MONDAY'S POST
Shalom,
I love the study of Proverbs! There is so much plain common sense found there! Proverbs 13:13-16 says this:
13 Whoever despises the word and counsel [of God] brings destruction upon himself, but he who [reverently] fears and respects the commandment [of God] is rewarded. 14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that one may avoid the snares of death. 15 Good understanding wins favor, but the way of the transgressor is hard [like the barren, dry soil or the impassable swamp]. 16 Every prudent man deals with knowledge, but a [self-confident] fool exposes and flaunts his folly.
Now THAT is very simple and straight forward, isn't it? Now let's see if we can get even a little more so. Here are the same verses form the Message Bible:
13 Ignore the Word and suffer; honor God's commands and grow rich. 14 The teaching if the wise is a fountain of life, so, no more drinking from death-tainted wells! 15 Sound thinking makes for gracious living, but liars walk a rough road. 16 A commonsense person lives good sense; fools litter the country with silliness.
Here is another example from verse 20:
20 He who walks [as a companion] with wise men is wise, but he who associates with [self-confident] fools is [a fool himself and] shall smart for it.
The Message Bible:
20 Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces.
Don't you just LOVE the Word of God! YOU SHOULD! Jesus said this in John 6:63:
63 It is the spirit that quickens; the flesh profits nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
That "life" is "zoe", which is life as God has in Himself! The Word of God contains the very life of God! Here is an old Hymn with a never old message: Ancient Words by Michael W. Smith:
Galatians 2 has Paul telling of his confrontation with some of the other leaders in the Church over the works of the Law. Verses 20-21:
20 I have been crucified with Christ [in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith in (by adherence to and reliance on and complete trust in) the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me. 21 [Therefore, I do not treat God's gracious gift as something of minor importance and defeat its very purpose]; I do not set aside and invalidate and frustrate and nullify the grace (unmerited favor) of God. For if justification (righteousness, acquittal from guilt) comes through [observing the ritual of] the Law, then Christ (the Messiah) died groundlessly and to no purpose and in vain. [His death was then wholly superfluous.]
Why did Jesus go through everything that He went through? Because there was NO OTHER WAY for us to be saved! AND, there is NO OTHER THING necessary to BE saved than to accept and receive Jesus of Nazareth as Lord and personal Saviour! Is there any reason YOU can't do that right now? Then pray THIS prayer right now, believing in your heart that Jesus did all that He did FOR YOU, and it is ENOUGH! AMEN!
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.
2 Samuel 13-14 contains the account of Amnon, David's son, raping his own sister. David does nothing! It was actually way too late for David to begin parenting properly at this stage! David may have been a "man after God's own heart", but he was a dreadful parent! It is always important to remember that all of the "heroes" of the Bible were simply human beings like you and me, with faults and flaws and short-comings! Don't follow their example in living EXCEPT where THEY follow CHRIST! (1 Corinthians 11:1)
Shalom in Him!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Shalom,
Proverbs 12:17-19:
17 He who breathes out truth shows forth righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God), but a false witness utters deceit. 18 There are those who speak rashly, like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. 19 Truthful lips shall be established forever, but a lying tongue is [credited] but for a moment.
This is all about the words that we speak! Remember that Jesus said this in Mark 11:23 (NKJV):
23 For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.
Our words are VITAL because the Word of God says that we can have whatever we say! Let's make sure that we are saying the correct things, according to the Word of God, because what we say, we WILL receive!
In Galatians Paul is scolding them for adding to the great foundation that they had received of the Word of God something that was NOT the true Gospel! Verses 6-8 in Galatians 1:
6 I am surprised and astonished that you are so quickly turning renegade and deserting Him Who invited and called you by the grace (unmerited favor) of Christ (the Messiah) [and that you are transferring your allegiance] to a different [even an opposition] gospel. 7 Not that there is [or could be] any other [genuine Gospel], but there are [obviously] some who are troubling and disturbing and bewildering you [with a different kind of teaching which they offer as a gospel] and want to pervert and distort the Gospel of Christ (the Messiah) [into something which it absolutely is not]. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to and different from that which we preached to you, let him be accursed (anathema, devoted to destruction, doomed to eternal punishment)!
Verse 8 is so very important that Jesus repeated it in the next verse! Verse 9:
9 As we said before, so I now say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel different from or contrary to that which you received [from us], let him be accursed (anathema, devoted to destruction, doomed to eternal punishment)!
What is the "gospel"? It is the Good News that God isn't holding anything against anyone! The price for every sin ever committed has been paid for by the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth! The ONLY sin NOT covered by His blood is the sin of rejecting Him! Now WHY would ANYONE do that? Acts 4:12 tells us this:
12 And there is salvation in and through no on else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by and in which we must be saved.
THAT is the gospel! No other name! Not Mohammed, not Buddha, not Krishna, not Allah, not ANY OTHER NAME! The religion of the muslims came into being over 700 years after Jesus was raised from the dead! That qualifies as "another gospel" of a very different kind! It is NOT the TRUE gospel! Don't be led away by any teaching that does not declare Jesus of Nazareth as the Saviour of the world and takes away from or adds anything to the simple qualification of trusting in His sacrifice for eternal salvation! AMEN! Here is a poster I found with the Names of Jesus. No other Name is necessary to know!
In 2 Samuel 11-12 we see David's sin with Bathsheba. I like what the Bible Exposition Dictionary: Old Testament says about this:
Unlike the average campaign biography or press release, the Bible always tells the truth about people. It should encourage us to know that even the best men and women in the biblical record had their faults and failures, just as we do, and yet the Lord in His sovereign grace was able to use them to accomplish His purposes. Noah was a man of faith and obedience, and yet he got drunk. Twice Abraham lied about his wife, and Jacob lied to both his father, Isaac, and to his brother Esau. Moses lost his temper when he struck the rock, and Peter lost his courage and denied Christ three times.
Here we see David, the man after God's own heart, who committed adultery and then murdered a man in a last-ditch effort to cover his own sin. For at least nine months, David refused to confess his sins, but then God spoke to Him and he sought the face of the Lord and made a new beginning.
David DID make a new beginning, but everything that Nathan the Prophet declared would happen as a result of his sin did happen to David. One very important lesson that we, as born again believers, need to remember is that though our sin committed after the New Birth will NOT keep us from Heaven, the natural consequences can cause us to experience hell right here on earth! Don't mess around with sin! 1 John 1:9 was given to the Church of Jesus Christ to keep us in constant fellowship with the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible! Live there! AMEN!
Shalom in Him!
Proverbs 12:17-19:
17 He who breathes out truth shows forth righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God), but a false witness utters deceit. 18 There are those who speak rashly, like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. 19 Truthful lips shall be established forever, but a lying tongue is [credited] but for a moment.
This is all about the words that we speak! Remember that Jesus said this in Mark 11:23 (NKJV):
23 For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.
Our words are VITAL because the Word of God says that we can have whatever we say! Let's make sure that we are saying the correct things, according to the Word of God, because what we say, we WILL receive!
In Galatians Paul is scolding them for adding to the great foundation that they had received of the Word of God something that was NOT the true Gospel! Verses 6-8 in Galatians 1:
6 I am surprised and astonished that you are so quickly turning renegade and deserting Him Who invited and called you by the grace (unmerited favor) of Christ (the Messiah) [and that you are transferring your allegiance] to a different [even an opposition] gospel. 7 Not that there is [or could be] any other [genuine Gospel], but there are [obviously] some who are troubling and disturbing and bewildering you [with a different kind of teaching which they offer as a gospel] and want to pervert and distort the Gospel of Christ (the Messiah) [into something which it absolutely is not]. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to and different from that which we preached to you, let him be accursed (anathema, devoted to destruction, doomed to eternal punishment)!
Verse 8 is so very important that Jesus repeated it in the next verse! Verse 9:
9 As we said before, so I now say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel different from or contrary to that which you received [from us], let him be accursed (anathema, devoted to destruction, doomed to eternal punishment)!
What is the "gospel"? It is the Good News that God isn't holding anything against anyone! The price for every sin ever committed has been paid for by the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth! The ONLY sin NOT covered by His blood is the sin of rejecting Him! Now WHY would ANYONE do that? Acts 4:12 tells us this:
12 And there is salvation in and through no on else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by and in which we must be saved.
THAT is the gospel! No other name! Not Mohammed, not Buddha, not Krishna, not Allah, not ANY OTHER NAME! The religion of the muslims came into being over 700 years after Jesus was raised from the dead! That qualifies as "another gospel" of a very different kind! It is NOT the TRUE gospel! Don't be led away by any teaching that does not declare Jesus of Nazareth as the Saviour of the world and takes away from or adds anything to the simple qualification of trusting in His sacrifice for eternal salvation! AMEN! Here is a poster I found with the Names of Jesus. No other Name is necessary to know!
In 2 Samuel 11-12 we see David's sin with Bathsheba. I like what the Bible Exposition Dictionary: Old Testament says about this:
Here we see David, the man after God's own heart, who committed adultery and then murdered a man in a last-ditch effort to cover his own sin. For at least nine months, David refused to confess his sins, but then God spoke to Him and he sought the face of the Lord and made a new beginning.
David DID make a new beginning, but everything that Nathan the Prophet declared would happen as a result of his sin did happen to David. One very important lesson that we, as born again believers, need to remember is that though our sin committed after the New Birth will NOT keep us from Heaven, the natural consequences can cause us to experience hell right here on earth! Don't mess around with sin! 1 John 1:9 was given to the Church of Jesus Christ to keep us in constant fellowship with the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible! Live there! AMEN!
Shalom in Him!
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Shalom,
Proverbs 11:2:
2 When swelling and pride come, then emptiness and shame come also, but with the humble (those who have been pruned and chiseled by trial, and renounce self) are skillful and godly Wisdom and soundness.
The word "pride" here is the Hebrew word "zadown", which means: arrogance, pride, insolence, presumptuousness. Insolence means to be boldly rude; contemptuously impertinent or insulting in behavior or speech. Impertinent means exceeding the limits of propriety or good manners; improperly forward or bold. This is so very evident in our world today when people who don't understand the Word of God at all are so boldly irreverent when it comes to the things of God! Don't become one who is filled with pride and self-importance. Realize that every good thing about you and your life came from the One, True God of the Bible and you will operate in the skillful and Godly Wisdom that come only from His presence! Be the wise one in your sphere of influence and you'll be a TRUE light to them!
