Jeremiah 9:23-26 ESV
Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, 24 but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”
25 “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will punish all those who are circumcised merely in the flesh— 26 Egypt, Judah, Edom, the sons of Ammon, Moab, and all who dwell in the desert who cut the corners of their hair, for all these nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel are uncircumcised in heart.”
When we understand and know the Lord we then can see the foolishness of our wisdom, the weakness of our strength, and the poverty of our riches when we turn our eyes toward Him.
It is the heart of a spirit touched by and in touch with the Holy Spirit that has the life of the Lord poured out and marking that person with the seal of God.
Word for Life in Love— Scripture Meditations By Stephen Brown
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
The First Resurrection
Revelation 20:4-6 ESV
Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5 The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.
For those who placed their faith in the testimony of Jesus and the word of God, and did not follow after the beast, they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.
So who takes part in the first resurrection and when does it happen?
In verse four we see it is the believers who come to life and reign with Christ. We come to life when we believe and are filled with the life giving Holy Spirit . Verse six tells us that those raised will reign with Him for a thousand years. Verse six also tells us that those who share in the first resurrection are blessed and holy. This can only be the redeemed in Christ, for they alone enjoy this state in Christ. Death has no power over them. They have been freed by the blood of Jesus to be His priests and kings with Christ whose rule will have no end.
The rest of the dead(unbelievers) are not raised until the end of the thousand years. They are raised to face judgement and are destined for the second death.
Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5 The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.
For those who placed their faith in the testimony of Jesus and the word of God, and did not follow after the beast, they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.
So who takes part in the first resurrection and when does it happen?
In verse four we see it is the believers who come to life and reign with Christ. We come to life when we believe and are filled with the life giving Holy Spirit . Verse six tells us that those raised will reign with Him for a thousand years. Verse six also tells us that those who share in the first resurrection are blessed and holy. This can only be the redeemed in Christ, for they alone enjoy this state in Christ. Death has no power over them. They have been freed by the blood of Jesus to be His priests and kings with Christ whose rule will have no end.
The rest of the dead(unbelievers) are not raised until the end of the thousand years. They are raised to face judgement and are destined for the second death.
Friday, July 27, 2012
According To The Fruit
Jeremiah 17:7-10 ESV
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
whose trust is the Lord.
8 He is like a tree planted by water,
that sends out its roots by the stream,
and does not fear when heat comes,
for its leaves remain green,
and is not anxious in the year of drought,
for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
9 The heart is deceitful above all things,
and desperately sick;
who can understand it?
10 “I the Lord search the heart
and test the mind,
to give every man according to his ways,
according to the fruit of his deeds.”
The fruit acceptable to the Lord is our trust in Him.
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
whose trust is the Lord.
8 He is like a tree planted by water,
that sends out its roots by the stream,
and does not fear when heat comes,
for its leaves remain green,
and is not anxious in the year of drought,
for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
9 The heart is deceitful above all things,
and desperately sick;
who can understand it?
10 “I the Lord search the heart
and test the mind,
to give every man according to his ways,
according to the fruit of his deeds.”
The fruit acceptable to the Lord is our trust in Him.
A Penitent Heart
2 Kings 22:18-20 ESV
But to the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the Lord, thus shall you say to him, Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Regarding the words that you have heard, 19 because your heart was penitent, and you humbled yourself before the Lord, when you heard how I spoke against this place and against its inhabitants, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and you have torn your clothes and wept before me, I also have heard you, declares the Lord. 20 Therefore, behold, I will gather you to your fathers, and you shall be gathered to your grave in peace, and your eyes shall not see all the disaster that I will bring upon this place. ’” And they brought back word to the king.
Because the king repented, the Lord had mercy on him. This is the word brought back to the king. We have the same word.
We will not be destined for disaster if we turn to the Lord.
But to the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the Lord, thus shall you say to him, Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Regarding the words that you have heard, 19 because your heart was penitent, and you humbled yourself before the Lord, when you heard how I spoke against this place and against its inhabitants, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and you have torn your clothes and wept before me, I also have heard you, declares the Lord. 20 Therefore, behold, I will gather you to your fathers, and you shall be gathered to your grave in peace, and your eyes shall not see all the disaster that I will bring upon this place. ’” And they brought back word to the king.
Because the king repented, the Lord had mercy on him. This is the word brought back to the king. We have the same word.
We will not be destined for disaster if we turn to the Lord.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
In The Midst
Leviticus 16:16 ESV
Thus he shall make atonement for the Holy Place, because of the uncleannesses of the people of Israel and because of their transgressions, all their sins. And so he shall do for the tent of meeting, which dwells with them in the midst of their uncleannesses.
God dwelled with the Israelites in the desert, coming in their midst in the tent of meeting.
He came again among us as His Son in the midst of our uncleanness. That tent took the form of our flesh so that we would find the way to cleanness. In the role of a lamb to be sacrificed, He came to show the way out of the desert.
He will come again as King and He will do away with the wilderness and be in our midst forevermore.
Thus he shall make atonement for the Holy Place, because of the uncleannesses of the people of Israel and because of their transgressions, all their sins. And so he shall do for the tent of meeting, which dwells with them in the midst of their uncleannesses.
God dwelled with the Israelites in the desert, coming in their midst in the tent of meeting.
He came again among us as His Son in the midst of our uncleanness. That tent took the form of our flesh so that we would find the way to cleanness. In the role of a lamb to be sacrificed, He came to show the way out of the desert.
He will come again as King and He will do away with the wilderness and be in our midst forevermore.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
They Have No Light
Jeremiah 4:23-26 ESV
I looked on the earth, and behold, it was without form and void;
and to the heavens, and they had no light.
