Numbers 6:24-26 is a powerful promise declared in a priestly blessing. The Lord himself, who brought the Israelites out of Egypt, was uniquely present with the nation Israel (Exodus 20:2;“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.) (Deuteronomy 5:6: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.). Not only was He present with them in a special relationship, but He also promised to protect and guard Israel.
Lets read Numbers 6:22-27 KJV: And the LORD spoke unto Moses, saying, Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them, The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. Thanksgiving. (in North America) an annual national holiday marked by religious observances and a traditional meal including turkey. The holiday commemorates a harvest festival celebrated by the Pilgrims in 1621, and is held in the US on the fourth Thursday in November. A similar holiday is held in Canada, usually on the second Monday in October. “families gather for Thanksgiving” · “I am believing for you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving full of blessings” · “A awesome Thanksgiving dinner” Remember to thank God in everything. (A Psalm of praise.) Psalm 100:1-5; Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endures to all generations. {Lets Pray} Father God, I thank You and praise You for this day and this life. Oh! Let all be a blessing and be blessed back this Thanksgiving and everyday in everyway in Jesus Precious Name Amen.
{Power Verse} Be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
What Does 2 Corinthians 9:15 Mean? Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! A gift for which payment must be made is not a gift. It is a purchase; an acquisition. It had been paid for – bought with a price. A gift is something that is given freely, given without any strings attached, otherwise it cannot be called a gift. God is the provider. He is the one who distributes freely to the poor. He provides both the seed and the bread. He uses generous believers to meet the needs of others, increasing the resources of those who give so that they can give more. Specifically, in this case, the generosity of Christians in Corinth can cause Jewish Christians in Jerusalem to glorify God. It can encourage them to long for and pray for their spiritual siblings around the world. Second Corinthians returns to similar themes as those Paul mentioned in his first letter to this church. Paul’s First Letter was to the Thessalonians as we read before. After helping to establish the young Christian church in Thessalonica, Paul had been driven out of the city (“torn away,” as he describes it). But the Thessalonians remained in his thoughts and prayers, and after an encouraging report from his fellow evangelist Timothy about the enthusiasm of the Thessalonian church, Paul wrote this letter to encourage the community to continue to stand strong despite the pressures and persecution they faced. First Thessalonians is a short letter, and much of it is comprised of Paul’s personal words of encouragement. “Let’s Read 2 Corinthians 9:10-15: Now he that ministered seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness; Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causes through us thanksgiving to God. For the administration of this service not only supplies the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. {Let’s Pray} Father God, I thank You and praise You for the example of the Christians in Corinth who lovingly provided for the material needs of their brothers and sisters undergoing some serious hardships in their Christian lives. I believe that I may be ready and willing to help recognize and respond to the needs and necessities of my Christian brothers and sisters. Develop in me a generous heart and caring concern for others. I thank You and praise You for Your abundant and abounding grace, mercy and for all that You have provided for our riches in Christ. Permit me by Your grace to bring forth a rich harvest of eternal blessings and spiritual rewards. I believe in the power of Your Holy Spirit, to live a life of practical righteousness, as You continue to transform my heart and mind into the image and likeness of the Lord Jesus, in His Precious Name Amen.
{Power Verse} I will make the godly of the land my heroes. Those who are truly good shall be my example. psalm 101:6
A sermon from James 4:6-10 showing the need to be humble “having or showing a modest or low estimate of one’s own importance.” Like you don’t look down on people cause they are doing their best. You give to those who can’t repay you. You give second chances to others. There are three challenging things James tells us to do. He promises that these will change our lives. This passage from James was written in a very serious circumstance. Christians were quarreling; committing murder and adultery; living by lust, greed, and envy. In chapter 4, James says to these very readers that a worldly, unspiritual road is the very one they have been following. This is what causes fights and quarrels among them. Therefore he says: God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Salvation and humility go hand in hand. The simplest concept of what humility is, can be gained by having small thoughts. Humility: The whole issue!. Many people lack a lot of light. Humility must be really important if God gives grace to the humble! So how important is it really? The simplest concept of what humility is, can be gained by having small thoughts about yourself. When this has had a tremendous effect on you, it will be manifested by the fact that you receive grace. The humble receive grace (James 4:6) (1 Peter 5:5: In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”), and to receive grace means that you receive all the help that you need. You can even spend the whole night praying to receive love, but it won’t help a bit, if you aren’t humble so that you can receive grace.
