# 2021-04-11 The cost to follow Christ

> If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother, and wife and children, and brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry his own cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, wanting to build a tower, doesn’t sit down first and compute the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish the tower, all who see it will begin to make fun of him. They will say, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish!’ Or what king, going out to confront another king in battle, will not sit down first and determine whether he is able with 10,000 to oppose the one coming against him with 20,000? If he cannot succeed, he will send a representative while the other is still a long way off and ask for terms of peace. In the same way therefore not one of you can be my disciple if he does not renounce all his own possessions.
(Luke 14)

count the cost! To be Christ's disciple, you must renounce all possessions!
What are your possessions? You know what they are, you cling to them. Do you possess them, or do they possess you? The early church shared everything they have in common. Does this descriptive fact shows how seriously they took Christ's words?
How should we steward that which God has given us charge?

# 2021-04-12 Kill sin
> . I will not be with you any more, unless you destroy the devoted things from among you.  Get up! Sanctify the people, and say, ‘Sanctify yourselves for tomorrow, for Yahweh, the God of Israel, says, “There is a devoted thing among you, Israel. You cannot stand before your enemies until you take away the devoted thing from among you.”
(Joshua 7)

> a wise son accepts his father’s discipline, but a scoffer has never listened to rebuke.
(prov 13:1)

learn from God! he wants you to kill the sin in your life.
don't live with it! don't say "this is fine." It leads to destruction!

# 2021-04-13 Faithful honesty
Read Luke 16:1-17

> The master commended the dishonest manager because he acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their contemporaries than the people of light. And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by how you use worldly wealth, so that when it runs out you will be welcomed into the eternal homes. “The one who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and the one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If then you haven’t been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will entrust you with the true riches?
Luke 16:8-11

> The one who guards his words guards his life; whoever is talkative will come to ruin.
Prov 13:3

Usually in Jesus' parables, the master is analogous with God, but in this story, he commends a liar! “God cannot be mocked; a man reaps what he sows” (Gal 6:7). The big difference between the shrewd manager's master and ours is that one *could* be fooled, and the other cannot (just ask Ananias and Saphira).

> But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tiny stroke of a letter in the law to become void.
Luke 16:17

His word is timeless. Since John the baptist, we *have* the gospel. Don't be faithless.

# 2021-04-14 Proof needed?

> ‘If they do not respond to Moses and the prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”
> So you too, when you have done everything you were commanded to do, should say, ‘We are slaves undeserving of special praise; we have only done what was our duty.’”
Luke 16,17


Jesus did not come to abolish the law, but to fulfill it! This passage explains straight from his mouth some core beliefs of Christ: repentance has always been necessary for salvation from Hell; obeying God's commands is our duty.

God brings shame to his enemies so they'll know He is king.
Don't be an enemy of Yahweh! Repent and put your faith in Christ!

# 2021-04-15

> Righteousness guards the one who lives with integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner.
Prov 13:6

# 2021-04-16
> The tax collector, however, stood far off and would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, be merciful to me, sinner that I am!’ I tell you that this man went down to his home justified rather than the Pharisee. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Luke 18

Kyrie elieson. Lord, have mercy.

```poetry
Will you not revive us again,
  that your people may be glad in you?
Show us your kindness, O Lᴏʀᴅ,
  grant us your salvation.
```
Psalm 85

Make us alive, Oh God!

# 2021-04-17
```poetry
In the day of my trouble I call on you,
with assurance that you will answer me.
```
Psalm 86

# 2021-04-19 Right affections

>Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is like a tree of life.
Proverbs 12:14

Heartsickness is a common experience among humans. Why do we desire things we can't have? Why do we seek fulfillment where it can't be gained?
We put our hope in people: people are fickle. We put our hope it stuff: stuff wears. We put our hope in wealth, but even money cannot fulfil all our desires.

> Faith is being sure of what we hope for, being certain of what we do not see.
Hebrews 11

Have faith in God! He will be faithful to complete your sanctification, you saint.

Orthopathy: right affections. God, help me to love you with my whole heart.

# 2021-04-20 Prophets and false teachers

Read Luke 20:1-26

> [the people] are convinced that John was a prophet.

