Shalom,


Psalm 54 reveals four stages of David's experience. Verse 1 shows David crying out to God for help:


1 SAVE ME, O God, by Your Name; judge and vindicate me by Your mighty strength and power.


Verses 4 shows David's great confidence in the One, True God to deliver him:


4 Behold, God is my helper and ally; the LORD is my upholder and is with them who uphold my life.


Verse 6 shows David praising God:


6 With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to You; I will give thanks and praise Your Name, O LORD, for it is good.


Verse 7 shows David declaring the wondrous works of God in his life!


7 For He has delivered me out of every trouble, and my eye has looked [in triumph] on my enemies.


Keep that "formula" in mind the next time you face a situation or have a need! Never forget to declare His wondrous works so that others may be drawn to Him! 


In Mark 4:1-2 we see this:


1 AGAIN JESUS began to teach beside the lake. And a very great crowd gathered about Him, so that He got into a ship in order to sit in it on the sea, and the whole crowd was at the lakeside on the shore. 2 And He taught them many things in parables (illustrations or comparisons put beside truths to explain them), and in His teaching He said to them:


I found an interesting explanation of a parable in the Bible Exposition Commentary: New Testament:

A parable begins innocently as a picture that arrests our attention and arouses our interest. But as we study the picture, it becomes a mirror in which we suddenly see ourselves. If we continue to look by faith, the mirror becomes a window through which we see God and His truth. How we respond to that truth will determine what further truth God will teach us.



Jesus explained to them why He taught them in parables. He used parables to both hide AND reveal the Truth of His Word! Those who weren't really interested in hearing the Word for the purpose of obeying it would not understand it. Those with a genuine hunger for the Word, and for the things of God, would give diligence to what they heard, ask for better understanding and receive the revelation from the Lord! That is STILL how the Word works today! Notice that the word "hear" is used 13 times in this chapter! Pay attention to HOW you hear and WHAT you hear! Develop a real hunger for the Word of God. He will see to it that the understanding comes! Thank You, Jesus!


If you read the Amplified Bible for Mark 4 you will notice that every time it speaks of the seed, after the first time, it says [of the same kind]. The difference in the results of the seed being sown was NOT the seed! The seed was always the same good Word! The difference was in the soil. Make sure that your soil is ready to receive the seed of His Word! Confess known sin, stay in fellowship with Him, pray for the understanding BEFORE you open the Word, then make it your determined purpose to OBEY the Word that you hear! Any good gardener will tell you that preparing the soil is vital for proper growth of any seed! 


I found another interesting things to share concerning Isaiah 21-22 from the Bible Exposition Commentary: Old Testament:

"Whether you like it or not, history is on our side. We will bury you!" The Premier of the Soviet Union, Nikita Khrushchev, made that statement to a group of Western diplomats on November 18, 1956. But Khrushchev is dead, and the Soviet Union no longer exists. Khrushchev's boastful prophecy was not fulfilled.


Is there a pattern to history? Is anyone in charge? The British historian Edward Gibbon called history "little more than the register of crimes, follies, and misfortunes of mankind." But the American missionary leader Arthur T. Pierson said that "history is His story." Which one is right?


The Prophet Isaiah would stand with Pierson, for these eleven chapters are certainly evidence that God is at work in the nations of the world. In these chapters, the prophet reveals God's plan not only for Judah, but also for ten Gentile nations. President James Garfield called history "the unrolled scroll of prophecy," and Isaiah unrolls the scroll for us to read.


World leaders need to learn the lesson that Nebuchadnezzar learned the hard way, that "the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses" (Dan 4:25, NKJV). Paul made the same declaration to the Greek philosophers in Athens: "[God] determined the times set for [the nations] and the exact places where they should live" (Acts 17:26, NIV). Indeed, "history is His story."



Here is song that agrees by declaring that History IS "His Story! Hillsong's "Run":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Psalm 53 is almost identical to Psalm 14. The Hebrew word for God here is "Elohim", which is a plural word for God that refers to the Godhead. Verses 1-3:


1 The [empty-headed] fool has said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt and evil are they, and doing abominable iniquity; there is none who does good. 2 God looked down from heaven upon the children of men to see if there were any who understood, who sought (inquired after and desperately required) God. 3 Every one of them has gone back [backslidden and fallen away]; they have altogether become filthy and corrupt; there is none who does good, no, not one.


This certainly is another picture of the times in which we live!  The world has altogether become filthy and corrupt! Most of them do not make the Word of God their standard anymore. The abortion issue, the gay marriage issue, the welfare situation, corrupt politicians, and the list goes on and on! These really are not issues, according to the Word of God. They are SIN! Every nation that was once powerful and then fell had these same "issues" going on! What hope is there? There is a nation that exists in the USA and in all of the other nations of the world! It is the "nation" or "kingdom" of the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible! All born again believers are Ambassadors of this nation here on earth! We represent the Kingdom of Heaven while we are here! As long as God's people, who are called by HIS Name, will stay humble and pray (for their earthly nations and leaders, for the Body of Christ, for God's plan here on earth) then God Himself will direct the happenings of earth for HIS purpose! Keep up the good work while there is still time. Soon and very soon, we are going to see JESUS appearing for us in the sky! Let's make it our goal to take everyone we know with us! AMEN!


In Mark 3 we see that Jesus again healed someone in the synagogue, and again the Pharisees, who should have been overjoyed at the display of the power of God, sought how they might kill Jesus! Verses 7-10:


7 And Jesus retired with His disciples to the lake, and a great throng from Galilee followed Him. Also from Judea 8 And from Jerusalem and Idumea and from beyond the Jordan and from Tyre and Sidon -- a vast multitude, hearing all the many things that He was doing, came to Him. 9 And He told His disciples to have a little boat in [constant] readiness for Him because of the crowd, lest they press hard upon Him and crush Him. 10 For He had healed so many that all who had distressing bodily diseases kept falling upon Him and pressing upon Him in order that they might touch Him.