You only receive as much grace as the humility you possess. ( Full Definition of humility : freedom from pride or arrogance : the quality or state of being humble accepted the honor with humility The ordeal taught her humility.) When it can’t be noticed that there is any progress at all in your life, it is because you are not receiving grace. You can accomplish a lot in your own human strength. You can attempt to compensate for a lack of grace by being purposeful in different things. You can be effective, and you can be good, as a human being, but all that human goodness and ability doesn’t help a bit if God resists you. You aren’t acknowledging anything; you aren’t judging yourself, but defending yourself instead. Most people aren’t humble at all. They transgress in what they say, and don’t even ask for forgiveness. Yes I say forgiveness and they are not thankful for anything. This is sad. But as a Christian we can be a light by being thankful and forgiving a watch as this will grow on them. What God wants to do so much, is to transform us inwardly. You can think that you have been treated unfairly, that you haven’t been treated justly; you are occupied with what the others think about you. You aren’t occupied with God, but with how you are treated by other people. It’s because of this that you are unhappy, and can’t become happy, because God is your opponent. God wants you to turn to Him and turn away from evil. I love taking pictures. My husband since he has been retired, even though he is not. I keep working him and he is a great learner. He has helped me a lot since he has been home. But when it comes to stopping for me to take pictures, he fought me at first. Lol! I tell him there is a pretty bird on the side of the road. He wouldn’t stop. So when we got home one day I said we need to talk. I had to let him know how important it was to take pictures and that it was something I always dreamed of since I was a 8th grader. I learned how to take pictures and develope them from scratch in 8th grade. Develope them in a dark room. So he agreed to stop when I needed him too. Now it feels so good when we go traveling. He see’s stuff when he is driving and pulls of over to the side of the road if he is able, so I can take pictures. He humbles himself for me. I am so blessed, God gave me a awesome husband. Just saying. Yesterday he told me when he was driving, can you take that leaf off the windshield wiper when we stop. Lol! The leaf flew off right then and there. I said God did it for you. Lo! God is with us in the small stuff and the big stuff when we give Him control. God’s will be done. I know as a mother I always felt I had to have all the control from early morning till late at night. Everything had to be done and I had no one else to help me. I had to learn to give control over what belonged to everyone else to do. I needed to let go of the chores that didn’t belong to me and give them to the sources they really belonged too. Its called gigantic feelings of inadequacy when im not helping others. So it became my job to clean up after everyone and go to work and be up doing it all. It was because of how I was raised. I had to learn to let go and give it to God. Give God control and learn to grow. God grow, change me and mold me. Through our ups and downs control is important. It took a long time for me to realize I should of prayed God Your will be done and let it go into His hands. Prayer and action. Love your neighbor. James 4:1–12 builds on the end of chapter 3:13-16 it reads: “Two Kinds of Wisdom” “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” describing how living according to the world’s wisdom has led to great conflict among James’s Christian readers. They were fighting with each other because they couldn’t get what they wanted. James writes that if in your pride you stay on that path, God will oppose you, but He will not reject you. Repentance is always possible. He gives more grace (James 4:6). Let me share the same verse from different bibles. I like reading from all the bibles I have. Each same meaning just worded different. James 4:6, NASB: “But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, ‘GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.'” James 4:6, NLT: “But he gives us even more grace to stand against such evil desires. “James 4:6 KJV “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” “Lets Read James Chapter 4:1-12”: What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you, who are you to judge your neighbor? When Jesus said we are to love our enemies, He was creating a new standard for relationships. He proclaimed to the crowds listening to His Sermon on the Mount that they knew they were to love their neighbor because the command to love our neighbor was a law of God (Leviticus 19:18: Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.) Greatest Commandment: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31 {Let’s Pray} Father God, I thank You and praise You for Your word and it’s truth and correction to be obedient in all ways. I believe that I may become a doer of Your holy law and not fall into the foolish trap of judging it, by condemning the actions of others. Lord Jesus, You alone can judge the thoughts of my heart or anyone else and I have no right to condemn others, through my own self-righteous attitude. Keep me humble before you and help me become an encouragement to my brothers and sisters in Christ, and not their accuser. Let me rebuked Satan in them from my heart as well rebuke him from mine. Keep me from being ‘wise in my own conceit’, or making arbitrary assumptions about the motives of others and above all, teach me to love others as Christ loves me, for in so doing I will honor and glorify Your name. As Christ lives in and through me I am believing this for everyone I come in contact with. That they will love You unconditionally. I believe for spiritual growth and passion in conversation with You. Give me the will and courage to keep letting go of the controls and trust You to guide me where You want me to go. Help me to rest in You. I love You, thank You, praise You and give You all the glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.