24 I looked on the mountains, and behold, they were quaking,
and all the hills moved to and fro.
25 I looked, and behold, there was no man,
and all the birds of the air had fled.
26 I looked, and behold, the fruitful land was a desert,
and all its cities were laid in ruins
before the Lord, before his fierce anger.
The Lord speaks of a creation that has regressed back to its formless dark state as a result of the rejection and willfulness by Israel and Judah.
They leave behind their Creator and God. They have no light.
I looked on the earth, and behold, it was without form and void;
and to the heavens, and they had no light.
24 I looked on the mountains, and behold, they were quaking,
and all the hills moved to and fro.
25 I looked, and behold, there was no man,
and all the birds of the air had fled.
26 I looked, and behold, the fruitful land was a desert,
and all its cities were laid in ruins
before the Lord, before his fierce anger.
The Lord speaks of a creation that has regressed back to its formless dark state as a result of the rejection and willfulness by Israel and Judah.
They leave behind their Creator and God. They have no light.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
A Pure Speech
Zephaniah 3:8-9 ESV
“Therefore wait for me,” declares the Lord,
“for the day when I rise up to seize the prey.
For my decision is to gather nations,
to assemble kingdoms,
to pour out upon them my indignation,
all my burning anger;
for in the fire of my jealousy
all the earth shall be consumed.
The Conversion of the Nations
9 “For at that time I will change the speech of the peoples
to a pure speech,
that all of them may call upon the name of the Lord
and serve him with one accord.
The people will speak in truth. The nations will worship the Lord in truth and spirit, calling on Him in the one name by which all must be saved.
“Therefore wait for me,” declares the Lord,
“for the day when I rise up to seize the prey.
For my decision is to gather nations,
to assemble kingdoms,
to pour out upon them my indignation,
all my burning anger;
for in the fire of my jealousy
all the earth shall be consumed.
The Conversion of the Nations
9 “For at that time I will change the speech of the peoples
to a pure speech,
that all of them may call upon the name of the Lord
and serve him with one accord.
The people will speak in truth. The nations will worship the Lord in truth and spirit, calling on Him in the one name by which all must be saved.
May Be Hidden
Zephaniah 2:3 ESV
Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land,
who do his just commands;
seek righteousness; seek humility;
perhaps you may be hidden
on the day of the anger of the Lord.
If we are in Christ, we are "hidden" in Him. We are in the shelter of the wings of a great eagle. The Lord's anger has been turned away, for Christ has borne the burden on our sins.
Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land,
who do his just commands;
seek righteousness; seek humility;
perhaps you may be hidden
on the day of the anger of the Lord.
If we are in Christ, we are "hidden" in Him. We are in the shelter of the wings of a great eagle. The Lord's anger has been turned away, for Christ has borne the burden on our sins.
Monday, July 23, 2012
From All The Nations
Isaiah 66:20-24 ESV
And they shall bring all your brothers from all the nations as an offering to the Lord, on horses and in chariots and in litters and on mules and on dromedaries, to my holy mountain Jerusalem, says the Lord, just as the Israelites bring their grain offering in a clean vessel to the house of the Lord. 21 And some of them also I will take for priests and for Levites, says the Lord.
22 “For as the new heavens and the new earth
that I make
shall remain before me, says the Lord,
so shall your offspring and your name remain.
23 From new moon to new moon,
and from Sabbath to Sabbath,
all flesh shall come to worship before me,
declares the Lord.
24 “And they shall go out and look on the dead bodies of the men who have rebelled against me. For their worm shall not die, their fire shall not be quenched, and they shall be an abhorrence to all flesh.”
In Revelation God reveals more of the last day. Judgement comes at last to those who rebel. A new heaven and earth are established and will remain. The nations will come to worship in Jerusalem, praising the name of the Lord forever.
And they shall bring all your brothers from all the nations as an offering to the Lord, on horses and in chariots and in litters and on mules and on dromedaries, to my holy mountain Jerusalem, says the Lord, just as the Israelites bring their grain offering in a clean vessel to the house of the Lord. 21 And some of them also I will take for priests and for Levites, says the Lord.
22 “For as the new heavens and the new earth
that I make
shall remain before me, says the Lord,
so shall your offspring and your name remain.
23 From new moon to new moon,
and from Sabbath to Sabbath,
all flesh shall come to worship before me,
declares the Lord.
24 “And they shall go out and look on the dead bodies of the men who have rebelled against me. For their worm shall not die, their fire shall not be quenched, and they shall be an abhorrence to all flesh.”
In Revelation God reveals more of the last day. Judgement comes at last to those who rebel. A new heaven and earth are established and will remain. The nations will come to worship in Jerusalem, praising the name of the Lord forever.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
By Another Name
Isaiah 65:15-16 ESV
You shall leave your name to my chosen for a curse,
and the Lord God will put you to death,
but his servants he will call by another name.
16 So that he who blesses himself in the land
shall bless himself by the God of truth,
and he who takes an oath in the land
shall swear by the God of truth;
because the former troubles are forgotten
and are hidden from my eyes.
Like the wise men who came to find the Lord and left by another way, we find the Lord and leave by another name.
You shall leave your name to my chosen for a curse,
and the Lord God will put you to death,
but his servants he will call by another name.
16 So that he who blesses himself in the land
shall bless himself by the God of truth,
and he who takes an oath in the land
shall swear by the God of truth;
because the former troubles are forgotten
and are hidden from my eyes.
Like the wise men who came to find the Lord and left by another way, we find the Lord and leave by another name.
The Angel Of His Presence
Isaiah 63:7-9 ESV
The Lord's Mercy Remembered
7 I will recount the steadfast love of the Lord,
the praises of the Lord,
according to all that the Lord has granted us,
and the great goodness to the house of Israel
that he has granted them according to his compassion,
according to the abundance of his steadfast love.
