelation of Jesus 10/19/2024

Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! (Revelation 1:3; 22:20 ESV)

No Longer a Sinner but Righteous and Holy

 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. 21 The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. (Revelation 3:18-21 ESV)

the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; 8 it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. (Revelation 19:7-8 ESV)

as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15 ESV)

20 But that is not the way you learned Christ!— 21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:20-24 ESV)

9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. (Colossians 3:9 ESV)

8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified (made righteous) by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. (Romans 5:8-11 ESV)

Throughout the New Testament the Holy Spirit uses the illustration of clothing to describe our internal spiritual nature. Jesus counselled the Laodicians to “to buy from me …white garments so that you may clothe yourself”. In Revelation 19:7-8 it is revealed that these “white garments” are the “righteous deeds of the saints” with which “his Bride has made herself ready” which Jesus has “granted her”. The word translated “saints” is the same adjective form of the word for holy used to describe God in Revelation 4:8. All of God’s people are saints or literally “holy ones”. Peter directly associates “holy” with “your conduct” as well as God’s. (1 Peter 1:15 ESV) Using similar clothing terminology, Paul indicates that these “righteous deeds” are the result of having “put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” through having “put off your old self” and being “renewed in the spirit of your minds”. In referring to our new internal nature “created after the likeness of God”, Paul uses the singular feminine nouns for “righteousness and holiness” rather than the plural neuter noun and adjective forms used in Revelation 19:8. Because of their close association in scripture it is easy to get righteousness and holiness confused. In Romans 6:16-23 NIV Paul identifies the progression of “obedience, which leads to (eis: into) righteousness … righteousness leading to (eis) holiness”, “the benefit your reap (from righteousness) leads to (eis) holiness, and the result is eternal life.“ It is God’s own righteousness (nature) which He has made freely available to us through the Gospel, (Romans 1:16-17) which produces holiness in our conduct resulting in experiencing “eternal life” both in this world and the next. Through obedience to God’s voice, I receive His righteous nature which is manifested in holy conduct in this world as His saints. At its core meaning, righteousness is who you are and holiness emphasizes how you conduct yourself because you are righteous. Righteousness comes before holiness under grace. A works mentality seeks to become righteous by changing my conduct.

those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:17 ESV)

Righteousness is the “free gift” which enables me to “reign in life” as a king. But my first responsibility as a king under the “KING OF KINGS” is to “reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.” (Revelation 19:16; 1 Corinthians 15:25 ESV) Through the name, blood and authority of Jesus I am to “conquer him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony”. (Revelation 12:11 ESV) Since my success and therefore maturity in this process is a direct result of the words that come out of my mouth, (James 3:2 NIV) the Holy Spirit desires to energize and enable me to constantly monitor the words I speak to make sure that they are consistent with the “word” of God as recorded in the Bible. Otherwise, my words have no power to “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7 ESV) One of the most important ways to do this is to make sure I am using the same tenses for words as the Holy Spirit does in the Bible. One of the most common mistakes that Christians make is to refer to themselves as “sinners” in the present tense. As in Romans 5:8-11, Paul is always careful when speaking to Christians to use the past tense when instructing on this topic. Yes, all of us “were … sinners … were enemies” but we also “were reconciled to God”. But “we have now been justified (made righteous) by his blood… now that we are reconciled … we have now received reconciliation.” Paul goes on in chapter 5 to destroy the common error in our thinking that one becomes a sinner by personally committing sins. It was not my personal sin that made me a sinner, but Adam’s sin six thousand years ago that caused me to be born a sinner under the reign of sin (Satan) and the spirit whose name(nature) is Death. (Romans 5:14,21; Revelation 20:14) It is by believing and then confessing (testifying) with my own mouth that Jesus’s blood has freed me “from the power of Satan to God” that I experience “salvation” from Sin/Satan’s reign over me. (Acts 26:18; Romans 10:9-10 ESV) If (not when) I sin, I now confess/testify that I have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” Who is “cleansing me from “all sin” and “from all unrighteousness” (1 John 2:1; 1:7,9 ESV) Instead of condemning myself, for “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”, I am to “confess [homologeo /hom·ol·og·eh·o/ say the same thing as God says about] our(my) sins” in His Word. John encourages us by stating, “I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin.” (1 John 2:1 ESV) With this statement he indicates that, while we have sinned in the past because we were born sinners, if we read, understand and tenaciously apply what he has written, the Holy Spirit will enable us to recognize Sin’s/Satan’s traps and temptations and conquer them one by one. According to 1 John 1:9 our responsibility in this process is to homologeo (agree with our mouth as to what He says about) each of our sins. Then He will do His part to “forgive (release us from bondage to sin)” and “cleanse us from all unrighteousness” because “all unrighteousness is sin”. (1 John 5:17). In his letters, Paul never refers to Christians as “sinners” but “saints” (holy ones). To call myself a sinner instead of a “holy one”, reconciled, justified (made righteous) by his blood, filled with and energized by the Holy Spirit is Satan’s subtle way of causing me to condemn myself and perpetuate his control of one or more areas in my life. Created in God’s image, every word that comes out of my mouth is a seed that produces fruit in my life at some point in the future. (Mark 11:22-24) My experience today is a result of whose words I have “confessed” in the past. Bad seeds produce weeds that need to be pulled and thrown away and replanted with good seeds instead of agreeing with Satan’s condemning words which sows more weed seeds that will grow to maturity in the future. Then I will experience what it means to “reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ”.

