By Carmen Pilar Rosario
Showing posts with label Bible Reading. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bible Reading. Show all posts
4/24/2014
Who's the Coward?
Today I woke up with Jesus and Peter’s thought about what happen so my mind started to run and I started to write. I looked in the Bible and everything came to a conclusion.
If the disciples intervene then the Gospels will never be written because they will be crucified with Jesus instead.
Did Jesus know that Peter will deny him ahead of time when he said to Peter: “And I tell you the truth you will deny me before the rooster crows 3 times” or this was a command to Peter from Jesus?
Almost every Preacher talks about Peter being a coward but when Jesus appeared walking in the sea the only one who was braved enough to step out of the boat was Peter.
The story that I hear all the time contradicts itself when the soldiers when to get Jesus the only disciple who got in the way was Peter. We know this because in the story says that Peter cuts a soldier ear with a sword. Then, Jesus told him: "those who live by the sword will die by the sword". Clearly, Jesus told him, in other words, that he should never do this anymore because his time was not yet.
Do we categorize Peter as a coward or as obedient?
I believe with all my heart that Peter will get in the way to get Jesus out of there because Jesus knew his thoughts before, Jesus told him: “Peter, Satan is trying to sift you”
Why was this?
Because must of Peter’s actions were lead by the flesh and not the Holy Spirit.
Think about it!
Then, we will never have the story when Peter and John when to the synagogue and encounter a sick man, then Peter told him: “Silver and gold I do not have but in the name of Jesus rising and walk”, then at the end of Peter’s life he actually was crucified upside down, Why? Because he told Jesus at the last supper: “Even if I have to die with you (crucified) I will never disown you”. All other disciples promised that they will never betray Jesus but they did.
I don’t have an account on how the other disciples died but I am guessing it was a similar dead like Jesus had. What I realize is that Jesus took Peter with him everywhere he went. Not all twelve had the same calling.
Put yourself in the same situation as Peter. If you love Jesus so much… What would you do? Defend Jesus and let Satan sift you? Or Let the Scriptures be fulfilled?
Before the crucifixion, at one point Jesus felt fear, maybe he receives a revelation of the things that will take place at that time, that’s why he went to pray and said these words: “my soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death”.
Jesus knew already what was going to happen and he said: “my Father if it's possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not I will but as you will”.
One of the major reasons Peter cut out the soldier’s ear was because Jesus told them ahead of time: “watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing but the body is weak”.
If you noticed when Jesus call Peter, Peter was to acknowledge Peter as a disciple (walking in the Spirit) but when Jesus addresses Peter as Simon then it was because he started to walk in the flesh. "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat" Luke 22:31
Be blessed,
5/17/2011
Judgement Day, End Times, False Prophets (Bible reading)
Some passages in the Bible indicates when and assure us about the truth when it comes to end times or judgment day. I gather a few of those in my bible reading journal.
Job 24:1
“Why does the Almighty not set times for judgment?
Why must those who know him look in vain for such days?
target="new">1 Thessalonians 5:21
Test all things; hold fast what is good.
Matthew 25:13
“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.
Mark 13:32
“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
Matthew 24:3-8
Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”
And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all]these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.
Luke 21:24
And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
1 John 4
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
Matthew 7:15
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.
2 Peter 1:19
And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts;
Deuteronomy 18:22
when a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him
2 Timothy 3:13
But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived
Matthew 24:24
For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect
2 Thessalonians 2:9
The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders. Be blessed,
Job 24:1
“Why does the Almighty not set times for judgment?
Why must those who know him look in vain for such days?
target="new">1 Thessalonians 5:21
Test all things; hold fast what is good.
Matthew 25:13
“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.
Mark 13:32
“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
Matthew 24:3-8
Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”
And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all]these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.
Luke 21:24
And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
1 John 4
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
Matthew 7:15
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.
2 Peter 1:19
And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts;
Deuteronomy 18:22
when a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him
2 Timothy 3:13
But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived
Matthew 24:24
For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect
2 Thessalonians 2:9
The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders. Be blessed,
By Carmen Pilar Rosario
3/24/2011
Partiality and God (Bible Reading)
I found nineteen different places where the word partiality is mention in the New Testament.
The meaning of the word partiality is an unfair tendency to treat one person, group, or thing better than another when is use in a sentence.
1.Deuteronomy 1:17
" You shall not show partiality in judgment; you shall hear the small and the great alike You shall not fear man, for the judgment is God's The case that is too hard for you, you shall bring to me, and I will hear it.'
2.Deuteronomy 10:17
" For the LORD your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality nor take a bribe.
3.2 Chronicles 19:7
"Now then let the fear of the LORD be upon you; be very careful what you do, for the LORD our God will have no part in unrighteousness or partiality or the taking of a bribe."
4.Job 13:8
"Will you show partiality for Him? Will you contend for God?
5.Job 13:10
"He will surely reprove youIf you secretly show partiality.
6.Job 34:19
Who shows no partiality to princes Nor regards the rich above the poor,For they all are the work of His hands?
7.Psalm 82:2
How long will you judge unjustly And show partiality to the wicked? Selah.
