For today, One Year Bible Online links here. I am away this weekend Friday night through Sunday (October 16-18). I prepared my studies for the weekend in advance. I published both Saturday’s and Sunday’s studies Friday evening before I departed. I hope this does not cause anyone a problem.
Rather than seek revenge, do good for those who have done you wrong. It serves three purposes. First, if they have a decent bone in their body, they will be shamed by your actions. Second, they will spend their time worrying, waiting for you to stop “acting” and exact your revenge. Third, God will reward you for your good behavior. Of those, hopefully only the first and last will truly motivate you. The last because we know that the rewards God gives us are worth any amount of suffering. The first because perhaps their shame will cause them to repent of their sins and turn to God.
I have never been as depressed as expressed in this psalm. That being said, when I have felt overwhelmed by what was going on in my life I cried out to God continually and He brought me relief. He will do the same for you. It may take time, but be persistent and He will answer. (Just don’t forget to listen)
This passage describes the characteristics a person must have for two leadership positions in the Church. The first position is one of authority, translated here as elder, the KJV translated the word as bishop. Paul tells us that it is an honorable position to which it is good to aspire (although in no way does he say that everyone should do so). It is then that he tells us what characteristics we should look for in considering a person for the position. I think there are three key elements to these characteristics. A candidate for elder must be the husband of one wife (not single, not divorced and remarried, not having affairs). They must have well-behaved children. They must not be a new convert. They must have a good reputation with non-believers.
Paul then describes the characteristics for the second position, that of deacon. Those being considered for the position of deacon must be well-respected and have integrity. Reading what Paul writes about the requirements leads me to believe that a deacon is someone who handles money for the Church (otherwise, why does Paul make such an emphasis on them being responsible and honest in handling money?). Which leads to the main requirement, that they be someone who has been shown to act without any impropriety, or even the appearance of impropriety.
God told the people of Israel, through Jeremiah, that He would give them a new covenant. This new covenant would not be written on stone tablets. Instead it would be written on the hearts of God’s people. That new covenant was delivered through Jesus Christ. We no longer need to refer to a document to know what God desires of us. He has put His instructions deep within those who strive to serve Him. If we seek God, He will reveal Himself to us.