Sharing light in the midst of darkness

Letter of the Spirit versus the Letter of the Law

2011-12-21T11:23:00.000-08:00

“…God, Who also has made us able ministers of the New Testament/covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life,” II Corinthians 3:6.

“For the law of the spirit of life, in Christ Jesus, has made me free from the law of sin and death,” Romans 8:2.

This epistle of Christ is written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not in tables of stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart. II Corinthians 3.

Paul is commenting on the fulfillment of Ezekiel 11:19 & 20 – “And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new Spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them a heart of flesh, that they may walk in My statutes, and keep My ordinances, and do them; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God.”

How is it that we walk in His statues?

“For this covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord; ‘I will put My laws into their mind, and write them in their hears; and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to Me a people. And they shall not teach every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, know the Lord; for all shall know Me, from the least to the greatest. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities I will remember no more.” Hebrews 8:10-12.

Paul further explains how it is that we become His people.

“For you are the temple of the Living God, as God has said, ‘I will dwell in them, and walk in them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people,’” II Corinthians 6:16.

This new covenant, the New Heavens and the New Earth, is this fulfillment that Paul discussed in II Corinthians. “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God,” Revelation 21:3.

What is this new law written on our hearts?

“And this is His commandment that we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as He gave us commandment,” I John 3:24.

“Owe no man anything, but to love one another; for he that loves another has fulfilled the law. For this, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not kill, you shall not steal, you shall not bear false witness, you shall not covet; and if there by another other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Love works no ill to his neighbor, therefore love is the fulfilling of the Law,’” Romans 13:8-10.

“For all the Law is fulfilled in one word, even in this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’” Galatians 5:14.

Paul in Romans and II Corinthians states that the fulfillment of Ezekiel has already been accomplished in himself and the believers he is writing to. John and the writer of Hebrews state that this new covenant was still to come.
How do we make sense of this?

A good explanation is that Paul and the early New Testament believers were the first fruits of the new covenant. This is evident with the book of Acts as believers received the Holy Spirit by laying on of hands. The apostles were the ones with the signs and wonders as they were the ones who were enlightened by Jesus.

John stated many times that his Revelation writing was soon to be fulfilled (Revelation 1:1; 1:3; 21:6; 21:10). A solid study of the book of Revelation shows that he is metaphorically prophesying the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD.
This is the fulfillment of Daniel 9:24 – 27 and the words of Jesus in Matthew 24 and Luke 21.

The New covenant is here now; it is available to those who have eyes and ears to hear. Christ has filled His temple, His Body with His glory.

They will Know We are Christians by our Love

2011-12-03T10:14:00.000-08:00

Many of us grew up singing the Christian folk song, “They will know we are Christians by our love.” A consistent theme in the New Testament!

Because God loved us first!! “Now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God even our Father, which has loved us, and has given us everlasting consolation, and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and establish you in every good word and work,” II Thessalonians 2:16 & 17.

“…Our Savior Jesus Christ, Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works…” Titus 2:13 & 14

“In this was manifested the love of God towards us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another…if we love one another, God dwells in us, and His love is perfected in us,” I John 4:9-12.

“We love Him; because He first loved us,” I John 4:19.

The words of Jesus: “Master, which is the greatest commandment in the Law? Jesus said unto him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and will all your soul and will all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the prophets,” Matthew 22:36-40.

“A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another as I have loved you, that you also love one another. Bu this shall all men know that that you are My disciples, if you have love one to another,” John 13:34 & 35.

The words of John: “And this is His commandment, that we should believe on the Name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as He gave us commandment,” I John 3:23.

The words of Paul: “Owe no man anything, but to love one another; for he that loves another has fulfilled the law. For this, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not kill, you shall not steal, you shall not bear false witness, you shall not covet; and if there by another other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Love works no ill to his neighbor, therefore love is the fulfilling of the Law,’” Romans 13:8-10.

The whole chapter of I Corinthians 13 -- “Love suffers long, and is kind; love doesn’t envy, is not rash and is not puffed up; doesn’t behave itself unseemingly, seeks not her own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things… Love never fails… And now abides faith, hope and love; these three, but the greatest of these is love.”
“For all the Law is fulfilled in one word, even in this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’” Galatians 5:14.

“…That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love…and above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness,” Colossians 2:2 & 3:14.
“And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one towards one another, and towards all men…” I Thessalonians 3:12.

“And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God…” II Thessalonians 3:5.
“For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another… beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God; and every one that loves is born of God and knows God,” I John 3:11; 4:7.

The answer is love!

Jonathan and David’s ‘Knit Together’ Love

2011-11-18T16:57:00.000-08:00

Jonathan, the rightful candidate to the throne of his father, chose to surrender his own will for the will of God, which was to place David, his dear friend, on the throne.

“And it came to pass when he made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.

Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan striped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his own bow and to his girdle.” I Samuel 18:1, 3, 4

“But Jonathan Saul’s son delighted much in David… and Jonathan spake good of David unto Saul his father…” I Samuel 19:2, 4

“Your father certainly knows that I have found grace in your [Jonathan] eyes… Then said Jonathan unto David, whatsoever your soul desires, I will even do it for you…And Jonathan caused David to swear again, because he loved him; for he loved him as he loved his own soul.” I Samuel 20:3, 4, 17

“So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David… David arose out of a place toward the south, and fell on his [Jonathan] face to the ground, and bowed himself three times; and they kissed one another, and wept one with another, until David exceeded. And Jonathan said to David, ‘Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the Lord, saying; ‘The Lord be between me and you, and between my seed and your seed forever.’’” I Samuel 20:16, 41 & 42

“I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan, very pleasant have you been to me; your love to me was wonderful, passing the love of a woman.” II Samuel 1:26

“And David said, ‘Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?... And David said unto him [Mephibosheth], ‘Fear not, for I will surely show you kindness, for Jonathan your father’s sake, and will restore you all the land of Saul your father, and you shall eat bread at my table continually.’” II Samuel 9:1-13

“That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love…” Colossians 2:2

Bible Study Lesson 30: Genesis 33 - Family Dynamics

2011-11-16T13:12:00.000-08:00

Me: Human and Yet Redeemed Spirit

2011-11-06T06:29:00.000-08:00

"Behold, You desire truth in my inner most being, and in the hidden part You shall make me to know wisdom," Psalm 51:6.

“For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus our Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Christ’s sake. For God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, has shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God, in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us,” II Corinthians 4:5-7.

"Not that we are sufficient of our selves to think anything as of our selves, but our sufficiency is of God" II Corinthians 3:5.

I am seeing how God is waking me up to being connected with my ‘self.’ I am both human and spirit. By faith, my spirit has been born again with His Spirit, life eternal, righteous and perfect. But my humanity is weak.

Growing up in the Christian environment that I did, I know I was disconnected from ME. Life was "praising God" no matter what the circumstances were. It was almost a denial of my humanity. There was no emphasis on emotions -- of fear, anger, confusion, etc. There was not honest, openness or realness to conversation. It was all about what we should be feeling or doing, being ‘like Christ.’ Just believe.

Yes, I agree, FAITH is our salvation and is key to our daily walk.

But taking an honest look at the Scriptures, I see the HUMANITY of the Bible characters in plain sight. Jacob, the Samaritan woman, the adulterous woman, Rahab, David, Sampson, Solomon -- broken men and women, yet used despite their brokenness -- chosen so that no flesh could glory in His presence. It is to show that anything good and right that comes from us is ALL ABOUT GOD.

So, if we are performing, trying to attain to some standard of righteousness (what I have been taught all my life in church) -- then what people see is me and my self righteousness. But if people see the real me -- my true struggle with my own humanity -- and yet, they still see God in me – then God can get the glory.

It is ALL about God.

Who am I trying to kid? In my flesh dwells no good thing.

So, I realize that living an authentic and honest and real life is actually healthy. True. It shows that Jesus alone is my redeemer. His righteousness alone is my salvation.

I may be unsettled about my sexuality -- and who knows how God is using this to humble me and break me. I do know this, it is this humility that He seeks in His children. It is for us to say to Him, "Jesus, I am blind, give me Your sight."

"God, my righteousness is filthy rags, I need your white linen righteousness!"

The Pharisee was self righteous, the publican was broken and cried out for mercy. We know who was justified. Luke 18

I think we need to be connected both to our humanity and to the Spirit of God within us. Both are who we are. And it is in our honest communication with each other -- CONFESSING OUR FAULTS ONE TO ANOTHER -- therein we are healed. James 5:16

I think the American Christian church is teaching us to be something God never intended us to be like. FAKE. Performance oriented. No, the New Covenant of grace and mercy says --- we are chosen by His mercy and declared righteous by HIS OWN WORK, and it is in His righteousness that we REST. Regardless of my humanity, my bent toward lesbianism, food, etc. etc... I am His daughter, chosen!

I seek to live a connected life -- authentic so that the World can identify with me -- and desire the LIGHT within me. And since I have been redeemed and have the Living Water flowing in me, I can’t help but love Christ in return and thus love others with that agape love. Thus the motivation to serve, to live rightly is unselfish love. It is not to perform for position or for recognition or for approval or for acceptance!

Christ’s spirit dwells IN us, but we understand His love and connectedness through our selfless loving interaction with His body.

Bible Study Lesson 29: Genesis 32, Jacob Wrestling with God

2011-11-04T07:40:00.000-07:00

Love versus Judgment

2011-10-28T06:16:00.000-07:00

God has opened up so many doors for me to visit with all kinds of people from all sorts of life. Bottom line I am seeing is this... we are all in transition, we are all so human and we all think so differently. Whose opinions are correct?

Only God's opinions are correct and it takes time to sort out His will for our lives. The Bible is so open to so many interpretations.... but I think the bottom line about that is... we are called to LOVE.

We are living under this new covenant that is described in Hebrews 8 and 10.

Hebrews 8:8-12 “Behold, the days come… for this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord, ‘I will put My laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts; and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to Me a people. And they shall not teach every man his neighbor, and every man his brother saying, ‘Know the Lord; for all shall know Me, from the least to the greatest. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.”

Hebrews 10:16 “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them.”

This New Covenant was ushered in 70 AD.

How then shall we live? The Law on our hearts. What is this law?

Romans 13:8 – 10 “Owe no man anything, but to love one another; for he that loves another has fulfilled the Law. For this, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not kill, you shall not steal, you shall not bear false witness, you shall not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying; namely, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. Love works no ill to his neighbor, therefore love is the fulfilling of the Law.”

I Corinthians 13 “And now abides faith, hope and love (agape), these three, but the greatest of these is love (agape).” Without this agape love, we are a sounding brass or tinkling cymbal, we are nothing, it profits nothing. Love never fails.

Colossians 3:12-14 “Put on therefore (as the elect of God, holy and beloved) bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long suffering, forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any; even as Christ forgave you, so also do you. And above all these things put on love (agape), which is the bond of perfectness.”

I John 4:10-12 “Herein in love, no that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwells in us, and His love is perfected in us.

I John 3:23 “And this is His commandment, that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as He gave us commandment.”

John 13:35 “By this shall all men know that you are My disciples, if you have love one to another.”

Romans 14:10-13
In regards to eating and keeping a day – “let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.”
“But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you set at naught your brother? So then everyone of us shall give account of himself to God. Let us not therefore judge one another ANY MORE; but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block, or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.”

Romans 2:1-3 “Therefore, you are inexcuseable, O man, whosoever you are that judges; for wherein you judge another, you condemn yourself, for you that judge do the same things. But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth, against them which commit such things. And think, O man, that judges them which do such things, and do the same, that you shall escape the judgment of God?”

It is clear to me that it is by love that we are known as followers of Jesus. It is the evidence of His Spirit within us (I John 4:12 & 13). Those who are in His word are declared His disciples (John 8:31). But it is the truth that sets us free (John 8:32). Jesus is that truth (John 14:6). We are sanctified by His word, which is truth (John 17:17).

So we have to know Him and what He says to know truth and to be set free. If someone doesn’t know the Word, do they know truth?

There is a difference in (1) knowing the Word and having the mind (humbleness - Colossians 3:12) and heart of Christ and (2) having a non-loving hypocritical judgmental heart, thinking to know truth by what religion has taught, yet not understanding the hidden manna of Scripture at all.

Bible Study Lesson Twenty Eight; Genesis 31, God Fulfills His Promises to Jacob

2011-10-27T06:38:00.000-07:00

Bible Study Lesson 27: Genesis 30 Who's Yo Mamma?

2011-10-27T06:34:00.000-07:00

Bible Study Twenty Six: Genesis 29: Love, Hate, Deception

2011-10-14T10:30:00.000-07:00

The Journey ~ Struggling through the wilderness to reach the Promised Land

2011-09-10T08:42:00.000-07:00

“And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord Thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldst keep His commandments, or no. And He humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that He might make thee know, that man doth not live by bread only, but by every Word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live,” Deuteronomy 8:2 & 3

Over and over in the Word of God, we see the wilderness concept. The Israelites wrestled with God during their forty year excursion to the Promised Land. Joseph was thrown into a pit in the wilderness before he was sold into slavery. The prophets refer to the wilderness experience frequently. Jesus was tempted by the Devil during His forty day wilderness period.

“… In the day of temptation in the wilderness,” Hebrews 3:8.

Metaphorically, ‘wilderness’ refers to the time of trial and testing for the believers in Christ. According to Hebrews 3 & 4, those who believe find rest for their souls upon entering the Promised Land of the New Covenant; those in unbelief stay stuck in their own personal wilderness.

It is in this wilderness trial and testing time that Jesus Himself comes to find us.

“Behold, I, even I will both search My sheep, and seek them out. As a shepherd seeketh our his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out My sheep, and will deliver them out of all places, where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day,” Ezekiel 34:11 & 12.

Should any of us then be surprised by black clouds of our same sex attractions and our fleshly lusts? You may ask, “How do I make sense of these intense feelings? I will take the time to sort out these confusing thoughts, emotions and desires later in this booklet. But first, pay particular attention to the personal stories, mine and of my friends, who have also wrestled with same sex attraction. Each of us is at a different place in our journey and we are convinced that God will continue to guide each of us on His path of righteousness, reaching the Promised Land of rest and peace.

Hopefully this booklet will encourage all who read to surrender to God’s will; choosing to love purely and maturely, crucifying the flesh to live IN Christ. May your burdens be lightened and may you find answers to some of your hardest questions.

“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth, shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert,” Isaiah 43:19.

For the rest of the story, look for "The Journey" on the right side of this blog.

Bible Study Lesson Twenty Four: Genesis 28 -- The Call of Jacob/Bethel - the House of God

2011-08-29T11:23:00.001-07:00

Bible Study Lessons – Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth

“Behold I will do a new thing…” Isaiah 43:19. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away, behold all things are become new,” II Corinthians 5:17. “A new creature,” Galatians 6:15. “For the former things are passed away… Behold I make all things new,” Revelation 21:4 & 5.

Look up each Bible verse and write it out. Underline or highlight what speaks to you. Reflect on how each lesson affects your current life situation.

Bible Lesson Twenty Five: Genesis 28 Jacob’s Call/Bethel: The House of God Foreshadowed

Read Genesis 28. Write down what strikes you about this chapter.

In verses 1-4, what is Isaac’s charge to Jacob?

Explain the blessing of Abraham.

Describe the difference in Jacob and Esau in verses 5-10.

Significance of the stone. Verse 11, 17-22.

Isaiah 28:14-18

Daniel 2:34 & 35

Matthew 21:41-44

Luke 3:8

Ephesians 2:19-22

I Peter 2:4-10

Describe the Jacob’s dream and explain the promises given. Verse 12-15

Explain the physical and spiritual fulfillment of this passage. Nehemiah 9:21-25; Acts 3:25 & 26; Galatians 3:8, 16 and 29.

What was Jacob’s reaction to the dream? What 2 phrases did he use to describe “this place?” Verse 16 & 17

What is the significance of the oil being poured out on the stones? What does the oil represent? Read each of these verses and summarize - Ezekiel 11:19 & 20; Ezekiel 36:25-29; Exodus 25:6;30:25; Leviticus 10:7; I Samuel 10:1; Matthew 25:3-8; II Corinthians 1:20 & 21, Hebrews 1:9; I John 2:27; Revelation 3:17-19.

What is significant about Bethel and Luz? If you have a Hebrew dictionary, look them up.

Bethel means “House of God.” Luz means “growing there.”

This passage is the foreshadowing of the coming temple/house of God. Notice the physical and spiritual fulfillment:

What is the significance of the oil being poured out on the stones? What does the oil represent? Read each of these verses and summarize - Ezekiel 11:19 & 20; Ezekiel 36:25-29; Exodus 25:6;30:25; Leviticus 10:7; I Samuel 10:1; Matthew 25:3-8; II Corinthians 1:20 & 21, Hebrews 1:9; I John 2:27; Revelation 3:17-19.

This passage is the foreshadowing of the coming physical temple/house of God and the spiritual fulfillment of God’s glory filling the Body of Christ.

The promise was given to David:

“Also the Lord tells you that He will make you a house. And when your days be fulfilled, and you shall sleep with your fathers, I will set up our seed after you, which shall proceed out of your bowels, and I will establish His kingdom. He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of His kingdom forever,” II Samuel 7:11b – 13.

Solomon, David’s physical seed, completed the physical temple/house of God. But notice all the references to the Spiritual fulfillment of the house of God:

The glory of the Lord filled the temple after it was completed as described in II Chronicles 5:13 & 14; chapters 6 and 7. Solomon stands before the people when the temple is completed and says… “Now therefore arise, O Lord God, into Thy resting place, thou, and the ark of Thy strength; let Thy priests, O Lord God, be clothed with salvation, and let Thy saints rejoice in goodness….. now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering, and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the house,” II Chronicles 6:41; 7:1. (We are to present our bodies as a living sacrifice to the Lord – Romans 12:1. Our bodies have to die in surrender to Him, as we identify with His death, burial and resurrection – Romans 6:2-6).

But there is a prophecy of the latter house/spiritual temple: “And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come, and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of Hosts….the glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the Lord of Hosts; and in this place will I give peace, saith the Lord of Hosts,” Haggai 2:7 & 9. (Jesus has made us at peace with God; He is our peace – Romans 5:1; Ephesians 2:14-17).

The spiritual fulfillment promised to David: Jesus, the true spiritual seed, will establish His everlasting kingdom. Has He not already?

“Jesus Christ our Lord, Who was made of the seed of David, according to the flesh… “(Romans 1:3)

The angel told the virgin Mary, “Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the son of the Highest, and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David. And He shall reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there shall be no end,” Luke 1:31-33.

And Jesus came, and spoke unto them, saying, ‘All power is given unto Me in heaven, and in earth,’” Matthew 28:18

It all started with the prophecy in Joel and the fulfillment of Pentecost?

“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophecy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. And also upon the servants, and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out My Spirit… that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord, shall be delivered; for in Mt Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant, whom the Lord shall call,” Joel 2:28, 29, 32.

“When the day of Pentecost was fully come…there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting…. Like as of fire… and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost,” Acts 2:1-4. Compare this with II Chronicles 7:1.

Peter stated, “This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel, ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days (saith God) I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh…’” Acts 2:17. The last day (70 AD) is when Jesus spiritually returned to destroy the physical temple and fill His spiritual temple with His glory.

The apostles (Jesus breathed on them in John 20:22) and the ones who the Holy Spirit fell upon at Pentecost and other believers alive at His coming (Cornelius and the other gentiles in Acts 10; Apollos in Acts 19) were the first fruits of the ones given the Holy Spirit

The physical Temple was destroyed in 70 AD never to be rebuilt again. Just as in all of the Old Covenant facets (the Law, the priesthood, physical circumcision) being fulfilled in Christ and have spiritual implications, now, the spiritual temple is Christ the cornerstone, the foundation of the prophets and apostles (the Word). “Now therefore you are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom all the building fitly framed together, grows unto a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together for a habitation of God through the Spirit,” Ephesians 2:19-22) and us (those who are called) the lively stones (“You also as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifice, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ…” I Peter 2:4-6).

“For ye are the temple of the Living God, as God hath said, ‘I will dwell in them, and walk in them, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people,” II Corinthians 6:16.

“Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is IN you…” I Corinthians 6:19.

“But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of God, he is none of His. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life, because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead, dwell in you; He that raised up Christ from the dead, shall also quicken your mortal bodies, by His Spirit that dwelleth in you…. For if you live after the flesh, ye shall die; but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” Romans 8:9-13.

Notice in the following verses, the writer is talking directly to the people they addressed the letter to. They were anticipating this glory to be unleashed in them ... the revelation/return of Christ… in their lifetime.

