Shalom,


Psalm 61 has a familiar theme! David is calling out to the LORD during a time of testing and trial. Verse 1:


1 HEAR MY cry, O God; listen to my prayer.


Then David encourages himself in the LORD by reminding himself how the LORD delivered him in the past. Verse 3:


3 For You have been a shelter and a refuge for me, a strong tower against the adversary.


He ends with praise in verse 8:


8 So will I sing praise to Your Name forever, paying my vows day by day.


David's method works! The next time YOU face temptation, testing and trials, follow David's formula for getting yourself into a place of faith, trust, and confidence that the God Who delivered you before, will most certainly do it again! AMEN!


Mark 11:23 says this:


23 Truly I tell you, whoever says to this mountain, be lifted up and thrown into the sea! and does not doubt at all in his heart but believes that what he says will take place, it will be done for him.


What are we to believe here? We are to believe that when WE speak, things happen! That is exactly what Jesus did when He ministered here on the earth, and that is what He is expecting His body to do NOW! In order for us to believe that what WE speak will happen, we have to get a better understanding of who we are, IN HIM! We no longer operate on our own or by our own strength! We HAVE the Spirit of Almighty God living IN US! The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead, AND the ONE Who operated through Jesus when He performed all of the signs, wonders, and miracles that He did, lives IN US (Romans 8:11)! EXPECT to look like, sound like, and get the same results as, JESUS of NAZARETH! That is certainly what HE is expecting from us! AMEN!


Isaiah 35:1-2:


1 THE WILDERNESS and the dry land shall be glad the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the rose and the autumn crocus. 2 It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing. the glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the excellency of [Mount] Carmel and [the plain] of Sharon. They shall see the glory of the LORD, the majesty and splendor and excellency of our God.


Isaiah uses the example of these three places, which were some of the most beautiful and fruitful places in all of the land at that time, to show what the very desert will look like when Jesus returns! Here are two pictures. One is of Mount Carmel, taken during out Israel trip last year. The other is of the plain of Sharon. 

 The Valley of Megiddo, now known as the Valley of Jezreel,  from the top of Mount Carmel.

The plain of Sharon.

Now THIS is what the desert will look like! The nation of Israel has already made much progress in reclaiming the desert, but the fullness will come with Messiah Jesus! Isaiah 36 begins to speak of the time of king Hezekiah. We will look at that more tomorrow!


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Psalm 60 was written by David at a time when it looked like God had turned His back on the nation because THEY had sinned against Him! Verses 1-3:


1 O GOD, You have rejected us and cast us off, broken down [our defenses], and scattered us; You have been angry -- O restore us and turn Yourself to us again! 2 You have made the land to quake and tremble, You have rent it [open]; repair its breaches, for it shakes and totters. 3 You have made Your people suffer hard things; You have given us to drink wine that makes us reel and be dazed. 


Remember as you read through the Bible, with the Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan, that it was never God Who turned away from the people, it was the people who turned away from Him. They turned away to do things their own way and took themselves right out from under God's protection! When they repented (changed their thinking to agree with God) and got themselves back into fellowship with Him, then they returned to that place of protection, provision and safety! The same can be said of the USA today! But I KNOW that God's people in this nation have returned to prayer and to His Word! We can expect good things to happen in SOME places! Verses 4-5:


4 [But now] You have set up a banner for those who fear and worshipfully revere You [to which they may flee from the bow], a standard displayed because of the Truth. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! 5 That Your beloved ones may be delivered, save with Your right hand and answer us.


Let's continue to do the right thing so that we can look forward with expectant hope and eager anticipation for the deliverance of our God! Verse 12:


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


AMEN! Now I have a real surprise for members and friends of The Spoken Word Church! Here is Pastor Sam Chelladurai singing: Through Our God! 

