Receive His Intercession

Who has believed our message?
And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?
 For He grew up before Him like a tender shoot,
And like a root out of parched ground;
He has no stately form or majesty
That we should look upon Him,
Nor appearance that we should be attracted to Him.
 He was despised and forsaken of men,
A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief;
And like one from whom men hide their face
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.

 Surely our griefs He Himself bore,
And our sorrows He carried;
Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten of God, and afflicted.
 But He was pierced through for our transgressions,
He was crushed for our iniquities;
The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him,
And by His scourging we are healed.
 All of us like sheep have gone astray,
Each of us has turned to his own way;
But the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all
To fall on Him.

 He was oppressed and He was afflicted,
Yet He did not open His mouth;
Like a lamb that is led to slaughter,
And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers,
So He did not open His mouth.
 By oppression and judgment He was taken away;
And as for His generation, who considered
That He was cut off out of the land of the living
For the transgression of my people, to whom the stroke was due?
 His grave was assigned with wicked men,
Yet He was with a rich man in His death,
Because He had done no violence,
Nor was there any deceit in His mouth.

 But the Lord was pleased
To crush Him, putting Him to grief;
If He would render Himself as a guilt offering,
He will see His offspring,
He will prolong His days,
And the good pleasure of the Lord will prosper in His hand.
 As a result of the anguish of His soul,
He will see it and be satisfied;
By His knowledge the Righteous One,
My Servant, will justify the many,
As He will bear their iniquities. 
 Therefore, I will allot Him a portion with the great,
And He will divide the booty with the strong;
Because He poured out Himself to death,
And was numbered with the transgressors;
Yet He Himself bore the sin of many,
and interceded for the transgressors.

Isaiah 53

Peace on Earth

^{An angel of the Lord appeared to some shepherds and announced,}

 "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.  When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,  and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

Luke 2:11-18 

Giver of all good things

Remember His marvelous works which He has done. —1 Chronicles 16:12

After my first semester in seminary, my family was given airline tickets to fly home for Christmas. The night before our flight, we realized we had less than $20 for the trip. Parking, transportation, and other incidentals were certain to cost more than $20. Heartsick, we resolved to pray about it. Though our children were small (6 and 2), we included them in the prayer time.

As we were praying, we heard footsteps in the hallway of the apartment building, and then “whisk”—the sound of an envelope sliding under the door. Inside the envelope was an anonymous gift of $50.

The wonder reflected on our 6-year-old daughter’s face matched the wonder in our own hearts. Here was a mighty God writing His name on a little girl’s heart by hearing and answering our prayer in the same instant. And so we, like the psalmist David, could “talk of all His wondrous works!” (1 Chron. 16:9).

So it was that first Christmas night, when a mighty, all-knowing, all-powerful God wrote His name on the heart of humanity, stunning us with the generosity of forgiveness and the joy of unconditional love. The birth of Christ is the answer to our most fervent prayers for love and forgiveness. Can you feel the wonder? —Randy Kilgore

Lord, restore to me the wonder of Christmas,
felt most keenly when I first met Jesus;
for I long to tell the story with all the
joy it brought me that day.

A wonder-filled life is ours when we know the Christ of Christmas.

For my eyes have seen your Salvation

Jesus Presented in the Temple as an Infant

 ^"When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took Jesus to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord  (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”),  and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”
  Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him.  It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.  Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required,  Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
    you may now dismiss your servant in peace. 

 For my eyes have seen your salvation,      

which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:  

a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
    and the glory of your people Israel.”

 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.  Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against,  so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”  Luke 2:22 - 38

Some things are beyond science and medicine

Just one of many stories that gives me such great hope!! Be blessed by this unfolding mystery of the third heaven.
 
http://www.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/bestoftv/2013/11/27/heaven-mary-neal.cnn.htm

"In the beginning, God created the heavens and earth..."

 Genesis 1:1

"Tell the Israelites this, "You have seen for yourselves that I have spoken to you from heaven..."     Exodus 20:22

"If I go up to heaven, you are there.." Psalm 139:8

 "I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows.  And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows—  was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell.  I will boast about a man like that..."

