Psalm 10-12; Acts 17:16-34

Psalm 10:4 The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God; God is in none of his thoughts.

Psalm 12:8 The wicked prowl on every side, When vileness is exalted among the sons of men.

Acts 17:26 And He has made from one blood every nation…so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being…

Starting over in a new location is exciting and intimidating at the same time.  Learning where to find familiar services and stores and restaurants, remembering which road leads to what destination, and even what part of town is safe to explore can consume a good deal of energy and time.  In the midst of figuring out the basics, there is the challenge of finding and committing to a body of believers in Jesus Christ.

What causes my gut to tighten and my mind to stress, however, is making new acquaintances and learning where they stand in relationship with God. I have usually made a good first impression with people, and yet, I know that eventually I will be found out – I am a Christian.  This fact will sometimes separate me from those with whom I will work, others from whom I will depend on for service, and still others who have authority over me.

To be honest, I have always feared this in the past.  As the Psalms quoted above indicate, the wicked prowl on every side.  I have experienced the sociopathic behaviors of coworkers who denigrate and malign trying to destroy reputations for their own enjoyment and evidence of power.  I have also befriended many who have taken advantage of my willingness to lend a hand and then who spurn me when I have nothing more to give. I have wrestled with my own soul when I have been entangled emotionally and behaviorally in relationships that tested my values and even the commandments of God that I desire to obey.

Being a Christian in this world can be easy.  I could keep my mouth shut.  I could confine my concerns to my prayer closet. I could rally with brothers and sisters within the walls of safety on Sunday mornings, leaving my beliefs and practices intact and hibernating until the next week’s shot of confidence. Am I still groping for God?  I sometimes feel that I am in this fish bowl looking for something while everyone else watches. Do you ever feel that you are swimming in dangerous waters? I am so thankful that I God is patient with me, and even more that He will arise and deliver me from this fear of destruction. For Psalm 12:5 says, “Now I will arise,” says the Lord; “I will set him in the safety for which he yearns.” Arise, I pray, to calm my timid soul!

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Numbers 20, Psalm 58, Psalm 59, Isaiah 9:8-10:4, James 3

Read - http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Num.%2020;%20Ps.%2058,59;%20Isa.9:8-10:4;%20James%203&version=NKJV

Numbers 20             Moses said, “Hear now, you rebels!” Then Moses lifted his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod; and water came out abundantly – The Lord spoke to Moses, “Because you did not believe Me, to hallow Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.”

            Not by Faith, but out of anger did Moses serve the Lord God. Therefore God was not seen as Holy by the witnesses. The consequence? No Promised Land for Moses. How many times do my emotions over rule my trust in God and His Word? How many witnesses of my words and actions have I turned away from God? How many ways do I circumvent Jesus’ Glory by my own self interests? How many “promised land” situations have I been cut off from because of this!? Jesus, I willfully, actively choose to think and act by faith and trusting Your Word/ Relationship so that I do not focus on what so easily ensnares me. (1)

Psalm 58 , Psalm 59, Isaiah 9:8-10:4, James 3 –

               The wicked … go astray, speaking lies. Their poison is like the poison of a serpent; The mighty gather against me, Not for my transgression nor for my sin, O Lord.For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips, And for the cursing and lying which they speak. Psalm 58-59

               The tongue is a little member and boasts great things. The tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. … it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. No man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men…  James 3

            Lord, am I double minded and forked tongued? Do I say and do what I think and feel? Please have mercy on me and reveal to me my innermost motives, desires and Your Truth perspectives. If I do not yield to You, You will overtake me by wrathful force. (2)

              Because of this, He shall take them away as with a whirlwind, As in His living and burning wrath. .. Consume them in wrath, consume them, And let them know that God rules in Jacob To the ends of the earth. … the Lord shall set up the adversaries against him, the Lord will cut off … Through the wrath of the Lord of hosts The land is burned up. Psalm 58-59, Isaiah 9:8-10:4

              I fear both Your just judgment and wrath as well as losing Your peace, joy and intimacy in relationship with You. I confess to You the realty of my fickleness. I hate sin!

