8 Nov (2 Cor 9-13)

2 Corinthians 9

(v.7) Tithing is not easy for us...it goes against our nature to give to someone else than keep for ourselves. This is what Jesus taught us...to put others' needs before our own. Tithing is not that big a deal, if you really think about it. All the money we have came from God's grace. To give at least 10% back to Him via our church or some godly ministry, is nothing.

God wants us to do this so we have a heart for giving, and we switch the focus off of us, and towards others. God wants us to be cheerful givers!

2 Corinthians 10

(v.3) I try to teach my kids that when we face troubles, to look behind the person or situation, and find who is orchestrating the trouble. Satan is our enemy, and he is always trying to trip up those of us who are following God. Satan doesn't want fruitful Christians...he wants ineffective and lukewarm Christians. He uses other people to bring us down, so pray and ask God to fight our battles.

2 Corinthians 11

(v.13) Jesus warned the disciples many times to be careful not to be lead astray. Cults and false religions have added to God's Word in the Bible. If you belong to a church that was started by one man, then ask yourself, "What if he was wrong?" The Bible is written by the Holy Spirit, but through over 40 people, to show that Christianity is not based on man's opinion, but God's Word.

Ever since Satan lost the war at the cross, he battles God daily by trying to have people veer away from God's Word, and following the word of men. Satan infiltrated the Church to break it up...he's been pretty successful, unfortunately. That is why my family reads the Bible and studies it, for other books are only supplementary, and not to replace the Bible.

2 Corinthians 12

(v.2) Scholars believe, and I believe, that one of the times that Paul was beaten and left for dead, that he actually did die. He was taken to the third heaven.

1st heaven ~ the earth's atmosphere

2nd heaven ~ outer space

3rd heaven ~ the dwelling place of God

Paul saw and heard things that were too wonderful to try to explain or describe...that is what heaven is like. We will be in awe for eternity at what God has planned for us!

(v.10) When we are weak, we are strong in Christ. Only when we know that we need Christ, and He can work in our lives, are we strong. When we don't get to that point, we think we can solve our problems and live abundantly without God.

2 Corinthians 13

(v.5) Ask yourself if you hate what God hates, and love what God loves. Do you hate sin? Do you hate evil? Do you long to help the weak and helpless? If you don't answer yes to these things, then pray and ask God to work in your life. Only when we are walking with God can He use us.

7 Nov (2 Cor 6-8)

2 Corinthians 6

(v.14) As the saying goes, "You can't pick your family, but you can choose your friends."

It's so important for us parents to counsel our kids about their friends. We need to stress to them that they should choose for friends other believers. I find that I have less problems with believers than with nonbelievers. I love being in the company of believers, and I cherish my time with the Brethren at church, or online in a Christian site, etc. Those are the little slices of what heaven will be like...we all worship and love the LORD, and we encourage each other!

2 Corinthians 7

(v.1) Can we ever be perfect on this earth? No, but we should strive to be so. If we are followers of Christ, then being a disciple is to imitate our Teacher. If we act more Christ-like, then we are doing the work of God.

(v.8) Paul is not sorry for his harsh words to the Corinthians earlier...rebuke is necessary if other believers are acting outside God's Word. Of course, we need to do this with love, and not rebuke others to make them look bad, but in order to build them up.

(v.10) If we are saved and the Holy Spirit is working in us, then we regret our sins, and we feel awful about them.

2 Corinthians 8

(v.4) The money we have is not ours. It has been given to us by God. We are to be joyful givers, and to consistently give to our church and ministries that do the LORD's work. All of us can't be missionaries, but we can all support them in prayer and funds.

(v.9) I marvel at this especially at Christmas time. Jesus, the Creator of the universe, came to us in the most humble and poorest ways. He was born in a filthy cave where animal dung and foul smells were abundant. He didn't show up as a King, but one day, He will. Rev 19:11

(v.14) Paul is speaking about Socialism or Communism, for if he was, he would be telling them to give to the Roman government, and let them tend to the poor. No, he was speaking to individuals, who like us, have the duty to take care of others. That is doing the Law of Christ. Gal 6:2

19 Aug (Matt 6)

The Gospels: Practicing Righteousness

Matthew 6

(v.1) We are not supposed to tithe and show off what we give to God...that is between Him and ourselves. Besides, a person who wishes to have others know how much he/she gave, is only doing it for themselves...not for the worship of God.

In verses 9-13, we see the prayer that Jesus told His disciples to pray. It is often called the Lord's Prayer, but it's not the prayer of our LORD, it's a template for us to think on all the things of God in prayer.