8 For he said, “Surely they are my people,
children who will not deal falsely.”
And he became their Savior.
9 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;
he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.
John refers to the angels of churches in Revelation. The angel of His presence was present in each place, a light on a lampstand holding out the light of God.
The Lord's Mercy Remembered
7 I will recount the steadfast love of the Lord,
the praises of the Lord,
according to all that the Lord has granted us,
and the great goodness to the house of Israel
that he has granted them according to his compassion,
according to the abundance of his steadfast love.
8 For he said, “Surely they are my people,
children who will not deal falsely.”
And he became their Savior.
9 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;
he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.
John refers to the angels of churches in Revelation. The angel of His presence was present in each place, a light on a lampstand holding out the light of God.
Has Covered Me
Isaiah 61:10-11 ESV
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord;
my soul shall exult in my God,
for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation;
he has covered me with the robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
11 For as the earth brings forth its sprouts,
and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up,
so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise
to sprout up before all the nations.
The word shall yield the harvest of righteousness and praise. The groom and bride are made ready and will be revealed when that time has come.
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord;
my soul shall exult in my God,
for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation;
he has covered me with the robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
11 For as the earth brings forth its sprouts,
and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up,
so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise
to sprout up before all the nations.
The word shall yield the harvest of righteousness and praise. The groom and bride are made ready and will be revealed when that time has come.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
My Covenant
Isaiah 59:21 ESV
“And as for me, this is my covenant with them,” says the Lord: “My Spirit that is upon you, and my words that I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth, or out of the mouth of your offspring, or out of the mouth of your children's offspring,” says the Lord, “from this time forth and forevermore.”
The new and everlasting covenant is sealed and assured with the presence of the Holy Spirit. His word becomes our word.
“And as for me, this is my covenant with them,” says the Lord: “My Spirit that is upon you, and my words that I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth, or out of the mouth of your offspring, or out of the mouth of your children's offspring,” says the Lord, “from this time forth and forevermore.”
The new and everlasting covenant is sealed and assured with the presence of the Holy Spirit. His word becomes our word.
In The Public Squares
Isaiah 59:14-15 ESV
14 Justice is turned back,
and righteousness stands far away;
for truth has stumbled in the public squares,
and uprightness cannot enter.
15 Truth is lacking,
and he who departs from evil makes himself a prey.
The Lord saw it, and it displeased him
that there was no justice.
Truth and justice no longer guide us in the public square. Other things have taken their place, springing from dark hearts. Speaking out and turning away from this evil invites ridicule and persecution.
We are told to persevere. Remember we stand on the mountain that will not be moved. There is a God and He is Truth. It will not always be this way.
14 Justice is turned back,
and righteousness stands far away;
for truth has stumbled in the public squares,
and uprightness cannot enter.
15 Truth is lacking,
and he who departs from evil makes himself a prey.
The Lord saw it, and it displeased him
that there was no justice.
Truth and justice no longer guide us in the public square. Other things have taken their place, springing from dark hearts. Speaking out and turning away from this evil invites ridicule and persecution.
We are told to persevere. Remember we stand on the mountain that will not be moved. There is a God and He is Truth. It will not always be this way.
Still Others
Isaiah 56:6-8
And foreigners who bind themselves to the Lord
to minister to him,
to love the name of the Lord,
and to be his servants,
all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it
and who hold fast to my covenant—
7 these I will bring to my holy mountain
and give them joy in my house of prayer.
Their burnt offerings and sacrifices
will be accepted on my altar;
for my house will be called
a house of prayer for all nations.”
8 The Sovereign Lord declares—
he who gathers the exiles of Israel:
“I will gather still others to them
besides those already gathered.”
For all that would come there is room in His house. The better name is His name given to them to become sons and daughters of the most high. They will enter His rest.
And there will be great joy.
And foreigners who bind themselves to the Lord
to minister to him,
to love the name of the Lord,
and to be his servants,
all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it
and who hold fast to my covenant—
7 these I will bring to my holy mountain
and give them joy in my house of prayer.
Their burnt offerings and sacrifices
will be accepted on my altar;
for my house will be called
a house of prayer for all nations.”
8 The Sovereign Lord declares—
he who gathers the exiles of Israel:
“I will gather still others to them
besides those already gathered.”
For all that would come there is room in His house. The better name is His name given to them to become sons and daughters of the most high. They will enter His rest.
And there will be great joy.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Fulfilled
The law was fulfilled in Jesus.
Judgement was fulfilled on the cross.
His word is fulfilled in a new creation.
Judgement was fulfilled on the cross.
His word is fulfilled in a new creation.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
The Kingdom Of God Has Come
The kingdom of God Has Come
12:25-29 NASB
And knowing their thoughts Jesus said to them, “ Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and any city or house divided against itself will not stand. 26 If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand? 27 If I by Beelzebul cast out demons, by whom do your sons cast them out? For this reason they will be your judges. 28 But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. 29 Or how can anyone enter the strong man’s house and carry off his property, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house.
The plundering has begun.
Satan has been bound, defeated at the cross and will be until the restrainer is removed.
Satan will be freed for a short time until the final defeat and judgement.
Glory be to God!
Your kingdom come
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven
12:25-29 NASB
And knowing their thoughts Jesus said to them, “ Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and any city or house divided against itself will not stand. 26 If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand? 27 If I by Beelzebul cast out demons, by whom do your sons cast them out? For this reason they will be your judges. 28 But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. 29 Or how can anyone enter the strong man’s house and carry off his property, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house.
The plundering has begun.
Satan has been bound, defeated at the cross and will be until the restrainer is removed.
