Bible Study: September 30, 2007
Hello My Friend,
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever."- Psalm 111:10
It is Sunday September 30, 2007 and today we will complete our studies on the book of Zechariah. Please Read Zechariah Chapters 8 -- 14. In Today's Scripture Reading we will learn about the restoration of Jerusalem is promised, the judgment on neighboring nations, and Zion's future King and Jerusalem's future deliverance.
Although his prophetic message was fulfilled centuries later, in great anticipation, Zechariah proclaimed: "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass." (Zechariah 9:9). This prophecy was fulfilled as Jesus entered Jerusalem during the last week before His crucifixion. "And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest." (Matthew 21:8-9). The cry of Hosanna by the people meaning "save us" was rejected by the jealous religious leaders who, instead, insisted that Jesus be crucified (Mark 14:1; 15:13).
Zechariah also foretold details concerning Judas, Jesus' betrayer, and his transactions with the religious leaders, saying: "And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver." (Zechariah 11:12). Jesus, the true King of kings, was rejected and betrayed for a mere 30 pieces of silver just as prophesied -- the price of a mere slave. "And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver." (Matthew 26:15).
Israel will soon recognize its Messiah as Zechariah foretold: "And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn." (Zechariah 12:10) "And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins." (Romans 11:26-27).
Zechariah also foretold the end of our present sinful age: "Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee. For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle. And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south. 9 And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one." (Zechariah 14:1-4,9).
We are all prone to waste time speculating on future events and to forget what Jesus said to His disciples when they asked His if He was going to restore Isreal. "When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." (Acts 1:6-8).
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Many of the circumstances in life are so uncertain. The solutions to our problems can be very puzzling and seem beyond our grasp.
There are many things about tomorrow that we don't seem to understand, but we know Who holds tomorrow, and we do know Who holds our hand.
Thank you, God, that You don't expect us to have all the right answers or to fully understand all that concerns us.
You simply want us to trust You as we hold on to Your unchanging hand while You go before us making our paths straight.
Grant us the grace to trust You more.
In Jesus name' we Pray......Amen.
Have a great day/night.
God Bless
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Bible Study: September 29, 2007
Hello My Friend,
"For he shall stand at the right hand of the poor, to save him from those that condemn his soul." - Psalm 109:31
It is Saturday September 29, 2007 and today we are going to begin studying the book of Zechariah. Please read Zechariah Chapters 1 -- 7 In Today's Scripture Reading we will learn about the hig priest resisting Zechariah's prophesies, Zechariah's visions of the candlestick (lampstand), flying scroll, four chariots, and disobedience resulting in captivity.
The Lord spoke through Zechariah who prophesied the restoration of the Jewish nation; he also declared: "In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying, The LORD hath been sore displeased with your fathers. Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the LORD of hosts." (Zechariah 1:1-3)
Zechariah foretold the glorious promise of the presence of God when the Israelites would be inspired to sing and rejoice. "Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD. And many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto thee." (2:10-11).
Often we come to the end of our resources and lose confidence in our own abilities before we learn to trust in the Lord. It was at just such a time that an angel visited Zechariah, "Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it." (4:5-7).
The work of God is not accomplished by might, nor by power, meaning not merely by human intelligence, zeal, or finances, but by My Spirit. The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit is indispensable in living a true Christian life or accomplishing the will of God.
"And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD: Even he shall build the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.15 And they that are far off shall come and build in the temple of the LORD, and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you. And this shall come to pass, if ye will diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God." (6:12-13,15). The Man whose Name is The BRANCH refers to Jesus Christ and He shall sit and rule upon His throne.
From the beginning of the book of Moses and all the prophets, Jesus explained to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. "And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself." (Luke 24:27).
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
In the maze of life's events where we're often a passenger on the rollercoaster of life's ups and downs, may we never lose sight of You, Jesus.
You are the unseen but ever-present Shepherd who protects, guides and tenderly comforts us in all our trouble.
Thank You, Lord, that when change is constantly about us, You remain steadfast, faithful, and dependable.
You are the Anchor that keeps us grounded in the unseen but eternal truths we build our lives upon.
Keep us faithful and help us to always believe!
In Jesus' name, we pray......Amen.
Enjoy your day/night and weekend.
God Bless
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Bible Study: September 28, 2007
Hello My Friend,
"O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." 136:1
it is Friday September 28, 2007 and in today's lesson we will study the book of Zephaniah and Haggai. Please read Zephaniah 1-3 and Haggai 1-2 In Today's Scripture Reading we will learn of the Lord's judgment, the future destruction of the Gentile nations, the people urged to rebuild the Temple, and unfaithfulness is rebuked.
The Israelites who had returned from Persia with Zerubbabel started to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem with great enthusiasm. But, when their Samaritan enemies greatly opposed them, they began building their own homes and working in their fields. Their personal interests contributed to their failure to put God first in their lives. No doubt, "legitimate" excuses were given for stopping the construction of the Temple.
As the people built their homes and developed their businesses, time to rebuild the Temple looked hopeless. Zerubbabel must have been discouraged as he thought of how much there was to do, how few willing workers there were, and how threatening the opposition was. While the Israelites continued to hope for better times, about 15 years passed and nothing more was accomplished for the Lord.
Then God moved upon the prophet Haggai to proclaim the Word of the Lord. "In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet unto Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, saying, Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, This people say, The time is not come, the time that the LORD's house should be built." (Haggai 1:1-2). Two months later, Zechariah also began proclaiming the Word of the Lord (Zechariah 1).
Haggai first announced: "Is it time for you, O ye, to dwell in your cieled houses, and this house lie waste? Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways." (Haggai 1:4-5).
Upon hearing the Word of the Lord, the people renewed their commitment to rebuilding the Temple, the one place designated by God for His people to worship Him. This time they ignored the threats of their enemies and the elders of the Jews built the temple. "Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, saith the LORD. 12 Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the LORD their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the LORD their God had sent him, and the people did fear before the LORD." (Haggai 8,12) The Temple was completed in just four years.
Without the Word of the Lord in our lives daily we subsequently fall prey to deception. Reading the Word of God renews our love for His Word and imparts spiritual strength needed to put Him first in our lives.
"These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (John 14:25-26).
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus,
Help me to remain faithful to You and your calling upon my life. Strengthen and grow my faith as I daily search Your Scriptures and apply their truths to my spiritual walk.
As I go through the trials and experiences of my earthly journey would You fix my eyes and my ever-wandering heart upon Yopu, Jesus.
When the howling winds and forceful storms of this life attempt to shipwreck my faith may they instead improve my faith to be more than sufficient to withstand the continual assaults from the enemy.
Because I take refuge in You, Jesus I know my spiritual foundation is firm, always dependable, and leads me to glorious victory.
In Your mighty name, Jesus I pray.....Amen.
Have a great day and weekend.
God Bless
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Bible Study: September 27, 2007
Art thou not from everlasting, O LORD my God, mine Holy One? we shall not die. O LORD, thou hast ordained them for judgment; and, O mighty God, thou hast established them for correction. Hello My Friend,
"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me." - Psalm 138:7
It is Thursday September 27, 2007 and today we will study the books Nahum and Habakkuk. Please read Nahum 1-3 and Habakkuk 1- 3. In Today's Scripture Reading we will learn about the prophecy and fulfillment of Nineveh's destruction, the vision of coming woes, and Habakkuk's prayer.
About 150 years had passed since the revival of Jonah's day when all of Nineveh repented and fasted. However, as the years passed, several generations of Ninevites failed to teach their children about the One True God who had spared their lives, so they returned to their sinful behavior. The time had now come for God to judge them. Judah was oppressed by Assyria, but the prophet Nahum foretold its freedom if the Israelites remained faithful to God. He appealed to them: "Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace! O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts, perform thy vows: for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off." (Nahum 1:15).
Assyria was probably the most brutal of all the ancient heathen nations, and its capital Nineveh had greatly enriched itself by wars. Through Nahum, God forewarned: "Woe to the bloody city! it is all full of lies and robbery; the prey departeth not; 7 And it shall come to pass, that all they that look upon thee shall flee from thee, and say, Nineveh is laid waste: who will bemoan her? whence shall I seek comforters for thee? 15 There shall the fire devour thee; the sword shall cut thee off, it shall eat thee up like the cankerworm: make thyself many as the cankerworm, make thyself many as the locusts." (3:1,7,15). Nineveh was destroyed exactly as foretold. That once-mighty city is still laid waste as a witness to the accuracy of the Word of God.
