March 27

Exodus 38; John 17; Proverbs 14; Philippians 1

Daily Catechism

QUESTION 58: WHAT ARE THE REASONS ADDED TO THE SECOND COMMANDMENT?
Answer: The reasons added to the second commandment are God’s holy jealousy for his name, and the zeal he has for his own worship.
Scripture: Exodus 20:4-6; Exodus 34:14; 1 Corinthians 10:22.

Proverbs 14

“12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” (Proverbs 14:12, ESV)


“16 One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless.” (Proverbs 14:16, ESV)


“21 Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.” (Proverbs 14:21, ESV)


“27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.” (Proverbs 14:27, ESV)


“31 Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.” (Proverbs 14:31, ESV)

John 17

The High Priestly Prayer 

“2 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” (John 17:2–3, ESV)
 

“16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:16–17, ESV)



“18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.” (John 17:18–19, ESV)



“26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”” (John 17:26, ESV)

One of the biggest takeaways I get from the High Priestly prayer is that we are sent into the world on a mission.  We are sent into the world not to avoid sin, but to engage the lost and to live for the glory of God, like Jesus did.   May we make known the name of the Lord!

 

 Philippians 1

“6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6, ESV)

“9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:9–11, ESV)

There is no other righteousness in me except that which come from Jesus.  There is a song that says "Holiness is Christ in me".  The fruit of righteousness will be pushed from my dry bones as I seek Jesus and look to him each day for my needs and as I give him my devotion.  This is not to my glory, but to the glory of God because it is him that is doing this work in me (Phil 2:12-13).

“20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:20–21, ESV)

Let this be true of each day O Lord!  Let us live unto you.  May we live with a heartfelt sense that life has nothing to offer us and death has nothing it can take from us that compares to the value of knowing King Jesus (Phil 3:8).  Be our satisfaction O Lord (Psalm 73:25-26)!

“27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,” (Philippians 1:27, ESV)

Let us strive together for the faith (Heb 3:12-14)!

“29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,” (Philippians 1:29, ESV)

 Soli Deo Gloria!