8.Proverbs 18:5
To show partiality to the wicked is not good,Nor to thrust aside the righteous in judgment.
9.Proverbs 24:23
These also are sayings of the wise To show partiality in judgment is not good.
10.Proverbs 28:21
To show partiality is not good, Because for a piece of bread a man will transgress.
11.Malachi 2:9
"So I also have made you despised and abased before all the people, just as you are not keeping My ways but are showing partiality in the instruction.
12.Acts 10:34
[ Gentiles Hear Good News ] Opening his mouth, Peter said: "I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality,
13.Romans 2:11
For there is no partiality with God.
14.Galatians 2:6
But from those who were of high reputation (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)--well, those who were of reputation contributed nothing to me.
15.Ephesians 6:9
And masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.
16.Colossians 3:25
For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality.
17.1 Timothy 5:21
I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality.
18.James 2:1
[ The Sin of Partiality] My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism.
19.James 2:9
But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. Be blessed,
" You shall not show partiality in judgment; you shall hear the small and the great alike You shall not fear man, for the judgment is God's The case that is too hard for you, you shall bring to me, and I will hear it.'
2.Deuteronomy 10:17
" For the LORD your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality nor take a bribe.
3.2 Chronicles 19:7
"Now then let the fear of the LORD be upon you; be very careful what you do, for the LORD our God will have no part in unrighteousness or partiality or the taking of a bribe."
4.Job 13:8
"Will you show partiality for Him? Will you contend for God?
5.Job 13:10
"He will surely reprove youIf you secretly show partiality.
6.Job 34:19
Who shows no partiality to princes Nor regards the rich above the poor,For they all are the work of His hands?
7.Psalm 82:2
How long will you judge unjustly And show partiality to the wicked? Selah.
8.Proverbs 18:5
To show partiality to the wicked is not good,Nor to thrust aside the righteous in judgment.
9.Proverbs 24:23
These also are sayings of the wise To show partiality in judgment is not good.
10.Proverbs 28:21
To show partiality is not good, Because for a piece of bread a man will transgress.
11.Malachi 2:9
"So I also have made you despised and abased before all the people, just as you are not keeping My ways but are showing partiality in the instruction.
12.Acts 10:34
[ Gentiles Hear Good News ] Opening his mouth, Peter said: "I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality,
13.Romans 2:11
For there is no partiality with God.
14.Galatians 2:6
But from those who were of high reputation (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)--well, those who were of reputation contributed nothing to me.
15.Ephesians 6:9
And masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.
16.Colossians 3:25
For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality.
17.1 Timothy 5:21
I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality.
18.James 2:1
[ The Sin of Partiality] My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism.
19.James 2:9
But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. Be blessed,
By Carmen Pilar Rosario
7/02/2010
The Righteous Branch - Lying Prophets
Testimony: I was once stubborn, blind, deaf, and God knock at my door many times. I always want to do it my way, that's how I was raised. But one day
I realized that there was a God a superior force than me and it does not matter how many times I prayed to an idol to heal me or to give me more money or to take me away from my problems instead I was more and more deep in darkness and trouble. None of those idols could take my problems away including health issues until one day I cried and scream and surrender to God that day I knew that He forgave me and surely gave me a new HOPE! Eternal Life!
I have learned something very important in Jeremiah 23. Prophets cannot say that everything is going well in this world neither prophesied that God will love every sin and He will be ok with that.
God is love and He is surely merciful to those that turns away from their weakest ways and puts Him first in everything they do.
How can God be happy with what Humanity is doing in this world?
None of us will take anything from this world when we die!
As Job Said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." (Job 1:21)
So, really…
What is so important about pursue riches?
What is so important about being wealthy?
What is so important about material things?
Since I was little this world showed me that if you don't have money, you are no one. Money rules everything!
FREEDOM? Everyone has been classified in different sections
1. Clase Alta (Rich)
2. Clase Media (Middle Class)
3. Clase Baja (Poor)
How can God be happy with hatred towards other nationalities?
How can He be happy when the Government of different countries is letting their own people be hungry while they enjoy a plentiful life full of wealth?
Tell the World: REPENT! And turn away from your weakest (Sinful) ways. STOP offending Him by putting other idols before Him!
No! This world by no means is in a good standing...realized that we cannot save ourselves and there is an authority over all of us that we have to respect and to give reverence!
-----------
Jeremiah 23
The Righteous Branch
"Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture!" declares the LORD. Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says to the shepherds who tend my people: "Because you have scattered my flock and driven them away and have not bestowed care on them, I will bestow punishment on you for the evil you have done," declares the LORD. "I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and will bring them back to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and increase in number. I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing," declares the LORD.
"The days are coming," declares the LORD, "when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness.
"So then, the days are coming," declares the LORD, "when people will no longer say, 'As surely as the LORD lives, who brought the Israelites up out of Egypt,' but they will say, 'As surely as the LORD lives, who brought the descendants of Israel up out of the land of the north and out of all the countries where he had banished them.' Then they will live in their own land."