Do you realize how far these people had come to receive from the ONE they had heard about? From Jerusalem to Galilee alone is about 68 miles! There were no cars, no trains, no planes or helicopters then! Most of these people either walked or rode on donkeys or camels! These people came from everywhere because they believed! They weren't empty-headed fools! We are so blessed in this nation that we only have to go as far as our bookshelves, our stereos, out TVs, our iPods, our computers, to hear and be taught the Word of God! Do WE appreciate the ONE? Who He is, why He came, what He's done, what He WANTS to do THROUGH US? If not, it's high time to start! If so, keep it up! 


Isaiah 19-20 speak of Egypt and God's plan for that nation! Isaiah 19:24-25 says this:


24 In that day Israel shall be the third, with Egypt and with Assyria [in a Messianic league], a blessing in the midst of the earth, 25 Whom the LORD of hosts has blessed, saying, Blessed be Egypt My people and Assyria the work of My hands and Israel My heritage.


Don't forget that after the Rapture of the Church and the Tribulation, earth is going to be a very busy place for another 1000 years, while Jesus Himself rules and reigns from Jerusalem! We don't yet know what OUR part in this will be, but we KNOW that it will be a blessing, because OUR God is a GOOD GOD! Hallelujah! Here is an exciting song from Hillsong United called "Go":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Psalm 52 is a Psalm of David concerning the time that Doeg the Edomite caused the death of all of the priests because he told Saul that David was there.  It was an evil thing that he did, and he would eventually reap evil for it! This is the same fate that awaits all the ungodly people who persecute YOU! THAT is why we are instructed to pray for them! Their future is NOT bright! Verses 5-7:


5 God will likewise break you down and destroy you forever; He will lay hold of you and pluck you out of your tent and uproot you from the land of the living. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! 6 The [uncompromisingly] righteous also shall see [it] and be in reverent fear and awe, but about you they will [scoffingly] laugh, saying, 7 See, this is the man who made not God his strength (his stronghold and high tower) but trusted in and confidently relied on the abundance of his riches, seeking refuge and security for himself through his wickedness.


Pray for them! Your rewards are waiting, and so are theirs! 


Mark 2:4-5:


And when they could not get him to a place in front of Jesus because of the throng, they dug through the roof above Him; and when they had scooped out an opening, they let down the [thickly padded] quilt or mat upon which the paralyzed man lay. 5 And when Jesus saw their faith [their confidence in God through Him], He said to the paralyzed man, Son, your sins are forgiven [you] and put away [that is the penalty is remitted, the sense of guilt removed, and you are made upright and in right standing with God].


Did you notice what it was that got the attention of Jesus? Not the hole in the roof, but the faith, trust and confidence of the paralyzed man's friends that Jesus not only wouldn't be upset by the hole in the roof, but that He WOULD heal him! How many people do YOU know who would not be upset by a hole in the roof? How about a change in the order of the Sunday Service? How about someone getting in front of them in the line for healing? We need to be prepared for out-of-the-ordinary occurrences in these last days before the Rapture of the Church! Remember that Peter prophesied, in Acts 2:17, that God would pour out of His Spirit upon ALL flesh! Be ready! Ready to pray, ready to do, ready to go, ready to participate! AMEN!


Isaiah 17:1-3 says this:


1 THE MOURNFUL, inspired prediction ( a burden to be lifted up) concerning Damascus [capital of Syria, and Israel's bulwark against Assyria]. Behold, Damascus will cease to be a city and will become a heap of ruins. 2 The cities of Aroer [east of the Jordan] are forsaken; they shall be for flocks, which shall lie down, and none shall make them afraid.


The Message Bible says this:


1 A message concerning Damascus: Watch this: Damascus undone as a city, a pile of dust and rubble! 2 Her towns emptied of people. The sheep and goats will move in and take over the towns as if they owned them -- which they will!


It may LOOK for all the world like these nations that come against Israel are getting away with it. They ARE NOT! God is watching, He is in control, His Word WILL be carried out, His Name WILL be glorified through it all! The people and nations of the world are without excuse! The Word of the LORD has gone forth! The Gospel of Jesus of Nazareth has been preached! The heavens declare HIS glory and HE will have the final say on EVERYTHING! Encourage each other with THESE words! AMEN! Here is another encourager! Robin Marks singing "Days Of Elijah"!

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Psalm 51:4:


4 Against You, You only, have I sinned and done that which is evil in your sight,so that You are justified in Your sentence and faultless in your judgment.


We all have had times where we have hurt someone else and have had to apologize to them. As human beings, we are capable of cheating, lying, stealing, abusing, or any of the other numerous forms of hurt and hatefulness. This is between one person and another. But the SIN of these things is only between that person and the One, True God! That is what David was saying here. He did wrong to Bathsheba and to Uriah, which is what this Psalm is referring to, but his sin was against the Lord and His Word. He could not have fellowship with the LORD as long as that sin was not dealt with properly! For unbelievers, the answer to sin is JESUS! For believers, the answer is found in 1 John 1:9:


9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.


Now let's look ate that verse in the Amplified Bible!


9 If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness) and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action.


Let's stay continually clean before Him by confessing sin immediately. That is the very best way to stay in close, intimate fellowship with Him!


In Mark 1 we see Jesus continually being about his Father's Business! He ALWAYS started each day in close personal fellowship with the One, True God! Look at verse 35:


35  And in the morning, long before daylight, He got up and went out to a deserted place, and there He prayed.


When the disciples woke up, they went searching for Him and told Him "Everybody is looking for You"! Verse 38 shows us the reply that Jesus gave to them:


38 And He said to them, Let us be going on into the neighboring country towns, that I may preach there also; for that is why I came out. 39 [So] He went throughout the whole of Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons. 


