October 1, Reading Notes

Isaiah 62:6-65:25

Isaiah 62:6-12

The watchmen are to stay alert watching for the coming of the Messiah. They are to give God no rest, crying out to Him. As disciples this is supposed to be our attitude of heart too. The Lord's prayer has this in it. And I think of the first verses I memorized as an Awana worker, Titus 2:11-14 "For the grace of God has appeared for the salvation of all men, training us to renounce irreligion and worldly passions, and to live sober, upright, and godly lives in this world, awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all iniquity and to purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds."

V. 11 Read Revelation 22:12-17 and you will see verse 11. Those verses in Revelation have the same feel of these verses in Isaiah.

Isaiah 63

Vs. 1-6 This is the Messiah coming to Zion in victory.

Vs. 7-9 What would you call this?

Vs. 10-14 These are the clearest references to the Holy Spirit I know of in the OT.

Vs. 15-19 The people are appealing to God, their Father, to return to them. Again, these are some of the only references in the OT where God is referred to as the Father. This is very special ground.

So in this chapter, we have the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. This might be one of those portions of Scripture where the Jews developed their teaching of the Trinity.

Isaiah 64

Vs. 1-7 This sounds like Isaiah, or the nation confessing their sin to God.

Vs. 8-12 They appeal to God for help because He is their Father and because of what has happened to Zion / Jerusalem.

You notice that all of this is prophetic. The city still looked pretty good during the time of this writing. It would still be about 100 years before everything looked like a wilderness and desolation.

Isaiah 65

Vs. 1-7 These verses seem to be God's reasons for rejecting that generation of Israel.

Vs. 1-2 Paul quotes these verses at the end of Romans 10.

Vs. 8-10 This is the blessing of the obedient.

Vs. 11-12 This is the cursing of the disobedient.

Vs. 13-16 In this contrast between the obedient and disobedient, can you hear some of what Jesus said in the Beatitudes; i.e., blessed are, but woe to…?

Vs. 17-25 This will be the blessing of the people in the Millennial Kingdom.

Philippians 2:19-3:4

Phil. 2:19-30

Vs. 19-24 Paul planned to send Timothy because Timothy was a pastor and teacher. Timothy wouldn't just visit, he would strengthen, encourage and correct. From these verses you get some good words about Timothy, and you get the idea that Paul's trial wasn't far off and that he did think he would be released.

Vs. 25-30 It might have been that "E" was to have stayed with Paul longer, but everyone was worried, so Paul decided to send him back. There are also some good words here about "E" and on how to treat people who have worked hard in the Lord and risked their lives.

Phil. 3:1-4

These verses are the prelude to some very challenging and wonderful verses. It is interesting that out of conflict and perversity, God can bring blessing.

V. 1 We will see "finally" again. Apparently what is happening here is that Paul is getting off on a very blessed rabbit trail.

V. 2 There is no political correctness here. These were often Jewish Christians of the circumcision party in Jerusalem who followed and hounded (no pun intended) Paul and disrupted churches.

A note on "dogs." For me the connotation that comes to mind is that dogs were scavengers. These teachers couldn't bear fruit and begin churches, but they could come in behind Paul like scavengers and build stubble on the foundation he had laid.

V. 3 What a great definition of what it means to follow Christ. No denomination, only the worship of God in the truth of the Spirit. We live in the glory of our salvation in this person, Jesus Christ, sharing it with others. And we are always only ever sinners saved by grace.

V. 4 is a springboard into tomorrow.

Psalm 73

Earlier in the year when we read this psalm we hadn't yet read Job. Psalm 73 should "feel" a little different now, having sat with Job in his ashes and misery. The interesting thing is that when you read this again next year, you will see even more here.

Vs. 3-12 Why does God allow the proud and wicked to prosper for a time?

V. 13 This sounds like Job, or me when I'm in a self-piteous mood.

V. 17 was Asaph's turning point. Where is that sanctuary for you? There is no temple. I have this time alone with God in His Word and praying. If not for that, where would any of us be?

Vs. 25-26 With so much we don't understand about God's working day to day, what we know of God through our Lord has to be enough for us and all we need.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnSVgCMfhsY

Proverbs 24:13-14

I like the idea of the comparison, but who of us would really take this advice. Who of us hasn't learned wisdom because of constant stumbling, falling, running into the wall at 100 mph. We who are now older need to tell our stories to help the next generation of disciples "wise up" without having to hit the wall.

Thankfully there is a very gracious Father who heals our self-inflicted injuries and patiently teaches us the wisdom of listening to Him.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link Every Day in the Word. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.” 

I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.

If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is, the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.

I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.

Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it. Send comments and feedback to dgkachikis@gmail.com.

September 30, Reading Notes

Isaiah 60-62:5

When I read these verses today I was nearly in tears. If only Israel today believed this stuff. They would all call on God and say, "blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord," and the Messiah would come. And He will someday, and they will call Him, but it will be in the darkness of the tribulation.

As you read today remember that Israel was chosen to represent God in His plan to redeem the world. As a result, every power of hell rained upon them to stop them. Israel failed and became a visual aid of the sin of man rebelling in the presence of God's help and love. God has shown us how desperately hopeless we are without Christ and a new birth. In the tribulation Israel will carry God's Word to a visually dying world and will pay a high price for that. So, we shouldn't wonder that when the Messiah comes, all nations will understand what Israel has "borne" for the world. Jerusalem will be in ruins and the throne of Jesus will be in the temple. The nations will come, and in gratitude to God and to Israel as God's servant to the world, they will help rebuild and console this battered servant of God.

Isaiah 60

Vs. 1-2 This sounds like the tribulation and the coming of the Lord. The Lord will rise upon the Jews at the beginning of the tribulation and they will become His servant again. At the end of the tribulation when Jesus returns visibly and bodily to Jerusalem and ends all the fighting, all eyes will be on His people and His city.

Vs. 3-22 These are amazing verses.

V. 14 Notice that, as in all of Isaiah, the city is still a major focus of God's attention.

V. 19 This is what is also described in Revelation.

Isaiah 61

Vs. 1-2 There are words similar to these a few chapters back, but this is the portion that Jesus read in Nazareth. He told the people that as He read these words, they were fulfilled in their hearing. And they took offense at Him, meaning, they didn't believe that Jesus the carpenter could be this person.

Jesus only read to the word "favor" in verse two. "And the day of vengeance of our God" and what follows will be fulfilled at the end of the tribulation when Jesus returns to rescue and restore Israel.

Vs. 3-9 This is what Jesus will do for His people.

Vs. 10-11 This will be Israel's praise of God.

Isaiah 62:1-5

V.1 Zion and Jerusalem again. It seems that God is determined to keep preaching this in spite of the darkness of the times and the sin of the people, because this future glory and blessing is coming to Israel.

Vs. 2-5 The unity between Israel and God will be complete.