I notices something in a new way from John 21 today! Verses 15-17:
15 When they had eaten, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these [with reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion, as one loves the Father]? He said to Him, Yes, Lord, You know that I love You [that I have deep, instinctive, personal affection for You, as for a close friend]. He said to him, Feed My lambs. 16 Again He {Jesus} said to him the second time, Simon, son of John, do you love Me [with reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion, as one loves the Father]? He said to Him, Yes, Lord, You know that I love You [that I have a deep, instinctive, personal affection for You, as for a close friend]. He said to him, Shepherd (tend) My sheep. 17 He said to him the third time, Simon, son of John, do you love Me [with a deep, instinctive, personal affection for Me, as for a close friend]? Peter was grieved (was saddened and hurt) that he should ask him the third time, Do you love Me" And he said to Him, Lord, You know everything; you know that I love You [that I have a deep, instinctive, personal affection for You, as for a close friend]. Jesus said to him, Feed My sheep.
We know that there are two different Greek words for love used here: agape (the God-kind of love that involves an unselfish decision to put the other person first) and phileo (affectionate friendship). Pete also knew what these words meant! They were not using the English word love! Peter was well aware of what Jesus was asking him! The truly telling thing is that, though in the past Peter would have said, "Of course I (agape) you Lord! In fact, I would lay down my life for you!", here he has humbled himself to speak the TRUTH! He knew that Jesus wasn't fooled by words, but that Jesus knew every single thing about him! THIS is a much changed Simon Peter! He was born again and had humbled himself before the One, True God! NOW God could truly use him mightily, and He did! AMEN! Here is Hillsong's "It's Your Love":
In 2 Samuel 9-10 David asks about Jonathan's descendants because of his promise to Jonathan that he would take care of them. He found out about Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth and verse 13 of chapter 9 says this:
13 So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem, for he ate continually at the king's table, [even though] he was lame in both feet.
You have to go back to 2 Samuel 5:8 to understand what a sacrifice this really was for David.
8 David said on that day, Whoever smites the Jebusites, let him get up through the water shaft and smite the lame and the blind who are detested by David's soul. so they say, The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.
That's why the Amplified Bible adds [even though] to 2 Samuel 9:13. David honored his covenant with Jonathan, EVEN THOUGH it made him uncomfortable to do so! Do YOU get out of your "comfort zone" in order to keep YOUR word? When YOUR word is important to you, you will have a greater understanding of how important it is for God to confirm HIS Word! THAT brings great confidence! AMEN!
Shalom in Him!
Proverbs 11:2:
2 When swelling and pride come, then emptiness and shame come also, but with the humble (those who have been pruned and chiseled by trial, and renounce self) are skillful and godly Wisdom and soundness.
The word "pride" here is the Hebrew word "zadown", which means: arrogance, pride, insolence, presumptuousness. Insolence means to be boldly rude; contemptuously impertinent or insulting in behavior or speech. Impertinent means exceeding the limits of propriety or good manners; improperly forward or bold. This is so very evident in our world today when people who don't understand the Word of God at all are so boldly irreverent when it comes to the things of God! Don't become one who is filled with pride and self-importance. Realize that every good thing about you and your life came from the One, True God of the Bible and you will operate in the skillful and Godly Wisdom that come only from His presence! Be the wise one in your sphere of influence and you'll be a TRUE light to them!
I notices something in a new way from John 21 today! Verses 15-17:
15 When they had eaten, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these [with reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion, as one loves the Father]? He said to Him, Yes, Lord, You know that I love You [that I have deep, instinctive, personal affection for You, as for a close friend]. He said to him, Feed My lambs. 16 Again He {Jesus} said to him the second time, Simon, son of John, do you love Me [with reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion, as one loves the Father]? He said to Him, Yes, Lord, You know that I love You [that I have a deep, instinctive, personal affection for You, as for a close friend]. He said to him, Shepherd (tend) My sheep. 17 He said to him the third time, Simon, son of John, do you love Me [with a deep, instinctive, personal affection for Me, as for a close friend]? Peter was grieved (was saddened and hurt) that he should ask him the third time, Do you love Me" And he said to Him, Lord, You know everything; you know that I love You [that I have a deep, instinctive, personal affection for You, as for a close friend]. Jesus said to him, Feed My sheep.
We know that there are two different Greek words for love used here: agape (the God-kind of love that involves an unselfish decision to put the other person first) and phileo (affectionate friendship). Pete also knew what these words meant! They were not using the English word love! Peter was well aware of what Jesus was asking him! The truly telling thing is that, though in the past Peter would have said, "Of course I (agape) you Lord! In fact, I would lay down my life for you!", here he has humbled himself to speak the TRUTH! He knew that Jesus wasn't fooled by words, but that Jesus knew every single thing about him! THIS is a much changed Simon Peter! He was born again and had humbled himself before the One, True God! NOW God could truly use him mightily, and He did! AMEN! Here is Hillsong's "It's Your Love":
In 2 Samuel 9-10 David asks about Jonathan's descendants because of his promise to Jonathan that he would take care of them. He found out about Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth and verse 13 of chapter 9 says this:
13 So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem, for he ate continually at the king's table, [even though] he was lame in both feet.
You have to go back to 2 Samuel 5:8 to understand what a sacrifice this really was for David.
8 David said on that day, Whoever smites the Jebusites, let him get up through the water shaft and smite the lame and the blind who are detested by David's soul. so they say, The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.
That's why the Amplified Bible adds [even though] to 2 Samuel 9:13. David honored his covenant with Jonathan, EVEN THOUGH it made him uncomfortable to do so! Do YOU get out of your "comfort zone" in order to keep YOUR word? When YOUR word is important to you, you will have a greater understanding of how important it is for God to confirm HIS Word! THAT brings great confidence! AMEN!
Shalom in Him!
Friday, June 10, 2011
Shalom,
Proverbs 10:6-7:
6 Blessings are upon the head of the [uncompromisingly] righteous (the upright, in right standing with God) but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. 7 The memory of the [uncompromisingly] righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked shall rot.
As you can see from the Amplified Bible verses above, the righteous are those who have received Jesus of Nazareth as Lord and personal Saviour! We are in right standing with the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible, through the precious blood of Jesus! We walk in the Blessing. Verse 7 says that even the memory of our lives is a blessing to those who remember us! But the lives of the wicked are not only sad and pitiful while they live, but even the very memory of them "stinks"! Look at these verses in the Message Bible:
6 Blessings accrue on a good and honest life, but the mouth of the wicked is a dark cave of abuse. 7 A good and honest life is a blessed memorial; a wicked life leaves a rotten stench.
Many times you can tell an unbeliever by the words of their mouth. It is truly sad when a believer sounds just like the world! Obey James 1:19 so that when you DO speak, you speak as the oracles of God (1 Peter 4:11)!
In John 20 Mary finds the empty tomb and tells Peter and "the other disciple", whom we know to be John. Look ate verse 8:
8 Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, went it too; and he saw and was convinced and believed.
What did he see that convinced him and caused him to believe? Look at verses 5-6:
5 And stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but did not enter. 6 Then Simon Peter came up, following him, and went into the tomb and saw the linen cloths lying there;
What was so remarkable about what they saw? Do you remember that it said in chapter 19 that Joseph of Arimathaea and Nicodemus brought 100 pounds of burial spices and wrapped the body of Jesus in the burial cloths with the spices "as the manner of the Jews is to bury"? If you read about Jewish burial customs of the time, you will see that they would wind linen strips of cloth around and around the body, from the feet up. These strips had been covered with liquid spices, 100 pounds of them, that would harden to form a type of cocoon. THAT is what these men saw when they arrived at the empty tomb! The grave clothes had not been cut, but were laying just as they had been left, when the body of Jesus was supernaturally resurrected! Meditate on that for awhile! GLORY TO GOD! Here are two pictures of what may be the empty tomb:
In 2 Samuel 7:22-24 David is speaking to the One, True God about the nation of Israel:
22 Therefore You are great, O LORD God; for none is like You, nor is there any God besides You, according to all [You have made] our ears to hear. 23 What [other] one nation is there like Your people Israel, whom God went to redeem to be a people for Himself and to make for Himself a name? You have done great and terrible things for Yourself and for Your land, before Your people, whom You redeemed and delivered for Yourself from Egypt, from the nations and their gods. 24 And You have established for Yourself Your people Israel to be Your people forever, and You, LORD, became their God.
Remember that the "gifts and calling of God are without repentance" (Romans 11:29)! He called Israel to be His people, and He called the Church of Jesus of Nazareth to be His people, too! See Romans 9:24-26. The Jewish people never stopped being God's people! Soon and very soon Jesus Himself will APPEAR for the Church! Then we will rise and meet Him in the air! That will commence the final 7 years of Jewish History, where the Word of God says that all Israel shall be saved! See Romans 11:25-26. We are living in THE most exciting time to be alive on the earth! Make sure that you are being a blessing to ALL of God's chosen people! continue to pray for the peace and prosperity of the nation of Israel and the city of Jerusalem!
Shalom in Him!
Proverbs 10:6-7:
6 Blessings are upon the head of the [uncompromisingly] righteous (the upright, in right standing with God) but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. 7 The memory of the [uncompromisingly] righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked shall rot.
As you can see from the Amplified Bible verses above, the righteous are those who have received Jesus of Nazareth as Lord and personal Saviour! We are in right standing with the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible, through the precious blood of Jesus! We walk in the Blessing. Verse 7 says that even the memory of our lives is a blessing to those who remember us! But the lives of the wicked are not only sad and pitiful while they live, but even the very memory of them "stinks"! Look at these verses in the Message Bible:
6 Blessings accrue on a good and honest life, but the mouth of the wicked is a dark cave of abuse. 7 A good and honest life is a blessed memorial; a wicked life leaves a rotten stench.
Many times you can tell an unbeliever by the words of their mouth. It is truly sad when a believer sounds just like the world! Obey James 1:19 so that when you DO speak, you speak as the oracles of God (1 Peter 4:11)!
In John 20 Mary finds the empty tomb and tells Peter and "the other disciple", whom we know to be John. Look ate verse 8:
8 Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, went it too; and he saw and was convinced and believed.
What did he see that convinced him and caused him to believe? Look at verses 5-6:
5 And stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but did not enter. 6 Then Simon Peter came up, following him, and went into the tomb and saw the linen cloths lying there;
What was so remarkable about what they saw? Do you remember that it said in chapter 19 that Joseph of Arimathaea and Nicodemus brought 100 pounds of burial spices and wrapped the body of Jesus in the burial cloths with the spices "as the manner of the Jews is to bury"? If you read about Jewish burial customs of the time, you will see that they would wind linen strips of cloth around and around the body, from the feet up. These strips had been covered with liquid spices, 100 pounds of them, that would harden to form a type of cocoon. THAT is what these men saw when they arrived at the empty tomb! The grave clothes had not been cut, but were laying just as they had been left, when the body of Jesus was supernaturally resurrected! Meditate on that for awhile! GLORY TO GOD! Here are two pictures of what may be the empty tomb:
A diagram of the inside of the tomb.
