Shalom,
I just want to share a few Scriptures concerning finances for those who may be concerned over the current economic situation in this nation:
Ps 37:25-26 KJV
25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
26 He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.
Remember that the righteous are those who are in right standing with God the Father through the Blood of Jesus Christ. If you have received Jesus of Nazareth as your Lord and personal Saviour, then you ARE righteous! Right now, wherever you are, you ARE righteous. You have the RIGHT to go boldly into the presence of the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible, the God of Heaven, as though you've never done anything wrong! Hallelujah! What freedom we have in Him! Now you can confess these Scriptures to encourage yourself in the Lord. Don't allow worry, guilt or fear to get a grip in your life. Remember:
2 Tim 1:7 AMP
7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.
Our Heavenly Father wants us to walk totally free from guilt, fear and condemnation. Look to God as your source of supply and have confidence in Him, NOT in the world system of finance. They've already proven that they can't handle the money!
Now that was speaking about our daily provision. If you want to walk in Divine prosperity, you need to be a tither and a giver (over and above the tithe). We'll look at what the Word of God has to say about that subject in our next post. In the meantime, stop worrying and fretting. Remember that the Word of God says:
Matt 6:25-33 AMP
25 Therefore I tell you, stop being perpetually uneasy (anxious and worried) about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink; or about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life greater [in quality] than food, and the body [far above and more excellent] than clothing?
26 Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth much more than they?
27 And who of you by worrying and being anxious can add one unit of measure (cubit) to his stature or to the span of his life? [Ps 39:5-7.]
28 And why should you be anxious about clothes? Consider the lilies of the field and learn thoroughly how they grow; they neither toil nor spin.
29 Yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his magnificence (excellence, dignity, and grace) was not arrayed like one of these. [1 Kings 10:4-7.]
30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and green and tomorrow is tossed into the furnace, will He not much more surely clothe you, O you of little faith?
31 Therefore do not worry and be anxious, saying, What are we going to have to eat? or, What are we going to have to drink? or, What are we going to have to wear?
32 For the Gentiles (heathen) wish for and crave and diligently seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows well that you need them all.
33 But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.
Keep seeking Him and put your faith, trust and confidence in His Word and you will ALWAYS come out on top!
Shalom in Him!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Shalom,
I want to share more Scripture with you concerning the recent elections.We talked in the last blog post about praying for our nation. We have to keep in mind, especially when dealing with political subjects which can be very divisive, that THIS is our foundational Truth:
Eph 6:12 KJV
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
The Amplified Bible says this:
Eph 6:12 AMP
12 For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.
We need to keep this in mind when we hear all of the political rhetoric, gossip, mud slinging, etc that occurs during times such as these. Remember that our views should be based on the Word of God. When people don't see or believe what the Word of God says, the Bible tells us that their minds are blinded by the god of this world (system).
2 Cor 4:4 AMP
4 For the god of this world has blinded the unbelievers' minds [that they should not discern the truth], preventing them from seeing the illuminating light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ (the Messiah), Who is the Image and Likeness of God.
So what DO we do? We obey the Word of God and fight the fight we were equipped to fight against the works and workers of darkness described in Eph. 6:12 above. We need to remember that:
2 Cor 10:3-4 AMP
3 For though we walk (live) in the flesh, we are not carrying on our warfare according to the flesh and using mere human weapons.
4 For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds,
We need to use the weapons we have been given by God: the Word of God, the Blood of Jesus, the Name of Jesus and the powerful prayer and intercession in the spirit by the Holy Spirit. When we don't know specifically what to pray or how to pray, then the Holy Spirit comes to our aid and prays God's perfect will.
Stay in the Word every day and filled with the Spirit every day and you will be in a position to fight the right kind of fight with the right kind of weapons! The ones that WORK!!!
Shalom in Him!
I want to share more Scripture with you concerning the recent elections.We talked in the last blog post about praying for our nation. We have to keep in mind, especially when dealing with political subjects which can be very divisive, that THIS is our foundational Truth:
Eph 6:12 KJV
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
The Amplified Bible says this:
Eph 6:12 AMP
12 For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.
We need to keep this in mind when we hear all of the political rhetoric, gossip, mud slinging, etc that occurs during times such as these. Remember that our views should be based on the Word of God. When people don't see or believe what the Word of God says, the Bible tells us that their minds are blinded by the god of this world (system).
2 Cor 4:4 AMP
4 For the god of this world has blinded the unbelievers' minds [that they should not discern the truth], preventing them from seeing the illuminating light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ (the Messiah), Who is the Image and Likeness of God.
So what DO we do? We obey the Word of God and fight the fight we were equipped to fight against the works and workers of darkness described in Eph. 6:12 above. We need to remember that:
2 Cor 10:3-4 AMP
3 For though we walk (live) in the flesh, we are not carrying on our warfare according to the flesh and using mere human weapons.
4 For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds,
We need to use the weapons we have been given by God: the Word of God, the Blood of Jesus, the Name of Jesus and the powerful prayer and intercession in the spirit by the Holy Spirit. When we don't know specifically what to pray or how to pray, then the Holy Spirit comes to our aid and prays God's perfect will.
Stay in the Word every day and filled with the Spirit every day and you will be in a position to fight the right kind of fight with the right kind of weapons! The ones that WORK!!!
Shalom in Him!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Shalom,
I thought I would follow up our last blog post with this verse:
2 Chron 7:14 KJV
14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Notice that it says "If my people, which are called by My Name". That makes it very clear who He is referring to. In the Old Covenant, this was directed to the Jewish nation. In the New Covenant, this refers to born again believers in Jesus of Nazareth. If WE will humble ourselves, pray, seek His face on behalf of OUR nation, then He will hear from Heaven, forgive the sins of our nation and heal our land. There is no disputing the fact that the United States of America, in a national sense, has turned from God. This nation was founded by God, and on the Word of God. So much has changed since that time! BUT, we are promised here that if WE obey His Word, then our nation will be spared. It doesn't take the nation to pray, just the believers! The Amplified Bible says this:
2 Chron 7:14 AMP
14 If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves, pray, seek, crave, and require of necessity My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.
So we, as believers, need to make Him our #1 priority! We need to seek Him, crave His presence, require time with Him face to face, humbling ourselves (accepting something we may not deserve) to pray and intercede on behalf of the nation. THEN our God will hear our prayer, and our prayer will give Him free course to act! We will see a mighty move of His Spirit in the lives of the people of our nation, from the leaders to the "regular folks"! That will bring the "change" this nation REALLY needs! Glory to God! And don't ever forget:
Prov 21:1 KJV
21 The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
Our job is to pray and God's job is to change or replace the leaders! We've got the easy job, don't you agree! So let's be about our Father's business, trusting Him to take care of the rest!
Shalom in Him!
I thought I would follow up our last blog post with this verse:
2 Chron 7:14 KJV
14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Notice that it says "If my people, which are called by My Name". That makes it very clear who He is referring to. In the Old Covenant, this was directed to the Jewish nation. In the New Covenant, this refers to born again believers in Jesus of Nazareth. If WE will humble ourselves, pray, seek His face on behalf of OUR nation, then He will hear from Heaven, forgive the sins of our nation and heal our land. There is no disputing the fact that the United States of America, in a national sense, has turned from God. This nation was founded by God, and on the Word of God. So much has changed since that time! BUT, we are promised here that if WE obey His Word, then our nation will be spared. It doesn't take the nation to pray, just the believers! The Amplified Bible says this:
2 Chron 7:14 AMP
14 If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves, pray, seek, crave, and require of necessity My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.
So we, as believers, need to make Him our #1 priority! We need to seek Him, crave His presence, require time with Him face to face, humbling ourselves (accepting something we may not deserve) to pray and intercede on behalf of the nation. THEN our God will hear our prayer, and our prayer will give Him free course to act! We will see a mighty move of His Spirit in the lives of the people of our nation, from the leaders to the "regular folks"! That will bring the "change" this nation REALLY needs! Glory to God! And don't ever forget:
Prov 21:1 KJV
21 The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
Our job is to pray and God's job is to change or replace the leaders! We've got the easy job, don't you agree! So let's be about our Father's business, trusting Him to take care of the rest!
Shalom in Him!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Shalom,
It's been quite awhile since I lasted posted a study here. I have been seeking the Lord on how to continue. We have so many things that have been covered on this blog that are vital Truths and my concern is that those will be lost to blog archives if I continue to post new ones. I would like to invite everyone to go back and refresh your understanding of the previous posts and I would suggest new viewers to START there! But for today, with the elections so fresh on everyone's mind, I would like to look at this verse of Scripture:
Phil 3:20 AMP
20 But we are citizens of the state (commonwealth, homeland) which is in heaven, and from it also we earnestly and patiently await [the coming of] the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) [as] Savior,
Those of us who are believers in Jesus (who have received Jesus of Nazareth as Lord and personal Saviour) have a citizenship that supersedes our citizenship of any earthly nation. We are citizens, first and foremost, of Heaven. We have been assigned on this earth as Ambassadors:
2 Cor 5:20 AMP
20 So we are Christ's ambassadors, God making His appeal as it were through us. We [as Christ's personal representatives] beg you for His sake to lay hold of the divine favor [now offered you] and be reconciled to God.
