Wed 090923 am 2Th 3 & Col 1-2

2 Thessalonians 3

3.2 For not all have faith. But without faith it is impossible to please God. This could be a good point to make against the error known as universalism.

3.10 not willing... I smile as I wonder how many profess willingness while feinting inability.

Colossians

1.6 heard and knew... This reminds us of the difference between "head knowledge" or just hearing something said and taking it to heart in a experiential way.

1.16 I wonder why all the heaven, earth, visible, invisible, thrones, etc. instead of just "created everything."

1.22 in the body of His flesh... The time and space part of our redemption was important.

Divisions for chapter two

100103 2.1-3 Paul's Conflict

100110 2.4-7 Staying Rooted in Christ

100117 2.8-10 Being Aware and Being Complete

100124 2.11-15 Spiritual Circumcision and Christ's Work--two weeks

100131 Fifth Sunday Fellowhip

100207 2.11-15 second week

100214 2.16-19 Holding Fast to the Head

100228 2.20-23 Being dead to the World

Tues 090922 pm 2Th 2

2 Thessalonians 2

2.4 against every so-called god or object of worship... Not just against God, but every god. The guy is a mental case who is really stuck on himself.

2.10 to love the truth... It is one thing to know the truth or even embrace the truth, but here it says to love the truth. and so to be saved... An element of our salvation.

2.15 to the traditions that you were taught by us... I come from a church background that holds and prides itself in a high view of Scripture that submits the "traditions" of men to the standard of the Bible. So the word tradition strikes me as a weak word, but here it seems to reinforce the idea that Bible doctrine should be a part of our customs and practice much the way the cherished Christmas or other family traditions are. We love them, practice them, and value them.

Mon 090921 pm Psa 136-138

Psalm 136 Anon.; 26 vrs.; --??

His steadfast love endures forever.

136.4-5 It seems different to pair His steadfast love with mighty acts and creation. Good food for thought.

136.1 & 38 The psalm begins and ends with the same phrase.

Psalm 137 Anon.; 9 vrs.; --??

Loyalty to Jerusalem and impecatory statements about enemies.

Psalm 138 David; 8 vrs.; --??

Praise and thanks to God for his faithfulness.

138.4 Again emphasizing that the Lord intends to have the gentiles worship the Lord.

138.6 Care for the poor makes God great.

Mon 090921 am 2 Thes 1

2 Thessalonians 1

1.3 faith grows ... love abounds... A good report.

1.5 If I understand this right, their suffering was evidence that they were worthy.

1.8 taking vengeance... God can take care of Himself and does not need his church to be involved in vengeance.

Sun 090920 pm Psa 131-135

Psalm 131 Song of Ascents/David; 3 vrs.; --??

David; humble and quiet.

Psalm 132 Song of Ascents; 18 vrs.; 32.5--Acts 7:46; 132.11--Acts 2.30; 132.11--Luke 1.69

Promises to David.

132.1-5 & 11-18 speak of David in the third person.

132.9 clothed in righteousness...

Psalm 133 Song of Ascents; 3 vrs.;--??

Dwelling together in unity.

133.2 when brothers dwell together in unity...

Psalm 134 Song of Ascents; 3 vrs.;--??

Psalm 135 Anon; 21vrs; --??

135. 18 Those who make them become like them, so do all who trust in them!"

Psalm 121 Song of Ascents; 8 vrs.; --??

Looking to the Lord for help.

121.2 the Lord who made heaven and earth... I think He can handle it.

121.3 will not slumber... I remember the old quote, "Go to sleep. There's no use both of you staying up to worry about it."

Psalm 122 Song of Ascents/David; 9 vrs.; --??

Peace in Jerusalem sought.

122.1 Great expression of joy at going to, in the NT era, church.

122.6&8 references to peace of or within Jerusalem.

Psalm 123 Song of Ascents;4 vrs.; --??

Plea for relief from scorn and contempt of the proud.

Psalm 124 Song of Ascents/David;8 vrs.; --??

If the Lord had not been on our side.

124.8 Help is in the name of the Lord. I find this an interesting expression. "In the name of the Lord" rather that the simpler "in the Lord."

Psalm 125 Song of Ascents;5 vrs.; --??

Those who trust in the Lord.

125.2 Neat picture of the Lord's care for us.

125.5 crooked ways... I had a new appreciation for this as I enjoyed the simplicity of driving on the arrow straight road from Boise east through the Oklahoma panhandle.

Psalm 126 Song of Ascents;6 vrs.; --??

Images of renewal.

