Genesis 1:1

In some ways, Gen.1:1 is the most important verse in the Bible.

> The verse states there is a Creator of the universe. There is meaning to existence.

> The fact it was "created" (Heb: bara) implies nothing preexisted. Only God can create from nothing, therefore we see evidence of God.

> God exists outside of nature and time. He controls space.

> A creation story has only one Creator.

> God is not born.

> This is the only God separate from nature because He created it.

> Who created God? If God were created, He would not be God.

> Christianity, and Judaism, has come to affirm that God is, was and will be. This cannot be said about any other God. Through science and logic, this cannot be.

> Science can only prove what is within nature.

> God remains the only rational explanation of existence. Science is at a loss about life from non-life.

> It only makes sense that the Creator would care about His creation.

> To create beings who care about good and evil stands to reason the Creator of such beings would also care about good and evil.

 

 

> The name of God's chosen people, "Israel", means "Struggle With God".

> The purpose of Genesis I is to teach about God, man and nature.

> There is reality outside of nature.

> God is not a sexual being.

> There is only one God Creator (existing in 3 entities).

> God represents order versus disorder.

> God has a special role for human beings.

> God is moral and has a will for morality.

> There is a higher meaning for life.

> Genesis I tries to teach wisdom rather than science.

The Disobedience of Moses

Do you remember Moses disobeying the Lord out of anger and striking the rock when he was told to speak to it - ? This was discussed in class yesterday and there were many insights:

> "Kadesh" translates from Hebrew into "Sacred" in English. This took place in a sacred place.

> The people were blaming Moses for bringing them into the wilderness. They had forgotten about the Lord and all the miracles He had done to save them from slavery, early death, torture and long hours of work in desert sun.

> They forgot the Lord parting the Red Sea, providing shade during the day, heat at night, the food of angels to eat, clothes that did not wear out and more.

> As always, the Lord was merciful about the complaining of His people and told Moses what to do to give them water. Speak to "THE Rock" in this sacred place.

> Moses could not control his anger toward the people enough to obey the Lord who told him to SPEAK to the rock. His anger is evident in verse 20:10 of Numbers when he calls the people "rebels".

> In Ex. 17, a similar situation occurred. That is when Moses was told to STRIKE the rock and he obeyed.

> Here, he is told to SPEAK through faith in the Lord as opposed to DOING something; just as we are to work through faith in Jesus rather than by our own works/actions.

> Nu. 20:12 notes that Moses did not trust enough to honor the Lord as holy to the Israelites, God's chosen people. The LORD, being Jesus pre-incarnate, was not being honored in the eyes of His People; the rebellious people He will lay down His life for.

** Let's look at this on a deeper level: Jesus is our ROCK (the foundation of the church; the corner STONE), the Holy Spirit is frequently referenced with water.

> In Ex. 17 Moses STRUCK the rock ONE time - just as Jesus has been struck down ONCE and water poured forth, as the Holy Spirit was given on the Day of Pentacost, documented in the book of Acts.

> Here in Numbers 20, Moses is told to SPEAK to this rock as we are to converse in prayer with our Lord Jesus who works through the pouring out of the Holy Spirit (water) upon us to work in and through us on the Lord's behalf.

> When Moses disobeyed and STRUCK the rock the situation is as though Jesus were struck down more than once. NOT SO! He was struck down once as our sacrifice and will not be struck down again! He is returning as the defeating warrior King! Not only was this disobedience, but a great lack of respect for all Jesus will do.

** I put to you that Moses was aware of the pre-incarnate Savior and God's eternal plan of salvation. (This revelation for another time.)

 

 

> Moses actually HIT the rock TWICE, out of uncontrolled anger, symbolizing Jesus struck down three times.

> This was insult on two levels: disobedience to the Lord and a lie about our Savior, Jesus, our Rock.

> This was such a rebellious act that it kept Moses from entering the Promised Land after a lifetime of serving the Lord.

** Will any of us be kept from Paradise because we slander the sacrifice of Jesus by our daily actions - our obedience? Do we know what it is to be obedient? How do we find out what it is to be obedient to God's word?

> We should never underestimate the gratitude of God for the unwavering sacrifice of His Son to save us, His family.

 

The First Communion

Names are so fascinating in the Bible.  They help translate events and their meanings.

Interesting chain of events: Gen 14:18 Melchizedek, king of Salem (Salem means "peace"), gave communion to Abram (means "Father of Altitude"), later named Abraham ("Father of Multitude"). He blessed Abram and Abram gave tithe.