Philippians 1:27-2:18

Phil. 1:27-30

V. 27-30 So why this call to unity? I think it was the effect that the persecution was beginning to have on them. Some people might have wanted to draw back and give in.

V. 29 This is a pretty big verse for a disciple. Staying out of trouble is not a part of our call to follow Christ.

Phil. 2:1-18

Vs. 1-11 These are great verses. Songs have been written about these. So, my question is how the call to unity above fits to the call of unity in verses 1-2 and rolls into this description of Jesus.

It seems to me that the unity of the church is dependent upon a deep connection and service between members. Especially in this stress the church was facing, with all sorts of fears and emotions flying around, it couldn't become "every man for himself," but rather everyone had to bind together. But that binding had to be around the same mindset, which I think had to do with following Christ in the harvest.

Vs. 12-13 This unity would take some work and be a matter of obedience. They needed to remember that God was still working, inspiring them and using them in the harvest.

Vs. 14-18 At first, the command to do all things (everything) without grumbling and questioning seems like a general duty, but it is related to their witness in the harvest. Since the grumbling and questioning do not have a clear object, I think it has to do with each member understanding that what was happening to them (like Job) was from God, for His purpose. Those circumstances, if they follow Christ in love, will put them into situations where they will be lights as they hold fast the word of life.

Vs. 16-18 I take this to be Paul's hope as a maker of disciples that those for whom he had risked so much and worked so hard would follow Christ in this time of stress, bear fruit and make disciples who make disciples.

V. 17 Paul seems to have understood that he might not be released and be put to death. When Paul talks like this again at the end of 2 Timothy, he has no doubt.

Since the reading today had the verses of Jesus emptying Himself, I've got to include my second favorite hymn. This version has a little "kick" to it, but it's true to the hymn. Verse two is from Philippians two. The rest is just good discipleship.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9I87nVp040&feature=related

Psalm 72

Verse 20 says this is a prayer of David. With that in mind, I'm seeing this talking more about Jesus than Solomon.

Just for exercise in Bible study, circle "may." Also, look at what this king does. You can't fool me (especially after reading Isaiah), this is the Messiah.

Proverbs 24:11-12

Did you get this? This is pretty strong, but it is nothing a disciple in the harvest needs to fear. That's why we are in the harvest and it is what the love of Christ compels us to do. We who have been saved know the peril of those who do not know Christ. Out of love we have to do something, and that something is in the harvest following our Lord. The last thing a disciple should say or feel is, "Who cares?"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aTqk5YGiRo&list=FLXNvyvHkjdvvMMDyoTwM5sw&index=10

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link Every Day in the Word. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.” 

I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.

If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is, the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.

I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.

Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it. Send comments and feedback to dgkachikis@gmail.com.

September 29, Reading Notes

Isaiah 57:14-59:21

Isaiah 57:14-21

Having described the Messiah as the servant of the Lord who will redeem both Israel and the Gentiles, this section concludes with a call to the people to prepare their way for the Messiah.

Vs. 14-15 This sounds like the message of John the Baptist.

Vs. 16-19 As the Lord's servant, Israel failed, but in the future God will heal and restore them.

Vs. 20-21 But this is a warning to all who resist God.

Isaiah 58

Chapters 58-66 are the last of three, nine chapter blocks. This group of chapters looks at the sin of the people in Isaiah's day, the coming of peace and prosperity to Israel and the entire earth, under the Messiah.

Vs. 1-2 This could well have been the people of Hezekiah's day. They were following the rules, but they were worshiping for their own benefit.

Vs. 3-12 They thought God should have regarded their fasting. This is God's commentary on their fasting and what He really wanted. It makes you think of Jesus' words to the Samaritan woman that those who worship the Father must worship Him in spirit and in truth.

Vs. 13-14 The Sabbath was a day to delight in the Lord. It wasn't just a day off.

Isaiah 59

This sounds more like, possibly, the early years of Manasseh.

Vs. 1-2 These verses state the real issue between God and man.

Vs. 3-8 I'm sure Paul had this section of Isaiah in mind when he wrote Romans 3:10-18.

Vs. 9-15 This is why God could not use Israel as a light to the world. This is true of every man and woman on earth. All would be lost for us, "But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ….by grace you are saved…and raised us up with Him and made us sit with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus"

Vs. 16-21 So, with Israel failing as God's servant, God chose another to intercede.

When I read this I realize how well Paul knew these verses. Verse 17 sounds like the spiritual armor. Verse 20 is quoted in Romans 11.

V. 21 is the future covenant God will make with Israel because of the work of Jesus.

When I read verse sixteen, I thought of the fact that Jesus isn't "named," but you know it is Him. Who is this guy? Then I thought, "dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus it is He." Think of these verses as you listen to the second verse of this song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mt7tEV2thO4&feature=related

Philippians 1:1-26

Philippians is another of those amazing letters from Paul where we have great statements of what it means to walk as a disciple of Jesus in the harvest. These statements like "for to me to live is Christ and to die is gain," and "have this mind among yourselves which is yours in Christ Jesus, who though he was in the form of God...humbled Himself…" and "That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection…," stand alone as great teaching. But in the flow of Paul's encouragement and warnings to this church, they are expressed as the longing desires of a man totally in love with Christ. As we'll see, these expressions are meant to be our desires too.

Like Ephesians, Paul wrote this while he was being held in Rome awaiting trial. This is where we left Paul at the end of Acts. It was a polite imprisonment. Paul was heard by Nero and released. Epaphroditus (an elder at Philippi?) had brought a collection from the church to Paul. While there, "E" must have shared the general state of affairs in the church. He also got really sick for a while. Now that "E" was back on his feet, Paul was sending him back with this letter. As the spiritual father of the church, Paul does express some concern and suggestions. The biggest of these concerns is with those Jewish Christians trying to get people to obey the law to get saved. The other concern is that there seems to be a growing persecution of the church. Philippi was a very special Roman town. The people there had privileges as if they were living in Rome, but that meant that Rome had a very strong control of the city. About seven years after the writing of this letter, Roman persecution would take the lives of many Christians, Paul's included. But there is just a hint of it now. Generally, this letter is a thank you to a church that was very close to Paul's heart.

Vs. 3-6 The key phrase here is "partnership in the gospel." The church at Philippi is the only church we know of that Paul planted and immediately, on their own, began supporting Paul financially. It wasn't just that they wanted to help the kind old man who helped them. They caught Paul's passion for following Christ: to be partners in the blessings of the gospel, reaching the lost and making disciples for Christ.

V. 7 This is what a true partnership in missions gives the people back home. The people see what has been done by God's grace and become partakers of that grace and those blessings.

Vs. 8-11 Paul's prayer is that their love would abound, more and more. The rest is important and descriptive, but don't lose sight of the focus of Paul's request. Love for Christ and others grows in the harvest and Paul wanted it to grow in a certain way. If this love grew, the end product would be the glory and praise of God.

