1 Kings 21-22; John 3:1-21

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” John 3:16-18

For God SO loved me that He gave His only Son for me so that I will have eternal life because I believe in Him. He offered me salvation. He offered me new life.

When sin entered into the world twisting and corrupting it, God already had a plan in motion to set things right again. His plan was to become the ultimate sacrifice, the required blood sacrifice for redemption. He did not want his creation to be condemned because of sin; He wanted to buy back freedom, to pay off debts owed.

And when Ahab heard those words, he tore his clothes and put sackcloth on his flesh and fasted and lay in sackcloth and went about dejectedly. And the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, “Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself before me, I will not bring the disaster in his days; but in his son’s days I will bring the disaster upon his house.” 1 Kings 21:2-29

In the Old Testament times, before Jesus came to earth, people paid penance when they realized they did something wrong. Like Ahab, who tore his clothes, wore sackcloth and fasted. He did these things to show his sorrow, to show his humbleness before God. God responded to these supplicant actions, because, at the time, there was no other way to be delivered.

Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. John 3:3-6

But now there is another way, an eternal way, to be redeemed.

BELIEVE…

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to earth. He was a man faced with temptation, yet He resisted and overcame. He brought heaven to earth, healing the bodies and hearts of the multitude. He was wrongly accused, beaten, crucified. He died, was buried, and then rose again into life on the third day, a perfect form bearing the marks of His sacrifice. He ascended into Heaven to sit at the right hand of His Father, to intercede on behalf of those who trust in Him; He will sit there until God sets the time for Him to return to His people.

The Bible says that when I confess with my mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in my heart that God raised him from the dead, I will be saved. And when I am saved, I have been born again, born of the Spirit, born into everlasting life. I am adopted into God’s family as a daughter. I become a co-heir with Christ; I become His faultless bride.

“For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” John 3: 20-21

Now, when I fall into sin, instead of paying penance, I ask Jesus for forgiveness, repent before Him, turning away from my iniquity. He stands in the gap for me, covers me with His blood and washes me white as snow, taking away my shame, my guilt. I no longer cower in the dark, but I stand in the light. I am a reflection of God’s glory.

Yesappa, Thank You for loving me SO much…

Blessings – Julie (writing from Sholavandan)

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Genesis 34, Mark 5, Job 1, Romans 5

Please Read at – http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2034;%20Mark%205;%20Job%201;%20Romans%205&version=NKJV

Genesis 34          Dinah … went out to see the daughters of the land. And when Shechem … saw her, he took her and lay with her, and violated her. …And the sons of Jacob came in from the field when they heard it; and the men were grieved and very angry, because he had done a disgraceful thing … Then Shechem said to her father and her brothers, “Let me find favor in your eyes, and whatever you say to me I will give…. but give me the young woman as a wife.”

               But the sons of Jacob answered Shechem … spoke deceitfully, … “on this condition we will consent to you: If you will become as we are, if every male of you is circumcised,” … Now it came to pass on the third day, when they were in pain, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brothers, each took his sword and came boldly upon the city and killed all the males…. and they plundered even all that was in the houses. Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have troubled me by making me obnoxious among the inhabitants of the land,” …But they said, “Should he treat our sister like a harlot?”

               Revenge –  Taking matters of justice into our own hands. We use our logic, our will, our provision, our anger and our vengeance. The result? Death and further separation from God. Revenge never teaches righteousness. But God’s revenge, that teaches Righteousness! (1)

              Lord God, I can be angered by the leaders in my nation and by people who lie, deceive, steal, maim and seek to destroy Truth, babies, relationships and Your Word. But Lord God, You are have the Last and The True Word (2). Right now You are teaching me that what I say and do DO matter. That while I can call congressmen, sign petitions, donate to just causes – my speaking, living and loving Truth (You Jesus) will heal the broken hearted and cause conviction of sin to the wayward for their repentance and reunion with You. My being Salt and Light will heal the wounded and dispel darkness so less people may be deceived. I am not useless, but useful IF I follow You Lord Jesus Christ. Thank You! (3) 

            Rape is horrific! But revenge does not heal or restore righteousness. But You, God, and Your Ways do! I seek Your counsel and the Holy Spirit Power to fulfill Your deepest desires for a bounteous harvest here and now. Amen   

            Lord God, I pray for Revenge Your way! Lord God Almighty, hunt down the people who harm others so that they know that there is no escape from You! Soften their heart, convict them of sin, and have them repent of all the wrong they have said, done, thought, etc. Lord Jesus, make them New Creatures in You so they will be so in love with and submitted to You that they will never harm anyone like that again! Bless them with salvation and bless those whom they have harmed, in this very same way, for Your Glory alone! (4)

Mark 5            immediately there met Him …a man with an unclean spirit, who had his dwelling among the tombs .. crying out and cutting himself with stones.  When he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and worshiped Him. … he cried out with a loud voice, “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?”… He said to him, “Come out of the man, unclean spirit!” …And at once … the unclean spirits went out and entered the swine … and ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and drowned in the sea.