> Then the experts in the law and the chief priests wanted to arrest him that very hour because they realized he had told this parable against them. But they were afraid of the people.

They knew he was claiming to be the son of God, and claiming to be this rejected stone, which would crush them.
Everyone knew John was a prophet.

The people recognized John as a prophet. He looked like a prophet, and spoke like a prophet.

> Therefore produce fruit that proves your repentance,
Matthew 3:8

The *Samaritan* woman in John 4 knew *Jesus* was a prophet, because he told her "everything [she] ever did". Even a Samaritan could recognize a prophet with her own eyes.

Jesus said to them "This vineyard is not yours!" You will be destroyed, and it given to others. How much do we put our faith in ourselves? How often do your hear prophecy and think "that message isn't for me, it's for someone else."

Hear God's voice of warning, and be God's voice of warning! Even the offspring of vipers needs to be warned about the coming wrath.

# 2021-04-21 Watch out for wolves

> As all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples, “Beware of the experts in the law. They like walking around in long robes, and they love elaborate greetings in the marketplaces and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows’ property, and as a show make long prayers. They will receive a more severe punishment.”
Luke 20:45-47

```poetry
“If his children forsake my law,
       and walk not as I have ordained;
  if they profane my statutes,
       and do not keep my commandments;

  “I will punish their sin with the rod,
       their iniquity with scourges.
```

Psalm 89

> The one who neglects discipline ends up in poverty and shame,but the one who accepts reproof is honored.
Proverbs 13:18

Watch out for wolves. They may dress nice, say fancy words, but really do not keep God's commandments. They are neglecting God's discipline.

Devouring widow's property... what better modern example than the 'health and wealth', 'word of faith', or 'prosperity' "gospels". It's really no "gospel" at all if it requires you to pay for miracles. It's just another Tetzel, selling inulgences. Money cannot grant remission of sins, not even the blood of animals can!

Only the blood of Jesus can pay for our sins, and only through The Spirit can we be cleansed of unrighteousness.

There *is* a 'special place in Hell' for those false teachers, in that they *will* have a more severe punishment, but note that for all, "The wages of sin is death". Turn from sin and serve God! Lean on Christ, the author and perfector of our salvation.

# 2021-04-22

> “Now therefore put away the foreign gods which are among you, and incline your heart to Yahweh, the God of Israel.”
> The people said to Joshua, “We will serve Yahweh our God, and we will listen to his voice.”
Joshua 24


# 2021-04-23

```poetry
You whose home is the shelter of God Most High,
  whose abode is the shadow of God Almighty,
can say to the Lᴏʀᴅ, “My refuge, my fortress,
  my God, in whom I trust.”
```
Psalm 91

# 2021-04-24 Judge Rightly

>Yahweh’s Spirit came on him, and he judged Israel; and he went out to war, and Yahweh delivered Cushan Rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand.
Judges 2

"He judged Israel"


>Thus I grant to you a kingdom, just as my Father granted to me, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Luke 22

Judging. Many self-professing Christians bring up the phrase "judge not" in response to criticism or warning aimed at others, but we know we ought to judge rightly. Othniel judged the Israelites when the served the Baals and the Asheroth. This was right judgement; God was already judging them by handing them over to Cushan Rishathaim king of Mesopotamia.

Jesus told the disciples they will judge the twelve tribes of Israel. Revelation 21 speaks of the new Jerusalem having twelve gates, and the wall having twelve foundations, each with the name of one of the twelve "apostles of the Lamb".
Perhaps this is where we get the idea of Saint Peter checking names in front of the pearly gates. From that text, I would assume that the twelve angels are the ones guarding the gates (not St. Peter), much like the angelic sentries guarding Eden in Genesis 3.

How did the disciples judge?
At this point, he had already told them the shake the dust off their feet if some place rejects them, so this promise must be for something greater. In Acts 2, Peter judges the Jews: "you, by the hands of lawless men, nailed him to a cross and put him to death". They killed the author of life, but God grants repentence even for this sin.

Is it not our job to judge those inside the church? (1 Corinthians 5:12)

>But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part of the price of the land?  While you kept it, didn’t it remain your own? After it was sold, wasn’t it in your power? How is it that you have conceived this thing in your heart? You haven’t lied to men, but to God.”
>Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and died.
Acts 3

Peter judged Ananias, one from within the church who had lied to the Holy Spirit for his own name's sake, rather than honoring God.

