October 1, 2014

OCTOBER 1

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

Isaiah 62:6-65:25

Isaiah 62:6-12

Vs. 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, bringing salvation for all people, ¹²training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, ¹³waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, ¹⁴who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

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

Isaiah 63

Vs. 1-6 This is the Messiah coming to Zion in victory. I wonder if v. 1 was the inspiration for the song, Mighty To Save?

Vs. 7-9 What would you call this? What a statement of God's steadfast love for Israel. In spite of what Israel has done in the past and what they are now, God will never stop loving these people; and He will fulfill His promise to use them in saving the world. As regards the gospel they are enemies of God (now), for your sake; but as regards election they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. (Romans 11:28, RSV)

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 a continuation of the last chapter where the nation is 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 be about another 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. Believe it or not, these verses are referring to the mystery of the church; that is, that for a time, God would reach the world through the people of Christ, the church.

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.

As we've seen before, God's purpose in showing us what the end will look like is to give us hope now to keep going and to keep following in the harvest.

Philippians 2:19-3:4

Philippians 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.

V. 21 While this must have been true about Timothy, I wonder if any of the other workers read it and felt bad. In
2 Timothy we'll find out that when Paul was arrested, many of the faithful fled. Maybe Paul was beginning to see that many of those he thought were solid were not.

Vs. 25-30 It might have been that Epaphroditus ("E") was to have stayed with Paul longer, but everyone was worried, so Paul decided to send him back. This would also show that "E" wasn't coming home because of adversity or being chicken-hearted. 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.

Philippians 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.

Doing correction in the harvest isn't what anyone wants to do; but as you see from these verses, it not only has to be done, but there is even blessing that comes from it. As a result of this conflict, tomorrow we will read some of the greatest verses written on following Christ as a disciple in the harvest.

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. 1-3 This is saying that the psalmist recovered from his trial, and he is telling us what it was that caused his faith to stumble.

Vs. 4-12 Why does God allow the proud and wicked to prosper for a time? Reading all of what we've read to date, you should have some good answers.

Vs. 13-15 Verse 13 sounds like Job, or me, when I'm in a self-piteous mood. Verse 15 is the bind we are in when we know the truth. Denying the truth becomes an impossibility, even though you could think that you should just give in.

Vs. 16-17 Here 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 in prayer. If not for that, where would any of us be?

Vs. 18-22 We understand that God is just and that He is to be trusted, both with rescue and with judgment. Our job is to trust and follow, not to tell God when and how He should judge. This son of Asaph got the message.

Vs. 23-26 Just like David did, this man learned to focus on God, not on those who were rejecting God. God's wisdom and purpose are beyond us. We are called to live with Him. 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.

Vs. 25-26 are a beautiful, poetic declaration of our hope in God.

Vs. 27-28 Amen.

Proverbs 24:13-14

We need to seek wisdom. I like the idea of the visual of seeking honey, 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 linkhttp://www.esvbible.org/devotions/every-day-in-the-word/. If that doesn't work, go tohttp://www.esvbible.org/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 or feedback todgkachikis@gmail.com.

If you would like documents containing an entire month of the Reading Notes, go tohttps://sites.google.com/site/dlkachikis/reading-notes. You can download these to use on your computer or to print.

September 30, 2014

SEPTEMBER 30

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

Isaiah 60-62:5

When I read these verses, I thought what it would be like if 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 come 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, they will help rebuild and console this battered servant/nation of God.

Isaiah 60

Vs. 1-3 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.

Ironically, as darkness covers the earth, their fearless devotion to Christ will become a light of salvation for many people on the earth.

Vs. 3-7 This looks like the nations coming to Israel to beautify the temple where Jesus will have His throne.

Vs. 8-9 This looks like nations bringing wealth to honor Israel. Notice the last part of v. 9. These are the same words found in Isaiah 55:5. This verse shows the future fulfillment of the promise made in Isaiah 55:5. These will be spectacular days in the future.

Vs. 10-14 Notice that, as in all of Isaiah, the city is still a major focus of God's attention. This is the rebuilding of Jerusalem after the Tribulation. It will become the joy of the nations to rebuild Zion.

Vs. 15-16 What strikes me here is the phrase, from age to age. Those thousand years of the Millennium will be a long time, but then comes a new heaven, a new earth and a new Jerusalem.

Vs. 17-22 This is a grand summary of blessing on the city and on the people. Verse 19 is also described in Revelation 22:5.

