Shalom,

Acts 3:1-8 says this:

1 NOW PETER and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour (three o'clock in the afternoon), 2 [When] a certain man crippled from his birth was being carried along, who was laid each day at that gate of the temple [which is] called Beautiful, so that he might beg for charitable gifts from those who entered the temple. 3 So when he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked them to give him a gift. 4 And Peter directed his gaze intently at him, and so did John, and said, Look at us! 5 And [the man] paid attention to them, expecting that he was going to get something from them. 6 But Peter said, Silver and gold (money) I do not have; but what I do have, that I give to you: in [the use of] the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk! 7 Then he took hold of the man's right hand with a firm grip and raised him up. And at once his feet and ankle bones became strong and steady, 8 And leaping forth he stood and began to walk, and he went into the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 

This man was laid EACH DAY at the gate! That means that even when Jesus entered the Temple, the man was there! He was begging for alms, which was how he made a living. But it was only on THIS day that he had faith to be healed! Then He went into the Temple rejoicing! Below is a picture of the Second Temple steps that have been uncovered in Israel. This would have been the way that the disciples of Jesus and the recently healed man would have entered into the Temple!

The other point I want to cover is what the man DID when he realized he was healed! He went into the Temple WALKING and LEAPING and PRAISING GOD. Now I ask you, did YOU do that the last time YOU received healing from the LORD? If not, why not? Without our being demonstrative about the great goodness of our wonderful God, how will those who are lost in the world EVER see HIM? Let's be all about declaring the wonderful works of God! Then they will know that OUR God, IS God! Hallelujah!

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Psalm 30:5 says this:


5 For His anger is but for a moment, but His favor is for a lifetime or in His favor is life. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

I  have always loved this verse. No matter what tests, trials and tribulations we encounter, whether of our own making or an attack from the enemy, He will ALWAYS provide a way to victory!  A new day! I LOVE the mornings! I have a picture here of a morning in Maui, my favorite!

Now doesn't THAT look like a beautiful morning and a great NEW DAY! AMEN!

In Genesis 19:24-26 we see that what God had said would happen to Sodom and Gomorrah took place AFTER Lot was removed! 

24 Then the Lord rained on Sodom and on Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of the heavens. 25 He overthrew, destroyed, and ended those cities, and all the valley and all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground. 26 But [Lot's] wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt. 

Even though she was given direct warning, Lot's wife looked back, probably in longing for her old life, and was turned to salt. There are many pictures of what people THINK may be the pillar of salt, but this picture, taken from Masada during our trip to Israel, is of the Dead Sea that resulted form this judgment on theses cities.

Can you imagine this area green and fertile like Lot saw it when he chose this choice land for his own? It is very hard to do that when you see miles and miles of sand and the Dead or Salt Sea! But, as with everything else in the Word of God, it's true! 

It really does pay to do things God's WAY! 

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Psalm 29 is ALL about our wonderful GOD! I like the Message Bible:



29 Bravo, God, bravo!
Gods and all angels shout, "Encore!" 
2 In awe before the glory,
in awe before God's visible power.
Stand at attention!
Dress your best to honor him! 


3 God thunders across the waters,
Brilliant, his voice and his face, streaming brightness — 
God, across the flood waters. 


4 God's thunder tympanic,
God's thunder symphonic. 


5 God's thunder smashes cedars,
God topples the northern cedars. 


6 The mountain ranges skip like spring colts,
The high ridges jump like wild kid goats. 


7 God's thunder spits fire. 
8 God thunders, the wilderness quakes;
He makes the desert of Kadesh shake. 


9 God's thunder sets the oak trees dancing
A wild dance, whirling; the pelting rain strips their branches.
We fall to our knees — we call out, "Glory!" 


10 Above the floodwaters is God's throne
from which his power flows,
from which he rules the world. 


11 God makes his people strong.



This Psalm brings to my  mind a Hillsong song that we have used many times at The Spoken Word Church. The words are not the same, but the message is! It's called This Is Our God! 

I LOVE this song AND our GOD! AMEN!


