1 Tim.2: 5-6 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.
In the Old Testament God called out prophets to communicate through human mediation. This was our sermon on Sunday, the point being, now we have Christ who is our prophet. He is the very presence of holy God. We have been reconciled by Jesus and now have direct access to God through Him. We must guard our relationship with Him at all cost. He is the word of God brought to life. He is God's glory and our promise. Our pastor brought out an interesting thought on prayer, even heathens pray. In the OT they prayed to the Baals, Molech and various other gods. It is not the act of prayer but who you pray to!!
Lord, protect us from idolatry. Amen 1 Col.3:5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 1 Cor.:5-6 For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many "gods" and many "lords"— yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. Acts 4:12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Prayer for Mercy
Is.63:15-19 Look down from heaven and see, from your holy and beautiful habitation.
Where are your zeal and your might? The stirring of your inner parts and your compassion are held back from me. For you are our Father, though Abraham does not know us, and Israel does not acknowledge us; you, O LORD, are our Father, our Redeemer from of old is your name. O LORD, why do you make us wander from your ways and harden our heart, so that we fear you not? Return for the sake of your servants,
the tribes of your heritage. Your holy people held possession for a little while; our adversaries have trampled down your sanctuary. We have become like those over whom you have never ruled, like those who are not called by your name. Like those who are not called by Your name, that should give us pause!!! What is your relationship with Him? Lord, You are holy God. We need You to guide us. Soften our hearts so that we may truly hear You when You speak through Your word. Amen
Where are your zeal and your might? The stirring of your inner parts and your compassion are held back from me. For you are our Father, though Abraham does not know us, and Israel does not acknowledge us; you, O LORD, are our Father, our Redeemer from of old is your name. O LORD, why do you make us wander from your ways and harden our heart, so that we fear you not? Return for the sake of your servants,
the tribes of your heritage. Your holy people held possession for a little while; our adversaries have trampled down your sanctuary. We have become like those over whom you have never ruled, like those who are not called by your name. Like those who are not called by Your name, that should give us pause!!! What is your relationship with Him? Lord, You are holy God. We need You to guide us. Soften our hearts so that we may truly hear You when You speak through Your word. Amen
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Comfort for the Contrite
The definition of contrite is feeling or showing sorrow and remorse for a sin or shortcoming. Well that got me, how about you? I would say the Lord knows us pretty well!!!
Is. 57: 14-21 And it shall be said, "Build up, build up, prepare the way, remove every obstruction from my people’s way."For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:
"I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite. For I will not contend forever, nor will I always be angry;
for the spirit would grow faint before me, and the breath of life that I made. Because of the iniquity of his unjust gain I was angry, I struck him; I hid my face and was angry, but he went on backsliding in the way of his own heart. I have seen his ways, I will lead him and restore comfort to him and his mourners, creating the fruit of the lips. Peace, peace, to the far and to the near," says the LORD, "and I will heal him. But the wicked are like the tossing sea; for it cannot be quiet, and its waters toss up mire and dirt. There is no peace," says my God, "for the wicked."
Is. 57: 14-21 And it shall be said, "Build up, build up, prepare the way, remove every obstruction from my people’s way."For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:
"I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite. For I will not contend forever, nor will I always be angry;
for the spirit would grow faint before me, and the breath of life that I made. Because of the iniquity of his unjust gain I was angry, I struck him; I hid my face and was angry, but he went on backsliding in the way of his own heart. I have seen his ways, I will lead him and restore comfort to him and his mourners, creating the fruit of the lips. Peace, peace, to the far and to the near," says the LORD, "and I will heal him. But the wicked are like the tossing sea; for it cannot be quiet, and its waters toss up mire and dirt. There is no peace," says my God, "for the wicked."
The Compassion of the Lord
Is.55:1-9 "Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good,
and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David. Behold, I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples.Behold, you shall call a nation that you do not know,
and a nation that did not know you shall run to you, because of the LORD your God, and of the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you. "Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near;
let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
I don't think we deserve this do you? His compassion for His people is too great. Aren't we glad He is a forgiving God?
Lord, we deserve Your judgement. How can You love us? Amen
Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good,
and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David. Behold, I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples.Behold, you shall call a nation that you do not know,
and a nation that did not know you shall run to you, because of the LORD your God, and of the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you. "Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near;
let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
I don't think we deserve this do you? His compassion for His people is too great. Aren't we glad He is a forgiving God?
Lord, we deserve Your judgement. How can You love us? Amen
Monday, June 28, 2010
Our Precious Jesus
The prophet Isaiah tells of our coming salvation through Jesus.
Is.53 Who has believed what he has heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected
a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way;
and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,
so he opened not his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people?
And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence,
and there was no deceit in his mouth.Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him; he has put him to grief;
when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days;
the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied;by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities.Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.
Lord, Your words are true! Pour out Your Spirit on us so we can take You to the nations. We await Your return. Amen
Is.53 Who has believed what he has heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected
a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way;
and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,
so he opened not his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people?
And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence,
and there was no deceit in his mouth.Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him; he has put him to grief;
when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days;
the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied;by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities.Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.
Lord, Your words are true! Pour out Your Spirit on us so we can take You to the nations. We await Your return. Amen
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Be Still and Know That I Am God
Ps.46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Ps.46: 10-11 "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Can we fully understand the meaning of these words? I don't believe we will until we see Him face to face.
Ps.135:5-7 For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.Whatever the LORD pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps. He it is who makes the clouds rise at the end of the earth, who makes lightnings for the rain and brings forth the wind from his storehouses.
Job 38:4-11"Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding.
Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy? "Or who shut in the sea with doors when it burst out from the womb, when I made clouds its garment and thick darkness its swaddling band, and prescribed limits for it and set bars and doors,
and said, 'Thus far shall you come, and no farther, and here shall your proud waves be stayed'?
Job 38:19-21 "Where is the way to the dwelling of light, and where is the place of darkness,
that you may take it to its territory and that you may discern the paths to its home? You know, for you were born then, and the number of your days is great!
O my Lord, I am speechless at Your word. We have no idea who You really are, do we? Have mercy on us. Amen
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Ps.46: 10-11 "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Can we fully understand the meaning of these words? I don't believe we will until we see Him face to face.
Ps.135:5-7 For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.Whatever the LORD pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps. He it is who makes the clouds rise at the end of the earth, who makes lightnings for the rain and brings forth the wind from his storehouses.
Job 38:4-11"Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding.
Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy? "Or who shut in the sea with doors when it burst out from the womb, when I made clouds its garment and thick darkness its swaddling band, and prescribed limits for it and set bars and doors,
and said, 'Thus far shall you come, and no farther, and here shall your proud waves be stayed'?
Job 38:19-21 "Where is the way to the dwelling of light, and where is the place of darkness,
that you may take it to its territory and that you may discern the paths to its home? You know, for you were born then, and the number of your days is great!
