Monday, October 31, 2011

For This God

For this God [is] our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide [even] unto death. (Psalms 48:14)
Indeed, all the earth knows of His righteousness and is filled with His amazing glory! All His splendor and might exceeds all imagination. Such is our God. And He will guide us into His everlasting glory!

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Though I walk

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me. (Psalms 138:7)
Fear not the troubled paths of your life. Give no concern to the sundry evils that press in upon you. Give your entire focus to the pursuit of the interests of the heavenly kingdom. Ever will the Shepherd protect His sheep. Ever will the King of all watch over the ways of His subjects. O believer, be not dismayed for neither shall you faint in weariness nor fall to the missiles of the enemy. Trust in Almighty God and proclaim the peace of His hand!

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Because he hath

Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. (Psalms 91:14)
God will protect His own. Love is the avenue in which we can minister to God and we can recognize who He is by acknowledging His name. At the same time it is God who rescues us and lifts us up higher than the dangers at hand.

Isaac and Jacob Viewing the Future,

Isaac and Jacob Viewing the Future, by Faith By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph. (Hebrews 11:20-21) Since we have previously considered Abraham's offering of Isaac (in the meditation on God's promises on August 9), let's move on to consider Isaac and Jacob. While pronouncing prophetic blessings upon their descendants, these two men became examples of viewing the future, by faith. The example of Isaac actually occurred in the midst of a deceitful plot by one of his own sons. Isaac wanted to pass on a blessing to his oldest son, Esau. "Now it came to pass, when Isaac was old and his eyes were so dim that he could not see, that he called Esau his older son and said to him…'Make me savory food, such as I love, and bring it to me that I may eat, that my soul may bless you before I die'" (Genesis 27:1, 4). Jacob (the supplanter or "schemer") disguised himself and lied to his father, attempting to steal the blessing. "And Jacob said to his father, 'I am Esau your firstborn…sit and eat of my game, that your soul may bless me'…And he did not recognize him…so he blessed him" (Genesis 27:19, 23). Although Esau later was given a blessing as well, the blessing for Jacob passed on the headship of the family to this younger son. "Be master over your brethren, and let your mother's sons bow down to you" (Genesis 27:29). When informed of the deceit, Isaac let the blessing stand. The Lord indicates this was an act of faith in the purposes of God. The example of Jacob also occurred in an unusual setting. Joseph was bringing his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, to his father for a family blessing. "Now the eyes of Israel were dim with age, so that he could not see. Then Joseph brought them near him, and he kissed them and embraced them" (Genesis 48:10). Joseph brought Ephraim (the younger) toward Jacob's left hand and Manasseh (the firstborn) toward his right hand. However, Jacob crossed his hands, thereby switching the primary blessing. "And Joseph said to his father, 'Not so, my father, for this one is the firstborn; put your right hand on his head.' But his father refused and said, 'I know, my son, I know. He also shall become a people, and he also shall be great; but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he'" (Gen 48:18-19). These actions may not seem significant to us. Yet, the Lord lists them as notable steps of faith in Him. Why? Because these blessings reflected and instituted aspects of God's sovereign plans, in spite of inappropriate scheming and established traditions. O sovereign Lord, I bow in faith to Your perfect plans and purposes. What a comfort to know that Your will cannot be thwarted by inappropriate schemes or established traditions. Teach me to view the future with faith in Your wisdom and Your sovereignty

Thursday, October 27, 2011

the eyes

The eyes of the LORD [are] upon the righteous, and his ears [are open] unto their cry. (Psalms 34:15)
God recognized us. Often times we do not see any sign of God answering our petitions, yet He hears our cries and deals with them specifically in His own way. Though we might not be constantly thinking of God, we are always in His thoughts as He hears our requests for help.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Noah Building an Ark, by Faith

Noah Building an Ark, by Faith
By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. (Hebrews 11:7)
At times, the Lord asks His people to engage in assignments that seem to make no sense at all. Perhaps, it is a task that we have never undertaken. Perhaps, it is preparation for a problem that we have never encountered previously. One of the most profound examples from such categories was Noah building an ark, by faith. His example is profound both in the circumstances that he faced and the extent of the impact of his faithful response.

