God Makes all thing New

Trials – why?  He is making all things NEW.

Trials = putting to the test, putting to proof, trial of one’s character.

Definitions on http://god.god-cha.com–“A state of trial in which God brings His people through adversity and affliction in order to encourage and prove their faith and confidence in Him”

James 1:2-5 —

“ Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,

3  knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

4  And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

5  But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

1 Peter 1:6 —

“In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials,

7  so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

John 16:33:

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

Recently, something very sad was on the news about someone my family was acquainted with.  The news revealed that the person whom we thought we knew to be of upright character, has had a hidden part of character uncovered.  The person is not at all what he led people to believe.  It’s grievous, sad and disappointing.

Trials prove ones character —

Choices reveal what a person’s true priorities, and reveal if a person truly thinks about how their choices can affect family, friends, large groups of people, etc.

Trials – temptations – are the proof, the test of one’s true character.

I know that I have referenced him before but if anyone had their character tested and tried it was:   Joseph.

He is just a kid – and he tries to share with his family some important things that he is seeing.  Rather than encourage him and want to learn more about his dreams – his brothers plot to kill him.

He is sold to the Ishmaelites.

He is taken to Egypt and Potiphar’s wife seduces him.

He flees her grasp and lands in jail because she is not only unfaithful but a liar.

He is forgotten about in jail.

However in God’s perfect timing —  through the trial —  all things are made new.

Joseph is set over all of Egypt.  He is blessed above and beyond.

You can read it for yourself to be blessed — Genesis 37 through Genesis 50.

Joseph received all things new.

Jesus is all about bringing about newness in our lives.

His New teaching came with authority.  Mark 1

His New commandment was to love one another.  John 13 (Note:  JUST AS HE loved us).

Clean out the leaven so that you will be new. 1 Cor. 5:7

He is the New Covenant.  1 Cor. 11; 2 Cor 3, Hebrews 8 & 9.

He makes us new. 2 Cor. 5:17

He gives us a new self.  Ephesians 4:24 — which is the likeness of GOD.

Our new self is being renewed. Col. 3:10

He is making all things new.  Revelation 21

Don’t let trials drag you down.  Look up – remember that you are precious in His sight and He is making all things new from the inside — out.

2 Corinthians 4: 

“For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,

18  while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

In Trials:

T = (give) Thank(s)

H= (have a) Heart 

A = (be on the) Alert

N = (remember He makes all things) New

 

 

 

 

 

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“THANK”ful in Trials

T = Thanks

H = Heart

A = Alert —  be alert in trials.

Some might say, “how can one NOT be alert in trials”?  Sometimes, we can indeed be apathetic or have pity in our trials, “asleep”.

What does it really mean to be alert; what does God say about being alert?

Definition of Alert = “Quick to notice any unusual or difficult circumstances; Vigilant”

“Being Watchful”

“An attitude of readiness”

“Remain swift, agile, nimble”

“Fully aware, attentive”

In the Bible the phrase “Be on the alert” can be found in several passages:

1 Peter 5:8:  “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

Matthew 24 & 25:  “Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming.”

Mark 13:  “in case he should come suddenly and find you asleep. “What I say to you I say to all, `Be on the alert!'”

1 Corinthians 16:13 “Be on the alert stand firm in the faith… be strong.”

Colossians 4:2:  “Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving;”

Ephesians 6:18:  “With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,”

Keep alert through the trial in order to learn through the trial.

Thank – God for the trial — as He will draw you closer to Himself as we rely on Him and His best through the trial.

Heart – Keep your heart fully and devoted to God through the trial — not turning to the right or to the left but keeping your focus on Him and not your trial.

Alert – be watchful as to all the God is doing in you, around you and through you in the trial.

What is He doing around you? Perhaps something we are experiencing is actually a means of His protection.  Perhaps He is bringing to light, via a trial,  — a warning of imminent danger, or keeping us from something that is preventing us from drawing closer to Him.

What have you prayed for lately?  What is God trying to teach me through what I have been praying?

What part of His Word have you been studying? What are you trying to teach me, God, through what I have been reading?

Sometimes it is helpful to sit and ask ourselves some questions to see if perhaps we can gain a glimmer of what God is trying to teach.

We may not fully understand the trial until we are completely through whatever the Lord God desires to teach His child — remember that He will never leave us nor forsake us.

Arm yourself up!  Pray for a week (or a month) the Full Armor of God upon yourself.

EPHESIANS 6:10-18:  

“ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.

11  Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.1

2  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, 

against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

13  Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.

14  Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS,

15  and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE;

16  in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

17  And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18  With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,”

Be Alert and watchful —

HOPE in Him

TRUST in Him

HE will see you through.

HE loves you.

