Shalom,


Psalm 121:1-2 is the perfect answer for anyone wanting to know what hope we have in this country!


1 I WILL lift up my eyes to the hills [around Jerusalem, to sacred Mount Zion and Mount Moriah] -- From whence shall my help come? 2 My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.


In the Old Covenant the presence of the LORD was found in Jerusalem, on the Temple Mount, within the Temple, in the Holy of Holies, where ONLY the High Priest could go! NOW, in our New Covenant, which was sealed by the blood of Jesus of Nazareth, we come boldly into His presence AND His presence is within US (born again believers)! Keep praying for this country AND keep spending time in intimate fellowship with the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible! He has promised to show us things to come (John 16:13)! AMEN! Then remember verses 7-8:


7 The LORD will keep you from all evil; He will keep your life. 8 The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.


The word "keep" is the Hebrew word, "shamar", which means: to protect, to guard, to watch over, to save, to preserve. BUT, He can only do so for those who stay in fellowship with Him and will stand on His Word in faith! Everything promised in the Word of God must be received by faith, which is trust and confidence in Him and His Word! Remember what faith is (Hebrews 11:1); where faith comes from (Romans 10:17);  what faith does (Romans 4:17); and how faith works (Galatians 5:6). AMEN!


2 John 1 is all about the Truth! The word truth is found 4 times in the first 4 verses.


1 THE ELDERLY elder [of the church addresses this letter] to the elect (chosen) lady (Cyria) and her children whom I truly love -- and not only I but also all who are [progressively] learning to recognize and know and understand the Truth. 2 Because of the Truth, which lives and stays on in our hearts and will be with us forever: 3 Grace (spiritual blessing), mercy, and [soul] peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ (the Messiah), the Father's Son, in all sincerity (truth) and love. 4 I was greatly delighted to find some of your children walking (living) in [the] Truth, just as we have been commanded by the Father [Himself].


This word "truth" is the Greek word, "aletheia", which means:  the veritable essence of a matter, truth is all its fullness and scope, of which HE is the perfect expression of truth! We know from John 17:17 that HIS WORD is Truth! So they are really talking about people who know and trust the Word of God! The Word of God is the very foundation of our lives and contains everything we will ever need to know to be wise and successful! KNOW IT!


Ezekiel 9-10 shows the carrying out of the judgement against the nation. BUT, there is ALWAYS a remnant that God preserves for His use! Ezekiel 9:3b-5:


3b And [the Lord] called to the man clothed in linen, who had the writer's ink bottle at his side. 4 And the LORD said to him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations that are committed in the midst of it.


There's the remnant! In OUR day, that's us! Stay steady and strong in the Word, in praise and worship, in fellowship with like-minded believers and in prayer and YOU, TOO will be protected and provided for - NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS ON THIS EARTH! 


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Psalm 120:5-7:


5 Woe is me that I sojourn with Meshech, that I dwell beside the tents of Kedar [as if among notoriously barbarous people]! 6 My life has too long had its dwelling with him who hates peace. 7 I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.


In ancient times Meshach was located to the northwest of Israel and Kedar to the southeast. The psalmist  could not have been speaking of a physical place because he could not have lived in both places at one time! He was referring to the Jewish people who were behaving like the people from these heathen nations who had no covenant with the One, True God! It grieved him to have to live among them! We face the same type of thing today when we have to live and work among believers who do not know the Word of God and do not want to live out the Word! It is very trying to always hear people attribute the works of darkness as "Acts of God" do to their ignorance of God's Word AND of the Covenant! It is also very trying to live in this country among people who don't WANT to hear about how to have peace with God through the Blood of Jesus of Nazareth! What to do? Continue to LIVE the Word in the presence of these people knowing that the time is coming, soon and very soon, when we will hear the trumpet sound and rise to meet HIM in the air! In the meantime, every opportunity to share the Good News, whether they want to hear it or not, should be taken advantage of with excitement and enthusiasm! THEY are running OUT of time while WE are running headlong into eternity with HIM! HALLELUJAH!


Do you want to know how to tell if someone is born again? 1 John 5:1a:


1 EVERYONE WHO believes (adheres to, trusts, and relies on the fact) that Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah) is a born-again child of God;


The question is: What does a person believe concerning Jesus of Nazareth? THEN, if they DO believe, what have they done with that belief! Verses 11-13 explain it even further! This is the Message Bible:


11 This is the testimony in essence: God gave us eternal life; the life is in His Son. 12 So, whoever has the Son, has life; whoever rejects the Son, rejects life. 13 My purpose in writing is simply this: that you who believe in God's Son will know beyond the shadow of a doubt that you have eternal life, the reality and not the illusion.


Isn't that exciting! He spells it out so clearly that we can be rid of all doubt! I AM born again! How about you? 


Then in verses 14-15 we have the "key" for getting our prayers answered! 


14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.


That is one of the most powerful Truths about prayer that you should  know! If what we need/want is according to His will, which is revealed in His Word, then we know we will have it for the asking! Once we've asked, then we need to stand strong in our believing, expecting to see the manifestation at any moment! Now ACT like you believe you HAVE it! 


In Ezekiel 7-8 God is telling Ezekiel more of what will come upon the nation of Israel because of their disobedience and  unbelief! In chapter 8 God reveals to Ezekiel some of the things being done by the religious leaders in secret, and it wasn't pretty! We see continually that the nation of Israel would fall into idolatry, God would warn them of judgment, they would not listen, the judgment would come, they would cry out to God and then He would deliver them. Then the cycle would repeat itself - over and over and over! WE sometimes get into judgment over the way THEY acted and fail to see that the devil was in an all out war against them because he KNOWS that there is something special to God about the nation of Israel! Remember that the devil is not dumb! The only stupid thing about him is that he still REALLY believes that he can beat the One, True God! What can WE take away from Ezekiel? I found THIS in the Bible Exposition Commentary:



When people lose their fear of God, they do as they please and don't worry about the consequences.

Does that NOT sound just like what is going on in our country AND all over the world right now? The  unbelievers of the world do NOT really believe that there will be a price to pay for their rebelling against the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible AND His Word! What do WE do? Continue to pray for our leaders, pray to the Lord of the Harvest for laborers, preach the Good News wherever and whenever we can, and keep looking up! OUR Redemption draws VERY near! Soon and VERY soon! Come quickly, LORD JESUS! AMEN!

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Psalm 119:96;


96 I have seen that everything [human] has its limits and end [no matter how extensive, noble, and excellent]; but Your commandment is exceedingly broad and extends without limits [into eternity].