To the church of Thessalonica, Paul writes, “And to you who are troubled, rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven, with His mighty angels…when He shall come to be glorified in His Saints, and to be admired in all them that believe….in that day…. That the name of the Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you… I Thessalonians 1:7, 10, 12

“For then must He often have suffered since the foundation of the world; but now once in the end of the world, hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment; so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many, and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin, unto salvation.” Hebrews 9:26-28

“The trial of YOUR faith (the people that Peter is writing throughout Asia, etc.) might be found unto praise, and honor and glory, at the appearing of Jesus Christ… Whom having not seen, ye love,… receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls… of which salvation the prophets have inquired, and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should unto you… be sober and hope to the end, for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ….” I Peter 1

“The end of all things is at hand; be ye therefore sober and watch unto prayer.” I peter 4:7

“Rejoice… that when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” I Peter 4:13

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God, and our savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people…” Titus 2:13.

“Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:27

“And if children, then heirs, heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together… Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them He also called, them He also called, He justified; and whom He justified, them He also glorified,” Romans 8:17 & 30.

Revelation 19 has already taken place. He has come in the form of the Word of God – the sharp sword, the completed Old and New Testaments of the Bible. New Jerusalem, Mt Zion, the New covenant of Rev 21 and 22 has come. “And showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God….for the glory of God did lighten it…”. Verses 10, 11 & 23.

The fact that Christ has ALREADY returned in His glory to dwell in believers is a huge fact that is overlooked, not taught, ignored. He is here, NOW, IN US. This is the attraction that true believers have with other true believers – the agape deep connection; the fellowship of oneness with have with Christ in each other – the true body of Christ.

~~~~~

What was Jacob’s vow to God? Look up these verses – I Timothy 6:8; Matthew 6:25, 32, 33

What is the significance of the bread? John 7:31-51; Matthew 4:4

What is the significance of the raiment? Isaiah 52:1; Isaiah 61:3, 10 & 11; Zechariah 3:3 & 4; Revelation 3:4 & 5; Revelation 3:17-19; Revelation 19:8.

What is the significance of coming to my father’s house in peace? Romans 5:1; Ephesians 2:15-17.

Notice what all needs to be accomplished before the statement, “Then shall the Lord be my God,” be true.

How does Jacob obtain all that he is to receive? And what is he willing to give back? What are we to give today? Luke 14:33; Acts 4:32-37.

Write down your reflections of how the Word spoke to you today.

Bible Lesson Twenty Three: Genesis 27 - Jacob Versus Esau

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Bible Lesson Twenty Two: The Blessings and Tribulation of Isaac - Genesis 26

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Bible Lesson Twenty One: Jacob and Esau - Two Nations - Genesis 25

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Bible Lesson Twenty: The Bride of Isaac - Genesis 24

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Bible Lesson Nineteen: The Promised Inheritance Land - Genesis 23

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Bible Study Lesson: I Am Not Ashamed Anymore

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Isaiah 30 Bible Study Lesson: God's Severe Mercy

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“Be in pain and labor to bring forth, O daughter of Zion, like a woman in travail; for now shalt thou go forth out of the city, and thou shalt dwell in the field, and thou shalt go even to Babylon; there shalt thou be delivered; there the LORD shall redeem thee from the hand of thine enemies...for He shall gather them as the sheaves into the floor.” Micah 4:10, 12

It is best to use the King James Version in doing this Bible study because then you will see and make the connections to the verses all throughout the Word.

Verse 1: Woe to the rebellious CHILDREN, sayeth the Lord…

Who are God’s children?

John 1:12

Ephesians 1:3- 7

2 Corinthians 6:14-18

Galatians 4:4-7

Romans 8:14-17

Hebrews 12:7

I John 3:1& 2

Romans 9:8

Romans 9:8 is Explained by Galatians 3:7, 16-29

What was the promise given to Abraham in Genesis 12:3?

How was it fulfilled in the New Testament, Covenant?

Acts 3:25 & 26

Luke 24:49

Acts 2:33

Acts 13:23.32, 33

James 2:5

I John 2:25

What does it mean to be baptized into Christ?

Romans 6:3 & 4

Colossians 2:11-15

What is the deal regarding Circumcision?

Genesis 17:1-14

Ezekiel 11:19 & 20; Ezekiel 36:25-28

Romans 2:29

Philippians 3:3

What does it mean to put on Christ and/or be IN Christ?

Ephesians 4:22-24

Colossians 3:10

II Corinthians 5:17

Galatians 2:20

Galatians 5:16, 17, 24

Romans 8:8-13

Verse 1: “Woe to the REBELLIOUS children, sayeth the Lord…”

Genesis 8:21

Isaiah 1:2 & 4

Deuteronomy 9:23 & 24

Deuteronomy 31:27-30

I Samuel 15:23

Psalm 107:10 & 11

Jeremiah 5:23

Isaiah 65:2

Lamentations 1:18-20

II Kings 17:7-23

I Chronicles 5:25& 26

The STATE of our Depravity in the flesh:

Ephesians 2:1-3

Taken from “A Pathway to the Holy Scripture” by William Tyndale, written in 1530, we see a complete picture of our depravity.

“The fall of Adam hath made us heirs of the vengeance and wrath of God and heirs of eternal damnation, and hath brought us into captivity and bondage under the devil. And the devil is our lord and our ruler, our head, our governor, our prince, yea and our god. And our will is locked and knit faster unto the will of the devil than could an hundred thousand chains bind a man unto a post. Unto the devil’s will consent we with all our hearts, with all our minds, with all our might, power, strength, will and lusts; so that the law and the will of the devil is written as well in our hearts as in our members and we run headlong after the devil with full zeal and the whole swing of all the power we have, as a stone case up into the air cometh down naturally of his own self, with all the violence and swing of his own weight. With what poison, deadly and venomous hate hateth a man his enemy. With how great malice of mind inwardly do we slay and murder. With how great violence and rage, yea and with how fervent lust commit we adultery, fornication, and such like uncleanness. With what pleasure and delectation, inwardly, serveth a glutton his belly. With what diligence deceive we. How busily seek we the things of this world. Whatsoever we do, think, or imagine, is abominable in the sight of God…and besides that we are as it were asleep in so deep blindness that we can neither see nor feel what misery, thralldom, and wretchedness we are in…”.

Tyndale mentions venomous hate. The synonym is enmity.

Do we really hate God in our flesh?

Exodus 20:5

Deuteronomy 7:10

Psalm 35:19/John 15:25

John 15:23

Enmity according to Webster denotes a strong, settled feeling of hatred, whether concealed, displayed or latent.

Genesis 3:15

Romans 8:7

James 4:4

The Nature of Rebellion

Webster’s Definition: A defiance of or opposition to any authority or control.

Verse 1: “Woe to the rebellious children, sayeth the LORD, that take counsel, but not of Me; and that cover with a covering, but not of My Spirit, that they may add sin to sin.”

Let’s explore the authority outlined in the Word of God.

1. The Authority of the LORD

Genesis 1:1

Exodus 20:1-5

Isaiah 42:8

Isaiah 43:11-13; 15; 25

Isaiah 44: 6,8, 24-28

Jeremiah 10:10

Psalm 104:1 & 2

God as Father:

Isaiah 9:6

Isaiah 63:16

Isaiah 64:8

Matthew 6:9

I Corinthians 8:6

2. The Authority of Parents

Exodus 20:12

Deuteronomy 5:16

Ephesians 6:1-3

Colossians 3:20

An except from William Tyndale’s, Obedience of a Christian Man: “God (Which worketh all in all things) for a secret judgment and purpose and for His godly pleasure, provided an hour that thy father and mother should come together, to make thee through them. He was present with thee in thy mother’s womb and fashioned thee and breathed life into thee, and for the great love He had unto thee, provided milk in thy mother’s breasts for thee against thou were born; moved also thy father and mother and all other to love thee, to pity thee and to care for thee.
And as He made thee through them, so hath He cast thee under the power and authority of them, to obey and serve them in His stead saying, Honor thy father and mother (Exodus 20). Which is not to be understood in bowing the knee and putting off the cap only, but that thou love them with all thine heart and fear and dread them and wait on their commandments and seek their worship, pleasure, will and profit in all things, and give thy life for them counting them worthy of all honor, remembering that thou art their good and possession, and that thou owest unto them thine own self and all that thou art able, yea and more than thou art able to do.
Understand also that whatsoever thou doest unto them (be it good or bad) thou doest unto God. When thou pleasest them thou pleasest God; when thou displeasest them thou displeasest God; when they are angry with thee, God is angry with thee, neither is it possible for thee to come unto the favor of God again (no though all the angels of heaven pray for thee) until thou have submitted thyself unto thy father and mother again.”

God, You set up the family unit (mother, father and children) as a mirror image of and as a part of Your Divine Plan. The child is formed by the parents’ union. God, You instill deep love for that child within the parent; it comes naturally to provide, care for, and nurture the child. All that is expected from the child in return is that the child honor, love and respect them by keeping their rules.

However, parents are imperfect and incapable of accurately displaying God’s perfection, adequate protection, righteousness and unconditional love. Due to broken parental behavior (such as divorce, adultery, molestation, favoritism, neglect, abandonment, etc.) even death of a parent, deep wounds are created. Since You, God, are ultimately responsible for everything, mankind wrestles not only with bitter feelings towards parents, but towards You. Many stay in their bitterness. Resentment leads to rebellion and one reaps what he or she sows. The individual seeking healing realizes one’s desperate need to connect with the One True Parent, Father God. Spiritually restored through Christ, one finds true belonging in the Family of God. Together with Christ, one can face the deep sorrows and be set free through forgiveness (forgiving God, parents, siblings, oneself, other members of society).

I have a free will to choose. I can choose to come under Your care ~ to obey You and receive Your blessings ~ or to reject You and Your commands and suffer the consequences.

Read Deuteronomy 28. Write a paragraph summary of that chapter.

3. The Authority of the Government

Romans 13:1-7

Titus 3:1

I Peter 2:13, 14, 15, 17

God called Nebuchadnezzar His servant:

Jeremiah 25:9

Jeremiah 27:6

Jeremiah 43:10

4. Authority of Husband over Wife/Christ over the Church

Genesis 3:16

Isaiah 54:5/II Corinthians 11:2

Ephesians 5:21-33

Colossians 3:18 & 19

Titus 2:3-5

I Peter 3:1; 5-7

5. God’s Authority has established His Plan for sexuality, in the beginning, and maintains it throughout Scripture:

Genesis 2:24 & 25

Matthew 19:4-6 and Mark 10:6-9

Ephesians 5:31

Verse 2 & 3: “That walk to go down into EGYPT, (and have not asked at My mouth) to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of EGYPT. Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of EGYPT, your confusion.”

Natural Response of rebellion: Trusting in Egypt

Jeremiah 6:19

Jeremiah 2:13

God’s standard is right and brings everlasting peace. Broken cisterns, trusting in Egypt ~ represents fornication, homosexuality, adultery or any other sexual deviation from God’s plan.

Isaiah 31:1&3

Egypt represents: comforts but mostly bondage and affliction

Comforts: Numbers 11:5

(Manna, every word that proceeds from the mouth of God, the Bread of Life, Jesus – is not enough for these folks).

Exodus 16:3

Do they not remember this?

Exodus 1:11-14; 22; 3:7

Isaiah 30:7

Moses chose a better way: Hebrews 11:24 -27

Verses 9-11 The Declaration of the LORD: Isaiah is to write down in a book this declaration for the time to come forever and ever. “This is a rebellious people, lying children, children that WILL NOT HEAR THE LAW of the LORD. Which say to the seers, see not; and to the prophets, prophecy not unto us right things; speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits. Get ye out of the way; turn aside out of the path; cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.”

Nehemiah 9:16, 17, 26, 34

Isaiah 5:24

II Timothy 4:3& 4

Verses 12 – 14 God’s Response to Rebellion: “Wherefore, thus saith the Holy One of Israel; because ye despise this Word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and stay thereon; therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose BREAKING cometh suddenly at an instant. And He shall BREAK it as the BREAKING of the potters vessel, that is BROKEN in pieces, He shall not spare; so that there shall not be found in the bursting of it, a shard to take fire from the hearth, or to take water withal out of the pit.”

Jeremiah 19:1, 10, 11, 15

Matthew 26:26

II Corinthians 4:7

Verse 15 “For thus saith the LORD God, the Holy One of Israel, In RETURNING and REST shall ye be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength…”.

Jeremiah 24: 7

Isaiah 35:10

Hosea 6:1 & 2

Ezekiel 18:30-32 (Who is Israel? Read Romans 2:28 & 29; Philippians 3:3 and Galatians 6:15 & 16).

Joel 2:12 & 13

Hosea 14:1 & 2

(“By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” Hebrews 13:15)

Micah 7:9

Of John the Baptist: Luke 1:16 & 17

Paul being sent to the Gentiles: Acts 26:18 & 20

Matthew 11:28-30

Hebrews 4:3, 9 – 11

Revelation 14:13

Isaiah 30:7b

Psalm 46:10

Exodus 14:13

II Chronicles 20:15 & 17

William Tyndale, from The Parable of the Wicked Mammom, wrote “…Turn to God and confess thyself…remember that He is the God of mercy and of truth and cannot but fulfill His promises. Also remember that His Son’s blood is stronger than all the sins and wickedness of the whole world, and therewith quiet thyself…”.

BUT ye would not. The children would not return, rest and be quiet before the Lord. “But ye said; NO, we will flee upon horses; therefore shall ye flee. And we will ride upon the swift; therefore shall they that pursue you, be swift.”

Verse 18 The Patience and Grace of God: “And therefore will the LORD wait that He may be gracious unto you, and therefore will He be exalted that He may have MERCY upon you…”.

Psalm 136:1-26

Psalm 52:8b

Micah 7:18-20

Verse 18 “…For the LORD is a God of judgment; blessed are all they that WAIT for Him.”

Psalm 40:1

Psalm 27:1

Psalm 62:5

Verse 19 “For the people shall dwell in ZION at Jerusalem; thou shalt weep no more…”.

Psalm 132:13 & 14

Isaiah 12:6

Psalm 50:2

Isaiah 28:16

Fulfilled:

Ephesians 2:20-22

Romans 8:9-11

II Corinthians 6:16

I Peter 2:4-9

II Corinthians 4:7

Verse 20 “He will be very gracious unto thee, at the voice of thy cry; when He shall hear it, He will answer thee. And though the LORD give you the bread of ADVERSITY, and the water of AFFLICTION…”.

Isaiah 48:10

Psalm 34:19

Jesus was AFFLICTED!

Isaiah 53:3-12

Isaiah 52:14

Not My Will, But Thy Will Be Done

The example of Jesus: Mark 14:32-36

Matthew 26:39-44

Hebrews 10:32 & 33

Hebrews 12:5-11

Revelation 3:19

Proverbs 3:11

Verse 21 “…yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner anymore; but thine eyes shall see thy teachers. And thine ears shall hear a Word behind thee, saying; this is THE WAY, WALK ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.”

Psalm 25:10

Isaiah 35:8

Jeremiah 6:16

Matthew 7:14

John 14:6

Colossians 2:6

Compare a path in the woods with an 8 lane highway. Peace, tranquility versus noise, hectic stress. Narrow is the way… broad is the path to destruction.

Verse 22 “Ye shall defile also the covering of thy graven images of silver, and the ornament of thy molten images of gold; thou shalt CAST THEM AWAY as a menstruous cloth, thou shalt say unto it, get thee hence.”

Exodus 23:23-24

Deuteronomy 7:25/I Timothy 6:9 & 10

Romans 6:6

Ephesians 4:23

Colossians 3:9

II Corinthians 5:17

James 1:21

Verse 23 & 24 “THEN shall He give the rain of thy seed that thou shalt sow the ground withal; and the bread of the increase of the earth, and it shall be fat and plenteous; in that day shall thy cattle feed in large pastures. The oxen likewise and the young asses that ear the ground, shall eat clean provender which hath been winnowed with the shovel and with the fan.”

The Promise given to Abraham - Genesis 15:18

Isaiah 1:19

Ezekiel 34:13-15; 23

(“I am the bread of life…this is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the Living Bread, which came down from heaven. If any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever; and the bread that I will give, is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world…it is the Spirit that quickeneth, the flesh profiteth nothing; the WORDS that I speak unto you, they are Spirit, and they are life.” John 6:48,50,51,63 ~~ “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every WORD that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4)

Psalm 23:1-3

Fulfilled:

Acts 7:5

Galatians 3:18

Acts 20:32

Acts 26:18

Ephesians 1:10-14; 18

Ephesians 5:5

Colossians 1:12& 13

Colossians 3:24

Hebrews 9:15

Hebrews 11:8-16

I Peter 1:3-5

Verse 25 “And there shall be upon every high mountain, and upon every high hill, RIVERS AND STREAMS OF WATERS, in the day of the great slaughter when the towers fall.”

Jeremiah 2:13; 17:13

Isaiah 55:1

John 4:14

John 7:37-39

Revelation 7:16 & 17

Revelation 21:6

Revelation 22:1 & 17

Verse 26 “Moreover the light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, in the day that the LORD BINDETH up the breach of His people, and HEALETH the stroke of their wound.”

Isaiah 9:2

Matthew 4:16

Luke 1:79

Acts 9:3

I Peter 2:9

Ezekiel 34:16

Exodus 23:25

Jeremiah 33:6

Isaiah 53:5

I Peter 2:24

Verse 27-28; 30-33 “Behold, the Name of the LORD cometh from afar, burning with His anger, and the burden thereof is heavy; His lips are full of indignation, and His tongue as a devouring fire. And His breath as an overflowing stream, shall reach to the midst of the neck, to sift the nations with the sieve of vanity; and there shall be a bridle in the jaws of the people causing them to err. And the LORD shall cause His glorious voice to be heard, and shall show the lighting down of His arm, with the indignation of His anger, and with the flame of a devouring fire, with scattering and tempest and hailstones. For through the voice of the LORD shall the Assyrian be beaten down, which smote with a rod. And in every place where the grounded staff shall pass, which the LORD shall lay upon him, it shall be with tabrets and harps; and in battles of shaking will He fight with it.”

I Kings 9:31-35

Isaiah 10:5-7

Isaiah 10:12

Isaiah 10:24-27

(Messiah is literally translated “Anointed” ~~ “We have found the Messiah, which is, being interpreted, the Christ” or “the Anointed” John 1:41. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor, He hath sent Me to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord” Luke 4:18).

Habakkuk 3:13

Nahum 3:18-19

Revelation 8:7; 11:19; 16:21

Hebrews 12:24-29

The Work of the Messiah:

Colossians 2:15

Hebrews 2:14 & 15

II Timothy 1:10

I John 3:8

The Work of the Messiah’s Second Coming:

Acts 1:11

Hebrews 9:28

Revelation 1:7

I Thessalonians 4:16 & 17

I Corinthians 15:52

Matthew 24:31

Revelation 11:15 & 18

Jude 14 & 15

II Thessalonians 1:7-12

Luke 17:30

Isaiah 11:4 & 5

Revelation 19:11-21

II Thessalonians 2:8

Verse 29 “Ye shall have a song as in the night, when a holy solemnity is kept, and GLADNESS of heart, as when one goeth with a pipe to come into the mountain of the LORD, to the mighty One of Israel.”

Psalm 53:6

Jeremiah 33:11

Isaiah 51:11

Hebrews 12:22-29

Revelation 21:9-19

Verse 33 “For TOPHET is ordained of old; yea, for the king it is prepared, He hath made it deep and large; the pile thereof is fire and much wood, the breath of the LORD, like a stream of brimstone doeth kindle it.”

Tophet – means “place of burning”

II Kings 23:10

Jeremiah 7:31-34

Revelation 19:11, 17-21

Revelation 20:10-15

The last 2 sections refer to Christ’s second coming and the destruction of the wicked. Has this already taken place or is it still to come?

Read Luke 21 and focus on verse 22. When do you think all this verse is referring to?

Read Matthew 24 and focus on verses 32-34. What generation is that referring to?

Bible Study Lesson Eighteen: Genesis 21 and 22 The Promised Seed

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Bible Lesson Seventeen: Genesis 19 and 20 Consequences of the Flesh

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Halt: Lamed by Wounding

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“In that day, saith the Lord, will I assemble her that halteth, and I will gather her that is driven out, and her that I have afflicted. And I will make her that halted, a remnant; and her that was cast afar off, a strong nation; and the Lord shall reign over them, in Mount Zion from henceforth, even forever,” Micah 4:6, 7.

Another promise is given in Zephaniah 3:19, “Behold, at that time I will undo all that afflict thee, and I will save her that halteth, and gather her that was driven out, and I will get them praise and fame in every land, where they have been put to shame. At that time will I bring you again even in the time that I gather you; for I will make you a name and a praise among all people of the earth, when I turn back your captivity before your eyes, saith the Lord,” Zephaniah 3:19, 20.

The Webster’s dictionary definition of “halt” in this context is: to walk with a crippled gait, limp, hobble ~ “Lamed by wounding.”

The Word of God brings to a full circle of understanding, or redemption, of resolution of all things. God’s promise in Micah and Zephaniah has been fulfilled as shown in specific passages in the New Testament. But first, let’s establish who the Bible is referring to in regards to one that halts.

In Genesis 32, Jacob wrestles with the angel of God. The angel touched the hollow of Jacob’s thigh so that it went out of joint during their wrestling. Jacob demanded to be blessed and God changed his name from Jacob to Israel; “For as a prince hast thou power with God, and with men, and hast prevailed.” The name “Israel” is also synonymous with “overcoming.”

The result of Jacob’s special time with God resulted in a limp, “He halted upon his thigh.”

So what do we know about these passages about the one who halts? It is the Jacob and his remnant that wrestles and overcomes. The Person overcame and then His people, who were given a new name, were to be gathered into a strong nation.

The remnant after the 70 year captivity mentioned by Jeremiah did return to the land in Jerusalem as explained by Ezra and Nehemiah. God fulfilled His promises to them. See Ezra 3:8, 4:1 and Nehemiah 1:3; chapter 9.

The spiritual fulfillment to these promises of the Old Testament is clearly shown in the New Testament. Jacob is a type of Christ, THE overcomer; “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world,” John 16:33.” He was “lamed by wounding;” “He was wounded for our transgressions and bruise for our iniquities,” (Isaiah 53:5. He experienced death; and in His resurrection, destroyed the works of the devil (Hebrews 2:14).

The bride of the marriage feast, the New Covenant, includes the following people, “the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind,” Luke 14:21. God has chosen the foolish, the weak, the base, and despised, and “the least of these” (I Corinthians 1:27 & 28, Matthew 25:34-45). These who are IN Christ also overcome, “For whatsoever is born of God, overcomes the world,” I John 5:4.

Jacob, now Israel, had 12 sons to make up the physical nation of Israel. But spiritually speaking, Jesus is the Chosen One; “Behold, My servant whom I have chosen, My beloved in whom My soul is well pleased, I will put My Spirit upon Him, and he shall show judgment to the Gentiles,” Matthew 12:18 (fulfillment of Isaiah 42:1). And those born again in Him are the spiritual sons of Israel; “But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name,” John 1:12.

Revelation writes that to those who overcome, they will be given a new name; “To him that overcomes … will I give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written… I will write upon him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God… and I will write upon him My new name,” Revelation 2:17; 3:12.

Jesus said He came to preach deliverance to the captives in Luke 4:18. Paul states that we wrestle not with flesh and blood but against principalities, powers, rulers of darkness of this world and spiritual wickedness (Ephesians 6:12). John states, “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world,” I John 4:4.

Jesus predicted that He was to give His kingdom to a nation bearing fruit, Matthew 21:42. Peter writes that we are “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation…. The people of God,” (I Peter 2:9 & 10). The remnant that is called (Romans 8:28, 30; 9:24) is that holy nation bearing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22 & 23). This remnant according to Romans 9-11 is the seed of Abraham and Isaac, the remnant according to the election of grace (Romans 11:5). Galatians 3:16 and 29 clearly state that the seed of Abraham is Jesus Christ and those who are IN Christ also.

The high priest prophesied the fulfillment of the gathering of God’s people into one nation; “he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; and not for that nation only, but that also He should gather together in one, the children of God that were scattered abroad,” John 11:50-52. Paul gives the fulfillment; “That in the dispensation of the fullness of times, He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on the earth, even in Him,” Ephesians 1:10. “For He is our peace, Who hath made both one… and that He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross,” Ephesians 2:13-19.

The once afflicted, driven out, halted bride is now arrayed in fine linen, clean and white (Revelation 19:7-9); acceptable due to the righteousness of Jesus (II Corinthians 5:21).

We have this incredible peace, eternal life, endless hope and lovingkindness due to fact of Christ’s wounding and His triumphant overcoming. “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes, He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich,” II Corinthians 8:9. He is the Heir of the kingdom (Matthew 21:37 & 38), the Recipient of the promises given to Abraham (Acts 3:25 & 26). And in Him, we are joint heirs (Romans 8:17). “Hath not God chosen the poor of this world, rich in faith, and heirs of the Kingdom, which He hath promised to them that love Him?” James 2:5. Amazing Grace!

This study is a wonderful example of when using the King James Version, one can clearly see the connections and full circle of God’s intent of His Word because the same word, “halt” or “halteth” is used. But in looking at the New American Standard version, the word highlighted is different in each passage. In Genesis 32, it is “limping,” in Micah it is “lame,” in Zephaniah it is “lame,” in Luke 14 it is “lame.” If doing a word study, one would have missed the big picture of the Genesis 32 connection. Due to word changes and omissions in the new translations, often the deep treasures of the awesomeness of the Word is not evident.

God’s Goodness and Fairness verses the Oppression of the Enemy

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Read Galatians 4:29 --

Genesis 3:15 –

Describe the animosity, enmity between Cain and Abel (Genesis 4), Esau and Jacob (Genesis 27), Joseph and his brothers (Genesis 37), David and Saul (I Samuel 18), Hannah and Peninnah (I Samuel 1) ---- Jesus and His brethren (Matthew 2:1-3; 16, John 1:11; John 8:33-47)

Exodus 3:7 & 8

Job 1

God allowed Satan to do anything to Job except kill him. Verse 12 and 2:6. Satan brought death of his children, physical suffering to Job.

Psalm 106:10 and 107:2

Luke 1:68-79

Acts 26:18/Colossians 1:13

Ephesians 6:12

We have been redeemed from the power of darkness/satan. Some of that power of darkness has come in the form of people (parents, siblings, neighbors, bosses, spouses) – who have tried to destroy us, hurt us, etc.

Because of these actions of the evil one and the evil seed, we have rebelled in our hearts with bitterness, anger, resentment, etc. Should we have blamed God for what the enemy has done to us? Is it God’s fault that Pharaoh didn’t remember Joseph and caused the Israelites to suffer for over 400 years? No, He redeemed them. Is it God’s fault that Saul persecuted David? That Joseph’s brothers were jealous?

And because of our anger and bitterness, many of us rebelled! Rejected God’s way. Isaiah 30:9-12.

But according to Isaiah 30:13, due to God’s mercy, He breaks us.

The enemy is the cause of our hardship and pain, not God. But as we have seen in Isaiah… in our affliction, He was afflicted (Isaiah 53:9). See Isaiah 53:4-7. He came to redeem us and set us free.

We have been released from the curse of the Law – Galatians 3:13, 4:5… and released from the power of sin (Romans 6:14).

Our last enemy is death. I Corinthians 15:26…. But He released us from death (I Corinthians 15:54-57, II Timothy 1:10.

Overcomers: I John 4:4, 5:4 – Revelation 3:21

Because He set us free, and gave us new life – we are to live as He did. Ephesians 4:31 & 32

Hebrews 12:14 & 15

I John 1:5-7 and 2:8-11

Joseph forgave His brothers. Read Genesis 50:18-20. Write your thoughts.

