I love to see divine order in the Bible. This book that has defied the ages and everyone who has tried to disprove it only to become a believer. I love it! It's like an ace up the sleeve of God. Seek and you shall find.
If you have not read my blogs in March of this year about "The Book", you can find more listings of divine order there.
The original text of the Old Testament was written in Hebrew, the language that God gave to Adam. This is an amazing language that could not have just "evolved". There is divine order in the Hebrew language. It uses letters for numbers. Names have meanings that fit the story or person. Numbers have meaning and relate to God, text or story. It is detailed, full of signs and meanings under the surface.
Over the years, I have noticed how most churches like to stick to what they can explain in the stories of the Old Testament and the instructions of the apostles in the New: The lesser prophets are glossed over, the major prophets are used for reference, Revelation is usually misinterpreted, can't preach on Song of Solomon (too much sex for church), don't need Proverbs because we are all that smart and Psalms are just poetry. Even the stories of the Old Testament are just for introducing kids to the Bible. Wrong answer; thanks for playing; let's try again.
The Bible is so much more. There are pearls in the most unexpected places. No one likes to read the "begats" but therein lies the connections, the lineage and where all the tribes of man came from and are found today. I will confess that history and geography are not as interesting to me but I have a friend who studies both and her understanding amazes me.
Anyway, let's get to it. It is so exciting to find divine order, connection and God at work through His Spirit working through the writers.
In the book of Revelation, we see 22 chapters. The Hebrew alphabet has 22 letters. Not too long ago, I found out that each Hebrew letter corresponds to a chapter, in order. Example: Rev 1 discusses Jesus. First Hebrew letter, Alef, refers to the leader or head. This continues throughout the book with Chapt 22 talking about Eden restored in the form of the New Jerusalem (heaven) on earth. The last letter of the Hebrew alphabet, Tav, stands for covenant. This Eden restored/heaven is the renewal of the first covenant God/Jesus made with Adam in Gen 2. The number 22 represents revelation/light (light on the word/idea).
Okay! Recently, I found this order taking a step further with Psalm 119, the longest Psalm. This Psalm has 22 sections AND each section relates to the letters of the Hebrew alphabet - in order of appearance. Tadaaaaa!
We can conclude that each section of Psalm 119 relates, in subject, to each chapter of Revelation. Oooooooh! Example: first section of the Psalm v. 1-8 is parallel to Hebrew letter Alef, meaning leader or head (same as Rev 1) and these verses also refer to our head of the church, Jesus. This theme runs consistent with all the letters of the Hebrew alphabet in order. Then . . . the last section of the Psalm, v. 169-176 proclaims a desire to have a covenant with God.
God is speaking to us through his words in this book. Read it! Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened. He has so much to say to us. He wants to communicate with you. You are His great desire.
We will go more into detail about this later.
Praise be to the Almighty Trinity God of the universe!
Amen
A very blessed day to you. Take this day to ask God for a reanointing of your life.
There are so many details in the story of the crucifixion that is recorded in all four gospels. Rather than trying to cover the entire crucifixion in one blog, let's just explore a few interesting points.
Our Lord Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey that had never been ridden before - a "virgin" donkey. He was laid to rest in a tomb that had never been used - "virgin". (In those days, tombs were purchased for family and/or reused) Also, born of a virgin. Have not found the meaning of this - yet. Three times "virgin"; three represents the God head trinity.
"Calvary" is a transliteration of the Latin word calvaria. It has the same meaning as the Greek word kranion, namely that of skull, hence our English word "cranium". Further, this has interest in Gen. 22:2 where we see that God told Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac, in the region of Moriah. Calvary is the highest point of Moriah. Hello? Don't you find this interesting? The Old Testament gives us a story of the sacrifice of a son in the same place that God's only son would be sacrificed. This is beautiful! Godly order in the Bible. Praise the glory of God!
"Golgatha" is Hebrew and means Place of The Skull. You will remember that David beheaded Goliath. In 1Sam 17:51 & 54, we find that David took the head to Jerusalem to bury it. I think about 18 miles. Eighteen is the number of bondage (also 6+6+6). I've read that he buried it just outside to the north of the city. Now, let's imagine the blood dripping from Jesus feet onto the head of Goliath (the Nephilim giant of the Philistines that God saw as a fallen angel polluting His creation). We see parallel of Jesus blood covering (defeating) our giants of today. The Bible is an amazing puzzle.