Our #1 priority as believers is to share the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with those He brings across our paths or those He sends us to! When we are where God wants us to be, doing what God wants us to do, then we qualify to have God's promises of protection, provision, safety, blessing, anointing, equipping, joy, peace, prosperity, abundance, health, healing, wholeness, wellness, fitness and favor manifest in our lives! Now we will have to find out in the Word of God just what these promises are so that we can look for and expect them based on the Word. They are provided, potentially, for all believers:
Eph 1:3 KJV
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
And we also see this promise concerning the Word of God:
2 Tim 3:16-17 AMP
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 of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.
So don't be discouraged by ANYTHING that happens in this world! Let the Word of God completely change your thinking to understand God's perspective and to eagerly anticipate, and participate in, this last, great move of the Spirit of God before Jesus comes for His church! (That's us!!!)
Shalom in Him!
It's been quite awhile since I lasted posted a study here. I have been seeking the Lord on how to continue. We have so many things that have been covered on this blog that are vital Truths and my concern is that those will be lost to blog archives if I continue to post new ones. I would like to invite everyone to go back and refresh your understanding of the previous posts and I would suggest new viewers to START there! But for today, with the elections so fresh on everyone's mind, I would like to look at this verse of Scripture:
Phil 3:20 AMP
20 But we are citizens of the state (commonwealth, homeland) which is in heaven, and from it also we earnestly and patiently await [the coming of] the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) [as] Savior,
Those of us who are believers in Jesus (who have received Jesus of Nazareth as Lord and personal Saviour) have a citizenship that supersedes our citizenship of any earthly nation. We are citizens, first and foremost, of Heaven. We have been assigned on this earth as Ambassadors:
2 Cor 5:20 AMP
20 So we are Christ's ambassadors, God making His appeal as it were through us. We [as Christ's personal representatives] beg you for His sake to lay hold of the divine favor [now offered you] and be reconciled to God.
Our #1 priority as believers is to share the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with those He brings across our paths or those He sends us to! When we are where God wants us to be, doing what God wants us to do, then we qualify to have God's promises of protection, provision, safety, blessing, anointing, equipping, joy, peace, prosperity, abundance, health, healing, wholeness, wellness, fitness and favor manifest in our lives! Now we will have to find out in the Word of God just what these promises are so that we can look for and expect them based on the Word. They are provided, potentially, for all believers:
Eph 1:3 KJV
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
And we also see this promise concerning the Word of God:
2 Tim 3:16-17 AMP
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 of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.
So don't be discouraged by ANYTHING that happens in this world! Let the Word of God completely change your thinking to understand God's perspective and to eagerly anticipate, and participate in, this last, great move of the Spirit of God before Jesus comes for His church! (That's us!!!)
Shalom in Him!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Shalom,
The Word of God for you for today:
Jer 31:3 (KJV)
3 The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.
The Lord (Jehovah) says that HE has loved US with an "everlasting", the Hebrew word, `owlam, which means: time out of mind (past or future), eternity, eternal, perpetual, continuous existence, love. That means that God has ALWAYS, does right now and will FOREVER love you! Time out of mind! We can't really understand that kind of love with our natural mind. We need the Holy Spirit to make that real to us. When we begin to comprehend the magnitude of God's love for us, nothing will ever stop us or hold us back from fulfilling His will for our lives. Get to know Him! You'll be glad you did!
Shalom in Him!
The Word of God for you for today:
Jer 31:3 (KJV)
3 The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.
The Lord (Jehovah) says that HE has loved US with an "everlasting", the Hebrew word, `owlam, which means: time out of mind (past or future), eternity, eternal, perpetual, continuous existence, love. That means that God has ALWAYS, does right now and will FOREVER love you! Time out of mind! We can't really understand that kind of love with our natural mind. We need the Holy Spirit to make that real to us. When we begin to comprehend the magnitude of God's love for us, nothing will ever stop us or hold us back from fulfilling His will for our lives. Get to know Him! You'll be glad you did!
Shalom in Him!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Shalom,
Today we're going to look at three verses from today's Bible reading plan found in Isaiah chapter 53:3-5:
Isa 53:3-5 (KJV)
3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
The "He" that these verses are referring to is the Messiah. The One sent to redeem mankind. Jesus, the Christ, the Messiah, the Anointed One. We read here that He was "despised", the Hebrew word, bazah, which means: to despise, to disdain, to hold in contempt, to regard with contempt, and rejected of men; a man (He left His glory in Heaven to become a man and live as one of us) of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and "we esteemed him", the Hebrew word, chashab, which means: to think, to esteem, to value, to be mindful of, not. "Surely", the Hebrew word, 'aken, which means: firmly, certainly, truly, indeed (strong, assertive, force), He "hath borne", the Hebrew word, nasa', which means: to lift, to carry, to take away, to carry off, "our griefs", the Hebrew word, choliy, which means: sickness, disease, and "carried", the Hebrew word, cabal, which means: to bear a load, "our sorrows", the Hebrew word, mak'ob, which means: physical and mental pain,: yet we "did esteem" (see chashab above) Him stricken, smitten of God ('Elohiym - the Godhead), and afflicted. We (mankind) thought God was doing this to Jesus because of something Jesus had done. Now we get to the Truth:
But He was "wounded", the Hebrew word, chalal, which means: to wound, to pierce, "for our transgressions", the Hebrew word, pesha', which means: rebellion, sin, trespass, He was bruised "for our iniquities", the Hebrew word, 'avon, which means: fault, sin,: "the chastisement of", the Hebrew word, muwcar, which means: chastening, rebuke, discipline, "our peace", the Hebrew word, shalowm, which means: completeness, soundness, welfare, peace, safety, health, prosperity, tranquility, contentment, was upon Him; and with His stripes "we are healed", the Hebrew word, rapha', which means: to mend, to cure, to heal, to repair, to make whole. This is what Jesus himself provided for us through His death, burial and resurrection! The Amplified Bible makes it very clear:
Isa 53:3-5 (AMP)
3 He was despised and rejected and forsaken by men, a Man of sorrows and pains, and acquainted with grief and sickness; and like One from Whom men hide their faces He was despised, and we did not appreciate His worth or have any esteem for Him.
4 Surely He has borne our griefs (sicknesses, weaknesses, and distresses) and carried our sorrows and pains [of punishment], yet we [ignorantly] considered Him stricken, smitten, and afflicted by God [as if with leprosy]. 5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement [needful to obtain] peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes [that wounded] Him we are healed and made whole.
Everything that Jesus suffered, He suffered for us and in our place. Everything He went through was for the purpose of providing salvation for "whosoever believeth on Him"! Salvation is the Greek word, soteria, which means: deliverance, safety, preservation, rescue, health. Jesus provided not only eternal Life for our spirits, but health, healing, wellness and fitness for our bodies and peace and well being for our souls as well. Don't let anyone cause you to receive less than all that God has provided for you! Don't listen to the doctrines of men, but believe and receive all that God's Word provides for you! If you have never received Jesus as your Lord and personal Saviour, then please click on The Spoken Word Church link at the left to find out how YOU can become a child of God. Then all that Jesus accomplished will belong to you, too!
Shalom in Him!
Today we're going to look at three verses from today's Bible reading plan found in Isaiah chapter 53:3-5:
Isa 53:3-5 (KJV)
3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
The "He" that these verses are referring to is the Messiah. The One sent to redeem mankind. Jesus, the Christ, the Messiah, the Anointed One. We read here that He was "despised", the Hebrew word, bazah, which means: to despise, to disdain, to hold in contempt, to regard with contempt, and rejected of men; a man (He left His glory in Heaven to become a man and live as one of us) of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and "we esteemed him", the Hebrew word, chashab, which means: to think, to esteem, to value, to be mindful of, not. "Surely", the Hebrew word, 'aken, which means: firmly, certainly, truly, indeed (strong, assertive, force), He "hath borne", the Hebrew word, nasa', which means: to lift, to carry, to take away, to carry off, "our griefs", the Hebrew word, choliy, which means: sickness, disease, and "carried", the Hebrew word, cabal, which means: to bear a load, "our sorrows", the Hebrew word, mak'ob, which means: physical and mental pain,: yet we "did esteem" (see chashab above) Him stricken, smitten of God ('Elohiym - the Godhead), and afflicted. We (mankind) thought God was doing this to Jesus because of something Jesus had done. Now we get to the Truth:
But He was "wounded", the Hebrew word, chalal, which means: to wound, to pierce, "for our transgressions", the Hebrew word, pesha', which means: rebellion, sin, trespass, He was bruised "for our iniquities", the Hebrew word, 'avon, which means: fault, sin,: "the chastisement of", the Hebrew word, muwcar, which means: chastening, rebuke, discipline, "our peace", the Hebrew word, shalowm, which means: completeness, soundness, welfare, peace, safety, health, prosperity, tranquility, contentment, was upon Him; and with His stripes "we are healed", the Hebrew word, rapha', which means: to mend, to cure, to heal, to repair, to make whole. This is what Jesus himself provided for us through His death, burial and resurrection! The Amplified Bible makes it very clear:
Isa 53:3-5 (AMP)
3 He was despised and rejected and forsaken by men, a Man of sorrows and pains, and acquainted with grief and sickness; and like One from Whom men hide their faces He was despised, and we did not appreciate His worth or have any esteem for Him.