~~~ AS FOR YOU, YOU THOUGHT EVIL AGAINST ME, BUT GOD MEANT IT FOR GOOD -- WHY? TO SAVE MUCH PEOPLE ALIVE!!!!!! God uses our pain for His good.

But before Joseph could forgive, he felt the pain – Genesis 45:1 & 2

Take time to reflect on the truth of the Word.

Bible Lesson Sixteen: Hagar, Ishmael and the Promised Seed

2011-07-05T08:25:00.000-07:00

Bible Lesson Fifteen: Genesis 14 The Melchizedek/The Lord Jesus Connection

2011-06-24T10:09:00.000-07:00

Bible Lesson Fourteen: Sodom and Gomorrah

2011-06-18T07:21:00.000-07:00

Misdirected Anger – My Apology to God

2011-06-15T08:21:00.000-07:00

For years, I was angry at You, God. I was angry at You for allowing my same sex struggle. You are the One Who received the brunt of my fury as I lashed out in fits of rage.

But wait, God, are You the cause of my pain and deep sorrow? Was it Your fault that I was so wounded? Was it fair for me to direct my angst toward You?

I don’t know specifically what woke me up to the realization… “Wow, I have had it wrong all along!” You are not the reason for my pain. You are the solution, the answer, my salvation.

It was my own sin and rebellion that brought severe consequences. As a loving Father, You discipline. The natural consequences of my error, mistakes and blatant sin wake me up. This is careful correction is motivated by Your pure, loving, sacrificial and tender heart. Scripture states that Your chastening is due to Your great love for me. It is in Your rebuke and correction that I know I am Your child (Hebrews 12:5-11; Job 5:17-19; Proverbs 3:11 & 12).

Secondly, my rivals were/are people under the influence of sin and rebellion, deception and deceit. From the beginning of time, it is evident that there has been a battle between the good and evil seed, God’s chosen and those of the evil one. Starting with the statement in Genesis 3:15, this conflict is evident between Cain and Abel, Jacob and Esau, Hannah and Peninnah, David and Saul, Elijah and Jezebel, Jesus and His brethren (John 1:11).

“But as then he that was born after the flesh, persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now,” Galatians 4:29.

God, I am so sorry for blaming You for my troubles and not directing my anger toward the real culprit – evil itself. I repent of my ignorance and my inability to see your tenderness as I railed out at You. Forgive me, Lord Jesus.

“Abhor that which is evil, cleave to that which is good,” Romans 12:9.

“Seek good and not evil, that ye may live… hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate; it may be that the Lord God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph,” Amos 5:14 & 15.

Bible Lesson Thirteen: Genesis 12 Famine in the Land

2011-06-13T10:39:00.000-07:00

“Behold I will do a new thing…” Isaiah 43:19. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away, behold all things are become new,” II Corinthians 5:17. “A new creature” Galatians 6:15. “For the former things are passed away… Behold I make all things new,” Revelation 21:4 & 5.

Look up each Bible verse (best to use KJV) and write it out. Underline or highlight what speaks to you. Reflect on how each lesson affects your current life situation.

Bible Lesson Thirteen: Famine in the Land

Read Genesis 12:8-20. Write down all that strikes you.

Read verse 17 and Genesis 15:13 & 14. How is this foreshadowing of the coming trial of the Egyptian bondage of the nation of Israel? What does Sarah represent?

Famine in the land.

Genesis 26:1-3

Genesis 41:54- 42:2

Compare the actions of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Now compare this passage of Genesis 12 with Amos 8:11& 12 and Ezekiel 34.

Read II Kings 8:1; Psalm 105:16 and Haggai 1:11. What is significant about these verses?

How did God use the famine in the life of the prodigal son? Luke 15:11-32

One of the woes prior to and during the destruction of a nation:

Isaiah 51:17-19

Jeremiah 24:8-10

Ezekiel 5:5-17

Now compare those previous passages with Matthew 24:7/Mark 13:8/Luke 21:11/Revelation 18:8.

Warning:

Isaiah 30:1-7

Isaiah 31:1-3

Learning from Moses:

Hebrews 11:24-27

What is significant about these verses? Psalm 80:8; Hosea 11:1; Matthew 2:13-15

God’s promises during a famine:

Job 5:17-22

Psalm 33:18 & 19

Psalm 37:18 & 19

Jeremiah 17:5-8

Romans 8:35

This is not exhaustive on the study of famine. Check your Bible concordance and do more study on this topic. How have you reacted to the past or present famine in your life?

Bible Lesson Twelve: Genesis 12; 15; 18; 22 Abrahamic Covenant

2011-06-06T13:41:00.000-07:00

Bible Lesson Eleven: Genesis 9 – 11 Babel

2011-05-28T09:50:00.000-07:00

Addiction Verses Rebellious Sin

2011-05-27T08:11:00.000-07:00

My Experience with Food

I thought I had an "addiction" to food. I had bought in to the popular Christian mindset of addiction. But the truth of the matter is.... it is not an addiction, but a rebellious sin. I WANTED to eat all the stuff I wanted. Period. I knew it was wrong. Totally. But as long as I told my self... oh this is just an addiction... I didn't really have to face it.

But God intervened. This past week, I got violently sick... and got cleaned out really good. God got my attention. Due to the consequence of my sin, I was broken -- in bed, aching... suffering... I knew this was the result of my eating habits. I repented -- and then fasted for a few more days to get my system cleaned out. I saw that my overeating... my poor choices in my food ---- was REBELLION -- and my body was suffering.

So now that this area is surrendered to Christ, I see so clearly.... it really is all about what we WANT to do rather than God's will. We will rationalize and weasel around truth. God says, put off the OLD MAN and its deceitful lusts (Ephesians 4:22). I was being deceived by my lust for food. Because of God’s intervention, I have put off the old man and am eating sensibly now.

It really doesn't do any good for us to pretend. We might as well be honest with ourselves and others.... we want to do what we do. It is only when God breaks us through consequences that we come to our senses.

Paul said,“Wretched man that I am” in Romans 7:24; he understood that his heart was sinful. Repentance and turning from our sin is our answer.

I am so thankful for God’s merciful consequences that break our strong will and lead us to His mercy and truth.

Addiction, Unmet Needs and Self Worth

2011-05-26T10:37:00.000-07:00

Beware of the “Psycho Babel” of Self Help Groups such as Celebrate Recovery

Popular Christian culture and those in self help programs such as Celebrate Recovery now use “addiction” in the place of rebellious sin. The participant in the group is learning to address their addiction by going to its roots, going to God to meet unmet needs and yearning for His affirmation when feeling unworthy.

The CR material states in regarding addictions that we are sick, not sinners. We are to grow, not surrender. We are to recover rather than be redeemed.

The concept of addiction gives the mindset that one is powerless in their sin and one must be healed or must recover from its grasp. “Therapy” or satisfying one’s “unmet needs” brings healing.

Is this Biblical? No.

King David didn’t say, “Wash me thoroughly from my addictions.” He said, “Wash me from my iniquities and cleanse me from my sins.” He didn’t say, “For I acknowledge my addictions,” but “I acknowledge my transgressions.” See Psalm 51.

Is there evidence of Paul, Peter, John or any other the Biblical characters ever doing self analysis of past woundedness and seeking healing from their “addictions”? No, Paul calls them “the works of the flesh” in Galatians 5:19 and states they are to be crucified in Galatians 5:24.

We are powerless in our sin nature until we experience the power in the new birth of Jesus Christ. Until people have an encounter with Jesus in His Word, they are in still in bondage to sin. If the person has experienced the resurrection power of the New Creation, then it is totally contrary to the Word of God to seek “healing” of our addictions.

Jesus has conquered sin and death. When we choose life in Christ, we are to repent and turn from our sin. And it is His kindness that leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4).

Now that we know Him, we have a responsibility. “Let not sin reign therefore in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof,” Romans 6:12. Look at all these action verbs… “Put off concerning the former conversation, the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the Spirit of your mind…. And put on that new man… putting away lying…. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice, and be ye kind… forgiving…” Ephesians 4:22 – 32 (Colossians 3). “And they that are Christ’s, have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts,” Galatians 5:24.

The New Birth gives us the power, but we have to put our faith into action by resisting our flesh, saying “no,” and turning away from evil.

Isn’t this what Romans 8 is all about? Flesh versus Spirit? “So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God….For if you live after the flesh, you shall die; but if you through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, you shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God,” Romans 8:8, 13 & 14.

That means – leaving sinful relationships, not going to the bars, not bringing junk food into the house, turning off the TV and inappropriate radio stations, refusing to go to the casinos, etc. etc.

Unmet needs? Humanity’s unmet need is to repent of one’s sin and seek the forgiveness and mercy of Jesus Christ. The “unmet needs” “Psycho-Babel” idea causes one to see all that one lacked and putting blame on those, specifically parents, who let us down. Is this truth? God commands the honoring of parents. We don’t see Paul and Peter examining their childhood to see why they were sinners. They just understood. Paul said, “O wretched man that am I!” Romans 7:24. He acknowledged that it was only in Christ through the Holy Spirit that he is set free.

Low self worth? Understanding Genesis 1:27 gives a believer the incredible worth of being God’s created individual. Just as Adam and Eve hid in shame when they sinned, we are guilty due to our sin. It is not until we surrender all to Christ that our shame is removed. “Whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed,” Romans 9:33.

When we meet Jesus, life becomes about loving God and our neighbor, not focusing on our self worth. Our identity is in Christ which frees us to love. It is this love that is the evidence that He indwells in us (I John 4:12).

The truth is, we like our sin. The Bible says that, “Men loved darkness rather than light, for their deeds were evil,” John 3:19. Mercifully, God breaks us through circumstances; then we turn surrendering to Him, our only hope.

Self help groups may have some truth, but the teachings are twisted, “seducing spirits (I Timothy 4:1 & 2).” The "scholars" from Psychology are promoting the shift from the Bible to psychology. For more information, read the book, "12 Steps to Destruction," by Martin and Deidre Bobgan. The Word of God states that we are to come to Him having our minds renewed in the Word. This brings our transformation.

Bottom line, addiction is “Psycho-Babel” for rebellious sin. Low self esteem and low self worth is “Psycho-Babel” for guilt and shame. In our sinful unregenerated condition, guilt and shame alerts us to our guilt. Having fallen short of the glory of God due to our sin, we must come to God with a contrite heart. We are washed, sanctified, and justified when we repent, turn, crucify our flesh, let go of our sin. Guilt and shame is replaced by peace with God (Romans 5:1). Daily, we walk humbly, taking up our cross and following Him.

By the way, Celebrate Recovery is linked to Rick Warren, who is not your friend.

To wet your appetite, Rick Warren is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). This group’s sinister mission is to destroy America’s sovereignty. Many members are linked to the freemasonary and the darkside. Kay Griggs, a Christian and former wife of a Marine colonel, exposes these ominous secret groups and the subversive tactics involving homosexuality in the military in her eight hour interview with a truth seeking pastor.

Anyway, Rick Warren is exposed in the book, "Deceived on Purpose: The New Age Implications of the Purpose-Driven Church," written by Warren Smith. Having been immersed in the New Age Movement, Smith recognized these teachings in Warren’s “Purpose Driven” books. He uncovered a connection between Warren and Robert Schuller. Also, Rick uses The Message Bible which is strictly New Age and Occultic. Please take the time to search out these important topics including the necessity of using the King James Bible.

The sad thing is that Rick Warren is only one of the MANY wolves deceiving the flock. I feel some of the same urgency to warn as Jesus and the New Testament writers did. Jesus said, “Beware of false prophets which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits,” Matthew 7:14 & 15. The Apostle Paul warned the believers in Ephesus with tears every day and night for three years that there would be wolves entering into the flock (Acts 20:28-34). Peter, Jude and John also warned of false teachers (II Peter 2; I John 2:18 & 19; Jude 4).

Seek truth and pray for discernment.

Bible Lesson Ten: Genesis 6 The Wickedness and Judgement of the Flood; the Remnant

2011-05-20T10:33:00.000-07:00

Bible Lesson Nine - Genesis 4 -- The Enmity of the Seeds

2011-05-14T12:11:00.000-07:00

Bible Lesson Eight: Genesis Chapter 3 Subtleness of Evil

2011-05-09T11:57:00.000-07:00

Bible Lesson Seven: Genesis Chapter 2

2011-05-04T10:58:00.000-07:00

Are We Living in the Last Days?

2011-04-29T12:30:00.000-07:00

I am interrupting my regular Bible Study to introduce this second Bible study entitled "Last Days" that I just completed. I will resume Genesis with the next blog.

We hear it often that we are living in the last days and Jesus Christ will soon return to rapture His church which will usher in the 7 year tribulation. Is this what the Bible really says?

First we will look at what the Word says about the “Last Days” and then we will explore the many passages in the Word while using Matthew 23 and 24 as our guide regarding the sequence of events that Jesus and His disciples discussed. This lesson is the first of twenty. Once you have completed this lesson and want to complete the series, find the Page link "Are we living in the Last Days" on the right side of blog. Copy and print.

***I strongly suggest that you use the King James Version. Otherwise, you will not see the obvious connections that those who study were meant to see. The newer translations have changed so many words, or even omitted them, to keep seekers from seeing how the New Testament totally fulfills the Old Testament.

Bible Lesson One: Are we living in the Last Days?

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves…” II Timothy 3:1-7.

Genesis 49:1-28 Notice the tribes that prophesize about Jesus, the two seeds – one of the flesh and one of the Spirit.

Amos 5:15

Zechariah 10:6

Other Scriptures that prophesize about the “Last Days:”

Isaiah 2:2 & 3, 12

Micah 4:1-8

Joel 2:26-32

Daniel 8:16-25

Latter Days:

Deuteronomy 4:26-31

Deuteronomy 31:27-29

Jeremiah 23:18-20; 30:15-24

To find out when the last/latter days is referring to, time to check out the New Testament writings.

Acts 2 ~ specifically vss. 16-18

Hebrews 1:1 & 2

I John 2:18 & 19

I Peter 1:5

I Peter 1:20

James 5:1-8

I Timothy 4:1-3

II Timothy 4:4&5

Jude 18

II Peter 3:3

Galatians 4:4-7 (This passage will be discussed later in the Daniel 9 study).

According to the Word of God, the "Last Days" is referring to what time period? More clarity will come when we discuss the study of the "end of the AGE."

Again, if you want to finish this "Last Days" Bible study series, go to the Page link "Are we living in the Last Days" on the right hand side of the blog.