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 in Luke 4:17-21. He told the people as He read these words, that they were being fulfilled in their hearing. And they took offense at Him, meaning, they didn't believe that Jesus the carpenter could be this person. In fact, these people that Jesus grew up with tried to murder Him after He read this.

Jesus only read to the word favor in v. 2. 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. In this one verse you see the gap of time that is now the age of harvest for the church.

It is interesting that it mentions that comfort will come to those who mourn. Choosing to mourn now shows an understanding of the dire situation the world and mankind is in. I wonder if Jesus had these verses in mind in Matthew 5:4 when He said, Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

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.

As disciples working in the harvest, we need to keep the vision of the end clearly before us. God is saying all of this for a reason. It is to give us hope and strength. In spite of what today looks like, we are to keep working in hope and joy because we know what the end will look like. I believe this is what made Paul able to do what He did in following Christ as a disciple in the harvest, making disciples who make disciples.

Philippians 1:27-2:18

Philippians 1:27-30

Vs. 27-30 So why this call to unity? I think disunity and each man becoming absorbed in his own problems was the effect that the persecution was beginning to have on them. People may have been threatening them and they may have been very frightened. 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 conflict is not a part of our call to follow Christ. In fact, Jesus said that following Him would bring conflict. (Matthew 10:34 and Luke 12:51)

As we have just read in Isaiah, God will bring things to a glorious end. In light of that, the sufferings now are slight and momentary, and worth enduring, so that men and women can reach out to Christ while there is still time.

Philippians 2:1-18

Vs. 1-11 These are great verses. Songs have been written about these. So, I wonder how this call to unity above fits to the call of unity in vs. 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 between members as they serve together. 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.

Jesus Himself was the model for the disciples and is the model for all of His followers. In light of our salvation and the need of mankind to be saved, each disciple is called upon to serve one another as we serve in the harvest. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45)

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 disputing 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. Since they could never be outside of God's control, the situations they faced were sanctioned and allowed by God. If they followed Christ in love, those circumstances would put them into situations where they would be lights as they held 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 for whom he had 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 but would be put to death. When Paul talks like this again at the end of 2 Timothy, he has no doubt.

Psalm 72

Verse 20 says this is a prayer of David. David was asking God to bless his son. With that in mind, I'm seeing David talking more about Jesus than Solomon. God did bless Solomon. But God really blessed the Son of David, God's own Son. Just for exercise in Bible study, circle each use of may. Also, look at what this king does. You can't fool me (especially after reading Isaiah), this is the Messiah.

Vs. 1-4 This is a call for God to bless the Son with righteousness and the power to deliver the needy.

Vs. 5-7 As the people fear and follow, He will be to them life and righteousness and peace.

Vs. 8-11 This is asking for God to give the Son of David dominion.

Vs. 12-14 This almost sounds like Isaiah 53:12, Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.

Vs. 15-17 His name will endure forever. How did David know?

Vs. 18-20 Amen and Amen!

Proverbs 24:11-12

Did you get this? This is a very strong warning, 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 know we have to do something, and that particular "something" is working in the harvest following our Lord. The last thing a disciple should say or feel is, "Who cares?"

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this linkhttp://www.esvbible.org/devotions/every-day-in-the-word/. If that doesn't work, go tohttp://www.esvbible.org/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 or feedback todgkachikis@gmail.com.

If you would like documents containing an entire month of the Reading Notes, go tohttps://sites.google.com/site/dlkachikis/reading-notes. You can download these to use on your computer or to print.

September 29, 2014

SEPTEMBER 29

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

Today you begin Philippians. You may want to celebrate with your favorite latte.

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 the way for the Messiah.

Vs. 14-15 This sounds like the message of John the Baptist. Notice that this leveling is described by God as humility that welcomes His blessing.

Vs. 16-19 As the Lord's servant, Israel failed, but in the future God will heal and restore them. I think the humility of that future generation will be the key.

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, and 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. 3-5 They thought God should have regarded their fasting. This is God's commentary on their fasting. 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. 6-12 This is what God really wanted. Loving God with all one's heart was to turn into an outpouring of compassion for one's neighbor.

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 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. What Isaiah is describing here seems to indicate there was an ungodly king leading the nation.

Vs. 9-15 This is why God could not use Israel as a light to the world. Sin had infected everything about them. This is true of every man and woman on earth without Christ. All would be lost for us, But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, ⁵even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ­--by grace you have been saved--⁶and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:4-6)

Vs. 16-21 So, with Israel failing as God's servant, God chose another to intercede. This is all about Jesus.

