VERSE:
And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If
any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and
servant of all.
-- Mark 9:35
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Mark+9:35&translation=kjv
THOUGHT:
Last? Nobody likes to be last. We have a hard enough time
settling for second place, much less last place. Jesus reverses the
rank. The person who is most important to him is not the person
seeking the status and notoriety. The most important person is like
Jesus himself: willing to give up rank and status and importance to
serve. For Jesus, last means first in service and first in the eyes
of God.
PRAYER:
Magnificent God my Savior, you have made the world wonderful for
me and have given your Son to redeem me. How can I ever thank you
or repay you for your grace and kindness? Help me serve others with
grace and kindness. Give me eyes to see people as you do; not
judging by mere appearances, but valuing, serving, and treating
people as Jesus does. I pray in the name of the Lord Jesus, the one
who washed his disciples' feet. Amen.
Friday, January 29, 2010
A SUFFICIENT ANSWER
A SUFFICIENT ANSWER
Romans 7:21-8:1
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Romans+7:21-8:1
Dear Father,
I delight in your law even though evil keeps planting suggestions
of rebellion in my mind. Help me to truly want to do what is right
in your sight, Father.
Thanks be to you, my God, through Jesus Christ my Lord! You have
provided a sufficient answer to the conflict within me - the life
and sacrifice of Jesus and his resurrection.
Thank you, Father, that there is now no condemnation for me
because I am in Christ!
In the name of Jesus I thank you and praise you for the mercy
shown to me and all your chosen ones. Hallelujah. Amen.
Romans 7:21-8:1
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Romans+7:21-8:1
Dear Father,
I delight in your law even though evil keeps planting suggestions
of rebellion in my mind. Help me to truly want to do what is right
in your sight, Father.
Thanks be to you, my God, through Jesus Christ my Lord! You have
provided a sufficient answer to the conflict within me - the life
and sacrifice of Jesus and his resurrection.
Thank you, Father, that there is now no condemnation for me
because I am in Christ!
In the name of Jesus I thank you and praise you for the mercy
shown to me and all your chosen ones. Hallelujah. Amen.
Prophecy Revelation
Prophecy Revelation
Isaiah 34-39 Saturday: Matthew 17-19
Sunday: Romans 13-14
Monday: Genesis 28-31
Isaiah 34
1
Come near, ye nations, to hear; and hearken, ye people: let the earth hear, and all that is therein; the world, and all things that come forth of it.
2
For the indignation of the LORD is upon all nations, and his fury upon all their armies: he hath utterly destroyed them, he hath delivered them to the slaughter.
3
Their slain also shall be cast out, and their stink shall come up out of their carcases, and the mountains shall be melted with their blood.
4
And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off from the vine, and as a falling fig from the fig tree.
5
For my sword shall be bathed in heaven: behold, it shall come down upon Idumea, and upon the people of my curse, to judgment.
6
The sword of the LORD is filled with blood, it is made fat with fatness, and with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams: for the LORD hath a sacrifice in Bozrah, and a great slaughter in the land of Idumea.
7
And the unicorns shall come down with them, and the bullocks with the bulls; and their land shall be soaked with blood, and their dust made fat with fatness.
8
For it is the day of the LORD's vengeance, and the year of recompences for the controversy of Zion.
9
And the streams thereof shall be turned into pitch, and the dust thereof into brimstone, and the land thereof shall become burning pitch.
10
It shall not be quenched night nor day; the smoke thereof shall go up for ever: from generation to generation it shall lie waste; none shall pass through it for ever and ever.
11
But the cormorant and the bittern shall possess it; the owl also and the raven shall dwell in it: and he shall stretch out upon it the line of confusion, and the stones of emptiness.
12
They shall call the nobles thereof to the kingdom, but none shall be there, and all her princes shall be nothing.
13
And thorns shall come up in her palaces, nettles and brambles in the fortresses thereof: and it shall be an habitation of dragons, and a court for owls.
14
The wild beasts of the desert shall also meet with the wild beasts of the island, and the satyr shall cry to his fellow; the screech owl also shall rest there, and find for herself a place of rest.
15
There shall the great owl make her nest, and lay, and hatch, and gather under her shadow: there shall the vultures also be gathered, every one with her mate.
16
Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them.
17
And he hath cast the lot for them, and his hand hath divided it unto them by line: they shall possess it for ever, from generation to generation shall they dwell therein.
Isaiah 35
1
The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.
2
It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God.
3
Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.
4
Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.
5
Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.
6
Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.
7
And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes.
8
And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.
9
No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there:
10
And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
Isaiah 36
1
Now it came to pass in the fourteenth year of king Hezekiah, that Sennacherib king of Assyria came up against all the defenced cities of Judah, and took them.
2
And the king of Assyria sent Rabshakeh from Lachish to Jerusalem unto king Hezekiah with a great army. And he stood by the conduit of the upper pool in the highway of the fuller's field.
3
Then came forth unto him Eliakim, Hilkiah's son, which was over the house, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah, Asaph's son, the recorder.
4
And Rabshakeh said unto them, Say ye now to Hezekiah, Thus saith the great king, the king of Assyria, What confidence is this wherein thou trustest?
5
I say, sayest thou, (but they are but vain words) I have counsel and strength for war: now on whom dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against me?
6
Lo, thou trustest in the staff of this broken reed, on Egypt; whereon if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it: so is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all that trust in him.
7
But if thou say to me, We trust in the LORD our God: is it not he, whose high places and whose altars Hezekiah hath taken away, and said to Judah and to Jerusalem, Ye shall worship before this altar?
8
Now therefore give pledges, I pray thee, to my master the king of Assyria, and I will give thee two thousand horses, if thou be able on thy part to set riders upon them.
9
How then wilt thou turn away the face of one captain of the least of my master's servants, and put thy trust on Egypt for chariots and for horsemen?
10
And am I now come up without the LORD against this land to destroy it? the LORD said unto me, Go up against this land, and destroy it.
11
Then said Eliakim and Shebna and Joah unto Rabshakeh, Speak, I pray thee, unto thy servants in the Syrian language; for we understand it: and speak not to us in the Jews' language, in the ears of the people that are on the wall.
12
But Rabshakeh said, Hath my master sent me to thy master and to thee to speak these words? hath he not sent me to the men that sit upon the wall, that they may eat their own dung, and drink their own piss with you?
13
Then Rabshakeh stood, and cried with a loud voice in the Jews' language, and said, Hear ye the words of the great king, the king of Assyria.
14
Thus saith the king, Let not Hezekiah deceive you: for he shall not be able to deliver you.
15
Neither let Hezekiah make you trust in the LORD, saying, The LORD will surely deliver us: this city shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria.
16
Hearken not to Hezekiah: for thus saith the king of Assyria, Make an agreement with me by a present, and come out to me: and eat ye every one of his vine, and every one of his fig tree, and drink ye every one the waters of his own cistern;
17
Until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of corn and wine, a land of bread and vineyards.
18
Beware lest Hezekiah persuade you, saying, the LORD will deliver us. Hath any of the gods of the nations delivered his land out of the hand of the king of Assyria?
19
Where are the gods of Hamath and Arphad? where are the gods of Sepharvaim? and have they delivered Samaria out of my hand?
20
Who are they among all the gods of these lands, that have delivered their land out of my hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem out of my hand?
21
But they held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not.
22
Then came Eliakim, the son of Hilkiah, that was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah, the son of Asaph, the recorder, to Hezekiah with their clothes rent, and told him the words of Rabshakeh.
Isaiah 37
1
And it came to pass, when king Hezekiah heard it, that he rent his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD.
2
And he sent Eliakim, who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests covered with sackcloth, unto Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz.
3
And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth.
4
It may be the LORD thy God will hear the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent to reproach the living God, and will reprove the words which the LORD thy God hath heard: wherefore lift up thy prayer for the remnant that is left.
5
So the servants of king Hezekiah came to Isaiah.
6
And Isaiah said unto them, Thus shall ye say unto your master, Thus saith the LORD, Be not afraid of the words that thou hast heard, wherewith the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me.
7
Behold, I will send a blast upon him, and he shall hear a rumour, and return to his own land; and I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land.
8
So Rabshakeh returned, and found the king of Assyria warring against Libnah: for he had heard that he was departed from Lachish.
9
And he heard say concerning Tirhakah king of Ethiopia, He is come forth to make war with thee. And when he heard it, he sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying,
10
Thus shall ye speak to Hezekiah king of Judah, saying, Let not thy God, in whom thou trustest, deceive thee, saying, Jerusalem shall not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.
11
Behold, thou hast heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands by destroying them utterly; and shalt thou be delivered?
12
Have the gods of the nations delivered them which my fathers have destroyed, as Gozan, and Haran, and Rezeph, and the children of Eden which were in Telassar?
13
Where is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arphad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivah?
14
And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up unto the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD.
15
And Hezekiah prayed unto the LORD, saying,
16
O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, that dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth: thou hast made heaven and earth.
17
Incline thine ear, O LORD, and hear; open thine eyes, O LORD, and see: and hear all the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent to reproach the living God.
18
Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have laid waste all the nations, and their countries,
19
And have cast their gods into the fire: for they were no gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them.
20
Now therefore, O LORD our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the LORD, even thou only.
21
Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent unto Hezekiah, saying, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Whereas thou hast prayed to me against Sennacherib king of Assyria:
22
This is the word which the LORD hath spoken concerning him; The virgin, the daughter of Zion, hath despised thee, and laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee.
23
Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? even against the Holy One of Israel.
24
By thy servants hast thou reproached the Lord, and hast said, By the multitude of my chariots am I come up to the height of the mountains, to the sides of Lebanon; and I will cut down the tall cedars thereof, and the choice fir trees thereof: and I will enter into the height of his border, and the forest of his Carmel.
25
I have digged, and drunk water; and with the sole of my feet have I dried up all the rivers of the besieged places.
26
Hast thou not heard long ago, how I have done it; and of ancient times, that I have formed it? now have I brought it to pass, that thou shouldest be to lay waste defenced cities into ruinous heaps.
27
Therefore their inhabitants were of small power, they were dismayed and confounded: they were as the grass of the field, and as the green herb, as the grass on the housetops, and as corn blasted before it be grown up.
28
But I know thy abode, and thy going out, and thy coming in, and thy rage against me.
29
Because thy rage against me, and thy tumult, is come up into mine ears, therefore will I put my hook in thy nose, and my bridle in thy lips, and I will turn thee back by the way by which thou camest.
30
And this shall be a sign unto thee, Ye shall eat this year such as groweth of itself; and the second year that which springeth of the same: and in the third year sow ye, and reap, and plant vineyards, and eat the fruit thereof.
31
And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward:
32
For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and they that escape out of mount Zion: the zeal of the LORD of hosts shall do this.
33
Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shields, nor cast a bank against it.
34
By the way that he came, by the same shall he return, and shall not come into this city, saith the LORD.
35
For I will defend this city to save it for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake.
36
Then the angel of the LORD went forth, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians a hundred and fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses.
37
So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and dwelt at Nineveh.
38
And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Armenia: and Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead.
Isaiah 38
1
In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live.
2
Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the LORD,
3
And said, Remember now, O LORD, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.
4
Then came the word of the LORD to Isaiah, saying,
5
Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years.
6
And I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria: and I will defend this city.
7
And this shall be a sign unto thee from the LORD, that the LORD will do this thing that he hath spoken;
8
Behold, I will bring again the shadow of the degrees, which is gone down in the sun dial of Ahaz, ten degrees backward. So the sun returned ten degrees, by which degrees it was gone down.
9
The writing of Hezekiah king of Judah, when he had been sick, and was recovered of his sickness:
10
I said in the cutting off of my days, I shall go to the gates of the grave: I am deprived of the residue of my years.
11
I said, I shall not see the LORD, even the LORD, in the land of the living: I shall behold man no more with the inhabitants of the world.
12
Mine age is departed, and is removed from me as a shepherd's tent: I have cut off like a weaver my life: he will cut me off with pining sickness: from day even to night wilt thou make an end of me.
13
I reckoned till morning, that, as a lion, so will he break all my bones: from day even to night wilt thou make an end of me.
14
Like a crane or a swallow, so did I chatter: I did mourn as a dove: mine eyes fail with looking upward: O LORD, I am oppressed; undertake for me.
15
What shall I say? he hath both spoken unto me, and himself hath done it: I shall go softly all my years in the bitterness of my soul.
16
O LORD, by these things men live, and in all these things is the life of my spirit: so wilt thou recover me, and make me to live.
17
Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.
18
For the grave cannot praise thee, death can not celebrate thee: they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth.
19
The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I do this day: the father to the children shall make known thy truth.
20
The LORD was ready to save me: therefore we will sing my songs to the stringed instruments all the days of our life in the house of the LORD.
21
For Isaiah had said, Let them take a lump of figs, and lay it for a plaister upon the boil, and he shall recover.
22
Hezekiah also had said, What is the sign that I shall go up to the house of the LORD?
Isaiah 39
1
At that time Merodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah: for he had heard that he had been sick, and was recovered.
2
And Hezekiah was glad of them, and shewed them the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and all the house of his armour, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah shewed them not.
3
Then came Isaiah the prophet unto king Hezekiah, and said unto him, What said these men? and from whence came they unto thee? And Hezekiah said, They are come from a far country unto me, even from Babylon.
4
Then said he, What have they seen in thine house? And Hezekiah answered, All that is in mine house have they seen: there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shewed them.
5
Then said Isaiah to Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD of hosts:
6
Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store until this day, shall be carried to Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the LORD.
7
And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.
8
Then said Hezekiah to Isaiah, Good is the word of the LORD which thou hast spoken. He said moreover, For there shall be peace and truth in my days.
Isaiah 34-39 Saturday: Matthew 17-19
Sunday: Romans 13-14
Monday: Genesis 28-31
Isaiah 34
1
Come near, ye nations, to hear; and hearken, ye people: let the earth hear, and all that is therein; the world, and all things that come forth of it.
2
For the indignation of the LORD is upon all nations, and his fury upon all their armies: he hath utterly destroyed them, he hath delivered them to the slaughter.
3
Their slain also shall be cast out, and their stink shall come up out of their carcases, and the mountains shall be melted with their blood.
4
And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off from the vine, and as a falling fig from the fig tree.
5
For my sword shall be bathed in heaven: behold, it shall come down upon Idumea, and upon the people of my curse, to judgment.
6
The sword of the LORD is filled with blood, it is made fat with fatness, and with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams: for the LORD hath a sacrifice in Bozrah, and a great slaughter in the land of Idumea.
7
And the unicorns shall come down with them, and the bullocks with the bulls; and their land shall be soaked with blood, and their dust made fat with fatness.
8
For it is the day of the LORD's vengeance, and the year of recompences for the controversy of Zion.
9
And the streams thereof shall be turned into pitch, and the dust thereof into brimstone, and the land thereof shall become burning pitch.
10
It shall not be quenched night nor day; the smoke thereof shall go up for ever: from generation to generation it shall lie waste; none shall pass through it for ever and ever.
11
But the cormorant and the bittern shall possess it; the owl also and the raven shall dwell in it: and he shall stretch out upon it the line of confusion, and the stones of emptiness.
12
They shall call the nobles thereof to the kingdom, but none shall be there, and all her princes shall be nothing.
13
And thorns shall come up in her palaces, nettles and brambles in the fortresses thereof: and it shall be an habitation of dragons, and a court for owls.
14
The wild beasts of the desert shall also meet with the wild beasts of the island, and the satyr shall cry to his fellow; the screech owl also shall rest there, and find for herself a place of rest.