This reminds me of the song from the Hillsong Beautiful Exchange CD: Like Fire. One verse says: "To all creation I can see a limit, but Your commands are boundless and have none". We will eventually reach the end of our natural human, strength, wisdom and ability. THAT is when HIS supernatural strength and abilities SHINE! COUNT ON IT!!! Verse 99:


99 I have better understanding and deeper insight than all my teachers, because Your testimonies are  my meditation.


Re-read Joshua 1:8 and you will see that this is true! Now DO IT! Verse 114:


114 You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word.


In these days we live in, when everything seems to be chaos, go back to this verse and remind yourself of this over and over again! The Word of God is our place of total refuge, protection, provision and safety! Verse 135:


135 Make Your face shine [with pleasure] upon Your servant, and teach me Your statutes.


He is so very pleased when we WANT to know Him and His Word! WHEN we ask, HE will teach us! AMEN! Verse 160:


160 The sum of Your Word is Truth [the total of the full meaning of all Your individual precepts]; and every one of Your righteous decrees endures forever.


John 17:17 tells us that the Word IS Truth! Make His Word your final authority regarding anything and everything in your life. The result will be a life beyond compare here and many, many rewards in the next life! Hallelujah!


1 John 4:2-3:


2 By this you may know (perceive and recognize) the Spirit of God: every spirit which acknowledges and confesses [the fact] that Jesus Christ (the Messiah) [actually] has become a man and has come in the flesh is of God [has God for its source]; 3 And every spirit which does not acknowledge and confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh [but would annul, destroy, sever, disunite Him] is not of God [does not proceed from Him]. This [nonconfession] is the [spirit] of the antichrist, [of] which you heard that it was coming, and now is already in the world.


There are many voices out there declaring many things that go completely against God's Word! These verses are the very best gauge as to whether what is being said is TRUTH or not! Any person, doctrine or religion that refuses to accept and acknowledge that Jesus is exactly Who He said He is, has shown by that very act to be false! It is very easy to know and recognize false teaching! Just stay away from it! We are not called to expose false teaching! We are called to preach the Gospel! so let's DO IT! 


In Ezekiel 4-6 God is again giving Ezekiel instructions to carry out as He is continuing to warn the nation of Israel of what will surely come upon them IF they do not repent and serve Him. I was amazed to see this in Ezekiel 5:6-7:


6 And she has changed and rebelled against My ordinances more wickedly than the [heathen] nations, and against My statutes more than the countries that are round about her; for [Israel] rejected My ordinances, and as for My statutes, they have not walked in them. 7 Therefore thus says the Lord God: Because you were more turbulent and raged [against Me] more than the nations that are round about you and have not walked in My statutes, neither have kept My ordinances, nor have done according to the ordinances [concerning] the nations that are round about you;


The nation of Israel was WORSE than all the heathen nations in obeying the Word of God! It is no wonder that they were taken into captivity! God had to preserve a people to bring the Messiah through and, if left to continue unchecked, there may not have been even ONE righteous person left! Remember whenever you read and study the Word of God that EVERYTHING either points towards or back to the great plan of Salvation: God sending His only Son into the world to pay the price for OUR sin, so that we don't have to! HALLELUJAH!


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Psalm 119 is covered in two days in our Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan. We look at the first 88 verses today and the rest tomorrow. I LOVE this Psalm! Every verse refers to the Word of God. Spending time in this Psalm will help your appreciation of God's Word grow! We will look at some of the verses today! Verse 21:


21 You rebuke the proud and arrogant, the accursed ones, who err and wander from your commandments.


Just as we can ask boldly for wisdom, knowing that God will NOT chastise us for asking (James 1:5), we can also ask boldly for understanding of His Word! He wants us to know Him and His Word! The only people that hear the rebuke are the proud and arrogant! Jesus rebuked the religious leaders because they should have known the Truth and been teaching it to the people. They not only didn't want to learn from Him, they also didn't want others to learn either!  Verse 24:

24 Your testimonies also are my delight and my counselors.


A part of "Delighting ourselves in the LORD" (Psalm 37:4) is to delight in His Word, and there are NO wiser "counselors"  than the likes of: Paul, Peter, James, John, etc! AMEN! Verse 59:


59 I considered my ways; I turned my feet to [obey] Your testimonies.


"Considered" is the Hebrew word, "chashab", which means: to think about, to make a judgement, to be mindful of. We need to daily consider our lives and make sure that they line up with God's Word and His Ways. Whenever we see something that needs to change, then be quick to "turn", or to repent! That means to change your thinking to agree with God and His Word! AMEN! Verse 63:


63 I am a companion of all those who fear, revere, and worship You, and of those who observe and give heed to your precepts.


Spend MORE time with like-minded believers than you spend with people in the world! You WILL be like those you hang around with! Make your steady companions be born again, spirit-filled believers! Verse 66:


66 Teach me good judgment, wise and right discernment, and knowledge, for I have believed (trusted, relied on, and clung to) Your commandments.


There is no ONE better to teach us God's Word than God Himself! God the Holy Spirit, that is! Rely on that ANOINTING within you to make the Word so clear to you, and then DO IT! AMEN!


We've all sang that song that starts with the first part of 1 John 3:1 from the KJV, but I LOVE this verse in the Amplified Bible:


1 SEE WHAT [an incredible] quality of love the Father has given (shown, bestowed on) us, that we should [be permitted to] be named and called and counted the children of God! And so we are! The reason the world does not know (recognize, acknowledge) us is that it does not know (recognize, acknowledge) Him.


HE IS the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible, the God of all the Universe, the God of all creation, the God of our Salvation! And yet, because of His great love for us, He made it so that we would be able to come boldly into His presence as His very own children! Are YOU His child yet? You are His creation, but you can only be His child if you have accepted and received Jesus of Nazareth as your Lord and personal Saviour! If you have  never done so, please go to the Spoken Word Church website through the link at the left and find out how to become a part of this extraordinary family! Then verses 2-3:


2 Beloved, we are [even here and] now God's children; It is not yet disclosed (made clear) what we shall be [hereafter], but we know that when He comes and is manifested, we shall [as God's children] resemble and be like Him, for we shall see Him just as He [really] is. 3 And everyone who has this hope [resting] on Him cleanses (purifies) himself just as He is pure (chaste, undefiled, guiltless).


The world CANNOT, and we will not, totally understand what this means, but we DO know that we WILL see Him and THEN we will be like Him! Now THAT is an exciting promise from God's Word! And when we believe this and expect it, verse 3 says that this very hope cleanses us continually! Thank YOU, JESUS! 


Ezekiel 2:1-2:


1 AND HE said to me [Ezekiel], Son of man, stand upon your feet and I will speak to you. 2 And the Spirit entered into me when He spoke to me and set me upon my feet, and I heard Him speaking to me.


At the end of the first chapter, Ezekiel has fallen on his face in the presence of the Glory of the LORD!  Many of us have seen and/or experienced this same thing ourselves! But how many have experienced or seen what happened to Ezekiel in Ezekiel 2:2? I have not - YET! Scoffers can accuse people of falling down themselves when they fall under the power of the Spirit of God, but not so much when someone is placed back up on their feet! Our great God of love and compassion continually sent His prophets to give the people opportunity after opportunity to turn back to following Him. He does the same now! He continues to send laborers across the paths of the lost so that they can hear and be saved! There WILL come a time, when the Church is taken up with Him, that this will stop, though! Please don't count on being able to receive Jesus as Lord and personal Saviour AFTER the Rapture of the Church. There is NO guarantee that this will even be possible them! NOW is the time and TODAY is the day of Salvation! (2 Corinthians 2:6)!