The REAL LORD's Prayer is in John 17

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name

~ I teach my kids to pray TO the Father, IN THE NAME of Jesus. The Father is to be worshiped and hallowed or respected.

Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven

~ This alludes to the two comings of Christ...He will come again and restore the earth to it's rightful owner (Jesus), and the whole creation will be like it was when Adam and Eve were in the Garden of Eden.

We are also to be mindful that our desires are often not good for us, so we are to trust in Him, to lead us and guide our lives the way He wants us to live for Him.

Give us this day our daily bread

~ God is our Provider, and He will give us all we need in life. Much like the Jews in the Wilderness who were fed by God with manna...they never went hungry.

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors

~ Only if we have forgiving hearts, can God truly forgive our sins. If we are saved, then we have a new heart that is loving and forgiving. Sure, we will have moments of hate and selfishness, but we won't let our lives be driven by hate and resentment.

And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one

~ God doesn't tempt us, for He can't. But He does allow Satan to tempt us, and God pleads with us to rely on His strength, and His Word, to keep us away from falling into temptation for evil.

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

~ It's all about Him, and the glory and praise goes to Him!

(v.16) Like tithing and giving, we shouldn't proclaim our fasting times as well. We shouldn't seem weak and hurting because we're fasting. In fact, when I have fasted, I have found that God strengthens me, and I don't feel weak. Appearing weak to others only is a ploy to tell them you're fasting!

(v.21) If we seek the approval of mankind, then that's as much as we'll get here on earth. But if we seek God's approval and blessings, then He will deliver and prepare wonderful rewards in heaven for us! It's an easy choice!!!

You cannot serve God and mammon.

~ Mammon is money, and if we place riches and material things as important in our lives, then we aren't following God. There is a phrase that is often misquoted that most of us have heard:

Money is the root of all evil...but the Scripture says the LOVE of money is the root of evil. 1 Timothy 6:10

That is a big difference! God blesses some of us with money, and it's up to us to use that money for His purposes, by donating and supporting ministries that do God's work.

(v.33) If we lay our troubles at the foot of the cross, and let Jesus take care of them, then we won't worry and stress ourselves out. It all comes down to the fact of whether we trust God or not.

Apr 21 (Prov 28-29)

Proverbs 28

(v.1) Wicked people are paranoid and are cowards. Godly people are brave in Christ, and step up to the plate when times are tough. If God is for us, who can be against us? Rom 8:31

(v.5) Ungodly people don't understand justice...they want to understand tolerance, but they don't even know that! I know this seems harsh, but if we think about it, it's true. How can someone defend the act of abortion on demand, while protest the execution of a convicted murderer? Their whole sense right and wrong is off. Only God's Word gives us a good foundation and base for morality and righteousness.

(v.13) We all have tried to cover up our sins, and we think we got away with it. But God sees everything, and He wants us to confess and repent of our wicked ways. God is merciful and just, so if we confess our sins, and turn back to God, He will forgive us and bless us.

(v.20) This is a good lesson for all of us...we need to deny the want for riches and immediate gratification. Instead, let God lead us, and be patient to see His plans for us. It's hard to do, but the best way to live our lives for Him.

(v.27) No matter what is going on in our lives, there are always other people around the world who are suffering. We are incredibly blessed, and God wants us to reach out to the poor and needy, to show them God's love. This doesn't necessarily mean giving money, but often giving of your time is more effective.

Proverbs 29

(v.2) Our Founding Fathers of the USA told us that only a spiritual and moral people can prosper in this Republic. We need godly people to govern themselves, and elect other godly people to represent them in government. We have seen the results of electing ungodly people...they have replaced God with government, and think that the government is the one to grant rights, and to provide for us.

We give of our time and money to those in need because it's right, and what God wants us to do. We don't do it to earn salvation, since that can't be done by any mortal man...only God Himself could have paid the price for our sins...Jesus did that for us, and He wants us to love one another to honor and obey Him.

(v.7) Again, the ungodly think that tax dollars and government programs are the best ways to help the poor and needy. But we see, time and time again, that government only wastes resources and gives shoddy service to the needy. Only godly people, moved by the Spirit, can truly help those who need God's love.

(v.15) If we try to be our kids' best friend, then they will resent us when they're older. We need to do our duty as parents, and guide our kids with loving discipline.

(v.25) If we only care what the LORD thinks about us, then we will not be paralyzed by what we think others think of us. What matters is what God wants for us, not what the Joneses think.