Lying Prophets
Concerning the prophets: My heart is broken within me; all my bones tremble. I am like a drunken man, like a man overcome by wine, because of the LORD and his holy words. The land is full of adulterers;
because of the curse the land lies parched and the pastures in the desert are withered. The prophets follow an evil course and use their power unjustly. "Both prophet and priest are godless; even in my temple I find their wickedness," declares the LORD.
"Therefore their path will become slippery; they will be banished to darkness and there they will fall. I will bring disaster on them in the year they are punished," declares the LORD.
"Among the prophets of Samaria I saw this repulsive thing: They prophesied by Baal (Lucifer, Devil, Idols) and led my people Israel astray. And among the prophets of Jerusalem I have seen something horrible: They commit adultery and live a lie. They strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that no one turns from his wickedness. They are all like Sodom to me; the people of Jerusalem are like Gomorrah."
Therefore, this is what the LORD Almighty says concerning the prophets: "I will make them eat bitter food and drink poisoned water, because from the prophets of Jerusalem ungodliness has spread throughout the land."
This is what the LORD Almighty says: "Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.
They keep saying to those who despise me, 'The LORD says: You will have peace.' And to all who follow the stubbornness of their hearts they say, 'No harm will come to you.'
But which of them has stood in the council of the LORD to see or to hear his word? Who has listened and heard his word?
See, the storm of the LORD will burst out in wrath, a whirlwind swirling down on the heads of the wicked.
The anger of the LORD will not turn back until he fully accomplishes the purposes of his heart. In days to come you will understand it clearly.
I did not send these prophets, yet they have run with their message; I did not speak to them, yet they have prophesied.
But if they had stood in my council, they would have proclaimed my words to my people and would have turned them from their evil ways and from their evil deeds.
"Am I only a God nearby," declares the LORD, "and not a God far away?
Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?" declares the LORD. "Do not I fill heaven and earth?" declares the LORD.
"I have heard what the prophets say who prophesy lies in my name. They say, 'I had a dream! I had a dream!' How long will this continue in the hearts of these lying prophets, who prophesy the delusions of their own minds? They think the dreams they tell one another will make my people forget my name, just as their fathers forgot my name through Baal worship.
Let the prophet who has a dream tell his dream, but let the one who has my word speak it faithfully. For what has straw to do with grain?" declares the LORD. Is not my word like fire," declares the LORD, "and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?
"Therefore," declares the LORD, "I am against the prophets who steal from one another words supposedly from me. Yes," declares the LORD, "I am against the prophets who wag their own tongues and yet declare, 'The LORD declares.' Indeed, I am against those who prophesy false dreams," declares the LORD. "They tell them and lead my people astray with their reckless lies, yet I did not send or appoint them. They do not benefit these people in the least," declares the LORD.
Testimony: I was once stubborn, blind, deaf, and God knock at my door many times. I always want to do it my way, that's how I was raised. But one day
I realized that there was a God a superior force than me and it does not matter how many times I prayed to an idol to heal me or to give me more money or to take me away from my problems instead I was more and more deep in darkness and trouble. None of those idols could take my problems away including health issues until one day I cried and scream and surrender to God that day I knew that He forgave me and surely gave me a new HOPE! Eternal Life!
I have learned something very important in Jeremiah 23. Prophets cannot say that everything is going well in this world neither prophesied that God will love every sin and He will be ok with that.
God is love and He is surely merciful to those that turns away from their weakest ways and puts Him first in everything they do.
How can God be happy with what Humanity is doing in this world?
None of us will take anything from this world when we die!
As Job Said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." (Job 1:21)
So, really…
What is so important about pursue riches?
What is so important about being wealthy?
What is so important about material things?
Since I was little this world showed me that if you don't have money, you are no one. Money rules everything!
FREEDOM? Everyone has been classified in different sections
1. Clase Alta (Rich)
2. Clase Media (Middle Class)
3. Clase Baja (Poor)
How can God be happy with hatred towards other nationalities?
How can He be happy when the Government of different countries is letting their own people be hungry while they enjoy a plentiful life full of wealth?
Tell the World: REPENT! And turn away from your weakest (Sinful) ways. STOP offending Him by putting other idols before Him!
No! This world by no means is in a good standing...realized that we cannot save ourselves and there is an authority over all of us that we have to respect and to give reverence!
-----------
Jeremiah 23
The Righteous Branch
"Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture!" declares the LORD. Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says to the shepherds who tend my people: "Because you have scattered my flock and driven them away and have not bestowed care on them, I will bestow punishment on you for the evil you have done," declares the LORD. "I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and will bring them back to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and increase in number. I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing," declares the LORD.
"The days are coming," declares the LORD, "when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness.
"So then, the days are coming," declares the LORD, "when people will no longer say, 'As surely as the LORD lives, who brought the Israelites up out of Egypt,' but they will say, 'As surely as the LORD lives, who brought the descendants of Israel up out of the land of the north and out of all the countries where he had banished them.' Then they will live in their own land."
Lying Prophets
Concerning the prophets: My heart is broken within me; all my bones tremble. I am like a drunken man, like a man overcome by wine, because of the LORD and his holy words. The land is full of adulterers;
because of the curse the land lies parched and the pastures in the desert are withered. The prophets follow an evil course and use their power unjustly. "Both prophet and priest are godless; even in my temple I find their wickedness," declares the LORD.