4 Surely He has borne our griefs (sicknesses, weaknesses, and distresses) and carried our sorrows and pains [of punishment], yet we [ignorantly] considered Him stricken, smitten, and afflicted by God [as if with leprosy]. 5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement [needful to obtain] peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes [that wounded] Him we are healed and made whole.
Everything that Jesus suffered, He suffered for us and in our place. Everything He went through was for the purpose of providing salvation for "whosoever believeth on Him"! Salvation is the Greek word, soteria, which means: deliverance, safety, preservation, rescue, health. Jesus provided not only eternal Life for our spirits, but health, healing, wellness and fitness for our bodies and peace and well being for our souls as well. Don't let anyone cause you to receive less than all that God has provided for you! Don't listen to the doctrines of men, but believe and receive all that God's Word provides for you! If you have never received Jesus as your Lord and personal Saviour, then please click on The Spoken Word Church link at the left to find out how YOU can become a child of God. Then all that Jesus accomplished will belong to you, too!
Shalom in Him!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Shalom,
We want to look again today at Scriptures that show how we, as believers, can walk in faith, trust and confidence while the rest of the world is operating in doubt, fear and unbelief. The things happening in the world, from earthquakes to fires to storms to the economy, have many people very upset. Here is how the Word of God says that a believer (one who has received Jesus of Nazareth as their Lord and personal Saviour) should act:
Phil 4:6-7 (KJV)
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
First we start out with the instruction to "be careful", the Greek word, merimnao, which means: to be anxious about, take thought (through the idea of distraction), for nothing; but in "everything", the Greek word, pas, which means: all, any, every, the whole, by "prayer", the Greek word, proseuche, which means: worship, and "supplication", the Greek word, deesis, which means: request, with "thanksgiving", the Greek word, eucharistia, which means: active gratitude, grateful language, "let .. be made known", the Greek word, gnorizo, which means: to make known, declare, give to understand, certify, your requests unto God. The Amplified Bible says it very well:
Phil 4:6 (AMP)
6 Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.
And then verse 7 says this: And the "peace", the Greek word, eirene, which means: peace, prosperity, quietness, rest, of God, which "passeth", the Greek word, huperecho, which means: to hold oneself above, to excel, superior, supreme, better, higher, excellency, all understanding "shall keep", the Greek word, phroureo, which means: to be a watcher in advance, to mount guard as a sentinel (post spies at the gates), to hem in , to protect, your hearts (the spirit/soul combination) and "minds", the Greek word, noema, which means: intellect, mind, thought, through Christ Jesus.
What an exciting promise! When we refuse all thoughts of doubt, fear, unbelief, anxiety or worry and, instead, bring our requests, petitions and worship to God, along with our thanksgiving for Who He is and what He has already done in our lives, then His great peace, which our natural minds cannot understand, will act like a guard over our minds to keep those thoughts away! It's a simple command that takes great diligence on our part, but has tremendous rewards! We CAN be worry free, care free! Just do it God's way! God's Word WORKS!
Shalom in Him!
We want to look again today at Scriptures that show how we, as believers, can walk in faith, trust and confidence while the rest of the world is operating in doubt, fear and unbelief. The things happening in the world, from earthquakes to fires to storms to the economy, have many people very upset. Here is how the Word of God says that a believer (one who has received Jesus of Nazareth as their Lord and personal Saviour) should act:
Phil 4:6-7 (KJV)
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
First we start out with the instruction to "be careful", the Greek word, merimnao, which means: to be anxious about, take thought (through the idea of distraction), for nothing; but in "everything", the Greek word, pas, which means: all, any, every, the whole, by "prayer", the Greek word, proseuche, which means: worship, and "supplication", the Greek word, deesis, which means: request, with "thanksgiving", the Greek word, eucharistia, which means: active gratitude, grateful language, "let .. be made known", the Greek word, gnorizo, which means: to make known, declare, give to understand, certify, your requests unto God. The Amplified Bible says it very well:
Phil 4:6 (AMP)
6 Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.
And then verse 7 says this: And the "peace", the Greek word, eirene, which means: peace, prosperity, quietness, rest, of God, which "passeth", the Greek word, huperecho, which means: to hold oneself above, to excel, superior, supreme, better, higher, excellency, all understanding "shall keep", the Greek word, phroureo, which means: to be a watcher in advance, to mount guard as a sentinel (post spies at the gates), to hem in , to protect, your hearts (the spirit/soul combination) and "minds", the Greek word, noema, which means: intellect, mind, thought, through Christ Jesus.
What an exciting promise! When we refuse all thoughts of doubt, fear, unbelief, anxiety or worry and, instead, bring our requests, petitions and worship to God, along with our thanksgiving for Who He is and what He has already done in our lives, then His great peace, which our natural minds cannot understand, will act like a guard over our minds to keep those thoughts away! It's a simple command that takes great diligence on our part, but has tremendous rewards! We CAN be worry free, care free! Just do it God's way! God's Word WORKS!
Shalom in Him!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Shalom,
Do you ever wonder why some of the people you share the Gospel with just don't see it? One of the reasons is found in Paul's first Epistle (letter) to the Corinthians:
1 Cor 1:18 (KJV)
18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
The preaching of the cross, the Gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ sounds like "foolishness" to the world! That is the Greek word, moria, which means: silliness, absurdity. But to those of us who have received Jesus as our Lord and personal Saviour, the "saved", which is the Greek word, sozo, which means: to save, deliver, protect, heal, make whole, make well, it (the Gospel) is the "power", the Greek word, dunamis, which means: miraculous power, ability, might , strength, of God! The Amplified Bible says it very well:
1 Cor 1:18 (AMP)
18 For the story and message of the cross is sheer absurdity and folly to those who are perishing and on their way to perdition, but to us who are being saved it is the [manifestation of] the power of God.
Those in the world without Jesus cannot understand the Word of God:
1 Cor 2:14 (KJV)
14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
The Amplified Bible is also very good here:
1 Cor 2:14 (AMP)
14 But the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated.
Don't try to teach an unbeliever the things you are learning from the Word of God. In order for them to understand what you are talking about, they first have to be born again. They must receive Jesus of Nazareth as their Lord and personal Saviour. When they do, the Holy Spirit of God will recreate their dead human spirit into a live human spirit in the image of God himself! THEN they can understand the Word of God because they will have the Teacher Himself living in them! What should you do then? Share the simple Gospel of Jesus Christ. That every person has missed it at least once in their lives.
Rom 3:10 (KJV)
10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
Tell them that the price to be paid for that sin (even if it is only ONE sin!) is death. Not physical death, but eternal separation from God:
Rom 6:23 (KJV)
23 For the wages of sin is death...
But also tell them that the price for their sin has already been paid:
Rom 6:23 (KJV) ...but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Let them know that they must believe that Jesus Christ came to this earth, died on the cross for their sin, was raised from the dead, and is now seated at the right hand of God the Father in Heaven. When they believe that in their heart, they can pray this prayer (as an example):
Almighty God, I am a sinner. I believe that Jesus Christ came to this earth, died on the cross for me, was raised from the dead, and is now seated at Your right hand. I accept and receive Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour and I invite Him to come into my heart and become Lord over my life. I thank You now Father, for welcoming me into Your family. You are my Father. I am Your child. Jesus is my Lord! Amen.
Then they will be a new creation:
2 Cor 5:17 (KJV)
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
NOW they will be able to understand the deeper teachings of the Word of God! Have them check out the beginning lessons on this blog and also go to the The Spoken Word Church website (link at left) to find out more about the Word of God! What a powerful Minister of Life you have become!
Shalom in Him!
Do you ever wonder why some of the people you share the Gospel with just don't see it? One of the reasons is found in Paul's first Epistle (letter) to the Corinthians:
1 Cor 1:18 (KJV)
18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
The preaching of the cross, the Gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ sounds like "foolishness" to the world! That is the Greek word, moria, which means: silliness, absurdity. But to those of us who have received Jesus as our Lord and personal Saviour, the "saved", which is the Greek word, sozo, which means: to save, deliver, protect, heal, make whole, make well, it (the Gospel) is the "power", the Greek word, dunamis, which means: miraculous power, ability, might , strength, of God! The Amplified Bible says it very well:
1 Cor 1:18 (AMP)
18 For the story and message of the cross is sheer absurdity and folly to those who are perishing and on their way to perdition, but to us who are being saved it is the [manifestation of] the power of God.