2 Corinthians 12:2-5

 

Mountain of Joy

My heart is filled with thanks to God for His great love and compassion.  He has blessed us in many ways.  He has given us so much - let us be thankful and receive His Kingdom that can not be shaken. 

The Mountain of Fear and the Mountain of Joy

 You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm;  to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them,  because they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.” The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.”

 But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly,  to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,  to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

  See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven?

 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.
    
 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,  for our “God is a consuming fire.”

^{Hebrews 12:18-29}

He HAS been there all along...

 

" 'if there is no God, who else is there?  He is our only hope.'  (a quote from one of the survivors of typhoon haiyan)   as we watched destruction unfold on the news, images similar to japan's triple disaster of 3/11/11 played out ... both were ruthless, leaving nothing in their paths. how does one continue believing that God is good and just? I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD; they are plans for peace, not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope. (jeremiah 29:11) jessie urged me to read night by elie wiesel, a personal recounting of holocaust horror. the forward was written by francois mauriac, winner of the nobel prize for literature. after meeting wiesel in person, mauriac wrote the following:  'what did i say to him (wiesel)? did i speak to him of that other Jew, this crucified brother who perhaps resembled him and whose cross conquered the world? did i explain to him that what had been a stumbling block for his faith had become a cornerstone for mine? and that the connection between the cross and human suffering remains, in my view, the key to the unfathomable mystery in which the faith of his childhood was lost? ... all is grace. if the almighty is the almighty, the last word for each of us belong to Him. that is what i should have said to the Jewish child. but all i could do was embrace him and weep.'  night echoes shusaku endo's silence, a narrative of the persecution and murder of Japanese Christians in the 1600s. where is God when those who love Him are being obliterated by those who hate Him? the answer that resounds throughout history and these tragedies is that He HAS been there all along and will continue to be that crucified brother who suffers next to us. He IS our only hope!"

By Carol Suzuki - our missionary in Japan  send's website:  www.send.org/suzuki

Witnesses

  So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power.

 

 He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear, not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. 

 

To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” (Acts 10:34-43, ESV)

Peace

The Lord is my shepherd,

 I lack nothing.      

He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,  

   he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
    for his name’s sake.  

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

 You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows. 

 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.

Psalm 23 of David

To the Jew First and also to the Gentile

A healing was done at the temple in Jerusalem - it was on a man who was handicapped since birth.  Those looking on were astonished.  But, the man who helped him was named Peter, and he addressed the crowd in Jerusalem.


When Peter saw this, he said, “Men of Israel, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us? We haven’t made this man walk by our own power or godliness.  The God of our fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, has done this. He has brought glory to Jesus, who serves him. But you handed Jesus over to be killed. Pilate had decided to let him go. But you spoke against Jesus when he was in Pilate’s court.  You spoke against the Holy and Blameless One. You asked for a murderer to be set free instead.  You killed the one who gives life. But God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this.  This man whom you see and know was made strong because of faith in Jesus’ name. Faith in Jesus has healed him completely. You can see it with your own eyes.
 
 “My friends, I know you didn’t realize what you were doing. Neither did your leaders.  But God had given a promise through all the prophets. And this is how he has made his promise come true. He said that his Christ would suffer.  So turn away from your sins. Turn to God. Then your sins will be wiped away. The time will come when the Lord will make everything new.  He will send the Christ. Jesus has been appointed as the Christ for you.  He must remain in heaven until the time when God makes everything new. He promised this long ago through his holy prophets.  Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me. He will be one of your own people. You must listen to everything he tells you.  Those who do not listen to him will be completely cut off from their people.’ (Deuteronomy 18:15,18,19)
  
“Samuel and all the prophets after him spoke about this. They said these days would come.  What the prophets said was meant for you. The covenant God made with your people long ago is yours also. He said to Abraham, ‘All nations on earth will be blessed through your children.’ (Genesis 22:18; 26:4)  God raised up Jesus, who serves him. God sent him first to you. He did it to bless you. He wanted to turn each of you from your evil ways.”

