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)

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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)

1 Peter 1, Ezekiel 22, Ezekiel 23

The word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Now, son of man, … show her all her abominations! … I have poured out My indignation on them; I have consumed them with the fire of My wrath; … then you shall know that I, the Lord, have poured out My fury on you.’” Ezekiel 22

“Therefore thus says the Lord God: ‘Because you have forgotten Me and cast Me behind your back, Therefore you shall bear the penalty Of your lewdness and your harlotry.’”…you shall pay for your idolatrous sins. Then you shall know that I am the Lord God.’”  Ezekiel 23  

“To the Pilgrims” with “an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation …”  1 Peter 1

Read at – http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel%2022,%20Ezekiel%2023,%201%20Peter%201&version=NKJV

Ezekiel 22     “You have become guilty by the blood which you have shed, and have defiled yourself with the idols which you have made. You have caused your days to draw near”

                Lord Almighty Omniscient, You always hate sinful words, actions, thoughts and attitudes which people do. You always tell me to turn to You and be saved from Your fierce wrath. #1

             What angers You, Lord God, are people willfully shedding the blood of the innocent in their womb or for revenge or money. Or when I make an idol out of anything and depend upon “it” to make me happy, content or to bring myself pleasure, comfort or security. It is then that I do NOT depend upon my alive and real Relating-ship with You my Father. It is as if I turn my back on You saying “Lord, You are not good enough for me, I don’t trust You so I am rejecting You for the greater importance of _whatever__.” God, You are a jealous for me! Rightfully so. You bought me with the price of Your only begotten Son’s Life Blood. You love me immeasurably. I am to treat You as my Master! Joyously! Thank You!  #2

            The willfulness of my own soul causes me to either run to You or flee. May I always be conscious of Your Goodness and Truth which is the only Hope and Remedy for my personal fulfillment and boundless Joy. #3

            Lord, I lift up my nation to You! Awaken Your people and transform the hell bound to know You, hate their atrocities against You and live for Your glory alone, Omniscient Father. #4

            Just as in Ezekiel 22, many leaders use their power to make light of the father and mother bonds and responsibilities which You ordained and instituted. Many have devoured people, taken treasure and precious things, made many widows by war and murder. Many religious leaders have violated Your Law, profaned Your holy things and have not distinguished between the holy and unholy. Many citizens slander thus causing death to reputations, relationships or to a life itself. Many commit robbery, lewdness, have sex outside of marriage, homosexuality, adultery, incest, mistreat the poor and needy and make excess dishonest profits by extortion and usury. Many people who have forgotten the Lord God, their Creator.  #5

            You state what You can do to us Lord, “I beat My fists, … I shall deal with you… I, the Lord, have spoken, and will do it. … remove your filthiness completely from you….then you shall know that I am the Lord.”

               Your Word should fill me with Holy Fear of You Lord – to know Your Power and Holiness so to live to please You! Holy One, Thank You that You did not destroy me or others immediately. I call on Your character to be slow to anger and long suffering because You do not want anyone to perish. Please engage Your Body to be very active for Your Victory of salvation of souls! Please have me know You better and more intimately each day, and for my nation, too! #6

            Jesus, awaken me to be involved with Your kindness when I see a stranger, a widow, or someone who is fatherless. Remind me of Your Mercy and Grace that helped me when I was Your enemy and even now when I am Your child. Have me fear You more greatly to keep Your Sabbath set apart just for You, to Worship and abide in You deeply instead of trading Your attention for anything else. #7

1 Peter 1  –    To the pilgrims … in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ:  you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love.

            Lord God, You speak of various trials. Oh how painful they are sometimes!! The twists and turns I am carried through, and yet I must be straight in You and faithful to You, my Savior. Help me to heed Your Word by Your Holy Spirit so that I will not fall into the sins listed in the following passages, even in my mind.

             Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

            I am grateful that I am “redeemed with …the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. …who through Him believe in God … that your faith and hope are in God.”

            Lord Jesus Christ, enable, empower and contend with me to “purify my soul in obeying the truth through the Spirit …having been born again …through the word of God which lives and abides forever.” Amen!

Bible insights –

#1  Psalm 97:10; Psalm 7:11; Ezekiel 14:6; Joel 2:12; Acts 26:20; James 1:21; Proverbs 6:16-19; Psalm 9-11; Ezekiel 18; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Luke 12:5; Isaiah 59:1; Hosea 4:6; Matthew 11:28-30; Deuteronomy 28; Job 33:13; Matthew 12:36; Romans 14:12; Hebrews 4:13; 1 Peter 4:5; Hebrews 9:27

#2   Exodus 34:14; Ezekiel 39:25; Zephaniah 3:17; Deuteronomy 4:24; Exodus 20; Nahum 1:2; Matthew 26:28; Hebrews 9:22; 1 Corinthians 6:20; 1 Corinthians 7:23; Acts 20:28; Jeremiah 31:3; Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 1; John 13:13; Matthew 28:18-20; Matthew 25:31-46; Revelation 7:10; Colossians 3:23-25; Philippians 4:4-8; Nehemiah 8:10; Revelation 7:12

#3 Nehemiah 8:10 

#4  2 Chronicles 7:14; Romans 5:8; Romans 6; Luke 12:5; Romans 1:18-2:16; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Revelation 19:20; Revelation 20:10; Psalm 51; Hosea 4:6; Job 28:28; Psalm 19:9; Psalm 25:14; Psalm 33:18; Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 2:5; Proverbs 8:13; Proverbs 14:27; Proverbs 16:6; Proverbs 29:25

#5 Genesis 1:1-3; Genesis 1:26-2; Leviticus 18, Deuteronomy 6:1-9; Deuteronomy 11; Psalm 127:3-5; Proverbs 5:18; 1 Peter 3; Ephesians 5; 1 Corinthians 7; Exodus 20; Romans 1:18-2:16; John 10; Luke 11:13; James 1:17, Leviticus 18:22

#6   Job 28:28; Psalm 19:9; Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 1:29; Proverbs 2:5; Proverbs 8:13; Proverbs 9:10; Proverbs 14:27; Proverbs 16:6; Luke 12:5; Nehemiah 9:17; Psalm 103:8; Nahum 1:3; Isaiah 59:1; 2 Peter 3:9; Romans 12:1-2; Ephesians 6:10-20; Romans 8

#7    Romans 5:8; John 1:1-3; John 1:10-14; John 1:29; 1 John 3:1; Exodus 20:8-9; John 4:23-26; Exodus 20:12

Crystal (PsalmThirty4)

Jeremiah 47, Jeremiah 48, Hebrews 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Crystal (PsalmThirty4)   

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)