Exodus 27, John 6, Proverbs 3, Galatians 2

Read at – http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ex.%2027;%20John%206;%20Prov.%203;%20Gal.%202&version=NKJV

Exodus 27    You shall make an altar … You shall also make the court of the tabernacle…. And you shall command…

            The details for the Altar of Burnt Offering and the Court of the Tabernacle are too much for me to build and to maintain. Lord God, I am deeply and gratefully indebted to You for having managed all the details of my sacrificial offering for all of my sins by Your only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Your Son Jesus did it once and for all. If it were up to me alone, I could never make it into Paradise. (1)

             And even the care of the Lampstand is beyond my ability. I will forget, get distracted, get caught up in the “works” of it and not maintain the humble and worshipful attitude You desire and deserve. So in Your Omniscience and Omnipotence, Merciful Father, You chose to indwell within me by Your Holy Spirit! You counsel me, remind me, equip, enable and sanctify me – so that I am, more and more, a bright light for all to see so that people may see Your good works and glorify You, my Father! (2)

           Lord Jesus Christ, thank You for the sanctification process. I am overjoyed for times like now, when You, my Potter, have completed a section, so I am in a season of refreshment! (3) 

John 6           Now the Passover, a feast of the Jews, was near. Then Jesus said, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” … One of His disciples, Andrew, said to Him, “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?”

             I love this part! Andrew takes Jesus’ cue and looks for food to serve the people. Andrew trusts Jesus enough to go into action. Andrew does not come up empty handed either! He has something to offer the Lord. Yet, he thinks it isn’t enough. Andrew is right. In and of ourselves, nothing is sufficient. But Andrew loves and trusts Jesus enough to know to ask the Lord Jesus, “what are they among so many?” In response to Andrew’s desire which matched Jesus’ desire, Jesus does what Jesus Does – Jesus multiplies the “one small boy sized portion” which was brought, to Him to feed thousands of people! – With a large basket of leftovers for each disciple!  (4)

            Lord, I give You my heart, soul, mind and strength for You to take all of me to multiply Yourself to everyone you have me encounter! Make Yourself known, magnifying Yourself to the multitudes!

John 6           The sea arose because a great wind was blowing. … they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near the boat; … they willingly received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going.

            Lord Jesus, may I please walk with You? Holding Your hand, I will not be afraid of my situation, circumstances, or future. May I gleefully, by faith in You, look expectantly for Your coming on the waves, me walking with You as Owner, Ruler and Authority over whatever is going on! By my doing so, I trust that I will watch You save many souls from hell, mature the saints for Your paramount service and bring Yourself unsurpassed Glory! This is the desire of my heart! (5)

John 6           Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. … everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” … he who feeds on Me will live because of Me. This is the bread which came down from heaven—… He who eats this bread will live forever.”

            I hunger for Your Righteousness, Lord Jesus. I feed on Your Word ravenously. I am satisfied when I continue chewing, ingesting and exercising what You have given me. Thank You! And then, after I work it off, seeing sin, unrighteousness, being in dis-unity, I hunger and thirst again. It is an unending cycle, though the Food content alters. Sometimes I feed on Your Word of Your attributes or Your creation, praise or crying out, or Your actions while You lived on earth,… Oh so much to feast on! I never tire of You, Beloved Father! (6)

            But there is a responsibility You give me, and everyone who is forgiven and changed by Your Word, my Master. I must pour out what You pour into me. I must freely give what You have freely given me. I must comfort those with the comfort You give me. I must teach those what Your Word teaches me. I must love with the love Your Word and Holy Spirit love on me. “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.” Luke 12:48 I yield by the Holy Spirit Power You give me Lord Jesus Christ. I rejoice for the honor of Your call and seeing Your transformations!  (7)

Proverbs 3               My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor detest His correction; For whom the Lord loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.

            Lord God, I do not despise Your chastening nor detest Your correction because I know it means that You love and delight in me as My Father and You will bring me into  closer intimacy with You. You must love me Tons because of all the correction You give me! I am overwhelmingly appreciative to be Your child whom You delight in. I learn from You every day! (8)

Proverbs 3               Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. … Happy is the man who finds wisdom … let them not depart from your eyes— Keep sound wisdom and discretion; For the Lord will be your confidence … His secret counsel is with the upright.