Mark 10 has the Pharisees still trying to trip up Jesus. Then we have the account of the rich, young ruler who came to Jesus to ask what he must do to inherit eternal life. When Jesus reminded him of the commandments in the Word of God, he said that he had always kept those. Then Jesus said this in verse 21:


21 And Jesus, looking upon him, loved him, and he said to him, You lack one thing; go and sell all you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come [and] accompany Me [walking the same road that I walk].


The man's response in verse 22:


22 At that saying the man's countenance fell and was gloomy, and he went away grieved and sorrowing, for he was holding great possessions.


First of all, it wasn't the possessions that this man was holding that was the problem. It was the possessions that were holding him! They had too much importance in his life! Second, notice that Jesus did NOT say "sell what you have and give it ALL to the poor". He was to sell the possessions that were holding him back, give SOME of the profit from selling the possessions to the poor, and follow Jesus. He could have supported the ministry of Jesus with some of the profits! Others did! He couldn't see himself without the possessions! How about YOU? Is there anything that YOU are holding on to that would keep YOU from serving the Lord Jesus with everything within you? Make the adjustments and FOLLOW HIM! AMEN!


Isaiah 33:2:


2 O LORD, be gracious to us; we have waited [expectantly] for You. be the arm [of Your servants -- their strength and defense] every morning, our salvation in the time of trouble.


Here is a portion of the commentary from the Bible Exposition Comentary concerning this chapter of Isaiah:

Isa 33:2 is the prayer of the godly remnant when Jerusalem was surrounded by the Assyrian army. Isaiah had promised that God would be gracious to them if they would only trust Him (30:18-19), so a few devout people turned His promise into prayer. God spared Jerusalem for David's sake (37:35) and because a believing remnant trusted God and prayed. Never underestimate the power of a praying minority. Assyria was proud of her power and the spoils she had gathered in battle. The Assyrian army swept through the land like devouring locusts, but that would change. The day would come when Judah would strip the dead Assyrian army and Sennacherib would be assassinated in the temple of the god he claimed was stronger than Jehovah (vv. 36-38).


The Lord was exalted in the defeat of Assyria (33:5), for no human wisdom or power could have done what He did. We must remember that nations and individuals can have stability in uncertain times only when they trust God and seek His wisdom and glory. King Hezekiah did a foolish thing when he took the temple treasures and tried to bribe Sennacherib (2 Kings 18:13-16), but God forgave him and reminded him that "the fear of the Lord is [your] treasure" (Isa 33:6). Unbelief looks to human resources for help, but faith looks to God.

Continue to look to the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible for YOUR deliverance! Isaiah 33:22:

22 For the LORD is our Judge, the LORD is our Lawgiver, the LORD is our King; He will save us.

Isaiah 34 contains more prophecy, some of which refers to the time of the End. Verse 16:

16 Seek out the Book of the LORD and read: not one of these [details of prophecy] shall fail, none shall want and lack her mate [in fulfillment]. For the mouth [of the LORD] has commanded, and His Spirit has gathered them.

Be ready! Soon and VERY soon! Come quickly, Lord Jesus!

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Psalm 59 is a Psalm of David written concerning the time that Saul tried to have him killed in his own home and in his own bed. David had every opportunity to operate in worry, fear, and dread over what Saul was threatening to do to him! Instead, he turned to the LORD! Verses 9 & 17 are very similar and declare David's faith in the One, True God!


9 O my Strength, I will watch and give heed to You and sing praises; for God is my Defense (my Protector and High Tower). 


17 Unto You, O my Strength, I will sing praises; for God is my Defense, my Fortress, and High Tower, the God Who shows me mercy and steadfast love.


Make your own declaration from the Word of God over every area of your life. When you do, the enemy will not be able to so easily trip you up with doubt, fear, unbelief, guilt, worry or anything else that steals, kills, and destroys your faith, trust and confidence in His desire and ability to deliver you - EVERY TIME!  Here is Hillsong Untied with "You Are My Strength":

The Words of God the Father about Jesus in Mark 9 are words that we should be heeding and obeying continually! Verse 7:


7 And a cloud threw a shadow upon them, and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is My Son, the [most dearworthy] Beloved One. Be constantly listening to and obeying Him!