The setting was the extreme wickedness of humanity. "Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually" (Genesis 6:5). Mankind's deserved judgment was a worldwide flood. "So the LORD said, 'I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth…I Myself am bringing the flood of waters on the earth'" (Genesis 6:7, 17). Noah was an upright man who lived in close fellowship with the Lord. He would be graciously delivered. "But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD…Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God" (Genesis 6:8-9).

To build an ark for a monumental flood must have appeared absurd in a world that had never experienced such a phenomenon. Nonetheless, Noah fully accepted this divine admonishment, even though he had never witnessed what God was warning about. "By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen… prepared an ark." His faithful obedience was motivated by holy respect for the Lord and for all of His pronouncements: "moved with godly fear."

The consequences of his labor of faith were far-reaching. His own family was saved: "prepared an ark for the saving of his household." By Noah's godly trust, the rest of the world was condemned for their ungodliness and unbelief: "by which he condemned the world." Noah himself became numbered among those who illustrate that the Lord's righteousness is received by trusting Him: "and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith." Additionally, he became a reminder of being ready for the return of the Lord. "But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be" (Matthew 24:37).

Dear Lord, please teach me to respond in faith, as Noah did, whenever You call me to a perplexing assignment. Also, as impending judgment awaits those who indulge in growing worldwide ungodliness, help me to proclaim Christ as the present ark of rescue, while eagerly anticipating His return, Amen.

GOD IS

[[To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth.]] God [is] our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; (Psalms 46:1-2)
So strong is our victorious Lord that ever more can we, His people, trust in His promise to protect us. Fear not, O believer, for even now is the kingdom of God visible by your faith! Take up your heavenly reign! Rejoice in your seat at the Father's throne! God will be your sturdy defense and never will the enemy's darts pierce your hide, so go forth proclaiming the Lord's victory in boldness.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

The Psalms

The Psalms
Psalms 128-130 Thursday: Ecclesiastes 5-6
Friday: Haggai
Saturday: Acts 13-14
Psalms 128

1
Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.
2
For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.
3
Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.
4
Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD.
5
The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life.
6
Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel.
Psalms 129

1
Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth, may Israel now say:
2
Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth: yet they have not prevailed against me.
3
The plowers plowed upon my back: they made long their furrows.
4
The LORD is righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.
5
Let them all be confounded and turned back that hate Zion.
6
Let them be as the grass upon the housetops, which withereth afore it groweth up:
7
Wherewith the mower filleth not his hand; nor he that bindeth sheaves his bosom.
8
Neither do they which go by say, The blessing of the LORD be upon you: we bless you in the name of the LORD.
Psalms 130

1
Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD.
2
Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.
3
If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?
4
But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.
5
I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.
6
My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.
7
Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.
8
And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

Which executeth judgment

Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners: (Psalms 146:7)
Whether oppressed, hungry, or a imprisoned, God will take care of His child. If it oppression that we are suffering, then we will be upheld by God. If we are plagued with hunger, then God will provide spiritual food for our souls. If we are bound, then we will be liberated from our sins. Truly, we are given tremendous freedom by God's love and grace!

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

And thine ears

And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This [is] the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left. (Isaiah 30:21)
My Prayer: Father, I am so grateful for all Your splendid majesty and mercy! Thank You for dying on the cross and suffering my consequences. Yet more than anything, thank You for conquering death that I may be with you forever and ever! Help me to keep focused on You. May I never look right or left, but continue to faithfully walk on Your holy path. Continue to guide me in all my ways!

Monday, October 17, 2011

And being made .

And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; (Hebrews 5:9)
Once Christ obtained His human perfection, He became the source of eternal life. Eternal life is given to those who obediently accept the gift given to them by God.