{Power Verse}
“The good man’s goodness delivers him; the evil man’s treachery is his undoing. Proverbs 11:6″
Paul talks about spiritual gifts and encourages the believers at Rome to use their gifts according to the proportion of their faith: Paul is building a metaphor to describe the first purpose of every Christian. He is showing what it looks like to sacrifice our bodies and minds in service to God as a response to His great mercy to us. All Christians together are meant to operate as a single human body. Summary of the Book of Titus. The book of Titus was written by the Apostle Paul to Titus, his true son in the faith. He writes to give instruction and encouragement to Titus who had been left in charge on the island of Crete. Paul’s main objective is to encourage Titus and give instruction about godly living.
What Does Titus 1:16 Mean? They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed. Titus was a man that was sound in his doctrine and had been authorized by Paul to appoint church elders in every city on the island of Crete. They profess that they know God That there is a God; that there is but one, only, true, and living God, the God of Israel, as professed by the Jews; and that this God is Father, Son, and Spirit, as believed by the Christians: for the persons the apostle speaks of were Judaizing Christians.
This what Titus 1:16 reads: They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.
{Lets read Romans 12:6-8
Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
Paul talks about spiritual gifts and encourages the believers at Rome to use their gifts according to the proportion of their faith: Paul is building a metaphor to describe the first purpose of every Christian. He is showing what it looks like to sacrifice our bodies and minds in service to God as a response to His great mercy to us. All Christians together are meant to operate as a single human body.
{Lets Pray} Father God, I am believing for our local churches and for the elders that oversee Your flock. We believe that they and myself may be grounded in sound doctrine and firmly committed to safeguarding biblical truth in all local assemblies and worship in love. I am believing I may also be vigilant in searching the scriptures daily and You will keep us all from straying from the truth of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ. So that Jesus Christ may be glorified in our lives and in our local church’s can walk as all one with You. I thank You, praise You and give You all the glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.