Habakkuk foretold the coming judgment that God would bring on His idol-worshiping people in Judah by using Babylon to punish them. He also foretold the judgment of God upon Babylon for its destruction of Judah: "Art thou not from everlasting, O LORD my God, mine Holy One? we shall not die. O LORD, thou hast ordained them for judgment; and, O mighty God, thou hast established them for correction." (Habakkuk 1:12).
Since we do not know all the facts, in the midst of our numerous, perplexing injustices, where too often evil seems to triumph, we should not express doubt in the Holy One by asking: "Why me," or "Why did He allow this to happen?" God is just as uncompromising toward sin today as He was then. Yet the Lord always forgives even the most sinful person who truly repents and turns to and receives Christ as Savior and Lord of his life.
All mankind will one day realize that the justice and mercy of the Lord is good, a refuge in the day of trouble and He loves them that trust in Him. "The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him." (Nahum 1:7). We expectantly look forward to that day when the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord. "For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea." (Habakkuk 2:14).
Today's Prayer:
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the salvation that comes from You alone. Thank you that You are enough. We would come up far short if we relied on our good works, our charming personality, our status in life or our worldly accumulation to purchase our salvation.
You are the sinless Lamb of God, the only acceptable sacrifice to God, who provides salvation to every man, woman, boy and girl from every region on the face of this earth who call upon Your name.
Keep reminding us that we cannot earn our salvation because You give it freely.
We choose to receive Your gift of salvation through faith in You, Jesus Christ our Lord.
And we are intensely grateful for Your merciful compassion toward us.
In Your mighty name Jesus' we pray....Amen.
Have a great & bless filled day.
God Bless
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Bible Study: September 26, 2007
Hello My Friend,
"Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth." - Psalm 124:8
It is Wednesday September 26, 2007 and today we will study the book of Micah. Please read Micah Chapters 1 -- 7. In Today's Scripture Reading we will learn about the Impending judgment against Israel and Judah, future deliverance of a remnant, the birth of Christ is foretold, and the Lord's judgment and mercy.
Except for David, all the kings of Judah were born in Jerusalem -- the City of God. But, 700 years before Jesus was born, the prophet Micah was led to prophesize: "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. 4 And he shall stand and feed in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God; and they shall abide: for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth." (Micah 5:2,4).
At the God-appointed time, there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. "And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. 4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:" (Luke 2:1,4). As a descendant of King David, Joseph had to go to David's hometown of Bethlehem to register. In issuing his command from Rome, Caesar could only have thought of his own kingdom. However, God used the heathen emperor's authority to fulfill Micah's prophecy.
The most significant statement of Micah's prophecy is, Whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. This proclaims the deity and eternal existence of the Redeemer King Jesus. He could not have been the Savior of mankind and suffer for the sins of the world if He had a sinful nature like everyone else. Because of this, Jesus the Son of God, was born of the Virgin Mary without a human father.
Therefore, the angel Gabriel announced to Mary: "And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." (Luke 1:31-35).
As descendants of Adam, we all have inherited his sinful nature, "For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous." (Romans 5:19).
Today's Prayer:
"Dear Jesus,
I am full of gratitude today as I consider Your abiding presence in my life.
You planned my existence in my mother's womb before I even drew my first breath.
When so many people have come into my life and exited it throughout the years You have taken up residence and You forever rule my heart.
When the path before me was unclear You have always gone before me sustaining me in my wilderness journey.
Though all forsake me You remain faithful, and remarkable as it seems, even if we are faithless, You will remain faithful, for You cannot deny Yourself.
Thank You for being my Savior and the Sustainer of my soul.
In Your Mighy Name, I pray......Amen."
Have a great & blessful day/night.
God Bless.
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Bible Study: September 25, 2007
Hello My Friend,
"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" -133:1
It is Tuesday September 25, 2007 and today we will study the book of Jonah. Please read Jonah Chapters 1 -- 4. In Today's Scripture Reading we will learn about Jonah's effort to avoid God's will, His second commission, Nineveh repents, and Jonah's displeasure.
The Lord commanded Jonah to speak to the people, but Jonah wanted no part of doing God's will and fled to escape His presence. "Now the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me. But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD." (Jonah 1:1-3).
Jonah was probably delighted with the good news that the judgment of God would soon fall upon Nineveh. He could not believe that the mercy and love of God would extend even to Israel's enemies. So, he decided not to be a missionary to Nineveh. He must have felt fortunate when, on the very day he arrived in Joppa, he discovered a ship sailing to Tarshish, the most remote of the Phoenician trading places, and in the opposite direction from Nineveh.
For a while, events seemed to favor Jonah's vacation plan and it gave him such a peace of mind that he fell asleep on the ship.However, favorable circumstances when avoiding the will of God are only temporary and they never lead to a pleasant end. The sailors became fearful when a great storm arose. "But the LORD sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken. Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god, and cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the sea, to lighten it of them. But Jonah was gone down into the sides of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep. So the shipmaster came to him, and said unto him, What meanest thou, O sleeper? arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not." (1:4-6)
Then, hearing that Jonah was fleeing from God, in an effort to appease Him, Jonah was thrown overboard, only to be swallowed by a big fish. "Then said they unto him, Tell us, we pray thee, for whose cause this evil is upon us; What is thine occupation? and whence comest thou? what is thy country? and of what people art thou? And he said unto them, I am an Hebrew; and I fear the LORD, the God of heaven, which hath made the sea and the dry land. Then were the men exceedingly afraid, and said unto him. Why hast thou done this? For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the LORD, because he had told them. 15 So they took up Jonah, and cast him forth into the sea: and the sea ceased from her raging. Then the men feared the LORD exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice unto the LORD, and made vows. Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights." (1:8-10,15-17)
After three days of soul searching, a repentant Jonah was vomited onto dry land by the great fish. He then became the greatest evangelist of his day, and saw the entire city of Nineveh repent of its wickedness. God could have chosen another prophet and let Jonah sink to the bottom of the sea, but God was merciful, demonstrating His love toward both the prophet and the repentant people in Nineveh. The willingness of God to forgive even the greatest of sinners who repent was made known when Nineveh's king and his people repented and were spared from the destruction prophesied by Jonah.
Jesus confirmed the historic truth concerning Jonah when He proclaimed: "For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here." (Matthew 12:40-41).
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Help me to remain faithful to You and your calling upon my life.
Strengthen and grow my faith as I daily search Your Scriptures and apply their truths to my spiritual walk.
As I go through the trials and experiences of my earthly journey would You fix my eyes and my ever-wandering heart upon Jesus.
When the howling winds and forceful storms of this life attempt to shipwreck my faith may they instead prove my faith to be more than sufficient to withstand the continual assaults from the enemy.
Because I take refuge in Jesus my spiritual foundation is firm, always dependable, and leads me to glorious victory.
In Jesus' name, I pray.... Amen.
Have a great day/night.
God Bless
Bible Study: September 24, 2007
Hello My Friends,
"In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me." - Psalm 120:1
Today is Monday September 24, 2007 and today we will complete our reading of the book of Amos and study the book of Obadiah. Please read Amos 6 - 9 and Obadiah 1. In Today's Scripture Reading we will learn of woe pronounced upon sin, the grasshoppers, the fire, the plumbline, the basket of summer fruit; and the famine of God's Word.
The word Edom means red. The Edomites came from Esau. The Edomites had been hostile to the Israelites for centuries from the time Esau forfeited his family birthright and was replaced by his brother Jacob (Israel).
God used his prophet Obadiah to tell the people how He felt about their behaviour. "The vision of Obadiah. Thus saith the Lord GOD concerning Edom; We have heard a rumour from the LORD, and an ambassador is sent among the heathen, Arise ye, and let us rise up against her in battle. Behold, I have made thee small among the heathen: thou art greatly despised. " (Obadiah 1:1-2)
Then Obadiah foretold the eventual triumph of Israel, as well as the complete destruction of Edom. Esau had moved to Mount Seir where the Edomites, his descendants, felt secure in their mountain fortress. Their self-sufficiency and disinterest in the will of God led them to ignore Obadiah's warning.
The Edomites conspired with Ammon and Moab against Judah and took the Israelite's captive. They also raided Judah in the days of King Ahaz to take even more captives to be their slaves (see: II Kings 8:20-22; II Chronicles 28:16-17).
Because of their treachery, God foretold that Edom would be utterly destroyed. "And thy mighty men, O Teman, shall be dismayed, to the end that every one of the mount of Esau may be cut off by slaughter. For thy violence against thy brother Jacob shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off for ever. 18And the house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a flame, and the house of Esau for stubble, and they shall kindle in them, and devour them; and there shall not be any remaining of the house of Esau; for the LORD hath spoken it." (1:9-10,18).
When Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonian army, some of the Jewish escapees tried to flee out of the land; but, the Edomites took advantage of the fleeing Israelites and blocked roads, robbed them, and delivered the refugees to the Babylonians. "But thou shouldest not have looked on the day of thy brother in the day that he became a stranger; neither shouldest thou have rejoiced over the children of Judah in the day of their destruction; neither shouldest thou have spoken proudly in the day of distress. Thou shouldest not have entered into the gate of my people in the day of their calamity; yea, thou shouldest not have looked on their affliction in the day of their calamity, nor have laid hands on their substance in the day of their calamity; Neither shouldest thou have stood in the crossway, to cut off those of his that did escape; neither shouldest thou have delivered up those of his that did remain in the day of distress." (Obadiah 1:12-14).
About four years after the fall of Jerusalem, Nebuchadnezzar's army swept through Ammon, Moab, and Edom. Edomite refugees fled to the western area of their country south of Judea. They then made incursions northward into Judea, taking part of that land. This territory became known as Idumaea, from which later came Herod, the Roman-appointed puppet king who sought to kill the Child Jesus. Eventually, the Edomites disappeared from history, just as Obadiah had earlier foretold. Unlike the prophecy against the Edomites, Obadiah foretold that Judah would recover and one day would again possess their possessions. "For the day of the LORD is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head. For as ye have drunk upon my holy mountain, so shall all the heathen drink continually, yea, they shall drink, and they shall swallow down, and they shall be as though they had not been. But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions." (1:15-17).
The absolute justice of God and our assurance of His faithfulness encourage us to know that the principles of right and wrong never change. Jesus expressed the inevitable spiritual law of God's Kingdom: "As ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise" (Luke 6:31).
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Help me to be, to think, and do what is right, because it is right.
Make me truthful, honest, and honorable in all things.
Make me intellectually honest for the sake of right and honor and without thought of reward to me.
Give me the ability to be charitable, forgiving, and patient with those who I come to know.
Help me to understand their motives and their shortcomings, even as you understand mine own!
On Jesus' name, I pray.....Amen.
Have a great day and week,
God Bless.
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Bible Study: September 23, 2007
Hello My Friend,
"For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD." - Psalm 117:2
It is Sunday September 23, 2007 and today we will begin our study on the book of Amos. Please read Amos, Chapters 1 -- 5 . In Today's Scripture Reading we will learn about the judgments pronounced on Judah, Israel, and the surrounding nations and God's sorrow over Israel's future captivity.
Amos was only a farm laborer from the village of Tekoa in Judah, but he was willing to speak for God against sin even beyond the borders of the southern kingdom. He delivered his prophecy of impending judgment in Bethel, the site of one of Israel's two false worship centers and one of several residences of King Jeroboam II in the northern kingdom. This took place at a time when the northern kingdom was prospering financially and expanding its boundaries. Since the people of Israel were proud of their prosperity, it must have seemed ridiculous to hear this outsider shout, "Hear this word that the LORD hath spoken against you, O children of Israel, against the whole family which I brought up from the land of Egypt, saying, You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities. 12 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; An adversary there shall be even round about the land; and he shall bring down thy strength from thee, and thy palaces shall be spoiled." (Amos 3:1-2,11). Because of their sins, destruction was inevitable; but, Amos' message concerning the coming judgment of God was completely ignored "Forasmuch therefore as your treading is upon the poor, and ye take from him burdens of wheat: ye have built houses of hewn stone, but ye shall not dwell in them; ye have planted pleasant vineyards, but ye shall not drink wine of them. For I know your manifold transgressions and your mighty sins: they afflict the just, they take a bribe, and they turn aside the poor in the gate from their right. Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it is an evil time." (5:11-13).
Amaziah, the non-Levitical paid priest of King Jeroboam II, was quick to get word to the king about this disagreeable prophet from the southern kingdom. He interpreted the words of Amos to mean that Jeroboam would die by the sword; but the prophet had only stated what God had said: I will rise against the house of Jeroboam with the sword. Amaziah said unto Amos go, flee into the land of Judah (7:9-12). The prophecy against the house of Jeroboam was fulfilled when Zachariah, Jeroboam's son, was assassinated by Shallum after reigning only six months. Shallum took his place, but he only reigned for one month before he, in turn, was murdered by Menahem (See II Kings 15:8-10,13-14).
God often uses ordinary people like Amos to proclaim His message. It is not what we possess in talents, nor how popular we may be, but how obedient we are that qualifies us to be used by the Lord.
"For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence." (I Corinthians 1:26-29).
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
I affirm my commitment to follow You wholeheartedly.
I welcome the work of Your Holy Spirit, as He lives in me, to honor You in all that I do.
May the fruit of my life reveal to those around me that I do belong to Christ as I seek to do Your will.
In Jesus' name, I pray.....Amen.
Have a wonderful day/night,
God Bless
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Bible Study: September 22, 2007
Hello My Friend,
"Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness." - Psalm 143:10
It is Saturday September 22, 2007 and today we will study the book of Joel. Please read Joel Chapters 1 -- 3. In Today's Scripture Reading we will learn about the plague of locusts, Joel's call to repentance, the day of the Lord, the Holy Spirit, the restoration of Israel, and God's judgment on nations.
The word of the LORD that came to Joel and he warned the nation of the impending destruction of Jerusalem. In mercy he God said; "Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand;" (Joel 2:1). The trumpet was often used to announce somber days and feasts, and by watchmen to warn of approaching danger (See Numbers 10:1-10). But, the sins of the Israelites were even more serious than the approaching enemies. Because of their sins, God could not bless them or protect them. The day of the Lord will come and nothing shall escape them. Therefore, turn to Me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning (See Joel 2:1-12).
The one condition for forgiveness and acceptance by the Lord is genuine repentance. True repentance is threefold. First, it is a sorrow for one's sin against God, as well as against others; second, it is a turning to the Lord, asking His forgiveness for all sins; and third, it is forsaking sin to live a life pleasing to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
On the Day of Pentecost, the Apostle Peter preached the prophetic meaning of Joel's words, saying: "And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Acts 2:21). He concluded his message; "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call." (2:38-39). We are among those that are afar off.
The prophet Joel also foretold of the final day of the Lord that is yet to take place: "Alas for the day! for the day of the LORD is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come." (Joel 1:15). It will bring to a close the miserable rule of sinful mankind and finally usher in the glorious reign of Jesus Christ, the righteous King of Peace. Jesus foretold "And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory." (Matthew 24:30).
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
This is another day, my Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be.
If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly.
If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently.
And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus.
In Jesus' name, I pray.....Amen.
Have a wonderful day/night and weekend.
God Bless
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Bible Study: September 21, 2007
Hello My Friend,
"Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies." -Psalm 108:13
Today is Friday September 21, 2007 and today we will complete our studies on the book of Hosea. Please read Hosea Chapters 7 -- 14. In Today's Scripture Reading we will learn about Israel's sin rebuked and captivity foretold; Israel's immediate ruin but ultimate blessing.
The northern kingdom of Israel did not return to the Lord their God, nor seek Him for all of their troubles. They seeked after national security rather than trust the Lord according to His Word. "And the pride of Israel testifieth to his face: and they do not return to the LORD their God, nor seek him for all this. Ephraim also is like a silly dove without heart: they call to Egypt, they go to Assyria." (Hosea 7:10-11)
Israel's leaders had gone up to Assyria, they completely forgot the Lord, their God and deeply corrupted themselves, following the world rather than God. God revealed through Hosea how he felt about their turning away from Him and the captivity they faced. "For they are gone up to Assyria, a wild ass alone by himself: Ephraim hath hired lovers. Yea, though they have hired among the nations, now will I gather them, and they shall sorrow a little for the burden of the king of princes. Because Ephraim hath made many altars to sin, altars shall be unto him to sin." (8:9-11,). However, the Lord gave a heartrending plea for Israel to return to Him before they were destroyed. "I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto them." (11:4). He lovingly pleaded, "O israel, return unto the LORD thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity." (14:1).
Israel had foolishly put its trust in heathen nations and false gods and in its own ability to manipulate peace and security rather than in the One who is the only true source of peace and security. Still, we see the willingness of the Lord to show mercy, as He always does to any repentant sinner, when He said "I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him." (14:4). The final words of the prophet Hosea before the Israelites were conquered and carried away by the Assyrians are a reminder to all of us: "The ways of the Lord are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein." (14:9).