Note: There is opinion that Jerusalem was the original site of the Garden of Eden. This presents an interesting point: Jesus, the "Second Adam" fulfilled what the First Adam did not and has restored the first Eden that He will claim upon His return. Yes !
David prophesied Jesus' mocking in Ps 22:12 & 13
He was literally skinned alive so we might be whole and healthy. 1Pet 2:24
He was dead; the sac around His heart was pierced and water ran out. Jn 19:34 In any medical report, this means you are dead. When He was laid in the tomb, He was dead.
In Mk 15:37, it states He gave a loud cry. Those who have studied and understand crucifixion will tell you that this is impossible. The body is stretched and strained at a point where this cannot be done. The one thing that all victims of crucifixion have done is reach so hard for that last breath that the break their own necks. There is no mention or evidence that Christ broke His neck reaching for air. On the contrary, He hung His head. This leads me to the next point:
His life was not taken. He gave it up. Jn 19:30 Lk 23:46 He also gave Himself to the soldiers that came for Him in the garden of Gethsemane. He stood up boldly and proclaimed, "I Am" Ex 3:6
He was the perfect Son of God come to fulfill a destiny and He went to the finish line. He is our Savior - The Lord Jesus Christ
Amen
"Blessed be the name of God", "Bless our God", "Blessed be God", Ever wonder how we puny human beings of this ever expanding universe can bless God? In Hebrew, whenever the word "blessed" is used with reference to God, it translates "kneel". So . . . . when we make this statement, we are actually saying "I kneel before you." Before any reading the term "Baruk Atah Adonai" (Blessed be God/kneel before God) is said in reverence. What a beautiful sentiment to remind us of our humility before Him and his wonderful grace to us.
 |
| Cross nebula |
Another place Jewish people show great reverence is in the book of Job in the Hebrew Bible. In 2:9, Job's wife is quoted as saying "Curse God and die". In the Tenach, this passage is better rendered "Bless God and die". This reverence for the name of God will not allow the word "curse" to be next to God's name. WOW! Other translations of the Bible do not allow for this kind of honor.
 |
| God's Eye constellation |
David was special in God's sight because he praised (honored) God with his any Psalms.
Solomon was special in God's sight because he built a magnificent temple to honor God.
Abraham honored God with his obedience.
Angels around the throne of God constantly honor Him with continuous song.
The universe sings with praises. If no one praises Him, the rocks will. Recordings have been made of the sounds emitted by stars and planets. All together, they ring like a chorus.
There are many ways to honor God and He rejoices with each one. To honor Him is to acknowledge Him.
Kneel, pray, sing, give thanks, acknowledge Him, dance to Him and feel His presence.
Our Heavenly Father deserves to be honored. God Loves You more than any human can. God is absolute goodness. God cannot see the sins of believers. Believers will be raptured and will not be required to face judgement. God answers prayer, heals, provides. He created time and space (time and space) and gives you the air you breathe. He restores life and forgives all who seek Him.
How great is our God. He deserves our honor. Baruk Atah Adonai ! Kneel before His Majesty.
Amen
To God's holy people in this world, Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
(Paraphrased greeting from Apostle Paul to the Ephesians)
On this quiet Sunday morning, I would like to share my favorite psalm with you: Psalm 91
Whoever dwells in the secret place of the Most High (Jesus)
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty
I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God in whom I trust".
Surely He will save you from the fowler's snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with His feathers,
and under His wings you will find refuge;
His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
You will not fear the terror by night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.
If you say, "The Lord is my refuge",
and you make the Most High your dwelling
no harm will overtake you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
For He will command His angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
"Because He loves me," says the Lord,
"I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation."
This is a promise of protection to all who believe in Him. What a wonderful protective father is our God.
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.
(Eph 6:24)
Amen
Great chapter. I find so much humor in it. Great writer! (This book is commonly attributed to Jonah himself.) He had his faults but he knew how to build the story to a climax and entertain at the same time. (I am a great movie buff and this would make a tremendous movie without deviation from fact.)
