An assembly is organized and David gathers together all the leaders of Israel, as well as the priests and Levites. 1Chron.23:1-2 expound: The Levites thirty years old or more were counted, and the total number of men was thirty-eight thousand. The purpose of the convocation was to organize the government so that there would be a smooth transition between administrations_the incumbent and Solomon's. Realizing that he was full of years and that the heir to the throne was inexperienced, the king wisely organized the leadership so that they would support Solomon. If you desire, you can read further in  1Chron.23:7-11 to determine those belonging to the Gershonites; the Kohathites and the Merarites. Verses 24-27 reveal that according to the last instructions of David, the Levites were counted from those twenty years old or more. Their responsibilities will somewhat change once the permanent temple is constructed as there will be no need to transport it from place to place. 1Chron. 23:28-32 explain the duties of the Levites. Lord, my friends have responsibilities as well. Some are overwhelmed by them. The stress they encounter on their jobs intensifies their illness. Then, many are married with children and others are battling the issues of being single parents. Father, let them know that you are there for them. And that they do not have to face these challenges alone. David was an organizer it is true, but the duties of the Levites had been established many years prior to King David's watch. God is the chief organizer. He sees things from a different perspective and He knows what will be required in the future. Some of my friends lack a sense of organization in their lives. In every aspect. Their minds are cluttered with junk. And, even many of their homes are in disarray. Lord, help them get it together. To sweep out their minds that are filled with stuff that binds them and to organize the physical structures in which they live. You are invited to engage in further readings regarding the duties of the Levites in 1Chron. 24:1-5; 6-19 and the twenty-fifth chapter, verses 1-31, as well as chapter 26:1-ll. As we draw near to the book of Psalms, it may be interesting to note that David, together with the commanders of the army, set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun for the ministry of propheysying, accompanied by harps, lyers and cymbals. (1Chron. 25:1-5). Today's affirmation: I am aware that my life may be off kilter. I will make a mental assessment. I will write in a journal, the things that need fixing. Writing my thoughts and ideas in a journal may become a regular part of my mental cleansing. I will ask God to help me organize my life. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Thursday, December 24, 2009

 

David bows out graciously, but not before delivering a blue-print farewell address. In  1Chron.28:1 it says that David summoned all the officials of Israel. He made his son Solomon king over Israel. Then, in Chapter 28:2-8 we are told that King David rose to his feet and said: "Listen to me, my brothers and my  people. I had it in my heart to build a house as a place of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord, for the footstool of our God, and I made plans to build it. But God said to me, 'You are not to build a house for my name, because you are a warrior and have shed blood.' "Yet the Lord, the God of Israel, chose me from my whole family to be king over Israel forever. He chose Judah as a leader, and from the house of Judah he chose my family, and from my fathers's sons he was pleased to make me king over all Israel. Of all my sons_and the Lord has given me many_he has chosen my son Solomon to sit on the throne of the kingdom of the Lord over Israel. He said to me: 'Solomon your son is the one who will build my house and my courts, for I have chosen him to be my son and I will be his father. I will establish his kingdom forever if he is unswerving in carrying out my commands and laws, as is being done at this time.' "So now I charge you in the sight of all Israel and of the assembly of the Lord, and in the hearing of our God: Be careful to follow all the commands of the Lord your God, that you may possess this good land and  pass it on as an inheritance to your descendants forever. The address continues in 1Chron28:9,10: "And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. Consider now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a temple as a sancturary. Be strong and do the work." Lord, let he who has an ear listen. It is noteworthy to know that from this line a sprout of Jesse was born in the form of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. David continues to advise Solomon in verses nine and ten and in the eleventh through the nineteenth he gives his son the plans for the the portico of the temple, its buildings, its storehouses, its upper parts, its inner rooms and the place of atonement. And he gave him the required materials. He asked for contribution from the assembly and they gave willingly as is stated in 1Chron. 29:6-9. We revisit the big O word. Offerings. The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and whole-heartedly to the Lord. David the king also rejoiced greatly. Father, help my friends to know that they, too, must give. Of their resources. And of their time. Helping others is the best way to help yourself. 1Chron.29:10-20 relate the emotions of King David regarding the generosity of the  people: "But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. We are aliens and strangers in your sight, as were all our forefathers. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope..." Today's affirmation: I must not always concern myself with myself. I must remember that I am only a grain of sand on the shores of life. I will share my income. I will step out on faith. It is not all about me. If I have very little, I will share that which has been given me. I also have my mind and body to be given in an effort to assist others, especially those of like mind and circumstances. This prayer I pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted December 25, 2009

 

It is not heresy. Material presented on this site are given in chronological order. It is simply for the sake of historical occurance. In other words, if you graduated from high school in one year and the event is revealed another year, it is not presented as it happened. It is easier to understand when facts are presented within the context of their historical happenings. Concomitantly, the book of Psalms is a compilation of many songs/prayers written by David, as well as others. For example the sons of Korah, referenced earlier, wrote some of them. Since there are a collection of 150 of these psalms, it is best understood when they are presented topically as well as thematically. The topical arrangement resulted from the efforts of the editor of THE DAILY BIBLE PUBLISHED BY GUIDEPOSTS, WITH COMMENTARY BY F. LAGARD SMITH. The application of the psalms to those with depression are my own. First to be considered are PSALMS OF THE TROUBLED SOUL. Some of you may be cognizant that a few psalms from the collection have previously been presented. Beginning with Psa. 5, the theme evolves around the lies of enemies. God is able to defend us from lies spoken against us. Lord, many of my friends have been victims of sheer lies that have been told or implied against them. Some find it difficult to "shake" them off and go on with their lives. A half-truth is still a lie, Lord. Jehovah, many of these same friends have told lies. Silence, it is said, means consent. In Psa. 5 David prays for protection of the righteous. Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my sighing. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. It continues: You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil; with you the wicked cannot dwell. The arrogant cannot stand in your presence; you hate all who do wrong. You destroy those who tell lies; bloodthirsty and deceitful men the Lord abhors. Heavenly Father, there are those who establish themselves above my friends. They are arrogant. They are self-righteous. But you exalt the humble, Lord. You have demonstrated this many times. The next psalm finds David in trouble. God is able to rescue him. He laments: O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath. Be merciful to me Lord, for I am faint; O Lord, heal me, for my bones are in agony. My soul is in anguish. How long, O Lord, how long? Lord, these psalms are so soothing to the souls of my troubled friends. They need very little commentary. Because of their length, you may read them in their entirety at your convenience. In Psa. 7 David makes a request for justice against those who make slanderous comments. God is the perfect judge and will punish those who persecute the innocent. In it the Psalmist says: Judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness, according to my integrity, O Most High. O righteous God, who searches minds and hearts, bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure. This can be helpful to my battered friends who are victims of domestic abuse. The final presentations for today are Psa. 10 and ll. In the former, David wonders why the Lord seems to stand far from him. He writes: Why, O Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak, who are caught in the schemes he devises. In Psa. 11 David takes reguge in the Lord. In the Lord I take refuge. How then can you say to me: "Flee like a bird to your mountain..." Because of the very nature of the psalms, as well as their blatant messages of hope, the affirmations will not be given. Sporadic commentary will suffice. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends. Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Saturday, December 26, 2009

 

Let me share with you my story. Once I sat at my desk and began to journal. I wrote for hours. I berated myself up and down. I wrote about every aspect of my life. It wasn't a pretty picture. But, I continued to write  until I had released the negative energy. I read what I had written. Then, I destroyed it. It was finished. Analogous to what happened to Christ on the cross. I felt so much better. I never forgot the process, but abandoned the  pain. This is what I think David is doing with his psalms. Continuing with Psa. 13 we find the theme to be: prayer for salvation from enemies. How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? In keep ing with my intention for this section of the bible, I will limit my commentary. Sometimes, however, it is needed. Lord, my friends must be aware that the enemy is not always of an extraneous source. Sometimes they are the enemy. My friends inflict harm upon themselves through negative thinking. I did. And I continue to battle the demon. Prayer for rescue from enemies is the theme of Psa. 17. Hear, O Lord, my righteous plea; listen to my cry. Give ear to my prayer__ it does not rise from deceitful lips. May my vindication come from you; may your eyes see what is right. It continues:  I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer. Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from your foes. Rise up, O lord, confront them, bring them down; rescue me from the wicked by your sword, O Lord, by your hand save me from such men, from men of this world whose reward is in this life. The next psalm of David is familiar to  believers. And is memorized by most. Repeat it slowly and inhale every word: The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want, He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You annoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. The New International Version is used here and may vary slightly from your bible of choice. Psa. 26 is a prayer for redemption of the righteous. David writes: Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the Lord without wavering, Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth. Father, as is recorded in your Holy Word, David did not always walk blamelessly before you. Neither have my friends. Nor I. But, you were there for David. You are here for my friends and you were with me. Finally, Psa. 31 is a supplication for relief from pursuers and slanderers. It is a psalm of David. In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me,  come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. It continues: I trust in the Lord. I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anquish of my soul. You have not handed me over to the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place. Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, and my soul and my body with grief. My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my afflication and my bones grow weak. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen. 

 

Submitted Sunday, December 27, 2009

 

A range of emotions. This was the motivation behind the psalms written by David. He expressed himself through his songs in the same way as I am through this website. Some of his psalms were introduced earlier when he felt and experienced them. His life was like a pendulum, swinging from lows to highs. David endured it all. And that is what my friends feel, Lord. Many of them have been diagnosed with manic depression which is characterized by emotional extremes. At one point they are ecstatically happy and then later they are "down in the dumps." Continuing with the topic, "Psalms of the Troubled Soul," we find the theme of Psa. 35 to be prayers for vindication in the eyes of enemies who gloat. Father, there are many in the lives of my friends who have malice in their hearts, and are actually happy over their circumstances. This psalm is of David. Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. Take up shield and buckler; arise and come to my aid. In another stanza it says: ...may those who plot my ruin be turned back in dismay. May they be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the Lord driving them away; may their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of the Lord pursuing them. Since they hid their net for me without cause and without cause dug a pit for me, may ruin overtake them by surprise... In the fourth stanza we touch upon the theme: Let not those gloat over me who are my enemies without cause; let not those who hate me without reason maliciously wink the eye. Stanza five ends by saying, Do not let them think, "Aha, just what we wanted!" or say, "We have swallowed him up." In Psa. 41 we find a prayer for the weak and those who suffer betrayal by friends. This, too, is a psalm of David. Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the Lord delivers him in times of trouble. The Lord will protect him and preserve his life; he will bless him in the land not surrender him to the desire of his foes. The third stanza relates: Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me. Psalm 43 is a prayer for insight in the face of opposition. Let us examine the second stanza: Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and my God. Refuge and strength in the God who rules over nations is the main idea of Psa. 46. In the first stanza it explains: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. The third stanza says, The Lord Almighty is with us, the God of Jacob is our fortress. The last, Psa. 55 is a prayer over the anguish of having disloyal companions. It is of David. Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea hear me and answer me. My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught at the voice of the enemy, at the stares of the wicked; for they bring down suffering upon me and revile me in their anger. A line from the second stanza says ..."Oh, that I had wings of a dove! I would flee far away and stay in the desert..." Finally, stanza four laments, If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were raising himself against me, I could hide from him. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship as we walked with the throng at the house of God. And the last stanza admonishes: Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Monday, December 28, 2009

 

"But some of the psalms don't make sense to me," you may say. Perhaps to many. But to those who have studied the Word and the events leading up to them, they should be able to perceive their meanings. There may have been times when David was hiding from Saul, for example. Of course, these psalms will be different from those expressed after his adulterous affair. So, there you have it. It all depends upon the circumstances under which they were written. Wouldn't that be true of you? Simultaneously, you may be able to breathe life into a stanza according to your experiences that were not intended when composed by David. It all depends upon life events. Psa. 61 is a prayer for God's defense and shelter. It is of David. Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. For you have heard my vows, O God; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name. The subsequent psalm of David, Psa. 62 has as its theme the fact that God is our only strength, whose love excels all others. In the first stanza: My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. And in the final two verses of the next stanza: With their mouths they bless, but in their hearts they curse. The last verses of the third stanza reveal: Trust in him at all times, O people, pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. In the final stanza: One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard; that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord are loving. Surely you will reward each person according to what he has done. In Psalm 64 there is a plea against conspirators who scheme evil deeds. It is a psalm of David. In the second stanza: They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their words like deadly arrows, They shoot from ambush at the innocent man; they shoot at him suddenly, without fear. And in the finality of stanza five: Let the righteous rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in him; let all the upright in heart praise him! The last to be considered, Psalm 69 is a prayer for end of scorn. This, too, is of David. Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold. I have come into the deep waters; the floods engulf me. I am worn out calling for help; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God. Those who hate me without reason outnumber the hairs of my head; many are my enemies without cause, those who seek to destroy me. I am forced to restore what I did not steal. In the second stanza: For I endure scorn for your sake, and shame covers my face. I am a stranger to my brothers, and alien to my own mother's sons; for zeal for your house consumes me, and the insults of those who insult you fall on me. When I weep and fast, I must endure scorn; when I put on sackcloth, people make sport of me. Those who sit at the gate mock me, and I am the song of the drunkards. Stanza three continues: But I pray to you, O Lord in the time of your favor; in your great love, O God, answer me with your sure salvation. Rescue me from the mire, do not let me sink; deliver me from those who hate me, from the deep waters. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen. 

 

Submitted Tuesday, December 29, 2009

 

Are there any prophesies of the coming of the Messiah in the writings of the Psalms? That is a question I asked myself. And, I am sure some of you are wondering the same thing. Let us take a hiatus and address that query before proceeding with more songs of David and others. In this way, you may want to look for them as we progress through the Psalms, which is not considered a book. From HALLEY'S BIBLE HANDBOOK WRITTEN  BY HENRY H. HALLEY AND PUBLISHED BY ZONDERVAN, we find statments in the Psalms that in the New Testament are explicitly said to refer to Christ: "You are my Son; today I have become your Father" (Psa.2:7;Acts 13:33); "You put everything under his feet" (Psa. 8:6; Hebrews 2:6-10); "Because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay"(Psa. 16:10; Acts 2:27) "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Psa.22:1;Matthew 27:46);"He trusts in the Lord; let the Lord rescue him:(Psa.22:8; Matthew 27:43);"They have pierced my hands and my feet" (Psa. 22:16; John 20:25); "They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing" (Psa.22:18;John 19:24); "Here I am, I have come...to do your will, O my God (Psa40:7-8; Hebrews 10:7) "Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread,has lifted up his heel against me: (Psa. 41:9; John 13:18; "Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever" (Psa. 45:6; Hebrews 1:8);  "Zeal for your house consumes me" (Psa. 69:9; John 2:17) "They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst" (Psa:69:21 Matthew 27:34.48) "May another take his place of leadership" (Psa. 109:8; Acts 1:20); "The Lord says to my Lord: 'Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet'" (Psa. 110:1; Matthew 22:44; "The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind. 'You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek'" (Psa. 110:4; Hebrews 7:17); "The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone" (Psa. 118:22; Matthew 21:42) and "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord" (Psa. 118:26; matthew 21.) See further under 2 Samuel 7 and Matthew 3:22. Lord, let those who are non-believers understand that the birth of Jesus was not just a "New Testament Thing" but that it is announced throughout the Old Testament. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Wednesday, December 30, 2009

 

Before we shift gears and return to the Psalms, I would like to acknowledge the assistance of Elder Chuck of my church for suggesting the use of HALLEY'S BIBLE HANDBOOK. I mentioned it in the previous submission. It was the source used to provide the prophetic verses in the book of Psalms that are referenced in the Greek Scriptures. Psa. 70 targets the urgency of the need for God's deliverance as its theme. The second stanza states: Yet I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay. Father, you are the provider for my friends. But, many of them have few material concerns. Yet, they are poor and needy emotionally. A prayer for God's  presence even in old age expresses the main idea of Psa. 71. Lord, depression is rampant among the elderly. It is not a young person's illness. The elderly find themselves victims of fraud perpetrated against them; many survive their mates and even children, as well as friends. Lord, deliver them from their pain. The first stanza says: In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; Rescue me and deliver me in your righteousness; turn your ear to me and save me. Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. Deliver me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of evil and cruel men. And excerpts from the second stanza express: For you have been my hope, O Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth.  The first few verses of stanza three says, Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.  In stanza four we find a positive message: But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure. I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone. And, finally in the next stanza: Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God, you who have done great things. Who, O God, is like you? Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once again. These words have personal meaning for me. I have seen many troubles and they have been bitter. I have been ridiculed because of my illness, but God has delivered me and is comforting me once again. In Psa. 77 Asaph writes about the comfort of knowing God's record of deliverance. I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me. When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands and my soul refused to be comforted. In the second stanza these words are found: I remembered you, O God, and I groaned; I mused, and my spirit grew faint. You kept my eyes from closing; I was too troubled to speak. I thought about the former days, the years of long ago; I remembered my songs in the night. My heart mused and my spirit inquired. And in stanza four: Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God? You are the God who performs among the peoples.  Psa. 83 is a prayer for punishment of oppressing nations. I invite you to read it for yourselves. In Ps. 86 David prays for mercy in face of enemies. In the first stanza: Hear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Guard my life, for I am devoted to you. You are my God; save your servant who trusts in you. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I call to you all day long. Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. In the second stanza the following was written: You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you. Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my cry for mercy. In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Thursday, December 31, 2009

 

I recently received an e-mail message from a friend. Not one of those cute power point shows, but a simple essay. It was straightforward. It talked about regret. And how most people reflect upon their lives with such thoughts. But, the theme of the electronic note was that we were in a different state of mind "back then." We did the best we could under the circumstances and we learned from the experiences. And, we should move on. There is wisdom in that central meaning. But, the bible isn't written in that manner. God wanted the Israelites to remember what He had done for them as well as what they had done to him. He didn't want them to forget. And, that, too, has its merits. The past, I have always said, is good for nothing but feeling appreciative. But, if you fail to remember it, you are doomed to repeat it. I am not sure of the source of that bit of wisdom. In the first psalm of today's submission, Psa. 88, we embark upon what many would care not to consider. It is a psalm of the Sons of Korah and it is about the fear of one who is dying and wonders if God hears him. Take heart as the subsequent psalm gives a positive response to that query. Lord, there are those who are terminally ill. Some have the added burden of wondering about their spirituality. Some are non-believers and will accept their fate. But, even they, in the face of such circumstances, will ponder the future in the spiritual realm. The psalm says: O Lord, the God who saves me, day and night I cry out before you. May my prayer come before you; turn your ear to my cry. In the second stanza it continues: For my soul is full of trouble and my life draws near the grave. I am counted among those who go down to the pit; I am like a man without strength. I am set apart with the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave, whom you remember no more, who are cut off from your care. Verse five says: But I cry to you for help, O Lord; in the morning my prayer comes before you. Why, O Lord, do you reject me and hide your face from me? A more uplifting subject is embraced in Psa. 91_the personal protection of one who trusts in God. He who dwells in the shelter of the most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." Below a picture of Christ in my bedroom I have the following verses written from this psalm: In the third stanza it says, If you make the Most High your dwelling_even the Lord, who is my refuge_then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. Psalm 95 is about the God of creation as a personal Shepherd. In the first stanza: Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. The third stanza extols: Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Psa. 108, of David, is a prayer for victory over enemies. In the first stanza it says, My heart is steadfast, O God..And in the second stanza we find these words: Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered. The next song of David baffles me, but made perfect sense to David, who often had to flee from his enemies who sought to kill him. Though your circumstances may not be as dire, it is recommended that you read the entire psalm, breathing your personal experiences into David's song. Lord, let those who are hurting find comfort in the songs of David and his associates. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Friday, January 1, 2010

 

"It is what it is," so says my son-in-law, Omar. Whenever he is troubled he always utters that phrase. And there is so much wisdom in it. Why analyze things? They are what they are. And for whatever reason. Now, I am not saying analysis is not good for the soul, especially when directed by a qualified mental health professional. However, you can over do it. Sometimes we have to accept things and go on. Ours is not always to wonder why. Yet, self analysis has its place. As we terminate this section of the psalms, we are preparing to approach a different subject matter. However, the current consideration, PRAYERS FOR THE TROUBLED SOUL doesn't end with my friends. Their troubles, like a beat, go on. The first psalm to be considered in this finality is Psa. 120: a prayer for deliverance from lying Gentiles who press war. WOW! I know that blew some of my non-believers out of the water. And it is not the result of my editorializing. It is the caption selected by the editor of the bible I chose to use, THE DAILY BIBLE IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER (NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION). One should view this through the eyes of the times it which it was penned. Keep it in perspective. The first stanza says, I call on the Lord in my distress, and he answers me. Save me, O Lord, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues. The next psalm, Psa. 121 focuses on the Lord watching over his people. The first stanza, a very familiar one, says, I lift up my eyes to the hills_where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord the Maker of heaven and earth. The last stanza: The Lord will keep you from all harm_he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going  both now and forevermore. The theme of Psa. 140 reveals itself to be prayer for protection from violent persons. It is a psalm of David. The first stanza says, Rescue me, O Lord, from evil men; protect me from men of violence, who devise evil plans in their hearts and stir up war every day. They make their tongues as sharp as a serpent's; the poison of vipers is on their lips. The last two verses of stanza three: Let slanderers not be established in the land; may disaster hunt down men of violence. And the last stanza: I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy. Surely the righteous will praise your name and the upright will live before you. And we close out this section with Psa. 143 which targets prayer for preservation of life and protection against trouble. Also a psalm of David. The initial stanza states, O Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief. Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous before you. And in the third stanza: I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. The fourth stanza exclaims: Answer me quickly, O Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Rescue me  from my enemies, O Lord, for I hide myself in  you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. And  the final consideration is Psa. 144, prayer for God's power. Read it for yourself. It is of David. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Saturday, January 2, 2010

 

Righteous. Yes. Self-righteous. No. Whenever I teeter totter on the line between the two, I try to reflect upon conjunctions and adverbs, two of the parts of speech I taught as a former instructor of English. How so? Well, when I draw a conclusion about someone, I always add the conjuctions "and," "but," or "because." Or I will use an adverbial phrase such as "perhaps" or "maybe." I will ruminate in this fashion: Subject A may have done action Y because....(fill in the blank). Perhaps subject A is experiencing difficulties and that is why subject A...(fill in the blank.) I try not to stop with the action itself. In that way, it keeps me remembering my own behavior that requires conjuctions and adverbs. The next topic of consideration, PSALMS ABOUT RIGHTEOUSNESS AND WICKEDNESS addresses these issues in the next 17 psalms. The first, Psa. 1 is one that I memorized as a child. The theme is vitality of righteousness and vulnerabillity of the wicked. The ungodly are addressed throughout the seventeen songs. I will refrain from commentary as the message is clearly stated. Psa. 1 says, Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. This first psalm clinches what this topic expresses. The next psalm is Psa. 14. It is of David. The first stanza says, The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. In the third stanza, David writes: Will evildoers never learn_those who devour my people as men eat bread and who do not call on the Lord? There they are, overwhelmed with dread, for God is present in the the company of the righteous. You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the Lord is their refuge. Characteristics of a righteous person is explained in Psa. 15, also of David. Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? And the second stanza continues: He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander  on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the Lord, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, who lends his money without usuary and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. In the next psalm, Psa. 36 depravity of the wicked and favor of the righteous is addressed. It is written by David, the servant of the Lord. In the second stanza we find, Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies... In Psalm 37 the theme encompasses that the righteous poor have no cause to envy the wicked. In the first stanza: Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Stanza thirteen says, I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. They are always generous and lend freely; their children are blessed. I invite you to read the entire psalm. Finally, Psa. 39 addresses difficulty withholding outrage; reminder of life's brevity. It is a psalm of David. In the second stanza, "Show me, O Lord, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath. Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and from: He bustles about, but only in vain; he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it... Please be congnizant that excerpts are presented from these psalms. Care has been taken to choose those I think are most appropriate. I encourage you to read them for yourselves. However, for those who do not, you will be provided a spectrum of David's songs. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Sunday, January 3, 2010

 

Imagine a bicycle wheel. Now, picture uneven spokes. That is the metaphor given by Pastor Mike at my church during his weekly Sunday sermons. The point of the figurative language was to illustrate that sometimes life is unbalanced_physically, mentally, spiritually and financially. Your goal in life should be to sow with a goal. And your chief concern should be to have a balanced life that erupts from something outside yourself. Humanism is the buzz word of the day. In other words, we can make it from sheer will. I am most aware that, so far, we have studied the Hebrew Scriptures. I have, however, referenced prophetic verses that lead toward the birth, life and death of the Messiah. I am aware that there are some of my believers who will release their reliance on my exposition when I mention Jesus Christ directly. That is exactly what will take place at this time. I have previously stated that the entire bible leads toward the birth of the Messiah. Well, in his talk, Pastor Mike said that in order to achieve a balanced life, we must be born again. And that re-birth comes through Jesus Christ. The self-help sections of our book stores, and even this web site cannot help you unless you have accepted Jesus as your savior and have been filled with holy spirt. Some may say, 'you are jumping the gun here, aren't you?' Well, I suppose so. And necessarily so. All of the prayers we have prayed have insinuated the need for meditation. Now, at the risk of losing some of my followers, I introduce Jesus as the Messiah. After reading the psalms presented in this segment, I have determined that many are best read at your leisure. I choose to select those I consider most comforting to my friends. Psa. 40 alludes to recognition of true religion in righteous living. Let us look at the first stanza: I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord. In the second stanza: Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare. And excerpts from the fourth stanza read, Do not withold your mercy from me, O Lord; may your love and your truth always protect me. For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me. Psa. 49, of the sons of Korah, is about spiritual insight better than wealth robbed by death.  It reads: Hear this, all you peoples; listen, all who live in this world, both low and high, rich and poor alike: My mouth will speak words of wisdom; the utterance from my heart will give understanding. I will turn my ear to a proverb; with the harp I will expound my riddle. In the last stanza: Do not be overawed when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases; for he will take nothing with him when he dies, his splendor will not descend with him. Though while he lived he counted himself blessed_and men praise you when you prosper_he will join the generation of his fathers, who will never see the light of life. True significance of sacrificing; jeopardy of wicked are the themes of Psa. 50. Please read it for  yourself. In Psa. 73 Asaph writes about folly of riches compared with blessings of righteous. I also invite you to examine this at a later time. This prayer we  pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Monday, January 4, 2010