"Therefore their path will become slippery; they will be banished to darkness and there they will fall. I will bring disaster on them in the year they are punished," declares the LORD.
"Among the prophets of Samaria I saw this repulsive thing: They prophesied by Baal (Lucifer, Devil, Idols) and led my people Israel astray. And among the prophets of Jerusalem I have seen something horrible: They commit adultery and live a lie. They strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that no one turns from his wickedness. They are all like Sodom to me; the people of Jerusalem are like Gomorrah."
Therefore, this is what the LORD Almighty says concerning the prophets: "I will make them eat bitter food and drink poisoned water, because from the prophets of Jerusalem ungodliness has spread throughout the land."
This is what the LORD Almighty says: "Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.
They keep saying to those who despise me, 'The LORD says: You will have peace.' And to all who follow the stubbornness of their hearts they say, 'No harm will come to you.'
But which of them has stood in the council of the LORD to see or to hear his word? Who has listened and heard his word?
See, the storm of the LORD will burst out in wrath, a whirlwind swirling down on the heads of the wicked.
The anger of the LORD will not turn back until he fully accomplishes the purposes of his heart. In days to come you will understand it clearly.
I did not send these prophets, yet they have run with their message; I did not speak to them, yet they have prophesied.
But if they had stood in my council, they would have proclaimed my words to my people and would have turned them from their evil ways and from their evil deeds.
"Am I only a God nearby," declares the LORD, "and not a God far away?
Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?" declares the LORD. "Do not I fill heaven and earth?" declares the LORD.
"I have heard what the prophets say who prophesy lies in my name. They say, 'I had a dream! I had a dream!' How long will this continue in the hearts of these lying prophets, who prophesy the delusions of their own minds? They think the dreams they tell one another will make my people forget my name, just as their fathers forgot my name through Baal worship.
Let the prophet who has a dream tell his dream, but let the one who has my word speak it faithfully. For what has straw to do with grain?" declares the LORD. Is not my word like fire," declares the LORD, "and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?
"Therefore," declares the LORD, "I am against the prophets who steal from one another words supposedly from me. Yes," declares the LORD, "I am against the prophets who wag their own tongues and yet declare, 'The LORD declares.' Indeed, I am against those who prophesy false dreams," declares the LORD. "They tell them and lead my people astray with their reckless lies, yet I did not send or appoint them. They do not benefit these people in the least," declares the LORD.
6/25/2010
Today's reading from Zephaniah
Zephaniah
Zephaniah 1 (New International Version)
The word of the LORD that came to Zephaniah son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hezekiah, during the reign of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah:
Warning of Coming Destruction"
"I will sweep away everything from the face of the earth," declares the LORD. "I will sweep away both men and animals; I will sweep away the birds of the air and the fish of the sea. The wicked will have only heaps of rubble when I cut off man from the face of the earth," declares the LORD.
Against Judah
"I will stretch out my hand against Judah and against all who live in Jerusalem. I will cut off from this place every remnant of Baal, the names of the pagan and the idolatrous priests- those who bow down on the roofs
to worship the starry host, those who bow down and swear by the LORD
and who also swear by Molech, those who turn back from following the LORD
and neither seek the LORD nor inquire of him. Be silent before the sovereign LORD, for the day of the LORD is near. The LORD has prepared a sacrifice; he has consecrated those he has invited. On the day of the LORD's sacrifice I will punish the priest and the king's sons and all those clad in foreign clothes.
On that day I will punish all who avoid stepping on the threshold, who fill the temple of their gods with violence and deceit. "On that day," declares the LORD, "a cry will go up from the Fish Gate, wailing from the New Quarter, and a loud crash from the hills. Wail, you who live in the market district ; all your merchants will be wiped out, all who trade with silver will be ruined. At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps
and punish those who are complacent, who are like wine left on its dregs,
who think, 'The LORD will do nothing, either good or bad.' Their wealth will be plundered, their houses demolished. They will build houses but not live in them; they will plant vineyards but not drink the wine.
The Great Day of the Lord
The Great Day of the Lord "The great day of the LORD is near— near and coming quickly. Listen! The cry on the day of the LORD will be bitter,
the shouting of the warrior there. That day will be a day of wrath,
a day of distress and anguish, a day of trouble and ruin, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness, a day of trumpet and battle cry against the fortified cities and against the corner towers.
I will bring distress on the people and they will walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the LORD. Their blood will be poured out like dust and their entrails like filth. Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to save them on the day of the LORD's wrath. In the fire of his jealousy the whole world will be consumed, for he will make a sudden end of all who live in the earth."
Zephaniah 1 (New International Version)
The word of the LORD that came to Zephaniah son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hezekiah, during the reign of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah:
Warning of Coming Destruction"
"I will sweep away everything from the face of the earth," declares the LORD. "I will sweep away both men and animals; I will sweep away the birds of the air and the fish of the sea. The wicked will have only heaps of rubble when I cut off man from the face of the earth," declares the LORD.
