08.5 BSF Matthew Week 8, Day 5

Today’s Scriptures

My Daily Journal:

Stolen words used for unearned earthly gain.

The words of the bible are precious.  They are not just words, they have power, meaning and purpose.  But when people use these words in a twisted fashion, they don’t just deceive, they are thieves.

If I take a tool from my neighbors garage, I am a thief.  If I take credit for artwork I did not create, I am a thief.  If I take the Words of God and use them for my glory instead of His, I am a thief.

We may deceive ourselves into justifying our theft.  We may think that watering down the scripture is a means to get people in the door.  We may think that it is better to avoid the “controversial” parts of the gospel.  But what does Jesus say?  There is never a time that Jesus does not reflect the glory of God alone.  His food was the do the will of Him who sent Him and to finish His work.

What do you stand on?  Is it what you want to be true?  Is it what you would like the bible to say?  Or do you stand on the one and only solid foundation.

Actually, standing is not enough.  We are not just called to stand on the cornerstone, we are called to be built on it, as it says in 1 Peter, into a holy house of worship to the Living God.

My Answers:

11.
a.
Matt: Jesus knowing them (not His sheep)
Luke: do not do what Jesus says
John: refuse to come to Christ, do not have the love of God in heart, do not accept Christ
John: Belief in the Father
Hosea: rejected what is good, set up own kingship aside from God, made idols

b.
The words that came out of their mouth were lies and for show.  The words did not reflect submission to the rule of God or a contrite spirit, they were stolen words used for illegal earthly gain, which does not carry into heaven

c.
I am, myself, at times.  When I rely on myself and not the H/S, I lie to myself.  When I pray afterwards instead of before, I am being my own prince, When I put trust in men who look the part and sound good instead of the word of God, I live a lie.

12.
That He alone is the Judge on Judgment Day.  No one enters except by His knowledge.  He alone is Lord.

13.
a.
Hear the words of the Lord AND put them into practice

b.
They don’t practice their faith (if they have any at all).  They put it in a box (Sunday morning) or on a shelf (unread bible) and go about living their life with what they think is right or what they want right to be.

c.
Isaiah: Lay a stone in Zion, tested stone, precious cornerstone, rely on it never stricken w/ panic
1 Cor: No one can lay any other foundation: Jesus Christ
1 Peter: Living stone, rejected by humans chosen by God, we on Him a spiritual house, holy priesthood

d.
On Christ the solid rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand

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08.3 BSF Matthew Week 8, Day 3

Today’s Scriptures

My Daily Journal:

My wife gets some friendly teasing from her group for her passion for getting deep into God’s word and looking up the Greek behind our English biblical words.  She jokingly said this morning that she looked up the word “knock” in Greek and it means to “knock, as on a door.”

While she said this tongue in cheek, it is actually a very relevant point.

Lots of people ask.  They scream out in their words and actions.  Some people seek.  They look for answers.  They look for help.  But knocking – that is something different.

You can ask from afar and anonymously.  You can seek answers from unreliable sources.  We have a neighbor who asks her deepest questions to Google search like some sort of magic eight ball to give guidance to her life.

But knocking requires personal action and personal involvement.  To knock in prayer, you have to show up on God’s doorstep.  You have to know the right house, the right door.  You must spiritually get up and carry your prayers to Him.  You have to extend your hand.  You have to take action, engage directly and personally.

God does not just want our requests and wishes, He wants our connection with Him.  He doesn’t want us to just phone it in, He wants us to enter His home.

My Answers:

6.
a.
Ask, Seek, Knock

b.
Yes, sick child, guidance for another child, restful sleep for spouse

7.
The promise of the Holy Spirit.  Good gifts could mean any blessing, but the H/S is the ultimate gift and blessing

8.
a.
The ultimate answer to prayer (according to God’s will) is salvation and reconciliation.  He purchased that gift for us while we were still sinner (Rom 5:8), but we still must choose to accept the gift and submit to Him

b.
God is not a vending machine that you insert prayer and out pops blessings or your get your own way.  God does what is in His will and His mercy out of love.  All prayer is heard and answered, some not as we wish for teaching/change

c.
It fits unselfish love.  God has nothing to gain through prayer, but through His love of us He delights in giving