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 11:26 as proof that God has a future plan for Israel to fulfill its calling.

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

When I read v. 16, 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." You might want to think of these verses as you listen to the second verse of this song, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.”

Philippians 1:1-26

Philippians is another of those amazing letters from Paul where we find 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…he 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 mature desires of a disciple totally in love with Christ. As we'll see, these expressions are meant to be our desires, too, as we follow Christ in the harvest.

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. Later, Paul was heard by Nero and released. Epaphroditus (a pastor or 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 not only thanks them for the gift, but he expresses 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 included. 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. They are now supporting Paul ten years after his work in Philippi.

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 2.

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. If they were to die they would be losing everything.

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 3, 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, reaching the lost, and making 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.

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 that’s missing is a reference to God's steadfast love.

Vs. 1-3 If this is David, the years had passed and now there was a new threat. David had been forgiven for what he had done regarding Bathsheba and Uriah, but there were many who were unwilling to forgive. David's hope was in the Lord, and again, he was looking to the Lord to vindicate him.

Vs. 4-13 This alternates between David's plea for help and the threat of his enemies.

Vs. 14-24 The one thing that strikes me is the long celebration of hope in these verses. The writer was now old and had been following God from his early years. He had seen adversity, and yet, he had known 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. It degrades 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 v. 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 gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. ⁸Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, ⁹who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, ¹⁰and which now has been 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 linkhttp://www.esvbible.org/devotions/every-day-in-the-word/. If that doesn't work, go tohttp://www.esvbible.org/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 or feedback todgkachikis@gmail.com.

If you would like documents containing an entire month of the Reading Notes, go tohttps://sites.google.com/site/dlkachikis/reading-notes. You can download these to use on your computer or to print.

September 28, 2014

SEPTEMBER 28

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

We have some great portions of Scripture today and we finish Ephesians. It is a little awe inspiring to think that as these words were written to men and women generations ago, God knew you would be reading this today. Wait until you see how the Lord will touch your heart with some of these words.

As a reminder, remember it is more important to be reading your one-year Bible than to be reading these notes. If you have missed some days, weeks or months, just dive in today. It will give you confidence in telling others to do the same, and you will feel good about rebuilding your routine. If you mark the pages, you will be able to go back and catch up if that is important to your psyche, as it apparently is to mine. I put a number for the year at the top of each page. This year (2014), I put a "4." After the number of years I've been doing this, I have a string of numbers along the top of each page. If I miss a day, I know where to go back and read.

Remember, this isn't a religious routine. You are trusting the Lord in faith that He will take the Word and feed your heart. It is spending time with Him. Today you have Isaiah 55, and in it is one of the greatest promises in the Word about the power of the Word. Grab a latte and settle in with the Lord.

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.

Vs. 1-3 Because of sin and paying the price of being an example to mankind, rather than being fruitful, Israel has been desolate. The promise to Abraham will still be fulfilled. They will be like the sand of the sea, and all nations will be blessed through them.

Vs. 4-8 God will bring them to fulfill their destiny with great compassion and love. Cool.

Vs. 9-10 The days of Noah probably refers to the year that Noah was on the waters. Afterward God made a covenant that a world flood would never come again and gave a sign for that covenant. God has sworn to Israel that there will be a fulfilling of His love for them.

Vs. 11-14 God will establish Israel in righteousness and with style.

Vs. 15-17 And woe to anyone who picks a fight with Israel. That will be particularly true the last seven years before the Lord returns.

Isaiah 55

As a result of the Savior who will come (Ch. 53) and because of the great promise made to establish and glorify Israel (Ch. 54), now God gives an invitation to come to Him.

This is a great chapter to memorize. Isaiah is speaking to his people in the current day, but it will apply to any generation of Israel. And it applies to you and to any other person on the planet.

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. Israel was the failing servant, who needed to grasp who Jesus was. 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.

Notice that the call is made to all, but will only be heard by those who are thirsty. Actually, we are all dying of thirst, but only some people know it. Notice too, that what God promises is lavish, wine and milk. And it is affordable for 100% of humanity.

V. 2 This is what Jesus told the crowd in John 6:27, the day many of His disciples left Him. It is a good question for all of us, and notice again that what God offers is lavish.

V. 3 Not only does God promise life for those who come to Him, He promises commitment and love. This covenant with David isn't the promise that a son would sit on his throne. Rather it is the promise of God to be with David and to use him. This is what helped David the ten years he was running from Saul.

