Why are Jews and Christians always on the chopping block? Why do the nations despise and hate the Jews? Why does the media find great pleasure in “slandering” pastors, evangelists, and other men and women of God?
There may be some Jews who have been false and not righteous. Their lives may have been slammed across headlines of recent days. It seems the world has need to blame someone for all their misery, and as a group, it has always been “the Jews” to blame. After all they have always been a little different and we can’t have that. (What ridiculous reasoning! Yet, it is taught to children around he world to hate “Jews”.)
Then Christians, who are truly Christians, come along and are the second most hated people. Don’t believe me? Just listen to how the secular world jokes about Christ and in so doing are joking about us. You don’t poke fun at that which you honor and love, but only that which you trample beneath your feet. Think about it…
Look at laws that have been created in the past and that are even now being created. The issue of separation of church and state is always at hand. It’s interesting how when tax money is the question, it can be debated that churches should not be tax exempt. Oh, so in essence lawmakers are saying that church and state are not separated! Hmmm. But, on the other hand we are to maintain a secular atmosphere in our public and government buildings and grounds, so in essence lawmakers are saying the church and state are separate. You can’t have it both ways. Political man speaks with forked tongue! Think about it…
Well, back to my original thought, there are some who are “falsely” proclaiming to be Christians. There are some who were once on fire for God, but have fallen away and their lives have been scrutinized. There are some who stand up and say things in the name of Jesus, but they don’t know Him. We are all judged by the world according to the ones who have failed or fallen. But there is an ultimate judge who will be honored above every other judge or king. He is the only one that is worthy of honor! But we live in this imperfect world now, what can we do about this injustice now?
First, realize that the true Christian leaders are being hindered by what seems at first glance to be ordinary men and women. But principalities and powers are driving these men and women. God is the light and darkness is trying to hinder the Kingdom of God. These principalities and powers may cause havoc and we may experience great turmoil around us in the dark. But God says we are to be light! When we obey Him then we are the light. When we obey Him, then we will know the peace and strength that comes from none other than our Jehovah Jireh, our Great Provider.
Second, we must study to understand fully that we were not promised that life will be easy; knowing that the more we walk forward sharing the good news of our faith, this light of God with others, that the more darkness will try to hinder our ministry. (Yes, we must understand that it is a ministry to spread the light of God.) Our strength comes from the Lord. We must continue to commune with him daily through every circumstance whether these times are good or bad that we go through. We must read His word to find the “rehmah” word that is meant for us. He will provide understanding when we search. He will bring clarity to a muddy situation.
Third, then we are to always continue with the admonition that we are to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. It is not our job to point fingers and ridicule others. It is our job to seek out from our Father what words he would have us use. If we are to continue obeying Him and saying nothing, then let’s be obedient. If we are to speak, then let’s be obedient. Each circumstance is different and He is to guide. He can’t lead us until we are willing to follow!
Fourth, God tells us we aren’t to be concerned with the circumstances that are ripping the atmosphere around us. He tells us that we are to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. His chosen people are not perfect but He is perfect. We are to obey. If we know the Lord Jesus as our Savior, it is because God revealed Himself to us and we had a choice of whether to repent or not.
I cannot explain faith to anyone, but when the Lord God reveals Himself to you, anyone or me then there was, is and no longer will be any excuse to disbelieve.
I can only give testimony of what he has done for me in my life. I cannot through my words alone make anyone else believe in the Lord Jesus. I cannot make my family and those I call friends believe. But, I know that when my Father is ready to reveal Himself and draw them to Him, not even my bloodline will have an excuse not to honor His calling. There won’t even be an excuse that all of us have been hypocrites. When dealing with us as individuals, God will not look at others. He will be looking straight at us as individuals.
God is not a hypocrite. He is Holy. I know Him and exalt Him above every person or thing that I have ever encountered in my life, even my own family, whom I love beyond imagination. Yet, I can love my family and friends more because He has taught me to love. I can love Him above all others because that is the way in which he desires it to be and I understand the ultimate outcome of that order of loving. He has loved me unconditionally. I haven’t arrived at that state in my walk with Him yet. I am on my way. The first step was forgiveness, but that’s another devotional entirely…
Lastly, we are to grow in faith, wisdom and understanding of the Kingdom of Heaven. Preachers are leaders but in actuality all Christians are called of God and are to be leaders in this dark world. So get ready leaders because the blessings of God begin in the house of God.
· Stop saying you’re too old… God says your best is yet to come.
· Stop saying you’re the wrong color or background… God says whatever your color or background, you are made in the image of God! You are made perfect and God is no respecter of persons!
· Stop saying if I were a different gender… God says that you’re a woman in His world… God says… Men be men in My world.
· Stop saying anything that sounds like put downs against others. Quit saying things against “those ____ people”
Remember that somewhere in the past parents, grandparents, great-grandparents and beyond have prayed for you. Christ, Himself prayed for you. He has given us power and authority to have restored health and wealth in this life. It is to be used for the glory of God, not just for ourselves but for God.
Why haven’t we been told this or understood this before? Why haven’t we utilized this information before? Why haven’t we been healed and made wealthy before? It’s all about God’s timing. When we begin to understand God’s timing, he reveals more and more to us and we will be blessed more and more...
Study to learn. Grow in wisdom. We are beginning to understand Purim. If you don’t know what it is; ask God to reveal through your study what it is.
Study to learn. Grow in wisdom. We are beginning to understand Malachi 3… Three times in a year we are to come to God and bring Him our due and offerings. He says come unto me and I’ll come unto you. Jesus told us give and it shall be given to you.
Taste and see that the Lord is good, blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him. Psalm 34:8
When we understand and do the things that honor God, He will honor us with blessings that we cannot begin to contain. The blessings will overflow us. When we study and learn these things, He will bless us in our coming and in our going. We are in the end times right now! Just look around.