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Psalm 118 begins and ends the same way:


1 O GIVE thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever!


29 O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever!


"O give thanks" is the Hebrew word, "yadah", which means to give thanks, laud, confess, to revere or worship with extended hands. "LORD", of course, is the Eternal, Self-existing One, or Jehovah! "Good" is the Hebrew word, "towb", which means: good, pleasant, happy, prosperous, beautiful, best, bountiful, gracious, precious, wealth, welfare. He IS every good thing we will ever have need of! And His "mercy", the Hebrew word, "checed", which means: goodness, kindness, faithfulness, favour, mercy, loving-kindness, devotion, steadfast love, is for eternity! I LOVE that we are in position to have these things operating in our lives because of all that HE has done! I love the song, "It Is Finished"!  One line says, "It is finished, it is done. You have risen, I have won!" HE did all that needed to be done for OUR salvation! Thank You, Jesus! Now we can walk in all of the  goodness of God that we CHOOSE to, by believing His Word! AMEN! Continue reading the rest of this Psalm and see how many little songs, Truths and phrases you find that you have heard so many times, but never realized where they came from! The Word of God is fascinating! 


1 John 2:3-4 is a guide for knowing how well you are REALLY getting to know the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible.


3 And this is how we may discern [daily, by experience] that we are coming to know Him [to perceive, recognize, understand, and become better acquainted with Him]: if we keep (bear in mind, observe, practice) His teachings (precepts, commandments). 4 Whoever says, I know Him [I perceive, recognize, understand, and am acquainted with Him] but fails to keep and obey His commandments (teachings) is a liar, and the Truth [of the Gospel] is not in Him.


We can't fool God and we shouldn't try to fool anyone else! Anything good in your life, give GOD the credit and the thanksgiving. Anything bad? Don't blame God! He has put US in charge of making the decisions in our lives. Make the RIGHT one and constantly live in an attitude of gratitude! AMEN!


Ezekiel ministered during the captivity when some of the people were questioning whether their God really WAS God! This description here of the "living creature" coincides perfectly with what the four Gospels and their individual revelations of Jesus of Nazareth!  They are as follows:

• Matthew presents Jesus as King (the lion).
• Mark presents Jesus as the suffering servant (the ox).
• Luke presents Jesus as 100% man.
• John presents Jesus as God (the eagle).

This should get interesting! More Ezekiel tomorrow!

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Psalm 117 begins and ends with "Praise the LORD". These are two different words for praise. One is the Hebrew word "halal" and the other is the Hebrew word, "shabach". One means to speak of how great He is TO Him and the other is to speak the same ABOUT Him! They both mean to brag or boast about! Here is the entire Psalm 117:


1 O PRAISE the LORD, all you nations! Praise Him, all you people! 2 For His mercy and loving-kindness are great toward us, and the truth and faithfulness of the LORD endure forever. Praise the LORD! (Hallelujah!)


This psalm speaks of the nations and the people. This refers to the non-Jewish world. I found this interesting piece in the Bible Exposition Commentary:



 The Jewish people were supposed to be separated from the Gentiles but not isolated from them, for God called Abraham to found a nation that would bring blessing to all the earth (Gen 12:1-3; Rom 4:17-18; Gal 3:8). However, Israel failed and became guilty of imitating the Gentiles instead of illuminating the Gentiles with the light of God's truth (Isa 42:6; 49:6). "Salvation is of the Jews" (John 4:22; Luke 2:32), for God chose the Jewish people to give the world the knowledge of the true God, the Scriptures, and the Savior.

Salvation is OF the Jews means that it originates FROM God THROUGH this chosen people and TO the world. It is not just for the Jews, but for all mankind who will receive! Can you think of any reason that any person would reject the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible if He is presented in a Truthful and accurate way? Me either! So let's not be distracted by anything or anyone and let's make HIS command OUR focus! 

1 John 1:1-2:

1 [WE ARE writing] about the Word of Life [in] Him Who existed from the beginning, Whom we have heard, Whom we have seen with our [own] eyes, Whom we have gazed upon [for ourselves] and have touched with our [own] hands. 2 And the Life [an aspect of His being] was revealed (made manifest, demonstrated), and we saw [as eyewitnesses] and are testifying to and declare to you the Life, the eternal Life [in Him] Who already existed with the Father and Who [actually] was made visible (was revealed) to us [His followers].

Those two verses right there say it all! These apostles were eyewitnesses! They saw it ALL! There could be no others on earth more qualified to declare the Truth of His Life than these who walked with Jesus daily!  Verse 3-4:

3 What we have seen and [ourselves] heard, we are also telling you, so that you too may realize and enjoy fellowship as partners and partakers with us. And [this] fellowship that we have [which is a distinguishing mark of Christians] is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ (the Messiah). 4 And we are now writing these things to you so that our joy [in seeing you included] may be full [and your joy may be complete].

The message is for the whole world! We found the Light and you can , too! AMEN! Share the Light!

In 2 Kings 24-25 we witness the conquering of the nation and destruction of the temple. The British political leader, Richard Cobden, once said, "Every great nation fell by suicide." This is true of Israel at this time and will be true of the USA eventually! No nation has ever conquered a Godly people who choose to do things God's way! When the people turn away from God to serve their own selfish needs and do things their own way, then they take themselves out of His protection, provision and safety!  God Himself continually warned the people what was coming by sending them prophets to declare His Word to them. They scorned, beat, imprisoned and killed the ones God sent! Eventually they came to the end of God's patience with them and He had to send them into captivity in order to preserve the godly ones! 2 Kings 24:20a:

20a For because of the anger of the LORD it came to the point in Jerusalem and Judah that He cast them out of His presence.

I really believe that if we, as believers, in our nation will be obedient to 2 Chronicles 7:14: 

14 If My people, who are called by My Name, shall humble themselves, pray, seek, crave, and require of necessity My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.

...then He WILL do His part. There is no doubt in studying the Word that the USA has no important role in the end times. I believe that when the Church of Jesus Christ is taken in the Rapture, there will be so many people missing in this country that it will fall in a day! BUT, until then, I believe God WILL answer our prayers for our nation and will hold off the judgement! I say, "Come quickly LORD Jesus!" AMEN!

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Psalm 116 is all about answered prayer and the goodness of God to deliver! Verses 1-2:


1 I LOVE the LORD, because He has heard [and now hears] my voice and my supplications. 2 Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore will I call upon Him as long as I live.