            Holy One of Israel, I find solace and effective wisdom in Your Word. You impart to me Your compassion, understanding, mercy, grace and truth for my words for others. I am grateful that You train me to obey Your Word, to trust You above my own feelings or faulty thinking. I am learning ever increasingly how unwise I am, and how Brilliant are Your Ways!!  I delight in You, my Father and Savior!  I fear You, so I am thrilled and Joyously run from evil and run to You. May it always be so! By my exercising the wisdom You give me, I am happy and I deeply enjoy Your secret counsel to me. Your abundant grace upon me is very humbling, Lord Jesus.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,…The wise shall inherit glory, Proverbs 3

Galatians 2               For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.”

            What a miracle Father! That You would trade Your only begotten Son Jesus’ honorable life for my wretched life and destiny of condemnation to hell!  Unfathomable in the world’s economy – but Perfect in Love and Power in Heaven’s economy! Grace, unmerited favor, is all over this!! I am so grateful it was You, Lord God Jesus Christ, because You alone could rise from the dead! And I can be with You now and forever!!!

             Because of Your extravagant love on me, my debt of love beckons me to live for You always, my Christ. I ceaselessly desire for others to come to the saving knowledge of You, Sovereign Savior, and to mature IN Christ Jesus, so they will bear fruit for Your glory alone unendingly!

            Lord God, by Your indwelling Holy Spirit, You live through me. You continually caution me to not seek my fleshly desires and pleasures, but seek Your kingdom, righteousness and purposes so that Truly, the desires of my heart are met! And by my living by faith in Your Son Jesus daily, I see what You are doing, and am increasingly excited for the new, fresh new things You will do in and around me! Life is truly an adventure through communication with You by thought, word and action!

            My friend’s family which I help, the strangers I speak with, my family members I serve, – all are affected by Your Higher view and wisdom. Their hearts process Your Word to turn to You, away from sin and bitterness. And it’s only because of You Lord God! No one can change a person. But Your Word changes everything! I am so excited that You, Word of God, Jesus Christ, are so powerful, effective and victorious!! All praise and glory to the one High King of kings, the Lord Jesus Christ! (9)

In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me? Psalm 56:4

Bible Insights –

1 – James 2:10; John 3:16-17; Hebrews 10:10; Romans 6:10; Hebrews 9; Isaiah 64:6; Romans 12:1-2; Colossians 3:23-24; Romans 8:29; Ephesians 1-2

2 – Matthew 5:16; Hebrews 1:3; Colossians 1:15; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Colossians 3:10; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 Corinthians 15:49; Philippians 2:12-18; Ezekiel 11:19-21; Ezekiel 36:25-29; Jeremiah 31:33-34; 1 Peter 1:23; Acts 13:52; John 15:7-11; John 15:26-27; John 3:5-8

3 – 2 Corinthians 4:7-12 , Isaiah 64:8,  Acts 3:19

4 – John 15:4-5, Psalm 37:4, Psalm 23:5, Luke 6:38   

5 – Psalm 37:4

6 – Deuteronomy 8:3, Matthew 4:4, John 4:32, 34, John 1:1-3, 14

7 – 1 Peter 1:23; Matthew 10:8; Luke 7:47; 2 Corinthians 1:4; Psalm 51:12-13; Romans 1:16; Deuteronomy 6:7; Titus 2:1-5; John 15:12; 1 John 3:1; Luke 12:48; John 14:12

8 – Luke 18:16; 2 Corinthians 5:17; John 14:26; Psalm 86:11; 1 Corinthians 2:13; 1 John 3:1; John 17:17; Psalm 25:5

9 – 1 John 3:1; Romans 1:16; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Hebrews 10:38; Galatians 3:11; John 3:30; Luke 2:49; John 4:32-38; Psalm 37:4; John 1:1-3; John 1:14; Hebrews 4:12-13; Isaiah 55:11

Crystal (PsalmThirty4)

Advertisement

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)

1 Samuel 15, 1 Samuel 16, Luke 20:1-26

Read at – www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1Sam15,16;%20Luke%2020:1-26&version=NKJV

It’s all about Authority. God has Sovereignty. Man pretends he has it.

Jesus, the chief cornerstone, says: Whoever falls on that stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder. Luke 20:18

1 Sam 15:10-11        The Word of the Lord came to Samuel, saying, “I greatly regret that I have set up Saul as king, for he has turned back from following Me, and has not performed My commandments.” And it grieved Samuel, and he cried out to the Lord all night.

                  What is the cause of grief? SIN. Turning away from following God. Not obeying God fully in action and heart. Saul disobeyed God’s sovereign ruling because Saul thought he had sovereignty.

                 Samuel grieved. Seeing a lack of God’s glory grieves God and His children. Watching rebellion against God and its terrible, painful effects is heartbreaking. Only the LORD can fix the root of the matter, which is why we cry out to the Lord Jesus Christ. ~1

               I relate in both ways: 1) Being like Saul and grieving the Lord Jesus Christ (Psalm 51:9-10, ~2)   and 2) Grieving Greatly as God’s daughter, crying out to the Lord for months.