Our Jewish roots are important. Read the scriptures… we have been grafted in and God dwells in the secret place! We must go there and dwell with Him. Jesus says, But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. Matthew 6:6
The secret place is when you are hidden in your closet, hidden in your tent, hidden under your tallit… I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the Lord, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel. Isa. 45: 3…
If others aren’t going into the secret place, we are to do it for them. Go as an intercessor so that God might be revealed to them. As we receive His abundance let us share it.
Interesting Information and Food for Thought:
February 27th, this year was the beginning of the Hebrew month Adar. This year is a Jewish leap year. Here’s the explanation. It’s truly exciting knowledge! Enjoy the revelation. This was supposed to be here especially for someone reading this today!
The Torah says that Passover has to be celebrated in the spring. So, the second month of Adar was added for this reason to the Hebrew calendar. It is considered a leap year, but its not just a day that is added but an entire month. This means that seven times every 19 years, we have two months of Adar. (The Hebrew calendar is based on the lunar cycle. It has 354 days. So by having leap months occasionally, Passover occurs in a completely different season.)
"Mishenichnas Adar, marbim b'simchah - "When Adar begins, we increase in joy." (Babylonian Talmud, Taanit 29a) Simchah, or joy, is a necessary ingredient in Jewish life. This is especially true during the month of Adar when we celebrate the miracle of Purim. Tradition teaches that simchah (happiness) comes from k’dushah (holiness), whereas sadness and dejection come from the "other side."
My devotions were motivated by the teaching of Larry Huch. http://www.larryhuchministries.com/media/stream/#WatchVideo
Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Saturday, November 20, 2010
I asked the Lord...
Today is different than most days. I'm in Boston with Kristi and it is good to be here. It has been good to talk and catch up. I am thankful for my family~all of them everywhere...
This morning, I asked the Lord to help me to know where to direct my Bible reading and I continually felt that I should go to Psalm 27. The words are exactly what I needed to hear. I know the Lord is always with me, but today has been a little different and His Words wrapped themselves around me as if His strong arms were wrapping themselves around me. I am blessed beyond measure and joy fills my being. We may walk in places we have never gone before but the Lord is guiding us each step of the way. Thank you Jesus!
Psalm 27
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When the wicked advance against me to devour[a] me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me,
even then I will be confident.
4 One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.
5 For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent
and set me high upon a rock.
6 Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.
7 Hear my voice when I call, LORD; be merciful to me and answer me.
8 My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, LORD, I will seek.
9 Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Savior.
10 Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.
11 Teach me your way, LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.
12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me,
spouting malicious accusations.
13 I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
Yes, I will wait for the Lord.
Yes, Jesus.
Yes, Yeshua.
Yes, Salvation...
Amen.
This morning, I asked the Lord to help me to know where to direct my Bible reading and I continually felt that I should go to Psalm 27. The words are exactly what I needed to hear. I know the Lord is always with me, but today has been a little different and His Words wrapped themselves around me as if His strong arms were wrapping themselves around me. I am blessed beyond measure and joy fills my being. We may walk in places we have never gone before but the Lord is guiding us each step of the way. Thank you Jesus!
Psalm 27
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When the wicked advance against me to devour[a] me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me,
even then I will be confident.
4 One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.
5 For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent
and set me high upon a rock.
6 Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.
7 Hear my voice when I call, LORD; be merciful to me and answer me.
8 My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, LORD, I will seek.
9 Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Savior.
10 Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.
11 Teach me your way, LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.
12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me,
spouting malicious accusations.
13 I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
Yes, I will wait for the Lord.
Yes, Jesus.
Yes, Yeshua.
Yes, Salvation...
Amen.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Misconceptions and Unity!
It’s true that anyone can and should read scripture everyday. But imagine that all around the world various people are reading the same portion of God’s Word during the same week. Then continue to imagine that the following week they are all reading another text and so on and so on, week after week.
Well, that is just what has happened throughout the ages in regard to reading Torah and it still happens today!
Think of this… Many of us were taught that Torah means simply “The Law” and we came to know the first five books of Moses as “The Law”. That interpretation is not really true. It’s only partially true! Although the Torah contains law, Torah means teaching. There is more than law in those sacred pages! Now that doesn’t sound like such a big deal, but when you start looking at the misconceptions we hold… well, do you get the picture? Think about it… how much of the Truth do we really know? I can already hear you say… Jesus is the Truth. Yes, but how well do you really know Jesus? Be careful what you answer…
Most of my knowledge about the Bible (Old and New Testaments) was gained by listening to preaching. I relied on preachers and teachers to feed me and I learned things that I would not have known otherwise. But, now as I open scriptures, dictionaries, concordances, etc. and study on my own, I find many inaccuracies in my knowledge based on what others had learned and taught me, especially down to basic vocabulary. My knowledge is faulty and I need to study for myself, one word at a time in some instances.
Here’s a word for us: aliya or aliyah.
The Torah Portion (or scripture we read from the books of Moses) is sometimes called an aliyah. There are several meanings for aliyah in Judaism. Aliyah means “called up”. It’s a great honor for a worshiper to be “called up” to read the holy passage from the Torah on Sabbath morning at the synagogue. The passage assigned is subdivided into seven sections so at least seven different people are “called up” to read. This seems like the most likely meaning of aliyah with regard to Torah Portions.
But here are some other meanings for aliyah worthy of notation. Aliyah can mean “going up” as in a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. It can mean the Jewish law of immigration, whereby Jews are allowed to return (or go up) to Israel, settle there and gain citizenship. This was legislation enacted in 1950 in response to Jewish immigrants returning from all over the world. This type of aliyah is ongoing and sometimes occurs in waves of great numbers.
Aliyah can also mean the miraculous “going up” into heaven of Enoch (Genesis 5:23-24) and Elijah (2 Kings 2:11). I have to ask this with a smile on my face, are you ready for your aliyah?
So our “calling up” is supposed to happen everyday as we enter scripture reading. In Hebrew, the scripture portion, Ki Tisa is one that many Jews around the world read collectively this past week.
In general, Ki Tisa is Exodus 30:11-34:35. This reading talks about taking a census of the Israelites. Explicit instructions are given regarding the washbasin of the Tabernacle, the anointing oils for the priests and kings, the incense offering, and the Sabbath. We read about the story of the Golden Calf and God’s anger. We read of Moses pleading for Divine forgiveness for the sin of the Jewish nation, the breaking of the 10 Commandments, and the giving of the second tablets.
