Ezekiel 4-6; Psalm 82; John 2

“That’s not what I expected. I’ve been listening to others who have heard Him teach, and their stories of His divine wisdom and hints of rising power have excited me – even ignited hope to my weary soul…worn down with eking out a living under the heavy hand of Roman captors. Yes, I feel like a captive, even though I am not a slave, yet. What a miserable thought – that I might have to sell my body to have some means of caring for my family, paying tithes and purchasing sacrifices, and giving to those who are even more needy and poorer than I. Oh, God, when will You save us? Those were my thoughts that Passover when I brought the few coins that I had saved to purchase an offering and pay the temple tax in the house of God.

As I walked inside the temple, a commotion began at the east corner, a place to avoid when purchasing an offering, though the other vendors are not much better. Dishonest and unjust Ben-Hadad charges exorbitant prices for exchanging Roman denarii for shekels, and his cohorts squeeze every last coin for their pitiful excuses of a sacrificial animal, even selling doves with broken wings and blemished, scrawny sheep.

All of a sudden an explosion of wooden tables crashed all around me and a whirlwind spinning with coins and curses seemed to suck out all the air in the room. Men groped on the floor or pressed against the wall in confusion and desperation. Then His voice, clear and with authority commanded, ‘Take these things away! Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!’ This must be Jesus!” (Adapted from John’s account of the cleansing of the temple, John 2)

Today some see the temple cleansing story as instruction to churches not to sell pastors’ books, study guides, bible covers, CDs of the weekly sermons, etc. What came to my mind, however, was Corinthians 6:19, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own…” This Scripture is instructing Christians not to use the body for immorality, wickedness, and various sexual sins. We are told we are without excuse because we have the indwelling Holy Spirit to convict us (let alone plenty of fellow believers and non-believers to condemn us). Yet, I wonder if the age-old practice of self-flagellation is just a misguided response to this conviction.  I don’t doubt that many of us feel a sound whipping is in order to cleanse our conscience! How long, though, does it take to forgive oneself and more importantly, what does it take for God’s forgiveness to sink in? I know how wretched a sister or brother in Christ feels to be caught up in sin. Christ still is consumed by zeal for His Father’s house – consumed by His desire to see us cleansed by His blood. But wait! Didn’t Jesus Christ already accomplish that? Are we truly forgiven or do we need to perform some ritual, penance, or sacrifice to cover sin?

I don’t think that is what the Apostle Paul was saying. Rather, what we need is to receive the ongoing regenerative work of the Holy Spirit, working out our salvation day to day in the presence of Almighty God.

Thank You, Jesus, that You are still consumed with zeal for my body, mind, soul, and spirit. Keep me aware of the places within me that need Your cleansing. Cleanse me by Your Holy fire and the washing of Your word. Have Your way with me. Thank You, thank You. Thank You, God for Your mercy!

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Psalm 48, Psalm 49, Psalm 50, 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

 God says: Now consider this, you who forget God, Lest I tear you in pieces, And there be none to deliver. Psalm 50:22

 For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world. 1 Cor 11:31-32

Whoever offers praise glorifies Me; And to him who orders his conduct aright I will show the salvation of God.” Psalm 50:22-23

Please Read – www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ps%2048,49,50;%201Cor11:17-34&version=NKJV

“For if we would judge ourselves”. To judge myself means to examine my self, thoughts, actions, motives and words with the Bible. I must ponder the Law of God while asking and applying the Holy Spirit’s wisdom. I must discern if, where and how I have gone against the Holy God. If I examine myself and am honest, being without compromise, excuse, rationalization or blame of others, then God will make clear to me my faults and show me the Way out for His honor and glory. After I confess, agreeing with God about my sin, and turn away from it then Jesus cleans me. 1

            If I do not examine myself and I have sin, I remain unworthy of communion and I cause God’s judgment upon myself. If I do not confess and repent of my sins, then I WILL BE chastened by the Lord. Jesus does this so that I will stop continuing my sins. If I stop my rebellion against God, I will not be condemned with the world. 2

            Lord Jesus Christ, when my joy of You, Lord, is not full, I am sure there is something lurking within me. Please eradicate it. Take it out. Have me see, confess and repent of it, for Your cleansing, healing and fulfillment of Your good and perfect will in my life. Amen!  3  

According to Your name, O God, So is Your praise to the ends of the earth; Your right hand is full of righteousness. … For this is God, Our God forever and ever; He will be our guide Even to death. Psalm 48

           Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for setting me Free! I praise You because of Who You Are!! The Great ‘I AM’ ! Glorify Yourself through my life. Number my steps according to Your Holy Will. Thank You for showing me mercy and giving me salvation through your unblemished Son of God, the Lamb of God, Lord Jesus Christ. 4 