Satan will be freed for a short time until the final defeat and judgement.
Glory be to God!
Your kingdom come
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven
Trust And Rely
Isaiah 50:10-11 NIV
Who among you fears the Lord
and obeys the word of his servant?
Let the one who walks in the dark,
who has no light,
trust in the name of the Lord
and rely on their God.
11 But now, all you who light fires
and provide yourselves with flaming torches,
go, walk in the light of your fires
and of the torches you have set ablaze.
This is what you shall receive from my hand:
You will lie down in torment.
Trusting the Lord and His word allows us to walk in the path of life, to find our way out of the dark and into the light.
Who among you fears the Lord
and obeys the word of his servant?
Let the one who walks in the dark,
who has no light,
trust in the name of the Lord
and rely on their God.
11 But now, all you who light fires
and provide yourselves with flaming torches,
go, walk in the light of your fires
and of the torches you have set ablaze.
This is what you shall receive from my hand:
You will lie down in torment.
Trusting the Lord and His word allows us to walk in the path of life, to find our way out of the dark and into the light.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
These Stones
Matthew 3:9 ESV
And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham.
Each believer is a child of God and a stone in the temple of God that is the body of Christ.
And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham.
Each believer is a child of God and a stone in the temple of God that is the body of Christ.
Will Be Like Them
Psalms 115:2-8 NIV
Why do the nations say,
“Where is their God?”
3 Our God is in heaven;
he does whatever pleases him.
4 But their idols are silver and gold,
made by human hands.
5 They have mouths, but cannot speak,
eyes, but cannot see.
6 They have ears, but cannot hear,
noses, but cannot smell.
7 They have hands, but cannot feel,
feet, but cannot walk,
nor can they utter a sound with their throats.
8 Those who make them will be like them,
and so will all who trust in them.
We are created by God for for worship and must worship something. Worshipping anything other than God is idolatry. It could be self, or another, or some object which hijacks our desire for God.
When we do so we are in danger of becoming like those lifeless things we pursue.
Why do the nations say,
“Where is their God?”
3 Our God is in heaven;
he does whatever pleases him.
4 But their idols are silver and gold,
made by human hands.
5 They have mouths, but cannot speak,
eyes, but cannot see.
6 They have ears, but cannot hear,
noses, but cannot smell.
7 They have hands, but cannot feel,
feet, but cannot walk,
nor can they utter a sound with their throats.
8 Those who make them will be like them,
and so will all who trust in them.
We are created by God for for worship and must worship something. Worshipping anything other than God is idolatry. It could be self, or another, or some object which hijacks our desire for God.
When we do so we are in danger of becoming like those lifeless things we pursue.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Raised Far Above
Ephesians 1:20-23 ESV
that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
When He overcame the world, He was raised from the dead and placed on His throne. Everything was subjected to the Son for all time.
He waits in mercy, that we would respond to his call.
Come, enter his rest.
Psalms 8:5-9
Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor.
6 You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;
you have put all things under his feet,
7 all sheep and oxen,
and also the beasts of the field,
8 the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea,
whatever passes along the paths of the seas.
9 O Lord, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
1 Corinthians 15:27-28
For “God has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him. 28 When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all.
Philippians 2:8-11
And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Matthew 28:18-20
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
When He overcame the world, He was raised from the dead and placed on His throne. Everything was subjected to the Son for all time.
He waits in mercy, that we would respond to his call.
Come, enter his rest.
Psalms 8:5-9
Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor.
6 You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;
you have put all things under his feet,
7 all sheep and oxen,
and also the beasts of the field,
8 the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea,
whatever passes along the paths of the seas.
9 O Lord, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
1 Corinthians 15:27-28
For “God has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him. 28 When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all.
Philippians 2:8-11
And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Matthew 28:18-20
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
I Am
Isaiah 41:4 ESV
Who has performed and done this,
calling the generations from the beginning?
I, the Lord, the first,
and with the last; I am he.
Revelation 1:8
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
From the beginning to the end, "I AM".
Who has performed and done this,
calling the generations from the beginning?
I, the Lord, the first,
and with the last; I am he.
Revelation 1:8
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
From the beginning to the end, "I AM".
Monday, July 16, 2012
You Also Will Appear
Colossians 3:2-4 ESV
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
We exist in two worlds. Our bodies in creation and our spirits in the kingdom. We are hidden in Christ and, like the wind, move in the life of faith unseen by the world below.
The two will be joined upon His return and we will share in His glory and stand in His presence.
Gather Together
Isaiah 24:21-23 ESV
On that day the Lord will punish
the host of heaven, in heaven,
and the kings of the earth, on the earth.
22 They will be gathered together
as prisoners in a pit;
they will be shut up in a prison,
and after many days they will be punished.
23 Then the moon will be confounded
and the sun ashamed,
for the Lord of hosts reigns
on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem,
and his glory will be before his elders.
Heaven and earth will be judged. All those who rebel against God will reap the harvest of their wickedness. They will be gathered together in one place and meet their end.
The elders before the throne will judge the angels and give witness to the glory of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:12
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Revelation 20:7-11
The Defeat of Satan
7 And when the thousand years are ended, Satan will be released from his prison 8 and will come out to deceive the nations that are at the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them for battle; their number is like the sand of the sea. 9 And they marched up over the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, but fire came down from heaven and consumed them, 10 and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
Judgment Before the Great White Throne
11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them.
On that day the Lord will punish
the host of heaven, in heaven,
and the kings of the earth, on the earth.
22 They will be gathered together
as prisoners in a pit;
they will be shut up in a prison,
and after many days they will be punished.
23 Then the moon will be confounded
and the sun ashamed,
for the Lord of hosts reigns
on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem,
and his glory will be before his elders.