Bible Study Lesson Six: Genesis Chapter 1 Old and New Creation

2011-04-26T09:09:00.000-07:00

Bible Lesson Five: The Pure in Heart Shall See God

2011-04-20T12:04:00.000-07:00

“Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God,” Matthew 5:8.

Part 1 Polished on the outside, but rotten on the inside.

Jeremiah 17:9

Matthew 15:8; 18-20

Matthew 23:27

God sees:

I Samuel 16:7

II Chronicles 6:30

Luke 16:15

Hebrews 4:12 & 13

In Matthew 5:21 & 22, Jesus makes it clear that anger… a deep set emotion of the heart … is an equivalent sin to murder. Verses 27 & 28 say that lust… a deep often hidden emotion of the heart… is equal to the severity of adultery.

So now what?

Ezekiel 11:19

Ezekiel 36:25-29

John 3:3-13; 31

Colossians 2:11-15

Romans 2:28 & 29 then read Romans 8:2

Romans 6:1-6

I Corinthians 6:9-11;

Galatians 2:20

Galatians 5:24

Releasing the Old Man and putting on the NEW:

Ephesians 4:22-32

Colossians 3:5-10

Read I Corinthians 6:16-18 – the fulfillment of those two passages in Ezekiel.

Part 2 Redemption

Why was David acceptable to God even though he sinned greatly?

Acts 13:22

Psalm 51

What is the answer?

Isaiah 66:2

Psalm 34:18

Psalm 51:17

Isaiah 57:15

Luke 18:13 & 14

I Peter 5:5 & 6

James 4:6 & 10

Matthew 11:28

John 5:24

I John 1:9

Our hope just as David’s hope: Find the common hope in these verses.

Psalm 86:13

Psalm 136

Isaiah 55: 3

2 Corinthians 4:1

II Corinthians 5:17-21

Titus 3:5

Hebrews 4:16

I Peter 2:10

NOW -- Our responsibility:

Matthew 6:14 & 15/Mark 11:24 & 25

Luke 17:3 & 4

Ephesians 4:31 & 32

Hebrews 12:14 & 15

This is by no means exhaustive study on purity and righteousness of Christ within us. Write down your thoughts and add verses to complete this study for yourself.

Lesson Four: The Characteristics of God

2011-04-15T10:58:00.000-07:00

Bible Study Lessons – Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth

Look up each Bible verse and write it out. Underline or highlight what speaks to you. Reflect on how each lesson affects your current life situation.

Lesson Four: The Characteristics of God

John 4:23 & 24

God, You are a spirit with no gender… but the metaphor “Father” is used to represent the protection, provision and care that You give to Your children. The Bible also talks about Your motherly attributes in Isaiah and Matthew.

Isaiah 49:15

Matthew 23:37

God, are You Good? Can I trust You?

Romans 2:4

James 1:17

Matthew 7:9-11

Psalm 84:11

Isaiah 63:7-9

I John 3:1

You are Just:

Isaiah 45:21

Zephaniah 3:5

Zechariah 9:9

Revelation 15:3

God, You are faithful:

Psalm 40:10

Lamentations 3:23

I Corinthians 1:9

I Corinthians 10:13

I Thessalonians 5:24

This is my no means exhaustive of God’s characteristics. Come up with another characteristic of God and find several Scriptures to support this characteristic.

Reflect on what the Word has revealed regarding who God really is.

Reflections:

Bible Study Lessons – Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth

2011-04-10T19:02:00.000-07:00

Look up each Bible verse and write it out. Underline or highlight what speaks to you. Reflect on how each lesson affects your current life situation.

Lesson Three: The Authority of God as Creator and Father

If an artist creates a sculpture or an author writes a book, does not their work have the creator’s impression, creativity, time and tender love poured into it? Do they not have ownership over their work?

Genesis 1:1; 1:26; 2:7

Psalm 33:6 - 9

Psalm 139:14-18

Psalm 148:1-5

Isaiah 43:7; 10-13; 15; 25

Isaiah 44: 6 - 8 & 24

Isaiah 64:8

Jeremiah 10:10

Malachi 1:6

Malachi 2:10

Matthew 6:9

Acts 17:24-27

I Corinthians 8:6

Colossians 1:16 & 17

II Peter 1:3 & 4

As a loving Father, You discipline those You love.

Job 5:17-19

Psalm 118:18

Proverbs 3:11 & 12

Hebrews 12:5-11

Revelation 3:17-19

This study is not exhaustive. Please come up with a few other Scriptures that identify God as Creator or Father.

Reflections on another sheet of paper: In detail, summarize how the Word of God spoke truth to you.

Bible Study Lesson Number two - In the Beginning was the Word

2011-04-04T08:58:00.000-07:00

Bible Study Lessons – Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth

Look up each Bible verse and write it out. Underline or highlight what speaks to you. Reflect on how each lesson affects your current life situation. Remember, you need no one to teach you but the Spirit of Truth Who guides us into all truth John 16:13 and I John 2:27. This is the second study in the series of studies. To start from the beginning, click on the Bible Lesson page on the right column of the blog.

Lesson One: In the Beginning was the Word

Who is the Word? What is our responsibility and privilege regarding this Word? How important is the Word of God to the believer?

John 1:1 ~

John 1:14 ~

James 1:21-25 ~

Eyewitnesses of this Word:

1 John 1:1-4 ~

How precious is the Word:

John 6:63 ~

Its Magnitude and Endurance:

I Thessalonians 2:13 ~

Isaiah 40:8/I Peter 1:23 – 25 ~

Matthew 24:35/Mark 13:31/Luke 21:33 ~

Description and power of this Word:

Hebrews 4:12 ~

I Peter 1:23 ~

Ephesians 5:26 ~

Ephesians 6:17 ~

John 17:17 ~

How did God choose to bring about this Word?

II Peter 1:17-21 ~

Luke 24:33-47 ~

Ephesians 3:2-11 ~

What is the mark of a true disciple?

John 8:31 ~

John 14:23 ~

I Peter 2:2 ~

Read Matthew 13:1-23 and Luke 8:4-15. Parable of the Seed – the Word. What are the different conditions of the soil/heart? Which is the condition of your soil?

**This by no means is comprehensive study on the Word. Take a concordance and find 7 other important verses describing the Word and jot them on another sheet of paper. Explain the significance of these verses as well.

Change Up Regarding this Blog - Introductory Bible Lesson

2011-04-01T08:16:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. It has been on my heart to change the format of my blog and make it into a personal Bible study for those who have ears to hear what the Word says. Many people are learning from their pastors, or from books, or from their TV evangelists, but yet they themselves do not understand or know how to study the Word. My goal with the Bible studies are to reveal the hidden treasures of the Word by one who will take the time to look for themselves. We will start in the beginning -- and take teach the incredible mysteries of the Old Testament (Covenant) and then show how all has been fulfilled in the New Testament (Covenant).

John 16:13 and I John 2:27 state that we need no person to teach us because the Spirit of Truth leads us into all truth. Seek Him and His truth!

Every few days or week, there will be a new Bible study. I will keep a running log of them on the side of the blog - so you can always catch up if you have fallen behind.

So, as a reader, feel free to cut and paste the following Bible study lesson and print off - so that you can complete this guide to understanding the Word of God.

God bless your study!

Bible Study Lessons – Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth

Look up each Bible verse and write it out. Underline or highlight what speaks to you. Reflect on how each lesson affects your current life situation.

Introductory Bible Study Lesson – Seeking to Know God

What is my responsibility as a child of God? If God wants to be known, how do I get to know Him?

Hebrews 11:6 ~

Jeremiah 29:12-14 ~

Deuteronomy 4:29 ~

Matthew 6:33 ~

Matthew 7:7 & 8/Luke 11:9 & 10 ~

Read Proverbs 8. Compare verses 17 and 35 with Colossians 2:2 & 3.

Searching the Word Diligently:

John 5:39 ~

Acts 17:11 ~

What does it mean to Know God?

Philippians 3:7-10 ~

John 17:3 ~

Jeremiah 9:23 & 24 ~

I John 2:3-6 ~

I John 3:6 ~

I John 4:7-13 ~

John 14:16 & 17 ~

John 10:3-5

Warning: Do not be deceived:

Matthew 7:21- 23 ~

Titus 1:16 ~

Write down any reflections you have regarding these verses, this study.

In this Bible study, it is our aim to come to know Him through His Word.

Knowing Jesus

2011-03-19T11:30:00.000-07:00

The apostle John knew Jesus as evidenced by his gospel writing. In I John 1:1-3, he explains how he heard Him, saw Him with his own eyes and his hands handled Jesus the Messiah! John saw Him, gave witness of Him by sharing his experience, and welcomed others to participate in the oneness offered by God.

John knew Jesus! And he gave clear examples of testing one’s self to see if one knows Christ. It is time to examine myself as I read these verses…

“And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But who so keepeth His Word, in Him verily is the love of God perfected; hereby know we that we are in Him. He that sayeth he abideth in Him, ought Himself also so to walk, even as He walked,” I John 2:3-6.

“If we love one another, God dwells in us, and His love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in Him and He is us, because He hath given us His Spirit,” I John 4:12 & 13.

"And this is His commandment, that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as He gave us commandment," I John 3:23.

After years of wrestling with the authenticity and purity of the Bible, I have come to KNOW it is true. I have seen its truths transform my life. I see how intricately it connects all the dots, masterfully weaving an incredible redemption story. It is alive; convicting and comforting at the same time.

His ways and thoughts are higher than mine. He sees the end from the beginning. He is intimately acquainted with my body, mind, soul and spirit. I trust that He knows what He is talking about!

My journey is no longer about performance, but about trust. I can find safety as I surrender to His unconditional love.

As my life unravels and I learn of His faithfulness, I am beginning to know His goodness. He sees every tear and knows every wound and in tenderness carries me on His shoulder. A very safe place to be.

Redemptive Love Triumphs

2011-03-12T09:44:00.000-08:00

Life is hard. Many times we feel isolated and alone, full of uncertainties and insecurities. Unconditional love eludes us. So many questions with so few answers.

The Gospels of Mark and Luke tell of a man who lived among “the tombs,” an ancient cemetery. He was isolated, naked, and out of control. He wailed in anguish. Trapped and oppressed, he even cut himself with stones. Many people tried to control and fix him, but to no avail. One day a Man with the power came to give true deliverance. When he saw Jesus, he came and worshiped Him. Jesus cleansed him and released him from his darkness. He was seen by others as seated at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind (Mark 5:1-15; Luke 8:27-35). In this picture we see three powerful characteristics of the true redemption, deliverance and healing that Jesus gives freely.

This redeemed man was seated at the feet of Jesus and found rest. Isaiah and Jeremiah prophesied that the Savior would come and bring rest, Isaiah 30:15 and Jeremiah 31:2 & 3. Jesus said, “Come unto Me all you that labor, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest…for I am meek and lowly in heart; and you shall find rest unto your souls,” Matthew 11:28 & 29. Hebrews 4:10 explains that we enter this rest when we stop striving from our own works, our own efforts, and stop trying to be good enough. Abiding in Him, the Vine, allows us to rest, John 15:5.

This man could not lift a finger to save himself. No amount of human effort from any direction could give him his life back. He had no rest day or night as he lived in torment. But when Jesus came, he was free from his living hell and from powerless solutions. Free to rest at last at the feet of Jesus.

This ransomed man was clothed. Genesis chapter three reveals the story of how Adam and Eve rejected the command of the Lord to not eat of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. When they rationalized and did what they thought was right (Proverbs 14:25), their eyes were opened to their nakedness. Today, it still holds true that when we do not follow His commands and fail miserably, we also become aware of our nakedness - our shame.

Just as Adam and Eve tried to cover their nakedness with fig leaves, we attempt to hide our shame. We conceal our pain, our guilt and shame with relationships, good works, substances, religion, or riches – just to name a few.

Jesus said that when we come to understand and admit the shame of our nakedness, we can come to Him to be forgiven and to be clothed, Revelation 3:17 & 18. He clothes us with His white raiment; His righteousness. Isaiah prophesied that Jesus would clothe us; “For He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness,” Isaiah 61:10. Zechariah 3:3 & 4 also foretold of this righteousness transaction. And years later, Paul and Peter explained how Jesus fulfilled these prophecies.

“For He hath made Him to be sin for us, Who knew no sin, that we might be the righteousness of God in Him,” II Corinthians 5:21.

“And be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the Law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness is of God by faith,” Philippians 3:9.

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which He shed on us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our Savior; that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life,” Titus 3:5-7.

“Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree that we being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness, by Whose stripes ye were healed,” I Peter 2:24.

This man’s anguish turned to joy as he received the righteousness of God.

The restored man was in his right mind. The Bible states in our natural state, we are confused, selfish, and full of strife and every evil work, James 3:14-16. In our flesh dwells no good thing. Passages of Scripture state that it is our mind, the spirit of our mind, that needs to be renewed, Romans 12:2 and Ephesians 4:23. This process happens as we are washed and cleansed with the washing of the Word (Ephesians 5:26) and by the regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5).

All the Gospels record that Jesus had compassion on those He touched to heal. He felt their pain, their grief in loss, and sensed the heaviness of their guilt and shame - a terrible load that He would carry to the cross Himself. Not only did He heal, but he fed them, taught them, and delivered them from darkness. He spoke mercy and truth. This same Jesus is just as real and present today through the Holy Spirit, the promised One He sent, Who both convicts and comforts. His heart of compassion still understands our wounded places and offers the comforting medicine of his forgiveness, love and truth. His truth may be painful as it takes away our masks and excuses, but His desire is to heal, deliver, and restore.

The people recorded in the Gospels encountered the person of Jesus. You may say, “Jesus is not here, in the flesh. I cannot have this same encounter as they did.” True, we can’t touch Him or look into His eyes and experience His audible voice. But the Bible states that Jesus is the Word of God. The Bible is God’s love letter to us, our instruction manual, our lifeline. We experience the mercy and truth of Jesus as we read the Bible. This incredible book teaches us how to rest, how to exchange our righteousness for His and how to renew our mind.

Jesus is our answer just as He was two thousand years ago. But now we meet Him through His Word. As He promised, He has sent His Spirit to teach and guide, to open our eyes to truth every day as we read. Come… see what He says. See how God became man and sacrificed all to demonstrate His great love for you.

“For thus saith the Lord God, ‘Behold, I, even I will both search Our sheep, and seek them out…I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick…,” Ezekiel 34:11-16.

As prophesied in Ezekiel, Jesus came to find us in our wilderness. “Which man of you having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing… for I have found our sheep which was lost,” Luke 15:4 & 5.

I have been broken, yet I am loved and accepted. God Himself came to die for me, in my state of depravity. He knew that my actions, defiant walls, and inability to love would cause great harm to me and others. But He took my guilt, shame, and painful thorns – all my unrighteousness - and put it upon Himself and died, was buried, and rose again victorious. As I surrender my live and am identified with His sufferings, death, burial and resurrection, I, too became victorious. As I crucified our flesh, I receive His life, His righteousness. His work on earth redeemed my soul. He rescued me. And now He calls me to walk humbly with Him in honest, child-like trust.

God’s attention and His goodness draw me to Himself. But unless I understand the truth of my human condition, my depravity without Him, I truly cannot understand the depths of His mercy and grace.

The Bible says that I thirst; I am thirsting for the one true living God. David said, “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God,” Psalm 42:1 & 2.

Isaiah said, “Ho, everyone that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy and eat, yea come, buy wine and milk without money, and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? And your labor for that which satisfieth not? Hearken diligently unto Me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto Me; hear, and your soul shall live,” Isaiah 55:1-3.

“And he said unto me, ‘It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst, of the fountain of the water of life, freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he shall be My son,’” Revelation 21:6 & 7.

The Living Water is available to anyone who has ears to hear.

I have done my share of wrestling with God. But I am in the process of finding Him. “And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart,” Jeremiah 29:13.

I am NOT Ashamed

2011-03-09T14:06:00.000-08:00

Shame is a crippling emotion keeping so many hiding in silence.

According to the 1828 Webster’s dictionary, shame is, “A painful sensation excited by a consciousness of guilt, or of having done something which injures reputation; or by of that which nature or modesty prompts us to conceal. Shame is particularly excited by the disclosure of actions which, in the view of men, are mean and degrading. Hence it is often or always manifested by a downcast look or by blushes, called confusion of face.”

Many self-help groups state that guilt and shame are two different things. Sandra Wilson, author of Counseling Adult Children of Alcoholics, wrote, “Whereas guilt is a feeling that ‘I have done something bad,’ shame is a feeling that ‘I am something bad.’ Guilt is a matter of behavior. Shame is a matter of identity… shame is the soul-deep feeling of being fatally flawed, less than – and apart from – other human beings…”.

Is this author correct in her findings? Let’s see what the Word of God says about shame.

“Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together, that rejoice at mine hurt; let them be clothed with shame, and dishonor, that magnify themselves against me,“ Psalm 35:26.

“Let them be ashamed and confounded together, that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward, and put to shame, that wish me evil. Let them be desolate, for a reward of their shame, that say unto me, ‘aha, aha!’” Psalm 40:14 & 15.

“Let all my enemies be ashamed and sore vexed; let them return and be ashamed suddenly,” Psalm 6:10.

“Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause…” Psalm 119:78.

“Hear the Word of the Lord, ye that tremble at His Word; your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for My names sake, said, ‘Let the Lord be glorified; but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed,” Isaiah 66:5.

“O Lord, the hope of Israel, all that forsake Thee shall be ashamed, and they that depart from Me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the Lord the fountain of Living Waters,” Jeremiah 17:13.

“But the Lord is with me as a might terrible One; therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail, they shall be greatly ashamed, for they shall not prosper, their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten,” Jeremiah 20:11.
“Behold My servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry; behold, My servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty; behold My servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed,” Isaiah 65:13.

After reading many verses, it seems that shame comes from disobeying God’s laws. God used ashamed and confounded interchangeablely. Confounded means, confusion, bewildered and damned.

And notice what Scripture says about those who seek Him and wait for Him.

“Then shall I not be ashamed; when I have respect unto all Thy commandments,” Psalm 119:6.

“Yea let none that wait on Thee, be ashamed; let them be ashamed which transgress without cause,” Psalm 25:3.

“And thou shalt know that I am the Lord; for they shall not be ashamed that wait for Me,” Isaiah 49:23.

“Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed; neither be thou confounded, for thou shalt not be put to shame, for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more,” Isaiah 54:4.

“And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, that hath dealt wonderously with you; and my people shall never be ashamed. And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the Lord your God, and none else; and My people shall never be ashamed,” Joel 2:26 & 27.

“And hope maketh not ashamed because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts, by the Holy Ghost, which is given unto us,” Romans 5:5.

“Behold I lay in Zion a stumbling Stone, and Rock of offense; and whosoever believeth on Him, shall not be ashamed,” Romans 9:33.

“For the Scripture saith, ‘Whosoever believeth on Him, shall not be ashamed,” Romans 10:11.

“I am not ashamed; for I know Whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day,” II Timothy 1:12.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth,” II Timothy 2:15.

According to the Word, we are created in the image of God which gives us incredible worth. Spiritual death at the Fall and the guilt and shame/sin exposed by the Law placed humanity in such darkness. However, praise be to Jesus that He has resurrected us to eternal life and released us from the Law of sin and death.

“Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God,” Hebrews 12:3.

We can have the confidence in Him as He abides in us; “And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming,” I John 2:28.

What a friend we have in Jesus!

Suffer With

2011-03-05T19:25:00.000-08:00

Awhile back, I turned to a particular verse three times in a row (yep, I do the "flip open the Bible and read" method before I go to bed). For three nights straight, I turned to Mark 6:34. “And Jesus when He came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things.” Next He fed them (five thousand men) with the fish and the bread.

I was reminded that compassion means to “suffer with.” In the Gospels, there are over twelve references to Jesus having compassion on individuals or groups of people. He felt their pain, their losses, their grief, their disappointments, their woundedness, their guilt and shame. He healed them, He fed them, He taught them, He released them from darkness, He demonstrated mercy and spoke truth.

Jeremiah, who warned the rebellious people to return to the Lord, spoke of God’s compassion. “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed; because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness,” Lamentations 3:22 & 23.

David wrote in the Psalms five times that God is full of compassion (Psalm 78:38; 86:15; 111:4; 112:4; 148:8). Full of compassion. What does that mean? God, our Creator, Who Paul says, “though He be not far from every one of us,” suffers with us – not just a little – but thoroughly. If we seek Him, He will make Himself known to us.

Many times, God can be seen through His redeemed people. But is compassion always the best way to rescue a lost one? Jude states that having compassion on some makes a difference in their life. Others need to be brought to fear (warned), pulled out of the fire, Jude 22 & 23.

God is touched by our woundedness. We do not have to suffer alone.

For He says, “Come to Me.” He is the way. He is the truth. He is life.

Does God have compassion on everyone? Contrast these two verses in Isaiah.
“But to this man I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembles at My Word,” Isaiah 66:2.

He had compassion on the broken, poor, needy and sick. He had strong words of condemnation for the proud and self righteous.