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Wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it (Luke 7:35)

• But wisdom is proved right by all her children. NIV
• Yet wisdom is justified by all her children. ESV
• Yet wisdom is vindicated and shown to be right by all her children [by the lifestyle, moral character, and good deeds of her followers].” AMP
• Wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it. NLT
• God's wisdom, however, is shown to be true by all who accept it." GNT

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The sower and soils explained in parable of talents (Matthew 13:12, 25:29)

Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. -  Matthew 13:12

For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. - Matthew 25:29

Consistent with Luke:

Pay attention, therefore, to how you listen. Whoever has will be given more, but whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him." - Luke 8:18

Master,' they said, 'he already has ten!' He replied, ‘I tell you that everyone who has will be given more; but the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. - Luke 19:25-27

Discovering the Light of listening and being Salt (Luke 8-14), makes me want to continue from 14-19.

I met John Bevere years ago at Ameriprise, SALT before I went to Myanmar for the first time, he taught us about multiplication = good and faithful while maintaining = wicked and lazy. 

What needs to change in my heart, regarding my view of God and what he’s entrusted to me?

What does knowing “good and faithful” = multiplication mean for my current ministry?

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God's patience displayed in Israel's folly and Judah's obedience (Hosea 11)

Key verse: For my people are determined to desert me. They call me the Most High, but they don’t truly honor me. (Hosea 11:7)

Patience: "the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset."

God's Patience: determination under long-suffering to show compassion, mercy, and grace

 - Long-suffering: "having or showing patience in spite of troubles, especially those caused by other people."

 Hosea 11

11:1-3) Israel young (first 600 years), God loved, called to repentance/obedience, yet idolatry - healed them

4) Led them gently cords of kindness, love to guide them, lifting/easing the yoke of the law, feeding them

 - Matthew 11:29 - Take my yoke (the law of love) upon you, and learn from me. 

 - I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you (John 13:15),  So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (John 13:34-35)

5-6) My people refuse repentance, war, enemies, trapped in own evil plans/counsels

7) My people, determined/bent on turning away from Most High, but don't truly honor him

 - Our determination matters and honor is shown in behavior. Determined: "having made a firm decision and being resolved not to change it."

 - Application: When learning from God, being led by the Holy Spirit, and shown what is sin, righteousness, and judgment. Have I decided to follow Jesus or continue in my sin?

8-11) God's reaction: "My heart is torn within me, and my compassion overflows." not violence/hatred. Hope that "someday the people will follow me", "like doves...I will bring them home again" says the LORD

12) Israel surrounds me with lies/deceit but Judah still obeys God and is faithful to the Holy One

 - Intriguing variation in human experience, to choose or not to choose?