Who say in pride and arrogance of heart: “We will rebuild with hewn stones; We will replace them with cedars.” For the people do not turn to Him who strikes them, Nor do they seek the Lord of hosts. Isaiah 9:8-10:4

              I surrender to You, Lord Jesus Christ, my willfulness to do things my own way, as I see fit without doing Your Word and Holy Spirit counsel. I purpose my mind to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” and have my tongue, hands and feet move according to Your Holy Spirit. (5)

Your judgments are clear:

              “Woe to those who decree unrighteous decrees, Who write misfortune, Which they have prescribed To rob the needy of justice, Without Me they shall bow down among the prisoners, And they shall fall among the slain.” Isaiah 9:8-10:4

Yet You say FOUR TIMES in Isaiah 9:8-10:4

“For all this His anger is not turned away, But His hand is stretched out still.”

             You reach out to me and to all of us – “Come to Me!” “For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!”  Rejecting my usual patterns, turning away from sinful relationships, not wasting time, not looking at useless information, abhorring addictions, habits and weak mindsets is Your Requirement for holiness! Step by step, day by day, I will live Your success by Your Way! (3)

The righteous shall rejoice when he sees the vengeance;  So that men will say, “Surely there is a reward for the righteous; Surely He is God who judges in the earth.” I will wait for You, For God is my defense. My God of mercy shall come to meet me; Psalm 58-59

              Repentance’s fruit is Sweet! What Peace, Joy and Freedom to be unselfish and not needy when I walk in repentance! Repentance takes time, practice, pain without regret and a lot of work by Repeatedly Doing Your thoughts and Your Ways. But the Refreshment and Still waters are more than worth it!! Thanks my Mentor and Power, Lord God Jesus Christ! (4)  

But I will sing of Your power; Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; For You have been my defense And refuge in the day of my trouble. To You, O my Strength, I will sing praises; For God is my defense, My God of mercy. Psalm 58-59

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3

 

Crystal (PsalmThirty4)

Isaiah 12, Ephesians 2, Isaiah 13, Isaiah 11

Behold, God is my salvation, Isaiah 12:2

 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:13

 The Lord of hosts musters The army for battle. They come from a far country, From the end of heaven— It will come as destruction from the Almighty. Isaiah 13

  With righteousness He shall judge the poor, And decide with equity for the meek of the earth; Isaiah 11:4

  Read Bible Passage – http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2012,%20Ephesians%202,%20Isaiah%2013,%20Isaiah%2011&version=NKJV

             Amazing progression by each Bible Chapter!! ~ God says He is Savior. ~ The Lord God Jesus Christ is the Blood Atonement to accomplish Salvation. ~ God commands His raptured people who are dwelling in heaven to war against the ungodly on earth for the great and terrible day of the Lord. ~ The Millennium Reign of the Lord Jesus Christ is over His peaceable kingdom on earth!! ~ The Lord God Almighty rules throughout All Time and Space!! Amazing progression in Scripture!!!  Joel 2:1-11

             Lord God, You know the place I am in today. Troubles of life and death swirl about in my head incessantly. Ponderings of the present and future’s uncertainty grip me; about my family, friends, nation and Israel. Curious of what You will have me do, How it will occur, couched with fears.

 Yet when I STOP. And ponder Your Word. All Time stands Still. You, O LORD, are the same yesterday, today, and forever.

 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! Psalm 46:10

              What a Relief!! What Joy! This is Just what I want. That is the desire of my heart!! (Psalm 37:4) This lesson teaches that very thing! You tell me past, present and future all simultaneously! You Lord Jesus are the Owner and Definer of All things!

  Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; Isaiah 12:2

             You saved my soul from certain death, from eternal damnation, hell. I didn’t even do anything to earn it!! You did it ALL for me.