 

As we screech to a halt of this segment of the psalms, we do so with references to evil. THE OXFORD DESK DICTIONARY AND THESAURUS defines evil in many ways. For instance, it is explained as morally bad; wicked, harmful, disagreeable. And those are just the adjectives. The list goes on. Some view it as an act requiring a slap on the wrist with a humorous twist and others see it as being diabolical and of the devil. Many engage in acts of worship to an evil god and others wear the regalia of the wicked. Some of the psalms referencing evil elements may be considered a double entendre. That is, they may be open to more than one interpretation. For that reason, I have not included lyrics from a few of them. Not because of their double meaning because the bible is filled with them. But, I try to select the psalms that are openly relevant to my friends. Hence, I am asking you to read Psa. 76, a psalm of Asaph, independently. It speaks of God's wrath against evil to be greatly feared. The next psalm, the eighty-second is of Asaph and evolves around the theme, though all are "gods," the wicked will nevertheless die. You are encouraged to read that one also. Psa. 84 is of the Sons of Korah and its subject is superiority of the house of God over dwellings of the wicked. The fifth and final stanza reveals familiar lines: Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. And two verses completes the song: O Lord Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you. Psa. 90 is a prayer of Moses the man of God. In the first stanza we find, Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. And in the second stanza: You turn men back to dust, saying, "Return to dust, O sons of men." For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night. You sweep men away in the sleep of death; they are like the new grass of the morning_though in the morning it springs up new, by evening it is dry and withered. And the third stanza will also be considered. It reads: We are consumed by your anger and terrified by your indignation. You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence. All our days pass away under your wrath; we finish our years with a moan. The length of our days is seventy years_or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow for they quickly pass, and we fly away. Only the righteous will truly flourish is the main idea of Psa. 92. The substance of the second stanza reads, For you make me glad by your deeds, O Lord; I sing for joy at the works of your hands. How great are your works, O Lord, how profound your thoughts! The senseless man does not know, fools do not understand; that though the wicked spring up like grass and all evildoers flourish, they will be forever destroyed.  But you, O Lord, are exalted forever. And in the next stanza is found: For surely your enemies, O Lord, surely your enemies will perish; all evildoers will be scattered. You have exalted my horn like that of a wild ox; fine oils have been poured upon me. My eyes have seen the defeat of my adversaries; my ears have heard the rout of my wicked foes.  And in the final stanza; The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, "The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him." Psa. 112 has benefits accruing to a righteous person as its focus. Praise the Lord. Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in his commands. Stanza three continues: His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever. Even in darkness  light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man. Please read the last psalm of this topical consideration later. It is Psa. 115. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do your receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Tuesday, January 5, 2010

 

Some think there are  no absolutes in life. I say believe in God and His Holy Scriptures. Therein are the unconditionals you seek. The adage, "laugh and the world laughs with you; weep and you weep alone" is not an absolute. For you will discover that, as you improve in your state of depression, many will not rejoice with you. I have found that to be true. After twenty years of suffering it  has been my experience that there are some who continue to shoot arrows in your direction. I believe it is because many of them are depressed and envy someone who is recovering from the very malady from which they suffer. When this happens you must press on. Stay joyful and continue to praise God from whom all blessings flow. The topic of the  next thirty-six songs is PSALMS OF JOY AND PRAISE. The subject of Psa. 8 is praise for man's glory and status in God's sight. In the first stanza David writes, O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth. And in the third stanza:  When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. In Psa. 9 the topic for consideration is praise for God's judgment against wicked nations. It is a psalm of David. In the first, I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. And the third reads, The Lord reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment, He will judge the world in righteousness; he will govern the peoples with justice. The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psa. 16 exhorts in the first stanza: Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge. In the third, David writes, Lord you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. And the final division says, Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. The finality of Psa. 19, which discusses praise for God's creation and for his laws, has this to say: Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight. O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Consider Psa. 21 independently. It discusses praise for the king's blessings and reminder of God's wrath. It is of David. The last to be considered is Psa. 24, a psalm of David. In it David writes about the earth belonging to the King of glory. The first stanza: The earth is the Lord's and everything in it, the world and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters. And the last: Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is he, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty_he is the King of glory. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you believe it, my friends? Amen. Amen. 

 

Submitted Wednesday, Januarty 6, 2010

 

My husband and I were discussing Psalms. I explained to him the challenge I face as I edit each segment. Unlike most of the other scriptures, David offers the prayers through his songs. So I don't. I try not to rehash what is presented in the psalms as they clearly make known their subject matter. My husband replied, "Honey, the psalms are all about praise." And I hadn't considered it quite in that manner. My husband has a way of simplifying things. Look at the themes for most of the songs and you will find the word "praise" peppered throughout most of them. The first psalm of David for this segment doesn't directly feature the word, "praise," but it implies that God is the power and glory as seen in the lightening. What is it, if not praise? The last metrical unit of Psa. 29 says, The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord is enthroned as King forever. The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace. The recurrent focus of Psa. 33 is "sing praises to God for his power, purpose, and love." The final stanza says, We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you. The main idea of Psa. 65 is praise for God's forgiveness, power, and physical blessings. It is of David. The first division says, Praise awaits you, O God in Zion; to you our vows will be fulfilled. O you who hear prayer, to you all men will come. When we were overwhelmed by sins, you forgave our transgressions. Blessed are those you choose and bring near to live in your courts! We are filled with the good things of your house, of  your holy temple. And praise for God's deliverance from the oppression of sin is the subject matter of Psa. 66. It begins: Shout with joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious! Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds! So great is  your power that your enemies cringe before you; they sing praise to you, they sing praise to your name."  And it ends: Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me. I cried out to him with my mouth; his praise was on my tongue. If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer. Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me! Psa. 67 is a psalm of praise and prayer for God's blessings. It begins, May God be gracioius to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations. The last song of this segment is Psa. 68, Praise for a God of power who cares about individual problems. It is of David. I encourage you to read it. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen. 

 

Submitted Thursday, January 7, 2010

 

My primary care doctor doesn't leave any stone unturned when it comes to health care. A recently hired employee described him as "caring." She told me that since she had been there she has personally witnessed five occasions in which patients were diagnosed with life-threatening diseases that no other health care professional was able to detect. Though youngish he is well known among the specialty doctors, as well as lab technicians. That is the good part. But, when you must have blood work done every three months and wait for the results, you have mixed emotions. Well, whenever I am waiting for my fate, I praise the Lord even more. I praise him during the exam; while the lab test is administered and after I get the results. But, I especially praise him BEFORE I get the results. If the psalms are about praise, then we must learn to praise God during all seasons of our lives. In this division of our present topical arrangement, we find that Psa. 75 considers praise to the great Judge of the earth. In the first stanza it relates, We give thanks to you, O God, we give thanks, for your Name is near; men tell of your wonderful deeds. And in Psa. 93 the prominent message is praise for God's majesty and holiness. In the last stanza, we find: Your statues stand firm; holiness adorns your house for endless days, O Lord. Praise for God's discipline for man and nations is the topic of Psa. 94. Considering the first stanza: O Lord, the God who avenges, O God who avenges, shine forth. Rise up, O Judge of the earth; pay back to the proud what they deserve. How long will the wicked, O Lord, how long will the wicked be jubilant? Does he who teaches man lack knowledge? The Lord knows the thoughts of man; he knows that they are futile. In the second stanza: Blessed is the man you discipline, O Lord, the man you teach from your law; you grant him relief from days of trouble, till a pit is dug for the wicked. For the Lord will not reject his people; Judgment will again be founded on righteousness, and all the upright in heart will follow it. An excerpt of the third stanza reveals: When I said, "My foot is slipping," your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul. Psa. 97 discusses rejoicing because of God's righteousness and justice. It begins: The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice. And it ends: Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked. Light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright in heart. Rejoice in the Lord, you who are righteous, and praise his holy name. The first stanza of Psa. 98 will be considered. It emphasizes a song of praise for the salvation of the Lord. Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. The Lord has made his salvation known and  revealed his righteousness to the nations. Please read Psa. 99 later. It exalts God who is holy and just. Let us consider Psa. 100 in its entirety. It is about the joy of being children of a loving and faithful God. Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. In the second stanza: Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Friday, January 8, 2010

 

Insight into the scriptures is not easy. It is made less challenging when you know that the creativity and understanding is granted you by God. It is important to avoid re-hashing what is already expressed unless it expands the idea and makes it more applicable to a certain population as I attempt to do. As I prepared for this submission I read the first lines of Psa. 103: Praise the Lord, O my soul. And that was a familiar phrase. I have often heard it reverberate in hymns sung in churches. But, then the psalms are songs. So, in addition to praising the Lord, David and his associates offered melodies to be sung by the people. Let us continue our analysis of Psa. 103. It is a praise for a compassionate God. And is of David. Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits_who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that  your youth is renewed like the eagles. The second division says, The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. And the third: He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel: The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children_with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts. I request that you read Psa. 104, praise for the wonders of God's creation later. Psa. 113, praise for a Lord of heaven who is sensitive, will be considered in its entirety. Praise the Lord. Praise, O servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord. Let the name of the Lord be praised, both now and forevermore. From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised. The Lord is exalted over the nations, his glory above the heavens, Who is like the Lord our God, the one who sits enthroned on high, who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth? He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes, with the princes of their people. He settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the Lord. Please read Psa. 114 at another time_how God's wonders ought to bring trembling. In Psa. 117 praise for God's love and faithfulness will be discussed. It, too, will be considered in its entirety: Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Saturday, January 9, 2010

 

I was thrown a curved ball when I looked at the longest psalm as well as the longest chapter in the Bible. According to LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE, Psalm 119 may have been written by Ezra after the temple was rebuilt (Ezra 6: 14, 15). The footnote explains that the psalm was a repetitive meditation on the beauty of God's Word and how it helps us stay pure and grow in faith. Further, it states that there are 22 carefully constructed sections, each corresponding to a different letter in the Hebrew alphabet and each verse beginning with the letter of its section. We have mentioned how God's Word can be repetitive but not redundant. This was an oral culture and the Word was memorized and passed on. The focus of Psa. 119 is praise for the insight and guidance of God's laws. When one contemplates laws it is not usually done with admiration. But the laws of the Creator are different. Very different. Albeit this may be the longest psalm, it will be the shortest commentary. I am going to trust that you will read this important psalm later. There are nuggets therein that can appeal to all circumstances. And the important thing, is to love God's laws and consider them a blessing rather than a restriction. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Sunday, January 10, 2010

 

My Sunday worship usually terminates into something wonderful. I am sure you have noticed that. Pastor Mike, Executive Pastor, at my church is sensitive to the needs of the entire person. Subsequently, his sermons reflect this desire. He gave a two-part talk about the balanced life. My ears perked when I heard the topic to be considered. That is what this website is all about_achieving balance in your life: physical, emotional, spiritual, financial and relational development. Stengthening one area at the expense of another will result in a lop-sided existence. And that is when my friends succumb to depression. Recently, I discussed the foundation for a balanced life_belief in the saving grace of Jesus Christ. And I did so with the knowledge that my focus, at this time, is upon the Hebrew scriptures. I also mentioned that the entire bible leads toward the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus. There is no getting around it. And it is appropriate to reference Him at any time. Many of my friends are planting "seeds" that yield an undesirable crop. Pastor Mike made clear that if you don't like your harvest you must plant different seeds. He admonished the congregation to push away from the television set and slide in the direction of a good book. I, too, give such advice. Additionally, he related the dangers of negative feelings. When these emotions are the driving force, we provide a place for the devil to enter our lives. Many of my friends concern themselves with fitting into a "normal" mold. Pastor Mike views things differently. My friends, question what the world views as typical. For this submission Psa. 122 will be considered. It is of David. Like most of the psalms, the songs praised the Israelites for their refusal to accept what was "normal" at that time. The main idea of the psalm is praise for Jerusalem and the house of the Lord. In the first stanza, it says I rejoiced with those who said to me, "Let us go to the house of the Lord," Our feet are standing in your gates, O Jerusalem. Praise for escape from enemies is the focus of Psa. 124. It is of David. If the Lord had not been on our side_let Israel say_if the Lord had not been on our side when men attacked us, when their anger flared against us, they would have swallowed us alive; the flood would have engulfed us, the torrent would have swept over us, the raging waters would have swept us away. I invite you to read Psa. 133, with joy of brothers living harmoniously as the theme. Also, please read Psa. 134, a call for temple servants to praise God. The prominent idea of Psa. 135 focuses on the many things for which temple servants can give praise. Consider stanza four: Your name, O Lord, endures forever, your renown, O Lord, through all generations. For the Lord will  vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants. Psa. 136 is a special poem of thanksgiving for all things. Please read it later. Psa. 138 is a praise to the faithful of God. It is of David. In the last stanza the following words are found: Though the Lord is on high, he looks upon the lowly, but the proud he knows from afar. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me; your love, O Lord, endures forever_do not abandon the works of your hands. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Monday, January 11, 2010

 

There is a sign in the office of Pastor Teddy, the Care Clergy at my church, which says LET EMOTIONS SUBSIDE AND THEN DECIDE. Well, at least that is what Pastor Mike, the Executive Pastor reports. Therein is my segue into this commentary. I spent the afternoon phoning family and friends. I do that about every four months. I just get out the address book and call. I hate the awkardness that arises when you speak with them exclusively at funerals. The Lord inspired me to phone a friend from my days at the university. Her voice was shaky and she admitted that she was having a bad time with depression. She has been in denial about her problems, but recently began to accept the drugs she so badly needed. She lives alone after a divorce and an empty nest. She teaches at a high school in the southeast. She explained all of the classic symptoms of depression and admitted she was engaged in what could easily be called STINKIN THINKIN. She needs to retire but can't afford to do so. She was in a highly agitated state of mind. I directed her to the bible and a book written by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale called THE POWER OF POSITIVE THINKING. We promised to speak often. The first psalm of this section, Psa. 139 speaks of the wonder of God's total familiarity with each life. It made me think of my friend. It is a psalm of David. O lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord. Excerpts from the third stanza: If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me," even the darkness will not be dark to you; for darkness is as light to you. In Psa. 145 the focus is praise to a faithful, loving and righteous God. It is a psalm of praise written by David. The third stanza says, The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. All you have made will praise you, O Lord; your saints will extol you... And in the next stanza, The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their  food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. Please read the next psalm later. It is Psa. 148 and speaks of all creatures praising the God of creation. Additionally, read Psa. 150, a call for all things to praise the Lord. This prayer we  pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen. 

 

Submitted Tuesday, January 12, 2010

 

A psalm for every sentiment. Even though that is true, the editor of  THE DAILY BIBLE IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER was able to organize them into topics. The next 16 psalms lend themselves to addressing a variety of sentiments. And so do secular songs. Many gospel singers later become pop, blues, rhythm and blues and country singers. And that is just for starters. I enjoy Christian music and that should come as no surprise. But, I also like music of other genres. I listen to their secular intent and inject spiritual themes. And, I discovered I am not the only one to do so. Some spiritual songs are sung with a beat that supersedes its Christian nature. Some use the exact lyrics and melodies employed by their worldly counterparts. It just depends upon your perspective. While some may direct their songs to a lover, another may conjure up  spiritual imagery. For instance, Ms. Franklin sings about a bridge over troubled waters. The lyrics say, "like a bridge over troubled waters, I will comfort you." Well, I love that song. I hum it as well as use it as music by which I exercise. But, when I sing its lyrics, I don't think of a person. I think of God. He is my bridge over troubled water. Miss Warwick sings "each morning I wake up; before I put on my makeup, I say a little prayer for you." Therein lies another opportunity to think of God. I substitute "I say a little prayer TO YOU"                                                                                                                                 when I sing it. Let us see some of the sentiments addressed in the next psalms. Psa. 4 extols that mercy demands obedience. It is of David. Answer me when I call to you. O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer. In the last stanza: Many are asking, "Who can show us any good?" Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord. You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. The next psalm David wrote, Psa. 12, expresses the misuse of the gift of speech. In the  third stanza, "Because of the oppresion of the weak and the groaning of the needy, I will now arise," says the Lord. "I will protect them from those who malign them." And the words of the Lord are flawless like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times. In the first stanza of Psa. 20, a psalm of David: May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion. The theme expresses a prayer for others' welfare, and expression of trust. Expression of trust in God and his instruction is the idea behind Psa. 25. It, too, is of David. To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; in you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse. Excerpts from the last stanza: Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart have multiplied; free me from my anguish, Look upon my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins. Blessedness of confession and forgiveness of sins is the theme of Psa. 32. Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my trangressions to the Lord"_and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Psa, 38, also of David, discusses the agonizing confession of sin. The final stanza says, O Lord, do not forsake me; be not far from me, O my God. Come quickly to help me, O Lord my Savior. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen. 

 

Submitted Wednesday, January 13, 2010

 

What image do you have when you hear the words "depression," "mental illness" "paranoia" or "schizophrenia?" Is it the Medeival conception of madmen? Is it the depiction of them in the media? Mental  illness is not new. It has a sordid history. Those with cerebral sicknesses were once hidden, at best, or thrown into assylums at worse. Many did not belong there. Albeit we have a way to go in terms of our attitudes towards it, the plight of those with mental concerns have considerably changed. Modern medications have kept many from an institutional life. Melancholy, a euphemism for those who fell under the umbrella of mentally ill, goes back to biblical times. David, the writer of most of the psalms we have considered, experienced it. So did countless others. The first psalm, of the Sons of Korah, Psa. 42 considers the importance of hoping in God when one is depresed. The fourth and fifth stanzas say: By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me_a prayer to the God of my life. I say to God my Rock, "Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?" My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long, "Where is your God?" Please consider the next psalm, Psa. 53 later. It touches upon the universality of sin and its consequences. It is of David. Psa. 58, outrage against leaders who promote injustice, is of David. Before your pots can feel the heat of the thorns_whether they be green or dry_the wicked will be swept away, The righteous will be glad when they are avenged, when they bathe their feet in the blood of the wicked, Then men will say, "Surely the righteous still are rewarded; surely there is a God who judges the earth." Please examine Psa. 81 at your leisure, the continual stubborness of Israel. Expression of commitment to righteous living is the theme of Psa. 101. David writes, I will sing of your love and justice; to you, O Lord, I will sing praise. I will be careful to lead a blameless life_when will you come to me? This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Thursday, January 14, 2010

 

Sometimes "praise" is demonstrated. Recently, my mother moved in with me. She has spent spotty periods of time in the past. But, this visit has a more permanent stamp upon it. My father fell and their return to total independence is dubious. It means more responsibilities for me; I have always managed her business and reminded her to take her medicine on time, and even cooked for her. But, this time I will be a caretaker. Not that I am new to it as I am a mother and grandmother, but I have never cared for an adult. But, this isn't ANY adult. She is the adult who nurtured me. So, to that extent I am PRAISING the Lord with my obedience to His admonition to honor our parents. This commandment even comes with an overt and immediate reward. Our days will be long. Today the first psalm relates how fearing a loving God is the beginning of understanding. The final stanza says, The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. Only hope of redemption is in God's forgiveness. Psa. 130 will be considered in its entirety. Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared. I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. O Israel, put  your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins. Psa. 131 is of David and its concept is expression of quiet humility. The first stanza will be considered. My heart is not proud, O Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me.  In David's psalm, Psa. 141, prayer for wise use of one's speech is featured. In the second stanza, Set a guard over my mouth, O lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil, to take part in wicked deeds with men who are evildoers; let me not eat of their delicacies. It continues: Yet my prayer is ever against the deeds of evildoers; their rulers will be thrown down from the cliffs, and the wicked will learn that my words were well spoken. They will say, "As one plows and breaks up the earth, so our bones have scattered at the mouth of the grave. Finally, in Psalm 146 the theme is the God who cares is the God to trust. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, O, my soul. I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Friday, January 15, 2010

 

David was a king and a parent. He was an accomplished man. But he was just that_a man. As the king approaches death, another coup is in progress. And like days gone by, it involves one his own loins. Adonijah was like Absalom in many ways. He was born next to him; he was handsome and thirsted for power. In 1Kgs. 15:10 we find  that David never disciplined him. David, a man of great military skills was weak when it came to his own children. And isn't that true of many of us? We fear stoking ill will in our off springs, so we just turn a blind eye. Lord, many of my friends are products of such a childhood. Perhaps, Father, if their parents had tightened the reigns on them when they were younger, they would have escaped the plights in which they find themselves. Like his brother, Absalom, Adonijah conferred with others. He was determined to be king. He invited cohorts to an elaborate sacrifice. Some were priests. Lord, let my friends know that to obey is better than a sacrifice. But, King David had his advisors as well. David was ill and this is not the way to end one's life. But, God was with him. And He worked through Nathan who advised Bathsheba, Solomon's mother. In 1Kgs. 1:11-14 the scriptures say: Then Nathan asked Bathsheba, Solomon's mother, "Have you not heard that Adonijah, the son of Haggith, has become King without our lord David's knowing it? Now then, let me advise you how you can save your own life and the life of your son Solomon. Go in to King David and say to him, 'My lord the king, did you not swear to me your servant: "Surely Solomn your son shall be king after me, and he will sit on my throne"? 'Why then has Adonijah become king?' While you are still there talking to the king, I will come in and confirm what you have said." Nathan spills the beans regarding the plot his son has planned. David confirms his desire for Solomon to succeed him on the throne to Bathsheba. In 1Kgs. 1:32-37 the king calls in Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet and Benaiah son of Jehoida. King David directed them: "Take your lord's servants with you and set Solomon my son on my own mule and take  him down to Gihon. There have Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him king over Israel. Blow the trumpet and shout, 'Long live King Solomon!' Then you are to go up with him, and he is to come and sit on my throne and reign in my place. I have appointed him ruler over Israel and Judah." That was the straw that broke the camel's back. Adonijah yielded to the will of the people, as well as to the desires of his dying father. Solomon spared his life. Please read David's last prophecy in 2Sam. 23:1-7 and David's last words to Solomon at 1kgs. 2:1-9. Todays affirmation: I will understand that discipline doesn't mean rejection. From my earthly parents, as well as from my heavenly father. I will understand that if another sibling has been placed above me in my parents' will, it may be that he/she is best suited to manage the estate. I will not grow bitter over what others say or try to do to me. I will trust in God, for He will resolve it, if I don't tire out. I will learn to listen to the advice of a trusted source. This prayer we pray in the name of  the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Saturday, January 16, 2010

 

Solomon nipped them in the bud. Starting with Adonijah. Solomon's mother Bathsheba was approached by his older brother to request the hand of Abishag, the Shunammite, in marriage. 1Kgs. 1:13-18 reveal what happened. Even though Bathsheba made the request for the hand of David's care giver in his older years, Solomon was able to penetrate the motives behind the request. So orders were given to Benaiah to strike him down. (1Kgs. 2:19-25). He doesn't stop here. He "cleaned" house. Next, Abiatha was removed as priest. 1Kgs. 2:26.27 tell why he spared his life. But that wasn't the case with Joab. Solomon had several reasons for ordering his demise. He  conspired with Adonijah and he shed innocent blood. 1Kgs. 2:28-34 find the king commanding Benaiah to strike down Joab while he clung  to the horns of the altar. After, what appear to be a "hit man" endeavor, those involved in following through with the executions were elevated. Benaiah over the army and Zadok as priest. Shimei was spared_with conditions. He was basically placed under house arrest and denied the privilege of leaving the city of Jerusalem. His slaves knew of his restriction and fled to Gath, with Shimei in hot pursuit. This error in judgment resulted in his death. (1Kgs. 2:39-46). To ensure smooth sailing for him, Solomon made an alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt by marrying his daughter. That is hard to comprehend. The blood and gore that resulted when King Solomon wanted to cement his reign. But, he shows wisdom, as recorded at 1Kgs. 3:5-14. This is a familiar account. At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you." In an excerpt, Solomon says, "Now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?" The Lord was pleased with Solomon's answer and granted him wealth, long life and honor. Lord, let my friends understand that they, too, must be as Solomon and seek discernment. For there is nothing greater. In 1Kgs. 3:16-28 we discover that Solomon is a wise judge. As is well known to many, Solomon solved a dispute between two prostitutes who had given birth and resided in the same house. The infant died in the night when one of the  prostitutes rolled over on the child. Then, she exchanged her dead child for the son of her roommate. After much bickering the  king said, "This one says, 'My son is alive and your son is dead,' while that one says, 'No! Your son is dead and mine is alive.'" Then the king said, "Bring me a sword." I think you know the rest of the story. The actual mother refused to see the child killed. But the prostitute who professed to be the child's mother wanted the king to sever the child into two pieces. Today's affirmation: I will allow another responsible person to care for my children if being with me is not in their best interest. I may need help to concentrate on my illness. It may be the hardest decision I will have to make, but I will pray to the Lord and ask for guidance. I will pray for wisdom, understanding that it starts with a fear of the Lord. This prayer we pray in the name of the  risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Sunday, January 17, 2010

 