May you be encouraged: Be Alert, Watchful, Vigilant, Agile, Flexible (for His teaching and instruction – through His Word), Attentive and Fully Aware.

May God richly bless your day.

“Thank you God for teaching us new things with each new day.  Help us to be watchful, and alert, with a thankful heart knowing that you work all things for our good and Your glory.”

 

 

A Season of tHanks– H = Heart

Before writing about our HEARTS —

If you will recall in the last blog — it was mentioned to pay attention when GOD speaks to you in a repeated fashion.

Yesterday — not once, twice but 3 times I have heard teachings on David.  David Jeremiah was teaching about David, You Discover Truth, (GAMECHANGER) is from 1 Kings 1 – and there was a 3rd teaching about David that perked my ears yesterday.

David – known as “A man after God’s own heart”….

What is God speaking to you about today?

T – in our trials and tribulations — it is good to give THANKS to our Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent LORD.

1 Chronicles 16:8,  “Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples.”

H =Heart — so what about our Hearts in trials and tribulations?

It is always best to look and see what GOD says.

Heart is first mentioned in:

GENESIS 6:5:  Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

(A verse that came to mind after I read this was:  JEREMIAH 17:9  `The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand it? and Numbers 15:39 states:  “remember all the commandments of the LORD, so as to do them and not follow after your own heart and your own eyes” )

(Note:  FOLLOW = It depicts persons following their own hearts or desires, seeking them out to pursue them rather than the Lord’s will ).

Next verse:

GENESIS 6:6:  The LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.

When you read these two verses to yourself – what do you learn?

Elohim – Our creator – gave each of us a heart (see definition below) — and the heart can follow that which is good or that which is evil, but look again at verse 6 in Genesis 6:  “He (GOD) was grieved in His Heart”.

God has a heart and we can grieve His Heart.

Do I forget that I can grieve God’s Heart?

The word Heart is defined:

• very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything:
• further:  It can denote the heart as a human physical organ (Ex 28:29; 1Sa 25:37; 2Ki 9:24); or an animal (Job 41:24[16]). However, it usually refers to some aspect of the immaterial inner self or being since the heart is considered to be the seat of one’s inner nature as well as one of its components. It can be used in a general sense (1Ki 8:23; Ps 84:2[3]; Jer 3:10); or it can be used of a specific aspect of personality: the mind.  (definition obtained from YouDiscoverTruth.com)

So when life heat’s up – how is the “seat of my inner nature”?

Am I:  Loving:

Deuteronomy 6:5:  ‘Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.’

Am I: Fully Devoted:

1 Kings 8:61: `Let your heart therefore be wholly devoted to the LORD our God, to walk in His statutes and to keep His commandments, as at this day.’

Remember as a Believer in the LORD Jesus Christ – He has given us a New Heart:

`And I will give them one heart, and put a new spirit within them. And I will take the heart of stone out of their flesh and give them a heart of flesh,‘ Ez. 11:19.

Jesus gives instructions about our hearts —

Matthew 5:8:

`Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.’

Matthew 6:21

‘…for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.’

(Application:  where is my treasure?)

Mark 3:5

‘After looking around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart’

(Application: has my heart become hardened to the things of GOD?)

Mark 7:6 – He quotes from the OT

‘THIS PEOPLE HONORS ME WITH THEIR LIPS, BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR AWAY FROM ME.’

(Application:  am I walking the talk?)

Luke 6:45

`The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil {man} out of the evil {treasure} brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart.’

John 14:1 — Jesus encourages us:

‘Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.’

(Application:  Who are what am I believing?)

vs. 27:  `Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.’

John 16:22:

‘Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one {will} take your joy away from you.’

God knows our hearts:

Acts 15:8  `And God, who knows the heart,’

Romans 6:17 states:

‘But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed,’

We are being renewed:  2 Corinthians 4:16:

‘therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.’

Don’t grow weary:

Galatians 6:9:  ‘Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.’

Pray for one another:  there is hope:

Ephesians 1:18:   ‘I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints and Ephesians 5:19:  speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;’

Finally,

(although these are just “snippets” of what GOD says about the Heart–  there is much much more in the OT and NT —  Hebrews, James, 1, 2 Peter, 1 John & Revelation just naming a few)…

Colossians 3:12:

‘So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;’

Colossians 3:22:

‘but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.

23  Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,

24  knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.’

(Application:  Do all things unto the LORD).

1 Timothy 1:5:

 ‘But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.’

Philemon 1:20

‘refresh my heart in Christ.’

Grace and Peace to you.

Next Blog:  A = Adoration

 

 

T = Trials

Learning to give THANKS through our Trials.

“Give thanks to the LORD for HE is Good” 1 Chronicles 16

Thank him for Trials –

Who doesn’t have trials?