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Lamps with Joyful oil (Matthew 25:4, Psalm 45:7)

Reading Matt 22:44-25:46, explaining the Messiah is the Son of Man, yet Lord. Was struck by the phrase "Lord, Lord..."  and "I never knew you" (Matt 7:21-24, 22:44,25:11)

 Matthew 25:4, Psalm 45:7

The Lamp of faith is to hold oil and be used. 

Joyful oil in the work: Matthew 7:24 - Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

Joyful oil in the Spirit, a song in my heart: Psalm 45:7-8 - You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you above your companions with the oil of joy. All your garments are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces of ivory the harps make you glad

 - Joyful oil in the lamp for righteousness: Matthew 7:23 - And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, you that work iniquity.

What does it mean to "regard iniquity in my heart"? It means to keep a sin in one's heart, being unwilling to part with it. Such a person knows something is a sin, yet he continues to cherish it. It is not only a weakness in conduct or appearance but also a craving in the heart. (Sin must be confessed and forsaken, Proverbs 28:13) You must tell the Lord, "I have regarded a sin in my heart. I cannot give it up. I ask You to forgive me. I want to forsake this sin. Please deliver me from this sin. Do not let this sin remain in me. I do not want it. I want to reject it." If you confess to the Lord this way, the Lord will forgive; you will receive forgiveness (and faith, grace and mercy to follow through).

Pulpit Commentary:

...The contrast between the two classes seems to lie in the foresight of the one and the negligent carelessness of the other. It has been common from early times to find in the lamps the symbol of faith, in the oil the good works that proceed therefrom. The wise virgins exercise their faith in charity and good works; the foolish profess, indeed, the faith of Christ but carry it not out to the production of the good works in which God ordained that they should walk (Ephesians 2:10) ...the right solution is to be found in regarding the oil as symbolical of the Holy Spirit, or the graces of God. This is a truly scriptural notion, as declared by the use of this substance in holy rites. Accepting this view, we should say that the ten virgins had so far alike taken and used the grace of God, but that they differed in this - that, while the wise maintained the supply of grace by constant recourse to the means thereof, the foolish were satisfied with their spiritual state once for all, and took no pains to keep their spiritual life healthful and active by the renewal of the Holy Spirit in their hearts. They retained the outward show and form of faith, but neglected the true inward life of faith; they had the appearance without the reality.

In reading this I see two paths, marked by words. One path branches out into "life in the fullest" and the other leads only to hell. Words leading to hell are ignorance, foolishness, neglect... the other knowing Jesus, wisdom, care. The Life in the fullest branches creates a strong mesh, fabric - new clothes. Clothes that fit perfectly, the right clothes for the job, joy with humility. The path that leads to hell leaves us is inappropriately dressed, embarrassed, and shameful.  

Proverbs 11:12 : When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom. 

1 Peter 5:5 : Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

Thank you lord for my time on the Alpha board. For Brittany, Pete, Joe and Peggy, Matt and Lindsey, Adam, and Brandi. For those who came before us and those who will come after us. May God's grace continue to reach more and more as we distribute his grace in various forms. Amen. 

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Doctrine of Election is God's irrevocable call for everyone (Genesis 25:23)

I'm preparing to teach the Doctrine of God's Election, his choice in saving some and not others. The key point is that without God's intervention, all people, those elected for salvation and those who do not come to Christ, are equally undeserving of God’s grace. Election means that God calls specific people to faith, and we know how this happens when we read Romans. All of Romans from Romans 1:1,16;16:25

Romans 1:1) Letter Paul, slave of Christ Jesus, called/chosen apostle, set apart gospel of God

 - Romans 11:29 God's gifts and call are irrevocable. Gospel is for everyone, clarion call to repent and believe God (See John 3:15-21, for people to reject is to blaspheme the Holy Spirit - unpardonable sin Matt 12:31)

 - Romans 12:4 One body, different members/function

- Application: it matters that you are here, "You will always underestimate the impact of your absence in time and eternity." Greg Stratford, BSF Teaching Leader. Some are called to be husband/wife/father/mother while others like Paul are set apart for the Gospel of God.