He is not here for He is RISEN!
In 2 Samuel 7:22-24 David is speaking to the One, True God about the nation of Israel:
22 Therefore You are great, O LORD God; for none is like You, nor is there any God besides You, according to all [You have made] our ears to hear. 23 What [other] one nation is there like Your people Israel, whom God went to redeem to be a people for Himself and to make for Himself a name? You have done great and terrible things for Yourself and for Your land, before Your people, whom You redeemed and delivered for Yourself from Egypt, from the nations and their gods. 24 And You have established for Yourself Your people Israel to be Your people forever, and You, LORD, became their God.
Remember that the "gifts and calling of God are without repentance" (Romans 11:29)! He called Israel to be His people, and He called the Church of Jesus of Nazareth to be His people, too! See Romans 9:24-26. The Jewish people never stopped being God's people! Soon and very soon Jesus Himself will APPEAR for the Church! Then we will rise and meet Him in the air! That will commence the final 7 years of Jewish History, where the Word of God says that all Israel shall be saved! See Romans 11:25-26. We are living in THE most exciting time to be alive on the earth! Make sure that you are being a blessing to ALL of God's chosen people! continue to pray for the peace and prosperity of the nation of Israel and the city of Jerusalem!
Shalom in Him!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Shalom,
Proverbs 9:10-11:
10 The reverent and worshipful fear of the LORD is the beginning (the chief and choice part) of Wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight and understanding. 11 For by me [Wisdom from God] your days shall be multiplied, and the years of your life shall be increased.
In order for a person to even begin to operate in godly Wisdom, there must be a reverent and worshipful fear (awe, respect and reverence) of the Lord! We see this in Psalm 11:10, Proverbs 1:7 and here! Do you get the idea that our attitude in the presence of God is vitally important to our well-being in this life? The promised reward is to lead a long and prosperous life! That sounds like a win-win situation to me!
John 19:1-3:
SO THEN Pilate took Jesus and scourge (flogged, whipped) Him. 2 And the soldiers, having twisted together a crown of thorns, put it on His head, and threw a purple cloak around Him. 3 And they kept coming to Him and saying, Hail, King of the Jews! [Good health to you! Peace to you! Long life to you, King of the Jews!] And they struck Him with the palms of their hands.
Pilate was the one who sent Jesus to be scourged. Why would he do that, and then say this? Verse 4:
4 Then Pilate went out again and said to them, See, I bring Him out to you, so that you may know that I find no fault (crime, cause for accusation) in Him.
So do you think he ALWAYS scourged someone that he found no fault in? Verse 5 says this:
5 So Jesus came out wearing the thorny crown and purple cloak, and Pilate said to them, See, [here is] the Man!
I have posted this before, but you may not have seen it! Here is a picture of the actual type of thorns that were used in this. Not your everyday tiny thorn from a rose!
So if there was no fault in Him, why did Pilate allow them to do this to Jesus, and then send Him to be crucified? It was ALL part of God's glorious plan for OUR salvation! Thank YOU, Jesus! Listen to this song from Hillsong United called "You Saw Me" and pay special attention to the lyrics!
His blood washed over me, once for all, then washes over me continually (1 John 1:7) as I confess sin (1 John 1:9)! Thank You, again, Jesus!
In 2 Samuel 5-6 we see David reigning as King over ALL of Israel and Judah! Do you know what is really interesting about all of this? Look at 2 Samuel 5:4-5:
4 David was thirty years old when he began his forty-year reign. 5 In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months, and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty-three years over all Israel and Judah.
David was just a young boy when Samuel anointed him to be the next king (1 Samuel 16)! He was thirty-seven when he began to reign over all of Israel! How long have YOU stood on God's Word for something you haven't seen yet? Don't EVER give up or quit! God's timing is ALWAYS best! He is rarely early, but He is NEVER late! AMEN!
Shalom in Him!
Proverbs 9:10-11:
10 The reverent and worshipful fear of the LORD is the beginning (the chief and choice part) of Wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight and understanding. 11 For by me [Wisdom from God] your days shall be multiplied, and the years of your life shall be increased.
In order for a person to even begin to operate in godly Wisdom, there must be a reverent and worshipful fear (awe, respect and reverence) of the Lord! We see this in Psalm 11:10, Proverbs 1:7 and here! Do you get the idea that our attitude in the presence of God is vitally important to our well-being in this life? The promised reward is to lead a long and prosperous life! That sounds like a win-win situation to me!
John 19:1-3:
SO THEN Pilate took Jesus and scourge (flogged, whipped) Him. 2 And the soldiers, having twisted together a crown of thorns, put it on His head, and threw a purple cloak around Him. 3 And they kept coming to Him and saying, Hail, King of the Jews! [Good health to you! Peace to you! Long life to you, King of the Jews!] And they struck Him with the palms of their hands.
Pilate was the one who sent Jesus to be scourged. Why would he do that, and then say this? Verse 4:
4 Then Pilate went out again and said to them, See, I bring Him out to you, so that you may know that I find no fault (crime, cause for accusation) in Him.
So do you think he ALWAYS scourged someone that he found no fault in? Verse 5 says this:
5 So Jesus came out wearing the thorny crown and purple cloak, and Pilate said to them, See, [here is] the Man!
I have posted this before, but you may not have seen it! Here is a picture of the actual type of thorns that were used in this. Not your everyday tiny thorn from a rose!
So if there was no fault in Him, why did Pilate allow them to do this to Jesus, and then send Him to be crucified? It was ALL part of God's glorious plan for OUR salvation! Thank YOU, Jesus! Listen to this song from Hillsong United called "You Saw Me" and pay special attention to the lyrics!
His blood washed over me, once for all, then washes over me continually (1 John 1:7) as I confess sin (1 John 1:9)! Thank You, again, Jesus!
In 2 Samuel 5-6 we see David reigning as King over ALL of Israel and Judah! Do you know what is really interesting about all of this? Look at 2 Samuel 5:4-5:
4 David was thirty years old when he began his forty-year reign. 5 In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months, and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty-three years over all Israel and Judah.
David was just a young boy when Samuel anointed him to be the next king (1 Samuel 16)! He was thirty-seven when he began to reign over all of Israel! How long have YOU stood on God's Word for something you haven't seen yet? Don't EVER give up or quit! God's timing is ALWAYS best! He is rarely early, but He is NEVER late! AMEN!
Shalom in Him!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Shalom,
Proverbs 8:1-3:
1 DOES NOT skillful and godly Wisdom cry out, and understanding raise her voice? 2 On the top of the heights beside the way, where the paths meet, stands Wisdom [skillful and godly]. 3 At the gates at the entrance of the town, at the coming in at the doors, she cries out:
We all know just how loud the voice of the world has become! But according to the Word of God, which IS Truth (John 17:17), Wisdom is LOUDER! The problem is that there is always a CHOICE! Which voice will we listen to today? Verses 8-11:
8 All the words of my mouth are righteous (upright and in right standing with God); there is nothing contrary to truth or crooked in them. 9 They are plain to him who understands [and opens his heart], and right to those who find knowledge [and live by it]. 10 Receive my instruction in preference to [striving for] silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold, 11 For skillful and godly Wisdom is better than rubies or pearls, and all things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
Wisdom is plain to those who CHOOSE to open their hearts to it! Need Wisdom? Ask HIM to make it plain to you. You can be assured that He will (James 1:5)!
John 18:36-37:
36 Jesus answered, My kingdom (kingship, royal power) belongs not to this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My followers would have been fighting to keep Me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, My kingdom is not from here (this world); [it has no such origin or source]. 37 Pilate said to Him, Then You are a King? Jesus answered, You say it! [You speak correctly!] For I am a King, [Certainly I am a King!] This is why I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the Truth. Everyone who is of the Truth [who is a friend of the Truth, who belongs to the Truth] hears and listens to My voice.
Jesus declared exactly Who He was to Pilate! In verse 38 Pilate asks the right question: "What is Truth"?, but then he leaves without waiting for the Answer! It takes time in the presence of God to hear and understand the answers to the questions we have. TAKE the time! Then pray for those whom you minster to that their hearts and minds will be open to the Truth. As we saw in the Proverb above, the voice of Wisdom is loud, but the choice must be made to really listen in order for the understanding to come!
Here are some pictures of the remains of the house of Caiaphas from our Israel trip. This is where Jesus was taken first.
2 Samuel 3:9-10:
9 May God do so to Abner, and more also, if I do not do for David what the LORD has sworn to him, 10 To transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and set the throne of David over ISrael and Judah from Dan to Beersheba.
My question is this: If Abner knew, and this shows that he did, that the LORD had ordained David as King of all Israel, why did he not support David from the beginning? If he had, maybe he would not have lost his life in such a manner? We will never know that, but it seems logical to me! Don't just follow God's plans when it suits you! Get in line with HIS will from the beginning and walk in the blessings that obedience brings! AMEN!
Shalom in Him!
Proverbs 8:1-3:
1 DOES NOT skillful and godly Wisdom cry out, and understanding raise her voice? 2 On the top of the heights beside the way, where the paths meet, stands Wisdom [skillful and godly]. 3 At the gates at the entrance of the town, at the coming in at the doors, she cries out:
We all know just how loud the voice of the world has become! But according to the Word of God, which IS Truth (John 17:17), Wisdom is LOUDER! The problem is that there is always a CHOICE! Which voice will we listen to today? Verses 8-11:
8 All the words of my mouth are righteous (upright and in right standing with God); there is nothing contrary to truth or crooked in them. 9 They are plain to him who understands [and opens his heart], and right to those who find knowledge [and live by it]. 10 Receive my instruction in preference to [striving for] silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold, 11 For skillful and godly Wisdom is better than rubies or pearls, and all things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
Wisdom is plain to those who CHOOSE to open their hearts to it! Need Wisdom? Ask HIM to make it plain to you. You can be assured that He will (James 1:5)!
John 18:36-37:
36 Jesus answered, My kingdom (kingship, royal power) belongs not to this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My followers would have been fighting to keep Me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, My kingdom is not from here (this world); [it has no such origin or source]. 37 Pilate said to Him, Then You are a King? Jesus answered, You say it! [You speak correctly!] For I am a King, [Certainly I am a King!] This is why I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the Truth. Everyone who is of the Truth [who is a friend of the Truth, who belongs to the Truth] hears and listens to My voice.
Jesus declared exactly Who He was to Pilate! In verse 38 Pilate asks the right question: "What is Truth"?, but then he leaves without waiting for the Answer! It takes time in the presence of God to hear and understand the answers to the questions we have. TAKE the time! Then pray for those whom you minster to that their hearts and minds will be open to the Truth. As we saw in the Proverb above, the voice of Wisdom is loud, but the choice must be made to really listen in order for the understanding to come!
