Ex. 32; John 11; Prov. 8; Eph. 1

I remember a conversation from a while back, about why people read the Bible. There were lots of responses.

I read it for wisdom.

Wisdom is all over the pages of today’s chapters: common sense, success, insight, strength, good judgment, knowledge, discernment. It stands in opposition of evil (pride, arrogance, corruption, perverse speech).

Wisdom is right, true, wholesome. Proverbs reads to choose wisdom over wealth.

Wisdom, created before the first handful of soil. Wisdom, God’s constant delight that rejoiced in His presence. Wisdom, Paul’s prayer for believers–that we would grow in knowledge of God.

¹⁵ Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere, ¹⁶ I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, ¹⁷ asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. ¹⁸ I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. Ephesians 1:15-18 NLT.

I leafed through past posts that brought up very vivid memories of things I’ve faced these past few years. I felt thankful for God’s presence in my life, the power of His Word sustaining (correcting, encouraging, comforting, guiding) me. The look back is much more than notes across a page–these were very real events, real tears–and real truth about a real God.

His Word tells me who He is. What He can do. It tells me who I am and whose I am. And often, it tells me things that go very opposite of a faulty first response: bless an enemy, pray for those who persecute you, do not return evil for evil.

⁷ He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. ⁸ He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. Ephesians 1:7-8 NLT.

There’s so much more to learn about Him–and I don’t want to stop.

All praise to you, Father. And deepest thanks.

Courtney (66books365)

Advertisement

Esther 6, Esther 7, Esther 8, Revelation 13

The king asked him, “What shall be done for the man whom the king delights to honor?” Esther 6:6

They hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king’s wrath subsided. Esther 7:10

The Jews had light and gladness, joy and honor. Esther 8:16

he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, Revelation 13:14

Evil people come and go (1): by attempting to harm God’s people, some accomplish this. But God’s people endure forever because they belong to God Who keeps them safe eternally. (2)

Bible Passage at – www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Esther%206,%207,%208;%20Rev%2013&version=NKJV

Esther 6        That night the king could not sleep. So one was commanded to bring the book of the records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king. And it was found written that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs, the doorkeepers who had sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. v.1-3

             Mordecai unashamedly stood out to protect the life and rulership of King Ahasuerus. (3)

             Who do I serve, God, man, self or fear? To whom is my Highest allegiance? Who do I promote with my being? I do protect my family, friends, and even strangers in different ways. What is my motive? Who is my Strength, God? From where does my wisdom originate, the Word of God and Holy Spirit? How consistent am I?

              There have been times when I am all sold out, narrowly focused, Christ-centered. No fear but All Truth and Love. Nowadays it seems I do not over-look those who are needy in subtle ways around me. I care for their “details”. (1 Corinthians 7:34) It distracts me from what I desire and delight most to do for God. Yet it is obedience. “not as I will, but as You will.” (Mt 26:39) The Eternal Fruit will be unending because of the attention to the details, You repeatedly tell me Lord.

Then the king said, “What honor or dignity has been bestowed on Mordecai for this?” v.3

              Nothing had been done. Yet waiting in the wings was a proud man seeking the demise the righteous Mordecai and exalt himself. His name was Haman. And the King of kings had His way. (4)

So Haman came in, and the king asked him, “What shall be done for the man whom the king delights to honor?” Now Haman thought in his heart, “Whom would the king delight to honor more than me?” v.6

Then the king said to Haman, “Hurry, take the robe and the horse, as you have suggested, and do so for Mordecai the Jew who sits within the king’s gate! Leave nothing undone of all that you have spoken.” v.10

             How can I delight You and bring You pleasure, my King? Not for any favors, but because You already are my “shield, (and) exceedingly great reward.” (Gen. 15:1) I seek to please you with my life, Lord Jesus Christ! (5)(6)

But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the LORD. Jeremiah 9:24

            What is done for the man, woman or child in whom the King of King delights? Eternal Salvation, Intimate Fellowship with God and His people, God’s Promises fulfilled, the Fruit of the Holy Spirit, and so much more endlessly! (17)

Meanwhile, back with King Ahasuerus, Haman is now mortified. (7)

            Afterward Mordecai went back to the king’s gate. But Haman hurried to his house, mourning and with his head covered. Haman’s wise men and his wife Zeresh said to him, “If Mordecai, before whom you have begun to fall, is of Jewish descent, you will not prevail against him but will surely fall before him.” v. 12-13