There are many references throughout the Bible where God's people called on Him and He answered. There also many Scriptures that instruct us to call on Him! He IS a prayer answering, delivering God! He is good and His mercy endures forever! What can we possibly do to thank Him for Who He is and all He's done? Verses 12-13:


12 What shall I render to the LORD for all His benefits toward me? [How can I repay Him for all His bountiful dealings?] 13 I will lift up the cup of salvation and deliverance and call on the name of the LORD.


In my meditation I believe that this means to declare the Gospel! The word "salvation" here is the Hebrew word, "yeshuw`ah", and you KNOW Who's Name that is! He said in John 12:32:


32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. 


The desire of God's heart is that NONE should perish, but all come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9) If we TRULY love Him, we will make His #1 priority, OUR #1 priority! In season and out of season - PREACH THE GOSPEL! AMEN!


We will look at the above verse today in 2 Peter 3:9:


9 The Lord does not delay and is not tardy or slow about what He promises, according to some people's conception of slowness, but He is long-suffering (extraordinarily patient) toward you, not desiring that any should perish, but that all should turn to repentance.


If we set ourselves to be about our Father's business, we will find things falling into place like never before! How do we stay in position? Verse 18:


18 But grow in grace and recognition and knowledge and understanding of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (the Messiah). To Him [be] glory (honor, majesty, and splendor) both now and to the day of eternity. Amen (so be it)!


Continue to grow up in the things of God by spending time every day in the Word of God, in praise and worship, in study and meditation, and in obedience to the Word that you hear. It's time to "put away childish things" and finally be mature in the faith! You've GOT the vital answer - share it!


Daniel 11-12 deal with the prophetic. The prophecies covered in Daniel 11:1-35 were concerning Persia, Greece, Egypt and Syria; all were fulfilled. The prophecies covered in Daniel 11:36 - 12:3 were concerning the nation of Israel, the Tribulation and the antichrist and have yet to be fulfilled. The remaining verses were final instructions to Daniel. My favorite verse for today is Daniel 12:3:


3 And the teachers and those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness (to uprightness and right standing with God) [shall give forth light] like the stars forever and ever.


Again, share the Word, preach the Gospel, BE the Light in your world and YOU will shine like this! AMEN!


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Psalm 115:2-4:


2 Why should the nations say, Where is now their God?3 But our God is in Heaven; He does whatever He pleases. 4 The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.


Heathen nations, that worshiped idols that could be seen and touched, would wonder where the God of the Hebrews was! Here is the answer! The next verses tell about the gods of these nations. The contrast is evident in this psalm:


Their gods:

• Mouths that couldn't speak.
• Eyes that couldn't see.
• Ears that couldn't hear.
• Noses that couldn't smell.
• Hands that couldn't touch.
• Feet that couldn't walk, had to be carried.

OUR GOD:

• Speaks to us, made Covenants, gave promises, gives guidance.
• His eyes are upon us (Psalm 32:9; 1 Peter 3:12).
• His ears are open to our cries (Psalm 34:15).
• He receives  our worship, a sweet smell  (Genesis 8:21).
• His fingers made the universe (Psalm 8:3) and His arm brought Salvation (Isaiah 53:1).
• He carries us and walks with us (Isaiah 41:10 & 13).

Our God IS God! Verse 13:


13 He will bless those who reverently and worshipfully fear the LORD, both small and great.


So we will:


18 But we will bless (affectionately and gratefully praise) the LORD from this time forth and forever. Praise the LORD! (Hallelujah!)


Then in 

2 Peter 2:1-2:

1 BUT ALSO [in those days] there arose false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among themselves, who will subtly and stealthily introduce heretical doctrines (destructive heresies), even denying and disowning the Master Who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their immoral ways and lascivious doings; because of them the true Way will be maligned and defamed.

This happened in the past and is happening NOW! False teachers and false teaching has been around since the beginning! What is the answer? KNOW the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible and you won't be fooled by false teachers OR their false teaching! AMEN!


One important thing we can learn from Daniel 9-10 is found in Daniel 9:2-3:


2 In the first year of his reign, I Daniel, understood from the books the numbers of years which, according to the word of the LORD to Jeremiah the prophet, must pass by before the desolations [which had been] pronounced on Jerusalem should end; and it was seventy years. 3 And I set my face to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and supplications, with fasting and sackcloth and ashes;


Daniel found out what the Word of God said was supposed to happen, and then he set himself to pray and intercede for the fulfillment. We need to realize that this is how the sovereign God set it up! He has shown us in His Word what will happen, and then He gives US the opportunity to pray for what He has promised. Our prayers allow Him to work on our behalf AND our obedience to do it gives us rewards in Heaven! Don't neglect to do what you see in the Word of God to do! Don't assume that someone else is doing it! Our rewards are based on our obedience to God's Word, whether everyone else does it or no one else does it! JUST DO IT! AMEN!


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Psalm 114:1-2:


1 WHEN ISRAEL came forth out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language, 2 Judah became [God's] sanctuary (the Holy Place of His habitation), and Israel His dominion.


Israel, the nation, was God's "dominion", the Hebrew word, "memshalah", which means: rule, dominion, realm, domain, government, power. God IS the supreme ruler over Israel! That is why he had to send the people into captivity when they "did evil in the sight of the LORD"! He had to protect them from themselves! While Israel was God's government set up on the earth, Judah was His "sanctuary", the Hebrew word, "the sacred place, the dedicated place, the place of His set-apartness. It says in the KJV that Judah "was" His sanctuary and in the Amplified it says Judah "became" His sanctuary. That is a very interesting word, also! It is the Hebrew word, "hayah", which means: to exist, to happen, to come to pass, to be brought about. But I also found this note in the Vines Expository Dictionary of Old Testament Words:

Often this verb indicates more than simple existence or identity...
Rather, the verb makes a strong statement about the being or presence of a person or thing....
The verb can be used to emphasize the presence of a person....

In such cases, the verb indicates that their presence (or absence) is noticeable — it makes a real difference to what is happening.

Do YOU think that HIS presence "made a real difference to what was happening"? I do, too! AND His presence makes a REAL DIFFERENCE to what is happening IN you! Be aware of His presence IN you and your outlook on life will never be the same again!

We begin the Second Epistle of Peter today and I wanted to share a little note on Peter that I found in the Bible Exposition Commentary:

If anybody in the early church knew the importance of being alert, it was the Apostle Peter. He had a tendency in his early years to feel overconfident when danger was near and to overlook the Master's warnings. He rushed ahead when he should have waited; he slept when he should have prayed; he talked when he should have listened. He was a courageous, but careless, Christian. 

But he learned his lesson, and he wants to help us learn it too.

Peter's emphasis in his first Epistle was the Grace of God. His emphasis in this second Epistle is knowledge. The words know or knowledge appear several times in this short letter. We will look at verses 2-3:

2 May grace (God's favor) and peace (which is perfect well-being, all necessary good, all spiritual prosperity, and freedom from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts) be multiplied to you in [the full, personal, precise, and correct] knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 3 For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [full, personal] knowledge of Him Who has called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue).