I have been providing a buffer for you as I chose uplifting verses from the psalms. And, I referenced the Messiah when necessary. As previously mentioned, it is impossible to escape consideration of His life, death and ressurrection as the entire bible climaxes into those events. Today we will consider the building of the Temple. It is quite an undertaking. And quite a structure. And even though we continue to study the Hebrew text, there is an issue that transcends its content. That is, failure to acknowledge Jesus as your Lord and Savior can result in spiritual death. Plainly stated, you could be, as Pastor Mike phrased it, "a heartbeat from hell." As I listened to the Sunday service I pondered as to how I would segue from a description of the  temple with all its glory into a frank discussion about hell. You need to understand that Jesus replaced the need for animal sacrifices at the temple. He became the sacrificial lamb. Some of my friends  do not accept the fact that Jesus' shed blood paved the way for our redemption. Neither do they accept the concept of a place known as hell or perdition. I am not presenting a dialogue in apologetics in order to convince you of such. We all have freedom of choice. And regardless of what I say, there are some who will take their chances. But, before I consider the temple as was known in 1Kings, you may want to skip ahead and examine Luke 16:19-31. The story of Lazarus is a familiar one to Christians, but even they have not decided whether it is a parable or scripture written to warn us to avoid the behavior of the rich man who  ignored the plight of poor Lazurus. The rich man ended up in Hades and Lazarus eventually went to Heaven. Now, let us focus on the temple that Solomon built. 1Kgs. 5:1-9 and 2Chron, 2:1,3-16 are about the agreement made between Solomon and the king of Tyre. King David and  King Hiram of Tyre had experienced a good relationship, so the king desired to assist Solomon in the building of the temple. Solomon wrote to King Hiram, "The temple I am going to build will be great, because our God is greater than all other gods. ..." "Send me, therefore, a man skilled to work in gold and silver, bronze and iron, and in purple, crimson and blue yarn, and experienced in the art of engraving, to work in Judah and Jerusalem and with my skilled craftsmen, whom my father David provided. Send me also cedar, pine and algum logs from Lebanon, for I know that your men are skilled in cutting timber there. My men will work with yours to provide me with plenty of lumber, because the temple I build must be large and magnificent. I will give you servants, the woodsmen who cut the timber, twenty thousand cors of ground wheat, twenty thousand cors of barley, twenty thousand baths of wine and twenty thousand baths of olive oil." There is a detailed description of the temple  in 1Kgs. 6 and 7, as well as 2 Chron. 3, 4. In 1 Kgs. 6:9a,14;6:37,38 it tells of the completion of construction. The foundation of the temple of the Lord was laid in the fourth year, in the month of Ziv. In the eleventh year in the month of Bul, the eighth month, the temple was finished in all its details according to its specifications. He had spent seven years building it. Please fill in the details through further study. Today's affirmation: I realize that my illness may result from guilt. I know that I cannot continue  ignoring God's Laws and expect to be happy. I may have my own rules but they have resulted in unhappiness and turmoil. Perhaps I should give God's way a chance. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Monday, January 18, 2010

 

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had a dream. A big dream. He knew in his heart that he would not experience the vision. He knew that he would not see "the promised land" of racial equality. King David had a dream as well. He wanted to build a beautiful temple. But, he did not live to see his dream become a reality. Both were visionaries. And the fantasy of both came to fruition. When King Solomon dedicated the temple, he fulfilled the desires of his father, David. When millions of people of all races endured persecution, they made the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr become a fact. After the temple was built 1 kgs. 8:1-11 and 2Chron. 5:2-14 say, Then Solomon summoned to Jerusalm the elders of Israel, all the heads of the tribes and the chiefs of the Israelite families, to bring up the ark of the Lord's covenant from Zion, the City of David. And all the men of Israel came together to the king at the time of the festival in the seventh month. Lord, let my friends know that they, too, can dream. And should. A positive vision will help them heal. Lord, help them to see themselves well. Help them to look to you for that hope. The scripture continues: The priests then brought the ark of the Lord's covenant to its place in the inner sanctuary of the temple, the Most Holy Place, and put it beneath the wings of the cherubim. Father, there is a place for my friends_beneath your  wings. You, Lord, are the wind beneath them. There was nothing in the ark except the two tablets that Moses had placed in it at Horeb, where the Lord made a covenant with the Israelites after they came out of Egypt. Then the temple of the Lord was filled with a cloud, and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the temple of God. Jehovah, many of my friends are living under a cloud. Let them, Lord, turn to you and you will replace that cloud of gloom with one of hope. In 1Kgs. 8:12-21 and 2 Chron. 6:1-11 we find Solomon's address to the people. "...The Lord has kept the promise he made. I have succeeded David my father and now I sit on the throne of Israel, just as the Lord promised, and I have built the temple for the Name of the Lord, the God of Israel. There I have placed the ark, in which is the covenant of the Lord that he made with the people of Israel..." "...Hear the supplications of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place. Hear from heaven, your dwelling place; and when you hear, forgive..." Solomon continued to beseech the Lord for various circumstances in which his people may find themselves. Please read them at 1Kgs. 8:31-53 and 2Chron. 6:22-39. Lord, I also pray for relief for my friends when they encounter tribulation. You listened to Solomon and you will listen to them.  2Chron. 6:40-42 extols the end of Solomon's prayer: "Now arise, O Lord God and come to your resting place, you and the ark of your might. May your priests, O Lord God, be clothed with salvation, may your saints rejoice in your goodness. O Lord God, do not reject your annointed one. Remember the great love promised to David your servant." Following the prayer the Lord's Glory filled the temple. Today's affirmation: I must believe that the Lord is the Lord of us all, then and now. I am never too soiled for the Lord not to be able to clean me up. I will believe that with all of my heart. This prayer I pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Tuesday, January 19, 2010

 

Royalty has its disadvantages. King Saul discovered it. So did Absalom when he attempted to usurp the throne from his father, King David. Then, Adonija, born next to Absalom, attempted a failed coup. During biblical times, God chose whom He wished to rule over the Israelites. And, often, it would be the least likely candidate. Not necessarily the oldest, or most handsome. But always the one who loved Him and would do His will. This was the case with Solomon. Not only was he not the oldest but he was the product of a marriage between a king and his lover. So, birthright is not always a requirement for succession_either in the royal family nor in the family of man.  In the last segment, Solomon constructed a magnanimous building that he dedicated to the Lord. Then, he built himself a palace that, according to 1Kgs. 7:1, took thirteen years to complete. Then in 1Kgs. 9:1-9, we find that the Lord spoke to Solomon at night. Father, let my friends know that sometimes this may happen to them. The message may be different but equally profound. Lord, I pray that  you reveal to my friends the roads over which you want them to travel. And, I pray, Lord that you inspire them to listen to your directions. The Lord began by saying, "I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself as a temple for sacrifices..." "As for you, if you walk before me as David your father did, and do all I command, and observe my decrees and laws, I will establish your royal throne, as I covenanted with David your father when I said, 'You shall never fail to have a man to rule over Israel.' Then the Lord warned Solomon what would happen if he failed to follow His instructions. In 1Kgs, 9:10-14 it speaks of the cities Solomon gave King Hiram. But he was not pleased with the gift. Lord, let my friends know that  you have given them gifts as well: gifts of the senses; gifts of families and the most precious of all_the gift of your Son who has redeemed them. 1Kgs. continues, concomitantly with 2Chronicles, and relate the cities that Solomon built, along with the fleet of trading ships that sailed at sea along with the ships of Hiram. 1Kgs. 4:29-34 says: God gave wisdom and very great insight and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. Read 1Kgs. 10:14-21 and 2Chron. 1:15; 9:13-20.27,22_24 to discover the depths of Solomon's wealth. 1Kgs. 4:20,25: The people of Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand on the seashore; they ate, they drank and they were happy. During Solomon's lifetime Judah and Israel, from Dan to Beersheeba, lived in safety, each man under his own vine and fig tree. Heavenly father, that is what you desire for my friends. But, you want them to know that these things take place when they obey your will. And that, the  peace and security that awaits them is nothing compared to that which will be theirs in eternity. The Queen of Sheba came from over a thousand miles through unfriendly terrain to see the wealth and hear the wisdom of Solomon. In 1 Kgs. 10:1-13 and 2Chron. 9:1-12 we find the queen at the feet of Solomon_asking questions and getting answers. She said to the king, "The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true. But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told me; in wisdom and wealth you have far exceeded the report I heard. How happy your men must be! How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! Praise be to the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of the Lord's eternal love for Israel, he has made you king, to maintain justice and righteousness." I invite you to read Psa. 72:1-19, a praise from Solomon celebrating his blessings. Lord, my friends have much about which they can rejoice. I pray that they observe nature and the goodness therein. Lord, I pray that they look deep within themselves for the joy that may not always be superficial. Today's affirmation: I will pray to the Lord for wisdom. I know that it is discernment that will assist me to grow in knowledge. I know that knowledge from You is the only type that will bring me meaningful peace. I need peace and security in my life. I know that it can be mine. I will earnestly pray for them. This prayer I pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Wednesday, January 20, 2010

 

As we launch into the book of Proverb, a compilation of Solomon's  wise sayings in poetic form, I am inclined to reveal a few of my personal words of wisdom. Have you noticed that first names are used in the bible. And the only titles accompanying them are "son of ...." So, the glory is given to the parents and not the child.  I have often pondered why people insist upon "handles" before their names. Out of a sense of respect some say, and there is truth in that. But, many over do it. Some even use double nomenclature. Why do you require them? Is it to validate your worth? How about "child of God." Is that sufficient? In the book of Proverb, we find that Solomon evidences some of the gifts revealed in his father, David. Whereas David used music as his foundation for praise, Solomon uses poetry. Figurative language is often used to make a point. In other words, using words creatively to express a thought. This is done through comparison and contrast quite often. Obvious comparison is known as simile and implied comparison is identified as metaphor. I am reflecting upon my years of teaching Literature at the high school level. As  in the Psalms, Solomon has made the meanings clear and affirmations are not needed. I am using the topical arrangement found in DAILY BIBLE IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER. Let us begin with INTRODUCTION TO WISDOM. The first topic will be THE CALL OF WISDOM and begins with Prov. 8:1-11. Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice? Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Excerpts from Prov. 8:12-31 say, My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver. The Lord brought me forth as the first of his works, before his deeds of old; I was appointed from eternity, from the beginning, before the world began. And in Prov. 8:32-36 we find: "Now then, my sons, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways. Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not ignore it. For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord. But whoever fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death." The next proverb concentrates on BENEFITS OF FOLLOWING WISDOM. My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. (Prov2:1-22) It continues: Discrection will protect you, and understanding will guard you. Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men... Blessed is the man who finds wisdom,  the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. In Prov. 1:20-33 we discover the DANGERS OF REJECTING WISDOM. An excerpt: If you had responded to  my rebuke, I would have poured out my heart to you and made my thoughts known to you. But since you rejected me when I called and no one gave heed when I streteched out my hand, since you ignored all my advice and would not accept my rebuke, I in turn will laugh at your disaster; I will mock when calamity overtakes you_when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind, when distress and trouble overwhelm you. "Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!" But little do they know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of the grave. And in the final submission for this segment, SOLOMON'S PERSONAL PLEA, found in Prov. 4:1-27 we find, Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn...Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. This prayer I pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Thursday, January 21, 2010

 

Social networking on the internet has become very popular. They come from various sources. You sign up; you write personal information about yourself and include a photo, usually a flattering one. The service is free_or is it? Many companies have access to these sites as well as less desirable researchers. Sometimes you are contacted by persons from  your past. And, that can be a good thing_sometimes. They even feature games that keep you on the site for hours. Some "poke" you while others create "farms." The possibilities are endless. One of the positive things is that in order to contact someone you must be confirmed by them. And whenever you are approved as a friend you are given a list of others they know with whom you may also be familiar. In other words, MUTUAL FRIENDS. As I travel through Proverbs, I am inspired to find nuggets of wisdom in my daily routine. Here is one I discovered. Now, suppose those who log onto a social network considered Christ as a mutual friend. Their motive would be to "connect" with others to spread the gospel. Not to find a mate or a job, but to reach out to other believers. I think Solomon would approve of this bit of wisdom. For this submission, we will consider PROVERBS OF SOLOMON AND SAYINGS OF THE WISE. The first, Value of Wise Sayings. In Prov. 22:17-21 Solomon writes: pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have them ready on your lips. The next sub-heading, PURPOSE OF THE PROVERBS features sayings found in Prov. 1:1-7: for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young_let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance_ for understanding proverbs and  parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Additional proverbs of Solomon are recorded by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah at Prov. 25:1. The next sub-group concentrates on PREEMINENCE OF GOD. FEAR OF THE LORD is featured at Prov. 9:10-12: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." 10:27 says The fear of the Lord adds length of life, but the years of the wicked are cut short. 14:26,27 relates: He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death. And 15:33: The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humillity comes before honor. TRUST IN GOD OR SELF is the next topic for consideraton. Prov. 3:5-8, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil, This will bring health to your body and nourishment to  your bones. In 18:2, A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinion. In 18:10: The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Couplets in DIVINE PROVIDENCE beginning with Prov. 15:3 and 16:4 say, The lord works out everything for his own ends_even the wicked for a day of disaster.  Proverbs of INSIGHT AND IGNORANCE starts with Wisdom and folly. In 16:22: Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it, but folly brings punishment to fools. And in 17:12: Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his folly. Proverbs 26:4-11 deals with fools. You may want to read that. DISCERNMENT AND UNDERSTANDING is to be considered next. Prov. 10:13 extols, Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment. In 14:8, The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception. And in 14:15: A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps. Finally, KNOWLEDGE is explained. Prov. 13:16 says, Every  prudent man acts out of knowledge, but a fool exposes his folly. This prayer I pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted  Friday, January 22, 2010

 

Recently my family "grazed" at our favorite restaurant, which features an unlimited buffet. This is not the best place to go when you are watching your caloric intake.  My mother resides in my home now, and she accompanied us. You can learn much from your mother. She is a slow eater. I, on the other hand, "wolf" mine down with little mastication. The food just slides down the esophagus. This habit emerged from thirty-two years of eating and running while employed as a teacher/speech language pathlogist. During a thirty minute lunch period you have to make a "pit" stop; check your mail; return calls and try to breathe in between. So, you learn to eat quickly. A leisurely pace is not an option. You either eat quickly or you don't eat. Contrastly, my mother spent most of her adult life as a domestic engineer. She did things at her own rate of speed. In between making beds and cleaning house. Consequently, she has developed the habit of taking tiny bites from her food. This behavior is irritating to me as I am finished and ready to go. Of course, she is right. It is better to eat slowly. You eat less and have better digestion. My excuse to her is, "this is just the way I am." Is that the excuse we give God? Lord, you know me and "this is just the way I am." We can conjure up that response for almost anything under the sun. But, what I must do, and perhaps you should do is to question: why is this the way I am? And, more importantly, why can't I change the way I am? SHARING AND RESPONDING TO WISDOM is the header for this submission. The first being ADVICE AND REBUKE. In Prov. 3:1,2 is found, My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. And in 10:8, The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin. In Prov. 12:15, The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice. The following is found in 13:1, A wise son heeds his father's instructions, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke. At 17:10: A rebuke impresses a man of discernment ,more than a hundred lashes a fool. And at 19:20, Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. At 19:25, Flog a mocker, and the simple will learn prudence, rebuke a discerning man, and he will gain knowledge. In 19:27 is found, Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge. At 27:5,6, Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Finally, at 29:1, A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed_without remedy. The next catagory is VALUE OF ADVISERS. Attend to 20:18: Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war, obtain guidance. DISCIPLINE is the next heading. Prov. 3:11,12, My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. 12:1: Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid. And at 13:24, He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him. 15:5 reads, A fool spurns his father's discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence. At 15:32 we find, He who ignores discipline despises  himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding. Next, 19:18, Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death. And the famed 22:6: Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. And further down in 22:15: Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of  discipline will drive it far from him. For final consideration in this segment, Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with the rod, he will not die. Punish him with the rod and save his soul from death. Please read the four couplets referencing LAWKEEPING in Prov. 28 at a later time. Considered next will be REPENTANCE found AT Prov. 14:9. Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright. He who conceals his sin does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renouncees them finds mercy, is the advice found at 28:13. GOOD AND EVIL will be considered next, beginning with the sub-heading, RIGHTEOUSNESS AND WICKEDNESS. In Prov. 10:6,7 : The memory of the righteous will be a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot. And in 10:16, The wages of the righteous bring them life, but the income of the wicked brings them punishment.  Examine 11:18-20, The wicked man earns deceptive wages, but he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward. And in 12:2,3 is found, A good man obtains favor from the Lord, but the Lord condemns a crafty man. Further in 12:21, No harm befalls the righteous, but the wicked have their fill of trouble. And in 13:9: The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out. Highlighted under the heading, INTEGRITY AND PERVERSION is Prov. 10:9, The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out. In finality is the sub-heading, APPROPRIATE CONSEQUENCES. In Prov. 3:33-35, The Lord's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous. And in 10:22, The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it. Further, 10:24,25, What the wicked dreads will overtake him; what the righteous desire will be granted. This prayer I pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen. 

 

Submitted Saturday, January 23, 2010

 

Most people march merrily along, until they have to keep the beat with a different drummer. Me included. I am very structured. Albeit my house isn't spotless, there is organized chaos. Everything has its place. When someone moves into your territory and takes over the master bedroom, then there may be discord. Except that the invader is your mother. That makes the difference. I live in a modest home; in fact, mine was the first built on the street_and practically in the neighborhood, over thirty years ago. Little has changed about my house. And I like it that way. I try to maintain it and the price is definitely right. There are only two bedrooms; it was built for my daughter and I. So, when my mother took over the master bedroom that left only a guest room with twin beds for my husband and I. Along with the master sleeping quarters is the private bathroom. So, now I must share, what my husband had claimed as his bathroom. The point of this narrative is to illuminate the fact that these accommodations were made freely and willingly. The first entry in today's submission speaks of motive and heart. Why am I doing this? Is it to be admired by men/women who marvel, 'isn't she a loving daughter?' Is it to be blessed and have long life as the bible promises? Am I giving up to get something in return? I hope not. You do what is right because it is right to do it. The first section presented today is SINCERE MOTIVATION. MOTIVE AND THE HEART is initially featured. Prov. 16:2 says, All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord. In 20:27, The lamp of the Lord searches the spirit of a man, it searches out his inmost being. And in 27:19, As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man. FALSE WORSHIP is the next focus, featuring Prov. 15:29, The Lord is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous. And in 21:3, To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. DUPLICITY will be explored next. Prov. 23:6-8: Do not eat the food of a stingy man, do not crave his delicacies; for he is the kind of man who is always thinking about the cost. "Eat and drink," he says to you, but his heart is not with you. You will  vomit up the little you have eaten and will have wasted your compliments. Let us analyze CONCERN FOR OTHERS, BEGINNING WITH LOVE AND FAITHFULNESS. In Prov. 20:6, many a man claims to have unfailing love, but a faithful man who can find? 25:19 says, Like a bad tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble. In LOVE, HATRED, AND COMPASSION we find an entry from Prov. 10:12: hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs. In 15:17, Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred. And in 17:5: he who mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished. Peruse 25:21,22: If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you. Under the topic, KINDNESS AND MERCY, we find, Prov. 12:25, An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up. And practical advice is awaiting you at Prov. 25:16,17 under the sub-heading OVERSTAYING WELCOME. If you find honey; eat just enough_too much of it, and you will vomit. Seldom set foot in your neighbor's house_too much of you, and he will hate you. CONCERN FOR SELF is discussed next with PRIDE AND HUMILITY leading the way. Prov. 11:2, When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. And in 12:9, Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant than pretend to be somebody and have no food. Further enlightenment on this subject is found  in 13:7, One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth. In 16:18,19 pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. At 27:2, Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips. There are couplets on SELFISHNESS (PROV. 18:1); JEALOUSY (PROV. 27:4) ENVY (PROV. 14:30) AND GREED (PROV. 28:25) that may be considered later. This prayer I pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Sunday, January 24, 2010

 

The Holy Scriptures are controversial. Of course. When you cover as many subjects over such an extensive time span, you are bound to "get under the skin" of many. One such arena is the treatment of women in the bible. This is a sensitive issue and one that is not to be approached lightly. In other words, it is a touchy subject. In today's segment, Solomon speaks of adultery. Solomon's birth resulted from an adulterous relationship between his mother and King David. So, it is a relevant issue. You will find that, when writing on the subject, he used the feminine gender when referencing the culprit in the affair. Well, that brings us back to the issue of females in the Holy Scriptures. First, one must accept certain facts. Adam was created first. An omnipotent God chose a male for the first creation. One cannot escape that. It is also recorded that Eve was the partner who was enticed by the serpent to eat of the tree of knowledge. But, do those two known facts imply that the feminine gender is the weaker vessel? Not necessarily. When speaking of relationships within a marriage, the issue of headship cannot be ignored. That, man is the head of the woman. But, then Christ is the head of man. So, men have a great responsibility. I accept that arrangement. But, my husband admits choosing me as his wife because of my strength. And, so did many others. He did not want a mamby-pamby wimp. We are a team. I am his partner, not his pawn. I am respectful, but not subservient. Without women, there would be no men. And there are many women in the bible whose strength, courage and insight made a big difference in biblical history. Where would we be without such matriarchs as Deborah, prophetess and judge who joined with Barak to overthrow Sisera (Judges 4-5)? Or Rahab the prostitute who hid the two spies in Jericho and later became an ancestor to the Messiah. (Joshua 2) Or Tamar 1, daughter-in-law of Judah who bore him twin sons. Read Genesis 38 to find out how she accomplished that goal. And there are others like Ruth, a foreigner, who also was in the line of ancestry to the Messiah. There are so many others. As a woman, I am first to admit that men forget about us when it is time for promotion, assigment of duties in many churches and in some homes. I conclude that when it comes to positions of leadership, let the best "man" or "woMAN" do the job. In this segment, Solomon writes about CONTROL OF SELF. In Prov. 25:28 he writes, Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control. In the next topic, RASHNESS, he writes in Prov. 20:25, It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows. Included under the topic, TEMPER AND PATIENCE, he observes in Prov. 12:16: A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult. In 19:11, A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense. And regarding DRUNKENESS AND GLUTTONY we find in Prov. 20:1, Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise. In 23:19-21: Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path. Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags. The submission under the heading, ADULTERY, is extensive. Please read it in its entirety later. Much on the subject can be found at Provers. 6 and 7. I will feature an excerpt from Prov. 5:1-6: For the lips of an adulteress drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave. And the famed words of Prov. 5:15, Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well. This prayer I pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen. 

 

Submitted Monday, January 25, 2010

 

We were all born with a flaw in our genetic blueprint. Not so, you may say. Yes. At birth all of humanity required a heart transplant. Why? Because of the inherent sins of our parents, Adam and Eve. They sinned and it affected all of us. The congenital surgery resulting from their errant ways is of a spiritual nature. God didn't want us to die, so He had to provide a channel through whom we could defy our destiny. That is where Jesus Christ comes in. And that is why we are studying the Hebrew Scriptures. It is all about redemption of our souls. Pastor Mike, in Sunday's service at my church expounded upon the characteristics of a new heart: first, it is loving; secondly, it is forgiving; additionally, it is trusting; it evidences the heart of a servant, and finally it is thankful. In this section of his Proverbs, Solomon elaborates about CONTROL OF THE TONGUE. The heart is the seat of emotion and the tongue reflects the state of the heart. So, there is  your segue. In the first division, WISE AND FOOLISH TALK is considered. In Prov. 15:7, The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools. And in 16:23, A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction. The next portion is RIGHTEOUS AND WICKED TALK. Prov. 10:20,21, The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value. And in 10: 31,32 we find these words: The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse. Notice what he says in 12:13,14, An evil man is trapped by his sinful talk, but a righteous man escapes trouble. In 13:2, From the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil. Under the component, APPROPRIATE SPEECH is found in Prov. 25:11, A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. The element MAINTAINING SILENCE presents Solomon's thoughts at 13:3. He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin. CONTROLLED SPEECH EXTOLS IN Prov. 15:1 the famous quote, A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. And the theme, FLATTERY explains at Prov. 29:5, Whoever flatters his neighbor is spreading a net for his feet. SLANDER AND GOSSIP is the next segment. We find at Prov. 20:19, A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much. And you may be familiar with 26:20, Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down. And  Prov. 25:23 is organized under the heading, HURTFUL TALK. He writes, As a north wind brings rain, so a sly tongue brings angry looks. QUARRELING is next considered. In Prov. 17:14 Solomon says, Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out. LYING is examined next. Prov. 21:6, A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare. And, finally POWER OF TONGUE is explored in Prov. 18:20,21: From the fruit of his mouth a man's stomach is filled; with the harvest of his lips he is satisfied. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Tuesday, January 26, 2010

 

I am a "dove." I abhor intentional violence in any form, including upon the unborn. The blatant as well as the subtle. From harm rendered a fellow man to the depiction of it on the media screens or interactive games played in homes. Now, the act of violence perpetrated upon another is not new. Reference Cain, the eldest son of Adam who killed his brother Abel: Genesis 4. Then, there is the undeniable fact that God is known as Jehovah of Armies. It was He who spearheaded the victories won by his beloved Israelites, to the dismay of many non-believers. But that was righteous indignation. It all was done with a divine plan in mind. Even God realized that there were circumstances in which violence was unintentional. Consequently, he established the cities of refuge where the perpetrator would remain until the death of the high priest. I am especially perturbed by the depiction of violence in the media, in full view of children. This practice has its roots in antiquity. I grew up during the era of cowboys and Indians. There was a lot of shoot em up but it was violence of another genre. The television shows that I viewed could be watched by the entire family. Not so, today. The acts of force are so vivid. The blood oozes after a tempestuous hunt. I retreat to my bedroom following the news, which isn't exactly fun to watch. Today we will focus on DISHARMONY AND STRIFE in which Solomon addresses violence. The first poem is written under the heading, SOLICITATION TO EVIL. Prov. 16:29, how useless to spread a net in full view of all the birds! These  men lie in wait for their  own blood; they waylay only themselves! And included under the caption, VIOLENCE, we find in Prov. 21:7, The violence of the wicked will drag them away, for they refuse to do what is right. And included in the idea of MURDERERS, we find at Prov. 28:17, A man tormented by the guilt of murder will be a fugitive till death; let no one support him. CAUSING OTHERS HARM, references Prov. 3:29,30: Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you... and notice what Solomon writes regarding REVENGE: Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!" Wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you. And what he writes under the heading DISSENSION AND STRIFE is often quoted. See Prov. 6:16-19: There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers. In MEDDLING at Prov. 26:17, Like one who seizes a dog by the ears is a passer-by who meddles in a quarrel not his own. Regarding TRUTHFULNESS in Prov. 24:26 we find, An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips. Solomon continues with proverbs about accurate weights. Read one of them at Prov. 11:1 and  he even expounds upon BOUNDARY STONES in Prov. 22:28.  BRIBERY is the next heading. In Prov. 15:27: A greedy man brings trouble to his family but he who hates bribes will live. And WRONGFULLY OBTAINED GAINS is related at Prov. 10:2. OPEN-MINDEDNESS IS FOUND at Prov. 18:17, The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Wednesday, January 27, 2010

 

My father has often said, "nothing is wrong with being poor, but it is so darn inconvenient." While there is some wisdom in that statement I think in the reverse, "being poor is so darn convenient but there is often something wrong with being rich." I recognize that there are many altruistic persons of means. But there are many who depend upon their riches to bring them peace and security. Then, there are the faux wealthy. They pretend to have money. Many even have the trappings of it. That is, they live in the "right" section of town; drive the "right" vehicles and educate their offspring at the "right" schools. They feel "less than" shopping at bargain basement stores when that is exactly where they need to be. They scratch out a living that, superficially, seems to be the perfect life. Some plan their lives as if they were jigsaw puzzles. They carefully select just the right person so that they will be assured of living the high life and having children with certain physical characteristics. Many neither look to the right nor left. It's full speed ahead. Where are they going? Their concerns are worldly rather than ethereal. They exist as if they will have an armoured truck following their hearse. The possession of wealth is not, of itself, sinful. It is the love of money. The bible says it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. God isn't partial against those with money. Abraham was loaded. And the Holy Scriptures are filled with men of means. Reference David, Solomon, and Job. In today's submission, Solomon gives wise counsel about ECONOMIC WELL-BEING. The first, WEALTH AND POVERTY has many familiar sayings. Prov. 3:9, 10 is especially noteworthy: Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. In 11:14, Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. And 14:20, The poor are shunned even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends. Examine 15:16, Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil. Look at 22:2, Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all. And the familiar 22:7, The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. BENEVOLENCE AND GENEROSITY is next considered. The oft quoted Prov. 19:17 says, He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward  him for what he has done. In OPPRESSION OF THE POOR there are such sayings as the one at 16:8, Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice. Solomon expressed many thoughts on INDUSTRIOUSNESS. A famous one is found at Prov. 6:6-8: Go to the ant you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. And then at 6:9-11, How long will you lie  there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest_and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man. There are many others scattered throughout Proverbs. Only one admonition is cited under the heading, CONSERVATION, found at Prov. 21:20, In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has. And under the title, SURETY FOR ANOTHER Solomon gives this advice at Prov. 17:18: A man lacking in judgment strikes hands in pledge and puts up security for his neighbor. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen. 