Esther 7        The king again said to Esther, “What is your petition, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you.” – “if it pleases the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request. For we have been sold, my people and I, to be destroyed, to be killed, and to be annihilated.” – King Ahasuerus answered, “Who is he, and where is he, who would dare presume in his heart to do such a thing?” And Esther said, “The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman!” So Haman was terrified before the king and queen. Then the king arose in his wrath – Now Harbonah, one of the eunuchs, said to the king, “Look! The gallows, fifty cubits high, which Haman made for Mordecai, who spoke good on the king’s behalf, is standing at the house of Haman.” Then the king said, “Hang him on it!” So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king’s wrath subsided.

             How can anyone presume that the King of kings and Lord of lords Who does know everything (8) would not be Just in His dealings with every person? (9)

             Lord, please – “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24

Esther 8        On that day King Ahasuerus gave Queen Esther the house of Haman, the enemy of the Jews. – The king took off his signet ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai; and Esther appointed Mordecai over the house of Haman. v.1-2

Lord God, You are The Advocate for the humble. (10)

Show Your marvelous lovingkindness by Your right hand, O You who save those who trust in You From those who rise up against them. Psalm 17:7 (11)

            Now Esther spoke again to the king, fell down at his feet, and implored him with tears to counteract the evil of Haman the Agagite, and the scheme which he had devised against the Jews. – The King Ahasuerus said, “You yourselves write a decree concerning the Jews, as you please, in the king’s name, and seal it with the king’s signet ring; for whatever is written in the king’s name and sealed with the king’s signet ring no one can revoke.” 1-3, 8

             Many times I have fell on my face in prayer to You Almighty God! Imploring Your Good and Perfect Will to be done, even when I don’t know what it will be. When I find horrific things going on near or far, within me or outside, I know You Are the Solution. You will do what is needed to make things Right, in Your way and time. Thank You for Esther’s good example.

            Lord God, You always hold out Your Scepter to us who come to You through the Blood Sacrifice of Your Son Jesus, our Messiah. Please protect and fulfill the needs of Your children within all the nations who persecute Your people. Cause salvation to come the persecutors and Your Glory to be displayed! (12)

The Jews had light and gladness, joy and honor. … Then many of the people of the land became Jews, because fear of the Jews fell upon them. 16-17

Revelation 13          I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, – The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority…- Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, – to make war with the saints and to overcome them. v.1-7

             Did I think Haman was bad? No one will be worse than the man of lawlessness, the Anti-Christ, the one with the power from satan. (13) Just as Haman wanted to demolish God’s people, this one will accomplish it because the Lord God will have removed the “Restrainer”, the Holy Spirit, from planet earth. (14)

            So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is able to make war with him?” – All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world….Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.v.4-10

            Only the people “whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb”, those who never chose to believe, trust and surrender to the Lord Jesus Christ and to obey God’s Word for God’s glory, only those people will worship a false god and have the same destiny as he (15).

            Patience and Faith! Longsuffering for God’s people! Lord Jesus, please increase the faith of Your people for that time, and increase their hope in You, Savior Jesus!!! Thank you (ahead of time) for preparing and giving them just what they need and protecting them in timely fashion as they heed Your Voice and do Your will (John 10:27-30) for Your Glory!

             He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. v.14-17

              Lord Jesus, Your Word is very clear. There will be a very bad person (beast) who will have an image made which will seem like it is alive. People will be commanded to worship the image (16) of the beast and to receive a “mark” on their hand or forehead with the mark or name of the beast on them. If they do not, they are persecuted.

              Lord Jesus, out of fear these people will worship the beast, not from love! Fear of pain and death will drive people to comply in hopes that they will get what they need. This is the opposite of us who worship You out of Love and Gratitude, Lord God Almighty! When we come to You, You immediately give us Eternal Life (2 Corinthians 9:15) and all the Gifts we need (17). We worship You because of Your Character, for Who You Are, not for what we can get!!!

           These people receive fear and instability. This is NOTHING like Christ-followers receive SONSHIP by the Lord God, Co-heirs with Christ Jesus, and given intimacy with the Most High and endless peace, joy, hope, wisdom, fruit, and an abundant variety of blessings!!! (17)

               Lord God, please awaken and enliven people to be new creatures (2 Cor 5:17) before the Tribulation. (Joel 2:1-17). Open people’s minds and hearts Your Word so they know Who to Really Fear (Luke 12:5) and why.