Vs. 4-5 God did two things with David. First, He used David to give testimony and praise to all the nations. Think of all of the psalms we've read. Second, God brought many nations to David. They were not just in submission to Israel. There were nations that came to David to seek God, because of his testimony for God.

If Israel would turn to God, the nations would come to them too. God would do that because He had raised them up and exalted them. This will happen in the Millennium. For us, once God's light is shining in us and through us, He Himself begins to draw people to us.

Vs. 6-7 This invitation is interesting. God can always be found and He is always near, but it is our need and our sense of needing help that makes a person seek God. If the wicked man is tired of his way, he will turn to the Lord. If the unrighteous man is tired of his thoughts, he will seek the Lord.

Notice the amazing grace, forgiveness and compassion that is offered if people will only turn to the Lord.

As disciples this even applies to us. We are never to stop seeking God or calling on Him. But we are not wicked or unrighteous are we? Do we still need the Lord's help? I only need to think of my driving this past week and the random thoughts that I have caught running through my head this week, to know this applies to me. How can God change all of this?

Vs. 8-9 Not only does God present us with new ways and thoughts by showing us His ways and thoughts, but He knows how to change us. His ways of working, and the depth of His wisdom are totally beyond us. How can God effect change and transformation that will make us like Him and make us a testimony to His grace?

Vs. 10-11 Change comes to the heart through the Word of God. Notice that this isn't a cloudburst. It is daily, gradual, persistent rain. This is why we need to read the Bible every day. It waters the earth; it moistens the hard resistant ground through and through. It gives seed for the sower (the harvest) and it gives the sower life and nourishment. Notice too that it makes the earth bring forth. The working of the Word is irresistible. We don't have to force it. It naturally produces its fruit in us over time, little by little, as we live in the Word.

V. 12 Going forth in joy is understandable, but notice that they or we will be led forth in peace. There is no sense of being alone or forgotten by God. Just as we go out into the harvest, we are following, and therefore, being led. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who goes before and leads those who are His.

The image of the mountains singing and the trees clapping their hands sounds like something out of a Looney-Tunes cartoon, until you think of what Paul and the Spirit say in Romans 8:19-21. When Israel turns to their Messiah, or when a person turns to follow Christ, it signals the future event of the creation being set free from bondage; therefore, there is singing and clapping in anticipation of that coming event.

V. 13 Regardless of what has been planted in the past of a nation or of a person, God will turn thorns and things that bring injury and pain into cypress trees giving shade and comfort. He will turn briers and agitations into beautiful myrtle trees.

And when God does this, it will bring glory to Him. Why? Because the world can see what He can do, and this change He brings to a nation or a person will not end. It will carry into eternity.

Isaiah 56

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

Vs. 1-2 It is hard to wait on the Lord, but God promises that He will do what He promises. In the meantime, those who love and follow the Lord keep obeying and following.

Vs. 3-8 These blessings are 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.

V. 3 Eunuchs were excluded from temple worship under the law, but God never, ever excludes anyone who loves Him. It is possible that both Daniel and Nehemiah were eunuchs.

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 have been working on the Sabbath, taking 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.

Notice that Jesus quoted a part of v. 7 when He cleansed the temple the second time in Matthew 21:13.

Read v. 8 and then compare it to what Jesus said in John 10:16, And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.

Vs. 9-12 This punishment is on those in Israel who won't listen, but instead reject the promises God has made in these chapters. This discourse will continue to v. 13 of the next chapter.

Isaiah 57:1-13

Vs. 1-2 Notice that the righteous live alongside the ungodly, and though faced with the same circumstances, they take refuge in the Lord and lie in peace in their beds.

Vs. 3-13 These people seek help in idols and have given themselves to the passions of their flesh. This sounds like the beginning of Ephesians 5. Notice the alternation between idolatry and immorality. Man made gods who allow what man likes. What a great system…not.

V. 11 Their fear was senseless and was a result of not fearing God. What irony.

V. 13 This is a great contrast. Those who cried out to idols would be blown away. Those who took refuge in the Lord would possess the land.

Ephesians 6

Get ready for some great verses and thoughts.

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 saw the movie, "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.

As disciples, the kind of service mentioned here is the least we can do in following Christ in light of what the Lord has done for us.

Vs. 10-18 Putting on the armor in vs. 11 and 13 is commanded, not suggested; 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. The battle is all around us, so we wear the armor; but our goal is something different. We are to be reaching out to the dying and making disciples who make disciples. The command to stand in v. 13 has a sense of urgency.