This is the first mention of communion in the Bible and it lays the foundation for blessing and tithing. Notice God's blessing comes first because He is so gracious.  Notice also: after the tithe is paid, God makes a covenant with Abram to give a son (to Abram's barren wife in their old age) and countless offspring. 

Jerusalem is called the foundation of Salem; Jerusalem means "God's Delight". This communion was held in the Valley of Shaveh (means "King's Valley") Melchizedek means "My King is The Lord of Righteousness".
 
Let's put this together: "My King is The Lord of Righteousness" met in the "King's Valley" for the first communion, a ritual to mark the coming out of Egypt (Egypt translates "stress"), a type of sin (OT) (in the New Testament, the crucified Christ dying to cleanse our sin), with the "Father of Altitude" in Salem ("Peace") where we find Jerusalem, "God's Delight".  

Another way: "My King, Lord of Righteousness" went to the "King's Valley" to take out/cleanse of sin the "Father of Altitude" who honored this with giving a tenth of all he had and in return received the desire of his heart. (You can't out give God) This took place in the "Peace" of "God's Delight".

Abram became Abraham and was later asked to offer his beloved son as sacrifice to God.  This is a foretelling of the sacrifice our father made with  his beloved son, Jesus.  P.S: At the last minute, our loving Father provided an animal sacrifice and spared the boy.  
 
Our gracious God wants to bless us with the desires of our hearts in a place of peace - this is His delight.

Amen

God Is Love

We hear it all the time:  "God loves you", "Jesus loves you".

What does this really mean? 
It has been used until we don't think about the meaning.  We don't connect the words to their meaning.  There are those who would use this to control where you attend church, your finances, your opinions.  You are told God loves you, then subject to a sermon of wrath, hell fire or eye for an eye. 

Let's just explore these issues.

Wrath:  Yes, God had wrath alright, especially in the Old Testament.  But, if we actually search it out, His wrath was directed at non believers, evil doers, idol worshipers and enemies of His people.  Yes, He did punish various of His people but only as a loving father must discipline a child who misbehaves for the good of the child.  His people were always restored after the discipline.  You ask, "What about the times when Israelites were order to wipe out a people - even their children - even their flocks - and take no plunder?"  I answer: Those to be wiped out were idol worshiping enemies of God's people.  I did a study of the idol Baal and the Ashera poll.  The Ashera poll was a carving of the goddess Ashera and it was not modest (to say the least).  What they did to babies and children was an absolute abomination to God.  Mass graves have been uncovered with hundreds, even thousands of children's skeletons.  They practiced horrific mockery of God with priests and priestesses involved in public intercourse followed by orgies.  God is a just God to wipe them from the face of the earth.

Hell fire:  It is doctrine.  There is hell fire.  But, only for non believers.  Those who actually believe in Jesus as the Son of God sent for the atonement of human sin, have nothing to fear of a hell fire.  Isn't that great?  Those of us who believe are already saved through our belief in Jesus Christ.  Once you have accepted His sacrifice as your saving grace, you cannot lose it.   The rapture will lift all believers from this world before God's wrath comes in the final days.  The "Lamb's Book of Life" (Rev.21:27) will be read later; after the New Jerusalem comes down from heaven - after Jesus defeats Satan Rev.19:11 - 21.  We will already be with Him, bringing down the new Jerusalem, when the Book of Life is read.  If we follow a sequence of events: the rapture of believers, three and one half years of the reign of an anti Christ, his defeat, the New Jerusalem, reading the Book of Life, we see that Christian believers will actually be with Jesus before all this.  Jesus cannot re-judge believers He has already taken up into the clouds to be with Him.  Is He going to read the Book of Life and say, "Oooops!  I didn't know that about you; get out!"  I don't think so.  Christian believers do not face a judgement.  We will be taken up to meet Him in the clouds.  God is faithful to His faithful.

Eye for an eye:  In Ex.21:24 this first appears as God gives Moses instructions for governing the Israelites.  This is the Old Testament - the Old Covenant with the Israelite people.  Jesus brought a New Testament and taught in Mt.5:38 & 39 that you are now to turn the other cheek.  The old covenant of law has been replaced with the new covenant of grace through Jesus.  God's amazing grace.

To be loved by God is to be safe, provided for, at peace, confident, worry free and happy.  No one can love like the Creator of time and space, stars and suns, wind and the very atoms that comprise all things.

Story:  There was a scientist who came to God and declared, "We can now create life in the laboratory.  I am like you."  God replies, "Is that so?  Let's just prove your claim."  The scientist agreed they would each create a human being.  When the scientist reached down to gather the dirt to begin his creation, God stopped him and said, "Oh no you don't.  Go get your own dirt."