Submitted Thursday, January 28, 2010

O, the games people play. Every night and every day. Till they are covered up with flowers, in the back of a black limousine. So say the lyrics of an old song. Mind games begin at birth and extend through the golden years. Parents know about them and so do caregivers.  Included under the heading, PERSONS AND ATTRIBUTES, Solomon begins his poems with a revelation about the relationships between parents and children. I have experience with both, and so have most of you. And I have witnessed many bouts between offspring and parent. And, it doesn't improve when the  parent is cared for by the children. Ofttimes, the child contributing the least to their care is the object of the aged one's affection. Albeit this may occur, the bible admonishes us to honor them. But, parents must also remember that they are not to be exasperating their children. The games go on. Between husband and wives, rulers and subjects, friends, as well as ministers and congregations. And let us not forget the pretense prevailing between creator and creation. Beginning with Prov. 10:1 we find, A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother. At 20:20, If a man curses his father or mother,  his lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness. And at 28:24, He who robs his father or mother and says, "it's not wrong"_ he is partner to him who destroys. WOMEN AND WIVES  is the next heading. At Prov. 11:22, like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion. Examine 18:22, he who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord. And at  21:9 the familiar, Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife. KINGS AND RULERS are addressed next. Prov. 14:28 says, A large population is a king's glory, but without subjects a prince is ruined. And at 16:12-15: Kings detest wrongdoing,for a throne is established through righteousness. Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value a man who speaks the truth. Among the many proverbs under this heading, Prov. 25:2,7 expresses the origin of what is uttered in the Greek Scriptures: Do not exalt yourself in the king's presence, and do not claim a place among great men; it is better for him to say to you, "Come up here," than for him to humiliate you before  a nobleman. The virtues of messengers are extolled in Prov. 13:17 and 25:13. Next, Solomon considers COMPANIONS. Prov. 13:20 says, He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. See 18:24: A man of many companons may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. There are other VARIOUS CONCERNS scattered throughout Proverbs. CAUTION at Prov. 16:17; REPUTATION at Prov. 22:1; COURAGE found at Prov. 3:25,26 and HOPE can be sampled at Prov. 13:12. This prayer I pray in the  name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen. 

 

Submitted Friday, January 29, 2010

 

Masquerade balls aren't as  popular as they once were. But, Halloween has taken its place. The Oxford Desk Dictionary and Thesaurus, Second Edition uses these words to define "masquerade:" false show or pretense; disguise, deception, pose, dissimulation, bluff, fakery; pretend to be, pass oneself off as, impersonate or simulate. The word "masque" is a derrivative of masquerade. Referencing the same source, masque denotes dramatic and musical entertainment, especially of the 16th and 17th centuries. In fact, the sign of the thespian art are two masks, showing opposing emotions. As a former student of drama, I know that masks had a utilitarian usage on the stage. During early theatre the audience was not privy to much of the conversations. There was no sound system, remember. So, masques would inform the audience as to when a performer switched emotions. During my dark days of depression, I wore a mask. I am often complimented on my beautiful smile. And it's natural. These days it reflects a happy heart, but during bygone days it concealed a heavy one. Many of you, my friends, know exactly about which I speak. Solomon was aware of the characteristics of joy and grief. Submitted under the heading, VARIOUS OBSERVATIONS, the first wise sayings will be provided in their entirety. Beginning with Prov. 14:10: Each heart knows its own business, and no one else can share its joy. Later, at 14:13, Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in grief. And at 15:13, A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. At 17:22 is found, A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Further, 18:14 relates, A man's spirit sustains him in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear? At 25:20, Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart. And at 27:11, Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart; then I can answer anyone who treats me with contempt. And finally, at 29:6, An evil man is snared by his own sin, but a righteous one can sing and be glad. Solomon writes about GOOD NEWS at Prov. 15:30 and about CURIOSITY at Prov. 27:20. Captioned as SAYINGS OF AGUR, there are many entries. We will sample one at Prov. 30:20 "This is the way of an adulteress: She eats and wipes her mouth and says, "I've done nothing wrong."  A  familiar saying is included in SAYINGS OF KING LEMUEL. Found at Prov. 31:8,9: Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." The final Proverb for this segment, as well as for the book of Proverbs, is that regarding THE WIFE OF NOBLE CHARACTER. It is often quoted and I invite you to examine it at Prov. 31:10-3l. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Saturday, January 30, 2010

 

To know not and to know not that you know not, is a fool. Shun him. But to know and to know that  you know is a wise man, follow him. I am stepping out on a limb with this submission of the SONG OF SOLOMON OR SONG OF SONGS. Though not completely lacking in knowledge about the book, I needed to consult other sources to increase my enlightenment. Today I will prepare you for the songs. First, you must understand, as has been previously mentioned, that a little literary awareness will assist you in understanding God's Word. The simile, wherein the words "like" or "as" are used to suggest obvious comparison; metaphor where the likeness is implied and understood by the discerning reader and now, the allegory when characters are represented symbolically. The definition of allegory was taken from THE OXFORD DESK DICTIONARY AND THESAURUS, with explanation of simile and metaphor being a forethought derived from my experience teaching high school literature. The first impulse, when reading SONG OF SONGS, is to interpret it literally. This is the angle employed in LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE. Extracted from the footnotes on the subject, we find that its explanation of the songs of love presented in this book reflect Solomon's encounter with a beautiful peasant woman. He approached her anonymously but then later revealed himself to her. He asked her to return to Jerusalem with him and the songs express his feelings for her as they are being married in the palace. It further explains that the book is a series of seven poems, not necessarily in chronological order. According to this source, there are three characters or groups of characters in this book: the girl (beloved), Solomon (lover) and "friends." HALLEY'S BIBLE HANDBOOK agrees that it is a love song, set in blossoming springtime. It states that it is "...full of metaphors and a profusion of oriental imagery that shows Solomon's fondness for nature, gardens, meadows, vineyards, orchards and flocks." It is a superb example of Hebrew poetry. The book admits that it is is difficult to follow because of its sudden transitions from one speaker to another and from place to place. This source divides the speakers into the bride, called the Shulammite; the king, and a chorus of palace women called "daughters of Jerusalem." It further reveals that a common opinion is that the Shulammite was Abishag of Shunem, the most beautiful woman in all the land, who attended David in his last days and who became wife to Solomon. Dr. J. Vernon McGee's explaination in an audio/video from the BLUE LETTER BIBLE WEBSITE agrees with the interpretation given in HALLEY'S BIBLE HANDBOOK. Superficially, the poem is a song of praise to the joys of marital bliss. "However, both Jews and Christians have seen deeper meanings. Jews read it at Passover as an allegory referring to the Exodus, when God took Israel to Himself as His bride...Christians have usually regarded it as a song of Christ and the church. In the New Testament the church is called the bride of Christ...In this view, human marriage is a counter part to and foretaste of the relationship between Christ and His church." Whichever view you prefer, it sends a message that love within the boundaries of marriage is beautiful. As J. Vernon McGee stated, asceticism or abstaining from marriage, is not a requirement. And its opposite, lust, is equally abhorrent. The message to my friends is that sexual relationship should be within the boundaries of marriage and anything less leads to unhapiness. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen. 

 

Submitted Sunday , January 31, 2010

 

Many of my friends experience racing thoughts. This usually occurs during the nocturnal hours. I term it STINKIN THINKIN. They just can't turn off the faucet to their thoughts. Clinically depressed persons do it, but so do my friends who are stressed. They rehearse what they will do the next day or lament over what has transpired in recent times. It's not fun. Albeit I no longer manifest active symptoms of depression, I continue to have racing thoughts. But, mine are spiritual. In other words, I am engaged in active communication with God. Or God is giving me directions. Most of the time it involves this website, but it could prevail thoughout every aspect of my existence. Whenever this happens, I will ask God for peace. I will say, 'God, if it is Your will, please let me sleep. If not, then God speak; your servant is listening.' Try it. During one of those late night inspirational incidences, I contemplated the Songs of Solomon or the Song of Songs. It is a little book, but carries a powerful message. Before continuing, I would like to acknowledge the assistance I received from Pastor Mike, Executive Pastor at church. He recommended that I use THE BLUE LETTER BIBLE WEBSITE as a research tool. So, before I explain my plan for presenting this book, let me share with you the fact that I have used this site and especially the commentaries of Dr. J. Vernon McGee as I mentioned in an earlier segment. An adage that says, he who has no plan, plans to fail is especially true with this powerful book. I will use a different approach with Song of Solomon. I will build the rungs and let you climb the ladder by reading the songs later. My decision to do so resulted from the nature of Solomon's songs. The material is graphic and sensual. I do not think a verse by verse approach would do justice to the holistic message. The message could very well be taken literally, as I have mentioned. But the allegorical nature seems most appropirate to me. Dr. McGee echoes  other sources when he stated that Solomon wrote about 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs. Mysteriously, only five survived antiquity. He thought it odd that the number for the songs was not rounded and the five reflects the ones studied here. God preserves what He wishes. First, this is not a soap opera. That is what Dr. McGee said about this subject. His commentary informed the researcher that Solomon's name means peace. And Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Jerusalem is the city of peace. Now, let's dig a little deeper. Dr. McGee gave a synopsis of the literal meaning of the five songs. It is about a country girl from the hilly terrain of Ephraim. She was a member of a large family and was treated as Cinderella. She worked in the sun and her skin was darkened. During those days, tanned skin was not desirable as it implicated one who toiled. Milky white was the color of choice. This young girl worked in the vineyard and as a shepherdess. Now, don't forget that the song is not meant to be the plot of a story. Remember that it is an allegory. Let us continue with the obvious meaning. The maiden was beautiful but had no time to pamper herself. She encountered a shepherd boy who charmed her. There are some sultry sayings that could serve as fodder for the perverse. For a while, she did not  know the identity of the shepherd boy/lover. Ultimately, she discovered it to be Solomon. Some stop at this bride/bridegroom explanation. But, what Dr. McGee so aptly points out is the fact that, to some extent, it does address a bride/bridegroom relationship. But not the type you expect. This bride is the church and the groom is the Messiah. Summarily, it is an expose that expresses a personal relationship with Jesus. Symbolic references to Jesus prevail thoughout the script. Beginning with the sheep, it becomes obvious that Jesus was the Good Shepherd. Gifts were exchanged as they were at his birth. Spices were mentioned. Dr. McGee stated that "salvation is a love affair." When you read it; it  can be done in one sitting, look for symbolism that points to the Messiah and his covenantal relationship with the church.  Today's affirmation: I must understand that love does not have to be carnal. I realize that love can be expressed in many ways. I am aware of the purest form of love: my love for Christ, who is God in the flesh. I will not let my sexual appetite ruin my chances for eternal life. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Monday, February 1, 2010

 

Everyone has a story. My autobiography is weaved within the context of my commentaries on this webside. Therefore, much about me has been revealed to you. Some of it isn't very pretty. Many hide their wrong doings. Mostly, because of pride or their standing within the community. What would people think of them if they knew the real deal? Well, God already knows you inside out. Now, what you may not realize is my view on status. I have no desire for eminence. If you tell me, 'these people are important,' I shy away from that group. I choose humble over haughty. The life of Solomon is a glowing example of what can happen to those who climb the ladder of success and forget who positioned them there. Solomon. A man who sought discernment and wisdom. This same Solomon succumbed to the wiles of foreign wives and worshipped foreign Gods. Be cognizant that traditional bibles are not arranged as the one I have chosen. That is, THE DAILY BIBLE IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER. SO, DON'T BE CONFUSED BY ITS DIFFERENT ARRANGEMENT OF BOOKS OF THE BIBLE. THEY ARE IN HISTORICAL ORDER. In other words, they are introduced when they occurred in history. Consequently, snippets of 1Kgs. have been introduced following SONGS OF SOLOMON OR SONG OF SONGS. Because that is when they occurred historically. 1kgs. 11:1-3 reveal a sad fact. King Solomon, the wisest man known to man married foreign wives. We know that he married Pharoah's daughter at the beginning of his reign. But the scripture cited says he married other women of foreign extraction. Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians and Hitites. He ignored God's warning that "you must not intermarry with them, because they will surely turn your hearts after their gods." And, that is exactly what happened. Tears almost well in my eyes as I write this: Solomon turned to idolatry. He did not follow the pathway of his father, David. He stooped so low that he errected "a high place" for them. Now, as amazing as this sounds, we must apply it to today. How many have fallen from grace  in modern times? The commentary for this section, written by F. LaGard Smith says: an inspired writer of a later time issued the warning, "if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!" As a similar warning, I keep an index card affixed to my bathroom vanity that quotes Luke 6:41: Why do you see the speck in your neighbor's eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? God becomes enraged over Solomon's wayward ways. He said to him, "Since this is your attitude and you have not kept my covenant and my decrees, which I commanded you, I will  most certainly tear the kingdom away  from you and give it to one of your subordinates. Nevertheless, for the sake of David your father, I will not do it during your lifetime. I will tear it out of the hand of your son. Yet I will not tear the whole kingdom from him, but will give him one tribe for the sake of David my servant and for the sake of Jerusalem, which I have chosen." Following that warning, many adversaries sprung up against Solomon. One was Hadad. He was an Edomite. When Joab mistakenly thought he had exterminated them in battle during David's reign, Hadad escaped to Egypt and married the queen's sister. It seems that Egypt was the place to go when you needed help. Even Jacob knew that. There were Rezon and Jeroboam. Much of this account is recorded at 1Kgs. 11. Examine the details through further study. The bottom line is that Solomon tried to kill Jeroboam, but Jeroboam fled to Egypt, to Shishak the king, and stayed there until Solomon's death. Lord, let my friends  know that sometimes depression results from situations such as Solomon experienced. Perhaps not as dramatic, but with similar results. It may be as simple as a demotion. Downsizing. People don't like it when they lose power. Let them know, Lord, that all power rests with you. And so, the glory must be yours. Whether they are high on the corporate ladder or down at the first rung. Let my friends know that it is not WHO they are but WHOM they trust as their God that matters. Today's affirmation: I will strive to live a simple life. I know that hard work reaps benefits. But I must realize that sometimes it is like striving after the wind. I will delight myself in simple pleasures. I do not have to be given a title in order to feel important. God needs me to fight in his army and I will accept His challenge. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Tuesday, February 2, 2010

 

I launched my career as a pedantic pedagogue in the early seventies as I barely reached twenty-one. I was given the assignment as an instructor of exceptional students in a metropolitan city in the southeastern section of the United States. It was challenging. I had students ranging in ages from approximately seven to sixteen_all in one self-contained class. I had a little help initially from a master teacher. Diane showed me the ropes and spent much of her time knitting for the remainder of the year. It was challenging, but then so was my adjustment as a city gal. I am from a small country town. Admittedly, I was happy when a position as a speech language pathologist, the field in which I was trained, became available. I seem to have taught in four year intervals back then, as that is the length of time I spent in that assigment as well as a similar one when I moved  with my first husband to California, where my daughter was born. Following my divorce, I headed south to lick my wounds and bask in the supportive enviornment provided by my parents. In this setting, I launched my career teaching English to high school students. Equally challenging. Albeit I taught everything from journalism, debate and grammar to world literature, I most enjoyed the poetry and drama. David and Solomon were prolific poets. Whether you term them psalms or songs, they are poetic in nature.  While the psalms and songs of Solomon were mostly upbeat, not so of those in Ecclesiates. The word means teacher or preacher. I can relate as there to is a thin line between the two, considering myself to be both. The words are either directly written by an aged Solomon or a scribe reflecting his latter lessons on life. They are arranged topically in the bible of my choice. SEARCH FOR MEANING is considered first. THE ULTIMATE QUESTION is explored. You will get a feeling of hopelessness and depression from your superficial consideration of Ecclesiastes. The author seems to be searching for the purpose of life. This issue is the theme of the popular, THE PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE BY RICK WARREN. From Eccl. 1:2,3: Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless." What does man gain from all his labor at which he toils, under the sun? And in Eccl. 1:4-11, CYCLICAL NATURE OF LIFE, I will provide the following excerpts:  What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. Is there anything of which one can say, "Look! This is somethng new?" It was here already, long ago; it was here before our time. There is no remembrance of men of old, and even those who are yet to come will not be remembered by those who follow. Let's look at the topic, MAN'S SEARCH FOR MEANING. Found in Eccl. 6:10-12, The more the words the less the meaning, and how does that profit anyone? For who knows what is good for a man in life, during the few and meaningless days he passes through like a shadow? Who can tell him what will happen under the sun after he is gone? Mortality is examined beneath the heading, IMPORTANCE OF FINDING MEANING. First, MORTALITY OF ANIMALS AND MAN. I also thought, "As for men, God tests them so that they may see that they are like the animals. Man's fate is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both: As one dies, so dies the other. All have the same breath; man has no advantage over the animal..." This excerpt is found at Ecc. 3:18-22. Then, consider MORTALITY OF FOOLISH AND WISE, found at Ecc. 2:12-16. An excerpt says, I saw that wisdom is better than folly, just as light is better than darkness. The wise man has eyes in his head, while the fool walks in the darkness; but I came to realize that the same fate overtakes  them both. Then I thought in my heart, "The fate of the fool will overtake me also. What then do I gain by being wise?" I said in my heart, "This too is meaningless." For the wise man, like the fool, will not be long remembered; in days to come both will be forgotten. Like the fool, the wise man too must die! Read about the MORTALITY OF RIGHTEOUS AND WICKED later at Ecc. 9:1-3. Eccl. 9:4-10 considers  THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PRESENT. Anyone who is among the living has hope_even a live dog is better off than a dead lion! For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; they have no further reward, and even memory of them is forgotten. Today's affirmation: I will stay positive and know that my purpose is life is to do God's will. I will not apply Solomon's words as a validation for my atheistic beliefs. I must realize that all is not meaningless. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Wednesday, February 3, 2010

 

Like Solomon, a portion of my youth was spent engaged in meaningless endeavors. I chased after the wind. But that was when I was a sapling. Solomon took the other road to realization. He began it with wisdom and ended up filled with emptiness. Before I present the wisdom literature for this section, let me mention a few things about the genre. First, consider the word wisdom. Extracted from HALLEY'S BIBLE HANDBOOK, wisdom encompasses the willingness and ability to rightly perceive, and to be rightly related to, the created world in all its aspects. God has made the world a certain way, and wisdom means living in accordance with that basic structure of the universe. Wisdom literature is poetic in form but practical in content. The books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Job, the Song of Songs and some of the Psalms are traditionally considered wisdom literature. It is impractical to read the Holy Scriptures and not be aware of its creative use of the language. Do you see the word "creator" embedded in the word "creative?" There are other figures of speech to be discovered. Alliteration is sprinkled throughout the bible as well as my personal style. For example, the previous segment featured the phrase "pedantic pedagogue." They have the same beginning sound. It gives melody to the inscription. By the way, it means "strict teacher." In this section MEANINGLESSNESS OF HUMAN PURSUITS is explored. In Eccl. 1:12-18 is found the verses, What is twisted cannot be straightened; what is lacking cannot be counted. Further, For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief. EMPTINESS OF PLEASURE is examined at Eccl. 2:1-8 and EMPTINESS OF ACHIEVEMENT at Ecc. 2:4-11: I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor. Yet when I surveyed all thy hands had done and  what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained  under the sun. Solomon continues his first person narration at Eccl. 2:17-26_EMPTINESS OF LABOR. Please analyze Eccl. 4:1-3 wherein Solomon writes about EMPTINESS OF HUMAN CONDITION and 4:4-6, EMPTINESS OF ACCUMULATION. Excerpted from Eccl. 7-12, EMPTINESS OF UNSHARED LIVES, the following is found: Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But  pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Pay special attention to his conclusion about EMPTINESS OF FALSE WORSHIP at Eccl. 5:1-7. EMPTINESS OF WEALTH is the subject of 5:8-20, Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too  is meaningless. It further states, Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him_for this is his lot. Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot  and be  happy in his work_this is a gift of God. He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart. Please read what Solomon has to say about EMPTINESS OF MATERIALISM at 6:1-9. Then, at 7:13.14 he says, Consider what God has done: Who can straighten what he has made crooked? When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future. Please continue to read 8:7-15 and 9:13-18. Today's affirmation: I understand that this book is written by a wise man who erred. Just as I may have. I can see that he considers most of his life as striving after the wind. He evidences signs of depression. But, there is hope as I realize that he points to God as the answer to all of the meaninglessness in his life. So should I. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Thursday, February 4, 2010

 

This is a test. This is only a  test. This is a test of the American Broadcasting System. Sounds familiar? It continues, in the event of an emergency..... Solomon was tested and found life meaningless. That is, before coming to the conclusion that serving and pleasing God gives purpose to life. I was tested and came to the same conclusion. Both of us discovered that sharing the good news starts with a burden. (2Kngs. 6-7) At least that is the essence of the sermon Pastor Mike preached at my church Sunday. Though this is before the coming of the Messiah, the lesson is no less vivid. And, Pastor Mike extolled, joy comes from sharing that good news. In today's submission, Solomon writes about the VALUE OF WISDOM. Under the heading, VARIOUS PROVERBS, he writes in Eccl. 7:7-12, The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride. Do not be quickly provoked in  your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools. Do not say, "Why were the old days better than these?" For it is not wise to ask such questions. There is not a righteous man on earth who does what is right and never sins. Do not pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you_for  you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others. The latter scripture comes from Ecc. 7:19-26. The proverbs continue at Ecc. 10:1-11:6. Whoever digs a pit may fall into it; whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake. Whoever quarries stones may be injured by them; whoever splits logs may be endangered by them. No one knows what is coming_who can tell him what will happen after him? And, finally, As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God the Maker of all things. Featured in SAYINGS OF THE WISE, Solomon says, Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body. And in WISDOM COMES FROM SORROW: Ecc. 7:1-6 states, A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth. It is better to go to a house of mourning than to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of every man; the living should take this to heart. Winding down for this segment, we find DANGER OF EXTREMISM in Ecc. 7:15-18 with the final line admonishing, The man who fears God will avoid all extremes. Please read Eccl. 7:27-29 which reveals the fact that FEW CHOOSE WISDOM. Today's affirmation: I want to earn a good name. But I also do not wish to compromise my principles in order to do so. I will learn from the mistakes others have made as I cannot live long enough to experience them all during my lifetime. I understand that sometimes I must begin with something that is burdensome in order to grow and develop. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Friday, February 5, 2010

 

There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven. This morning my phone rang at 6:30. It was my best friend, Bea. She knows that I am  an early riser and did not fear disturbing my rest. I try to post the prayers in a timely fashion so that my friends can read them before they begin their day. Today was different. My friend told me that her granddaughter, Carmen, had transitioned. She had been gravely ill; she was only seven months old. We chatted for awhile as we always do, confessing our faith. Our common values bind us together. She wasn't crying, though I could sense a sign of sadness. We discussed how we had to submit to God's will. So, today's final segment from Ecclesiastes and the wisdom of Solomon is dedicated to little Carmen who is with God. The sayings could be called aphorisms or maxims, short verses designed to provoke thought. Beginning with Eccl. 3:1-17 LIFE'S TRUE MEANING is explored starting with the theme: PURPOSE AND BALANCE IN LIFE. It is familiar to most. There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. Solomon continues: What does the worker gain from his toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil_this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him. Next, I will feature a famous excerpt from Ecc. 11:7-12:8, ADVICE TO YOUNG PEOPLE: Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, "I have no pleasure in them"_ before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars grow dark, and the clouds return after the rain; when the keepers of the house tremble, and the strong men stoop, when the grinders cease because they are few, and those looking through the windows grow dim; when the doors to the street are closed and the sound of the grinding fades; when men rise  up at the sound of birds, but all their songs grow faint; when men are afraid of heights and of dangers in the streets; when the almond tree blossoms and the grasshoper drags himself along and desire no longer is stirred. Then man goes to his eternal home and mourners go about the street. There is a lot of symobolic meaning in this scripture. The grinders, for example, are teeth. That is why you should bother to learn figurative language. Not that, we consider the bible to be simply literature, as is taught at schools of higher learning; it is inspired. Yet, it is indeed filled with symbolic images. 