Why should I fear in the days of evil, When the iniquity at my heels surrounds me? My mouth shall speak wisdom, And the meditation of my heart shall give understanding…  God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave, For He shall receive me. Psalm 49

            Lord, Your Word has shown me that the days are evil. I praise You for teaching me and encouraging me to work out my salvation with fear and trembling so that You, Lord God will work in me to both to will and to do for Your good pleasure. You hide me within Your Priestly garments where I am safe and secure, peeking out to do Your bidding, hopefully as You command. I rejoice to be just Your child! 5

           Lord God Almighty, the fields are ripe for harvest! Please send out Your workers to sow and reap for the salvation of souls, mightily Glorifying You! I love You – please have Your children love them with Your heart!  6

Whoever offers praise glorifies Me; And to him who orders his conduct aright I will show the salvation of God.” Psalm 50:22-23  

            I cry out to my God: I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together. Psalm 34 

1- Psalm 19:7-11; Hebrews 4:12-13; Exodus 20:1-17; Psalm 51  and John 14:1 

2-  1 Corinthians 11: 27-30, 1 Corinthians 11:32, Deuteronomy 28

3-  Romans 12:1-2; Ezekiel 18:32; Romans 10:10; Isaiah 1:18; 1 John 1:9, Nehemiah 8:10

4-  Exodus 3:14-15, Proverbs 3:5-8; Psalm 37:5; Proverbs 16:9; Psalm 119:9, Isaiah 45:21; John 8:58; Acts 4:8-12; Titus 3:3-7; Isaiah 52:13-53:12; John 1:29

5-  2 Peter 3:3; Ephesians 6:10-18; Colossians 3:23-24; Ephesians 5:15-20; 2 Timothy 3:1-9; Psalm 119:105; Philippians 2:12-13; Luke 12:4-5; John 1:12-14; 1 John 3:1

6-  Luke 10:2; John 4:31-42; Galatians 6:7; Galatians 6:9   

7-  Psalm 34 

Crystal (PsalmThirty4)

Exodus 27, Exodus 28, Mark 1:23-45

Please read at – www.BibleGateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus%2027,28;%20Mk%201:23-45&version=NKJV

Exodus 27     “You shall make an altar, the court of the tabernacle, a screen, the light, to cause the lamp to burn continually, outside the veil which is before the Testimony.”

             The Old Testament sacrifice system is the foreshadow of the new, living and everlasting covenant which Jesus Christ fulfilled. Jesus is our sacrifice Atonement for our sins, past, present and future. Jesus is “the light of the world, the light of life.” Which can never be extinguished.  Thank You Jesus for taking the wrath of God for me!!

             You Lord, tell me that if I follow You, I shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life. AND that I am “the light of the world.” Lord Jesus Christ, I rejoice in You, the Light of my soul, path and heart!! I praise you for being God and over powering me by Your Love to empower me by Who You are!! May I desire You more and more greatly that You shine through every pore of me and pour out!! Please let it be so! 

Exodus 28    “You shall make holy garments, a breastplate, an ephod, a robe, a tunic, a turban, and a sash, the engraving of a signet: HOLINESS TO THE LORD, and it shall always be on his forehead, that they may be accepted before the Lord, that he may minister to Me as priest.”

               Thank You Lord Jesus Christ for asking me to come to You, that You would make me a new creature, Your child!! Thank You for being THE Royal High Priest so You forever intercede for me! Because of this, my God, make me honorable to You, fulfilling Your will to be “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light”!!

               Thank you for continually using Your Hand to mold me, shape me and change me to be how You desire, for only in Your blood stained Palm am I eternally safe, grateful and having Your joy as my strength.

             Please dress me up in Your garb: Your honorable Armor, wearing Your righteousness! I can never forget that You won the war, but the battles rage on. Please save the rebellious people from hell and protect the persecuted church! Please! Thank You!  

Mark 1:23-45  An unclean spirit, cried out, You are—the Holy One of God!”  “He commands and they obey Him.” He took her by the hand, and immediately the fever left her. And she served them. Jesus, moved with compassion, touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” And he was cleansed.

            Jesus, You are the King of kings Lord of lords.  You cast out demons, heal us by Your compassionate will, and for the purpose that we will serve You as You desire! Thank You for freeing us to have such an incredible position! I am humbled because I know no good thing is in me – but Only Good is You!! 