The words “Ki Tisa” means “When you take”
God commanded Moses to take a census of the Jewish population. He was to collect an atonement offering of half a silver shekel from each. The collected silver was melted down and made into sockets for the beams of the Tabernacle.You’ll have to read the scripture for yourself, for there are many nuggets of understanding here. Some things I looked into were…
· God command Moses to take a census. Now, why on earth would God need Moses to take a census? Doesn’t God know who everyone is already?
· God commanded Moses to collect an atonement offering? Why would HE do that? What is atonement anyway?
· God commanded Moses to melt down the silver and have sockets made for the beams of the Tabernacle. Why go to all that trouble?
Here are my thoughts… take or leave them. However, whatever you do… be sure to read scripture and learn from it yourself. The world as you know it, will change right in front of you when you begin to understand God’s Word for yourself.
First, I see that the people were not yet a nation for God. They were each for themselves and not in unity. Although they all could live together in a community of sorts, there wasn’t anything that united them. So God was preparing a way to draw them to be “His people”.
The atonement offering was not for God, but to remind the people that they had been set free. They were ransomed. God wanted to reconcile His people to Himself but they had to give up something in order for this to happen. Their atonement offering was not meant to be a one time do this and forget it service. This offering was to be remembered because of what was done with it. The offering was another way to remember God. Sad but true, God always wants us to remember Him but we are always forgetting Him. So He gives us ways to remember Him if we pay attention.
Taking of the silver shekel was like taking out a part of what everyone thought of themselves. Aren’t we still like this? When you work and get paid, isn’t the money you receive sometimes how you also value yourself? But, God places a different value upon us than that. We are not the value of our money.
The atonement offering had to be silver and it had to be the exact amount from everyone. God is no respecter of persons, (Romans 2:11) so no one could say I am more worthy than someone else because of giving a greater amount in the offering.
It had to be silver, but why? God’s words are sometimes referenced as silver (Psalm 12:6). Christ, was bought with silver, and paid the price of redemption with his blood. (Matthew 27:3-8) In other words, silver represents holiness.
The silver had to be melted together and made into something brand new. Only when silver was heated to liquid form could it blend with the other silver. It became unified. We must be blended together. Sometimes it is with the affliction that God allows heat to burn away our impurities. The silver was made into something new, so we must be made into something new.
Brand new silver sockets were made to hold the poles of the tabernacle together. Each socket had its purpose and each socket depended upon all the others to maintain the structure and for continual support. The tabernacle was mobile, but once it was in place, it stood as a testimony to the world that God would meet with His people. Each silver socket had to be in place for God to meet them.
Today, the church is in place, it should stand as a testimony that God meets with His people, but does it? The church, in general, is a meeting place for Christians and "wannabe" Christians. Does God actually meet His people in church? Since Christ came to save us, I believe the church (I"m actually talking about Christian individuals and not the building) is to move out into the world and carry the testimony forward. We, are to be a mobile force and the Holy Spirit will go with each one of us! But we must continue to meet together in unity in God's house and seek Him as one body. In our daily walk, we must act as lone ambassadors, but in our worship we are to act as one in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:20) We were changed into something new in the Kingdom of God when we received Christ as our Redeemer. I became a part of a whole unit and need to act in unity with other believers. Yet, I am also alone, but complete in Him who saved me. What a beautiful mystery!
We need to remember then that we cannot support God's work unless we also maintain. We have to maintain by remembering what has gone before us. If we fail to maintain, then our part in God’s kingdom will collapse and if it collapses then we will not be able to support the work of God. It is a chain reaction....
Let us maintain by reading scripture, praying, worshipping and waiting on God and this will keep our structure strong.
But let us support by witnessing, doing service for others in Jesus name, and giving tithes and offerings.
We are the church. Let’s act like it!
Book of the Month Club
In our congregaton, we now have a book of the month club! This month you simply are encouraged to read the Gospel of John as many times as you like. St. John is a wonderful book to read in order to get a grasp of the life and ministry of Jesus. Chapter one of John is much like chapter one of Genesis. It speaks of the beginning and creation and Chirst in the midst of it all! I hope you'll consider reading the book of John. Go deep and deeper!
Prayer
Well, that is just what has happened throughout the ages in regard to reading Torah and it still happens today!
Think of this… Many of us were taught that Torah means simply “The Law” and we came to know the first five books of Moses as “The Law”. That interpretation is not really true. It’s only partially true! Although the Torah contains law, Torah means teaching. There is more than law in those sacred pages! Now that doesn’t sound like such a big deal, but when you start looking at the misconceptions we hold… well, do you get the picture? Think about it… how much of the Truth do we really know? I can already hear you say… Jesus is the Truth. Yes, but how well do you really know Jesus? Be careful what you answer…
Most of my knowledge about the Bible (Old and New Testaments) was gained by listening to preaching. I relied on preachers and teachers to feed me and I learned things that I would not have known otherwise. But, now as I open scriptures, dictionaries, concordances, etc. and study on my own, I find many inaccuracies in my knowledge based on what others had learned and taught me, especially down to basic vocabulary. My knowledge is faulty and I need to study for myself, one word at a time in some instances.
Here’s a word for us: aliya or aliyah.
The Torah Portion (or scripture we read from the books of Moses) is sometimes called an aliyah. There are several meanings for aliyah in Judaism. Aliyah means “called up”. It’s a great honor for a worshiper to be “called up” to read the holy passage from the Torah on Sabbath morning at the synagogue. The passage assigned is subdivided into seven sections so at least seven different people are “called up” to read. This seems like the most likely meaning of aliyah with regard to Torah Portions.
But here are some other meanings for aliyah worthy of notation. Aliyah can mean “going up” as in a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. It can mean the Jewish law of immigration, whereby Jews are allowed to return (or go up) to Israel, settle there and gain citizenship. This was legislation enacted in 1950 in response to Jewish immigrants returning from all over the world. This type of aliyah is ongoing and sometimes occurs in waves of great numbers.