The Lord Delights when I obey His Voice.  ~3

1Sam 15:22-23         “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, …For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the Word of the Lord, He also has rejected you from being king.”

Rejecting God = Not doing the Word of God = Witchcraft, Iniquity and Idolatry.

God rejects people who reject Him, Who is the Word of God. ~4

1 Samuel 16             The Lord said …”I have provided Myself a king… Do not look at his appearance… I have refused him…the Lord looks at the heart.”

               What does God see when He sees me? Spots on my face, spots in my heart or Jesus’ Righteousness? ~5                A dirty mind or one washed and renewed by God’s Word? ~6  Under Whose Sovereignty do I live?  ~7 , ~8      

                 1 Samuel 16            The Lord said, “Arise, anoint him; for this is the one!” Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him…and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward.

Hate for God incurs wrath from God – yet there is mercy from God, temporarily.

1 Samuel 16             the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and a distressing spirit from the Lord troubled him. … “Look, I have seen a son … and the Lord is with him.” … So David came to Saul and stood before him. And he loved him greatly, and he became his armorbearer…. David would take a harp and play it with his hand. Then Saul would become refreshed and well, and the distressing spirit would depart from him.

               2000 years ago the religious leaders challenged God, they asked Jesus “Tell us, by what authority are You doing these things?”  Not being satisfactorily answered, Jesus told them a parable: “A certain man planted a vineyard, leased it to vinedressers, and went into a far country for a long time. Now at vintage-time he sent a servant to the vinedressers, that they might give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the vinedressers beat him and sent him away empty-handed. Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my beloved son.’”  This angered the religious ones who “that very hour sought to lay hands on Him” Luke 20

“The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;” Psalm 24:1

              Saul was to follow the Owner’s commands, but he acted like he was The authority. David had a heart after God, so David knew he was not the Authority and he lived to please the Lord. The religious leaders believed they were The authority, so they challenged Jesus’ Authority, then sought to kill Jesus. ~9

                Lord Jesus, it is so obvious that I have no rights or authority. But I do have position. It is a Very High position. I am Your daughter and part of the royal priesthood. I have not earned it. You have bestowed it because of the Blood of Jesus, His Atonement on the cross.   ~10

               In that position, through the veil of Jesus’ Body, I come before You, Lord God of the Universe, please have my family cherish their precious relationship with You. Have them learn of Your Grace, Mercy and immense Forgiveness so that they do not compromise or violate their relationship with You Lord God. Amen.   ~10

For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:20

~1 Psalm 84:2, Psalm 18:6, Psalm 34:17, Psalm 56:9, Psalm 57:2, 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

~2 Isaiah 1:18, Psalm 103:12, 1 John 1:8-10

~3 John 10:1-7, 27-30

~4  John 1:1-4; John 1:11-14; John 1:29; John 10:30; Hebrews 1:3; Ephesians 4:30; John 14:24; John 15:5-11; 1 John 5:3; James 4:8; 1 Peter 1:14; Exodus 20; Deuteronomy 28

~5 2 Corinthians 5:21, Psalm 132:9, John 15:3, 1 Corinthians 1:30, Romans 3:23-26, Revelation 7:14             

~6 Ephesians 5:26, Romans 12:1-2, Ephesians 4:20-24

~7  Hebrews 12:2; Psalm 29:2; Psalm 99:5; Psalm 28:7; Psalm 30:4

~8 2Cor 5:17, John 1:29, Galatians 5:19-26, Ephesians 5:8-11

~9 1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22, Hebrews 10:10, Matthew 27:50-54, Hebrews 9:12, Hebrews 10:19-25

~10 John 3:3-21; John 1:12-14; 1 John 3:1; 1 Peter 2:5; 1 Peter 2:9; Hebrews 4:14-16; Ephesians 1; Isaiah 1:18; Psalm 103:12; 1 John 1:9; Matthew 11:28-30

Crystal (PsalmThirty4) 

2 Kings 25, Hebrews 7, Amos 1, Psalm 144

The LORD roars from Zion, … I will not turn away its punishment, …  Because they… Amos 1

but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son Who has been perfected forever. Hebrews 7:28

            Blessed be the LORD my Rock, …  the One in whom I take refuge, Psalm 144

www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2Kings%2025;%20Heb.%207;%20Amos%201;%20Ps144&version=NKJV 

2 Kings 25    “Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and all his army came against Jerusalem and encamped against it; … men of war fled at night …  they killed the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, put out the eyes of Zedekiah, … and took him to Babylon …. burned the house of the LORD … Judah was carried away captive from its own land.”  