If you are NOT walking through a trial, you probably know someone who is walking through a trial.

“I will give thanks to the LORD” Psalm 109, 111, 118

What are trials?

(defined – putting to the proof, putting to the test, testing the virtue of one’s character)

“Giving thanks to GOD for all things” Ephesians 5:20

What does God say about difficult times?

In this life – He says – you will have tribulation.

His Word Says:  we will  suffer hardship…

We are told we will be distressed by various trials.

We are to count it joy when we encounter trials.

But how?

Waking up in the mornings my thoughts go to prayer for the dear people in Houston encountering trials, for those in Montana and Oregon that have major fires going on —  Now praying today for those in Florida, Bahamas, Antigua, encountering trials.

Holding on too tightly to that which is temporal leaves me unprepared for “trials”.

GOD gives us His”heads up” from His Word – alerting us that we will have trials — and we are not to get too comfortable in this world.

I have to remind myself that I came into this world with nothing – but God has poured forth His provisions above and beyond (Ephesians 3:20) — and the temporal provisions are not to be the “life-saver”  to depend upon, BECAUSE He is our “Life-Saver”.

He has placed us in this world to  Know Him (John 17:3) and to bring glory to His Name (Gen. 1, John 1, Psalm 139).

In this world you will have tribulation – Jesus tells us — But take COURAGE (to be confident)– I have overcome the world – John 16:33.

Mindset – is key in difficult days.

We are to think on the things of God – in order to have His confidence or imparted confidence when we face trials.

• Serve – not to be served;
• Give  – have no expectations in return;
• Give your cloak, turn your cheek;
• Go the extra mile.
• Do all things with excellence.
• Pray without ceasing.
• Let His Joy be your strength
• Do all things THROUGH Him who Strengthens you.
• Let your light shine before men so that your Father will be glorified in Heaven
• Take every thought captive.
• Keep your mind stayed on HIM and He will give you perfect Peace.
• Where there is no vision, the people perish (Prov. 29:18)

Make your own list of what GOD is saying to you about your mindset.

Look in His Word – Search “Mind”, and see for yourself what He says about our minds.

When God begins to talk to us in “threads” — repeating “themes”  —  “Heads up” — that is His “Truly, Truly – or Verily, Verily”.

So lately,

The threads that I have heard through book, sermon, The Word of God — are these things:

Trust Him, do not worry, Pray.

Hear Him; Listen to Him – not the breath of man (Isaiah 2:22)

Act in Excellence, in word and deed.

Need Him – Realize that we all Need Him.

Know Him, God’s Word Matters.

Serve Him – in obedience and according to His will.

In Conclusion:

When you have time — check this out —

http://youdiscovertruth.com/blog/

(cut and paste into your browser).

Be encouraged today.

Revelation 4:11:

“Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.”

Godspeed

(used as a wish to a person starting on a journey, a new venture).

 

You are not alone

There are MANY more names of God that could be written about to bring encouragement; but to finish up writing about His Wonderful Name:  

Jehovah Shammah –

The Name that can bring comfort, assurance and help for those who feel they are all alone.

Jehovah Shammah – Yahweh Shammah – the Lord is There – Ezekiel 48:35:  used in reference to the earthly Jerusalem, the city which the Lord Jesus Christ will inhabit when He returns to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  Shammah = simply means:  There.

Have you ever been in a room full of people but feel like you are all by yourself?

Have you ever been helping with a crowd to find that people just look right past you like you aren’t even standing there?

Or maybe you are in a social setting and are greeting someone – they reach out to shake your hand but their eyes are looking past you and they move on to someone else — quicker than you can say hello?

Are you being overlooked for a promotion that you have worked really hard for?

Have you recently made a decision to follow Jesus as Lord and Savior and have told those around you — and are either not being accepted or not being understood?

You are not alone.  Our God is fighting for us always.

 

Testimonies of those who knew Jehovah Shammah was there:

Geoffrey Bull – was taken prisoner by Chinese Communists:  He states in His book “God Holds the Key” that God was to be his fullest nourishment amidst the meager food.  God was the meat he had to sustain himself that his captors did not know of.

Corrie Ten Boom – Became the first woman to be a licensed watchmaker in The Netherlands.  She ran many clubs for boys and girls.  Corrie and her sister, Betsie, were in Ravensbruck concentration camp – arrested for hiding and rescuing Jewish people in World War II.  After her release, Corrie dedicated her life to telling others what she and Betsie learned in Ravensbruck:

“There is no pit so deep that the love of Jesus Christ is not deeper still.”

{From “Clippings from My Notebook” by Corrie ten Boom}.

Dan Baumann – was imprisoned in Iran.  He was alone, but he was not alone, really: Listen to his testimony.