Here are some pictures that I have posted before of the Sea of Galilee, so that you can see the entire area where Jesus was preaching at this time! Remember that the entire sea, or lake, is 13 miles long and 7 miles wide. This is where a great part of the ministry of Jesus of Nazareth took place!

 One end as seen from the Golan heights.

 The middle.

 The other end.

This is an aerial view.

I can't read Isaiah 15-16 concerning the fate of Moab without being very aware of the sorrow that Isaiah felt at was to befall them. A true sign that we are maturing as born again believers is compassion for others, even those who have been less than a blessing to us! make sure that you check YOUR heart on a daily basis so that you can keep a heart that is tender towards the things of God, and the people He loves! Remember that love NEVER fails (1 Corinthians 13:8)!


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Psalm 50:1-6:


1 THE MIGHTY One, God the LORD, speaks and calls the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting. 2 Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth. 3 Our God comes and does not keep silence; a fire devours before Him, and round about Him a mighty tempest rages. 4 He calls to the heavens above and to the earth, that He may judge His people. 5 Gather together to Me My saints [those who have found grace in My sight], those who have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice. 6 And the heavens declare His righteousness (rightness and justice), for God, He is judge. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!


The world of unbelievers may continue to try to silence the people of God, but God WILL NOT be silent! If God's people won't praise Him, then rocks will do it (Luke 19:40)! If God's people won't speak what He desires, then He will use a donkey (Numbers 22:28)! The voice of the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible will NOT be silenced by anyone! I choose to be a voice of God in the earth today. How about YOU? Here is "Everything That Has Breath" from Hillsong:

In Philemon we read again the account of Onesimus and how Paul is interceding for him with Philemon. I LOVE verse 8 from the Message Bible:


8 In line with this I have a favor to ask of you. As Christ's ambassador and now a prisoner for Him, I wouldn't hesitate to command this if I thought it necessary, but I'd rather make it a personal request.


Paul had every right to demand this of Philemon, but he wanted Philemon to do what was right of his own choice. There would be blessing in that for Philemon! That is JUST like our wonderful God! He has every right to demand obedience of us, but He gives us the choice! When we make the right choices, we walk in all of the BLESSING of God! I LOVE that!


As you read Isaiah 13-14, remember that Babylon symbolizes the world system that man has built for himself, in defiance of the One, True God! Jerusalem and Babylon are really contrasting cities! Jerusalem is the chosen city of God, and Babylon is the wicked city of man. One will last forever, the other  - destroyed, forever! I think I will stay on God's side. How about You?


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Psalm 49:1-3:


1 HEAR THIS, all you people; give ear, all you inhabitants of the world, 2 Both low and high, rich and poor together: 3 My mouth shall speak wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be understanding.


The message about to be delivered is to all of the inhabitants of the "world". That is a unique Hebrew word "cheled", which means: the total human scene, the whole sphere of passing life. That means that all who have ever passed this way or will ever pass this way SHOULD hear and heed this message! What is the message? Verses 7-12:


7 None of them can by any means redeem [either himself or] his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him -- 8 For the ransom of a life is too costly, and [the price one can pay] can never suffice -- 9 So that he should live on forever and never see the pit (the grave) and corruption. 10 For he sees that even wise men die; the [self-confident] fool and the stupid alike perish and leave their wealth to others. 11 Their inward thought is that their houses will continue forever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands their own [apart from God] and after their own names. 12 But man, with all his honor and pomp, does not remain; he is like the beasts that perish.


The message is that this life is so very fleeting in comparison to the length of eternity! To put all of our focus and attention on obtaining honor, glory, fame, fortune, treasure, in and for this life will leave us bankrupt for eternity! The only important treasure for us to focus on is the ONE Who lives inside of us as born again believers in Jesus of Nazareth! We have THIS treasure in our earthen vessels (2 Corinthians 4:7)! Focusing on THIS Treasure will cause all other treasures the world strives for to flow into our lives (Matthew 6:33)! AMEN!


In Titus 3:2-6,  Paul instructs us how to treat the unbelievers we come in contact with. 


2 To slander or abuse or speak evil of no one, to avoid being contentious, to be forbearing (yielding, gentle, and conciliatory), and to show unqualified courtesy toward everybody. 3 For we also were once thoughtless and senseless, obstinate and disobedient, deluded and misled; [we too were once] slaves to all sorts of cravings and pleasures, wasting our days in malice and jealousy and envy, hateful (hated, detestable) and hating each other. 4 But when the goodness and loving-kindness of God our Savior to man appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but because of His own pity and mercy, by [the] cleansing [bath] of the new birth (regeneration) and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 Which He poured our [so] richly upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior.


It is ridiculous to judge the sinner! They are simply being who they are! Share the Gospel with them so that they, too, can become a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), and the Holy Spirit can help them make a new way of life! Glory to God!


Isaiah continues in chapters 11 and 12 with prophetic words that will be fulfilled in his time AND in the times in which WE live! Chapter 12 should be very familiar to many of you, especially verse 2!


2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation.


We sang that chorus often in the early days of our church! I couldn't find a video of that one, but here is Hillsong United with "You Are My Strength":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Psalm 48:1a:


1a  GREAT IS the LORD, and highly to be praised in the city of our God! 


Verse 8 says:


 As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the LORD of hosts, in the city of our God: God will establish it forever. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!


The city of our God referred to here is Jerusalem! This is a special city to the One, True. Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible! No matter how hard they might try, Muslims have NO real claim to the city of Jerusalem! The God of the Bible claimed it for Himself LONG before Muhammad ever arrived on the scene! He didn't show up with all of his so-called "revelations" until around 600 AD. Jerusalem is the city of OUR God, and His name is NOT Allah! Here are some pictures of beautiful Jerusalem, the city of OUR GOD!

Titus 2:1:


1 BUT [as for] you, teach what is fitting and becoming to sound (wholesome) doctrine [the character and right living that identify true Christians].