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Matthew 28:1-10 from the Complete Jewish Bible:


28 1 After Shabbat, as the next day was dawning, Miryam of Magdala and the other Miryam went to see the grave. 2 Suddenly there was a violent earthquake, for an angel of Adonai came down from heaven, rolled away the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were as white as snow. 4 The guards were so terrified at him that they trembled and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Don’t be afraid. I know you are looking for Yeshua, who was executed on the stake. 6 He is not here, because he has been raised — just as he said! Come and look at the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell the talmidim, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and now he is going to the Galil ahead of you. You will see him there.’ Now I have told you.” 

8 So they left the tomb quickly, frightened yet filled with joy; and they ran to give the news to his talmidim. 9 Suddenly Yeshua met them and said, “Shalom!” They came up and took hold of his feet as they fell down in front of him. 10 Then Yeshua said to them, “Don’t be afraid! Go and tell my brothers to go to the Galil, and they will see me there.” 

I thought you might enjoy seeing this translation! Below are pictures taken in Israel of what some believe could be the EMPTY Garden Tomb!

                           This is a diagram found inside the tomb. The picture below is of #5.

                                The place where they laid the body of Jesus (Yeshua) - UNTIL:

                                              Rejoice! HE IS RISEN!!! HALLELUJAH!!!


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Matthew 27:1-2:


1 WHEN IT was morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people held a consultation against Jesus to put Him to death; 

2 And they bound Him and led Him away and handed Him over to Pilate the governor. 

Yesterday we saw a picture of the ruins of the house of Caiphas. Within that house were underground caverns that were only accessible through a narrow hole. They would tie a prisoner with a rope and lower them into this pit, where their feet just barely touched the ground and there was no light whatsoever. This is where they would have kept Jesus between interrogations and overnight until He was taken to Pilate. Below are two pictures of this area taken from the excavated ruins of the house.

 This is the pit from the top where Jesus would have been lowered from.

This is the view from below. We were able to enter the cavern because it was opened during the excavations. 


Can you even imagine this? We'll cover this more  in the future when we talk about Psalm 88!


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


We read Matthew 26 today. Verses 57-58 say this:


57 But those who had seized Jesus took Him away to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had assembled. 

58 But Peter followed Him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest's home; he even went inside and sat with the guards to see the end. 

We saw the remains of what had once been the house of Caiaphas, where Jesus was taken, when we visited Israel. Below are two pictures of the ruins.

Above is a picture of the area they would have held Jesus in temporarily and below is the outside of his house where you can see some of the underground area.

When you read through the Bible, allow the Holy Spirit to paint pictures for you of what these places would have been like. He was there! This will make the Word of God come alive to you! Then, when you get a chance to actually visit the Land, you will be amazed at what all there is to see! It's ALL true! And it's all TRUTH! AMEN!


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


We finished Job today! I have enjoyed this reading of Job more than any other time! We have to remember a few important Truths to really learn from Job. They are:

• Job's entire situation took place over approximately 9 months! 
• God did NOT harm Job or bring all of this calamity on him.
• Job had a reverence and respect for the Lord (Godly fear), but not out of knowledge of HIM.
• God did not NEED to give permission to satan to harass Job, he had free access to anyone who allowed him in! That started with Adam! Remember 1 Peter 5:8!
• Job himself stated the reason for his situation in Job 3:25. He lived in fear, allowing the spirit of fear to operate in his life!
• Job was in error in thinking that God did this to him and for no reason because he was so good and upright. 
• Job's friends were in error because they assumed that Job had to have some grievous sin for this to happen to him. They thought God did it, too!
• When God spoke and Job listened (meek!) then understanding came and Job repented!
• Job's captivity was turned when he forgave and prayed for his friends.
• God, who did not TAKE from Job, WAS the ONE Who restored to Job more than he had lost! His last days were even better than his first!

Realize that you have NEVER suffered to the extent that Job did! All of our tests, trials and tribulations are attacks of the enemy and God will ALWAYS give us the way out (1 Corinthians 10:13)! Remember to give God all of the Glory for the good things in your life and look to Him for the way out of the bad ones!


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Psalm 24:7-10 says this:

7 Lift up your heads, O you gates; and be lifted up, you age-abiding doors, that the King of glory may come in.

8 Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. 