When we repent, turn from our sins, receive Jesus as our Savior, and let the indwelling Holy Spirit control our lives, we are freed from the power of Satan, sin, and spiritual death. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not practice the truth. "If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." (I John 1:6-7) "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." (2:1-2).
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank you for sending us your son Jesus to save us and cleanse us from our sins.
My Jesus, my Saviour. I thank you for this day, For your infinite Love, for Your forgiveness of sin, for Your Crucifixion, and for Our Redemption and Salvation.
Walk with me, guide me and teach me to walk with You, help me to trust in You and put all things before you.
I pray in your mighty name, Jesus.....Amen.
Have a wonderful day/night and weekend. TGIF!
God Bless
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Bible Study: September 20, 2007
Hello My Friend,
"Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart." 119:2
It is Thursday September 20, 2007 and today we will begin our studies on the book of Hosea. Please read Hosea Chapters 1 -- 6. In Today's Scripture Reading we will learn about Israel's comparison to an unfaithful wife, the judgment upon adulterous Israel, Jehovah's (Yahweh's) withdrawal from His people, and repentance being urged.
Jeroboam II was king of the northern kingdom. The moral and spiritual level of the Israelites had become so low as to embrace male prostitutes and other detestable practices. "And there were also sodomites (male prostitute) in the land: and they did according to all the abominations of the nations which the LORD cast out before the children of Israel." (I Kings 14:24). Not one of the 19 kings of the northern kingdom of Israel attempted to lead the people to worship in Jerusalem as God had instructed.
It was under these circumstances that the Word of the Lord came to Hosea. "The beginning of the word of the LORD by Hosea. And the LORD said to Hosea, Go, take unto thee a wife of whoredoms and children of whoredoms: for the land hath committed great whoredom, departing from the LORD. So he went and took Gomer the daughter of Diblaim; which conceived, and bare him a son. And the LORD said unto him, Call his name Jezreel; for yet a little while, and I will avenge the blood of Jezreel upon the house of Jehu, and will cause to cease the kingdom of the house of Israel. And it shall come to pass at that day, that I will break the bow of Israel, in the valley of Jezreel. And she conceived again, and bare a daughter. And God said unto him, Call her name Loruhamah: for I will no more have mercy upon the house of Israel; but I will utterly take them away." (Hosea 1:2-6).
The Lord spoke against His people through Hosea because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land. By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out with no restraint. "Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land. By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood." (4:1-2). God revealed the consequences of Israel's sin, saying: "Because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to Me: seeing thou hast forgotten the Law of thy God, I will also forget thy children" (4:6).
Israel's kings as well as its political and religious leadership ignored the importance of obedience to the Word of God. Jesus Christ set the example of how important the Old Testament should be to us. After 40 days of fasting, He was tempted by the Devil. "And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:3-4). By quoting this Old Testament Scripture, our Lord revealed the "Key to Victory" over satanic deceptions. "And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live." (Deuteronomy 8:3) We can have that same victory over Satan when we allow every Word that comes out of the mouth of God to become a vital part of our daily lives.
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Like sheep who go astray, we have wandered from your paths of life and light.
We have heard the Shepherd's voice calling us by name, but we have turned instead to our own way.
Show us your tender mercy; restore us in the security of your love.
Lead us back to still waters, seat us again at your bounteous table.
Fill us with your Spirit, that we might bear glad witness to your saving mercy, revealed to us in the Great Shepherd, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
In Jesus' name, I pray....Amen.
Have a great day/night.
God Bless
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Bible Study: September 19, 2007
Hello My Friend,
"Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant." - Psalm 135:3
It is Wednesday September 19, 2007 and today we will complete our studies on the book of Daniel. Please read Daniel Chapters 10 -- 12. In Today's Scripture Reading we will learn about a heavenly messenger detained, the prophecy of kingdoms from the time of Daniel to the Antichrist, and great tribulation.
The kingdoms of this world eventually will erupt into open hostility toward God and His people. Daniel foretold that during the period of the revived Roman Empire's terrible persecution would take place.
The Antichrist will praise himself, and magnify himself above every god, and willl speak disrespectfully against God, and will prosper till the wrath is accomplished "And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done." (Daniel 11:36). Jesus speaks of an abomination of desolation, spoken by Danielt. "But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:" (Mark 13:14).
There have been many antichrists over the past 2000 years, the Apostle John apoke of this. "Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time." (I John 2:18). The driving force of all antichrists is to destroy the Kingdom of God. "And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book." (Daniel 12:1).
Daniel admitted that there was much in his prophecy that he did not understand, yet it was intended that he share what was revealed to him with all who has faith in the eventual glorious outcome. "And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end." (12:8-9).
Daniel's prophecy reminds us to be prepared for the soon return of Christ, when He shall reign and rule over all the world. "Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed" (II Thessalonians 2:3). "The time will come when it seems that the wicked one has triumphed, Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders" (2:9). "Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work." (II Thessalonians 2:16-17).
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
I thank You, through Jesus Christ, Your beloved Son, that You kept me safe from all evil and danger last night.
Save me, I pray, today as well, from every evil and sin, so that all I do and the way that I live will please you.
I put myself in your care, body and soul and all that I have.
Let Your holy Angels be with me, so that the evil enemy will not gain power over me.
In Jesus name, I pray.....Amen.
Have a wonderful day/night.
God Bless
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Bible Study: September 18, 2007
Hello My Friend,
"The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory." - Psalm 64:10
It is Tuesday September 18, 2007 and today we are continuing our studies of the book of Daniel. Please read Daniel Chapters 7 -- 9. In Today's Scripture Reading we will learn about Daniel's vision of the beasts, his vision of the ram and goat, Daniel's prayer for his people and his vision of 70 weeks.
After the awesome splendor of Nebuchadnezzar's dream of world governments is described (See Daniel 2:19-45) the Lord reveals through Daniel, another dream that exposes man's selfish ambition and use of cruel, savage power. "Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea." (Daniel 7:2).The great sea refers to fallen humanity with its fierce competition and godless instability. The four winds illustrate the impact of selfish ambition and greed.
"And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another." (7:3). The beasts correspond to the kingdoms of Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. The first beast was like a lion and is represented as Babylon. "The first was like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it." (7:4). The head of the great image of Nebuchadnezzar's dream was gold, so the lion is represented as the king among animals.
The second beast was like a bear and is represented as Medo-Persia "And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh." (7:5) It represented the empire which would later conquer Babylon.
The third beast, was like a leopard, and is represented as the Grecian Empire. "After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it." (7:6). The four wings illustrate the speed with which Alexander the Great would conquer the ancient world.
The fourth beast was a combination of all the beasts that were before it and it is represented as the ten nations of the revived Roman Empire. "After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns." (7:7).
The ten horns correspond to the ten toes of the feet of Nebuchadnezzar's great image and represent a confederation of ten future world rulers, followed by another little horn. "I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things." (7:8). This little horn represents the Antichrist who shall speak against the Most High, and shall wear out the believers who will be destroyed by "the Stone". "And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time." (7:25)
Jesus Christ, will come to be glorified by His saints (Christians), and to be admired in all them that believe in Him. "When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day." (II Thessalonians 1:10).What a glorious time that will be!
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Some people are able to say short prayers and see immediate results. However, I must recognize that they have spent considerable time in studying Your Word, in prayer and meditation, and in seeking to know Your will. In other words, they were already "prayed up!" When a crisis comes, they know You! They know that they can trust You, and that You are ready to comfort, strengthen, and sustain them in their time of need. They know that You have said, "My strength is made perfect in weakness."
My Lord, help me to see that I too, need a close relationship with You in my life. I need to spend time with You each day, and learn that You are indeed faithful to Your Word and that I can count on You! Help me, Lord, for You too want to be able to count on me to share Your love with others.
In Jesus' name I pray......Amen.
Have a wonderful day/night.
God Bless
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Bible Study: September 17, 2007
Hello My Friend,
"Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways." - Psalm 128:1
It is Monday September 17, 2007 and today we will continue our studies of the book of Daniel. Please read Daniel Chapters 4 -- 6. In Today's Scripture Reading we will about Nebuchadnezzar's second dream and Daniel's interpretation, Belshazzar's feast, and Daniel in the lions den,
Belshazzar ruled Babylon near the end of the 70-year-long Jewish exile. On the night that the Medo-Persian army invaded Babylon to defeat and execute Belshazzar. "Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand. Belshazzar, whiles he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem; that the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, might drink therein. Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of the house of God which was at Jerusalem; and the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, drank in them. They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone." (Daniel 5:1-4).