Here are some pictures of the remains of the house of Caiaphas from our Israel trip. This is where Jesus was taken first.
The top of the hole where Jesus would have been lowered into a pit.
The hole from inside of the pit.
One of the holding areas in the lower parts of the house.
2 Samuel 3:9-10:
9 May God do so to Abner, and more also, if I do not do for David what the LORD has sworn to him, 10 To transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and set the throne of David over ISrael and Judah from Dan to Beersheba.
My question is this: If Abner knew, and this shows that he did, that the LORD had ordained David as King of all Israel, why did he not support David from the beginning? If he had, maybe he would not have lost his life in such a manner? We will never know that, but it seems logical to me! Don't just follow God's plans when it suits you! Get in line with HIS will from the beginning and walk in the blessings that obedience brings! AMEN!
Shalom in Him!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Shalom,
Proverbs 7:1-2:
1 MY SON, keep My words; lay up within you My commandments [for use when needed] and treasure them. 2 Keep My commandments and live, and keep My law and teaching as the apple (the pupil) of your eye.
I really like the Amplified Bible for these verses! We are to get the Word of God inside of us "for use when needed"! We are promised that the Holy Spirit will bring to our remembrance the Word of God that we have heard (John 14:26). We are also told to hide the Word in our hearts to keep us from sin (Psalm 119:11). Then there is the promise that if we abide in Him AND His Word abides in us, we can ask what WE WILL, and it WILL be done for us (John 15:7)! Treat the Word of God as your MOST precious possession, because IT IS!
John 17:17 continues the emphasis on the Word of God:
17 Sanctify them [purify, consecrate, separate them for Yourself, make them holy] by the Truth; Your Word is Truth.
"Sanctify" is the Greek word "hagiazoo" which means: to separate from the world and separate unto God. It is the Word of God that does this work! LOVE the Word and the Word will produce good things in abundance in your life! Here is an older song by Hillsong called "Everyday":
In 2 Samuel 1:19 David is lamenting the death of Saul and his sons:
19 Your glory, O Israel, is slain upon the high places. How have the mighty fallen!
So there was Saul who was taller than all the people (1 Samuel 9:2) and had exalted his own importance by going against the Word of God on several occasions, fallen down in death. Then we have David who, though he made, and would continue to make, many mistakes, humbled himself under the mighty hand of God and God exalted him! It PAYS to do things God's way and He really DOES know best! AMEN! Let's be like David instead of like Saul - the results are far better!
Shalom in Him!
Proverbs 7:1-2:
1 MY SON, keep My words; lay up within you My commandments [for use when needed] and treasure them. 2 Keep My commandments and live, and keep My law and teaching as the apple (the pupil) of your eye.
I really like the Amplified Bible for these verses! We are to get the Word of God inside of us "for use when needed"! We are promised that the Holy Spirit will bring to our remembrance the Word of God that we have heard (John 14:26). We are also told to hide the Word in our hearts to keep us from sin (Psalm 119:11). Then there is the promise that if we abide in Him AND His Word abides in us, we can ask what WE WILL, and it WILL be done for us (John 15:7)! Treat the Word of God as your MOST precious possession, because IT IS!
John 17:17 continues the emphasis on the Word of God:
17 Sanctify them [purify, consecrate, separate them for Yourself, make them holy] by the Truth; Your Word is Truth.
"Sanctify" is the Greek word "hagiazoo" which means: to separate from the world and separate unto God. It is the Word of God that does this work! LOVE the Word and the Word will produce good things in abundance in your life! Here is an older song by Hillsong called "Everyday":
In 2 Samuel 1:19 David is lamenting the death of Saul and his sons:
19 Your glory, O Israel, is slain upon the high places. How have the mighty fallen!
So there was Saul who was taller than all the people (1 Samuel 9:2) and had exalted his own importance by going against the Word of God on several occasions, fallen down in death. Then we have David who, though he made, and would continue to make, many mistakes, humbled himself under the mighty hand of God and God exalted him! It PAYS to do things God's way and He really DOES know best! AMEN! Let's be like David instead of like Saul - the results are far better!
Shalom in Him!
Monday, June 6, 2011
Shalom,
Proverbs 6 begins by warning against taking on responsibility for another person's debts. Verse 2 warns us about making promises and getting entangled in commitments of this kind. Verse 3 instructs that IF we have gotten involved in this, go QUICKLY to the person involved and get this situation resolved! Today I want to look at verses 4-11:
4 Give not [unnecessary sleep to your eyes, nor slumber to your eyelids; 5 Deliver yourself, as a roe or gazelle from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler. 6 Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider her ways and be wise! -- 7 Which, having no chief, overseer, or ruler, 8 Provides her food in the summer and gathers her supplies in the harvest. 9 How long will you sleep, O sluggard? When will you arise out of your sleep? 10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to lie down and sleep -- 11 So will your poverty come like a robber or one who travels [with slowly but surely approaching steps] and your want like an armed man [making you helpless].
These verses can, and should, be applied to getting out of the situations described in the first 3 verses. But they can, and should, also be applied to ANY and EVERY situation we find ourselves facing! DON'T be lax in acting on the Word of God, whether it be for healing in your body, prosperity for your finances, restoration of your relationships, or any other area! Listen to the Spirit of God and obey the Word of God - NOW! Don't keep putting off something that you KNOW you should be doing NOW! Deliverance for every area of life has ALREADY been provided by the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible, through the death,burial and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth! Now the responsibility for making it real in OUR lives falls on US! Make the wise choice and DON'T delay! When do YOU want to be delivered of the "frogs"? I hope it's today!
John 6:12-15:
12 I have still many things to say to you, but you are not able to bear them or to take them upon you or to grasp them now. 13 But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future]. 14 He will honor and glorify Me, because He will take of (receive, draw upon) what is Mine and will reveal (declare, disclose, transmit) it to you. 15 Everything that the Father has is Mine. That is what I meant when I said that He [the Spirit] will take the things that are Mine and will reveal (declare, disclose, transmit) it to you.
The disciples were not able to receive all of the things that Jesus wanted to tell them at that time. Why is that? 1 Corinthians 2:14 tells us why.
14 But the natural man receives 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 disciples did not yet have the Holy Spirit living in them. At the New Birth, the Holy Spirit comes to INDWELL the believer. HE is the One Who teaches us the Word of God! Receiving the INFILLING of the Holy Spirit, and STAYING filled, causes us to be more sensitive to His voice and understand the Word of God even better. The Amplified Bible makes this verse even clearer:
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.
The believer, especially the Spirit-filled believer, has full control over how much of the Word of God we know and can act on! Isaiah 55:9 says that His ways and His thoughts are higher than ours, and they are. BUT, we CAN know them, IF we want to! What is YOUR choice? Here is "I'm Not Ashamed" by Hillsong:
1 Chronicles 8-10 lists more of the genealogies of the Tribes of Israel. These differ from some of the others. Sometimes "sons" refers to sons AND "grandsons". I have never been led to do an in-depth study on this. I take my cue from 1 Timothy 2:4, and will continue to do so unless the Holy Spirit directs me otherwise. But one thing I make sure to do, even though it can be time-consuming, is to read EVERY name. I may never know who they are, but GOD does, and each and every one is important to Him! Having just watched the movie "Schindler's List" again, this is more real to me than ever! Every single name on THAT list was VERY important to the people ON it! I am so glad that MY name is written FOREVER in the Lamb's Book of Life! That is the most important list of all! Amen!
Shalom in Him!
Proverbs 6 begins by warning against taking on responsibility for another person's debts. Verse 2 warns us about making promises and getting entangled in commitments of this kind. Verse 3 instructs that IF we have gotten involved in this, go QUICKLY to the person involved and get this situation resolved! Today I want to look at verses 4-11:
4 Give not [unnecessary sleep to your eyes, nor slumber to your eyelids; 5 Deliver yourself, as a roe or gazelle from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler. 6 Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider her ways and be wise! -- 7 Which, having no chief, overseer, or ruler, 8 Provides her food in the summer and gathers her supplies in the harvest. 9 How long will you sleep, O sluggard? When will you arise out of your sleep? 10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to lie down and sleep -- 11 So will your poverty come like a robber or one who travels [with slowly but surely approaching steps] and your want like an armed man [making you helpless].
These verses can, and should, be applied to getting out of the situations described in the first 3 verses. But they can, and should, also be applied to ANY and EVERY situation we find ourselves facing! DON'T be lax in acting on the Word of God, whether it be for healing in your body, prosperity for your finances, restoration of your relationships, or any other area! Listen to the Spirit of God and obey the Word of God - NOW! Don't keep putting off something that you KNOW you should be doing NOW! Deliverance for every area of life has ALREADY been provided by the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible, through the death,burial and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth! Now the responsibility for making it real in OUR lives falls on US! Make the wise choice and DON'T delay! When do YOU want to be delivered of the "frogs"? I hope it's today!
John 6:12-15:
12 I have still many things to say to you, but you are not able to bear them or to take them upon you or to grasp them now. 13 But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future]. 14 He will honor and glorify Me, because He will take of (receive, draw upon) what is Mine and will reveal (declare, disclose, transmit) it to you. 15 Everything that the Father has is Mine. That is what I meant when I said that He [the Spirit] will take the things that are Mine and will reveal (declare, disclose, transmit) it to you.
The disciples were not able to receive all of the things that Jesus wanted to tell them at that time. Why is that? 1 Corinthians 2:14 tells us why.
14 But the natural man receives 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 disciples did not yet have the Holy Spirit living in them. At the New Birth, the Holy Spirit comes to INDWELL the believer. HE is the One Who teaches us the Word of God! Receiving the INFILLING of the Holy Spirit, and STAYING filled, causes us to be more sensitive to His voice and understand the Word of God even better. The Amplified Bible makes this verse even clearer:
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.
The believer, especially the Spirit-filled believer, has full control over how much of the Word of God we know and can act on! Isaiah 55:9 says that His ways and His thoughts are higher than ours, and they are. BUT, we CAN know them, IF we want to! What is YOUR choice? Here is "I'm Not Ashamed" by Hillsong:
1 Chronicles 8-10 lists more of the genealogies of the Tribes of Israel. These differ from some of the others. Sometimes "sons" refers to sons AND "grandsons". I have never been led to do an in-depth study on this. I take my cue from 1 Timothy 2:4, and will continue to do so unless the Holy Spirit directs me otherwise. But one thing I make sure to do, even though it can be time-consuming, is to read EVERY name. I may never know who they are, but GOD does, and each and every one is important to Him! Having just watched the movie "Schindler's List" again, this is more real to me than ever! Every single name on THAT list was VERY important to the people ON it! I am so glad that MY name is written FOREVER in the Lamb's Book of Life! That is the most important list of all! Amen!