9 Lift up your heads, O you gates; yes, lift them up, you age-abiding doors, that the King of glory may come in. 

10 Who is [He then] this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah [pause, and think of that]! 

Why would this say "be lifted up", instead of "be opened"? The commentaries I have read all have their own ideas, but I have a different one! Below is a picture of the Eastern Gates of the Old City of Jerusalem:

These gates were sealed by the Muslims to try and keep Messiah out of the city when He returns. The "secret thing" is that these are NOT the original gates from Bible times! Those gates are underground, below these sealed gates! When Jesus returns and sets His feet on the Mount of Olives, THOSE gates will be "lifted up" and the King of Glory will walk through! HALLELUJAH!  Come quickly Lord Jesus! 


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


In Matthew 23 Jesus, who has been answering questions from the Pharisees, many of them meant to trip Him up, began to speak to the people ABOUT the Pharisees. Then He returns to speaking directly to them again. It's hard to read these verses and not form a picture of Jesus being very angry. We have to remember, though, that EVERYTHING Jesus did was done in and motivated by LOVE! This clip from the Visual Bible: Matthew will show more clearly what His attitude was as He spoke so directly to them:

Doesn't that makes things a little clearer? I love it when that happens!

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

In Matthew today we read about how the Pharisees tried, again, to trick Jesus. I LOVE how He answered them! Verses 15-22:

15 Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk. 

16 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men. 

17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? 

18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? 

19 Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. 

20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? 

21 They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's. 

22 When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.

Here is a picture of a denarius from this time:

I pray that YOU will have the Wisdom of God to answer skeptics and scorners the same way that Jesus did! he left them speechless, but with very much to think about! 

Shalom in Him!

FRIDAY'S POST


Shalom,


Tonight we heard Pastor Bill Novak, of The Spoken Word Church, teach on David and the Cave of Adullam. (1 Samuel 2:25) This is where David escaped to when he was running from King Saul. We saw this area on our recent trip to Israel. Below is a picture:

Seeing these places helped make the Bible come alive! But the very best way to do that is to ACT on what we find in the Word. When David went to the cave he was at one of the lowest points in his life. He had run in terror, lied to people and caused the deaths of 85 priests of Nob. The cave was the place where he got alone with God and repented. He changed HIS thinking to agree with God. We ALL need to have our own "Cave of Adullam" experience, and then remind ourselves daily of our commitment to the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible! It is VITAL!


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Psalm 20:7 says this:


7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.

The word "trust" is not actually in the original language, but it can be implied from the word "remember", the Hebrew word "zakar", which means: to call to mind, to retain in thought. That means that while others had their minds and thoughts on all of the natural means of protection, provision and safety, WE will keep OUR minds and thoughts on the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible! HE is much better and more reliable than any chariot every made or horse ever born! AMEN!


The Amplified Bible says this:


7 Some trust in and boast of chariots and some of horses, but we will trust in and boast of the name of the Lord our God. 


 Let's Boast in HIM! Give GOD all the Glory! AMEN! I thought you might enjoy an older song that we used to sing in praise and worship! This is Bob Fitts:

That NEVER gets old! Hallelujah!


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Reading Psalm 19:1-4 in the Complete Jewish Bible made me think of an older Hillsong song. 


1 The heavens declare the glory of God,
the dome of the sky speaks the work of his hands. 
2 Every day it utters speech,
every night it reveals knowledge. 
3 Without speech, without a word,
without their voices being heard, 
4 their line goes out through all the earth
and their words to the end of the world.

The song is posted below:

I LOVE the Word of God and I love to study it in all possible forms! The Word in song is so powerful! I hope YOU love the Word of God! 


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Matthew 18:1-6:

1 AT THAT time the disciples came up and asked Jesus, Who then is [really] the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? 

2 And He called a little child to Himself and put him in the midst of them, 

3 And said, Truly I say to you, unless you repent (change, turn about) and become like little children [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving], you can never enter the kingdom of heaven [at all]. 

4 Whoever will humble himself therefore and become like this little child [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving] is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 

5 And whoever receives and accepts and welcomes one little child like this for My sake and in My name receives and accepts and welcomes Me. 

6 But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in and acknowledge and cleave to Me to stumble and sin [that is, who entices him or hinders him in right conduct or thought], it would be better (more expedient and profitable or advantageous) for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be sunk in the depth of the sea. 

I have always tried to picture this scene whenever I read these verses of Jesus with the child. I know children must have loved being with Him! I found this picture some time ago and I really like it:

Can't you just see Him like that? Remember that He wants each of us to have that same carefree, childlike ease whenever we are in His presence! Trust Him completely and you will be amazed at how much stronger you will be - in HIS strength! 