15
There shall the great owl make her nest, and lay, and hatch, and gather under her shadow: there shall the vultures also be gathered, every one with her mate.
16
Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them.
17
And he hath cast the lot for them, and his hand hath divided it unto them by line: they shall possess it for ever, from generation to generation shall they dwell therein.
Isaiah 35
1
The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.
2
It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God.
3
Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.
4
Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.
5
Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.
6
Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.
7
And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes.
8
And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.
9
No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there:
10
And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
Isaiah 36
1
Now it came to pass in the fourteenth year of king Hezekiah, that Sennacherib king of Assyria came up against all the defenced cities of Judah, and took them.
2
And the king of Assyria sent Rabshakeh from Lachish to Jerusalem unto king Hezekiah with a great army. And he stood by the conduit of the upper pool in the highway of the fuller's field.
3
Then came forth unto him Eliakim, Hilkiah's son, which was over the house, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah, Asaph's son, the recorder.
4
And Rabshakeh said unto them, Say ye now to Hezekiah, Thus saith the great king, the king of Assyria, What confidence is this wherein thou trustest?
5
I say, sayest thou, (but they are but vain words) I have counsel and strength for war: now on whom dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against me?
6
Lo, thou trustest in the staff of this broken reed, on Egypt; whereon if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it: so is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all that trust in him.
7
But if thou say to me, We trust in the LORD our God: is it not he, whose high places and whose altars Hezekiah hath taken away, and said to Judah and to Jerusalem, Ye shall worship before this altar?
8
Now therefore give pledges, I pray thee, to my master the king of Assyria, and I will give thee two thousand horses, if thou be able on thy part to set riders upon them.
9
How then wilt thou turn away the face of one captain of the least of my master's servants, and put thy trust on Egypt for chariots and for horsemen?
10
And am I now come up without the LORD against this land to destroy it? the LORD said unto me, Go up against this land, and destroy it.
11
Then said Eliakim and Shebna and Joah unto Rabshakeh, Speak, I pray thee, unto thy servants in the Syrian language; for we understand it: and speak not to us in the Jews' language, in the ears of the people that are on the wall.
12
But Rabshakeh said, Hath my master sent me to thy master and to thee to speak these words? hath he not sent me to the men that sit upon the wall, that they may eat their own dung, and drink their own piss with you?
13
Then Rabshakeh stood, and cried with a loud voice in the Jews' language, and said, Hear ye the words of the great king, the king of Assyria.
14
Thus saith the king, Let not Hezekiah deceive you: for he shall not be able to deliver you.
15
Neither let Hezekiah make you trust in the LORD, saying, The LORD will surely deliver us: this city shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria.
16
Hearken not to Hezekiah: for thus saith the king of Assyria, Make an agreement with me by a present, and come out to me: and eat ye every one of his vine, and every one of his fig tree, and drink ye every one the waters of his own cistern;
17
Until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of corn and wine, a land of bread and vineyards.
18
Beware lest Hezekiah persuade you, saying, the LORD will deliver us. Hath any of the gods of the nations delivered his land out of the hand of the king of Assyria?
19
Where are the gods of Hamath and Arphad? where are the gods of Sepharvaim? and have they delivered Samaria out of my hand?
20
Who are they among all the gods of these lands, that have delivered their land out of my hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem out of my hand?
21
But they held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not.
22
Then came Eliakim, the son of Hilkiah, that was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah, the son of Asaph, the recorder, to Hezekiah with their clothes rent, and told him the words of Rabshakeh.
Isaiah 37
1
And it came to pass, when king Hezekiah heard it, that he rent his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD.
2
And he sent Eliakim, who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests covered with sackcloth, unto Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz.
3
And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth.
4
It may be the LORD thy God will hear the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent to reproach the living God, and will reprove the words which the LORD thy God hath heard: wherefore lift up thy prayer for the remnant that is left.
5
So the servants of king Hezekiah came to Isaiah.
6
And Isaiah said unto them, Thus shall ye say unto your master, Thus saith the LORD, Be not afraid of the words that thou hast heard, wherewith the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me.
7
Behold, I will send a blast upon him, and he shall hear a rumour, and return to his own land; and I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land.
8
So Rabshakeh returned, and found the king of Assyria warring against Libnah: for he had heard that he was departed from Lachish.
9
And he heard say concerning Tirhakah king of Ethiopia, He is come forth to make war with thee. And when he heard it, he sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying,
10
Thus shall ye speak to Hezekiah king of Judah, saying, Let not thy God, in whom thou trustest, deceive thee, saying, Jerusalem shall not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.
11
Behold, thou hast heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands by destroying them utterly; and shalt thou be delivered?
12
Have the gods of the nations delivered them which my fathers have destroyed, as Gozan, and Haran, and Rezeph, and the children of Eden which were in Telassar?
13
Where is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arphad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivah?
14
And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up unto the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD.
15
And Hezekiah prayed unto the LORD, saying,
16
O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, that dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth: thou hast made heaven and earth.
17
Incline thine ear, O LORD, and hear; open thine eyes, O LORD, and see: and hear all the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent to reproach the living God.
18
Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have laid waste all the nations, and their countries,
19
And have cast their gods into the fire: for they were no gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them.
20
Now therefore, O LORD our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the LORD, even thou only.
21
Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent unto Hezekiah, saying, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Whereas thou hast prayed to me against Sennacherib king of Assyria:
22
This is the word which the LORD hath spoken concerning him; The virgin, the daughter of Zion, hath despised thee, and laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee.
23
Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? even against the Holy One of Israel.
24
By thy servants hast thou reproached the Lord, and hast said, By the multitude of my chariots am I come up to the height of the mountains, to the sides of Lebanon; and I will cut down the tall cedars thereof, and the choice fir trees thereof: and I will enter into the height of his border, and the forest of his Carmel.
25
I have digged, and drunk water; and with the sole of my feet have I dried up all the rivers of the besieged places.
26
Hast thou not heard long ago, how I have done it; and of ancient times, that I have formed it? now have I brought it to pass, that thou shouldest be to lay waste defenced cities into ruinous heaps.
27
Therefore their inhabitants were of small power, they were dismayed and confounded: they were as the grass of the field, and as the green herb, as the grass on the housetops, and as corn blasted before it be grown up.
28
But I know thy abode, and thy going out, and thy coming in, and thy rage against me.
29
Because thy rage against me, and thy tumult, is come up into mine ears, therefore will I put my hook in thy nose, and my bridle in thy lips, and I will turn thee back by the way by which thou camest.
30
And this shall be a sign unto thee, Ye shall eat this year such as groweth of itself; and the second year that which springeth of the same: and in the third year sow ye, and reap, and plant vineyards, and eat the fruit thereof.
31
And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward:
32
For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and they that escape out of mount Zion: the zeal of the LORD of hosts shall do this.
33
Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shields, nor cast a bank against it.
34
By the way that he came, by the same shall he return, and shall not come into this city, saith the LORD.
35
For I will defend this city to save it for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake.
36
Then the angel of the LORD went forth, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians a hundred and fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses.
37
So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and dwelt at Nineveh.
38
And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Armenia: and Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead.
Isaiah 38
1
In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live.
2
Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the LORD,
3
And said, Remember now, O LORD, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.
4
Then came the word of the LORD to Isaiah, saying,
5
Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years.
6
And I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria: and I will defend this city.
7
And this shall be a sign unto thee from the LORD, that the LORD will do this thing that he hath spoken;
8
Behold, I will bring again the shadow of the degrees, which is gone down in the sun dial of Ahaz, ten degrees backward. So the sun returned ten degrees, by which degrees it was gone down.
9
The writing of Hezekiah king of Judah, when he had been sick, and was recovered of his sickness:
10
I said in the cutting off of my days, I shall go to the gates of the grave: I am deprived of the residue of my years.
11
I said, I shall not see the LORD, even the LORD, in the land of the living: I shall behold man no more with the inhabitants of the world.
12
Mine age is departed, and is removed from me as a shepherd's tent: I have cut off like a weaver my life: he will cut me off with pining sickness: from day even to night wilt thou make an end of me.
13
I reckoned till morning, that, as a lion, so will he break all my bones: from day even to night wilt thou make an end of me.
14
Like a crane or a swallow, so did I chatter: I did mourn as a dove: mine eyes fail with looking upward: O LORD, I am oppressed; undertake for me.
15
What shall I say? he hath both spoken unto me, and himself hath done it: I shall go softly all my years in the bitterness of my soul.
16
O LORD, by these things men live, and in all these things is the life of my spirit: so wilt thou recover me, and make me to live.
17
Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.
18
For the grave cannot praise thee, death can not celebrate thee: they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth.
19
The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I do this day: the father to the children shall make known thy truth.
20
The LORD was ready to save me: therefore we will sing my songs to the stringed instruments all the days of our life in the house of the LORD.
21
For Isaiah had said, Let them take a lump of figs, and lay it for a plaister upon the boil, and he shall recover.
22
Hezekiah also had said, What is the sign that I shall go up to the house of the LORD?
Isaiah 39
1
At that time Merodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah: for he had heard that he had been sick, and was recovered.
2
And Hezekiah was glad of them, and shewed them the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and all the house of his armour, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah shewed them not.
3
Then came Isaiah the prophet unto king Hezekiah, and said unto him, What said these men? and from whence came they unto thee? And Hezekiah said, They are come from a far country unto me, even from Babylon.
4
Then said he, What have they seen in thine house? And Hezekiah answered, All that is in mine house have they seen: there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shewed them.
5
Then said Isaiah to Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD of hosts:
6
Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store until this day, shall be carried to Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the LORD.
7
And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.
8
Then said Hezekiah to Isaiah, Good is the word of the LORD which thou hast spoken. He said moreover, For there shall be peace and truth in my days.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Give Me CHRIST as My Portion...I Refuse To Eat At Another Table
Give Me CHRIST as My Portion...I Refuse To Eat At Another Table
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. Colossians 2:8...But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. Galatians 1:8-9...O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? Galatians3:1...And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus: 7 Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. 9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, 10 And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? 11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand. 12 Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord. Acts 13:6-12...For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 ...Amen...Have A Blessed Day...Doc.
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. Colossians 2:8...But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. Galatians 1:8-9...O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? Galatians3:1...And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus: 7 Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. 9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, 10 And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? 11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand. 12 Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord. Acts 13:6-12...For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 ...Amen...Have A Blessed Day...Doc.
Dear Father,
Dear Father,
I have died to the world (and to the idea that I can be justified
by keeping a set of rules) through the body of Christ that I might
belong to Christ.
He was raised from the dead that I might belong to him and bear
fruit in his name. Help me to bear fruit for you in the way I live.
Let me serve you in the new life of the Spirit.
Give me strength to resist suggestions to do evil. For even though
I want to do good, opportunities to do evil lie close at hand.
Don't let my inner rebellion convince me to do the opposite of what
you command.
In the name of Jesus resolve the conflicts of my life and give me
a clear course to walk as I follow him. Amen.
I have died to the world (and to the idea that I can be justified
by keeping a set of rules) through the body of Christ that I might
belong to Christ.
He was raised from the dead that I might belong to him and bear
fruit in his name. Help me to bear fruit for you in the way I live.
Let me serve you in the new life of the Spirit.
Give me strength to resist suggestions to do evil. For even though
I want to do good, opportunities to do evil lie close at hand.
Don't let my inner rebellion convince me to do the opposite of what
you command.
In the name of Jesus resolve the conflicts of my life and give me
a clear course to walk as I follow him. Amen.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Faith Is An Action Word
Faith Is An Action Word
Tanya James
For as long as I can remember, I have been able to quote scriptures on faith. Over the years there have been plenty of occasions for me to share those same scriptures with those around me experiencing rough patches in their lives. Matter of fact, I can honestly say it has become second nature to speak life into anybody's situation no matter how bleak things may look.
Even in my personal life, I've faced my share of difficult and trying times. Using those same scriptures or reflecting on how God has always brought me through, I have effectively ministered to myself.
Then it happened - a test of my faith that I was not prepared for.
On Sept 9th, 2009, I gave birth to our second child - a beautiful baby boy name Kyle Ethan. Two weeks later, we learned that he had sickle cell anemia.
When the phone call came through, fear tried to replace every ounce of faith that I had. All of the statistics about babies and young children dying filled my head. Guilt overwhelmed me. The unknown outcome consumed my thoughts day in and day out. Everything seemed to trigger a river of tears and a range of emotions that I never knew were possible.
At that moment, I couldn't remember one scripture on faith. At that moment; I forgot that God was a healer. At that moment I allowed fear to cause a complete interruption and breakdown in my spirit.
I tried to pray but it seemed like I couldn't get any words out without breaking down in tears again. I tried to be strong and pull it together but it was just a front for those around me.
But God.
I remembered that I didn't have to do this alone. I remember that God had never failed me before nor was He going to start now. All I needed was to have faith the size of a mustard seed.
"...if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you." - Matthew 17:20
Do you know how small a mustard seed is? Surely (I thought to myself) I had that much faith. During this time, I heard a minister say both faith and fear require you to believe something you can't see. It was then I made the decision to choose faith - to really choose faith and not just the talk as though I had.
Immediately, I felt the comfort of God's hands on my life and my family's life. I had felt alone and abandoned by God but the truth of the matter is I was never alone. God was just waiting for me to turn and trust Him. This is when scriptures became real to me. For every emotion I had experienced the last two months, God reminded me what His word said, and once I began to mediate on those scriptures and allow the Word to be made flesh in my life, healing began.
Did the healing and wholeness happen overnight? Not for me. Does fear still try to rear its ugly head? Most definitely. But now I am standing on the Word of God and in spite of what is going on in the flesh, I can boldly say:
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
Tanya James
For as long as I can remember, I have been able to quote scriptures on faith. Over the years there have been plenty of occasions for me to share those same scriptures with those around me experiencing rough patches in their lives. Matter of fact, I can honestly say it has become second nature to speak life into anybody's situation no matter how bleak things may look.
Even in my personal life, I've faced my share of difficult and trying times. Using those same scriptures or reflecting on how God has always brought me through, I have effectively ministered to myself.
Then it happened - a test of my faith that I was not prepared for.
On Sept 9th, 2009, I gave birth to our second child - a beautiful baby boy name Kyle Ethan. Two weeks later, we learned that he had sickle cell anemia.
When the phone call came through, fear tried to replace every ounce of faith that I had. All of the statistics about babies and young children dying filled my head. Guilt overwhelmed me. The unknown outcome consumed my thoughts day in and day out. Everything seemed to trigger a river of tears and a range of emotions that I never knew were possible.
At that moment, I couldn't remember one scripture on faith. At that moment; I forgot that God was a healer. At that moment I allowed fear to cause a complete interruption and breakdown in my spirit.
I tried to pray but it seemed like I couldn't get any words out without breaking down in tears again. I tried to be strong and pull it together but it was just a front for those around me.
But God.
I remembered that I didn't have to do this alone. I remember that God had never failed me before nor was He going to start now. All I needed was to have faith the size of a mustard seed.
"...if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you." - Matthew 17:20
Do you know how small a mustard seed is? Surely (I thought to myself) I had that much faith. During this time, I heard a minister say both faith and fear require you to believe something you can't see. It was then I made the decision to choose faith - to really choose faith and not just the talk as though I had.
Immediately, I felt the comfort of God's hands on my life and my family's life. I had felt alone and abandoned by God but the truth of the matter is I was never alone. God was just waiting for me to turn and trust Him. This is when scriptures became real to me. For every emotion I had experienced the last two months, God reminded me what His word said, and once I began to mediate on those scriptures and allow the Word to be made flesh in my life, healing began.