Challenge:  I dare you to disprove God or Jesus.  Throughout history, every time someone sets out to disprove His existence, they either come to believe in Him or give up in frustration.  Go ahead; I dare you - actual proof.

You ask me for proof of His existence?  I point you to the Bible - a perfect puzzle where all the pieces fit and the old reveals the new and the new proves the old.  I point you to the man of Jesus; perfect, without sin (Heb.9:14, IPe.1:19).  It was very important in the Old Covenant that all sacrifices be "without blemish".  He began a movement that has lasted 2,000 years and survived wars and persecution all that time just to flourish stronger than ever.  No other movement or religion in the world has with stood such opposition.


I fear I have strayed from the subject of love. 
See God as the perfect father.  He loves you so much that He wants to give you everything that is good for you.  Being a good father, who knows you from your beginning, He knows what is best for you.  He knows if you touch the hot stove, you will get burned.  That's why He has rules; just like you give your kids - because you LOVE them.  If you did not grow up with a concerned father, surrender to God and find out what the perfect father can be: never leave you, protect you, guide, discipline, provide every need, teach, listen and care.  Experience His perfect love.

Then, consider the ultimate.  Having a son that you adore.  This perfect being is your absolute joy but to save all of His bad siblings, this child must be punished severely and tortured to death.  Oh, how He loves you and me.

Deut.5:10, Jdgs.5:31, Ps.119:132, Jn.14:23

Time demands I move on with my day.  Think on these things and come back.  We'll share some more.

Amen

A Study of Gideon

It takes only three chapters: there are miracles, an amazing battle, the rise and fall of a hero, action and revenge, Judges 6,7,8.  In the book of Judges you can find all the men and women in charge of Israel before God appointed the first king, Saul.  Ooooops!  God did not appoint Saul.  The people wanted a ruler so bad that they insisted on him.  If you don't know how that turned out; well, let's just say God knows what He is doing.

The Hebrew name Gideon means "Warrior".  Gideon was marked with a purpose when he was born.   There is no evidence that Gideon had ever served as any kind of warrior until God called  him.

Read Verse 2 and then look up Isa 2:19, Jer 48:28 and 49:8  
I submit to you that these verses refer to Petra (Grk), also called Selah (Heb).  Both these names refer to a place next to Wadi Musa, "Valley of Moses" and offers supernatural protection.  A place where the Hebrew people wandered for 40 years. This place of red rock caves is invisible from the air and impenetrable from the ground.

Selah was the capitol of Edom.  Edomites descended from Esau, a red head.  The word "Selah" means lofty, craggy rock, stronghold, cliff.  "Selah" is also a pause in prose where one listens and God speaks.  (See Psalms)  God's word is a place of safety and rest.  *I will do a more indepth study of this in the future.

V 6:11 tells us that God manifested Himself.  (see V 14)  Gideon was threshing wheat to hide it from the Midianites, who were taking everything from the Hebrew people.  Gideon is also addressed, by God, as a "mighty warrior".  This is a positive statement from God to a man who is hiding from his enemies. 

V 12 & 13:  Gideon is talking frankly with what he believes is an angel and complains of all the troubles that have come upon his people.  Never mind that the Hebrew people have chosen to follow another god - or, rather, false gods of the Midianites.  

In V 14, Gideon is told to use the strength he has to go up against the Midianites.  God will not give him any super power.  He is expected to work on faith.

In V 15, good ol' Gideon argues with God, showing his weakness in faith.  In V 16, God tells Gideon all he needs is God in order to strike down ALL the Midianites like there were one man.  A strong statement to counter Gideon's weak argument.

V 17:  Now Gideon wants proof of God's word; a sign.  But, he is willing to make an offering to God, recognizing Him for who He is and showing gratitude and honor.  God tells Gideon He will wait - just as He waits for our gifts and offerings of faith.

In the few verses that follow, we see Gideon taking much time to prepare matzos and cook meat.  He is instructed on how to make this offering and watches as God consumes the offering with fire.  Ex.3:2, Nu 22:22, Ex 12:8
Then, Gideon built an alter to the Lord and called it "Jehovah Shalom" (God is Peace) because he had seen the Lord (pre-incarnate Jesus) face to face.  Guess Moses was not the only one.  Ex 24:11


Gideon goes on to tear down the alters and Asherah pole his father had made to Baal.  I recently viewed a short film about the Asherah pole and Baal worship.  Baal worshipers used to sacrifice young children to be burned alive.  Priests of Baal would publicly conjugate with women (representing the Goddess Asherah) then, the people would have public orgies.  Mass graves have been uncovered holding hundreds of carcasses of children.  No wonder God detested this idol worship.