Shalom in Him!
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Shalom,
We have looked at Proverbs 5 a few times. We know that it warns against adultery, both on the natural level (marriages) and the spiritual (placing another person, place or thing in the place that should be reserved for HIM alone), but I learned something new today! Word studies have always intrigued me because learning a new, or more correct, or additional, meaning can, and should, make the Word of God come alive and have even more depth for us. Verses 1-2:
MY SON, be attentive to my Wisdom [godly Wisdom learned by actual and costly experience], and incline your ear to my understanding [of what is becoming and prudent for you], 2 That you may exercise proper discrimination and discretion and your lips may guard and keep knowledge and the wise answer [to temptation].
First of all, the word "son" is the Hebrew word "ben", which usually refers to a male offspring, but can also mean child (of either sex). When it comes to the Word of God and Wisdom, I would look at it as both! Then in verse 2 the KJV says "regard discretion". The word "regard" is the Hebrew word "samar", which usually means: keep, guard, give heed, to have charge of, to protect, to watch for, to keep within bounds, to be on one's guard, to beware. The word "descretion" is the Hebrew word "mezimmah", which means: a plan (usually evil), device, invention, mischievous device, a plot. Paying attention to the Word of God's Wisdom will keep us in position to RECOGNIZE evil when it comes! Remember that we HAVE an enemy who walks around AS a lion, seeking WHOM he may devour (1 Peter 5:8)! That means he cannot devour whomever HE wants! He can only have access to those who allow him, by their choices! Hide the Word in YOUR heart, so that you won't get trapped by the enemy! We ARE NOT ignorant of his devices (2 Corinthians 2:11)! We DO have to pay attention, though, so we don't get caught off guard!
I really love spending time in the Gospel of John! There is so much more there than we will ever understand this side of Heaven! Today we will look at John 15:16:
16 You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed you [I have planted you], that you might go and bear fruit and keep on bearing, and that your fruit may be lasting [that it may remain, abide], so that whatever you ask the Father in My Name [as presenting all that I AM], He may give it to you.
You may think that I would speak about the last part, but the part that really ministers to me today is the amplified part of "I have appointed you". The KJV says "ordained". This is the Greek word "tithemi", which means: to place, to put, to establish. The Amplified Bible (above) says "I have planted you". I LOVE that! He (Jesus) saved us, then He planted us here on the earth, instead of just taking us to Heaven, so that we can bring in MORE believers to the Kingdom! He is believing for a "bumper crop" (2 Peter 3:9) and so am I! How about you? Here is "Lord of Lords" by Hillsong United - just because I like it!
Reading 1 Chronicles 5-7 today made something abundantly clear to me! God has a plan and a purpose for EVERY person! He KNOWS those who belong to Him, and He keeps excellent records! He knows every minute detail of your life and has a definite and so very unique plan for you! Make sure you spend the quality time necessary in His presence so that you can find out YOUR plan and get with His program! You'll be so glad you did!
Shalom in Him!
We have looked at Proverbs 5 a few times. We know that it warns against adultery, both on the natural level (marriages) and the spiritual (placing another person, place or thing in the place that should be reserved for HIM alone), but I learned something new today! Word studies have always intrigued me because learning a new, or more correct, or additional, meaning can, and should, make the Word of God come alive and have even more depth for us. Verses 1-2:
MY SON, be attentive to my Wisdom [godly Wisdom learned by actual and costly experience], and incline your ear to my understanding [of what is becoming and prudent for you], 2 That you may exercise proper discrimination and discretion and your lips may guard and keep knowledge and the wise answer [to temptation].
First of all, the word "son" is the Hebrew word "ben", which usually refers to a male offspring, but can also mean child (of either sex). When it comes to the Word of God and Wisdom, I would look at it as both! Then in verse 2 the KJV says "regard discretion". The word "regard" is the Hebrew word "samar", which usually means: keep, guard, give heed, to have charge of, to protect, to watch for, to keep within bounds, to be on one's guard, to beware. The word "descretion" is the Hebrew word "mezimmah", which means: a plan (usually evil), device, invention, mischievous device, a plot. Paying attention to the Word of God's Wisdom will keep us in position to RECOGNIZE evil when it comes! Remember that we HAVE an enemy who walks around AS a lion, seeking WHOM he may devour (1 Peter 5:8)! That means he cannot devour whomever HE wants! He can only have access to those who allow him, by their choices! Hide the Word in YOUR heart, so that you won't get trapped by the enemy! We ARE NOT ignorant of his devices (2 Corinthians 2:11)! We DO have to pay attention, though, so we don't get caught off guard!
I really love spending time in the Gospel of John! There is so much more there than we will ever understand this side of Heaven! Today we will look at John 15:16:
16 You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed you [I have planted you], that you might go and bear fruit and keep on bearing, and that your fruit may be lasting [that it may remain, abide], so that whatever you ask the Father in My Name [as presenting all that I AM], He may give it to you.
You may think that I would speak about the last part, but the part that really ministers to me today is the amplified part of "I have appointed you". The KJV says "ordained". This is the Greek word "tithemi", which means: to place, to put, to establish. The Amplified Bible (above) says "I have planted you". I LOVE that! He (Jesus) saved us, then He planted us here on the earth, instead of just taking us to Heaven, so that we can bring in MORE believers to the Kingdom! He is believing for a "bumper crop" (2 Peter 3:9) and so am I! How about you? Here is "Lord of Lords" by Hillsong United - just because I like it!
Reading 1 Chronicles 5-7 today made something abundantly clear to me! God has a plan and a purpose for EVERY person! He KNOWS those who belong to Him, and He keeps excellent records! He knows every minute detail of your life and has a definite and so very unique plan for you! Make sure you spend the quality time necessary in His presence so that you can find out YOUR plan and get with His program! You'll be so glad you did!
Shalom in Him!
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Shalom,
Proverbs 4 continues to encourage us to go hard after Wisdom! Verse 7-8:
7 The beginning of Wisdom is: get Wisdom (skillful and godly Wisdom)! [For skillful and godly Wisdom is the principal thing.] And with all you have gotten, get understanding (discernment, comprehension, and interpretation). 8 Prize Wisdom highly and exalt her, and she will exalt and promote you; she will bring you to honor when you embrace her.
To even BEGIN to be a wise person, we must first of all recognize the vital importance of the Word of God! That's why w see this in verses 20-22:
20 My son, attend to my words; consent and submit to my sayings. 21 Let them not depart from your sight; keep them in the center of your heart. 22 For they are life to those who find them, healing and health to all their flesh.
To attend to something means that we are going to pay attention to it! It WILL BE the focus of our time, energy, and resources! The results will be walking in an abundance of health and healing, and every other good thing that God has promised! AMEN!
In John 14, Jesus is telling His disciples what their life will be like shortly! They didn't understand at the time what He was talking about. Eventually, they did! He told them of two very important blessings that they would receive, once He had completed His work! Verses 26-27:
26 But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My Name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you. 27 Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled].
We received the Holy Spirit the very moment we were born again! He is the one that made us a New Creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)! He works a GOOD work in us (Philippians 1:6) as long as we live on this earth! He "endues us with power from on high" (Luke 24:49) when we ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit! Then Jesus said that He would give us HIS peace! BELIEVE it, RECEIVE it, and ACT ON IT! AMEN! We should NEVER have a down day again for the rest of our natural, earth-bound lives! Receive from the Comforter and appropriate the Peace! AMEN! Here is a song from Hillsong Chapel called "This Is Our God".
It's no wonder David couldn't control his children, even Solomon when he was older! He had TOO MANY WIVES! God allowed it, but it was NOT His perfect will! Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 19:8! His original plan was 1 MAN and 1 WOMAN! PERIOD!!! No law passed by ANY state can change THAT! GOD has spoken on the subject already and in Him there is "no shadow of turning" (James 1:17)! God's plan is simple , let's stick with it!
Shalom in Him!
Proverbs 4 continues to encourage us to go hard after Wisdom! Verse 7-8:
7 The beginning of Wisdom is: get Wisdom (skillful and godly Wisdom)! [For skillful and godly Wisdom is the principal thing.] And with all you have gotten, get understanding (discernment, comprehension, and interpretation). 8 Prize Wisdom highly and exalt her, and she will exalt and promote you; she will bring you to honor when you embrace her.
To even BEGIN to be a wise person, we must first of all recognize the vital importance of the Word of God! That's why w see this in verses 20-22:
20 My son, attend to my words; consent and submit to my sayings. 21 Let them not depart from your sight; keep them in the center of your heart. 22 For they are life to those who find them, healing and health to all their flesh.
To attend to something means that we are going to pay attention to it! It WILL BE the focus of our time, energy, and resources! The results will be walking in an abundance of health and healing, and every other good thing that God has promised! AMEN!
In John 14, Jesus is telling His disciples what their life will be like shortly! They didn't understand at the time what He was talking about. Eventually, they did! He told them of two very important blessings that they would receive, once He had completed His work! Verses 26-27:
26 But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My Name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you. 27 Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled].
We received the Holy Spirit the very moment we were born again! He is the one that made us a New Creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)! He works a GOOD work in us (Philippians 1:6) as long as we live on this earth! He "endues us with power from on high" (Luke 24:49) when we ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit! Then Jesus said that He would give us HIS peace! BELIEVE it, RECEIVE it, and ACT ON IT! AMEN! We should NEVER have a down day again for the rest of our natural, earth-bound lives! Receive from the Comforter and appropriate the Peace! AMEN! Here is a song from Hillsong Chapel called "This Is Our God".
It's no wonder David couldn't control his children, even Solomon when he was older! He had TOO MANY WIVES! God allowed it, but it was NOT His perfect will! Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 19:8! His original plan was 1 MAN and 1 WOMAN! PERIOD!!! No law passed by ANY state can change THAT! GOD has spoken on the subject already and in Him there is "no shadow of turning" (James 1:17)! God's plan is simple , let's stick with it!
Shalom in Him!
Friday, June 3, 2011
Shalom,
Do you need favor with your boss, direction for you life, health for your body? If so, you can find how to get all of those things in Proverbs 3:3-8:
3 Let not mercy and kindness and Truth (God's Word IS Truth! John 17:17) forsake you; bind them about your neck, write them upon the tablet of your heart. 4 So shall you find favor, good understanding, and high esteem in the sight [or judgment] of God and man. 5 lean on, trust in, and be confident in the LORD with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. 6 In ALL (emphasis mine!) your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and he will direct and make straight and plain your paths. 7 Be not wise in your own eyes; reverently fear and worship the LORD and turn [entirely] away from evil. 8 It shall be health to your nerves and sinews, and marrow and moistening to your bones.