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.” John 14:12  

Pondering – A repeated Old Testament theme, “You shall make”. But I cannot make Righteousness. Only the Lord Jesus can make me righteous. How I need to lean on Jesus to learn from Him for all I do, say, think, feel, etc – Holding every thought captive to God’s Word, so Jesus’ righteousness is visible!! What a quest! No wonder Jesus is our exceedingly great Reward! Genesis 15:1

Further reading for –

Exodus 27     Leviticus 17:11, Matthew 26:28,  Hebrews 9:22, Hebrews 10:19-23, John 19:30, Matthew 27:51, Matthew 28, Luke 24:44-53, John 3:36, John 8:12, John 1:4-5, Matthew 5:14, Psalm 119:105, 160  

Exodus 28 and Mark 1: 23-45       Matthew 11:28-30; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 John 3:1; John 3:5-7; Hebrews 7:25; 1 Peter 2:9; Nehemiah 8:10; Ephesians 1:13-14; Isaiah 64:8; Isaiah 49:16, Ephesians 6:10-18; Mark 10:18, John 15; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Romans 12:1-2 

Crystal (PsalmThirty4)

2 Kings 10, 2 Kings 11, 2 Timothy 1, Hosea 2, Psalm 119:97-120

Come with me, and see my zeal for the LORD. 2 Kings 10:16

Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. Psalm 119:97

 Our Savior Jesus Christ, Who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 2 Timothy 1:10

Read at: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Kings%2010,%202%20Kings%2011,%202%20Timothy%201,%20Hosea%202,%20Psalm%20119:97-120&version=NKJV

             How can I live without the Presence of God? All five readings demonstrate and prove the intrinsic value and joyous quality of life when life is lived adhering to the Word of God! Woe to those, including me, who do NOT honor the living Lord God Almighty fully and instead worship, even slightly, anyone/thing else!! They suffer daily, and without repentance and surrender to the Lord Jesus Christ shall perish after this brief life. (James 4:7; John 10:30; John 14:6; John 3:3-5, John 3:16-21, Matthew 18:1-5; Acts 4:10-12, Matthew 5:22, Matthew 10:28, Revelation 21:6-8)

2 Kings 10                Just prior to these scenes, the LORD says to Jehu: “I have anointed you king over Israel.” 2 Kings 9:3

            Jehu responds emphatically by wiping out all of his potential adversaries. Jehu states his motivation: “Come with me, and see my zeal for the LORD.” v.16  Jehu has Ahab’s 70 sons (v.1-11), 42 brothers of Ahaziah, king of Judah(v.12-14), and the rest of Ahab’s family (v.15-17) all killed.

               What enemies are in my midst? What strongholds, blind spots, hidden thoughts, patterns and ways which defy the LORD and are lurking to take the throne of the Lord Jesus Christ within my heart? Not people, but my own allegiances which are against the Word of God? I must hold each of these to the Truth Mirror of the Bible. 2 Corinthians 10:5 

            Then Jehu states deceptively, “I have a great sacrifice for Baal.” Jehu gathers all the Baal priests and worshippers together for “a solemn assembly for Baal. … and all …came” Then Jehu orders: “Go in and kill them; let no one come out!” Furthermore, “they broke down the sacred pillar of Baal, and tore down the temple of Baal and made it a refuse dump … Thus Jehu destroyed Baal from Israel.”  (v.18-28)

            What do I worship? Spending time with whom? Doing what? Buying, selling, ingesting, imbibing, drugging, watching, listening, wasting time, … Are there idols, images or thoughts which are Not Christ centered or Biblical? Am I valuing my own pleasures, desires or a prideful self-image? Break those temples Lord Jesus! Reveal to me the revelry in my own heart and break my heart for what breaks Yours! I give you full reign over my heart, eyes, hands and will. Psalm 51  

            Jehu did a fabulous job of rooting out all the “sickness” which was against the Holy God. God noticed (as always!), “the LORD said to Jehu, “Because you have done well in doing what is right in My sight, and have done to the house of Ahab all that was in My heart, your sons shall sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation.” v.30

              My zeal has consumed me, Because my enemies have forgotten Your words. Psalm 119:139, Numbers 25:13, Psalm 69:9, John 2:17 

2 Kings 11                Meanwhile in Judah, after Ahaziah dies, his mother “arose and destroyed all the royal heirs.” v.1 But God’s remnant remained! A grandson, Joash, is hidden “in the house of the LORD for six years” while the queen mother harshly rules Judah.  “In the seventh year Jehoiada,” the LORD’s priest, “brought out the king’s son, put the crown on him, and gave him the Testimony” When the queen found out, she “tore her clothes and cried out, “Treason! Treason!” and was swiftly killed.