Suddenly the fingers of a man's hand appeared and wrote on the wall "In the same hour came forth fingers of a man's hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaister of the wall of the king's palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote." (5:5). Belshazzar panicked and his knees began knocking together. "Then the king's countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another."(5:6). His astrologers and soothsayers could not interpret the message. "And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN." 5:25
In desperation, Belshazzar summoned Daniel who boldly proclaimed "This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it. TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting. PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians." (5:26-28). That night Darius took over the kingdom. "And Darius the Median took the kingdom, being about threescore and two years old." (5:31).
Darius decided to set over the kingdom a hundred and twenty princes and over these, three presidents and Daniel was first. "It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom; And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage." (6:1-2)
Because of envy, the other presidents and princes said to the king we all have consulted together to establish a royal statute. Whoever asks for a petition of any God or man for thirty days will be cast into the den of lions. Without realizing its real purpose, the king signed the decree. "All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions. Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree." (6:7-9).
Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did every day. "Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime." (6:10).
Daniel could have reasoned that, since he was not asked to worship an idol, why not cooperate for thirty days or just pray in secret? We need to ask ourselves: If a similar decree were issued today, would it make a difference if we were told by government officials that we could not worship in church on the Lord's Day?" Daniel ended up in the den of lions but. "Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee." (6:16)
Afterwards Daniel was able to testify to the king:"My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt." (Daniel 6:22).
To this day God still makes miracles happen, keep talking to Him and do not give up, He answers all prayers when the time is right and often not in the way that we expect. Think about that as you talk to him.
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Grant me to greet the coming day in peace, help me in all things to rely upon your holy will.
In every hour of the day reveal your will to me. Bless my dealings with all who surround me.
Teach me to treat all that comes to throughout the day with peace of soul and with firm conviction that your will governs all.
In all my deeds and words, guide my thoughts and feelings. In unforeseen events, let me not forget that all are sent by you.
Teach me to act firmly and wisely, without embittering and embarrassing others. Give me strength to bear the fatigue of the coming day with all that it shall bring.
Direct my will, teach me to pray. And you, yourself, pray in me.
In Jesus' name,. I pray...Amen.
Have a great day/night.
God Bless
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Bible Study: September 16, 2007
Hello My Friend,
"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name." - Psalm 100:4
Today is Sunday September 16, 2007 and today we will begin studying the book of Daniel. Please read Daniel Chapters 1 -- 3. In Today's Scripture Reading we learn about Daniel rejecting the king's food, Nebuchadnezzar's dream interpreted by Daniel, and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego saved out of fiery furnace.
Soon after their capture, Daniel and other selected Israelite captives were assigned new names which would identify them as citizens of Babylon. This was an attempt to remove their identities as children of God. The king's intent was that these select men be taught to think and live like Babylonians. Daniel means "God is Judge," but his Babylonian name Belteshazzar means "Prince of Baal." As Daniel heard his new name called day after day, it was intended to remind him that the comfort, self-esteem, and high position he enjoyed in his new society were all the result of his being the "Prince of Baal."
Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams, were troubling to him so he searched for people who could tell him what the dreams meant. "And in the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams, wherewith his spirit was troubled, and his sleep brake from him. Then the king commanded to call the magicians, and the astrologers, and the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans, for to shew the king his dreams. So they came and stood before the king." (Daniel 2:1-2).
But, after Daniel and his friends prayed, the secret was revealed to Daniel in a night vision and he proclaimed to the king that there is a God in heaven that revealed secrets, and made known to the King Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. "Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions: That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven." (2:17-19). "Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, shew unto the king; But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these;" (2:27-28)
Daniel revealed to Nebuchadnezzar that the giant image in his dream represented successive kingdoms that would rule the world, depicted by the Roman Empire. "This image's head was of fine gold, his breast and his arms of silver, his belly and his thighs of brass, His legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay." (2:32-33). The Roman Empire will be revived as a one-world government in the end times. But it will be destroyed at the return of Christ, whose kingdom shall never be destroyed. "And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever." (2:44)
The exact details may not be clear, but it is vitally important to be prepared for the soon coming of our King. "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." (I Corinthians 13:12).
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Through every minute of this day, be with me, Lord!
Through every day of all this week, be with me, Lord!
Through every week of all this year, be with me, Lord!
So shall the days and weeks and years be threaded on a golden cord.
And all draw on with sweet accord into thy fullness, Lord, that so,
When time is past,
By grace I may, at last,
Be with thee, Lord.
In Jesus name, I pray....Amen
Have a great day/night and week.
God Bless
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Bible Study: September 15, 2007
Hello My Friend,
"For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. " - Psalm 84:11
It is Saturday September 15, 2007 and today we will complete our studies on the book of Ezekiel. Please read Ezekiel Chapters 46 -- 48. In Today's Scripture Reading we will learn about the worshipping of the prince, the river flowing from the Temple, the boundaries and divisions of the land, and the gates of Jerusalem.
The first part of Ezekiel's final vision from God described the Temple (See Ezekiel 40 -43), the second part described the worship and the character of the worshipers (See 44 -46). The final part tells us of the life giving waters that issued out from under the doorway of the house eastward and of the boundaries and divisions of the land (47 -- 48). The further this water flowed, the deeper it became. Among other things, it symbolizes our continued walk with the Lord for as we experience more and more the much needed supply of His provision we come to realize that His supply for all of our needs is abundant and unlimited.
The description of the land and the city are very different from either ancient or present-day, geographical Israel. This is a vision anticipating the glorious future that all believers in Jesus as the Messiah will experience. All who know and love Him as their Savior will enjoy the new promised land during the millennial reign of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ezekiel was led by his guide to the front of the Temple. The water apparently emerged from under the Eastern Gate as a small stream that flowed a thousand cubits (a little less than one-third of a mile). Ezekiel then records: "Then brought he me out of the way of the gate northward, and led me about the way without unto the utter gate by the way that looketh eastward; and, behold, there ran out waters on the right side. And when the man that had the line in his hand went forth eastward, he measured a thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the waters were to the ankles." (47:2-3).
Ezekiel states that it was ankle-deep. The same process was repeated at a second and at a third distance, each measuring a thousand cubits. At these s, the water was found to be to the knees and then to the loins. "Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through the waters; the waters were to the knees. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through; the waters were to the loins." (47:4). At a fourth distance of a thousand cubits "Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over." (47:5) The water had become a river that could not be passed over because of its depth. "And he said unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen this? Then he brought me, and caused me to return to the brink of the river." (47:6)
The water provides life for the trees which bear wholesome fruit. "And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh. 12And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine." (47:9,12). This is what the Holy Spirit does in the lives of those who yield to Him. We begin to experience His gracious supply as a small stream which flows out from Christ the Fountainhead, and it continues to increase in preciousness as we daily walk in the light of His Word.
Our loving Father has provided His people with a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding (flowing) out of the throne of God and of the Lamb, the Lord Jesus Christ and whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely (See Revelation 22:1-17).
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Lead us from the unreal to the Real. Lord, lead us from darkness to light.Lord, lead us from death to immortality.
Lord God almighty, may there be peace in the world. May there be peace on earth. May the waters be appeasing. May herbs be wholesome, and may trees and plants bring peace to all. May all beneficent beings bring peace to us. May all things be a source of peace to us. And may thy peace itself, bestow peace on all, and may that peace come to me also.
May all come to know You, Lord and come to know the peace that You bless us with through all obtacles.
In Jesus' name, I pray......Amen.
Have a wonderful day/night.
God Bless
Bible Study: September 14, 2007
Hello My Friend,
"I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me." - Psalm 13:6
It is Friday September 14, 2007 and in today's lesson we will continue our studies of the book of Ezekiel. Please read Ezekiel Chapters 43 -- 45. In Today's Scripture Reading we will learn about the vision of God's glory filling the Temple, the ordinances for the priests, and the land for the sanctuary and the city described.
In a vision, Ezekiel had witnessed the departure of the glory of the God of Israel from the magnificent, but now destroyed, Temple built by Solomon (See Ezekiel 9:3; 10:4,18-19; 11:22-23). Jerusalem and the once-glorious kingdom of Israel were only memories. The Israelites had chosen to ignore God's Word and were actually worshiping idols, the sun, and all sorts of creatures in the Temple that had been dedicated to God alone.