Today's affirmation: Father, I surrender all. I surrender my possessions, and my thoughts to you. I surrender them to He who has given them to me. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Saturday, February 6, 2010

 

My husband has a "love affair" with the game of football. I, on the other hand, go in the opposite direction whenever they are playing on the tele. I once enjoyed attending "live" performances. When I was in high school, I was a majorette. I couldn't wait to twirl that baton and dance to a beat that comprised our routine. My mother would get my hair done. And I would polish my boots, equipped with a blue and gold tassel. My boyfriend was a drummer in the band and that made it ever more exciting. Another was co-captain of the team. When I matriculated at a college in the southeast, I continued to attend. Though not a part of the half-time hoopla, I anticipated its excitement . I would get all dolled up and watch the fashion parade. At that time, my beau was a star player and I would be on the edge of my seat when he was sacked. Now, I really don't know much about the game, to this day. Let me tell you what I know: It is a team sport encompassing the theory that, "united we stand; divided we fall." Each team has a coach. Sort of like our heavenly Father. They run in the same direction. And that was a challenge when I played powder puff football during my last two years of high school. If you run in the opposite direction it is considered an embarrassment. Each team has a plan. Akin to the admonishments in the Holy Scriptures. The team is expected to follow the directions of the coach. Our coach leads us to eternity; in the game of football they get a trophy and a moment in the spotlight. The veteran players are chosen to play before the rookies. In the game of life, we are all on equal footing as long as we follow God's rules. Sometimes the rookies will outshine those who have toiled in the vineyard for a longer period of time. Sometimes the star players fall from grace. Sounds like the game of life doesn't it? Well, as we turn the corner of biblical history we enter into the era of the divided kingdoms. Solomon dies in utter obscurity and his son Rehoboam reigns. We find at 1Kngs. 12:1-5 and 2Chron. 10:1-5 that as Rehoboam was crowned to reign, there was another with a similar sounding name who emerged from exile in Egypt and returned to challenge Rehoboam. The people went to Rehoboam and said to him, "Your father put a heavy yoke  on us, but now lighten the harsh labor and the heavy yoke he put on  us, and we will serve you." He answered them, "Go away for three days and then come back to me." So the people went away. This reminds me of the death and resurrection of the Messiah. Their request sounded reasonable to the elders whom Rehoboam consulted. The elders replied, "If today you will be a servant to these people and serve them and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your servants." A hot-headed Rehoboam didn't like that answer. So he consulted his cronies  who advised him to do the opposite. So a rebellion ensued. All but Judah rebelled. So, now there is a divided kingdom with two kings. Jeroboam was king of what was known as Israel and Rehoboam reigned over Judah. And, of course, they wanted to rumble. A prophet prevented this from happening. His  name was Shemiah. God spoke to him: "Say to Rehoboam son of Solomon king of Judah, to the whole house of Judah and Benjamin, and to the rest of the people", "This is what the Lord says: Do not go up to fight against your brothers, the Israelites. Go home, every one of you, for this is my doing." So they obeyed the word of the Lord and went home again, as the Lord had ordered. (1Kngs. 12:6-11 and 2Chron. 10:6-11). Meanwhile ,Jeroboam resorted to idolatry and built shrines on high places. The Levites returned to Judah so that they could worship God. At 1Kgs 13:1-3 it tells of a prophecy that came from a man of God who lived in Judah, the center of true worship. It was a prophecy against the altar that was errected. The bottom line is that it came to fruition and as King Jeroboam tried to seize the man of God, his hand shriveled. He cried out for help and the prophet from Judah helped him. But he refused his hospitality. 1Kngs. 13:11-32 tells of the fate of the man of God. Please read it later. Today's affirmation: I realize that my life is somewhat like the game played on a field. I can either listen to my "coach" or I can live an existence in eternal damnation. I can follow God's word if I wish. I have choices. I am like everyone else. I can choose life. I want to choose life. I can ask God for peace. I know that He will grant it to me if I have the faith of a mustard seed. I know that the activities in which I engage are meaningless and striving after the wind. I will engage in things that are upbuilding and when I do that I will strengthen my relationship with God. I will clear my head and get better. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

Submitted Sunday, February 7, 2010

 

There are common threads that knit the bible together. Foremost among them is the one heralding the coming of the Messiah. The first prophecy can be found in Genesis and it alludes to Christ's coming. Another commonality is the fact that when you turn away from God  towards idolatry, things don't go well. So, you think the worship of idol gods is a biblical thing? I think not. When you fail to tithe ten per cent of the abundance God gave you, you obviously are worshipping something else. Like what? Yourself. Your family. Your house and possessions. Your career. Your car. Get the point? Well, it was blatant idolatry that brought Jeroboam and Rehoboam to their knees. And beyond. After the peaceful Proverbs and provocative books of Solomon, we return to the warfare ensuing between the divided kingdoms of Israel. Jeroboam had evil ways. And he paid a dear price for his diabolicial practices. In 1Kgs. 14:1-4 the son of Jeroboam became ill. He sent his wife dressed in disguise to inquire of Ahijah the prophet. Even though his visual acuity suffered, the prophet knew who she was as God had forewarned him. Lord, let  my friends know that they can run but they cannot hide from the Lord. Ahijah told Jeroboam's wife what she would rather not hear. After reminding her of the sins of her husband, he gave her the verdict from the Lord. "Because of this, I am going to bring disaster on the house of Jeroboam. I will cut off from Jeroboam every last male in Israel_slave or free. I will burn up the house of Jeroboam as one burns dung, until it is all gone. Dogs will eat those belonging to Jeroboam who die in the city, and the birds of the air will feed on those who die in the country. The Lord has spoken!" Then the Lord said he would raise up for himself a king over Israel who will cut off his family. Just as the prophet had predicted, when Jeroboam's wife's feet crossed the threshold, her son died. But the Lord allowed him to be buried as he found good in him. Friends, you can see that God is slow to anger but He can be angered. Don't be lulled into thinking differently. Personally, I suffered twenty years with depression and I think it was directly related to my errant ways. I am aware of the medical facets and respect them, but I am speaking for me when I say, "God needed to get my attention" And He did. It saved my spiritual life and probably my mortal life as well. Now, back in Judah let us see what Rehoboam was doing. 2Chron. 11:5-12  describes his family life. He married many wives and had concubines as well. He loved Maacah, daughter of Absalom, more than the others. Consequently, he appointed Abijah son of Maacah to be chief prince among his brothers, in order to make him king. 1Kgs. 14:22-24 and 2Chron. 12:1-14 say that Rehoboam abandoned true worship. Drrrrrrum roll please. He was invaded by the king of Egypt, Shishak. In 2Chron. 12:5-8: Then the prophet Shemiah came to Rehoboam and to the leaders of Judah who had assembled  in Jerusalem for fear of Shishak, and he said to them, "This is what the Lord says, "you have abandoned me; therefore, I now abandon you to Shishak." Frightening isn't it, my friends? But lets continue: The leaders of Israel and the king humbled themselves and said, The Lord is just." Lets see what God does: When the Lord saw that they humbled themselves, this word of the Lord came to Shemiah.: "Since they have humbled themselves, I will not destroy them but will soon give them deliverance. My wrath will not be poured out on Jerusalem through Shishak. They will, however, become subject to him, so that they may learn the difference between serving me and serving the kings of other lands." Judah was not all bad. And neither are you, my friends. And neither was I.  At 1Kgs. 15:1,2 and 2Chron. 13:1,2 the death of Rehoboam is revealed. He died after having reigned eighteen years, with Abijah succeeding him to the throne. At 2Chron. 13:4-12 Abijah delivers a stirring message. It was in response to a threat issued by Jeroboam. In essence, Abijah said that God was with the City of David. Great start but poor finish. At 1Kgs. 15:3-5, He commited all the sins his father had done before him;  his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God as the heart of David his forefather had been. Today's affirmation: As Pastor Mike said in today's service, friends, don't become enamored with the world. I will avoid idolatry of all kind. I cannot keep my mind clean when it is cluttered with worldly thinking and treasures. A clean mind is a healthy mind. I want a healthy mind. I can achieve it, if I believe it. "Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger that you seem, and smarter than you think." (Christopher Robin to Winnie the Pooh) This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

 

Submitted Monday, February 8, 2010

 

Where there is division, there is despair. Whether it is in your house or in the White House. This segment is challenging. It teeter-totters between two kingdoms_one in Judah and the remaining northern tribes of Israel. It encompasses oodles of kings. Most of them were evil. It becomes confusing. I have determined that the only thing worth remembering are the good guys. There are fewer and they walked in the way of the Lord. Let's start this journey in Judah. 1Kgs. 15:8-10 and 2Chron. 14:1 tell us that Asa took the reigns after the death of Abijah. Under his tutelage Judah prospered. Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God. He removed the foreign altars and the high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles. Meanwhile, in Israel Jeoboam dies. He made bad choices. His son Nadab succeeded him as king and reigned two years.(1Kgs. 14:20; 15:25) Nadab was evil and followed in the footsteps of his father. 1Kgs. 15:31,27 explains how Nadab was assassinated. Please read it later. Then, if that wasn't diabolical enough, Jeroboam's family was killed. All of them. (15: 29.30) Then Baasha, who had orchestrated Nadab's demise, emerged as ruler. He also was evil. Let's find out what is transpiring in Judah. God helped Asa and Judah defeat the Cushites. (2Chron. 14:9-15)  Judah experienced peace for thirty-five years after that conflict. In addition to the people of Judah and Benjamin were large numbers of other tribesmen who had joined ranks with Asa after seeing that the Lord was with them. At 1Kgs. 15:13 and 2Chron. 15:16 we find King Asa deposing his grandmother Maacah because of her persistent habits of idolotry. Then, the inevitable happens. Bassha, king of Israel, threatened Asa. But, then this good guy, Asa, erred. He sought the help of the king of Syria rather than that of the Lord. Later, in 2Chron. 16:10 we find Hanani the seer approaching Asa and berating him for  this action.  Because of his behavior, the Lord told Asa, "...You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war." Asa didn't like what the seer had to say and tossed him into prison. Then the venue changes to Israel. The beat goes on when the word came through Jehu, son of Hanani, to Baasha because of their evil ways. (1Kgs. 16:7, 1-4) He suffered the same fate as his father Jeroboam. Please read the details later. Baasha died. Elah his son succeeded him as king. Elah reigned for only two years. (1Kgs. 16:5,6) He was assassinated. Then there was a tug of war for power between Zimri and Omri. Omri won out. Omri was evil as well. Following Omri, Ahab his son was crowned. His reign spanned twenty-two years. Remember this guy. According to 1Kgs. 21:25,26, There was never a man like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the eyes of the Lord, urged on by Jezebel his wife. We will finish this section with a peek at Judah. What you may discern is that some of the "good guys" jumped ship. Asa was one of them. In the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa was afflicted with a disease in his feet. Though his disease was severe, even in his illness he did not seek help from the Lord, but only from the physicians. My friends, notice that it said ONLY from the physicians. Seeking  help from the medical profession is not a sin. I am aware that there are some facets of the religious right who condemn medical care. And, consulting a mental health professional falls under this umbrella. Asa died. And 1Kgs. 22:43,46,47 and 2Chron. 20:32.33 record that Jehoshaphat his son ,who ruled after him, walked in the ways of his father. Remember him. He made good choices. And Judah prospered with him at the helm. Today's affirmation: I realize from the Holy Scriptures that things will go well with me when I follow the Word of God. I cannot have it both ways. I must choose whom I will serve. I know that my mental status is directly related to my spiritual. I want peace. I must admit that true and everlasting peace comes from God. I may try to achieve peace through other measures, but it won't last. Care from a mental health professional will help me achieve this goal.This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do  you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Tuesday, February 9, 2010

 

Some people go along to get along. It was true in the bible and it's true now. This habit can create problems. It is advisable that you stand out from the crowd when it is necessary. Some pride themselves in being different. And that can be a good thing. Others are afraid to express an opposing opinion or to dress in a unique fashion. They will do what the crowd does at all cost. But Noah didn't. Neither did Moses. And, now we consider another who followed God's word at the risk of losing his life. Elijah was a prophet who lived during the reign of King Ahab and his wife Jezebel. Being a prophet of the Lord was hazardous to your health_and life. During those days Israel was dominated by pagan worship. God was not pleased with their behavior. And when God is not pleased He acts upon his displeasure. Elijah, the Tishbite, is often confused with Elisha whom we will discuss later. 1Kgs. 17:1 tells us that this brave prophet said to Ahab, an evil ruler: "As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word." Then the Lord sent Elijah to hide in the Kerith Ravine. 1Kgs. 17:2-7 explains  that God provided a brook from which he could drink and ravens to bring him meat and bread. Then the Lord sent him to Zarepath of Sidon where a widow and her son resided. 17:8-16 tells that the widow was down to her last meal and was prepared to cook it and die with her son. Elijah told her that the Lord God of Israel said, "The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord gives rain on the land." My friends, the same God who provided for the widow can also be there for you. Perhaps not in such a dramatic fashion with words spoken to you by a prophet. But, provisions will be made available to you, none-the-less. The widow obeyed Elijah and food was available to her throughout the drought. Then tragedy befell when her son became ill and died. And, of course, she struck out at Elijah. Isn't that true of us, my friends? We are fine as long as things go well, but when life takes a detour we are ready to blame someone_even God_ for our misfortune. But, things got better for her when Elijah resurrected the boy. Of course, the power to do so came from God. This foretells the miracles Jesus would later perform. At 1Kgs. 18:2-6 we are introduced to Obadiah, a man of God. He worked in Ahab's palace. While Jezebel was killing the prophets this man of God saved over a hundred by hiding them in caves and bringing provisions to them. As far as the royal couple was concerned Elijah was the last of the lot. And they were in hot pursuit of him. When Obediah encountered Elijah and was requested to inform Ahab of his presence, Obediah feared for his life, thinking that he would not appear. But he did. Now, this segment is familiar to most Christians. 18:16-21 relates the challenge Elijah made to the priests of Baal. They were to meet at Mount Carmel. There were four hundred and fifty of them. And only one representing the Lord. At 18:22-25 Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, "Choose one of the bulls and prepare it first, since there are so many of you. Call on the name of your god, but do not light the fire. They shouted to Baal, even cutting themselves with swords which was the custom. But, of course, there was no response. Then, at 18:30-39 Elijah said to all the people, "Come here to  me." He asked  them to fill four large jars with water and pour it on the offering and on the wood. They did it three times. The number three is significant later. Elijah called upon the Lord. Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice. The priests paid dearly for their mistake. They were all slaughtered in the Kishon Valley. Following the demonstration of the Lord's power, He sent rain. Sometimes, my friends, God has to demonstrate His power in our lives. And we must recognize when He does so. Of course, Jezebel didn't like what happened and threatened Elijah. You would think, that with the powerful display at Mount Carmel that Elijah would be energized and would fear no man. But, what did he do? 1Kgs. 19:3,4 tells us that he prayed to die. My friends, have you ever prayed to die? To end it all? You can see that sometimes even faith can fail us. But God doesn't give up on us. Elijah was depressed. 19:5-8 tells us that he fell asleep. Sounds familiar? Then an angel touched him and said, "Get up and eat." He later went to Mount Horeb, the mountain of God. There he went into a cave and spent the night. Later, he was commissioned to find Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen. The twelve represents the tribes of Israel. He followed Elijah and became his attendant. Today's affirmation: I must realize that prayer changes things, but I can still suffer even after praying. I realize what happened to Elijah and if it could happen to him it could happen to me. But, I also know that God has a plan for my life. Things won't always go as I wish, but in time things will work out, if I don't tire out. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Wednesday, February 10, 2010

 

William Cowper said, "God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform. He plants his footsteps in the sea and rides upon the storm." When I experienced twenty years of clinical depression, there were many things I didn't understand. I didn't comprehend why I had to endure such sadness. I did't apprehend why the suffering lasted so long. I didn't know why it was so intense. I had no conception of these things. But, one thing I never released_my trust in God and my faith. Faith begins where understanding ends. I didn't realize that God was setting me up_for something wonderful. He washed me in the blood of the lamb and prepared me to help others. As I rode out the storm, God planted his footsteps in the sea. Granted, it was not a total wipeout. I had moments of clarity and competency. My highs and lows were not balanced as there were more lows than highs. The protagonist of today's segment, was a man who disobeyed God and believed in himself and whose goal in life was to obtain pleasure. He was so evil that he has the dubious honor of having been the most evil ruler of Israel. And his wife, Jezebel, was equally diabolical. This section begins with a blessing and ends with malediction. At 1Kgs. 20:1 we find that Ben-Hadad King of Aram beseiged Samaria and attacked it. Samaria was in Israel, of the northern tribes. Please read 20:2-12 to discover the details of his plans. But at 1Kgs. 20: 13,14 we find God coming to the rescue ot wicked Ahab. A prophet came to Ahab king of Israel and announced, "This is what the Lord says: 'Do you see this vast army? I will give it into your hand today, and then  you will know that I am the Lord.'" Friends, that is my comprehension of the end of sorrow I experienced. God wanted me to know that He is God almighty and He is the one who is bringing me relief. Of course, Ahab defeated the Syrians. But the  prophet warned him that the Arameans would return the next spring. To me, it is like God is saying: 'you are having a period of peace in your life now, but there will be more challenges ahead.' My friends, I am ready to face those trials. 1Kgs. 20:23-30 tells us that the officials of Aram assumed that King Ahab's victory came about because their gods are gods of the hills and convinced themselves that they would prevail on the plains. Do you make excuses for things that transpire in your lives, my friends? The scripture continues to reveal that God would have none of their irrationality. So, God delivered Aram into the hands of Ahab again. Why is God helping this evil person? God wants to demonstrate his might and hopes that Ahab would pay attention. 20:30-34 reveals that Ben-Hadad fled to the city and hid in an upper room. He and Ahab made a treaty and his life was spared. Read the account at 1 Kgs. 20:L35-43 and discover the strange events that occurred when God's commandments were not honored. At 21:4-16 Ahab is seen in a more familiar light. He coveted the land of Naboth, the Jezreelite, whose vineyard was adjacent to the palace. Ahab was determined to seize it and Naboth was determined to keep it. It was heir's property. When Naboth refused him, Ahab went home and sulked. Jezebel would have none of it and was determined to secure the property for her husband_as well as for herself. So she schemed to have Naboth killed. Please read the details at 21:14-16. With Naboth out of the way, Ahab was satisfied. But his pleasure was short-lived. At 21:17-24 we find Elijah delivering God's condemnation upon him. Say to him, 'This is what the Lord says: Have you not murdered a man and seized his property:' Then say to him, 'This is what the Lord says: In the place where dogs licked up Naboth's blood, dogs will lick up your blood_yes, yours!' And a similar fate awaited Jezebel. But Ahab humbled himself. And the Lord postponed his death until the co-reign of his son, Ahaziah. Now, a strange twist of events is noted at 1Kgs. 22:7-9, 13-28 and 2Chron. 18:6-8, 12-27. The Lord put a lying spirit in the mouths of the prophets. Read all about it for yourself later. Today's affirmation comes from an excerpt in the book, THE PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE BY RICK WARREN: When you think about a problem over and over in your mind, that's called worry. When you think about God's word over and over in your mind, that's meditation. If you know how to worry, you already know how to meditate. You just need to switch your attention from your problems to Bible verses. The more you meditate on God's word, the less  you will have to worry about. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do  you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen. 

 

Submitted Thursday, February 11, 2010

 

Words are important. They are now and they were back then. Especially back then when we had no highspeed highway. Messengers were used. Sometimes they were killed for the news they bore. God sent messengers as well. And their words were often perilous. Sometimes it may have meant your demise. Elijah was one of God's chosen. I have been at the mercy of a messenger in my primary care doctor's office. My doctor is a caring one and he leaves no stone unturned. And I must have frequent tests. In fact, just on GP, I have blood work tri-monthly. Who knows what may have taken root during the interim, he ponders. In this submission there were many messages sent, some with dire results. The death of Ahab, as recorded at 1Kgs. 22:29-36, was foretold along with the treatment of his remains. It is written, that the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah went up to Ramoth Gilead. The king of Israel said to Jehosaphat, "I will enter the battle in disguise, but you wear your royal robes." Well, that didn't go very well and his little scheme was discovered. As a result he was attacked and later died. As was foretold, his blood was licked up by dogs. (22:37-40) After the death of Ahab, his son was the lone ruler. Ahaziah did what was evil, following in the footsteps of his ancestors. You would think that he would have learned his lesson. But, sometimes, my friends we don't mend our ways either. We see what has happened to others and we think that, somehow, we will escape. Not so with them, and not so with us. The king of Judah was reprimanded for his role in assisting Ahab but survived because of his good deeds. At 2Chron. 20:1,2 we find that Judah was threatened by the Moabites. Jehoshaphat entreated help from the Lord. After proclaiming a fast for all of Judah he spoke to them in an eloquent address recorded at 2Chron. 20:3-12. Following an expression of thanks and adoration, excerpts from the speech are as follows: "But now here are men from Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir, whose territory you would not allow Israel to invade when they came from Egypt; so they turned away from them and did not destroy them. See how they are repaying us by coming to drive us out of the possession you gave us as an inheritance. O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do but our eyes are upon you." Why did God preserve the lives of these countries? It is my belief that God knew exactly what He was doing. He wanted to magnify His name. And that is what transpired when Judah avoided calamity. Please read about it at 2Chron. 20:13-19. After the victory Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army saying: "Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever." Before the battle, there is a familiar quote referenced in contemporary songs, when it was said, For the battle is not yours, but God's. And, that is true for you, my friends; give your troubles over to the Lord and He will fight your battles as well. At 2Kgs. 1:2 Ahaziah falls ill after having fallen through the lattice of his upper room in Samaria. Enters Elijah the prophet. Messengers were sent to inquire of Ahaziah's gods. But they met Elijah the Tishbite enroute to consult Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron. The scripture says, "He was a man with a garment of hair and with a leather belt around his waist." Reference John the Baptist. Please examine 2Kgs. 1:9-14 to find out what happened to the messengers Elijah encountered who were commissioned by the king. In the end, Ahaziah died. He had no sons and 2Kgs. 1:17, 3:1  tells us that Joram or Jehoram, son of Ahab, succeeded him as king. Albeit not quite as evil, he continued to displease the Lord. Today's affirmation:  I must not be like the kings of Samaria. I must learn from history. I must learn from experience. I am not exempt from tragedy when I displease the Lord. I know that my problems may take many forms. I have common sense and I know that I can also be helped through the skills of a trained mental health provider. I will listen. I will not deny reality. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Friday, February 12, 2010

 

Do you believe in the rapture? Those who do anticipate it with great enthusiasm, but those who don't think it is a theological theory at its best, and a hoax at its worst. Well, if you consider the bible to be the Word of God, it is unmistakable that what happened to Enoch and Elijah prefigure what will take place at the rapture. At the time of Enoch's death, he was considered to be "no more." Let us see what happened to Elijah, the prophet of the moment. Now, please realize that there were many, many prophets but the ones with which we are familiar are the major ones. Embarking upon a study of second kings, we find Elijah contemplating his demise. At 2Kgs. 2:1-11 he is found traveling from one point to another. First, to Bethel. Then to Jericho and later to the Jordan. As he traveled, Elisha, his protege went with him. And so did other prophets they met along the way. While at Jericho the company of prophets inquired of Elisha: "Do you know that the Lord is going to take your master from you today?" Elisha answered in the affirmative.  At the Jordan, they were accompanied by fifty prophets who desired to witness what they knew would transpire. Using his cloak, Elijah rolled it up and struck the water and it divided. Remember the Red Sea and Moses? Realizing that his time has come, he asked Elisha what he could do for him? Elisha unhesitatingly asked for a double portion of his spirit. "You have asked for a difficult thing," Elijah said. "yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours_otherwise not." As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. 2Kgs. 2:12-13 tells how Elisha received the spirit he desired. The accomanying prophets searched three days for Elisha. Does that remind you of Jesus? Elisha went on to perform many recorded miracles. My friends, do you believe in miracles? Here is your proof. If God is the same today, yesterday and tomorrow, He can perform miracles in your lives. At 2Kgs. 2:19-22 it explains how he purified water. Please read it. Then a strange twist of events takes place in his life. On his way to Bethel some children taunted Elisha. Recorded at 23-25, we find them calling him "bald head." Well, apparently this did not set well with Elisha. He cursed them and over forty-two were mauled by two bears. Then, the miracle of the oil is recorded at 4:1-7. A woman was distraught after the death of her husband and the threat of creditors to enslave her two sons. Elisha advised her to find empty jars and fill them with the small portion of  oil she had in her house. She had enough oil to sell in order to pay off her debts and remaining money for her sustenance. As you can determine, many of Elisha's miracles prefigure those of the Messiah. Next, is my favorite account. It involves a well-to-do Shunammite woman who was hospitable to Elisha when he was in the area with his servant Gehazi. She offered him meals and went the extra mile by preparing a little room for him on the roof which she furnished for his pleasure. Elisha was always willing to help others as is demonstrated with the Shunammite woman. He wanted to know how he could help her. Notice, she never asked for anything on her own. Gehazi said, "Well, she has no son and her husband is old." Elisha, working through the power of God, told her, "About this time next year,...you will hold a son in your arms." Now, as you read these accounts keep in mind how they parallel the events of the New Testament.  There were other extraordinary events in the ministry of Elisha. I invite you to continue reading chapter four. Also, reference 8:1-2 and 6:1-7. Today's affirmation:  I realize that miracles happened during biblical times, but I also know that they can happen in my life. Perhaps I have experienced some and was unaware of them. My life is a miracle. I must believe that good things can happen to me as well. I do not have to accept my state of mind as normal. God does not. And neither should I. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends. Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Saturday, February 13, 2010