Acts 3:12-26

It's a process...

A wonderful song was sent to me today as a reminder of the journey we are on with the Lord God.  Apply yourself to seeking after Him and everyday you will see an increase of faith and a peace that surpasses all understanding.

 Song by Josh Garrels "Farther Along"

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IctD9l4F-ag

“What no eye has seen,
    what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived”—
    the things God has prepared for those who love him—

 these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.

The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.  For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.  What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.  This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. ¹⁵ The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments,  for,

“Who has known the mind of the Lord
    so as to instruct him?”

But we have the mind of Christ."

 

1 Corinthians 2:9-16

Your Kingdom Come

The disciples of Jesus asked him for instruction on how to pray.

 "And he said to them, “When you pray, say:

 “Father, hallowed be your name. 

 Your kingdom come. 

 Give us each day our daily bread;

  and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. 

 And lead us not into temptation.”

In studying the book of Revelation, I came across a verse that made me think about the Kingdom to come.

  "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.  And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.  And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place  of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people,  and God himself will be with them as their God."

Could it be that the Kingdom Jesus told his followers to keep in their prayers was the one that was coming down from heaven? The actual dwelling place of God with man? We know the will of the Father is to dwell with His people. And one day we will. IF that is the Kingdom Jesus wants us to focus our hearts and minds on while we pray, then it would be best to do so. He saw into the future like none of us can.  And he knew that we needed to have a heavenly mindset - so that we would not get entangled with trying to recreate heaven on earth. That's the Lord's role. But we are to walk in faith knowing that one day, God's Kingdom will come down from heaven and be on earth..as it is in Heaven.  And that day will be marvelous in our sight.  So, pray with a Kingdom focus and it will make whatever else we want to focus on pale by comparison.

Luke 11:1-2, Revelation 21:1-3

Amos 9:14-15

October 1st, 2013, the prime minister of Israel spoke at the United Nations 68th session in New York.  I am not a political person.  But there is a fair warning in his words.

http://www.timesofisrael.com/full-text-netanyahus-2013-speech-to-the-un-general-assembly/

 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ended his speech with these words:

I will bring back my exiled people Israel;

they will rebuild the ruined cities and live in them.

They will plant vineyards and drink their wine; 

they will make gardens and eat their fruit.

I will plant Israel in their own land,

never again to be uprooted

from the land I have given them."  

Amos 9:14-15

Goads - a prodding to move forward

In the Jewish scriptures there is a wonderful reminder from Solomon found in the book of Ecclesiastes.  Solomon became king of Israel in 970 B.C. and was called the wisest man ever to be born. Here is what he wrote;

"The teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true. 

 The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails -

 given by One Shepherd. Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them.  Of making 

many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body."  *

I love how he likened the words of the wise to goads.  A goad is a spiked stick tool used to prod cattle or sheep.  A shepherd uses it to make his sheep move forward! 

1000 years after Ecclesiastes was written and included in the holy bible, there was a zealous Pharisee and honor student of the scriptures named Saul of Tarsus. He was on his horse traveling on the road to Damascus to murder followers of a sect called, "The Way." He heard a voice saying to him in Aramaic, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?  It is hard for you to kick against the goads."

Could this voice be referring to the simile of the goad that was like the word of the wise written in Ecclesiastes? And Saul being such a student of the word, would know.  If so, the goad the voice referred to would be the word of the wise moving people forward into the new way of faith.  Just like a shepherd would need to prod his sheep to move in a new direction with an actual goad! 

The voice reveals himself.

"Then I [Saul] asked, 'Who are you, Lord?' " 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Now get up and stand on your feet.  I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you.' "**

Saul was knocked of his horse that day, and 3 days later came to believe in Jesus. His testimony, witness and letters are recorded in the bible today and have helped others see the truth for over 2000 years.