{Power Verse} Help me to refuse the low and vulgar things; help me to abhor all crooked deals of every kind, to have no part in them. Psalm 101:3
Knowing God brings together two key reasons of the Christian faith. One: knowing about God and two: knowing God through a close relationship with Jesus Christ. Philippians 4:10–20 describes how Christians can overcome worry and worldly desires, regardless of their circumstances. By making a purposeful decision to be content, a believer can trust God to provide our true needs, and not be consumed with materialism or anxiety. Paul has learned this skill through his many trials and ministry experiences. Through our supernatural relationship with Jesus Christ, we can learn how to be content by being: Thankful to God for what you do have instead of focusing on what you don’t have. “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Give thanks no matter what happens. God wants you to thank him because you believe in Christ Jesus.” (It reads in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.) Be Grateful. What is gratitude and why is it so important? Gratitude is important because it helps us see a world that is much bigger than ourselves. When we have gratitude, we can help each other grow personally or in business. We can help those less fortunate because we see and appreciate how much we already have. What are the benefits of being grateful? There’s evidence of a long line of health-related benefits from being grateful. They include fewer physical symptoms, more time spent exercising, less physical pain, more sleep and increased sleep quality, lowered blood pressure, decreased feelings of depression, and an overall boost to vitality and energy. It generates positive feelings and reinforces good behavior. In the workplace, appreciation and recognition encourages others to aspire to greatness. Expressing and receiving thanks makes us feel good. In fact, psychology studies have shown that saying thank you has important health benefits. How can I be grateful? 7 Ways To Be More Grateful:
You Get What You Deserve and Need
Choose To Be Grateful
Look Around You
Watch Your Language
Count Your Blessings – Each Day
Think Positive To Achieve Positive
Look For Hidden Ways To Be Thankful! Does gratitude really change our attitude? Gratitude will change your attitude. As gratitude becomes a habit, it will become your predominant state of being. The more you radiate positive energy, the more you will attract positive experiences in your life. It really is as simple as that. Can you think of five things to be grateful for? I know my 5 reasons. I thank God, He woke me up, I am still breathing, I can move, I can talk and I can walk. I can think of many more things and people also that I am thankful for. I am really thankful for God, He is my neighbor that keeps me informed of which direction I need to go or stay and when to speak and not to speak. Being thankful all the time: Your Life, Your Unknown Future, The Roof Over Your Head, Sunrises and Sunsets, Your Health, Pets Eating Scraps Under the Table, The People Gathered Around the Table (and those far away), Delicious Food (especially seasonal favorites!) {Let’s Read Philippians 4:10-20:} I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. “Final Greetings:” Philippians 4:21-23: Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. {Lets Pray} Father God, I thank You and praise You that I can learn alot and speak about all that I learn in Christ. I thank You and praise You there is so much to learn from the epistles of Paul and the other apostles, even in the simple greetings at the beginning, and the gracious exhortations, urging, encouragement at the end. I believe that I may value all my brothers and sisters in Christ, even those who don’t know Jesus and delight to give and receive encouragement and support, as we ‘gossip all about the gospel’, rejoice in our salvation, and wait for the any-day return of our Lord Jesus Christ! I thank You, praise You and give You all the glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.
{Power Verse} The Lord is always good. He is always loving and kind, His faithfulness goes on and on to each succeeding generation. Psalm 100:5
The author and the readers. Jude, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, To those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ. Jude is the name is literally “Judas. “Jude is a single-chapter letter which reflects earlier warnings about apostates and their false teachings. Jude, like the other half-brothers of Jesus (including James), didn’t believe in Jesus as the Messiah until after the resurrection of Jesus ( John 7:5: For even his own brothers did not believe in him. and Acts 1:14: They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. ). A bondservant of Jesus Christ: Jude was a blood relative of Jesus, but he considered himself only as a bondservant of Jesus Christ. Jude, Brother of James. In today’s passage, the author describes himself as a brother of James. This James is none other than James the apostle and brother of the Lord Jesus. Therefore, Jude was also one of Jesus’ brothers and likely not a disciple during Christ’s earthly ministry; beyond this we know little about him. Mary had four other sons, Joseph, James, Jude, and Simon. Because of the virgin birth, Joseph was not the father of Jesus so these were the half brothers of Jesus. The last three mentioned are not to be confused with those who were disciples. {Jesus had five brothers, namely, James (Ya’qov), Simon (Shim’on), Judah is Judas ( Yehudah ), Joses ( Yosef ) and Thomas (Toma’). And he also had two sisters , Rachel (Rakhel) and Lea (Le’ah).) Not everyone knows this. How awesome is this? It’s like WoW! I want more of You in my family lives to Lord Jesus. Back to Jude. The letter of Jude is essentially a sermon. In it, Jude preached against the dangerous practices and doctrines that put the gospel of Jesus Christ in peril. These were serious issues and Jude dealt with them seriously. The book of Jude is the very definition of punchy and pithy proclamations, with its short commands and statements popping off the page like machine-gun fire. But in our day and age, punchy has become rude or unacceptable.