Aliyah can also mean the miraculous “going up” into heaven of Enoch (Genesis 5:23-24) and Elijah (2 Kings 2:11). I have to ask this with a smile on my face, are you ready for your aliyah?
So our “calling up” is supposed to happen everyday as we enter scripture reading. In Hebrew, the scripture portion, Ki Tisa is one that many Jews around the world read collectively this past week.
In general, Ki Tisa is Exodus 30:11-34:35. This reading talks about taking a census of the Israelites. Explicit instructions are given regarding the washbasin of the Tabernacle, the anointing oils for the priests and kings, the incense offering, and the Sabbath. We read about the story of the Golden Calf and God’s anger. We read of Moses pleading for Divine forgiveness for the sin of the Jewish nation, the breaking of the 10 Commandments, and the giving of the second tablets.
The words “Ki Tisa” means “When you take”
God commanded Moses to take a census of the Jewish population. He was to collect an atonement offering of half a silver shekel from each. The collected silver was melted down and made into sockets for the beams of the Tabernacle.You’ll have to read the scripture for yourself, for there are many nuggets of understanding here. Some things I looked into were…
· God command Moses to take a census. Now, why on earth would God need Moses to take a census? Doesn’t God know who everyone is already?
· God commanded Moses to collect an atonement offering? Why would HE do that? What is atonement anyway?
· God commanded Moses to melt down the silver and have sockets made for the beams of the Tabernacle. Why go to all that trouble?
Here are my thoughts… take or leave them. However, whatever you do… be sure to read scripture and learn from it yourself. The world as you know it, will change right in front of you when you begin to understand God’s Word for yourself.
First, I see that the people were not yet a nation for God. They were each for themselves and not in unity. Although they all could live together in a community of sorts, there wasn’t anything that united them. So God was preparing a way to draw them to be “His people”.
The atonement offering was not for God, but to remind the people that they had been set free. They were ransomed. God wanted to reconcile His people to Himself but they had to give up something in order for this to happen. Their atonement offering was not meant to be a one time do this and forget it service. This offering was to be remembered because of what was done with it. The offering was another way to remember God. Sad but true, God always wants us to remember Him but we are always forgetting Him. So He gives us ways to remember Him if we pay attention.
Taking of the silver shekel was like taking out a part of what everyone thought of themselves. Aren’t we still like this? When you work and get paid, isn’t the money you receive sometimes how you also value yourself? But, God places a different value upon us than that. We are not the value of our money.
The atonement offering had to be silver and it had to be the exact amount from everyone. God is no respecter of persons, (Romans 2:11) so no one could say I am more worthy than someone else because of giving a greater amount in the offering.
It had to be silver, but why? God’s words are sometimes referenced as silver (Psalm 12:6). Christ, was bought with silver, and paid the price of redemption with his blood. (Matthew 27:3-8) In other words, silver represents holiness.
The silver had to be melted together and made into something brand new. Only when silver was heated to liquid form could it blend with the other silver. It became unified. We must be blended together. Sometimes it is with the affliction that God allows heat to burn away our impurities. The silver was made into something new, so we must be made into something new.
Brand new silver sockets were made to hold the poles of the tabernacle together. Each socket had its purpose and each socket depended upon all the others to maintain the structure and for continual support. The tabernacle was mobile, but once it was in place, it stood as a testimony to the world that God would meet with His people. Each silver socket had to be in place for God to meet them.
Today, the church is in place, it should stand as a testimony that God meets with His people, but does it? The church, in general, is a meeting place for Christians and "wannabe" Christians. Does God actually meet His people in church? Since Christ came to save us, I believe the church (I"m actually talking about Christian individuals and not the building) is to move out into the world and carry the testimony forward. We, are to be a mobile force and the Holy Spirit will go with each one of us! But we must continue to meet together in unity in God's house and seek Him as one body. In our daily walk, we must act as lone ambassadors, but in our worship we are to act as one in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:20) We were changed into something new in the Kingdom of God when we received Christ as our Redeemer. I became a part of a whole unit and need to act in unity with other believers. Yet, I am also alone, but complete in Him who saved me. What a beautiful mystery!
We need to remember then that we cannot support God's work unless we also maintain. We have to maintain by remembering what has gone before us. If we fail to maintain, then our part in God’s kingdom will collapse and if it collapses then we will not be able to support the work of God. It is a chain reaction....
Let us maintain by reading scripture, praying, worshipping and waiting on God and this will keep our structure strong.
But let us support by witnessing, doing service for others in Jesus name, and giving tithes and offerings.
We are the church. Let’s act like it!
Book of the Month Club
In our congregaton, we now have a book of the month club! This month you simply are encouraged to read the Gospel of John as many times as you like. St. John is a wonderful book to read in order to get a grasp of the life and ministry of Jesus. Chapter one of John is much like chapter one of Genesis. It speaks of the beginning and creation and Chirst in the midst of it all! I hope you'll consider reading the book of John. Go deep and deeper!
Prayer
- Please be in prayer concerning a teacher at our school who had a skiing accident over the weekend. She has a broken back and fractured skull and needs our prayers. Father God, you are the only source of health and healing. May full physical healing be granted to Mary in Jesus' name. May your spirit of calm and peace surround your children as we come to you in prayer. Thank you for what you are about to do. In Jesus' name. Amen
- Please also be in prayer concerning my sister-in-law's hip replacement surgery. She came through fine and now needs recovery. We thank you, O Lord, for the good news of a successful surgery and now come to you and ask for a successful recovery. Thank you. In Jesus' name. Amen
Thursday, January 21, 2010
O Great Mystery
Yes, I know Christmas has been over for some time now... but Christ is never over! That's why I'm so excited to share with you. I pray that these thoughts and the WORD OF LIFE lift your spirit as it has mine.