Consequently the Israelites were enslaved in a heathen land. Again Ezekiel received a vision of a future Temple, far greater than Solomon's, where the glory of the Lord would return to dwell. "Afterward he brought me to the gate, even the gate that looketh toward the east: And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory. And it was according to the appearance of the vision which I saw, even according to the vision that I saw when I came to destroy the city: and the visions were like the vision that I saw by the river Chebar; and I fell upon my face. And the glory of the LORD came into the house by the way of the gate whose prospect is toward the east. So the spirit took me up, and brought me into the inner court; and, behold, the glory of the LORD filled the house." (43:1-5).
In this vision, the Lord of Glory entered His new Temple by the very way through which He had departed from the old Temple (compare 10:19 and 11:22-23). The Eastern Gate led straight to the Temple entrance of the eternal King, "And he said unto me, Son of man, the place of my throne, and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel for ever, and my holy name, shall the house of Israel no more defile, neither they, nor their kings, by their whoredom, nor by the carcases of their kings in their high places." (43:7). The emphasis is the importance of holiness in the lives of the people of God.
The physical Temple had foreshadowed the life and ministry of Christ. In the millennium there will be no need for types or symbols because God the Father and Jesus Christ, whom the symbols represented, will be present. Our concern should not be how and when the prophecies will be fulfilled; but above all else we should be concerned that our body, mind, and spirit be prepared for the Lord's return. "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." (I Corinthians 3:16-17).
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank you for blessing me with this day here on earth and thank you for the many blessings you give me each day.
Work in my heart, Lord, help me to be prepared for your return. Work in my heart, cleanse my body and soul and give me peace knowing that You are always with me in every thing that I do.
I pray in Jesus' name.....Amen.
Have a wonderful day/night and weekend.
God Bless
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Bible Study: September 13, 2007
Hello My Friend,
"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters." -Psalm 23:1-2
It is Thursday September 13, 2007 and in today's lesson we will continue our studies on the book of Ezekiel. Please read Ezekiel, Chapters 40 -- 42. In Today's Scripture Reading we will learn about the vision of the future Temple.
A few years after the vision of the dry bones, Ezekiel received another vision. "In the five and twentieth year of our captivity, in the beginning of the year, in the tenth day of the month, in the fourteenth year after that the city was smitten, in the selfsame day the hand of the LORD was upon me, and brought me thither. In the visions of God brought he me into the land of Israel, and set me upon a very high mountain, by which was as the frame of a city on the south." (Ezekiel 40:1-2). This new vision looked far into the future, where Ezekiel beheld a glorious Temple, far more magnificent than the Temple built by Solomon.
The measurements of the grounds and the many details concerning the building and its unusual architectural design are recorded; but no instruction was given to Ezekiel regarding who would build it or when it would be built. In striking contrast, God gave Moses detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle and even the names of the craftsmen who were to build it in the wilderness (See Exodus 25:9; 31:1-11). But Zechariah foretold: "And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD: Even he shall build the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both." (Zechariah 6:12-13).
Almost 2000 years have passed since the Romans destroyed the Temple, with no recovery of the Brazen Altar, Laver of Brass, Pure Gold Candlestick and Mercy Seat, Table of Showbread, or Altar of Incense. The Ark of the Covenant, representing the presence of God, dis-appeared in 586 BC, when Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem.
The altar and the priests offering sacrifices for the sins of the people had all foreshadowed Jesus Christ, His atonement for our sins, and our relationship with Him through His sacrifice on the cross. Through the Romans, God removed the opportunity for the Jews to offer further sacrifices. These laws were imposed on them until the time of reformation. "Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us." (Hebrews 9:10-12; compare John 4:21-24; Galatians 3:23-25; Colossians 2:17).
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
In Jesus name, I pray....Amen.
--Reinhold Niebuhr
Have a wonderfully blessed day/night.
God Bless
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Bible Study: September 12, 2007
Hello My Friend,
It is Wednesday September 12, 2007 and today we will cotinue our studies on the book of Ezekiel. Please reas Ezekiel Chapters 37 -- 39. In Today's Scripture Reading we will learn about the valley of the dry bones;, the prophecy against Gog, and the vision of a restored Israel.
After Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem in 586 BC, most of the Israelites who survived were scattered throughout Babylonia among exiles from many heathen nations. Since the Temple and City of God were destroyed, they abandoned hope for the restoration of their homeland. It was at this time of national hopelessness that Ezekiel was given a new vision and recorded "The hand of the LORD was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones, And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry." (Ezekiel 37:1).
The bones were dry and bleached, having been there for some time. "And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest. Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD. Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live:" (37:3-5).
As a nation, Israel was literally and spiritually dead and without hope of restoration. However, like the dry bones, it was not buried. Ezekiel continued to prophesy and something amazing transformed before him. "So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone. And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them." (37:7-8). Ezekiel proclaimed the Word of God, "Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live. So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army." (37:9-10).
Although the Israelites were saying Our hope is lost and we are cut off from the land of promise this army assured Israel of future restoration. "Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off for our parts. Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel." (37:11-12)
Ezekiel then was commanded to proclaim the good news. "And ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves, And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken it, and performed it, saith the LORD." (37:13-14). After more than 2500 years, the Israelites do exist as a nation within the promised land and God will soon fulfill His promise to King David. Israel's Messiah King, Jesus Christ, will rule the world from Jerusalem (See Isaiah 2:1-4).
Dry bones also describe our sinful human nature, apart from the transforming, life-giving power of the Holy Spirit. Eternal life is made possible only when we confess and repent of our sins and invite Jesus to be Lord of our lives. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Help me to understand that when I became a committed Christian, I also became Satan's target, for a lukewarm Christian is no threat to him, but one that is committed is always subjected to his tricks.
God be in my head, and in my understanding and help me to stay focused on You especially when things start to get frustrating.
God be in mine eyes, and in my looking and lead me and guide me in the right direction.
God be in my mouth, and in my speaking and help me to always be careful of what I say to others.
God be in my heart, and in my thinking and help me in the decisions I make.
In Jesus' name, I pray....Amen
Have a wonderful day/night.
God Bless
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Bible Study: September 11, 2007
Hello My Friends,
"The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes." - Psalm 19:8
It is Tuesday September 11, 2007 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Ezekiel. Please Ezekiel Chapters 33 -- 36. In Today's Scripture Reading we will learn about Jerusalem's destruction, the justice of God's dealing, the reproof of the false shepherds, the destruction of Edom, and the restoration of Israel foretold.
God addressed Ezekiel as a watchman unto the house of Israel. God said to Him: "So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me" (Ezekiel 33:7).
The Israelites who remained in Jerusalem, as well as the captives in Babylon, disregarded Ezekiel's warnings that God would destroy Jerusalem if they refused to repent of their sinful ways. But, the Jews in Babylon complained that the death of their kindred in Jerusalem and the destruction of their homeland were inconsistent with the promise of God's Covenant. Then the Lord said: "Yet the children of thy people say, The way of the Lord is not equal: but as for them, their way is not equal. When the righteous turneth from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, he shall even die thereby. But if the wicked turn from his wickedness, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall live thereby." (33:17-19).
When the inevitable judgment had taken place as foretold by Ezekiel, the Lord told him to tell the people how he was going to deal with their iniquities. "Wherefore say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Ye eat with the blood, and lift up your eyes toward your idols, and shed blood: and shall ye possess the land? Ye stand upon your sword, ye work abomination, and ye defile every one his neighbour's wife: and shall ye possess the land? Say thou thus unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; As I live, surely they that are in the wastes shall fall by the sword, and him that is in the open field will I give to the beasts to be devoured, and they that be in the forts and in the caves shall die of the pestilence. For I will lay the land most desolate, and the pomp of her strength shall cease; and the mountains of Israel shall be desolate, that none shall pass through. Then shall they know that I am the LORD, when I have laid the land most desolate because of all their abominations which they have committed." (33:25-29).
This was all fulfilled as prophesied by Ezekiel on the day of his wife's death (24:18,25-26). "And it came to pass in the twelfth year of our captivity, in the tenth month, in the fifth day of the month, that one that had escaped out of Jerusalem came unto me, saying, The city is smitten." (33:21).
Ezekiel proclaimed that holy living was the Israelites' responsibility in their Covenant relationship with God. This was rejected by those unwilling to forsake their sins. Times have not changed; living a godly life is equally unpopular today with many professing Christians who love what the world can offer for the gratification of the earthly nature. "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." (I John 2:15-17).
Like the Israelites, many people today talk about the love of God while ignoring His command to act righteously. "I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death." (Romans 6:19-21)
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
You have created each of us for a reason and your purposes. I know You have a plan for my life.
It is up to me to build a relationship with You, to discover what You want for me. My greatest worth and happiness depend on this.