126.6 A classic soul winning verse.

Psalm 127 Song of Ascents/Solomon;5 vrs.; --??

comp. 1 Cor. 3.9 ff

127.1 and Solomon had some house building (and falling apart) experience.

127.1 unless the Lord... This is something that all our preparation, experience, talent, etc... makes us forget too often.

127.4-5 The children are like arrows verses. A tight family is a formidable thing as the children get older.

Psalm 128 Song of Ascents;6 vrs.; --??

Blessings of a family who fears the Lord.

128.1&4 fears the Lord...

128.6 see your children's children... Something to be admired and enjoyed.

Psalm 129 Song of Ascents;8 vrs.; --??

Imprecatory thoughts on the wicked who afflict me.

129.2 and yet they have not prevailed...

Psalm 130 Song of Ascents8 vrs.; --??

The mercy and forgiveness of the Lord.

130.3 If you, O Lord, should mark my iniquities... Acknowledges that I have sins (implied that nobody else knows about). Acknowledges that the Lord knows all and that even the most pious stand condemned and hopeless before God. Implies that the Lord is our last and best friend. If he should turn against us, then all is lost.

130.4 forgiveness ... that you may be feared... Thought provoking and delightful connection between God's goodness and the fear of Him.

130.5-6 wait for and hope for the Lord

130.7 steadfast love (or compassions)

Fri 090918 pm

Psalm 120 Anon.; 7 vrs.; --??

Prayer for deliverance from foreigners.

120.5 Meshech... They were in all probability the Moschi, a people inhabiting the Moschian Mountains, between the Black and the Caspian Seas. In Ps. 120:5 the name occurs as simply a synonym for foreigners orbarbarians. http://www.christiananswers.net/dictionary/meshech.html

Kedar It is the name for the nomadic tribes of Arabs, the Bedouins generally (Isa. 21:16; 42:11; 60:7; Jer. 2:10; Ezek. 27:21), who dwelt in the northwest of Arabia. They lived in black hair-tents (Song of Songs 1:5). To “dwell in the tents of Kedar” was to be cut off from the worship of the true God (Ps. 120:5). http://www.christiananswers.net/dictionary/kedar.html

Wed-Thurs 090916/17 pm Psa 119

Psalm 119 Anon; 176 vrs.; --??

law

tora

This is the chief term of all, and is heard most often. Tis parent verb means 'teach' (verse 33) or 'direct'; therefore coming from God it means both 'law' and 'revelation'. It can be used of a single command or of a whole body of law, especially the Pentateuch, or again of
Scripture as a whole. ---Kidner

verses: 1, 18, 29, 44, 51, 53, 55, 61, 70, 72, 77, 85, & 92

testimonies

'edah

Israel was told to place the book of the law beside the ark of the covenant, 'that it may be a witness (ed) against you; (Deut. 31:26). The outspokenness of Scripture, with its high standards and frank warnings (e.g. Deut. 8:19, using this root), is implied in this expression, but so too is its dependability, as the word of the 'faithful and true witness'. Therefore Thy testimonies are my delight' (24). --Kidner

verses: 2, 14, 22, 31, 36, 46, 59, 79, 88, 95, 99, 111, 119, 125, 129, 138, 144, 146, 157, 167, & 168

precepts

piqquwd

This is a word drawn from the sphere of an officer or overseer, a man who is responsible to look closely into a situation and take action (cf. Jer. 23:2 where God will 'attend to; (poqed) the shepherds who have not 'attended to' the flock). So the word points to the particular instructions of the Lord, as of one who cares about details. --Kidner

verses: 4, 15, 27, 40, 45, 56, 63, 69, 78, 87, 93, 94, 100, 104, 110, 104, 110, 128, 134, 141, 159, 168, 173

statutes

(huqqim)

These speak of the binding force and permanence of Scripture, as of laws 'engraved' or inscribed, 'for the time to come as a witness for ever' (cf. Isa. 30:8). --Kidner

verses: 5, 8, 12, 16, 23, 26, 33, 48, 54, 64, 68, 71, 80, 83, 117, 118, 124, 135, 145, 155, & 171.