Sunday, October 16, 2011

And this is

And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. (John 6:39-40)
God has promised us that Jesus will not forsake anyone that God has given Him. God has given us to Jesus, we are His prized possession and Satan will not be able to snatch any of us from His grasp. We have been granted eternal life in heaven with God! Praise the Lord! Exalt His name for He is full of grace and mercy!

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Even More on the Source of Faith

Even More on the Source of Faith
Jesus Christ, the faithful witness…the Faithful and True Witness…And He…was called Faithful and True. (Revelation 1:5; 3:14; and 19:11)
Faith comes into our lives through the work of Jesus Christ: "Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2). Faith develops in our hearts when the name of the Lord is revealed to us (that is, an understanding of who Jesus is and what He is able to do). "And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong…Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness" (Acts 3:16). We grasp to some degree how great He is, so we trust Him to do great things. Thereby, faith comes into our spiritual experience through Him. Our present verses are related to this development of faith, for they depict Jesus as faithful and true.

He is the reliable witness, who tells us the truth: "Jesus Christ, the faithful witness…the Faithful and True Witness…And He…was called Faithful and True." As the ultimate witness, Jesus gives us testimony of the truths that are essential for every person. He tells us about the kingdom of heaven. "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3). He warns us about the judgment of hell. "So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth" (Matthew 13:49-50).

He also tells us about the heavenly Father. "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!" (Matthew 7:11). He warns us about the "father of lies." "You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it" (John 8:44). He tells us what true living is all about. "And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent" (John 17:3). We have faith in Him and all that He bears witness to, because He is "the Faithful and True Witness."

Dear Lord Jesus, I thank You for being the reliable witness. I trust in You because You are faithful and true. Your trustworthy witness has rescued me from hell and headed me toward heaven, protected me from the father of lies and made me a child of the heavenly Father. Your witness has brought me to life everlasting. I praise You with unending gratitude!

Friday, October 14, 2011

ALIVE IN CHRIST.

ALIVE IN CHRIST Ephesians 2:4-5 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Ephesians+2:4-5 Dear Father, ruler of heaven and earth, When you raised up Christ, you raised me out of my dead state as well. You set me on a throne of honor with Christ in the heavenly places. What you did showed the immeasurable riches of your grace even to me - just as you showed your kindness to those called first - through Christ! Thank you for being so very, very gracious to me! Salvation by grace just by trusting in you! In the name of Jesus and by his authority I boldly ask you to make of us the completely holy people that you intend as your inheritance. Amen.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

THE BOOK OF POETRY -

The Books of Poetry
Ecclesiastes 3-4 Friday: Zephaniah
Saturday: Acts 11-12
Sunday: James 4-5
Ecclesiastes 3

1
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
2
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
3
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
9
What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?
10
I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.
11
He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.
12
I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.
13
And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.
14
I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.
15
That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.
16
And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there.
17
I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.
18
I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts.
19
For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity.
20
All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.
21
Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?
22
Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?
Ecclesiastes 4

1
So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter.
2
Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive.
3
Yea, better is he than both they, which hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.
4
Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit.
5
The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.
6
Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.
7
Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun.
8
There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travail.
9
Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.
10
For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.
11
Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?
12
And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
13
Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished.
14
For out of prison he cometh to reign; whereas also he that is born in his kingdom becometh poor.
15
I considered all the living which walk under the sun, with the second child that shall stand up in his stead.
16
There is no end of all the people, even of all that have been before them: they also that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and vexation of spirit.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

For by grace

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
We are saved through the grace of God and only the grace of God. There is no other way for us to get to heaven. If we think the good we do will earn us a hope in heaven, then we shall be deeply dismayed when Jesus says, "Depart from me, I never knew you." Let us not take pride in ourselves in thinking that our works will get us into heaven. Let us rather praise the Lord for His marvelous grace!

Friday, October 7, 2011

And God hath

And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power. (1 Corinthians 6:14)
God has given us the incredible hope of the resurrection! The same power which raised Christ from the dead will also resurrect us in that final day. Christ was indeed raised! Fear not then, for we too, will indeed be raised!