When we do that, then we will be prepared to do the works that Jesus did (such as healing the sick and casting our demons like Jesus will do later in this chapter!) and even greater works (John 14:12)! All for HIS honor and glory!


In Isaiah 31 we see again the warning of God to NOT rely on Egypt, horses, or chariots (or any other form of natural help!), but instead we MUST look to the one, True God as our Deliverer! Verse 5:


5 Like birds hovering, so will the LORD of hosts defend Jerusalem; he will protect and deliver it, he will pass over and spare and preserve it.


Israel, and Jerusalem, must rely on the same LORD today, and NOT rely on any of the other countries in the region. They cannot even rely on the USA for help and deliverance! The One, True God is waiting for the nation of Israel to return to faith in ONLY HIM! Isaiah 32 tells of the future reign of the King of kings and Lord of lords, Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah of Israel! Soon and very soon! AMEN!


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Psalm 58:1-2 is addressing unrighteous rulers:


1 DO YOU indeed in silence speak righteousness, O you mighty ones? [Or is the righteousness, rightness, and justice you should speak quite dumb?] Do you judge fairly and uprightly, O you sons of men? 2 No, in your heart you devise wickedness; you deal out in the land the violence of your hands.


These rulers who should have been speaking right and true things, the things of the Word of God, were NOT doing so! The Message Bible is even clearer:


1 Is this any way to run a country? Is there an honest politician in the house? 2 Behind the scenes you brew cauldrons of evil, behind closed doors you make deals with demons.


Now doesn't THAT just sound like the days we're living in right now, especially in the USA! But those who wait on the LORD will NOT be disappointed! Verse 11 says this:


11 Men will say, Surely there is a reward for the [uncompromisingly] righteous; surely there is a God Who judges on the earth.


The Message Bible:


11 Everyone cheering, "It's worth it to play by the rules! God's handing out trophies and tending the earth!"


There will ALWAYS be rewards and blessings involved in doing things God's way! Thank You, Jesus!


In Mark 8 Jesus again feeds the multitude having only a few fish and a few loaves of bread. It is amazing that His own disciples don't seem to remember when He fed the 5000 previously, with plenty left over! He does the same here! Don't be too hard on these people, though. Remember that they did NOT have the Holy Spirit living in them to bring those things to their remembrance! We can sometimes take a lot things for granted in our lives that are really very vital! And then we have Jesus speaking in verses 34-38. These verses are taken from the Complete Jewish Bible:


Then Yeshua (Jesus) called the crowd and his talmidim (disciples) to Him and told them, "If anyone wants to come after Me, let him say 'No' to himself, take up his execution-stake, and keep following me. 35 For whoever wants to save his own life will destroy it, but whoever destroys his life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News will save it. 36 Indeed, what will it benefit a person if he gains the whole world but forfeits his life? 37 What could a person give in exchange for his life? 38 or if someone is ashamed of Me and of what I say in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man also will be ashamed of him when he comes in His Father's glory with the holy angels.


Give HIM your whole heart! He CAN be trusted with it and He WILL make your whole life a very blessed life! AMEN!


Isaiah 29-30 give warning to Jerusalem of things that will happen as a result of their turning from Him. There is also this promise for when they turn back to Him! Isaiah 29:22-24:


22 Therefore thus says the LORD, Who redeemed Abraham [out of Ur and idolatry], concerning the house of Jacob: Jacob shall not then be ashamed; not then shall his face become pale [with fear and disappointment because of his children's degeneracy]. 23 For when he sees his children [walking in the way of piety and virtue], the work of My hands in his midst, they will revere My Name; they will revere the Holy One of Jacob and reverently fear the God of Israel. 24 Those who err in spirit will come to understanding, and those who murmur [discontentedly] will accept instruction.