O my Lord, I am speechless at Your word. We have no idea who You really are, do we? Have mercy on us. Amen
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Besides Me There Is No God
Is.44 :6-8 Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts:
"I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god. Who is like me? Let him proclaim it.
Let him declare and set it before me, since I appointed an ancient people.
Let them declare what is to come, and what will happen. Fear not, nor be afraid;
have I not told you from of old and declared it? And you are my witnesses!
Is there a God besides me? There is no Rock; I know not any."
Aren't the words of our Lord God awesome? They soothe my soul as well as challenge me to repentance of my sin. Thanks you Lord for the words that change people.
Is.44:24-28 Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, who formed you from the womb: who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself, who frustrates the signs of liars and makes fools of diviners, who turns wise men back and makes their knowledge foolish, who confirms the word of his servant
and fulfills the counsel of his messengers, who says of Jerusalem, 'She shall be inhabited,'
and of the cities of Judah, 'They shall be built, and I will raise up their ruins'; who says to the deep, 'Be dry;
I will dry up your rivers'; who says of Cyrus, 'He is my shepherd, and he shall fulfill all my purpose'; and of the temple, 'Your foundation shall be laid.'"
Is.45:22-23 "Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.
By myself I have sworn; from my mouth has gone out in righteousness a word that shall not return:
'To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear allegiance.'
"I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god. Who is like me? Let him proclaim it.
Let him declare and set it before me, since I appointed an ancient people.
Let them declare what is to come, and what will happen. Fear not, nor be afraid;
have I not told you from of old and declared it? And you are my witnesses!
Is there a God besides me? There is no Rock; I know not any."
Aren't the words of our Lord God awesome? They soothe my soul as well as challenge me to repentance of my sin. Thanks you Lord for the words that change people.
Is.44:24-28 Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, who formed you from the womb: who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself, who frustrates the signs of liars and makes fools of diviners, who turns wise men back and makes their knowledge foolish, who confirms the word of his servant
and fulfills the counsel of his messengers, who says of Jerusalem, 'She shall be inhabited,'
and of the cities of Judah, 'They shall be built, and I will raise up their ruins'; who says to the deep, 'Be dry;
I will dry up your rivers'; who says of Cyrus, 'He is my shepherd, and he shall fulfill all my purpose'; and of the temple, 'Your foundation shall be laid.'"
Is.45:22-23 "Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.
By myself I have sworn; from my mouth has gone out in righteousness a word that shall not return:
'To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear allegiance.'
Friday, June 25, 2010
The Magnificent God We Serve
Behold His Majesty: Is.40: 12-31 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand and marked off the heavens with a span, enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure and weighed the mountains in scales
and the hills in a balance? Who has measured the Spirit of the LORD, or what man shows him his counsel?
Whom did he consult, and who made him understand? Who taught him the path of justice, and taught him knowledge, and showed him the way of understanding? Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket,
and are accounted as the dust on the scales; behold, he takes up the coastlands like fine dust.
Lebanon would not suffice for fuel, nor are its beasts enough for a burnt offering. All the nations are as nothing before him, they are accounted by him as less than nothing and emptiness. To whom then will you liken God, or what likeness compare with him? An idol! A craftsman casts it, and a goldsmith overlays it with gold and casts for it silver chains. He who is too impoverished for an offering chooses wood that will not rot;
he seeks out a skillful craftsman to set up an idol that will not move. Do you not know? Do you not hear?
Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?
It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to dwell in; who brings princes to nothing,
and makes the rulers of the earth as emptiness. Scarcely are they planted, scarcely sown, scarcely has their stem taken root in the earth, when he blows on them, and they wither, and the tempest carries them off like stubble. To whom then will you compare me, that I should be like him? says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name,
by the greatness of his might, and because he is strong in power not one is missing.Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the LORD, and my right is disregarded by my God"?
Have you not known? Have you not heard?The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint,
and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wing like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
and the hills in a balance? Who has measured the Spirit of the LORD, or what man shows him his counsel?
Whom did he consult, and who made him understand? Who taught him the path of justice, and taught him knowledge, and showed him the way of understanding? Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket,
and are accounted as the dust on the scales; behold, he takes up the coastlands like fine dust.
Lebanon would not suffice for fuel, nor are its beasts enough for a burnt offering. All the nations are as nothing before him, they are accounted by him as less than nothing and emptiness. To whom then will you liken God, or what likeness compare with him? An idol! A craftsman casts it, and a goldsmith overlays it with gold and casts for it silver chains. He who is too impoverished for an offering chooses wood that will not rot;
he seeks out a skillful craftsman to set up an idol that will not move. Do you not know? Do you not hear?
Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?
It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to dwell in; who brings princes to nothing,
and makes the rulers of the earth as emptiness. Scarcely are they planted, scarcely sown, scarcely has their stem taken root in the earth, when he blows on them, and they wither, and the tempest carries them off like stubble. To whom then will you compare me, that I should be like him? says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name,
by the greatness of his might, and because he is strong in power not one is missing.Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the LORD, and my right is disregarded by my God"?
Have you not known? Have you not heard?The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint,
and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wing like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Our Purpose / God's Chosen Servants
Is.42:5-9 Thus says God, the LORD, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk in it: "I am the LORD; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness. I am the LORD; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols. Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them.
Lord God Almighty, Your words are profound. They shake me to my core and make me feel shame. I want to serve you in every way but I know I am a failure. Forgive me my transgressions. Amen
Lord God Almighty, Your words are profound. They shake me to my core and make me feel shame. I want to serve you in every way but I know I am a failure. Forgive me my transgressions. Amen
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Hezekiah’s Sickness and Recovery
Is.38:1-6 In those days Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him, and said to him, "Thus says the LORD: Set your house in order, for you shall die, you shall not recover."Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, and said, "Please, O LORD, remember how I have walked before you in faithfulness and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in your sight." And Hezekiah wept bitterly.
Then the word of the LORD came to Isaiah: fifteen years to your life, I will deliver you and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria, and will defend this city.
I love this bible truth because it lets us know God hears our pleas. Is that not mind boggling that the creator of the universe hears us and cares for us?
Then the word of the LORD came to Isaiah: fifteen years to your life, I will deliver you and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria, and will defend this city.
I love this bible truth because it lets us know God hears our pleas. Is that not mind boggling that the creator of the universe hears us and cares for us?
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Judgment on the Nations
Isaiah means the Lord is salvation. God is our salvation and He will judge the nations! These verses mirror the judgement on the nations in Revelation.