                Then they came to Jesus, and saw the one who had been demon-possessed …sitting and clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid.…Then they began to plead with Him to depart from their region.

          when Jesus got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him. However, Jesus … said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.”  And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.

              Jesus, the Son of the Most High God, the One worthy of worship, did not have revenge. Lord Jesus, You had compassion and renewed! You did not torment the insane man. Instead You set him free! Demons and sin had claimed the man as their victim. But Only You, Jesus can set him free from both. Lord Jesus, thank You for setting me free, too!

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

               But the bystanders could only see their money going down into the sea. Where is my focus? On the here and now? The physical? Or am I Seeing with God’s Eyes a man free from hell, a man now with friends, a hope and a future, a man clothed and in his right mind, a man with incredible value because he shares the reality of God’s compassion and deliverance with ten cities! Lord Jesus, may I not be sold out to the slavery of money or blinded by the values of this world so that I would not keep and maintain the principles of Your Word every moment of my life!

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33

Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, and had suffered many things … When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.” … And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My clothes?”… He looked around to see her who had done this thing.But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well.”

            Lord Jesus, I hold onto Your cloak. I seek the hem of Your garment. For I am in need. You know my needs. They are many. And there is no one who can fill them for me. They are deep, they are real, and they are life sustaining in so many ways. Lord Jesus, I look to You, I seek Your Face, and I desire to know You in Your fullness so that I may relate with You more intimately, effectively and submittedly. Yet You come to me, seeking me and the “lost areas” of my life to cleanse, restore, realign and sanctify me. Thank You Lord Jesus. Lord God, make my faith sight while I live so that I may do Your bidding just as You ask. May I never be ashamed of the gospel or of Your reality in life. May I live a life flowing from Your Sacrificial Blood, filled with the Holy Spirit and pouring out Your True Love always. May Faith in You and Your perfect Love cast out all my fears. I praise and worship You Lord God Jesus Christ! Amen (5)

 And He said, “Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.” Mark 5:33

Job 1                Job … was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil. … Job would send and sanctify them, … For Job said, “It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus Job did regularly. …  And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.”

                 While he was still speaking, another also came and said (x 3!) … Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped. And he said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.”  In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong.

             How encouraged am I! Job did not have the full Bible. Job did not have the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Job did not have the indwelling Holy Spirit for counsel and power. Job did not have the fellowship of sanctified believers. Job did not have all these things that I have. I have hope!

             Job, a prayer warrior and one who feared God and lived to honor Him, had humility – and that is good with me! Micah 6:8

 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He Who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

Romans 5            having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;and perseverance, character; and character, hope.

             Character – only one way to attain it: God’s Way – within the Potter’s Palm! Lord God, I am grateful for Your gift of faith by which You have justified me, given me access to You, peace with You and continually show me “factually” of Your real Presence! (6)

            And because of You, Lord Jesus, I have particular tribulations. Things occur which show that I am in a war of good versus evil. If I wasn’t Your child, I wouldn’t desire greatly nor be able to successfully pursue Your righteousness amidst the enemy’s tactics. (Thank You for saving me! Please bring many others to repentance to You so that they, too, will be new creatures and able to truly live by, for and with You, Lord Jesus Christ, with peace, hope and Great joy!)