Remember to continue to pray for the peace and prosperity of the nation of Israel and the city of Jerusalem, no matter WHAT the world is saying about them! Here is something interesting I found in the Bible Exposition Commentary:

The name "Jerusalem" means "city of peace," but throughout its history it has been associated more with conflict than with peace. Even today, Jerusalem is a focal point for concern in the Middle East. "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem." admonished the psalmist (Ps 122:6). Why pray for Jerusalem? Why not pray for London or Moscow or Rome? Because when there is true peace in Jerusalem, there will be peace in the whole world (Isa 52:7; 66:12); so we had better take the psalmist's words to heart.



Here is a song by Paul Wilbur called, appropriately: Shalom, Jerusalem!

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

After very foolishly fleeing in fear of Saul to Gath, the home of the giant he had slain, David finally comes to his senses and hides himself in the Cave of Adullam. It is here that David gets himself back in a position of faith, trust and confidence in the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible! Verses 2-3:

2 I will cry to God Most High, Who performs on my behalf and rewards me [Who brings to pass His purposes for me and surely completes them]! 3 He will send from heaven and save me from the slanders and reproaches of him who would trample me down or swallow me up, and He will put him to shame. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! God will send forth His mercy and loving-kindness and His truth and faithfulness.

That was David encouraging himself in the LORD! Then he turned to praise and worship of the ONE Whom he was now counting on to deliver him from every situation! He makes the determined purpose to do this diligently! Verses 7-9:

7 My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is steadfast and confident! I will sing and make melody. 8 Awake,  my glory (my inner self); awake, harp and lyre! I will awake right early [ I will awaken the dawn]! 9 I will p[raise and give thanks to You, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations.

Verses 5 and 11 are the same:

5 (11) Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let Your glory be over all the earth.

Follow David's example of escaping to YOUR secret place, alone in the presence of God, so that YOU can receive clear direction and "build up YOURSELF in your most holy faith" (Jude 20). Then follow his example in praise and worship also! Early and often! AMEN!

In Mark 7 we see that some of the scribes and Pharisees had traveled all the way from Jerusalem * roughly 68 miles walking in a straight line, much more following the known roads) to speak to Jesus about washing His hands! Jesus replied to them and ended with verse 13:

13 Thus you are nullifying and making void and of no effect [the authority of] the Word of God through your tradition, which you [in turn] hand on. And many things of this kind you are doing. 

Jesus tried to get the message across to them. Some of them would hear and believe. Others would not, at least not until much later. We alone determine how much of the authority of the Word of God is able to work in our lives! Find out what the WORD says about every situation you face. Don't go by tradition, and don't be talked out of the promises by the lack of other people to walk in those promises! ALL of God's promises are YES and AMEN - in HIM! Here is the song "Yes and Amen" from Hillsong to help you remember that! 

Isaiah 27  is looking forward to the blessings that await the nation in the future. Verses 1,2, and 13 say "in that day", which refers to the Day of the Lord. The Day of the Lord is the day that the King of kings and Lord of lords, Jesus of Nazareth, returns to the earth as the Conqueror and Supreme Ruler! His reign will last 1000 years and the people of the earth will be blessed! Isaiah 28 is Isaiah warning the people of their need for repentance (changing their thinking to agree with God) and turning their hearts back to the God of the Bible! I saw another interesting and appropriate piece in the Bible Exposition Commentary: Old Testament:

The Lord was also appalled by their drunkenness. To the Jews, wine was a gift from God and a source of joy (Judg 9:13; Ps 104:15). The Law did not demand total abstinence, but it did warn against drunkenness (Deut 21:18-21; Prov 20:1; 23:20-21,29-35). The prophet Amos denounced the luxurious indulgences of the people in both Judah and Samaria (Amos 6:1-7), and Isaiah also thundered against such godless living (Isa 5:11-12,22).