                 Judah would not repent (2 Kings 23:26-27, 32, 37 ; 2 Kings 24:1-4, 8-9, 17-20). The Wrath of the Lord is horrific! The king who “did evil in the sight of the LORD” saw evil in his own sight as his last view! What an emblazoned vision! What do my thoughts and actions bring before God’s eyes? May they not be evil rebellion against a Holy and humble God Who loves, cares and protects me tenaciously!! 

             Lord Jesus Christ, may I not trust men, governments or officials with my well being. May I not depend upon temporary people who rule as a replacement for Your Ultimate, Powerful and Trustworthy and Stable Dependability!! 

               Lord Jesus Christ please have our nation repent of its sins against You Who have so graciously and patiently blessed us!! I suspect the stench in Your nostrils may cause You to sneeze judgement upon us citizens because we ignore Your Word, Sacrifice, Will and Love. Lord Jesus Christ, cause us to repent to You so we will live! Awaken us to not grieve Your Holy Spirit! (Ephesians 4:25-32) 

Hebrews 7                For Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God,… the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils. … there arises another priest who has come …  according to the power of an endless life… You are a priest forever… Jesus has become a surety of a better covenant …For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. 

            Lord Jesus Christ, You are far more worthy than Melchizedek for my tithe. You paid the infinite price of my sin. I desire for Your gifts to me to produce the fruit of salvation within me and in multitudes of people. Please humble me to know You are God and I am not. You don’t need my talents, time, money or resources, but You command me to submit to You benefitting the Kingdom of God for a multitude of reasons! John 15, John 17:11, 15-18, 20-26 Thank You!! You honor me Lord God Almighty by Your desires!! 

Amos 1          The LORD roars from Zion, … I will not turn away its punishment,…I will send a fire, shall devour, will also break, cut off, go captive, I will not turn away its punishment,…  To deliver, send a fire, shall devour, cut off, turn My hand against, shall perish … I will not turn away its punishment .. I will send a fire, shall devour, I will not turn away its punishment …will send a fire, shall devour, I will not turn away its punishment … I will kindle a fire, devour, go into captivity…. 

WHY??           Because they have threshed Gilead with implements of iron. Because they took captive the whole captivity To deliver them up … Because they delivered up the whole captivity … And did not remember the covenant of brotherhood. … Because he pursued his brother with the sword, And cast off all pity; His anger tore perpetually, And he kept his wrath forever. … Because they ripped open the women with child in Gilead, That they might enlarge their territory. Amos 1 

               Ruthless people are in treated ruthlessly by the Lord God Almighty UNLESS they repent to the One that can save them from God’s Wrath. May I not be wicked our even mildly thoughtless Lord God! Keep my mind, heart, words, attitudes and actions steady on You! Psalm 119:11

 Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, And you perish in the way, When His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him. Psalm 2:12

He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”  John 3:36

Jesus answered, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16-17 

Psalm 144            Blessed be the LORD my Rock, My lovingkindness and my fortress, My high tower and my deliverer, My shield and the One in whom I take refuge 

            Where or to whom do I run when I fear? To the phone or to the Throne? To a substance or some other pleasure? How do I bury my feelings instead of bringing my innermost self to the Holy One Who can do something within and outside of me to handle “it”. (Psalm 51:6)  Do I run from God when I know I am bringing down His Wrath upon myself? Is that what I fear? Do I run from the Judge or surrender to the Atonement Who is the Lord Jesus Christ?  

                 Bow down Your heavens, O LORD, and come down; Rescue me and deliver me from the hand of foreigners, Whose mouth speaks lying words,  And whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood— Happy are the people whose God is the LORD! Psalm 144   

            Lord Jesus Christ, I wish my nation would pray this, but also within us are many liars. Make us a clean people of Your Own so we can rightfully be rescued! 2 Chronicles 7:14 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 1 Corinthians 15:33-34; James 1:22. 