Is.34:1-2 Draw near, O nations, to hear, and give attention, O peoples! Let the earth hear, and all that fills it;
the world, and all that comes from it. For the LORD is enraged against all the nations, and furious against all their host; he has devoted them to destruction, has given them over for slaughter. Is.34:8-10 For the LORD has a day of vengeance, a year of recompense for the cause of Zion. And the streams of Edom shall be turned into pitch, and her soil into sulfur; her land shall become burning pitch. Night and day it shall not be quenched; its smoke shall go up forever. From generation to generation it shall lie waste; none shall pass through it forever and ever.
The Lord God will turn the land of Edom over to the animals. Is.34:15-17 There the owl nests and lays and hatches and gathers her young in her shadow; indeed, there the hawks are gathered, each one with her mate.
Seek and read from the book of the LORD: Not one of these shall be missing; none shall be without her mate. For the mouth of the LORD has commanded, and his Spirit has gathered them. He has cast the lot for them; his hand has portioned it out to them with the line; they shall possess it forever; from generation to generation they shall dwell in it.The Lord God will turn the land of Edom over to the animals. Is.34:15-17 There the owl nests and lays and hatches and gathers her young in her shadow; indeed, there the hawks are gathered, each one with her mate.
Lord, You are holy. We long for Your return. Forgive us when we sin against You. Have mercy on us and forgive us. Hear our cry and heal the land which You have given us. Amen
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
God's Plan or Yours?
Is.30:1 "Ah, stubborn children," declares the LORD,"who carry out a plan, but not mine, and who make an alliance, but not of my Spirit, that they may add sin to sin.
This is God speaking to the Israelites about being a rebellious people. They rely on man's might instead of God. He goes on to tell them what He will do for their unfaithfulness. Is.30:12-13 Therefore thus says the Holy One of Israel,"Because you despise this word and trust in oppression and perverseness and rely on them, therefore this iniquity shall be to you like a breach in a high wall, bulging out, and about to collapse.
This can be applied to us also. My pastor has told us to be careful about making plans without God's direction. All we do is for the glory of God. He speaks to our heart through His word. He has made plans for us if we will but listen to His word. He is Holy God and does show anger. Is.30:27-28 Behold, the name of the LORD comes from afar, burning with his anger, and in thick rising smoke; his lips are full of fury, whose breaking comes suddenly, in an instant. and his tongue is like a devouring fire; his breath is like an overflowing stream that reaches up to the neck; to sift the nations with the sieve of destruction, and to place on the jaws of the peoples a bridle that leads astray. He goes on to tell what He will do if we are obedient; Is.30:18 Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.
Most High God, we want You to be glorified to the ends of the earth. May we never be admired for Your work for You are our Majesty. Amen
This is God speaking to the Israelites about being a rebellious people. They rely on man's might instead of God. He goes on to tell them what He will do for their unfaithfulness. Is.30:12-13 Therefore thus says the Holy One of Israel,"Because you despise this word and trust in oppression and perverseness and rely on them, therefore this iniquity shall be to you like a breach in a high wall, bulging out, and about to collapse.
This can be applied to us also. My pastor has told us to be careful about making plans without God's direction. All we do is for the glory of God. He speaks to our heart through His word. He has made plans for us if we will but listen to His word. He is Holy God and does show anger. Is.30:27-28 Behold, the name of the LORD comes from afar, burning with his anger, and in thick rising smoke; his lips are full of fury, whose breaking comes suddenly, in an instant. and his tongue is like a devouring fire; his breath is like an overflowing stream that reaches up to the neck; to sift the nations with the sieve of destruction, and to place on the jaws of the peoples a bridle that leads astray. He goes on to tell what He will do if we are obedient; Is.30:18 Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.
Most High God, we want You to be glorified to the ends of the earth. May we never be admired for Your work for You are our Majesty. Amen
Monday, June 21, 2010
Faith is Beautiful
There is a precious family whose young son has a brain tumor. They live out this trial in the arms of the Most High God. They have to trust in doctors' wisdom to help keep their young son alive. We pray for them a lot because we know God listens. He gives His wisdom to the doctors. He gives peace to the parents. He gives strength to the young son. He gives us faith to ask in their name, out of love, for His mercy. We know He ordained our days of life when we were in the secret place. He is our Heavenly Father, our King, our friend, our Lord and our Savior. All things come from Him. We do not know the outcome of this trial this precious family is walking through, but one thing is certain, we will thank and praise God forever! Hab.2:4 "Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith. Romans 1:17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith." Gal.3:11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for "The righteous shall live by faith."
Lord God Almighty, ruler of all, we need Your mercy, wisdom and power everyday. Help us to trust in You and You alone. Job said" Shall we take only good from God and not bad". Lord help us to walk in faith for we know the love You have for Your son Jesus who was obedient in His death and was our sacrificial lamb because of His love for us. Amen
Lord God Almighty, ruler of all, we need Your mercy, wisdom and power everyday. Help us to trust in You and You alone. Job said" Shall we take only good from God and not bad". Lord help us to walk in faith for we know the love You have for Your son Jesus who was obedient in His death and was our sacrificial lamb because of His love for us. Amen
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Fathers, Husbands and Grand-Dads
Ephesians 6: 1-4
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother" (this is the first commandment with a promise), "that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land." Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Fathers, there is nothing like them. They are always there for you no matter what. They give much needed instruction, discipline and love. They wipe away your tears and put a smile back on your face. I miss my Daddy. He is in my heart. No matter how old you get, you are still Daddy's little girl. I watch my husband with our daughters, our grand-daughters and grandson and see what a wonder Dads really are. This man's heart melts when he holds those babies. Thank You Lord for our Dads and Grand-Dads. Thank you for my husband who is always there for me and loves me even when I am mean. I love him and am so blessed to be his wife. Lord, bless all the fathers and husbands. Put Your word in their heart and give them peace in You. Amen
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother" (this is the first commandment with a promise), "that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land." Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Fathers, there is nothing like them. They are always there for you no matter what. They give much needed instruction, discipline and love. They wipe away your tears and put a smile back on your face. I miss my Daddy. He is in my heart. No matter how old you get, you are still Daddy's little girl. I watch my husband with our daughters, our grand-daughters and grandson and see what a wonder Dads really are. This man's heart melts when he holds those babies. Thank You Lord for our Dads and Grand-Dads. Thank you for my husband who is always there for me and loves me even when I am mean. I love him and am so blessed to be his wife. Lord, bless all the fathers and husbands. Put Your word in their heart and give them peace in You. Amen
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Perfect Peace
Isaiah 26: 3-4 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.
It really is true, perfect peace comes from God. He is a strong tower who is there through good times and bad. When I am feeling shaken by the cares of the world, I run to Him. I know He will be there to comfort me and pick me up. When I am happy and all is well, He is there to be my friend. His word holds all we need to make it through this life. You must need His word like you need air to breathe.
Isaiah 26: 7-9 The path of the righteous is level; you make level the way of the righteous. In the path of your judgments, O LORD, we wait for you; your name and remembrance are the desire of our soul. My soul yearns for you in the night; my spirit within me earnestly seeks you. For when your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.