Let me back up a little and share how this came about... I had an ordinary day and when I got home was busy reading through my emails. I was asked to watch a short video which featured my cousin, Natasha Muller and a wonderful project concerning the Berlin Wall called Halt! Grenze. I felt that work was so well produced that I viewed a few other clips by director and editor, David J. Miller. That is when my heart did flips when listening to the music O Magnum Mysterium, which means O Great Mystery.
This work of art would mean nothing without my faith in the LORD JESUS CHRIST. I read my Bible and I listen to preaching and read articles and books with the WORD as my guide. Do I understand everything that I read in the scriptures? No. Do I believe the WORD is true? Yes. How do I know? Faith. Can I prove faith? No, but I can have faith! Hallelujah!
The WORD OF GOD is without error. GOD's will for everyone is that we might all be saved and have eternal life. When this takes place, it's very good. But, this is just the beginning of our Christian journey.
19. Ascend into Heaven... Psalm 68:18; Acts 1:9
20. Would sit down at the right hand of GOD... Psalm 110:1; Hebrews 1:3
AMAZING LOVE... For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:16-18
Now back to the start... I chose to go back and focus on the very first prophecy listed above... regarding JESUS' birth... English translation for O Magnum Mysterium: O Great Mystery ...O great mystery and wonderful sacrament, that animals see the Lord born, lying in a manger. Blessed virgin whose womb was worthy to bear Lord Christ. Allelujah.
As I thought on this... I began to see CHRIST as the baby and then the little boy. GOD saw fit to put HIS essence inside a human body, call HIM HIS beloved SON and make a sacrifice of HIM. Can we even imagine what that means?! HE loves us that much! No one has ever loved youor me, nor ever will love us as much as HE has and does love us. Get into the scripture and find out for yourself just how much HE cares for you. HE's written HIS love out in long hand... just read the messages... word by word...
Well, here we are at the end. I enjoy the music on the automatic audio player and sometimes come home and pull up my blog just for the music. But, you'll want to pause that player before trying to play the video clip. Enjoy... and just think how much GOD loves you... (Prayer thoughts are below the clip.)
O Magnum Mysterium from David J. Miller on Vimeo.
Don't forget...
The WORD OF GOD is without error. GOD's will for everyone is that we might all be saved and have eternal life. When this takes place, it's very good. But, this is just the beginning of our Christian journey.
Scripture will build you up so that you cannot be torn down.
Here are some powerful scriptures that reveal prophecy which has been fulfilled concerning OUR BLESSED REDEEMER. (Thanks Pastor Bob for this study list!)- Born of a virgin... Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:21-23
- A descendant of Abraham... Genesis 12:1-2; 22:18; Matthew 1:1; Galations 3:16
- Of the tribe of Judah... Genesis 49:10; Luke 3:23, 33; Hebrews 7:14
- Of the house of David... 2 Samuel 7:12-16; Matthew 1:1
- Born in Bethlehem... Micah 5:2, Matthew 2:1; Luke 2:4-7
- Taken to Egypt... Hosea 11:1; Matthew 2:14-15
- Herod's killing of the infants... Jeremiah 31:15; Matthew 2:16-18
- Anointed by the Holy Spirit... Isaiah 11:2; Matthew 3:16-17
- Heralded by the messenger fo the Lord (John the Baptist)..Isaish 40:3-5; Malachi 3:1; Matthew 3:1-3
- Would perform miracles... Isaish 35:5-6, Matthew 9:35
- Would preach good news... Isaish 61:1; Luke 4:14-21
- Would minister in Galilee... Isaiah 9:1; Matthew 4:12-13
- Would cleanse the Temple... Malachi 3:1; Matthew 21:12-13
- Would first present Himself as King 173,880 days from the decree to rebuild Jerusalem... Daniel 9:25; Matthew 21:4-11
- Would enter Jerusalem as a king on a donkey... Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:4-9
- Would be rejected by Jews... Psalm 118:22; 1 Peter 2:7
- Die a humiliating death... Psalm 22: Isaiah 52 involving:
- rejection... Isaiah 53:3; John 1:10-11
- betrayal by a friend... Psalm 41:9; Luke 22:3-4; John 13:18
- sold for 30 pieces of silver... Zachariah 11:12l Matthew 26:14-15
- silence before His accusers... Isaiah 53:7; Matthew 27:12-14
- being mocked... Psalm 22:7-8; Matthew 27:31
- beaten... Isaiah 52:14; Matthew 27:26
- spit upon... Isaiah 50:6; Matthew 27:30
- piercing His hands and feet... Psalm 22:18
- being crucified with thieves... Isaiah 53; Matthew 27:38
- praying for His persecutors... Isaiah 53:12; Luke 23:34
- piercing His side... Zechariah 12:10; John 19:34
- given gall and vinegar to drink... Psalm 69:21; Matthew 27:34; Luke 23:36
- no broken bones... Psalm 34:20; John 19:34
- buried in a rich man's tomb... Isaiah 53:9; Matthew 27:57-60
- casting lots for his garmets... Psalm 22:18; John 19: 23-24
19. Ascend into Heaven... Psalm 68:18; Acts 1:9
20. Would sit down at the right hand of GOD... Psalm 110:1; Hebrews 1:3
Now back to the start... I chose to go back and focus on the very first prophecy listed above... regarding JESUS' birth... English translation for O Magnum Mysterium: O Great Mystery ...O great mystery and wonderful sacrament, that animals see the Lord born, lying in a manger. Blessed virgin whose womb was worthy to bear Lord Christ. Allelujah.
As I thought on this... I began to see CHRIST as the baby and then the little boy. GOD saw fit to put HIS essence inside a human body, call HIM HIS beloved SON and make a sacrifice of HIM. Can we even imagine what that means?! HE loves us that much! No one has ever loved youor me, nor ever will love us as much as HE has and does love us. Get into the scripture and find out for yourself just how much HE cares for you. HE's written HIS love out in long hand... just read the messages... word by word...
How amazing! That this same CHRIST will soon be here again...
Behold He comes riding on the clouds,
Shining like the sun at the trumpet call;
Lift your voice, it's the year of jubilee,
And out of Zion's hill salvation comes.