Did the healing and wholeness happen overnight? Not for me. Does fear still try to rear its ugly head? Most definitely. But now I am standing on the Word of God and in spite of what is going on in the flesh, I can boldly say:
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
VERSE:
VERSE:
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against
principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness
of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be
able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
-- Ephesians 6:12-13
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Ephesians+6:12-13&translation=kjv
THOUGHT:
How often do your forget that we are in a spiritual war? Our
enemy is deceptively cunning - take away the immediacy of a threat
and the danger appears gone. But he's there, always. But rather
than try to guess his plans, Paul reminds us to simply take up the
tools God has given us and stand up to the evil one.
PRAYER:
Lord of Hosts, my Great Deliverer, protect me from the evil one
by your great power. Give me a sense of urgency as I face Satan and
his schemes on a daily basis, but also give me confidence that
Jesus has already defeated my foe. Help me to stand against this
foe and show myself faithful to you. Through Jesus my Lord and
Savior I pray. Amen.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against
principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness
of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be
able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
-- Ephesians 6:12-13
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Ephesians+6:12-13&translation=kjv
THOUGHT:
How often do your forget that we are in a spiritual war? Our
enemy is deceptively cunning - take away the immediacy of a threat
and the danger appears gone. But he's there, always. But rather
than try to guess his plans, Paul reminds us to simply take up the
tools God has given us and stand up to the evil one.
PRAYER:
Lord of Hosts, my Great Deliverer, protect me from the evil one
by your great power. Give me a sense of urgency as I face Satan and
his schemes on a daily basis, but also give me confidence that
Jesus has already defeated my foe. Help me to stand against this
foe and show myself faithful to you. Through Jesus my Lord and
Savior I pray. Amen.
VERSE:
VERSE:
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against
principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness
of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be
able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
-- Ephesians 6:12-13
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Ephesians+6:12-13&translation=kjv
THOUGHT:
How often do your forget that we are in a spiritual war? Our
enemy is deceptively cunning - take away the immediacy of a threat
and the danger appears gone. But he's there, always. But rather
than try to guess his plans, Paul reminds us to simply take up the
tools God has given us and stand up to the evil one.
PRAYER:
Lord of Hosts, my Great Deliverer, protect me from the evil one
by your great power. Give me a sense of urgency as I face Satan and
his schemes on a daily basis, but also give me confidence that
Jesus has already defeated my foe. Help me to stand against this
foe and show myself faithful to you. Through Jesus my Lord and
Savior I pray. Amen.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against
principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness
of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be
able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
-- Ephesians 6:12-13
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Ephesians+6:12-13&translation=kjv
THOUGHT:
How often do your forget that we are in a spiritual war? Our
enemy is deceptively cunning - take away the immediacy of a threat
and the danger appears gone. But he's there, always. But rather
than try to guess his plans, Paul reminds us to simply take up the
tools God has given us and stand up to the evil one.
PRAYER:
Lord of Hosts, my Great Deliverer, protect me from the evil one
by your great power. Give me a sense of urgency as I face Satan and
his schemes on a daily basis, but also give me confidence that
Jesus has already defeated my foe. Help me to stand against this
foe and show myself faithful to you. Through Jesus my Lord and
Savior I pray. Amen.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
VERSE:
VERSE:
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your
hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
-- James 4:10
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=James+4:10&translation=kjv
THOUGHT:
Humble yourselves. That sounds obscene. At least to the "get
ahead at all cost" and "don't look back because the competition is
gaining on you" culture of self-promotion, it sounds obscene.
Humility is a forgotten virtue. Often confused with weakness or
timidity, humility is about knowing our proper place in the world
without flaunting it. Only God can exalt in a permanent way, so the
key is to know our place before him and let him put us in the place
he chooses.
PRAYER:
Abba Father, Most Holy God, thank you for allowing me into your
presence. When I think of all that you have done, the incredible
universe you have made and hold together by your word, I am amazed
you invite me into your presence. I am amazed that you even care
about my choice of words. Thank you for knowing me and having a
plan for my life. Help me to live each day with humility and grace
before others as I seek to glorify you in all things. Through Jesus
I pray. Amen.
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your
hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
-- James 4:10
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=James+4:10&translation=kjv
THOUGHT:
Humble yourselves. That sounds obscene. At least to the "get
ahead at all cost" and "don't look back because the competition is
gaining on you" culture of self-promotion, it sounds obscene.
Humility is a forgotten virtue. Often confused with weakness or
timidity, humility is about knowing our proper place in the world
without flaunting it. Only God can exalt in a permanent way, so the
key is to know our place before him and let him put us in the place
he chooses.
PRAYER:
Abba Father, Most Holy God, thank you for allowing me into your
presence. When I think of all that you have done, the incredible
universe you have made and hold together by your word, I am amazed
you invite me into your presence. I am amazed that you even care
about my choice of words. Thank you for knowing me and having a
plan for my life. Help me to live each day with humility and grace
before others as I seek to glorify you in all things. Through Jesus
I pray. Amen.
A SLAVE TO RIGHTEOUSNESS
A SLAVE TO RIGHTEOUSNESS
Romans 6:12-18
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Romans+6:12-18
Dear Father, Master of my life,
Help me to yield myself to you as one who has been brought from
death to life. Help me yield my members to you as instruments of
righteousness.
Let not sin reign in my body, making me obey its passions. Let sin
have no dominion over me, since I am not under law but grace.
I praise you, God, that whereas I was once a slave of sin, I
became obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which
I have committed. Thank you for setting me free from sin that I
might become a slave of righteousness.
In the name of Jesus I thank you for your wonderful grace and all
your gifts. Amen.
Romans 6:12-18
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Romans+6:12-18
Dear Father, Master of my life,
Help me to yield myself to you as one who has been brought from
death to life. Help me yield my members to you as instruments of
righteousness.
Let not sin reign in my body, making me obey its passions. Let sin
have no dominion over me, since I am not under law but grace.
I praise you, God, that whereas I was once a slave of sin, I
became obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which
I have committed. Thank you for setting me free from sin that I
might become a slave of righteousness.
In the name of Jesus I thank you for your wonderful grace and all
your gifts. Amen.
Monday, January 25, 2010
FREE FROM SIN
FREE FROM SIN
Romans 6:6-11
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Romans+6:6-11
Dear Father, in whom I am alive,
Thank you that my old self was crucified with Christ so that my
sinful body might be destroyed, and that I might no longer be a
slave to sin. Thank you for freeing me from sin through my dying
with Jesus.
Death can never touch Jesus again. He lives his life unto you.
Likewise help me to consider myself dead to sin and alive to you in
him!
Help me to believe, and live out the fact, that sin and death can
never touch me either, since I joined Jesus in his dying through my
baptism into him.
In Jesus' name. Amen.
Romans 6:6-11
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Romans+6:6-11
Dear Father, in whom I am alive,
Thank you that my old self was crucified with Christ so that my
sinful body might be destroyed, and that I might no longer be a
slave to sin. Thank you for freeing me from sin through my dying
with Jesus.
Death can never touch Jesus again. He lives his life unto you.
Likewise help me to consider myself dead to sin and alive to you in
him!
Help me to believe, and live out the fact, that sin and death can
never touch me either, since I joined Jesus in his dying through my
baptism into him.
In Jesus' name. Amen.
Living A Surrendered Life
Living A Surrendered Life
Sonique Sailsman
As a child you did not have a care in the world. You knew that your parents/guardians would provide for you. You had food in your stomach and a roof over your head. You did not concern yourself with bills and transportation you just went with the flow. If you had to ride the bus with your parent you did so because that is all you knew. If you had to eat bread and butter for dinner you did so because that was what everyone else was eating.
As you grew, your cares changed and life began to get real for you. Middle and high school issues, who to take to prom, how to pay for college. You got to college and had college issues and the burden of loans! Now you are a full blown adult making grown folks decisions. Sometimes you wish you could just return to the days when it was all so simple.
Well actually you can, but it is a choice you have to make. You have to choose to live a surrendered life, a life in which you release all your cares to GOD. A life where you say if God can't do it then it can't be done. Now this is not an easy task by any stretch of the imagination. It takes time, some falling down and getting back up. It may take making some really big mistakes and transgressions.
Finally, it takes a decision to release all control. It is a decision to live a life that is not your own, but led by the Holy Spirit. The best part is the Holy Spirit is omnipresent and omniscient and goes before you and has the road map. I would much rather follow the lead of someone with a road map than someone who is just going on a whim.
Just imagine preparing for a road trip and your passenger states they know where they are going. As the journey proceeds the roads begin to look unfamiliar and street signs unclear. Your passenger finally decides to share that they actually do not know the way. As a believer you have confidence in knowing that the Holy Spirit will never give you false hope. The Holy Spirit knows the way no matter how unfamiliar or scary it may look. You can rest in the promise of God that he will never leave you nor forsake you.
I encourage you to make a decision to live a truly surrendered life. This is the life of faith. Faith is not knowing what tomorrow will bring but, trusting that God wants everything good for you. To walk in faith and letting God have His way in every affair of your life is one of the best gifts you can give to yourself. It is not going to be easy but I guarantee you it will be worth it!
Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you - 1 Peter 5:7
Sonique Sailsman
As a child you did not have a care in the world. You knew that your parents/guardians would provide for you. You had food in your stomach and a roof over your head. You did not concern yourself with bills and transportation you just went with the flow. If you had to ride the bus with your parent you did so because that is all you knew. If you had to eat bread and butter for dinner you did so because that was what everyone else was eating.
As you grew, your cares changed and life began to get real for you. Middle and high school issues, who to take to prom, how to pay for college. You got to college and had college issues and the burden of loans! Now you are a full blown adult making grown folks decisions. Sometimes you wish you could just return to the days when it was all so simple.
Well actually you can, but it is a choice you have to make. You have to choose to live a surrendered life, a life in which you release all your cares to GOD. A life where you say if God can't do it then it can't be done. Now this is not an easy task by any stretch of the imagination. It takes time, some falling down and getting back up. It may take making some really big mistakes and transgressions.
Finally, it takes a decision to release all control. It is a decision to live a life that is not your own, but led by the Holy Spirit. The best part is the Holy Spirit is omnipresent and omniscient and goes before you and has the road map. I would much rather follow the lead of someone with a road map than someone who is just going on a whim.
Just imagine preparing for a road trip and your passenger states they know where they are going. As the journey proceeds the roads begin to look unfamiliar and street signs unclear. Your passenger finally decides to share that they actually do not know the way. As a believer you have confidence in knowing that the Holy Spirit will never give you false hope. The Holy Spirit knows the way no matter how unfamiliar or scary it may look. You can rest in the promise of God that he will never leave you nor forsake you.
I encourage you to make a decision to live a truly surrendered life. This is the life of faith. Faith is not knowing what tomorrow will bring but, trusting that God wants everything good for you. To walk in faith and letting God have His way in every affair of your life is one of the best gifts you can give to yourself. It is not going to be easy but I guarantee you it will be worth it!
Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you - 1 Peter 5:7
Sunday, January 24, 2010
ALIVE IN CHRIST
ALIVE IN CHRIST
Romans 6:1-5
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Romans+6:1-5
Dear Father, God of grace,
Shall I continue in sin that grace may abound? Never, never,
never! May I never presume that being under grace is a license to
sin.
How can I live in sin when, through baptism into Christ, I have
died to sin? If I have been baptized into his death, should I not
walk in newness of life, even as Christ did when he was raised from
the dead by your glory? If I have died with Christ, I will also
live with him.
Thank you for the confidence and hope your promise gives me. In
Jesus' name. Amen.
Romans 6:1-5
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Romans+6:1-5
Dear Father, God of grace,
Shall I continue in sin that grace may abound? Never, never,
never! May I never presume that being under grace is a license to
sin.
How can I live in sin when, through baptism into Christ, I have
died to sin? If I have been baptized into his death, should I not
walk in newness of life, even as Christ did when he was raised from
the dead by your glory? If I have died with Christ, I will also
live with him.
Thank you for the confidence and hope your promise gives me. In
Jesus' name. Amen.
Friday, January 22, 2010
The Battle of the Mind
The Battle of the Mind
Dr. Frederick K.C. Price
Everyone has to fight the battle that goes on in the mind. Our thought life determines where we are in the things of God. When people meditate on what is wrong or the negative side of a situation, they become blinded by the problem and never see the escape available to them. Our Heavenly Father has given us a way to bring forth light, and that is through diligent study and meditation of the Word of God. In Hosea 4:6 God tells us, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge."
As Christians we are going to have to learn how to apply Bible knowledge to our lives, if we want to win the battles of life. God instructs the Believer on how to control their thought life by utilizing His whole armor. Ephesians 6:10-17 says, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;"
The Apostle Paul uses armor, the battle dress of the first-century Roman soldier, as a metaphor for God's spiritual armor. Clearly, the military metaphor is intended to show that we are engaged in an active battle. Therefore, Believers must recognize that they are in warfare everyday, and that the battlefield is our minds. The whole armor of God has been provided to help us guard against the enemy of our mind--Satan. Satan's only weapon against us is through the mind. If he can put thoughts, ideas and suggestions in our minds, then he can control our actions. We must come to understand that ignorance of the Word and victory over life's battles are impossible roommates.
If we desire the overcoming life of Jesus then we will need to "take up the whole armor of God." We are not to focus in on only part of the armor to the neglect of the other combat coverings, if we do so we will find ourselves defeated. It is the whole armor-knowledge of the Word of God-that gives us the victory. We need to take each piece of the armor as illustrated by Paul and apply them to our life so that we can benefit from its protection.
Family, it is critical that we acknowledge that the warfare is not against physical forces but against powers that have authority in the spirit realm. Paul not only warns the Believer of a clearly defined demonic structure, but also instructs us to take up the whole armor of God in order to maintain a battle stance against these unseen forces.
Satan's mode of operation has not changed. He continues to use the same mind game that he used on Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1). We are going to have to recognize his deceptive ways and stand against them with the Word of God.
Our battle is clearly spiritual. Satan launches assaults on the mind in order to affect the spiritual aspect of our lives. The mind is like the door through which the enemy has access. If Satan can influence our thoughts, he can control every aspect of our lives. Therefore, we must examine every thought that comes to our minds. Are they the fiery darts, the evil day and or the wiles of the devil? Every thought has either a life or death component attached to it. Once a thought is allowed to have access in our lives, it begins its subtle work.
This is the reason God tells us in Romans 12:1-2: "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."
Dr. Frederick K.C. Price
Everyone has to fight the battle that goes on in the mind. Our thought life determines where we are in the things of God. When people meditate on what is wrong or the negative side of a situation, they become blinded by the problem and never see the escape available to them. Our Heavenly Father has given us a way to bring forth light, and that is through diligent study and meditation of the Word of God. In Hosea 4:6 God tells us, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge."
As Christians we are going to have to learn how to apply Bible knowledge to our lives, if we want to win the battles of life. God instructs the Believer on how to control their thought life by utilizing His whole armor. Ephesians 6:10-17 says, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;"
The Apostle Paul uses armor, the battle dress of the first-century Roman soldier, as a metaphor for God's spiritual armor. Clearly, the military metaphor is intended to show that we are engaged in an active battle. Therefore, Believers must recognize that they are in warfare everyday, and that the battlefield is our minds. The whole armor of God has been provided to help us guard against the enemy of our mind--Satan. Satan's only weapon against us is through the mind. If he can put thoughts, ideas and suggestions in our minds, then he can control our actions. We must come to understand that ignorance of the Word and victory over life's battles are impossible roommates.