God, have mercy on me, your broken and bruised daughter. But because of Your greatness and mercy, I am declared righteous and whole. Thank You for Your incredible gift.

Perspective

2011-02-25T09:20:00.000-08:00

“Save me, O God, for the waters are come in unto my soul. I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing; I am come into deep waters, where the floods overwhelm me. I am weary of my crying, my throat is dried; mine eyes fail while I wait for My God” (Psalm 69:1-3).

“For all day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning” (Psalm 73:14).

In many of the Psalms, David openly shares his struggles and his tears. In Psalm 73, David writes about his envy of the wicked; “I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. Their strength is firm. They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men. Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain… they have more than heart could wish… these are the ungodly who prosper in the world, they increase in riches” (Psalm 73:3-12).

However, his perspective changes when he enters the Sanctuary of the Lord. I can feel sorry for myself. But when I humbly come to Him in His Word, then truth comes and I see the big picture, a new perspective.

The standard procedure of God’s “parenting” is given in Hebrews 12. “For whom the Lord loveth, He chasteneth.” A child reared with no discipline is spoiled and has all they want. But yet, they don’t feel safe, nor loved. A parent who loves their child will correct and discipline because they want the child to learn and understand their great love for them. When trials come, I should welcome them as God’s mercy to teach me. I know I belong to Him.

The Word says that the wicked are in slippery places. They are cast into destruction, brought into desolation, consumed with terrors and despised by God. They shall perish and will be destroyed.

David is grieved as God showed him his foolishness and ignorance. He comes to understand that he is always with God and is guided by His counsel and strengthened. He realizes that His desire is God alone. He knows the benefit of drawing near to God and trusting in Him and shares this good news of His works to others.

When I am downtrodden, envious, in self pity, or discouraged, Lord, show me the big picture and change my perspective. Give me Your vision as I surrender to Your will. Your love is more amazing than any human love. Your peace fills my soul. Your joy gives me courage to face a new day. Your truth brings structure and meaning to life. Abundant life!

“I waited patiently for the Lord, and He inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God; many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord” (Psalm 40:1-3).

Attitude of Gratitude

2011-02-14T10:43:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine has three adopted girls. All three are precious and chosen, but only two of them are content having normal bouts of rebellion and limit-testing. The oldest however, makes it her mission to be defiant, dishonest and disruptive. I think, “Why? What is the point? Why not comply, why not be trusting and loving and why not follow the rules?” She endures much stress and heartache with numerous time-outs and spankings when she could enjoy peace and positive connectedness. Her behavior creates a wedge between her and her mother and siblings. Her poor attitude distances herself from her peers.

As an outsider, I see clearly that her mother wants the best for all three children. She justly disciplines, loves, and provides well for all of them.

Could it be that the oldest is aware that her birth mother abandoned her? Because the adopted girls do not have involved fathers, does she feel the void of not having an earthly father? Yes, there is a void, but the Word promises that God is the Father to the fatherless. Is she angry about her lot in life? She has a choice; she can be angry and bitter and isolate herself in her victim “poor me” mentality or she can decide to be thankful for all of the many blessings she has. It is all about perception.

Presently, she is missing out on seeing how amazingly God provided for her in her adoptive home. Life with her birth mother would have been unstable, neglectful and hard. She was rescued! She could have been a street orphan living in any third world country. She could have all sorts of ailments. No, God created her smart, strong, and gifted and has given her a safe, loving, Bible-believing home. I pray she begins to become thankful for all of the blessings that she has, rather than focusing on all her perceived lack.

God gave me a “big picture” understanding regarding this situation. How many of us grew up angry? How many adults carry deep bitterness and rejection and self pity deep in their hearts due to faulty perceptions and unthankfulness? How many hardened their hearts with walls of self-protection and self-reliance, keeping all, including God, at a distance? Negative behaviors (addictions) result creating a wedge between us and God and others. I fell into this trap for many years, but God broken me and revealed my selfish and ungrateful heart.

Looking at our past or present circumstances, we can choose to see the many God-given blessings or we can focus on seeing what we missed or are missing. What if we understood that God is in control and allows circumstances for our own good? What if the point of the hardships is to teach us to love and forgive and be a responsible adult?

Just like my friend’s oldest daughter, we are all adopted into the family of God, having escaped the darkness. The Word says we have been delivered from darkness into the light. What is more amazing than that gift alone? We have an inheritance of righteousness and all the good things of God. We have eternal life. We have peace that passes all understanding. We have joy that floods our soul.

If you do not experience these blessings, there is a good chance you are in darkness holding on to anger and bitterness. Do not be deceived. “If we say we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth…. He that sayeth he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother, shineth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother, is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes,” (I John 1:6; 2:9-11).

Tear down the walls. Humble yourself in contrition. Repent of the anger, rage, bitterness, resentment, the pride, the walls of the self-protection and self-reliance. Come to understand the goodness of God. Choose to see the blessings and endure the hardships with patience and confidence in the all-knowing God. Face the pain, grieve and forgive. Surrender to His will; trust His heart. Choose to give and receive love. Embrace the attitude of gratitude. Choose life.

The Difference between Longing and Silent Pain

2011-01-31T08:24:00.000-08:00

“For we know that the whole creation groaneth, and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also which have the first fruits of the spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope… then do we with patience wait for it.” Romans 8:22-25

One of the best books that I was encouraged to read when I was in the midst of my difficult and painful wandering period was Silent Pain, by Kathy Olsen. I cannot say enough how this book opened my eyes to God’s tender compassion and His desire to walk with me in my pain.

In her first chapter, the author differentiates between silent pain and longing or groaning as we wait for redemption, the end of our struggles - when we get to heaven.

Olsen penned, “As one friend wrote, ‘I know that the pain I feel is not the groaning the Bible talks about. It’s something more destructive.’ Our normal longings for heaven are different from this destructive side of silent pain. Spiritual longings are clear, acknowledged, and entrusted to the Lord for future fulfillment. In contrast, silent pain is often hidden, confusing, and responsible for unnecessary suffering or sinful patterns in our life. Silent pain is a little like the discordant music that warns me when to shut my eyes before something unpleasant in a movie. It doesn’t say anything. It just makes me feel bad and react defensively. Silent pain is more than a longing. It interferes with our living and our loving.”

King David understood longing for the courts of the Lord. He wrote in three different Psalms the cry of his soul. “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God; when shall I come and appear before God?” (Psalm 42:1 & 2). “O God, Thou art my God, early will I seek Thee; my soul thirsteth for Thee, my flesh longeth for Thee, in a dry and thirsty land where no water is” (Psalm 63:1). “My soul longeth, yea even fainteth for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cryeth out for the living God” (Psalm 84:2).

David also wrote about the fulfillment of this longing. “For He satisfieth the longing soul; and filleth the hungry soul with goodness” (Psalm 107:9). Other Scripture testified to this same fulfillment through one coming to Christ. “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6). “Incline your ear, and come unto Me; hear, and your soul shall live…” (Isaiah 55:3). “Come unto Me… learn of Me…and ye shall find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28 & 29). “Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we being dead to sin, should live unto righteousness, by Whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray, but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls”(I Peter 2:24 & 25).

God fulfills the longings of our souls. But can He also mend our broken hearts?

“The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit” (Psalm 34:18).

God seems to be equating brokenness with a contrite spirit; acknowledging our sin before God. Could it be that our silent pain acts as a thorn to get our attention to the underlying unresolved issues in our heart?

Olsen continues, “We are both victims and agents of sin…we have been wounded by the sin of others. This is our pain. But we have also created defenses against that pain by wounding ourselves and others with overt or subtle patterns of self-protection and self-reliance. This is our sin. We end up stalled between the pain and the sin, afraid to let go of our defenses and just as afraid not to let go of our sin. We feel alone, feel vulnerable to be hurt again….and… long for perfect love to make us feel whole again.”

God’s love is this perfect love we are looking for. But it is up to us to seek it, surrender to it and embrace it. Maybe it is time to surrender to God’s compassion and His righteous judgment. Maybe it is time to come to Him so that He can teach us to grieve our pain and weep over our sin. Once we understand that we have been completely forgiven, we can forgive those who have hurt us. This starts the newness of life He intended for us.

Silent pain does heal and go away. The longing for heaven reminds us we are strangers and pilgrims in this world. Never alone, our Savior’s peace comforts us (John 16:33).

An Honest Look at Chastity

2011-01-28T07:07:00.000-08:00

The thorn in my flesh has been same sex attraction. It has been an incredible challenge sorting out these feelings with my faith in God. At age 29, I read the book, "The Courage to be Chaste,” written by Benedict Groeschel. I was not ready to undertake celibacy, the road less traveled. I continued in lesbian relationships until I was forty, but the tumultuous consequences of my decisions caught up with me. Tired of wrestling in my soul, I finally surrendered my life and soul to Christ and actually desired singleness. As I spent many hours studying His Word walking with God, my same sex attractions diminished greatly.

I recently read, “Washed and Waiting: Christian Faithfulness and Homosexuality,” by Wesley Hill. I appreciate Wesley’s openness in sharing his pain of loneliness and struggle in being chaste as he seeks to please God despite his homosexual attractions. I am in agreement with him as I see the Word speaks clearly that sexual relations is sanctioned by God only in the context of a heterosexual marriage. All else is fornication. Those who are not married; chastity, celibacy, singleness is our lot in life.

I respect the decision that Wesley made early in his life, just as his hormones and sexual desires were at a peak. When I made my mind up, I was past my sexual prime.

I realize that many straight people can identify with loneliness. I think of my single friends still waiting for God to send them a spouse. I think of those who are physically challenged. I feel for those who are trapped in a dead end marriage (they married the wrong person, they thought marriage would fix their same sex attractions or they endure violence or adultery issues).

Loneliness and longing is the human condition. I tried to do a word search in the concordance on “lonely” or “loneliness” but I did not find any references. I was shocked. Were the people of Bible times not lonely? I looked up “alone.” I found a few verses that addressed the context of aloneness.

“And the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone: I will make him an helpmate for him.’” Genesis 2:18

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor, For it they fall, the one will lift up his fellow, but woe to him that is alone, when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat; but how can one be warm alone?” Ecclesiastes 4:9-11

God has a plan for people to not be alone and that is oneness in a heterosexual marriage. But according to Matthew 19, Jesus states that this is not for everyone. Some are born chaste, made chaste or some that chose chastity for the kingdom’s sake.

I believe I fit in the category… “born chaste” as I do not now nor ever had heterosexual desires.

I was reading in Job this morning and came across these verses: Job 31:15 and Job 33:4. Both refer to the fact that God fashioned me in my mother’s womb.

God knows who I am. Am I a lesbian? Was I born gay? No. I used to think so. I was born to be chaste, but in my younger years, my thorn of same sex attraction was all consuming. I believe this thorn was present in my life to get my attention. God used my struggle to expose the unresolved bitterness, resentment, anger and pride issues in my heart. “Looking diligently, lest any man fail of the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness springing up, trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright” (Hebrews 12:15 & 16). Did I defile myself due to my bitter heart?

Paul states that people are taken captive and ensnared by the devil (II Timothy 2:26). Did my wicked heart cause me to be susceptible to Satan’s lies and captivity? Did my ungratefulness and my disregard for God and His truths lead me to inappropriately engage in my fleshly appetite? It says in Romans 1:21-28 that God gives people over to a reprobate mind; “Because that when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful, but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened; professing themselves to be wise, they became fools… for this reason God gave them up into vile affections; for even their women did change the natural use in to that which is against nature” (Romans 1:21-28).

Paul explains in II Timothy 2:25 how to be released from the devil’s hold; “If God peradventure will give them repentance to acknowledging of the truth.”

In my brokenness, I repented of my disobedience and rebellion to His Word. I learned to forgive and to seek forgiveness. My mind was renewed by spending hours in the Word of God. Due to this day to day path, my thorn diminished and I could embrace my chaste life that I was meant to live for His Kingdom. My identity is in Christ.

What is God’s plan for people like me who are in this “chaste” category? Yes, I know… Paul wrote that this singleness is a gift in I Corinthians 7. Isaiah 56 explains that being a eunuch is an honored position in God’s kingdom. And most days, I feel this way. But other days…. I think… “God, You said it is not good for us to be alone??”

We know that Jesus, Paul and many other apostles were single and celibate. But they had rich community daily! Jesus had the women and the 12 disciples. After 3 years his initial isolation, Paul had Silas, Barnabas, John Mark, Timothy, Titus, Onesimus and all the other believers.

I desire the day to day meaningful community that the early believers had. I pray for this. In the meantime, I wait. I trust and follow Him and continue to feast on His Word. Sometimes I wrestle with self pity. But when I come to my senses, I realize the incredible gifts God has given me and I repent of my shortsightedness.

I am blessed to know the incredible peace of Christ that passes all understanding!

Disclaimer: I mentioned the 2 books above because I respect the authors' decision to live a chaste life. I do not, however, agree with all of their doctrinal beliefs. In our day and age, there is much deception, so please use discernment when seeking truth. Glean truth, one nugget at a time, and leave the errors behind.

Sought Out in the Wilderness

2010-12-27T08:12:00.000-08:00

Even though many of us feel alone, God doesn’t leave us alone. As I reflect on my journey, God in His mercy placed many safe Godly women and a few men in my path at various crucial times. Each spoke life into my spirit and soul. I know that I am loved by God because I understand that He, through His Body, these chosen vessels of love and truth, sought me out.

One of my most favorite chapters is Ezekiel 34. It tells the truth of religion versus the truth of Christ. The shepherds or false teachers only feed themselves and become fat and well clothed. The Word condemns them ~ “The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.”

The sheep are scattered because there is no shepherd.

The chapter continues with the reach and touch of Christ. “Behold, I, even I will both search My sheep, and seek them out. As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among His sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out My sheep and will deliver them out of all places, where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries… I will feed them in a good pasture… I will feed My flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord God. I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick; but I will destroy the fat and the strong, I will feed them with judgment.”

What did Jesus do while on He was on earth?

“Give light to them that sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:79

“The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.” Matthew 11:5; Luke 7:22

“For the Son of Man is come to seek, and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10

Read John 10:1-28

So now that Jesus has ascended, the believers, those indwelled by the Holy Spirit, are now the Body of Christ. People indwelled by God Himself are the extension of Jesus that seeks out others.

We are called to be the Good Samaritan. Matthew 25 instructs us to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, take in the stranger, clothe the naked, visit the sick and those in prison. In taking care of the very least of these (those who are down and out, the bottom of the barrel) we are actually ministering as unto Christ. It would seem that we are not to just meet the physical needs of people, but the emotional and spiritual needs. We are to minister to those who hunger for righteousness, those who’s souls are thirsty, those who do not belong in this world, those ashamed, exposed, those weak and broken and held captive by Satan’s lies.

I find it interesting WHEN it is that God seeks us out. It is not when we are at our best, when we are living the good life, when we are proud and happy and full of ourselves.

God seeks His own when we are sick, broken, weak, hungry, lost, an outcast.

Notice all those who came to Him? The blind man, the leper, the sick and friends and family of the sick.

I love these verses: “For all those things hath Mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the Lord; but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at My Word.” Isaiah 66:2

“The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” Psalm 34:18

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise.” Psalm 51:17

“For thus saith the High and Lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, Whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place; with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” Isaiah 57:15

Webster’s Definitions of Poor and Contrite:

Poor ~ lacking material possessions, needy, lacking in some quality, barren, sterile, feeble, emaciated, inferior, lacking skill, lacking good moral, unfortunate.

Contrite ~ remorse for having done wrong, sorrow for having offended God, worn out, ground to pieces

I praise God for HIS LOVE for me as He sent faithful women and men who were Jesus to me. They were not afraid to speak truth, but they demonstrated mercy and compassion.

I pray to share this same mercy and truth of Jesus to all who are poor in spirit and have ears to hear.

The Birth of Jesus Christ

2010-12-23T06:36:00.000-08:00

“And without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness; God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” I Timothy 3:16

The Old Testament prophesies that Jesus was to be born of a virgin, in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), the city of David, of the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:10). Does the inspired script predict when He was to be born?

It says in Isaiah 7:14 says “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.”

Immanuel consists of two Hebrew words: אל (El, meaning God) and עמנו (Immanu, meaning 'with us').

If you study the Old Testament, where did the God dwell with His people? In the Tabernacle! Exodus 25:8 says, “And let them (children of Israel) make Me a sanctuary (or tabernacle) that I may DWELL AMONGST THEM.”

“This shall be a continual burnt offering throughout your generations, at the door of the Tabernacle of the congregation, before the Lord where I will meet with you, to speak there unto thee. And there will I meet with the children of Israel; and the Tabernacle shall be sanctified by My glory. And I will sanctify the Tabernacle of the congregation, and the altar; I will sanctify also both Aaron and his sons, to minister to Me in the priests office. And I will dwell amongst the children of Israel, and will be their God. And they shall know that I am the Lord their God, that brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, that I may dwell amongst them; I am the Lord their God.” Exodus 29:42-46 (Sanctify: “For both He that sanctifieth, and they who are sanctified, are all of one; for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren.” Hebrews 2:11; I Corinthians 6:11)

Is there a time of year when God commanded His people to commemorate a feast of tabernacles?

This feast was to be held every fall on the fifteenth day of the seventh month of the year. Read Leviticus 23:33-44. [When did the year start for the people of God? Exodus 12:2 and 13:4 tell when the year begins: “This month shall be the beginning of months for you; it is to be the first month of the year to you. -- “On this day in the month of Abib” - the name of the month. (Abib means green ears as in barley). This is the Passover month. What time of year is the Passover? Spring (March/April). So then we count 7 months from Abib and you find that Feast of Tabernacles is in the Fall (September/October).]

“Ye shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Israelites born, shall dwell in booths; that your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt; I am the Lord your God.”

Foreshadowing of Christ: “And I will set My Tabernacle amongst you; and My soul shall not abhor you. And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be My people. I am the Lord your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, that ye should not be their bondmen, and I have broken the bands of your yoke, and make you go upright.” Leviticus 26:11-13 “Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them, it shall be an everlasting covenant with them, and I will place them and multiply them, and will set My Sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore. My Tabernacle also shall be with them; yea, I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” Ezekiel 37:26 & 27

Fulfilled: “For ye are the temple of the living God, as God hath said, ‘I will dwell in them, and walk in them, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.’” II Corinthians 6:16

What is the significance of the tabernacle? Peter explains, “Yes, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up, by putting up in remembrance; knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath showed me.” II Peter 1:13 & 14

Paul adds, “For, we that are in this tabernacle, do groan, being burdened, not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.” II Corinthians 5:4

Could the tabernacle be a reference to being in the flesh? If so, then could it be possible that Jesus became flesh, born during the feast of tabernacles?

Prophecy fulfilled:

Matthew 1:23 says “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted, is, 'God with us.'”

Revelation 21:3 says, “Behold the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God.”

I am just so incredibly thankful that Jesus came, born of a woman (Genesis 3:15), born from above (John 3:3-13; 31), to fulfill the oath/covenant to Abraham.

What was the promise given to Abraham? “And I will establish My covenant between Me and thee, and thy SEED after thee, in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy SEED after thee. And I will give unto thee, and to thy SEED after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and I will be their God.” Genesis 17:7 & 8

Isaiah prophesies, “I the Lord have called Thee in righteousness, and will hold Thine hand, and will keep Thee, and give Thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; to open blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.” Isaiah 42:6 & 7

“Thus saith the Lord, ‘In an acceptable time have I heard Thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped Thee; and I will preserve Thee, and give Thee for a covenant of the people; to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages; that Thou mayest say to the prisoners, go forth; to them that are in darkness, show yourselves; they shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places. They shall not hunger nor thirst, neither shall the heat nor sun smite them; for He that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall He guide them.” Isaiah 49:8-10

Fulfilled in Christ: The words of Zachariah in Luke 1 … “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He hath visited and redeemed His people, and hath raised up a horn of salvation for us, in the house of His servant David, as He spake by the mouth of His holy prophets, which have been since the world began; that we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us, to perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember His holy covenant, the oath which He sware to our father Abraham, that He would grant unto us , that we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him, all the days of our life…through the tender mercy of our God, whereby the Day Spring (Branch) from on high hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:68-79 (See also Mary’s words, “He hath holpen His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, as he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to His SEED forever.” Luke 1:46-55)

The words of Simeon: “For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people. A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel.” Luke 2:25-32

“Know ye therefore, that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham…so then, they which be of faith, are blessed with faithful Abraham….that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith… Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, and to seeds, as of many, but as of one, and to thy SEED, which is Christ…. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Jesus Christ… And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:7; 9; 16; 26; 29

He also wrote, “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same, that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them, who through fear of death were all their life time subject to bondage. For verily He took not on Him the nature of angels; but He took on Him the SEED of Abraham.” Hebrews 2:13-15

(Feast of Tabernacles ended on the 8th day, which was a day of rest and celebration. Interestingly enough, Jesus was circumcised on the 8th day after His birth - Luke 2:21).