Are you kicking against the goads? Is their a prodding in your life right now to move in a new direction? Maybe from a friend or relative or coworker to hear the gospel, but you refuse to pay attention? Could you too, like Saul, be at a place in your belief where you are zealous against the idea of believing in Jesus? He was knocked off his horse.  What is it going to take for you?





*Ecclesiastes 12:10-12, **Acts 26:14-18

Wisdom or Foolishness?

Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?  For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.  Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom,  but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,  but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.  For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

1 Corinthians 1:20-25

Greek or Hebrew???

Some have said that reading the bible is too daunting of a task.  There is thought that one need be a religious scholar or theologian to interpret and understand the concept and wording. Others who open the book and begin to gain understanding are often told that it is better to know the original languages of which it was written; Hebrew for the Old Testament and Greek for the New Testament.

I once grappled with the "Original Language" argument  and even considered taking up Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek! But, in my recent study of Revelation, I was released from that burden and understood that if I am suppose to know the Hebrew or Greek, God will make it very clear in his Word.

 In describing the locusts of battle in Revelation 9:11, God says through the writer, the apostle John,

"They had tails and stings like scorpions, and in their tails they had

 power to torment people for five months.  They had as king over 

them the angel of the Abyss, whose name in

 Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek, Apollyon."

Personally I think it is more important to focus on these incredibly creepy locust/scorpions that are prophesied to visit earth in the future and torment people for five months.  I might have overlooked how their creepy king pronounces his name in Greek or Hebrew.  But, for this verse, apparently God wants us to know this king's name in both Greek and Hebrew! So He tells us.  God makes it clear when it is important to know the difference between the two languages.  The bible was written to the whole world which consists of both Jew and Greek. And through it we now know that this creepy king is coming, and he has a name. Isn't it more important to decide what to do with this revelation?

Thirsty?

Today ends the biblical holy day of Sukkot.  A seven day time of remembrance ordained by God for Israel to reflect on how they were provided shelter, food, protection and water in their 40 year desert wanderings.  In honor of God's faithfulness, the High Priest of Israel would go to the pool of Siloam with a golden pitcher and take water to be poured out at the Temple while all the people would sing:

                                                          Lord, save us!
                                                   Lord, grant us success!

                                Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
                                          From the house of the Lord we bless you.

                                                          Psalm 118:25-26 

In John 4:10-15, we see Jesus offers a Samaritan woman water to drink that is eternal - water that would satiate her unquenchable thirst. The water represented by the High Priest - symbolizing the eternal provision of God Almighty to His People in the desert - is now offered by Jesus to us. 

In one of the last verses in the book Revelation, an invitation is extended to all people who have ears to hear, "Come! Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life." Revelation 22:17

The free gift of salvation has been offered.  Do you find yourself in a dry and weary desert? What holds you back from taking the same gift offered up to all throughout all generations?

Letter of appeal

A Jewish man wrote a letter some 2000 years ago that said,

"In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.  The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven."

In light of Yom Kippur and the day of Atonement for the Jewish people, the above statement, as found in the New Covenant in the book of Hebrews 1:1-3, makes it clear that God had His Son be the sacrifice for the purification of sins. 

Do you understand the depth of this man's statement?  Later in the same letter, the writer goes on to plead for us to pay attention and not ignore such a great salvation, which was first announced by Jesus and confirmed by various signs and miracles to others by those who heard him.

Please find a bible and read the letter called, "Hebrews" ... and let me know your response to these ancient words that are relevant for all time.

All I saw was Love

The power of the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony...

Revelation 12:10-12

"Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say:

Now have come the salvation and the power and the Kingdom of our God, 

and the authority of His Christ.

For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night has been hurled down.

They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.

Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them!

But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you.  He is filled with fury,

because he knows that his time is short."

For a real life testimony of faith please watch this;

 http://podcasts.ibethel.org/en/podcasts/all-i-saw-was-love

Power of the Name

I was reading the prayer of Jesus for His Disciples in John 17:6-15 and was reminded of the Power of His name. 