Jude Chapter the only one: Verses: 1-25
Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called: Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied. Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves. Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withered, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever. And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaks great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage. But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
{Lets Pray}
Father God, protect my mind from the false doctrines that are sweeping the church today and help me to remain in You Lord Jesus. I thank You and praise You that You are able and willing to keep me from stumbling. When the devil whispers in my ear even in human form. I say get though behind me Satan cause I am a child of God and proud to be! Lord Jesus, into Your hands I commit my life. I know that there are many dangers and difficulties in life that try to ship-wreck my faith in You. I desire to love You more and more, to know You bigger and better! Because You are the only one for me! I thank You and praise You that I will keep You Lord Jesus as the center of my life, and to grow in grace and in a knowledge of You Lord Jesus. Give me guidance and the wisdom to sort out what is not from You, ears to hear the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and in Your mercy, keep me under the shadow of Your protection, whereas No weapon that is fashioned against me shall succeed, I believe Isaiah 54:17 in Your Precious Name Lord Jesus, Amen.
{Power Verse}
For He holds our lives in His hands. And He holds our feet to the path.
The Mountains of Israel To be blessed and Israel to be renewed for His Name’s Sake. Let’s know a little bit more about Ezekiel. Ezekiel was born c. 622 BC. He was born in Jerusalem, Israel, and his father’s name was Buzzi. Ezekiel also came from a lineage of priests. He states his first encounter with God was “in the thirtieth year.” Little is known about Ezekiel’s personal life. The son of Buzi, he was apparently a descendant of the priestly family of Zadok. While in Jerusalem, he had been influenced by his older contemporary Jeremiah. Ezekiel was exiled to Babylonia with King Jehoiachin in 597 B.C. or shortly thereafter. Five years later he lived in the Babylonian Jewish settlement of Tel Aviv (Tel Abubu, the hill of the storm god) by the Chebar River. It was there that he received his call to prophecy in a mystical vision (Ezekiel 8:1 ). Josephus speaks of Ezekiel as having been young at the time of his exile, but that is probably not correct. Ezekiel demonstrated the kind of precise knowledge of the Temple and its ritual that could be acquired only from personal and active participation as a priest in the Temple worship. For 22 years Ezekiel continued his ministry. In his early period as a prophet, he denounced his people for their sins and corruption. After the destruction of Jerusalem in 586, however, Ezekiel became the consoler and comforter of the exiles, holding out to them the promise of return to the homeland and the restoration of the Temple and of the throne of David. Ezekiel’s loftiest vision, that of the Valley of Dry Bones (37:1-14), has rarely been matched in its grandeur. It is the prophet’s response to the despair of the exiles, and it has become a powerful symbol of hope, resurrection, and regeneration. In the early days of his ministry, Ezekiel found it difficult to impress his doctrines upon his people. Later, particularly after the destruction of Jerusalem, they recognized him as their spiritual leader, and they turned to him for counsel in their religious dilemmas and perplexities. The community elders evidently assembled in his home for instruction and guidance (It reads in Ezekiel 8:1: And it came to pass in the sixth year, in the sixth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I sat in mine house, and the elders of Judah sat before me, that the hand of the Lord GOD fell there upon me.) (It reads also in Ezekiel 14:1:Then came certain of the elders of Israel unto me, and sat before me. ), and it is possible that the institution of the synagogue grew out of these gatherings. One of the primary religious issues raised in these meetings was the problem of God’s justice. The exiles thought they were sinless and should not have to suffer for the sins of their ancestors. In his reply Ezekiel laid down a vital principle in Judaism. Before Ezekiel, Jeremiah had asserted that children are not answerable for their parents’ sins. Ezekiel proclaimed a new doctrine, which represents an ethical advance. The individual alone, he said, bears responsibility for his deeds. The belief “If the fathers have eaten sour grapes, the children’s teeth should be set on edge” (It reads in Ezekiel 18:2: What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge?) is no longer tenable. The truth is that “the soul that sinned, it shall die” (It reads in Ezekiel 18:4: Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinned, it shall die.)