              As I am obedient to You while in these tribulations, You display Your glory, for which I greatly rejoice! And as I go through them with, by and for You, You produce in me the stamina to persevere. My impetus to continue is because I want to see Your righteousness more and more within me and around me! By these things You sanctify and develop in me Your character. So as I more and more deeply see Your good results despite the strife, I hope in You more and more greatly! Thank You, thank You, thank You for Your All Powerful Love Lord God Almighty!  (7)

Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit Who was given to us. Romans 5:5 

Bible insights –

 1 – Ezekiel 18:32, Deuteronomy 32:35 , Romans 12:19 , Hebrews 10:30

2 – Revelation 1:8, John 1:1-3,14

3 – Matthew 5:11-16

4 – Matthew 5:43-48, Matthew 6:10

5 – Philippians 2:12, Psalm 2:11, Mark 2:17, Luke 19:10, Matthew 18:10-14, Matthew 10:32-33, Mark 8:34

6 – Isaiah 64:8, Isaiah 49:16

7 – 2 Corinthians 5:17, John 3:5-21, John 1:12-14, 1 Peter 1:23, 1 John 3:1

 Crystal (PsalmThirty4)

Zechariah 1, Zechariah 2, Zechariah 3, Zechariah 4, 3 John 1

Thus says the LORD of hosts: “Return to Me,” says the LORD of hosts, “and I will return to you,” says the LORD of hosts. “Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets preached, saying, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts: “Turn now from your evil ways and your evil deeds.”’ Zechariah 1:3-4

For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. 3 John 1:3-4

Read at – http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Zech1,2,3,4;%203%20John&version=NKJV

 Zechariah 1                 The Angel of the Lord answered “I am zealous for Jerusalem” v.14

             I am so grateful Lord that You are zealous and jealous (1) FOR Your people. I am one of Your people because of Your Son’s, the Lord Jesus Christ, Atonement. (2)

             Righteous and merciful is Your Word my Lord God! (3) You are Accurate in Your warning to me. You urge me because You want to relent on the judgment which is due because of my selfish or man pleasing thoughts, words, actions and attitudes! You command me to repent and live for You so I do not to waste my words, actions or any part of me – and instead use all of me under You – Who IS Authority. (4) Thank You for Your Mercy in speaking with me!! While there is no condemnation for me in Christ Jesus, You created me to honor and worship You with my life. (5)

                 Lord God, I fear You because You are Great. You communicate boldly:

Zechariah 2              – Then I raised my eyes and said, “Where are you going?” – “To measure Jerusalem, to see what is its width and what is its length. – ‘For I,’ says the Lord, ‘will be a wall of fire all around her, and I will be the glory in her midst.’” – For thus says the Lord of hosts: “He sent Me after glory, to the nations which plunder you; for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye.”

Zechariah 3              –  Then he showed me – the Angel of the Lord and Satan standing at His right hand to oppose Him. And the Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord Who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire? – “Says the Lord of hosts, ‘And I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.”  (6)

Zechariah 4              –  “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” Says the Lord of hosts. – he shall bring forth the capstone With shouts of “Grace, grace to it!”’”  (7)

                 You speak for my benefit! You place a protective wall around me, who fears You. I am the apple of Your eye. You rebuke my accusers (8). You took all of my iniquity away in one day! The day I accepted the crucifixion of Jesus Christ for myself! Whom then should I fear? (9) No one by You. All-Loving God, You did it by Your Holy Spirit, not by any of my works. You are my Foundation and very sure reward! I am no different than any other person born again by the Blood of Jesus! Lord God be praised!! And there are multitudes of us presently on the earth! You protect our very souls, mind and spirit until we meet you in Heaven! (10) 

               But not so for the other multitudes who refute You, ignore You, and despise You with their hearts, minds and lives. I, too, was Your enemy before You changed me. (11)

For those who do not repent (Zechariah 1:3-4) Zechariah 1-4 says:

             “Your fathers, where are they? Yet surely My words and My statutes, Which I commanded My servants the prophets, Did they not overtake your fathers?” “So they returned and said: ‘Just as the Lord of hosts determined to do to us, According to our ways and according to our deeds, So He has dealt with us.’” (12)

             “I am exceedingly angry with the nations at ease; – For I was a little angry, And they helped—but with evil intent.”

            “Then the Lord showed me four craftsmen. And I said, “What are these coming to do?” – So he said, “These are the horns that scattered Judah, so that no one could lift up his head; but the craftsmen are coming to terrify them, to cast out the horns of the nations that lifted up their horn against the land of Judah to scatter it.” – For thus says the Lord of hosts: “He sent Me after glory, to the nations which plunder you – For surely I will shake My hand against them, and they shall become spoil for their servants. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent Me.”