Do you ever look up to the sky and just wonder about that day to come?
Shining like the sun at the trumpet call;
Lift your voice, it's the year of jubilee,
And out of Zion's hill salvation comes.
Do you ever look up to the sky and just wonder about that day to come?
O Magnum Mysterium from David J. Miller on Vimeo.
Don't forget...
- Pray for the lost that they may be saved
- Pray for the sick
- Remember P.A. will be going in for surgery next week
- Pray for one another
- Pray for the state of affairs this country is in at this time--GOD knows all about it, but he wants to hear from us on the matter, too...
- There are many more matters to be in prayer for... ask GOD to reveal to you exactly what... you'll be amazed at what HE will reveal of HIMSELF if you just ask...
BLESSED ARE THOU, LORD OUR GOD, KING OF THE UNIVERSE
WHO IS AND WHO WAS AND WHO IS TO COME
HALLELUJAH!!!
AMEN
Saturday, January 9, 2010
My Life is a Puzzle
Picture an unfinished jigsaw puzzle here. I had one to share but I’m not sure how to add it to the post. Sorry! Guess that’s another part of the puzzle! LOL
Puzzle piece; where does this fit? It’s been an interesting morning. Bob and I got up and went to the post office to pick up the last of my Christmas presents, a study kit from Jerusalem. You may think I’m crazy and you’re probably right, but for at least two years I’ve (secretly at first) wished that I knew the Hebrew language so that I could read original scripture without any watering down or changes. I have never been interested in the Greek. After all, the Hebrew language came first chronologically and historically.
Puzzle piece; this one is already in place. I often found myself on the most popular Hebrew site, http://www.aish.com/ There I was able to learn cultural information as well as study because there is a wealth of knowledge on the pages. Puzzle piece: this one fits into the one above. Many times, I’d click on segments of blessings and songs in Hebrew and listen to this mystical (to me) language. It was nice because I also had the pleasure of reading the translation, but sometimes I just soaked in the sound and it was all good!
However, as good as that was—it wasn’t enough—I longed to know more. So, Bob signed me up to learn Classical Hebrew. It’s an online course that meets weekly for 9 months. Puzzle piece: lesson one. This past Monday was my first lesson. There are 8 students meeting online from the states of Utah, Michigan, Louisiana, Virginia (that would be me) and New York, as well students from Jamaica and Canada. We are all beginners, of course.
Puzzle piece; you have this one and I’m not sure where you’ll put it. Anyway, with that said, I ask that you pray with me that I am able to learn and keep up with the studies associated with this class. Thanks!
The core of this devotion is from Oz Hillman and later down the page from Rabbi Freeman. I take the liberty of believing that everyone who is reading this truly knows the LORD JESUS as their personal SAVIOR. So when I study and share it is with that viewpoint in mind. There are some scritures to the side of this blog post, if you doubt your relationship with JESUS. May GOD bless you in your journey.
Read on…
The questions asked were, “Do your sails no longer have wind to move you? Is your engine broken? Does it feel like GOD has propelled you into the open sea only to stop midway with no options?”
Oz tells us perhaps HE is saying it is time to die in order that HE might live through you.
He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven (Ps 107:29-30).
WHAT IF—you began an exciting sailing adventure. You've been trained to navigate and sail on the ocean and be ready should trouble arise. You are confident you can handle the challenge. Then, midway in the journey your resources have dried up. It almost seems GOD has intentionally destroyed all the skills you have to deal with the weather and the obstacles and your sails are now damaged. Even your engine has broken down. And to make matters even worse, your oars were lost overboard. You are stuck in the middle of the ocean and there is no wind to propel your boat. You are, as they say, "up the creek without a paddle." All of this leads you to the end of yourself and you say, "Lord, I don't know why you brought me out here only to die." The silence is deafening.
Finally, the LORD speaks, "Yes, you are right. I did bring you out here. I did destroy your sails. I did break your engine. And yes, I do want you dead. Not in a physical sense, mind you, but in a spiritual sense. In order that you may LIVE."
You say, “WHAT?”
GOD says,
"You see my child, you are nothing without ME. You cannot do anything without my grace and power in your life." John 15: 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
The sailor (that is you) quietly yields. Suddenly, a gentle wave lifts the front of the boat. An easterly wind blows through the broken sail moving the boat in the right direction. You realize GOD is moving your boat! Your role now is to steer it.
Are you exhausted? Are you dragging in your spirit? What are you trying to do on your own? Is that really what GOD wants you to do? Are you sure?
Give the LORD total control today and you will see your life change in dramatic ways. Yes, there may still be times that you are tossed about but the difference is that GOD is in control and we can rest in HIS promises:
Then you will go on your way in safety, and y our foot will not stumble; when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Have no fear of sudden disaster. Proverbs 3:23-25
Yet I am always with YOU. YOU hold me by my right hand. YOU guide me with YOUR counsel, and afterward YOU will take me into glory. Psalm 73:23-24
And that’s not all (I sound like an infomercial, LOL)… I was also reading from Rabbi Tzvi Freeman. He gives insight concerning the Torah, especially the first five books of Moses. Read on…
This Torah given to us is not of the world, neither is it something extraneous to it.
It is the hidden essence, the primal thought from which all the cosmos and each thing within it extends. It is not about the world, it is the world—but it’s the world as its Creator sees it and knows it to be. (This is not, perhaps, the world we see with its filth, and violence and sin piled on the surface. It is the original world GOD created with nothing added and only HIS goodness and grace for our senses to behold.)
The sages say that the Torah is the blueprint GOD used to design His creation. Even more, they say, GOD and His Torah are one, for His thoughts are not outside of Him. Now we must realize that they are not saying that Torah came first. Torah is the WORD of GOD. Torah is GOD!
So now, when our mind grasps a thought of Torah (of WORD), with utter clarity, we grasp that inner essence of the wisdom of GOD.
When our mind and spirit engages, we are completely absorbed in the process of thought, comprehension and application to our lives.
Our very self is being absorbed in infinite wisdom, in HIS essence! Wow! What a thought!