Walk with me, and help me to desire to share Your love and Your Word, that together we can make this a better world.
In the name of Jesus I pray......Amen.
Have a wonderful day/night.
God Bless
P.S.
I just wanted to explain why I am posting the message later in the day now. I have found that mopre people read the messages in the afternoon and evening than in the morning and I want to get the message out to as many as I can so I decided that it was best to send it out later in the day. I apologize to anyone who has had a problem with this. You are welcome at any time to visit the A Spiritual Guide website to read the message earlier.
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Bible Study: September 10, 2007
Hello My Friend,
"Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God?" -Psalm 77:13
It is Monday September 10, 2007 and today we are contuning our studies of the book Ezekiel. Please read Ezekiel 29 -- 32. In Today's Scripture Reading we will learn about the prophecy of Egypt's defeat by Babylon foretold, Assyria's fall as a warning to Egypt, and the grief over Egypt's fall.
About a year after the Babylonians had surrounded Jerusalem in their plan to starve them into submission, Ezekiel foretold the end of Egypt as a great nation. God said to him: "Son of man, set thy face against Pharaoh king of Egypt, and prophesy against him, and against all Egypt: Speak, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great dragon that lieth in the midst of his rivers, which hath said, My river is mine own, and I have made it for myself. But I will put hooks in thy jaws, and I will cause the fish of thy rivers to stick unto thy scales, and I will bring thee up out of the midst of thy rivers, and all the fish of thy rivers shall stick unto thy scales. And I will leave thee thrown into the wilderness, thee and all the fish of thy rivers: thou shalt fall upon the open fields; thou shalt not be brought together, nor gathered: I have given thee for meat to the beasts of the field and to the fowls of the heaven.
6And all the inhabitants of Egypt shall know that I am the LORD, because they have been a staff of reed to the house of Israel. When they took hold of thee by thy hand, thou didst break, and rend all their shoulder: and when they leaned upon thee, thou brakest, and madest all their loins to be at a stand. Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will bring a sword upon thee, and cut off man and beast out of thee. And the land of Egypt shall be desolate and waste; and they shall know that I am the LORD: because he hath said, The river is mine, and I have made it. Behold, therefore I am against thee, and against thy rivers, and I will make the land of Egypt utterly waste and desolate, from the tower of Syene even unto the border of Ethiopia. No foot of man shall pass through it, nor foot of beast shall pass through it, neither shall it be inhabited forty years." (Ezekiel 29:2-11).
Although Egypt would no longer be a great power of the world, it would not be utterly destroyed as Babylon would be. Ezekiel foretold: "Yet thus saith the Lord GOD; At the end of forty years will I gather the Egyptians from the people whither they were scattered: And I will bring again the captivity of Egypt, and will cause them to return into the land of Pathros, into the land of their habitation; and they shall be there a base kingdom. It shall be the basest of the kingdoms; neither shall it exalt itself any more above the nations: for I will diminish them, that they shall no more rule over the nations." (29:13-15). Over the centuries, Egypt has never regained the status of a world empire. It remains a witness to the supreme authority of God.
At the time of the Exodus, the ten plagues forced the Egyptians to acknowledge that their own gods were powerless against the One True God. This should have caused Egypt and particularly, Israel, to reject their idols and worship the One True God of creation. God brought judgment upon Israel, Judah, Tyre, Sidon, Egypt, and other nations to cause them to realize that I am the Lord. "I am the Lord" is mentioned 66 times in this book alone to point out the importance of obeying the Word of God.
A future time of redemption and restoration was also foretold: "In that day will I cause the horn of the house of Israel to bud forth, and I will give thee the opening of the mouth in the midst of them; and they shall know that I am the LORD" (29:21). The horn is a symbol of power (See I Samuel 2:10). As prophesied, the people of God, both Jew and Gentile, have a future destiny of glory with Jesus as their Messiah.
"Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:9-11).
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
I lift my heart to you, O Lord, to be strengthened for this day.
Be with me in all I do, my God; guide me in all my ways.
I will carry some burdens today; some trials will be mine.
So I wait for your help, Lord, lest I stumble and fall.
I will do my work, Father, the work begun by your Son.
He lives in me and I in him; may his work today be done.
Father in heaven, I lift my eyes to you and wait for your help.
I am your servant, entrusted with your gifts; I am yours alone.
I lift my eyes to you who dwell in heaven.
Like a faithful servant, I wish to do your bidding.
In Jesus name' I pray....Amen.
Have a wonderful day/night.
God Bless
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Bible Study: September 09, 2007
Hello My Friend,
"Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God."- Psalm 43:4
Today is Sunday September 9, 2007 and we are continuing our studies on the book of Ezekiel. Please read Ezekiel Chapters 25 -- 28. In Today's Scripture Reading we will learn about the judegment of the Gentile nations, the judgment on Tyre's king and the fate of Satan who inspired him, and the future regathering of Israel.
Tyre was situated on the Mediterranean Sea and was one of the richest cities of the world. Its wealth was not gained from war, like that of Babylon, but from commercial business. Its fleet of ships was the greatest of all nations. Ezekiel prophesied to the Ammonites: "The word of the LORD came again unto me, saying,Son of man, set thy face against the Ammonites, and prophesy against them; And say unto the Ammonites, Hear the word of the Lord GOD; Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou saidst, Aha, against my sanctuary, when it was profaned; and against the land of Israel, when it was desolate; and against the house of Judah, when they went into captivity; Behold, therefore I will deliver thee to the men of the east for a possession, and they shall set their palaces in thee, and make their dwellings in thee: they shall eat thy fruit, and they shall drink thy milk." (Ezekiel 26:1-4). God foretold that Tyre would be fully destroyed, not only because of its immoral idolatry, but also because it was rejoicing over the downfall of Jerusalem and that its competition no longer existed. They were saying, Aha! Jerusalem is empty and we shall grow rich now that she is laid in waste.
Nebuchadnezzar destroyed the mainland city. During that long siege, the city's administration and wealth was moved to the offshore island section of the city. But, more than two centuries later, Alexander the Great besieged Tyre, which was then just an island city nearly half a mile from the mainland. Since Alexander had no fleet, his men used the stones from the walls of the ancient mainland city to build a causeway to reach the island and destroy it exactly as prophesied.
The attitude of Tyre should be a warning to those who rejoice when their competition goes bankrupt, or to the "Christian" who resents the success of his "rivals" in the church or in the marketplace. Christians have much to repent of here. Our gossip does more damage than we can imagine when we rejoice over the so-called "failures" of others.
Of course, with God, there is no failure "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God." (Galatians 5:19-21).
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another." (Galatians 5:22-26)
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Most gracious heavenly Father, forgive us, Your people, for standing by while our nation slips further and further from its Christian heritage.
Each day we find ourselves being misinformed and misled by those who think that our nation's problems can be solved by more taxes, more policemen, and more government spending. Open our eyes, Lord, to see that these are only "patches" on our country's structure, while its moral foundations are being undermined.
Help us to see that unless we return to living by Your rules for morality, unless we teach each generation the value of being personally accountable, responsible, honest and caring, that we will contribute to bringing on the downfall of our nation.
Oh Lord, help us to see that only repentance will save us because You can not and will not bless our sinful ways.
In Jesus' name we pray....Amen.
Have a great day/night
God Bless
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Bible Study: September 08, 2007
- Today is Saturday September 8, 2007 and we will be continuing our studies on the book of Ezekiel. Please read Ezekiel Chapters 22 -- 24. In Today's Scripture Reading we will learn about the Sins of Israel listed individually, the story of two sisters and of the boiling pot, and the death of Ezekiel's wife.
God led Ezekiel to tell a story about two sisters and these sisters walked away from the Lord, commiting adultry among other things. He used the sisters to compare them to the destruction of Samaria and Jerusalem and the consequeces they faced for living the lives of these harlots. "And the names of them were Aholah the elder, and Aholibah her sister: and they were mine, and they bare sons and daughters. Thus were their names; Samaria is Aholah, and Jerusalem Aholibah."