A government official in Washington, D.C. once quipped, "We have three parties in this city: the Democratic Party, the Republican Party, and the cocktail party." Indeed, Washington, D.C. ranks high on the list of cities noted for alcohol consumption. Many people don't realize that alcohol and nicotine, America's favorite legal narcotics, do far more damage than all the illegal drugs combined. According to Dr. Arnold Washton, alcohol and nicotine kill 450,000 people annually, while illegal drugs kill about 6,000 (Willpower's Not Enough, Harper & Row, 1989; p. 13). This does not make illegal drugs acceptable, but it does help us put things in perspective. What hope is there for our affluent, pleasure-loving society that gives lip service to religion and ignores the tragic consequences of sin and the judgment that is sure to come?

What SHOULD we do? 2 Chronicles 7:14 is an Old Covenant promise that has not been done away with or improved upon under the New Covenant! It is just a valuable today to hear and obey, so let's DO IT! AMEN!

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Have you ever felt like everything was going against you and if anything COULD go wrong, it would? That's exactly how the devil works! If he can get into your thought life and cause you to focus on the problem instead of the answer, then he can keep you from standing in the joy of the faith that wins the fight (1 Timothy 6:12)! Remember, if satan can't steal your joy, he cannot keep your goods! AMEN! Instead, say, with David, Psalm 56:3-4:


3 What time I am afraid, I will have confidence in and put my trust and reliance in You. 4 By [the help of] God I will praise His Word; on God I lean, rely, and confidently put my trust; I will not fear. What can man, who is flesh, do to me?


Remind yourself of past victories, just like David always did, then make verses 11-13 you own!


11 In God have I put my trust and confident reliance; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? 12 Your vows are upon me, O God; I will render praise to you and give You thank offerings. 13 For You have delivered my life from death, yes, and my feet from falling, that i may walk before God in the light of life and of the living.


Mark 6:1-3 shows the reaction of those who should have been most aware of Who Jesus was:


1 JESUS WENT away from there and came to His [own] country and hometown [Nazareth], and His disciples followed [with ] Him. 2 And on the Sabbath He began to teach in the synagogue; and many who listened to Him were utterly astonished, saying, Where did this Man acquire all this? What is the wisdom [the broad and full intelligence which has been] given to Him? What mighty works and exhibitions of power are wrought by His hands! 3 Is not this the Carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon: And are not His sisters here among us? And they took offense at Him and were hurt [that is they disapproved of Him, and it hindered them from acknowledging His authority] and they were caused to stumble and fall.


When you look too much at the natural man and forget that the Lord chooses what the world considers foolish, to confound the wise, you, too, can make the Word of God of no effect! Don't allow natural things to influence what the Spirit of God is trying to tell you! If you do, you will cause the same things to be said of you that Jesus said of THEM! Verses 4-6:


4 But Jesus said to them, A prophet is not without honor (deference, reverence) except in his [own] country and among [his] relatives and in his [own] house. 5 And He was not able to do even on e work of power there, except that He laid His hands on a few sickly people [and] cured them. 6 And he marveled because of their unbelief (their lack of faith in Him). And He went about among the surrounding villages and continued teaching.


Jesus' answer to their unbelief was to continue to teach the TRUTH of God's Word! Here are some great picture I found:

Here is a verse of TRUTH! Isaiah 25:1:


1 O LORD, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will praise Your Name, for You have done wonderful things, even purposes planned of old [and fulfilled] in faithfulness and truth.


His Word IS TRUTH (John 17:17)! Learn it, love it, live it and your life will never be the same! 


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Psalm 55 is a Psalm of David probably written at the time of the rebellion of Absalom when David's most trusted counselor betrayed him. In many of the Psalms of David we see him cry out to God with and about the problem. Then he reminds himself of all that God has done before, which builds faith in him again. Then he makes his declaration of faith in the One, True God to deliver him. Then he praises Him! He does all of the above in this Psalm, also! We will just look at the 2 verses today. Verse 22:


22 Cast your burden on the LORD [releasing the weight of it] and He will sustain you; He will never allow the [consistently] righteous to be moved (made to slip, fall, or fail).