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


I enjoy reading Job at the beginning of the year, as we do in the Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan! I have seen things in a much clearer way this year than ever before! We KNOW how Job got himself into trouble from Job 3:25. Most of the rest of this book is about Job wondering why God is doing this to him and when it will stop, and his "friends" accusing him of some undisclosed sin that caused it all. All the while, God knew the answer, if Job would only have asked the right question! Job said this in Job 28:23-28:

23 God understands the way [to Wisdom] and He knows the place of it [Wisdom is with God alone]. 

24 For He looks to the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens. 

25 When He gave to the wind weight or pressure and allotted the waters by measure, 

26 When He made a decree for the rain and a way for the lightning of the thunder, 

27 Then He saw [Wisdom] and declared it; He established it, yes, and searched it out [for His own use, and He alone possesses it]. 

28 But to man He said, Behold, the reverential and worshipful fear of the Lord — that is Wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding. 

When someone KNOWS where to find the Wisdom, why would they not ASK for it? James 1:5:


5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraids not; and it shall be given him.

Don't stay in ignorance ASK! AMEN!


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


At The Spoken Word Church this morning we began in Matthew 5:5:


5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.


Many people think that the word meek means weak. It does NOT! The Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words says this:


It must be clearly understood, therefore, that the meekness manifested by the Lord and commended to the believer is the fruit of power. The common assumption is that when a man is meek it is because he cannot help himself; but the Lord was 'meek' because he had the infinite resources of God at His command.

I like THAT! Being "meek" before the LORD is to open ourselves up to be taught His Truth by the Holy Spirit Who lives in us! Be teachable! Are YOU willing to repent? That means to change YOUR thinking to agree with God when you find that His Word says something different than what you have always believed! I take the Word, taught to me by the Spirit of God, over ANYTHING that ANYONE in this world says! Their understanding is finite! It is limited to what is known to man, but HIS is infinite! And He WILL reveal it to me if I am "meek"!  "Teach me LORD!"  AMEN!


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


When we compare what's going on in the world with what God's Word says, we can really see where things went wrong and why we have the problems we have today! One example is found in Psalm 15:5:


5 who does not put out his money at interest and does not take a bribe against the innocent.


If people had obeyed even just that first instruction and were willing to help someone in need without expecting more back than what they had given, this world, especially this nation, would be MOST blessed and prosperous and would NOT be in the financial trouble they are in! Especially if they also obeyed the Word concerning the tithe! Proverbs 19:17 also says this:


17 Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his deed. (ESV)


The Living Bible says this:


17 When you help the poor you are lending to the Lord- and He pays wonderful interest on your loan!


Try implementing that into your own life and just see how much God gets involved supernaturally in YOUR finances!


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


I have read Psalm 14:1 many, many times over the years, but it has NEVER been more evident than the day in which WE now live! 


1 THE [empty-headed] fool has said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable deeds; there is none that does good or right.


I am so glad that I KNOW that God IS, AND that He IS my rewarder when I diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6)!


Matthew 14 gives an account of the feeding of the 5,000 from the seed of 5 loaves and two fish. When we were in Israel, we saw this mosaic still visible from a fourth century church built on the sight.

I don't particularly like that everywhere people THOUGHT that Jesus did something, they put up a church! I would have liked to have seen the area as it may have looked, but if they hadn't, then it wouldn't be so easy to pick this spot out from any other. I would encourage everyone to make the trip. It is well worth the time, energy and resources it takes to do so!


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


In Matthew 13  Jesus taught the parable of the sower who sows the Word. Then He said this in verses 31-32:


31 Another story by way of comparison He set forth before them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field. 32 Of all the seeds it is the smallest, but when it has grown it is the largest of the garden herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and find shelter in its branches.


Below is a picture of a full grown mustard tree along with the tiny seed that started it!