             Lord God Almighty, thank You for sending Your Son Jesus (18) to earth. God, thank You for putting on fleshing and living with mankind, dying by taking the punishment and eternal wrath that I deserve for every bad thing I have ever done, and living after you died proving Your Victory over sin and death! I choose You as my Savior and Lord this day. Take all of my sins and put them on the cross of Jesus Christ so I bear them no more. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I would live for You now and forever, by Your Word and Holy Spirit and for Your Glory alone!! In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Bible Insights –

1 – Psalm 37:10, Proverbs 10:25, Revelation 20:7-15, Romans 1:18-32, 2 Timothy 3:1-9

2 – 1 John 4:4, 2 Corinthians 1:20-22, Ephesians 1:13-14, Ephesians 4:30, 2 Corinthians 5:5-10, John 10:27-30, Hebrews 13:5, Deuteronomy 31:6, Matthew 28:18-20, John 16:33

3 – Romans 1:16; Matthew 10:33; Mark 8:38; Luke 9:26; Acts 6:8-7:60

4- Proverbs 21:1, Proverbs 16:9

5 – The Lord’s Delights – Psalm 37:4; Psalm 37:23; Proverbs 3:12; Proverbs 11:1; Proverbs 11:20; Proverbs 12:22; Proverbs 15:8; Proverbs 16:13; Isaiah 42:1; Isaiah 58:2; Isaiah 58:14; Isaiah 62:4; Psalm 147:11; Psalm 149:4; Zephaniah 3:17

6 – To please God – Colossians 1:10-14; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8; Hebrews 10:38; Psalm 51:17; Psalm 35:27

7 – Proverbs 16:18, Proverbs 11:2, Proverbs 29:23

8 – Psalm 139:1-12; Psalm 139:23-24; Psalm 77:6; Jeremiah 29:11-13; John 5:36-40; Psalm 94:11; Psalm 100:3; Psalm 135:5; Psalm 9:16; Psalm 37:18; Psalm 83:18; Psalm 98:2; Matthew 19:26; Mark 10:27; Genesis 1; Job 38-42; Exodus 3:14; Revelation 1:8; Revelation 21:6; Revelation 22:13

9 – Psalm 9:8; Psalm 98:9; Psalm 36:6; Psalm 9:4; Psalm 19:9; Psalm 50:6; Psalm 51:3-4; Psalm 7:8-11; Psalm 58:11; Psalm 72:2; Psalm 96:10; Job 33:13; Matthew 12:36; Romans 14:12; Hebrews 4:13; 1 Peter 4:5; Hebrews 9:27; 2 Timothy 4:1, Psalm 96:13; Psalm 119:62; Psalm 119:137; Psalm 119:160; Psalm 119:164

10 – Psalm 51:17, 1 John 2:1, Job 16:19, Romans 8:26-27,34, Hebrews 7:25

11 – Psalm 5:11, Psalm 9:10, Psalm 17:7, Psalm 25:2, Psalm 25:20, Psalm 31:14, Psalm 31:19, Psalm 55:23, Psalm 56:3

12 – Proverbs 14:34; Isaiah 42:21; Acts 5:29-32; Job 36:7; Ephesians 1-2; Proverbs 16:12; Proverbs 25:5; Jeremiah 23:5; Romans 14:17; Hebrews 1:8

13 – 2 Thessalonians 2; Revelation 12:7-9; Revelation 20:1-3; Luke 10:18-20; Matthew 13:37-43; Matthew 24; Genesis 3:1; Genesis 3:14; John 8:44

14 – Matthew 24:30-36; Matthew 24:40-42; 1 Corinthians 15:49-55; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12; Revelation 3:7-8; Revelation 3:10-13; John 10:28-29; 2 Corinthians 3:12-18; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Luke 21:34-36; Isaiah 26:19-21; Matthew 25:1-13

15 – Matthew 25:41-43; Romans 1:18-32; Revelation 19:20; Revelation 20:10; Revelation 9:11; Revelation 17:8; Revelation 20:1-3; Revelation 20:14-15; Luke 12:5

16 – Exodus 20:1-6; 1 Kings 21:26; Isaiah 66:1-4; Jeremiah 16:18; Ezekiel 14:6; 1 Peter 4:3; Revelation 21:8; Ezekiel 20:8; Galatians 5:6-26; Colossians 3:5