Keep a good name. If a brother stumbles, help him out! (He probably won't be struck down dead by God, but who knows.)

# 2021-04-26

> “Will you contend for Baal? Or will you save him? He who will contend for him, let him be put to death by morning! If he is a god, let him contend for himself, because someone has broken down his altar !”

# 2021-04-27

> The Lᴏʀᴅ has made his victory known,
>  and revealed to the eyes of the nations his righteousness.
Psalm 98

Oh, great God, reveal yourself to the nations. Bring Calamity to your enemies, blessing to your friends. Hlp m to keep your commands, so I shall not be put to shame.

# 2021-04-28 Gideon's legacy

Read Judges 8:18-35

The story of Gideon usually focuses on his doubts, faith, and God's power to use the army of 300 to defeat the Midianites, but the epilogue shows that Gideon was another fallen human, with a capacity for sin.

What did Gideon do right here?

> “I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you. Yahweh shall rule over you.”

What did Gideon do wrong here?

First, he made an ephod out of the golden earings, and placed it in a prominent location. People worshipped that, instead of Yahweh. It snared even Gideon and his family.
Secondly, he took many wives. He did not hold fast to his wife as Genesis 2:24 describes. He acted as the pagan kings would act, not following God's plan for love and union.
Third, he did not teach his children to follow Yahweh. He had a child by a concubine. In chapter 9, it's seen how Abimelech allies with his mother's family against the sons of his father. While Gideon and his house were snared by the ephod, Abimelech likely spent a lot of time with his mother in Shechem, as that's where it's clear his loyalties lie.

What can we learn from Gideon's legacy?

Even if God uses you, you must be humble! Are you demolishing idols only to replace them with other idols? While Gideon's heart started in the right place, he was led astray by his own success.

Hold fast to Christ! Obey God's commands! Train your children to walk in His ways.

# 2021-04-29 Abimelech's “way”

> There is a way which seems right to a man,
>       but in the end it leads to death.
Prov 14:12


>Then God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech, that the violence done to the seventy sons of Jerubbaal might come, and that their blood might be laid on Abimelech their brother who killed them, and on the men of Shechem who strengthened his hands to kill his brothers.
Judges 9:23-24

>A certain woman cast an upper millstone on Abimelech’s head, and broke his skull. Then he called hastily to the young man, his armor bearer, and said to him, “Draw your sword and kill me, that men not say of me, ‘A woman killed him.’ His young man thrust him through, and he died.” When the men of Israel saw that Abimelech was dead, they each departed to his place. Thus God repaid the wickedness of Abimelech, which he did to his father in killing his seventy brothers; and God repaid all the wickedness of the men of Shechem on their heads; and the curse of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal came on them.
Judges 9:53-57

Abimelech's ‘way’ was murdering his brothers. God, after 3 years, brought him to justice (see Genesis 9:6). How much different is our way? Jesus says that even by calling your brother by a spiteful name, you're in danger of hellfire (Matthew 5:22).
>But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son, cleanses us from all sin.
1 John 1:7

Walk in the light: God's way, not your way. Only His blood can cleanse you from sin.

# 2021-04-30 A house without guile

> No one will live in my house who practices guile.
> No one that speaks a lie will abide in my presence.
Psalm 101

The Psalmist (David) wants to distance himself from sin. He was called ”a man after God's heart”, and we see that here, like God, he detests sin. Recall stories of David's later years (Amnon and Tamar comes to mind): his house was full of sin! Why couldn't David get a handle on this? Can anyone clean their house of sin?


>From his fullness we all received grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses. Grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.
John 1:16-17

We know the law through Moses, but are given grace through the love of Christ. So, should we keep sinning, since we are under grace and not under the law? May it never be so! Paul writes in Romans 6 that we died with Christ to live with Him, living with God.

>I will sing of loving kindness and justice. To you, Yahweh, I will sing praises.
Psalms 101:1

God (Father, Son, and Spirit) *is* a God of love AND justice. Halelujah! Cleanse us of sins. Thank you for grace, that we might one day stand blameless before you.