No one can escape Your view or Your Hand, Lord God. We each must give an account to You. (13)

“They are the eyes of the Lord, Which scan to and fro throughout the whole earth.” Zechariah 4:10

             God my Father, when I consider the current news, national and international, the cultures’ patterns and people’s words which defy Your Word, it awakens me to the pervasive, destructive, degrading, perverted and sickening effect of sin from each individual onto all others. Worldwide every kind of crime is enacted within the ‘gangs’ of bullies; whether they are a part of a corrupt government, company or within organizations of all types, and even within families. It can be overwhelming and make me feel sick inside. Yet Your Word stands firm, It never changes and it Will accomplish all that You say! (14)

 3 John 1        For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God. (v.3-4,11)

                Yet I rejoice and am grateful, relieved and strengthened by the sharp contrast of the words and actions of Your numerous followers, Lord Jesus! Everywhere, in the midst of rebellious families, wayward organizations and deceptive companies and governments – Your people stand Firm and Bright. Oh what Glory You receive! Please continue to faithfully, lavishly pour out Your Zechariah 1-4 blessings on them since they incur intense rejection and pain due to their faithfulness to You, Lord Jesus Christ. Their perpetrators do not know that it is really You, Lord Jesus, Who they are disdaining. (15)

           No one can have the last word but You Omnipotent God! No one can out last You Ever! satan and his demons are powerless against You. They know You and shudder (James 2:19) in fear! Lord God, please send workers into the harvest field, pour out Your Holy Spirit to soften and regenerate those who are heading to hell so they will repent to You and not suffer eternal torment. Lord Jesus, Magnify and Glorify Yourself over the whole earth! (16)

 “They are the eyes of the Lord, Which scan to and fro throughout the whole earth.” Zech 4:10

Bible Insights –

1-  Exodus 20:5-6; Exodus 34:14; Deuteronomy 4:24; Deuteronomy 6:15; Deuteronomy 32:16; Joshua 24:19; Ezekiel 39:25; Nahum 1:2

2- John 1:1-3; John 1:10-14; John 1:29; John 3:3-21; John 4:10-14; John 4:25-26; John 7:38; Revelation 7:17; Psalm 103:12; Isaiah 1:18; Hebrews 8:12; Hebrews 10:17; Ephesians 2:13; Hebrews 10:19-23; Hebrews 13:12; Matthew 26:28; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 11:17-20; Ezekiel 36:24-32; 1 John 3:1

3- Zechariah 1:3-4, Jeremiah 15:19

4- Jer 18:7-10, Jonah 3:10, Deut 28

5- Romans 8:1; Revelation 4:11; Hebrews 10:38; Hebrews 11:6; Job 28:28; Proverbs 9:10; Proverbs 16:6; Psalm 37:4; Colossians 3:23-24

6- Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-13, Romans 8, Hebrews 7:25, Matt 28:18-20

7- Psalm 118:22, Isaiah 28:16, Matthew 21:42-44, Ephesians 2:19-22, 1 Peter 2:4-10

8- Revelation 12:10, 1 Peter 5:8, Ephesians 4:27, Psalm 1, Mark 13:12-13, Luke 6:17-23, John 15:18-27, Matthew 10:11-42

9- Isaiah 52:13- 53, Romans 8, Luke 12:5, Proverbs 14:27, Proverbs 29:25

10- Ephesians 2:1-10; Isaiah 64:6; Matthew 7:24-29; Genesis 15:1; Psalm 18:2; Psalm 18:31; Psalm 18:46; Romans 5:8; Philippians 1:6; Ephesians 1:13-14; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22; Ephesians 4:30; Ephesians 1

11- 2 Corinthians 5:17

12- Psalm 119:89; 2 Samuel 22:31; Numbers 23:19; 1 Samuel 15:29; Malachi 3:6; James 1:17; Isaiah 55:11; Hebrews 4:12-13, Matthew 24:35, Romans 1:18-2:16; Deuteronomy 28

13- Hebrews 4:12-13, Romans 14:12, 1 Peter 4:5, Matthew 12:36, Hebrews 9:27

14 – Zechariah 1:6; Psalm 119:89; 2 Samuel 22:31; Numbers 23:19; 1 Samuel 15:29; Malachi 3:6; James 1:17; Isaiah 55:11; Hebrews 4:12-13; Matthew 24:35; Romans 1:18-2:16; Deuteronomy 28; Isaiah 59:1