I will sing a new song to You, O God; The One who gives salvation to kings,… Psalm 144 

               I will sing a new song because I am a new creation! I have a new Daddy, Papa, Father, Abba! It is You, my Lord God, Who rescued me from sin and death! You adopted me permanently!! Praise be to the Lord Jesus Christ!! 2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 8:1-17, Galatians 4:6, John 1:1-3,12-14, Ephesians 1:3-12, Galatians 4:1-7, 1 John 3:1-2,10, 1 John 5:2, Mark 10:15, Luke 18:16, John 3:5-8, 16-21, Romans 8:2, Romans 6, Romans 5:6-21 

 Humble is Knowing your Postion before the Lord God Almighty. =  LORD, what is man, that You take knowledge of him? Or the son of man, that You are mindful of him Man is like a breath; His days are like a passing shadow. Psalm 144:3-4  

 Crystal (PsalmThirty4)

Genesis 45; Mark 15; Job 11; Romans 15

 To Be Known.  (and To Know God)

Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, … , “I am Joseph!  – “Are you the king of the Jews?” asked Pilate. “Yes, it is as you say,” Jesus replied. – “Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? – preach the gospel where Christ was not known …  join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.  Genesis 45,  Mark 15, Job 11, Romans 15

Found at Bible Gateway –  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2045;%20Mark%2015;%20Job%2011;%20Romans%2015&version=NIV1984  

I want to be known and understood! Valued and Loved, just as I am!

God wants me to know Him! Valued and loved by me! God-man Jesus (Hebrews 1:3) lived, died and rose for me to know Him. Then Jesus sent His Holy Spirit to keep me knowing Him more intimately (John 15:26)!

Genesis 45 –             Joseph is known! After 22 years Joseph finally reunites with his brothers! No more living in obscurity as “lord of all Egypt.” v.9. Joseph bursts to reveal himself to his brothers. Great conversation reveals Joseph wants to be known and to know his family intimately again. “he threw his arms around his brother… he kissed all his brothers and wept over them. … Now hurry back to my father and say to him … Come down to me; don’t delay.” v.14-15, 9 A spectacular reunion!! 

Mark 15 –                    How was Jesus known? “Are you the king of the Jews?” asked Pilate. “Yes, it is as you say,” Jesus replied. v.2 Others mocked Jesus before He took the punishment for their sins. v.16-20, 29-32. “The centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus… said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” v.39  The Lord God knew Jesus as the only acceptable and permanent sacrifice for all sins (v. 33-34, 37-38, Hebrews 10:5-6,10,19-23). So I can approach God’s Holy of Holies through Jesus Christ.     

Who is Jesus to me? A historical person? A friend? Lord, Master and God? A Savior saving me from eternal hell? Do I relate with Him personally, intimately, and dependably? Or is Jesus just another stranger who is really strange?

Job 11 –                      How is Job understood? How is God understood?  Job was not known by his friend. Zophar wrongfully accused Job (Job 11:1-6, Job 42:7-10). Yet Zophar knew the Almighty’s character: “Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than the heavens—” v. 7-9  Zophar knew sound advice for a sinful man to heed: “Yet if you devote your heart to him … if you put away the sin that is in your hand and allow no evil to dwell … you will stand firm and without fear.” v. 10-20  

Romans 15 –             Are other Christians known? Do I know their walk and heart, their struggles, strongholds, and freedom victories which the Lord Jesus Christ did for them? Do I studying them through the lens of God’s Word? Do I “bear with the failings of the weak and not to please” myself, but “for his good, to build him up” in Christ Jesus? v.1-2  Do I accept and serve them just as Christ accepted me “in order to bring praise to God”? v.7-8

Do I make Jesus known? How do my heart and actions prove that I am “a minister of Christ Jesus… proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit”? v.16  Do I boldly “not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me… through the power of the Spirit”? v.18-19

How do I come to my siblings in Christ with “the full measure of the blessing of Christ” and in His Joy? Do I join in the struggles of my fellow Christians by praying to God for them? v.29-30 Do I pray for their success under Christ Jesus for the salvation and maturation of souls?

Do I study people not yet regenerated in Christ Jesus (2Cor 5:17)? Do I learn of their needs in order to bring them to Christ through prayer and action? Do I invite the Holy Spirit to show them Christ through me and His Word? Is my heart broken for those heading for hell? Do I yearn to make Christ known? v.20  

            I am Soooo grateful that You know me LORD!! I bask in Your Presence as I rest in You! Nothing is sweeter or more medicinal than You!! I treasure Your Word and Holy Spirit. Continue to show me Yourself and how You can live through me more and more! Please reveal Yourself to those who are deceived (Matthew 7:23). Please reveal to me any harbored resentment or unforgiveness so that I can embrace more people with Your unconditional Love as Joseph did. Show me my blind spots of sin so I can hate them as You do, turn away from them, and live without shame, standing firm without fear and being secure with hope. (Job 11:15-18) Give me Your heart of compassion for those perishing so when my life is done, my joyous reunion with You in heaven will be to Your Glory alone!! Matthew 25:14-30

Crystal (PsalmThirty4)