Lord God Almighty, save us from ourselves. Our wicked side is forever pushing us to sin. We need Your watchful eye on us at all time. We need Your words to drive us to You. Give us perfect peace in You.
Lord we need You and only You. Amen
It really is true, perfect peace comes from God. He is a strong tower who is there through good times and bad. When I am feeling shaken by the cares of the world, I run to Him. I know He will be there to comfort me and pick me up. When I am happy and all is well, He is there to be my friend. His word holds all we need to make it through this life. You must need His word like you need air to breathe.
Isaiah 26: 7-9 The path of the righteous is level; you make level the way of the righteous. In the path of your judgments, O LORD, we wait for you; your name and remembrance are the desire of our soul. My soul yearns for you in the night; my spirit within me earnestly seeks you. For when your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.
Lord God Almighty, save us from ourselves. Our wicked side is forever pushing us to sin. We need Your watchful eye on us at all time. We need Your words to drive us to You. Give us perfect peace in You.
Lord we need You and only You. Amen
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Life Goes On
All around us life goes on. We never stop to think about the circumstances of life! Someone had a baby, someone lost their job, a house burned to the ground along with a family's memories, illness and one that touches us all, death of a loved one and eventually our own death. We see the calamities of floods, oil spills, tornadoes etc., but do we heed these warnings from our Creator? Is 45:7 The one forming light and creating darkness, causing well-being and creating calamity; I am the Lord who does all these.
God uses many things to get our attention. I heard a story of a man who could not control his temper. He was spending a great day riding bikes with his son, when the boy lost control of his bike and hit his dad and made him wreck. The wife hears the loud talk and cursing and proceeds to tell the man he should not talk
like that to his son. The man notices the wife had left the young daughter alone in the house. He starts to curse the wife telling her to check on the daughter and see what she is doing. Upon entering the house they find the four year old pouring large amounts of salt and pepper in the floor and mixing it with water. This just makes the man cuss all the more. While in his rage, he steps on a barbie doll shoe. He takes the shoe, which is so very tiny and throws it as hard as he can. That little bitty hard plastic barbie shoe was stuck right in the middle of the brand new 52 inch TV screen. Oh well, talk about getting someones attention! All God really wants is a loving and trustful relationship with us. Jer. 29:11 for I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Ps. 103:15-19 As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more. But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.
Lord, Your word is true! We should fear You and bow to Your majesty. Help us to think on Your word day and night. Bury it deep in our heart. Amen
God uses many things to get our attention. I heard a story of a man who could not control his temper. He was spending a great day riding bikes with his son, when the boy lost control of his bike and hit his dad and made him wreck. The wife hears the loud talk and cursing and proceeds to tell the man he should not talk
like that to his son. The man notices the wife had left the young daughter alone in the house. He starts to curse the wife telling her to check on the daughter and see what she is doing. Upon entering the house they find the four year old pouring large amounts of salt and pepper in the floor and mixing it with water. This just makes the man cuss all the more. While in his rage, he steps on a barbie doll shoe. He takes the shoe, which is so very tiny and throws it as hard as he can. That little bitty hard plastic barbie shoe was stuck right in the middle of the brand new 52 inch TV screen. Oh well, talk about getting someones attention! All God really wants is a loving and trustful relationship with us. Jer. 29:11 for I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Ps. 103:15-19 As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more. But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.
Lord, Your word is true! We should fear You and bow to Your majesty. Help us to think on Your word day and night. Bury it deep in our heart. Amen
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Seeking God's Will
Micah 7:7
But as for me, I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.
As I was reading my bible study, I saw this verse and it must have been written for me! I am looking to the Lord, I am waiting for His return and I know He hears my every prayer. In this day and time, it is easy to attack people from behind a generic name such as you use to sign into web domains such as Facebook, Al.com, Twitter, etc. I was reading an article about my pastor and my church on Al.com. There were people who were attacking my pastor and my church because we are doing some radical things. These radical things are cutting budgets and wasteful things in our lives to provide care for women and children in India and sending people to mission in the inner city where crime is out of control. Far too long have we turned our back on the inner city. We can't build enough jails to hold all of the lost souls who are raising hell as they follow the devil. There have been numerous families who have sold their homes and moved to East Lake and Gate City to show and live out the gospel as a witness to what Christ can do if we will commit to His will. I feel sorry for people who feel they are the judge of God's people. The devil is already defeated but he still has followers who will try to attack our mission. As far as my pastor goes, he is an awesome man of God! He is the most humble man you will ever meet. He preaches God's word and will never make excuses for what it says because he knows it is the truth. If selling your house to move to a smaller one to give more money to help people is a problem to you, then I say too bad. We answer to a holy God and He will judge us, not the lost and misguided. I wondered why God was leading me to these verses in 1Peter because it is not my bible study. He knew my pastor would be attacked and He gave us this encouragement.
1 Peter 4:12-19 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And "If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?" Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
Father, we do understand the cost of following You. We are weak and need Your strong arm of faith and Your powerful word. We know that it may cost us everything. Help us to follow you. Turn our eyes from worthless things and our heart to You. Amen
But as for me, I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.
As I was reading my bible study, I saw this verse and it must have been written for me! I am looking to the Lord, I am waiting for His return and I know He hears my every prayer. In this day and time, it is easy to attack people from behind a generic name such as you use to sign into web domains such as Facebook, Al.com, Twitter, etc. I was reading an article about my pastor and my church on Al.com. There were people who were attacking my pastor and my church because we are doing some radical things. These radical things are cutting budgets and wasteful things in our lives to provide care for women and children in India and sending people to mission in the inner city where crime is out of control. Far too long have we turned our back on the inner city. We can't build enough jails to hold all of the lost souls who are raising hell as they follow the devil. There have been numerous families who have sold their homes and moved to East Lake and Gate City to show and live out the gospel as a witness to what Christ can do if we will commit to His will. I feel sorry for people who feel they are the judge of God's people. The devil is already defeated but he still has followers who will try to attack our mission. As far as my pastor goes, he is an awesome man of God! He is the most humble man you will ever meet. He preaches God's word and will never make excuses for what it says because he knows it is the truth. If selling your house to move to a smaller one to give more money to help people is a problem to you, then I say too bad. We answer to a holy God and He will judge us, not the lost and misguided. I wondered why God was leading me to these verses in 1Peter because it is not my bible study. He knew my pastor would be attacked and He gave us this encouragement.