If we desire the overcoming life of Jesus then we will need to "take up the whole armor of God." We are not to focus in on only part of the armor to the neglect of the other combat coverings, if we do so we will find ourselves defeated. It is the whole armor-knowledge of the Word of God-that gives us the victory. We need to take each piece of the armor as illustrated by Paul and apply them to our life so that we can benefit from its protection.
Family, it is critical that we acknowledge that the warfare is not against physical forces but against powers that have authority in the spirit realm. Paul not only warns the Believer of a clearly defined demonic structure, but also instructs us to take up the whole armor of God in order to maintain a battle stance against these unseen forces.
Satan's mode of operation has not changed. He continues to use the same mind game that he used on Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1). We are going to have to recognize his deceptive ways and stand against them with the Word of God.
Our battle is clearly spiritual. Satan launches assaults on the mind in order to affect the spiritual aspect of our lives. The mind is like the door through which the enemy has access. If Satan can influence our thoughts, he can control every aspect of our lives. Therefore, we must examine every thought that comes to our minds. Are they the fiery darts, the evil day and or the wiles of the devil? Every thought has either a life or death component attached to it. Once a thought is allowed to have access in our lives, it begins its subtle work.
This is the reason God tells us in Romans 12:1-2: "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."
VERSE:
VERSE:
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock,
and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh
receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it
shall be opened.
-- Matthew 7:7-8
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Matthew+7:7-8&translation=kjv
THOUGHT:
Ask! So often we're afraid to ask for help because we have to
admit we don't have the answers. Seek! Effort and interest and
perseverance are necessary and that's sometimes hard. Knock! In an
era of doorbells, this is a forgotten action. But God wants us to
use the A.S.K. principle and bring our hearts before him. So let's
don't just whine, complain, desire, and want. Let's A.S.K. our
Father and seek his glory.
PRAYER:
Waiting Father, I am sorry that so often you only hear my whines
and complaints and concerns. You have been so generous with your
love. Help me to keep my heart set on you and your will today as I
ask you to minister to the things on my heart. Through Jesus I
pray. Amen.
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock,
and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh
receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it
shall be opened.
-- Matthew 7:7-8
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Matthew+7:7-8&translation=kjv
THOUGHT:
Ask! So often we're afraid to ask for help because we have to
admit we don't have the answers. Seek! Effort and interest and
perseverance are necessary and that's sometimes hard. Knock! In an
era of doorbells, this is a forgotten action. But God wants us to
use the A.S.K. principle and bring our hearts before him. So let's
don't just whine, complain, desire, and want. Let's A.S.K. our
Father and seek his glory.
PRAYER:
Waiting Father, I am sorry that so often you only hear my whines
and complaints and concerns. You have been so generous with your
love. Help me to keep my heart set on you and your will today as I
ask you to minister to the things on my heart. Through Jesus I
pray. Amen.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
MY NEED
MY NEED
Romans 5:6-11
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Romans+5:6-11
Dear Father, gracious God,
Thank you, dear Father, that while we were helpless, Christ our
Savior died for the ungodly. You showed your love for us in that
while we were yet sinners Christ your Son died for us.
Since therefore we are justified by Christ's blood, much more
shall we be saved by him from your wrath! For if while we were
enemies we were reconciled to you by the death of your Son, much
more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life!
Let his life be lived in my life and the life of every one of your
people! Not only so, but I now find so much joy in you as my God,
through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received
our reconciliation.
Thank you for your free and wonderful gift! Thank you for being my
God!
By the authority of Christ and in his name I pray. Amen.
Romans 5:6-11
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Romans+5:6-11
Dear Father, gracious God,
Thank you, dear Father, that while we were helpless, Christ our
Savior died for the ungodly. You showed your love for us in that
while we were yet sinners Christ your Son died for us.
Since therefore we are justified by Christ's blood, much more
shall we be saved by him from your wrath! For if while we were
enemies we were reconciled to you by the death of your Son, much
more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life!
Let his life be lived in my life and the life of every one of your
people! Not only so, but I now find so much joy in you as my God,
through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received
our reconciliation.
Thank you for your free and wonderful gift! Thank you for being my
God!
By the authority of Christ and in his name I pray. Amen.
VERSE:
VERSE:
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth,
that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of
the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall
of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
-- Galatians 6:7-8
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Galatians+6:7-8&translation=kjv
THOUGHT:
Isn't it incredible how huge trees grow out of tiny seeds! This
principle runs throughout all of life. We can never completely get
away from the seeds we sow. So let's don't try to fool ourselves
while we're trying to do a "snow job" on God. Let's make sure the
seeds we sow are the ones we want sprouting up!
PRAYER:
O Eternal God, who lived before time began and who will be the
Great I AM when time is no more, bless the seeds I sow that they
may bear fruit to you and bless those I love. Through Jesus, the
grain of wheat who died and was buried so that true life may flower
forth. Amen.
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth,
that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of
the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall
of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
-- Galatians 6:7-8
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Galatians+6:7-8&translation=kjv
THOUGHT:
Isn't it incredible how huge trees grow out of tiny seeds! This
principle runs throughout all of life. We can never completely get
away from the seeds we sow. So let's don't try to fool ourselves
while we're trying to do a "snow job" on God. Let's make sure the
seeds we sow are the ones we want sprouting up!
PRAYER:
O Eternal God, who lived before time began and who will be the
Great I AM when time is no more, bless the seeds I sow that they
may bear fruit to you and bless those I love. Through Jesus, the
grain of wheat who died and was buried so that true life may flower
forth. Amen.
Time And Patience
Time And Patience
Lisa Birch
What does it really take to renew the mind?
To shift negative thinking to positive?
To transform hopeless thoughts into more productive views?
To look at every aspect of your life with sincere optimism?
The answer to these questions isn't deep. In fact it's rather simple. It all comes down to time and patience with God. You become what you spend the most time with.
It's impossible to take in God's word diligently and increasingly over time and not become more like Him. An ongoing plan to read His word, say it, memorize it, write it, meditate on it, trust it, and then read and say it again will not only allow God to overtake our minds, but will also let Him drive our actions and eventually pervade our being.
While you're spending time with Him, you might as well enjoy the slow-cook process.
Because a quick drive-thru experience isn't enough to renew the mind. That's often the biggest struggle for God's impatient children. But assistance comes to those who ask. At your request, He'll equip you with the Great Helper, the Holy Spirit, to give you longevity and the power to wait peacefully while divine transformation takes place.
Maybe you want to take down your defenses.
Or come off of constant guilt trips.
Perhaps you really want to manage money better.
Or pull back from being a control freak.
Whether you need to let go of pride or passivity, invest some serious time and patience with Your Creator and He promises to make all things new.
And that includes you and your mind.
Lisa Birch
What does it really take to renew the mind?
To shift negative thinking to positive?
To transform hopeless thoughts into more productive views?
To look at every aspect of your life with sincere optimism?
The answer to these questions isn't deep. In fact it's rather simple. It all comes down to time and patience with God. You become what you spend the most time with.
It's impossible to take in God's word diligently and increasingly over time and not become more like Him. An ongoing plan to read His word, say it, memorize it, write it, meditate on it, trust it, and then read and say it again will not only allow God to overtake our minds, but will also let Him drive our actions and eventually pervade our being.
While you're spending time with Him, you might as well enjoy the slow-cook process.
Because a quick drive-thru experience isn't enough to renew the mind. That's often the biggest struggle for God's impatient children. But assistance comes to those who ask. At your request, He'll equip you with the Great Helper, the Holy Spirit, to give you longevity and the power to wait peacefully while divine transformation takes place.
Maybe you want to take down your defenses.
Or come off of constant guilt trips.
Perhaps you really want to manage money better.
Or pull back from being a control freak.
Whether you need to let go of pride or passivity, invest some serious time and patience with Your Creator and He promises to make all things new.
And that includes you and your mind.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
VERSE:
VERSE:
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers
temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh
patience.
-- James 1:2-3
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=James+1:2-3&translation=kjv
THOUGHT:
"Hang in there!" There are few traits more important than
perseverance. Most important accomplishments in life happen because
of perseverance. Most "luck" occurs when we've persevered long
enough for the "magical moment" to come along -- in other words, I
don't believe in luck. Edison said it best: life's greatest feats,
the world's greatest discoveries, his own most fantastic inventions
are "1% inspiration and 99% perspiration." "Hang in there!" and see
the glory of God come through in you, not because of luck, but
because of God's grace, love, and Providence!
PRAYER:
Unchangeable and Unshakeable God, through the friends you have
sent into my life and by the power of your gift, the Holy Spirit,
help me to stand up under trial and prove my character true with
perseverance when under fire. Give my faith courage and endurance
so that my life shows forth your enduring strength. I pray in the
name of him who remained faithful even unto death, Jesus Christ my
Lord. Amen.
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers
temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh
patience.
-- James 1:2-3
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=James+1:2-3&translation=kjv
THOUGHT:
"Hang in there!" There are few traits more important than
perseverance. Most important accomplishments in life happen because
of perseverance. Most "luck" occurs when we've persevered long
enough for the "magical moment" to come along -- in other words, I
don't believe in luck. Edison said it best: life's greatest feats,
the world's greatest discoveries, his own most fantastic inventions
are "1% inspiration and 99% perspiration." "Hang in there!" and see
the glory of God come through in you, not because of luck, but
because of God's grace, love, and Providence!
PRAYER:
Unchangeable and Unshakeable God, through the friends you have
sent into my life and by the power of your gift, the Holy Spirit,
help me to stand up under trial and prove my character true with
perseverance when under fire. Give my faith courage and endurance
so that my life shows forth your enduring strength. I pray in the
name of him who remained faithful even unto death, Jesus Christ my
Lord. Amen.
GOD'S GRACE
GOD'S GRACE
Romans 5:1-5
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Romans+5:1-5
Dear Father, giver of your Holy Spirit,
Thank you for justifying me through faith, so that now I have
peace with you through the Lord Jesus Christ.
How grateful I am that I have access to your grace! I rejoice in
the hope of sharing in your glory.
More than that, my God, I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake.
I know that suffering produces endurance, endurance produces
character, and character produces hope.
How I bless you for this wonderful hope that I have. It is a hope
that will never bring disappointment.
I know this because I have tasted your love. You have poured it
into my heart through the Holy Spirit which you have given me, as
well as to all your people.
By the authority of Christ and in his name I pray. Amen.
Romans 5:1-5
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Romans+5:1-5
Dear Father, giver of your Holy Spirit,
Thank you for justifying me through faith, so that now I have
peace with you through the Lord Jesus Christ.
How grateful I am that I have access to your grace! I rejoice in
the hope of sharing in your glory.
More than that, my God, I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake.
I know that suffering produces endurance, endurance produces
character, and character produces hope.
How I bless you for this wonderful hope that I have. It is a hope
that will never bring disappointment.
I know this because I have tasted your love. You have poured it
into my heart through the Holy Spirit which you have given me, as
well as to all your people.
By the authority of Christ and in his name I pray. Amen.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
The Books of History
The Books of History
Judges 1-6 Wednesday: Psalms 15-17
Thursday: Job 11-12
Friday: Isaiah 29-33
Judges 1
1
Now after the death of Joshua it came to pass, that the children of Israel asked the LORD, saying, Who shall go up for us against the Canaanites first, to fight against them?
2
And the LORD said, Judah shall go up: behold, I have delivered the land into his hand.
3
And Judah said unto Simeon his brother, Come up with me into my lot, that we may fight against the Canaanites; and I likewise will go with thee into thy lot. So Simeon went with him.
4
And Judah went up; and the LORD delivered the Canaanites and the Perizzites into their hand: and they slew of them in Bezek ten thousand men.
5
And they found Adonibezek in Bezek: and they fought against him, and they slew the Canaanites and the Perizzites.
6
But Adonibezek fled; and they pursued after him, and caught him, and cut off his thumbs and his great toes.
7
And Adonibezek said, Threescore and ten kings, having their thumbs and their great toes cut off, gathered their meat under my table: as I have done, so God hath requited me. And they brought him to Jerusalem, and there he died.
8
Now the children of Judah had fought against Jerusalem, and had taken it, and smitten it with the edge of the sword, and set the city on fire.
9
And afterward the children of Judah went down to fight against the Canaanites, that dwelt in the mountain, and in the south, and in the valley.
10
And Judah went against the Canaanites that dwelt in Hebron: (now the name of Hebron before was Kirjatharba:) and they slew Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai.
11
And from thence he went against the inhabitants of Debir: and the name of Debir before was Kirjathsepher:
12
And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjathsepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife.
13
And Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife.
14
And it came to pass, when she came to him, that she moved him to ask of her father a field: and she lighted from off her ass; and Caleb said unto her, What wilt thou?
15
And she said unto him, Give me a blessing: for thou hast given me a south land; give me also springs of water. And Caleb gave her the upper springs and the nether springs.
16
And the children of the Kenite, Moses' father in law, went up out of the city of palm trees with the children of Judah into the wilderness of Judah, which lieth in the south of Arad; and they went and dwelt among the people.
17
And Judah went with Simeon his brother, and they slew the Canaanites that inhabited Zephath, and utterly destroyed it. And the name of the city was called Hormah.
18
Also Judah took Gaza with the coast thereof, and Askelon with the coast thereof, and Ekron with the coast thereof.
19
And the LORD was with Judah; and he drave out the inhabitants of the mountain; but could not drive out the inhabitants of the valley, because they had chariots of iron.
20
And they gave Hebron unto Caleb, as Moses said: and he expelled thence the three sons of Anak.
21
And the children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites that inhabited Jerusalem; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem unto this day.
22
And the house of Joseph, they also went up against Bethel: and the LORD was with them.
23
And the house of Joseph sent to descry Bethel. (Now the name of the city before was Luz.)
24
And the spies saw a man come forth out of the city, and they said unto him, Shew us, we pray thee, the entrance into the city, and we will shew thee mercy.
25
And when he shewed them the entrance into the city, they smote the city with the edge of the sword; but they let go the man and all his family.
26
And the man went into the land of the Hittites, and built a city, and called the name thereof Luz: which is the name thereof unto this day.
27
Neither did Manasseh drive out the inhabitants of Bethshean and her towns, nor Taanach and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Dor and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Ibleam and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Megiddo and her towns: but the Canaanites would dwell in that land.
28
And it came to pass, when Israel was strong, that they put the Canaanites to tribute, and did not utterly drive them out.
29
Neither did Ephraim drive out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer; but the Canaanites dwelt in Gezer among them.
30
Neither did Zebulun drive out the inhabitants of Kitron, nor the inhabitants of Nahalol; but the Canaanites dwelt among them, and became tributaries.
31
Neither did Asher drive out the inhabitants of Accho, nor the inhabitants of Zidon, nor of Ahlab, nor of Achzib, nor of Helbah, nor of Aphik, nor of Rehob:
32
But the Asherites dwelt among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land: for they did not drive them out.
33
Neither did Naphtali drive out the inhabitants of Bethshemesh, nor the inhabitants of Bethanath; but he dwelt among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land: nevertheless the inhabitants of Bethshemesh and of Bethanath became tributaries unto them.
34
And the Amorites forced the children of Dan into the mountain: for they would not suffer them to come down to the valley:
35
But the Amorites would dwell in mount Heres in Aijalon, and in Shaalbim: yet the hand of the house of Joseph prevailed, so that they became tributaries.
36
And the coast of the Amorites was from the going up to Akrabbim, from the rock, and upward.
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Judges 2
1
And an angel of the LORD came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I sware unto your fathers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you.
2
And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall throw down their altars: but ye have not obeyed my voice: why have ye done this?