From Jim Cymbala’s book “Breakthrough Prayer” – is the testimony of a woman who was in the World Trade Center when the 2nd plane hit.  She made it to the 13th floor when she bent down to remove her shoes and the North tower collapsed on top of her. She asked God to help her.  She asked for a miracle. She asked God to save her life.  She called for help.  She stretched out her hand to the daylight she saw, and someone grabbed it.  “My name is Paul.  I won’t let go of your hand until they get you out.”  27 hours later she was pulled out, and spent 5 weeks recuperating.  She tried to locate “Paul” – the man who took her hand.  There was no one named Paul on the rescuing team and she was told that no one was holding her hand when they removed her from the rubble.  God was There.

Psalm 139:12:  “Even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for the darkness is as light to you.”

Jehovah Shammah is There.

Whatever your circumstances today – He is there.

He holds you in the palm of HIS hand.

PSALM 37:24:  “When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, Because the LORD is the One who holds his hand.”

He loves you with an Everlasting Love and He has drawn you with HIS lovingkindness.

Jeremiah 31:3:  ““I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.”

Psalm 107: “Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, For His lovingkindness is everlasting.  2  Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the adversary”

Cling to Jehovah Shammah, not your circumstances.

He is your Strength and your song.

PSALM 28:7: “The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him.”

Exodus 33:16:  “My presence shall go with you.”

Joshua 1:  “I will not fail you or forsake you.”

Judges 6:16:  “Surely, I will be with you.”

Isaiah 63:9:  “…and the angel of HIS presence saved them.”

Application:

How well do you KNOW Him?

What is the cry of your heart?

Colossians 3:1-2:  “Set your mind on things above, not on the things that are on earth.”

Philippians 4:8:   “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.“

1 Thessalonians 1:9-10:  “Turn to GOD from idols and serve the living and True GOD.”

(Idol =  Idols may be material, the works of men’s hands such as statues of gold, or creations of God Himself such as the sun and moon. However, they have none of the excellency which would merit divine worship or that servile worshipers are pleased to attribute to them).

2 Corinthians 4:11-18:  “Though the outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.”

May the Lord bless you abundantly as you seek first His Kingdom and His Righteousness, and know that God is there.

I would like to close in leaving you with a quick reference in being able to find His Name in the Bible with a couple of Scriptures with each Name.  From there you can always find more references when you use your cross references.

Elohim – The Creator:  Genesis 1:1; Psalm 139; Colossians 1:16

El Elyon – The Most High God:  Genesis 14:20; Isaiah 14:24; Daniel 4:34

El Roi – The God Who Sees:  Genesis 16:13

El Shaddai – The All-Sufficient One:  Genesis 17:3; 2 Corinthians 12:9

Adonai – The Lord:  Genesis 15:2; Psalm 123:2

Jehovah (LORD) – The Self-Existent One:  Genesis 2:4; Exodus 3:14

Jehovah Jireh – The Lord will Provide:  Genesis 22:14

Jehovah Rapha (Rophe) – The Lord Who Heals:  Exodus 15; 2 Kings 20; Jeremiah 17:14; 2 Chronicles 7:14.

Jehovah Nissi – The Lord My Banner:  Exodus 17:15; 1 Samuel 15

Jehovah Mekoddishkem – The Lord Who Sanctifies You:  Exodus 31:13; Hebrews 10:10; John 17:15-17.

Jehovah Shalom – The Lord is Peace:  Judges 6:22 -24; Isaiah 26:3; Philippians 4:6

Jehovah Sabaoth – The Lord of Hosts:  1 Samuel 1; Jeremiah 20:11; Malachi 1

Jehovah Raah – The Lord My Shepherd:  Psalm 23; John 10

Jehovah Tsidkenu – The Lord Our Righteousness:  Jeremiah 23:6

Jehovah Shammah – The Lord is There:  Ezekiel 48:35; Joshua 1:1-5; Hebrews 13:5

Qanna – Jealous: Exodus 20:1-6; Exodus 34:14

He makes all things new!

Keep an eye out for new posts focusing on just that:  All Things New.

Have a glorious day!

Sanctification: “It is the LORD who Sanctifies you.”

A special weekend approaches.

For just a few minutes:  Listen.

Leviticus 20:7-8: “You shall consecrate yourselves, therefore and be holy, for I AM (Exodus 3) the LORD your GOD.  And you shall keep My statutes and practice them, I AM the LORD Who Sanctifies you.”

The LORD – He is the One who Sanctifies – sets apart, makes holy –

He is Jehovah – Mekoddishkem – The LORD Who Sanctifies.

Hebrews 10:10-14:  “By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.  And every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time, the same sacrifices, WHICH can never take away sins:  (but HE (Jesus) having offered ONE sacrifice for sins for all time, SAT DOWN at the right hand of GOD —  For by ONE offering HE has perfected for ALL time those who are sanctified.”