Vs. 12-18 This is like Job writing why it is good to suffer. Paul couldn't control the attitudes of the Christians who were trying to make him feel bad, but he was happy that the unbelieving public was hearing about Christ. God would take care of that other stuff.

V. 19 Paul had a good feeling that he would be released. We'll see this expressed again in chapter two.

Vs. 20-21 The thought of being ashamed, I think, came from those bratty preachers trying to make Paul look small. But the real issue was that Paul was where He was to give testimony of Jesus Christ to the Roman authorities. In this sense especially, he knew he wouldn't be ashamed. I like that line, "but that with full courage, now as always, Christ will be honored in my body whether by life or by death." Amen.

V. 21 Many Christians would say "amen" to this, but their treasure is really on earth and if they were to die they would be losing everything. Their lament would be, "Father, not my will but Thine be done." Meaning that they really want to stay here and enjoy life.

Vs. 21-26 The life that Paul describes here seems like discipleship on steroids. If you read what Paul wrote after his even bigger declaration in chapter three, you'll see that Paul and the Spirit mean this to be normative thinking for the disciple of Jesus on earth. Why else are we here except to follow in the harvest, reach the lost, and make disciples who make disciples? Being with Jesus will be so much better, except this life isn't about us and what would be better for us, it is about following Jesus and reaching those He died to save.

With all this talk about love, and seeing what the love of Jesus did in Paul's heart and life, this song fits pretty well. In fact, I think David and the other writers of the psalms would agree with this too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBEPFFqpycQ

Psalm 71

This psalm doesn't have information regarding the author, but reading it, I say, "You can't fool me. This is David." Just an older version of him, possibly before and after the civil war with Absalom.

I see a lot of Psalm 40 in here, but really, it echoes all of David's praying and crying out and celebrating. The only thing it is missing is a reference to God's steadfast love.

The one thing that strikes me is the long celebration of hope from verses 14-24. The writer was now old and had been following God from his early years. He had seen so much deliverance. He knew God.

Proverbs 24:9-10

I guess these are good general truths. But in the context of yesterday, seeing Satan referred to as a schemer, I guess you could take that application into today. You should have a note that "devising" can be read "scheming."

Adversity often comes from the human and spiritual side of scheming or devising sin. To scoff at God, His existence, His holiness and justice, is an abomination. That spiritual origin of these things is literally an abomination to mankind.

So what does God do for us? He gives us the Word, the Spirit, and insight into what's really happening in life. He gives us a place in the fight, in the harvest, winning the lost, turning them into disciples. We have seen everywhere that God makes us strong through adversity, but only through that adversity that is somehow linked to the harvest. Remember that verse from yesterday about Jesus sharing the spoil with the strong? Can you see some connection to that verse and verse 10 here. The work makes us strong. To hold back makes us weak because our strength is in the Lord and in the Spirit, and they are both active in reaching a lost world. We all need to be in the Word, in the harvest. That is where we draw close to Christ, use the armor and develop spiritual strength.

Even a seasoned disciple like Timothy was shocked into fear by the sudden aggression of Nero that had risen. Paul, facing death in a Roman dungeon, wrote to Timothy to remind him to be strong in Christ in the harvest.

2 Timothy 1:7-10 for God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power and love and self-control. Do not be ashamed then of testifying to our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel in the power of God, who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not in virtue of our works but in virtue of his own purpose and the grace which he gave us in Christ Jesus ages ago, and now has manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link Every Day in the Word. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.” 

I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.

If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is, the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.

I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.

Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it. Send feedback or comments to dgkachikis@gmail.com.

September 28, Reading Notes

Isaiah 54-57:13

Isaiah 54

This blessing is being spoken to all generations of Israel, but is focused on the generation alive when Jesus returns as the conquering king to save and restore Israel. When Jesus reigns they will multiply in peace and no enemy will threaten them.

Isaiah 55

This is a great chapter and one that is on my list to memorize someday. Isaiah is speaking to his people in the current day.

V. 1 Jesus stood up in the middle of the feast of the tabernacles on the great day at the great moment of the procession and yelled this out. How embarrassing. No, how urgent the time was for Israel, the failing servant, to grasp who He was, their king and servant of God who would pour out His life for the sins of the world. This was mentioned in John 7:37-39.

V. 2 This is what Jesus told the crowd in John 6:27, the day many of His disciples left Him.

Vs. 6-11 The appeal to seek the Lord. God's actions and will are not for us to completely understand. We saw this in Job. His will and purpose are described in His control of nature. Verses 10 & 11 were some of the first verses I memorized as a disciple.

Isaiah 56

Isaiah is saying this to his people, present at that time.

Vs. 1-7 This blessing is spoken to Israel and to Gentiles. Anyone could join themselves to Israel. That was the purpose of Israel as God's servant. As hinted at here and seen later, Israel will again be God's restored servant and all nations will come to the Lord through them.

The mention of the Sabbath during the time of the law was really a sign of faith. It took faith to keep the Sabbath when others might be working on the Sabbath, getting your jobs and making more money than you. It was easy to look around, be jealous of the ungodly and give up keeping the Sabbath.

Vs. 9-12 This punishment is on those who won't listen and will continue to verse 13 of the next chapter.

Isaiah 57:1-13

This is God warning these people. Notice that the righteous live alongside the ungodly, and though faced with the same circumstances, take refuge in the Lord and lie in peace in their beds.

Ephesians 6

Vs. 1-4 This is walking as saved kids and saved parents.

Vs. 5-9 Imagine being a slave and coming to Christ. This would require a lot of faith. Laura and I just saw, "The Help." Just watching the injustice and treatment of these people was jarring. I don't think you can imagine the faith needed to follow Christ in those kinds of circumstances unless God places you there. Believing masters were to walk by faith in Christ also.

Vs. 10-18 Putting on the armor in verses 11 and 13 is commanded, and it is used to withstand, not to attack. We don't attack them, we walk, following Christ in the harvest, focused on lost people and making disciples. There is no hint of an idea of being preoccupied with the spiritual battle. Our job is the rescue, turning our attention to this battle only as we are attacked and they stand in the way. It is all around us, so we wear the armor; but our goal is something different: reaching out to the dying and making disciples who make disciples. The command to stand in verse 13 has a sense of urgency.

V.12 This adds definition to every other time we have heard the words, "principalities and powers." According to the book of Revelation, Satan doesn't get kicked out of heaven until the middle of the tribulation.

For my take on the importance of the shoes, look at: http://fencerail.blogspot.com/2010/10/no-shoes-no-service-no-harvest.html

V. 17 I know that all of the pieces of the armor could have books written about them, but I really think being in the Word daily is necessary for all of them. For example, the helmet of salvation. Think of what we have been reading in Isaiah, how God is our creator and redeemer, linking the work of His hands to the love He has for us. I have read that several times, but this last week it has been sinking more and more into my thinking and my heart. That definitely strengthens the helmet of salvation. Actually, we have read Ephesians 1-3 and that strengthens our understanding and awe of our own salvation.

