Monday, July 30, 2007

Isaiah 24 - Final Judgment is Coming

Final Judgment is Coming

Isa 24:1 Behold, the LORD maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof.

It is true that God's ways are opposite of the world's ways spiriritually.

Luke 16:15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

There have been times of judgment in the past and there will be the time of the final judgment ; I believe that this is coming soon. Hopefully the church will be raptured before this happens.

Revelation 9, speaks of four horsemen bringing tribulation to the earth.

Verse 18; ...the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone,...

Rev 9:20 And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:
Rev 9:21 Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.

Isa 24:2 And it shall be, as with the people, so with the priest; as with the servant, so with his master; as with the maid, so with her mistress; as with the buyer, so with the seller; as with the lender, so with the borrower; as with the taker of usury, so with the giver of usury to him.
Isa 24:3 The land shall be utterly emptied, and utterly spoiled: for the LORD hath spoken this word.

All people of the earth will be affected by these plagues. We are told that God's people are not under the wrath of God; but we know that God's people suffer as others from major calamities of the weather and conditions on the earth. The wrath of God's final judgment will not be on those of God, but we do not want to be here when the tribulation comes; it will come upon all people.

Isa 24:4 The earth mourneth and fadeth away, the world languisheth and fadeth away, the haughty people of the earth do languish.

Here are the haughty people, these are the reason for the judgment. It is because of those who are of the antichrist, who rejected God and His Son. Their pride and demonic spirit will cause the tribulation, which results in the cleansing of the earth, from it's evil people.

Isa 24:5 The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.

The prophets says of the future judgment; the earth was defiled by the sin of the people; they trangressed the laws of God, and changed the ordinances.

The Hebrew word for ordinance here is torah, which often means the law of God and the word of God. Mankind is ripe for judgment because we have changed God's word into something "lighter," into something "more acceptable." (Guzik)

They broke the everlasting covenant. This was the Abrahamic Covenant which applied to all children of faith in God, through Jesus Christ. To not believe in him, brings condemnation.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

Isa 24:6 Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left.

The earth shall be judged by fire, and few men will survive.

2 Pet 3:3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
2 Pet 3:4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
2 Pet 3:5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:
2 Pet 3:6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:
2 Pet 3:7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
2 Pet 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
2 Pet 3:14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

Recently a dear friend passed away; her time for work on earth was over. To her close friends and perhaps even herself, it was unexpected; as she died peacefully in her sleep, having no warning. One final word for each of us, is to be ready, for the end could come at any moment.

Saturday, July 28, 2007

Genesis 17:1-8 Abraham and Sarah

Abraham and Sarah

Gen 17:1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

Jehovah appeared before Abram. It had been 24 years since the LORD made the first mention of the covenant.

I AM -- Almighty God; El Shaddai; walk before me, and be perfect.(tamiym (taw-meem') without blemish, complete, full, perfect, sincerely (-ity), sound, without spot, undefiled, upright(-ly), whole.)

Be a faithful servant of the LORD, without blemish or without being two faced.

Gen 17:2 And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.

The covenant still stands through the seed of Abram and Sara and their spiritual seed through Jesus Christ.

John 8:33 They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?
John 8:34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
John 8:35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.
John 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

Gen 17:3 And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,

Abram fell on his face, as other great men would do in the presence of God.

Josh 5:14 And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant?

Mat 26:39 And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

Gen 17:4 As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.
Gen 17:5 Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.

Abram meant high father, Abraham meant a father of a multitude, although Israel remained a separate people. There would be many nations through Jesus Christ, people of faith from the Gentile nations.

Gen 17:6 And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.

Rev 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;Abraham would have only two sons; one of flesh and one of faith, and promise. From the Seed, Jesus would come many children of faith. From Abrahams descendants their would be kings, especially David and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Rev 5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

Gen 17:7 And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.

Gal 3:16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.

In their generations, refers to the children of Isaac, and Jacob. God is king and father to Spiritual Israel and Israel the nation.

Gen 17:8 And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.

Jerusalem is in the land of Canaan.

The LORD's side of the Promise:

1. Abraham will be very fruitful,[vs 8] with nations and kings as his descendents.
2. The covenant is of everlasting duration, between not only God and Abraham, but God and all of Abraham's descendents.
3. God promises to be Abraham's God and the God of all his descendants.
4. The whole land of Canaan will be an everlasting possession to Abraham and his descendents.

Genesis 17:9-27 Abraham and Sarah

Gen 17:9 And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations.
Gen 17:10 This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised.

The covenant with the physical lineage of Abraham through Isaac was circumcision. The New Covenant was by faith in Jesus. Children of faith are cleansed by the blood of Jesus and the indwelling of the Holy Ghost. Baptism is the sign of the new covenant.

Gen 17:11 And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.
Gen 17:12 And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed.

Science has confirmed that by the 8th day, the baby has better protection to prevent bleeding.

Gen 17:13 He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.
Gen 17:14 And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.