John 17:15-19:  “I do not ask Thee to take them out of the world, BUT to keep them from the evil one.  They are NOT of the world, even as I AM not of the world.  SANCTIFY them in the TRUTH; Thy Word is Truth.

SOON AFTER MIDNIGHT,

Jesus was arrested at Gethsemane by temple officials and taken first to Annas and then to Caiaphas, the Jewish high priest for that year.

The guards blindfolded Jesus, spat on him, and struck him in the face with their fists.

Isaiah 50:6:  “I gave My back to those who strike Me, And My cheeks to those who pluck out the beard.”

Jesus was Scourged: stripped of his clothing, hands tied to a post.  The soldiers used a short whip with lead balls and sheep bones tied into leather thongs, some whips had broken glass.

After the scourging the soldiers often taunted their victim. (taken from “On the Physical Death of Jesus Christ; William D. Edwards, MD; March 1986).

It was customary for the condemned man to carry his own cross.

The crucifixion – nails (spikes 5-7 inches) in the wrist, between the carpals and the radius – probable transection of median nerve.  The feet positioned on top of each other and nailed through the nerves.

Luke 23:44:  “And it was now about the sixth hour, and darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour, the sun being obscured; and the veil of the temple was torn in two.”

John 19:30:  “Tetelestai”- – “It is Finished!”  (Tense, Mood & Voice) — Perfect Indicative Passive =Past completed action- used to declare a statement of fact –  with a present or continuing result).

Mark 16:6:  “Do not be amazed; you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified.  HE HAS RISEN‘ HE IS NOT HERE; BEHOLD, HERE IS THE PLACE WHERE THEY LAID HIM.”

Luke24:6:  “HE IS NOT HERE, BUT HE HAS RISEN.”

Hebrews 10:14:  “For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.”

Hebrews 13:12: “Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered outside the gate.”

Ephesians 5:1,2:  “Therefore be imitators of GOD, as beloved children;

and walk in love, just as CHRIST also loved you, and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to GOD as a fragrant aroma.”

Someone spoke at me recently–“Love is all around us” — Is that truly what God’s Holy Word says?

If that is true then why the Cross — which is our Sanctification – His Blood shed for us.

What Jesus did – Sets us apart; He Makes all things New ( March 2 Post – Adonai — HE Makes us new).

Let’s look closely to what God Almighty says — because He wants us to be sanctified in His Truth – not just what I want to think or want to “feel”.

1 John 4 —The key repeated words in this chapter:  Abide and Love:

“Love is from God.”

“The love of GOD was manifested in us, that GOD has sent HIS only begotten SON into the world so that we might LIVE through HIM.”

***“We love, BECAUSE HE first loved us.”***

There’s so much more in that Chapter  —  take time and read it and be blessed,

Let Him reveal how much HE loves you/us.

Have a Blessed Resurrection Day!  Sing praises to His Holy Name!

Hallelujah!

The Battle is on!

At first you might think I am talking about the NCAA Championship Game tonight!

Yes, I will be watching it – Yes, I picked the other team just to irk my fun husband –  cuz you know, my team lost so have to make the evening more exciting!  But no, that isn’t the Battle I am referring to.

Do you enjoy watching movies?

I love watching movies:  by myself, with family, with friends.

Love Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Marvel movies, etc.  Watched The Monuments Men again – and just love that movie!

I was thinking today, however,  about Star Wars and when Luke goes to the dark side and how I hate that part of the movie.  It just so disturbs me, because I like him on the good side.

And in Lord of the Rings when the battle is raging and finally Gandalf comes over the hill with the Light and blinds the darkness.

The point I am trying to make today –  There is a Battle  – there is a  Battle that many are facing.

Battle at the Job

Battle in a marriage

Battle with health

Battle within one’s own heart or mind…

So the question at hand today is:   “Do you feel defeated” by whatever Battle you are facing?

When I use Youdiscovertruth.com and type in “Trial”, “Trials”, “Tribulation”, or even “Battle” –

James 1:  “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials”

1 Peter 1:  “In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials”

Romans 5:  “And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance”

1 Thessalonians 1: “You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit”

Psalm 24:  “The LORD strong and mighty, The LORD mighty in battle.”

Psalm 55:  “He will redeem my soul in peace from the battle which is against me, For they are many who strive with me.”

2 Chronicles 20:  “Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s.”

There are some things we can clearly see just from these few verses:

1.   The Christian life – there is warfare; There will be trials, battles.
2.   There is victory in the LORD.
3.   He gives us strength in His Name for the battle.
4.   We find Victory in one place:  The Cross of Jesus Christ

There is Victory in Him —  If you will take time to read through Exodus 17 — you see the battle that was going on — notice verse 9:  “Choose men for us and go out, fight against Amalek.  Tomorrow I will station myself on the top of the hill with the Staff of GOD in my hand.”