The word "knowledge" in these two verses is the Hebrew word, "epignosis", which is a compound word that means: correct and precise knowledge. It is formed by the words "epi", which means superimposition and "ginosko", which means to learn to know, to come to know. Superimposition means to lay something over the top of something else and it becomes something more! When we add layer after layer after layer of knowledge of God's Word, it grows and becomes stronger and more powerful and clearer every day! Go all out after that knowledge of the Word of the Living God! you will NOT be disappointed! AMEN!

In Daniel 5-6 we see the account of the handwriting on the wall that foretold of the coming defeat of the Babylonians by the Medes and Persians. King Nebuchadnezzar had come praise the God of Israel as the One, True God, but Belshazzar, his descendant did not. The final act of dishonor came when he called for the consecrated vessels from the Jewish Temple to be brought in for them to drink from at their drunken feast. "Be not deceived; God is not mocked:" (Galatians 6:7) They were defeated that very night! 

In Daniel 6 we see Daniel as one of three presidents over the new kingdom. Some of the lesser leaders were jealous (human nature!) of Daniel and deceitfully set things in motion for Daniel to be thrown to the lions. God delivered Daniel miraculously and the rest of Galatians 6:7 happened: "for whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap". Verses 21-24:

21 Then Daniel said to the king, O king, live forever! 22 My God has sent His angel and has shut the lions' mouths so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent and blameless before Him; and also before you, O king, [as you very well know] I have done no harm or wrong. 23 Then the king was exceedingly glad and commanded that Daniel should be taken up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no hurt of any kind was found on him because he believed in (relied on, adhered to, and trusted in) his God. 24 And the  king commanded, and those men who had accused Daniel were brought and cast into the den of lions, they , their children, and their wives; and before they ever reached the bottom of the den, the lions had overpowered them and had broken their bones in pieces.

Don't mess with the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible, OR His anointed ones! (Thats' us!) AMEN! God is GOOD - All the time! AMEN!

Shalom in Him

Shalom,


Psalm 113 is another of the Hallelujah Psalms. This one begins and ends with Hallelujah, or, Praise the LORD (Jehovah). Verses 1 & 9:


1 PRAISE THE LORD! (Hallelujah!) Praise , O servants of the LORD, praise the Name  of  the LORD!


9 He makes the barren woman to be a homemaker and a joyful mother of [spiritual] children. Praise the LORD!


Included in this psalm are 3 excellent reasons to praise Him! The first is His Name! Verses 2-3:


2 Blessed be the Name of the LORD from this time forth and forever. 3 From the rising of the sun to the going down of it and from east to west, the Name of the LORD is to be praised!


Well, that pretty much covers all the time and everywhere, doesn't it! Make sure you take every opportunity to give all the glory to Him for anything and everything good in your life! When we understand and appreciate all that is included with that Name, then we will have more confidence to USE the Name! The second reason is His exalted position! Verses 4-6:


4 The LORD is high above the nations, and His glory above the heavens! 5 Who is like the LORD our God, Who has His seat on high, 6 Who humbles Himself to regard the heavens and the earth!


Most earthly kings remain pretty inaccessible to the "common people", but the King of kings, though He is higher than any other, makes Himself known to the "least of these", when they reach for Him! When we are "in Him" (belong to Him), He lifts us up to sit in the same exalted places that He sits in! What a great King we serve!  The third reason is His wonderful love! Verses 7-9:


7 [The LORD] raises the poor out of the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap and the dung hill, 8 That He may seat them with princes, even with the princes of His people. He makes the barren woman to be a homemaker and a joyful mother of children. Praise the LORD! (Hallelujah!)


God's love is tangible, it's operative, it's productive and it  never fails! We have the ability to walk in HIS kind of love because He lives IN us by His Spirit! Don't neglect the love walk! It is the always successful, never failing way to live! God said so! (1 Corinthians 13:4-8 - AMPLIFIED)


One of my favorite verses in the New Testament has always been 1 Peter 5:7 in the Amplified Bible:


7 Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.


"Casting" is the Hebrew word: "epirrhipto", which means is a compound word that comes from the word "rhipto", which means: to fling, to toss, to hurl, to throw down. We are to deliberately hurl our cares and worries and anxieties on HIM! Why? Because He cares for us with great AFFECTION  and ATTENTION! Don't let the enemy get you to carry your own worries and cares! God has designed this life so that we can be free to fulfill His will for our lives in peace and joy! Take advantage of the invitation to "give it all" to Him! He can handle it better than you can! AMEN!


Daniel 7-8 speak of Daniel's visions of the future. This is an interesting study if you have the time to do it thoroughly! We can't cover that on this Bible Plan teaching blog, but YOU can dig in just as much as you want to! Just remember this thought that I found on the Bible Exposition Commentary - Old Testament:


"It's a dangerous thing to study prophecy just to satisfy our curiosity or to give people the impression that we are 'great Bible students'. If divine Truth doesn't touch our hearts and affect our conduct, then our Bibles study is only an intellectual  exercise to inflate our own ego". Keep a check on your attitude, then STUDY, STUDY, STUDY to show yourself approved unto God for your diligence and faithfulness! AMEN!


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Psalm 112:1:


1 PRAISE THE LORD! (Hallelujah!) Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who fears (reveres and worships) the LORD, who delights greatly in His commandments.

The promise here is that the person who reveres and worships the LORD, and loves being a doer of His Word, will be blessed to the point that others will envy them! What types of blessing are we speaking of? Verses 2-3:


2 His offspring shall be mighty upon the earth; the generation of the upright shall be blessed. 3 Prosperity and welfare are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.


So I see that our children and grandchildren will succeed and do well, our families will walk in blessing, we will be prosperous and healthy and have great fellowship with the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible! I read a commentary that said this promise is not for us because that was an Old Testament promise! WRONG, WRONG, WRONG!!! We have a NEW Covenant, based on BETTER promises! If something hasn't been specifically changed from the Old Covenant to the New, then the same blessings are still available. If something HAS changed, it will be for the better because we have a BETTER Covenant, based on BETTER promises! Don't ever let another person's opinion distract you from what the Word of God says for YOUR life! If God said it, He meant it, and He WILL bring it to pass! AMEN! I also like verse 7 as the promise for keeping ourselves in fellowship with HIM!


7 He shall not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is firmly fixed, trusting (leaning on and being confident) in the LORD.


That means"NO FEAR HERE"! We have continual confidence that we have God's protection, provision and safety, when we refuse to be distracted by the enemy!


An admonition for us from 1 Peter 4:7-8:


7 But the end and culmination of all things has now come near; keep sound minded and self-restrained and alert therefore for [the practice] of prayer. 8 Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins [forgives and disregards the offenses of others].