# 2021-05-01 Is faith naïve?

> A naive person will believe anything, but the shrewd person discerns his steps.
Proverbs 14:15

> “Do you believe in me,” asked Jesus, “because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than those!  In truth I tell you,” he added, “you will all see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”
John 1:50-51

Was Nathanael naïve? Jesus only said he saw Nathanael under the fig tree. Anyone could have seen him under the fig tree, right?
If your brother claimed to have met a prophet, would you believe if the guy just complemented you, and related some afternoon occurance to you? How much more if your brother claimed this was THE Messiah. Maybe Nathanael believed there was something special about his time under the fig tree. We don't know, but we *do* know that Christ also questioned Nathanael's faith.

Jesus follows up His rhetorical question by promising more amazing signs. Luke 24:51 records the ascension: He was 'carried up into heaven.' But even greater will be the day we rise with Christ. The dead in Christ will rise; He will descend from the sky with the new Jerusalem. What an amazing sight that will be!

But until then, is it foolish to follow Him? Christ was raised! Hundreds saw Him alive firsthand. God gave us the scriptures so we may read the testimony; He gave us His Spirit so we can walk in His ways.

God, help me to discern my steps, and walk according to the truth. Thank you for the power to overcome the world through Your Son.

# 2021-05-04 Keep Her Clean

> He who comes from above is above all others; but a child of earth is earthly, and his teaching is earthly, too. ...

> The Father loves his Son, and has put everything in his hands.  The person who believes in the Son has eternal life, while a person who rejects the Son will not even see that life, but remains under God’s displeasure.
John 3

Recall the story of the Levite, his concubine, and the Benjamites (Judges 19-20). The story parallels Sodom and Gomorrah: they're warned against staying in the town square, surrounded by a lustful homosexual mob, the crowd is offered a virgin to appease their desires. Don't live in Gibeah! Israelites were supposed to be God's people, following His law; how could one of *their* cities behave so wickedly?

The Levite (the husband of the murdered woman (20:4)) failed to protect her. She left him (for her father's house) out of anger or faithlessness. He leaves her to the crowd for convenience or fear. Why, after going through great lengths to retrieve her, would he toss her out on the streets? "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." The Levite didn't expect to lose his concubine, but certainly wasn't trying to keep her clean.

How should we treat an unfaithful woman? We are the unfaithful. Christ came for us sinners. Follow Him! He won't throw you out, but will faithfully complete His perfecting work in your life.

```
I will sing to the Lᴏʀᴅ while I live,
  I will play to my God while I am.
May my musing be sweet to him,
  for I rejoice in the Lᴏʀᴅ.
But may sinners be swept from the earth,
  and the wicked vanish forever.
```

Psalm 104


# 2021-05-06 Improper proposition?

> “I have been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband, and how you have left your father, your mother, and the land of your birth, and have come to a people that you didn’t know before.  May Yahweh repay your work, and a full reward be given to you from Yahweh, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.”

>  She lay at his feet until the morning, then she rose up before one could discern another. For he said, “Let it not be known that the woman came to the threshing floor.”

Why shouldn't it be known what it is that she did?

> A good name is more to be desired than great wealth, and to be respected is better than silver and gold.
Proverbs 22:1

Ruth's good name preceded her. When (bachelor) Boaz met her, he blessed her, asking God to fully repay her for her kindness. As a wealthy man, he encouraged her to glean at his fields, where he knew it would be safe.

When Ruth (at the behest of Naomi) propositions Boaz, he shows that he has already put some thought into the arrangement. To preserve their reputation, he has her leave before notice (though not before morning). God does reward her, having *her* name in the line of David, in the line of Christ.

Keeping a good name takes intentional work. God, give the wisdom to keep a good name.

# 2021-05-07

> “No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit. I have not been drinking wine or strong drink, but I poured out my soul before Yahweh.  Don’t consider your servant a wicked woman; for I have been speaking out of the abundance of my complaint and my provocation.”
1 Samuel

What is an abundance of complaint? Is childlessness a good reason to complain? What things does God care about, that we should bring to him?