In the blog about Chapter 1, I mentioned all the ups and downs in this little prophetic book. Well, Chapter 4 is no different.
In the first verse, Jonah is mad - again. In the second verse, he tells God, I told you so. In verse three, he is so angry and frustrated over God's mercy that he wants to die. In today's world, revenge is a common cry. Jonah hated the people of Nineveh more than his own life. There is the possibility that Jonah was afraid, if Nineveh was spared, they would again turn on Israel. He was jealous that God could spare those who had oppressed his people. Do we see this hate and fear in the middle east today? Did Jesus see this depth of hate at the cross?
Verse 4 is God's answer to Jonah. Hebrew text reads, "Is it right for you to be grieved to death?" God expects us to understand his grace and mercy. He expects us to reflect His gracious attitude in our lives. (Jonah's blood pressure must have been sky high.) God knows that when we exert negative emotions we can only hurt ourselves. There is no peace for Jonah at this point.
Verse 5 says Jonah was waiting to see what would happen to the city. Did he think he might have changed God's mind? Did he think God would care more for his feelings than the entire city of Nineveh? Verse 6: God's is understanding of Jonah and shows him compassion by providing shade. Indeed, a miracle was done with the plant growing up immediately. This made Jonah happy. Well, I guess: shade from the very hot sun of that middle eastern climate. I would be very happy.
Here comes the lesson: We all go through these lessons from our loving father in heaven when we need correcting - just like a caring earthly father. That is why God caused the plant to die. This, of course, put Jonah back into another bad mood. Do you see the frustration here? Do you see the humor of God? Jonah was so mad and God is giving him a trial; taunting him in order to teach him a lesson. When you were growing up, did your parent ever do this to you? (My grandfather did it a lot. A little salt in the wound to drive a point home.) Again, Jonah says he wants to die rather than to live like this: mad, jealous, spiteful, hot, tired, frustrated and not being able to manipulate God to do what he wanted. He was a pouting child.
Jonah is more worried about loosing his shade than the death of an entire city. This back and forth conversation between God and Jonah shows God's tolerance. He could have let Jonah die but God had a purpose for Jonah. After all, he had not yet written this great book.
In verses 10 and 11 God makes his point plain to Jonah. Jonah was given the plant for shade - without working for it. (God does spoil His children.) There were 120,000 people, plus animals, in the great city of Nineveh that Jonah wanted dead. People with lives, feelings, families, friends, jobs and futures. God was trying to explain that Jonah was wrong to have this hatred and jealousy to other human beings.
I also see that this lesson worked and Jonah eventually came to a greater understanding of himself or he could not have penned this story from a impartial perspective. Reach out to God, trust His grace and you will sail the calm sea of peace in your life.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> * * * <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Our lessons:
1. God's word is final
2. God knows best
3. God is an amazing teacher
4. It is good to obey God before He has to teach us a lesson
5. God's grace is for all His children/creation
* Note about the number 120 (120,000 population): This number represents the end of law (the end of human effort) which is replaced by grace. We clearly see God's grace extended to the people of Nineveh who in the past have condemned God's people.
I am sure there is more in this amazing little book that I have yet to discover. The Bible is so full of subtle, under the surface, messages that it awaits our seeking them out.
Seek and you will find.
Amen
Today, we come to Chapter 3 of Jonah and find him ready to follow God's will; albeit reluctantly.
Israel had been at war and plundered by the Assyrians for years. Jonah wanted God's wrath on them, so he didn't want them to repent. The wonderful thing here is how Jonah was so aware that God is truly merciful. He was sure the Assyrian city of Nineveh would NOT suffer God's judgment. He knew better (by now) than to argue with God so he went ahead reluctantly.
How many times in our lives do we find ourselves in Jonah's place? How often do we want to do what we know will go against God's will and we do it anyway? Paul put it so well when he said: that which I know I should not do, that I do. That which I know I should do, that I do not. Or, something to that effect. Our lives are a constant battle of our flesh against our spirit. We "shame on" Jonah when we should take a lesson here. God is our Father in Heaven and we really are His spoiled children wanting our way and pouting when we don't get it. So often we do not understand that all His ways for us are only for our benefit in the long run. We lack faith.
For a second time, Jonah was told what to do. (Our Father God is patient) Verse three says he obeyed - period.