 

Archaelogists are helpful when it comes to validating biblical history. They unearth relics that support the facts found in God's Word. However, they have discovered murals that muddy those very truths about which we read in the scriptures. There are, for instance, situations in which co-regents ruled. Also, there are those with the same name or similarly sounding ones. Superficially, discovering two would dismay and confuse those who lack insight on the scriptures. We find such a situation in today's segment wherein Jehoram co-rules with Jehoshaphat in Judah. Found at 2Kgs. 8:16.17 and 2Chron. 21:5 it tells us, in the fifth year of Joram, son of Ahab king of Israel, when Jehoshaphat was king of Judah, Jehoram son of Jehoshaphat began his reign as king of Judah. He was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jeurusalem eight years. At 2Chron. 21:2-4 it gives us more indepth knowledge about Jehoram. Albeit the eldest, he had many brothers. The scripture tells us that when Jehoram established himself firmly over his father's kingdom, he put all his brothers to the sword along with some of the princes of Israel. Moab is back on the scene doing what they seem to do best_fight. This time King Joram set out from Samaria and sought assistance from his kinsmen. 2Kgs. 3:6-9 informs us that a call for help went out to the north. Judah replied, "I will go with you. I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses." Along with the Edomites, the three regions decided to march through the desert. After seven days they had no more water. But Jehoshaphat did as expected_he asked for the help of a prophet of God. 2Kgs. 3:10-10 also tells us that they sought help from Elisha, son of Shaphat. Elisha wasn't exactly thrilled to help the pagan pact, and said, "As surely as the Lord Almighty lives, whom I serve, if I did not have respect for the presence of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, I would not look at you or even notice you but now bring me a harpist." As the harpist created the mood, Elisha spoke. He told them that the Lord wanted them to dig ditches in the desert and the valley would be filled with water. And so it happened just at the Lord said. He also said that He would hand over the Moabites into their hands. From afar the Moabites got up early in the morning when the sun was shining on the water that the Lord had given the kings of Israel, Judah and Edom. They must have experienced a mirage as they imagined the water to be blood. Or could it have been the Lord's work? They assumed, "Those kings must have fought and slaughtered each other. Now to the plunder, Moab!" (2Kgs. 3:21-27.) And the rest , as is often said, is history. The death of Jehoshaphat is recorded both at 1Kgs. 22:45,50 and also at 2Chron. 20:34; 21:1. Now, Jehoram (Joram) reigned alone. He hadn't learned a thing from the past, as he, too, walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and even married into the family of Ahab. 2Chron. 21:12-15 records a letter from Elijah the prohet. Now, many will ponder, 'I thought he was dead.' This isssue is fodder for the theologian and I will not attempt to expound upon that which I am unable to explain. Some dismiss it as a mystery. Read the details of the letter for yourself and I invite further examination of the scriptures to determine your decision regarding Elijah. Summarily, the letter condemned Jehoram and informed him that he would become very ill with a lingering disease of the bowels until the disease caused his intestines to come out. Read further for details later if you desire. 2Chron. 21:16,17 stated that, not a son was left to him except Ahaziah, the youngest, following a foreign attack. Today's affirmation: Sometimes I may not understand the works of God. But, then sometimes I don't understand myself. What I do know is that I am a friend of God if I respect His commandments. I know that "God places the heaviest burden on those who can carry its weight." (Reggie White) This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Sunday, February 14, 2010

 

The next book, Obadiah, is placed in the bible somewhat like meat between two slices of bread. It is small but it packs a wallop when it comes to its prophetic message. There are disagreements surrounding this little book. Not about the "what" of it, but more regarding the "when." So, lets examine that which may be confusing. LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE states that the book was written "possibly during the reign of Jehoram in Judah, 855-840 B.C., or possibly during Jeremiah's ministry, 627-586." In the introduction of my bible of choice, THE DAILY BIBLE IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER, the editor, F. LaGard Smith places it between 2Chron. and 2Kgs. He says "some believe that Obadiah belongs to a much later period, possibly 250 years later. Others suggest the present historical context, based on his strongly worded attack against Edom, which has recently revolted and apparently given aid to the Philistine and Arab invaders of Judah." So, it seems that with this book, scholars seem to agree to disagree. Now, let us reveal that which is agreed upon. THE LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE, as well as most other sources, say very little is known about Obadiah, whose name means "servant of the Lord." Dr. McGee, from BLUE LETTER BIBLE WEBSITE says though Obadiah's identity is shrouded in mystery, the purpose of the book is crystal clear. LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE explains the reason to be "to show that God judges those who have harmed his people." To completely understand the condemnation of Edom, one must recall the struggle between two brothers_Jacob and Esau. The conflict began in their mother's womb when God informed Rebecca that she would be the mother of two nations. The boys were different in that Esau was ruddy and more an outdoor-type and Jacob was a "mama's boy." Esau sold his birthright for a bowl of stew. And they parted under contentious circumstances for many years. The two did become fathers to two nations. Jacob, later known as Israel, became patriarch to the tribe of Judah and Esau to the Edomites. On those facts Christians agree. In the beginning, God advised that the Edomites were treated kindly because of their genetic connection with Jacob. And Egyptians were also to be treated with respect because of their assistance following the famine. Things got a little hairy later. The Israelites and the Edomites fought bitterly. Their problems went as far back as when they refused passage of their brothers enroute to Canaan. Smith explains in the finality of his introduction: "Obadiah predicts that Edom will reap what it sows and will itself be brought to ruin. History will confirm the accuracy of the prediction. In addition to its immediate relevance, the prophecy stands as a warning to all enemies of God's people, especially those who ought to be "brothers." I can imagine those on the opposite side of this coin are gritting their teeth as the Edomites intermarried with the Ishmaelites and from that union we have what is now known as the Arab world. Please read the prophecy in the brief book of Obadiah. It is an important one and should be discernable after the background provided here. Today's affirmation: I understand that pride goeth before a fall. It happened to the Edomites and it can happen to me. I must not let my pride be my downfall. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen. 

 

Submitted Monday, February 15, 2010

 

The segment addressed in this submission could easily be identified as THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY. Or as the editor of my bible of choice puts it, MIRACLES AND MASSACRES. In the last entry we discussed what some consider odd and others think mysterious. That is the letter from a deceased Elijah to Jehoram, prophesying his death. I reference the commentary by J. Vernon McGee regarding this odd occurance. He reminded us that the book of Chronicles parallels Kings. We have encountered this earlier when I introduced material found in both books. So, the information in the letter from Elijah could have been written at a different time. Some think that Elijah was thrown atop a mountain and killed by God. That theory is dismissed by most. Others consider the letter to be written by a different Elijah. Possible but not probable. I have noticed that the servant of Elijah is now with Elisha. With those facts factored, you are better able to draw your own conclusions regarding the mysterious letter from Elijah. Now, let us begin where the letter ends. 2Chron. 21:18 informs us that the Lord afflicted Jehoram with an incurable disease of the bowels. This was foretold in the letter. Segue to Israel. I was a little dismayed by the fact that Elisha prophesied there. But, prophets work in fertile territory. We find at 2Kgs. 6:8-12 that the king of Aram was at war with Israel. Now, remember Israel was the northern tribe and did not worship the Lord as did the southern tribe of Judah. At present, Judah's leadership lacks integrity. Jehoram walked in the ways of Israel and even married into the family of Ahab, infamous for his evil ways. The king of Aram found his plans sabbotaged and thought someone within his camp had snitched. After discovering that the culprit was a man of God, he took action. Elisha was found in Dothan and the monarch sent a strong force to capture him. Imagine awakening one morning to discover a vast army camped outside of your door. But Elisha wasn't dismayed. In 2Kgs. 6:13-18 Elisha says to his servant, "Don't be afraid. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them." After prayer, the servant was able to discern the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. My friends, imagine the same thing happening to you. Though invisible, you can envision God camped around you; there to help you through your trials and tribulations and to fight evil forces that may wish to attack you. Elijah prayed the enemies would be struck with blindness. And it was so. After leading them to Samaria, Elisha advised the Samarians  not to kill them. The Lord had made his point and the bands from Aram stopped raiding Israel's territory. Read 2 Kgs. 8:3-6 to discover that which happened to the woman whose son Elisha had restored from death upon her return from the land of the Philistines. At 2Kgs. 5:1-14 is a well known account of how Naaman was healed of leprosy. Naaman was a valiant soldier. But, with the help of a captive servant girl, he regained his health. She advised him to see the man of God in her country. Naaman's master gave his blessings for him to leave and seek this prophet. When this great warrior sought the help of Elisha, he became a victim of pride after Elisha's failure to meet with him personally. He sent him a message instead. He simply sent word that he was to bathe in the Jordan seven times. After some resistance,  he followed orders and was healed. My friends, are you resisting advice because you doubt it will help. Remember Naaman. Naaman expressed faith in the God of Israel. Then Gehazi finds himself on the other end of Elisha's wrath. Please discover the sin he committed at 2Kgs. 5:19-27. It seems that famine was prevalent in the land during that time. And so it is now. Ben-Hadad king of Aram (Syria) laid seige to Samaria. (2Kgs. 6:24). We find that the people resorted to eating their children. But Elisha wasn't bothered much by it as he had received a message from God. The king had sent a message to the elders and Elisha forewarned them that the king wanted his head. Elisha said, "Hear the word of the Lord. This is what the Lord says: About this time tomorrow, a seah of flour will sell for a shekal and two seahs of barley for a shekel at the gate of Samaria. Now, prior to this a donkey's head sold for eighty shekels. In the meantime, four lepers at the entrance of the city gate decided to risk their lives_or save them. 'We'll go into the city_the famine is there, and we will die. And if we stay here, we will die. So let's go over to the camp of the Arameans and surrender. If they spare us, we live; if they kill us, then we die." At dusk they executed their plan. But, to their surprise they found the Arameans had abandoned the camp. The Lord had put into their hearts to leave with a plan of His own. He caused them to hear the sounds of chariots and horses. (2Kgs. 7:3-8) So, the lepers had a field day eating and plundering until they had satisfied themselves. Then their consciences bothered them. They shouted the news that the enemy had departed. Prophecy was fulfilled when the king was trampled at the gate as the people rushed to find food. Today's affirmation: I must take a chance as did the lepers. I will consider turning to God, first, and then the mental health community to find help. I must learn from the lepers. I will find that help is just beyond the gate. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Tuesday, February 16, 2010

 

For those who enjoy action flicks, this segment will be interesting. For those, like myself, who abhor them, the submission will retain its value as it is a lesson from God as to what can happen to those who insist upon idolatry. Yes, God is kind, merciful and compassionate; yet, He can take action against those proving to be against Him. In order to understand this part of the bible, you must really engage in active thought. First, you must decipher between the good guys and the bad ones. Then, you have to get past the "J's." In some cases, the kings have two names. Now, that isn't unusual, even in contemporary society, as many have shortened forms of their given names_nicknames. But, sometimes the alternate identification is longer than the name assigned at birth. There will be much blood spilled in this section. But it is righteous indignation on the part of a loving God who will not tolerate competition. So, if you are engaged in worship contrary to the will of God, you need to pay special attention. Let's get started. Ahaziah succeeds Jehoram as king. He was the youngest son and proved to be a remnant of the others who were killed. Also known as Jehoahaz, 2Kgs. 8:24-26; 9:29 and 2Chron. 22:1,2 tell that in the twelfth year of Joram, son of Ahab king of Israel, Ahaziah son of Jehoram king of Judah began to reign. Ahaziah was twenty-two when be became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem one year. His mother's name was Athaliah, a granddaughter of Omri. 2Kgs. 8:27 and 2Chron. 22:3,4 say that he too walked in the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother encouraged him in wrong doing. Now, in Israel we find Elisha doing what he does best_prohesying. 2Kgs. 8:7-13 tells us that he went to Damascus to see Ben-Hadad, king of Aram, who was ill. The king was happy to see him. His attendant, Hazael, announced to the king that Elisha was on his way. And the king sent gifts to him. After inquiring about his illness, Elisha gave him good news and bad news. He would survive the illness but he would later die. And Hazael was told that he would become king of Aram in his place. Elisha wept after propheysying. He knew what would happen later. As I write this, I consider the ministers appointed by God (and not all of them are such) and the burdens they bare. 8:14,15 tells how Hazael spread a thick, soaked cloth over the king's face and smothered him. At 2Kgs. 8:28 and 2Chron. 22:5 we find that, Ahaziah went with Joram son of Ahab to war against Hazael king of Aram at Ramoth Gilead. The Arameans wounded Joram. Then the prophet Elisha makes another move. At 2Kgs, 9:1-13 we find him summoning a man from the company of the prophets and sending him on a mission. The short of it is, he was to find Jehu and say: 'I anoint you king over the Lord's people Israel. You are to destroy the house of Ahab your master, and I will avenge the blood of my servants the prophets and the blood of all the Lord's servants shed by Jezebel. The whole house of Ahab will perish. I will cut off from Ahab every last male in Israel_slave or free. I will make the house of Ahab like the house of Jeroboam son of Nebat and like the house of Baasha son of Ahijah. As for Jezebel, dogs will devour her on the plot of ground at Jezreel, and no one will bury her.' The newly anointed Jehu set out to accomplish the goal the Lord set before him. When seen by Joram and Ahaziah they each inquired of the the nature of Jehu's mission. In other words, 'Do you come in peace?' Peace was far from the heart of Jehu when he shot Joram between the shoulders. Jehu said to Badkar, his chariot officer, "Pick him up and throw him on the field that belonged to Naboth the Jezreelite..." Ahaziah was also wounded as is brought out in 2Kgs. 9:27 and 2Chron. 22:7. But he escaped to Megiddo. 9:30 tells of the destruction of Jezebel. When Jezebel heard about it, she painted her eyes, arranged her hair and looked out of a window. She, too, asked Jehu if his mission was a peaceful one. She got her answer when Jehu mustered those on his side together and they tossed her over the wall. The horses trampled her underfoot. To add insult to injury, Jehu went in and ate and drank."Take care of that cursed woman," he said, "and bury her, for she was king's daughter." But there was little left to bury. Later the job started by Jehu was finished when the princes of the house of Ahab were massacred. Please read it for yourself later to discover how it was accomplished at 2Kgs. 10:1-11. Then attention was directed towards Ahaziah. He was found hiding in Samaria as is revealed at 2Kgs.9:28 and 2Chron. 22:9. Jehu put him to death as well and there was no one in the house of Ahaziah powerful enough to retain the kingdom. When he met Jehonadab enroute to meet him, he fondly greeted him and they rode off into the sunset. That was the end of Ahab's family. Today's affirmation: I can see that I must face the consequences of my behavior. I can escape it for a while, but eventually I will come full circle. I realize that from every action there is a reaction. I must take care to do things that will bring joy and peace to my life. I realize that a happy heart makes for a happy head. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

 

Submitted Wednesday, February 17, 2010

 

By the time I have studied the bible before posting my prayers, I am ready to introduce the segment. I don't just jump on the computer and start typing. I must know about which I write. I must study and research when appropriate. Most of the time I am drawing upon past knowledge. I am always writing under the influence of the Holy Spirit. As I prepared for this section, I wondered how I would introduce it. Then, I began to muse: what is it about the monarchy that makes people behave in such manners? And why is it that they seem not to "get it" regarding idolatry. You would think that one king would learn from another. Why? Is it in their DNA? Well, duh! It indeed is; it came from our foreparents_Adam and Eve. And it is the reason God sent the Messiah to redeem us from the mess they created. All of that which is presented in the Old Testament leads up to the climax of the New Testament. How can you divide the two? Then, I thought about contemporary times. And I asked myself, 'what is it about people that makes them do the things they do?' I reflected upon the worship of their houses and families and jobs and cars and everything, except the one who provided these things. And, most importantly, why is it they can't give ten percent of those earnings back to the Lord? It makes no sense. It seems as absurd in this century as it did during the era of Joash in Judah. 2Kgs, 11:1 and 2Chron. 22:10 speak of Athaliah, Jehoram's widow and Jezebel's daughter. True to her nature she decided to take matters into her own hands after her son died. Scripture tells us that she proceeded to destroy the whole royal family of the house of Judah. My friends, some of you may think that these accounts have little to do with you but that is errant thinking. It may take some reflection, but it always affects your life, as it presently exists. In some manner. You must learn to pray for discernment and to ask God to reveal to you how it affects you. Athaliah thought she had covered her bases, but 2Kgs. 11:2,3 and 2Chron. 22:11,12 tell us that Jehosheba, the daughter of King Jehoram, took Joash son of Ahaziah and stole him away from among the royal princes. He remained in a bedroom throughout the six years of her reign. I caution my friends to avoid getting bogged down with names they can't pronounce nor remember. Understand, instead, the message God is sending through them and especially concentrate on how it affects your life. Meanwhile, back in Israel, Jehu is still cleansing the land. 2Kgs. 10:18-28 tells how he accomplished it. Jehonadab remains at his side. Jehu tricked the worshipers of Baal, along with their priests, to assemble under the guise of a grand hoopla honoring Baal. He pretended to be one of them. You can imagine what happened to them. Jehu ordered their destruction. Because of his actions, God promised him that his descendants would sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation, as is brought out at 10:30. The account of the deeds of Jehu don't end on that happy note. There is a sour tune emerging when he turned to worshiping the golden calves at Bethel and Dan. Will they ever learn? The question, my friends, is will we ever learn? Joash is now introduced. He has been secluded since his youth and is now about six years old. Under the tuteladge of the priests and the Levites the lad was finally presented to the people as a surviving heir. Athaliah had the nerve to call out, "Treason! Treason!" And that was the end of her. Joash becomes the child-king of Judah. 2Kgs. 11:17-20 and 2Chron. 23:16-21 relate how Jehoida, the priest, made a covenant that he and the people and the king would be the Lord's people. Today's affirmation: I will understand that what we are is God's gift to us. What we become is our gift to God. (Eleanor Powell) This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do  you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen. 

 

Submitted Thursday, February 18, 2010

 

There are some things of which we all are sure. In the area of biblical knowledge I have learned a thing or two from Pastor Mike, the executive pastor at my church. He teaches/preaches his sermons on a verse by verse basis each Sunday. That was new to me. But, as I travel through God's Word along with you, I have found that to be the best method. I have also discovered that when you are studying the Holy Scriptures, it helps to use more than one version. When it becomes necessary for me to engage in research, I often follow this advice. This submission is one of those occasions. The book of Joel is short on words, but long on meaning. There is a lot of prophecy in it. When you encounter the prophetic word of God, it is best to seek assistance. As I have mentioned earlier, I am not a theologian, but a student of the bible. But, in essence, that is probably a good definition of a theologian. First, let me forewarn you that I will not provide a detailed summary of this book. Instead, I will give you the background of which you can use to read it later. Not much is known about Joel, except that he is the son of Pethuel. Samuel also had a son of that name, but his sons were evil in the eyes of God. There are three chapters in this book. You need to realize that it goes from local to future application. There are segments that will arouse controversy. Please be cognizant that I have analyzed the book verse by verse; I am using the interpretation of the late Dr. J. Vernon McGee. Prophets, says Dr. McGee, do not contradict each other, nor do they exaggerate. They do not speak of the church. I agree with Dr. McGee on most of his issues. He uses the King James Version. He admonishes those who study the bible to get the full view. In other words, avoid taking a snapshot. Instead, use the movie camera. The fulfillment of prophecy in the New Testament draws upon the Old. Joel begins with an account of the presence of locusts in Jerusalem. Pastor Mike has said that one should be cautious about looking for symbolism in the bible; that the bible basically says what it wants to say. Albeit it is helpful to understand figurative language, care must be taken not to consider all that is provided to be symbolic passages. The devastation by locusts in chapter one is interpreted by most to be an actual occurance. When it reveals the different type of locusts, Dr. McGee references the four horsemen of Revelation. Joel was the first of the writing prophets so we should pay special attention to his account. In order to understand Revelation, it is important to understand Joel. The first chapter warns the southern kingdom of Judah. The theme of Joel is the DAY OF THE LORD. It is mentioned six times in the brief book. Dr. Mcgee warns of confusing the DAY OF THE LORD with THE LORD'S DAY. Chapter one serves as the prelude to Joel. It begins with the tribulation and ends with the second coming of Christ. Our hope is in the time when there will be an eternal kingdom. In verses 13-20 it reveals that God is asking for a holy fast. This is in direct contrast to his requirements of happy festivals. It is written for a future time. The new testament uses the word THAT DAY and it means the same period. Chapter two gives an account of the DAY OF THE LORD. It explains that it will begin in darkness in keeping with the start of the Hebrew day.  Later, there is a call for rededication. It requires repentance. Verses 12-17 reminds us of God's gracious and compassionate nature. But, it also refers to sin. The term "blow the trumpet in Zion" is used and reminds us of the time when the Israelites would migrate at its sound. In fact, Dr. McGee says that the word for preacher also means trumpet. The chapter continues and points to the future when man will be judged. But, we must always realize that God doesn't like to judge. But, He can and He will. Verses 28-32 are controversial. Especially with those who believe in speaking in tongues. It begins: "And afterward, I will pour out my spirit on all people." The question is WHEN WILL THIS HAPPEN? Has it already taken place? Did it occur at the time of Pentecost. Dr. McGee thinks not. Chapter three is also prophetic. What is meant by "in those days and at that time"? This also can be considered disputable. A warning is given to some nations, such as Tyre and Sidon, Egypt and Edom. There is a verse in Joel 3:9-17 that advises: beat your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears." I will leave that to your own interpretation. The end of the chapter may be considered a beginning in some ways. Dr. McGee thinks it speaks of the DAY OF THE LORD. Finally, when you read the new testament you will find the phrase, IN FULFILLMENT OF THE PROPHECY. If not familiar with the original word, then how are you to truly benefit from this reference? Today's affirmation: I may not want to admit it, but I know prophecy has a place in my life because it confirms to me that God's Word is true and his plans will take place. I know that He is gracious but that I will be judged one day. The state of my conscience affects the state of my mental condition. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen. 

