Isaiah 1-3; Psalm 9; Matthew 22

(Warning: post contains graphic language)

“Damn your soul to hell!” screamed the mother repeatedly at the murderer of her young son. The scripted line came from a movie that was loosely based on a true story of a man who forced his adolescent nephew to assist him in picking up young boys, taking them to his farm across the border, and using an axe to kill over 20 victims. The man was hanged for the murders but did he go to hell?

Nobody wants to believe that Hades/hell/Sheol exists. Heaven is an acceptable belief to most Christians because of the image that we will be like angels and live on streets of gold (though I have heard some say that they are afraid of being bored in this ethereal abode). Unbelievers chaff at the possibility of, and the born again chaffs at the thought of loved ones, being cast into either a pit of unquenchable fire or utter darkness.

It is no wonder that some religious denominations refuse to preach about a physical place of eternal damnation. Perhaps the old ‘fire and brimstone’ sermons upset the modern congregation; or final judgment of sinners is considered incongruent with the message that God is love; or the belief that a God of love could never create such a horrific place. A closer look into this theology (though I’m probably only skirting the topic since I am no theologian) may reveal that many today are uncomfortable with believing in the Judgment Day. Belief in the afterlife for the wicked is passé and not politically correct in our enlightened age.

Is the shift from the belief in a Dante’s like “Inferno” due to being unwilling to accept the possibility that more than a few people may truly be sent to hell? If so, then what should we do with the hard truths of Jesus Christ who said in Matthew 22:7, “But when the king heard about it, he was furious. And he sent out his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.” And again, in verse 13, “Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’” These words by Christ refer to and are evidence of the judgment to come (see Matthew 8:12 and 25:30).

A.W. Tozer wrote, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” If I am uncomfortable with the thought that God reserved a place of eternal damnation for the wicked and unrepentant, then I will not be comfortable preaching repentance. If my focus is on preaching eternal judgment, then I may be remiss on testifying about the hope of redemption. I cannot ignore the many examples of God’s judgments (for example, see Isaiah 1-3) and the response of godly men and women who praise God for His judgments (see Psalm 9). But just as importantly, I am reassured by Scripture that even creation will be freed from “the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God (Romans 8:21). Is there a place where the wicked will be cast eternally? For this Christian, the question is settled by the certainty that Christ will return in all His glory and complete deliverance from all our sinful natures.

Dear Lord Jesus, You are the author of faith and the guarantee of redemption. I pray that none would suffer loss of Your precious gift of salvation. I pray that I would work alongside Your Holy Spirit in wooing others into the Kingdom of Heaven. Through Your precious blood – Amen.

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Numbers 4, Psalm 38, Song of Solomon 2, Hebrews 2

Read - http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Num.%204;%20Ps.%2038;%20Song%202;%20Heb.%202&version=NKJV 

Numbers 4               Then the Lord spoke, “Take a census of the sons of Kohath, Gershon, Merari, Levites, … all who enter the service to do the work … but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die.”

             You know me, Lord. I am never hidden from Your sight. You number my days. You have prepared me to do service for You. I am to commit my way to You so You will do the blessing through me.

            Working for You can be “deadly” if I ever take the glory because it is only due to You. No compliment, no esteem, no honor, no whatever can I accept without internally submitting that to You, Lord Jesus Christ. It is only under Your Authority and by abiding in You, that any eternal good can ever be accomplished.

            Lord Jesus, keep my mind and heart fresh to hear Your thoughts as my first priority whenever anyone appreciates me. I want to hear You praised and glorified within my own heart, my Savior and Lord! That is my reward!

Psalm 38                   O Lord, do not rebuke me in Your wrath, Nor chasten me in Your hot displeasure! There is no soundness in my flesh Because of Your anger, Nor any health in my bones Because of my sin. For my iniquities have gone over my head; I go mourning all the day long.

            The price of sin is Enormous! The pain it causes far outweighs and outlasts any moment of illicit pleasure.  When I harden my heart, becoming stubborn in believing that “I deserve my unlawful pleasure rights” – I cause greater harm to myself and to those whom I say with my lips that I love; You Lord, my relatives, friends, and those who need Jesus yet may be led astray by witnessing an unfaithful Christ follower. 

For in You, O Lord, I hope; You will hear, O Lord my God. For I am ready to fall, And my sorrow is continually before me. For I will declare my iniquity; I will be in anguish over my sin. – O my God, be not far from me! Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation!

             Lord Jesus, I have sinned against You only – and gravely. My fear of man, distrust of Your Word, and attitude of self-will all speak loudly against You, Holy One. I choose to turn away, this moment, from “my rights” and submit to Your Rights, LORD. Take this situation which is before me, give me Your Word Perspective, fill me with Your Holy Spirit wisdom and power. See – I shall turn away from my familiar pattern and do Your counsel for You, Lord Jesus Christ!   