V. 11 Notice the word schemes.

V. 12 This adds definition to every other time we have heard the words, heavenly places. 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, you can look at: http://fencerail.blogspot.com/2010/10/no-shoes-no-service-no-harvest.html . This article also appears at the end of this docment.

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, look at 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 at the end of Acts.

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 Timothy 1:14 and 2 Timothy 1:13. Isn't it interesting that Paul makes this last blessing conditional? Grace be with 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.

Psalm 70

It's interesting to me that most of the time we don't panic; but when panic 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.

Vs. 1-3 David seems to have been close to those who were threatening him.

Vs. 4-5 God is our great hope, but we are always needy and always in need of His help.

We will always face desperation, so we need to make our hearts submit in faith to the love and purpose of our Father. He proved His love and commitment to us by sending His Son and giving us His Spirit. If He is our refuge and love, we will live forever with Him and can sleep now in peace. (Isaiah 57:1-2)

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33 ) As they say, "It's not what you know. It's Who you know."

Proverbs 24:8

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

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this linkhttp://www.esvbible.org/devotions/every-day-in-the-word/. If that doesn't work, go tohttp://www.esvbible.org/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 or feedback todgkachikis@gmail.com.

If you would like documents containing an entire month of the Reading Notes, go tohttps://sites.google.com/site/dlkachikis/reading-notes. You can download these to use on your computer or to print.

September 27, 2014

SEPTEMBER 27

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

Today's reading has two very important sections of the Bible. When we realize that God has crafted His Word to strengthen and lead us, we realize how He loves us. Being able to be in His Word every day is a privilege we don't deserve, and yet we can enjoy it if we want to. Jesus promised to speak to us in John 16:12-15, I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. ¹³When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. ¹⁴He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. ¹⁵All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you. Time to have a talk.

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 kingdom and eternal deliverance at His first coming. They didn't understand that the purpose of His first coming was to present Himself as 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 hint of that final deliverance in their release from the Babylonian captivity, but the way this final 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 chapter circle the commands to listen, look, and awake. Try to understand what unique thing God is saying in each of these sections. There are lots of words that are repeated.

Vs. 1-3 The people of promise are really from the promise of Abraham. The law showed their inability without faith to follow God. It revealed sin. They were born in the redemptive plan of God. Israel had been barren because of their sin, but God would lead them to blessing as He used them to fulfill their destiny.

Vs. 4-11 Notice the mentions of God's righteousness and His salvation. God will not only save and bring people to Himself, but it will be done with righteousness. All of mankind, bowing their knees before God, will have to admit to His justice and righteousness. All those who are judged will know they deserve it. All those who are saved will know that it was grace and that God did it righteously.

V. 5 Notice the mention of God's arms. When Mary praises God in Luke 1:51, she says, He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts 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. The people were living in fear because they trusted in other things.

Vs. 15 and 16 are God's declaration of His love and power to protect. This is a very tender reminder to the people that God wants them to embrace Him. It speaks to me too.

Vs. 17-23 Here it seems, prophetically speaking, judgment has been passed on Israel, and God again will redeem and restore His people. Then, God will take the cup of judgment given to Israel and pass it around to the nations who have oppressed Israel.

Isaiah 52

Vs. 1-6 Jerusalem is to rejoice in its restoration from captivity. But v. 6 indicates there will be a future recognition of the Lord. That would be when the Messiah comes and they truly have God's law written on their hearts.

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

V. 10 is pretty cool. CNN will probably carry this live. On a more serious note, Jesus doesn't say what the sign in the sky will be that heralds His coming, but all nations will see it at the same time, and they will mourn. Everyone will know that Jesus is the Messiah and God has come to set up His kingdom. Israel will not mourn, and Jerusalem will be a very exciting place to be.

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

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.

This isn't "law," but I would suggest that every serious disciple memorize this chapter. I wish I had done it earlier in my walk with the Lord. I have a feeling that this chapter will be very important to the Jews in the Tribulation.

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

V. 2 There was a contrast. Those who sought the Lord saw Him. For the others, Jesus had as much desirability as looking at a root of a tree exposed above the surface of the ground. That is still true today.

V. 3 Humanly speaking, Jesus was a 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 He was having a lot of bad luck, 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. I was reading today when Jesus told Peter He could have asked the Father for 12 legions (12,000) of angels, but His thought was for us. He said to Peter in John 18:11, Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me? Matthew 26:54 says, But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so? Being quiet was important and it took commitment and strength.