 

Submitted Friday, February 19, 2010

 

The annals of Joash, the child-king, continue. This time, he has grown up under the supervision of the priest, Jehoiada. The last submission seemed out of place as it was identified as the book of Joel. But, remember that it was historically correct. The locusts invaded Judah during the reign of Joash around 800 b.c. Consequently, we will begin with a grown-up Joash. At 2Chron. 24:3 it tells us that Jehoida chose two wives for Joash and he had sons and daughters. Joash is found to do some good and some evil in Judah. Isn't that true of us, my friends? Our lives consist of a blend of both. At 2Kgs. 12:4,5 and 2Chron. 24:4,5 some of his good deeds are recorded. Joash said to the priests, "Collect all the money that is brought as sacred offerings to the temple of the Lord_the money collected in the census, the money received from the personal vows and the money brought voluntarily to the temple..."Go to the towns of Judah and collect the money due annually from all Israel, to repair the temple of your God. Do it now." But the Levites did not act at once. In Israel, trouble is brewing. 2Kgs. 10:32,33 tells us that the Lord reduced the size of Israel. Hazael overpowered them. In the meantime, Jehu's death is recorded. He was buried in Samaria. We find, at 2Kgs. 10:35;13:1, that Jehoahaz his son succeeded him as king. You will notice that the bible places him in power at the time of Joash's twenty-third year as king of Judah. Jehoahaz reigned seventeen years. As for his character goes, Jehoahaz did evil in the eyes of the Lord by following the sins of Jeroboam. In Judah, 12:6-16, we find the temple still had not been repaired. Therefore the king summoned Jehoida the chief priest and said to him, "Why haven't you required the Levites to bring from Judah and Jerusalem the tax imposed by Moses the servant of the Lord and by the assembly of Israel for the Tent of the Testimony?" Then he asked, "Why aren't  you repairing the damage done to the temple?" Later, work began on the repair and the men in charge of the work were diligent, and the repairs progressed under them. Scripture tells us that as long as Jehoida lived, burnt offerings were presented continually in the temple of the Lord. Then, Jehoida passed at the age of a hundred and thirty and was buried with the kings of the City of David, because of the good he had done in Israel for God and his temple. (2Chron. 24:15,16). Following his death, things started to come apart at the seams. First, Jehoida's son was killed for speaking out against Joash when he accepted paganism. See 2Chron. 24:17-17 and 20-22. We will find that Joash would pay for this deed with his very life. Things weren't progressing any better in Israel when the Syrians attacked them. Remember Hazael? He's at it again. But 2Kgs. 13:4 finds Jehoahaz repenting before the Lord. Israel suffered greatly. I can relate to this, and perhaps so can many of my friends. You repent. You suffer for your deeds. Sometimes it takes disaster to bring us to our senses. In Judah, the Syrians also gave them a wake up call. They devastated them, killing all of the leaders as recorded at 2Chron. 24:23,24. But, Judah offered a bribe. What did they use for money? The valuables of the temple, of course. Joash seems to dig a deeper hole for himself with each deed. Jehoahaz dies and was buried in Samaria. This can be documented at 2Kgs. 13:8,9. And Jehoash succeeds him and he reigned sixteen years. He continued the legacy of evil doing in the land. (2Kgs. 13:11) He did show compassion when Elisha was on his deathbed. Please read the prophecy that was uttered from Elisha as he prepared for death at 2Kgs. 13:14-19. The finale for this division comes when Joash was assassinated. They avenged the murder of the son of Jehoida, the priest. Today's affirmation: "I asked God for strength that I might achieve. I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey. I asked for health that I might do greater things. I was given infirmity that I might do better things. I asked for riches that I might be happy. I was given poverty that I might be wise. I asked for power that I might have the praise of men. I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God. I asked for all things that I might enjoy life. I was given life that I might enjoy all things. I got nothing that I asked for, but everything I hoped for. Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered. I am, among all men, most richly blessed." (author unknown). This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Saturday, February 20, 2010

 

I think prayers are best when they are brief. Rick Warren, in his book THE PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE, calls them "breath prayers." In other words, you pray as long as you have a stream of breath. Then you stop. And you continue until you have finished. Hopefully, he doesn't mean you go on until you are out of breath. This section will be brief as well. I try to write my segments in such a way that they can be read in five to ten minutes. Prophecy takes a little longer than most because of its very nature. Using the introduction from THE DAILY BIBLE IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER, I will use that which is provided by its editor, F. LaGard Smith. In it he writes that over the next sixty years the kings of Israel and Judah will continue their spiritual decline. He continues, it is increasingly clear that God's patience is running out and that captivity is in sight for the people of Israel. He mentions the names of special messengers sent to cry out against increased spiritual and moral decay_Jonah in Ninevah; Amos and Hosea in Israel. With a backdrop in Judah, 2Kgs. 12:21; 14:1,2 and 2Chron,. 24:27; 25:1 relate that Amaziah succeeded Joash after his assassination. He was twenty-five when he became king and reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother was Jehoaddin; she was from Jerusalem. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord to a certain extent as is evidenced in 2Kgs. 14:3-6 and 2Chron. 25:2-4. The high places were not removed and people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense there. A miracle takes place in Israel when the Moabites invaded during a funeral service and those in attendance threw the body into Elisha's tomb. Most Christians have heard about this account. When the man's body touched the bones of Elisha the man came to life and stood up on his feet. (2Kgs. 13:20,21) In the next few verses it relates how Hazael king of Aram oppressed Israel throughout the reign of Jehoahaz. The death of Hazael king of Aram is recorded. And his son Ben-Hadad succeeded him. Then Jehoash, son of Jehoahaz recaptured from Ben-Hadad son of Hazael the towns he had taken in battle from his father Jehoahaz. In Judah we find Amaziah has devised a plan to destroy the Edomites. When he paid mercenaries from Israel to help, a man of God rebuked him. He sent them packing but that was not the end of them. Read how they repaid Amaziah for his action against them at 2Chron,. 25:13. The Edomites were destroyed, but rather than worshipping the Lord in gratitude Amaziah sets up idols. Then, 2Kgs. 14:8-14 and 2Chron. 25:17-24 tell how Judah was beaten by Israel. Read it for its full flavor. Jehoash dies and another Jeroboam succeeds him as king. (2Kgs. 13:12,13 and 2Kgs. 14:15,16) Today's affirmation: I can see from biblical history that people don't change over night. My change may also be gradual. If I don't change, I will suffer the consequences. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do  you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Sunday, February 21, 2010

 

As I begin to comment on the book of Jonah, I am aware that there are those who will wonder when we ended the book of Second Kings. Well, Jonah's  prophecy is uttered against the Nenevites in the midst of Jeroboam II's reign. So, since we are historically accurate, the book of Jonah is another one of those little books that's smashed in the middle of another like an atom bomb. When I noticed that his name also begins with "J" I began to give this occurance more thought. It seems more than coincidental. Lacking a proper segue, I will simply relate a story about my grand-twins, Jaden and Jada. My cousin, Carol, and I share more than a bloodline. For one thing she is my hair stylist and another her grandchildren's names all begin with the letter "J" as do mine. I searched the meaning of their names. Jaden is Hebrew and means "God has heard." Jada is a derivative of Jade; it is Spanish and references the green gemstone. It was popularized by the Smiths in Hollywood. Then, I began to think of the biblical characters whose names began with "J". So, I mused, "does it have something to do with Jehovah?" The account in the book of Jonah has much to do with God. Albeit Jonah sends a powerful message, its canonicity is often questioned. People consider it an allegory. In such, the characters are represented symbolically. Many rank it along with Aesop's fables. A fish tale it is not. Since he is a prophet, I consulted Dr. J. Vernon McGee for his thoughts on the book. Dr. McGee quotes 2Kgs. 14:25 when Jeroboam references Jonah son of Amittai. This is another occasion wherein I will not examine the book in a detailed format. The story is a familiar one and will take less than fifteen minutes to read later. What I will do is to give you the significance of the prophet's journey. Dr. McGee begins his explanation by expounding on the relevance of the books of the Old Testament's impact upon the Christian faith. Jonah, he asserts, reveals the concept of the resurrection. In the New Testament, says Dr. McGee, Jesus validates Jonah's existence when he gave hints of his death; he would remain buried for three days_the time Jonah spent in the fish. There were six subjects identified by Dr. McGee found in the book. They include: resurrection; salvation by faith; grace; God will not cast us aside for faithlessness; God is good and gracious and He is also the God of the Gentiles. Today's affirmation: When God speaks to me I will listen. I may argue with God and still remain close to Him. I must do His will in the end. I will ruminate on things about which God has spoken to me and I have ignored. I will not consider the story of Jonah to be a good fable. I know that it is from God and is included in the bible for my benefit. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Monday, February 22, 2010

 

The book of Hosea, a prophet, is special to me and so it will be with many of you. It is different. I am different. And I like it that way. I will take you on a verse-by-verse voyage through this book, which proves to be not as "little" as some of the other prophets we have studied. In fact, it is larger than the book of Daniel. As we dive into the prophetic word it will take more time to introduce them. Today, I will do just that. I will give you a "breath" prayer. In other words, a short one. In this submission I will set it up and then in subsequent ones I will analyze them. As has been previously done, I will use the insight of Dr. J. Vernon McGee from BLUE LETTER BIBLE WEBSITE. As has been my pattern, I will use much of my God-given creative language. Hosea prophesied in the northern kingdom of Israel.  He often referenced it as "Ephraim." He was speaking out against the Baal-worshipping habits of Israel. He prophesied during the reign of Jeroboam son of Jehoash, king of Israel. In the introduction of my bible of choice it says God called upon Hosea to marry a woman whom God knew would be unfaithful to him and bear children of her unfaithfulness. It continues,  even the children's names pronounce God's prophecy. Jezreel, the firstborn, predicts that the people of Israel will be "scattered by God", in clear reference to the eventual conquering of Israel by foreign invaders, who will take them out of the land of Canaan. The second child, Lo-ruhamah, warns that when this time comes God will be "without mercy." And, as if that were not enough, the third child, Loammi, signifies God's total rejection of Israel, of whom he will say, "not my people." When Hosea's wife, Gomer, consorts with other lovers she only typifies Israel's unfaithfulness in playing the harlot with other gods. Hosea redeems his wife from literal slavery as God stands ready to redeem his people  from sin. The prophet Hosea begins his ministry during Jeroboam's reign, and will continue his work for the next 60 or 65 years. His ministry will span the reigns of the the next two or three kings of Israel along with Jeroboam's. The editor writes, no message has more impact than one growing out of the messenger's own experience. Some consider it to be an allegory.  Today's affirmation: God allows us to experience the low points of life in order to teach us lessons we could not learn in any other way. The way we learn those lessons is not to deny the feelings but to find the meanings underlying them. (Stanley Lindquist) This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen. 

 

Submitted Tuesday, February 23, 2010

 

Yesterday my son-in-law, Omar, said "the economy is not a pretty picture." Well, portions of my life have not been "pretty" nor is the book of Hosea. Hosea's home was broken and so was his heart. As we cover chapters one through three, we will discover details about the prophet's personal life. But, it is intermingled with the relationship God had with the nation of Israel. Sometimes one may wonder where one ends and the other begins. You also will discover the present state of the the modern day Israel's own redemption. I will continue to reference the interpretation of Dr. McGee. Some of what he relates will be controversial, especially to those of the Hebrew nation. In fact, Dr. McGee considers Chapter three to be the prophetic state of Jerusalem. He spends more time on this tiny passage than he does on the three chapters in their totality.  I must spend time interpreting the meaning of the verses, so I will not be able to analyze each one. It is my belief that the application of the scripture is more important. I hope that you will read the individual verses as I have. Chapter one speaks of Gomer, Hosea's adulterous wife and the illegitimate children she bore him. I am a love child and know the stigma of being such. I have given the meanings of the names of the three children and related it to the northern kingdom. The first born child's name is especially significant as it is also the name of a place where a massacre took place under the leadership of Jehu. The nation of Israel was involved in the same adulterous relationship with Baal as was Gomer with her lovers. Some wonder why God focused upon the northern kingdom and not the southern. Many consider it unfair. Modern day churches are also engaged in spiritual halotry when they water down the scriptures. And individuals are equally guilty in their relationship with the Lord. Gomer was identified as an adulteress and and a harlot. I was the former. But, we must remember that Rahab was both and she became an ancestress of the Messiah. In Chapter 1:10-24 hope for the future is revealed. Dr. McGee considers the first verse as a reference to modern Israelites. "Yet the Israelites will be like the sand on the seashore, which cannot be measured or counted. In the place where it was said to them, 'You are not my people, they will be called 'sons of the living God.' The people of Judah and the people of Israel will be reunited, and they will appoint one leader and will come up out of the land, for great will be the day of Jezreel. "Say of your brothers, 'My people,' and of your sisters, 'My loved one.' Dr. McGee has determined that there are several prophecies regarding modern day Israelites. First, there will be increase; then, they will be sons of the living God; the tribes will be joined together and there will be one leader. In chapter two we see that Hosea loved Gomer but she credited her comforts to her lovers. This is directly referencing how Israel considered the gods to be the source of their well being. We must realize that Hosea was the perfect prophet to speak about this subject matter as he had experienced it for himself. That is the very reason I have embarked upon this calling to help the depressed. I have been there and done that. The chapter goes on to explain how God will revenge himself against the northern tribe. It says, "I will punish her for the days she burned incense to the Baals; she decked herself with rings and jewelry, and went after her lovers, but me she forgot." Do you see the parallel between Gomer and the northern tribes? Verses 14-23 tells about the forgiveness and acceptance that will take place. In the first stanza it references the Valley of Achor and Dr. McGee reminds us of its significance during the times of Joshua when God dealt with the sins of His people. The second and third stanzas begin with "in that day" and most consider this to be the last days, the time of the great tribulation. Dr. McGee does not think that God is finished with the nation of Israel and admonishes us not to write them off. The last consideration is found at Chapter three, verses four and five. It reads, For the Israelites will live many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred stones, without ephod or idol. Afterward the Israelites will return and seek the Lord their God and David their king. They will come trembling to the Lord and to his blessings in the last days. Note the phrase "the Israelites will live many days." Dr. McGee reminds us that in years past the people knew the length of days for their exile. Abraham knew, for example, that they would be in Egypt for 430 years and Jeremiah prophesied their seventy year captivity in Babylon. But in this passage it simply says, "many days." Some may say 'but they have a country'. Have they? They have the wailing wall. Much of the remainder is shared with other nations. The next submission will give an account of the prophetic section. Today's affirmation: I may have been as Gomer. I  may have engaged in an adulterous affair. I may even have played the part of a harlot. But God hasn't counted me out and neither should I do that to myself. God has a special place in his heart for harlots. He chose one to be an ancesstress of the Messiah. I can ask for forgiveness and hold my head up high, knowing that I have been redeemed. Harlotry comes in many forms. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen. 

 

Submitted Wednesday, February 24, 2010

 

Have you ever made a choice and didn't quite understand why you did so at the time? My decision to reference Dr. J. Vernon McGee as the source of my interpretation of prophecy was one such as that. There are many from whom to choose. But, the Lord directed me to this man. The late Dr. McGee was known for his pastorate of the Church of the Open door in downtown Los Angelos from 1949 to 1970. I was born in 1948 and finished college in 1970. He began a series known as THRU THE BIBLE in 1967 around the time I finished high school. After retirement he set up a radio headquarters in Pasadena. I consider my life's work to have started following retirement as well, when I embarked upon this website. Today programs air on over four hundred stations daily here and in Canada in more than 100 languages worldwide and over the internet. Dr. McGee, like myself, doesn't think the church should have a name. I recently joined a non-denominational church. He also thinks the bible should be presented historically as I have done here. So, albeit he has gone to be with the Lord, his influence in my life and in the lives of countless others continues. Today I will analyze chapter four with the help of this wonderful man of God whose words are often contradictory and sting some segments of the population like a wasp. In Hosea 1:1-6 Israel's sins are confronted. It begins, Hear the word of the Lord, you Israelites, because the Lord has a charge to bring against you who live in the land: "There is no faithfulness, no love, no acknowledgment of God in the land. There is only cursing, lying and murder, stealing and adultery; they break all bounds."  Does that sound familiar? Dr. McGee considers similar situations existing in society today. Pastor Mike at my church gave us statistics of the population in the town  in which I live and compared it with those attending church. I don't have the numbers but those attending church are few compared to the population in my bedroom community. Dr. McGee says that most people think that the concept of "love" is introduced in the New Testament, but it is also often referenced in the Old. The book of Hosea certainly mentions it frequently with the scriptural account of Hosea's love for Gomer and the lack of love on the part of the northern kingdom. It seems that the Israelites were breaking the ten commandments. In 4:6-9 the priests are rejected. The account reveals, The more the preists increased, the more they sinned against me; they exchanged their Glory for something disgraceful. As the account continues in Hosea 4:10-19 it relates that they received no satisfaction from their behavior. "They will eat but not have enough; they will engage in prostitution but not increase, because they have deserted the Lord to give themselves to prostitution, to old wine and new, which take away the understanding of my people." Dr. McGee considered them to have a "new morality," akin to the one that permeated his society. He mentioned the worship of Satan. Later, these words of warning are issued to Judah: "Though you commit adultery, O Israel, let not Judah become guilty..." The term "back sliding" is used as a way  to express how the Israelites refused to follow God. Today's affirmation: I realize that what happened with the nation of Ephraim took place a long time ago, but that it directly affects me. I, too, can be judged. I must not be stubborn as they were. I must take an assessment of my life and seek the help of God and those of the mental health community. I understand that ignorance of the law is no excuse. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Thursday, February 25, 2010

 

When I was a young girl, there was clique who had lived in the little town to which I had migrated longer than I. So, somehow they considered themselves a step above me. They knew that before my bonus father married my mother she had children out of wedlock. We came along with the package. One summer day I was practicing my instrument in the band room and they passed singing a song with stinging lyrics: Going to the chapel and we're going to get married; going to the chapel and we're going to get married. It didn't matter that one of them had been born  under similar circumstances and neither had the benefit of a father in the home nor enjoyed the same socio-economic existence as I did. I am a love child_yes. But, illegitimate I am not. Parents, not their children, bear that burden. And, even children born with the benefit of having a legal father can be illegitimate. How? When parents bring their children up in an atmosphere void of knowledge of God, they are indeed illegitimate. Such was the case of the northern tribes of Israel. For this submission two chapters will be considered, five and six. And they are doleful ones. Referencing Dr. McGee's interpretation, we find that God condemned the leadership. (Hosea 5:1-15). In the first few verses the royal house and the priests are addressed and berated. Please remember that the prophecy is issued with Hosea's personal life as a backdrop. Israel, like Gomer, has played the harlot. Dr. McGee observes, in his commentary, that the name "Ephraim" refers to the collective ten tribes of Israel and that they are the center of idolatry. In the second stanza Judah is also referenced. Their day is coming_later. In the final verses of the stanza it reads, They are unfaithful to the Lord; they give birth to illegitimate children. In the third stanza they were warned. A bag of similes is poured out in Hosea's writing. He writes in the final verses, I am like a moth to Ephraim, like rot to the people of Judah. The decay of Judah will take place over a longer period of time as rot weakens wood, but Israel is like the destruction of a moth, quick and overwhelming. In the last stanza it mentions how Ephraim visited a quack doctor, Assyria, for help. The account goes, But he is not able to cure you, not able to heal your sores. Continuing, For I will be like a lion to Ephraim, like a great lion to Judah. In other words, the damage from a lion is more intense than that of a cub. Then God says ,"... I will carry them off, with no one to rescue them. Then I will go back to my place until they admit their guilt. And they will seek my face; in their misery they will earnestly seek me."  In the first three verses of chapter six, a last call is issued. Pay special attention to the sixth verse: After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence. Recall the death and birth of the Messiah. Dr. McGee thinks modern day Israel will return in the last day and interprets the last few verses of 6:1-3 as the future purpose of Israel: "...As surely as  the sun rises, he will appear; he will  come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains, that water the earth." Last to be considered is Hosea 6:4-11. Dr. McGee brings out the fact that Israel was a religious nation. That was not the problem. They simply had turned away from God. Can that be true of us today? Yes, we have our rituals but do we have faith in God? Are we worshipping Him in spirit and in truth? In fact, religion has kept many from knowing God. Unbelievers watch you and want no part of your religion. The stanza begins, "What can I do with you, Ephraim? What can I do with you, Judah? Your love is like the morning mist, like the early dew that disappears." It continues the denouncement by saying God desires mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgement of God rather than burnt offerings. It ends with a warning to Judah, "Also for you, Judah, a harvest is appointed..." Today's affirmation: I am convinced that He (God) does not play dice. (Albert Einsten) This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

 

Submitted Friday, February 26, 2010

 

I am always amazed by the scores of people who have no knowledge of the Holy Scriptures. They simply don't take the time to read the messages that God has left for us in His Word, the Bible. They blatantly admit it as if they were saying 'I don't know much about skydiving.' Most don't know about such matters, but the Word of God is different. You are suppose to know of it. Skydiving is life threatening and the bible can save your life. There are many who begin to read the submissions I post on this website that contain God's Word only to stop after reading a few of them. They don't have time, they say. It's too complicated, say others. They are all excuses. They will sit in front of a televison and unravel the intricate plots of a movie with little effort. They find time to watch sports events that last forever. Many attend church where only a few moments of the service are devoted to the actual teaching of God's Words. Much time is spent engaged in ritualistic ceremonies. And the little time that is devoted to the Word of God is given in emotional deliveries designed to stir you for the moment. And, then it is life as usual. God has left us a written contract. Most don't pay attention to it. Such was the situation in Israel, the northern tribes. For this segment, two more chapters will be outlined, seven and eight. Hosea was not a popular prophet, in his day nor now. And, sometimes neither is this website. What took place then is applicable to today's society. Dr. McGee, my expert of choice, says we have stepped over the line in many ways. Ancient Israel blatantly flaunted their sins and so do we as a society. Hosea 7:1-7 exposes the sins of Ephraim. Samaria, the capital is mentioned for, what appears to be, the first time. In this section, God attempts to call them back but instead of turning to God, they turn to other kings, Egypt and Assyria. The second stanza gives the account of how their sins pleased the leadership. If you have taken the time to read the chapters verse by verse, you may have noticed a multitude of figurative language. Mostly similes. Their gross immorality is referenced. Dr.McGee calls it sauce and sex; that is, the abuse of alcohol and sex. In his commentary, Dr. McGee reminds us that the northern tribes of Israel never experienced a "good" king. While Judah was not much better, it did have five. Figuarative language continues to be evidenced in verses eight through sixteen. A metaphor is used in the second verse: Ephraim is a flat cake not turned over. An excellent simile is employed in the second stanza: "Ephraim is like a dove, easily deceived and senseless_now calling to Egypt, now turning to Assyria. When they go, I will throw my net over them; I will pull them down like birds of the air... The account continues, I long to redeem them but they speak lies against me. In this section, God is explaining why He will send them into captivity; He has spelled out their sins in previous chapters. In the eighth chapter it reveals that they have broken His covenant. They have set up  kings without his consent. As chapter eight winds down, the third stanza gives this account: "Though Ephraim built many altars for sin offerings these have become altars for sinning. I wrote for them the many things of my law, but they regarded them as something alien. And it ends with: Now he will remember their wickedness and punish thier sins; They will return to Egypt. Israel has forgotten his Maker and built palaces; Judah has fortified many towns. But I will send fire upon their cities that will consume their fortresses." Today's affirmation: I will make room for the Lord in my life. I will not consider it to be something I do on Sunday mornings. I will not dismiss it as out dated and irreverant. I will not consider it apart from my illness. In some cases, it is my illness. I know that God has given me intelligence and set me above the lower creatures. I will use that position to my advantage. I will seek professional help as well. I will repeat the words of A. Philip Parham: God believes in me; Therefore my situation is never hopeless. God walks with me; Therefore I am never alone. God is on my side; Therefore I can never lose. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen. 

 

Submitted Saturday, February 27, 2010

 

Disasters happen throughout the world. They do now and they always have. After World War II we experienced a false sense of prosperity, according to Dr. McGee. People saw us as big brother. The bombings did not take place on our soil. We were, to some degree, being judged with prosperity. Fast forward to contemporary society. Natural disasters are rampant. Things haven't changed much in other ways as well. We are spending more and enjoying it less. The stock market is more important than the scripture. We exist in a land where there is no spiritual discernment. We have turned away from God and his name has become a swear word. Dr. McGee blames the leadership now just as God did in the nation of Israel. Hosea 9:1-17 speaks of the punishment that is in store for Ephraim. In the first stanza it says, Do not rejoice, O Israel; do not be jubilant like the other nations. For you have been unfaithful to your God; you love the wages of a prostitute at every threshing floor. God had allowed Israel to experience a certain degree of prosperity but it will not bring them peace and security. Stanza One continues, They will not remain in the Lord's land; Ephraim will return to Egypt and eat unclean food in Assyria. The second stanza speaks of the imminent day of punishment. The sins of Israel are many. In stanza three, God reflects upon happier times: When I found Israel it was like finding grapes in the desert; when I saw your fathers it was like seeing the early fruit on the fig tree. He then says, But when they came to Baal Peor, they consecrated themselves to the shameful idol and became as vile as the thing they loved. God warned that they will not enjoy increase in population. The women will be barren.  Chapter ten predicts captivity. The first few verses of 10:1-15 gives us a metaphor that can be applicable to the Messiah: Israel was a spreading vine; he brought forth fruit for himself. Jesus said He was the vine. The northern tribes observed feasts that the Lord established during the times of Moses. But, then they would worship Baal. They were double minded. In the second stanza it reveals that the golden calf they worshipped would be given as a gift to the king of Assyria. The last verse says, Then they will say to the mountains, "Cover us!" and to the hills, "fall on us!" This also references the great tribulation. The last verse gives this account: But you have planted wickedness, you have reaped evil, you have eaten the fruit of deception. Because you have depended on your own strength and on your many warriors, the roar of battle will rise against your people, so that all your fortresses will be devastated_ as Shalman devastated Beth Arbel on the day of battle, when mothers were dashed to the ground with their children. Thus will it happen to you, O Bethel, because your wickedness is great. When that day dawns, the king of Israel will be completely destroyed. Today's affirmation: I can't live by the devil's standard and reap righteousness. I will reap whatever I sow.  This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Sunday, February 28, 2010

 

In the United States there are televison shows that inundate the airways. They are hosted by judges and they preside over cases presented by every day people who are seeking justice. Admittedly, I have glanced at a few, for there are many. At least they are without vulgarity and violence. They fail to hold my attention for an extended time as I have figured out the type persons seeking justice. For the most part, they are those who have co-habitated and the affair soured. When presenting their sides of the story, they speak as if living with a mate to whom they are not married is as normal as eating apple pie. It isn't. And their complaints evolved around monetary compensation. The judges are firm during the testimony and equally so as they reach their verdict. To a degree, this is what is happening in Israel. Perhaps it may appear more extreme, but when you live with another without the benefit of matrimony it may be considered a form of idolatry at its worst and sin at best. Somehow, the judges are able to unscramble the stories and assign victory to the deserving party. In Israel, God has already determined the sins of Israel, but hasn't given up on them. Dr. McGee seems to think that this love that God shows for Israel of old, will be demonstrated to contemporary Israelites sometime in the future. Beginning with Hosea 11:1-11 God speaks of the days when He loved the infant nation. It says, "When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. But the more I called Israel, the further they went from me. They sacrificed to the Baals and they burned incense to images. It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms; but they did not realize it was I who healed them. I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love. God does not force anyone to serve Him. In the second stanza it continues, "Will they not return to Egypt and will not Assyria rule over them because they refuse to repent? Swords will flash in their cities, will destroy the bars of their gates and put an end to their  plans. In the last stanza God demonstrates frustration for this nation that he chose as His son. A nation who was selected because He loved them, not because of merit. Please read what God ruminates in that stanza. The eleventh chapter continues as God recalls Ephraim's sins. In Hosea ll:12-13:3, the the first stanza condemns them. Then God remembers Jacob. He recalled how Jacob wrestled with God, but was victorious because he surrendered to God. The Israelites thought they were blessed because of their prosperity. Abraham Lincoln once said "you can fool some of the people some of the time but not all of the people all of the time." This was referenced by Dr. McGee. And certainly the Israelites could not fool God. In the third stanza, God reminds them, "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt; I will make you live in tents again, as in the days of your appointed feasts..." God continues to jog their memories of how Jacob fled to the country of Aram seeking a wife. The last stanza concludes, Therefore they will be like the morning mist, like the early dew that disappears, like chaff swirling from a threshing floor, like smoke escaping through a window. Striking figuarative language is employed to drive home the points. Historical facts are peppered throughout chapter thirteen. God is reminding them that they shall acknowledge no God but Him. He tells them that, So I will come upon them like a lion, like a leopard I will lurk by the path, Like a bear robbed of her cubs, I will attack them and rip them open. The animals refer to nations; for example, the lion references Babylon. I invite you to continue reading Chapter thirteen for further details. In the fourteenth chapter Israel receives a promise of forgiveness. And it is here that Dr. McGee says they will be saved in the future. In other words, love will win. Please read that for its full flavor. As we meander through the prophets, it becomes increasingly challenging to blatantly draw you into its lessons. Yet, the morals are there. Todays's affirmation is based upon the sermon of Dr. Mike, executive pastor, at my church. God, I need your mercy. Be merciful to me a sinner. I can't go to you based on my mercy. I will humble myself. I will schedule prayer. I will begin with praise and thanksgiving and will be specfic in that regard. I will pray the promise and not the problem. I choose to trust that God will take care of me. I choose to trust Him. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you believe it, my friends? Amen. Amen. 