So when was Jesus born? We are not given the date, but it was probably sometime in the fall. But the date is not what is important. What is so incredibly awesome is that God came to earth born of a woman, born of the Spirit from above (the Seed of Abraham)… to redeem mankind from darkness, the grasp of Satan. He fulfilled all of the prophesies that were written thousands of years ago. Praise be to God. Amen.

Waiting

2010-12-20T10:31:00.000-08:00

I waited patiently… Psalm 40:1

For most of us, it is not very easy to wait. Waiting in line… waiting for a special day written on the calendar. But waiting is what God’s Word encourages us to do. We are to wait on the Lord in the middle of our difficult circumstances and our trying times of drought or grief.

During this Christmas season, I reflect on the events recorded in Matthew 1 and Luke 1 & 2 and John 1-4. Not only did God’s faithful followers wait on the Lord in their circumstances, but these precious people (Zechariah and Elizabeth, Mary and Joseph, Simeon, Anna, the disciples, the Samaritan woman) were all waiting for SALVATION to come through their promised Messiah. I have captured some of these prophesies and then some comments of those whose wait ended.

“The Lord is good unto them that wait for Him, to the soul that seeketh Him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.” Lamentations 3:25 & 26

“Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart; wait, I say, on the Lord.” Psalm 27:14

“Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass…For evil doers shall be cut off; but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth…Wait on the Lord, and keep His way, and He shall exalt thee to inherit the land, when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.” Psalm 37:7; 9; 34

“And therefore will the Lord wait that He may be gracious unto you, and therefore will He be exalted that He may have mercy upon you; for the Lord is a God of judgment. Blessed are all they that wait for Him.” Isaiah 30:18

“For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, besides Thee, what He hath prepared for him that waiteth for Him.” Isaiah 64:4 (This is fulfilled in I Corinthians 2:7-16 – the mysteries of the wisdom of God given by the Spirit to those who love Him.)

“He will swallow up death in victory, and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces, and the rebuke of His people shall be taken away from off all the earth; for the Lord hath spoken it. And it shall be said in that day, ‘Loe, this is our God, we have waited for Him, and He will save us; this is the Lord, we have waited for Him, we will be glad, and rejoice in His salvation.’” Isaiah 25:8 & 9

Those who waited…

Mary: “My soul doth magnify the Lord. And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior. For He hath regarded the low estate of His handmaiden; for behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For He that is mighty hath done to me great things, and holy is His name. And His mercy is on them that fear Him, from generation to generation…”. Luke 1:46 – 55

Zechariah: “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he hath visited and redeemed His people, and hath raised up an horn of salvation for us, by the house of His servant David, as he spake by the mouth of His holy prophets…” Luke 1:67-79

Simeon: “And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Ghost was upon him, and it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the Temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for Him after the custom of the Law, then took He him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, ‘Lord now lettest Thou thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy Word. For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou has prepared before the face of all people. A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel (Isaiah 42:6; 49:6).’ And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, ‘Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against, (yea a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2:25-35

Anna: “And there was on Anna a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher; she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity. And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant, gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of Him to all them that looked for the redemption of Jerusalem.” Luke 2:36-38

Andrew: Andrew said to Peter, “We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.” John 1:41

Phillip: “Phillip findeth Nathaniel, and saith unto him, ‘We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law, and the prophets did write, Jesus of Nazareth the son of Joseph.” John 1:45

The Samaritan Woman: “The woman [Samaritan] saith unto Him, ‘I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ; when He is come, He will tell us all things.’” John 4:25

Joseph: “Joseph of Arimathea, an honorable counselor, which also waited for the Kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.” Mark 15:43

We do not have to wait to see the fulfillment of the promised One as He has already walked this earth, suffered the shame of rejection, defeated the devil, rose triumphantly and is residing in those who believe. Salvation has come. He said, “It Is Finished.” The work has been done. Our spirits have been quickened. Abundant eternal life is a reality.

But yet, life is still hard (addictions, sorrow, rejection, loneliness, failure) as we still groan in our earthly tabernacles. So we eagerly wait for His return, “Waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope…but if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.” Romans 8:22 - 25

“Looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God, and our Savior Jesus Christ, Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Titus 2:13 & 14

“And to wait for His Son from heaven, Whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus which delivered us from the wrath to come.” I Thessalonians 1:10

So what do we do as we wait? We are encouraged over and over to watch and pray, but to also redeem the time, for the days are evil.

Lord, help us to wait.

Under His Wings

2010-12-14T12:05:00.000-08:00

Time to face the facts. Life is hard. Emptiness, or as I see it, soul hunger, creates such deep longing. Loneliness can make one feel so far away from any real connection from life. Weariness. Lack of nutrition. Broken relationship. Heartache. Betrayal. Rejection.

Just one of these events can leave us so vulnerable… seeking comfort from the pain.
I must run from this pain… I must escape. It is too hard.

Isn’t this when we go looking for something to medicate, to ease this soul angst. Isn’t this when we realize that alcohol or pills, or the arms of another person in a sexual relationship, or even gossip ~~ or 5 donuts or a bag of Oreos, … can fill this void even if it is for a few minutes.

Because relief lasts only for a few minutes, the pain is still there, it hasn’t gone away. That is why we need more and more of our medication to comfort.

Think about a crippled person who is in constant physical pain due to an injury. Do they not seek to take pain medication a certain number of times a day so they do not feel the pain? Isn’t this what we seek to do when we have soul hunger/pain?
The Bible says we thirst. It is not talking about our physical thirst, but our soul thirst. The emptiness, longings to connect and to be comforted, to belong.
David says that our soul thirsts for the Living God in Psalm 42: 1 & 2. Connection with the Living God is the answer to our cravings.

But we dig our own wells, as Jeremiah 2:13 says. We reject the Living Water that quenches the soul and we go after our own ideas of what will comfort. Sex, drugs, alcohol, food, approval, gossip….

The Bible says that calamity comes. It is a fact of life. Pain and woundedness. The human condition means we have soul hunger.

But not only does it point out the issue, it gives the solution.

“Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for my soul trusteth in Thee, yea in the shadow of Thy wings will I make My refuge, until these calamities be overpast. I will cry unto God Most High; unto God that performeth all things for me.” Psalm 57:1 & 2

Hear my cry, O God, attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto Thee, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the Rock that is higher than I. For Thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Thy tabernacle forever; I will trust in the covert of Thy wings.” Psalm 61:1-4

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High; shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge, and my fortress; my God, in Him will I trust. Surely He shall deliver thee from the snare of the fouler; and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust; His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.” Psalm 91:1-4

“Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight; but all things are naked, and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. Seeing then that we have a great High Priest that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not a High Priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in the time of need.” Hebrews 4:13-16

Shelter from the storm!

The Importance of Weeping

2010-12-08T11:22:00.000-08:00

“Blessed are ye that weep now, for ye shall laugh.” Luke 6:21

Webster’s definition: Weep ~ “to manifest or give expression to a strong emotion, usually grief or sorrow, by crying, wailing or shedding tears. To lament or mourn."

I think one of the tragedies of our time is that humanity (especially males) is not encouraged to weep and mourn from our grief. Many of us have been told it is a weakness to cry. Truth is, we all suffer and God allows relief through tears.

Each hero in the faith suffered much affliction. They also wept, pouring out their hearts to God. In tears, they waited for God to deliver them. Part of the restoration process was to weep, cry and mourn.

Joseph

Hated, betrayed, sold into slavery, falsely accused, imprisoned…

“And he turned himself about from them and wept.” Genesis 42:24
“And Joseph made haste; for his bowels did yearn upon his brother; and he sought where to weep and he entered into his chamber, and wept there.” Genesis 43:30
“Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, cause every man to go out from me; and there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren. And he wept aloud; and the Egyptians, and the house of Pharaoh heard.” Genesis 45:1 & 2
“And he fell upon his brother Benjamin’s neck, and wept; and Benjamin wept upon his neck; moreover he kissed all his brethren and wept upon them.” Genesis 45:14 & 15
“And Joseph made ready his chariot, and went up to meet Israel his father, to Goshen, and presented himself unto him; and he fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while.” Genesis 49:26
“And Joseph fell upon his father’s face, and wept upon him, and kissed him.” Genesis 50:1
Joseph’s brothers said, ‘And now we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept, when they spake unto him.” Genesis 50:17

David

Hated, betrayed, suffered consequences of sin, endured loss. David was no stranger to tears as he wrote,

“My tears have been my meat day and night… I pour out my soul in me…”. Psalm 42:3 & 4
“Put Thou my tears into Thy bottle; are they not in Thy book? When I cry unto Thee, then shall mine enemies turn back; this I know, for God is for me.” Psalm 56:8 & 9
“I am weary of my crying, my throat is dried; mine eyes fail while I wait for my God.” Psalm 69:3
When I wept, and chastened my soul with fasting, that was to my reproach.” Psalm 69:10

At the death of Saul and Jonathan, “David took hold on his clothes, and rent them… and they mourned and wept, and fasted unto even…”. II Samuel 1:11 & 12
At the sickness and eventual death of the newborn son, “And he said, while the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, who can tell, whether God will be gracious to me, that the child may live? But now he is dead…” II Samuel 12:22 & 23
At the death of his son Amnon, “Behold, the king’s sons came, and lift up their voice, and wept; and the king also and all his servants wept very sore…and David mourned for his son every day.” II Samuel 13:36 & 37
The betrayal of his son Absalom, “And David went up by the ascent of Mt Olivet, and wept as he went up…” II Samuel 15:30
At the death of his son Absalom, “And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept…”. II Samuel 18:33

“For Thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.” Psalm 116:8

Hannah

“And her adversary provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the Lord had shut up her womb. And as he did so year by year, when she went up to the house of the Lord, so she (Peninnah) provoked her; therefore she (Hannah) wept, and did not eat…. I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit.” I Samuel 1:6 & 7; 10; 15

Ruth and Naomi

Ruth, Naomi and Orpah… “Then she kissed them, and they lift up their voice and wept.” Verse 9 “And they lift up their voice, and wept again” verse 14

“Call me not Naomi; call me Mara; for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full, and the Lord hath brought me home again empty; why then call me Naomi, seeing the Lord hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me?” Ruth 1:20 & 21 Ruth chapter one records 2 instances were they wept.

Jesus

“Jesus wept” over the death of Lazarus. John 11:35
“And when He was come near, He beheld the city and wept over it.” Luke 19:41

Peter

Over his rejection and denial of Christ…. “And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.” Luke 22:62; Matthew 26:75

A significant time in my life:

Back in 2006, I went to see an acupuncturist for some health issues that I was having. The very first time she put the needles in me, I immediately began to weep and didn’t stop for about 25 minutes. It was transforming for me and I felt so much release. (Now there is much debate about the spirituality of acupuncture and eastern medicine. The procedure itself worked for me and I am not following after Hinduism or Buddhism or whatever. I went for 3 intense weeks and I did not ‘buy’ in to the other methodology that was told to me).

~~~~~

The good news, “They that sow in tears, shall reap in joy.” Psalm 126:5
“Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4

Let go of the lies of the evil one that has whispered in your ears that tears and crying is for those who are weak. God created and planned for tears to be an outlet for our pain and grief. Those who have suffered much pain in one’s life --- the sorrow and grief may still be locked up inside. It is time to allow God’s provision of tears – crying, weeping – to return balance to the body.

Also, from a physical perspective, our tear ducts are located in the top eye lid of each eye. When we tear up, cry, weep… the tears wash the eyes. There is an old song that says, “He washed my eyes with tears.” Physically speaking, this is true. Also, spiritually, weeping also may give us a new perspective as He gives us new vision - a calm trust in Him as we come to the end of ourselves.

Let those tears flow…..

Hope and Restoration despite Trials and Tribulations

2010-12-01T09:08:00.000-08:00

“Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season (if need be) ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations; that the trial of your faith, being much more precious then of gold that perisheth though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise, and honor and glory, at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” I Peter 1:6 & 7

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial, which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you… but rejoice in as much as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings…” I Peter 4:12 & 13

Ya know why I think the Bible is so cool? It has stories. It just isn’t a book telling us how to live and behave. It gives the greatest STORY of all time… God coming to earth to save His own creation. “And without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness. God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” I Timothy 3:16

The Bible also gives real honest life tales of real people.

God did not “sanitize” the stories, but allowed humanity’s mistakes, blatant sin and rebellion to be viewed so the reader can identify with each character’s pain, consequences, and joy of restoration.

Trials come to all of us. We, too, can experience God’s blessing and restoration as we wait on Him. “I waited patiently for the Lord, and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet unto a rock, and established my goings. And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God; many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.” Psalm 40:1-3

Hardship for Those Born after the Spirit:

“But as then he that was born after the flesh, persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.” Galatians 4:29

Do you feel you have been persecuted? Forsaken, challenged, afflicted, isolated and rejected by family, friends, this world?

Let’s look at some examples of stories in the Bible of those born after the Spirit being persecuted by those born after the flesh.

Jacob - Jacob wrestled with God and chose to follow the will of God and his parents. His brother Esau, on the other hand, followed after his own belly and sexual desires, disobeying God and his parents. Jacob had to run for his life as Esau wanted to kill him. “And Esau hated Jacob, because of the blessing, wherewith his father blessed him; and Esau said in his heart, ‘The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob.’“ Genesis 27:41

God loved and protected Jacob. “For the Lord hath chosen Jacob unto Himself; and Israel for His peculiar treasure.” Psalm 135:4; Psalm 147:19 By faith, Jacob served His God many years.

Joseph - Joseph was hated and disowned by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused and imprisoned. “He sent a man before them; even Joseph, who was sold for a servant. Whose feet they hurt with fetters; he was laid in iron. Until the time that His Word came; the Word of the Lord tried him.” Psalm 105:17-19 “Blessings… they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren.” Genesis 49:22-26, Deuteronomy 33:16 (Often times, those of us who are called of God have been isolated and separated from our families, etc. This is also a foreshadowing of how Jesus Himself was separated from his family and His own people.)

Joseph could have been bitter, but he surrendered his life to God. Even though He trusted in God, he suffered. Genesis said on 4 different occasions that he wept. To his brothers, Joseph said, “Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither; for God did send me before you, to preserve life…And God sent me before you, to preserve you a prosperity in the earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God; and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh…” Genesis 45:5 & 7, 8 “And Joseph said unto them, ‘Fear not; for am I in the place of God? But as for you, ye thought evil against me, but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.’” Genesis 50:19 & 20

David - David was chased as a fugitive (not because he was a wrongdoer) from his friend, King Saul, and his army. “He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me; for they were too strong for me.” Psalm 18:17 “For loe, they lie in wait for my soul; the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O Lord.” Psalm 59:3 David was hated (Psalm 35:19) and this too was a prophetic foreshadowing of how Jesus was going to be hated.

After being spared and Saul was killed, David gave in to sexual temptation. He suffered grave consequences including the death of his newborn son. He endured the sexual violation of his daughter and the destruction of his older sons.

David was no stranger to tears as he wrote, “I am weary of my crying, my throat is dried; mine eyes fail while I wait for my God.” Psalm 69:3 Even after all his hardship, David said, “Before I was afflicted, I went astray, but now have I kept Thy Word…It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn Thy statutes.” Psalm 119:67 & 71

Hannah – Hannah, married to a man who had 2 wives, was barren and was tormented by the other wife, Peninnah. “And her adversary provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the Lord had shut up her womb. And as he did so year by year, when she went up to the house of the Lord, so she (Peninnah) provoked her; therefore she (Hannah) wept, and did not eat…. I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit.” I Samuel 1:6 & 7; 10; 15

After Hannah poured her soul out to the Lord (verse 15), she went her way and ate and lost her sad countenance. She worshiped the Lord and went home.

God heard her prayer and she gave birth to Samuel, the Godly high priest that anointed Israel’s first king. After giving Samuel to the serve in the Temple of the Lord, she gave birth to three sons and two daughters.

Hannah praised God in I Samuel 2. “My heart rejoiceth in the Lord, mine horn is exalted in the Lord; my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in Thy salvation. There is none holy as the Lord; for there is none beside Thee; neither is there any Rock like our God…”. In verse ten, she prophesies of the coming Anointed One, Jesus the King.

Jesus - Jesus was tempted by Satan 40 days in the wilderness, rejected by His family, (“Neither did His brethren believe in Him.” John 7:5) and hated by His own people (“They hated Me without a cause.” John 15:25; Luke 19:14; John 1:11), falsely accused, and murdered. He “endured the cross, despising the shame.” Hebrews 12:2; I Peter 3:21-25; Isaiah 53 His crime – Unconditional love and speaking the truth. He came to give light to them that sit in the clutches of the power of darkness, sin, and He was victorious over the devil. Colossians 1:13; Luke 1:79; Hebrews 2:14 & 15

God became man. Staggering thought. And He came as a servant. He came as a friend to those who love God. He came as a brother, as a co-heir to those who believed in His message. He came as the Living Sacrifice to atone for sin, and to confirm the Everlasting Covenant (establishing the New Covenant) with His own blood. The power of His resurrection quickens each spirit within those who believe. This is our hope!

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Each person listed suffered a great deal at the hand of a foe or adversary. And we know that Satan is the ultimate adversary as he roams around like a lion seeking whom he may devour. I Peter 5:8 Ephesians 6:12 says that we wrestle with “principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places,” NOT against flesh and blood. But through patience and endurance, letting go of all bitterness, each entrusted their soul to God and waited on Him to restore all things.

Sometimes Stuff Happens – like Loss – for His Purpose

Ruth and Noami – Having lost her husband, brother-in-law, and father-in-law, Ruth moved away from everything she knew (family, friends, Moabite nation) and worked hard just to survive. Her mother in law, Naomi, lost her husband and both sons. She said, “Call me not Naomi; call me Mara; for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full, and the Lord hath brought me home again empty; why then call me Naomi, seeing the Lord hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me?” Ruth 1:20 & 21 Ruth chapter one records 2 instances were they wept.

Ruth also represents one who leaves behind everything to follow God, in doing what is right. Listen to what Boaz said about her, “It hath fully been showed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother-in-law (notice it doesn’t say ‘lover’) since the death of thine husband; and how thou hast left thy father and mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people, which thou knowest not heretofore. The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under WHOSE WINGS THOU ART COME TO TRUST.” Ruth 2:11 & 12

Boaz purchased Ruth as his wife and they had a son, Obed, who was the grandfather of David. Ruth and Boaz are the Great Grandparents of KING DAVID!!!! If you read the lineage of Jesus in Matthew 1, notice Boaz and Ruth in verse 5.

The whole point of this true story is the REDEMPTION (which means to purchase) by Christ. Boaz is the kinsman redeemer who purchased Ruth despite her lowly state. Jesus purchased all the lowly with His own blood. Who is the Heir? Jesus is the Restorer and Nourisher of life who provides the everlasting inheritance.

Naomi too was blessed by Obed. The women said unto Naomi, ‘Blessed be the LORD Which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman (Hebrew means “Redeemer”; Matthews Bible 1537 says, “heir”), that his name may be famous in Israel. And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age. (For thy daughter- in- law which loveth thee hath born him that is better to thee than seven sons.” ~ Matthews Bible 1537) Ruth 14:14 & 15

God’s Grace in the Midst of Trials due to Bad Decisions

It is safe to say that Rahab, the Samaritan woman and the adulterous woman all had many trials and tribulations. They made bad decisions which ushers in pain and heartache. But God looked past all of their sin and saw their faith; their hunger for truth, their desire for the Deliverer/Messiah.

Rahab – Many of us have been just as she… A harlot. The two spies lodged at Rahab’s house, the house of the harlot. How many men had she been with? Didn’t God specifically say, only engage in sexual intimacy in a covenanted relationship between one man and one woman?

But she hid the spies when the king of Jericho went looking for them. This is what she said to the two spies, “I know that the Lord hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you. For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you, when you came out of Egypt, and what you did unto the two kings of the Amorites that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed. And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you; for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath. Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the Lord, since I have showed you kindness, that ye will also show kindness unto my fathers house, and give me a true token; and that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren and my sisters, and all that thy have and deliver our lives from death.” “And Joshua saved Rahab the harlot alive, and her fathers household, and all that she had; an she dwelleth in Israel even unto this day…”. Joshua 6:25

One of two women mentioned in the “Hall of Fame of Faith,” Hebrews 11. “By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.” Hebrews 11:31

The Samaritan Woman - She had five husbands. She had dug her own wells, looking for a man to satisfy her thirst. All her digging left her soul parched! For she said to Jesus, “Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not.” (Verse 15)

Scripture said that this woman was anticipating the coming of her Messiah, “I know that Messiah cometh, which is called Christ; when He is come, He will tell us all things.” John 4:25 She was waiting for her salvation from God. When Jesus told her that He was the Messiah, she LEFT HER WATERPOT to proclaim to her people that she had met the promised Messiah. “Come, see a man, which told me all things that I ever did; is this not this the Christ?” she said. She was searching and He came to her and this encounter changed everything for her!

God didn’t choose to reveal Himself first to the town mayor or the head of the city council nor the high priest of the top synagogue. God chose the scandalous woman, the talk of the town, who most likely was the black sheep of her family, the one who disappointed her parents.

The Adulterous Woman – Adultery. Isn’t that one of the big sins as it is strictly forbidden in the Law of Moses?

“And the Scribes and Pharisees brought unto Him a woman taken in adultery, and when they had set her in the midst, they say unto Him, 'Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the Law commanded us, that such should be stoned; but what sayest Thou?'”

“This they said, tempting Him, that they might have to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down, and with His finger wrote on the ground as though He heard them not. So when they continued asking Him, He lifted up Himself, and said unto them, 'He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.'”

“And again, He stooped down, and wrote on the ground.”

“And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last; and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus lift up Himself, and saw none but the woman, He said unto her, 'Woman, where are those thine accusers? Hath no man condemned thee?'”

“She said, 'No man, Lord.' And Jesus said unto her, 'Neither do I condemn thee: Go, and sin no more.'” John 8:3-11

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Isn’t Jesus making a point here? Salvation has never been based on how GOOD a person is, but based on believing in the person of Jesus Christ. Faith is what saved Abraham, Sarah, Jacob, Joseph, Rahab… and the rest of the characters in Hebrews 11.

It is the work that Jesus did on the cross that sets us free from the bondage of striving to do good works. Salvation is not about going to church, doing a daily devotional, abiding by all the rules and regulations of the nation or Christian community. This is what the Pharisees did and they were found lacking, proud, in opposition to truth. Jesus came to disrupt the pharisaical way of living to bring true freedom by through repentance, absolute surrender to His will, discipleship, studying His Word and radical love – loving God and our neighbor as ourselves.

God sees and knows the hearts of all (“For the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” I Samuel 16:7

Humanity can judge David for his blatant sin, but God saw that his heart was completely surrendered to Him. “I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after Mine own heart, which shall fulfill all My will.” Acts 13:22

“Jesus saith unto them, ‘Verily I say unto you (chief priests and the elders), that the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not; but the publicans and the harlots believed him.’” Matthew 21:31 & 32 “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world, to confound the things that are mighty. And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea and the things which are not, to bring to naught things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence.”
I Corinthians 1:27-29

For those who believe in Jesus, the Bible doesn’t say IF we will suffer tribulation, but WHEN!

“But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find Him, if thou seek Him with all thy heart, and with all thy soul. WHEN thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the Lord thy God, and shalt be obedient to His voice; (for the Lord thy God is a merciful God) He will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers, which He sware unto them.” Deuteronomy 4:29-31

“But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the Word and anon with joy receiveth it; yet hath he not root in himself, but endureth for a while; for WHEN tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the Word, by and by he is offended.” Matthew 13:20 & 21

Other Important Verses regarding Trials and Tribulations:

John said that he is our companion in tribulation for what reason? “I, John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the Isle that is called Patmos, for the Word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Revelation 1:9

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace, in the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Paul and Barnabas, “Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22

“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also, know that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope.” Romans 5:3 & 4

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril or sword? (As it is written, for Thy sake we are killed all the day long, we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.) Romans 8:35 & 36

“Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing instant in prayer.” Romans 12:12

“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort, Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort, wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” II Corinthians 1:4 & 5

“Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you, I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.” II Corinthians 7:4

“Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.” Ephesians 3:13

“For verily when we were with you, we told you before, that we should suffer tribulation, even as it came to pass and ye know. For this cause when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith; lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labor be in vain.” I Thessalonians 3:4 & 5

“So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God, for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure; which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer; seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you.” II Thessalonians 1:4 - 6

“I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, but thou art rich…fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer; behold, the devil shall cast some of you in prison, that ye may be tried, and ye shall have tribulation ten days; be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. He that overcometh, shall not be hurt of the second death.” Revelation 2:9 -11

“And I said unto him, sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, these are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple; and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.” Revelation 7:14 & 15

Paul told Timothy, “Yea, and all that will give godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution.” II Timothy 3:12

“Behold I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.” Isaiah 48:10

Warning:

“Tribulation, and anguish upon every soul of man that doth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile.” Romans 2:9

The Purpose of our Trials and Tribulations:

Moses said to the Israelites – “And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep His commandments, or no. And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knowest not, neither did thy fathers know; that He might make thee know, that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doeth man live…thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that as a man chasteneth his son, so the Lord thy God chasteneth thee.” Deuteronomy 8:2, 3, 5

Our Hope: We have a Shelter, a Place to Hide to as we Wait on Him

“Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for my soul trusteth in Thee, yea in the shadow of Thy wings will I make My refuge, until these calamities be overpast. I will cry unto God Most High; unto God that performeth all things for me.” Psalm 57:1 & 2

“Hear my cry, O God, attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto Thee, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the Rock that is higher than I. For Thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Thy tabernacle forever; I will trust in the covert of Thy wings.” Psalm 61:1-4

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High; shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge, and my fortress; my God, in Him will I trust. Surely He shall deliver thee from the snare of the fouler; and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust; His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.” Psalm 91:1-4

“Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight; but all things are naked, and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. Seeing then that we have a great High Priest that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not a High Priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in the time of need.” Hebrews 4:13-16

God, help us to wait on You under Your wings when the storms come. Free us from all bitterness and resentment. May we trust in You not leaning on our own understanding.

All in the Family

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Family of God, that is. Do we have a place to belong even if our earthly family is not safe, welcoming, kind, or even ‘there’?

“For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of Whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you according to the riches of His glory to be strengthened with might, by His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith, that ye being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints, what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus, throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” Colossians 3:14-21

“A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in His holy habitation. God setteth the solitary in families; He bringeth forth out those which are bound with chains, but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.” Psalm 68:5 & 6

Jesus said of His disciples:

“While He yet talked to the people, behold his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him. Then one said unto Him, ‘Behold, Thy mother and Thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with Thee.’ But He answered, and said unto him that told him, ‘Who is My mother? And who are My brethren?’ And He stretched forth His hand toward His disciples, and said, ‘Behold, My mother and My brethren. For whosoever shall do the will of My Father which is in heaven, the same is My brother, and sister, and mother.” Matthew 12:46-50

Perspective here… Jesus talking to His followers: “Little children, yet a little while I am with you…”. John 13:33

Those who surrender to do God’s will and seek Him with all their heart… have a place to belong. We are part of God’s family, which includes an amazing inheritance.

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. And if children, then heirs, heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together.” Romans 8:14-17

“But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son made of a woman, made under the Law, to redeem them that were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath send forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, ‘Abba, Father.’ Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.” Galatians 4:4-7

Our inheritance? “Knowing, that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance…”. Colossians 3:24 “And now brethren, I commend you to God, and to the Word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.” Acts 20:32 “To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you.” I Peter 1:4

What amazing promises to those who seek and are found by Him.

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But is this family of God tangible here on earth? Paul gives instruction as to how the family, the Body of Christ should operate, function, love, and connect. “Rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father, and the younger men as brethren; the elder women as mothers, the younger as sisters with all purity.” I Timothy 5:1 & 2

Paul’s example:

“My little children, of whom I travail in birth again, until Christ be formed in you.” Galatians 4:19

“To Titus mine own son after the common faith.” Titus 1:4

“I beseech thee for my son, Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds.” Philemon 10

“For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord…” I Corinthians 4:17 “Unto Timothy my own son in the faith…” I Timothy 1: 2 “To Timothy my dearly beloved son…” II Timothy 1:2

Paul, an elder of the faith, mentored younger men. Since he was single and had no descendents, he “fathered” many “sons” spiritually in the faith.

John’s Example:

John wrote this phrase 7 times… “My little children" I John 2:1, 12, 28; 3:7, 18; 4:4; 5:21

“I have no greater joy, then to hear that my children walk in truth.” 3 John 4

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Do we have a responsibility towards our family of origin, even if they have not been the family we have wanted them to be? Yes. Paul says to, “Follow peace with all men.” Hebrews 12:14 This includes our families. We are commanded to honor our father and mother. John said that if we do not love our brother, we are in darkness. 1 John 2:11 So how do we do this if woundedness has happened? This is where forgiveness comes in – with the help of the Body of Christ and the Holy Spirit. Often a process, restoration comes when one surrenders to His will and His timing.

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The promise given those who are single or don’t have children: “Sing O barren thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud thou that didst not travail with child; for more are the children of the desolate then the children of the married wife, saith the Lord.” Isaiah 54:1

Those older in the faith, there are many young disciples who need a spiritual mother or father. Those younger, ask God to send you a mature mentor who can help guide you down the narrow path to abundant life.

Isn’t it amazing to belong to a Family, a Kingdom that is NOT of this world? John 15:14-19; 17:16; 18:36

End Time Deception – What to Look for and How to Avoid It

2010-11-12T12:10:00.000-08:00

“Take heed that no MAN deceive you.” Matthew 24:4

“Let no MAN deceive you by any means…”. 2 Thessalonians 2:3

I was reading in Matthew 24 and was struck by the phrase, “Take heed that no man deceive you”… and I remembered what it said in 2 Thessalonians 2. Hmm… MEN deceive. It made me think that if I am following a man/woman… his/her doctrine, his/her teaching… whether it is in book form or preaching, I can be deceived. I am not saying that all teachers are misleading and false. It is OUR duty to search out and make sure what we are being taught is truth.

Jesus said, “Come and follow Me… learn of Me.” Matthew 11 Hmm. He didn’t say, Come unto Me and follow My teachers. He said, “Do not be deceived,” “Take heed” – there are many false prophets in the midst of you. He also said to “watch and pray.”

Here it is again… “seduction” and “man” used simultaneously…

“These things have I written unto you, concerning them that seduce you. But the anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you; and ye need not that any MAN teach you; but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie; and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him. And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.” I John 2:25-28

Who are the seducers? “Little children, it is the last time; and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists, whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us… who is a liar, but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father, and the Son.” I John 2:18-22 (See Acts 20:28-36; Ephesians 4:14; 2 Peter 2; 2 Corinthians 11:2-15; Galatians 1:6-9; Matthew 24)

There is MORE THAN ONE SPIRIT – one is of truth and a seducing one of error.

John added… “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world...And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is not of God; and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof you have heard, that it should come, and even now already is it in the world…We are of God; he that knoweth God, heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us, hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.” I John 4:1-6 See I Timothy 4:1 … “Seducing spirits and doctrines of devils.”

More… “For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver, and an antichrist.” 2 John 7

But John said, “But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.”
I John 2:20

What is this unction? The Spirit of truth! “Even the Spirit of Truth, Whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him; but ye know Him, for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” John 14:17

“But when the Comforter is come, Whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of Truth, which proceedeth from the Father, He shall testify of me.” John 15:26

“Howbeit, when He the Spirit of Truth is come, He will guide you into all truth; for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall he speak, and He will show you things to come.” John 16:13

Paul agreed with Jesus in that he encouraged everyone to be in God’s WORD.

Paul said, “Therefore watch, and remember that by the space of three years, I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. And now brethren, I commend you to God, and to the Word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.” Acts 20:32

Keeping His Word

Jesus said, “Come unto Me all ye that labor, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28 & 29

“Search the Scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they which testify of Me.” John 5:39

~~~

Where do we find Him? How de we come to know Him? Besides within us, where does the Spirit of truth dwell?

“It is the Spirit that quickeneth, the flesh profiteth nothing; the Words that I speak unto you, they are Spirit, and they are life.” John 6:63

“Then Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the Words of eternal life.’” John 6:68

“For I have given them the Words which Thou gavest Me… I have given them Thy Word, and the world hath hated them because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” John 17:8 & 14

“Sanctify them through Thy truth; Thy Word is truth.” John 17:17

“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on Him, ‘If ye continue in My Word, then are ye My disciples indeed.’” John 8:31

“Verily, verily I say unto you, if a man keep My saying, he shall never see death.” John 8:51

“Jesus answered and said unto him, ‘If a man love Me, he will keep My words; and My Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth Me not, keepeth not My sayings, and the Word which you hear, is not Mine, but the Fathers, which sent Me.’” John 14:23 & 24

For it is God which worketh in you, both to will, and to do, of His good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings, and disputings; that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the Word of Life, that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain.” Philippians 2:13-16

“But whoso keepeth His Word, in him verily is the love of God perfected; hereby know we that are in Him.” I John 2:5

We just can’t read it, we have to DO it.

“Receive with meekness the engrafted Word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the Word and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass; for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgeteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect Law of Liberty, and conitnueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this mans shall be blessed in his deed.” James 1:21-25

“Therefore, whosoever heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them, I will like him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock; and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not, for it was founded upon a Rock. And everyone that hearth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand; and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house, and it fell , and great was the fall of it.” Matthew 7:24-27

There are so many other passages that discuss the importance of His Word. Check them out. Matthew 4;4, Mark 4:14, 24:35, Mark 13:31; Deuteronomy 29:1, 30:14, psalm 119:9, 11, 105, Jeremiah 11:2, 3; I Samuel 3:1; John 1: 1; I John 1:2 & 3, Acts 4:31; 6:4; 8:4; 10: 44; 12:24; 17:11, Romans 10:8, Ephesians 5:26, 6:17; I Timothy 4:5; Revelation 21:5; 22:18 & 19

My prayer is for those who seek Him, will find Him and will LOVE His WORD. In it is the power to change our hearts and minds. If you don't understand what you are reading, pray for God to open your eyes and give you spiritual understanding.

It is this truth that sets us free.

Opened Eyes to the Light

2010-11-03T09:21:00.000-07:00

“In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not….that was the True Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” John 1:4-9

“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being…” Acts 17:28

“God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all…. But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Christ cleanseth us from all sin.” I John 1:5-7

“…That ye should show forth the praises of Him, Who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” I Peter 2:9

“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the Kingdom of His dear Son.” Colossians 1:13

Saul’s Transformation

“As he (Saul) journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly there shined round about him a Light from heaven. And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, ‘Saul, Saul, why persecuteth thou Me?’ And he said, ‘Who art Thou, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom thou persecuteth; it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished, said, ‘Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?’ And the Lord said unto him, ‘Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.’

The Lord said unto Ananias, ‘…for he (Saul) is a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear My name before the gentiles, and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how great things he must suffer for My names sake.”

Ananias said to Saul, “Brother Saul, the Lord (even Jesus that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest) hath sent me, that thou mightiest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales, and he received his sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.” Acts 9:3-18

Paul’s Mission:

He was sent “…to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” Acts 26:18

The 2 men on the Road to Emmaus:

“And it came to pass, that while they communed together, and reasoned, Jesus Himself drew near, and went with them. But their eyes were holden (seized, grasped), that they should not know Him.

They talked with Jesus as they walked. He asked them questions. Their doubt: “But we trusted that it had been He, which should have redeemed Israel; and beside all this, today is the third day since these things (the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him) were done.”

They added that the tomb was empty… and the women and the disciples did not find Him.

Jesus said to them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken. Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the Scriptures, the things concerning Himself.

They asked Him to come and abide with them.

And He ate with them, took the bread and blessed it, and broke it and gave it to them.

“And their eyes were opened and they knew Him…”. They said to each other… “Did not our heart burn within us, while He talked with us by the way, and while He opened to us the Scriptures?”

Their response… they immediately got up to tell the disciples… “He was known of them in breaking of bread.”

Then Jesus appeared to the disciples and showed them His hands and feet. He ate with them.

And He said unto them, ‘These are the Words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the Law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the Psalms concerning Me. Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures.”

Jesus gives them their mission:

“Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day; and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name, among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”

How do we know if we KNOW Him?

“But now after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God…” Galatians 4:9 What did Paul write that qualified a person as one who knows/is known of God? Those under the Law that were redeemed and adopted as sons. And because they were sons, God sent forth His Spirit into their hearts, crying, ‘Abba Father.’ And not just a son, but they are an heir of God through Jesus. Galatians 4:5-7

This process of knowing Him is done by an intervention of Jesus Himself bringing His light and calling us out of darkness. He gives a seeker’s heart the spiritual eyes to see. He gives understanding of the Scriptures.

Paul’s prayer in Ephesians emphasizes this point: “Making mention of you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ the Father of glory, may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him; the eyes of your understanding being enlightened, that ye may know the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the Saints; and what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His power; which He wrought in Christ when He raised Him from the dead, and set at His own right hand in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 1:16-20

John gives us the evidence of knowing Him. “And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But who so keepeth His Word, in him verily is the love of God perfected, hereby know we that we are in Him.” I John 2:3-10

John clarifies, “And this is His commandment, that we should believe on the Name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as He gave us commandment. And he that keepeth His commandments dwelleth in Him, and He in him; and hereby we know that He abideth in us, by the Spirit which He hath given to us.” I John 3:23 & 24

And, “If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us. Hereby we know we that we dwell in Him and He in us, because He hath given us of His Spirit.” I John 4:12 & 13

“Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:27

Jesus says, “Come unto Me”… “learn of Me”… in Matthew 11:28-30

He will be found by those who seek Him with ALL their heart. Jeremiah 29:13 & 14 Father, open the eyes of our hearts today.

Is God Good?

2010-09-23T09:55:00.000-07:00

If God is as shown in the Bible as a metaphoric “Father,” is He good or is He “the mean, grouchy old man in the sky” full of wrath and vengeance?

Here is what the Bible says...

To the wicked, He is one way; but to His children, He is another. It mentions that He is all about goodness, forbearance, long suffering and gives eternal life for those who seek good. But to them that are contentious and do not obey the truth, He will bring upon them tribulation and anguish. See Romans 2:2-11

“Every good gift, and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with Whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17

“Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Of if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven, give good things to them that ask Him? Matthew 7:9-11

“…The Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” Psalm 84:11

“I will mention the loving kindness of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord hath bestowed on us; and the great goodness towards the house of Israel, which He hath bestowed on them, according to His mercies, and according to the mulititude of His loving kindnesses. For He said, ‘Surely they are My people…as He was their Savior. In all their affliction, he was afflicted, and the angel of His presence saved them; in His love and in His pity, He redeemed them, and He bare them, and carried them all the days of old.” Isaiah 63:7-9

“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God…”. I John 3:1

As a loving Father, He disciplines those He loves.

“And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of Him. For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore, we have had fathers of our flesh, which corrected us, and we gave them reverence; shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of Spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure, but He for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous; nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness, unto them which are exercised thereby.” Hebrews 12:5-11

“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten, be zealous therefore, and repent.”
Revelation 3:19

“For the Lord hath chastened me sore…”. Psalm 118:18

“My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of His correction. For whom the Lord loveth, He correcteth, even as a father the son in whom He delighteth.” Proverbs 3:11

If God is good, why is there so much pain and evil in the world?

All of us have experienced much pain and heartache and struggle in our lives. Isn’t it natural to think and to say to God, “God, if you are so good, why did my mother die when I was young? Why was I molested? Why did my parents divorce? Why was I born with this deformity? Why are children dying each day from starvation? Why did my child choose the destructive life path that he chose? Why am I not married yet?

Could it be that a certain part of us resents or hates God for what He allowed to happen in our life?

The Bible says that some people hate God, believe it or not.

“…Visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, unto the third and fourth generation of those who HATE Me.” Exodus 20:5

“And repayeth them that HATE Him to their face, to destroy them; He will not be slack to him that HATETH Him, He will repay him to his face.” Deuteronomy 7:10

“Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over Me; neither let them wink with the eye, that HATE Me without a cause.” Psalm 35:19 and Jesus said this was fulfilled in Him (John 15:25).

“He that HATETH Me, HATETH My Father also.” John 15:23

The word, Enmity, according to Webster denotes a strong, settled feeling of hatred, whether concealed, displayed or latent.

Genesis 3:15 says there is ENMITY between Eve’s seed (Jesus) and the seed of the devil.

Romans 8:7 says, “Because the carnal mind (Greek~ mind of the flesh) is ENMITY against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.”

“Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is ENMITY with God. Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world, is the enemy of God.” James 4:4

Time to be honest. God knows our hearts anyway… Maybe it is time to face the pain and face the truth about we feel toward God. Isn’t He ultimately responsible for our pain because He allows bad things to happen? Could He have stopped the molestation, intervened so that mothers who died prematurely would still be alive, or brought parents some help so that they wouldn’t have gotten divorced. If God creates each person in their mother’s womb, does this mean that He sometimes creates deformed or “different” children?

There really is only one good answer to all of this pain and suffering ~ the fall of man. Before the Fall, all was good. With sin, then came evil. Lots of it. Adam and Eve sinned, and because of that, humanity was harnessed under the dark world of wickedness. Because of sin, consequences come. There is no way around it. Each of us affects others. Even if we try really hard, we still cause pain to those we love. And then there are people who are just plain evil and don’t care about how their actions affect others. Does the Bible talk about this? Yes it does. Many places but that is another study.