The LORD is my Banner:  A banner was an ensign or standard “carried at the head of a military band or body, to indicate the line of march or the rallying point.”

“A banner, like a flag, was something that could be seen from afar, serving as a rallying point for troops before a battle.  It embodied devotion to a nation, a cause, or a leader.”

Amalek was the first, constant enemy of Israel. Exodus 14:13; Exodus 17:8, Numbers 24:20).

We are going to have trials.

We are going to have tribulations.

We are going to have battles.

Our God – His Name for Battle is Jehovah Nissi — The Lord My Banner.

Why is there a battle?

Colossians 1:13:  “For He rescued us FROM the domain of darkness, and transferred us TO the kingdom of HIS Beloved Son.”

Ephesians 2:1-3: “AND you WERE dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the prince of the world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.  Among them WE TOO all FORMERLY lived in the lusts of our flesh indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, WERE by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.”

So – what we WERE we are no LONGER – but that does not mean there isn’t going to be a struggle.

APPLICATION:  Before we Trusted Jesus As LORD (Adonai) – we were under the control of our flesh, under the control of the prince of the world, the prince of the power of the air (doing what was right in my own eyes – Judges 21:25).

But NOW, when we have surrendered to Jesus, WHO now rules and reigns in our hearts and minds and we now have the Spirit of GOD (1 Corinthians 2:14) in us – we will have conflict between the flesh and the Spirit.

Galatians 5:16:  “Walk by the Spirit and you WILL NOT carry out the desires of the flesh.”

Victory comes — it is moment by moment.

Exodus 17:  What did Moses hold up?  He held up the rod of GOD which was a symbol of the Power of GOD.  When his arms came down (because he was tired of the battle, Amalek (picture of the flesh) prevailed.

We have victory under the banner of Jehovah Nissi.

The Banner is The Cross of Jesus Christ where the VICTORY is won.

1 John 2:15:  “Do not love the world nor the things in the world.”

Ephesians 6: “Finally be strong in the LORD and in the strength of HIS might.  Put on the full armor of GOD that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes (methodia) of the devil.”

“ in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”

“And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

Our Banner is His Word implanted in us and His Power.

Hebrews 1:3:  “And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,”

Luke 11:28:  “But He said, “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.”

Romans 10:17: “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.”

1 Corinthians 1:18: “For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

When we pray to Jehovah Nissi – The LORD our Banner — we pray and He is with us in the battle.  We are not alone in the battle.  Look to Him to fight the battle.  He is our protection in the battle.  We can only prevail in His strength.

Psalm 20:  “May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble!  May the Name of the GOD of Jacob set you (securely) on high!  HE will send help from the sanctuary and support you from Zion!  We will sing for joy over your victory, and in the Name of our GOD we will set up our banners.  May the LORD fulfill all your petitions.”

Good to remember that our Jehovah Raah – our Beloved Shepherd gives us HIS Peace – because HE is Jehovah Shalom and He stands ready to fight the Battle as our faithful Jehovah Nissi!

May He Comfort you, and give Hope to you with these words today.

 

 

 

 

“You’re gonna need a bigger boat!”

“You’re gonna need a bigger boat”

“May the odds be ever in your favor”

“Don’t cry little shop girl”

“I’ve got a bad feeling about this”

“Here’s looking at you kid”

The thought came to me — “Can I think of movie quotes quicker than I can think of Scriptures?”

Don’t get me wrong, I love great movies and love rehearsing fun movie lines.  It can be a fun game or even an ice breaker in an awkward gathering.

Ray Comfort in his series “The Way of the Master” does a fun challenge asking people how many beers they can name —

Miller, Bud, Fat Tire, Coors, Corona….

And then he asks them how many of the 10 Commandments they can remember.

(Exodus 20).

So what’s the point?  Jesus said “In this world you will have tribulation”,  James states “when you encounter various trials”…  Jesus also said “My peace I leave with you, not as the world gives do I give to you.”

(I love using Youdiscovertruth.com — just do a word search on PEACE, click if you want the OT, NT or ALL verses and — there you go,  cross references pop up —  just a side-note).

Movie quotes or beer will not bring the Peace my spirit (your spirit) needs when encountering various trials —  or fill us with the Peace of Christ which surpasses all comprehension, or allow us to display the Peace which comes from within when external situations are not going well.

He says He is “I Am” — Exodus 3:14.

I Am gives us His Peace — Know Him, Know Peace — No Him, No Peace.