We are all too spiritually bi-polar to go a day without the Word. We only kid ourselves if we are not reading it daily, drawing near to God. Without the Word and the Spirit's constant work in our hearts, all of this armor is meaningless and we're just sitting ducks.

Vs. 19-20 This is Paul's present struggle waiting his trial in Rome.

Vs. 21-22 Paul was always working to strengthen others.

Vs. 23-24 There's a lot of love in these verses. Love and faith are often connected in Paul's thinking, for example, in 1 Tim. 1:14 and 2 Tim. 1:13. Isn't it interesting that Paul makes this last blessing conditional: "Grace be to all who….." These are the ones who live in and truly experience the grace of Jesus Christ.

The word incorruptible sounds moral, or maybe industrial like "rustproof." It is a good word, but doesn't clearly say what it means in this context. I like the RSV and NIV, "undying."

Thinking about undying love, doesn't it seem like that is what God is saying through Isaiah? Finishing up this section of Isaiah on the poured out love of the Messiah, and finishing Ephesians and the limitless grace and love of God in Jesus, what other response should there be from us as His disciples, but undying love and a poured out life, telling of His love in the harvest.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-afZJ9_TIM&feature=related

Psalm 70

It's interesting to me that most of the time we don't panic, but when it comes, even though it is really only in our heads and hearts, all of life seems to be full of desperation and stress. If we really could see the spiritual reality around us, we would all be wrecks. If we could see the dark spiritual forces around us, manipulating us and those around us, taking lives, we would probably lose our minds. But at least we would cry out with real urgency. We would cry out like David does here.

The answer isn't to be oblivious to the danger and reality, but to replace our desperation with faith in the love and purpose of our Father, who sent His Son and gave us His Spirit. If He is our refuge and love, we will live forever with Him and can sleep now in peace.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y10eQ0IgLVo

Proverbs 24:8

You remember what you just read in Eph. 6:11, right? I'd say that was an interesting coincidence. J

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link Every Day in the Word. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.” 

I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.

If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is, the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.

I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.

Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it. Send feedback or comments to dgkachikis@gmail.com.

September 27, Reading Notes

Isaiah 51-53

When we read this section today, it is easy to see how the people in Jesus' day thought the Messiah would bring the eternal deliverance and kingdom at His first coming. They didn't understand that the purpose of His first coming was to make Himself an offering for sin. They didn't understand the Scriptures, that they would reject Him. They didn't see the church age, but then no one did. The church was hidden.

We will read today that God will deliver the people by the hand of the Messiah. There was a shadow of that final deliverance after the Babylonian captivity, but the way this deliverance is described, it is certainly focused on the second advent of Christ, when He comes to reign in Zion for a thousand years.

Isaiah 51

As you read this, circle the commands to listen or awake. Try to understand what unique thing God is saying in each of these sections.

Vs. 1-3 The people of promise are really from the promise of Abraham, not from the demand of the law. They were born in the redemptive plan of God.

Vs. 4-11 This clearly is the return of God's people to Jerusalem when the Messiah comes. There will be a shadow of this when the people return from the exile.

V. 5 Notice the mention of God's arms. When Mary praises God in Luke, she says, "He has shown strength with His arm and has scattered the proud in the imaginations of their hearts." She and the Spirit clearly saw the coming of the Messiah in this show of power and regard for the weak.

V. 11 In Isaiah, there has been a continual focus on Zion.

Vs. 12-16 This section seems to be God declaring that it is He who comforts the people. He says to Zion, "You are my people." This is interesting when you think that Jesus wept over Jerusalem.

Vs. 17-23 Here it seems, prophetically speaking, judgment has passed on Israel and God again will redeem and restore His people.

Isaiah 52

Vs. 1-6 Jerusalem is to rejoice in its restoration from captivity.

Vs. 7-10 This is definitely when Jesus comes again to Jerusalem.

Verse 10 is pretty cool. CNN will probably carry this live.

Vs. 11-12 This is safety for those who trust God in those final hours.

Vs. 13-15 When the world sees the Messiah come, there will be some surprises and some shut mouths. I wonder what the ACLU and those voices for religious pluralism and tolerance will say?

Isaiah 53

These verses answer the shock of the past few verses. They should have believed but didn't. This chapter is spoken from the perspective of Israel, the failed servant, speaking in repentance about its Lord, the suffering servant and savior of man. At the end, the voice is from the Father.

V. 1 The initial question is regarding who has believed and why they should have believed.

V. 2 There was a contrast. Those who regarded the Lord saw Him. For the others, Jesus had as much desirability as looking a root of a tree exposed above the surface of the ground.

V. 3 Humanly speaking, Jesus was jobless man from a poor background with nothing going for Him.

V. 4 Some may have sensed that He was bearing our sin, but it looked like God was against Him.

V. 5 But the reality was this.

V. 6 This is their confession of sin.

V.7 This was true at His death, and even when you read what Jesus said in conflict with the Pharisees, He could have said so much more.

V. 8 At the point of Jesus' death, not even His disciples understood.

V. 9 This is the Servant as commissioned by the Father. Notice that Jesus not only had to submit, but also had to actively make himself an offering for sin. And look what happened after He did this.

V. 10 By His knowledge. As His disciples, what do we know? Do we live by it?

V. 11 As a man, Jesus is the greatest man who ever lived. No one has ever accomplished for mankind what Jesus has.

Notice that He divides the spoil with the strong. I tend to associate this sharing of spoil not as giving eternal life to believers, but in the harvest, sharing richly with those who labor with Him. You see this in Eph. 4, but also Jesus said to His disciples, "He who endures to the end will be saved." That "saved" isn't salvation, it is preservation from damage and a victorious attitude. In the song that Paul quoted to Timothy in 2 Timothy he says, "If we die with Him we shall also live with Him, if we endure, we shall also reign with Him." I think there is a special sharing of strength and blessing with those who are working strongly in the harvest.

This is my favorite hymn, and he does all four verses.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3sJsl0t9dc

Ephesians 5

Vs. 1-2 This is like striking the tuning fork to focus us again on the correct tone. That tone is the love of Christ and the example of Jesus for the church.

Vs. 3-6 Our lives are to be different, following the example of Christ; that is, that this is a dying world with all sorts of people being deceived and needing the truth.

Vs. 7-14 Our lives, if lived for Christ in the harvest, making friends with our neighbors, will cast enough light to be used by God in His purpose for us. But, we need to live for Christ. We need to allow His change in us, following Him, praising Him, to make us distinctly His. If we lie and complain and do what everyone else does, what good is that? Jesus told His disciples to be salt and light. If you read these commands by Jesus you see that they are very, very strongly stated.