In verse 4 his stubbornness is rearing it's ugly head again, already. Nineveh is so large it takes three days to walk across the city. Jonah went into the city one day's walk. This is not even half way. Logically speaking, he should have gone at least 1 1/2 day's walk to get to the center of population to deliver his message. Just like a child to go just an inch short of what they are told to do.
As fast as he proclaimed destruction of Nineveh, all citizens repented - even the king. The king even sent out a formal decree ordering fasting, repentance and prayer. His decree not only ordered repentance but showed belief in the existence and power in the God of the Hebrew people - along with the authority of Jonah as God's prophet.
Last verse, 10 reveals, again, the great mercy of God.
A second connection between Jonah and Jesus occurs (ie: the grave in 2:17): the Pharisees in John 7:52, state that "no prophet arises out of Galilee". II Kings 14:2 states that Jonah was from Gath-hepher, a town in Galilee that sits between the Sea of Galilee and Mt. Carmel.
Jonah is referenced 13 times in the New Testament.
God sent a prophet to people who had oppressed His chosen people, to ask them to repent so He could show his amazing mercy (Heb: hesed). They did. In God's great mercy, the entire city of previous idol worshiping oppressors was saved.
It is a great thing that God does not think like we do.
Amen
This chapter starts by stating that the LORD (I will write on LORD, Lord, Hashem and Yahweh at another time.) provided a huge fish (NIV) to swallow Jonah. My Hebrew translation makes it clear it is NOT a whale. Young's Literal Translation says big fish. I have heard speculation that it was some sort of prehistoric sea creature or a creature God created just for this purpose. I don't believe this detail is important or text would be more specific. We can assume it was a large animal that lived in the sea. We are also told he was in the "fish" three days and three nights. Mt 12:40 relates this story of Jonah to the time Jesus would lie in the earthen tomb.
(By the way, science has found live animals in the belly of whales. Whether it was a whale, fish or a sea monster, this story rings true.)
Verses 2 - 9 Jonah prayed to God. We read Jonah praising God for His greatness. Again, acknowledging his God as powerful. In verse 4, he speaks of being alive on dry land again. We can assume Jonah was aware that God meant to save him since he was swallowed whole/alive as opposed to being chewed up into bite size morsels. He verbally reminded God, and himself, of the might, power and mercy of God. Sometimes we need to hear what we believe out loud; sometimes we need to pray out loud. He ends his prayer with the promise of loud praise and a sacrifice. Then, he makes a vow to proclaim God's salvation.
The second half of verse 6 could refer to God's merciful plan that saves us from hell (the pit). In the same way verse 7 could be likened to a person coming to the end of their struggles in life to acknowledge Jesus as their savior.
In verse 8 Jonah speaks against idol worshipers. He could be referring to Gentiles in general, the sailors of the ship or the Ninevites.
(If read just the right way, this prayer can sound like a con job. However, you cannot con a God who can read your heart.) Jonah obviously had some sort of relationship with God for such a heartfelt prayer. The prayer is honorable and shows great awe and humility. He has definitely repented to do God's will.
He was in the belly of a fish but he knew God would spare him (V.4). (Jesus knew when in the tomb, that His Father would not abandon Him.) There certainly was something special about this man that God chose him for a special task. Of course he had flaws (stubborn, jealous, argumentative) but this only reminds us that God uses flawed people so His presence is obvious through His miracles.
Then, just as the Lord commanded the storm to stop and it did (immediately), He now commanded the fish to spew Jonah onto dry land and the fish did - without hesitation.
I have read commentaries that state this book is just a fairy tale of sorts to entertain us albeit with or without a point. I say everything in this book is possible and factual. Put that together with Rev. 19:10 which emphatically states ". . . it is the spirit of prophecy who bears testimony to Jesus.". It is explained very emphatically from original Greek text: "For the substance, essence of the truth revealed by Jesus is the spirit of all prophecy, the vital breath, the inspiration of all inspired preaching and interpretation of the divine will and purpose of God." Jonah is known as a prophet. The Holy Spirit of the God Head authored the Bible.
We are now at the end of chapter two and I want to point out seven (7) miracles in these two chapters that were performed by the hand of God. Seven is the number of completion and the task of convincing Jonah to do what he was told is completed.