Those in the world without Jesus cannot understand the Word of God:
1 Cor 2:14 (KJV)
14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
The Amplified Bible is also very good here:
1 Cor 2:14 (AMP)
14 But the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated.
Don't try to teach an unbeliever the things you are learning from the Word of God. In order for them to understand what you are talking about, they first have to be born again. They must receive Jesus of Nazareth as their Lord and personal Saviour. When they do, the Holy Spirit of God will recreate their dead human spirit into a live human spirit in the image of God himself! THEN they can understand the Word of God because they will have the Teacher Himself living in them! What should you do then? Share the simple Gospel of Jesus Christ. That every person has missed it at least once in their lives.
Rom 3:10 (KJV)
10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
Tell them that the price to be paid for that sin (even if it is only ONE sin!) is death. Not physical death, but eternal separation from God:
Rom 6:23 (KJV)
23 For the wages of sin is death...
But also tell them that the price for their sin has already been paid:
Rom 6:23 (KJV) ...but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Let them know that they must believe that Jesus Christ came to this earth, died on the cross for their sin, was raised from the dead, and is now seated at the right hand of God the Father in Heaven. When they believe that in their heart, they can pray this prayer (as an example):
Almighty God, I am a sinner. I believe that Jesus Christ came to this earth, died on the cross for me, was raised from the dead, and is now seated at Your right hand. I accept and receive Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour and I invite Him to come into my heart and become Lord over my life. I thank You now Father, for welcoming me into Your family. You are my Father. I am Your child. Jesus is my Lord! Amen.
Then they will be a new creation:
2 Cor 5:17 (KJV)
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
NOW they will be able to understand the deeper teachings of the Word of God! Have them check out the beginning lessons on this blog and also go to the The Spoken Word Church website (link at left) to find out more about the Word of God! What a powerful Minister of Life you have become!
Shalom in Him!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Shalom,
Have you been tempted lately to get into worry or fear over things going on in the world or over problems you have been facing? I want to share some very specific instructions with you from the Word of God:
1 Peter 5:6-7 (KJV)
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
We're going to dig into these verses a little to see just exactly what we are being instructed to do. First of all we are told to "humble" ourselves. This is the Greek word, tapeinoo, which means to bring low. Notice that is goes on to say to humble yourselves. That means that no other person can do this for us. How low do we bring ourselves and just what does that mean? We're told to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God Himself. That actually sounds like a very safe place to be! And we see that it says that when we do this, "He (God Himself) may exalt", the Greek word, hupso, which means: to exalt or lift up (to an elevated place), in "due time", the Greek word, kairos, which means: the proper time, the set time (the right time!).
But the instruction doesn't stop there! We are then instructed to be "casting" the Greek word, epirrhipto, which means: to throw upon, to cast upon and comes from the Greek word, rhipto which means: to fling, to toss, to deliberately hurl, all of your care on Him because He cares for you! Let's look at those same verses in the Amplified Bible:
1 Peter 5:6-7 (AMP)
6 Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you,
7 Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.
Our instructions just got a little clearer, didn't they? We are to cast every care on Him. Everything that would bring worry, guilt, condemnation or fear on Him! He can handle it! He's God! Let Him be! He wants to be! The more that you know the Word of God, the easier it will be to trust Him for all things in your life. Get to know Him so you can trust Him more. And it's not just a good idea, it's a command! Just do it! You'll be glad you did!
Shalom in Him!
Have you been tempted lately to get into worry or fear over things going on in the world or over problems you have been facing? I want to share some very specific instructions with you from the Word of God:
1 Peter 5:6-7 (KJV)
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
We're going to dig into these verses a little to see just exactly what we are being instructed to do. First of all we are told to "humble" ourselves. This is the Greek word, tapeinoo, which means to bring low. Notice that is goes on to say to humble yourselves. That means that no other person can do this for us. How low do we bring ourselves and just what does that mean? We're told to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God Himself. That actually sounds like a very safe place to be! And we see that it says that when we do this, "He (God Himself) may exalt", the Greek word, hupso, which means: to exalt or lift up (to an elevated place), in "due time", the Greek word, kairos, which means: the proper time, the set time (the right time!).
But the instruction doesn't stop there! We are then instructed to be "casting" the Greek word, epirrhipto, which means: to throw upon, to cast upon and comes from the Greek word, rhipto which means: to fling, to toss, to deliberately hurl, all of your care on Him because He cares for you! Let's look at those same verses in the Amplified Bible:
1 Peter 5:6-7 (AMP)
6 Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you,
7 Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.
Our instructions just got a little clearer, didn't they? We are to cast every care on Him. Everything that would bring worry, guilt, condemnation or fear on Him! He can handle it! He's God! Let Him be! He wants to be! The more that you know the Word of God, the easier it will be to trust Him for all things in your life. Get to know Him so you can trust Him more. And it's not just a good idea, it's a command! Just do it! You'll be glad you did!
Shalom in Him!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Shalom,
We will be looking at a verse from the Gospel of John today:
John 14:6 (KJV)
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
What was Jesus saying here? Let's break it down a little. Jesus, in answer to Thomas' question, is declaring something about Himself that we as believers need to have settled as absolute Truth in our hearts. He said that He is the "way", the Greek word, hodos, which means: a road, the route, the mode, the means; the "truth", the Greek word, alethia, which means: true, truly, truth, verity (the quality or state of being true or real); and the "life", the Greek word, zoe, which means: life in the absolute sense, life as God has it in Himself. Then He goes on to say that "no man", the Greek word, oudeis, which means: not even one (man, woman or thing), none, nobody, nothing; cometh unto the Father but "by", the Greek word, dia, which means: through; me.
What Jesus is saying here is that there is NO OTHER way to get to God except through Him. Through believing that Jesus, the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) came to this earth, died on the Cross for our (yours and mine) sins, rose again from the dead and is now alive and sitting at the right hand of God the Father in Heaven. Through receiving Him as our personal Saviour and confessing with our mouths that He is our Lord! You need to understand this so that you can share this with the unbelievers that you come in contact with. If you believe that, but have never received Jesus as YOUR Lord and personal Saviour, then I invite you to pray this prayer right now:
Almighty God, I am a sinner. I believe that Jesus Christ came to this earth, died on the cross for me, was raised from the dead, and is now seated at Your right hand. I accept and receive Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour and I invite Him to come into my heart and become Lord over my life. I thank You now Father, for welcoming me into Your family. You are my Father. I am Your child. Jesus is my Lord! Amen.
You have just taken the only way there is to get to God the Father and to have Heaven as your home when you leave this earth! Now you need to get into the Word of God so you can find out all that God, in His great love for you, has provided for you! You need to get into a good local church where they teach the Word of God boldly, uncompromisingly, precisely and accurately so that you can continue to grow up as a believer. Check out The Spoken Word Church website through the link on the left. If you're in our area, come join us. If you're not, then please contact us and we will get you in contact with a Bible teaching church in your area. It's vital for you!
Shalom in Him!
We will be looking at a verse from the Gospel of John today:
John 14:6 (KJV)
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
What was Jesus saying here? Let's break it down a little. Jesus, in answer to Thomas' question, is declaring something about Himself that we as believers need to have settled as absolute Truth in our hearts. He said that He is the "way", the Greek word, hodos, which means: a road, the route, the mode, the means; the "truth", the Greek word, alethia, which means: true, truly, truth, verity (the quality or state of being true or real); and the "life", the Greek word, zoe, which means: life in the absolute sense, life as God has it in Himself. Then He goes on to say that "no man", the Greek word, oudeis, which means: not even one (man, woman or thing), none, nobody, nothing; cometh unto the Father but "by", the Greek word, dia, which means: through; me.
What Jesus is saying here is that there is NO OTHER way to get to God except through Him. Through believing that Jesus, the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) came to this earth, died on the Cross for our (yours and mine) sins, rose again from the dead and is now alive and sitting at the right hand of God the Father in Heaven. Through receiving Him as our personal Saviour and confessing with our mouths that He is our Lord! You need to understand this so that you can share this with the unbelievers that you come in contact with. If you believe that, but have never received Jesus as YOUR Lord and personal Saviour, then I invite you to pray this prayer right now:
Almighty God, I am a sinner. I believe that Jesus Christ came to this earth, died on the cross for me, was raised from the dead, and is now seated at Your right hand. I accept and receive Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour and I invite Him to come into my heart and become Lord over my life. I thank You now Father, for welcoming me into Your family. You are my Father. I am Your child. Jesus is my Lord! Amen.
You have just taken the only way there is to get to God the Father and to have Heaven as your home when you leave this earth! Now you need to get into the Word of God so you can find out all that God, in His great love for you, has provided for you! You need to get into a good local church where they teach the Word of God boldly, uncompromisingly, precisely and accurately so that you can continue to grow up as a believer. Check out The Spoken Word Church website through the link on the left. If you're in our area, come join us. If you're not, then please contact us and we will get you in contact with a Bible teaching church in your area. It's vital for you!