Some of us are like the prodigal son, we're drowning in drudgery but God's Spirit reminds us, "my yoke is easy and my burden is light" - God is watching you decide to come home and is getting things prepared. The whole point of Jesus in Luke 15: God loves people but people easily miss what love looks like. Jesus is the cornerstone, joining sinners to Pharisees. Holiness extends grace abundantly. Are you the lost son in the story or are you the angry stay at home son? 

Some of us have thought Election means it's God's problem. Yet Romans 1:5-7 says that through Christ, God gave us; grace/privilege authority apostles to tell Gentiles to believe/obey bring glory to his name. 7) all in Rome, loved by God, called to be his holy people.

 - Apostle: first successful Christian missionary in a country or to a people. "One who is sent off"

 - The good news of God comes with privilege and burden (authority and work) 

Religion focus vs Jesus focus

Election properly applied leads to Gospel-centered living and sharing.

Election improperly applied lulls us to sleepy inaction disguised as "trusting God" or getting ahead of God in declaring people a lost cause.

 - Longevity trap: long time not love. How much do you love? Not, how long have you believed? 

 - Works trap: I've served...God owes me. Is God your boss or your father? Do you enjoy him? 

 - Graceless: God loves people who stay, more than those who stray. Putting yourself on a pedestal. 

So when thinking of Election don't just eat the popcorn of a few verses, enjoy the meal and have energy and enthusiasm in your ministry; Genesis 25:23, 31-34; Romans 9:10-13;Mal 1:2-3

Romans 16:25, NLT: "Now all glory to God, who is able to make you strong, just as my Good News says. This message about Jesus Christ has revealed his plan for you Gentiles, a plan kept secret from the beginning of time."

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We inherit the wealth by faith and invest the wealth by works

read this quote from "Be Rich (Ephesians): Gaining the Things That Money Can't Buy (The BE Series Commentary)" by Warren W. Wiersbe -

"We inherit the wealth by faith and invest the wealth by works"

Start reading this book for free: http://a.co/6HPU2tU

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Fatih is the work and it's as simple as looking at God

God brought to my mind that Fatih is the work and it's as simple as looking at God (John 3:3-15). It's God's way of putting things in motion (Jesus said repeatedly your faith has healed you/made you well). We see it in the old testament By faith Abel brought God a better offering (Heb 11:4, Gen 4:4).

Then Chris sent the Faith teaching from BSFinternational.org
The Bible defines faith in Hebrews 11:1 (“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see”). Faith is simply belief, faith and belief being two English translations of what is only one word in Greek (pistis). Faith is believing God and acting on it. It is necessary to stress the last part of that definition, however, because we must not think that saving faith is mere intellectual assent. The demons have this kind of belief (James 2:19), but they tremble before it. They are not saved. Saving faith involves three elements: first, content (for belief is always in something), specifically, the content of the gospel concerning salvation (Matthew 16:16; John 1:12; 3:16; Acts 4:12; 16:31); second, a personal, loving trust in one’s heart in Jesus Christ, who is a person and who first loved us (John 1:12; 3:16; 6:37; Acts 16:14); and third, a commitment to repent and follow Christ (Matthew 11:28-30; Luke 9:23; 14:2527; Acts 3:19; 20:21; Romans 12:1-2). This last element is refused by many because it means giving up control of our lives and acknowledging the lordship of Christ over our thoughts and actions.

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Simple devotion to Christ, brings wisdom, protects against deceit and regret

2 Cor 11:3; Proverbs 5:11-14; 2:1-10
A) Simple, pure devotion to Christ is all that's needed
But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. - 2 Cor 11:3

B) Regret:  A life lived well comes from listening to instruction and reproof
And you groan at your final end,
When your flesh and your body are consumed;
And you say, “How I have hated instruction!
And my heart spurned reproof!
“I have not listened to the voice of my teachers,
Nor inclined my ear to my instructors!
“I was almost in utter ruin
In the midst of the assembly and congregation.” - Proverbs 5:11-14