The seed of God's Word works exactly the same way! We must start by sowing the Word into our hearts by reading, studying and meditating on the Word of God. Then we continue to water that seed by adding continued meditation, being taught the Word in Church, listening to teaching on the Word, talking about the Word with like-minded believers, and many other ways of keeping the Word foremost in our minds. There are so many options for that in the day in which we live that there is really no reason for any believer to not know the Word! Knowledge of the Word is progressive and is added layer upon  layer upon layer, causing our faith, which comes by hearing and hearing and hearing the Word (Romans 10:17), to grow stronger and stronger every day! But it takes a selling out totally to HIM in order to do this! Matthew 13:44:


44 The kingdom of heaven is like something precious buried in a field, which a man found and hid again; then in his joy he goes and sells all he has and buys that field.


Are YOU willing to set everything else aside for the purpose of knowing HIM through His Word? If so, there is no limit to how strong your faith will grow! Hallelujah!


Shalom in Him

Shalom,


In reading through Job this year, I have seen things more clearly than any time before! Job continues to blame God for allowing the enemy to torment him. His "friends" continue to blame Job, self-righteously,  saying that he MUST have some hidden sin for all of this to happen to him. This book goes on and on and on this way, when the origin of Job's problem is found way back in the third chapter: Job 3:25:


25 For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me. 


The Message Bible says this:


25 The worst of my fears has come true, what I've dreaded most has happened.


The ONLY fear that we are supposed to have is the "Fear of the LORD", which is a reverence and respect for WHO He is and an awareness of His awesome presence! 2 Timothy 1:7 says this:


7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.


Do NOT open the door to the enemy in YOUR life by spending one moment in fear! Pray in the Spirit, get more into the Word and fellowship with like-minded believers who will help you stay in faith instead of fear!


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


In Matthew 11 Jesus is rebuking the cities where the people saw great miracles, but refused to believe and change their thinking to agree with God (repent)! I believe the Visual Bible - Matthew does an excellent job of showing how it grieved Jesus that people would SEE the power of God operate through Him and still refuse to believe on Him and  choose life! 

He feels the same way when bad things happen in OUR lives! The Sovereign God set it up so that WE have the opportunity to learn to operate in HIS authority in this life! He sat down at the right hand of the Father and is watching and waiting for US to rise up IN that authority and make the enemy HIS footstool! We have a long way to go, but putting the Word of God as our #1 priority and source will put us on the fast track! Thank You, Jesus!


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Matthew 10:34:


34 Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.


Now here is a verse you can use to refute a "religious" statement that Jesus was a "peacenik"! THIS is the peace that Jesus came to bring: Colossians 1:20:


20 And God purposed that through Him [the Son] all things should be completely reconciled back to Himself, whether things on earth or in heaven, as through Him, [the Father ] made peace by means of the blood of His cross.


This PEACE that Jesus brought was peace between God and mankind! Jesus forever settled the problem between us! When we receive Him as Lord and Saviour, then we HAVE peace with God! Peace on earth, from wars and rumors of wars, will NOT come until the Millennial Reign of Jesus! Soon and very soon!


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Psalm 9:1-2:


1 I WILL praise You, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will show forth all your marvelous works. 2 I will be glad and rejoice in You: I will sing praise to Your Name, O Most High.


Reading these two verses always brings to mind a song from The Gospel Bill Show (presented by Willie George) from years ago. Here is a music video of it featuring Ken Blount:

The Gospel Bill Show presented messages that were powerful, transcended any age limit and are timeless! Go back and watch a few episodes! I know you'll agree!


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Matthew 8 records when Jesus came down from the mountain, after ministering to His disciples, and went into Capernaum. Matthew 8:14-15:


14 And when Jesus went into Peter's house, he saw his mother-in-law lying ill with a fever. 15 He touched her hand and the fever left her; and she got up and began waiting on Him.


When we were in Israel, we saw the restored remains of the synagogue in Capernaum and the remains of Peter's house, which was just outside the synagogue! Fascinating! Here are the pictures:

This is Peter's house and below is the synagogue.

It was so exciting to see all of these places! it really made the Bible come alive!


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Matthew 7:1-5:

1 DO NOT judge and criticize and condemn others, so that you may not be judged and criticized and condemned yourselves. 2 For just as you judge and criticize condemn others, you will be judged and criticized and condemned, and in accordance with the measure you [use to] deal out to others, it will be dealt out again to you. 3 Why do you stare from without at the very small particle that is in your brother's eye but do not become aware of and consider the beam of timber that is in your own eye. 4 Or how can you say to your brother, Let me get the tiny particle out of your eye, when there is the beam of timber in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first get the beam of timber out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the tiny particle out of your brother's eye.