Against Judah
"I will stretch out my hand against Judah and against all who live in Jerusalem. I will cut off from this place every remnant of Baal, the names of the pagan and the idolatrous priests- those who bow down on the roofs
to worship the starry host, those who bow down and swear by the LORD
and who also swear by Molech, those who turn back from following the LORD
and neither seek the LORD nor inquire of him. Be silent before the sovereign LORD, for the day of the LORD is near. The LORD has prepared a sacrifice; he has consecrated those he has invited. On the day of the LORD's sacrifice I will punish the priest and the king's sons and all those clad in foreign clothes.
On that day I will punish all who avoid stepping on the threshold, who fill the temple of their gods with violence and deceit. "On that day," declares the LORD, "a cry will go up from the Fish Gate, wailing from the New Quarter, and a loud crash from the hills. Wail, you who live in the market district ; all your merchants will be wiped out, all who trade with silver will be ruined. At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps
and punish those who are complacent, who are like wine left on its dregs,
who think, 'The LORD will do nothing, either good or bad.' Their wealth will be plundered, their houses demolished. They will build houses but not live in them; they will plant vineyards but not drink the wine.
The Great Day of the Lord
The Great Day of the Lord "The great day of the LORD is near— near and coming quickly. Listen! The cry on the day of the LORD will be bitter,
the shouting of the warrior there. That day will be a day of wrath,
a day of distress and anguish, a day of trouble and ruin, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness, a day of trumpet and battle cry against the fortified cities and against the corner towers.
I will bring distress on the people and they will walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the LORD. Their blood will be poured out like dust and their entrails like filth. Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to save them on the day of the LORD's wrath. In the fire of his jealousy the whole world will be consumed, for he will make a sudden end of all who live in the earth."
6/23/2010
A message about Babylon
A message about Babylon
[An alert to flee from the land of Israel and the wrath from the Lord if nations gathered against the Holy land]
This is the word the LORD spoke through Jeremiah the prophet concerning Babylon and the land of the Babylonians : "Announce and proclaim among the nations, lift up a banner and proclaim it; keep nothing back, but say, 'Babylon will be captured; Bel will be put to shame, Marduk filled with terror. Her images will be put to shame and her idols filled with terror.'
A nation from the north will attack her and lay waste her land. No one will live in it; both men and animals will flee away. "In those days, at that time," declares the LORD, "the people of Israel and the people of Judah together will go in tears to seek the LORD their God.
They will ask the way to Zion and turn their faces toward it. They will come and bind themselves to the LORD in an everlasting covenant that will not be forgotten. "My people have been lost sheep; their shepherds have led them astray and caused them to roam on the mountains. They wandered over mountain and hill and forgot their own resting place. Whoever found them devoured them; their enemies said, 'We are not guilty, for they sinned against the LORD, their true pasture, the LORD, the hope of their fathers.'
"Flee out of Babylon; leave the land of the Babylonians, and be like the goats that lead the flock. For I will stir up and bring against Babylon an alliance of great nations from the land of the north. They will take up their positions against her, and from the north she will be captured. Their arrows will be like skilled warriors who do not return empty-handed.
So Babylonia [b] will be plundered; all who plunder her will have their fill," declares the LORD. "Because you rejoice and are glad, you who pillage my inheritance, because you frolic like a heifer threshing grain
and neigh like stallions, your mother will be greatly ashamed; she who gave you birth will be disgraced. She will be the least of the nations—
a wilderness, a dry land, a desert. Because of the LORD's anger she will not be inhabited but will be completely desolate. All who pass Babylon will be horrified and scoff because of all her wounds.
"Take up your positions around Babylon, all you who draw the bow. Shoot at her! Spare no arrows, for she has sinned against the LORD. Shout against her on every side! She surrenders, her towers fall, her walls are torn down. Since this is the vengeance of the LORD, take vengeance on her; do to her as she has done to others.
Cut off from Babylon the sower, and the reaper with his sickle at harvest. Because of the sword of the oppressor let everyone return to his own people, let everyone flee to his own land.
"Israel is a scattered flock that lions have chased away. The first to devour him was the king of Assyria; the last to crush his bones was Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon." Therefore this is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: "I will punish the king of Babylon and his land as I punished the king of Assyria.
But I will bring Israel back to his own pasture and he will graze on Carmel and Bashan; his appetite will be satisfied on the hills of Ephraim and Gilead. In those days, at that time,"declares the LORD "search will be made for Israel's guilt, but there will be none, and for the sins of Judah, but none will be found, for I will forgive the remnant I spare.
"Attack the land of Merathaim and those who live in Pekod. Pursue, kill and completely destroy [c] them," declares the LORD. "Do everything I have commanded you. The noise of battle is in the land, the noise of great destruction!
How broken and shattered is the hammer of the whole earth! How desolate is Babylon among the nations! I set a trap for you, O Babylon, and you were caught before you knew it; you were found and captured because you opposed the LORD.
The LORD has opened his arsenal and brought out the weapons of his wrath,
for the Sovereign LORD Almighty has work to do in the land of the Babylonians. Come against her from afar. Break open her granaries;
pile her up like heaps of grain. Completely destroy her and leave her no remnant.