             To what do I cry “Treason! Treason!”? What crosses my line of sensibilities? What raises my hackles? Do I yell it in rebuff when someone wants me to stop being self indulgent? Do I yell it when others are involved in wrong around me? Treason to whom? To myself, my family, my culture or to my King?  

             “Then Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD, the king, and the people, that they should be the LORD’s people, … went to the temple of Baal, and tore it down. … They thoroughly broke in pieces its altars and images, … And the priest appointed officers over the house of the LORD. … So all the people of the land rejoiced”

             What legacy am I leaving for my children? One of the Lord God Almighty or not? Eternal life or eternal death? Or is it a mixture by which a half truth is really a full lie? What high places of sin are not torn down in me so that I cannot see it in my children? Luke 6:41-42

            Lord, cleanse me more and cleanse my entire family so that we all stand in worship of You 24/7/365 no matter where we are!! May the people of my household rejoice in You, their Sovereign Lord Jesus Christ All Ways!! 

2 Timothy 1              What has God given to me? To you? “the genuine faith…  the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

             What MUST I do about it? “do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, … for the gospel according to the power of God, … Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, … according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began”  

            Why? Because “our Savior Jesus Christ, Who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,”

            Resolutely I agree: “I am not ashamed, for I know Whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.”

            How can I do this? “Hold fast the pattern of sound words”, most specifically the Word of God.

           It is impossible to live for the Lord God Almighty, the God of the Old and New Testaments, unless I am filled with His Holy Spirit. (Acts 4:31, Romans 15:13, Acts 13:52, Ephesians 5:18, John 15:26, John 16:13, Psalm 31:5, John 4:24)

           Furthermore, I can feel spurned by those who live in the “mixture” of lies and truth: compromised, rationalized and excused half-belief in the Word of God. (v. 12-14) Lord Jesus, please open the eyes of their heart to Your saving death. Cause in them a desperate need for Your cleansing Blood. Make them aware that nothing else will suffice the wrath of God. (Romans 1:18, Romans 2:5, 1 Thessalonians 5:9, John 3:36, 1 Peter 1:17-21)

Hosea 2         Just like we read in the 2 Kings 10-11, the Lord God is Jealous (Exodus 34:14) for us, His people. Being double minded, unfaithful and hard hearted is unacceptable within the Covenant of Love we have by the Lord Jesus Christ (1 John 4:10).

              The Lord God shows us mercy by revealing to us who we are and how we are compared to His Holiness, and then by doing something for us that we cannot do for ourselves.  

            Hosea 2:        Mercy is shown. … Bring charges against… Let her put away her harlotries from her sight, … And expose her, … her children, For they are the children of harlotry. … behaved shamefully.

              I will hedge up your way with thorns,  And wall her in, Then she will say, ‘ I will go and return to my first husband,’ 

             Now I will uncover her lewdness in the sight of her lovers,  And no one shall deliver her from My hand. I will also cause all her mirth to cease, …I will punish her For the days of the Baals to which she burned incense. … But Me she forgot,” says the LORD.

The Lord God is a Jealous God – Who loves us for our own benefit!

             “Therefore, behold, I will allure her, Will bring her into the wilderness, And speak comfort to her. …  She shall sing there, As in the days of her youth,… “And it shall be, in that day,”  Says the LORD, “That you will call Me ‘My Husband,’ And no longer call Me ‘My Master,’ For I will take from her mouth the names of the Baals, And they shall be remembered by their name no more. In that day I will make a covenant ….”

            “I will betroth you to Me forever; Yes, I will betroth you to Me In righteousness and justice, In lovingkindness and mercy; I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness, And you shall know the LORD. And I will have mercy on her who had not obtained mercy; Then I will say to those who were not My people, ‘You are My people!’ And they shall say, ‘You are my God!’”

Psalm 119:97-120               To You, my Sovereign Lord and God!  May my heart speak this to You with no falsehood or hidden sin:

Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.

I have restrained my feet from every evil way, that I may keep Your Word.
For You Yourself have taught me. How sweet are Your Words to my taste,
Sweeter than honey to my mouth! Therefore I hate every false way.

I am afflicted very much; Revive me, O LORD, according to Your Word.   

The wicked have laid a snare for me, Yet I have not strayed from Your precepts.
 Your testimonies I have taken as a heritage forever, For they are the rejoicing of my heart..
         
I hate the double-minded, But I love Your law.

You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your Word.
Depart from me, you evildoers,…

You reject all those who stray from Your statutes, or their deceit is falsehood.
My flesh trembles for fear of You, And I am afraid of Your judgments.

How I praise You my Creator, Redeemer, Lord and Father!

Crystal (PsalmThirty4)