But wait… it is not that we have grasped it (GOD's essence and HIS wisdom). It is that it has grasped us!
In truth, we become part of that essence and that essence is GOD. In that thought and in that truth, we are one with GOD! Hallelujah! I can now see how Oz Hillman and Rabbi Freeman’s messages can work together for my learning and benefit...
When I am a child, everything is about me. “Feed me, clean me, sing to me, and take care of me! These are my demands and everyone knows when I am not happy. Boo Hoo!"
With Oz's message, it appears that we take on tasks in this life without giving GOD a thought. We don’t look for HIS guidance or blessing. It’s all about us! It’s all about me! Then we get into some tight spot, but still many times we become so proud that we believe that we can do it without GOD (or I believe I can do it all myself). Some of us even think that we are so tiny and insignificant in GOD’s eyes that HE doesn’t want to bother with us (or poor pitiful me, I’m nothing). That is a lie from satan! Don't buy into the lie!
Get real, people! GOD gave everything up as a sacrifice for us! HE gave HIMSELF in the form of JESUS that we might have life and have it more abundantly! Why would we think that we are not important to HIM?! (Or why would I think that I’m not important to HIM?!)
After we get over our selves and repent of pride (or after I get over myself and repent of pride), we can truly trust GOD (or I can truly trust GOD). Then we can begin to understand what the Rabbi is trying to say to us…
The WORD is GOD and when I learn the WORD, truly learn the WORD, then GOD can truly dwell within me and within you! Hallelujah!
Don’t we remember this?
Genesis 1:1 in the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.3 And God said… (The WORD)
John 1:1 in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God.
Only when we study and seek HIM will we find HIM.
Matthew 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. (Seek out the WORD and we will find it and the meaning of it for us.)
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Wow! What power GOD gives us! But we usually can only glimpse a small portion of it now and then. Would to GOD that we could be in a spiritual position that we could see it at all times! Let that be part of our prayer… that we see HIM in HIS power and glory at all times!
My prayer:
Love and Prayers, Monica
Puzzle piece; where does this fit? It’s been an interesting morning. Bob and I got up and went to the post office to pick up the last of my Christmas presents, a study kit from Jerusalem. You may think I’m crazy and you’re probably right, but for at least two years I’ve (secretly at first) wished that I knew the Hebrew language so that I could read original scripture without any watering down or changes. I have never been interested in the Greek. After all, the Hebrew language came first chronologically and historically.
Puzzle piece; this one is already in place. I often found myself on the most popular Hebrew site, http://www.aish.com/ There I was able to learn cultural information as well as study because there is a wealth of knowledge on the pages. Puzzle piece: this one fits into the one above. Many times, I’d click on segments of blessings and songs in Hebrew and listen to this mystical (to me) language. It was nice because I also had the pleasure of reading the translation, but sometimes I just soaked in the sound and it was all good!
However, as good as that was—it wasn’t enough—I longed to know more. So, Bob signed me up to learn Classical Hebrew. It’s an online course that meets weekly for 9 months. Puzzle piece: lesson one. This past Monday was my first lesson. There are 8 students meeting online from the states of Utah, Michigan, Louisiana, Virginia (that would be me) and New York, as well students from Jamaica and Canada. We are all beginners, of course.
Puzzle piece; you have this one and I’m not sure where you’ll put it. Anyway, with that said, I ask that you pray with me that I am able to learn and keep up with the studies associated with this class. Thanks!
The core of this devotion is from Oz Hillman and later down the page from Rabbi Freeman. I take the liberty of believing that everyone who is reading this truly knows the LORD JESUS as their personal SAVIOR. So when I study and share it is with that viewpoint in mind. There are some scritures to the side of this blog post, if you doubt your relationship with JESUS. May GOD bless you in your journey.
Read on…
The questions asked were, “Do your sails no longer have wind to move you? Is your engine broken? Does it feel like GOD has propelled you into the open sea only to stop midway with no options?”
Oz tells us perhaps HE is saying it is time to die in order that HE might live through you.
He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven (Ps 107:29-30).
WHAT IF—you began an exciting sailing adventure. You've been trained to navigate and sail on the ocean and be ready should trouble arise. You are confident you can handle the challenge. Then, midway in the journey your resources have dried up. It almost seems GOD has intentionally destroyed all the skills you have to deal with the weather and the obstacles and your sails are now damaged. Even your engine has broken down. And to make matters even worse, your oars were lost overboard. You are stuck in the middle of the ocean and there is no wind to propel your boat. You are, as they say, "up the creek without a paddle." All of this leads you to the end of yourself and you say, "Lord, I don't know why you brought me out here only to die." The silence is deafening.
Finally, the LORD speaks, "Yes, you are right. I did bring you out here. I did destroy your sails. I did break your engine. And yes, I do want you dead. Not in a physical sense, mind you, but in a spiritual sense. In order that you may LIVE."
You say, “WHAT?”
GOD says,
"You see my child, you are nothing without ME. You cannot do anything without my grace and power in your life." John 15: 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
The sailor (that is you) quietly yields. Suddenly, a gentle wave lifts the front of the boat. An easterly wind blows through the broken sail moving the boat in the right direction. You realize GOD is moving your boat! Your role now is to steer it.
Are you exhausted? Are you dragging in your spirit? What are you trying to do on your own? Is that really what GOD wants you to do? Are you sure?
Give the LORD total control today and you will see your life change in dramatic ways. Yes, there may still be times that you are tossed about but the difference is that GOD is in control and we can rest in HIS promises:
Then you will go on your way in safety, and y our foot will not stumble; when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Have no fear of sudden disaster. Proverbs 3:23-25
Yet I am always with YOU. YOU hold me by my right hand. YOU guide me with YOUR counsel, and afterward YOU will take me into glory. Psalm 73:23-24
And that’s not all (I sound like an infomercial, LOL)… I was also reading from Rabbi Tzvi Freeman. He gives insight concerning the Torah, especially the first five books of Moses. Read on…
This Torah given to us is not of the world, neither is it something extraneous to it.