There is a very familiar passage of Scripture — usually read at funerals —  but is truly a Psalm for the living – as He reveals Himself clearly as the Shepherd who gives peace.

Let’s look at Psalm 23:

The LORD is my Shepherd

(Jehovah Raah)

The secret of satisfaction is found only in the sovereign GOD (Yahweh, LORD)

I shall not want

(Jehovah Jireh – my provider)

He makes me lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside quiet waters.

(Jehovah Shalom)

(He protects and He gives rest and peace)

He restores my soul;

(Jehovah Rapha – my healer)

He guides me in the paths of righteousness

(Jehovah Tsidkenu – the Lord my Righteousness)

(why?)

For His Name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I fear no evil; for Thou art with me;

(Jehovah Shammah – the Lord is there)

Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.

Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

(In the midst of trouble we can have perfect peace)

Thou hast anointed my head with oil;

(Jehovah Nissi – He is my banner)

My cup overflows.

Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,

And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

 

1 CORINTHIANS 1:3  

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Praying for dear ones who have made it known they have needs to be laid before the Father.

May the Lord’s comfort and strength and endurance – direction, wisdom, healing be with you and upon you this day.

“I’ve been Robbed!”

“Well, I didn’t have that planned for my day.”

“That’s was not supposed to happen today — I thought it was next week!”

“This is most inconvenient.”

Unplanned circumstances, inconvenient interruptions, calendar not updated, people not working with the situation, someone’s disappointing and unexpected actions…. you and I can fill in the blank about what ROBS us of a peaceful and contented day.

Or ROBS us of a peaceful countenance.  Or ROBS us of a peaceful home.

Today when I was out walking and taking in the beauty of the day and Thanking God for how picture perfect it was, and Thanking God that my legs can carry me to walk, and Thanking God for a safe place to walk — I thought about the times, days, moments that sometimes come upon us that ROB us of Peace.  His Peace.

And thought — well now, guess it’s a great day to talk about Jehovah Shalom —

The Lord IS Peace.  The Lord Who is Our Peace.  The Lord who gives perfect peace.

Needing some Peace in your inner spirit today?  Please – Do sit for a minute and read about the GOD who gives Peace.

External circumstances – whatever form they come in —

{Work- deadlines bringing stress, School – tests and assignments causing worry, Family troubles, Health issues, Cars bring unexpected expense, Homes in need of repair, Moves – not planned or planned}  —

can indeed rob us of the Peace God promises, if we let them.

Jesus said in John 14:

JOHN 14:27   ~“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.“

Does this mean we won’t encounter tribulation and trouble?  No — Look what Jesus says in John 16:

JOHN 16:33   ~“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

The disciples found themselves in a very distressing situation —  in John 20 we see:

JOHN 20:26  After eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus *came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace {be} with you.”

APPLICATION:  What or Who is robbing you of your peace today?  Take a minute and find a quiet place and ask Jesus to restore His Peace to your troubled and weary heart.

Isaiah 26:3:  “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, WHOSE mind is STAYED on Thee; because he TRUSTS in Thee.”

Philippians 4:4-7:  “Rejoice in the Lord always… Be anxious for nothing… let your requests be made known to GOD… And the Peace of GOD, which (what?) surpasses all comprehension, shall GUARD your hearts and your minds in Christ JESUS.”

Philippians 4:8-9: “Finally brethren, whatever is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute… let your MIND dwell on these things…. and the GOD of Peace shall be with you.”

JESUS is our Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) – He is the ONE who reconciles us to GOD. (Romans 5:1).

Ask yourself:  “What is stealing my Peace”?

LAMENTATIONS 3:19-26:

Remember my affliction and my wandering, the wormwood and bitterness.

20  Surely my soul remembers And is bowed down within me.

21  This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. (Recall His Truths to your mind).

22  The LORD’S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail.

23  They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.

(He sees you, He is El-Roi – He is faithful).

24  “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I have hope in Him.”

25  The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, To the person who seeks Him.

(Seek Him, today).

26  It is good that he waits silently For the salvation of the LORD.

COLOSSIANS 3:12 -17: 

12  So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;

13  bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.

14  Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.

15  Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. (What is ruling your heart today?)

16  Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (Sing to God today).

17  Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. (Give thanks today, be grateful).

PROVERBS 3:13-17:

13  How blessed is the man who finds wisdom And the man who gains understanding.

14  For her profit is better than the profit of silver And her gain better than fine gold.

15  She is more precious than jewels; And nothing you desire compares with her.

16  Long life is in her right hand; In her left hand are riches and honor.

17  Her ways are pleasant ways And all her paths are peace.

Aren’t cross references GREAT?!  Do you know why I love the cross references that God gives us?