3
Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you.
4
And it came to pass, when the angel of the LORD spake these words unto all the children of Israel, that the people lifted up their voice, and wept.
5
And they called the name of that place Bochim: and they sacrificed there unto the LORD.
6
And when Joshua had let the people go, the children of Israel went every man unto his inheritance to possess the land.
7
And the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the LORD, that he did for Israel.
8
And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died, being an hundred and ten years old.
9
And they buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnathheres, in the mount of Ephraim, on the north side of the hill Gaash.
10
And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.
11
And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim:
12
And they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the LORD to anger.
13
And they forsook the LORD, and served Baal and Ashtaroth.
14
And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies.
15
Whithersoever they went out, the hand of the LORD was against them for evil, as the LORD had said, and as the LORD had sworn unto them: and they were greatly distressed.
16
Nevertheless the LORD raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them.
17
And yet they would not hearken unto their judges, but they went a whoring after other gods, and bowed themselves unto them: they turned quickly out of the way which their fathers walked in, obeying the commandments of the LORD; but they did not so.
18
And when the LORD raised them up judges, then the LORD was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it repented the LORD because of their groanings by reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them.
19
And it came to pass, when the judge was dead, that they returned, and corrupted themselves more than their fathers, in following other gods to serve them, and to bow down unto them; they ceased not from their own doings, nor from their stubborn way.
20
And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel; and he said, Because that this people hath transgressed my covenant which I commanded their fathers, and have not hearkened unto my voice;
21
I also will not henceforth drive out any from before them of the nations which Joshua left when he died:
22
That through them I may prove Israel, whether they will keep the way of the LORD to walk therein, as their fathers did keep it, or not.
23
Therefore the LORD left those nations, without driving them out hastily; neither delivered he them into the hand of Joshua.
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Judges 3
1
Now these are the nations which the LORD left, to prove Israel by them, even as many of Israel as had not known all the wars of Canaan;
2
Only that the generations of the children of Israel might know, to teach them war, at the least such as before knew nothing thereof;
3
Namely, five lords of the Philistines, and all the Canaanites, and the Sidonians, and the Hivites that dwelt in mount Lebanon, from mount Baalhermon unto the entering in of Hamath.
4
And they were to prove Israel by them, to know whether they would hearken unto the commandments of the LORD, which he commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses.
5
And the children of Israel dwelt among the Canaanites, Hittites, and Amorites, and Perizzites, and Hivites, and Jebusites:
6
And they took their daughters to be their wives, and gave their daughters to their sons, and served their gods.
7
And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and forgat the LORD their God, and served Baalim and the groves.
8
Therefore the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia: and the children of Israel served Chushanrishathaim eight years.
9
And when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother.
10
And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the LORD delivered Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushanrishathaim.
11
And the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died.
12
And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done evil in the sight of the LORD.
13
And he gathered unto him the children of Ammon and Amalek, and went and smote Israel, and possessed the city of palm trees.
14
So the children of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years.
15
But when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man lefthanded: and by him the children of Israel sent a present unto Eglon the king of Moab.
16
But Ehud made him a dagger which had two edges, of a cubit length; and he did gird it under his raiment upon his right thigh.
17
And he brought the present unto Eglon king of Moab: and Eglon was a very fat man.
18
And when he had made an end to offer the present, he sent away the people that bare the present.
19
But he himself turned again from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and said, I have a secret errand unto thee, O king: who said, Keep silence. And all that stood by him went out from him.
20
And Ehud came unto him; and he was sitting in a summer parlour, which he had for himself alone. And Ehud said, I have a message from God unto thee. And he arose out of his seat.
21
And Ehud put forth his left hand, and took the dagger from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly:
22
And the haft also went in after the blade; and the fat closed upon the blade, so that he could not draw the dagger out of his belly; and the dirt came out.
23
Then Ehud went forth through the porch, and shut the doors of the parlour upon him, and locked them.
24
When he was gone out, his servants came; and when they saw that, behold, the doors of the parlour were locked, they said, Surely he covereth his feet in his summer chamber.
25
And they tarried till they were ashamed: and, behold, he opened not the doors of the parlour; therefore they took a key, and opened them: and, behold, their lord was fallen down dead on the earth.
26
And Ehud escaped while they tarried, and passed beyond the quarries, and escaped unto Seirath.
27
And it came to pass, when he was come, that he blew a trumpet in the mountain of Ephraim, and the children of Israel went down with him from the mount, and he before them.
28
And he said unto them, Follow after me: for the LORD hath delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand. And they went down after him, and took the fords of Jordan toward Moab, and suffered not a man to pass over.
29
And they slew of Moab at that time about ten thousand men, all lusty, and all men of valour; and there escaped not a man.
30
So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel. And the land had rest fourscore years.
31
And after him was Shamgar the son of Anath, which slew of the Philistines six hundred men with an ox goad: and he also delivered Israel.
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Judges 4
1
And the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the LORD, when Ehud was dead.
2
And the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, that reigned in Hazor; the captain of whose host was Sisera, which dwelt in Harosheth of the Gentiles.
3
And the children of Israel cried unto the LORD: for he had nine hundred chariots of iron; and twenty years he mightily oppressed the children of Israel.
4
And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time.
5
And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in mount Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment.
6
And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedeshnaphtali, and said unto him, Hath not the LORD God of Israel commanded, saying, Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?
7
And I will draw unto thee to the river Kishon Sisera, the captain of Jabin's army, with his chariots and his multitude; and I will deliver him into thine hand.
8
And Barak said unto her, If thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but if thou wilt not go with me, then I will not go.
9
And she said, I will surely go with thee: notwithstanding the journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honour; for the LORD shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman. And Deborah arose, and went with Barak to Kedesh.
10
And Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh; and he went up with ten thousand men at his feet: and Deborah went up with him.
11
Now Heber the Kenite, which was of the children of Hobab the father in law of Moses, had severed himself from the Kenites, and pitched his tent unto the plain of Zaanaim, which is by Kedesh.
12
And they shewed Sisera that Barak the son of Abinoam was gone up to mount Tabor.
13
And Sisera gathered together all his chariots, even nine hundred chariots of iron, and all the people that were with him, from Harosheth of the Gentiles unto the river of Kishon.
14
And Deborah said unto Barak, Up; for this is the day in which the LORD hath delivered Sisera into thine hand: is not the LORD gone out before thee? So Barak went down from mount Tabor, and ten thousand men after him.
15
And the LORD discomfited Sisera, and all his chariots, and all his host, with the edge of the sword before Barak; so that Sisera lighted down off his chariot, and fled away on his feet.
16
But Barak pursued after the chariots, and after the host, unto Harosheth of the Gentiles: and all the host of Sisera fell upon the edge of the sword; and there was not a man left.
17
Howbeit Sisera fled away on his feet to the tent of Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite: for there was peace between Jabin the king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite.
18
And Jael went out to meet Sisera, and said unto him, Turn in, my lord, turn in to me; fear not. And when he had turned in unto her into the tent, she covered him with a mantle.
19
And he said unto her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water to drink; for I am thirsty. And she opened a bottle of milk, and gave him drink, and covered him.
20
Again he said unto her, Stand in the door of the tent, and it shall be, when any man doth come and enquire of thee, and say, Is there any man here? that thou shalt say, No.
21
Then Jael Heber's wife took a nail of the tent, and took an hammer in her hand, and went softly unto him, and smote the nail into his temples, and fastened it into the ground: for he was fast asleep and weary. So he died.
22
And, behold, as Barak pursued Sisera, Jael came out to meet him, and said unto him, Come, and I will shew thee the man whom thou seekest. And when he came into her tent, behold, Sisera lay dead, and the nail was in his temples.
23
So God subdued on that day Jabin the king of Canaan before the children of Israel.
24
And the hand of the children of Israel prospered, and prevailed against Jabin the king of Canaan, until they had destroyed Jabin king of Canaan.
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Judges 5
1
Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying,
2
Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves.
3
Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, even I, will sing unto the LORD; I will sing praise to the LORD God of Israel.
4
LORD, when thou wentest out of Seir, when thou marchedst out of the field of Edom, the earth trembled, and the heavens dropped, the clouds also dropped water.
5
The mountains melted from before the LORD, even that Sinai from before the LORD God of Israel.
6
In the days of Shamgar the son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were unoccupied, and the travellers walked through byways.
7
The inhabitants of the villages ceased, they ceased in Israel, until that I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother in Israel.
8
They chose new gods; then was war in the gates: was there a shield or spear seen among forty thousand in Israel?
9
My heart is toward the governors of Israel, that offered themselves willingly among the people. Bless ye the LORD.
10
Speak, ye that ride on white asses, ye that sit in judgment, and walk by the way.
11
They that are delivered from the noise of archers in the places of drawing water, there shall they rehearse the righteous acts of the LORD, even the righteous acts toward the inhabitants of his villages in Israel: then shall the people of the LORD go down to the gates.
12
Awake, awake, Deborah: awake, awake, utter a song: arise, Barak, and lead thy captivity captive, thou son of Abinoam.
13
Then he made him that remaineth have dominion over the nobles among the people: the LORD made me have dominion over the mighty.
14
Out of Ephraim was there a root of them against Amalek; after thee, Benjamin, among thy people; out of Machir came down governors, and out of Zebulun they that handle the pen of the writer.
15
And the princes of Issachar were with Deborah; even Issachar, and also Barak: he was sent on foot into the valley. For the divisions of Reuben there were great thoughts of heart.
16
Why abodest thou among the sheepfolds, to hear the bleatings of the flocks? For the divisions of Reuben there were great searchings of heart.
17
Gilead abode beyond Jordan: and why did Dan remain in ships? Asher continued on the sea shore, and abode in his breaches.
18
Zebulun and Naphtali were a people that jeoparded their lives unto the death in the high places of the field.
19
The kings came and fought, then fought the kings of Canaan in Taanach by the waters of Megiddo; they took no gain of money.
20
They fought from heaven; the stars in their courses fought against Sisera.
21
The river of Kishon swept them away, that ancient river, the river Kishon. O my soul, thou hast trodden down strength.
22
Then were the horsehoofs broken by the means of the pransings, the pransings of their mighty ones.
23
Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the LORD, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the LORD, to the help of the LORD against the mighty.
24
Blessed above women shall Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite be, blessed shall she be above women in the tent.
25
He asked water, and she gave him milk; she brought forth butter in a lordly dish.
26
She put her hand to the nail, and her right hand to the workmen's hammer; and with the hammer she smote Sisera, she smote off his head, when she had pierced and stricken through his temples.
27
At her feet he bowed, he fell, he lay down: at her feet he bowed, he fell: where he bowed, there he fell down dead.
28
The mother of Sisera looked out at a window, and cried through the lattice, Why is his chariot so long in coming? why tarry the wheels of his chariots?
29
Her wise ladies answered her, yea, she returned answer to herself,
30
Have they not sped? have they not divided the prey; to every man a damsel or two; to Sisera a prey of divers colours, a prey of divers colours of needlework, of divers colours of needlework on both sides, meet for the necks of them that take the spoil?
31
So let all thine enemies perish, O LORD: but let them that love him be as the sun when he goeth forth in his might. And the land had rest forty years.
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Judges 6
1
And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years.
2
And the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel: and because of the Midianites the children of Israel made them the dens which are in the mountains, and caves, and strong holds.
3
And so it was, when Israel had sown, that the Midianites came up, and the Amalekites, and the children of the east, even they came up against them;
4
And they encamped against them, and destroyed the increase of the earth, till thou come unto Gaza, and left no sustenance for Israel, neither sheep, nor ox, nor ass.
5
For they came up with their cattle and their tents, and they came as grasshoppers for multitude; for both they and their camels were without number: and they entered into the land to destroy it.
6
And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites; and the children of Israel cried unto the LORD.
7
And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD because of the Midianites,
8
That the LORD sent a prophet unto the children of Israel, which said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I brought you up from Egypt, and brought you forth out of the house of bondage;
9
And I delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all that oppressed you, and drave them out from before you, and gave you their land;
10
And I said unto you, I am the LORD your God; fear not the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but ye have not obeyed my voice.
11
And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites.
12
And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour.
13
And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.
14
And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?
15
And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.
16
And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.
17
And he said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, then shew me a sign that thou talkest with me.
18
Depart not hence, I pray thee, until I come unto thee, and bring forth my present, and set it before thee. And he said, I will tarry until thou come again.
19
And Gideon went in, and made ready a kid, and unleavened cakes of an ephah of flour: the flesh he put in a basket, and he put the broth in a pot, and brought it out unto him under the oak, and presented it.
20
And the angel of God said unto him, Take the flesh and the unleavened cakes, and lay them upon this rock, and pour out the broth. And he did so.
21
Then the angel of the LORD put forth the end of the staff that was in his hand, and touched the flesh and the unleavened cakes; and there rose up fire out of the rock, and consumed the flesh and the unleavened cakes. Then the angel of the LORD departed out of his sight.
22
And when Gideon perceived that he was an angel of the LORD, Gideon said, Alas, O LORD God! for because I have seen an angel of the LORD face to face.
23
And the LORD said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die.
24
Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovahshalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.
25
And it came to pass the same night, that the LORD said unto him, Take thy father's young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove that is by it:
26
And build an altar unto the LORD thy God upon the top of this rock, in the ordered place, and take the second bullock, and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of the grove which thou shalt cut down.
27
Then Gideon took ten men of his servants, and did as the LORD had said unto him: and so it was, because he feared his father's household, and the men of the city, that he could not do it by day, that he did it by night.
28
And when the men of the city arose early in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was cast down, and the grove was cut down that was by it, and the second bullock was offered upon the altar that was built.
29
And they said one to another, Who hath done this thing? And when they enquired and asked, they said, Gideon the son of Joash hath done this thing.
30
Then the men of the city said unto Joash, Bring out thy son, that he may die: because he hath cast down the altar of Baal, and because he hath cut down the grove that was by it.
31
And Joash said unto all that stood against him, Will ye plead for Baal? will ye save him? he that will plead for him, let him be put to death whilst it is yet morning: if he be a god, let him plead for himself, because one hath cast down his altar.
32
Therefore on that day he called him Jerubbaal, saying, Let Baal plead against him, because he hath thrown down his altar.
33
Then all the Midianites and the Amalekites and the children of the east were gathered together, and went over, and pitched in the valley of Jezreel.
34
But the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet; and Abiezer was gathered after him.
35
And he sent messengers throughout all Manasseh; who also was gathered after him: and he sent messengers unto Asher, and unto Zebulun, and unto Naphtali; and they came up to meet them.
36
And Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said,
37
Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in the floor; and if the dew be on the fleece only, and it be dry upon all the earth beside, then shall I know that thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said.
38
And it was so: for he rose up early on the morrow, and thrust the fleece together, and wringed the dew out of the fleece, a bowl full of water.
39
And Gideon said unto God, Let not thine anger be hot against me, and I will speak but this once: let me prove, I pray thee, but this once with the fleece; let it now be dry only upon the fleece, and upon all the ground let there be dew.
40
And God did so that night: for it was dry upon the fleece only, and there was dew on all the ground.
Judges 1-6 Wednesday: Psalms 15-17
Thursday: Job 11-12
Friday: Isaiah 29-33
Judges 1
1
Now after the death of Joshua it came to pass, that the children of Israel asked the LORD, saying, Who shall go up for us against the Canaanites first, to fight against them?
2
And the LORD said, Judah shall go up: behold, I have delivered the land into his hand.
3
And Judah said unto Simeon his brother, Come up with me into my lot, that we may fight against the Canaanites; and I likewise will go with thee into thy lot. So Simeon went with him.