Heaven and earth will be judged. All those who rebel against God will reap the harvest of their wickedness. They will be gathered together in one place and meet their end.
The elders before the throne will judge the angels and give witness to the glory of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:12
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Revelation 20:7-11
The Defeat of Satan
7 And when the thousand years are ended, Satan will be released from his prison 8 and will come out to deceive the nations that are at the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them for battle; their number is like the sand of the sea. 9 And they marched up over the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, but fire came down from heaven and consumed them, 10 and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
Judgment Before the Great White Throne
11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them.
Friday, July 13, 2012
I Will Come In -Revelation 3:20
Revelation 3:20 ESV
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
The house in which we find ourselves is in the dominion of the prince of this world. The door in question is the individual heart. The hearts in this letter to the churches are to those inside the church. It would seem possible to believe in His name , yet find Jesus on the outside of our inner life. Enduring and staying true can be subtly undermined unless we endure in His word. The fall of man was not the result of an overpowering force, but words of deception. "Did God really say that?". Keeping the word of God in our hearts and in our lives allows it to be home to the Father and Son.
We might be able to recognize His voice, but may not have not asked Him in to share our meal. Perhaps we come to His table less often than we once did and fill our stomachs on other things.
He knocks. Answering is the key to life.
Luke 12:35-37
You Must Be Ready
35 “Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, 36 and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. 37 Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them.
John 14:23-24
Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me.
John 10:3-6
To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6 This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.
John 14:20-23
In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” 22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.
Revelation 19:9
And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.”
Luke 12:36-39
and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. 37 Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. 38 If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants! 39 But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into.
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
The house in which we find ourselves is in the dominion of the prince of this world. The door in question is the individual heart. The hearts in this letter to the churches are to those inside the church. It would seem possible to believe in His name , yet find Jesus on the outside of our inner life. Enduring and staying true can be subtly undermined unless we endure in His word. The fall of man was not the result of an overpowering force, but words of deception. "Did God really say that?". Keeping the word of God in our hearts and in our lives allows it to be home to the Father and Son.
We might be able to recognize His voice, but may not have not asked Him in to share our meal. Perhaps we come to His table less often than we once did and fill our stomachs on other things.
He knocks. Answering is the key to life.
Luke 12:35-37
You Must Be Ready
35 “Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, 36 and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. 37 Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them.
John 14:23-24
Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me.
John 10:3-6
To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6 This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.
John 14:20-23
In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” 22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.
Revelation 19:9
And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.”
Luke 12:36-39
and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. 37 Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. 38 If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants! 39 But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
He Has Made Him Known
John 1:17-18 ESV
For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.
Grace and truth are inseparable. His grace is truth. They are one even as the Father and Son are one. To deny one is to deny the other.
No one has seen God but the one who made him visible by taking our form. He took on our flesh that we might take on his Spirit. In grace and truth, he has made him known.
For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.
Grace and truth are inseparable. His grace is truth. They are one even as the Father and Son are one. To deny one is to deny the other.
No one has seen God but the one who made him visible by taking our form. He took on our flesh that we might take on his Spirit. In grace and truth, he has made him known.
For Certain
Being reborn in Christ is possible only when we die to self. It is the power of the Holy Spirit which raises us into resurrected life.
Grace is given that we might receive grace. When we give our life to Jesus as He gave His life for us, we are exchanging certain death for certain life.
Grows Brighter
The dawning light of the new creation rises with each newly reborn spirit. The light grows brighter until the new creation is revealed and there is no need for the sun because we will be with the Father and Son.
His Children Will Rise
God's earth remains
From the dust
His children will rise
The church will prevail
The bride is made ready
For His coming
Come Lord
Thy will be done
On earth
As it is in heaven
The Key
Isaiah 22:22
And I will place on his shoulder the key of the house of David. He shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.
Matthew 16:19-20
I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.
Revelation 3:7-8
To the Church in Philadelphia
7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens.
8 “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
The key to life and death is Jesus Christ. To Him is given all authority and power. He shares the kingdom with us. He has opened the door to heaven and no one can shut it. We can decide on which side of the door we want to be when the door is finally closed.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Infants Shall Rule
Isaiah 3:4-5 ESV
And I will make boys their princes,
and infants shall rule over them.
5 And the people will oppress one another,
every one his fellow
and every one his neighbor;
the youth will be insolent to the elder,
and the despised to the honorable.
Judgement is pronounced on Judah. It would seem the same for America.
And I will make boys their princes,
and infants shall rule over them.
5 And the people will oppress one another,
every one his fellow
and every one his neighbor;
the youth will be insolent to the elder,
and the despised to the honorable.
Judgement is pronounced on Judah. It would seem the same for America.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Daily
Luke 9:23-24 ESV
Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus
23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.
Being a follower of Christ is not a part time job or hobby. It is a committed way of life. It is a daily letting go of self and holding on to Him. We are all involved in this process and the journey will not end until reach our destination. On that day we will be with Him.
Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus
23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.
Being a follower of Christ is not a part time job or hobby. It is a committed way of life. It is a daily letting go of self and holding on to Him. We are all involved in this process and the journey will not end until reach our destination. On that day we will be with Him.
Monday, July 9, 2012
You Will Certainly
Genesis 2:16-17 ESV
And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.”
Adam and Eve died to God when they disobeyed, but their physical bodies did not die until later. Likewise, we come alive when reborn, but receive our new bodies at a later time.
And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.”
Adam and Eve died to God when they disobeyed, but their physical bodies did not die until later. Likewise, we come alive when reborn, but receive our new bodies at a later time.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Light Is Separated
In those days before the Spirit was given, He hovered over the waters. Chaos reigned beneath. Light had not been separated from the dark.