Shalom in Him!
Friday, August 8, 2008
Shalom,
I hope you have been spending time meditating on the Word of God! Remember that meditation means to think about, talk about (to yourself and others), pray about, the Word that you read and study. Allow the Holy Spirit, Who is your Teacher, to let you in on what the Word is really saying! So many believers I know don't spend the time they need allowing the Holy Spirit to make the Word come alive to them. They settle for letting some person tell them what it means. That person is sometimes one who doesn't know or believe the Word themselves. At The Spoken Word Church, we have been told from the very beginning NOT to believe everything we hear in church, but to go home and check it out in our own Bibles. That's what the Bereans did (Acts 17:10-12)! They didn't take any one's word for it, they studied the Word of God for themselves to see if it was so! Let's look at some verses from Psalm 37 today:
Ps 37:3-5 (KJV)
3 Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
4 Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
5 Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
One of the ways that I like to study and meditate the Word is to do word studies. Some Greek or Hebrew words that have been translated into English no longer have the same meaning today that they did when the translators were working. Doing word studies with a good Greek or Hebrew Dictionary (depending on whether you are studying in the Old Testament or the New Testament) will show other shades of meanings that you may not have thought about before. Add that to listening to the Holy Spirit and the Word of God will have so much more meaning for you than it did before! Take these verses from the King James Bible in Psalm 37. Having done previous word studies, I have found that the Amplified Bible shows a little clearer meaning:
Ps 37:3-5 (Amplified)
3 Trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) in the Lord and do good; so shall you dwell in the land and feed surely on His faithfulness, and truly you shall be fed.
4 Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the Lord [roll and repose each care of your load on Him]; trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) also in Him and He will bring it to pass.
We see that to trust means to lean on, rely on and be confident in the Lord! Now that I know what trust means, I find that I really need to get to know the Lord better so that I can have confidence in Him and His Word. Then I see that to commit my way to the Lord means that I have to roll all of my care over on Him! I can't continue to worry about things and try to figure out how it's all going to work. That's HIS job! I need to "trust" in Him!
See how rewarding study can be?! You now know more about how God's Word works than you did before! Now comes the obeying part! Just remember, HE will bring it to pass!
Have fun meditating on your daily Bible reading. If you don't have your own plan, check out The Spoken Word Church site to the left and use ours. It's very important to feed on God's Word every day! Remember what Jesus said:
Matt 4:4 (Amplified)
4 But He replied, It has been written, Man shall not live and be upheld and sustained by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God. [Deut 8:3.]
Shalom in Him!
I hope you have been spending time meditating on the Word of God! Remember that meditation means to think about, talk about (to yourself and others), pray about, the Word that you read and study. Allow the Holy Spirit, Who is your Teacher, to let you in on what the Word is really saying! So many believers I know don't spend the time they need allowing the Holy Spirit to make the Word come alive to them. They settle for letting some person tell them what it means. That person is sometimes one who doesn't know or believe the Word themselves. At The Spoken Word Church, we have been told from the very beginning NOT to believe everything we hear in church, but to go home and check it out in our own Bibles. That's what the Bereans did (Acts 17:10-12)! They didn't take any one's word for it, they studied the Word of God for themselves to see if it was so! Let's look at some verses from Psalm 37 today:
Ps 37:3-5 (KJV)
3 Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
4 Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
5 Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
One of the ways that I like to study and meditate the Word is to do word studies. Some Greek or Hebrew words that have been translated into English no longer have the same meaning today that they did when the translators were working. Doing word studies with a good Greek or Hebrew Dictionary (depending on whether you are studying in the Old Testament or the New Testament) will show other shades of meanings that you may not have thought about before. Add that to listening to the Holy Spirit and the Word of God will have so much more meaning for you than it did before! Take these verses from the King James Bible in Psalm 37. Having done previous word studies, I have found that the Amplified Bible shows a little clearer meaning:
Ps 37:3-5 (Amplified)
3 Trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) in the Lord and do good; so shall you dwell in the land and feed surely on His faithfulness, and truly you shall be fed.
4 Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the Lord [roll and repose each care of your load on Him]; trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) also in Him and He will bring it to pass.
We see that to trust means to lean on, rely on and be confident in the Lord! Now that I know what trust means, I find that I really need to get to know the Lord better so that I can have confidence in Him and His Word. Then I see that to commit my way to the Lord means that I have to roll all of my care over on Him! I can't continue to worry about things and try to figure out how it's all going to work. That's HIS job! I need to "trust" in Him!
See how rewarding study can be?! You now know more about how God's Word works than you did before! Now comes the obeying part! Just remember, HE will bring it to pass!
Have fun meditating on your daily Bible reading. If you don't have your own plan, check out The Spoken Word Church site to the left and use ours. It's very important to feed on God's Word every day! Remember what Jesus said:
Matt 4:4 (Amplified)
4 But He replied, It has been written, Man shall not live and be upheld and sustained by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God. [Deut 8:3.]
Shalom in Him!
Monday, August 4, 2008
Shalom,
I want to look at the Psalm from yesterday's Bible Reading plan:
Psalm 33 (Amplified)
1REJOICE IN the Lord, O you [uncompromisingly] righteous [you upright in right standing with God]; for praise is becoming and appropriate for those who are upright [in heart].
2Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre; sing praises to Him with the harp of ten strings.
3Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully [on the strings] with a loud and joyful sound.
4For the word of the Lord is right; and all His work is done in faithfulness.
5He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the loving-kindness of the Lord.
6By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, and all their host by the breath of His mouth.
7He gathers the waters of the sea as in a bottle; He puts the deeps in storage places.
8Let all the earth fear the Lord [revere and worship Him]; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.
9For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.
10The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nought; He makes the thoughts and plans of the peoples of no effect.
11The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the thoughts of His heart through all generations.
12Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen as His heritage.
13The Lord looks from heaven, He beholds all the sons of men;
14From His dwelling place He looks [intently] upon all the inhabitants of the earth--
15He Who fashions the hearts of them all, Who considers all their doings.
16No king is saved by the great size and power of his army; a mighty man is not delivered by [his] much strength.
17A horse is devoid of value for victory; neither does he deliver any by his great power.
18Behold, the Lord's eye is upon those who fear Him [who revere and worship Him with awe], who wait for Him and hope in His mercy and loving-kindness,
19To deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.
20Our inner selves wait [earnestly] for the Lord; He is our Help and our Shield.
21For in Him does our heart rejoice, because we have trusted (relied on and been confident) in His holy name.
22Let Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, be upon us, in proportion to our waiting and hoping for You.
I really like the Amplified Bible for this Psalm because it shows the real meaning for the words righteous, fear (of the Lord) and blessed! Meditate on this Psalm and you will have a very clear picture of what has happened to our nation. You will also see what we need to do to be pleasing to God, as individuals and as a nation.
Shalom in Him!
I want to look at the Psalm from yesterday's Bible Reading plan:
Psalm 33 (Amplified)
1REJOICE IN the Lord, O you [uncompromisingly] righteous [you upright in right standing with God]; for praise is becoming and appropriate for those who are upright [in heart].
2Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre; sing praises to Him with the harp of ten strings.
3Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully [on the strings] with a loud and joyful sound.
4For the word of the Lord is right; and all His work is done in faithfulness.
5He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the loving-kindness of the Lord.
6By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, and all their host by the breath of His mouth.
7He gathers the waters of the sea as in a bottle; He puts the deeps in storage places.
8Let all the earth fear the Lord [revere and worship Him]; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.
9For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.
10The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nought; He makes the thoughts and plans of the peoples of no effect.
11The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the thoughts of His heart through all generations.
12Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen as His heritage.
13The Lord looks from heaven, He beholds all the sons of men;
14From His dwelling place He looks [intently] upon all the inhabitants of the earth--
15He Who fashions the hearts of them all, Who considers all their doings.
16No king is saved by the great size and power of his army; a mighty man is not delivered by [his] much strength.
17A horse is devoid of value for victory; neither does he deliver any by his great power.
18Behold, the Lord's eye is upon those who fear Him [who revere and worship Him with awe], who wait for Him and hope in His mercy and loving-kindness,
19To deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.
20Our inner selves wait [earnestly] for the Lord; He is our Help and our Shield.
21For in Him does our heart rejoice, because we have trusted (relied on and been confident) in His holy name.
22Let Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, be upon us, in proportion to our waiting and hoping for You.
I really like the Amplified Bible for this Psalm because it shows the real meaning for the words righteous, fear (of the Lord) and blessed! Meditate on this Psalm and you will have a very clear picture of what has happened to our nation. You will also see what we need to do to be pleasing to God, as individuals and as a nation.
Shalom in Him!
Friday, August 1, 2008
Shalom,
Just a note to say that this blog has been on hiatus do to vacations, family time and out of town trips. It is expected to be back up in a couple of days. In the meantime, check out The Spoken Word Church site to the left for some teaching, audio sermons and links to other blogs. You'll also find the Bible Reading Plan that was mentioned in a previous post so you can continue your own meditation on God's Word!
