Wednesday, March 30, 2016
God's protection!
Psalm 139:5-6 (NKJV)
5 You have hedged me behind and before,
And laid Your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is high, I cannot attain it.
+++++++++++++++++++
This is a hedging for protection -- not for entrapment!
When we trust God for our salvation, He commits
to protecting us! May not be the way we expect,
but He will protect!
This for our good and HIS glory!
Trust Him and have a good day!
5 You have hedged me behind and before,
And laid Your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is high, I cannot attain it.
+++++++++++++++++++
This is a hedging for protection -- not for entrapment!
When we trust God for our salvation, He commits
to protecting us! May not be the way we expect,
but He will protect!
This for our good and HIS glory!
Trust Him and have a good day!
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Who can be saved?
Mark 10: 15, 21-23, 26-27 (NKJV)
15 (Jesus speaking:) "Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive
the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it."
21 Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing
you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and
you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and
follow Me." (See Mark 8:34)
22 But he (the rich young ruler) was sad at this word, and went away
sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
23 Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, "How hard it is
for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!"
26 And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, "Who then
can be saved?"
27 But Jesus looked at them and said, "With men it is impossible, but
not with God; for with God all things are possible."
++++++++++++++++++++
These are just a verses taken from this chapter, which contrast the
child and the rich coming to Jesus. A child comes to Jesus with nothing!
So must the rich man! Salvation is only by God's grace, not by our
achievement!
Whosoever wishes can come to God, but only on His terms. Only by grace
are we saved!
15 (Jesus speaking:) "Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive
the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it."
21 Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing
you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and
you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and
follow Me." (See Mark 8:34)
22 But he (the rich young ruler) was sad at this word, and went away
sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
23 Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, "How hard it is
for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!"
26 And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, "Who then
can be saved?"
27 But Jesus looked at them and said, "With men it is impossible, but
not with God; for with God all things are possible."
++++++++++++++++++++
These are just a verses taken from this chapter, which contrast the
child and the rich coming to Jesus. A child comes to Jesus with nothing!
So must the rich man! Salvation is only by God's grace, not by our
achievement!
Whosoever wishes can come to God, but only on His terms. Only by grace
are we saved!
Saturday, March 26, 2016
A Three Act Weekend!
ACT ONE - Friday
And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha, where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center.
... So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.
------- John 19:17-18, 30
ACT TWO - Saturday (Lost hope)
... the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. "But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeemed Israel."
-------- Luke 24: 20-21a
ACT THREE - Sunday -- The VICTORY of the empty tomb!
The women came to the tomb.
Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they (angels)said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead?
"He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee.
"saying, 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.'"
--------- Luke 24:5-7
And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha, where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center.
... So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.
------- John 19:17-18, 30
ACT TWO - Saturday (Lost hope)
... the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. "But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeemed Israel."
-------- Luke 24: 20-21a
ACT THREE - Sunday -- The VICTORY of the empty tomb!
The women came to the tomb.
Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they (angels)said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead?
"He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee.
"saying, 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.'"
--------- Luke 24:5-7
Monday, March 21, 2016
Remember to remember!
Deuteronomy 8:11-17 (NKJV)
11 "Beware that you do not forget the LORD your God by not keeping His commandments, His judgments, and His statutes which I command you today,
12 "lest --- when you have eaten and are full, and have built beautiful houses and dwell in them;
13 "and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and your gold are multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied;
14 "when your heart is lifted up, and you forget the LORD your Gopd who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage;
......
17 "then you say in your heart,
'My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.'
+++++++++++++++++++++++
Moses called the people to remember that God had delivered them and provided for them. Lest they begin to take credit for it themselves!
This is a good reminder for us today. God has blessed us beyond measure, but too often we do take credit for it and don't give Him the glory due Him!
So this week as we reflect on the cross and the empty tomb, lets not forget to remember that all we have is because of God's love, not because of anything we have done!
To God be the glory!
11 "Beware that you do not forget the LORD your God by not keeping His commandments, His judgments, and His statutes which I command you today,
12 "lest --- when you have eaten and are full, and have built beautiful houses and dwell in them;
13 "and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and your gold are multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied;
14 "when your heart is lifted up, and you forget the LORD your Gopd who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage;
......
17 "then you say in your heart,
'My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.'