He descended and remained on the man Jesus. Once Jesus completed His work, He ascended into heaven and sat down on God's throne. He sent the Holy Spirit then to rest on and in each believer. In this way light is separated from the dark.
Those Whom I Love -Revelation 3:19
Revelation 3:19 ESV
Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.
He loves us enough to teach us, to show us the way to life, to guide us into all truth. Our zeal increases as we spend more time in the word and the life of love contained in that word. Life is a trial and test, a furnace of refinement in which we find and learn of God. Finding Him is the most important thing. When we do, we learn that He came for us, for we were lost. We begin to walk in His light.
We belong to Him and are beloved.
Proverbs 3:11-12
My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline
or be weary of his reproof,
12 for the Lord reproves him whom he loves,
as a father the son in whom he delights.
1 Corinthians 11:32
But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world.
Hebrews 12:5-8
And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?
“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
nor be weary when reproved by him.
6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and chastises every son whom he receives.”
7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.
Titus 2:14
who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
2 Samuel 7:14-15
I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, 15 but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you.
Job 5:17
“Behold, blessed is the one whom God reproves;
therefore despise not the discipline of the Almighty.
Psalms 94:10-13
He who disciplines the nations, does he not rebuke?
He who teaches man knowledge—
11 the Lord —knows the thoughts of man,
that they are but a breath.
12 Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O Lord,
and whom you teach out of your law,
13 to give him rest from days of trouble,
until a pit is dug for the wicked.
Proverbs 15:32-33
Whoever ignores instruction despises himself,
but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence.
33 The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom,
and humility comes before honor.
Jeremiah 7:28
And you shall say to them, ‘This is the nation that did not obey the voice of the Lord their God, and did not accept discipline; truth has perished; it is cut off from their lips.
Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.
He loves us enough to teach us, to show us the way to life, to guide us into all truth. Our zeal increases as we spend more time in the word and the life of love contained in that word. Life is a trial and test, a furnace of refinement in which we find and learn of God. Finding Him is the most important thing. When we do, we learn that He came for us, for we were lost. We begin to walk in His light.
We belong to Him and are beloved.
Proverbs 3:11-12
My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline
or be weary of his reproof,
12 for the Lord reproves him whom he loves,
as a father the son in whom he delights.
1 Corinthians 11:32
But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world.
Hebrews 12:5-8
And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?
“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
nor be weary when reproved by him.
6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and chastises every son whom he receives.”
7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.
Titus 2:14
who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
2 Samuel 7:14-15
I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, 15 but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you.
Job 5:17
“Behold, blessed is the one whom God reproves;
therefore despise not the discipline of the Almighty.
Psalms 94:10-13
He who disciplines the nations, does he not rebuke?
He who teaches man knowledge—
11 the Lord —knows the thoughts of man,
that they are but a breath.
12 Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O Lord,
and whom you teach out of your law,
13 to give him rest from days of trouble,
until a pit is dug for the wicked.
Proverbs 15:32-33
Whoever ignores instruction despises himself,
but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence.
33 The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom,
and humility comes before honor.
Jeremiah 7:28
And you shall say to them, ‘This is the nation that did not obey the voice of the Lord their God, and did not accept discipline; truth has perished; it is cut off from their lips.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Buy From Me -Revelation 3:18
Revelation 3:18 ESV
I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.
The refining takes place in the life of the person that follows after Jesus. It is in the furnace of life that we learn what that means. Sometimes this knowledge is hard earned and comes at great price, but He is gracious and withholds nothing. He covers us with His righteousness and gives us eyes to see His wonders.
We buy from Him by the giving of the very life He has ransomed and for which He paid the ultimate price. In this exchange is the knowing.
Isaiah 55:1-3
Chapter 55
The Compassion of the Lord
1 “Come, everyone who thirsts,
come to the waters;
and he who has no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without price.
2 Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
and your labor for that which does not satisfy?
Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good,
and delight yourselves in rich food.
3 Incline your ear, and come to me;
hear, that your soul may live;
and I will make with you an everlasting covenant,
my steadfast, sure love for David.
1 Peter 1:7
so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Revelation 16:15
(“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!”)
Proverbs 8:19-21
My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold,
and my yield than choice silver.
20 I walk in the way of righteousness,
in the paths of justice,
21 granting an inheritance to those who love me,
and filling their treasuries.
Matthew 25:5-13
As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. 6 But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him. ’ 7 Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out. ’ 9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves. ’ 10 And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. 11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us. ’ 12 But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you. ’ 13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.
The refining takes place in the life of the person that follows after Jesus. It is in the furnace of life that we learn what that means. Sometimes this knowledge is hard earned and comes at great price, but He is gracious and withholds nothing. He covers us with His righteousness and gives us eyes to see His wonders.
We buy from Him by the giving of the very life He has ransomed and for which He paid the ultimate price. In this exchange is the knowing.
Isaiah 55:1-3
Chapter 55
The Compassion of the Lord
1 “Come, everyone who thirsts,
come to the waters;
and he who has no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without price.
2 Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
and your labor for that which does not satisfy?
Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good,
and delight yourselves in rich food.
3 Incline your ear, and come to me;
hear, that your soul may live;
and I will make with you an everlasting covenant,
my steadfast, sure love for David.
1 Peter 1:7
so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Revelation 16:15
(“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!”)
Proverbs 8:19-21
My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold,
and my yield than choice silver.
20 I walk in the way of righteousness,
in the paths of justice,
21 granting an inheritance to those who love me,
and filling their treasuries.