17 – Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8; James 1:17; Ephesians 1-2; 1 Corinthians 12; Romans 12:1-8; 1 Corinthians 13:1-8; Ephesians 4:7-8; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Galatians 5:22-26

18 – John 1:1-3,14, John 3:16-17, Colossians 1:15, Hebrews 1:3

Crystal (PsalmThirty4)

Jeremiah 47, Jeremiah 48, Hebrews 2

“I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.” Hebrews 2 

“Therefore behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, – “Because he exalted himself against the Lord. – His lies have made nothing right. – I will bring The year of their punishment,” says the Lord. Jeremiah 48

Please Read –  www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah%2047,48;%20Heb%202&version=NKJV

Hebrews 2                Of Jesus Christ: “have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.”  – Thank You Lord Jesus!!

            King of kings, You think, consider and care for me! Your Word says, “What is man that You are mindful of him, Or the son of man that You take care of him?”  

              You did and continue to do this through Your Son Jesus Who “for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for” me. And is “a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.” Hebrews 2

             Lord God, I am so needy. In this sin-stained world, I am grateful to come to You for help and protection against all forms of temptation, deception and evil. Even from things that seem good but that are not glorifying to You, my Lord. Your Word, the Bible, gives me Your wisdom, perspective, comfort, empowerment and love. You grow me, correct and change me, mold me to be different than I was before, and hopefully not as ‘good’ as You will have me by next year. Your peace within me surpasses all understanding. Eternal hope and joy by Your Holy Spirit sustain me and enable my soul to flourish despite my circumstances. I desire to know Your Mind and Heart Lord and Master! I long to serve You better from my inside on out.

~I am Moved to Worship You with deep Gratitude and Awe!~ 

Jeremiah 47             Thus says the LORD: “Behold, waters rise, an overflowing flood, men shall cry, … The fathers will not look back for their children, Lacking courage, … For the LORD shall plunder; the LORD has given it a charge Against –  He has appointed it.”

Jeremiah 48             Thus says the Lord of hosts, “Because you have trusted in your works and your treasures, You also shall be taken. Cursed is he who does the work of the Lord deceitfully,”

            The world, the flesh and the devil are alive and active – tugging, pulling, manipulating and trying to deceive even the elect (Matthew 24:24). Culture and “religion” take its toll by lying to me, feeding my pride by saying “You are the most important. Take pleasure, please yourself! Your good works make you good. Your riches make you safe. Do what you think is right because God loves you.” Judges 21:25  

            “Judgment has come on the plain country: The horn of Moab is cut off, And his arm is broken,” says the Lord.  “Make him drunk, Because he exalted himself against the Lord. Moab shall wallow in his vomit, And he shall also be in derision. We have heard the pride of Moab (He is exceedingly proud), of the haughtiness of his heart.” Says the Lord, “His lies have made nothing right.”  Romans1:18-2:11

            Cutting off the strength of the country, breaking the abilities of the nation, causing inebriation for false “vision” and wrong perceptions, and losing a good reputation are the righteous judgments for arrogance against the Lord God Almighty. Lies of the nation make “nothing right”.

            Is my nation taking the same path? “Moab shall be destroyed as a people, Because he exalted himself against the Lord. Fear and the pit and the snare shall be upon you, O inhabitant of Moab,” says the Lord. “For upon Moab, upon it I will bring The year of their punishment,” says the Lord. “Woe to you, O Moab! For your sons have been taken captive, And your daughters captive. Thus far is the judgment of Moab.”

            In my own life – Am I living for pleasure instead of sacrificial faith in God’s Word? Am I lying to myself? Lying to others? What am I like when no person is looking? What is the root of my deception? Pride and self-centeredness? If so, this God’s result: ”Joy and gladness are taken From the plentiful field And from the land of Moab; For I have broken Moab like a vessel in which is no pleasure,” says the Lord. “How Moab has turned her back with shame!”

             The Lord causes these painful tragedies and tells His reason: His declared righteous judgment against a people rebelling against Him, the Holy God. What is the cure? Repentance! 2 Chronicles 7:14  

              Lord God, thank You for explaining to me in Hebrews 2 what Your prepared path is for my success in You. Your Word warns me: “Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. … every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation”  Hebrews 2  

The Lord Jesus Christ IS the Remedy! I resolve to follow the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Matthew 11:28-30; Psalm 51; 2 Corinthians 5:17; John 8:31-36; John 15

Crystal (PsalmThirty4)