THESE promises were given to Old Testament believers, who lived and operated under the Old Covenant! We have a New Covenant, based on even BETTER promises than these (Hebrews 8:6)! Put this Word into practice and watch your life begin to change right before your eyes! He ALWAYS confirms His Word when it is spoken out and obeyed by His people! HALLELUJAH!
Jesus gave these instructions to His disciples in John 13:34-35:
34 I give you an new commandment: that you should love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you should love on another. 35 By this shall all [men] know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.
The "love" Jesus is speaking of here is the Greek word "agapao". This is what Vine's Expository Dictionary says:
In respect of agapao as used of God, it expresses the deep and constant "love" and interest of a perfect Being towards entirely unworthy objects, producing and fostering a reverential "love" in them towards the Giver, and a practical "love" towards those who are partakers of the same, and a desire to help others to seek the Giver.
Christian love, whether exercised toward the brethren, or toward men generally, is not an impulse from the feelings, it does not always run with the natural inclinations, nor does it spend itself only upon those for whom some affinity is discovered. Love seeks the welfare of all, Rom 15:2, and works no ill to any, 13:8,9,10; love seeks opportunity to do good to 'all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith,' Gal 6:10.
Do you need favor with your boss, direction for you life, health for your body? If so, you can find how to get all of those things in Proverbs 3:3-8:
3 Let not mercy and kindness and Truth (God's Word IS Truth! John 17:17) forsake you; bind them about your neck, write them upon the tablet of your heart. 4 So shall you find favor, good understanding, and high esteem in the sight [or judgment] of God and man. 5 lean on, trust in, and be confident in the LORD with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. 6 In ALL (emphasis mine!) your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and he will direct and make straight and plain your paths. 7 Be not wise in your own eyes; reverently fear and worship the LORD and turn [entirely] away from evil. 8 It shall be health to your nerves and sinews, and marrow and moistening to your bones.
THESE promises were given to Old Testament believers, who lived and operated under the Old Covenant! We have a New Covenant, based on even BETTER promises than these (Hebrews 8:6)! Put this Word into practice and watch your life begin to change right before your eyes! He ALWAYS confirms His Word when it is spoken out and obeyed by His people! HALLELUJAH!
Jesus gave these instructions to His disciples in John 13:34-35:
34 I give you an new commandment: that you should love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you should love on another. 35 By this shall all [men] know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.
The "love" Jesus is speaking of here is the Greek word "agapao". This is what Vine's Expository Dictionary says:
In respect of agapao as used of God, it expresses the deep and constant "love" and interest of a perfect Being towards entirely unworthy objects, producing and fostering a reverential "love" in them towards the Giver, and a practical "love" towards those who are partakers of the same, and a desire to help others to seek the Giver.
Christian love, whether exercised toward the brethren, or toward men generally, is not an impulse from the feelings, it does not always run with the natural inclinations, nor does it spend itself only upon those for whom some affinity is discovered. Love seeks the welfare of all, Rom 15:2, and works no ill to any, 13:8,9,10; love seeks opportunity to do good to 'all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith,' Gal 6:10.
This LOVE is a CHOICE! God so greatly LOVED and dearly prized the world that he GAVE! That is what this love will do! We will give of our time, energy and resources, to HIM first of all, then, as the Holy Spirit directs, to others! This doesn't always mean acting or speaking "nice and sweet"! Sometimes it means speaking the Truth bluntly, but ALWAYS motivated by the desire to help someone and not to hurt them! Remember, as you decide what YOU are going to do with verse 34, LOVE never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8)! Here is a song by Hillsong United called "Like An Avalanche" that speaks about HIS Grace and Love!
The genealogy in 1 Chronicles 1-2 shows that, though ALL mankind originated from Adam, we ALL also originated from Noah! That was the official "restart" of the human race! Seeing it all listed here also helps us to understand that every people group originally had access to the Truth of God's Word! The world is really without excuse! Our "commission" is to remind them about the One, True God and His eternal plan! THAT'S Good News! Preach it!
Shalom in Him
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Shalom,
Yesterday we saw in Proverbs 1 that to walk in the reverential fear (awe, reverence and respect) of the LORD is what is required to even begin to walk in Wisdom! Proverbs 2 tells that we will understand this fear of the Lord WHEN we put the Word of God as our #1 priority! The first 4 verses (Amplified Bible) tell us what we are to do with the Word:
Yesterday we saw in Proverbs 1 that to walk in the reverential fear (awe, reverence and respect) of the LORD is what is required to even begin to walk in Wisdom! Proverbs 2 tells that we will understand this fear of the Lord WHEN we put the Word of God as our #1 priority! The first 4 verses (Amplified Bible) tell us what we are to do with the Word:
- Receive
- Treasure up
- Pay attention to
- Incline heart and mind to understand
- Seek as for silver
- Search for as for treasure
The reason we must do these things is because God will not just drop Wisdom into our lives! Verses 6-7:
6 For the LORD gives skillful and godly Wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. 7 He hides away sound and godly Wisdom and stores it for the righteous (those upright and in right standing with Him); He is a shield to those who walk uprightly and in integrity
Notice that He hides away the Wisdom FOR us! It is hidden FROM the enemy and FOR us to search out! And the Holy Spirit lives IN us to teach us these things and to bring them to our remembrance whenever needed (John 14:26)! We are of ALL people, MOST BLESSED! I don't know about you, but I wouldn't have wanted to live at any other time in the history of this world! Not even during the time of Jesus' earthly ministry! Why? Because they were not able to understand the Word of God yet! John 12:16:
16 His disciples did not understand and could not comprehend the meaning of these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified and exalted, they remembered that these things had been written about Him and had been done to Him.
I believe that WE are now living in the MOST exciting time in God's plan for mankind! We have the Word of God and the Holy Spirit as our Teacher! Treat His Word as vital for your life and you will be ready for ANYTHING that happens!
I have always liked these verses in 1 Samuel 30:24-25:
24 Who would listen to you in this matter? For as is the share of him who goes into the battle, so shall his share be who stays with the baggage. they shall share alike. 25 And from that day to this he made it a statute and ordinance in Israel.
God calls each of us to a different and unique calling, and none of our callings is more important than someone else's! We have ministry partners who go and preach the Gospel all over the world! Our responsibility is to "stay and pray and pay"! Without them we cannot "Go into all the world", and without US, they can go nowhere! We each have to find God's plan for OUR lives and then support one another completely! That way, everything and everyone is covered! Sounds like GOD to me!
In 1 Samuel 31 we see the death of Saul and his sons. The enemies hung their bodies on the wall at Beth-shan, but the valiant men came and took them down. When we were in Israel last year, we visited the ruins of Beth-shan and saw the now grass-covered sport where this wall once stood. Here is a picture of it:
The grassy area in the background is where the old wall is. This is called a "Tel" and there are many, many of these all over Israel!
If you ever get an opportunity to visit Israel, DO IT! You will appreciate the Word of God even more!
Shalom in Him!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Shalom,
Proverbs 1:7:
7 The reverent and worshipful fear of the LORD is the beginning and the principal and choice part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]; but fools despise skillful and godly Wisdom, instruction, and discipline.
If you have ever wondered why some people just don't "get it" when it comes to even common sense things, this verse is the answer! Those who refuse to acknowledge God and His Word as final authority in their lives have absolutely no hope of operating in Wisdom and intelligence! It is a losing battle to try to reason with people in that position! Our only recourse then is to pray for them and preach the Gospel! It is only when people acknowledge the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible that they can even BEGIN to grow in knowledge and understanding!
In John 11 we read of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. If those who walked with Jesus really had faith in Him, they would have been able to believe the words that He spoke in verse 4:
4 When Jesus received the message, He said, This sickness is not to end in death; but [on the contrary] it is to honor God and to promote His glory, that the Son of God may be glorified through (by) it.
Instead, they doubted! Why? Because they were not yet born again! They were not yet able to comprehend because the Word of God is spiritually discerned and they were still dead spirits! Once they were born again, the Holy Spirit brought all of these things back to their remembrance and they understood what Jesus had been telling them! As YOU meditate God's Word, allow the Holy Spirit to show YOU how the Word applies to your own personal life. THAT is how you can make YOUR way prosperous and have GOOD success (Joshua 1:8)!
Reading in 1 Samuel should convince you that though David was a man "after God's heart", he was as liable to make dumb, sinful decisions as any other person! Instead of operating in faith that God would deliver him, he went to live among the Philistines again! This ALMOST brought him to a place of having to go to battle against the very people he was supposed to be the King of! God saved him from this by using the Philistine army to object to his going with them. Thank God for every time He delivered YOU from a dumb decision and renew YOUR commitment to go after HIM! Here is a map of the places we read about in 1 Samuel, including Endor, where Saul consulted with a medium. It also outlines some of the places we will be reading about in the next days.
Shalom in Him!
Proverbs 1:7:
7 The reverent and worshipful fear of the LORD is the beginning and the principal and choice part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]; but fools despise skillful and godly Wisdom, instruction, and discipline.
If you have ever wondered why some people just don't "get it" when it comes to even common sense things, this verse is the answer! Those who refuse to acknowledge God and His Word as final authority in their lives have absolutely no hope of operating in Wisdom and intelligence! It is a losing battle to try to reason with people in that position! Our only recourse then is to pray for them and preach the Gospel! It is only when people acknowledge the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible that they can even BEGIN to grow in knowledge and understanding!
In John 11 we read of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. If those who walked with Jesus really had faith in Him, they would have been able to believe the words that He spoke in verse 4:
4 When Jesus received the message, He said, This sickness is not to end in death; but [on the contrary] it is to honor God and to promote His glory, that the Son of God may be glorified through (by) it.
Instead, they doubted! Why? Because they were not yet born again! They were not yet able to comprehend because the Word of God is spiritually discerned and they were still dead spirits! Once they were born again, the Holy Spirit brought all of these things back to their remembrance and they understood what Jesus had been telling them! As YOU meditate God's Word, allow the Holy Spirit to show YOU how the Word applies to your own personal life. THAT is how you can make YOUR way prosperous and have GOOD success (Joshua 1:8)!
Reading in 1 Samuel should convince you that though David was a man "after God's heart", he was as liable to make dumb, sinful decisions as any other person! Instead of operating in faith that God would deliver him, he went to live among the Philistines again! This ALMOST brought him to a place of having to go to battle against the very people he was supposed to be the King of! God saved him from this by using the Philistine army to object to his going with them. Thank God for every time He delivered YOU from a dumb decision and renew YOUR commitment to go after HIM! Here is a map of the places we read about in 1 Samuel, including Endor, where Saul consulted with a medium. It also outlines some of the places we will be reading about in the next days.