If the end of all things was near when Peter wrote this, just imagine how much nearer it is now! Don't be distracted by anything the world or the enemy may use to try and get your focus OFF of the things that God has called you to do! The world around us is running OUT of time to receive Jesus as Lord and personal Saviour!  Walking in love with each other is one of the quickest ways to stay on course! Also, notice that verse 8 says that love will "cover" a multitude of sins. This is the Hebrew word, "kalupto", which means: to cover, to hide. I believe that one of the most important aspects of this involves hiding, guarding and protecting a believer who has missed it in some way from the prying eyes of the world, both believers and unbelievers! We protect them from exposure and then help them get back into fellowship Scripturally! AMEN! Remember that this is an act of love and love NEVER fails!


In Daniel 3 we see the story of the three Hebrew children who refused to bow to Nebuchadnezzar's image and were thrown into the "burning fiery furnace". They were delivered without even the smell of smoke on their clothes! I especially like verses 17-18 (KJV):


17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. 18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.


Nebuchadnezzar had just issued an order and a warning to them that IF they did not bow, they WOULD burn! How did they reply? "If it be so" was NOT referring to God's protection for them. That was a settled thing in their hearts! THEIR "if" was - "IF you are even able to throw us in there, our GOD will deliver us" - and He did! AMEN! They also said that even if he decided NOT to throw them in there, they would STILL not bow down! They were SO bold and brave! That was because they KNEW their God! We all need to have that level of faith in the protection, provision and safety found in the Lord our God! Once we do - NOTHING will be able to hold us back!

Shalom in Him!

POST FROM WEDNESDAY 10/20/10.


Shalom,


Psalm 111 is the first of the "Hallelujah"  psalms, that begin or end with "Praise the LORD". (Psalms 11-112, 115-117) Verse 1:


1 PRAISE THE LORD! (Hallelujah!) I will praise and give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart in the council of the upright and in the congregation.


Praise and worship is a vital part of our walk with the Lord. Private praise is first, when we spend time in His presence one on one! Then in the "council of the upright" is spending time in praise and worship with a small group of like-minded believers. We do this at the Spoken Word Church when the elders meet on Friday night. Then we praise and worship as a congregation on Sunday mornings and in special services at other times. All of these examples are needful in the life of a believer. Verse 4:


4 He has made His wonderful works to be remembered; the LORD is gracious, merciful, and full of loving compassion.


Spending time remembering all He's done encourages us that we can truly count on Him to continue fulfilling His Word in our lives! Verse 7b-8:


7b and all His decrees and precepts are sure (fixed, established, and trustworthy). 8 They stand fast and are established forever and ever and are done in [absolute] truth and uprightness.


THAT is referring to the Word of God! Remember that His Word IS Truth! (John 17:17) And then finishing up with verse 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.


Get to know Him intimately, not just what He's done, but Who He is and how He thinks. When you do this, praise and worship becomes as natural as breathing! GLORY!


1 Peter 3:3-4:


3 Let not yours be the [merely] external adorning with [elaborate] interweaving and knotting of the hair, the wearing of jewelry, or changes of clothes; 4 But let it be the inward adorning and beauty of the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible and unfading charm of a gentle and peaceful spirit, which [is not anxious or wrought up, but] is very precious in the sight of God.


Over the years so many people have misinterpreted these verses to mean that believers should not wear makeup, or jewelry, or fashionable clothes, or even care about the way they look. That is SO not what this is saying! These verses are saying that we are NOT what we wear! Allow the Word of God and the Holy Spirit (you know, the ONE Who began that good work in you! Philippians 1:6) to change you from the inside out! Be known by the type of person you are and NOT by the type of clothes and accessories you wear! THEN let the inner person and personality that God gave you be expressed by the tasteful way you do adorn yourself! God wants you to look your best because it IS a reflection on Him when you call yourself by His Name! Be the best YOU that you can be! AMEN!


In Daniel 1-2 we see the capture of Jerusalem by the Babylonians, led by Nebuchadnezzar. This had been prophesied by Jeremiah and others and now came to pass. What we are going to look at today is found in Daniel 1:8-9:


8 But Daniel determined in his heart that he would not defile himself by [eating his portion of] the king's rich and dainty food or by [drinking] the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might [be allowed] not to defile himself. 9 Now God made Daniel to find favor, compassion, and loving-kindness with the chief of the eunuchs.


The Babylonians had brought some of the children of Israel, including some of the royal family and of the nobility, and wanted to teach and train them in their ways. Daniel was one of them, along with Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. The Babylonians changed their names, taught them their language and customs and wanted them to serve in the king's palace. They were submitted to doing all of this EXCEPT when it came to anything that went against God's Word! When these young men made their stand, God got involved and gave them favor! Don't be quick to speak out in defiance and revolt when faced with things you don't agree with! First of all, make your stand before God! Then let Him give you favor where favor is needed! The testimony of these Hebrew children and their stand on God's Word and how THEIR God responded, spoke louder than any words or protests they might have made!  Allow God to BE God and watch and see what HE can accomplish THROUGH you! AMEN!


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Psalm 110 is a very interesting Psalm! It was written by David and, though it has only 7 verses, this Psalm was quoted or alluded to in the New Testament more times than any other Psalm! Verse 1 we find either quoted or alluded to at least 25 times and verse 4 another 5 times! Ten of these are found in the book of Hebrews. Jesus used verse 1 to prove His deity:


1 THE LORD (God) says to my Lord (the Messiah), Sit at My right hand, until I make Your adversaries Your footstool.


Read over this Psalm again and again and let the Holy Spirit imprint a powerful picture of just WHO Jesus is on the inside of you that cannot be taken away! When you and I have full confidence in HIM and HIS WORD, there will be no stopping us from fulfilling God's will and plan and purpose for our lives! And then we "let every earthly glory go back to YOU!" AMEN!


2 Peter 2:2-3:


2 Like newborn babies you should crave) thirst for, earnestly desire) the pure (unadulterated) spiritual milk, that by it you may be nurtured and grow unto [completed] salvation,  3 Since you have [already] tasted the goodness and kindness of the Lord.


I really like this translation from the Amplified Bible! The spiritual "milk" we are to desire is the Word of God! This Word, when believed, received and acted upon, will cause us to grow up in the things of God so that we can be used by HIM to affect the lives of others for eternal good! It also says we will grow unto a "completed salvation" The moment we are born again, our spirit is saved by the Holy Spirit Who comes to live IN us and recreates our dead human spirit into a new creation! (2 Corinthians 5:17). That happens instantly! When the Rapture of the Church happens, our human bodies will be "saved"! They will be change instantly into a Resurrection Body! Our souls, the  mind, emotions and will, are NOT changed instantly! They must be renewed day by day, with the Word of God. This "milk" of the Word and the "meat" of the Word causes our souls to change to agree with God and His Word. This change of thinking will affect what we say, how we act and what we do in obedience to God's Word. We CANNOT grow up without being in the Word everyday! The Spoken Word Bible Reading plan is an excellent tool to get you into the Word. You can find this on the Spoken Word Church website (link to the left) to use and also to order in hard copy. I HIGHLY recommend it! Get started and then you can check out this blog as you read and maybe see something in  a new way! 