 

Submitted Monday, March 1, 2010

 

Just when I think I have run out of ways to introduce the segments, another opportunity arises. For this section, it arose at my church. I was engaged in conversation with fellow members after the service. I confessed to them that I considered myself to be different from most. And I could care less what others thought of me. I went a step further to say that we must be careful about labeling people. Sometimes those we do not consider to be Christians may be more authentic than we are. That didn't make good fodder for a casual conversation, but it's so like me, as the youngsters would say. A fellow church member said that we must be cautious about being extremist. He further stated that some people are either very, very good or either very, very bad. They don't know how to stay in the middle of the road. That started me to ponder. 'Am I like that?' After some after thought, I remembered those of the congregations in the book of Revelation that were "luke warm." So, I suppose the person was accurate. At one time, I was very bad and now I am trying to be very good. I am not luke warm. In fact there is a nursery rhyme to that affect: when he was good, he was very, very good but when he was bad he was horrid, so goes part of the rhyme. For this entry I am going to prepare you for the next book. Yes, it is that of a prophet. This time it is Amos. Hosea was the contemporary of Amos. Despite the warnings of Hosea, the people continued to worship idols. Amos prophesied during the days of Uzziah and Jeroboam II. More about this strange man in the next submission. Today's affirmation: I may be different, but sometimes different is better. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Tuesday, March 2, 2010

 

He was the country preacher who came to town. At least, that is how Dr. McGee describes Amos. He lived in Tekoa and was a lowly shepherd. Tekoa was near Bethlehem. His prophetic word took on a more global view than those of his contemporaries. Tekoa was virtually a desert area in the wilderness. Amos' messages were for the present as well as the future. He was essentially a migrant worker whose chief occupation was that of a herdsmen, although he also gathered sycamores. In the introduction from my bible of choice, the editor did an excellent job of presenting Amos. He said that Amos lived in the days of Uzziah and Jeroboam II and was a lowly shepherd from Tekoa, near Bethlehem in Judah. He was sent to prophesy against several nations but principally against Israel. Amos came to Israel at a time when Jeroboam's great military successes have brought unparalleled prosperity, and with it selfishness, greed, and immorality. Although he comes to the center of calf worship at Bethel, he does not attack idolatry as such (as does his contemporary, Hosea). He concentrates instead on rebuking both Israel and Judah for the meaninglessness of their worship, whatever its form. He calls for consistency in one's religious exercises and daily ethical conduct, and cries out against a people who honor deity with their many sacrifices yet refuse justice and mercy to the oppressed and needy. Amos' message comes first in the form of eight "burdens" against various nations. Three sermons of judgment then follow, and an oracle containing five visions: of locusts, fire, a plumb line, ripe fruit, and the altar. Amos ends his writing with a message of hope and a promise of restoration. It is not surprising that Amos is rebuked by Amaziah, the high priest, for it is, after all, the selfish religious establishment which has led the people into this institutionalized and meaningless form of religion. I couldn't have said it better, and I didn't attempt to do so. In the next segment we will venture into the prophetic words of Amos. Today's affirmation comes from T. D. Jakes, entitled BECAUSE. Just because no one has been fortunate enough to realize what a gold mine you are, doesn't mean you shine any less. Just because no one has been smart enough to figure out that you can't be topped, doesn't stop you from being the best. Just because no one has come along to share your life, doesn't mean that day isn't coming. Just because no one has made this race worthwhile, doesn't give you permission to stop running. Just because no one has realized how much of an awesome woman you are, doesn't mean they can affect your feminity. Just because no one has shown up who can love you on your level, doesn't mean you have to sink to theirs. Just because you deserve the very best there is, Doesn't mean that life is always fair. Just because God is still preparing your king, Doesn't mean that you're not already a Queen. Just because your situation doesn't seem to be progressing right now, doesn't mean you need to change a thing. Keep shining, keep running, keep hoping, and keep praying, Keep being exactly what you are already. COMPLETE. Albeit Bishop Jakes addressed the feminine gender, it can apply to the masculine as well. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen. 

 

Submitted Wednesday, March 3, 2010

 

The more I study prophecy, the more I realize that God's will shall be done. Prophecy has proven that. The "burdens" of the nations about which Amos preached and the punishment God rendered, lets us know that His prophets spoke His words and that future revelations will take place as well. I am humbled by the skills demonstrated by Dr. McGee as he explains the implications of the prophecies. I could not do it alone as I have not been trained at a seminary. I am, however, a student of God's Word. It also places a "burden" upon me as I analyze my own behavior. Prophecy is either condemning or refreshing. It depends upon where you are in the puzzle. A general description has previously been revealed regarding this prophet. In spite of his humble origin, he was eloquent and diplomatic. I could use a few lessons in the latter. Dr. McGee thought him to be a little naive. I, too, appear gullible at  times. However, my naivite often conceals a keen understanding of human nature. Then, at times I am totally off base. And, in some instances I choose not to know. I can be aware of what is happening, yet act as if I am not. When Amos presented the eight "burdens" of the nations, he used a little guile. Speaking in Israel, probably in the king's palace, he began to condemn the other nations first. He launched his attack against the Syrians initially. Each condemnation began with the authoritative phrase, "This is what the Lord says". He also used an idiomatic expression before accusations were made. He said "For three sins...even for four, I will not turn back my wrath." He ended  by saying God would send fire upon the nations in return for the sins they committed. AGAINST THE SYRIANS: because she threshed Gilead  with sledges having iron teeth. Gilead is east of the bank of Jordan and you will recall there were tribes who chose to remain there. AGAINST PHILISTINES: because she took captive whole communites and sold them to Edom. The Edomites were related to Esau, brother of Jacob. AGAINST TYRE: because she sold whole communities of captives to Edom, disregarding a treaty of brotherhood. Tyre and King David had established a covenant and were good friends. AGAINST EDOMITES: because he pursued his brother with a sword, stifling all compassion, because his anger raged continually.  AGAINST AMMONITES: because he ripped open the pregnant women of Gilead in order to extend his borders. This was a violent crime. AGAINST MOABITES: because he burned, as if to lime, the bones of Edom's king. This also was a heinous undertaking because the king was killed and then his bones were ground into dust. This nation was completely destroyed with no descendants. Yet, Ruth was born there. Then, the tides turned when Amos accused the privileged, Judah and Israel. AGAINST JUDAH: because they have rejected the law of the Lord and have not kept his decrees, because they have been led astray by false gods, the gods their ancestors followed. Here, says Dr. McGee, Amos refers to the breaking of the ten commandments. Later, for the finale, he points his finger at Israel, The Mosaic Law is used as the backdrop for Israel's sins_and they are many. For one thing, they mistreated the poor; then father and son would share prostitutes which is in direct opposition to the restrictions handed down in the Mosaic Law. The Amorites are addressed. They were the people of Jericho. And they are no more. Yet, Rahab, the harlot who helped Joshua destory them lived there. She, by the way, became an ancestress to Jesus Christ. They also were condemned for enticing the Nazirites to drink wine. These were young men who dedicated themselves to the service of the Lord. They were not to cut their hair; drink wine or even eat grapes; nor touch or look at a dead body. I invite further study of chapters one and two at a later time. Today's affirmation: I will do my best to do the will of God and not condemn myself nor others when God's will is not done. I will seek forgiveness and repent. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Thursday, March 4, 2010

 

I am no scientist, but I think one of the laws of nature is that for every action there is an opposite and equal reaction. Some term this "cause and effect." You do something wrong and you pay the price. That it is the way it is now and that was the way it was when Amos prophesied. Amos didn't beat around the bush. He wasn't a people pleaser. And, though I do not compare myself with this man of God, I must confess that I do not tickle ears either. As we learned in earlier submissions, he was a country bumpkin. But a smart one. He used natural images to make a point as these were the ones familiar to him. In chapter three Amos revealed God's plan against the entire family of the tribes of Israel. It begins, Hear this word the Lord has spoken against you. O people of Israel_against the whole family I brought up out of Egypt. Previously, we have divided our attention between Israel and the less sinful Judah.  But, now the charge goes out against the entire tribes. "You only have I chosen of all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your sins." In other words, privilege brings on responsibilities. According to Dr. McGee there were seven questions asked and answered and they make up the focus of this chapter: Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so? Does a lion roar in the thicket when he has no prey? Does he growl in his den when he has caught nothing? Does a bird fall into a trap on the ground where no snare has been set? Does a trap spring up from the earth when there is nothing to catch? When a trumpet sounds in a city, do not the people tremble? When disaster comes to a city, has not the Lord caused it? In chapter3:11-15 there is a promise of punishment. Please take the time to read the remaining verses.  Today's affirmation was sent me through electronic messaging. It is entitled, "Attitude." There was once a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs on her head. "Well," she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today." So she did and she had a wonderful day..The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head. "H-M-M," she said, "I think I'll part my hair down the middle today." So she did and she had a grand day. The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head. "Well," she said, "today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail." So she did and she had a fun, fun day. The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head. "YEA!" she exclaimed, "I don't have to fix my hair today!" Atitude is everything. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Friday, March 5, 2010

 

Dr. McGee quoted Paul when he said "if we judge ourselves, we should not be judged." This was not the case of the northern tribe of Israel. In this submission we continue to study the prophet Amos. He has proven to be an eloquent speaker who used figurative language to his advantage. And, now he adds biting sarcasm and pungent satire. When I was a young girl, we called this tactic "trying to be funny." But humor was not the intent. In this section chapters four and five will be considered. In the former, warnings are given to the nation and in chapter five their future punishment is exposed. This is the last call. In the first few verses of Chapter four reference is made to the cows of Bashan. The region is east of the Jordan and the bovine animals were especially strong because of the natural vegetation. It references that the women were treated with luxuries like the fattened cows. Dr. McGee goes a little further to mention that the "women" mentioned may very well have been homosexuals, as the practice was prevalent amid the enviornment of idol worship. I hesitated when considering whether this should be included, for fear of insulting certain sections of our society. But, like Dr. McGee, my mission is to tell it like it is. The scripture states that the nation was hooked on iniquity. And it reached into the palace, as will the judgment. In the second verse of Amos 4:11, the prophet again employs satire when he says, "Go to Bethel and sin; go to Gilgal and sin yet more. Bring your sacrifices every morning, your tithes every three years. Burn levened bread as a thank offering and brag about your free will offerings_boast about them, you Israelites, for this what  you love to do." Bethel was their center of idolotry and Gilgal was where the tribes stopped before crossing the Jordan. It was once sacred but now has been defiled. Between the stanzas, the phrase, "declares the Lord" is used. It continues by reminding the nation of how the Lord caused famine in the land, "I gave you empty stomachs in every city and lack of bread in every town, yet you have not returned to me..."  The verses tell how rain was withheld when the harvest was still three months away. "I sent rain on one town but witheld it from another. One field had rain; another had none and dried up.." This did not deter idolatry. The stanzas end with, yet you have not returned to me. God was  saying to them that he formed the mountains and sent the rain. He also turned dawn into darkness.. In the fifth chapter future punishment is prounounced. It begins with what appears to be a funeral dirge: "Fallen is virgin Israel, never to rise again, deserted in her own land with no one to lift her up. The judgment is explicit, "The city that marches out a thousand strong for Israel will have only a hundred left; the town that marches out a hundred strong will have only ten left." This it repeats: This is what the Lord says to the house of Israel. God is asking them to "Seek me and live; do not seek Bethel, do not go to Gilgal, do not journey to Beersheba..." This is God's invitation for them to have life. They were going through the motions of worship but their practice didn't match their profession, so says Dr. McGee. He related it to modern worship. Sometimes we become swept away with the rituals and songs and the modern pulpit becomes a sounding board of the congregation. Please read the remainder of Chapter 5:1-15 for more illumination of the sins of Israel. Then, in 16-20 it speaks of the day of the Lord. This term was first used by the prophet Joel. It says, Woe to you who long for the day of the Lord! Why do you long for the day of the Lord? That day will be darkness, not light. It will be as though a  man fled from a lion only to meet a bear; as though he entered his house and rested his hand on the wall only to have a snake bite him. The chapter ends with a discussion of the emptiness of rituals. At Amos 5:27 the future of Israel is sealed: "..Therefore I will send you into exile beyond Damascus," says the Lord, whose name is God Almighty. Dr. McGee interprets this as being exiled to Assyria. Today's affirmation:  Faith is the most powerful of all forces operating in humanity and when you have it in depth, nothing can get you down. Nothing. (Norman vincent Peale) This prayer we pray in the  name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

 

Submitted Saturday, March 6, 2010

 

Humpty Dumpty sat on the wall. Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. All the kings' horses and all the kings' men, couldn't put Humpty back together again. So goes a familiar nursery rhyme. It also was used by Dr. McGee to describe the dire circumstances of the northern tribes of Israel.  As we continue in the prophecy of Amos, we find the tribes being rebuked in the first through fourteen verses of chapter six. Verse one begins with a "woe." Woes were also used in Revelation. They were rebuked for their complacency. They felt secure in their palatial surroundings. The first few verses say, Woe to you who are complacent in Zion, and to you who feel secure on Mount Samaria, you notable men of the foremost nation, to whom the people of Israel come! Go to Calneh and look at it; go from there to Hamath, and then go down to Gath in Philistia. Are they better off than your two kingdoms? Is their land larger than yours? The northern tribe is invited to see what happened to other kingdoms who had also become complacent. In this final series of Amos, the Israelites were being admonished in the present. The other chapters focused on the past and the future. Both Dr. McGee and I agree that the kingdom was destroyed because of such sins as drunkeness, gluttony, sex and immoral music_very much like our own. Recall that Amos did not preach against the idolatry to the extent that Hosea did, but rather took a more global view. Focus on these words: You put off the evil day and bring near a reign of terror. You lie on beds inlaid with ivory and lounge on your couches. You dine on choice lambs and fattened calves. You strum away on your harps like David and improvise on musical instruments. You drink wine by the bowful and use the finest lotions, but you do not grieve over the ruin of Joseph. Therefore you will be among the first to go into exile; your feasting and lounging will end. Chapter seven relates three visions revealed to Amos by God. First, there were the locusts. In this vision Amos cried out, "Sovereign Lord, forgive! How can Jacob survive? He is so small!" So the Lord relented. Please read the entire vision at Amos 7:1-3. Then, beginning at verse four, the Vision of Fire is explained. Some equate this to a drought. The Lord again said, "This will not happen either."  Again, I invite your consideration of the entire vision later. Then, at verses 7-9 a familiar image is used. That of a plumb line. Dr. McGee explains that whenever this imagery is employed in the bible, it means God is preparing to judge. Chapter seven continues but the last vision will be given in chapter eight. What happened next was inevitable. A priest, representing the establishment, rebukes Amos and stirs up trouble against him. Let us examine Chapter 7:10-13: Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent a message to Jeroboam king of Israel: "Amos is raising a consipiracy against you in the very heart of Israel. The land cannot bear all his words. For this is what Amos is saying: "Jeroboam will die by the sword, and Israel will surely go into exile, away from their native land." Then Amaziah said to Amos, "Get out, you seer! Go back to the land of Judah. Earn your bread there and do your prophesying there. Don't prophesy anymore at Bethel, because this is the king's sanctuary and the temple of the kingdom." The final verses of the seventh chapter gives Amos' reply. "I was neither a prophet nor a prophet's son, but I was a shepherd, and I also took care of sycamore-fig trees. But the Lord took me from tending the flock and said to me, 'Go, prophesy to my people Israel.' Now then, hear the word of the Lord.' Read the clincher for yourselves as chapter seven concludes. Today's affirmation: I may not be formally educated, but I have worth and value. The Lord may still be able to use me. In fact, I may be refreshing to Him and just the type person He seeks; for I have been forgiven much and I love much. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Sunday, March 7, 2010

 

In the last chapter of Amos I am left with more questions than answers. And, perhaps so will you. In spite of the assistance received from Dr. McGee, it seems with this last chapter I must depend  on my own logic with discernment provided by God. In other words, this one is hard. From what I could decipher I have gleaned that there are two more visions remaining in Amos. The vision of ripe fruit and the vision of the altar. Let us begin with the first one. In Chapter eight, verses 1-3 it tells us, This is what the Sovreign Lord showed me: a basket of ripe fruit. "What do you see Amos?" he asked. "A basket of ripe fruit," I answered. Then the Lord said to me, "The time is ripe for my people Israel; I will spare them no longer..." Symbolically, harvest references judgment. It seems that there are different references to time in this part of the prophecy. You will recall Amos assumed a more global role than his counterpart. In my understanding, the present time for the punishment of Israel is addressed. Then the phrase "in that day" speaks of the great tribulation. Later, there is a promise of restoration for the nation of Israel. The prophetic word was fulfilled when Israel was taken into captivity by the Assyrians. However, there is prophetic word that remains to take place. Verses four through six focuses on the unethical religion of the ten tribes. Amos spends much time speaking about the poor. In the last verse it reads, selling even the sweepings with the wheat. Recall, if you will, provisions for gleaning in the Mosaic Law. At Amos 8:7-14 it begins, The Lord has sworn by the Pride of Jacob: "I will never forget anything they have done..." The Messiah is the pride of Jacob as was revealed by Dr. McGee. Dr. McGee reminds us that the present day does not satisfy prophecy. The ten lost tribes of Israel, he believes, are not represented by the people of another land, such as America and Great Britian. We know that the idolatrous nation of the wayward ten tribes will meet their waterloo but it appears that the prophecy extends beyond that. Some think we are presently in the Great Tribulation. Scripture in 8:7-14 reads, "The days are coming," declares the Sovreign Lord, "when I will send a famine through the land_not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the Lord." Doesn't that ring of a more global influence than that of Amos' day?  Then the last vision, the vision of the altar is presented at Amos 9:1-10. This seems to be directed to the Israelites. The Assyrians are coming. The Cushites are mentioned. They were located in the area of Ethiopia. "Are not you Israelites the same to  me as the Cushites?" "Did I not bring Israel up from Egypt..." "Surely the eyes of the Sovereign Lord are on the sinful kingdom. I will destroy it from the face of the earth_yet I will not totally destroy the house of Jacob." "For I will give the command, and I will shake the house of Israel among all the nations as grain is shaken in a sieve, and not a pebble will reach the ground. All the sinners among my people will die by the sword, all those who say, 'Disaster will not overtake or meet us.' The nation was destroyed but not the people. Dr. McGee challenges us to look to New York City and we will find more Hebrews there than in the nation of Israel. They have indeed been scattered. Dr. McGee thinks the finale of the chapter is wonderful. He warns that you cannot separate the land and the people. He thinks the Lord will return them to the land and the Dividic dynasty  will be restored. But, he warns that it has yet to take place. It is beyond doubt that this submission will meet with controversy. I have explained it as best I can. Prophecy is challenging and many have different interpretations. I choose to achieve uniformity by referencing a source I trust. I leave the rest up to God. If it causes you to think, then it has not been for naught.  Today's affirmation: There is so much in this world that I do not understand. But I know I have a Father who can. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do  you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Monday, March 8, 2010

 

As we turn a sharp corner from the three "minor" prophets studied recently, we embark upon the ministry of perhaps the greatest evangelistic prophet ever known to God's people. A career that spanned forty years. The editor of my bible of choice wrote, Isaiah will do for Judah what Joel, Hosea and Amos have done for Israel: he will tell the people about God's judgment against religious formalism, idolatry, oppression, immorality and pride, and also warn them of the captivity they are about to face. LaGard, the editor of THE DAILY BIBLE IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER, relates that throughout his prophecies Isaiah repreatedly refers to the final day of the Lord, when all people will face judgment. Isaiah's messages tell of the coming of the Messiah and they are as meaningful to future generations as they are to those who live in Judah at this time. Let us segue into what transpired at the time in which he preached. It was during the reign of Uzziah and in the year immediately following his death. Uzziah, continuing with the introduction, reigned since at least 767 B.C. and was also known as Azariah. He was a successful regent, until he became arrogant. My friends, we must be careful of this behavior. It is akin to pride. Perhaps that is the root of many of your problems. Pride. Pride brought you to this point and it will, if you are not cautious, keep you there. It will raise its ugly head to prevent your seeking help. First, from the Lord and then from the mental health professionals put in place by God. What did Uzziah do? Well, he became so powerful that he burned incense in the temple. That was a duty for the annointed priests. We are referencning 2Kgs. 15:5 and 2Chron. 26:16-21. It reads, Uzziah, who had a censer in his hand ready to burn incense, became angry. His fury resulted from a confrontation with the priests who reminded him of his unfaithfulness. While he was raging at the priests in their presence before the incense altar in the Lord's temple, leprosy broke out on his forehead. King Uzziah had leprosy until the day he died. He lived in a separate house_leprous and excluded from the temple of the Lord. His son Jothan became co-regent. Today's affirmation comes from the New Testament at Romans 5:1-5: Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perserverance; perserverance, character, and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.

 

Submitted Tuesday, March 9, 2010

 

Prophecy is the mold into which history is poured is a quote uttered by Dr. McGee, as I followed his outline of the beginning of Isaiah. It seems as if I am about to embark upon a journey that will take me back and forth. In other words, my bible of choice might insert verses from one chapter into that of another. Instead of confusing, it is designed to clarify its historical occurance. If it happened where chapter five is provided and its chronological occurance comes earlier, then that is where it is placed. That makes for a nightmare when you are engaged in research. A challenge it may be, but it is indeed a labor of love. It does slow the progess of my submissions, however. But I will do whatever it takes to assure accuracy as is understood by my chosen teacher, as well as the discernment provided me by God. As a prelude to the study of Isaiah, Dr. McGee provided facts that may be considered trivial by some. There are sixty-six books of the bible and there are sixty-six chapters of Isaiah. There are over three hundred prophecies of the first coming of Christ and many are found in this book, which is sometimes considered the "fifth" gospel. Dr. McGee illuminates the three steps that precede the downfall of a nation: religious or spiritual apostosy; immorality and political anarchy. Notice some of these elements as I highlight what took place in Judah. Isaiah 1:1 reads, The vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem that Isaiah son of Amoz saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. Of those mentioned, Ahaz was the one who did evil in the sight of the Lord. In verses 2-9 of chapter one the sinful state of Judah is laid bare and exposed to the world: Hear, O heavens! Listen, O earth! For the Lord has spoken: "I reared children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against me. The ox knows his master, the donkey his owner's manger, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand." My friends, you may have reared rebellious children and that may have created the circumstances under which you presently toil. So, you understand how God feels about His special nation. And, you may feel guilty, thinking there must have been something you could have done differently to prevent the situation. Continuing, Ah, sinful nation, a people loaded with guilt, a brood of evildoers, children given to corruption! They have forsaken the Lord; they have spurned the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on him. Perhaps, my friends, the problem with your errant off-spring rests with the fact that you have forsaken the Lord and did not consult with Him during the process of nurturing the young ones. Now, we have a surprise thrown into our study. It certainly was for me. The parable of the vineyard, from Isa. 5:1-7 is entered at this time. Dr. McGee considers it the most beautiful song ever written. I invite you to read it in its entirety. It relates how God cultivated Israel (the vineyard) in fertile soil. He did everything He could to make sure it produced good fruit. But it yielded only sour grapes. The vineyard parable relates what God will do to the vineyard: Now I will tell you what I am going to do to my vineyard: I will take away its hedge, and it will be destroyed; I will break down its wall, and it will be trampled. I will make it a wasteland, neither pruned nor cultivated, and briers and thorns will grow there. I will command the clouds not to rain on it. A well seasoned traveler, especially to Israel, Dr. McGee agrees that, even today, the land is desolate and dry. I can relate to this parable. My diary from my youth proclaims my love of God. So the soil was fertile. But, as I matured I strayed away from God's plan for my life. Then, my hedge was temporarily removed and I suffered many years of depression. I wouldn't admit to total spiritual apostosy but I, too, was guilty of religious formalism. This is the subject of Isa. 1:10-17 as we return to chapter one. The people are formally charged. Their worship was meaningless: When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide my eyes from you. Doesn't that "smell" of worship today? Prophecy, we have learned, has future implications. Today's affirmation: God walks with me. This prayer we pray in the name of the risen Christ. Do you receive it, my friends? Amen. Amen.