+++++++++++++++++++++++
Moses called the people to remember that God had delivered them and provided for them. Lest they begin to take credit for it themselves!
This is a good reminder for us today. God has blessed us beyond measure, but too often we do take credit for it and don't give Him the glory due Him!
So this week as we reflect on the cross and the empty tomb, lets not forget to remember that all we have is because of God's love, not because of anything we have done!
To God be the glory!
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
A way that seems right?!?
Proverb 16:25 (NKJV)
There is a way that seems right to a man,
But its end is the way of death.
+++++++++++++++++++
A good reminder that we must measure everything
by the Word of God.
God will never lead us to do anything against His word!
So whatever idea, or project that seems OK to you,
remember to pass it through the screen of God's word!
Obedience to Him will bring Him glory and promote our welfare!
There is a way that seems right to a man,
But its end is the way of death.
+++++++++++++++++++
A good reminder that we must measure everything
by the Word of God.
God will never lead us to do anything against His word!
So whatever idea, or project that seems OK to you,
remember to pass it through the screen of God's word!
Obedience to Him will bring Him glory and promote our welfare!
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Watch your tongue!
Proverbs 15:1-2 (NKJV)
1 A soft answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly,
But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.
+++++++++++++++++++++
Several other verses in this proverb refer to the tongue:
A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, vs. 4
The lips of the wise disperse knowledge, vs. 7
A man has joy by the answer of his mouth,
And a word spoken in due season, how good it is! vs. 23
Various other ideas in this proverb talk about the tongue,
and related ideas.
Indeed, the tongue can build up or break down.
Watch your tongue!
1 A soft answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly,
But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.
+++++++++++++++++++++
Several other verses in this proverb refer to the tongue:
A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, vs. 4
The lips of the wise disperse knowledge, vs. 7
A man has joy by the answer of his mouth,
And a word spoken in due season, how good it is! vs. 23
Various other ideas in this proverb talk about the tongue,
and related ideas.
Indeed, the tongue can build up or break down.
Watch your tongue!
Saturday, March 12, 2016
Just be honest!
Proverb 10:9 (NKJV)
He who walks with integrity
walks securely,
But he who perverts his ways
will become known.
+++++++++++++++++++++++
Do you want security, or popularity?
Unfortunately people pay more immediate attention to the wrongs we do,
but in the long run, we remember those who do good for us.
So do good, be secure, and let time take care of your reputation!
Work to bring glory to God!
He who walks with integrity
walks securely,
But he who perverts his ways
will become known.
+++++++++++++++++++++++
Do you want security, or popularity?
Unfortunately people pay more immediate attention to the wrongs we do,
but in the long run, we remember those who do good for us.
So do good, be secure, and let time take care of your reputation!
Work to bring glory to God!
Tuesday, March 08, 2016
Redeemed by the LORD!
Psalm 34:19-22 (NKJV)
19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the LORD delivers him out of them all.
20 He guards all his bones;
Not one of them is broken.
21 Evil shall slay the wicked,
And those who hate the righteous shall be condemned.
22 The LORD redeems the sous of His servants,
And none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned.
++++++++++++++++++++
Afflictions?? Most of us will pass on them!
But God says that we will have them,
But He will protect us in them!
So you can trust HIM today,
regardless what your circumstance!
19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the LORD delivers him out of them all.
20 He guards all his bones;
Not one of them is broken.
21 Evil shall slay the wicked,
And those who hate the righteous shall be condemned.
22 The LORD redeems the sous of His servants,
And none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned.
++++++++++++++++++++
Afflictions?? Most of us will pass on them!
But God says that we will have them,
But He will protect us in them!
So you can trust HIM today,
regardless what your circumstance!
Friday, March 04, 2016
Life from the Father!
Proverbs 4:1-5 (NKJV)
1 Hear, my children, the instruction of a father,
And give attention to know understanding;
2 For I give you good doctrine:
Do not forsake my law.
3 When I was my father's son,
Tender and the only one in the sight of my mother,
4 He also taught me, and said to me;
"Let your heart retain m words;
Keep my commands, and live.
5 Get wisdom! Get understanding!
Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.
+++++++++++++
While we recognize Solomon as the immediate author, we acknowledge God
as the ultimate author and all that follows as coming from Him. In this
proverb, he talks about getting wisdom in relationship to our heart and
the way we walk. In this way we protect ourselves from evil and attain
long life!