It is the hidden essence, the primal thought from which all the cosmos and each thing within it extends. It is not about the world, it is the world—but it’s the world as its Creator sees it and knows it to be. (This is not, perhaps, the world we see with its filth, and violence and sin piled on the surface. It is the original world GOD created with nothing added and only HIS goodness and grace for our senses to behold.)
The sages say that the Torah is the blueprint GOD used to design His creation. Even more, they say, GOD and His Torah are one, for His thoughts are not outside of Him. Now we must realize that they are not saying that Torah came first. Torah is the WORD of GOD. Torah is GOD!
So now, when our mind grasps a thought of Torah (of WORD), with utter clarity, we grasp that inner essence of the wisdom of GOD.
When our mind and spirit engages, we are completely absorbed in the process of thought, comprehension and application to our lives.
Our very self is being absorbed in infinite wisdom, in HIS essence! Wow! What a thought!
But wait… it is not that we have grasped it (GOD's essence and HIS wisdom). It is that it has grasped us!
In truth, we become part of that essence and that essence is GOD. In that thought and in that truth, we are one with GOD! Hallelujah! I can now see how Oz Hillman and Rabbi Freeman’s messages can work together for my learning and benefit...
When I am a child, everything is about me. “Feed me, clean me, sing to me, and take care of me! These are my demands and everyone knows when I am not happy. Boo Hoo!"
With Oz's message, it appears that we take on tasks in this life without giving GOD a thought. We don’t look for HIS guidance or blessing. It’s all about us! It’s all about me! Then we get into some tight spot, but still many times we become so proud that we believe that we can do it without GOD (or I believe I can do it all myself). Some of us even think that we are so tiny and insignificant in GOD’s eyes that HE doesn’t want to bother with us (or poor pitiful me, I’m nothing). That is a lie from satan! Don't buy into the lie!
Get real, people! GOD gave everything up as a sacrifice for us! HE gave HIMSELF in the form of JESUS that we might have life and have it more abundantly! Why would we think that we are not important to HIM?! (Or why would I think that I’m not important to HIM?!)
After we get over our selves and repent of pride (or after I get over myself and repent of pride), we can truly trust GOD (or I can truly trust GOD). Then we can begin to understand what the Rabbi is trying to say to us…
The WORD is GOD and when I learn the WORD, truly learn the WORD, then GOD can truly dwell within me and within you! Hallelujah!
Don’t we remember this?
Genesis 1:1 in the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.3 And God said… (The WORD)
John 1:1 in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God.
Only when we study and seek HIM will we find HIM.
Matthew 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. (Seek out the WORD and we will find it and the meaning of it for us.)
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Wow! What power GOD gives us! But we usually can only glimpse a small portion of it now and then. Would to GOD that we could be in a spiritual position that we could see it at all times! Let that be part of our prayer… that we see HIM in HIS power and glory at all times!
My prayer:
Heavenly Father, May it be YOUR will, that all those we earnestly pray for come to know you and YOUR power and glory in their lives and in the lives of others around them. May it be YOUR will that we may all be a testimony of YOUR majesty.
ETERNAL ONE, Our GOD and the GOD of our ancestors, May it be YOUR will to lead us toward peace, direct our footsteps and guide us so that we reach YOUR desired destination for our lives.
May YOU see the love that we have for one another and help us to love even greater than we do now. May we show greater love each day so that the world will know us as YOUR children and YOU may be glorified through it all.
May YOUR heavenly angels guard and protect us on our journey in this life from the enemy as YOU have directed them...
May YOU rescue us from the hand of every foe, ambush, bandits and wild animals along the way whether in the natural or the spiritual worlds. May YOU rescue us from all manner of punishments that assemble to come to earth in the natural world and in the spiritual world.
We pray to YOU, honor YOU and worship only YOU.
We pray to YOU, honor YOU and worship only YOU.
May the coming evil pass over YOUR children just as the death angel passed over the doors in Egypt saving YOUR households from grief and loss.
May YOU send continual blessing in all our every handiwork and may we remember to honor YOU for it.
May YOU grant us peace, kindness and mercy that the eyes of all who see us will know that YOU are our FATHER and that walk in this world to honor YOU.
May YOU grant us peace, kindness and mercy that the eyes of all who see us will know that YOU are our FATHER and that walk in this world to honor YOU.
May YOU hear the sound of our supplication and worship because YOU are the GOD who hears prayer and YOU are our GOD who accepts our worship.
May YOU help us to become unified in the body of CHRIST so that we may magnify YOU above everyone and everything for YOU are worthy to be praised! Hallelujah!
Blessed are YOU, FATHER, ETERNAL ONE, who sees our tears and hears the groaning of our spirit and knows just what to do about it.
In JESUS’ name, Amen
PRAYER REQUESTS:
Be careful how you pray, friends. You may be praying at cross purposes and that shows confusion and disunity amoung us. Let us pray in wisdom. We know because of the words in the LORD's prayer, "thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven" that we can pray that there be no sickness, disease, hurt, etc. because these things are not in heaven and we can pray for individuals that "thy will be done." Pray GOD's will in each situation, not our will.
Pray with your co-workers, not for them. Matthew 18:19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Prayer and fasting... maybe, just maybe our prayer is not enough... Luke 2:36 And there was one Anna... 37 and she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
and Matthew 17:20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. 21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
staff/faculty-- contemplating major knee surgery
staff/faculty-- concern of paper work regarding career
staff/faculty--continued prayer for those and/or family members we have had on the sick list
staff/faculty--another batteling cancer that exhaustion deminish and that treatment is successful
staff/faculty--continued prayer for several on our staff with family members who are still looking for work and those who have setteled but are not happy in their current positions
continued prayer for our government servants and our place as active citizens
continued prayer for all who are without the security of our LORD JESUS, that they come to know HIM and serve HIM unashamed
continued prayer for one another that we be strengthened by the HOLY SPIRIT to do GOD's will everyday...
continued prayer for those who teach us, preach the word, watch for us and will some day give an account to our HEAVENLY FATHER. Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
Love and Prayers, Monica
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