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

V. 9 Jesus was killed with two thieves; and Joseph of Arimathea, a rich man, placed Jesus' body in his own tomb.

V. 10 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. 11 I like the RSV here; He shall see the fruit of the travail of His soul and be satisfied. By His knowledge of God's plan He obeyed and we are saved. As His disciples we have this knowledge too. Do we live by it?

V. 12 As a man, Jesus is the greatest man who ever lived. No one has ever accomplished for mankind what Jesus has.

Notice that He (Jesus) shall divide the spoil with the strong. I 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 Ephesians 4:8. Jesus also said to His disciples, the one who endures to the end will be saved. (Matt. 10:22, 24:13) In that context, being "saved" isn't salvation, it is preservation from damage. A person who endures will maintain a clear attitude of faith. It is no news to us that trouble is coming. In the song that Paul quoted to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:11-12, he says, If we have died with Him, we will also live with Him; if we endure, we will also reign with Him. I think there is a special sharing of strength and blessing with those who are working strongly in the harvest with Him.

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. It is interesting that we just read Isaiah 53.

Vs. 3-6 Our lives are to be different, following the example of Christ. This is a dying world with all sorts of people being deceived and needing the truth. The church in the harvest shouldn't treat this stuff lightly within her walls. We should extend forgiveness, but as disciples we need to be focused on our Lord and the harvest.

Vs. 7-14 Living our lives for Christ in the harvest, connecting with people near us, 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 and 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 those commands by Jesus in Matthew 5, you see that they are 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 the will of the Lord is. This is like in John 5, where Jesus observed what the Father was doing and did it. We are to walk observantly and expectantly, knowing that the Lord is around us working; and once observed, we should join in.

Vs. 19-21 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 each other up for our walk as disciples.

· Having our lives focused in the reality of our salvation (chapters 1-3), as we walk in the harvest.

· Always and for everything, giving thanks.

· Submitting to one another (in accordance with Christ) out of reverence for Christ.

Vs. 22-33 It is 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 by 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.

This section says that Christ sanctified the church by the washing with the Word. So how does a husband imitate this with his wife. I would say that it is by him being connected to God, and in the Word daily himself, and then sharing what the Lord says to him with his wife. Many women suffer from franticness and insecurity, and it is the husband's responsibility to share the comfort of the Word with his wife. It is sort of like washing her feet, to take away the dust of the day.

Vs. 28-33 Second, husbands are to love their wives by showing their 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 as we follow Christ in the harvest.

Psalm 69:19-36

It really is interesting to read this psalm and to also be reading about the Messiah in Isaiah. I know this was written by David and he experienced all of this; but having read Isaiah 53, and knowing that the psalm has application to Jesus, it is easy to see how it reflects what Jesus suffered for us.

Vs. 19-20 I was just reading today how Jesus asked the disciples to watch with Him, but they fell asleep. Finally the Father sent an angel to strengthen Jesus during that moment when He was praying in agony and sweating like a dying man.

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.

Vs. 24-28 Although many were saved after Jesus' resurrection, the nation of Israel, its leaders and people, were judged by what they did to Jesus. This happened in 70 A.D., as the Romans destroyed the temple and the city.

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 nor sown in the harvest. They have made no disciples, and therefore, really have nothing to model or say, regarding the church and its mission of making disciples.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this linkhttp://www.esvbible.org/devotions/every-day-in-the-word/. If that doesn't work, go tohttp://www.esvbible.org/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 or feedback todgkachikis@gmail.com.

If you would like documents containing an entire month of the Reading Notes, go tohttps://sites.google.com/site/dlkachikis/reading-notes. You can download these to use on your computer or to print.

September 26, 2014

SEPTEMBER 26

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

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? Our Father does. As God calls the creation and it obeys, so will it be when He calls His people out of exile.

Vs. 14-22 This is God's promise to free His people from Babylon. Notice all of the love and comfort being spoken to Israel. And some people really insist that the God of the OT is a god of wrath?

V. 16 This sounds like it is the Messiah.

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 it amazing to be able to say 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 the apostle John witnessed, when he saw Jesus in the book of Revelation.

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. Because of the Messiah, nations come to Israel and the people will be saved. Jesus Himself will be a covenant for the people. It is clear that this will apply to a future generation of Israel.

Vs. 13-14 Because of the Messiah there should be rejoicing from all of creation, but Israel felt forgotten. They have paid a hard price for their disobedience, and now God has used them as an object lesson. The future will take away all of Israel's anguish.

Vs. 15-18 God will not forget His promise to Israel. Paul and the Spirit say this in Romans 15:8, For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs. The church didn't supplant Israel or take their promises. Israel's promises were confirmed by the Messiah and they will be fulfilled in the future.