That was David's faith speaking! Do YOU believe that He will never allow YOU to slip, fall, or fail? When you develop that kind of faith, trust, and confidence in the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible, nothing will ever stop you from stepping out in faith again! Then we see this in verse 23b:


23b But I will trust in, lean on, and confidently rely on You.


Renew your mind with the Word of God until you can say the same thing, and MEAN it! AMEN!


In Mark 5 we read again of the woman with the issue of blood. Verses 25-29:


And there was a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years, 26 And who had endured much suffering under [the hands of] many physicians and had spent all that she had, and was no better but instead grew worse. 27 She had heard the reports concerning Jesus, and she came up behind Him in the throng and touched His garment, 28 For she kept saying, If I only touch His garments, I shall be restored to health. 29 And immediately her flow of blood was dried up at the source, and [suddenly] she felt in her body that she was healed of her [distressing] ailment.


She declared what she believed, and it was done for her! Sounds a little like David! The next verses are what we really want to look at today. Verses 30-34:


30 And Jesus, recognizing in Himself that the power proceeding from Him had gone forth, turned around immediately in the crowd and said, Who touched my clothes? 31 And the disciples kept saying to Him, You see the crowd pressing hard around You from all sides, and You ask, Who touched Me? 32 Still He kept looking around to see her who had done it. 33 But the woman, knowing what had been done for her, though alarmed and frightened and trembling, fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. 35 And He said to her, Daughter, your faith (your trust and confidence in Me, springing from faith in God) has restored you to health. Go in (into) peace and be continually healed and freed from your [distressing bodily] disease.


When the woman touched the clothes of Jesus, IN FAITH, she received her healing! Jesus did not minister to her in any conventional way. He didn't even see her! Jesus Himself told her that it was HER faith that had made her healed and whole! When she touched Jesus, He FELT it! Not His clothes being touched, but the force of her faith pulling the healing anointing out of Him! We need to meditate on that until it becomes so real to us that we can recognize and be aware of that SAME Anointing that lives IN US! Remember 2 Corinthians 4:7:


7 However, we possess this precious treasure [the divine Light of the Gospel] in [frail, human] vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves.


As a born again believer, YOU have that same treasure! Cherish that Treasure, learn about that Treasure, and share that Treasure! THAT is what HE is in you for! HALLELUJAH!


Isaiah 23 continues the prophecies to the nations with Tyre. Isaiah 24 begins with prophecies for the whole world which will take place in the last days. People in Isaiah's time thought that they were close to those times! How much MORE are we! Buy up every opportunity to tell everyone you know about the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible and His wonderful Plan of Salvation! Preach the Gospel of Jesus of Nazareth, making it so simple a child can understand! To help you with that, you need to have the joy of a child yourself! Here are some songs from the Donut Repair Club "On Tour". These are songs that my grandchildren LOVE, and I think you will, too! 

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


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


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


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


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


Verse 6 shows David praising God:


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


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


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


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


In Mark 4:1-2 we see this:


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


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

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



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


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


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

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


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


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


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



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

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


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


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


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


Mark 2:4-5:


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


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


Isaiah 17:1-3 says this:


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


The Message Bible says this:


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


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

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Psalm 51:4:


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

 One end as seen from the Golan heights.

 The middle.

 The other end.

This is an aerial view.

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


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Psalm 50:1-6:


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


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

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


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


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


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


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Psalm 49:1-3:


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Psalm 48:1a:


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


Verse 8 says:


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


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

Titus 2:1:


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


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


Isaiah 9:2 says this:


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


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


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


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


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


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


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


AMEN! THIS is OUR GOD! (Hillsong)

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


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


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


29 That no flesh should glory in His presence.


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


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


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Psalm 46:1-3:


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


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

2 Timothy 4:2 in the KJV says :


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


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


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


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

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

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


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


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



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


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


You are ready! AMEN!


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


Shalom in Him!