Paul is continuing to instruct the young pastor Titus. He is stressing that the most important responsibility of the ministry is to "teach the Word"! If you don't belong to a good local church that teaches the Word of God boldly, then you need to find another church! IMMEDIATELY! You cannot grow without being involved in a fellowship of like-minded believers where the Word of God is the final authority! If you need help finding one, contact us and we'll help you out!


Isaiah 9:2 says this:


2 The people who walked  in darkness have seen a great Light; those who dwelt in the land of intense darkness and the shadow of death, upon them has the Light shined.


This Scripture was fulfilled in Matthew 4:14-16:


14 That what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be brought to pass: 15 The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, in the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles [of the peoples who are not of Israel] 16 The people who sat (dwelt enveloped) in darkness have seen a great Light, and for those who sat in the land and shadow of death Light has dawned.


This is speaking of Jesus of Nazareth! He IS the Light of the world! LET the LIGHT in you shine bright! People need to see the Light of His presence, so that He can draw them to Himself! Work with Him, it's your calling! AMEN!


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Psalm 47 is a very vocal Psalm ! We are told 5 times to "Sing praises to God"! Why? Because He is an awesome King (verses 1-4), a triumphant King (verse 5), and the King of kings (verses 6-9)! In other words, He IS WORTHY! We have used a few different songs over the years that are taken from Psalm 47, but there were no videos available of those. Just sing Psalm 47 yourself and I'm sure at least one of those songs will come back to you! Just in case you need some motivation to do so, look at verses 8-9 to see just Who He is!


8 God reigns over the nations; God sits upon His holy throne. 9 The princes and nobles of the peoples are gathered together, a [united] people for the God of Abraham, for the shields of the earth belong to God; he is highly exalted.


AMEN! THIS is OUR GOD! (Hillsong)

In Titus Paul is writing a letter of encouragement and instruction to another young pastor whom he has mentored. He says this in verse 5:


5 For this reason I left you [behind] in Crete, that you might set right what was defective and finish what was left undone, and that you might appoint elders and set them over the churches (assemblies) in every city as I directed you.


Even though, like Timothy, Titus was a young man, the Lord (and Paul) trusted him to be able to carry out these instructions. Don't ever judge a minster of the Gospel, called by God, by their gender, age, appearance, or even experience! Remember that God likes to take "the foolish things of the world to confound the wise" (1 Corinthians 1:27-28)! Why? 1 Corinthians 1:29:


29 That no flesh should glory in His presence.


What God does through us has very little to do with US and EVERYTHING to do with HIM! AMEN!


Isaiah 7-8 reveal to us the fact that the political leaders of that time did NOT trust in the Lord!  Sound familiar? Time after time our Presidents and political leaders have called on the people of this nation to repent with fasting and prayer for the sin of forgetting that it is GOD alone to Whom we should turn and trust in! Right now, more than ever, our nation NEEDS the Lord, but this current president wants no part of it! Set yourself to fasting and prayer for the next elections so that we can return a person of Godly Wisdom, integrity and prayer to the highest office in this nation. God Himself ordained this nation and HE should have the say about who sits in that Oval Office! Don't you agree?


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Psalm 46:1-3:


1 GOD IS our Refuge and Strength [mighty and impenetrable to temptation], a very present and well-proved help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the mountains be shaken into the midst of the seas, 3 Though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling and tumult. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! 


NO FEAR HERE when we make the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible our Refuge, our Stronghold, and our source of all Strength! Let the world run frantic in the middle all of the chaos! When they REALLY want help, we will be found in our Refuge, ready to give them the Answer! In the meantime, enjoy "Made Me Glad" by Hillsong!

2 Timothy 4:2 in the KJV says :


2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; repove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.


The word "instant" is the Greek word "ephistemi", which means to stand by or be present, be at hand. The Amplified Bible says this:


2 Herald and preach the Word! Keep your sense of urgency [stand by, be at hand and ready], whether the opportunity seems to be favorable or unfavorable. [Whether it is convenient or inconvenient, whether it is welcome or unwelcome, you as preacher of the Word are to show people in what way their lives are wrong]. And convince them, rebuking and correcting, warning and urging and encouraging them, being unflagging and inexhaustible in patience and teaching.


Just as Psalm 46 tells us that the LORD is "present" when we need Him, WE must be "present" for those who want to know HIM! Be available and be obedient to the Spirit of God. The eternal life of some depend on it! Verse 3 tells us that some will not want to hear the Word. Don't focus on them, focus instead on those who DO! They are the only ones you will be able to help! 


In 2 Kings 15-16 we see more of the contrast between the kings who did "right in the sight of the LORD" and those who did not! We have seen a pattern here! It has very seldom worked out well for those who did the evil in the sight of the LORD! Why is that? Galatians 6:7 has the answer for us!


7 Do not be deceived and deluded and misled; God will not allow Himself to be sneered at (scorned, disdained, or mocked by mere pretensions or professions, or by His precepts being set aside(. [He inevitably deludes himself who attempts to delude God]. For whatever a man sows, that and that only is what he will reap.


Keep YOURSELF in right fellowship with the LORD by obeying His Word and being filled continually with His Spirit! 


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


In the title for Psalm 45 is says, among other things, "A song of love". This is indeed a love song to the King of all kings and the Lord of all lords! Addressed to King Jesus we say, with the psalmist, in verses 1-4:


MY HEART overflows with a goodly theme; I address my psalm to a King. My tongue is like the pen of a ready writer. 2 You are fairer than the children of men; graciousness is poured upon Your lips; therefore God has blessed You forever. 3 Gird Your sword upon Your thigh, O mighty One, in Your glory and Your majesty! 4 And in Your majesty ride on triumphantly for the cause of truth, humility, and righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God); and let Your right hand guide You to tremendous things.