Vs. 15-21 This is the nature of our walk with Christ.

Notice that we are to be alert, walking like a super spy, observing everything. That is why this is linked to not being foolish (walking unaware) but instead understanding what is the will of God. This is like in John 5, Jesus observing what the Father was doing and doing it. We are to walk observant and expectant that the Lord is around us working, and once observed, we should join in.

Vs. 19-20 This sounds like a worship service but this is still our walk. So, how do you define being filled with the Spirit? Here it is.

Addressing one another to strengthen and build them up for their walk as disciples.

Having your life focused in the reality of your salvation (chapters 1-3) as you walk in the harvest.

Always and for everything giving thanks.

Vs. 22-33 Funny, that when God points to us being salt and light, following the Spirit, He addresses marriage first.

Vs. 22-24 I didn't write this, but it is still in force.

Vs. 25-33 Husbands are to love their wives in two ways.

Vs. 25-27 First, showing the love and leadership of Christ to their wives. This is a test of a man's understanding of this spiritual truth. If you know how Christ loved the church, it will be visible in your marriage.

Vs. 28-33 Second, showing His understanding of the physical and spiritual unity of man and woman, which reflects the unity of Christ and the church. There is something extremely spiritual about the bond of a man and a woman, and if a man ignores this, he ignores it to his own harm.

The marriage relationship is not only salt and light in a dying world, but I think too, it comes under the command to be very careful how we walk on this dying planet following Christ in the harvest.

This is a great wedding song and also hits the point of these verses. If you get on YouTube and type in "Pat Terry That's the Way," you'll find Pat Terry doing this years later. The younger version, I think is better. But the version by Alan Jackson is strong and smooth. The story is that Jackson sang this at his wedding.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZnoOTf102E&feature=BFa&list=PL8F3FC504C539471B

Psalm 69:19-36

It really is interesting to read this psalm and to also be reading about the Messiah in Isaiah.

V. 21 is quoted when they offered Jesus vinegar on the cross to keep Him alive long enough to see if Elijah would come and rescue Him.

Vs. 22-23 are quoted by Paul in Romans 11:10 describing God's judgment on Israel for their self-imposed blindness and rebellion.

V. 26 Think of this in terms of what you just read in Isaiah 53.

Vs. 29-36 These are not only the blessings on the Messiah for giving Himself, but the redeemed will share this blessing with Him in Zion.

And it all works together in praise to God.

Proverbs 24:7

"In the gate" is referring to the place of the judges and the elders of the people. It is not that the fool is suddenly wise and knows to keep his mouth closed, it is that he is not invited in, to give his "wisdom." Because it mentions the "gates" here, I automatically think of the elders of a church. There is some wisdom necessary and some dues to be paid in order to lead a church to work in the harvest, making disciples who make disciples. Too many of the wrong men are often invited into the gates, having neither reaped or sowed in the harvest, having made no disciples and therefore, really having nothing to model or say, regarding the church and its mission and making disciples.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link Every Day in the Word. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.” 

I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.

If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is, the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.

I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.

Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it. Send feedback and comments to dgkachikis@gmail.com.

September 26, Reading Notes

Isaiah 48:12-50:11

Isaiah 48:12-22

Vs. 12-13 Isn't it interesting that God declares His eternal nature and power as creator to comfort His people, not to threaten them? Who does that? God does.

Vs. 14-22 This is God's promise to free His people from Babylon.

V. 18 Doesn't this sound a little like Jesus crying over Jerusalem? Anyone who says there is no love in the OT hasn't read it and doesn't understand the heart of God. Isn't that amazing to be able to say that, that we can understand the heart of God?

V. 22 There is no rest for the wicked…and then somebody said, "and the righteous don't need any." Not true.

Isaiah 49

The past nine chapters have been focused on giving the people hope. They would be scattered and punished in the world, in Babylon and in the times that precede the coming of Christ in His kingdom.

These next nine chapters will focus on the Messiah. Read these chapters with that understanding and you'll see how some of these verses will pull at your heart.

Vs. 1-4 This is the Messiah introducing Himself.

V. 2 This sounds like what John saw when he saw Jesus in the book of Revelations.

V. 3 The Messiah is called “Israel,” because chronologically on earth, He takes over for Israel as the servant of God.

V. 4 This sounds a little "un-Messiah" like, but as a man, Jesus did cry out to His Father.

Vs. 5-6 This is the Messiah's job. He will bring Jacob back to the Father and He will be a light to the nations.

Vs. 7-12 Amazing verses. God says two things in this section. What are they?

Vs. 13-21 Do you get the message in this portion?

Vs. 22-26 Thus says the Lord. What does He say?

V. 25 This sounds like what Jesus said about binding the strong man and looting his house. In this case, the loot is people. Jesus would free people from bondage to death and the powers of Satan. He will also redeem Israel, allowing Israel to be the servant of God in the tribulation and during the millennial kingdom.

Isaiah 50

Vs. 1-3 Although God had "divorced" Israel because of their "adultery," the Messiah has the power to bring them back.

Vs. 4-6 This introduces the price the Messiah will have to pay to redeem Israel and mankind.

V. 5 He put His hand to the plough and didn't look back. He was obedient and humbled Himself even to die on a cross.

V. 6 This is exactly what happened to Jesus before the cross.

Vs. 7-9 The faith of the Messiah in the help of His Father.

V. 7 I was reading this morning in John 7, "When the days drew near for Him to be received up, He set His face to go to Jerusalem.” That is the context of this verse.

Vs. 10-11 There are two lights here. One light is in trusting in the Messiah. The other light is one's own trust in himself or in whatever. One light leads to the peace that passes understanding and the other light leads to torment in this life, and in the life to come.

Ephesians 4:17-32

With all of the grace that this described in chapters 1-3 and with the inclusion of us all in the mystery of the revealed church, Paul makes his second strong appeal in this chapter. The first appeal was to live a life worthy of our calling to Christ and inclusion in the church. This appeal is even stronger.

V. 17 This verse ought to be stunning. As Christians we can still live in the futility of our minds. This is why church often doesn't work. The love of Christ becomes replaced by routine and order. The love of Christ is supposed to drive us together in the power of the Spirit into the harvest.

Although the next verses will describe the darkness of the lost mindset in terms of ethical malfunctions, the futility of mind that Paul mentions here is living and thinking without being filled by God's Word and Spirit. There is nothing “intuitive” about the spiritual life. We can’t get it from ourselves. We need the solid input of the Word and then must rely on the leading of the Spirit. That old life is lived in our imagination and by our desires and our gut and our resources and our intellect. That never worked before and it doesn't work now. The new life is bound to the Word and our salvation in Jesus. Now we are to follow Him and to walk by asking the Spirit to guide us in all situations, expecting that He is doing it. It’s a wilder ride than we think.