Song of Solomon 2             The man about the woman, “Like a lily among thorns, So is my love among the daughters.”                           

            Imagery – Imagine – Christ with His Bride, the Church, the Body of Christ! Thorns are those who are still Jesus’ enemy. I am a lily among those who are thorns. I am Your Love! What an honor to be loved and cherished by You, my Savior! My heart melts!

            The woman about the man, “I sat down in his shade with great delight, And his fruit was sweet to my taste. … He brought me to the banqueting house, And his banner over me was love….  My beloved spoke, and said to me: ‘Rise up, my love, my fair one, And come away.’”

            By Your Lovingkindness You draw me into Your Presence! Your unconditional Love overshadows all the ills in my life and overwhelms me. You always call me to stay in Your Presence. ~ ~ I rest in You, Lord Jesus. You refresh me like no other. I ponder Your Word privately, intimately, vulnerably. Your Holy Spirit gives me comfort, wisdom and holy perspective. Your Sweet Fruit I desire above all – the Fruit of the Holy Spirit and Your work.

            I shall be faithful to You, Lord Jesus, my Betrothed. You are always beneficially honest with me for Your glory! Your everlasting love binds my heart, mind and all to You, my Beloved King!

My beloved is mine, and I am His. v.16

Hebrews 2                How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, and gifts of the Holy Spirit …?

             No adultery! No neglecting the Great Salvation which the Lord Jesus paid for me! No betraying or rejecting the One Love that can save me and fill me with healing and wholeness!

           But how am I unfaithful to my first Love? Who or what do I run to when I am upset, bothered and wanting to escape even minor “moody pain”? how many times have a failed? and harmed others in my wake? Do I first run to Jesus, the Word of God, and stay there? For Good counsel, comfort and wisdom to change my perspective and situation? Do my reactions have Jesus being the Fragrance people smell, instead of my own odorous ways?

     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. …For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.

I am free and empowered, indeed, to live for You! Thank You Lord Jesus!

“I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You. I will put My trust in Him.” v.13

Crystal (PsalmThirty4)

Exodus 13, Luke 16, Job 31, 2 Corinthians 1

Read at – http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ex.%2013;%20Luke%2016;%20Job%2031;%202%20Cor.%201&version=NKJV

Exodus 13    Remember this day in which you went out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the Lord brought you out of this place….‘This is done because of what the Lord did for me’

              Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for he had placed the children of Israel under solemn oath, saying, “God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here with you.” And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night.  

              Lord God, You are the Deliverer, the Provider and Sustainer. I suffer because I focus on my circumstances rather than clinging to You, no matter how much, often and powerfully You reveal Your character, attributes and activity in my daily life.

              Father, thank You for being the Sovereign Lord God throughout all time and space. You brought Joseph through many trials and hardship, where Joseph clung to You because of all his unfaithful and cruel family members, owners and friends. There was no person he could trust but You. Lord God, You were and are always Faithful! You let Joseph know You would bring him out of Egypt to be with Your people – and You covered Israel as You set them free! You saved Your people from judgment of death because You provided the only Way out! The Passover Lamb of God, representative of the eternal Lamb of God, the Lord Jesus Christ. (1)

            Lord God, You have been present during my past and are bringing me to the future You have planned. Help me to be faithful to You in my daily thought life so that I will not be depleted, distracted, saddened or without vision to forfeit what You want done, Your good and perfect will.

Luke 16         There was a certain rich man who had a steward, … and said to him, ‘What is this I hear about you?’ … So the master commended the unjust steward because he had dealt shrewdly. …  And I say to you, … He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own? No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”

            Lord God, You amaze me! You have trained me to be frugal and to give to You generously out of desiring for Your will and glory to be done here on earth as it is in heaven. Your  Word has done within me what You purposed! Yet it is never about money! It isn’t if we have money or not, are rich or not. It’s about depending on You, relying on You in a relationship based upon You, Lord Jesus! It is about living for You with integrity and honoring You with my attitude, motive and intent, along with everything else of my being. It is truly all about Jesus, the Word of God. (2)  

“it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tittle of the law to fail.” Luke 16:17

               The rich man and Lazarus, hell and heaven, show me that it isn’t about who had ‘good’ or ‘evil’. It is about what we do within our circumstances about You! It doesn’t depend on seeing You, Jesus, but IF we heed You, the Word of God. (vs. 30-31)                     

Job 31           For what is the allotment of God from above, And the inheritance of the Almighty from on high? Is it not destruction for the wicked, And disaster for the workers of iniquity? Does He not see my ways, And count all my steps? … For destruction from God is a terror to me, And because of His magnificence I cannot endure.