It is a GOOD thing to give thanks to Him and to praise His Name (Psalm 92:1)! Do so on a daily basis, and all day long! Sing to Him in the Spirit, sing the Word to Him, and sing a new song out of your own heart to Him! You will be amazed at the difference in your own outlook on life when you do this! And remember that He inhabits the praises of His people! He lives there! That's GOOD company! AMEN! Here is an interesting example of Psalm 45 sung by The Sons Of Korah:

In 2 Timothy 3, Paul is instructing the young pastor, Timothy, about the last days. I found this in the Bible Exposition Commentary on the New Testament. I thought they said it very well:

"These last days" began with the ministry of Jesus Christ (Heb 1:1-2) and will continue until He returns. They are called the "last days" because in them God is completing His purposes for His people. Because our Lord has delayed His return, some people scoff at the promise of His coming (2 Peter 3:3 ); but He will come as He promised.


Within this period of "last days" there will be "times" (seasons) of different kinds; but as the "times" draw to a close, they will become perilous. This word means "dangerous, hard to deal with, savage." This is the same Greek word that is used to describe the two violent demoniacs of Gadara (Matt 8:28). This suggests that the violence of the last times will be energized by demons (1 Tim 4:1).


There is no doubt that these characteristics started to appear in Paul's day, and now they have increased in intensity. It is not simply that we have more people in the world, or better news coverage. It appears that evil is deeper and of greater intensity, and that it is being accepted and promoted by society in a bolder way. It is not that we have small pockets of rebellion here and there. All of society seems to be in ferment and rebellion. We are indeed in "terrible times" (2 Tim 3:1, NIV).



We ARE living in those times NOW! But the same Truth that WAS the power to overcome ALL evil then, is STILL the power to do so now! Know the Word, know your authority to speak the Word, expect the same results that Jesus got! Be bold, be strong and be aggressive with your faith and with the Word of God. Time is running OUT for the lost who desperately need a personal Saviour. Present HIM! You are well equipped! Verses 16-17:


16 Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by his inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose, and action), 17 So that the man (female man or male man) of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.


You are ready! AMEN!


As we go along in the Old Testament, it seems that even those who "do right in the sight of the LORD" do so for a short time, or do so in some things, but not others. Not many trained their children in the way they should go (Proverbs 22:6)! Proverbs 26:2b tells us that "the curse causeless does not come". That means that there is always a reason for bad things happening. Either we are doing something wrong and deserve the "curse", or we are doing something right (God's will) and the enemy tries to stop us! Either way there is a reason that the "curse" is coming! If it is the enemy because of something right we are doing, we call that "undeserved suffering" and there are blessings coming in that! If it is because of something wrong we are doing, we call that "deserved suffering" and there are no blessings in that! The solution for the first example is joy and patience! The solution for the second is repentance and confession (1 John 1:9). That will get us right back in right standing with the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible! Right where we want to be!


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Psalm 44:1:


1 WE HAVE heard with our ears, O God; our fathers have told us [what] work You did in their days, in the days of old.


Psalm 44 is another "skillful song, didactic or reflective poem". Remember that this means it is meant to teach us and to cause us to reflect, or think about it. The next two verses will explain just why the land of Israel, ALL of it,  belongs to the Jewish people!


2 You drove out the nations with Your hand and it was Your power that gave [Israel] a home by rooting out the [heathen] peoples, but [Israel] You spread out. 3 For they got not the land [of Canaan] in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them; but Your right hand and Your arm and the light of Your countenance [did it], because You were favorable toward and did delight in them.


It was NOT because Israel warred with every nation and took their land from them! It was GOD Himself Who caused Israel to have victory over all of the heathen people! GOD chose the land. GOD gave the land to Israel. GOD is the ONLY One Who can take it away, and He WILL NOT! Not now that He has brought the Jewish people back! It is all in the Word of God and those who WANT to know God's will and God's plan will find it all right here! AMEN! My prayer is verse 4:


4 You are my King, O God; command victories and deliverance for Jacob (Israel).


God WILL answer THAT prayer! Here are a couple of maps that show what God intended for the borders of Israel!

 The areas promised to Abraham!

 An older map of the areas of the Twelve Tribes.

A newer map of the lands that the Tribes actually possessed of all that God had instructed them to take!

 In 2 Timothy, Paul is instructing and encouraging the young Pastor Timothy about his role as a minister of the Gospel. The examples that Paul gave reveal seven aspects of the Christian minister. I found these in the Bible Exposition Commentary. They are:

• The Steward  (2 Timothy 2:1-2).
• The Soldier  (2 Timothy 2:3-4, 8-13).
• The Athlete  (2 Timothy 2:5).
• The Farmer  (2 Timothy 2:6-7).
• The Workman  (2 Timothy 2:14-18).
• The Vessel  (2 Timothy 2:19-22).
• The Servant  (2 Timothy 2:23-26).

Go back and look at these verses again and let the Holy Spirit minister to you about YOUR role in the ministry of the Gospel! Then I exhort you to be a doer of these next two verses! Verse 8:

8 Constantly keep in mind Jesus Christ (the Messiah) [as] risen from the dead, [as the prophesied King] descended from David, according to the Good News (the Gospel) that I preach.

Keep your focus on the fact that we serve the Risen LORD! HIS plan, HIS purpose, and HIS priority must be foremost in our hearts and minds! Then, with that attitude, we can be doers of verse 15:

15 Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.

With the right attitude towards God and His Word, our study time will be so much more effective! We will see more clearly, hear more clearly, and be in better position to become a very effective minister! And remember that we are ALL called into the full-time ministry; the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18)! Letting the world know the Good News! AMEN!

Isaiah 5-6 begin with Isaiah singing about the LORD to the people. He reminded them of what God had done for them, then he spoke of their sins against Him by their disobedience to his Word. In Isaiah 6 he is explaining his own calling so that they would understand why he was the one bringing the warning to the people. Isaiah loved his God and he loved God's people. Think of YOUR pastor as you read this! He may not always deliver the message you would prefer to hear, but he SHOULD be delivering the message that you NEED to hear! Pay attention to HOW you hear and WHAT you hear, so that the message will not be of no effect, as it many times was with Isaiah's people! Bring joy to your pastor AND to Jesus by becoming a doer of that Word and you will be blessed!