Vs. 18-20 This is the darkness of the lost mind and the reason for it.

What do we/did we learn in Christ?

Vs. 20-24 So, what are we being renewed in? What is it that is constantly making us over and guiding our thinking and attitudes and actions every minute and hour? That would be everything Paul said in chapters 1-3. Based on that, following the Spirit into the harvest with a loving, supernatural, humble mindset should be a given.

Vs. 25-32 Oh, yeah, how does all of that relate to this people in this "divine" organization? If the church is a team, reaching the lost, making disciples who make disciples into the next generation, it has to function like a team. Unlike any other "team" that might work together but not like each other, we are supposed to love one another because of the special bond we share in the love, blood and salvation in Jesus Christ.

V. 32 I've seen this verse abused by Christians. God does not forgive us if we do not repent and say we're sorry. To force others to forgive when a lie still exists in the room is not being like God, it’s just trying to get someone off the hook or sweep the matter under the rug in the name of “forgiveness.”

I used this video yesterday. Sorry if this is over play. I really like this song and image.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4OWswCFx8A

Psalm 69:1-18

Vs. 1-4 It must have made David wonder why so many people wanted him dead. He had done nothing to Saul to deserve that.

V. 5 I can identify with this.

V. 6 And imagine, David had all of these people joining him, following his faith in God. I can sense the weight of that. If you lead people in faith, it is often your faith that they hang on to.

V. 9 The first half of this verse is quoted in John 3 when the new disciples of this new rabbi watched Him go "postal" in the temple (maybe they watched Jesus and came up with the expression, “going temple”), chasing animals, overturning tables, telling people to leave. Then they remembered, "…zeal for your house has consumed me."

Paul quotes the second part of this verse in Romans 15, telling the Romans to live for others because Jesus did not live to please Himself, "but as it is written, 'the reproaches of those who reproached you, fell upon me.'"

Vs. 13-18 David appeals to God's mercy and His steadfast love. Verse 13 is also interesting. David apparently knew that God had a plan and a time in mind for everything that was happening.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHbyzhi70D4

Proverbs 24:5-6

Verse six explains the "full of strength" and the "enhances his might" of verse five. The wise man knows how to go to the right people and get the counsel he needs. In the harvest, we need to learn to seek wisdom and counsel from others, but we often learn this by first having to learn who to go to, or not to go to. Not all believers live by faith and not all are disciples. Finding kindred spirits who are able to help and give good advice is priceless. Sometimes it might seem wiser to go it alone, but that should be the exception. The wisdom from God given here is to seek godly help. If God wants you isolated and alone in the wilderness, you’ll know it.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link Every Day in the Word. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.” 

I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.

If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is, the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.

I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.

Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it. Send feedback and comments to dgkachikis@gmail.com.

September 25, Reading Notes

Isaiah 45:11-48:11

By now you are noticing again and again the repeating of God as creator, declaring things from long ago. This is set in contrast to idols and those who make them and depend on them. Over and over again God declares Himself the only savior for mankind and the gracious forgiving God of Israel.

Vs. 11-13 This seems to be talking about Cyrus as a representative of the Persian empire. As a result of Daniel, God moved Cyrus to send the people back to rebuild the temple, but the city wasn't rebuilt until Artaxerxes sent Nehemiah years later. The focus here isn't Cyrus or Persia, it is the Holy one of Israel who stretched out the heavens and moved nations.

V. 14 The blessing here seems to be people coming to Israel to seek God.

Vs. 15-19 It is interesting that it says God hides Himself, yet He is a savior. He needs to be sought in spirit. There is so much in these verses.

Vs. 20-25 This looks like a call to the entire earth to come to God for salvation.

V. 23 This is a rather famous verse in the NT. Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess, regardless of race, language or religion. There is only one God, and so there is no religion other than knowing God through Jesus Christ. These verses in Isaiah are good evidence, if any one should need it, that there is only one God and there is only one way to Him.

Isaiah 46

Vs. 1-2 This is judgment on Babylon for their idolatry. Their idolatry made Israel sick of its own.

Vs. 3-7 God calls Israel to listen to Him regarding the madness of making idols.

Vs. 8-11 God tells them to remember the words of prophesy He spoke and how He determined events. Ironically, the people who went into exile would have been reading these very words, over a hundred years later, as the events were happening to them and they didn't believe.

Vs. 12-13 God tells them to listen, for as surely as all this other stuff has happened, God will put salvation in Zion. This blessing is for the Millennium.

Isaiah 47

Now God pronounces judgment on Babylon for its pride and comfort. Nebuchadnezzar was humbled by God, but the other kings had no regard for God.

V. 7 You could make a case that Nebuchadnezzar "laid to heart" the position he was in as God's sword to punish Judah and Jerusalem. The kings who followed Nebuchadnezzar did not have this respect for God or Israel. In fact, look at what happens in Daniel 5. The entire judgment on Belshazzar was that he should have known better and should have "laid to heart" what God had done to Nebuchadnezzar.

Isaiah 48:1-11

Vs. 1-2 This seems to be God rebuking Israel for calling themselves by God's name, but not being faithful to Him and living for His glory.

Vs. 3-8 Again, God uses prophesy to defeat their idols and their pride.

Vs. 9-11 Yet for His glory and for His name's sake, God will save Israel and obtain glory through them.

It is interesting that in Daniel's prayer in Dan. 9, he pleads with God at the end to answer the prayer for His own name's sake, because the people are called by His name. I wonder if Daniel read this.

This morning I read Jesus saying, "He who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory. But he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is true and in him there is no falsehood. " Jesus was speaking about Himself, living to give glory to His Father.

Ephesians 4:1-16

This chapter has the blueprint of church ministry in the harvest.

Vs. 1-3 This is what Paul wanted to say at the beginning of chapter 3. The church can't bring the message of redemption if they can't work together.

Vs. 4-6 The unity of the church is found in all of these factors.

Vs. 7-10 Once again, the issue of gifts rises. God gives the gifts. We don't choose them. Paul seems to be mentioning gifts because they caused some disunity here as they did in Corinth. Notice how Paul ties the giving of the gifts to the victory of Christ and our redemption. My observation is that if each person isn't deeply in love with Christ for their salvation, and if the church is not primarily focused on being in their local harvest, either the gifts become irrelevant in that church, or they become a point of fighting and envy. The church unites in the love of Christ to work in the harvest, and then the tools make sense.

Vs. 11-16 The gifts of these leaders are to be used to equip the church, making it ready for use, like mending a fishing net, so it can catch stuff.

Mentioned is the equipping for the work of the ministry for building up the body of Christ. In a couple of verses this building will be described as "making bodily growth and up-building itself in love." This is both bringing in from the harvest and making disciples who make disciples. In this entire process the leaders are bringing the group to maturity in Christ. This also has a protective function in the church and in preserving the truth for the next generation. In this maturity and unity in Christ the church works as a team, each part doing its job without rivalry or envy, working toward the harvest. This is taking the love of Christ to their area, bearing fruit that brings bodily growth and strengthening themselves in the love of Christ.