4
And Judah went up; and the LORD delivered the Canaanites and the Perizzites into their hand: and they slew of them in Bezek ten thousand men.
5
And they found Adonibezek in Bezek: and they fought against him, and they slew the Canaanites and the Perizzites.
6
But Adonibezek fled; and they pursued after him, and caught him, and cut off his thumbs and his great toes.
7
And Adonibezek said, Threescore and ten kings, having their thumbs and their great toes cut off, gathered their meat under my table: as I have done, so God hath requited me. And they brought him to Jerusalem, and there he died.
8
Now the children of Judah had fought against Jerusalem, and had taken it, and smitten it with the edge of the sword, and set the city on fire.
9
And afterward the children of Judah went down to fight against the Canaanites, that dwelt in the mountain, and in the south, and in the valley.
10
And Judah went against the Canaanites that dwelt in Hebron: (now the name of Hebron before was Kirjatharba:) and they slew Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai.
11
And from thence he went against the inhabitants of Debir: and the name of Debir before was Kirjathsepher:
12
And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjathsepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife.
13
And Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife.
14
And it came to pass, when she came to him, that she moved him to ask of her father a field: and she lighted from off her ass; and Caleb said unto her, What wilt thou?
15
And she said unto him, Give me a blessing: for thou hast given me a south land; give me also springs of water. And Caleb gave her the upper springs and the nether springs.
16
And the children of the Kenite, Moses' father in law, went up out of the city of palm trees with the children of Judah into the wilderness of Judah, which lieth in the south of Arad; and they went and dwelt among the people.
17
And Judah went with Simeon his brother, and they slew the Canaanites that inhabited Zephath, and utterly destroyed it. And the name of the city was called Hormah.
18
Also Judah took Gaza with the coast thereof, and Askelon with the coast thereof, and Ekron with the coast thereof.
19
And the LORD was with Judah; and he drave out the inhabitants of the mountain; but could not drive out the inhabitants of the valley, because they had chariots of iron.
20
And they gave Hebron unto Caleb, as Moses said: and he expelled thence the three sons of Anak.
21
And the children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites that inhabited Jerusalem; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem unto this day.
22
And the house of Joseph, they also went up against Bethel: and the LORD was with them.
23
And the house of Joseph sent to descry Bethel. (Now the name of the city before was Luz.)
24
And the spies saw a man come forth out of the city, and they said unto him, Shew us, we pray thee, the entrance into the city, and we will shew thee mercy.
25
And when he shewed them the entrance into the city, they smote the city with the edge of the sword; but they let go the man and all his family.
26
And the man went into the land of the Hittites, and built a city, and called the name thereof Luz: which is the name thereof unto this day.
27
Neither did Manasseh drive out the inhabitants of Bethshean and her towns, nor Taanach and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Dor and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Ibleam and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Megiddo and her towns: but the Canaanites would dwell in that land.
28
And it came to pass, when Israel was strong, that they put the Canaanites to tribute, and did not utterly drive them out.
29
Neither did Ephraim drive out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer; but the Canaanites dwelt in Gezer among them.
30
Neither did Zebulun drive out the inhabitants of Kitron, nor the inhabitants of Nahalol; but the Canaanites dwelt among them, and became tributaries.
31
Neither did Asher drive out the inhabitants of Accho, nor the inhabitants of Zidon, nor of Ahlab, nor of Achzib, nor of Helbah, nor of Aphik, nor of Rehob:
32
But the Asherites dwelt among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land: for they did not drive them out.
33
Neither did Naphtali drive out the inhabitants of Bethshemesh, nor the inhabitants of Bethanath; but he dwelt among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land: nevertheless the inhabitants of Bethshemesh and of Bethanath became tributaries unto them.
34
And the Amorites forced the children of Dan into the mountain: for they would not suffer them to come down to the valley:
35
But the Amorites would dwell in mount Heres in Aijalon, and in Shaalbim: yet the hand of the house of Joseph prevailed, so that they became tributaries.
36
And the coast of the Amorites was from the going up to Akrabbim, from the rock, and upward.
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Judges 2
1
And an angel of the LORD came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I sware unto your fathers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you.
2
And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall throw down their altars: but ye have not obeyed my voice: why have ye done this?
3
Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you.
4
And it came to pass, when the angel of the LORD spake these words unto all the children of Israel, that the people lifted up their voice, and wept.
5
And they called the name of that place Bochim: and they sacrificed there unto the LORD.
6
And when Joshua had let the people go, the children of Israel went every man unto his inheritance to possess the land.
7
And the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the LORD, that he did for Israel.
8
And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died, being an hundred and ten years old.
9
And they buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnathheres, in the mount of Ephraim, on the north side of the hill Gaash.
10
And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.
11
And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim:
12
And they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the LORD to anger.
13
And they forsook the LORD, and served Baal and Ashtaroth.
14
And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies.
15
Whithersoever they went out, the hand of the LORD was against them for evil, as the LORD had said, and as the LORD had sworn unto them: and they were greatly distressed.
16
Nevertheless the LORD raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them.
17
And yet they would not hearken unto their judges, but they went a whoring after other gods, and bowed themselves unto them: they turned quickly out of the way which their fathers walked in, obeying the commandments of the LORD; but they did not so.
18
And when the LORD raised them up judges, then the LORD was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it repented the LORD because of their groanings by reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them.
19
And it came to pass, when the judge was dead, that they returned, and corrupted themselves more than their fathers, in following other gods to serve them, and to bow down unto them; they ceased not from their own doings, nor from their stubborn way.
20
And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel; and he said, Because that this people hath transgressed my covenant which I commanded their fathers, and have not hearkened unto my voice;
21
I also will not henceforth drive out any from before them of the nations which Joshua left when he died:
22
That through them I may prove Israel, whether they will keep the way of the LORD to walk therein, as their fathers did keep it, or not.
23
Therefore the LORD left those nations, without driving them out hastily; neither delivered he them into the hand of Joshua.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Judges 3
1
Now these are the nations which the LORD left, to prove Israel by them, even as many of Israel as had not known all the wars of Canaan;
2
Only that the generations of the children of Israel might know, to teach them war, at the least such as before knew nothing thereof;
3
Namely, five lords of the Philistines, and all the Canaanites, and the Sidonians, and the Hivites that dwelt in mount Lebanon, from mount Baalhermon unto the entering in of Hamath.
4
And they were to prove Israel by them, to know whether they would hearken unto the commandments of the LORD, which he commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses.
5
And the children of Israel dwelt among the Canaanites, Hittites, and Amorites, and Perizzites, and Hivites, and Jebusites:
6
And they took their daughters to be their wives, and gave their daughters to their sons, and served their gods.
7
And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and forgat the LORD their God, and served Baalim and the groves.
8
Therefore the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia: and the children of Israel served Chushanrishathaim eight years.
9
And when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother.
10
And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the LORD delivered Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushanrishathaim.
11
And the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died.
12
And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done evil in the sight of the LORD.
13
And he gathered unto him the children of Ammon and Amalek, and went and smote Israel, and possessed the city of palm trees.
14
So the children of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years.
15
But when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man lefthanded: and by him the children of Israel sent a present unto Eglon the king of Moab.
16
But Ehud made him a dagger which had two edges, of a cubit length; and he did gird it under his raiment upon his right thigh.
17
And he brought the present unto Eglon king of Moab: and Eglon was a very fat man.
18
And when he had made an end to offer the present, he sent away the people that bare the present.
19
But he himself turned again from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and said, I have a secret errand unto thee, O king: who said, Keep silence. And all that stood by him went out from him.
20
And Ehud came unto him; and he was sitting in a summer parlour, which he had for himself alone. And Ehud said, I have a message from God unto thee. And he arose out of his seat.
21
And Ehud put forth his left hand, and took the dagger from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly:
22
And the haft also went in after the blade; and the fat closed upon the blade, so that he could not draw the dagger out of his belly; and the dirt came out.
23
Then Ehud went forth through the porch, and shut the doors of the parlour upon him, and locked them.
24
When he was gone out, his servants came; and when they saw that, behold, the doors of the parlour were locked, they said, Surely he covereth his feet in his summer chamber.
25
And they tarried till they were ashamed: and, behold, he opened not the doors of the parlour; therefore they took a key, and opened them: and, behold, their lord was fallen down dead on the earth.
26
And Ehud escaped while they tarried, and passed beyond the quarries, and escaped unto Seirath.
27
And it came to pass, when he was come, that he blew a trumpet in the mountain of Ephraim, and the children of Israel went down with him from the mount, and he before them.
28
And he said unto them, Follow after me: for the LORD hath delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand. And they went down after him, and took the fords of Jordan toward Moab, and suffered not a man to pass over.
29
And they slew of Moab at that time about ten thousand men, all lusty, and all men of valour; and there escaped not a man.
30
So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel. And the land had rest fourscore years.
31
And after him was Shamgar the son of Anath, which slew of the Philistines six hundred men with an ox goad: and he also delivered Israel.
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Judges 4
1
And the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the LORD, when Ehud was dead.
2
And the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, that reigned in Hazor; the captain of whose host was Sisera, which dwelt in Harosheth of the Gentiles.
3
And the children of Israel cried unto the LORD: for he had nine hundred chariots of iron; and twenty years he mightily oppressed the children of Israel.
4
And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time.
5
And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in mount Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment.
6
And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedeshnaphtali, and said unto him, Hath not the LORD God of Israel commanded, saying, Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?
7
And I will draw unto thee to the river Kishon Sisera, the captain of Jabin's army, with his chariots and his multitude; and I will deliver him into thine hand.
8
And Barak said unto her, If thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but if thou wilt not go with me, then I will not go.
9
And she said, I will surely go with thee: notwithstanding the journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honour; for the LORD shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman. And Deborah arose, and went with Barak to Kedesh.
10
And Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh; and he went up with ten thousand men at his feet: and Deborah went up with him.
11
Now Heber the Kenite, which was of the children of Hobab the father in law of Moses, had severed himself from the Kenites, and pitched his tent unto the plain of Zaanaim, which is by Kedesh.
12
And they shewed Sisera that Barak the son of Abinoam was gone up to mount Tabor.
13
And Sisera gathered together all his chariots, even nine hundred chariots of iron, and all the people that were with him, from Harosheth of the Gentiles unto the river of Kishon.
14
And Deborah said unto Barak, Up; for this is the day in which the LORD hath delivered Sisera into thine hand: is not the LORD gone out before thee? So Barak went down from mount Tabor, and ten thousand men after him.
15
And the LORD discomfited Sisera, and all his chariots, and all his host, with the edge of the sword before Barak; so that Sisera lighted down off his chariot, and fled away on his feet.
16
But Barak pursued after the chariots, and after the host, unto Harosheth of the Gentiles: and all the host of Sisera fell upon the edge of the sword; and there was not a man left.
17
Howbeit Sisera fled away on his feet to the tent of Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite: for there was peace between Jabin the king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite.
18
And Jael went out to meet Sisera, and said unto him, Turn in, my lord, turn in to me; fear not. And when he had turned in unto her into the tent, she covered him with a mantle.
19
And he said unto her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water to drink; for I am thirsty. And she opened a bottle of milk, and gave him drink, and covered him.
20
Again he said unto her, Stand in the door of the tent, and it shall be, when any man doth come and enquire of thee, and say, Is there any man here? that thou shalt say, No.
21
Then Jael Heber's wife took a nail of the tent, and took an hammer in her hand, and went softly unto him, and smote the nail into his temples, and fastened it into the ground: for he was fast asleep and weary. So he died.
22
And, behold, as Barak pursued Sisera, Jael came out to meet him, and said unto him, Come, and I will shew thee the man whom thou seekest. And when he came into her tent, behold, Sisera lay dead, and the nail was in his temples.
23
So God subdued on that day Jabin the king of Canaan before the children of Israel.
24
And the hand of the children of Israel prospered, and prevailed against Jabin the king of Canaan, until they had destroyed Jabin king of Canaan.
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Judges 5
1
Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying,
2
Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves.
3
Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, even I, will sing unto the LORD; I will sing praise to the LORD God of Israel.
4
LORD, when thou wentest out of Seir, when thou marchedst out of the field of Edom, the earth trembled, and the heavens dropped, the clouds also dropped water.
5
The mountains melted from before the LORD, even that Sinai from before the LORD God of Israel.
6
In the days of Shamgar the son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were unoccupied, and the travellers walked through byways.
7
The inhabitants of the villages ceased, they ceased in Israel, until that I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother in Israel.
8
They chose new gods; then was war in the gates: was there a shield or spear seen among forty thousand in Israel?
9
My heart is toward the governors of Israel, that offered themselves willingly among the people. Bless ye the LORD.
10
Speak, ye that ride on white asses, ye that sit in judgment, and walk by the way.
11
They that are delivered from the noise of archers in the places of drawing water, there shall they rehearse the righteous acts of the LORD, even the righteous acts toward the inhabitants of his villages in Israel: then shall the people of the LORD go down to the gates.
12
Awake, awake, Deborah: awake, awake, utter a song: arise, Barak, and lead thy captivity captive, thou son of Abinoam.
13
Then he made him that remaineth have dominion over the nobles among the people: the LORD made me have dominion over the mighty.
14
Out of Ephraim was there a root of them against Amalek; after thee, Benjamin, among thy people; out of Machir came down governors, and out of Zebulun they that handle the pen of the writer.
15
And the princes of Issachar were with Deborah; even Issachar, and also Barak: he was sent on foot into the valley. For the divisions of Reuben there were great thoughts of heart.
16
Why abodest thou among the sheepfolds, to hear the bleatings of the flocks? For the divisions of Reuben there were great searchings of heart.
17
Gilead abode beyond Jordan: and why did Dan remain in ships? Asher continued on the sea shore, and abode in his breaches.
18
Zebulun and Naphtali were a people that jeoparded their lives unto the death in the high places of the field.
19
The kings came and fought, then fought the kings of Canaan in Taanach by the waters of Megiddo; they took no gain of money.
20
They fought from heaven; the stars in their courses fought against Sisera.
21
The river of Kishon swept them away, that ancient river, the river Kishon. O my soul, thou hast trodden down strength.
22
Then were the horsehoofs broken by the means of the pransings, the pransings of their mighty ones.
23
Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the LORD, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the LORD, to the help of the LORD against the mighty.
24
Blessed above women shall Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite be, blessed shall she be above women in the tent.
25
He asked water, and she gave him milk; she brought forth butter in a lordly dish.
26
She put her hand to the nail, and her right hand to the workmen's hammer; and with the hammer she smote Sisera, she smote off his head, when she had pierced and stricken through his temples.
27
At her feet he bowed, he fell, he lay down: at her feet he bowed, he fell: where he bowed, there he fell down dead.
28
The mother of Sisera looked out at a window, and cried through the lattice, Why is his chariot so long in coming? why tarry the wheels of his chariots?
29
Her wise ladies answered her, yea, she returned answer to herself,
30
Have they not sped? have they not divided the prey; to every man a damsel or two; to Sisera a prey of divers colours, a prey of divers colours of needlework, of divers colours of needlework on both sides, meet for the necks of them that take the spoil?
31
So let all thine enemies perish, O LORD: but let them that love him be as the sun when he goeth forth in his might. And the land had rest forty years.
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Judges 6
1
And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years.
2
And the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel: and because of the Midianites the children of Israel made them the dens which are in the mountains, and caves, and strong holds.
3
And so it was, when Israel had sown, that the Midianites came up, and the Amalekites, and the children of the east, even they came up against them;
4
And they encamped against them, and destroyed the increase of the earth, till thou come unto Gaza, and left no sustenance for Israel, neither sheep, nor ox, nor ass.