> “In truth I tell you, the Son can do nothing of himself; he does only what he sees the Father doing; whatever the Father does, the Son does also.  For the Father loves his Son, and shows him everything that he is doing; and he will show him still greater things – so that you will be filled with wonder
John 5

What greater things was the Father to show Jesus that he had not already seen?

>Someone with great understanding is slow to anger, but the one who has a quick temper exalts folly.
Proverbs 14:29

what does 'exalt' mean?

# 2021-05-08 Responding to prophecy

> He said, “What is the thing that he has spoken to you? Please don’t hide it from me. God do so to you, and more also, if you hide anything from me of all the things that he spoke to you.”
> Samuel told him every bit, and hid nothing from him.
> He said, “It is Yahweh. Let him do what seems good to him.”
1 Samuel 3 (WEB)

Prophecy 101: How to listen to God, and how to deliver his message. Eli taught Samuel these important skills, even to hear a negative prophecy against his own family.
Did Eli respond rightly? At first glance, it seems like he *did*, as he's submitting to God's will. But compare the response of the Ninevites: Jonah says God will destroy them, they repent, and God doesn't destroy them!

God wanted Eli to rebuke his blasphemous sons. God says this sin can't be forgiven by sacrifice or grain offering. Can any sin be forgiven by a grain offering? God demands obedience, only Christ's blood can cover sins (Heb 10, Psalm 40:6, 1 Samuel 15:22).

> Do not wonder at this; for the time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice,  and will come out – those who have done good rising to life, and those who have lived evil lives rising for condemnation.  I can do nothing of myself; I judge as I am taught; and the judgment that I give is just, because my aim is not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me.
John 5 (OEB)

Eli will rise for judgement by Christ. How did he respond when confronted by his sin? How do you respond when confronted with your sin?
Do you deny it? Act like it's not real? Do you accept it? Act as if it's no big deal? Or do you repent and obey God?

# 2021-05-12 The Man after God's heart

> Yahweh has sought for himself a man after his own heart, and Yahweh has appointed him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept that which Yahweh commanded you.”
I Sam 13 (WEB)

Saul didn't follow "the commandment of Yahweh", and was succeeded by David. Adam didn't follow *The* Commandment from Yahweh, and was succeeded by Jesus.

> “My teaching is not my own; it is his who sent me. If anyone has the will to do God’s will, they will find out whether my teaching is from God, or whether I speak on my own authority. The person who speaks on their own authority seeks honor for themselves; but the one who seeks the honor of him who sent him is sincere, and there is nothing false in him.
John 7 (OEB)

Submitting to the authority and will of God is necessary to walk in the truth. Jesus was speaking on the Father's authority. He did not ‘come from’ man, but was appointed as the prince of peace by God.

>  Grant us help from the foe,
>       for human help is worthless.
>  With God we shall yet do bravely,
>       he himself will tread down our foes.
Psalm 108 (OEB)

Only by His power can we overtake our enemies. The devil is seeking to destroy us by sin. Find your confidence with God. You can't do it of your own power; by The Spirit, put to death the wicked deeds your fleshly body desires.

```
  Oh victory in Jesus,
  My Savior, forever.
  He sought me and bought me
  with his redeeming blood.
```

Bartlett


# 2021-05-13

> “If anyone thirsts, they should come to me, and drink.  I tell you what I have myself seen in the presence of my Father; and you, in the same way, do what you have learned from your father.”  (By this he meant the Spirit, which those who had believed in him were to receive; for the Spirit had not yet come, because Jesus had not yet been exalted.)
John 7 (OEB)

# 2021-05-16

>   As for you, you are children of your Father the devil, and you are determined to do what your father loves to do. He was a murderer from the first, and did not stand by the truth, because there is no truth in him. Whenever he lies, he does what is natural to him; because he is a liar, and the father of lying.  But, as for me, it is because I speak the truth to you that you do not believe me.  Which of you can convict me of sin? Why then don’t you believe me, if I am speaking truth?  The person who comes from God listens to God’s teaching; the reason why you do not listen is because you do not come from God.”
John 8 (OEB)

# 2021-05-18

> A quick-tempered person stirs up dissension,but one who is slow to anger calms a quarrel.
Prov 15:18 (NET)

# 2021-05-21 Stay with the Baggage

> For as his share is who goes down to the battle, so shall his share be who stays with the baggage. They shall share alike.”
1 Samuel 30 (WEB)

David learned an important lesson. Because he left no defences in Ziklag, their people were taken captive. So when he returned from reclaiming what was lost, he respected those who had stayed behind. If you overlook defence, you'll be forced to go on the offensive.