I really like the following song about the church and, to me, it is more meaningful with that picture of those harvesters meeting in the middle of the field to rest and get strengthened for their work. The fact that someone is added to the group makes the entire effect even better. I really think this is what church should be.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4OWswCFx8A

Psalm 68:19-35

I know it says that this was written by David, but it sure has a "post exile" ring to it. During the time of the Judges to David, Israel fell prey to its enemies. It was not a respected nation and people were captured and taken as slaves. That might be a possible explanation for verse 22.

Verse 29 is also interesting if this means the tabernacle. If it was the temple, then this is definitely after the exile.

In any case, what strikes me is the call to the nations of the earth to sing praises to God. That will happen someday, and in the meantime, we're working in the harvest until we hear the dinner bell.

Proverbs 24:3-4

It is amazing how many people begin marriage and a life together without having a goal or a plan. God is better than a plan. He is someone who guides us daily in His Word and gives our lives a goal and a purpose.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link Every Day in the Word. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.” 

I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.

If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is, the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.

I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.

Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it. Send feedback or comments to dgkachikis@gmail.com.

September 24, Reading Notes

Isaiah 43:14-45:10

Isaiah 43:14-28

Vs. 14-21 God can put down armies and bring His people back through the desert by His power.

Vs. 22-24 God didn't burden them in that they never honored God, but they burdened Him by their rebellion and sins.

Vs. 25-28 Yet God will forgive their sins in spite of their sins. That's not just mercy, that's grace.

Isaiah 44

Vs. 1-8 This is a great declaration of God's love for His people. Much of this will not happen until Christ returns. Take note of what God says here.

Vs. 9-20 This is the brilliance of making idols. In our case, it would be finding security and hope in anything but God. Before the Babylon exile, Israel and Judah were full of idols. When the Jews returned, idolatry was never a problem. But they did develop other problems. Sin without God's cure and help remains sin and finds something other than God to occupy us.

Vs. 21-28 There is a contrast here between the verses on the idols and who God is. This is God, caring and almighty.

V. 28 This mention of Cyrus will be expanded on. Since it will be a dark day when Jerusalem is destroyed and the people go into exile, God is giving them hope. God names by name the king who will order the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple.

Isaiah 45:1-10

Vs. 1-4 These are good words for Cyrus because of how God will use him. Actually, it says more about who God is. Cyrus' claim to fame is that He commanded the Jews to return to Jerusalem. Other than this, we don't know five other words he spoke. On the other hand, we have far more dialogue from Nebuchadnezzar, who God called a great king and who might have been saved. Darius was a great king and loved and feared Daniel. Darius made the command that the Jews be protected and permitted to worship their God only. When Cyrus heard of what happened in Babylon, he commanded the Jews to return. There is a good chance that Cyrus knew Daniel personally and knew all of what God had done to Nebuchadnezzar.

Vs. 5-8 Who is a God like this? There is no other God.

Vs. 9-10 Faith doesn't strive with God; only unbelief contends with God.

In spite of all the judgment against Israel, they are still His people.  The spiritual forces standing in opposition to the salvation of man couldn’t figure out how God could use Israel.  God is God.  God will make a way.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zo3fJYtS-o

Ephesians 3

Now this chapter is a major digression of sorts, but never has so much cool stuff been said on a "rabbit trail." Some say Paul gets back to the subject in 3:14 where he begins to pray. I think the entire chapter is a Spirit inspired interruption, and that Paul gets back to the point in 4:1. You can be the judge yourself.

V. 2 This begins one wonderful sentence until verse 14.

As you read this and glean what you can, it is good to think of what the mystery is. The mystery is not that the Gentiles would be saved. It says that the Gentiles will hope in the Messiah when Isaiah is talking about the Millennial Kingdom. The mystery that was hidden was the church, that is, that group of people from the Gentiles (with those few believing Jews) who were now taking the gospel to the world. Up to now, that had been Israel's job. The Gentile church was totally unforeseen. This is what the principalities and powers (satanic also) did not see. If only Israel could be a witness to God in the world, all you had to do was to get the Jews to kill their Messiah and the plan of God would stop. But as Paul said in 1 Corinthians 2:8, "None of the rulers of this age understood this; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory."

The death of Jesus didn't mean the end of Israel's ministry to the world. It meant the beginning of the church, formed not of a people with a nation and a language and geography, but of those saved by grace through faith and united in Christ. Satan never saw that coming. That was the mystery.

V. 10 Note that these rulers and authorities are mentioned again in chapter 6:12 as the evil spiritual forces we wrestle with.

Vs. 16-19 Think through this prayer. This is what God wants for each of us.

V. 16 Learning to stand strong in faith following the Spirit is a step or the requirement for verse 17 to be possible.

V. 17 This is more than just being a believer. These people were already believers. It is following Christ in the harvest with a sense of joy and a sense of mission and destiny. It is being a disciple in the harvest in every sense of what Jesus taught His disciples to be.

Vs. 18-19 Following Christ in the harvest, on this dying planet begins and ends with the love of Christ. What opened our eyes? The love of Christ. Why do we forsake all else and follow? The love of Christ. Why are we willing to suffer and give our lives for Him that others might be saved? Guess. What is our joy in all circumstances and our confidence for the future? The love of Christ.

Vs. 20-21 Notice how what God is capable of doing is tied to the harvest…His glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations. That's where the power is. "In this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be My disciples."

So what is the love of Christ? Beware of the theoretical here. It is not some feeling; it is messy. It involved time and birth and sweat and tears and conflict and blood, lots of blood. Without all of this we have no love, and with all of this we have a model and a commission.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noIqO2sS9W0&feature=related

Psalm 68:1-18

I guess this is David's version of, "If God is for us, who is against us." Following Christ doesn't always appear to make sense, but God can open windows in heaven in a night or decimate an army while they are sleeping. He can certainly protect us and we can't be more secure in life than when we are standing with Him. Faith knows this.

Proverbs 24:1-2

So much for desiring to hang with the cool, the celebrities, the rich and the beautiful.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9mpDAJOPac&feature=related

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link Every Day in the Word. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.” 

I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.

If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is, the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.

I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.

Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it. Send feedback or comments to dgkachikis@gmail.com.

September 23, Reading Notes

Isaiah 41:17-43:13

One thing we'll see in these verses is a promise for those who trust God and a challenge to those who don't. Also, God begins more and more to show us what the purpose of prophesy is. Why does God say in advance what He's going to do? Is it like a magic trick so we'll be impressed? The strange effect of sin in us is that we are not impressed by anything God does. For the unbelieving, the fulfillment of prophesy is a testimony to their stubbornness and sin. God has said what needs to be said, in advance. For the believing, prophesy gives hope. We might be awed by God's character and attributes and power, but the purpose is hope. That will be clear in all we are reading from here to the end of Isaiah. Paul also says this in Romans 15:4, "For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope."