Kill all her young bulls; let them go down to the slaughter! Woe to them! For their day has come, the time for them to be punished.
Listen to the fugitives and refugees from Babylon declaring in Zion
how the LORD our God has taken vengeance, vengeance for his temple.
"Summon archers against Babylon, all those who draw the bow. Encamp all around her; let no one escape. Repay her for her deeds; do to her as she has done. For she has defied the LORD, the Holy One of Israel.
Therefore, her young men will fall in the streets; all her soldiers will be silenced in that day," declares the LORD.
"See, I am against you, O arrogant one," declares the Lord, the LORD Almighty, "for your day has come, the time for you to be punished.
The arrogant one will stumble and fall and no one will help her (Israel) up;
I will kindle a fire in her towns that will consume all who are around her(Israel)."
This is what the LORD Almighty says: "The people of Israel are oppressed,
and the people of Judah as well. All their captors hold them fast, refusing to let them go. Yet their Redeemer is strong; the LORD Almighty is his name. He will vigorously defend their cause so that he may bring rest to their land, but unrest to those who live in Babylon.
"A sword against the Babylonians!" declares the LORD—"against those who live in Babylon and against her officials and wise men!
A sword against her false prophets! They will become fools. A sword against her warriors! They will be filled with terror.
A sword against her horses and chariots and all the foreigners in her ranks! They will become women. A sword against her treasures! They will be plundered.
A drought on her waters! They will dry up. For it is a land of idols,
idols that will go mad with terror.
"So desert creatures and hyenas will live there, and there the owl will dwell. It will never again be inhabited or lived in from generation to generation. As God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah along with their neighboring towns," declares the LORD, "so no one will live there;
no man will dwell in it.
"Look! An army is coming from the north; a great nation and many kings
are being stirred up from the ends of the earth. They are armed with bows and spears; they are cruel and without mercy. They sound like the roaring sea as they ride on their horses; they come like men in battle formation
to attack you, O Daughter of Babylon.
The king of Babylon has heard reports about them, and his hands hang limp.
Anguish has gripped him, pain like that of a woman in labor. Like a lion coming up from Jordan's thickets to a rich pastureland, I will chase Babylon from its land in an instant. Who is the chosen one I will appoint for this? Who is like me and who can challenge me? d what shepherd can stand against me?"
Therefore, hear what the LORD has planned against Babylon, what he has purposed against the land of the Babylonians: The young of the flock will be dragged away; he will completely destroy their pasture because of them.
At the sound of Babylon's capture the earth will tremble; its cry will resound among the nations.
[An alert to flee from the land of Israel and the wrath from the Lord if nations gathered against the Holy land]
This is the word the LORD spoke through Jeremiah the prophet concerning Babylon and the land of the Babylonians : "Announce and proclaim among the nations, lift up a banner and proclaim it; keep nothing back, but say, 'Babylon will be captured; Bel will be put to shame, Marduk filled with terror. Her images will be put to shame and her idols filled with terror.'
A nation from the north will attack her and lay waste her land. No one will live in it; both men and animals will flee away. "In those days, at that time," declares the LORD, "the people of Israel and the people of Judah together will go in tears to seek the LORD their God.
They will ask the way to Zion and turn their faces toward it. They will come and bind themselves to the LORD in an everlasting covenant that will not be forgotten. "My people have been lost sheep; their shepherds have led them astray and caused them to roam on the mountains. They wandered over mountain and hill and forgot their own resting place. Whoever found them devoured them; their enemies said, 'We are not guilty, for they sinned against the LORD, their true pasture, the LORD, the hope of their fathers.'
"Flee out of Babylon; leave the land of the Babylonians, and be like the goats that lead the flock. For I will stir up and bring against Babylon an alliance of great nations from the land of the north. They will take up their positions against her, and from the north she will be captured. Their arrows will be like skilled warriors who do not return empty-handed.
So Babylonia [b] will be plundered; all who plunder her will have their fill," declares the LORD. "Because you rejoice and are glad, you who pillage my inheritance, because you frolic like a heifer threshing grain
and neigh like stallions, your mother will be greatly ashamed; she who gave you birth will be disgraced. She will be the least of the nations—
a wilderness, a dry land, a desert. Because of the LORD's anger she will not be inhabited but will be completely desolate. All who pass Babylon will be horrified and scoff because of all her wounds.
"Take up your positions around Babylon, all you who draw the bow. Shoot at her! Spare no arrows, for she has sinned against the LORD. Shout against her on every side! She surrenders, her towers fall, her walls are torn down. Since this is the vengeance of the LORD, take vengeance on her; do to her as she has done to others.
Cut off from Babylon the sower, and the reaper with his sickle at harvest. Because of the sword of the oppressor let everyone return to his own people, let everyone flee to his own land.
"Israel is a scattered flock that lions have chased away. The first to devour him was the king of Assyria; the last to crush his bones was Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon." Therefore this is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: "I will punish the king of Babylon and his land as I punished the king of Assyria.
