Saturday, November 12, 2011

Shalom,


Psalm 133:


1 BEHOLD, HOW good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment on the head, that ran down on the beard, even the beard of Aaron [the first high priest], that came down upon the collar and skirts of his garments [consecrating the whole body]. 3 it is like the dew of [lofty] Mount Hermon and the dew that comes on the hills of Zion; for there the LORD has commanded the blessing, even life forevermore [upon the high and the lowly].


This is another Song of Ascents, or Song of Degrees that was sung by those making their way to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feasts. There are three ministries of the Holy Spirit of God evident in these 3 verses! First, we have the fact that we are "brethren". In our New Covenant, this refers to the work of the Holy Spirit at the New Birth (John 3:5-6). We are all born again into the family of God by the Blood of Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit. Then we are each anointed by the same Holy Spirit for ministry. We are given the Ministry of Reconciliation, sharing the Gospel with others so they, too, can be saved (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)! We have been given an "anointing" to do it (1 John 2:20)! Then the Holy Spirit refreshes us like the dew when we spend time praying and singing in the Spirit (Isaiah 28:11-12)! Making full use of every opportunity to operate in the anointing and to be of one mind and in one accord with each other, which will bring the God of the Bible on the scene (Matthew 18:20)! 


The only verse we will look at today from John 10 is verse 10:


10 The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).


If we can ever fully grasp what Jesus was saying when He said this, we will never want for anything again! Meditate on this one Truth until you can more fully understand the level of LOVE that the Father has for you! Begin to find out just what this LIFE (ZOE - Life as God has it in Himself!) Will do for you! Then LIVE IT! Amen! here is Hillsong with "God One And Only":




Ezekiel 33-35 the LORD spoke to and through Ezekiel about the sins of the people of Israel (chapter 33), the sins of the leaders (chapter 34) and the sins of Edom, their brothers (chapter 35). Ezekiel 33:7:


7 So you, son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear the word at My mouth and give them warning from Me.


Ezekiel was to give warning to the people so that they had an opportunity to repent (change their thinking to agree with God). Then in Ezekiel 34:2-3:


2 Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them, even to the [spiritual] shepherds, Thus says the Lord GOD: Woe to the [spiritual] shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the sheep? 3 You eat the fat, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you kill the fatlings, but you do not feed the sheep.


The shepherds were given  much and much was expected of them! Pray for those in leadership in the Church and in the nation. Pray that they will fulfill their God-given calling so that they may receive their full reward and so that the people will be in position to fulfill their own calling! Then in Ezekiel 35:15 we see the judgment of Edom:


15 As you rejoiced over the inheritance of the house of Israel because it was desolate, so will I deal with you; you shall be a waste and desolation, O Mount Seir and all Edom, all of it. Then they shall know, understand, and realize that I am the LORD [the Sovereign Ruler, Who calls forth loyalty and obedient service].


Edom (Esau) had lost their birthright, but they could still have been blessed of God if they had obeyed His commands and been a blessing to Israel! CHOICES! Life is all about choices! Every person ever born has the choice to look around at all of creation and KNOW that their IS a GOD! Then they have the choice of whether or not they will SEEK HIM! If they choose to seek hard after Him, He WILL reveal Himself to them! Then they have the choice if they want to continue in His Word or not. Our entire lives are the direct result of out continual choices! No one else is responsible for our choices and there are no excuses! God Himself said CHOOSE LIFE (Deuteronomy 30:19)! What will YOU choose?


Shalom in Him!