Indeed God's word is the source of instruction which leads to life.
That eternal life is through faith in Jesus Christ as Savior.
Through the Proverbs we are encouraged to hear the Father. Hearing in
this means also obeying what we hear!
Lets listen, obey, and bring glory to Him!
1 Hear, my children, the instruction of a father,
And give attention to know understanding;
2 For I give you good doctrine:
Do not forsake my law.
3 When I was my father's son,
Tender and the only one in the sight of my mother,
4 He also taught me, and said to me;
"Let your heart retain m words;
Keep my commands, and live.
5 Get wisdom! Get understanding!
Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.
+++++++++++++
While we recognize Solomon as the immediate author, we acknowledge God
as the ultimate author and all that follows as coming from Him. In this
proverb, he talks about getting wisdom in relationship to our heart and
the way we walk. In this way we protect ourselves from evil and attain
long life!
Indeed God's word is the source of instruction which leads to life.
That eternal life is through faith in Jesus Christ as Savior.
Through the Proverbs we are encouraged to hear the Father. Hearing in
this means also obeying what we hear!
Lets listen, obey, and bring glory to Him!
Thursday, March 03, 2016
Who do you trust?
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
++++++++++++++++
Where is your trust? Many of us trust our own feelings
more than God's word. His word must be out standard!
Trust Him even when it doesn't make sense to you!
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
++++++++++++++++
Where is your trust? Many of us trust our own feelings
more than God's word. His word must be out standard!
Trust Him even when it doesn't make sense to you!
Wednesday, March 02, 2016
Wisdom from Proverbs
Proverbs 1:1-6 (NKJV)
1 The proverbs of Solomon the son
of David, king of Israel:
2 To know wisdom and instruction,
To perceive the words of understanding,
3 To receive the instruction of wisdom,
Justice, judgment, and equity;
4 To give prudence to the simple,
To the young man knowledge and discretion ---
5 A wise man will hear and increase learning,
and a man of understanding will
attain wise counsel,
6 To understand a proverb and an enigma,
The words of the wise and their riddles.
++++++++++++++++++++++
These verses could be called the preamble of Proverbs.
They give the several purposes of proverbs.
To know wisdom, to give instruction,
to give prudence and wise counsel,
to give understanding of proverbs, etc.
=== Indeed the book we call "PROVERBS"
gives much wisdom and counsel for daily life!
1 The proverbs of Solomon the son
of David, king of Israel:
2 To know wisdom and instruction,
To perceive the words of understanding,
3 To receive the instruction of wisdom,
Justice, judgment, and equity;
4 To give prudence to the simple,
To the young man knowledge and discretion ---
5 A wise man will hear and increase learning,
and a man of understanding will
attain wise counsel,
6 To understand a proverb and an enigma,
The words of the wise and their riddles.
++++++++++++++++++++++
These verses could be called the preamble of Proverbs.
They give the several purposes of proverbs.
To know wisdom, to give instruction,
to give prudence and wise counsel,
to give understanding of proverbs, etc.
=== Indeed the book we call "PROVERBS"
gives much wisdom and counsel for daily life!
Tuesday, March 01, 2016
Be strong in the LORD!
Joshua 1:1-2, 7-9 (NKJV)
1 After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, it came to pass
that the LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' assistant, saying:
2 "Moses My servant is dead, Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan,
you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them -- the
children of Israel.
...
7 Only be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall
divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give
them.
8 "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall
meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to
all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous,
and then you will have good success.
9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be
afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."
+++++++++++++++
Wherever you go, God is with you! What a great promise to those who are
following Him, through faith in Jesus Christ. He may lead through
difficult situations, but He is always there, so today, whatever you may
be facing, remember, He is with you! Trust Him!
1 After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, it came to pass
that the LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' assistant, saying:
2 "Moses My servant is dead, Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan,
you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them -- the
children of Israel.
...
7 Only be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall
divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give
them.
8 "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall
meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to
all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous,
and then you will have good success.
9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be
afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."
+++++++++++++++
Wherever you go, God is with you! What a great promise to those who are
following Him, through faith in Jesus Christ. He may lead through
difficult situations, but He is always there, so today, whatever you may
be facing, remember, He is with you! Trust Him!