The miracles I speak of are: the great wind that came up on the sea, the casting of lots (by Gentiles) that God answered, the sea growing calm immediately, the great fish that came along just as Jonah went overboard, remaining alive in the fish for three days, being vomited up from the fish and doing it on dry land.
Behold the mighty hand of God !
Amen
Amazing how there is so much in just four chapters.
Jonah was a really interesting, yet reluctant profit. He was stubborn, bull headed and jealous. His last recorded words to God were "I'm so angry I wish I were dead." He was angry that God spared Ninevah with 120,000 people, after they repented. What a guy!
Jonah means "Dove". Israel is referred to, in several places, as God's Dove. We can derive that Jonah represents Israel's jealousy of God's relationship with Gentiles; in this case, Ninevah (which means "Offspring's Habitation"). Let me reassure anyone in doubt that God has enough wealth, love, grace and mercy for all His children - just in case you were wondering.
This little book by a minor prophet is only 4 short chapters, with 40 verses. The number forty represents trial. Of these verses, 8 are a prayer stating Jonah's turn of attitude after being swallowed by a huge fish.
In chapter one, we observe Nineveh was the capitol of Syria (Gen 10:11) on the east bank of the Tigris River. Pop: 120,000
We can also observe the ups and downs: "down to Joppa", "storm arose", "below deck", "lay down", "pick me up". We can relate this to the ups and downs of sea waves and/or the ups and downs of life along with the ups and downs of the emotions in this little book.
Ninevites were descendants of Noah's son Ham (his name means "Dark"). Since the three sons of Noah populated the earth, I believe the people of Nineveh were dark skinned.
Verse three: we read of Jonah paying fare to ride on a cargo ship. I understand this was not custom in those days and Jonah's fare would have been high. Moral: we have to pay when we go against the will of God.
The word "sea" which often refers to the world, in the Bible, is an interesting topic of meditation in this book. We can get the reference of God's grace to Gentiles all over the world (not just Nineveh).
Verse 5 tells us the sailors are Gentiles and follow their own gods.
In V.7, we see the sailors casting lots for an answer (refer to Pro.16:33) and they were following other gods. And, recognizing yet another God, Jonah's. When people follow a god other than the one true God, one is never enough to satisfy.
Verse eight is one place in the New Testament that the word "please" is omitted from original Greek text: "Please tell us, who is responsible . . ".
Verse nine is funny to me. Here, Jonah is bragging about being a Hebrew who worships the God of heaven - yet, he is running away from this God he brags about. He does not want to do the bidding of the God he worships. Does he really believe that he can hide from his mighty God? Others have tried. He really is a very interesting character.
In verse 11, they asked Jonah what they should do to him. They knew he was the reason for the stormy sea. He told them twice that God was chasing him (v.10). Good ol' Jonah told them to pitch him into the sea.
Now we see these sailors as honorable men. They tried to row back to land to keep from sending Jonah to "Davey Jone's Locker". Then, they cried out to Jonah's God, not their gods. They have become believers thru this ordeal. Out of desperation from the storm increasing, they threw Jonah overboard. The sea got calm (immediately) and they made vows to God. Such vows were generally in the form of promises to help the poor.
Metaphor: God's dove, Israel, (Jonah) tries to flee to the world (the sea) to get away from God's bidding. God allows them to suffer trial (the storm) until they are ready to submit (thrown overboard). As soon as Israel submits (thrown overboard) God relents and stops their torment (storm). This is the history of the Hebrew people over and over throughout history. Far fetched metaphor? Maybe. Interesting comparison? Definitely!
Come back for Chapt. 2
Amen
Surely, we can agree that life can be full of bad news.
I have some good news this morning.
(In Greek, the language of the New Testament, Gospel means "Good News".)
Psalm 22 tells of the crucifixion. This surely is good news that Christ took all our suffering, pain and sin on Him so we might live beyond this physical life. This psalm was written 2,000 years before His birth - David was quite a profit, among his many other talents.
Mt 2:17 confirms that Jesus is the son of God Himself. Reference Ps 2:7
Mt 12:50 is good news. Here, we are told that to follow the example of Jesus makes us brothers and sisters to Him; children of God.