But I will bring Israel back to his own pasture and he will graze on Carmel and Bashan; his appetite will be satisfied on the hills of Ephraim and Gilead. In those days, at that time,"declares the LORD "search will be made for Israel's guilt, but there will be none, and for the sins of Judah, but none will be found, for I will forgive the remnant I spare.
"Attack the land of Merathaim and those who live in Pekod. Pursue, kill and completely destroy [c] them," declares the LORD. "Do everything I have commanded you. The noise of battle is in the land, the noise of great destruction!
How broken and shattered is the hammer of the whole earth! How desolate is Babylon among the nations! I set a trap for you, O Babylon, and you were caught before you knew it; you were found and captured because you opposed the LORD.
The LORD has opened his arsenal and brought out the weapons of his wrath,
for the Sovereign LORD Almighty has work to do in the land of the Babylonians. Come against her from afar. Break open her granaries;
pile her up like heaps of grain. Completely destroy her and leave her no remnant.
Kill all her young bulls; let them go down to the slaughter! Woe to them! For their day has come, the time for them to be punished.
Listen to the fugitives and refugees from Babylon declaring in Zion
how the LORD our God has taken vengeance, vengeance for his temple.
"Summon archers against Babylon, all those who draw the bow. Encamp all around her; let no one escape. Repay her for her deeds; do to her as she has done. For she has defied the LORD, the Holy One of Israel.
Therefore, her young men will fall in the streets; all her soldiers will be silenced in that day," declares the LORD.
"See, I am against you, O arrogant one," declares the Lord, the LORD Almighty, "for your day has come, the time for you to be punished.
The arrogant one will stumble and fall and no one will help her (Israel) up;
I will kindle a fire in her towns that will consume all who are around her(Israel)."
This is what the LORD Almighty says: "The people of Israel are oppressed,
and the people of Judah as well. All their captors hold them fast, refusing to let them go. Yet their Redeemer is strong; the LORD Almighty is his name. He will vigorously defend their cause so that he may bring rest to their land, but unrest to those who live in Babylon.
"A sword against the Babylonians!" declares the LORD—"against those who live in Babylon and against her officials and wise men!
A sword against her false prophets! They will become fools. A sword against her warriors! They will be filled with terror.
A sword against her horses and chariots and all the foreigners in her ranks! They will become women. A sword against her treasures! They will be plundered.
A drought on her waters! They will dry up. For it is a land of idols,
idols that will go mad with terror.
"So desert creatures and hyenas will live there, and there the owl will dwell. It will never again be inhabited or lived in from generation to generation. As God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah along with their neighboring towns," declares the LORD, "so no one will live there;
no man will dwell in it.
"Look! An army is coming from the north; a great nation and many kings
are being stirred up from the ends of the earth. They are armed with bows and spears; they are cruel and without mercy. They sound like the roaring sea as they ride on their horses; they come like men in battle formation
to attack you, O Daughter of Babylon.
The king of Babylon has heard reports about them, and his hands hang limp.
Anguish has gripped him, pain like that of a woman in labor. Like a lion coming up from Jordan's thickets to a rich pastureland, I will chase Babylon from its land in an instant. Who is the chosen one I will appoint for this? Who is like me and who can challenge me? d what shepherd can stand against me?"
Therefore, hear what the LORD has planned against Babylon, what he has purposed against the land of the Babylonians: The young of the flock will be dragged away; he will completely destroy their pasture because of them.
At the sound of Babylon's capture the earth will tremble; its cry will resound among the nations.
6/01/2010
More than Conquerors
28And we know that in all things God works for the good
of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
29For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the
likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
30And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also
justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
31What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can
be against us? 32He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us
all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
33Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God
who justifies.
34Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than
that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also
interceding for us.
35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall
trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or
sword?
36As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are
considered as sheep to be slaughtered."
37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,
39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
A Call for Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father
I prayed for those that don't know you
Father, That they will open their hearts
to listen and obey your word...
Father you are the living water
and those who seek after you
will never thirst again...
Father you said that you stand
at the door and knock and if
anyone hears your voice
and opens the door
you will come in...
Jesus is waiting at the door
Open your hearts to receive Him today
Don't let Him outside invite Him in...
Confession
That if you confess with your mouth "Jesus is
Lord" and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead you will
be saved. Romans 10:9
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear God I know that I have sin against you
I recognize that I can't save myself
but I am in need of a savior
I ask that you come into my heart
I confess that Jesus is your Son
That He came into this world
to die for my sins and that He rose from the
death at the third day
For the remission of my sins
and that He is sitting at the right hand of the Father
I now receive you Jesus into my heart
Thanks for coming in!
In Jesus Name. Amen.
28And we know that in all things God works for the good
of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
29For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the
likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
30And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also
justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
31What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can
be against us? 32He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us
all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
33Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God
who justifies.
34Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than
that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also
interceding for us.
35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall
trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or
sword?
36As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are
considered as sheep to be slaughtered."
37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,
39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
A Call for Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father
I prayed for those that don't know you
Father, That they will open their hearts
to listen and obey your word...
Father you are the living water
and those who seek after you
will never thirst again...
Father you said that you stand
at the door and knock and if
anyone hears your voice
and opens the door
you will come in...