In 2 Chronicles 36:1-8 we continue to see the results that we discussed yesterday. When even the good king Josiah didn't raise his children to serve the Lord, how could any of those kings following get back to a place of doing right in the sight of the LORD? They didn't, which is why they had to be taken captive into Babylon. We need to remind ourselves that the reason God had to continually intervene on behalf of the nation of Israel is that He had planned and purposed for Messiah to come into THIS nation and through THIS people! He had to preserve them, which is what the captivity was all about! If Israel would have continued in their sin, there may not have been even 1 righteous person who would have said, "Be it unto me according to your Word!" Keep God's #1 priority in mind as you read through ALL of Scripture and you will be amazed at how much clearer everything becomes! God so LOVED (and LOVES) that HE GAVE, and everything in the Word points to that TRUTH! AMEN!


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


In Psalm 109 David is crying out to God for vengeance on his enemies who have been persecuting him. He goes into great detail about how he feels because of what has happened to him. We can be tempted to wonder, too, if God is EVER going to act on our behalf when it comes to the enemy! We need to remember that God's timing is different than ours! His reasons for delaying (in our eyes) the answer almost always have to do with the timing that will affect either another's eternal future, or our blessing here on earth! We need to let God BE God and trust Him to get it right! Be a doer of verse 30-31:


30 I will give great praise and thanks to the LORD with my mouth; yes I will praise Him among the multitude. 31 For He will stand at the right hand of the poor and needy, to save him from those who condemn his life.


I found this in the Bible Exposition Commentary - New Testament and I love it!



First Peter was written to Christians who were experiencing various forms of persecution, men and women whose stand for Jesus Christ made them aliens and strangers in the midst of a pagan society. Peter exhorted these Christians to steadfast endurance and exemplary behavior. The warmth of his expressions combined with his practical instructions make this epistle a unique source of encouragement for all believers who live in conflict with their culture.

That is exactly the position that most Christians are in today, even in THIS country! Read through 1 Peter with this in mind and I'm very confident that you will get some much needed encouragement for these days we're living in! Verses 3-5:

3  Praised (honored, blessed) be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah)! By His boundless mercy we have been born again to an ever-living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 [Born anew] into an inheritance which is beyond the reach of change and decay [imperishable], unsullied and unfading, reserved in Heaven for you, 5 Who are being guarded (garrisoned) by God's power through [your] faith [till you fully inherit that final] salvation that is ready to be revealed [for you] in the last time.

That's US! We are being guarded during these perilous times! We should be walking through each day on earth fully confident in HIS protection, provision and safety from ALL the works of the enemy! We should be fulfilling HIS plan and purpose for us each day on earth, all the time storing up the rewards of obedience to be revealed to us in the next life! But we SHOULD be able to hear, each day, "Well done, good and faithful servant!"  And then we have full confidence in His Word, knowing  and acting on verse 25:

25 But the Word of the Lord (Divine instruction, the Gospel) endures forever. And this Word is the Good News which was preached to you.

Treasure the Word of God! AMEN!

There were 20 rulers who ruled over Judah and only 8 of them were called "good"! These were:

• Asa
• Jehoshaphat
• Joash
• Amaziah
• Uzziah
• Jotham
• Hezekiah
• Josiah

Josiah is the one we read about today in 2 Kings 22-23. He was such a good king that Jeremiah used him as an example to follow. Josiah ruled for 31 years. He began his reign when he was 8 years old and needed wise advisers. Josiah committed himself to the Lord at the age of 16 and began to seek to do the will of God! Jeremiah 22:2:

2 He did right in the sight of the LORD and walked in all the ways of David his [forefather], and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left.

That's a GREAT testimony for Josiah, but he DID neglect something that he should have seen to! He DID NOT bring up His son in the way he should go! How do we know this? 2 Kings 23:34a & 37:

34a Pharaoh Necho made Eliakim son of Josiah king in place of Josiah and changed his name to Jehoiakim.  37 He did evil in the sight of the LORD, like all his [forefathers] had done.

If you are a parent, your #1 job is to make sure that you are training your children in the way that they should go! Proverbs 22:6:

6 Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old he will not depart from it.

There's the promise parents! Now do YOUR part and God will MOST CERTAINLY do his! AMEN!


Shalom in Him!

POST FROM SUNDAY  10/17/10.

Shalom,


Psalm 108, if obeyed by the world, would put an end to any and all disputes about who owns what land in Israel! Verses 7-10:


7 God has promised in His holiness [regarding the establishment of David's dynasty]: I will rejoice, I will distribute [Canaan among My people], dividing Shechem and [the western region and allotting the eastern region which contains] the Vally of Succoth.  8 Gilead is Mine; Manasseh is Mine; Ephraim also is My stronghold and the defense of My head; Judah is My scepter and lawgiver. 9 Moab is My washbasin; upon Edom [My slave] My shoe I cast; over Philistia I shout [in triumph]. 10 Who will bring me [David] into the strong, fortified city [of Petra]? Who will lead me into Edom?


God has already, in this and many other places throughout the Word of God, laid down the boundaries of the nation of Israel! How DARE the heathen nations defy the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible and trespass on Israel's God-given land? There WILL be a price to pay for what these nations have done! Let's continue to preach the Gospel so that we stay in God's perfect will for us and then we can COUNT ON verse 13:


13 Through and with our God we shall do valiantly, for He it is Who shall tread down our adversaries.


James 5:7-8:


7 So be patient, brethren, [as you wait] till the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits expectantly for the precious harvest from the land. [See how] he keeps up his patient [vigil] over it until it receives the early and late rains. 8 So you must be patient. Establish your hearts [strengthen and confirm them in the final certainty], for the coming of the Lord is very near.


We have been hearing about the Rapture of the Church for many years now and some are tempted to think that it is still a long way off. It MAY be, but I highly doubt that! Almost everything is in place right now to have all of prophecy fulfilled concerning the end time events. The only thing holding things up is that God wants that none should perish, but that all should come to repentance. He is waiting for the "precious fruit of the earth" (KJV James 5:7). He will give every opportunity for people to call on the Name of the Lord (Jesus) to be saved! But we also learn from reading the Old Testament prophets, like Jeremiah, that there WILL come a time, a "Set Time", when it is finished and we will be taken out of here so that the wrath of God can be poured out on the earth that has rejected Him. Stand strong and steadfast as things APPEAR to be falling apart! God DOES know exactly what He's doing and, if we are in fellowship with Him, He WILL, by His Spirit, show US things to come! We don't have to be taken unawares, if we don't choose to! AMEN!


Jeremiah 23:5-6:


5 Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch (Sprout), and He will reign as King and do wisely and will execute justice and righteousness in the land. 6 In His days Judah shall be saved and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is His name by which He shall be called: The LORD Our Righteousness.


Can you say JESUS! AMEN!