In Judges:6:37 & 39, we find Gideon asking God for proof of a promise to make the Israelite army victors over the Midianites. In Judges 7:10 & 11, we find God offering yet another proof. This demonstrates the patience, understanding and grace of our Heavenly Father. We ask for something and God blesses with even more.

Great Battle Scene: Read in the book of Judges 7:2 & 8   Now see this amazing battle in Judges 7:19 - 23 WOW! This is better than an action adventure movie! Three hundred men surrounded an army that was so big it could not be counted (they were thick as locusts and camels were so many they could not be counted).

The three hundred shoulders were armed with shofars (trumpets made from ram's horns) and earthen pottery with a torch (light) inside. No swords, arrows or spears. They split into companies of 100 each and surrounded the Midianites. When Gideon gave the signal, 300 blew their trumpets and broke the pots. This would make one heck of a racket and shown a lot of bursting lights. Anyway, the Midianites (thick as locusts) were so confused that they turned on each other and ran off. Now, I would like to see this on the big screen: a multitude, action, camels stampeding, trumpets sounding, fireworks, confusion - great stuff!  Not one soldier of Gideon's was killed and the Midian army had to be chased down.


Amen

Language of The Bible

The Jewish People are known as the chosen people of God.  This, because they were picked to be the ancestors of Jesus from among the twelve sons of Jacob, whom God renamed "Israel".  The Israelites are not Jews, but the Jews are Israelites.  Judah was the fourth son of Jacob/Israel and represents the fourth tribe of Israel.  (The number 4 is representative of the earth and the name Judah means: "The Praise of The Lord")  His mother was Jacob's beloved Leah.  Gen.46:12

The Old Testament was written in the Hebrew language by Moses, the poets and the prophets, Genesis through Malachi.  It was the language Adam spoke.  In my writings, I will make frequent reference to the Hebrew language for translations in the Old Testament.  The same goes for the Greek of the New Testament.

FYI:  the Hebrew language reads right to left, has 22 letters in the alphabet and uses those letters for numbers.  It is a bit complicated when you grow up with English but highly descriptive and beautiful in meaning.  Hebrew goes much deeper in meaning than English, rendering more to the meaning.  A typical example is the word "Shalom" which is translated "peace".  BUT indeed, is much more.  To understand it in Hebrew, you have to translate it as "perfect peace" with a meaning of health, calm assurance, great peace and prosperity; the perfect peace of God.  Heb.4:12 

Letters represent numbers; there is no actual number system in Hebrew outside of the alphabet.  This gives greater significance to  numbers.  Each number/letter has a meaning.  ie:  7 is the number of completion, 5 represents God's grace, 10 is the number representing law and 12 the number to represent government.  Every number in the Bible has deeper meaning than just a count.  We can go deeper into this in another writing.

Another interesting word is "hesed". I have seen this word translated as "faith" which does not go near the description of all of the positive aspects of God: faithfulness, peace, love, truth, honor, eternal, steadfast, gentleness, shelter, and on and on, encompassing every adjective that describes this magnificent being.

"Hesed" - a beautiful Hebrew word that cannot be defined by one English word. This word encompasses all the positive assets of God: faithfulness, honesty, love, wisdom, compassion, generosity, grace, devotion, joy, loyalty, etc, etc, etc. This amazing word can only define God because any human beings are incapable of possessing all of these qualities. 

There are no swear words in Hebrew.  Of course, it is God's language.  To curse or swear, the Hebrew people must borrow a swear word from another language.

I find that Jewish people have a reverence for God that I have never witnessed.  They will not write His name; instead you may see "G_d" or the term "Hashem" which means "The Name", referring to "Yahweh". 

When studying any culture, it is important to know the language in order to truly understand.  In studying the Old Testament, it is an enormous help to understand the basics of Hebrew. 

Jesus was Jewish of the Hebrew people.  He spoke Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek and probably Roman.  What the heck, He was God in flesh so He could speak any language at any time with anyone.  I am sure He could speak in one language to a crowd and the Holy Spirit would translate in any tongue to a listener who spoke a different language - just like on the first Pentacost.

The Bible will make you wise.  As Jesus often said, "It is written."
Rev.1:3

Amen

The Gospel Truth, Pt 1

Grace, through belief in Jesus the Christ, is our law today; love God and love your neighbor.  Mt 22:36  The amazing grace (love, forgiveness, kindness) is what Jesus replaced the law with.  Paul wrote in every one of his letters about God’s grace replacing the law. 

Col 1:26 states the “mystery that has been kept hidden” referring to God’s plan of redemption.  This plan replaces God’s perfect law of the Ten Commandments with the sacrifice of Jesus. 