(23:4) "For thus saith the Lord GOD; I will bring up a company upon them, and will give them to be removed and spoiled. And the company shall stone them with stones, and dispatch them with their swords; they shall slay their sons and their daughters, and burn up their houses with fire. Thus will I cause lewdness to cease out of the land, that all women may be taught not to do after your lewdness. And they shall recompense your lewdness upon you, and ye shall bear the sins of your idols: and ye shall know that I am the Lord GOD." (23:46-49).On the very day that God revealed to Ezekiel that his precious wife was to die, He also said: "Son of man, behold, I take away from thee the desire of thine eyes (his wife) with a stroke: yet neither shalt thou mourn nor weep, neither shall thy tears run down. Forbear to cry, make no mourning for the dead, bind the tire of thine head upon thee, and put on thy shoes upon thy feet, and cover not thy lips, and eat not the bread of men." (Ezekiel 24:16-17). Ezekiel was told by the Lord that, after his wife's death, he was to refrain from all the conventional signs of mourning for the dead. It was not that he was to be insensitive to the death of his wife. But, his own personal grief was to give way to the far greater heartbreak over the death of God's nation and the destruction of His Temple which took place the same day Ezekiel's wife died.
News of Ezekiel's unusual reaction to his wife's death must have spread quickly, for the people asked: "So I spake unto the people in the morning: and at even my wife died; and I did in the morning as I was commanded. And the people said unto me, Wilt thou not tell us what these things are to us, that thou doest so?" (24:18-19). Then came the tragic news from Ezekiel: "Speak unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will profane my sanctuary, the excellency of your strength, the desire of your eyes, and that which your soul pitieth; and your sons and your daughters whom ye have left shall fall by the sword. And ye shall do as I have done: ye shall not cover your lips, nor eat the bread of men. And your tires shall be upon your heads, and your shoes upon your feet: ye shall not mourn nor weep; but ye shall pine away for your iniquities, and mourn one toward another. Thus Ezekiel is unto you a sign: according to all that he hath done shall ye do: and when this cometh, ye shall know that I am the Lord GOD." (24:21-24).The Israelites' acceptance of false gods and their indifference to the Word of God had brought about the destruction of Jerusalem and the death of their own sons and daughters, just as they had been forewarned by Jeremiah in Jerusalem and by Ezekiel in Babylonia. "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." (Galatians 6:7-8).
Often we see people grieving over material losses but showing little concern for their own or their children's eternal welfare. Jesus said that His disciples should not be preoccupied with earthly things, not even in our daily needs. "For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Luke 12:30-31).
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank you for blessing me with this day and thank you for the many blessings you give me each and every day.
Jesus, how do You love me?
Let me count the ways, enough to bless me, to always be with me, to heal my wounds, to strengthen me, to give Your life for me.
How do I love You?
Enough to praise You in all things, to be obedient, to serve You? Enough to commit my life to You.
Oh Lord, help me to love You enough to never count the cost. You didn't.In Your holy name I pray....Amen
Have a wonderful day/night and weekend.
God Bless
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Bible Study: September 07, 2007
Hello My Friend,
"The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore."- Psalm 121:8
Today is Friday September 7, 2007 and we will be continuing our studies on the book of Ezekiel. Please read Ezekiel Chapters 20 -- 21. In Today's Scripture Reading we will learn about God's refusal to be consulted by the elders, the history of the rebellious Israel, its defeat by Babylon and the scattering among the heathen.
The king and the religious leaders of Judah had expressed growing hatred for the prophet Jeremiah because of his messages of judgment against them. There comes a time when God says they shall they call upon Me, but I will not answer. It was now too late to pray for God to spare Jerusalem from destruction. However, Ezekiel reports "And it came to pass in the seventh year, in the fifth month, the tenth day of the month, that certain of the elders of Israel came to enquire of the LORD, and sat before me." (Ezekiel 20:1).
Then God gave Ezekiel the following message for them: "Son of man, speak unto the elders of Israel, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Are ye come to enquire of me? As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will not be enquired of by you. 5 And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; In the day when I chose Israel, and lifted up mine hand unto the seed of the house of Jacob, and made myself known unto them in the land of Egypt, when I lifted up mine hand unto them, saying, I am the LORD your God; 8 But they rebelled against me, and would not hearken unto me: they did not every man cast away the abominations of their eyes, neither did they forsake the idols of Egypt: then I said, I will pour out my fury upon them, to accomplish my anger against them in the midst of the land of Egypt. 18 But I said unto their children in the wilderness, Walk ye not in the statutes of your fathers, neither observe their judgments, nor defile yourselves with their idols:" (20:3,5,8,18).
Following this, Ezekiel received a terrifying message from the Lord for Israel "Son of man, set thy face toward Jerusalem, and drop thy word toward the holy places, and prophesy against the land of Israel, And say to the land of Israel, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I am against thee, and will draw forth my sword out of his sheath, and will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked." (21:2-3).
Ezekiel's prophecy of the sharpened sword was a message of impending destruction. King Zedekiah, the wicked prince of Israel, and the people would soon be captured. Jerusalem and the Temple would be destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar, who, no doubt, congratulated himself on his triumph in Judah. But, he was unknowingly being used to fulfill God's judgment upon His rebellious people. This is a reminder that "the lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord" (Proverbs 16:33).
No king has been anointed to sit on the throne of David in Israel for the past 2500 years. As Ezekiel foretold: "Thus saith the Lord GOD; Remove the diadem (crown), and take off the crown: this shall not be the same: exalt him that is low, and abase him that is high. I will overturn, overturn, overturn, it: and it shall be no more, until he come whose right it is; and I will give it him." (Ezekiel 21:26-27).
In the time of Jesus, an Edomite named Herod was merely a puppet king appointed by Rome to govern only the Jews of Judea. The promised land will continue to exist without a king until the return of Jesus Christ as the King of kings, and Lord of lords. "Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;" (I Timothy 6:15).
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank you for blessing me with another day and thank you for the many blessings you give me each day.
Sometimes life is just too hectic and too fast-pace and I am quick to cry out, "Lord, give me patience, right now!"
When will I learn? Often times after such a prayer, I find myself stalled in a traffic jam, or caught in a supermarket line where the person checking out can't find her pen or her identification card. It is getting so that I am almost afraid to pray that prayer, Lord, for You seem to answer it by giving me more opportunities to practice patience.
Remind me even then, that You didn't tell me to crowd so many activities into my schedule that 24-hour days would not be long enough! In fact, You don't even tell time by hours and minutes, do You? You might even see some things in my schedule that should have been left out. ... Help me Lord, to consult You before I plan my day, and not run ahead of You.
In Jesus' name I pray....Amen.
Have a wonderfully blessed day/night and weekend.
God Bless
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Bible Study: September 06, 2007
"Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications." -Psalm 130:2
Today is Thursday September 6, 2007 and today we will continue our study on the book of Ezeikel. Please read Ezekiel Chapter 17 -- 19. In Today's Scripture Reading we will learn about the, Parable of the eagles, the judgment upon bad conduct, the blessings for good conduct, and the sorrow over the leaders of Israel.
Ezekiel was given another parable (story): "And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel; And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; A great eagle with great wings, longwinged, full of feathers, which had divers colours, came unto Lebanon, and took the highest branch of the cedar: He cropped off the top of his young twigs, and carried it into a land of traffick; he set it in a city of merchants." (Ezekiel 17:1-4).
This parable illustrates the vast extent of Nebuchadnezzar's dominion. The eagle's feathers represent the great number of nations he had conquered. Removing the highest branch symbolized Jehoiachin, king of Judah, and a city of merchants was Babylon where he would be taken captive. "There was also another great eagle with great wings and many feathers: and, behold, this vine did bend her roots toward him, and shot forth her branches toward him, that he might water it by the furrows of her plantation." (17:7).
The Lord God told Ezekiel to tell the people: "Say thou, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Shall it prosper? shall he not pull up the roots thereof, and cut off the fruit thereof, that it wither? it shall wither in all the leaves of her spring, even without great power or many people to pluck it up by the roots thereof." (17:9). The purpose of this important prophecy was to warn King Zedekiah not to betray his oath of submission to Nebuchadnezzar by forming an alliance with Egypt. The vow made to Nebuchadnezzar and sworn to in God's Name was binding. Zedekiah was warned, but chose unwisely to disobey God's instruction.
In the ninth year of his reign, King Zedekiah made a military treaty with Egypt. As a consequence, Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem and the people suffered many months of famine and pestilence before the city and Temple were utterly destroyed.
Nebuchadnezzar's invasion of Judah could have been averted if Zedekiah had honorably kept his vow. We too are obligated to keep promises, even when they are made with the unsaved. "In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not." (Psalm 15:4.) There are always consequences when we break our promises, whether it be a marriage vow or a business transaction. "If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth." (Numbers 30:2).
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Slow me down, and let me listen to the language of my heart. Let me sense the quickening of my spirit, and realize that my soul has questions that only You can answer.
Let me take on fewer tasks so that those I do tackle may be pleasing to You. It