In other words, one is not liable for another’s actions, and the innocent cannot be held liable for the guilty; each one, moreover, must atone for his own sins. This idea was a powerful motivation for ethical living.
Ezekiel speaks of an attack of “Gog of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal” (It reads in Ezekiel 38:2: Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him, ), who is to lead an armed horde of nations from the north against Israel before the inauguration of God’s sovereignty. This idiom is obscure and has never been adequately explained. Gog is often mentioned in the apocalyptic works; it is to be found also in the Dead Sea Scrolls. In rabbinic works the wars of Gog and Magog are to precede the coming of the Messiah. Ezekiel was the only Hebrew prophet who ministered to his people outside the Holy Land. He is unique in his frequent use of the term “son of man” as the manner of the divine address. Unlike other Hebrew prophets, who placed the ethical above the ritual, Ezekiel fused the two elements, thereby reflecting his dual role as a pious priest and inspired prophet. Ezekiel was a prophet during Judah’s exile in Babylon and he lived among them. Through Ezekiel, God spoke promises over Israel about their restoration. Not only would God restore the people of Israel to their land, but he would give them a new heart and spirit. The reason for the chastisement of Israel was Israel’s sin and profanation of God’s name ( Ezekiel 36:16-21 ). God has good in store for Israel, for His own name’s sake, to revive His people; first, by a spiritual renewal of their hearts, and, next, by an external restoration to prosperity ( Ezekiel 36:22-33 ). The result is that the heathen shall be impressed with the power and goodness of God manifested so palpably towards the restored people ( Ezekiel 36:34-38 ). “Lets read Ezekiel 36:16-38” Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, when the house of Israel dwelt in their own land, they defiled it by their own way and by their doings: their way was before me as the uncleanness of a removed woman. Wherefore I poured my fury upon them for the blood that they had shed upon the land, and for their idols wherewith they had polluted it: And I scattered them among the heathen, and they were dispersed through the countries: according to their way and according to their doings I judged them. And when they entered unto the heathen, whither they went, they profaned my holy name, when they said to them, These are the people of the LORD, and are gone forth out of his land. But I had pity for mine holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen, whither they went. Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord GOD; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name’s sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went. And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, says the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes. For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God. I will also save you from all your uncleanness: and I will call for the corn, and will increase it, and lay no famine upon you. And I will multiply the fruit of the tree, and the increase of the field, that ye shall receive no more reproach of famine among the heathen. Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall clothe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations. Not for your sakes do I this, says the Lord GOD, be it known unto you: be ashamed and confounded for your own ways, O house of Israel. Thus says the Lord GOD; In the day that I shall have cleansed you from all your iniquities I will also cause you to dwell in the cities, and the wastes shall be built. And the desolate land shall be tilled, whereas it lay desolate in the sight of all that passed by. And they shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are become fenced, and are inhabited. Then the heathen that are left round about you shall know that I the LORD build the ruined places, and plant that that was desolate: I the LORD have spoken it, and I will do it. Thus says the Lord GOD; I will yet for this be enquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them; I will increase them with men like a flock. As the holy flock, as the flock of Jerusalem in her solemn feasts; so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of men: and they shall know that I am the LORD. {Lets Pray} Father God, I thank You and praise You that You are a good and gracious God, long-suffering, tender-hearted and forgiving towards all Your children. I thank You and praise You for Your faithfulness towards Israel, Your chosen nation. Your never-failing promises to all Your people is such a reassurance, for it demonstrates that Your gracious patience, kindness, love and obedience towards Israel and Church all believers is equally sure – for You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. I thank You and praise You that I am apart of the body of Jesus Christ who You sent in Your image. I thank You and praise You for the elders of the Church that know You dearer than any other. I thank You and praise You that You have told us the end from the beginning, and thank You that all Your promises are ‘Yes’ and ‘Amen.’ I thank You and praise You that in Jesus Christ my Savior I can look forward to eternity. Teach me Your ways and guide me Your way always. Keep me from straying from the path of holiness. I Love You, thank You, praise You that in Jesus Christ, I have a cleansed heart, and that by Your amazing grace I have the indwelling Holy Spirit in my life, to guide me into all truth in Jesus Precious Name. I am believing if there is someone out there that does know You and are scared to move forward. You will touch their hearts today in a way that they will fear no longer and be guided towards You and the road You have for them. If there is somebody out there that doesn’t know You I am believing for the right people to be guided in their life and move out of the darkness into Your light. Amen.