5
For they came up with their cattle and their tents, and they came as grasshoppers for multitude; for both they and their camels were without number: and they entered into the land to destroy it.
6
And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites; and the children of Israel cried unto the LORD.
7
And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD because of the Midianites,
8
That the LORD sent a prophet unto the children of Israel, which said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I brought you up from Egypt, and brought you forth out of the house of bondage;
9
And I delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all that oppressed you, and drave them out from before you, and gave you their land;
10
And I said unto you, I am the LORD your God; fear not the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but ye have not obeyed my voice.
11
And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites.
12
And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour.
13
And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.
14
And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?
15
And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.
16
And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.
17
And he said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, then shew me a sign that thou talkest with me.
18
Depart not hence, I pray thee, until I come unto thee, and bring forth my present, and set it before thee. And he said, I will tarry until thou come again.
19
And Gideon went in, and made ready a kid, and unleavened cakes of an ephah of flour: the flesh he put in a basket, and he put the broth in a pot, and brought it out unto him under the oak, and presented it.
20
And the angel of God said unto him, Take the flesh and the unleavened cakes, and lay them upon this rock, and pour out the broth. And he did so.
21
Then the angel of the LORD put forth the end of the staff that was in his hand, and touched the flesh and the unleavened cakes; and there rose up fire out of the rock, and consumed the flesh and the unleavened cakes. Then the angel of the LORD departed out of his sight.
22
And when Gideon perceived that he was an angel of the LORD, Gideon said, Alas, O LORD God! for because I have seen an angel of the LORD face to face.
23
And the LORD said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die.
24
Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovahshalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.
25
And it came to pass the same night, that the LORD said unto him, Take thy father's young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove that is by it:
26
And build an altar unto the LORD thy God upon the top of this rock, in the ordered place, and take the second bullock, and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of the grove which thou shalt cut down.
27
Then Gideon took ten men of his servants, and did as the LORD had said unto him: and so it was, because he feared his father's household, and the men of the city, that he could not do it by day, that he did it by night.
28
And when the men of the city arose early in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was cast down, and the grove was cut down that was by it, and the second bullock was offered upon the altar that was built.
29
And they said one to another, Who hath done this thing? And when they enquired and asked, they said, Gideon the son of Joash hath done this thing.
30
Then the men of the city said unto Joash, Bring out thy son, that he may die: because he hath cast down the altar of Baal, and because he hath cut down the grove that was by it.
31
And Joash said unto all that stood against him, Will ye plead for Baal? will ye save him? he that will plead for him, let him be put to death whilst it is yet morning: if he be a god, let him plead for himself, because one hath cast down his altar.
32
Therefore on that day he called him Jerubbaal, saying, Let Baal plead against him, because he hath thrown down his altar.
33
Then all the Midianites and the Amalekites and the children of the east were gathered together, and went over, and pitched in the valley of Jezreel.
34
But the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet; and Abiezer was gathered after him.
35
And he sent messengers throughout all Manasseh; who also was gathered after him: and he sent messengers unto Asher, and unto Zebulun, and unto Naphtali; and they came up to meet them.
36
And Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said,
37
Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in the floor; and if the dew be on the fleece only, and it be dry upon all the earth beside, then shall I know that thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said.
38
And it was so: for he rose up early on the morrow, and thrust the fleece together, and wringed the dew out of the fleece, a bowl full of water.
39
And Gideon said unto God, Let not thine anger be hot against me, and I will speak but this once: let me prove, I pray thee, but this once with the fleece; let it now be dry only upon the fleece, and upon all the ground let there be dew.
40
And God did so that night: for it was dry upon the fleece only, and there was dew on all the ground.
God Change My Mind
God Change My Mind
Bishop Donald Hilliard
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2 (KJV)
I need God to change my mindset!
We cannot blame other people for what we don't have. Our mindset is often what hinders us. When our minds are stuck in impoverished thinking, slave thinking, slothful thinking, lazy thinking, we are in the same place and have never stepped out and trusted God. We have to change the way we think! We have to change our mindset! We must change our mindset! We must change our mindset from a slavery mindset. We no longer have to be bound by the system-a system that trapped our forefathers and tries to hinder us. Jesus has freed us from this dreadful past. We're at another level now.
Thank God for the efforts of our forefathers. God used them and now he wants to use you but you've got to change your mindset. It's a process. It doesn't happen overnight. It's a process of growth and maturity. The more you get ahold of God and follow his ways, the greater change you will see in your life. The more you get into the Word and the more you seek His face in prayer and fasting, the more character of God you get in your life, the more ordered your children, your family and your life will be. Stop trying to do it your way, Let go and Let God change your mindset.
Pray with me: God, all this time I've been trying to do it on my own. I've been trying to do it the way I've seen others do it. I've tried to go it the safe way but my safe way was not in trusting you. I ask that you change my mindset. I no longer want to be bound by the old man's mindset. I want to do it your way. Lord, I surrender until you; renew my mind, transform me that I may walk in that which you have purposed me. In Jesus' Name, amen!
Bishop Donald Hilliard
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2 (KJV)
I need God to change my mindset!
We cannot blame other people for what we don't have. Our mindset is often what hinders us. When our minds are stuck in impoverished thinking, slave thinking, slothful thinking, lazy thinking, we are in the same place and have never stepped out and trusted God. We have to change the way we think! We have to change our mindset! We must change our mindset! We must change our mindset from a slavery mindset. We no longer have to be bound by the system-a system that trapped our forefathers and tries to hinder us. Jesus has freed us from this dreadful past. We're at another level now.
Thank God for the efforts of our forefathers. God used them and now he wants to use you but you've got to change your mindset. It's a process. It doesn't happen overnight. It's a process of growth and maturity. The more you get ahold of God and follow his ways, the greater change you will see in your life. The more you get into the Word and the more you seek His face in prayer and fasting, the more character of God you get in your life, the more ordered your children, your family and your life will be. Stop trying to do it your way, Let go and Let God change your mindset.
Pray with me: God, all this time I've been trying to do it on my own. I've been trying to do it the way I've seen others do it. I've tried to go it the safe way but my safe way was not in trusting you. I ask that you change my mindset. I no longer want to be bound by the old man's mindset. I want to do it your way. Lord, I surrender until you; renew my mind, transform me that I may walk in that which you have purposed me. In Jesus' Name, amen!
MY FAITH
MY FAITH
Romans 4:22-25
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Romans+4:22-25
Dear Father, our Savior,
Thank you for Abraham's example of a faith credited as
righteousness. And thank you that these words are written not only
for Abraham's sake, but for ours as well - that faith will be
credited as righteousness to those who believe in you, the God who
raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was put to death for our
misdeeds and was raised for our justification.
Thank you for so wonderful a salvation, precious God.
In the name of Jesus I ask this and by his authority I lift up my
faith as the only thing I have to offer you. Amen.
Romans 4:22-25
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Romans+4:22-25
Dear Father, our Savior,
Thank you for Abraham's example of a faith credited as
righteousness. And thank you that these words are written not only
for Abraham's sake, but for ours as well - that faith will be
credited as righteousness to those who believe in you, the God who
raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was put to death for our
misdeeds and was raised for our justification.
Thank you for so wonderful a salvation, precious God.
In the name of Jesus I ask this and by his authority I lift up my
faith as the only thing I have to offer you. Amen.
VERSE:
VERSE:
Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to
you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
-- Matthew 7:12
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Matthew+7:12&translation=kjv
THOUGHT:
The Golden Rule -- golden because it's genuine, lasting, and
valuable. Imagine how different our world would be if we practiced
this principle -- not just in our "church life," but in our daily
life ... with our family, ... with our coworkers and employer, ...
with the people we manage, ... with the folks on the freeway and in
the neighborhoods where we drive, ... toward the waiters and
waitresses who serve us. What a wonderfully different world it
would be if the Golden Rule were to be practiced. I think I'll
start changing my world with it today! How about you?
PRAYER:
Generous Father, you have blessed me with so many rich and
wonderful gifts. I can never ever adequately express to you the
thanks you deserve. One thing I want you to know, dear Father, is
that I especially appreciate the way you have treated me with grace
and not with justice or judgment. Give me the power to do the same
with the people my life touches this week. In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.
Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to
you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
-- Matthew 7:12
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Matthew+7:12&translation=kjv
THOUGHT:
The Golden Rule -- golden because it's genuine, lasting, and
valuable. Imagine how different our world would be if we practiced
this principle -- not just in our "church life," but in our daily
life ... with our family, ... with our coworkers and employer, ...
with the people we manage, ... with the folks on the freeway and in
the neighborhoods where we drive, ... toward the waiters and
waitresses who serve us. What a wonderfully different world it
would be if the Golden Rule were to be practiced. I think I'll
start changing my world with it today! How about you?
PRAYER:
Generous Father, you have blessed me with so many rich and
wonderful gifts. I can never ever adequately express to you the
thanks you deserve. One thing I want you to know, dear Father, is
that I especially appreciate the way you have treated me with grace
and not with justice or judgment. Give me the power to do the same
with the people my life touches this week. In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Keep a Steadfast Mind
Keep a Steadfast Mind
Bishop Keith Butler
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3
You probably know your share of people who are messing up their lives big time, and some are already on the brink of destruction. Why is this the case? Well, most people don't practice keeping a steadfast mind.
When your mind is steadfast, then it is firmly fixed in place. Isaiah 26 says, "...whose mind is stayed on thee..." The word 'stayed' is important here because it means your mind is not subject to change. Your mind is firm in belief, determination, or adherence.
For years, I've noticed that many successful people master this issue of the mind. They have learned how to be firmly fixed, or to take the position to follow after what is the right course of action. They will apply their decision to the end and do whatever it takes to sharpen themselves once their minds are determined. This is certainly true regarding the things of God. You'll have victory in your life once you learn to keep a steadfast mind.
Isaiah 26 continues by giving you the reason why you need a steadfast mind. God will keep you in perfect peace. Having perfect peace is what you should strive for. It means regardless of what comes your way, you're cool and even-tempered. Nothing can upset, bother, or destroy you. You're at rest with things and you operate in total confidence.
When you learn to trust in God, the result is perfect peace. Yet, there are many Christians who don't have this peace. Let's examine why. James 1:5 says, "A double minded man is unstable in all his ways." You can't go around your whole life as a man or woman of two minds, who is always hesitating. That's being uncertain and unreliable about everything you think, feel, or decide. A steadfast mind is necessary in order to function in God's perfect peace.
James, chapter 5 outlines the problem of an unstable person: he's unstable in all his ways. Do you understand that a double-minded man is not just unstable in one area, but every single area of his life?
But, you can have a steadfast mind! Just keep your mind stayed on God and His principles, and it will produce perfect peace and victory in your life.
Scripture references: Romans 8:6
Bishop Keith Butler
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3
You probably know your share of people who are messing up their lives big time, and some are already on the brink of destruction. Why is this the case? Well, most people don't practice keeping a steadfast mind.
When your mind is steadfast, then it is firmly fixed in place. Isaiah 26 says, "...whose mind is stayed on thee..." The word 'stayed' is important here because it means your mind is not subject to change. Your mind is firm in belief, determination, or adherence.
For years, I've noticed that many successful people master this issue of the mind. They have learned how to be firmly fixed, or to take the position to follow after what is the right course of action. They will apply their decision to the end and do whatever it takes to sharpen themselves once their minds are determined. This is certainly true regarding the things of God. You'll have victory in your life once you learn to keep a steadfast mind.
Isaiah 26 continues by giving you the reason why you need a steadfast mind. God will keep you in perfect peace. Having perfect peace is what you should strive for. It means regardless of what comes your way, you're cool and even-tempered. Nothing can upset, bother, or destroy you. You're at rest with things and you operate in total confidence.
When you learn to trust in God, the result is perfect peace. Yet, there are many Christians who don't have this peace. Let's examine why. James 1:5 says, "A double minded man is unstable in all his ways." You can't go around your whole life as a man or woman of two minds, who is always hesitating. That's being uncertain and unreliable about everything you think, feel, or decide. A steadfast mind is necessary in order to function in God's perfect peace.
James, chapter 5 outlines the problem of an unstable person: he's unstable in all his ways. Do you understand that a double-minded man is not just unstable in one area, but every single area of his life?
But, you can have a steadfast mind! Just keep your mind stayed on God and His principles, and it will produce perfect peace and victory in your life.
Scripture references: Romans 8:6
VERSE:
VERSE:
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man:
but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above
that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to
escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
-- 1 Corinthians 10:13
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Corinthians+10:13&translation=kjv
THOUGHT:
TEMPTATION ... We've all been there. Satan's silver bullet
designed just for us personally. "No one will ever know; besides it
won't hurt anybody!" some mysterious voice sounding like our own
whispers. Even if those two statements were true, and they never
really are, it would matter because something inside of us caved in
to what we knew was wrong. One line of defense is to simply remind
ourselves we are not alone in this temptation -- others have faced
it and conquered it, so we can too, by God's help and the power of
his Holy Spirit.
PRAYER:
Most Holy Father, guard my heart from temptation and my life
from sin. I want to serve you with wholehearted devotion. Forgive
me for my past sin, and by your grace and through your word,
strengthen me with your Holy Spirit so that I may overcome the
temptations that Satan uses to separate me from you. Through my
Protector and Redeemer I pray. Amen.
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man:
but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above
that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to
escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
-- 1 Corinthians 10:13
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Corinthians+10:13&translation=kjv
THOUGHT:
TEMPTATION ... We've all been there. Satan's silver bullet
designed just for us personally. "No one will ever know; besides it
won't hurt anybody!" some mysterious voice sounding like our own
whispers. Even if those two statements were true, and they never
really are, it would matter because something inside of us caved in
to what we knew was wrong. One line of defense is to simply remind
ourselves we are not alone in this temptation -- others have faced
it and conquered it, so we can too, by God's help and the power of
his Holy Spirit.
PRAYER:
Most Holy Father, guard my heart from temptation and my life
from sin. I want to serve you with wholehearted devotion. Forgive
me for my past sin, and by your grace and through your word,
strengthen me with your Holy Spirit so that I may overcome the
temptations that Satan uses to separate me from you. Through my
Protector and Redeemer I pray. Amen.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Let This Mind be in You
Let This Mind be in You
Alan Riley
One of my favorite passages in the New Testament is found in the second chapter of Paul's letter to the Philippians.
The book of Philippians is special because of who wrote it, who it was written to, why it was written, and where the author was when he wrote it.
The book was written by Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles who took the gospel to the world. It was written to the church at Philippi to thank them for a financial gift brought to Paul from the church. Paul had a very special place in his heart for the Philippian church, and the warm, loving words of the letter reflect this. It was written from a Roman jail cell about ten years after Paul first preached in Philippi. It was on that visit that Lydia was saved and, after an earthquake freed the prisoners, but none fled, the Philippian jailer and his family came to know Christ.
Now Paul is Nero's prisoner in Rome, confined in a Roman prison under difficult circumstances. Yet this letter brims with joy, assurance and victory. The second chapter contains what scholars tell us is probably the earliest recorded Christian hymn, and a passionate plea from Paul for us to imitate the loving and humble spirit of our Lord Jesus.
The word that is translated "mind" in the Bible sometimes refers to our thinking process, but most often it refers not to the process but to what we are thinking - to our attitude. As early as the book of Proverbs, we are told "as a man thinks in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7). In this passage, Paul says, "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." (NKJV) The New International version says it this way: "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." The attitude of Jesus was that of humility and love. It was His humility that allowed Him - the sinless Son of God - to take on the role of a servant, and even to die a humiliating death at the hands of men.