1 Peter 4:12-19 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And "If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?" Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
Father, we do understand the cost of following You. We are weak and need Your strong arm of faith and Your powerful word. We know that it may cost us everything. Help us to follow you. Turn our eyes from worthless things and our heart to You. Amen
Monday, June 14, 2010
Loving the Poor
This is something that comes from the heart. It is in our soul to love the less fortunate. It comes from knowing but for the grace of God we would be in the same circumstance. There is a bible truth that should make us stop and think about how we are stewards of what God has given us. Matt.19:16-30 And behold, a man came up to him, saying, "Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?" And he said to him, "Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments." He said to him, "Which ones?" And Jesus said, "You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother, and You shall love your neighbor as yourself." The young man said to him, "All these I have kept. What do I still lack?" Jesus said to him, "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
And Jesus said to his disciples, "Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God." When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, "Who then can be saved?" But Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Then Peter said in reply, "See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?" Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.
For there is not one among us who will take anything with us when we die. So be careful what you strive for!
The things we all work so hard for will be left for others. Trust God for He will guide you in all you do.
Lord, I pray for the people who are caught up in the riches of the world. If they were close to You, material things would loose their hold on them. Bless our pastor as he stands on Your word and shows us what loving the poor really means. Help us to love people who are here and far away. Lead us to Your will and give us courage to do it. Amen
And Jesus said to his disciples, "Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God." When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, "Who then can be saved?" But Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Then Peter said in reply, "See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?" Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.
For there is not one among us who will take anything with us when we die. So be careful what you strive for!
The things we all work so hard for will be left for others. Trust God for He will guide you in all you do.
Lord, I pray for the people who are caught up in the riches of the world. If they were close to You, material things would loose their hold on them. Bless our pastor as he stands on Your word and shows us what loving the poor really means. Help us to love people who are here and far away. Lead us to Your will and give us courage to do it. Amen
Sunday, June 13, 2010
For To Us A Child Is Born
During his ministry between 739 B.C.to 680 B.C., Prophet Isaiah tells of the future birth of Christ.
Isaiah 9:6-7
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.
Isaiah prophecies about the birth of Christ are fulfilled in the new testament books of the gospels.
The book of Mic.5:2/Matt.2:6 tells of Christ birth in Bethlehem, Is.7:14/Matt.1:23 his birth of a virgin, Is.7:14/Matt.1:23 his name would be called Immanuel, meaning God with us and Is.9:6-7/Matt.1:1 Christ would rule on David's throne.
In Is.9:6/John1:1, Christ is God in human flesh. Is.9:6/Luke 2:14 Christ would bring peace on earth.
Lord, how awesome are Your words. Your word is true from everlasting to everlasting.You are maker of heaven and earth and you set the stars in the sky.
We can not understand Your ways but so long to please You. Forgive our failures and have mercy on us. Amen
Isaiah 9:6-7
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.
Isaiah prophecies about the birth of Christ are fulfilled in the new testament books of the gospels.
The book of Mic.5:2/Matt.2:6 tells of Christ birth in Bethlehem, Is.7:14/Matt.1:23 his birth of a virgin, Is.7:14/Matt.1:23 his name would be called Immanuel, meaning God with us and Is.9:6-7/Matt.1:1 Christ would rule on David's throne.
In Is.9:6/John1:1, Christ is God in human flesh. Is.9:6/Luke 2:14 Christ would bring peace on earth.
Lord, how awesome are Your words. Your word is true from everlasting to everlasting.You are maker of heaven and earth and you set the stars in the sky.
We can not understand Your ways but so long to please You. Forgive our failures and have mercy on us. Amen
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Isaiah's Vision of the Lord
Isaiah 6:1-7 In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!"And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. And I said: "Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!"Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth and said: "Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for."
We are of unclean lips just as Isaiah said he was. We are sinners in need of a guilt offering and His name is Jesus. He is our atonement and because of Him our guilt is taken away. Praise God for we are blessed beyond measure! Lord God, Thank you for Jesus. Amen
We are of unclean lips just as Isaiah said he was. We are sinners in need of a guilt offering and His name is Jesus. He is our atonement and because of Him our guilt is taken away. Praise God for we are blessed beyond measure! Lord God, Thank you for Jesus. Amen
Friday, June 11, 2010
Our Arrogance Before The Lord
Isaiah 2:22 Stop regarding man in whose nostrils is breath, for of what account is he?
Lest we think more of ourselves than we should. The day of the Lord is coming soon, put your faith in Him not man!
Isaiah 1:18-20 "Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be eaten by the sword; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken."
We are like Judah and Jerusalem, rebellious and sinful. Let us learn from God's words to the people of Judah and Jerusalem. Don't you wonder about all the calamities that are happening? It is our punishment for our disobedience to God. He want us to wake up and see His light, Jesus. He will withdraw all of His blessings from us if we don't fall on our knees and ask or forgiveness and mercy. Do we even know His blessings He gives? Rain, sun, water, health, family, breath, food, shelter, next heart beat and I could go on and on.
Holy Father, we know who is our most treasured blessing, Your son Jesus Christ. He paid our debt and we are left with the knowledge of that debt which we can't reimburse. How could we be counted worthy of Your love? We ask for forgiveness and guidance to bring glory to Your name. Amen
Lest we think more of ourselves than we should. The day of the Lord is coming soon, put your faith in Him not man!
Isaiah 1:18-20 "Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be eaten by the sword; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken."
We are like Judah and Jerusalem, rebellious and sinful. Let us learn from God's words to the people of Judah and Jerusalem. Don't you wonder about all the calamities that are happening? It is our punishment for our disobedience to God. He want us to wake up and see His light, Jesus. He will withdraw all of His blessings from us if we don't fall on our knees and ask or forgiveness and mercy. Do we even know His blessings He gives? Rain, sun, water, health, family, breath, food, shelter, next heart beat and I could go on and on.
Holy Father, we know who is our most treasured blessing, Your son Jesus Christ. He paid our debt and we are left with the knowledge of that debt which we can't reimburse. How could we be counted worthy of Your love? We ask for forgiveness and guidance to bring glory to Your name. Amen
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Discipline
Today I spanked my granddaughter Taylor, she is 3 years old. She was being naughty. After we both calmed down, we went to the bed to lay down to rest and talk. I told her how God does not like it when we act bad. She said "MiMi , you spanked me". I said "I know I did and you made God and me sad by being naughty." Taylor said, "MiMi I am sorry, you make me happy". I told her she makes me happy too. Oh how precious are our little ones, even when you discipline them they still love you. This is the way our father God is to us. We do not always obey Him but He still loves us. He will also discipline those He loves!
Heb.12:6-11 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives."It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
Lord God, how precious is the gift of children! Thank You for this gift. Help us to understand You ways.
We know we are unruly children and we disobey You. Would You have mercy on us when we act like ungrateful children? We are indeed weak but You are strong. We strive to be holy but we fail so terribly. Amen
Heb.12:6-11 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives."It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
Lord God, how precious is the gift of children! Thank You for this gift. Help us to understand You ways.