Vs. 19-21 When the Messiah brings everything to fulfillment, Israel will feel like the land is too small for them because of all the blessing.

Vs. 22-26 At the Messiah's coming Israel will be exalted among the nations. This will not just be because the King is in Israel. It will be because of the role Israel plays during the Tribulation, risking their lives to get out the word of the kingdom to the people of the earth as the storm rages. Verse 23 confirms that those who wait for the Messiah will not be put to shame.

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 power 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 her "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 Son walked by faith and sought the help of His Father. As His disciples we do the same. He is the perfect example of what abiding means.

V. 7 I was reading this morning in John 7, When the days drew near for Him to be taken 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.

I was just reading in John 17 how Jesus said He would send us into the world. Because of that assignment He would consecrate Himself so that we would also be consecrated in the truth. Jesus was already laying everything down for us, for our forgiveness and to pay for our sin. Now, in the context of our mission in the harvest, He was saying that His commitment would redouble to guide us during this time. If Jesus is this committed to us and to the harvest, it means that we should be committed too; but more, it means that we have all of the power and authority of heaven at our back, enabling us as we follow, reach out, and make disciples who make disciples.

Ephesians 4:17-32

With all of the grace that is 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 in Christ and our inclusion in the work of the church. This appeal is even stronger. Now that we bear the name of Christ in the world, we are to live and work as one. This sounds a lot like John 17.

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 by our agendas. 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 every day in our hearts and minds. Then, rather than relying on our feelings, desires, and agendas, we must rely on the leading of the Spirit. That old life is lived in our imagination, in our desires, in our gut, in our resources and in our intellect. The sin within us still permeates everything. That old life 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. This is the world at present, and since this is written to a church, it means that we are still capable of doing 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. This continual renewing will only happen if we are in the Word every day and taking up our cross every day to follow Christ in the harvest.

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 really 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. Again, read the context of John 16-17. In John 17 Jesus says that His followers will be hated by the world but are sent into the world to proclaim His message. So Jesus appealed to the Father to protect His people from the evil one and prayed that His followers might be one with Him and the Father. Loving one another and being one in Christ is the only way we can succeed in this mission. Too many believers have lost the mission, and too many believers strive to make church what they want. The church is about what Jesus wants in this time of harvest.

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.”

Psalm 69:1-18

Before you begin reading you should know that this psalm is full of references to the Messiah and some of this is fulfilled in Jesus. Whatever David experienced would be mirrored in the life and suffering of our Lord, both before the cross and while on the cross.

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. But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: `They hated me without a cause.' (John 15:25)

V. 5 I can identify with this. This would have been David, but not Jesus.

Vs. 6-8 In some respect, this portion reminds me of John 17. 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. This is why Jesus said in John 17:19, And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.

V. 9 The first half of this verse is quoted in John 2:17, 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. His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume 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. 10-12 I know this applied to David, and it certainly applied to Jesus. And Jesus endured this for us.

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

Could this portion also have been true of our Lord? In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. (Hebrews 5:7)

Proverbs 24:5-6

Verse 6 explains the full of strength and the enhances his might of v. 5. 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 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 linkhttp://www.esvbible.org/devotions/every-day-in-the-word/. If that doesn't work, go tohttp://www.esvbible.org/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 or feedback todgkachikis@gmail.com.

If you would like documents containing an entire month of the Reading Notes, go tohttps://sites.google.com/site/dlkachikis/reading-notes. You can download these to use on your computer or to print.

September 25, 2014

SEPTEMBER 25

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

We have a special day today. We will meet some passages regarding our Lord and His working to reach the world. In Ephesians we are entering the practical half of the letter, and again, some famous verses. You may not feel it, but the Lord is using all of this to strengthen and renew your heart as you follow Christ in the harvest.

Isaiah 45:11-48:11

By now you are noticing again and again how often God repeats that He is the Creator, and the One who declares 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 to be 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. It mentions that God stirred him up in righteousness. If you look at how God worked with Pharaoh and with Nebuchadnezzar, you see that the only difference was how the two men responded to God. Everything that God did to Nebuchadnezzar became a lesson to the young Persian prince, Cyrus.

V. 14 What a long verse. 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. In v. 19 He says that He didn't speak in secret. The point is that God needs to be sought in a spirit of truth and sincerity. God remains dark to those who really don't want Him. 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. These are incredible verses. Notice how God mentions again that He has been saying all of this from the beginning. Since the earliest parts of the Bible were written down by Moses, it is safe to say that mankind has had a written record of God's words for most of recorded history. That would mean we are without excuse. The words are there to be read and believed.