Verses 5-11 contain the lyrics to that early hymn of the church. The Message translates the hymn this way:
Though He was God,
He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to
Instead, he gave up his divine privileges
He took the humble position of a slave
and was born as a human being
When He appeared in human form,
He humbled himself in obedience to God
And died a criminal's death on a cross.
Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
And gave him the name above all other names,
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
In heaven and on earth and under the earth,
And every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
To the glory of God the Father.
For over two thousand years, the followers of Jesus Christ have sung these words in many different languages and to many different tunes. Yet the message is the same: Because of His obedience and humility, God has given to Jesus a name that is above every name, and everyone in heaven and on earth will bow and acknowledge that He is Lord.
And in that second chapter of Philippians, Paul tells us that we need to have the same humility, the same love, the same compassion, and the same obedience as Jesus as we relate to each other in the family of God and as we reach out to the world around us to tell them about His love.
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus!
Alan Riley
One of my favorite passages in the New Testament is found in the second chapter of Paul's letter to the Philippians.
The book of Philippians is special because of who wrote it, who it was written to, why it was written, and where the author was when he wrote it.
The book was written by Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles who took the gospel to the world. It was written to the church at Philippi to thank them for a financial gift brought to Paul from the church. Paul had a very special place in his heart for the Philippian church, and the warm, loving words of the letter reflect this. It was written from a Roman jail cell about ten years after Paul first preached in Philippi. It was on that visit that Lydia was saved and, after an earthquake freed the prisoners, but none fled, the Philippian jailer and his family came to know Christ.
Now Paul is Nero's prisoner in Rome, confined in a Roman prison under difficult circumstances. Yet this letter brims with joy, assurance and victory. The second chapter contains what scholars tell us is probably the earliest recorded Christian hymn, and a passionate plea from Paul for us to imitate the loving and humble spirit of our Lord Jesus.
The word that is translated "mind" in the Bible sometimes refers to our thinking process, but most often it refers not to the process but to what we are thinking - to our attitude. As early as the book of Proverbs, we are told "as a man thinks in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7). In this passage, Paul says, "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." (NKJV) The New International version says it this way: "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." The attitude of Jesus was that of humility and love. It was His humility that allowed Him - the sinless Son of God - to take on the role of a servant, and even to die a humiliating death at the hands of men.
Verses 5-11 contain the lyrics to that early hymn of the church. The Message translates the hymn this way:
Though He was God,
He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to
Instead, he gave up his divine privileges
He took the humble position of a slave
and was born as a human being
When He appeared in human form,
He humbled himself in obedience to God
And died a criminal's death on a cross.
Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
And gave him the name above all other names,
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
In heaven and on earth and under the earth,
And every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
To the glory of God the Father.
For over two thousand years, the followers of Jesus Christ have sung these words in many different languages and to many different tunes. Yet the message is the same: Because of His obedience and humility, God has given to Jesus a name that is above every name, and everyone in heaven and on earth will bow and acknowledge that He is Lord.
And in that second chapter of Philippians, Paul tells us that we need to have the same humility, the same love, the same compassion, and the same obedience as Jesus as we relate to each other in the family of God and as we reach out to the world around us to tell them about His love.
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus!
THE SEED OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
THE SEED OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
Romans 4:13-16
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Romans+4:13-16
Dear Father, father of the faithful,
Thank you for the marvelous promise made to Abraham and his seed,
that they should inherit the world. Thank you that it depends on
faith, so that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to
all his descendants, not only those who are adherents of the law
but to everyone who shares the faith of Abraham, who is father of
us all.
Praise be to you, beneficent God, that I can be a descendant of
Abraham, not by being born in his lineage but by being born from
above by his kind of faith, the life-giving seed that makes me one
of his children.
Thank you that this is possible through Christ. In the name of
Jesus. Amen.
Romans 4:13-16
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Romans+4:13-16
Dear Father, father of the faithful,
Thank you for the marvelous promise made to Abraham and his seed,
that they should inherit the world. Thank you that it depends on
faith, so that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to
all his descendants, not only those who are adherents of the law
but to everyone who shares the faith of Abraham, who is father of
us all.
Praise be to you, beneficent God, that I can be a descendant of
Abraham, not by being born in his lineage but by being born from
above by his kind of faith, the life-giving seed that makes me one
of his children.
Thank you that this is possible through Christ. In the name of
Jesus. Amen.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Work In Progress
Work In Progress
Lisa Crum
A few years ago while I was still newly-employed at my last secular job, I kept hearing my boss refer to the "year-end WIP reports" (I thought he was saying "whip!"), and I didn't have a clue what he was talking about until I saw it in writing. W-I-P. Being new to all those accounting office buzz words, and wanting so to make a good impression, I privately asked a co-worker what WIP stands for. She kindly replied, "work in progress."
OK, I now had what the letters stand for, but I still didn't grasp what the term really means. Next stop--internet dictionary. Hmmm...a piece of work that's not yet finished. How interesting. Self-explanatory, actually.
Unfinished stuff. I can totally relate to that, can't you? My stack tray is full of it, and so is my house! But on a deeper level, let's talk about us. I heard the Holy Spirit whisper, "work in progress" in my prayer time this morning. Not having heard that term in months, I had to just sit and mull it over before getting ready for work.
You and I are God's work in progress. As new Christians, we begin as a rough draft (a really rough draft!). In the course of our lifetimes, God has to do a lot of revising, adding, subtracting, changing our thinking, changing our attitudes, undoing what we've done to ourselves and what other people have spoken over us.
That stack of papers on my desk hasn't got a will; the time it takes for completion is entirely up to me and my willingness to whittle it down. However, with God's work in progress, the "worked on" items--we-- have a free will! For that reason, it takes Him all our lives to work out the "bugs." Sometimes we catch on quickly; other times He has to delete the same things from our mindset over and over.
But He's patient. He envisions the finished product and He's so willing to see us through to the end. As long as it takes, as a matter of fact. If you struggle with frustration over your failures, as I often do, know that God's grace is sufficient. No matter how often you've fallen flat on your face, or "almost but not quite" succeeded in fulfilling your destiny, it's not so late in the game that God can't redeem the time for you.
He's an expert at implementing "Plan B" for all of us who didn't get it right the first (or second, or third!) time. Hop back up onto Father God's worktable today and allow Him to do a new thing in your life. He's got plans for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future...you're His very valuable work in progress.
"...he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6
Lisa Crum
A few years ago while I was still newly-employed at my last secular job, I kept hearing my boss refer to the "year-end WIP reports" (I thought he was saying "whip!"), and I didn't have a clue what he was talking about until I saw it in writing. W-I-P. Being new to all those accounting office buzz words, and wanting so to make a good impression, I privately asked a co-worker what WIP stands for. She kindly replied, "work in progress."
OK, I now had what the letters stand for, but I still didn't grasp what the term really means. Next stop--internet dictionary. Hmmm...a piece of work that's not yet finished. How interesting. Self-explanatory, actually.
Unfinished stuff. I can totally relate to that, can't you? My stack tray is full of it, and so is my house! But on a deeper level, let's talk about us. I heard the Holy Spirit whisper, "work in progress" in my prayer time this morning. Not having heard that term in months, I had to just sit and mull it over before getting ready for work.
You and I are God's work in progress. As new Christians, we begin as a rough draft (a really rough draft!). In the course of our lifetimes, God has to do a lot of revising, adding, subtracting, changing our thinking, changing our attitudes, undoing what we've done to ourselves and what other people have spoken over us.
That stack of papers on my desk hasn't got a will; the time it takes for completion is entirely up to me and my willingness to whittle it down. However, with God's work in progress, the "worked on" items--we-- have a free will! For that reason, it takes Him all our lives to work out the "bugs." Sometimes we catch on quickly; other times He has to delete the same things from our mindset over and over.
But He's patient. He envisions the finished product and He's so willing to see us through to the end. As long as it takes, as a matter of fact. If you struggle with frustration over your failures, as I often do, know that God's grace is sufficient. No matter how often you've fallen flat on your face, or "almost but not quite" succeeded in fulfilling your destiny, it's not so late in the game that God can't redeem the time for you.
He's an expert at implementing "Plan B" for all of us who didn't get it right the first (or second, or third!) time. Hop back up onto Father God's worktable today and allow Him to do a new thing in your life. He's got plans for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future...you're His very valuable work in progress.
"...he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6
VERSE:
VERSE:
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the
lust of the flesh.
-- Galatians 5:16
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Galatians+5:16&translation=kjv
THOUGHT:
I don't want you to think about an orange rhinoceros flying with
blue wings. Now quit. I don't want you to think about it anymore.
You know there is no such thing as an orange rhino that flies, much
less one that flies on blue wings. Of course the point is simple:
the more we try to not do something, the more we focus on it and
insure we do what we are not supposed to do. That's why the gift of
the Holy Spirit is so important. He enables and empowers us to move
beyond our sin -- not by focusing on it and refusing it, but by
enriching us and "distracting" us with the important things of God.
PRAYER:
Abba Father, I thank you so much for your Holy Spirit that lives
in me and is now interceding with you for me. Please fill me with
your Spirit so that my life more nearly reflects your will and
focuses on your concerns. Through Jesus, who poured out your Spirit
upon me at my baptism, I pray. Amen.
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the
lust of the flesh.
-- Galatians 5:16
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Galatians+5:16&translation=kjv
THOUGHT:
I don't want you to think about an orange rhinoceros flying with
blue wings. Now quit. I don't want you to think about it anymore.
You know there is no such thing as an orange rhino that flies, much
less one that flies on blue wings. Of course the point is simple:
the more we try to not do something, the more we focus on it and
insure we do what we are not supposed to do. That's why the gift of
the Holy Spirit is so important. He enables and empowers us to move
beyond our sin -- not by focusing on it and refusing it, but by
enriching us and "distracting" us with the important things of God.
PRAYER:
Abba Father, I thank you so much for your Holy Spirit that lives
in me and is now interceding with you for me. Please fill me with
your Spirit so that my life more nearly reflects your will and
focuses on your concerns. Through Jesus, who poured out your Spirit
upon me at my baptism, I pray. Amen.
THE SIGN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
THE SIGN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
Romans 4:6-12
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Romans+4:6-12
Dear Father,
Thank you that the words your servant David spoke apply to us:
"Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are
covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count
against him" (Psalm 32:1-2).
Thank you that you blessed Abraham before he was circumcised,
(while he was a Gentile!) so he could be the father of all who
believe. Thank you that he is the father not only of those who are
circumcised but of those who follow his example of faith.
Praise to you, God, for giving to Abraham circumcision as a sign
of the righteousness he had through faith before he was
circumcised.
In the name of Jesus. Amen.
Romans 4:6-12
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Romans+4:6-12
Dear Father,
Thank you that the words your servant David spoke apply to us:
"Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are
covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count
against him" (Psalm 32:1-2).
Thank you that you blessed Abraham before he was circumcised,
(while he was a Gentile!) so he could be the father of all who
believe. Thank you that he is the father not only of those who are
circumcised but of those who follow his example of faith.
Praise to you, God, for giving to Abraham circumcision as a sign
of the righteousness he had through faith before he was
circumcised.
In the name of Jesus. Amen.
VERSE:
VERSE:
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye
continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall
know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
-- John 8:31-32
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=John+8:31-32&translation=kjv
THOUGHT:
There are few things more coveted than freedom. People die for
it. People pray for it. People strive for it. True freedom comes
from knowing truth. Knowing truth ultimately comes by living in
obedience to Jesus. Truth is not just something you think about or
believe. Truth is something you do, you live. Jesus' teaching often
ends with the exclamation: Blessed are you who do these things!
Only by doing will we ever know the truth that liberates us.
PRAYER:
To the only true God be glory, honor, power and praise. Father I
seek not only your presence in my daily life, but also your
pleasure in the choices I make. Please teach me more of your truth
as I pledge to live today in obedience to your word and your will.
Through Jesus the living Word I pray. Amen.
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye
continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall
know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
-- John 8:31-32
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=John+8:31-32&translation=kjv
THOUGHT:
There are few things more coveted than freedom. People die for
it. People pray for it. People strive for it. True freedom comes
from knowing truth. Knowing truth ultimately comes by living in
obedience to Jesus. Truth is not just something you think about or
believe. Truth is something you do, you live. Jesus' teaching often
ends with the exclamation: Blessed are you who do these things!
Only by doing will we ever know the truth that liberates us.
PRAYER:
To the only true God be glory, honor, power and praise. Father I
seek not only your presence in my daily life, but also your
pleasure in the choices I make. Please teach me more of your truth
as I pledge to live today in obedience to your word and your will.
Through Jesus the living Word I pray. Amen.
Friday, January 15, 2010
CREDITED AS RIGHTEOUSNESS
CREDITED AS RIGHTEOUSNESS
Romans 4:1-5
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Romans+4:1-5
Dear Father, friend of Abraham,
Thank you for the wonderful relationship you established with
Abraham. Through him you have blessed the world. Through that
relationship you have blessed me. Thank you, Lord, that through it
you will bring even more blessings, now and for ever.
Thank you that Abraham's relationship to you was not something he
earned; it came because "Abraham believed God, and it was credited
to him as righteousness."
To one who works, wages are not a gift but payment due. We thank
you that our relationship is not that of a hired hand. We do not
work for wages. We work for you out of a faith and a love that you
fired in our hearts. We trust you as the one who justifies the
ungodly and who credits our faith as righteousness.
In the name of Jesus. Amen.
Romans 4:1-5
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Romans+4:1-5
Dear Father, friend of Abraham,
Thank you for the wonderful relationship you established with
Abraham. Through him you have blessed the world. Through that
relationship you have blessed me. Thank you, Lord, that through it
you will bring even more blessings, now and for ever.
Thank you that Abraham's relationship to you was not something he
earned; it came because "Abraham believed God, and it was credited
to him as righteousness."
To one who works, wages are not a gift but payment due. We thank
you that our relationship is not that of a hired hand. We do not
work for wages. We work for you out of a faith and a love that you
fired in our hearts. We trust you as the one who justifies the
ungodly and who credits our faith as righteousness.
In the name of Jesus. Amen.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Friday, January 1, 2010
VERSE:
VERSE:
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old
things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
-- 2 Corinthians 5:17
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=2+Corinthians+5:17&translation=kjv
THOUGHT:
We all like "do-overs" or second chances. God does much better
than that! He allows us to become new again. Being the "God of new
things" he can even make us new. Beyond forgiveness, beyond
cleansing, he makes us holy through Jesus. Let's use the
opportunity of a New Year as a springboard for living a life fresh
and new and alive for God!
PRAYER:
O LORD, thank you for a New Year and a fresh start. Please give
me wisdom and strength to serve you with integrity and faithfulness
in this coming year. I pray that your work be done in my life as I
offer myself, my plans, and my future to you. I pray this through
Jesus my intercessor and Lord. Amen.
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old
things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
-- 2 Corinthians 5:17
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=2+Corinthians+5:17&translation=kjv
THOUGHT:
We all like "do-overs" or second chances. God does much better
than that! He allows us to become new again. Being the "God of new
things" he can even make us new. Beyond forgiveness, beyond
cleansing, he makes us holy through Jesus. Let's use the
opportunity of a New Year as a springboard for living a life fresh
and new and alive for God!
PRAYER:
O LORD, thank you for a New Year and a fresh start. Please give
me wisdom and strength to serve you with integrity and faithfulness
in this coming year. I pray that your work be done in my life as I
offer myself, my plans, and my future to you. I pray this through
Jesus my intercessor and Lord. Amen.
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