Apr 17 (Prov 18-19)

Proverbs 18

(v.1) When someone is depressed, he/she goes into isolation. This makes things worse. We need each other, and that's one of the reasons God wants us to go to church or Bible study...to encourage and support one another.

(v.10) Jesus' name means YHWH Saves, and we are wise to run to Him. He is our Protector and Comforter.

(v.14) Our faith sees us through the hardest of times. God works in us when we are troubled, and if we let God guide us through, we will be blessed beyond our expectations!

(v.15) I ask you parents...Are you seeking to know God more? Are you wanting to have a more fulfilling life? Then study His Word and apply it to your life! Please use as many resources as necessary to understand His Word, and to pray for His wisdom.

(v.22) I have been blessed with a wonderful wife. When I read Proverbs 31, I think of her. She loves the LORD, so He makes her the best wife and mother I could ask for!

(v.24) I teach this to my kids, since they live in a new area now. If they wish to have more friends, then they need to be happy and positive. No one wants to hang around people who complain, are depressed or are mean.

Proverbs 19

(v.1) God so often talks about riches on earth, and riches in heaven. It is much better for us to be rich in spirit with God, than to be a millionaire, and not be walking with God.

(v.4) Sometimes, when we come upon hard times, we see who our real friends are. If they only like us for what we can give them, then we know they weren't our true friend.

(v.11) If we are able to forgive and be slow to anger, we will be more effective ambassadors of Christ. Not only that, we will live more fulfilling lives. After all, Jesus was innocent, but died for our sins, and He asked the Father to forgive those persecuting Him!

(v.14) My wife is a safe harbor for me. She is not tempestuous or vindictive...she is solid, and a joy to be around.

(v.17) We are giving or lending to the LORD when we tithe or give offerings. God uses those funds we give our churches and ministries, to help those in need. We should do this because we know it's right to do, not because we want a reward. However, God does reward us with His blessings if we give and serve others.

(v.23) If we are walking with God, we are protected by Him. We are sealed from the enemy. This doesn't mean we won't have trials, but like we see in the book of Job, he was afflicted, but God never allowed Satan to torment Job more than he was able to stand. Our faith in God sees us through.

Apr 11 (Prov 1-4)

The book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings that were written by King Solomon. In 1 Kings 4:32 we know that Solomon wrote over 3,000 of these wise sayings, and over 1,500 songs or psalms. This book is a collection of those that the Holy Spirit wants us to study and meditate upon. So let us look at some of the highlights of God's wisdom:

Proverbs 1

(v.7) Many people have book knowledge from universities and scholarly tomes, but true wisdom only comes from God. If we revere God, and are appreciative of what He has done for us, then we have a relationship with Him...this starts the process where we start to understand His wisdom.

Many "scholars" like to call themselves Agnostics...which is a scholarly way of saying you're smart, but don't believe in a Supreme God. In fact, an agnostic thinks he's so smart, that there is no absolute truth...life is an never ending search for truth, but you never get there. So they claim to have a vast collection of information and knowledge, but in reality, they are fools.

The word, Agnostic, comes from the Greek, and it literally means, without knowledge! The Latin version of this word is ignoramus! God speaks of agnostics very bluntly:

Professing to be wise, they became fools. ~Rom 1:22

Proverbs 2

(v.3) A fool is someone who goes with the wind...who believes anything told or written to them at that time. In fact, they may believe contrary views at the same time! Doesn't this sound like the godless elites we see on TV and in politics?

As a Christian who is born again of the Spirit, we are not mindless robots. We are given God's wisdom, and we begin to see the world in a different light. We can look at politics, world wars, terrorism, and the like in a Biblical way. We see that all things come down to the battle between God and Satan, with us as the battleground.

Now that we are God's children, we should seek His wisdom, and with that, be able to discern right from wrong with a clear eye.

(v.8) Isn't this verse comforting? God guards our paths. He gives us free will, and He may allow us to make the wrong decisions, but He will continue to steer us in the way He wants us to go. If we aren't in tune with God, then those wrong decisions will hurt, but when we finally give in, and let Him take control, we see that His way is the right way!

Proverbs 3

This is my life verse (or verses) that always speak to me when I'm sad, lonely or fearful:

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths. ~ Prov 3:5-6

If we let God be the LORD of our lives, instead of just our Savior, then we will be walking with Him, and He will use us for His purposes. The road may be filled with persecution and trials, but after each one that He's seen us through, we are better off for it, and closer to Him!