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Some say that Psalms 42 and 43 were actually supposed to be one entire Psalm. Psalm 42:11 and Psalm 43:5 are exactly the same:


5 Why are you cast down, O my inner self? And why should you moan over me and be disquieted within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall yet praise Him, Who is the help of my countenance, and my God.


Don't "yet praise Him" Do it NOW! Stop everything you are doing and just PRAISE HIM! Your day will take on a whole new perspective, and it will be a GOOD one! AMEN! Here is a new song from Hillsong United called "Yours Forever". I LOVE the perspective!

Going right along with that is 2 Timothy 1:8 (Message Bible):


8 So don't be embarrassed to speak up for our Master or for me, His prisoner. Take your share of suffering for the Message along with the rest of us. We can only keep on going, after all, by the power of God, Who first saved us and then called us to this holy work. We had nothing to do with it. It was all His idea, a gift prepared for us in Jesus long before we knew anything about it. But we know it now. Since the appearance of our Savior, nothing could be plainer: death defeated, life vindicated in a steady blaze of light, all through the work of Jesus. 


GLORY TO GOD! Go ahead and listen to that song again! Hallelujah!


Isaiah 3:10-11:


10 Say to the righteous that it shall be well with them, for they shall eat the fruit of their deeds. 11 Woe to the wicked! It shall be ill with them, for what their hands have done shall be done to them.


That is such a wonderful promise for those who choose to do things God's way! We who are under the New Covenant have been MADE the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21). It SHALL be well with us, WHEN we choose to obey God's Word! We certainly don't have to give a thought for the wicked. God WILL deal rightly with them! Pray for them to receive Jesus as Savior and become the righteous! Verse 11 also says that "what their hands have done shall be done to them". This has been fulfilled again and again in the lives of the Jewish people! As we read through the Old Testament, we read of things that some of the kings and rulers did to the people of other lands, and some even to their own people. God abhors what happened during the Holocaust. We should too! BUT, it is more understandable when you read THIS verse along with some of the things that happened! But WOE has ALWAYS been to those at whose hands God's people were harmed! Be a person who blesses others, always! AMEN!


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


The title for Psalm 42 says this:


To the Chief Musician. A skillful song, or didactic or reflective poem, of the sons of Korah.


Didactic is something intended to teach and reflective means that it is intended to provoke thought. Actually, we should have that expectation towards all of Scripture! Verses 1-2:


1 AS THE deer pants and long for the water brooks, so I pant and long for You, O God. 2 My inner self thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and behold the face of God?


As born again believers in Jesus of Nazareth, we should all long for time in His presence! The reality, though, is that in order to have that desire for His  presence, we must spend time in His presence! When shall I behold His face? When I decide to spend time in the secret place of the Most High! Do it today! You will NEVER regret time spent with HIM! 


1 Timothy 6:10 tells us that the love of money is the root of all evil! Wherever you find evil in the world, you WILL find that money or riches of some sort are involved as the driving force and the cause! But verses 11-12 tell us this:


11 But as for you, O man of God, flee from all these things; aim at and pursue righteousness (right standing with God and true goodness), godliness (which is the loving fear of God and being Christlike), faith, love, steadfastness (patience), and gentleness of heart. 12 Fight the good fight of faith; lay hold of the eternal life to which you were summoned and [for which] you confessed the good confession [of faith] before many witnesses.


Remember that the "good fight of faith" is the one that WE WIN, because we do not quit or give up! Then, because we are, of all people, most blessed, we need to be doers of verses 17-19:


17 As for the rich in this world, charge them not to be proud and arrogant and contemptuous of others, nor to set their hopes on uncertain riches, but on God, Who richly and ceaselessly provides us with everything for [our] enjoyment. 18 [Charge them] to do good, to be rich in good works, to be liberal and generous of heart, ready to share [with others], 19 In this way laying up for themselves [the riches that endure forever as] a good foundation for the future, so that they may grasp that which is life indeed.


God WANTS us to be richly supplied in all good things IN THIS LIFE! But, He does NOT want us to WANT those things above all else! We need to have HIM and HIS plan, purpose and calling as our #1 priority! Seek Him FIRST and all other things will be added to us besides (Matthew 6:33)! AMEN!


We begin in Isaiah today. "Isaiah" means "salvation of the Lord", and that is the key theme of this book. He wrote of 5 different acts of deliverance that the One, True God would perform:

• The deliverance of Judah from Assyrian invasion (Chapters 36-37).
• The deliverance of the nation of Israel from Babylonian captivity (Chapter 40).
• The future deliverance of the Jews from worldwide dispersion among the Gentiles (Chapters 11-12).
• The deliverance of lost sinners from judgment (Chapter 53).
• The final deliverance of creation from the bondage of sin when the kingdom is established (Chapter 60).

Isaiah was a man in touch with his God and a man who loved his nation, a true patriot! He hated sin and religion that wasn't based on Truth! His favorite name for God is "The Holy One of Israel", which he uses 25 times in this book and is only found 5 other times in the entire Old Testament! I found all of this in the Bible Exposition Commentary, along with this:

Isaiah was certainly a courageous man. Unafraid to denounce kings and priests, and unwavering when public opinion went against him, he boldly declared the Word of God.

I would hope that someday the same will be said of each of us! It will be fun to go through Isaiah having these things in mind about him! For today, I will leave you with this well-known and very powerful verse! Isaiah 1:19:

19 If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land;

Being willing is an attitude that is completely our choice to have, or not! Being obedient is also completely our own choice! God WILL NOT force us to do anything! He gives us the opportunity to do things HIS way and be blessed, or own way and be satisfied with the results. I know what the WISE choice is! How about you? Here is a new song from Hillsong called "You Are More"

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Psalm 41:13 should be our declaration, our confession, our shout and our song! 