Commandments

(misqot)

This word emphasizes the straght authority of what is said; not merely the power to convince or persuade, but the right to give orders. --Kidner

verse: 19, 21, 35, 47, 48, 60, 66, 73, 86, 115, 131, 143, 151, 166, 172, & 176.

rules (judgements KJV)

(mispatim)

These are better known in the Old Testament as 'judgements': the decisions of the all-wise Judge about common human sisturations (cf. Exod. 21:1; Deut. 17:8a, 9b), and hence the reavealed 'rights and duties; appropriate to them (as RSV puts it in 1 Sam. 10:25). Scritue, then, as the standard given for dealing between man and man, is the predominant sisne of this term. --Kidner

verses: 7, 13, 20, 30, 39, 43, 52, 62, 75, 102, 106, 108, 137, 156, 160, 164, &175

Word

(dabar)

This is th most general term of all, embracing god's truth in any form, stated, promised or commanded. --Kidner

verse:9, 11, 16, 17, 25, 28, 42, 43, 49, 65, 67, 74, 81, 101, 105, 107, 114, 160, 169, 170, & 172

119.11 that I might not sin against you... Part of the pledge to the Bible.

119.27 meditate...

119.37 Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things... Its not just a matter of what is sinful, but what has no value.

119.48 Lift my hands toward your commands... This is an interesting expression. I wouldn't think it means to worship, but maybe in the sense of reaching out to receive knowledge from.

119.50 comfort in my affliction... A good thing to keep in mind when we are sad or grieving.

119.59 (vers. 27) a result of meditation

119.65 for me usually more generously and kindly than His word. But this can also refer to God being faithful to His Word.

119.67 Before I was afflicted I went astray... An insight into one of the ways God works in us to bring us to our senses and to Himself.

119.92 Again, God's Word sustaining us in difficult times.

119.105 Part two of the pledge to the Bible.

119.120 My flesh trembles for fear of You... Sounds a little stronger than reverent awe.

119.128 I hate every false way. In a practical personal way, not just in others.

119.140 well tried... God is faithful all the time.

119.175 your rules help me... Enablers, not spoilers.

Tues 090915 pm Col 1

Colossians 1

1.2 faithful brothers... Why would he say that in this particular letter?

1.4-5 faith, love, & hope This is a different order.

1.6 fruit and growing... It seems to be instructive that these are separate.

1.10 every... We don't have the luxury of saying, "That's not what I do."

beloved Son

redemption

image of invisible God

"firstborn" of creation

created all things

(sustains)

Sun-Tues 090915 pm Psa 110-118

Psalm 110 David; 7 vrs.; 110.1--Matthew 22.44; Mark 12.36; Luke 20;42-43; Acts 2:34-35; Hebrews 1:13

Very messianic psalm.

Psalm 111 Anon.; 10 vrs.; maybe allusions

Praise for God's works.

111.1 with all my heart... This is the constant struggle, the single, undivided heart.

111.5 those who fear him...

111.10 all those who practice it have a good understanding...

Psalm 112 Anon.; 10 vrs.; 112.9--2 Corinthians 9.9

The man who fears God.

112.1 the man who fears the Lord... The fear of the Lord results in delighting in God's commandments. We light in things we value.

112.5 the man who deals generously and lends... Characteristics of the man who fears the Lord (vrs.1)

112.9 he has given to the poor. It is interesting and instructive that this behavior makes the wicked angry.

Psalm 113 Anon.; 9 vrs.; --??

The Lord who is high lifts up the lowly.

113.3 This verse sets out the agenda for the day. Now we have to focus on how.

113.7 Again the lifting up of the poor seen as a Godly thing to do.

Psalm 114 Anon.; 8 vrs.; --??

The earth rejoices.

Psalm 115 Anon.; 18 vrs.; --??

114.8 We become like what we worship. Now that is something to think about.

114.13 both the small and great... The fear of the Lord is an equalizer.

Psalm 116 Anon.; 19 vrs.; 116.10--2 Corinthians 4.13

116.6 One man and God is a majority.

116.8 This is so-o-o-o-o true.

116.17 and recount the deeds of the Lord... This should be a focus we have.

Psalm 117 Anon.; 2 vrs.; 117.1--Romans 15.11

117.1 the nations... The Lord wants praise from all the world.

Psalm 118 Anon.; 29 vrs.; 118.6 Hebrews 13.6

118.6 A source of contentment.

118.8 This is so true!

118.17 recount the deeds of the Lord. This is the reason for us to live another day.

Sun 090913 pm Psa 108-109

Psalm 108 David; 13 vrs.; --??

108.9 Moab is my washbasin... This must not be a positive statement since its context would indicate. But what does that expression mean?

108. 13 With God we shall do valantly. We studied Polycarp and Perpetua today. This was a good promise for today.

Psalm 109 David; 31 vrs.; --??

Basically this is a long rant against people opposing David

Fri 090911 am Phil qr

Philippians quick read

1.12 have actually turned out... Reminds me of Joseph.