Are we led by spirit or a written code of law?  Christians who belong to Christ are led by the spirit we receive when we accept Jesus as our Savior.

Spirit did not dwell in men in the Old Testament.  It fell on men.  It came and went as men and women of the Bible needed it.  God supplied when there was a need for strength through Him.  Today, we receive the Holy Spirit to dwell IN us when we accept Jesus as our Savior.  Once given and received, He does not leave. 

The Arc:  God commanded a piece of manna, Aaron’s rod and the Ten Commandments to be placed inside the arc.  They are signs of the rebellion of the Israellites.  The people broke the first commandment even before Moses came down from Mt. Sinai.  The arc is made of wood covered with gold.  Wood is a symbol of man.  The cover, the Mercy Seat, is solid gold, representing diety.  The Mercy Seat is where sacrifices were made - replaced by the sacrifice of Jesus - diety.  The lid, Jesus/grace, covers the law inside; the Ten Commandments.

What about Sabbath?  Jesus broke Sabbath time and again - one of the Ten Commandments.  He was confronted by the Pharisees about breaking the Sabbath.  Jesus said if you break one law, you are guilty of breaking all.  Christ showed us, by example, that the commandments were erased, when He came to fulfill the law, by taking all our guilt and shame, on Himself and nailed our sins, under the law, to the cross. 

Early church did not keep Sabbath.  We do not keep the Sabbath today.  The Sabbath is Saturday - ask any Jew.  Christians keep Sunday.  Sunday was the day Christ rose from death to new life.

If Pharisees were so good at keeping the law, why didn’t Christ get along with them?

Jer 31:33 & 34 Here God tells Jeremiah of a second covenant.  The first with Adam and the second through Jesus. He tells him the law will be written on their hearts.  People will no longer need a written code of law they have to obey because true believers will want to follow the will of God.  Also IICor 3:3

For the Jews who rejected Jesus as their Messiah, animal sacrifices done in obedience to the Old Testament covenant were stopped in A.D. 70, at the time of the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple by the armies of Rome.  Jesus warned of this in the Gospels.

The ten commandments are done away with - Mt 5:17  Jesus fulfilled the law (10 Commandments) and the prophets.  The law is God’s perfect law.  Man is carnal and cannot keep a perfect law - that is why Jesus had to fulfill it and prophecy.  Prophecy cannot be done away with.  It is the will of God.  Jesus fulfilled the prophets by fulfilling the law.  He did it for us.  Once and for all.

Christ teaching:  Mt 5:18 & 19 In verse 18, Jesus explains that He has not yet fulfilled the law because He has not yet died for us.  Christ tells us anyone who sets aside even the least of the laws and teaches it will be called least in heaven. 

He goes on to give an example by explaining murder, adultery and a couple other issues like divorce and oaths.  He begins his explanation by stating the law and then corrects it by saying, “But I tell you”.  Here He is explaining that to even think the wrong is the same as doing the wrong.  What human being (other than Himself) can keep such law?  No one.  He knows that.  That is why He was sent - the perfect man to take the perfect law.

To be continued . . . . .

A Short Thought

During a recent Sunday School class discussion, there were comments on how to forgive those who wrong you or for whatever reason, you don't like or don't want to be around.

One comment has stayed with me and I would like to share it with you:

When there is someone that you need to forgive (for any reason), or just accept, imagine that Jesus is standing behind them and saying to you, "I love them".

This is a very interesting exercise and I have to admit it is working for me.
Amen

Ruth vs Orpa / David vs Goliath

Seek & find; I love this - so fascinating.  This morning, I was prepared to delve into an entirely different topic when I stumbled on more underlying details in the book of Ruth.  I have studied Ruth (I thought) in depth but not blogged about it - yet.  I cannot wait to share this  part.  I am just listing some interesting tid bits as a prelude to writing about the love story of Ruth, sometime in the future.

Orpa, translates:  "Back of The Neck" - which she showed to Naomi as she left to return to "her people and her gods"  Ruth 1:15 
>  She was the other daughter-in-law of Naomi
>  She took 40 steps with Naomi and Ruth before turning back to Moab.
>  The number 40 (in the Bible) represents the period of testing.  It only took her 40 steps to make her decision to return to idol worship and moral degradation.  Christ spent 40 days in the wilderness where the devil tried to temp Him; He did not give in.
>  The daughter-in-law of Naomi who was married to Naomi's son, Kilion. 
>  Kilion, translates:  "Wasting Away" - he must have been sick all his life.
>  She was full blooded sister to Ruth and they are listed as "Moab Princesses" ie: Rabbah

The Talmud tells us : As soon as Orpah left Naomi and Ruth, the Talmuc (Sotah 42b) explains what happened next:  Upon leaving Naomi, Orpah ran into a battalion of 100 soldiers.  She willingly submitted herself to all of them.  From this encounter, she became pregnant and bore the giant Goliath, that David would later meet in battle.  No one can say who was Goliath's father.
* All this information about Orpa was gathered from Rabbinical literature, Babylonian Talmud and the Jerusalem Talmud.