Shalom in Him!
Just a note to say that this blog has been on hiatus do to vacations, family time and out of town trips. It is expected to be back up in a couple of days. In the meantime, check out The Spoken Word Church site to the left for some teaching, audio sermons and links to other blogs. You'll also find the Bible Reading Plan that was mentioned in a previous post so you can continue your own meditation on God's Word!
Shalom in Him!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Shalom,
I believe that the most important verses that born again believers in the Lord Jesus Christ should know, before they try to share their faith with others, are found in the third chapter of the Gospel of John. We start with verse 3:
John 3:3 (KJV)
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
The Amplified Bible says this:
John 3:3 (AMP)
3 Jesus answered him, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that unless a person is born again (anew, from above), he cannot ever see (know, be acquainted with, and experience) the kingdom of God.
These aren't just words made up by modern day believers! Jesus Himself said this when He was fulfilling His ministry on the earth! The next most important verses for us to know, BEFORE we share the Gospel with others, are these:
John 3:14-17 (KJV)
14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
God sent Jesus for a purpose! He wants us to have Life, His Life! The Amplified Bible says it very well:
John 3:14-17 (AMP)
14 And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert [on a pole], so must [so it is necessary that] the Son of Man be lifted up [on the cross], [Num 21:9.]
15 In order that everyone who believes in Him [who cleaves to Him, trusts Him, and relies on Him] may not perish, but have eternal life and [actually] live forever!
16 For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.
17 For God did not send the Son into the world in order to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him.
Notice that these verses tell us that God DID NOT send His Son, Jesus, into the world to judge or condemn the world! And neither should we! We are not sent to tell the world that they are sinners, but that they can have Life! We're not to tell the world how bad they are, but how good God is! Get that on the inside of you until it permeates your being! Understand how very much the Father loves each and every person that He gave His Son for them! He wants that NONE should perish! He wants us to share our enthusiasm for the the things of God, the Life of God, the Word of God, with hurting people so they can know the same hope that we have!
Be a DOER of God's Word today! Tell someone the great Good News! The Good News that God isn't holding ANYTHING against them! Tell them that God SO greatly loved and dearly prized THEM that He sent Jesus so that they could have Life and belong to Him too!
Shalom in Him!
I believe that the most important verses that born again believers in the Lord Jesus Christ should know, before they try to share their faith with others, are found in the third chapter of the Gospel of John. We start with verse 3:
John 3:3 (KJV)
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
The Amplified Bible says this:
John 3:3 (AMP)
3 Jesus answered him, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that unless a person is born again (anew, from above), he cannot ever see (know, be acquainted with, and experience) the kingdom of God.
These aren't just words made up by modern day believers! Jesus Himself said this when He was fulfilling His ministry on the earth! The next most important verses for us to know, BEFORE we share the Gospel with others, are these:
John 3:14-17 (KJV)
14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
God sent Jesus for a purpose! He wants us to have Life, His Life! The Amplified Bible says it very well:
John 3:14-17 (AMP)
14 And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert [on a pole], so must [so it is necessary that] the Son of Man be lifted up [on the cross], [Num 21:9.]
15 In order that everyone who believes in Him [who cleaves to Him, trusts Him, and relies on Him] may not perish, but have eternal life and [actually] live forever!
16 For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.
17 For God did not send the Son into the world in order to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him.
Notice that these verses tell us that God DID NOT send His Son, Jesus, into the world to judge or condemn the world! And neither should we! We are not sent to tell the world that they are sinners, but that they can have Life! We're not to tell the world how bad they are, but how good God is! Get that on the inside of you until it permeates your being! Understand how very much the Father loves each and every person that He gave His Son for them! He wants that NONE should perish! He wants us to share our enthusiasm for the the things of God, the Life of God, the Word of God, with hurting people so they can know the same hope that we have!
Be a DOER of God's Word today! Tell someone the great Good News! The Good News that God isn't holding ANYTHING against them! Tell them that God SO greatly loved and dearly prized THEM that He sent Jesus so that they could have Life and belong to Him too!
Shalom in Him!
Monday, July 14, 2008
Shalom,
I want to look today at John 10:10 from several translations. We'll start with the King James Bible:
John 10:10 (KJV)
10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
We see here that Jesus Himself is identifying where all bad and negative things in our life come from! He says that it is NOT God, but THE THIEF who does all of the stealing, killing and destroying that we see taking place. Then He goes on to say that HE, HIMSELF, came for another purpose! That purpose is to bring us life! HIS life! That is the Greek word, zoe, which refers to life as God has it in Himself! His very life! And as if that were not enough, He says that He wants us to have THAT kind of life in abundance! That's the Greek word, perissos, which means: (in the sense of beyond); superabundant (in quantity) or superior (in quality); by implication, excessive!
Let's look at some other translations:
I want to look today at John 10:10 from several translations. We'll start with the King James Bible:
John 10:10 (KJV)
10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
We see here that Jesus Himself is identifying where all bad and negative things in our life come from! He says that it is NOT God, but THE THIEF who does all of the stealing, killing and destroying that we see taking place. Then He goes on to say that HE, HIMSELF, came for another purpose! That purpose is to bring us life! HIS life! That is the Greek word, zoe, which refers to life as God has it in Himself! His very life! And as if that were not enough, He says that He wants us to have THAT kind of life in abundance! That's the Greek word, perissos, which means: (in the sense of beyond); superabundant (in quantity) or superior (in quality); by implication, excessive!
Let's look at some other translations:
John 10:6 (Wuest )
The thief does not come except to steal and to kill and to destroy. I alone came in order that they might be possessing life, and that they might be possessing it in superabundance.
John 10:10 (Complete Jewish Bible)
10 The thief comes only in order to steal, kill and destroy; I have come so that they may have life, life in its fullest measure.
John 10:10 (Amplified)
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).
I especially like the Amplified Bible for this verse! Our heavenly Father sent Jesus for the very purpose of providing the means for us to have HIS very life inside of us! And then He wants us to be able to enjoy that life. To have that God kind of life in abundance, to the fullest, until it overflows in our lives! When His life overflows in our life it reaches others! That's God's perfect plan! He wants us reaching others with the great Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
If you have never received Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal Saviour, then you have no access to that life. The Bible says this:
1 John 5:11-12 (Amplified)
11 And this is that testimony (that evidence): God gave us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.
12 He who possesses the Son has that life; he who does not possess the Son of God does not have that life.
You have to receive Jesus as your Lord and personal Saviour in order to receive this God kind of life in you! Is there any reason you can't receive Jesus as YOUR Lord and personal Saviour right now? Please go the The Spoken Word Church website through the link at the left of this blog and find out how you, too, can receive this life!
Shalom in Him!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Shalom,
We will be looking at the first Epistle of John today:
1 John 1:1-5 (KJV)
1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;
2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)
3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
Let's look at a few other translations:
1 John 1:1-5 (The Complete Jewish Bible)
1 1 The Word, which gives life!He existed from the beginning.We have heard him,we have seen him with our eyes,we have contemplated him,we have touched him with our hands!
2 The life appeared,and we have seen it.We are testifying to it and announcing it to you — eternal life!
He was with the Father,and he appeared to us. 3 What we have seen and heard,we are proclaiming to you;so that you too may have fellowship with us.Our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Yeshua the Messiah. 4 We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.
5 And this is the message which we have heard from him and proclaim to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him — none!
Here is another:
1 John 1:1-5 (Wuest Translation)
1 1-2 That which was from the beginning, that which we have heard with the present result that it is ringing in our ears, that which we have discerningly seen with our eyes with the present result that it is in our mind's eye, that which we gazed upon as a spectacle, and our hands handled with a view to investigation, that which is concerning the Word of the life-and this aforementioned life was made visible, and we have seen it with discernment and have it in our mind's eye, and are bearing witness and bringing back to you a message concerning the life, the eternal life, which is of such a nature as to have been in fellowship with the Father and was made visible to us.
3-4 That which we have seen with discernment and at present is in our mind's eye, and that which we have heard and at present is ringing in our ears, we are reporting also to you, in order that as for you also, you may be participating jointly in common with us [in our first-hand knowledge of the life of our Lord]. And the fellowship indeed which is ours, is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ. And these things, as for us, we are writing in order that our joy, having been filled completely full in times past may persist in that state of fullness through present time.
5-7 And it is this message which we have heard from Him and at present is ringing in our ears and we are bringing back tidings to you, that God as to His nature is light, and darkness in Him does not exist, not even one particle. (from The New Testament: An Expanded Translation by Kenneth S. Wuest Copyright © 1961 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. All rights reserved.)
And here is the Amplified Bible:
1 John 1:1-5 (Amplified)
1 [WE ARE writing] about the Word of Life [in] Him Who existed from the beginning, Whom we have heard, Whom we have seen with our [own] eyes, Whom we have gazed upon [for ourselves] and have touched with our [own] hands.