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. Because there is only one God, there is no religion other than knowing God through Jesus Christ. These verses in Isaiah are good evidence, if anyone should need it, that there is one God and there is only one way to come to Him.

Isaiah 46

Vs. 1-2 This is judgment on Babylon for their idolatry. Notice the irony of having to have their livestock haul their idols. Their idolatry made Israel sick of its own. Just for trivia, these two names of their gods will come up again. Bel we'll see in the renaming of Daniel to Belteshazzar. Nebo we have already seen in Nebuchadnezzar.

Vs. 3-7 God calls Israel to listen to Him regarding the madness of making idols. Notice how tender vs. 3-4 are. God has borne them and promises to keep bearing them.

Vs. 8-11 God tells them to remember the words of prophecy 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 still 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

Vs. 1-7 Now God pronounces judgment on Babylon for its pride and comfort. Nebuchadnezzar was humbled by God, but the other Babylonian kings had no regard for God.

V. 4 Even though the people were in exile, they still had a strong redeemer who was working for them.

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.

Vs. 8-11 Notice the alternating between vs. 8 and 10, and 9 and 11. Verses 8 and 10 talk about how indestructible the people felt. Verses 9 and 11 talk about their dependence on sorcery and enchantment.

V. 9 It happened to the city on one day, in a few hours one night. This is Daniel 5.

Vs. 12-15 Being seated in the city of Nimrod, the Babylonians thought they were strong because of spiritual power. In Daniel 2 when Nebuchadnezzar couldn't get the wise men, magicians and enchanters to figure out his dream, he was shaken. He depended on their power. The same would be true of Belshazzar on the night the Babylonian Empire fell. The wise men couldn't help so he had to call Daniel.

Isaiah 48:1-11

Vs. 1-2 God is rebuking Israel for calling themselves by God's name, but not being faithful to follow Him and live for His glory.

Vs. 3-8 Again, God uses prophecy 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 Daniel 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 portion of Isaiah.

This morning I read where Jesus said in John 7:18, The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood. Jesus was speaking about Himself, living to give glory to His Father. Jesus said that He has given His glory to His followers so that we may be one with our Lord and the Father. Clearly, we are to walk and work in the harvest, reflecting His glory as we reach out and make disciples who make disciples.

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. Living worthy of our calling is the same as living to bring glory to Christ for what He has done for us.

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.

V. 8 Look at Psalm 68:18 from yesterday's reading. Pretty cool, huh?

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 ministry, for building up the body of Christ. In a couple of verses this building will be described as makes the body grow so that it builds itself up 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.

Notice too that bringing the church to maturity is unity in the faith and knowledge of Jesus. Unified in Jesus we imitate Jesus and follow Him in the harvest. The winds of doctrine and lies keep us from growing in Him, keep us from unity, and make us unable to bear fruit in the harvest. Churches that do not bear fruit, regardless of their reasons, have usually gotten off on some point of doctrine or practice that has neutralized them.

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 v. 22.

Vs. 19-23 As David was beginning to rescue the nation as their new king, he could assure them of God's help and salvation, because he, himself, had been experiencing that salvation and help every day for the past 10 years.

Vs. 24-27 In David leading the people, he led them to the Lord and led them in worship. Significant here is the mention of Benjamin. This was important because Saul had been from the tribe of Benjamin. When the nation split, Judah and Benjamin remained together as one nation. Also, Zebulun and Naphtali would have been the northernmost tribes. For me it is interesting because this area is where the "Son of David," Jesus, was raised. When he began His ministry, these tribes saw a great light.

Vs. 28-31 It seems that David was looking forward to the day when there would be a temple in Jerusalem, where all the nations would come to honor God. In Psalm 27, David refers to the tabernacle as the pavilion, sanctuary and temple.

Vs. 32-35 David, as usual, is giving testimony to the nations and praising God. During David's years people came to Jerusalem to seek God because of the grace poured on David and the people. In the future there will be another 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 bigger than marriage that draws two people together.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this linkhttp://www.esvbible.org/devotions/every-day-in-the-word/. If that doesn't work, go tohttp://www.esvbible.org/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 or feedback todgkachikis@gmail.com.

If you would like documents containing an entire month of the Reading Notes, go tohttps://sites.google.com/site/dlkachikis/reading-notes. You can download these to use on your computer or to print.