We know we are unruly children and we disobey You. Would You have mercy on us when we act like ungrateful children? We are indeed weak but You are strong. We strive to be holy but we fail so terribly. Amen
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Suffering as a Christian
1 Peter 4:12-19 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And "If the righteous is scarcely saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
Will we except good from God but not evil? (Job 2:10) This is what Job spoke to his wife while he was being tormented with trials by the devil. She told him to curse God and die. Job knew God would not leave him. He with stood all and praised God.
Lord, we need You! When the trials come, we will be weak but You are strong. In good times and bad, we will praise Your name. Give us what we need to stand in You. Amen
Some of us may suffer even unto death.
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
Will we except good from God but not evil? (Job 2:10) This is what Job spoke to his wife while he was being tormented with trials by the devil. She told him to curse God and die. Job knew God would not leave him. He with stood all and praised God.
Lord, we need You! When the trials come, we will be weak but You are strong. In good times and bad, we will praise Your name. Give us what we need to stand in You. Amen
Some of us may suffer even unto death.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Proverbs/Wisdom/Christ
My pastor gave a great sermon on wisdom being the fruit of a right relationship with God. Jesus has the perfect relationship with the Father and has great wisdom. Sin did not stain his relationship with God as it has ours. Proverbs is a book of wisdom.
Prov.1:1-7 The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel: To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth—Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs are guidelines for living, not guarantees in life. Here are some of it's guidelines: Love your spouse loyally, instruct your children intentionally, avoid evil company, promote good relationships, guard what you say and hear, work hard, help the needy, and keep your wealth at a minimum for extreme wealth and extreme poverty are not desirable. Christ is our redemption.
1 Cor.1:26-30 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord."
God desires for us to know and follow His will so much that He lives in us and leads us to accomplish it. Col.2:2-5 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.
Lord, You are a mystery to us. We strive to honor You in all we do. Help us to follow Your ways and to rest in You. Lord, You have sent us a mighty teacher of Your word in our pastor. Bless and keep him and his family from the evil one. We need Your word preached to us with a mighty roar. Amen
Prov.1:1-7 The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel: To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth—Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs are guidelines for living, not guarantees in life. Here are some of it's guidelines: Love your spouse loyally, instruct your children intentionally, avoid evil company, promote good relationships, guard what you say and hear, work hard, help the needy, and keep your wealth at a minimum for extreme wealth and extreme poverty are not desirable. Christ is our redemption.
1 Cor.1:26-30 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord."
God desires for us to know and follow His will so much that He lives in us and leads us to accomplish it. Col.2:2-5 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.
Lord, You are a mystery to us. We strive to honor You in all we do. Help us to follow Your ways and to rest in You. Lord, You have sent us a mighty teacher of Your word in our pastor. Bless and keep him and his family from the evil one. We need Your word preached to us with a mighty roar. Amen
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Uzziah’s Pride and Punishment
2 Chron.26:1-5
And all the people of Judah took Uzziah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king instead of his father Amaziah. He built Eloth and restored it to Judah, after the king slept with his fathers. Uzziah was sixteen years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty-two years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jecoliah of Jerusalem. And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah had done. He set himself to seek God in the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God, and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him prosper.
He was faithful to God and God gave him victory over the Philistines and some of the Arabian clans. He fortified the cities towers, which he built and his fame spread over the land. He had many soldiers, farmers, many large herds and vinedressers.He grew strong under the Lord but he also grew proud and unfaithful. Out of pride, Uzziah entered the temple to burn incense to the Lord.
2 Chron26:17-21 But Azariah the priest went in after him, with eighty priests of the LORD who were men of valor, and they withstood King Uzziah and said to him, "It is not for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the LORD, but for the priests, the sons of Aaron, who are consecrated to burn incense. Go out of the sanctuary, for you have done wrong, and it will bring you no honor from the LORD God." Then Uzziah was angry. Now he had a censer in his hand to burn incense, and when he became angry with the priests, leprosy broke out on his forehead in the presence of the priests in the house of the LORD, by the altar of incense. And Azariah the chief priest and all the priests looked at him, and behold, he was leprous in his forehead! And they rushed him out quickly, and he himself hurried to go out, because the LORD had struck him. And King Uzziah was a leper to the day of his death, and being a leper lived in a separate house, for he was excluded from the house of the LORD.
Lord, We pray for You to keep our hearts from pride. Always we need to know everything we have comes from You. You are our creator, master and king. We are Your servants and know we are not worthy of anything but Your judgement. Have mercy on us and forgive us when we are weak in faith. Amen
And all the people of Judah took Uzziah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king instead of his father Amaziah. He built Eloth and restored it to Judah, after the king slept with his fathers. Uzziah was sixteen years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty-two years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jecoliah of Jerusalem. And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah had done. He set himself to seek God in the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God, and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him prosper.
He was faithful to God and God gave him victory over the Philistines and some of the Arabian clans. He fortified the cities towers, which he built and his fame spread over the land. He had many soldiers, farmers, many large herds and vinedressers.He grew strong under the Lord but he also grew proud and unfaithful. Out of pride, Uzziah entered the temple to burn incense to the Lord.
2 Chron26:17-21 But Azariah the priest went in after him, with eighty priests of the LORD who were men of valor, and they withstood King Uzziah and said to him, "It is not for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the LORD, but for the priests, the sons of Aaron, who are consecrated to burn incense. Go out of the sanctuary, for you have done wrong, and it will bring you no honor from the LORD God." Then Uzziah was angry. Now he had a censer in his hand to burn incense, and when he became angry with the priests, leprosy broke out on his forehead in the presence of the priests in the house of the LORD, by the altar of incense. And Azariah the chief priest and all the priests looked at him, and behold, he was leprous in his forehead! And they rushed him out quickly, and he himself hurried to go out, because the LORD had struck him. And King Uzziah was a leper to the day of his death, and being a leper lived in a separate house, for he was excluded from the house of the LORD.