2 And the Life [an aspect of His being] was revealed (made manifest, demonstrated), and we saw [as eyewitnesses] and are testifying to and declare to you the Life, the eternal Life [in Him] Who already existed with the Father and Who [actually] was made visible (was revealed) to us [His followers].
3 What we have seen and [ourselves] heard, we are also telling you, so that you too may realize and enjoy fellowship as partners and partakers with us. And [this] fellowship that we have [which is a distinguishing mark of Christians] is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ (the Messiah).
4 And we are now writing these things to you so that our joy [in seeing you included] may be full [and your joy may be complete].
5 And this is the message [the message of promise] which we have heard from Him and now are reporting to you: God is Light, and there is no darkness in Him at all [no, not in any way].
As you can see, the Bible was written for US! For those who have received Jesus as Lord and personal Saviour so that we may come to know Him more each day! Our joy will be and stay full when we understand that God's Word is Truth, His promises are sure, His ways are wonderful, His Name is powerful and His plan for us (individually and as the Body of Christ) is perfect! The first step in understanding the nature of God is to realize that HE IS LIGHT! There is NO darkness found in God whatsoever! Therefore the dark things of the world are NOT from God, and He always provides a way of escape for His people.
Continue meditating on the Word of God. It IS our survival manual!
Shalom in Him!
We will be looking at the first Epistle of John today:
1 John 1:1-5 (KJV)
1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;
2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)
3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
Let's look at a few other translations:
1 John 1:1-5 (The Complete Jewish Bible)
1 1 The Word, which gives life!He existed from the beginning.We have heard him,we have seen him with our eyes,we have contemplated him,we have touched him with our hands!
2 The life appeared,and we have seen it.We are testifying to it and announcing it to you — eternal life!
He was with the Father,and he appeared to us. 3 What we have seen and heard,we are proclaiming to you;so that you too may have fellowship with us.Our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Yeshua the Messiah. 4 We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.
5 And this is the message which we have heard from him and proclaim to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him — none!
Here is another:
1 John 1:1-5 (Wuest Translation)
1 1-2 That which was from the beginning, that which we have heard with the present result that it is ringing in our ears, that which we have discerningly seen with our eyes with the present result that it is in our mind's eye, that which we gazed upon as a spectacle, and our hands handled with a view to investigation, that which is concerning the Word of the life-and this aforementioned life was made visible, and we have seen it with discernment and have it in our mind's eye, and are bearing witness and bringing back to you a message concerning the life, the eternal life, which is of such a nature as to have been in fellowship with the Father and was made visible to us.
3-4 That which we have seen with discernment and at present is in our mind's eye, and that which we have heard and at present is ringing in our ears, we are reporting also to you, in order that as for you also, you may be participating jointly in common with us [in our first-hand knowledge of the life of our Lord]. And the fellowship indeed which is ours, is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ. And these things, as for us, we are writing in order that our joy, having been filled completely full in times past may persist in that state of fullness through present time.
5-7 And it is this message which we have heard from Him and at present is ringing in our ears and we are bringing back tidings to you, that God as to His nature is light, and darkness in Him does not exist, not even one particle. (from The New Testament: An Expanded Translation by Kenneth S. Wuest Copyright © 1961 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. All rights reserved.)
And here is the Amplified Bible:
1 John 1:1-5 (Amplified)
1 [WE ARE writing] about the Word of Life [in] Him Who existed from the beginning, Whom we have heard, Whom we have seen with our [own] eyes, Whom we have gazed upon [for ourselves] and have touched with our [own] hands.
2 And the Life [an aspect of His being] was revealed (made manifest, demonstrated), and we saw [as eyewitnesses] and are testifying to and declare to you the Life, the eternal Life [in Him] Who already existed with the Father and Who [actually] was made visible (was revealed) to us [His followers].
3 What we have seen and [ourselves] heard, we are also telling you, so that you too may realize and enjoy fellowship as partners and partakers with us. And [this] fellowship that we have [which is a distinguishing mark of Christians] is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ (the Messiah).
4 And we are now writing these things to you so that our joy [in seeing you included] may be full [and your joy may be complete].
5 And this is the message [the message of promise] which we have heard from Him and now are reporting to you: God is Light, and there is no darkness in Him at all [no, not in any way].
As you can see, the Bible was written for US! For those who have received Jesus as Lord and personal Saviour so that we may come to know Him more each day! Our joy will be and stay full when we understand that God's Word is Truth, His promises are sure, His ways are wonderful, His Name is powerful and His plan for us (individually and as the Body of Christ) is perfect! The first step in understanding the nature of God is to realize that HE IS LIGHT! There is NO darkness found in God whatsoever! Therefore the dark things of the world are NOT from God, and He always provides a way of escape for His people.
Continue meditating on the Word of God. It IS our survival manual!
Shalom in Him!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Shalom,
Now that I have my new computer up and running, we can get back to mediating on God's Word through this blog! Let's look at Proverbs 22:6:
Prov 22:6 (KJV)
6Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
"Train up" is the Hebrew word, chanak, which means: to initiate, to discipline, to dedicate, to train, a child in "the way", the Hebrew word, derek, which means: a course of life, a mode of action, a direction, a manner, a habit, he should go and "when", the Hebrew word, kiy, which means: certainly, when, because that, therefore, indeed, he is old, "he will (not) depart", the Hebrew word, cuwr, which means: to turn aside, to depart, to remove, to take away, to cause to turn aside, to be removed from it. The Amplified Bible says this:
Prov 22:6 (Amplified)
6Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old he will not depart from it.
I've always loved how the Amplified Bible says "in keeping with his individual gift or bent". It is very important that parents allow their children to become who and what God intends for them to be! We've all seen parents who try to relive their own lives through their children, sometimes forcing them to be involved in things in which they not only have no interest, but also have no gift for or inclination towards. The very best thing that we who are parents can do is to spend time in prayer daily for our children and to teach and train them in the Word of God. Train them how to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit and to recognize His leading in their lives. Support them, teach them, train them, encourage them, but most of all, love them! The promise is very clear! They WILL eventually serve the Lord! We have God's Word on that!
Shalom in Him!
Now that I have my new computer up and running, we can get back to mediating on God's Word through this blog! Let's look at Proverbs 22:6:
Prov 22:6 (KJV)
6Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
"Train up" is the Hebrew word, chanak, which means: to initiate, to discipline, to dedicate, to train, a child in "the way", the Hebrew word, derek, which means: a course of life, a mode of action, a direction, a manner, a habit, he should go and "when", the Hebrew word, kiy, which means: certainly, when, because that, therefore, indeed, he is old, "he will (not) depart", the Hebrew word, cuwr, which means: to turn aside, to depart, to remove, to take away, to cause to turn aside, to be removed from it. The Amplified Bible says this:
Prov 22:6 (Amplified)
6Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old he will not depart from it.
I've always loved how the Amplified Bible says "in keeping with his individual gift or bent". It is very important that parents allow their children to become who and what God intends for them to be! We've all seen parents who try to relive their own lives through their children, sometimes forcing them to be involved in things in which they not only have no interest, but also have no gift for or inclination towards. The very best thing that we who are parents can do is to spend time in prayer daily for our children and to teach and train them in the Word of God. Train them how to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit and to recognize His leading in their lives. Support them, teach them, train them, encourage them, but most of all, love them! The promise is very clear! They WILL eventually serve the Lord! We have God's Word on that!
Shalom in Him!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Shalom,
Today I just want to share a passage from today's Bible Reading Plan from the Amplified Bible. It is very powerful and my daily commitment! It's found in Philippians chapter 3:
Phil 3:8-11 (Amplified)
8Yes, furthermore, I count everything as loss compared to the possession of the priceless privilege (the overwhelming preciousness, the surpassing worth, and supreme advantage) of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord and of progressively becoming more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him [of perceiving and recognizing and understanding Him more fully and clearly]. For His sake I have lost everything and consider it all to be mere rubbish (refuse, dregs), in order that I may win (gain) Christ (the Anointed One),
9And that I may [actually] be found and known as in Him, not having any [self-achieved] righteousness that can be called my own, based on my obedience to the Law's demands (ritualistic uprightness and supposed right standing with God thus acquired), but possessing that [genuine righteousness] which comes through faith in Christ (the Anointed One), the [truly] right standing with God, which comes from God by [saving] faith.
10[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope]
11That if possible I may attain to the [spiritual and moral] resurrection [that lifts me] out from among the dead [even while in the body].
I love Paul's prayer and I make it my own. But we can't forget that we are a work in progress:
Phil 1:6 (Amplified)
6And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.
The work in us is being done by the Holy Spirit Who lives in us! So don't get discouraged. Remember what Paul says in Philippians 3:12-14:
Phil 3:12-14 (Amplified)
12Not that I have now attained [this ideal], or have already been made perfect, but I press on to lay hold of (grasp) and make my own, that for which Christ Jesus (the Messiah) has laid hold of me and made me His own.