Jesus Prays for His Disciples

“I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them.  I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father,  protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me,  so that they may be one as we are one.  While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.

“I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.   I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

And then a great song came to my mind!!  Hope you are blessed. If you have a chance, give a listen!!

   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84LSLk3hfD4

Getting to know Him...

Let me make a few introductions....
 
Isaiah foretold, "The Lord himself will give you a sign; The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel."  Isaiah 7:14

Matthew wrote that the coming birth of Jesus will, "... fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet [Isaiah]; The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel - which means, 'God with us." Matthew 1:22-23

Jesus said as he looked toward heaven and prayed, "Father, the time has come, Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life; that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the One whom you have sent." John 17:1-3

John writes in Revelation, "The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testifies to everything he saw-that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Chris." Revelation 1:1-2

His name is the Word of God

Yesterday we learned about the Judge of our last days. We read that God will judge us based on the words of Jesus. Jesus said, "...the one who rejects me and does not accept my words, that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day."  Let's get a little closer look today of that warning.

"I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True.  With justice he judges and makes war.  His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns.  He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the WORD OF GOD." Revelation 18:11-12

The actual judge of our salvation is the Word of God.  What have you done with the complete counsel of the Word of God?

We are reminded in Isaiah 66:1-2 that this is what the LORD says about what He esteems,

"Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool.  

Where is the house you will build for me? 

Where will my resting place be?

Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?

This is the one I esteem;

he who is humble and contrite in spirit, 

and trembles at my word."

The very word Jesus spoke...

Jesus said, *"I have come into the world as light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him.  For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it. There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day. "For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it.  I know that His command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say."

Wow!

Jesus spoke and his words were recorded by those who walked with him 2000 years ago.  He warns us that he isn't the judge, but God the Father will judge on the last day.  AND, we are judged by the words Jesus spoke to us.  And He speaks to us today by reading the words of the bible, by hearing of his word in spiritual songs, and by listening to a pastor or priest preach out of the bible.  We are judged at the last day by those words in which we were in front of at some time in our life.  It begs to ask, what have you done or believed with the words you have heard about Jesus?

A passage in the book of Revelation (a recorded document of the last days to come) says;

**"Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:

"Hallelujah!

For our Lord God Almighty reigns. 

Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!

For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready..."

Then the angel said to me, "Write Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!" And he added, "These are the true words of God." At this I [John] fell at his feet to worship him [the angel]. But he said to me, "DO NOT DO IT!! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of JESUS! Worship God! For the testimony of JESUS is the spirit of prophecy."

I can't help but remind you to take hold of the gift of eternal life in Jesus.  Hold to the testimony of who He is and believe that He came to save you from the wrath to come. Believe and be saved.

*John 12:44-50,  **Revelation 19:6-10

Prepared by God

There is a wonderful verse in the book of Revelation that captures my thoughts...

"The woman fled into the wilderness to a place prepared for her by God, where she might be taken care of for 1,260 days." Revelation 12:6

This woman will be sheltered for 3.5 years less 17 days.  The precise number of days has meaning as well as the fact the the place is prepared for her by God.

There was another time in history where God prepared a place to take care of people.  If you look at the book of Exodus, God is telling the newly liberated Israel through Moses that He is sending His Angel to go before them to a prepared place. At that time, the people of Israel were already taken out of Egypt and were going to enter the land that was promised on oath to be theirs FOREVER.  The trip wasn't suppose to take 40 years. But it did. So we know that the verse in Revelation is not retelling what happened on the way to the land God promised. 40 years is not 1,260 days.

 “See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared. Pay attention to him and listen to what he says. Do not rebel against him; he will not forgive your rebellion, since my Name is in him.  If you listen carefully to what he says and do all that I say, I will be an enemy to your enemies and will oppose those who oppose you. My angel will go ahead of you and bring you into the land of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites and Jebusites, and I will wipe them out." Exodus 23:20-23

This place of the Amorites, Hittites... is Canaan.  The Promised Land to Israel.  But, this Angel has the ability to Forgive rebellion.  This isn't just any Angel.