Shalom in Him!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Shalom,
Psalm 150 is an entire Psalm devoted to praise! It gives us a summary of some essentials for worship:
1a PRAISE THE LORD! 6b Praise the LORD! (Hallelujah!)
The phrase "praise the Lord" is actually the Greek words "Hallelu Yah", or our English word, "Hallelujah!" We know what "halal" means: to be clamorously foolish in praise to Him! "Yah" is the Covenant Name for God. It can also be "Yahweh". Thats is a GREAT way to begin and end a Psalm of praise!
Here is the song "Let Everything That Has Breath" from Hillsong Music:
John 10:17-18:
17 For this [reason] the Father loves Me, because I lay down My [own] life -- to take it back again. 18 No one takes it away from Me. On the contrary, I lay it down voluntarily, [I put it from Myself] I am authorized and have power to lay it down (to resign it) and I am authorized and have power to take it back again. These are the instructions (orders) which I have received [as My charge] from My Father.
The Father GAVE His only Son and the Son GAVE Himself! Why? For the JOY that was set before Him (Hebrews 12:2)! THAT is US! Thank YOU, Jesus! Celebrate that today! He did it all on purpose and He did it all for YOU! GLORY TO GOD!
1 Samuel 27:1:
1 BUT DAVID said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than that I should escape into the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will despair of seeking me any more within the borders of Israel, and I shall escape out of his hand.
Remember the last time you got discouraged, were tempted to give up, lost faith or something like that? Well, it has happened to the best of us, including David, who was a man after God's heart! That means that when he missed it, he would eventually repent and then get right back going AFTER GOD! Now YOU go and do likewise! NEVER allow yourself to stay down and discouraged! God has promised you things in His Word that you need to remind yourself of on a daily basis, so that you can keep encouraging yourself and continuing to grow!
Shalom in Him!
Psalm 150 is an entire Psalm devoted to praise! It gives us a summary of some essentials for worship:
- The focus of worship: The LORD! (Verses 1a, 6b)
- The places of worship: Heaven and earth! (Verse 1b)
- The themes of worship: God's Acts and Attributes! (Verse 2)
- The The means of worship: Musical instruments and human voices! (Verses 3-6)
1a PRAISE THE LORD! 6b Praise the LORD! (Hallelujah!)
The phrase "praise the Lord" is actually the Greek words "Hallelu Yah", or our English word, "Hallelujah!" We know what "halal" means: to be clamorously foolish in praise to Him! "Yah" is the Covenant Name for God. It can also be "Yahweh". Thats is a GREAT way to begin and end a Psalm of praise!
Here is the song "Let Everything That Has Breath" from Hillsong Music:
John 10:17-18:
17 For this [reason] the Father loves Me, because I lay down My [own] life -- to take it back again. 18 No one takes it away from Me. On the contrary, I lay it down voluntarily, [I put it from Myself] I am authorized and have power to lay it down (to resign it) and I am authorized and have power to take it back again. These are the instructions (orders) which I have received [as My charge] from My Father.
The Father GAVE His only Son and the Son GAVE Himself! Why? For the JOY that was set before Him (Hebrews 12:2)! THAT is US! Thank YOU, Jesus! Celebrate that today! He did it all on purpose and He did it all for YOU! GLORY TO GOD!
1 Samuel 27:1:
1 BUT DAVID said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than that I should escape into the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will despair of seeking me any more within the borders of Israel, and I shall escape out of his hand.
Remember the last time you got discouraged, were tempted to give up, lost faith or something like that? Well, it has happened to the best of us, including David, who was a man after God's heart! That means that when he missed it, he would eventually repent and then get right back going AFTER GOD! Now YOU go and do likewise! NEVER allow yourself to stay down and discouraged! God has promised you things in His Word that you need to remind yourself of on a daily basis, so that you can keep encouraging yourself and continuing to grow!
Shalom in Him!
Monday, May 30, 2011
Shalom,
Psalm 149 is another psalm that could be used as an instruction manual on praise and worship! In this Psalm we see how to:
Psalm 149 is another psalm that could be used as an instruction manual on praise and worship! In this Psalm we see how to:
- Worship the LORD intelligently -- Verses 1-2.
- Worship the LORD fervently -- Verses 3-4.
- Worship the LORD gratefully -- Verse 5.
- Worship the LORD triumphantly -- Verses 6-9.
And then I found this in the Bible Exposition Commentary: Old Testament:
Everything that God's people do in serving and glorifying the Lord must flow out of worship, for without Him we can do nothing (John 15:5). The most important activity of the local church is the worship of God, for this is the activity we will continue in heaven for all eternity. This psalm is a primer on worship and gives us the basic instructions we need. Here is the song "Search My Heart" from the Aftermath CD by Hillsong United. Without HIM, I am NOTHING! Thank GOD I am NEVER without Him! AMEN!
In John 9 we read about the healing of the man who was born blind. The disciples wanted to know WHY the man was born blind. Jesus had a more important statement to make! Remember that there was NO punctuation in the original languages. The translators added these to try and make it more readable. Allow the Holy Spirit to show you some Truth by taking some of that away! Try reading it like this:
3 Jesus answered, It was not that this man or his parents sinned, but he was born blind. In order that the workings of God should be manifested (displayed and illustrated) in him, I must work the works of Him Who sent Me and be busy with His business while it is daylight.
Do you see how that would make these verses so much clearer? I LOVE the Word of God AND being taught by the Spirit of God!
The saying "Behind every great man is a great woman" may not be entirely true, and isn't found in the Bible, but it was certainly true of David in the situation with Nabal! Abigail's intervention saved David and his men from the results of taking vengeance for themselves! Remember that the Word of God says that vengeance belongs to God (Deuteronomy 32:35; Psalm 94:1; and Romans 12:19)! We need to take care of OUR business, and let GOD take care of HIS! AMEN!
Shalom in Him!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Shalom,
We've mentioned before that in Psalm 148 we find the word "praise" 13 times in 14 verses! In all but one of these it is the Hebrew word "halal", which we should know by now means: to shine, to show, to boast, to be clamorously foolish, to rave, to celebrate, to stultify (to appear to be foolish or ridiculous or absurd), to act like a madman! This Psalm says that all of His creation praise Him this way, including all of the hosts of Heaven! How can we do any less? Jesus said in Luke 19:40 that if WE don't praise Him, the stones will cry out! I don't know about you, but there is no way in this world that I want to be outdone by a rock when it comes to praise and worship! He ALONE is worthy!
In John 8 Jesus continues to share the Word of Truth with as many as would listen to Him. John 8:27-29:
27 They did not perceive (know and understand) that He was speaking to them about the Father. 28 So Jesus added, When you have lifted up the Son of Man [on the cross], you will realize (know, understand) that I am He [for Whom you look] and that I do nothing of Myself (of My own accord or on My own authority), but I say [exactly] what My Father has taught me. 29 And He Who sent Me is ever with Me; My Father has not left Me alone, for I always do what pleases Him. 30 As He said these things, many believed in Him [trusted, relied on, and adhered to Him].
They heard and believed! Then the understanding came! Jesus went on to say in verses 31-32:
31 So Jesus saids to those Jews who had believed in Him, If you abide in My word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them], you are truly My disciples. 32 And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free.
It is NOT the Truth that sets us free! It is KNOWING the Truth that sets each individual person free! How well do YOU know His Word? It is time to take stock and be responsible for our lives! The results we are living with now are a direct result of what we did previously! Start today to make it YOUR determined purpose, just like Paul, to KNOW HIM! Amen!
1 Samuel 22 begins with David escaping to the Cave of Adullam. Bill Novak, the Pastor of The Spoken Word Church, has done an excellent teaching on David and the Cave of Adullam, and how it pertains to believers in Jesus of Nazareth. Contact us through the Church website to find out how to receive that teaching! Here is a picture from Israel of what MAY have been the cave that David hid:
Then we see that David went into a stronghold for protection. Some scholars believe that it was Masada, which was about 30 miles from the cave. Here is a picture of Masada so you can see just what a great stronghold it would be:
Even though he was in a safe place, the prophet Gad had other instructions for him. Verse 5:
5 The the prophet Gad said to David, Do not remain in the stronghold; leave, and get into the land of Judah. So David left and went into the forest of Hareth.
The LORD continued to show Himself strong in protecting David from everything that Saul tried to do to him! I believe that by NOT hiding out in a stronghold, David was able to realize the protection of God so that he could operate in faith and not fear as he faced other situations as king! Be BOLD and be STRONG for the LORD YOUR God is with YOU! AMEN!
Shalom in Him!
We've mentioned before that in Psalm 148 we find the word "praise" 13 times in 14 verses! In all but one of these it is the Hebrew word "halal", which we should know by now means: to shine, to show, to boast, to be clamorously foolish, to rave, to celebrate, to stultify (to appear to be foolish or ridiculous or absurd), to act like a madman! This Psalm says that all of His creation praise Him this way, including all of the hosts of Heaven! How can we do any less? Jesus said in Luke 19:40 that if WE don't praise Him, the stones will cry out! I don't know about you, but there is no way in this world that I want to be outdone by a rock when it comes to praise and worship! He ALONE is worthy!
In John 8 Jesus continues to share the Word of Truth with as many as would listen to Him. John 8:27-29:
27 They did not perceive (know and understand) that He was speaking to them about the Father. 28 So Jesus added, When you have lifted up the Son of Man [on the cross], you will realize (know, understand) that I am He [for Whom you look] and that I do nothing of Myself (of My own accord or on My own authority), but I say [exactly] what My Father has taught me. 29 And He Who sent Me is ever with Me; My Father has not left Me alone, for I always do what pleases Him. 30 As He said these things, many believed in Him [trusted, relied on, and adhered to Him].
They heard and believed! Then the understanding came! Jesus went on to say in verses 31-32:
31 So Jesus saids to those Jews who had believed in Him, If you abide in My word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them], you are truly My disciples. 32 And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free.
It is NOT the Truth that sets us free! It is KNOWING the Truth that sets each individual person free! How well do YOU know His Word? It is time to take stock and be responsible for our lives! The results we are living with now are a direct result of what we did previously! Start today to make it YOUR determined purpose, just like Paul, to KNOW HIM! Amen!
1 Samuel 22 begins with David escaping to the Cave of Adullam. Bill Novak, the Pastor of The Spoken Word Church, has done an excellent teaching on David and the Cave of Adullam, and how it pertains to believers in Jesus of Nazareth. Contact us through the Church website to find out how to receive that teaching! Here is a picture from Israel of what MAY have been the cave that David hid:
Then we see that David went into a stronghold for protection. Some scholars believe that it was Masada, which was about 30 miles from the cave. Here is a picture of Masada so you can see just what a great stronghold it would be:
Even though he was in a safe place, the prophet Gad had other instructions for him. Verse 5:
5 The the prophet Gad said to David, Do not remain in the stronghold; leave, and get into the land of Judah. So David left and went into the forest of Hareth.