Whoa!  This does not fit with the lineage in Matt 1: there are four generations between Ruth and David.  I am going to accept that Goliath was three or four generations away from this encounter but Orpa was truly an ancestor of Goliath.  I am also going to accept this as a bit of an exaggeration because it is highly unlikely she took on 100 men and survived.  (What a gal!)  Of course, it does not say over what time period or, if this number is even accurate.  It could have even happened after she was back in Moab, if at all.  There is just too much written about her being Goliath's ancestor to dismiss.  Hollywood would love this on the big screen. 

Goliath, in Assyro-Babylonian language means: "Ravaging Spirit"
>  Goliath had three brothers: Lahmi, Tan & Wayiggash (via Jewish Encyclopedia)
>  Goliath wore a helmet of bronze that came down over his forehead
>  coat of mail - a jacket covered with or composed of metal rings or plates, serving as armor.
>  brass on his legs - I imagine shin guards
>  gorget of brass between shoulders - a single piece of plate armor hanging from the neck and covering the throat and chest
>  spear like weaver's beam - the top wooden beam/bar that spans a large weaving loom.
>  heigth: 6 cubits + a span:  cubit = measure from elbow to finger tip, span = measure from heel to toe (or, spread hand and measure from thumb tip to tip of small finger).  But, who's?  If you measure by a petite woman vs a large man, you are getting two very different measurements.  We know he was a "giant".

Now, let's get into the "meat".  Orpa and Ruth are listed in historical literature as blood sisters.  True or not, there is still a fascinating parallel in this story.  There were daughters-in-law to Naomi.  The book of Ruth is clear on this.

Orpa, a Moabite woman returned to her people and her gods (idols) who "reviled God".  Thus, we see a woman choosing a life style that is not in keeping with God's instruction.  A stand many take today.  A lifestyle that she had left to marry a Hebrew man.  It took her only 40 paces to make her choice to return to her life away from God.

Whereas, Ruth, also a Gentile, former idol worshipping Moabite, chooses to follow a path of the living God by returning to Bethlehem in Judah.  She proclaims her choice, Ruth 1:16 & 17 in a beautiful proclamation that surely set her name in the lineage of Jesus.

Orpa represents those who chose the familiar, comfortable life of the world while Ruth represent those who choose the narrow path of what is right.  Rather than a mother of spiritual giants, Orpa became a mother of physical giants.  (Giants representing the things of the world that we need to overcome.)

Another parallel is found between David and Goliath as good triumphs over evil.  (They could have been distant relatives - ew!  About four generations distant.  No blood between them because Ruth chose to follow God, He sees her without blemish.)
Yet, a third parallel is hidden in the world (Orpa, Goliath) turning away from  followers (Ruth, David) of the one true God.

I love to seek because I am rewarded with the "finds" - all the little underlying meanings.

I pray for you today to have a fresh anointing on all you do and everyone you meet.  Praise God!

 Amen

That Dirty Word

"Tithe"

This is not a popular practice for many of us.  We can always use that tenth for another bill, shoes or car repair.  Fact: It actually belongs to God in the first place..

Tithing is a 10th of what we have already been given. Nu 18:26  We receive it first, then we give part of it.  A 10th is a very small part of the whole, which is everything we have: health, home, job, friends, family, clothing and food.  People tend to forget that God freely gives us all these things.  They are not ours to begin with.  He gives us and ask that we reserve 10% of that to hand back to Him.  This is what He asks us to do to acknowledge that He is provider; the one we should come to for everything.  He wants to give and bless.  He wants us to acknowledge Him as the source.

What the Bible says about tithing:  Gen 14:20, Gen 28:22, Lev 27:32, Pro 3:9, Heb 7:2 & 4

Our children are a blessing from Him.  How do we give a tenth of our children?  Caring for them as though we will give them back - like the parable of the talents; or, Samuel's mother, Hannah. 

The tithe is not only on the physical items we have but also peace, health, the air we breathe, life itself and on and on and on.  We do not have any of these things if God does not first give them to us.  What about our calling?  We are called by God to an understanding of Him; to be His children He wants to love and care for.  How do we give a tenth of these things?  By showing appreciation; by serving others.