(v.9) Tithing is a controversial topic, that if we look at the source, the Bible, can be clear if we follow what it says. Abraham tithed to Melchizedek in Gen 14 and we see other examples of giving to God our valuable possessions. The first fruits concept is a agricultural one, but it also applies to our finances. Tithe means ten, so it's customary to give the first 10% of our income to God, for the use of furthering His kingdom.

Try to look at it this way, God has given us 100% of what we have...our lives, our family, our work, our universe, etc. If all He is asking is we give back the first 10%, then it doesn't seem so tough does it?

This way of thinking applies to church...we spend six days a week in the secular realm, working and associating with the believers and unbelievers alike. But God does want us to spend quality time in communion with other believers...worshipping God, and encouraging one another. One day a week is not asking too much, is it?

One thing I learned about church, is there are times when we don't feel like going...we're tired or have other "important" things to do. We may even think our spiritual life is good, so we don't need to go to church. But I found out firsthand, that there may be other people there, that God wants us to minister to. Church isn't just about us, it's about all of us, so keep going and having fellowship with one another...the world gets six days or five, let's have some good quality time together for at least one day a week!

(v.12) Often times, we come upon a trial, and know it's God correcting us. If we look at it as love from our Heavenly Father, then it's not so bad. Just like when we discipline our own kids, we do it because we love them. We don't want them to be monsters or walk away from God, so we correct them in order to get them back on the path with God. Our Heavenly Father does the same thing with us when we veer of His path!

(v.24) We all have stress and worries, but if we leave them at the foot of the cross at Jesus' feet, then we can go to sleep knowing that the Creator of the universe will handle our problems in His way! There is no better way to have those problems dealt with! Matt 11:28

Proverbs 4

(v.4) The purpose of the Law and the 10 Commandments is twofold:

~ To show us how to live a godly life

~ To show us that we need a Savior

No one can keep the Law Psalm 14:3, so we need God Himself to pay for our sins. 1 John 2:2

(v.13) Hold onto God's Word...the Truth. We are constantly bombarded with Satan's ploys to have us doubt and even act in defiance of God's Word, but God's Word in our hearts and minds will empower us to be victorious over sin!

Mar 21 (2 Sam 22-24)

2nd Samuel 22

Read this chapter along with Psalm 18 and you will see a close resemblance. Many scholars believe that this chapter is written from David's point of view, in relation to his status in Christ. Psalm 18 is said to be prophetic of Christ, who was truly righteous and worthy of being our Passover Lamb.

We believers will never be perfect until we are in heaven. That is why God Himself had to die for us...the perfect One who could be our Lamb of God and die in our place.

We as believers are constantly scrutinized by the world and by the accuser, Satan, in order to make us ineffective in our witness. We need to remember 2 Cor 5:21 where the Apostle Paul reminds us that we are righteous in the Father's eyes, since we as believers are washed with the blood of His Son. We are pure as snow in the Father's eyes!!! I like to tell my kids that the Father looks at us through Jesus-filtered glasses...He only sees His Son when looking at us believers!

2nd Samuel 23

David points out three key factors for us to be successful ambassadors for Christ in these three men he singles out:

~ Be a child of God in prayer...if we are prayer warriors, we are in tune with Him

~ Put our complete trust in God, and be fearless against evil

~ Be faithful with our gifts that God gave us...use them to love and serve others

2nd Samuel 24

Most current translations say that God made David count the people by putting a capital "H" in he. But if we go back to the original transcripts, it is not capitalized, and says that Satan moved David to do this.

(v.10) David realized that he wasn't walking with God here, and repented and admitted his mistake. That is the reason for the famine. David repented, so he was right with God again, but all our actions have consequences.

David bought the threshing floor from Araunah, and it would become the eventual site where the Temple would be. Araunah wanted to give the property to David, but David insisted to buy it...it wouldn't be a sacrifice if it came to David for free.

This reminds me of telling my kids about giving. If we give something of value to another, it is good. If we give free stuff or worthless things to others, then it's worthless. It doesn't have to be monetarily valuable, for it could be our time and service as well. If we are willing to set aside our own ambitions and desires, for the needs of others, then we are doing as David did here.

Feb 9 (Deut 13-34)

Deuteronomy 13

God tells the people that it is better if someone was never born, than to lead the people away from God and to idolatry.

Deuteronomy 14

God speaks to the people about not mourning the way the pagans do, by cutting themselves. He wants them to act like the special people they are, and mourn properly.