 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

               And how I live is Still Your responsibility!! Wow!! But I so yearn and pray incessantly to be within Your Holy Will, empowered by Your Joy, and filled with Your Wisdom and Holy Spirit my Beloved Savior!  

 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

             Is it really that easy LORD? Is it really just a matter of You “Speak” and I “Go!” ? It has operated that way for a long time. But should I fear when the lions and bears turn into Goliaths? Of course not! I am continuously in training for larger conquests and more fruit by You, my Master. The Goliaths of yesterday will seem like Lilliputians tomorrow because of Your lessons Lord. 1 John 4:4, 1 Samuel 17:34-37, John 15

 I have commanded My sanctified ones; I have also called My mighty ones for My anger— Isaiah 13:3

             How glorious to You Mighty King!! Swift Justice, Righteousness and Victorious Truth!!

 I will punish the world for its evil, And the wicked for their iniquity; Isaiah 13:11

             These days I “see” clearly Your handwriting on the wall. Now it is not so far off, like the persecution of the Chinese Christians. For now I can “see” persecution coming close in my own homeland.

 He will destroy its sinners from it. … Therefore I will shake the heavens, And the earth will move out of her place. In the wrath of the Lord of hosts And in the day of His fierce anger. Wail, for the day of the Lord is at hand! It will come as destruction from the Almighty. Isaiah 13

“Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Romans 12:19

              I rejoice in Your exaltation my King!

             But knowing Your mighty effectiveness Lord, the Certainty of your Successful Hand for Good, and my position of lacking fear, now that You have spoken: I beg of You for Mercy on all the people who are not yet Your people. Just as You did for me, Please Merciful King, Please soften many hearts, draw multitudes to Yourself, and bring them to the full Salvation by the Blood of Your Appointed Anointed Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. Job 42:1-6, Hosea 2:23       

 Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. Isaiah 59:1

             How glorious it will be when all of us, the multitude of saints, are living with King Jesus on the earth during His 1,000 year reign! Revelation 20:4

The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon (King Jesus), The Spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. His delight is in the fear of the Lord, with righteousness He shall judge the poor, And decide with equity for the meek of the earth; He shall strike the earth with the rod of His mouth,   Isaiah 11

              The Rod of Your mouth, Lord Jesus, is correction! Thank You for teaching us! And we shall learn ever more easily because “The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord As the waters cover the sea.” Isaiah 11

            Oh, want a fabulous time we shall have!! The animals will have a Peaceable Kingdom! And I can pet them all!!

            “The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, The leopard shall lie down with the young goat, The calf and the young lion and the fatling together; And a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze; Their young ones shall lie down together; And the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
The nursing child shall play by the cobra’s hole, And the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper’s den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain,

            Lord, my troubles have seemed to vanish as I ponder Your Word. Your Power, Your Majesty, Your Control for All Good! The God of the millennium, far off in the future, is still my God at this very moment!

 Righteousness shall be the belt of His loins, And faithfulness the belt of His waist. Isaiah 11:5

                  Lord God Jesus Christ, You are Pure Righteousness and Faithful! Whom then shall I fear? No one But You! (1) I shall,

Sing to the Lord, For He has done excellent things; Isaiah 12:5 

Through All My Past, Present and Future!!

 (1) Job 28:28; Psalm 19:9; Psalm 34:11; Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 8:13; Proverbs 14:27; Proverbs 15:33; Proverbs 19:23; Proverbs 23:17; Matthew 10:28; Luke 12:5

Crystal (PsalmThirty4)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bible Insights –

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

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

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

Crystal (PsalmThirty4)

Psalm 17, Psalm 19, John 9:24-41

Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him. John 9:31

 Read at – http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ps%2017,19;%20John%209:24-41&version=NKJV

 The Amazing Goodness of the LORD.

         I am grateful and honored to be a worshipper of the Lord God Almighty (1). Because of what the Lord Jesus Christ has done on my behalf by His Atonement for my sins (2), God is Immeasurably Good to me and to those I bring before Him (3). I depend upon the Lord Jesus Christ for my sustenance in every area and these verses explain why.  Oh, What Joy!