            What Wondrous expressions displaying Job’s Love for God! The intimacy and passionate desire for God from Job is sacred. Job 31 reveals the tender subtleties of living a life with the sensibilities for God to honor of the Lord God Almighty. Oh, Lord, that I, in this day, would have the same fear of You and honor for You! My heart weeps at the iniquity within me and around me! Your heart must be continually broken by each subtle ignoring of Your Presence here on earth!

             Job cries out, “Oh, that I had one to hear me! Here is my mark. Oh, that the Almighty would answer me, That my Prosecutor had written a book! Surely I would carry it on my shoulder, And bind it on me like a crown; I would declare to Him the number of my steps; Like a prince I would approach Him.” Job 31:35-37

            Many of us suffer seasons of tragedy, loss and of friends with bad advice. Oh! That Job would have had the Book of Your Word! Then Job could have “heard” from You as his Most Trusted Friend! You, Lord Jesus, the Word of God! (3)   

            How blessed! I DO have this!! We have a book called the “library”, the Bible! Many of us do carry it around and bind it to our hearts and minds like You command. Some Christ followers yearn to have it, yet because of cultural and governmental oppression, they must quickly memorize the single page that is smuggled to them. Others hold Your infallible Word in disdain, and seek to destroy Your reputation and your living tablets of the Word. Sadly, some who claim to belong to you, ignore your commands, precepts, principles and promises. They live a life by “their own understanding” and not a life in the Fear and admonition of the Lord. (4)

             Lord God, by Job’s circumstances and choices, I see how You were involved and protecting his person the entire time, You teach me Who You are and How You are with me. Your Word grows in me a healthy fear and respect of You in order to hide safely in Your Presence.

              Some seasons “feel” like God is displeased with me, though it is the exact opposite because this is when I am being hewn out of His Love for me. It is at these very moments that God is surrounding me closely, protecting me, providing and preparing me for greater intimacy with Him and for His plans of fruitfulness in His Presence for my future! (6)

            Job suffered for one terrible, agonizing season. But Job’s unwavering faithfulness to God seems matchless to me. In the end, Lord God, You double-blessed Job, proving a “a rich harvest of righteousness” and reimbursing Job for “what the locust had eaten”. (5)

             Joseph, too, had an agonizing season before God brought abundance and saved the nation of Israel. My agonizing season, though nothing in comparison to theirs, seems hard to me all the same. Much time in a “wilderness” with much pruning, breaking, healing and training for me by the Husband’s (a farming term) Skillful Hand is to have me trust, rely and adhere to the Almighty alone.

              What feels like “being deprived”, tortured, rejected and “soulful pain” – however real, is really heavenly pruning. God is cutting off deception, sin patterns, strongholds, lies I trust in, and setting me free so that I am no longer captive to my flesh, emotions and evil that I am unaware of. I have prayed, and I mean it – Lord, You know. May Your kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. No matter what the cost – because You already Paid the Price. Thank You Lord Jesus Christ!

2 Corinthians 1       Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, Who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.

            Oh, Lord, the pain I feel seems interminable …. even though I know it is circumstantial and it will have an end. I do trust in the “God who raises the dead”. I am being helped by people “in prayer”. What if those two were not in place! I shudder to think of it. Lord God, help and save those who do not have You, the God of my salvation, the Holy One of Israel, for their Deliverer! Amen!

             For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. Now He Who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, Who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. 2 Corinthians 1:20-22

Bible Insights –

1- Genesis 50:25; Exodus 13:19; John 1:29; John 1:36; Revelation 7:9-12; Romans 12:1-2  

2-  Isaiah 55:8-11; Colossians 3:23-24; John 1:1-3; John 1:14

3- Proverbs 18:24; John 5:24; John 6:63; Psalm 33:4; Psalm 119:43; Psalm 119:160; John 17:17; John 1:1-3; John 1:14

4- Psalm 1; Psalm 19; Psalm 119; Deuteronomy 6:4-8; Deuteronomy 11:16-23; 2 Corinthians 3:3; 1 Peter 2:5; Judges 17:6; Proverbs 3:5-7; Proverbs 18:2; Job 28:28; Ephesians 6:4

5- Psalm 4:8; Job 42:10-17; Joel 2:25; Hebrews 12:11

6- Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 1:1-3; Job 42:10-17; John 14:2-3; John 8:31-36; Romans 6:23; Romans 5:8; Romans 5:21; Proverbs 3:12; Hebrews 12:3-11; Revelation 3:19

 Crystal (PsalmThirty4)

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)

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)