When you see what God is saying to Isaiah, you understand that some of that hope was for those people receiving the prophesies as Isaiah spoke. Some of that hope was for the godly people in Jerusalem as the city was being besieged by the Babylonians, for those who were taken into exile, for those who returned to a shattered land after the exile. Some of that hope was for the people living in the time Jesus was on the earth. Some of that hope is for Jews now, and for Jews during the tribulation. God will redeem His people.

We should be able to identify with the challenge of living in present circumstances, but knowing, as Paul says in Ephesians, that we have been "made to sit with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus that in the coming ages He might show the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus." Even now, working in the harvest, lugging around this body of death, having to cry out to God for mercy and strength as we take up our cross everyday to follow, we have a future blessing promised to us to give us hope today. In faith we draw near to God and draw strength. Those who trust themselves just go, "Yeah, nice verses."

Isaiah 41:17-29

Vs. 17-20 God will answer those who repent and are faithful in calling to Him. Notice that this prophesy is given so they may see and know and understand that this was the hand of the Lord.

Vs. 21-24 This is the challenge to those who pursue other gods or human means.

Vs. 25-27 God declares that He is the one who is foretelling and determining the return of the people to Jerusalem.

One note here: Because of where Jerusalem was, everything came from the north. To the west is the Mediterranean Sea and to the east is the great desert. No one came over the desert. So even though the Babylonians and Persians were west of Jerusalem, they had to travel north along the rivers and then south to Jerusalem. They called this route "the fertile crescent," because of the arc the river takes. Most of the threat that Jerusalem faced came from the north.

V. 25 This "one" is thought to be Cyrus the Persian king who sent the people back to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple.

Vs. 28-29 Again, those who follow or worship anything but the Lord are only fooling themselves.

Isaiah 42

There are two servants in view. The one servant was the nation that was supposed to give testimony to the world. They failed. So, God sent the other servant, the Messiah, who was successful. The "so" is funny only in that God always knew the first servant would fail their first mission and Jesus was appointed before the foundation of the world to be the savior of the world. The Jews will get another mission, which they will complete.

Vs. 1-16 are about the Messiah. Some of this was fulfilled and mentioned in the gospels and some of this will still be fulfilled in the tribulation and in the Millennial kingdom.

There are a lot of things in these verses. Look for structure and commands. There are some "I am's" to help follow the flow of the passage. Notice how often that God bases His promises on the fact He is the creator. It is almost as if He is using creation as a symbol of hope, saying, "Just as I made this, you can be sure of that."

Vs.1-4 are quoted in Matthew 12:20.

Vs. 5-7 These words remind me of what Jesus quoted when He taught in Nazareth and almost got thrown off the cliff. What He quoted was from Isaiah 61 and from Isaiah 58. But it is close to this too.

Vs. 17-25 This is the failed servant Israel, as opposed to the Messiah.

Isaiah 43:1-13

Vs. 1-7 These are powerful words of encouragement to the repentant and faithful among the exiles back then and in the future. Verses 1-2 are great comfort.

Vs. 8-13 Yet there will always be people who will worship and trust something or someone other than God.

Notice God's own declaration to His greatness and power and sovereignty.

The height of sin and insanity is to deny God's existence. And for those of us who say there is a God, our insanity is in not trusting Him and following Him.

I'll bet you'll figure out which verse this song comes from.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBmtGSuw04Y&feature=related

Ephesians 2

Just like yesterday, go slowly through these first 10 verses. There are some thoughts in these verses that are capable of changing a life.

Vs. 1-7 These verses are one big happy sentence. If you are a former grammar teacher, you might want to hunt down the main verbs and the subject and then graph all the subordinate clauses. This explains why some translations begin with the sentence, which isn't there but is referred to later, "And you He made alive when…" This introductory sentence is implicit in what Paul is saying. Putting that phase first puts the opening words in context quickly. Grammar is fun.

V. 5 "by grace you are saved" is a parenthetical emotional outburst on Paul's part. Can you see from the sentence why this is? We, as described by the past four verses, were made alive together with Christ? The dirty and dead linked to the divine? "Whoa, dude! By grace we have been saved."

V. 6 is positional. We are physically not yet there, but in reality our future is secure.

V. 7 This thought is pretty unbelievable, and really more than the mind can grasp.

V. 10 Good works are not how we are saved. They are what God gives us to do as "keys" that open doors in the harvest. When we get to Titus, we'll see good deeds are mentioned quite a bit. Conspicuous by its absence in Titus is any mention of sharing the gospel. I think good works to the person next door is what God has given us to open the door next door for the gospel. It's loving our neighbor.

Vs. 11-17 This isn't just an explanation of how God united Jew and Gentile. It is an explanation of how God brought all people together in Christ to make a people for Himself during this time. There is no contradiction between Judaism and Christianity. Christ fulfilled the law in His sinless life and became the payment for all who had violated the law (everyone) by becoming a curse for them and satisfying the justice of God. Now, as said in Galatians, there is just one man in Christ. Paul is actually beginning to describe the creation of the church…a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. Notice that in those last verses the pronouns are plural. "You" means "all of you."

It's hard to talk about Eph. 2:8-9 without thinking of how God reached out and brought us to Christ.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kw584druD1Y

Psalm 67

This psalm begins with the blessing which God gave to Aaron to bless the people in Numbers 6:24.

What is interesting then, is that the psalm expresses God's purpose in blessing Israel, to make Israel a witness to the world that all people might be saved.

This is now the mission of the church, to bear testimony in the harvest. The day will come when Israel will turn to their Messiah and bear the light of His Word in the world's darkest hour.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViyhcNPma18

Proverbs 23:29-35

There are few things on earth that lends itself to greater misuse than "drink." It is obvious from Scripture that God made wine, and wine is spoken of as a sign of His blessing, but in a fallen world it can become a danger. Here, without God, we seek the relaxation it gives as an escape and we get lost in being lost in our escapes.

As disciples we need to look to our own hearts on this one. Is this something God has given us liberty to enjoy? Can we control it? Jesus drank wine, but Jesus controlled it. Paul probably drank wine and was against those who forbid it on legalistic grounds, but Paul was against drinking wine around the weak, flaunting personal freedoms. Paul told Timothy to drink a little wine to deal with the effects ministry was having on his stomach.

It might also be true that many people don't drink wine, but the warning of excess is still here. Everything that is good can be twisted: games, TV, shopping, computer, sex, everything. We each need to see what we can control, what we might need help controlling, and what we might just need to get rid of.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link Every Day in the Word. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.” 

I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.

If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is, the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.

I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.

Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it. Send feedback or comments to dgkachikis@gmail.com.