Lord, We pray for You to keep our hearts from pride. Always we need to know everything we have comes from You. You are our creator, master and king. We are Your servants and know we are not worthy of anything but Your judgement. Have mercy on us and forgive us when we are weak in faith. Amen
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Jonah and His Underwater Adventure
What if you found yourself alive and in the belly of a whale? It would be most terrifying, would it not? This is the bible truth about Jonah. God told Jonah to go and preach to Nineveh about their wickedness. Jonah decided he did not want to preach to them, so instead he boarded a ship headed for Tarshish. This made God angry and He made the wind and seas very fierce. The whole crew was in a panic and began to pray to their various gods. In a attempt to keep the ship from sinking they hurled the cargo into the sea. The captain spotted Jonah fast asleep and told him to pray to his God for they were going to sink. The crew decided to cast lots to see if they could find out why they were having such evil upon them. The lot fell on poor Jonah and they began to question him. Jonah told them where he was from and about God and how he disobeyed God. Jonah said throw me over and you may be safe. The crew thought this was wrong so they tried to ride the seas but God made the seas even more treacherous. So they prayed to God not to be guilty of this man's blood and they threw him over. The seas were immediately calm. The crew feared the Lord greatly and made sacrifices to Him. Jonah was in the belly of great fish three days and nights. Here is his prayer:
Jonah 2:1-10 Then Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from the belly of the fish, saying, "I called out to the LORD, out of my distress, and he answered me; out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice. For you cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, and the flood surrounded me; all your waves and your billows passed over me. Then I said, 'I am driven away from your sight; yet I shall again look upon your holy temple.' The waters closed in over me to take my life; the deep surrounded me; weeds were wrapped about my head at the roots of the mountains. I went down to the land whose bars closed upon me forever; yet you brought up my life from the pit, O LORD my God. When my life was fainting away, I remembered the LORD, and my prayer came to you, into your holy temple. Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their hope of steadfast love. But I with the voice of thanksgiving will sacrifice to you; what I have vowed I will pay. Salvation belongs to the LORD!" And the LORD spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah out upon the dry land. Then Jonah went to Nineveh to preach. He announced that in forty days the town and it's inhabitants would be destroyed. The king and the people from the oldest to the youngest believed the Lord and repented. A fast was announced by the king and they called out mightily to God. When God saw that they turned from their wickedness, he did not destroy them. This made Jonah mad. Jonah 4:2-4 And he prayed to the LORD and said, "O LORD, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster. Therefore now, O LORD, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live." And the LORD said, "Do you do well to be angry?" Jonah went to sit at the edge of town to see what would happen.
Then God again spoke to Jonah. Jonah 4:6-11 Now the LORD God appointed a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be a shade over his head, to save him from his discomfort. So Jonah was exceedingly glad because of the plant. But when dawn came up the next day, God appointed a worm that attacked the plant, so that it withered. When the sun rose, God appointed a scorching east wind, and the sun beat down on the head of Jonah so that he was faint. And he asked that he might die and said,"It is better for me to die than to live." But God said to Jonah, "Do you do well to be angry for the plant?" And he said, "Yes, I do well to be angry, angry enough to die." And the LORD said, "You pity the plant, for which you did not labor, nor did you make it grow, which came into being in a night and perished in a night. And should not I pity Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also much cattle?" O Lord, I praise You. You are creator and king, Lord over all. Amen
Jonah 2:1-10 Then Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from the belly of the fish, saying, "I called out to the LORD, out of my distress, and he answered me; out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice. For you cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, and the flood surrounded me; all your waves and your billows passed over me. Then I said, 'I am driven away from your sight; yet I shall again look upon your holy temple.' The waters closed in over me to take my life; the deep surrounded me; weeds were wrapped about my head at the roots of the mountains. I went down to the land whose bars closed upon me forever; yet you brought up my life from the pit, O LORD my God. When my life was fainting away, I remembered the LORD, and my prayer came to you, into your holy temple. Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their hope of steadfast love. But I with the voice of thanksgiving will sacrifice to you; what I have vowed I will pay. Salvation belongs to the LORD!" And the LORD spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah out upon the dry land. Then Jonah went to Nineveh to preach. He announced that in forty days the town and it's inhabitants would be destroyed. The king and the people from the oldest to the youngest believed the Lord and repented. A fast was announced by the king and they called out mightily to God. When God saw that they turned from their wickedness, he did not destroy them. This made Jonah mad. Jonah 4:2-4 And he prayed to the LORD and said, "O LORD, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster. Therefore now, O LORD, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live." And the LORD said, "Do you do well to be angry?" Jonah went to sit at the edge of town to see what would happen.
Then God again spoke to Jonah. Jonah 4:6-11 Now the LORD God appointed a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be a shade over his head, to save him from his discomfort. So Jonah was exceedingly glad because of the plant. But when dawn came up the next day, God appointed a worm that attacked the plant, so that it withered. When the sun rose, God appointed a scorching east wind, and the sun beat down on the head of Jonah so that he was faint. And he asked that he might die and said,"It is better for me to die than to live." But God said to Jonah, "Do you do well to be angry for the plant?" And he said, "Yes, I do well to be angry, angry enough to die." And the LORD said, "You pity the plant, for which you did not labor, nor did you make it grow, which came into being in a night and perished in a night. And should not I pity Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also much cattle?" O Lord, I praise You. You are creator and king, Lord over all. Amen
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Committed/Husbands/Wives/Betrothed
Prov. 18:22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.
Eph.5:31 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united
to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.
1Peter 3:7 Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.
Eph. 5:22-24 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.
Eph.5:28-30 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body.
Marriage is a life time commitment. It is a holy covenant between one man and one woman ordained by God. It is a give and take relationship, more giving than taking if you want to be happy. I think this is a place the devil really enjoys sticking his nose in. Guard your marriage because the devil will take it from you in a split second. Try to always put the others feelings above your own. I know this is hard but it creates a happy loving relationship. If you are tempted by the devil to make comments of a negative fashion, hold your tongue!!! Those words cut deep!! The hurt is hard to heal and leaves scars that may never go away. I know you can not live with someone and agree with them all the time but you can weigh your words. I have a very sharp tongue. It is a constant battle for me to keep my mouth shut. I am hot-headed and that just makes it worse.
Lord, I pray for all the hard heads who can not hold their tongues. Give us strength to be still in You. Help us build loving and caring relationships with our loved ones. Lord. deliver us from the devil and his evil ways. I pray for long marriages and peace that can only come from You. Lord, I ask for lifetime commitments for all of our marriages. I ask for commitment for all the betrothed couples and blessings from You on their commitments to each other. Amen
Eph.5:31 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united
to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.
1Peter 3:7 Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.
Eph. 5:22-24 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.
Eph.5:28-30 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body.
Marriage is a life time commitment. It is a holy covenant between one man and one woman ordained by God. It is a give and take relationship, more giving than taking if you want to be happy. I think this is a place the devil really enjoys sticking his nose in. Guard your marriage because the devil will take it from you in a split second. Try to always put the others feelings above your own. I know this is hard but it creates a happy loving relationship. If you are tempted by the devil to make comments of a negative fashion, hold your tongue!!! Those words cut deep!! The hurt is hard to heal and leaves scars that may never go away. I know you can not live with someone and agree with them all the time but you can weigh your words. I have a very sharp tongue. It is a constant battle for me to keep my mouth shut. I am hot-headed and that just makes it worse.
Lord, I pray for all the hard heads who can not hold their tongues. Give us strength to be still in You. Help us build loving and caring relationships with our loved ones. Lord. deliver us from the devil and his evil ways. I pray for long marriages and peace that can only come from You. Lord, I ask for lifetime commitments for all of our marriages. I ask for commitment for all the betrothed couples and blessings from You on their commitments to each other. Amen
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Naaman Healed of Leprosy
2 Kings 5: 1-14 Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master and in high favor, because by him the LORD had given victory to Syria. He was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper. Now the Syrians on one of their raids had carried off a little girl from the land of Israel, and she worked in the service of Naaman’s wife. She said to her mistress, "Would that my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy." So Naaman went in and told his lord, "Thus and so spoke the girl from the land of Israel." And the king of Syria said, "Go now, and I will send a letter to the king of Israel."