Because whatever we are going through He has a Truth, a Verse, a Passage –  that will specifically speak to our hearts —  and so — find a verse that will speak to your heart and your mind today — that will remind you of His immense love for you and that HE gives us, HE leaves us with HIS peace.

Have a PEACE-FILLED DAY!

Numbers 6:22 – 27:  “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make HIS face to shine on you, and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up HIS countenance upon you and give you PEACE.”

Jehovah Shalom — The LORD is Peace.

 

 

 

He Will Provide: Jehovah Jireh, Our Provider!

When we know God as Lord (Capital “L”, Lower case “ord”) then we can know Him as Jehovah too!

Jehovah is GOD’s Most Holy Name – All Caps — “LORD”.

He is self-existent; (Genesis 2:4) doesn’t need my help, BUT He does invite His people to join Him to accomplish His purposes and His will.

He has always been. (Colossians 1:16-17)

He never changes (Hebrews 13:8)

He keeps His promises because He is “I Am” (Exodus 3)

He is the Alpha and the Omega (Revelation 1:8)

He gives life. (John 1:4)

He is the Covenant Keeping God – YeHoWah or HeHoVaH (#3068) (YHWH). (Tetragrammaton).

His Name means “to be”, “to exist”.

We can have confidence in His powerful, faithful name and when we see His Name in Scripture Genesis 22:1-19 – the LORD reveals Himself here as:

Jehovah Jireh – The Lord Who Provides.

Don’t miss what happened at the beginning of the chapter.  “God tested Abraham”.

God tested and He provided.

Look at Exodus 15:25:  God tested them and He provided a sweet solution amidst a bitter situation.

Also notice in Genesis 22:1-19 — three key things that were going on:

Love:  (#157): Ahav: Close attachment between parents and children

Worship:  (7812) Shachah – to bow down before superior in homage; before God in worship; to honor God with prayers, prostrate oneself.

Obey: (#8085);  Shama/sama – to hear intelligently, listen; to give heed to;

His Name Jehovah Jireh means to see, to know, to see so that one can learn to know; to look upon; to see physically outside of oneself.  God sees, and knows, and provides so that one can learn to know.

(Please also note the parallels of what Abraham was asked to do and what God in fact did through His One and Only Son Jesus (Romans 8:32).

When I think of this powerful Name of God I think of how He has provided and it has been recorded in History.  Yes, it is stated in the Bible as we have looked at – but I am also thinking about times He has provided in more recent periods of time.

For example:

 George Mueller:  God provided for the needs of the children in his orphanage, at always the right time.

Gladys Aylward: God provided her passage to China when it would seem all odds were against her.

Ivan (Vanya) Moiseyev:  God provided miracles in order for other soldiers to know God is real.

Just in the last couple of days I learned of three ways God provided for some dear ones around me:

A friend wrote about her dear mom who just got a new phone and was having trouble remembering how to use it — the Lord placed a person in her path –  who sat down with her, took the time to show her how to use her phone and even helped her face-time her daughter! (might seem trivial, but God provided a person for a need at just the right time for someone who is older in life, and who needed someone’s time and help).

A dear woman being discouraged feeling like she was not hearing from God regarding her prayer asking God to relieve her dear dog not to have pain as she was nearing death.  She asked God to allow her dog  to die peacefully.  The family proceeded to contact some In – Home Care assistance for the pet to pass peacefully when it was time.  But when that time came, the family was not able to get in touch with the In-Home-Care person, so they held the dog in their lap and at just the right time their dog took her last breath.  If they would have reached the In-home – care person, they would have missed seeing the faithfulness of God —  God did provide his answer to this dear one’s prayer request.

(God does care about our pets as well.  Now I will say that I prayed the same thing when our dear dog (AKC Australian Shepherd) was near death.  God chose to provide a different answer for us but I did still see His compassionate hand of provision at work when we had to say goodbye to her).

Another friend asked for prayer that her sweet husband be able to remain in ICU during a critical time when the hospital wanted to move him to a different section of the hospital.  God indeed did provide the time this dear person needed to be in ICU with the consistent care that was truly necessary.

There are, I know,  countless other testimonies that could be shared regarding the faithfulness of God and how HE provides and how He has provided for His Created Ones Whom He loves so much.

Rather than spoil your fun in investigating and seeing for yourself how God provided in a special way — Read John Chapter 11 and see how God provided in this situation.

Sometimes we think God’s timing is “off” — but remember He always has a purpose in when and how He shows up, and it is in His perfect timing and His perfect way.  Because He is a God of order and He keeps His promises and He does have a plan.

Hang in there.

Some might find themselves in some difficult  circumstances at this time .

Remember this:  He cares about you, He knows you, He knows your “needs”, and HE will and HE does provide.

Pray for your daily needs:  (Matthew 6:11).

Trust in Him.

2 PETER 3:9: “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.”