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


The last time we covered Psalm 107 we looked at all of the verses that encouraged praise to the LORD! This time we are going to look at these verses:


6 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and He delivered them out of their distresses.


13 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses.


19 Then they cry to the LORD in their trouble, and He delivers them out of their distresses.


Notice that all of these situations came about because the people did things their own way! They rebelled against the Word of God and reaped the results of their disobedience. They were so fed up with their situation that they called on God for help, the same ONE they had disobeyed in the first place! What did HE do? He delivered them! Every time they called out to Him! Take heart when YOU miss it! Call on the LORD and HE will deliver YOU from your situation! Then be a DOER of verse 2:


2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom HE has delivered from the hand of the adversary.

The word "so" has been added by the translators to try to clarify the meaning of the passage. It actually says: Let say the redeemed of the LORD. This is the Hebrew word "`amar", which means: to say, to speak, to tell, to utter, to boast. OUR boasting or bragging is in the LORD Who delivered us! Keep it up! The Word  of God says to do this, so OBEY!


James 4:7:


7 So be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you.


We quote that verse a lot and want to take our God-given authority over the devil, but we must also obey the first part! To "subject" to God is the Hebrew word, "hupotasso", which means: to subordinate, to obey, to submit to. This word is primarily a military term! It means to be under the authority of and in subjection to. This MUST come first in order to have the faith, trust and confidence necessary to operate in authority! Then, once we are submitting OUR will to HIS will, then we must "resist" the devil. This is the Hebrew word, "anthistemi", which means: to stand against or withstand, to oppose. It is a compound word made up of "anti" = against, and "histemi" = against. It takes an act of our will and a strong determination to withstand anything, especially one whose ONLY goal is to steal, kill and destroy! (John 10:10) But the promise that follows our submitting to God and making a strong STAND against the enemy AND all of his ways, is that he WILL flee from us! I really like the Wuest Translation of this verse:


7 Be subject with implicit obedience to God at once and once for all. Stand immovable against the onset of the devil and he will flee from you.


And then we have this promise in verse 8a:


8 Come close to God and He will come close to you.


Make the first move towards God and He will envelope you with His presence! Stay close and you will always have confidence in His love, protection, provision and safety! 


In Jeremiah 13 & 22, God sends Jeremiah to the people of Judah with the message of what will happen if they don't repent and follow Him. He has been SO patient with them! He keeps warning them and sending messengers to them because He DESIRES to bless them! The same is true for us! 3 John 2 says:


2 Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.


It is God's desire, ABOVE ALL THINGS, that we prosper in every area! he knows that it will only be "even as", or , "in proportion to" our soul prospering. Joshua 1:8! Get the Word of God in on a daily basis so that your mind will be renewed, your your emotions will be under control and your will, your "chooser", will be in line with the Word of God! Then WATCH, for prosperity COMETH!


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Psalm 106 speaks of the failings of the nation of Israel, for the purpose of bringing praise to the LORD for His mercy and forgiveness! Verses 1-5 gives the glory to God:


1 PRAISE THE LORD (Hallelujah!) O give thanks to the LORD for He is good; for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever. 2 Who can put into words and tell the mighty deeds of the LORD? Or who can show forth all the praise [that is due Him]? 3 Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are those who observe justice [treating others fairly] and who do right and are in right standing with God at all times. 4 Earnestly] remember me, O LORD, when You favor Your people! O visit me also when You deliver them, and grant me Your salvation! -- 5 That I may see and share the welfare of Your chosen ones, that I may rejoice in the gladness of Your nation, that I may glory with Your heritage.


After giving God glory for all He had done, the psalmist said this about the people and nation in verse 6:


6 We have sinned, as did our fathers; we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly.


He does this through the entire psalm, exposing the sins of the nation and praising God for His mercy and forgiveness. Verse 8:


8 Nevertheless He saved them for His Name's sake [to prove the righteousness of the divine character], that He might make His mighty power known.


Again and again the people rebelled, they lusted, they envied, they spurned, they despised, they murmured, they provoked, they angered God, they mingled with idolaters, they shed innocent blood, they defiled themselves and other wicked things. Just read over this entire psalm again to get all of this! Even though there WAS a price they paid for their wickedness, STILL He had mercy on them! Verses 45-46:


45 And He [earnestly] remembered for their sake His covenant and relented their sentence of evil [comforting and easing Himself] according to the abundance of His mercy and loving-kindness [when they cried out to Him]. 46 He also caused [Israel] to find sympathy among those who had carried them away captive.


Remember, and NEVER forget, that He IS the Covenant making, Covenant keeping God! he will never leave or forsake YOU, wither! AMEN!


James 3 is speaking mainly about the tongue! He uses the example of the rudder of a ship that is very small in proportion to the ship's size, but it controls the direction of the entire ship. The bit that is put into the horse's mouth with the bridle will cause the horse to change direction, start, stop, walk, run or gallop, even though it is very small!  Verses 5-10:


5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and it can boast of great things. See how much wool or how great a forest a tiny spark can set ablaze! 6 And the tongue is a fire. [The tongue is a] world of wickedness set among our members, contaminating and depraving the whole body and setting on fire the wheel of birth (the cycle of man's nature), being itself ignited by hell (Gehenna). 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea animal, can be tamed and has been tamed by human genius (nature). 8 But the human tongue can be tamed by no man. It is a restless (undisciplined, irreconcilable) evil. full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who were made in God's likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come forth blessing and cursing. These things, my brethren, ought not to be so.


If WE can't possibly tame our tongue, then what in the world are we to do? Matthew 12:34b-35 gives us a clue!


34b  ...For out of the fullness (the overflow, the superabundance) of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good man from his inner good treasure flings forth good things, and the evil man out of out of his inner evil storehouse flings forth evil things.


So we see that it is what is IN THE HEART that comes out of the mouth! So what can we do to stop it? Psalm 119:11:


11 Your Word have I laid up in my heart, that I might not sin against You.


Meditate the Word of God day and night (Joshua 1:8) and the Word will rise up big within you so that when YOU speak, the scorners will be silenced, just like they were when Jesus spoke! AMEN!


In Jeremiah 35 the prophet tries to get the people of Israel to realize their sin so that they can repent. he uses the example of the Rechabites and their obedience to the command of God to try to shame them into obedience, but to no avail! In Jeremiah 36  the LORD tells Jeremiah to write down everything He had instructed Jeremiah to speak to the people previously. He then arranged to have it read in the LORD's house, giving the people one more opportunity to repent and turn back to God. Not only did they refuse, but the king had it burned! STUBBORN and STIFF-NECKED! God just simply had Jeremiah prepare another one! This one contained the more that the LORD had promised would come on them for their disobedience!


DON'T be a Jehoiakim! What you see in the Word of God to do - DO IT - and do it RIGHT NOW! Don't hesitate or you will delay the blessing that obedience to the Word of God brings! 


Shalom in Him!