15-  1 John 3:1; Matthew 25:31-46; John 15:18-27; Job 22:28; Matthew 5:16; John 1:1-5; 2 Corinthians 4:3-6; 2 Corinthians 4:6; Philippians 2:15; 2 Peter 1:19; Revelation 21:23; Romans 5:8; Luke 4; Luke 4:31-41; Mark 5:1-20; Mark 1:32-39; Luke 8:26-39; Luke 8:49-56

16- Revelation 1:1-8; Revelation 1:11; Revelation 21:6; Revelation 22:13; Revelation 22:20-21

 Crystal (PsalmThirty4)

Psalm 1, Psalm 2, Psalm 10, Acts 16:22-40

There is no power like the POWER of the Lord Jesus Christ, Who is the Word of God!

 Blessed is the man… whose delight is in the law of the Lord…whatever he does shall prosper.    Psalm 1

 Serve the Lord with fear, And rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, Psalm 2

 a great earthquake, foundations of the prison were shaken; “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” … immediately he and all his family were baptized. Acts 16

 Read at – www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms%201,2,10;%20Acts%2016:22-40&version=NKJV

 Psalm 1         Blessed is the man …in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.

               The ungodly are not so, But are like the chaff which the wind drives away, the way of the ungodly shall perish.

                The Word of God makes all the difference. Keep drinking from the springs of eternal life.   If I don’t I start groping for kool-aid, soda, and other placebo thirst quenchers whose sugar, carbonation, and food coloring thwart the effect of pure water and cause skin blemishes, caffeine effects, etc.

              Lord Jesus, You love me soooo thoroughly through Your Word, I keep coming back for gulps, drinking deeply Your Word. Lord, You have made me aware of many people who do not know You, and so they do not trust You nor live in You and Your Word. Please touch them in all the ways that only You can do. 1

Psalm 2         Why do … the people plot a vain thing? The rulers take counsel together, Against the Lord and against His Anointed, The Lord shall speak to them in His wrath, (So, instead) Serve the Lord with fear, And rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, And you perish in the way, Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.

              This sounds like a local and world news report. There is no difference between yesterday and today. Man’s nature and God never change. But individuals can change through One Way. The Son of God can set each person free! Jesus, please draw people to Yourself to submit to Your Lordship, rushing for shelter by confessing and repenting and thereby free themselves from death to life. 2

              Lord Jesus, help me to keep Your Word ever in the forefront of my eyes, my mind, and my heart. How futile it is, and how harmful to me, to turn away from You, the Beloved Lord of lords. Because the pain of being aside from You hurts more deeply and sharply than ever before, You’ve trained me to keep short accounts – so my repentances are quick U-turns back to You. Oh how sweet! Thank You Jesus! Please help me bear fruit in keeping with repentance!

Psalm 10       The wicked in his pride persecutes; For the wicked boasts of his heart’s desire; He renounces the Lord, does not seek God; God is in none of his thoughts. He has said in his heart, “You will not require an account.” But You have seen, for You observe trouble and grief, To repay it by Your hand.

            The Lord is King forever and ever;  Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will prepare their heart; You will cause Your ear to hear, That the man of the earth may oppress no more.

              More current newspaper information! Yet, How reassuring Your Actions are to me, my God! What a safety and security You are to me! By Your righteous right hand, display Your glory that the wicked would fear You and turn and be saved from eternity in hell! 3

Acts 16:22-40              They threw them into prison, and fastened their feet in the stocks. (While) praying and singing hymns to God, there was a great earthquake, and everyone’s chains were loosed.  And the keeper, said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” And immediately he and all his family were baptized, and he rejoiced.

            How big is my God? How much to I Look at Him? Praying and singing hymns while “trapped” in circumstances and situations? Do I remember the “earthquake” when Jesus rescued my soul from hell? The other earthquakes that changed my perspective, relationships and many aspects of my life irrevocably? How about you, dear reader?

                Lord Jesus, I rejoice in Your many miracles daily, when I do not deny You, but proclaim You in my spirit and with my body! How boring life is without You at the helm! Thank You Jesus for claiming me and having me cling to You right back!!