C) If we're receptive to wisdom and ask for it, Lord reveals it to us
My son, if you will receive my words
And treasure my commandments within you,
Make your ear attentive to wisdom,
Incline your heart to understanding;
For if you cry for discernment,
Lift your voice for understanding;
If you seek her as silver
And search for her as for hidden treasures;
Then you will discern the fear of the Lord
And discover the knowledge of God.
For the Lord gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
He is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
Guarding the paths of justice,
And He preserves the way of His godly ones.
Then you will discern righteousness and justice
And equity and every good course.
For wisdom will enter your heart
And knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; - Proverbs 2:1-10

Lord, you have made my soul still and refreshed my heart. I haven't been sleeping well thinking of all the big items in my work life and conversations I'll be having. But today I rest in you and I'm listening to your instruction and reproof. 

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The meaning and value of work

If Ephesians 2:8-10 could be understood by all Christians, most controversies about works would be avoided. That passage mentions works twice, once in verses 8 and 9 (“It is by grace you have been saved … not by works, so that no one can boast”) and once in verse 10 (“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works”). The first verses refer to justification, and in justification, works are excluded. No one can be “saved” (in the sense of justified) by human works. In Galatians, Paul even pronounces a curse on anyone who would dare to teach differently (Galatians 1:8-9). On the other hand, in verse 10, Paul speaks about works to be done by one who has already been justified, and in this case, works are absolutely necessary, for they are ordained by God for all who are born again. If there are no works, there is no new life. A sincere profession of faith followed by a changed life with good works, not a mere profession alone, is the only real proof of a person’s salvation. (See also Romans 11:6; Galatians 2:16; 2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 3:4-8; James 2:14-18; 2 Peter 1:5-11.) - BsfInternational.org

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Receiving the gift of eternal life and mercy by faith (Romans 4, Titus 3:3-7)

Eternal Life starts now and lasts forever

Eternal life refers to a gift of God that comes only “through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). This gift is in contrast to the “death” that is the natural result of sin. The gift of eternal life comes to those who believe in Jesus Christ, who is Himself “the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). Eternal life can be thought of as something that Christians experience now. Believers don’t have to “wait” for eternal life, because it’s not something that starts when they die. Rather, eternal life begins the moment a person exercises faith in Christ. It is our current possession. John 3:36 says, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.” Note that the believer “has” (present tense) this life (the verb is present tense in the Greek, too what-is-eternal-life).

Receiving the gift of life by faith (Romans 4)

1.  Contrast the ideas of working for a wage (Romans 4:1-8) or privileged upbringing (Romans 4:9-15) and receiving a promised gift through faith (Romans 4:16-25). What truth about faith do you get in reading Romans 4:18-19?

2.  What aspects of the promise in Romans 4:16-17 would you like to learn more about? Consider using the index in the back of your Bible to look up these terms.

3.  Hebrews 11:1-7 introduces faith in the context of God’s faithfulness in history, creation, and future events. Why is it impossible to please God without faith?

God’s mercy gift for you (Titus 3:3-7)

4.  What distinctive roles does the Father, Son, and Spirit play in giving us Eternal Life?

5.  How will you ask God to receive this gift today?

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"Jesus is Lord" from a heart of faith (Romans 9:30-10:13)

 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Romans 10:9-10

Romans 9:30-10:13
A) Righteousness culminated in Christ, known by all who believe
30-33) righteousness obtained by faith, not the law - by works. "stumbling stone" (Isa 8:14, 1 Peter 2:6-8)
1-2) heart's desire/prayer for Israelites be saved, zealous for God not based on knowledge
3) didn't know the righteousness of God, establish their own not submitting to God's righteousness
4) Christ culmination of law, righteousness for everyone who believes

B) Faith submits to God's word at the heart level
5-7) righteousness by law, live by them but righteousness by faith don't say in heart who will ascend to heaven (down or up)

John 6:60) Disciples, “hard understand, how accept it?”
(61-62) Jesus (aware complaining) “offended? What to think see Son of Man ascend to heaven again”
-          Transfiguration was the first, the resurrection and ascension will the “again”
(63) Spirit alone gives eternal life, Human effort nothing; very words are spirit and life
(64-65) some don’t believe, only unless Father gives them