Mt 19:2 tells of the massive amount of healings Jesus performed. Good news: He wants us to be healthy.
Mt 19:29 says if we have to sacrifice anything to follow Him, it will be given back to us - multiplied; and . . . we also get eternal life.
Mt 28:18 Jesus assures us He has the right to do anything He wants - just as God Himself has the power. Hey, this is the guy I want for a brother.
Jn 1:34 has John The Baptist testifying that Jesus is chosen by God to be our savior to eternal life.
Jn 1:45 has one apostle telling another that he has found the person written about in the Old Testament by Moses and all the profits.
Ex 3:14 God tells Moses "I Am". Throughout the gospels, Jesus makes the statement "I AM" over and over again. This is why the Pharises were so angry with Him; they new every word of the Old Testament and God, the "I Am". (They call God "Yahweh" and I have done a fascinating study on this name. I will share it some time.)
Jn 15:7 Jesus promises the prayers of a believer will be answered. Now that's good news!
Jn 16:27 Just to love Jesus brings the love of the Almighty God.
Jn 17:6-19 Read this prayer Jesus asked of God for His disciples. WE (believers) are disciples today.
Jn 20:19 & 20 Here is the scene where Jesus shows His disciples (us) proof of His resurrection from death.
Jn 20:29 Jesus blesses those who were not present to know Him or see His nail prints - that is us today. We are blessed by the Son of God. Definitely good news.
Jn 20:30 & 31 Here, we get good news of our faith giving us good health.
Jn 21:23 Jesus is coming back - He Himself, the one with the Father, said so.
Jn 21:25 John's personal statement, as a witness, of what he witnessed walking with Jesus.
If all this good news does not brighten your day, read Psalms 88 and 89. Psalm 88 gives us all the woes of this human life and Psalm 89 tells of the blessings and good news of the days we have to look forward to.
Have a wonderful day !!
Amen
Today may sound a bit stern, discouraging, harsh - even frightening. I tend to "call it as I see it" but remember: I have read to the end of the book and I know who wins. Besides, I'm in a bit of a "snit" today and I have a right (If you have a right, I have a right.)
So, you have chosen to be a Christian?
Can you drink from the cup? Ps 36:1
Society has a cancer called "sin" because she spurns her foundation, Jesus Christ. "Everyone has a right". A right to murder a fetus. Ro 3:15 A right to get drunk and operate a motorized vehicle on a public street. A right to cheat on their spouse because they are bored with them. A right to abuse a child because their dreams did not get fulfilled. A right to stop a majority from prayer in school. A right to be respected even if they are lazy, unkempt, loud, rude and crude. A right to benefits in a country where they hold no citizenship or reject it's laws.. A right to unnatural sexual choices. Ro 1:27 I could go on for hours.
Note: The prostitute in Rev 17 is an immoral society. Babylon is an oppressive and Godless government.
Freedom is not to do what you want but the right to do what you should.
Being a Christian today is not always pretty. And . . it ain't gonna get any better. We are in the final generation before the coming of our Lord.
Suffering is the fire that forges the steel that is the Christian. After all, there was a lot of suffering before the resurrection. Learn to embrace your cross. As a Christian, you have chosen a path of one degree or another. Learn to turn to your Savior in prayer for your peace and strength. He needs proud warriors.
Happiness is a choice, honesty, faithfulness, sobriety and the sex of your partner is a choice. Hell is a choice. We are not made to fit in but to stand out. We are the light in a dark world and the salt that gives it flavor.
Story: When I made my (absolute and final) decision to follow a Christian life, I lost my husband, home, step children, a business and friends. I chose to turn from a way of life - repent means to turn around. Everything seemed to fall apart all at once. I found myself one evening sitting in the back room of my studio with a loaded gun in my hand. That small voice came to me and whispered, "You cannot give life, so you cannot take life." I put the gun away - scary.
When my pastor, at that time, realized what I was going through, he said, "We gotta get you dunked right away". He went on to explain that baptism brings the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that would give me the strength to deal with my trials. If you have chosen a Christian life style, you need to be baptized - it works. Ro 6:4
* There is scientific proof that after baptism, a person's DNA is different. We truly are born again.