13 Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting and to everlasting [from this age to the next, and forever]! Amen and Amen (so be it).


That is from the Amplified Bible. Here is Young's Literal Translation:


13 Blessed [is] Jehovah, God of Israel, From the age - unto the age. Amen and Amen.


This is the Complete Jewish Bible:


13 Blessed be Adonai the God of Isra'el from eternity past top eternity future. Amen. Amen.


And finally, the Message Bible:


13 Blessed is GOD, Israel's God, always, always, always. Yes. Yes. Yes.


Allow the praises of God to continually flow FROM you TO Him, every day, and all day long! Remember, He inhabits the praises of HIS people (Psalm 22:3)! Thank You, Lord! Here is another older song by Joel Chernoff of Lamb: "Blessed Be The Lord God of Israel"

We have covered 1 Timothy verses 17-18 before, but this really bears repeating. We each need to check where we are at in being obedient to this! Here are these verses in a couple of different Bible translations. First is the Wuest Translation:


17 Let the elders that are ruling well be deemed deserving of double honor, especially those who are laboring with wearisome effort in the Word and in the teaching; 18 for the scripture says, You should not muzzle as ox while he is treading out the corn, and, The worker is worthy of his pay. 


Next is the Complete Jewish Bible:


17 The leaders who lead well should be considered worthy of double honor, especially those working hard at communicating the Word and at teaching. 18 For the Tanakh says, "You are not to muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain," in other words, "The worker deserves his wages."


The Message Bible says:


17 Give a bonus to leaders who do a good job, especially the ones who work hard at preaching and teaching. 18 Scripture tells us, "Don't muzzle a working ox," and "A worker deserves his pay."


The last one we'll look at is from the Amplified Bible:


17 Let the elders who perform the duties of their office well be considered double worthy of honor [and of adequate financial support], especially those who labor faithfully in preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain, and again, The laborer is worthy of his hire.


SO, what should we be getting out of this? We should be specifically praying for the financial prosperity of our Pastor and those teaching the Word of God, honoring and encouraging them, and seeking the Lord about how we can be more of a blessing to them, financially and otherwise! THEN - double it! When we appreciate the "gifts" (Ephesians 4) that God has given us in this way, we will ALWAYS have a full supply of what we need to succeed in our own dreams and goals! Try it! Be a doer of this Word and then stand back and watch how God blesses YOU in return! I can't wait to hear about it! AMEN!


In 2 Chronicles 25-26 we read about Amaziah and Uzziah, the son and grandson of Joash. They both "did right in the sight of the LORD" FOR A TIME! It seems that these kings were humble in the beginning when they were young and unsure of themselves. The sin came later in life when they began to be full of themselves and all of THEIR accomplishments! They failed to remember that any and all of their success came from the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible! Many born again believers have fallen into that same trap of the enemy! The way to keep that attitude out of YOUR life is to spend some time every day in praise, thanksgiving, and worship to the One, True God for WHO He is, AND for what He has done for you! That works every time, if were are sincere about it! 


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Psalm 40:2-3:


2 He drew me out of a horrible pit [a pit of tumult and of destruction], out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, steadying my steps and establishing my goings. 3 And He has put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many shall see and fear (revere and worship) and put their trust and confident reliance in the LORD.


I'm sure many of you remember the old song we used to sing from these verses, but here is Hillsong singing "For All You've Done". 

It is always a blessing to me to read verses 5-6 of Psalm 40 also:


5 Many, O LORD my God, are the wonderful works which You have done, and Your thoughts toward us; no one can compare with You! If I should declare and speak of them, they are too many to be numbered. 6 Sacrifice and offering You do not desire, nor have You delight in them; You have given me the capacity to hear and obey [Your law, a more valuable service than] burnt offerings and sin offerings [which] You do not require.


What great Good News that is! He simply wants us to know and obey His Word so that we can be blessed beyond compare! I don't know what kind of god YOU serve, but MINE is a GOOD GOD - ALL THE TIME! HALLELUJAH! 


In 1 Timothy 4, Paul speaks of false doctrines that forbid people to eat certain types of foods. Some of the dietary requirements for the Israelites under the Old Covenant were meant to keep them in good health. We shouldn't be foolish about the foods we choose to eat, but NOT for spiritual reasons! Verses 4-5 address this very well:


4 For everything God has created is good, and nothing is to be thrown away or refused if it is received with thanksgiving. 5 For it is hallowed and consecrated by the Word of God and by prayer.


That means that you and I should NEVER eat ANYTHING without giving thanks to the One Who provided it, AND we should ALWAYS speak the Word of God in prayer over it! Why? Because we we will be putting it into our bodies! Remember, you really ARE what you eat! Be wise and PRAY! AMEN!


2 Chronicles 23-24 gives us another account of the reign of Joash. We see this in 2 Chronicles 24:1-2:


1 JOASH was seven years old when he began his forty-year reign in Jerusalem. His mother was Zibiah of Beersheba. 2 And Joash did what was right in the sight of the LORD all the days of Jehoida the priest [his uncle]. 


Notice that it did NOT say that Joash did what was right all the days of HIS life, but of his uncle's! Then he began to follow the wrong advice and to do what was NOT RIGHT, suffering the results of his disobedience! Who you choose to spend you time with in fellowship is very vital! Make sure that you spend time in fellowship DAILY with like-minded believers! The BLESSING on your life depends on it!


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Psalm 39:4-6:


4 LORD, make me to know my end and [to appreciate] the measure of my days -- what it is; let me know and realize how frail I am [how transient is my stay here]. 5 Behold, You have made my days as [short as] handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing in Your sight. Truly every man at his best is merely a breath! Selah [pause, and think calmly of that]! 6 Surely every man walks to and fro -- like a shadow in a pantomime; surely for futility and emptiness he is in turmoil; each one heaps up riches, not knowing who will gather them.