1.21 to live is... O that it would be more and more!

2.27 but God had mercy [compassion] on him... From a utilitarian point of view it would have been in God's interest to heal him and the argument could be made that his service would put him in a status that he didn't deserve to be sick. Sort of like the cynical saying, "No good deed goes unpunished." Here though the statement is reminiscent of Lamentations, it is by His mercies that we are not consumed. Reminds me of the premise or Edwards sermon, Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God. We deserve nothing from God. He owes us nothing. We are grateful (because we have no right to them) for His compassion on us.

3.10 It seems from chapter 2 that we will need to experience the second thing before we can know the first. However, the first is probably necessary to make it through the second.

4.17 to your account... What is the balance on your account? A fascinating thing to contemplate.

pm 090910 pm Psa 106-107

Psalm 106 Anon.; 48 vrs.; 106.10--Luke 1.71; 106.45--Luke 1.72; 106.48--Luke 1.63

Recounting God's faithfulness and Irael's stubborn unfaithfulness.

106.7 did not consider your wonderous works; We are so oblivious to His working.

106.8 but... There are, tragicaly, too many of these kinds of "but's" and "then's" in this chapter and our lives.

106.23 stood in the breach before him... I would like to be known for this.

Book Five

Psalm 107 Anon.; 43 vrs.; 107.9--Luke 1.53

Praise for the Lord delivering his wayward people.

107.1 This is the third psalm in a row that starts this way.

107.8 the children of man... also in verses 15, 21, & 31

107.43 let them consider the steadfast love of the Lord... I need to keep in mind throughout my day the importance of considering, esp. the steadfast love of the Lord.

Wed 090909 pm Psa 104-105

Psalm 104 Anon.; 35 vrs.; 104.4--Hebrews 1.7

Praising the Creator.

104.27 These all look to him... It is ironic that the animals all look to him, but we, who are made in His image, find it so hard to keep the same focus.

104.34 May my meditation be pleasing to Him... If I am rejoicing in the Lord, my meditation would be pleasing to Him.

Psalm 105 Anon.; 45 vrs.; 105.8--Luke 1.72-73

Recounting God's work with Abraham, the exodus, and conquest.

105.15 my anointed ones... Refers here to Israel, but enforces the respect we should have for Gods' messengers and people.

105.19 the Word of the Lord tested him. "Him' is Jacob. What is referred to by "word of the Lord" is a uncertain, but shows God's had in his trials.

Tues 090908 pm Psa 101-103

Psalm 101 David; 8 vrs.; --??

Walking in integrity and opposing those who don't.

101.3 I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. This is a very thought provoking expression. It didn't anything that is wicked or impure, etc. No doubt worthless includes those things, but it also goes beyond them to things that do not have any value.

Psalm 102 Anon.; 28 vrs.; 102.25-27--Hebrews 1.10-12

The afflicted cry out to the Lord.

102.12 enthroned forever... neat expression of God's eternity.

102.15 nations will fear the Lord... This is one of many references to the nations fearing, worshipping God etc.

Psalm 103 David; 22 vrs.; `03.17--Luke 1:50

Bless the Lord O my soul, the Lord shows compassion on those who fear Him.

103.8 The Lord slow to anger... Thank goodness!! Because I try His patience many times.

103.11, 13, & 17 those that fear Him... a good description of believers.

Mon 090907 am Phil & col

Philippians & Colossians quick reads

1.29 but also to suffer for His sake... A heavy thought that I have little experience with.

2.12-13 Another human responsibility - Divine sovereignty set of verses. Lot's to think about here.

2.14 without grumbling or questioningg... I would like to see this in some other versions.

3.20 citizenship in heaven... I've been thinking about this more lately. One of the good things about the dismal state of the mess of human government is that it strengthens my affection for and focus on my heavenly citizenship.

Colossians

2.2 knit together in love... What a great thought! We need to figure out how to do more knitting together.

2.10 putting off the body of the flesh... The context makes this an interesting verse to think about.

4.3 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful with thanksgiving. A good word for us. The combining of watchful and thanksgiving is very thought provoking. What is the synergy between watchfulness and thanksgiving.

Sun 090906 pm Psa 98-100

Psalm 98 Anon.: 9 vrs.; --??

Make a joyful noise and praise the Lord.

99.4 all the earth... As "Israel centric" as most of the Psalms are it is interesting how many times they speak of God having praise from the peoples or all the earth.

Psalm 99

God is holy.

99.3 & 5 Holy is He.

99.9 God is holy.

Psalm 100

Psalm of thanksgiving.