The Enemy is coming after you - HARD and, he is sneaky. He does not want new converts. He wants to take the throne that Jesus earned. He hates you - venomously! He is jealous of you, as a child of God. He hates you have the favor of God. He hates you have the Holy Spirit with you. He hates that God hears your prayers. He hates you are destined to reign on this earth in the new Jerusalem. Rev 21:2
We are in a spiritual battle. Satan himself wants you miserable, suffering, defiled, polluted, lonely, sick, confused, devastated, sitting with the loaded gun of surrender.
Good News: It's all good. Believers have the weapons of the Holy Spirit, prayer, communion, anointing, faith, discernment and the support of the church. Our heavenly father offers an amazing support system. He wants us happy with our choice. We are forgiven, loved by Almighty God Himself, promised a place with His Son and will not face judgement. As believers, we are already forgiven; Christ did it all for us. Ro 3:24
B E A U T I F U L: Jesus continues to do it all. Call on Him for anything, anytime. If you lack faith, are afraid, confused, lacking spiritual strength, pray and ask for these things. Jesus has enough for everyone and He wants to give to you. He loves us. He loves you as the greatest father you could ever know. You have chosen the narrow path, the right choice - door number three. There is no turning back; the victory is already ours. Christ won our battle on the cross. Jesus has only to come back and claim His prize. You
Amen Amen Amen
Jesus did not go where He was not welcome or invited.
He was a respecter of persons.
When He found Himself unwanted, He left. He told his apostles to wipe the dirt from their sandals and move on - to where they would be appreciated. Let's learn from this and stop trying to cram Jesus down the throats of those who don't want Him. Don't waste time on those who cannot or will not hear. Work with those who want to hear. Mk 6:4 Mt 11:20
People came to Him. His disciples would go ahead of Him into a town and let people know that he would be teaching at a certain place and time. They came to Him: On the mount, in a boat, in Peter's house (where there was standing room only). Lk 10:1 Mt 5:1 Mt 14:13 Mt 15:30
"Come unto me"
We are given free will - let's allow others to have it. Be a "respecter of persons". No one can accept his Savior unless the Spirit convicts them. God puts it in a man's heart to answer the call to walk with Jesus.
Don't preach to others if your house is not in order. It is a "man" who takes care of his family first. Biblical order: God (spiritual life), family, friends, neighbors, town, country, world. We take baby steps for a reason.
We need to do a little more living by example. We are instructed to go into all the world; let's do it like Jesus did. Be an example of help and love. Put effort into being a good example of Jesus ad God will use you; He will bring people to you. He will put them in your path to help. Like I said earlier, take care of your own back yard first. Lk 6:37
*Be careful not to drive people away. Smile; be pleasant, friendly, courteous, helpful, patient and genuine. You can't help anyone if they go the other way when they see you coming.
Another point: How about we stop preaching to the choir ?! Jesus ate with sinners, healed the poor, forgave the prostitute. He is the savior of the lost. It is too easy to help your Christian brother. The dirty, homeless man on the corner is too easy to condemn but the one who needs the help. Mk 6:34 Lk 14
Let's not rob others of their pain and suffering along with the joy they get from suffering and overcoming. Everyone is coming to their time to make a stand. You can help but you cannot do it for them.
Amen
Good Morning!
I put a blessing on you that God shower you throughout your life with His amazing "hesed" grace of love, wisdom, health, peace and prosperity. He loves you so much.
I want to relate an incident that happened to me recently.
I was in a very small town in New Mexico recently, staying in a hotel for the night. My assistant and I ate supper in the hotel restaurant. We run on prayer with all our activities and eating a meal is no different. We said grace over our food when the waitress brought it to the table, never giving it a second thought in a room full of diners.
A few minutes into our meal, the manager of the hotel approached us to say how happy she was to see us saying grace. (I did not see her and her husband say grace over their meal.) She also asked if we had seen a picture that hung in the hallway, from the lobby to the restaurant, showing a man praying over his food. "No", I commented. She explained that she hung the picture so people would know that it was alright to say grace in her establishment. I commented that if it were not allowed, we would not stay in her hotel.
Okay, it was very nice of her to acknowledge us saying prayer.