Humanity’s response to pain is generally bitterness, revenge, rebellion or self pity. These attitudes of the heart serve as a spring board for addictions and the propensity to dig our own broken wells (Hebrews 12:15; Jeremiah 2:13). We are angry and want to do our own thing ~ rebellion. But God’s mercy is severe and He pursues His children that He loves. He promises to bind up the wounds from the world. “Behold, I, even I will both search out My sheep, and seek them out… and will deliver them out of all places… and feed them in a good pasture… I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick; but I will destroy the fat and strong, I will feed them with judgment.” Ezekiel 34:11-16 God has an answer for this pain through forgiveness, redemption, restoration, and reconciliation; and judgment for the wrong-doer.

God is a righteous judge and brings justice to all. “For the Son of Man shall come in the glory of His Father, with His angels; and then He shall reward every man according to His works.” Matthew 16:27 Paul writes, “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ saith the Lord.” Romans 12:19 See also Hebrews 10:30 & 31 (“The Lord shall judge His people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God.”)

For those of you who are still hurting over a wound that took place during your childhood, God knows all about it and will severely judge your offender. This is what He said in three of the gospels… “But who so shall offend one of these little ones which believe in Me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea…Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of My Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 18:6; 10 (Mark 9:42; Luke 17:2)

Luke explains what a person needs to do when offended by someone, “Take heed to yourselves, if thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him, and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, ‘I repent,’ thou shalt forgive him.” Luke 17:1-4 See Matthew 5:22 & 23.

God is clear that if we have been offended, it is our responsibility to go to that person and talk to them about it. So often though, isn’t it easier to sulk in the hurt feelings and then engage into the victim mentality? Poor me ~ self pity. If we have someone to blame, it is someone else’s fault, then we really don’t have to be responsible for our actions. But God wants us to take responsibility and love others enough to repair relationships. (I realize that each circumstance is different. Some offenders are not accessible, due to their death, etc. and writing a letter to that person will have to do. Sometimes it may not be safe to confront the offender at a particular time. Thus discernment is necessary, but God will make a way if one wants to be set free).

But one might say, “Well, what if my offender doesn’t repent. Then what?”

Can we trust that God will judge so that we can release and forgive the offender? God is very clear that those who do not forgive will not be forgiven. “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But, if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:14 & 15

We have a great example of forgiveness presented to us. Jesus said regarding those who brutally murdered Him, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34 Peter wrote that when Jesus was reviled, He did not revile in return. He did not threaten when He suffered. He committed Himself to Him that judges righteously. I Peter 2:23

But what if a person is unwilling or unable to forgive at this moment? It is important to be honest with God and others and admit this, but ask that God could help you forgive, soften your heart. One great way to do this is to start praying for your offender.

The Bible says that Jacob wrestled with God. Don’t you think that we all have to wrestle with God regarding our pain, bitterness, anger and rage at some point and time in our lives? If you still have unfinished business, isn’t it time to let it all go to Him, to surrender… to forgive… so that peace can come?

Thirsty for More?

2010-07-20T10:32:00.000-07:00

Are those individuals thirsting for deep intimacy (which can manifest as yearning for same sex love or extramarital affairs)to feel shame because they are always looking for more? Did Jesus shame the Samaritan woman for her thirst?

We all thirst even if we don’t know we are thirsting for the one true living God. David said, "As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God.” Psalm 42:2

Isaiah said, “Ho, everyone that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy and eat, yea come, buy wine and mile without money, and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? And your labor for that which satisfieth not? Hearken diligently unto Me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto Me; hear, and your soul shall live….” Isaiah 55:1-3

Choices again… “For My people have committed two evils; they have forsaken Me, the fountain of Living Waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns that can hold no water.” Jeremiah 2:13

Jesus demonstrated this concept with His discussion with the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well in John 4. He stated to her, “Whosoever drinketh of this water, shall thirst again; but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him, shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him, shall in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” (Verse 13 & 14) “If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. He that believeth on Me, as the Scripture said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake He of the Spirit which they that believe on Him, should receive. For the Holy Ghost was not yet given, because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) John 7:37-39

“It is done; I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst, of the fountain of the water of life, freely.” Revelation 21:6

“And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God, and of the Lamb.” Revelation 22:1

“And let him that is athirst, come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17

~~~~~

She had 5 husbands. She had dug her own wells … looking for a man to satisfy her thirst. All her digging left her soul parched! For she said to Jesus, “Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not.” (Verse 15)

Scripture said that this woman was anticipating the coming of her Messiah, “I know that Messiah cometh, which is called Christ; when He is come, He will tell us all things.” John 4:25 She was waiting for her salvation from God. When Jesus told her that He was the Messiah, she LEFT HER WATERPOT to proclaim to her people that she had met the promised Messiah. “Come, see a man, which told me all things that I ever did; is this not this the Christ?” she said. She was searching and He came to her and this encounter changed everything for her!

God didn’t choose to reveal Himself first to the town mayor or the head of the city council nor the high priest of the top synagogue. God chose the scandalous woman, the talk of the town, who most likely was the black sheep of her family, the one who disappointed her parents. But God sees and knows the hearts of all (I Samuel 16:7, in reference to David, a man after God’s own heart according to Acts 13:22). “Jesus saith unto them, ‘Verily I say unto you (chief priests and the elders), that the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not; but the publicans and the harlots believed him.’” Matthew 21:31 & 32 “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world, to confound the things that are mighty. And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea and the things which are not, to bring to naught things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence.” I Corinthians 1:27-29

I can relate to the Samaritan woman. I had 4 broken relationships with women and all ended up leaving me parched. Besides looking for soul satisfaction, I was such a truth seeker. Nothing could satisfy my thirst for truth. But then one day, Jesus presented Himself so clearly to me as the Way, the Truth and the Life. I drank of His Living Water and it now flows satisfying my deepest needs. This satisfaction feeds me so that I now have the courage to be chaste.

Two examples of thirsty women (me and the Samaritan woman) quenched. Soul Satisfaction. Rest. The offer is to anyone who hungers, thirsts, or labors… “Come unto Me all ye that labor, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28 & 29

Justified by the Power of the Blood

2010-06-14T09:35:00.000-07:00

“Giving thanks unto the Father…Who hath delivered us from the POWER of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son. In Whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:16

Taken from “A Pathway to the Holy Scripture” by William Tyndale, written in 1530, we see a complete picture of what salvation really is.

“The fall of Adam hath made us heirs of the vengeance and wrath of God and heirs of eternal damnation, and hath brought us into captivity and bondage under the devil. And the devil is our lord and our ruler, our head, our governor, our prince, yea and our god. And our will is locked and knit faster unto the will of the devil than could an hundred thousand chains bind a man unto a post. Unto the devil’s will consent we with all our hearts, with all our minds, with all our might, power, strength, will and lusts; so that the law and the will of the devil is written as well in our hearts as in our members and we run headlong after the devil with full zeal and the whole swing of all the power we have, as a stone case up into the air cometh down naturally of his own self, with all the violence and swing of his own weight. With what poison, deadly and venomous hate hateth a man his enemy. With how great malice of mind inwardly do we slay and murder. With how great violence and rage, yea and with how fervent lust commit we adultery, fornication, and such like uncleanness. With what pleasure and delectation, inwardly, serveth a glutton his belly. With what diligence deceive we. How busily seek we the things of this world. Whatsoever we do, think, or imagine, is abominable in the sight of God…and besides that we are as it were asleep in so deep blindness that we can neither see nor feel what misery, thralldom, and wretchedness we are in, til Moses come and wake us and publish the Law.”

“Now we know that what things soever the Law saith, it saith to them who are under the Law; that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the Law, there shall no flesh be justified in His sight; for by the Law is the knowledge of sin.” Romans 3:19 & 20

“Nay, I had not known sin, but by the Law; for I had not known lust, except the Law had said, thou shalt not covet.” Romans 7:7

Ok, now guilty because the Law has been given and I cannot keep it. I am guilty. I am in bondage, guilty and deserve death. “For the wages of sin is death…”. Romans 6:23

Tyndale continues… “The Law (saith the gospel of John in the first chapter) was given by Moses; but grace and verity by Jesus Christ. The Law (whose minister was Moses) was given to bring us unto the knowledge of ourselves, that we might thereby feel and perceive what we are of nature. The Law condemneth us and all our deeds and is called of Paul (in 2 Cor. 3) the ministration of death. For it killeth our consciences and drives us to desperation…”.

“This is the captivity and bondage whence Christ delivered us, redeemed and loosed us. His blood, His death, His patience in suffering rebukes and wrongs, His prayers and fastings, His meekness and fulfilling of the uttermost point of the Law appeased the wrath of God; brought the favor of God to us again, obtained that God should love us first, and be our Father, and that a merciful Father that will consider our infirmities and weakness and will give us His Spirit again (which was taken away in the fall of Adam) to rule, govern and strengthen us and break the bonds of Satan wherein we were so strait bound. When Christ is thuswise preached and the promises rehearsed which are contained in the prophets, in the psalms, and in divers places of the five books of Moses, which preaching is called the Gospel or glad tidings, then the hearts of them which are elect and chosen begin to wax soft and melt at the bounteous mercy of God, and kindness shewed of Christ. For when the Evangelion is preached, the Spirit of God entereth into them which God hath ordained and appointed unto eternal life, and openeth their inward eyes, and worketh such belief in them. When the woeful consciences feel and taste how sweet a thing the bitter death of Christ is and how merciful and loving God is through Christ’s purchasing and merits, they begin to love again and to consent to the Law of God, how that it is good and ought so to be, and that God is righteous which made it, and desire to fulfill the law, even as a sick man desireth to be whole, and are an hungered and thirst after more righteousness and after more strength to fulfill the law more perfectly. And in all that they do, or omit and leave undone, they seek God’s honor and His will with meekness, even condemning the unperfectness of their deeds by the Law.”

And this is the Law in two parts.. “…That we have but one God to put our hope and trust in and Him to love with all the heart, all the soul and all our might and power and neither to move heart nor hand but at His commandment, because He hath first created us of naught and heaven and earth for our sakes, and afterwards when we had marred ourselves through sin, He forgave us and created us again in the blood of His beloved Son. And…”…a man ought to love his neighbor equally and fully as well as himself, because his neighbor (be he never so simple) is equally created of God and as full redeemed by the blood of our Savior Jesus Christ.”

“Jesus said unto him, thou shalt love thy Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all they mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hand all the Law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40 ~~ fulfillment of Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18

“Owe no man anything, but to love one another; for he that loveth again hath fulfilled the Law. For this, though shalt not commit adultery, thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, thou shalt not bear false witness, thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment; it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbor, therefore love is the fulfillment of the Law.” Romans 13:8-10
“For all the Law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” Galatians 5:14

“If ye fulfill the royal Law, according to the Scriptures, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well.” James 2:8

“…even so Christ before His death commanded and appointed that such Evangelion, [(that we call the gospel), is a Greek word and signifieth good, merry, glad and joyful tiding, that maketh a man’s heart glad and maketh him sing, dance, and leap for joy], gospel, or tidings should be declared throughout all the world, and therewith to give unto all that repent and believe all His goods: that is to say His life wherewith He swallowed and devoured up death, His righteousness, wherewith He banished sin, His salvation, wherewith He overcame eternal damnation. Now can the wretched man (that knoweth himself to be wrapped in sin and in danger to death and hell) hear no more joyous a thing, than such glad and comfortable tidings of Christ, so that he cannot but be glad, and laugh from the low bottom of his heart if he believe that the tidings are true.”

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“And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” Colossians 2:15

“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same, that through death He might DESTROY him that had the POWER of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them, who through fear of death were all their life time subject to bondage.” Hebrews 2:14 & 15

“But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, Who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light, through the Gospel.” II Timothy 1:10

“He that committeth sin, is of the devil, for the devil sinneth from the beginning; for this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might DESTROY the works of the devil.” I John 3:8

“The last enemy that shall be destroyed, is death.” I Corinthians 15:26
“Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.” Romans 6:6

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What can we learn from the story in Exodus of Egypt’s affliction, the plagues, Pharaoh and then blood of the Lamb?

The taskmasters afflicted the children. Bondage. Slavery. Heavy labor. The plagues… the miraculous power of God being demonstrated little by little to build the confidence of the one being afflicted. Pharaoh ~~ the warden ~~ the symbol of Satan ~~ is the one who is holding everyone in captivity.

What brought the freedom? The death and shedding innocent blood of a spotless lamb. “For the Lord will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when He seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the Lord will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you.” Exodus 12:23

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The Bible says that life is in the blood, “But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof...”. Genesis 9:4.

“For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the Altar, to make an atonement for your souls; for it is the blood, that maketh an atonement for the soul.” Leviticus 17:11

“God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more than being now JUSTIFIED BY HIS BLOOD, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.” Romans 5:8 & 9

“For as much as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation by tradition from your fathers; but with the PRECIOUS BLOOD OF CHRIST, AS OF A LAMB without blemish and without spot.”
I Peter 1:18 & 19

God gave a provision for Israel's sin and that was the blood of animals sacrificed as a foreshadowing of the TRUE ATONEMENT through the blood of Jesus Christ.

“And (having made peace through the blood of His cross) by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself…”. Colossians 1:20

“...Have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” Rev 7:14
“...And the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from ALL sin.” I John 1:7

“How much more shall the blood of Christ, Who through the eternal Spirit, offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works, to serve the Living God?” Hebrews 9:14

“Wherefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered without the gate.” Hebrews 13:12

I am justified; I have peace with God.

The Pearl of Great Price

2010-05-07T10:58:00.000-07:00

“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls; who when he had found one pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had, and bought it.”
Matthew 13:45 & 46

To some, the thought of being romantic with the opposite sex just isn’t an option.

I often hear those who label themselves as Christian gay or lesbian say, “In order to live according to God’s standard, I have to be single and alone. My choice is…. To engage in same sex relationships which would be contrary to God’s Word OR live alone. Didn’t God say it is not good for man to be alone? It’s not fair that I have to be alone.”

I was at this crossroad in my life also. And I was angry about it, even though I had spent years in same sex relationships and grew tired of not having peace, the nagging guilt, living without God’s blessing.

About 12 years ago, my counselor gave me a book called, the Courage to be Chaste. I don’t remember it well, but it was all about developing one’s spirituality, not engaging sexually. That was my introduction into “If I choose God, then I am going to be alone” phase of life.

That notion didn’t stick because I fell into 2 lesbian relationships after that.

At age of 40, tired, frustrated and relieved to be out of yet another messy relationship… being alone was welcomed. But yet, the loneliness was scary and difficult to endure.

Do I have the guts to seek God in my lonely wilderness?

For those who are not interested in the opposite sex and feel like they never will be…. Here are two choices outlined by the Word of God:

Egypt: Bondage and Affliction

Disobeying God’s Word and engaging in pleasures of sin is often referred to in the Bible as trusting in Egypt. Metaphorically, Egypt offered deceptive pleasures and luxuries tainted with the darkness of bondage and affliction.

“We remember the fish which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlic. But now our soul is dried away, there is nothing at all, besides this manna, before our eyes.” Numbers 11:5 (Manna, every word that proceeds from the mouth of God, the Bread of Life, Jesus – is not enough for those who seek after pleasure).

“Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help, and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD.” Isaiah 31:1

“Therefore they set over them taskmasters, to afflict them with their burdens…and the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigor. And they made their lives bitter, with hard bondage, in mortar and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field; all their service wherein they made them serve, was with rigor.” Exodus chapter 1

Refusing to acknowledge God’s Word (Genesis 2:24 & 25) and doing what seems right in one’s own eyes (engaging in sexual sin) – is trusting in Egypt. I lived in Egypt for many years and suffered the consequences.

Chastity: God has set apart His own for Himself

“But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly, for Himself.” Psalm 4:3

The Charge of Jesus:

“Then said His disciples to Him: If the matter be so between man and wife, then is it not good to marry? He said unto them: all men cannot away with that saying save they to whom it is given. There are chaste, which were so born out of their mother’s belly. And there are chaste, which be made of men. And there be chaste, which have made themselves chaste for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He that can take it, let him take it.” Matthew 19:10-12 (William Tyndale’s translation)

Paul’s Charge to those with a special gift:

“For I would that all men were even as I myself (single and celibate); but every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that. I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, it is good for them if they abide even as I. But if they cannot contain, let them marry.”

“He that is unmarried, careth for the things that belongeth to the Lord, how he may please the Lord… the unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy, both in body and in spirit…. That you may attend upon the Lord without distraction.” I Corinthians 7:7-9; 32-35

Paul says that when you are married…one “careth for the things of the world, how he/she may please his/her wife/husband.”

There are everlasting promises to those who choose the narrow way. “Sing, O barren thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud thou that didst not travail with child; for more are the children of the desolate then the children of the married wife, saith the Lord….For thy Maker is thine husband (the Lord of hosts is His name)…”. Isaiah 54:1, 5

“Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the Lord, speak, saying, The Lord hath utterly separated me from His people; neither let the eunuch say, behold, I am a dry tree. For thus saith the Lord unto the eunuchs that keep My Sabbaths, and choose the things that please Me, and take hold of My covenant; even unto them will I give in Mine house, and within My walls, a place and a name better then of sons of daughters; I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off…Even them will I bring to My holy mountain…”. Isaiah 56:3-7

My Holy Mountain, Zion

“For the Lord hath chosen Zion; He hath desired it for His habitation. This is My rest forever; HERE WILL I DWELL, for I have desired it.” Psalm 132:13 & 14

“Cry out and shout thou inhabitant of Zion; for great is the Holy One of Israel IN THE MIDST OF THEE.” Isaiah 12:6

“Out of Zion the perfection of beauty, God hath shined.” Psalm 50:2

“Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay IN Zion for a foundation, a Stone, a tried Stone, a precious Cornerstone; a sure foundation; that the believeth, shall not make haste.” Isaiah 28:16
Fulfilled:

“And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom all the building fitly framed together, groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:20-22

“But ye are not in the flesh, but in the spirit, if so be that the spirit of God DWELL IN YOU. Now if any man have not the spirit of Christ, he is none of His. And if Christ BE IN YOU, the body is dead because of sin; but the spirit is life, because of righteousness. But if the spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead, DWELL IN YOU; He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies, by His spirit that DWELLETH IN YOU.” Romans 8:9-11

“And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the Temple of the living God, as God hath said, ‘I will DWELL IN THEM, and WALK IN THEM, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.’” II Corinthians 6:16

“To whom coming as unto a living Stone, disallowed in deed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, ye also as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ…but ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people, that ye should show forth the praises of Him, Who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” I Peter 2:4-9

“But we have this treasure IN earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” II Corinthians 4:7
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Moses made the right choice. “By faith, Moses when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, then to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches then the treasures of Egypt; for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward. By faith, he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing Him Who is invisible.” Hebrews 11:24 -27
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“We hear of Celtic saint after Celtic saint leaving all behind to answer the call of God. Time and again they set off for a new wilderness. Their very way of living was a challenge to the so-called securities of our world. Yet, in heeding the call to go out, they found the treasure that had been hidden. Something that had been buried within or by the debris of the multitude of things around them, was now set free. Quite suddenly, their eyes were opened to the reality and they knew they had found the Pearl of Great Price.”
Journey into the Morn CD ~1995 - Iona

Knit Together in Love

2010-04-26T11:09:00.000-07:00

When gay or lesbian people try to find approval of their sexual relationships from God, many turn to the relationship between Jonathon and David.

Here is one of the key verses: I Samuel 18:1 “And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking to Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.”

Notice the word KNIT. In order to understand a particular Bible verse, one must interpret it with the rest of Scripture. For example, what else does the Bible say about the word, KNIT?

Two relevant passages are as follows:

Colossians 2:2 “That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love...”

Colossians 2:19 “And not holding the head, from which all the body by joints and bands have nourishment ministered, and knit together, increasing with the increase of God.” (see also Judges 20:11; I Chronicles 12:17 and Acts 10:11)

Being Knit together is how God describes how the Body of Christ should be toward one another.

A person born again by the Blood of the Lamb is a new creature and part of the BODY of Christ. The Body: We are His hands, His feet, His mouth, His eyes, His heart! How does a believer understand and hear God? How does a seeker come to know God? Through the touch and voice and love and compassion of the BODY. Jesus said, “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another, AS I HAVE LOVED YOU...” (John 13:34 & 35). They will know we are His disciples by our love for one another. Fake superficial, “holier than thou” love? NO -- DEEP, RICH, selfless, life changing AGAPE love.

The Body of Christ is to be knit together – to become one. Jesus said, “Holy Father, keep through Thine own Name, those whom Thou hast given Me, that they may be ONE as We are ONE.” John 17:11

It is interesting how God set it up for a male and female to join together to become ONE flesh (Genesis 2:24 & 25 and Matthew 19:4-6). But God calls His Body to become ONE with Him in the Spirit.

Because I was immature, needy and selfish for so many years, I didn't understand this oneness concept and my attractions led into inappropriate same sexual relationships. The love I felt was directed at only one person. Now I see God calls me to be knit together collectively as a body.

God has placed wonderful women in my life. “Attractions” come and I am not afraid of them anymore as I know it is God's love that I am experiencing. It is the same love Paul had for his co-laborers. DEEP AGAPE LOVE.

How our world would change if we would love, agape style!