{Power Verse} “Many times I struck your gardens and vineyards, destroying them with blight and mildew. Locusts devoured your fig and olive trees, yet you have not returned to me,” declares the LORD. Amos 4:9
It reads in Isaiah 41:10: So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 meaning and explanation of Do not fear that I am with you God gives you security in Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear that I am with you. God knows you have problems; financial, perhaps the disease is robbing you of peace, sadness floods your heart. God knows you go through times of tribulation and persecution, sometimes you feel lonely. You may of lost someone close to you.
It reads in 2 Timothy 1:7 – For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Jesus Christ was the Son of God from all eternity, but it is clear that his ministry and life was empowered by the Holy Spirit (Luke 3:22). 2 Timothy 1:7. The concept of a sound mind has more to do with our attitude than we may realize. If our mind is sound, it is not cluttered up with the cares of this world. Its processes start with God and end with God. It recognizes the power of God and His love for us. 2 Timothy 3:15-17: From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work. Not everyone was brought up in Church. Not everyone had a believer in their immediate family. But isn’t it awesome when we do have believers who do make a difference in our lives. Can you look all the way back and think of all those people, whether family, friends or people in your life that believed in God and made a difference in your life. I can. You ever meet someone in church and they are scared being there for the first time because they never went to church. I have. I watch God move in lives all the time. I have prayed for people and watched God work in lives. It is such a blessing from God to acknowledge this. It is all God. He works through Believers as well as unbelievers and loves us all the same. How awesome is this! God has a powerful mind to create everything. He also gave us our powerful mind to choose to follow Him or not. If you use the mind God gave you the right way as it reads in Isaiah 41:10! You read further and In Isaiah 41:11-12 it reads; All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. So why is this? When you are doing your best and walking with God and learning. God is guiding you where you was created to be and you are His eternal child He loves with a undying love. It reads in Ephesians 5:2-5: And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. It reads in Psalm 119:66: Now teach me good judgement as well as knowledge. {Lets Pray} Father God, I thank You and praise You for the insight into the simple stuff that seems so hard sometimes. I believe that You would pour out in great measure, Your never failing grace, love, mercy, and Your inner peace which passes human understanding, on all who are called by Your name. I also believe for Your, compassionate mercy, and free gift of peace. I praise and thank You for Your indwelling Holy Spirit that never leaves the believer. I thank You and praise You that our life is hid with Christ in You. I thank You and praise You that You have not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power and love, and of a sound mind. May we not fear rejection or ridicule in this increasingly hostile world – nor fear the likelihood of persecution, pain.. or even death, and may we fan into flame our faith in Jesus Christ so that in Him we may stand firm in the evil day. I love You, thank You, praise You and give You all the glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.