Jesus is waiting at the door
Open your hearts to receive Him today
Don't let Him outside invite Him in...
Confession
That if you confess with your mouth "Jesus is
Lord" and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead you will
be saved. Romans 10:9
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear God I know that I have sin against you
I recognize that I can't save myself
but I am in need of a savior
I ask that you come into my heart
I confess that Jesus is your Son
That He came into this world
to die for my sins and that He rose from the
death at the third day
For the remission of my sins
and that He is sitting at the right hand of the Father
I now receive you Jesus into my heart
Thanks for coming in!
In Jesus Name. Amen.
5/08/2010
The Year for Canceling Debts
Deuteronomy 15
1 At the end of every seven years you must cancel debts.2 This is how it is to be done: Every creditor shall cancel the loan he has made to his fellow Israelite. He shall not require payment from his fellow Israelite or brother, because the LORD's time for canceling debts has been proclaimed. 3 You may require payment from a foreigner, but you must cancel any debt your brother owes you. 4 However, there should be no poor among you, for in the land the LORD your God is giving you to possess as your inheritance, he will richly bless you, 5 if only you fully obey the LORD your God and are careful to follow all these commands I am giving you today. 6 For the LORD your God will bless you as he has promised, and you will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. You will rule over many nations but none will rule over you.
7 If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. 8 Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs. 9 Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought: "The seventh year, the year for canceling debts, is near," so that you do not show ill will toward your needy brother and give him nothing. He may then appeal to the LORD against you, and you will be found guilty of sin. 10 Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. 11 There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.
---------------------
I wish by Point of Grace
I wish I didn’t feel so helpless
I wish I didn’t act so selfish
I wish I didn’t wring my hands night and day
My hair was a little bit smoother
My jeans fit a little bit looser
And I always knew the right things to say
And I wish I wouldn’t hide what’s been going on inside
And I wish you wouldn’t get scared and run away
Chorus
I wish I was doing better
With all the things that matter,
I guess I got some learning to do
I wish everyone had someone
To hold em and to love em
The way I’m always gonna love you
I wish wishes came true
I was there was a cure for cancer
I wish somebody had an answer
And all God’s children, never got hurt
I wish Eve never bit that apple
You men never went to battle
And I didn’t get so mad at the world
I wish I was more like Jesus
And could pick up all the pieces
And make a better life for my baby girl
Chorus
I wish I was doing better
With all the things that matter,
I guess I got some learning to do
I wish everyone had someone
To hold em and to love em
The way I’m always gonna love you
I wish wishes came true
For everything I am wishing
I know God is up there is listening
So, I say my prayers when I go to bed
Ahh, ahh, ahh
Oh pray my wishes come true
Oh
Chorus
I wish I was doing better
With all the things that matter,
I guess I got some learning to do
I wish everyone had someone
To hold em and to love em
The way I’m always gonna love you
I wish wishes came true
I know wishes come true
I wish, I wish
Deuteronomy 15
1 At the end of every seven years you must cancel debts.2 This is how it is to be done: Every creditor shall cancel the loan he has made to his fellow Israelite. He shall not require payment from his fellow Israelite or brother, because the LORD's time for canceling debts has been proclaimed. 3 You may require payment from a foreigner, but you must cancel any debt your brother owes you. 4 However, there should be no poor among you, for in the land the LORD your God is giving you to possess as your inheritance, he will richly bless you, 5 if only you fully obey the LORD your God and are careful to follow all these commands I am giving you today. 6 For the LORD your God will bless you as he has promised, and you will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. You will rule over many nations but none will rule over you.
7 If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. 8 Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs. 9 Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought: "The seventh year, the year for canceling debts, is near," so that you do not show ill will toward your needy brother and give him nothing. He may then appeal to the LORD against you, and you will be found guilty of sin. 10 Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. 11 There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.
---------------------
I wish by Point of Grace
I wish I didn’t feel so helpless
I wish I didn’t act so selfish
I wish I didn’t wring my hands night and day
My hair was a little bit smoother
My jeans fit a little bit looser
And I always knew the right things to say
And I wish I wouldn’t hide what’s been going on inside
And I wish you wouldn’t get scared and run away
Chorus
I wish I was doing better
With all the things that matter,
I guess I got some learning to do
I wish everyone had someone
To hold em and to love em
The way I’m always gonna love you
I wish wishes came true
I was there was a cure for cancer
I wish somebody had an answer
And all God’s children, never got hurt
I wish Eve never bit that apple
You men never went to battle
And I didn’t get so mad at the world
I wish I was more like Jesus
And could pick up all the pieces
And make a better life for my baby girl
Chorus
I wish I was doing better
With all the things that matter,
I guess I got some learning to do
I wish everyone had someone
To hold em and to love em
The way I’m always gonna love you
I wish wishes came true
For everything I am wishing
I know God is up there is listening
So, I say my prayers when I go to bed
Ahh, ahh, ahh
Oh pray my wishes come true
Oh
Chorus
I wish I was doing better
With all the things that matter,
I guess I got some learning to do
I wish everyone had someone
To hold em and to love em
The way I’m always gonna love you
I wish wishes came true
I know wishes come true
I wish, I wish
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