David is making the point here that our life on earth is so very short compared with all of eternity! People strive so hard here for riches and possessions that will eventually pass into the hands of someone they may not even know! We are to focus our attention on "things above"! That means making God's #1 priority our own! What we do in this life determines the amount of responsibility and the rewards of the next, which lasts for all eternity! Focus on eternity and you won't get trapped into the mindset that THIS is all there is and you might miss out on something if you do things God's way. The absolute opposite is true! This world has really nothing to offer that can even compare to the Heaven of the God of the Bible! AMEN! Here is a new song from Hillsong that reflects what God desires to see happening NOW! "The Lost Are Found":

1 Timothy 3:1 says this:


1 THE SAYING if true and irrefutable: If any man [eagerly] seeks the office of bishop (superintendent, overseer), he desires an excellent task (work).


This is going to shock some of you, but the words "man" and "he" are not even actually in this verse! It actually says "If any" desire the office of bishop, or one who oversees, the one desiring is desiring a good thing! Whether that one be a man or a woman! Likewise, the next verse does NOT say that this bishop must be the "husband of one wife". It literally says that the bishop must be the husband/wife of one! They are not to have two marriage partners. When you know the character of God you will know some TRUTHS that may not seem apparent without further study! THAT is why we are to meditate the Word day and night! We won't even begin to see all that is in the Word of God before the Rapture of the Church! BUT, we CAN make a great start at it, and be way better off for it! AMEN!


Amos 9:14-15 describe the days we are living in right now!


14 And I will bring back the exiles of My people Israel, and they shall build the waste cities and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards and drink the wine from them; they shall also make gardens and eat the fruit of them. 15 And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be torn up out of their land which I gave them, says the LORD your God.


Israel has returned! Since 1948 the "people of the Book" have again been living in the land that GOD GAVE THEM! The dessert is blooming again, just as God said! It doesn't make any difference WHAT the UN or any other group on the face of the earth "decides" they are going to do, it will FAIL! They will never again be forced from the land! HALLELUJAH! This also means that we are living in the last days of the Church of Jesus Christ on the earth! Let's buy up EVERY opportunity to share the Good News of the Gospel so that our Father may be delighted by all those who flow into the Kingdom by that time! 


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


In Psalm 38 David is calling out to God in repentance for his sin (verse 18) and for relief from his suffering. As often happens, the very people that SHOULD have been supportive and helpful to him, were not! Verses 11-12:


11 My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my plague; and my neighbors and my near ones stand afar off. 12 They also that seek and demand my life lay snares for me, and they speak crafty and mischievous things; they meditate treachery and deceit all the day long.


So David was facing persecution from his enemies and judgment from his friends. What did he do in this situation? Verses 13-15:


13 But I, like a deaf man, hear not; and I am like a dumb man who opens not his mouth. 14 Yes, I have become like a man who hears not, in whose mouth are no arguments or replies. 15 For in You, O LORD, do I hope; You will answer, O LORD my God.


David did NOT get into discussions with these people. He also did not try to defend himself! He looked to the ONE qualified to help him! Follow this example when you face tests, trials and temptations. Don't share anything with anyone not qualified to help you. This will exclude everyone who is not a like-minded believer and will make your list of people you confide in short, which will result in much more powerful prayers of agreement! 


1 Timothy 2:5-6:


5 For there [is only] one God, and [only] one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6 Who gave Himself as a ransom for all [people, a fact that was] attested to at the right and proper time.


There is only ONE, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible! He has many Names found in the Word of God, and these do NOT include: Allah, Buddha, Krishna, Confucius. No other so-called god gave himself for anyone! Only OUR God gave Himself to pay the price for OUR redemption! Keep preaching the Good News!


Amos 6:1 begins with "Woe". I found some very interesting commentary on this in the Bible Exposition Commentary: Old Testament. It is rather long, but I think it is very well put!



Woe to the indifferent! (Amos 6:1-2)


This "woe" was addressed to both Judah ("Zion") and Israel ("Samaria") because both kingdoms were indifferent toward God's Word and the judgment that hung over them. They called themselves "the foremost nation" (v. 1, NIV) and enjoyed an unwarranted false confidence for several reasons.


The first cause of their complacency was their geography. Situated on Mount Zion. Jerusalem was considered impregnable (Ps 78:68-69; 132:13-18); and Samaria also had a seemingly secure position. But when God decided to deal with these cities, nothing could stop the enemy.


As for their prosperity, government, and military strength, Amos had already exposed the folly depending on them; for the heart of each nation was corrupt to the core. The notable men in Israel's government gave their opinion that the nation was safe and secure, and the people believed them, just as people today believe the political "experts" and the polls. False confidence that's based on expert advice, statistics, and material resources and that ignores the spiritual dimension of life is sure to lead to shameful defeat.


Amos mentioned areas in Syria and Philistia that had already fallen to the Assyrian army and then asked two questions: "Are you better than they? Is your territory bigger than theirs?" If the enemy had already destroyed places bigger and stronger than Samaria and Israel, what hope was there for the Jewish people, especially when the Jews were living like the Gentiles and were disobeying the Lord? God doesn't look at the talent of national leaders, the extent of a nation's army, or the prosperity of its economy. God looks at the heart, and the heart of the two Jewish kingdoms was far from the Lord.


Complacency is an insidious sin, because it's based on lies, motivated by pride, and leads to trusting something other than God (Zeph 1:12). Like the people in the church of Laodicea, complacent people consider themselves "rich, and increased with goods" and in need of nothing (Rev 3:17). In reality, however, they have lost everything that's important in the spiritual life.

Don't allow yourself to ever become complacent in your fellowship with HIM! Keep it vital and real by spending time DAILY in His presence. Pretty soon it will come as naturally to you as breathing! THAT is how God intended for us to live! AMEN! This should help! Hillsong's "Like Incense":

Shalom in Him!