The place in Revelation that God has prepared is a special place for a special time.  And if you are still reading, pray with me for revelation as we focus on this for a few days. Stay tuned...

True Beauty

You did it!!! You studied all 31 Proverbs in 31 days.  May the wisdom you received plant deep roots into your heart and mind.  May it inspire you to start again tomorrow with Proverbs 1 and continue to refresh your spirit with God's daily dose of discernment and understanding.  Today's verse is a reflection of what the Lord values in us as women. May you continue to be challenged by the Word.

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."

Proverbs 31:30

Flawless

“Every word of God is flawless;
    he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. 

 Do not add to his words,
    or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar."

Proverbs 30:5-6

Choice

The fruit of the Spirit of God is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. When you find yourself in difficult circumstances yet choose to operate in these attitudes, you have chosen well.

"A fool gives full vent to his anger,

but a wise man keeps himself under control."

Proverbs 29:11

Day 28

For those of you who have been following along, this is the 28th Proverb of 31 total in the book of Proverbs.  And a recurrent theme for us is wisdom! With only 3 more days to go, it is an excellent time to remind you that after the 31st it would be 'wise' to restart your cycle of reading Proverbs. I'm  just saying...

"He who trusts in himself is a fool,

but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe."
 Proverbs 28:26

Near though Far

Do you have anyone close to your heart who lives far away?  With Internet and email today, we can connect with them easing the burden of separation. What a blessing to "Skype" loved ones and hear of great things happening in far away lands.  It refreshes us to see their faces and hear the good news! Today's Proverb echoes these thoughts. And when it was written, the only means to get a message to a distant land was by horse!!

"Like cold water to a weary soul
    is good news from a distant land."

Proverbs 25:25 

Evil loses.

"Do not fret because of evil men

 or be envious of the wicked,

 for the evil man has no future hope,

 and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out." 

Proverbs 24:19-20

Rejoicing!

We have been blessed by our children.  They give us reason to be glad. We thank God for them daily.  Today's Proverb is a wonderful reminder for parents whose children have chosen to follow after the Lord.  I recently met a child whose parents aren't walking in Faith - a household of contention. If your child is trying to point you to the Lord, it would do well to listen to them! Our children have often helped us stay the course of Faith - we are eternally grateful. We truly rejoice because of Christ's faithfulness in them!

For The Children

 

"Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding.

 The father of a righteous man (or woman) has great joy; 

he who has a wise son (or daughter) delights in him. 

May your father and mother be glad; 

may she who gave you birth rejoice!" 

Proverbs 23:23-25

Even to you...

The middle of today's proverb comes with a reminder that God has made His knowledge available - even to us!!  And He suggests we keep His word within us and ready on our lips! Sounds like a plan.

 

" Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise,
    and apply your heart to my knowledge, for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you,
    if all of them are ready on your lips. 

That your trust may be in the Lord,
    I have made them known to you today, even to you."

Proverbs 22:17-19 

Nagging? Just stop!

After reading today's Proverb 21,  I decided to look up the definition of 'nagging'.

  Merriam-Webster Dictionary says,

1. : to find fault incessantly : complain

2. : to be a persistent source of annoyance or distraction

 

Proverbs 21:19 says,

 "Better to live in a desert
    than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife."

 

 

 

 

 

Seeing Clearly

"Ears that hear and eyes that see—
    the Lord has made them both."

Proverbs 20:12

We need eyes to see and ears to hear the spiritual things of God.  And only He can give us those.  So we pray, Lord, open our eyes to see and ears to hear!!! Amen.

Here is a wonderful reminder!

Jesus Heals a Blind Man at Bethsaida

They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?

He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.”

Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.   Mark 8:22-25

Get out of debt!