Another gift from God is Jesus; our greatest blessing.  How do we give a tenth of that ! ?   Ans:  Jms 1:27

The 10th is so little.  The suggested tip for a waitress today is more.  It is a mere token to show God we acknowledge Him and appreciate all He has done, is doing and will do for us.

Giving to others:  Giving is a wonderful thing.  You cannot give a gift and tell the receiver what to do with it.  I see this happen so often.  You give something to a friend who gives it to her daughter.  You meant the gift for your friend.  She gave it away.  That makes us feel our gift was unappreciated. 

It is the act of giving that is our reward.  We are blessed when we give.  After that, we have no more connection with the gift.  Anything, anytime we give, we are blessed for the act of giving.  Why would you want to deny your friend that same blessing?

God never lets us do without.  If I give food to a food drive or take half my supper to a sick neighbor, I never notice a bare spot in my pantry.  I have never done without because I gave.  As matter of fact, I have more because I give.  This makes it easier to give more food.  The more I give, the more I have to give.  God works this way to allow us to share His blessings.  Mal 3:10

The blessings of giving are not always tangible just as all of God's blessings are not tangible: mercy, grace, forgiveness, righteousness, eternal life.

Discerning where to give is important.  ("Do not cast your pearls before swine.")  I try not to give to someone just because I like them.  They may not need as much as someone I don't socially see eye to eye with.  I try not to give to a person who does not make effort to help their self.  Giving to that person who is making an honest effort to work and do better for their family, is discernment.  The issue is:  If I give to a person who is a chronic taker, the truly needy will do without my help.  After all, my ability to give has a limit.

We tithe to the church (the bride of Christ).  Here is a different issue:  We are NOT to discern giving to the church (as long as the church teaches Jesus from the Bible).  All too often people are too concerned with how the church operates and distributes it's funds.  We are told to give - NOT to tell the church how to operate.  The church is set up, according to Biblical instruction, on how to perform.  Let's stop all the voting and have faith in our church leaders to "run the show".  That's why they are there.  The pastor is a pastor because God allows him to be the pastor - no matter what you think of his ability as a speaker, or the music, during worship service.

HEAVEN WILL NOT BE A DEMOCRACY !


What we are giving is not ours.  It is first given to us from God. 
Immeasurable blessings will come to you by being grateful.  God appreciates a cheerful giver.  We are reminded of the rich man who would not give up what he had to gain heaven and the widow who gave the last of all she had.

May you share your blessings and reap the rich rewards from your loving Heavenly Father.
Amen

Anointing - A Study Of

Asking for a fresh anointing from God every day can be a blessing to you.  Anointing for healing, wisdom, provision, free from debt, safety, increased faith and blessings.  Anointing to just get through the day.  Hallelujah !

What is anointing?  I'm so glad you asked.  Actually, whether you had asked or not, I was going to tell you anyway.

Anointing is the ritual act of pouring aromatic oil over a person's head or entire body.  The term is also used to relate to acts of sprinkling or smearing a person or object with a perfumed oil, milk, butter or other fat.  (I favor olive oil and a "cross" mark made with my thumb on the forehead of any person I am anointing.)  Sharing these oils is commonly an act of hospitality.  They are used to introduce a divine influence to rid persons and things of dangerous spirits and demons believed to cause disease.  This has been recorded from early times.

As a verb, synonyms are:  consecrate, sanctify, bless, ordain, hallow.

As a noun, this is a sacrament using oil and the recitation of prayer administered [by a priest] to a person who is very ill or dying.

I object with this act being performed only by religious "authority" (such as a priest); that was a necessity before Jesus became our High Priest.  It's a matter of the anointing of the spirit.  Those believers in Christ Jesus are anointed by God through the spirit and we do not need anyone to act for us; we have the anointing on us.  I Jn 2:27  To perform anointing has nothing to do with education or knowledge.  As long as we walk according to the inner anointing of the Spirit, we will know God's will and be acquainted with God's work.  Thus, we are capable of doing these works just as Jesus disciples were instructed.  Mary performed the anointing of Jesus feet.  Jn 12:3

The origin of anointing comes from ancient shepherds who would pour oil over the head of sheep to make it too slippery for insects (ie: lice) to get near the ears of their sheep which, untreated, could cause the pests to burrow into the head causing death.  Anointing became used for protection, blessing and empowerment.

The N.T. Greek word (chrio) implicates consecration for office or religious service.  Another Greek word for anoint (aleipho) signifies God's blessing or call on that person's life.  Ex 29:7, 40:9, II Kings 9:6, Eccl 9:8, Jms 5:14 

(The oil itself does not have any power; only God.  The oil is just a symbol of what God is doing.)