BUT . . . . why did we stand out in the crowd? Shouldn't thanks be said over food wherever you are? Why does she feel that it is necessary to okay praying in her establishment? This is a very sad commentary on prayer in public.
It is such a small gesture to thank God for food set before us when He freely gives us so much - more than we are even aware of on a day to day basis.
Sadly, unless we start living our beliefs, it is going to become a CRIME to pray at a table, in a restaurant we are supporting, over food that we are paying for.
Amen
This is becoming a darker world all the time - chose one or the other: You can complain, be sick and angry or, happy, energetic, honest.
Take a stand - stop being lukewarm. The world is trying to suck in Christians with compromise. Jesus did not compromise. He had the principles of heaven and stood His ground against the priests of the temple - the most powerful men of that day. He spoke out against oppressive government. He spoke up for the poor and sick.
Be a light in the dark: If you have blue hair, dress in grunge or goth, show off piercings and are a believer, STOP IT ! Stop trying to be noticed by being unusual. The unusual of this world is becoming the usual. As the world changes, you will look as though you are part of it. How can you take a stand for Jesus if you look like everyone else?
Jesus is our example. He was not a slob. God is order. You are not being different, you are conforming to today's world. What is going to stand out as an example for Jesus is the happy, well spoken, clean, healthy looking, neat, self respecting and thoughtful person who stands firm in Biblical principles. No compromise.
Society has a cancer called sin. Stop looking like you are sick.
Get off the fence! Make your choice. Buck up! Take a stand. Walk your talk. Can you drink of the cup? Jesus did not compromise; everyone knew He was not like them. Freedom from God is not to do what you want but the right to do what you should.
Don't buy into the worldly theory that Jesus was poor, walking around in sack cloth. He was given great treasures when He was born (gold, frankincense and myrrh), He had a trade that He got paid for (carpentry), He owned a house (in Capernaum). Do you think crowds would have followed Him around and clamored to hear Him speak if He was dirty in shabby clothing? The soldiers gambled for his robe. Surely not, if it were shabby. The Son of God had self respect and walked with His head up.
Do you think God would let His first born walk around in sack cloth? He was provided for. Over the ages, Jesus has been incorrectly associated with Nazarites, a sect that did not bathe or cut their hair and shunned worldly goods. He was a Nazarene; not Nazarite. There is a difference. Don't listen to speculation - read the Bible for the facts. He was young, strong, happy and a warrior for truth.
I will admit that I am of an older generation. I grew up listening to, "A lady does this; a lady doesn't do that." We had to wash our face and comb our hair to go to the corner grocery. We had to wear a dress to church and hang it up when we got home. Oh yeah, there were "Sunday" shoes that were kept for special occasions. We were taught that everything we have comes from God and we presented our best in front of the alter at church to acknowledge His generosity and show our gratitude. That's not a bad rule to follow.
Don't think I am making a judgement on anyone. I can accept you however you dress, smoke, tattoo, pierce, cuss or what color your hair is. It's the way the world sees us as Ambassadors of Heaven, Children of God, Followers of Jesus, Heirs with Christ that is important. The Bible calls us believers. This world judges a book by it's cover. People will not listen or learn from you if you appear to be on the same level. Who do you think better of?: a well groomed man in a clean shirt and shined shoes or a guy with blue hair, dirty T-shirt and torn jeans. Be honest.
Smile! Too many Christians believe they must be somber and serious all the time. Jesus smiled, even laughed, enjoyed good food and had lots of friends. We have the blessings of heaven. We are saved, chosen, called, special, children of God Himself. We have read to the end of The Book and know the outcome. Hallelujah !
Time is short and the universal rule of evens is still in place: For every dark, there is a light; for sour, there is sweet; for up, there is down; for in, there is out; and . . . . you get the idea. The darker this world gets, the more Christians will shine. Join the light.
Amen!
Over the years, I have noticed how most churches like to stick to what they can explain in the stories of the Old Testament and the instructions of the apostles in the New: The lesser prophets are glossed over, the major prophets are used for reference, Revelation is usually misinterpreted, can't preach on Song of Solomon (too much sex for church), don't need Proverbs because we are all that smart and Psalms are just poetry. Even the stories of the Old Testament are just for introducing kids to the Bible. Wrong answer; thanks for playing; let's try again.