8) Word is near you, mouth and heart: faith we proclaim

 - 9) If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

10) heart believe God raised Jesus from dead, justified, mouth profess faith and saved 

 - Mouth speaks what's the in the heart (Matthew 12:34)

 - Non-believers don't know God, glory HIm or give thanks - thinking futile hearts darkened (Romans 1:21-22)

 - Believers - sons, God sent Spirit of his Son into our hearts, Spirit calls out Abba Father

11-13) Scripture affirms, believes not put to shame, all people (Romans 3:22, 29), Jesus Lord of all (Matthew 28:18)

 - Isaiah 28:16

 - 13)  everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (Joel 2:32)

Jesus the Bread from Heaven, offered to all offensive to most (John 6:41-71)

Never underestimate the power of God’s Word to change a person’s heart

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Communicate needed change into a receptive heart

A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. Proverbs 15:13 NIV 

I like rehab shows where people see the possibilities in houses, situations, and people that have "fallen off the rails" so to speak. Some of my favorites have been Restaurant Impossible, What Not To Wear, Dog Whisperer, and Curb Appeal. They all start with diagnostics and research - leading to confrontation and finally a new understanding and a new beginning. Have you ever had to give someone bad news for their own good, but maybe it didn't go as well as you hoped? Maybe that confrontation ended a relationship with someone you love. Maybe you were on the receiving end and have a crushed spirit. Whatever happened in the past or your current situation - God's got some great advice for us in Proverbs 15 to communicate needed change into a receptive heart. 

When people are in a good mood they are more receptive, open and can see possibilities. Song has power to change our mood and bring us into a place of receptivity. This is why teenagers can be easily depressed while listening to the same song over and over. For little children you can sing "If your happy and you know it clap your hands...If your happy and you know it then your face will surely show it, if your happy and you know it clap your hands."

Words are powerful and alter the path of our lives. Lord help us to be receptive to your truth, to seek you first and take it to heart.

Proverbs 15, says about God

1. The Lord is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good. 
2. The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but he delights in the prayers of the upright. 
3. The Lord detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue godliness. 
4. Even Death and Destruction hold no secrets from the Lord . How much more does he know the human heart! 
5. The Lord tears down the house of the proud, but he protects the property of widows. 
6. The Lord detests evil plans, but he delights in pure words. 
7. The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayers of the righteous.

Proverbs 15:3‭, ‬8‭-‬9‭, ‬11‭, ‬25‭-‬26‭, ‬29 NLT

 - Jehovah Nissi: God provides daily blessings, experiences and people to remind us the He is our banner.

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Abraham the father of our Faith by God's promise (Romans 4)

Romans 4

Focus verses:  

The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification. - Romans 4:23-25

AIM: It's God and his promise we believe, trust and hope in - not ourselves

A) not works
(1-3) Abraham not justified by works, but believed God credited righteous  (gen 15:6)
 - see also Genesis 12:1-9; 13:1-18; 15:1-6, 18; 17:1-10, 23
(4-8) works/wages - trust God who justifies ungodly, their faith credited righteous (David)
 - see Psalm 32:1-2, quoted in Romans 4:7-8 (See 2 Samuel 11-12; Psalms 32; 51)
 - as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.Psalm 103:12
 - that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against...2 Corinthians 5:19

B) not signs
(9-12) Righteous before circumcision (the sign/seal), follow in footsteps of faith
 - Gal 5:6, ...faith expressing itself in love
(13-15) Not through law, promise was righteousness by faith - law brings wrath - no law, no transgression
 - Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather,...Romans 3:20 also (Romans 5:13, Romans 7:7)

C) but God's promise accepted in Faith
(16-17) Promise comes by faith, God's grace guarantee (father of many nations - his faith), God gives life to dead, calls into being things that were not
 - origins is important to consider. Hebrews 11:1-7, by faith we believe ..."he calls into being things that were not"
(18-20) Abraham in hope, believed against all hope, holding God's word, not unbelief but faith strengthened gave glory to God
(21-22) Faith = "fully persuaded God power to do promised", credit righteouness
(23-25) for us to believe him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, for our sins, raised for justification

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