Matthew 25:5-13
As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. 6 But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him. ’ 7 Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out. ’ 9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves. ’ 10 And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. 11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us. ’ 12 But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you. ’ 13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
Be Known On Earth
Psalms 67:1-3 ESV
1 May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face to shine upon us,
Selah
2 that your way may be known on earth,
your saving power among all nations.
3 Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you!
Let Your Spirit guide and direct us into all truth that all would know Your saving grace. May every tongue utter Your praise and every heart live in Your love.
1 May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face to shine upon us,
Selah
2 that your way may be known on earth,
your saving power among all nations.
3 Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you!
Let Your Spirit guide and direct us into all truth that all would know Your saving grace. May every tongue utter Your praise and every heart live in Your love.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Give Me Understanding
Psalms 119:169-176 ESV
Taw
169 Let my cry come before you, O Lord;
give me understanding according to your word!
170 Let my plea come before you;
deliver me according to your word.
171 My lips will pour forth praise,
for you teach me your statutes.
172 My tongue will sing of your word,
for all your commandments are right.
173 Let your hand be ready to help me,
for I have chosen your precepts.
174 I long for your salvation, O Lord,
and your law is my delight.
175 Let my soul live and praise you,
and let your rules help me.
176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant,
for I do not forget your commandments.
I cry out to the Lord
Let the words of my mouth praise You
In understanding and love
To know You
And to be known
Taw
169 Let my cry come before you, O Lord;
give me understanding according to your word!
170 Let my plea come before you;
deliver me according to your word.
171 My lips will pour forth praise,
for you teach me your statutes.
172 My tongue will sing of your word,
for all your commandments are right.
173 Let your hand be ready to help me,
for I have chosen your precepts.
174 I long for your salvation, O Lord,
and your law is my delight.
175 Let my soul live and praise you,
and let your rules help me.
176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant,
for I do not forget your commandments.
I cry out to the Lord
Let the words of my mouth praise You
In understanding and love
To know You
And to be known
Not Realizing -Revelation 3:17
Revelation 3:17 ESV
For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.
Having plenty materially can often stand as an obstacle in the spiritual realm. Having material needs and challenges often opens the door for the need of something outside of self. Being self satisfied provides fertile ground for a narrow view of the world and ignorance of the greater reality. We appear before God as we are, not what we think or say we are. His word is true and His judgement is right.
We must remember Christ is addressing the church. Their poverty is the more wretched considering they have embraced the gospel to some degree. We see here that just saying you believe is not the same as living that belief. Though they have entered the body of Christ, they are in danger of being vomited out. In His mercy He warns them. He warns us all.
John 9:39-41
Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.” 40 Some of the Pharisees near him heard these things, and said to him, “Are we also blind?” 41 Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, ‘We see,’ your guilt remains.
Ephesians 1:17-18
that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,
Deuteronomy 8:12-17
lest, when you have eaten and are full and have built good houses and live in them, 13 and when your herds and flocks multiply and your silver and gold is multiplied and all that you have is multiplied, 14 then your heart be lifted up, and you forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, 15 who led you through the great and terrifying wilderness, with its fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty ground where there was no water, who brought you water out of the flinty rock, 16 who fed you in the wilderness with manna that your fathers did not know, that he might humble you and test you, to do you good in the end. 17 Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth. ’
Proverbs 30:9
lest I be full and deny you
and say, “Who is the Lord?”
or lest I be poor and steal
and profane the name of my God.
Matthew 9:10-13
And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice. ’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Romans 7:24-25
Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.
Isaiah 42:19-21
Who is blind but my servant,
or deaf as my messenger whom I send?
Who is blind as my dedicated one,
or blind as the servant of the Lord?
20 He sees many things, but does not observe them;
his ears are open, but he does not hear.
21 The Lord was pleased, for his righteousness 'sake,
to magnify his law and make it glorious.
Genesis 3:7
Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.
1 Corinthians 4:8
Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! Without us you have become kings! And would that you did reign, so that we might share the rule with you!
For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.
Having plenty materially can often stand as an obstacle in the spiritual realm. Having material needs and challenges often opens the door for the need of something outside of self. Being self satisfied provides fertile ground for a narrow view of the world and ignorance of the greater reality. We appear before God as we are, not what we think or say we are. His word is true and His judgement is right.
We must remember Christ is addressing the church. Their poverty is the more wretched considering they have embraced the gospel to some degree. We see here that just saying you believe is not the same as living that belief. Though they have entered the body of Christ, they are in danger of being vomited out. In His mercy He warns them. He warns us all.
John 9:39-41
Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.” 40 Some of the Pharisees near him heard these things, and said to him, “Are we also blind?” 41 Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, ‘We see,’ your guilt remains.
Ephesians 1:17-18
that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,
Deuteronomy 8:12-17
lest, when you have eaten and are full and have built good houses and live in them, 13 and when your herds and flocks multiply and your silver and gold is multiplied and all that you have is multiplied, 14 then your heart be lifted up, and you forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, 15 who led you through the great and terrifying wilderness, with its fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty ground where there was no water, who brought you water out of the flinty rock, 16 who fed you in the wilderness with manna that your fathers did not know, that he might humble you and test you, to do you good in the end. 17 Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth. ’
Proverbs 30:9
lest I be full and deny you
and say, “Who is the Lord?”
or lest I be poor and steal
and profane the name of my God.
Matthew 9:10-13
And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice. ’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Romans 7:24-25
Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.
Isaiah 42:19-21
Who is blind but my servant,
or deaf as my messenger whom I send?
Who is blind as my dedicated one,
or blind as the servant of the Lord?
20 He sees many things, but does not observe them;
his ears are open, but he does not hear.
21 The Lord was pleased, for his righteousness 'sake,
to magnify his law and make it glorious.
Genesis 3:7
Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.
1 Corinthians 4:8
Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! Without us you have become kings! And would that you did reign, so that we might share the rule with you!