Bible Insights –

1 –  John 6:63; John 6:68; John 5:24; Psalm 37:4; John 4:13-14; John 7:38; Matthew 10:28; Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 9:10; Romans 1:19-20; Psalm 19 

2 –  Malachi 3:6; James 1:17; John 14:6; John 8:36; Psalm 7:1, James 4:8; Romans 8:13; Romans 5:21; Romans 6:23; Hebrews 9:15; Luke 15:10; Luke 3:8 

3 – Jeremiah 17:9; Ezekiel 18:23; Ezekiel 18:32

Crystal (PsalmThirty4)

2 Samuel 10, 2 Samuel 11, 2 Samuel 12, John 3:1-15

“The thing that David had done displeased the Lord.” 2 Samuel 11:27

Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3

Please Read at: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2Sam10,11,12;%20John%203:1-15&version=NKJV 

2 Samuel 10    Be of good courage, and let us be strong for our people and for the cities of our God. And may the Lord do what is good in His sight.” v.12

                  “David said, ‘I will show kindness’”, but he was distrusted so Israel was challenged with war. The Lord did what was “good in His sight.” Thus the people of Ammon were defeated and the Syrians made peace with Israel and served them.

“Righteousness exalts a nation,…” Proverbs 14:34

2 Samuel 11             David remained…arose from his bed and walked…saw a woman bathing…very beautiful to behold…sent and inquired…took her…lay with her…and the woman conceived.

             But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. James 1:14-16

               Righteous Uriah (Matthew 1:6) rejected David’s enticements: “As you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do this thing.” So King David ordered murder: “Set Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retreat from him, that he may be struck down and die.” 

“…But sin is a reproach to any people.” Proverbs 14:34

2 Samuel 12             The Lord sent Nathan to David…“You are the man!…Why have you despised the commandment of the Lord, to do evil in His sight?…Now therefore, the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised Me…For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel, before the sun.”…So David said…“I have sinned against the Lord.” And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die. However, because by this deed you have…    David therefore pleaded with God, fasted…the child died. …So David arose from the ground, washed and anointed himself, and changed his clothes; and he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped.…Now the Lord loved him, and He sent word by the hand of Nathan the prophet.

            God Convicts me of sin. I agree with God and Confess my sin. I hate my sin and turn away from it in Repentance. With Joy of God’s cleansing, I Worship the Lord God Almighty whole heartedly. Out of the fullness of my heart, my mouth testifies to what the Lord God has done. I “bear fruits worthy of repentance.” Matthew 3:8   –  A repeated cycle of sanctification for holiness by delighting in the LORD.

John 3:1-15              Jesus answered…unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God…unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. …‘You must be born again.’…born of the Spirit.…the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. 

            King David was a man after God’s own heart. Like me, David was not perfect. David lived at a greater disadvantage by not having all the spiritual tools I have available today. King David did not have: the full completed Bible, the knowledge of God in flesh, the Lord Jesus Christ, the satisfaction of the fulfilled Atonement, nor the Wisdom and Power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. All of this is available for us today.

             By testifying of His sacrificial offer, Jesus’ Words invite you and me to come to Him so that we “should not perish but have eternal life.”

What is your choice? Eternal perishing or eternal Life? Literally hell or heaven? Despising “the commandment of the Lord, to do evil in His sight?” Or confessing, repenting and worshipping? “I have sinned against the Lord…and he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped.” 

What is my choice? Lord God Almighty, I am sorry for my sins against You. Once again, I resubmit my will to You, living God. I reject my sins of today, yesterday, and my wrong thoughts for tomorrow. Please forgive me by the Blood of Jesus Christ. Please fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I would live under and for You today and allways, by Your Power and Word of God Wisdom. Teach me, Show me, Guide me and Grow me that I would know You more intimately and live more submitted to You for Your Purpose and Glory all the days of my life. Lord Jesus Christ, I praise You that You are God and are Holy. Please enable and empower me to help others to know You so that they will worship You as You desire, in Spirit and in Truth. “To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen.” Jude 1:25

Helpful Notes –         God writes His Law on the hearts of those who are New Creatures in Christ Jesus because of Jesus’ atoning death and resurrection.    John 1:1-3; John 1:12-14; John 1:29; John 14:6; Hebrews 1:3; Matthew 11:28-30; 2 Corinthians 5:17; John 4:23-24; Psalm 37:4; Romans 3:21-26; Hebrews 2:17; 1 John 2:2; 1 John 4:10; 1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22; Hebrews 10:16; Jeremiah 17:9; Jeremiah 31:33-34; Ezekiel 36:25-29; James 1:21-22; John 16:13; John 14:15-17; Hebrews 11:6

Crystal (PsalmThirty4)