He also goes over what meats are good and bad to eat. This is a part of the Law, to eat only kosher food, but since we as Christians are free from the Law in Christ, we have liberty. However, I tell my kids that God put these things in there to be a guideline for us to live healthier and more vibrant lives, so we should try to live by this as much as we can.

Lastly, God reminds the people that they should have a giving heart and tithe properly.

Deuteronomy 15

This chapter goes over the master-servant relationship. As I've noted earlier, a servant works for seven years, and all his debts are then forgiven. If that servant wishes to continue to live and work with that master, then they pierce their ear as a sign of their love for the master. I then ask my kids if they remember someone else being pierced to show His love for us!

Deuteronomy 16

God reminds the people about the Feasts that are to be performed in the Spring. They point to Christ, and He fulfilled them in His first coming. He will fulfill the Fall Feasts in His second coming.

Deuteronomy 17

(v.18) This is not known by many Christians, but God commanded all of Israel's kings to personally write out the Scriptures so they would remember them and pass them on to their descendants. First of all, there were no kings of Israel yet, so God is revealing that there will be one day, as He did in Gen 50 with the prophecy of the tribe of Judah. Secondly, isn't it the best way to remember something by writing it down yourself? I know when I try to remember something, I can picture where and what I wrote down, and I can see it.

Deuteronomy 18

God tells the people that the tribe of Levi will be the priests for them, and the sons of Aaron will perform the priestly duties.

Also, God prophesies of a coming Prophet that will be like Moses...He will lead the people out of slavery to sin like Moses led God's people out of slavery to Egypt.

Deuteronomy 19

I like to point out to my kids that there are six cities of refuge. If a person killed someone accidentally, then they can go to one of the cities of refuge and be safe from revenge from family members of the deceased. Once the high priest dies, all is forgiven, and the person can go about the country without fear of revenge.

I like to show my kids that the number seven means completion in Hebrew texts. Jesus is our seventh city of refuge, and since He is our High Priest, His death to conquer sin has enabled us to live without fear of death!

Deuteronomy 20

God speaks about warfare. We know that God is a God of peace, but He does allow and even encourage warfare if it is done to fight evil. War to control others is not God's will.

Deuteronomy 21

God covers the laws of dealing with unsolved murder, how to treat female captives and the rights of the firstborn.

Deuteronomy 22

I remember when I was growing up, all of us on the street knew and spent time with each other. Nowadays, that's rare. God wants us to encourage and support our neighbors.

We just moved into a new neighborhood, and we plan on inviting our neighbors over to meet them and get to know them. Who knows, perhaps the LORD wants us to minister to one of these neighbors!

Deuteronomy 23

God gives a total of 513 laws to the people, and all of them are important. The more we think on them, we can see that we would live cleaner and healthier lives if we followed these laws.

Deuteronomy 24

God hates divorce. But He doesn't hate the sinner. If anyone has experienced a divorce, they know the pain and suffering to all who are affected. Obviously, God wants marriages to stay together, and He only approves of divorce in cases of adultery or abuse.

Deuteronomy 25

Here, God tells the people to take care of their own, and resolve conflict internally. Too bad we don't do that anymore in America!

Deuteronomy 26

I teach my kids that it's important to have a grateful heart. In all that we have: health, wealth, family, friends, freedom, etc. we should praise and thank God for providing for us! Also, we should think of others before ourselves, and give to those in more need than us.

We say this together, "Thank God first, share with others, then use our gifts for ourselves."

Deuteronomy 27

This is a heavy chapter, and parents with young kids should read to them what is appropriate for their ages.

Deuteronomy 28

God shows us that we will be blessed if we are obedient, and we will have troubles if we are not. It's simple but effective.

Deuteronomy 29

God reminds the people of the covenant He made with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and now Moses. They are to remember who their God is, and obey and trust Him.

Deuteronomy 30

God tells the people that they have a choice...to follow and love Him, or to curse His name. Either way, there will be consequences.

Deuteronomy 31

God presents Joshua as the successor to Moses.

Deuteronomy 32

The song of Moses and God telling Moses it's time to die on the mountain with Him.

Deuteronomy 33

Moses blesses the 12 tribes like Jacob did in Gen 49. It's interesting to compare those two blessings.

Deuteronomy 34

(v.6) God personally buries Moses, and no one can find the body. No other person in the Bible was buried by God Himself. Also, it's interesting to read that Satan and Michael fought over Moses' body:

Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, "The LORD rebuke you!" ~ Jude 9