(Power Verse) The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment. Proverbs 12:19
Having then gifts, differing. As in a natural body, the various members of it have not the same office, and do not perform the same actions, thus they have not the same, but different faculties; one has one faculty, another another; the eye has the faculty of seeing, the ear of hearing thus in the spiritual body the church, as there are different members, these members have not the same work and business assigned them; some are employed one way, and some another. Paul has described an amazing thing every Christian is meant to do. In fact, this is the first thing Paul describes when launching into how we should live in response to God giving us mercy in Christ. Every Christian receives God’s Holy Spirit when we come to faith in Christ. The Spirit brings with Him spiritual gifts that God intends for us to use to serve each other in the church. Each of us is given different gifts to use for different purposes, but our universal command is to use those gifts according to the will of God. The one who exhorts, in the work of exhortation; the one who gives, with generosity; the one who is in leadership, with diligence; the one who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.” Paul lists two more of those gifts in this verse. The first is the gift of serving. This gift of service, sometimes called “helps,” is the ability to step in and meet the practical needs of individuals or the church as a whole. People with the gift of service often don’t realize that it is, indeed, a gift. They assume that everyone can zero in on what another person needs help with and to provide that help at the right time and in the right way. They’re wrong, though. The body of Christ could not function if those with the gift of service neglected their role in the church.The second gift mentioned is teaching, and its one that most of us think of as a primary role in the church. It is the supernatural ability, in the Spirit, to make clear to a diverse group of hearers what God’s Word means. The early church relied heavily on Spirit-gifted teachers to help believers understand the truth, just as we do today.
As we read in Romans 12:6-8: Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
{Lets Pray} Father God, I am unworthy of all the kindnesses You have showered upon me in the past. I want You to take my life and let it be consecrated to You. I give You my life Lord Jesus, I pour it out as a living sacrifice to You. I thank You and praise Your holy name for the amazing gift of salvation that You have given to me by grace, through faith. I thank You and praise You for Your great love for me. Help me to trust You for all my needs. You alone are worthy of my eternally appreciation, love and praise for ever and ever in Your Precious Name Amen.
Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. Psalm 96:1
Matthew 5:3–12 contains what have come to be known as the Beatitudes. This title comes from the Latin word beatus, which means “blessed” or “happy.” Each of the Beatitudes begins with a reference to those who are blessed, in connection to some behavior or attitude. The idea of being “blessed” in Jesus’ sermon does not mean feeling happy. So, it is reasonable to conclude that Jesus’ use of this form in Matthew 5, is deliberate, and sufficiently exclusive, such that the term “Beatitude” might be used to identify any expression that exhibits the same structure. I know when my children and grandchildren was little. I would go outside with them with a old pan or empty bucket and we would collect rocks. We would show off our rocks we’d find or just see the different shapes or just say what they looked like. Maybe a heart or some animal. We would try to figure out what the shape looked like. It was fun. They didn’t get board at doing this. Here is another poem by a Unknown Author:
“Stepping Stones” The Lord came to me like a dream one day and asked, “Why do you sorrow?” I answered, “Lord my life is so full of pain, I can’t face one more tomorrow.” The Lord sat down beside me, and gently took my hand. He said, “Let me explain to you and then you’ll understand. Each sorrow is a stepping stone you must surmount each day, And every stepping stone you climb is a sorrow that’s passed away. The road of life is a mountainside, with crevices in which to be caught, But as you struggle on your way, I the Rock, will lend support. Every stepping stone you climb, makes spirit and heart grow strong. Exercising character and faith this road seems painful and long. The way is paved with stepping stones, to uplift your heart and soul, Though difficult they aid your way, to a City paved with gold. I know that you are tired, for I too have walked this way, My sorrows did they multiply, but I cleared many stones away. I left my rock to lift you up, I left behind my story. To give you strength to make your climb, to that special place in glory. And never fear, the Rock is here, You’ll never climb this mountain alone Surmount life’s sorrows, continue on, For they are but stepping stones.
Lets read: Matthew Chapter 5:3-12: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. {Lets Pray} Father God, I thank You and praise You for Your beatitudes. I thank You and praise You for the Sermon on the Mount, and the many things we can learn from the truths contained within its message. I thank You and praise You for Your Word of truth and the lessons that it teaches all Your children. I thank You and praise You that You are the Messiah of Israel, Who will one day be crowned as their King. I thank You and praise You that You came as my Savior, to pay the price for my sins, and broke the power of sin and death within me. I thank You and praise You for the indwelling Holy Spirit of God, and that by Your grace my heart has been made new. I believe I will live a life that honors Your name and walk in spirit and truth all the days of my life in Jesus Precious Name Amen. {Power Verse} None who have faith in God, will ever be disgraced for trusting Him. Psalm 25:3
"Only Life Changes" 