Another meaning of the word is "chosen one".  Jesus was anointed by God, with the Holy Spirit for His life mission.  Lk 4:18&19, Acts 10:38   All the kings of Israel were anointed to their position.

After Jesus left the earth, He gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Now all Christians are anointed.  Jn 14:16, I Jn 2:20, II Cor 1:21&22
Jesus anointing has come upon His followers, believers today.  I Jn 2:27  When you call upon Jesus' name, the anointing is released on you.  When spoken, His name is like ointment.  Call on Jesus and watch His anointing release deliverance, provision, healing, protection and make you whole.  Ro 10:13  Our anointing is increased by spending time with Him.

Note:  Grain offerings were to have olive oil poured onto the fine flour and frankincense added.  Oil commonly refers to the Holy Spirit.  (I am reminded that, shortly after His birth, Jesus was presented with gold, frankincense and myrrh.  Frankincense is an oil used to relieve stress, anxiety and pain.  Myrrh is an aromatic resin or gum used as an incense.  We all know what gold is; Jesus is more precious than gold./Wisdom is more precious than gold.)  The grain offering speaks of Jesus sacrifice and oil speaks of anointing of the Holy Spirit.  The grain offering of fine flour (Jesus is the Bread of Life) which had oil poured on it, is Jesus' as man being anointed by the Holy Spirit - which is a sweet fragrance to God, His Father.

For Healing:  Acts 10:38, Jms 15:14, Mk 6:13, Lk 10:33&34  Spiritual, physical and emotional healing through anointing.

For revelation:  Ex 25:6  Take away the dark and replace it with the light of knowledge through Christ's life.

For provision:  I Kgs 17:14  This widow had oil overflowing to sell, share and use.

For financial freedom:  II Kgs 4:1-7  Another widow freed of debt with the blessing of oil that paid off all her bills.  God's anointing oil.

For deliverance:  Ps 23:1-5  David was saved time and again from his enemies.

For faith:  Isa 21:5  Our shield of faith must be activated by anointing.  We accept anointing through our faith which is increased by the anointing.  This cycle starts with just a mustard seed of faith and is enriched by anointing.

For blessings:  Ps 133  Verse 3 reveals a blessing of life forever.  Today, this blessing is ours. 

His promises are true.  II Cor 1:20

Have an anointed day through the blessing Jesus bestowed on us through the Holy Spirit.
Amen

The Perfect Number

Three, the perfect number.

In Hebrew, the number three is represented by the third letter of that alphabet: gimel, which loosely resembles a backward "L".  This letter is represented by a camel and means to lift up, pride and/or benefit.

There is so much about this number and so many mentions of this number in the Bible that I am going to single out and list, in summary form, just a few:

3 days Moses traveled with the arc of the covenant, Nu 10:33
3 cities of refuge, Nu 35:14
3 days Joshua camped before crossing into Jordan
3 times Samson lied to Delilah, Jgs 16:15
3 times each year Solomon made sacrifice to the Lord at the alter he had built for the lord, I Kings 9:25

David's choice in I Chron 21:12 involves 3 options;
Two riddles are given in Prbs 30:15 and 18, using the number 3
3 times a day Daniel prayed, Dan 6:10
3 days Jesus was missing before being found in the temple
3 is the number of the God Head

There were 3 women at the well
Jesus was 3 days in the grave
After He died, there were 3 hours of darkness
3 women came to the tomb
3 times Peter denied Christ

3 times Jesus told Peter, "Feed/shepherd my lambs/sheep"
There were 3 disciples at the Mt. of Configuration
There were 3 crosses
There were 3 nails used to hang Jesus
At 3 pm each day was the temple sacrifice

At 3 pm Jesus gave up His spirit
3 parts of man: spirit, body and soul
3 parts of the planet: sky, earth and sea
Noah had 3 sons to replenish the earth
3 young men were thrown into the fiery furnace

Jonah was 3 days in the big fish
And there are many, many more uses.  A concordance is an interesting tool for further research.

Themes of the first 3 chapters of Genesis are reflected in the last 3 chapters of Revelation.

The third section of Psalm 119, v.17-24, represents the pride of the writer as he brags of his accomplishments.

The book of Revelation is dominated with the number seven, but you can find several references to thee number 3:
3 woes to Babylon
3 hallelujahs to Babylon's fall
3 angels
3 measures of barley
3 unclean spirits
. . . and more.
Do you see any connection with any of the numbers in situations I have listed?  I won't tell you of any in this posting.

It is a fascinating journey any time you want to study a number in the Bible. God's word, imparted by the Holy Spirit to human hands to write in divine order.

Amen

Divine Order

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

Psalm 91

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