Here is an illustration from the Visual Bible: Matthew (Chapter 7). This is the whole chapter if you care to watch the whole thing. It's VERY GOOD! 

I LOVE the Word of God!

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Our reading in Matthew today (Matthew 6) continues with Jesus preaching the "Sermon on the Mount" to His disciples. When we were in Israel in April we were able to stand on the mountain that Jesus and His disciples were on at this time! Below is a picture of the area.














This is near the top of where it is thought that this took place. We found that on most of the sites in Israel that pertained to Jesus and His ministry, there has been a church built there. I believe that Jesus would rather we remember WHAT He said than to put a "shrine" up WHERE He said it! I think that verse 33 really emphasizes that!


33 But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides!


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


I found something interesting in the Genesis 9 today!  Verses 1-3:


 1 God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply and fill the earth. 2 The fear and dread of you will be upon every wild animal, every bird in the air, every creature populating the ground, and all the fish in the sea; they have been handed over to you. 3 Every moving thing that lives will be food for you; just as I gave you green plants before, so now I give you everything —  4 only flesh with its life, which is its blood, you are not to eat. 

Just as in Genesis 1:28, when God said this:

28 And God blessed them and said to them, Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it [using all its vast resources in the service of God and man]; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and over every living creature that moves upon the earth. 

So much for all of the "causes" out there that would protect a plant or animal at the expense of a person! Are there people out there who are that extreme? ABSOLUTELY! Are all nature or environmental people like this? NO! But what WE want here is the TRUTH! God's Word IS Truth! It is the ONLY Truth! Do you eat meat? Enjoy! Do you have a leather jacket? Enjoy! Do you like to hunt? Go for it! Just make sure that you are maintaining a good and Godly attitude in and through it all! God's Word never condones waste and abuse of ANY kind! Take care of what belongs to God (and YOU, as an heir of God and joint-heir with Jesus of Nazareth - Romans 8:17)!


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

We read Matthew 4 in our Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan for today. Jesus chose some of His disciples. Verses 18-22:

18 As He was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he noticed two brothers, Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, throwing a dragnet into the sea, for they were fishermen. 19 And He said to them, Come after Me [as disciples -- letting Me be your Guide], follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men! 20 At once they left their nets and became His disciples [sided with His party and followed Him]. 21 And going on further from there He noticed two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets and putting them right; and He called them. 22 At once they left the boat and their father and joined Jesus as His disciples [sided with His party and followed Him].

One of the many very interesting things we saw in Israel was the remains of a first century fishing boat that had been found sunk in the Galilee when the water levels receded. Here is a picture of the boat:

This was such an exciting thing to see! One thing that I have found to be true is that NOTHING has ever been discovered that DISPROVES the Biblical account! Everything that HAS been discovered has only confirmed what the Bible says! But you KNEW that because you know John 17:17:

17 Sanctify them by Your Truth. Your Word is Truth.

You can count on it! AMEN!

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


In our Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan today we read about Jesus being baptized by John in the Jordan River. Below is a photo of the area of the Jordan River where baptisms are carried out in Israel now. This was from our 2010 Israel trip!

If you get the opportunity to visit Israel, do it! It will definitely change your life!


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


We had a powerful and anointed Worship Service at The Spoken Word Church this morning! Did YOU know that after Jesus spent time teaching, preaching and healing the multitudes, He went up the mountain with His disciples and delivered the Sermon on the Mount - to them! He was training His team! I hope YOU belong to a church that teaches the Word of God to train YOU to DO the work of the ministry! If not, you need to find a new church! 


2011 is going to be a very exciting year for believers in Jesus Christ who choose to go on to become DOERS of the Word. Read the Word, study the Word, meditate on the Word. Then speak the Word boldly and give God something to CONFIRM with signs following! That's what we're HERE for! Heaven awaits! Let's get the job done! AMEN!


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Happy New year to you all! This year we will be doing something a little different on the blog. I will still be following the Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan, but I will not be blogging specifically from that. I will be sharing a thought or Scripture for the day that really ministers to me, either from the Bible Plan or from one of the many other study tools that I enjoy using! Today I want to share what I posted on my facebook page. 

I pray that 2011 will bring YOUR most powerful revelation of the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible! Have a blessed and anointed year - serving HIM!


Shalom in Him!