How can we ‘stay with the baggage’? The devil is our primary enemy. When you've taken ground from him, don't cede it back! Take captive every thought to obey Christ; don't let them be taken back!

God, help me to hear your word; to obey it. Captivate my mind. Let not the enemy take a foothold in my life.

# 2021-05-26
> But the thing that David had done displeased Yahweh.
2 Samuel 11:27 (WEB)

# 2021-07-25
> In the thirty-ninth year of his reign, Asa was diseased in his feet. His disease was exceedingly great; yet in his disease he didn’t seek Yahweh, but just the physicians.  Asa slept with his fathers, and died in the forty-first year of his reign
2 Chronicles 16 (WEB)

Why do we trust in medical doctors instead of in God?

>  May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart
>       be pleasing to you, Lᴏʀᴅ,
>       my rock and redeemer.
Psalm 19:14 (OEB)


# 2021-09-04 Sorrow leading to repentence

```poetry
We think, O God, of your love,
in the midst of your temple.
Your fame, O God, like your name, shall extend
to the ends of the earth.
```

psalm 48 (OEB)

> Consider the work of God, for who can make that straight which he has made crooked?  In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider; yes, God has made the one side by side with the other, to the end that man should not find out anything after him. 

ecclesiastes 7 (WEB)


> For, when sorrow is in accordance with God’s will, it results in a repentance leading to salvation, and which will never be regretted. The sure result of the sorrow that the world knows is death.  For see what results that other sorrow – sorrow in accordance with God’s will – has had in your case. What earnestness it produced! What explanations! What strong feeling! What alarm! What longing! What eagerness! What readiness to punish! You have proved yourselves altogether free from guilt in that matter.

2 Corinthians 7 (OEB)



God gives us happiness, and He gives sorrow. Think about His love. He helps us to see Him.

Our sin saddens us, but He uses that to strengthen our faith.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful...” to restore fellowship with Him.
Examine your relationship with God. In there something you are putting before Him? Take the time to confess it to Him.


# 2021-09-05 The meaning of life, and faith.

This is the end of the matter. All has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.  For God will bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether it is good, or whether it is evil. 
-Ecclesiastes 12 (WEB)

>  For assuredly no one can ransom themselves,
>       or give to God the price of their life,
>  for the ransom of a life is costly,
>       no payment is ever enough,

>  But God will assuredly ransom my life
>       from the hand of Sheol;
>       for he will receive me.         Selah
>  So be not afraid when someone grows rich,
>       when the wealth of their house increases.
>  Not a shred of it all can they take when they die,
>       wealth cannot follow them down.
>  Though they count themselves happy, when they are alive,
>       and win praise from many for faring so well,
>  they must join their ancestors,
>       who see the light nevermore.
-Psalm 49 (OEB)

What is the meaning of life, et al? 
Not to gain wealth, but to fear God.

Why does the Psalmist believe God will save him?

> Now without faith it is impossible to please him, for the one who approaches God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. 
-Hebrews 11 (NET)

He has faith in Yahweh!
Live today in the fear of God, trusting Him to ransom your life.


# 2021-10-18 Put the message into practice!

> Therefore, get rid of all filthiness and whatever wickedness still remains, and in a humble spirit receive that message which has been planted in your hearts and is able to save your souls.  Put that message into practice, and do not merely listen to it – deceiving yourselves.

James

Sometimes we get into the comparison game. Part of our secular nature is to look at others and esteem ourselves greater than them.
But what good is that? Humility requires that we don't place ourselves on a pedestal.

No one is good but God. Christ is the ultimate measuring stick, and we can't come close to His righteousness by our own works. Practice the message of the gospel: forgive as The LORD forgave you. You know your own wickedness (even though you might be better at hiding it than others).

Practice the message: "We died to sin, how can we still live in it?" (Romans 6). Jesus didn't die so that you could remain in slavery to sin!

God, cleanse my heart. Conform my will to yours.