13I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own [yet]; but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,
14I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward.
Even Paul had not attained to his goal, but he never gave up! He continued pressing on every day! Getting to know Jesus more every day! Then at the end of his life he said this:
2 Tim 4:7 (Amplified)
7I have fought the good (worthy, honorable, and noble) fight, I have finished the race, I have kept (firmly held) the faith.
So keep pressing on in YOUR life! Get to know Jesus more every day! He is WELL worth knowing!
Shalom in Him!
Today I just want to share a passage from today's Bible Reading Plan from the Amplified Bible. It is very powerful and my daily commitment! It's found in Philippians chapter 3:
Phil 3:8-11 (Amplified)
8Yes, furthermore, I count everything as loss compared to the possession of the priceless privilege (the overwhelming preciousness, the surpassing worth, and supreme advantage) of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord and of progressively becoming more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him [of perceiving and recognizing and understanding Him more fully and clearly]. For His sake I have lost everything and consider it all to be mere rubbish (refuse, dregs), in order that I may win (gain) Christ (the Anointed One),
9And that I may [actually] be found and known as in Him, not having any [self-achieved] righteousness that can be called my own, based on my obedience to the Law's demands (ritualistic uprightness and supposed right standing with God thus acquired), but possessing that [genuine righteousness] which comes through faith in Christ (the Anointed One), the [truly] right standing with God, which comes from God by [saving] faith.
10[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope]
11That if possible I may attain to the [spiritual and moral] resurrection [that lifts me] out from among the dead [even while in the body].
I love Paul's prayer and I make it my own. But we can't forget that we are a work in progress:
Phil 1:6 (Amplified)
6And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.
The work in us is being done by the Holy Spirit Who lives in us! So don't get discouraged. Remember what Paul says in Philippians 3:12-14:
Phil 3:12-14 (Amplified)
12Not that I have now attained [this ideal], or have already been made perfect, but I press on to lay hold of (grasp) and make my own, that for which Christ Jesus (the Messiah) has laid hold of me and made me His own.
13I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own [yet]; but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,
14I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward.
Even Paul had not attained to his goal, but he never gave up! He continued pressing on every day! Getting to know Jesus more every day! Then at the end of his life he said this:
2 Tim 4:7 (Amplified)
7I have fought the good (worthy, honorable, and noble) fight, I have finished the race, I have kept (firmly held) the faith.
So keep pressing on in YOUR life! Get to know Jesus more every day! He is WELL worth knowing!
Shalom in Him!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Shalom,
Our selection from The Spoken Word Church Daily Bible Reading plan is found in Proverbs 24:
Prov 24:3-5 (KJV)
3 Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:4 And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.5 A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.
We find here that the Word of God says that "Through wisdom", the Hebrew word, chakam, which means: to be wise (in mind, word or act), to become wise, to act wisely, to show one's wisdom, is "an house", the Hebrew word, bayith, which means: a house, a habitation, a household, a family, "builded", the Hebrew word, banah, which means: to build, to rebuild, to establish, to cause to continue, "and by understanding", the Hebrew word, tabuwn, which means: discretion, reason, skilfulness, intelligence, insight, "it is established", the Hebrew word, kuwn, which means: to set up, to be fixed, to be stable, to be secure, to be prepared. The Amplified Bible says it very well:
Our selection from The Spoken Word Church Daily Bible Reading plan is found in Proverbs 24:
Prov 24:3-5 (KJV)
3 Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:4 And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.5 A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.
We find here that the Word of God says that "Through wisdom", the Hebrew word, chakam, which means: to be wise (in mind, word or act), to become wise, to act wisely, to show one's wisdom, is "an house", the Hebrew word, bayith, which means: a house, a habitation, a household, a family, "builded", the Hebrew word, banah, which means: to build, to rebuild, to establish, to cause to continue, "and by understanding", the Hebrew word, tabuwn, which means: discretion, reason, skilfulness, intelligence, insight, "it is established", the Hebrew word, kuwn, which means: to set up, to be fixed, to be stable, to be secure, to be prepared. The Amplified Bible says it very well:
Prov24:3 (Amplified)
3Through skillful and godly Wisdom is a house (a life, a home, a family) built, and by understanding it is established [on a sound and good foundation],
Then the next verse says "And by knowledge", the Hebrew word, da'ath, which means: knowledge, perception, skill, wisdom, discernment, (this word comes from the word yada', which means: to learn to know, to come to know, to find out!), shall the chambers be filled with "all", the Hebrew word, kol, which means: all, the whole, everything, totality, "precious", the Hebrew word, yaqar, which means: valuable, costly, excellent, prized, rare, splendid, glorious, "and pleasant", the Hebrew word, na'iym, which means: delightful, lovely, agreeable, beautiful, "riches", the Hebrew word, hown, which means: wealth, substance, riches, sufficiency.
The next verse says that a wise (the Hebrew word chakam used in verse 3 above) man (person) is "strong", the Hebrew word, 'oz, which means: strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise), boldness, might, power, yea a man of knowledge (the Hebrew word da'ath used in verse 4 above) "increaseth", the Hebrew word, 'amats, which means: to be strong, to be alert, to be courageous, to be steadfastly minded, to be brave, to prove superior to, "strength", the Hebrew word, koach, which means: to be firm, vigorous, power, might, substance. The Amplified Bible says:
Prov 24:5 (Amplified)
5 A wise man is better than a strong man, and a man of knowledge increases and strengthens his power;
It is better to be wise than strong because wisdom will produce a strength that is beyond natural, human strength! That sounds like the ability and power of God to me!
I hope that you are finding out how much deeper the Word of God is than you think at first glance! Meditation not only deepens our understanding of the Word and what it is actually saying, but it also gets that Word inside of us where the Holy Spirit, Who is our Teacher, can make it even more clear and He will also bring that Word that we have been meditating on back to us when we need it! (John 14:26)
Keep meditating! Your growth is amazing and other people are noticing!
Shalom in Him!
Friday, June 20, 2008
Shalom,
I hope you've been doing your own meditating on the Word of God and getting to know Him more every day! We want to look at a verse from our Bible Reading Plan from the last few days.
Prov 18:20 (KJV)
20 A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.
I find more and more believers who still do not understand that the words of their own mouth are so vitally important to their very life. We see here that the Word of God says that a man's "belly", the Hebrew word, beten, which means: the belly, the body of anything, the seat of mental faculties, "shall be satisfied", the Hebrew word, saba', which means: to be satisfied, to be fulfilled, have enough, have plenty of, be full of, "with the fruit of", the Hebrew word, periy, which means: fruit, reward, produce, offspring, his mouth and with "the increase of", the Hebrew word, tebuw'ah, which means: income, produce, revenue, yield, crops, "his lips", the Hebrew word, saphah, which means: lip, language, speech, "shall he be filled" which is the same Hebrew word, saba, as is translated "shall be satisfied" above. What does this mean? Let's look at the Amplified Bible:
I hope you've been doing your own meditating on the Word of God and getting to know Him more every day! We want to look at a verse from our Bible Reading Plan from the last few days.
Prov 18:20 (KJV)
20 A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.
I find more and more believers who still do not understand that the words of their own mouth are so vitally important to their very life. We see here that the Word of God says that a man's "belly", the Hebrew word, beten, which means: the belly, the body of anything, the seat of mental faculties, "shall be satisfied", the Hebrew word, saba', which means: to be satisfied, to be fulfilled, have enough, have plenty of, be full of, "with the fruit of", the Hebrew word, periy, which means: fruit, reward, produce, offspring, his mouth and with "the increase of", the Hebrew word, tebuw'ah, which means: income, produce, revenue, yield, crops, "his lips", the Hebrew word, saphah, which means: lip, language, speech, "shall he be filled" which is the same Hebrew word, saba, as is translated "shall be satisfied" above. What does this mean? Let's look at the Amplified Bible:
Prov 18:20 (Amplified)
20A man's [moral] self shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; and with the consequence of his words he must be satisfied [whether good or evil].
This verse is saying that we, by the words of our own mouths, produce the fruit of our lives. The situations we face in our lives today are a direct result of the things we've said about ourselves and the choices we've made previously! God has put us in control of our own lives and then told us exactly what good choices to make so that we can have that abundant life that Jesus came to give us (see John 10:10)! Remember that Jesus said:
John 15:7 (KJV)
7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
The Amplified Bible is even more clear here:
John 15:7 (Amplified)
7If you live in Me [abide vitally united to Me] and My words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you.
The answer for those who have received Jesus Christ as Lord and personal Saviour is to get into His Word until His Word gets into us! The more that we meditate on the promises found in the Word, the more real they become to us. When they are that real to us, Jesus says that THEN we can ask what we will (our wills will be in line with His will) and then it WILL be done! That's what Proverbs is referring to! Our lives are the product of our own words and we will have to be satisfied with the results because they are of our own choosing! So make YOUR words line up with HIS WORD and then have happy and joyful results!
Keep meditating!
Shalom in Him!
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