So he went, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten changes of clothing. And he brought the letter to the king of Israel, which read, "When this letter reaches you, know that I have sent to you Naaman my servant, that you may cure him of his leprosy." And when the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and said, "Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man sends word to me to cure a man of his leprosy? Only consider, and see how he is seeking a quarrel with me."
But when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, he sent to the king, saying, "Why have you torn your clothes? Let him come now to me, that he may know that there is a prophet in Israel." So Naaman came with his horses and chariots and stood at the door of Elisha’s house. And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, "Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored, and you shall be clean." But Naaman was angry and went away, saying, "Behold, I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call upon the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper. Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?" So he turned and went away in a rage. But his servants came near and said to him "My father, it is a great word the prophet has spoken to you; will you not do it? Has he actually said to you, 'Wash, and be clean'?" So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child and he was clean.
Just like us, Naaman thought he should get what he wanted when he wanted. God's will is carried out in His time not ours. God had used Naaman, the Syrian, in His plan for Israel's defeat.
So he went, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten changes of clothing. And he brought the letter to the king of Israel, which read, "When this letter reaches you, know that I have sent to you Naaman my servant, that you may cure him of his leprosy." And when the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and said, "Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man sends word to me to cure a man of his leprosy? Only consider, and see how he is seeking a quarrel with me."
But when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, he sent to the king, saying, "Why have you torn your clothes? Let him come now to me, that he may know that there is a prophet in Israel." So Naaman came with his horses and chariots and stood at the door of Elisha’s house. And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, "Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored, and you shall be clean." But Naaman was angry and went away, saying, "Behold, I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call upon the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper. Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?" So he turned and went away in a rage. But his servants came near and said to him "My father, it is a great word the prophet has spoken to you; will you not do it? Has he actually said to you, 'Wash, and be clean'?" So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child and he was clean.
Just like us, Naaman thought he should get what he wanted when he wanted. God's will is carried out in His time not ours. God had used Naaman, the Syrian, in His plan for Israel's defeat.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Elisha Prays for God to Raise the Dead
Notice in this bible truth, that Elisha calls on God for restoration of this child's life.
2 Kings 4:18-37
When the child had grown, he went out one day to his father among the reapers. And he said to his father, "Oh, my head, my head!" The father said to his servant, "Carry him to his mother." And when he had lifted him and brought him to his mother, the child sat on her lap till noon, and then he died. And she went up and laid him on the bed of the man of God and shut the door behind him and went out. Then she called to her husband and said, "Send me one of the servants and one of the donkeys, that I may quickly go to the man of God and come back again." And he said, "Why will you go to him today? It is neither new moon nor Sabbath." She said, "All is well." Then she saddled the donkey, and she said to her servant, "Urge the animal on; do not slacken the pace for me unless I tell you." So she set out and came to the man of God at Mount Carmel.
When the man of God saw her coming, he said to Gehazi his servant, "Look, there is the Shunammite. Run at once to meet her and say to her, 'Is all well with you? Is all well with your husband? Is all well with the child?'" And she answered, "All is well." And when she came to the mountain to the man of God, she caught hold of his feet. And Gehazi came to push her away. But the man of God said, "Leave her alone, for she is in bitter distress, and the LORD has hidden it from me and has not told me." Then she said, "Did I ask my lord for a son? Did I not say, 'Do not deceive me?'" He said to Gehazi, "Tie up your garment and take my staff in your hand and go. If you meet anyone, do not greet him, and if anyone greets you, do not reply. And lay my staff on the face of the child." Then the mother of the child said, "As the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you." So he arose and followed her. Gehazi went on ahead and laid the staff on the face of the child, but there was no sound or sign of life. Therefore he returned to meet him and told him, "The child has not awakened."
When Elisha came into the house, he saw the child lying dead on his bed. So he went in and shut the door behind the two of them and prayed to the LORD. Then he went up and lay on the child, putting his mouth on his mouth, his eyes on his eyes, and his hands on his hands. And as he stretched himself upon him, the flesh of the child became warm. Then he got up again and walked once back and forth in the house, and went up and stretched himself upon him. The child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes. Then he summoned Gehazi and said, "Call this Shunammite." So he called her. And when she came to him, he said, "Pick up your son." She came and fell at his feet, bowing to the ground. Then she picked up her son and went out.
2 Kings 4:18-37
When the child had grown, he went out one day to his father among the reapers. And he said to his father, "Oh, my head, my head!" The father said to his servant, "Carry him to his mother." And when he had lifted him and brought him to his mother, the child sat on her lap till noon, and then he died. And she went up and laid him on the bed of the man of God and shut the door behind him and went out. Then she called to her husband and said, "Send me one of the servants and one of the donkeys, that I may quickly go to the man of God and come back again." And he said, "Why will you go to him today? It is neither new moon nor Sabbath." She said, "All is well." Then she saddled the donkey, and she said to her servant, "Urge the animal on; do not slacken the pace for me unless I tell you." So she set out and came to the man of God at Mount Carmel.
When the man of God saw her coming, he said to Gehazi his servant, "Look, there is the Shunammite. Run at once to meet her and say to her, 'Is all well with you? Is all well with your husband? Is all well with the child?'" And she answered, "All is well." And when she came to the mountain to the man of God, she caught hold of his feet. And Gehazi came to push her away. But the man of God said, "Leave her alone, for she is in bitter distress, and the LORD has hidden it from me and has not told me." Then she said, "Did I ask my lord for a son? Did I not say, 'Do not deceive me?'" He said to Gehazi, "Tie up your garment and take my staff in your hand and go. If you meet anyone, do not greet him, and if anyone greets you, do not reply. And lay my staff on the face of the child." Then the mother of the child said, "As the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you." So he arose and followed her. Gehazi went on ahead and laid the staff on the face of the child, but there was no sound or sign of life. Therefore he returned to meet him and told him, "The child has not awakened."
When Elisha came into the house, he saw the child lying dead on his bed. So he went in and shut the door behind the two of them and prayed to the LORD. Then he went up and lay on the child, putting his mouth on his mouth, his eyes on his eyes, and his hands on his hands. And as he stretched himself upon him, the flesh of the child became warm. Then he got up again and walked once back and forth in the house, and went up and stretched himself upon him. The child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes. Then he summoned Gehazi and said, "Call this Shunammite." So he called her. And when she came to him, he said, "Pick up your son." She came and fell at his feet, bowing to the ground. Then she picked up her son and went out.
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