Abraham believed God and all He promised in regards to a promised Savior to come through his ancestral line. And Abraham's faith was credited to Abraham as righteousness.  And because of that, God called Himself, "The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob."  Do you believe all that God promises you through faith in the promised Savior, Jesus?  When we believe our Heavenly Father for provision, protection and power, He is pleased and credits it to us as righteousness. Why do we need such credit?  Because we stand deficit in front of a Holy God.  And if we think we can stand before Him on our own merit...we deceive ourselves.

"Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness." Genesis 15:6

"What does Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."   Romans 4:3

"The fear of the LORD leads to life;

Then one rests content, untouched by trouble."

Proverbs 19:23

Listen

A great philosopher once said, "You were given two ears and one mouth for a reason.  That we should listen twice as much as we speak."  And the Word of God says,

"To answer before listening—
    that is folly and shame."

Proverbs 18:13

Restraint

This weekend is my family reunion.  Lots of people, lots of food, and lots of talking. It will be a great opportunity to catch up...and listen.  Growing up youngest out of 5 women in one household, I learned to choose my words.  Often, while thinking on those words and choosing, someone usually spoke them!  Remaining silent made more sense.  Believe me, it was knowledge too great for me to understand at the time!  It wasn't that I didn't want to talk - but why repeat what was just already said. Today's proverb is a biblical way of looking into choosing words with restraint and the wisdom of silence. So thank the Lord next time you are edged out of a conversation and forced to listen; you will be thought of as very wise :)

 "A man of knowledge uses words with restraint,

  and a man of understanding is even-tempered.

  Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent,

  and discerning if he holds his tongue."

Proverbs 17:27-28

What's in your wallet??

"How much better to get wisdom than gold,

to choose understanding rather than silver!!"

Proverbs 16:16

Heart Fix

A recent report came out that Broken Heart Syndrome is an actual condition.  It is also called Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy (See http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1847940/  and http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/broken-heart-syndrome/DS01135 )  It made me sad to think of such heartache and what it does to a person.      So I brought it before the Lord in prayer. He is so faithful to answer our inquisitive prayers! The heavenly response came through today's proverb giving me more insight into the heart.  He shows us what crushes our spirit - or causes heartache, and what can bring joy to the heart.  Thankfully, the good news is that broken-heart syndrome is a temporary disorder that is very treatable! And wisdom from above once again confirms man's scientific findings.

A happy heart makes the face cheerful,
    but heartache crushes the spirit.

 The discerning heart seeks knowledge,
    but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

 All the days of the oppressed are wretched,
    but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.

 Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart,
    and good news gives health to the bones.

Proverbs 15:13, 14, 15, 30

A closer look at the Fountain

In reading Proverbs you will find wisdom repeats or builds off itself.  Today's verse shows us the fountain of life again. And it is described as 'the fear of the Lord' or the knowing and respecting of the Almighty God.  The entire bible starts with the phrase, "In the beginning, God...," and if you can agree with that, there remains a hope you will believe in God.  And that is what turns us away from the snare of eternal death. 

"'The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,

turning a man from the snares of death."

Proverbs 14:27

At the Fountain

Have you ever met a stranger who boldly talks to you about God and their faith in Jesus?  Maybe you sit next to a person in a coffee shop and say hello.  Something about them makes you begin the conversation.  And the next thing you know, you are discussing matters of faith and the Lord.  In fact, you look back and realize it was you that opened up the conversation! My friend, those are divine appointments.  Moments on your journey where the God of the Universe chooses to reach down and touch your soul through the words of a stranger with wisdom.  Wisdom that can only come by faith. That meeting was wisdom calling out to you - to turn away from godlessness to the One True God who loves you.

Today's proverb gives us a glimpse of this truth.  Proverbs 13:14

"The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,
    turning a person from the snares of death."

Give

A generous person will prosper;
    whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

Proverbs 11:25

Permanent

See, I have written YOUR Name

on the palms of My Hand

Isaiah 49:16

Covering

Are you having an 'issue' with someone?  Consider today's Proverb portion and ponder what action you can take to move on from the situation.

Hatred stirs up conflict,
    but love covers over all wrongs.

Proverbs 10:12