 Psalm 19       The heavens declare the glory of God; … shows His handiwork, …  utters speech, … reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language Where their voice is not heard.

            God communicates to me bountifully! In speech, sound, and sight! I cannot escape from Nature’s witness! (4)   

            God’s explicit Word communicates to me, converting my soul, changing me, making me wise, rejoicing my heart, enlightening my eyes, having me desire God’s Word ever increasingly, warning me, ensuring His rewards, cleansing me from secret faults and from presumptuous sins from ruling over me by Lord Jesus’ Word convicting me of my sin and my repenting. (Psalm 51)  

            Because of God’s Good Pleasure for me, I desire to have “the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 37:4)

Psalm 17                 Because You, Lord God declare me to be Your Own (1), I seek You continuously to bring “a just cause”, the deep cry of pain from my heart for a family member in sin, for You to set them free soon in the best manner glorifying to You. I know You hear me because “my prayer which is not from deceitful lips.” (5)

               I implore You to “Uphold my steps in Your paths, That my footsteps may not slip” so that I may follow closely You, Lord Jesus, to be with You all the time and bring others closer to You.  

               When I am to be around people who “have closed up their fat hearts; With their mouths they speak proudly”, I hide in Your Presence praying “save those who trust in You From those who rise up against them. Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me under the shadow of Your wings, From the wicked who oppress me, From my deadly enemies who surround me.”

                I ask You Lord to “Deliver my life from the wicked with Your sword”, the Word of God by the Holy Spirit. (6)

                 Because of “the Word of Your lips, I have kept away from the paths of the destroyer” ,“my vindication comes from Your presence” so I REJOICE in this Glimpse of Heaven: “I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness.”

John 9:24-41            “Since the world began it has been unheard of that anyone opened the eyes of one who was born blind. If this Man were not from God, He could do nothing.” Speaking of Jesus Christ.

             Tangible proof! (8) The Reason for my Eternal Life. – “One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see.” Jesus gave sight to a blind man.

             After testifying that Jesus was from God, Jesus “found him, He said to him, “Do you believe in the Son of God?” The blind man answered, “Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?”

               And Jesus said to him, “You have both seen Him and it is He who is talking with you.”   Then he said, “Lord, I believe!” And he worshiped Him.

            That is me! Jesus has opened my blind heart, mind and eyes!! Jesus set me free from my depravity and deceptions, and is still working on me. The Lord Jesus Christ brought me into His Marvelous Light and gave me sight! (9)  I choose to Worship the Lord Jesus Christ! (10) 

Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind.”

Some people who thought they were right by their own design asked Jesus, “Are we blind also?”

              Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, ‘We see.’ Therefore your sin remains.  (7)

                 … Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus…  2 Timothy 1:9

            His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 1 Peter 2:9 

1- John 4:23-26, John 1:1-3, 12-14, 29, John 3:3-8, 15-21, 1 John 3:1, 1 Peter 1:23, Ezekiel 36:25-27, Isaiah 1:18, Psalm 51, John 15, John 15:5-11  

2- Matthew 26:28, Luke 23:38-47, John 19:30, Hebrews 9:22, Romans 3:21-26, Hebrews 2:17-18, Hebrews 9

3- 2 Corinthians 5:17-18, 1 Peter 2:9, Romans 1:16, Joel 2:27-29

4- Romans 1:19-20, Genesis 1, Job 38:1-42:6

5- Matthew 6:9-10, Psalm 84:10

6- Ephesians 6:17-18, Hebrews 4:12-13

7- Romans 3:22-24, John 8:24, 1 John 1:5-10, Romans 2:5-11 

8- Hebrews 7:24-25, Luke 24, Matthew 28

9- John 1:4-5,9, John 8:12, John 12:46, 1 Peter 2:9, John 3:18-21, John 14:1

10 – Exodus 34:14, Genesis 22:5, Hebrews 11:21, John 4:23-26, Revelation 15:4

Crystal (PsalmThirty4)