The LORD continued to show Himself strong in protecting David from everything that Saul tried to do to him! I believe that by NOT hiding out in a stronghold, David was able to realize the protection of God so that he could operate in faith and not fear as he faced other situations as king! Be BOLD and be STRONG for the LORD YOUR God is with YOU! AMEN!
Shalom in Him!
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Shalom,
Do YOU want to be pleasing to the LORD? Here's how in Psalm 147:11:
11 The LORD takes pleasure in those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy and loving-kindness.
It brings Him pleasure when we walk in the "fear of the LORD", which means reverence and respect; being aware and in awe of His presence IN us as believers! One of the reasons He does is because of what THAT attitude does for US! Psalm 111: 10:
10 The reverent fear and worship of the LORD is the beginning of Wisdom and skill [the preceding and the first essential, the prerequisite and the alphabet]; a good understanding, wisdom, and meaning have all those who do [the will of the LORD]. Their praise of Him endures forever.
And we saw in Psalm 147:1 that it is a GOOD thing to give thanks unto the LORD! There were two songs I wanted to use with this Psalm, but I couldn't find a good video of either! One was "It IS HE" by Lamb (featuring Joel Chernoff). The other was "The LORD Is Building Up Jerusalem" by Hosanna Music. Here is a video, but without lyrics, of the second song. And, of course, the WORDS are in your Bible! AMEN!
In John 7:5 we see this:
5 For [even] His brothers did not believe in or adhere to or trust in or rely on Him either.
People are so moved by the natural senses! The problem with basing everything on the senses is that when something is no longer in front of us, we WILL forget! After all of the signs, wonders, miracles, healing, deliverances, casting out devils, and leaving the religious leaders speechless, even His own brothers still did not believe! What would it take? 1 Corinthians 2:14 tells us that the Word of God must be spiritually discerned! For real understanding to come, the disciples had to be born again, with the Holy Spirit living in them as Teacher! They finally believed on Him when He actually went through the Crucifixion and Resurrection, and they saw Him again, face to face! THEN they received the Holy Spirit and were born again! At the Day of Pentecost they were FILLED with the Holy Spirit and were even better able to understand the Word! Even with all of that, without diligence to feed on the Word of God on a daily basis, you and I will NOT be able to know and understand the Word enough to be DOERS of it! How much is it worth to YOU? I can only answer that for myself!
In 1 Samuel 20-21 we find David and Jonathan parting after making a covenant together. For those who put King David on a spiritual pedestal as someone to emulate, we see today and the next few chapters some of the deadly mistakes he made! The mistake of going to Ahimelech for help, instead of relying on God, cost the lives of the priests! And then he lied to him! Of course we know that he repented and got back into fellowship, which is what we all must do, everyday! But there has never been a perfect believer except Jesus Himself! Don't get down on yourself for YOUR mistakes! But DO stop them and confess the sin and get right back in fellowship again! Take THAT example from David and do it! AMEN!
Shalom in Him!
Do YOU want to be pleasing to the LORD? Here's how in Psalm 147:11:
11 The LORD takes pleasure in those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy and loving-kindness.
It brings Him pleasure when we walk in the "fear of the LORD", which means reverence and respect; being aware and in awe of His presence IN us as believers! One of the reasons He does is because of what THAT attitude does for US! Psalm 111: 10:
10 The reverent fear and worship of the LORD is the beginning of Wisdom and skill [the preceding and the first essential, the prerequisite and the alphabet]; a good understanding, wisdom, and meaning have all those who do [the will of the LORD]. Their praise of Him endures forever.
And we saw in Psalm 147:1 that it is a GOOD thing to give thanks unto the LORD! There were two songs I wanted to use with this Psalm, but I couldn't find a good video of either! One was "It IS HE" by Lamb (featuring Joel Chernoff). The other was "The LORD Is Building Up Jerusalem" by Hosanna Music. Here is a video, but without lyrics, of the second song. And, of course, the WORDS are in your Bible! AMEN!
In John 7:5 we see this:
5 For [even] His brothers did not believe in or adhere to or trust in or rely on Him either.
People are so moved by the natural senses! The problem with basing everything on the senses is that when something is no longer in front of us, we WILL forget! After all of the signs, wonders, miracles, healing, deliverances, casting out devils, and leaving the religious leaders speechless, even His own brothers still did not believe! What would it take? 1 Corinthians 2:14 tells us that the Word of God must be spiritually discerned! For real understanding to come, the disciples had to be born again, with the Holy Spirit living in them as Teacher! They finally believed on Him when He actually went through the Crucifixion and Resurrection, and they saw Him again, face to face! THEN they received the Holy Spirit and were born again! At the Day of Pentecost they were FILLED with the Holy Spirit and were even better able to understand the Word! Even with all of that, without diligence to feed on the Word of God on a daily basis, you and I will NOT be able to know and understand the Word enough to be DOERS of it! How much is it worth to YOU? I can only answer that for myself!
In 1 Samuel 20-21 we find David and Jonathan parting after making a covenant together. For those who put King David on a spiritual pedestal as someone to emulate, we see today and the next few chapters some of the deadly mistakes he made! The mistake of going to Ahimelech for help, instead of relying on God, cost the lives of the priests! And then he lied to him! Of course we know that he repented and got back into fellowship, which is what we all must do, everyday! But there has never been a perfect believer except Jesus Himself! Don't get down on yourself for YOUR mistakes! But DO stop them and confess the sin and get right back in fellowship again! Take THAT example from David and do it! AMEN!
Shalom in Him!
Friday, May 27, 2011
Shalom,
Psalm 146 is the first of the five "Hallelujah Psalms" that finish the Book of Psalms. Hallelujah comes for the Hebrew word "halal" which we have looked at many times and means: to shine, to boast, to, to be clamorously foolish over, to celebrate. Verse 10 says it all!
10 The LORD shall reign forever, even Your God, O Zion, from generation to generation. Praise the LORD! (Hallelujah!)
HE reigns on this earth when WE take His Word, His Name, and the authority HE has given us and preach the Good News of the Gospel, heal the sick, cast out devils and set the captives free! And, just as in the time that Jesus ministered, some will want and accept the Good News, and others won't! Don't spend a lot of time contemplating the ones who won't! Pray for other laborers across their path and move on! The fields are ripe and we ARE the ones to reap this Harvest before He returns!
In John 6 we see Jesus continuing to minister around the Sea of Galilee. It is also known as Lake Tiberias, Lake of Gennesaret, or Kinneret. We visited this area on our Israel tour and here are a few pictures of it today.
Yesterday we referred to verse 63:
63 It is the Spirit Who gives life [He is the Life-giver]; the flesh conveys no benefit whatever [there is no profit in it]. The words (truths) that I have been speaking to you are spirit and life.
The Word of God, when received and acted on, will produce LIFE in any and every situation! It did when Jesus spoke it during His earthly ministry, and it does now when believers in Jesus of Nazareth speak it out! God Himself confirms His Word (Mark 16:20)! It takes time to get the Word of God IN us in abundance so that we can speak it out in faith! Be a DOER of Joshua 1:8 and John 15:7 and you, too, can speak the Word and see it confirmed right before your eyes!
1 Samuel 18-19 reveal the progress of Saul's jealousy toward David. If Saul had followed the LORD with his whole heart, he wouldn't have lost the kingdom. Observing the way each handled these situations gives a very good lesson in the proper attitude to have, and why! Proverbs 27:21, in the Complete Jewish Bible, says this:
21 The crucible [tests] silver, and the furnace [tests] gold, but a person [is tested] by [his reaction to] praise.
Saul had always eaten up the praises of the people. In fact, he must have lived on it! When David began to receive more praise than Saul, jealousy entered in and Saul's downfall was rapid! The KJV says Saul was "wroth". This is the Hebrew word "charah", which means: to be hot, to be furious, to burn, to become angry, to heat oneself in vexation, to blaze up. Saul had ceased caring about pleasing and obeying the One, True God and was only concerned for himself. Make sure that you seek approval from God alone and you will never have a jealousy problem again!
Shalom in Him!
Psalm 146 is the first of the five "Hallelujah Psalms" that finish the Book of Psalms. Hallelujah comes for the Hebrew word "halal" which we have looked at many times and means: to shine, to boast, to, to be clamorously foolish over, to celebrate. Verse 10 says it all!
10 The LORD shall reign forever, even Your God, O Zion, from generation to generation. Praise the LORD! (Hallelujah!)
HE reigns on this earth when WE take His Word, His Name, and the authority HE has given us and preach the Good News of the Gospel, heal the sick, cast out devils and set the captives free! And, just as in the time that Jesus ministered, some will want and accept the Good News, and others won't! Don't spend a lot of time contemplating the ones who won't! Pray for other laborers across their path and move on! The fields are ripe and we ARE the ones to reap this Harvest before He returns!
In John 6 we see Jesus continuing to minister around the Sea of Galilee. It is also known as Lake Tiberias, Lake of Gennesaret, or Kinneret. We visited this area on our Israel tour and here are a few pictures of it today.
Yesterday we referred to verse 63:
63 It is the Spirit Who gives life [He is the Life-giver]; the flesh conveys no benefit whatever [there is no profit in it]. The words (truths) that I have been speaking to you are spirit and life.
The Word of God, when received and acted on, will produce LIFE in any and every situation! It did when Jesus spoke it during His earthly ministry, and it does now when believers in Jesus of Nazareth speak it out! God Himself confirms His Word (Mark 16:20)! It takes time to get the Word of God IN us in abundance so that we can speak it out in faith! Be a DOER of Joshua 1:8 and John 15:7 and you, too, can speak the Word and see it confirmed right before your eyes!
1 Samuel 18-19 reveal the progress of Saul's jealousy toward David. If Saul had followed the LORD with his whole heart, he wouldn't have lost the kingdom. Observing the way each handled these situations gives a very good lesson in the proper attitude to have, and why! Proverbs 27:21, in the Complete Jewish Bible, says this:
21 The crucible [tests] silver, and the furnace [tests] gold, but a person [is tested] by [his reaction to] praise.
Saul had always eaten up the praises of the people. In fact, he must have lived on it! When David began to receive more praise than Saul, jealousy entered in and Saul's downfall was rapid! The KJV says Saul was "wroth". This is the Hebrew word "charah", which means: to be hot, to be furious, to burn, to become angry, to heat oneself in vexation, to blaze up. Saul had ceased caring about pleasing and obeying the One, True God and was only concerned for himself. Make sure that you seek approval from God alone and you will never have a jealousy problem again!
Shalom in Him!
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