Sat 090906 pm Psa 97

Psalm 97 Anon.; 12 vrs.; 97.7--Hebrews 1.6

Rejoicing in the Lord of the earth who is above all gods.

97.7 It is interesting that the gods are told to worship the Lord of all the earth.

97.11 Light and joy go together. A worthwhile thing to contemplate.

Fri 090904 am Ezra 10 & Col

Ezra 10

10.2 Shecaniah... same as The father of Shemaiah, who repaired the wall of Jerusalem (Neh. 3:29)? http://www.christiananswers.net/dictionary/shecaniah.html

10.3 all put away these wives... Interesting in light of NT teaching on divorce.

10.9 and because of the heavy rain... :o)

10.13 nor is this a task for one day or two... wise words.

10.15 An interesting distiction between Jonathan and Jahzeiah,who opposed the plan, and Meshullam and Shabbethai, who supported them in their opposition.

10.16 to examine the matter... I wonder what was being examined. Who was really foreign, making sure nobody was overlooked, what?

10.19 guilt offering... another offering to check out. Why the mention of the rams?

10.20-43 Another long list of names. Why? I also wonder if there are any repeats from earlier lists.

Colossians quick read

1.6 heard and knew... Not just heard. epiginōskō to become thoroughly acquainted with, to know thoroughly

1.16 heaven, earth, visible, invisible, thrones, dominions, principalities, powers... Seems to be making a point.

1.21 So did the wicked works affect the mind?

1.29 striving according to His working... Interesting thing to meditate on. My part and God's "part."

2.8 cheat you... a thought provoking choice of words. sylagōgeō--to carry off booty

2.11 circumcision made without hands... God's part.

2.12 raised with Him though faith... "My" part.

3.5 I like the old JKV, mortify.

3.15 called to peace, pretty sweet.

4.2 vigilant and thanksgiving are not two works I expect to see in the same sentence.

4.12 This is an interesting verse to think about. Laboring with Paul in Rome to make the saints in Philippians perfect and complete in the will of God.

4.18 remember... I can think of a few ways this might have been meant.

Thurs 090903 pm Ezra 7-9

Ezra 7

7.1 Back sixteen names to Aaron.

7.6 on him... Who? Ezra or the king?

7.10 set his heart to study, to do it, to teach... This is a great verse.

7.11 compare with verse 6

7.12 the God of heaven... I wondered how much this reference to God was informed by the kings pagan background and what its significance is.

7.14 to make inquiries... What exactly did he want him to do?

7.15 freely offered to God... Why did they give the money and how ordinary was it to do that for a god.

7.19 The vessels that have been given... I wonder what these were since they had already taken the vessels that Nebuchadnezzar took.

7.23 lest his wrath be against the realm of the king... This is a very curious phrase. Was this the the PC thing to say, was he covering his bases with all the gods, or did he acknowledge the great power of God.

7.24 Their version of a 501c organization.

7.27 to beautify the house of the Lord... I had always thought of Ezra's primary ministry as one of spiritual reform.

Ezra 8

8.2-14 I don't really get how these names are grouped.

8.16 men of insight... This is a curious description in this context.

8.18, 22, 31 hand of our God...

8.20 These were all mentioned by name... He makes a point to remind that he had already told the names which seems to indicate that they are important. Why for us?

8.21 humble and then seek. It seems that humble might be an idiom or code word for something.

8.22 ashamed to ask... Ezra was concered about the Lord's honor.

8.31 delivered us from... As in there were no attacks or they were able to repulse the attacks.

8.34 It is interesting that he made such a point about the weighing and measuring. v. 25, 26, 30, & 33

8.35 a burnt offering... Exactly what kind of offering was this?

Ezra 9

9.2 the holy race...

9.2 in this faithlessness the hand of the hand of the officials ... has been foremost. This is a sad state of affairs. God, help be to be ahead of the curve.

9.4 I sat appalled until evening... I don't think anybody sits that long today.

9.6 ashamed and blush... This is a vivid response to the guilt of the nation. It is a response that I have not typically thought of. Godly sorrow, etc... but not embarrassment.

9.8 that God may brighten our eyes... Great description.

9.9 its ruins... It is something that the temple had already come to ruin...

9.9 some reviving... interesting use of this word. Check the Hebrew.

9.12 never seek their peace or prosperity that you may be strong... There are a few things that this could mean. Not unite with them, not help them, passively or actively oppose them?

9.13 less than our iniquities deserve... How true.

9.15 You are just... A stark contrast the the "Why me?" and "It's not fair!" mantra that is so common.