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Out Of My Mouth -Revelation 3:16
Revelation 3:16 ESV
So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.
Being lukewarm implies comfort, body temperature.
Being comfortable in our flesh is not where we need to be. If we are cold we are more likely to seek the warmth of His Spirit. If we have the Spirit and walk in His way, we find ourselves hot in the embers of His refining fire. Hot or cold, we are in motion, moving in some direction. If we are lukewarm we are stagnant and become as the water in the dead sea.
His patience will not last forever.
Spit -emeō * em-eh'-o * Of uncertain affinity; to vomit: - (will) spue. [LEX] [TGD] [Find] ] thee out of my mouth. (CWS)
An unpleasant taste to be expelled.
Mouth. στόμα * stoma * stom'-a * Probably stregthened from a presumed derivative of the base of G5114; the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication language (and its relations); figuratively an opening (in the earth); specifically the front or edge (of a weapon): - edge, face, mouth. (CWS)
No longer will they be a people of His word once vomited from His mouth. His word will judge.
Jeremiah 15:1-3
1 Then the Lord said to me, “Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, yet my heart would not turn toward this people. Send them out of my sight, and let them go! 2 And when they ask you, ‘Where shall we go? ’ you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord:
“‘Those who are for pestilence, to pestilence,
and those who are for the sword, to the sword;
those who are for famine, to famine,
and those who are for captivity, to captivity. ’
3 I will appoint over them four kinds of destroyers, declares the Lord: the sword to kill, the dogs to tear, and the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth to devour and destroy.
Zechariah 11:8-10
In one month I destroyed the three shepherds. But I became impatient with them, and they also detested me. 9 So I said, “I will not be your shepherd. What is to die, let it die. What is to be destroyed, let it be destroyed. And let those who are left devour the flesh of one another.” 10 And I took my staff Favor, and I broke it, annulling the covenant that I had made with all the peoples.
So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.
Being lukewarm implies comfort, body temperature.
Being comfortable in our flesh is not where we need to be. If we are cold we are more likely to seek the warmth of His Spirit. If we have the Spirit and walk in His way, we find ourselves hot in the embers of His refining fire. Hot or cold, we are in motion, moving in some direction. If we are lukewarm we are stagnant and become as the water in the dead sea.
His patience will not last forever.
Spit -emeō * em-eh'-o * Of uncertain affinity; to vomit: - (will) spue. [LEX] [TGD] [Find] ] thee out of my mouth. (CWS)
An unpleasant taste to be expelled.
Mouth. στόμα * stoma * stom'-a * Probably stregthened from a presumed derivative of the base of G5114; the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication language (and its relations); figuratively an opening (in the earth); specifically the front or edge (of a weapon): - edge, face, mouth. (CWS)
No longer will they be a people of His word once vomited from His mouth. His word will judge.
Jeremiah 15:1-3
1 Then the Lord said to me, “Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, yet my heart would not turn toward this people. Send them out of my sight, and let them go! 2 And when they ask you, ‘Where shall we go? ’ you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord:
“‘Those who are for pestilence, to pestilence,
and those who are for the sword, to the sword;
those who are for famine, to famine,
and those who are for captivity, to captivity. ’
3 I will appoint over them four kinds of destroyers, declares the Lord: the sword to kill, the dogs to tear, and the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth to devour and destroy.
Zechariah 11:8-10
In one month I destroyed the three shepherds. But I became impatient with them, and they also detested me. 9 So I said, “I will not be your shepherd. What is to die, let it die. What is to be destroyed, let it be destroyed. And let those who are left devour the flesh of one another.” 10 And I took my staff Favor, and I broke it, annulling the covenant that I had made with all the peoples.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Neither Hot Nor Cold -Revelation 3:15
Revelation 3:15 ESV
‘ I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot.
Choosing the middle path between the world and Jesus is to be off the path to God. Compromise with the world is choosing something other than God to be first in your life. Jesus found this church to be in a state of limbo, lost and ignorant of the shaky ground on which they tread. They had grown complacent and listless in their service to God. Being double minded is not an option for the children of His household. It is with our whole heart and being we are to love Him.
Romans 12:11
Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
2 Peter 2:21-22
For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22 What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mir
Deuteronomy 5:29
Oh that they had such a heart as this always, to fear me and to keep all my commandments, that it might go well with them and with their descendants forever!
Psalms 81:11-12
“But my people did not listen to my voice;
Israel would not submit to me.
12 So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts,
to follow their own counsels.
1 Corinthians 16:22
If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come!
Matthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
Matthew 24:7-12
For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.
9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake. 10 And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. 11 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. 12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.
1 Kings 18:21
And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” And the people did not answer him a word.
Joshua 24:15
And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
‘ I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot.
Choosing the middle path between the world and Jesus is to be off the path to God. Compromise with the world is choosing something other than God to be first in your life. Jesus found this church to be in a state of limbo, lost and ignorant of the shaky ground on which they tread. They had grown complacent and listless in their service to God. Being double minded is not an option for the children of His household. It is with our whole heart and being we are to love Him.
Romans 12:11
Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
2 Peter 2:21-22
For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22 What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mir
Deuteronomy 5:29
Oh that they had such a heart as this always, to fear me and to keep all my commandments, that it might go well with them and with their descendants forever!
Psalms 81:11-12
“But my people did not listen to my voice;
Israel would not submit to me.
12 So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts,
to follow their own counsels.
1 Corinthians 16:22
If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come!
Matthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
Matthew 24:7-12
For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.
9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake. 10 And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. 11 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. 12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.
1 Kings 18:21
And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” And the people did not answer him a word.
Joshua 24:15
And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
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