The circumcision rite and the law would characterize the Covenant with Moses. The everlasting covenant through Abraham required the outward circumcision and the inward obedience by faith.

Gen 17:15 And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be.

Sarai meant, my princess, a princess of one family. Sarah meant princess of a multitude.

Gen 17:16 And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her.

Sarah had to be part of the blessing, for the heir would be born through her, a miracle at her age and being barren.

Gen 17:17 Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?

That would be funny, except God said it. We must be careful to respect God's word and commands. It was joyful laughter, the kind that follows good news and blessings.

Gen 17:18 And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee!

What about Ishmael? He was concerned about him.

Gen 17:19 And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.

Sarah is to be the mother, not a slave. And the covenant will be established through your son, Isaac, meaning laughter.

Gen 17:20 And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.

God was merciful to Ishmael too. He is concerned even more so about people than we are. Twelve princes and he shall be a great nation. Jacob would have 12 princes too, and from his lineage the Prince of peace, the Lord of Lords.

Gen 17:21 But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.

The time of the birth is announced; through Sarah and this would be the establishing of the Abrahamic Covenant.

Gen 17:22 And he left off talking with him, and God went up from Abraham.

God went up, or the angel speaking for God. Some think it was Jesus who appeared before the incarnation.

Gen 17:23 And Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all that were born in his house, and all that were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham's house; and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the selfsame day, as God had said unto him.
Gen 17:24 And Abraham was ninety years old and nine, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.
Gen 17:25 And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.
Gen 17:26 In the selfsame day was Abraham circumcised, and Ishmael his son.
Gen 17:27 And all the men of his house, born in the house, and bought with money of the stranger, were circumcised with him.

All obeyed the covenant through circumcision. The covenant was entered by a work of the flesh, through obedience and faith in the promises. The law of Moses would continue with this sign, adding to it obedience to the laws. Jesus made a new covenant through his cut and torn flesh for us. It was no longer required of us to be circumcised or to do the works of the law, but it was through faith in the work of Jesus that we are saved, by faith we receive grace. We follow in baptism and the heart is circumcised. God works in us to do his good pleasure.

Requirements of Abrahamic Covenant Keepers

1. God expects us to be honest and guileless towards him, in our willingness to keep the terms of his covenant with us. We must be blameless, not hypocritical and two-faced (17:1).
2. We must respond to God's covenant towards us by taking on the sign of the covenant -- for the Jew, circumcision, for the Christian, baptism (17:10).
3. We, like Abraham, should be immediately obedient to do what God tells us to do, and not put it off, no matter how difficult. One sign of Abraham's faith is his immediate obedience to confirm God's covenant with him through circumcision (17:23).

Monday, July 23, 2007

Isaiah 23 - Harlotry and Holiness

Harlotry and Holiness

Isa 23:10 Pass through thy land as a river, O daughter of Tarshish: there is no more strength.
Isa 23:11 He stretched out his hand over the sea, he shook the kingdoms: the LORD hath given a commandment against the merchant city, to destroy the strong holds thereof.
Isa 23:12 And he said, Thou shalt no more rejoice, O thou oppressed virgin, daughter of Zidon: arise, pass over to Chittim; there also shalt thou have no rest.
Isa 23:13 Behold the land of the Chaldeans; this people was not, till the Assyrian founded it for them that dwell in the wilderness: they set up the towers thereof, they raised up the palaces thereof; and he brought it to ruin.
Isa 23:14 Howl, ye ships of Tarshish: for your strength is laid waste.

The Chaldeans . . . Assyria: The mainland city of Tyre was defeated by both the Assyrians and the Babylonians. They were used by God to bring the city to ruin.

Ezek 26:3 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Tyrus, and will cause many nations to come up against thee, as the sea causeth his waves to come up.
Ezek 26:4 And they shall destroy the walls of Tyrus, and break down her towers: I will also scrape her dust from her, and make her like the top of a rock.
Ezek 26:5 It shall be a place for the spreading of nets in the midst of the sea: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD: and it shall become a spoil to the nations.
Ezek 26:6 And her daughters which are in the field shall be slain by the sword; and they shall know that I am the LORD.

Isa 23:15 And it shall come to pass in that day, that Tyre shall be forgotten seventy years, according to the days of one king: after the end of seventy years shall Tyre sing as an harlot.

I had thought that the description from Ezekial, was carried forward to this day, but Isaiah continues the prophecy, after the end of seventy years shall Tyre sing as an harlot. A precise time is given for her restoration.

Tyre would once again be a thriving port of commerce. The whore sings, the heart was after strange gods, in which she rejoiced and merchandise, the love of money.

The city of Tyre was particularly known for the production of a rare sort of purple dye, produced from the murex shellfish, known as Tyrian purple. This color was, in many cultures of ancient times, reserved for the use of royalty, or at least nobility. The lumber of Lebanon, textiles, gold, sugar and other commodities were shipped through this port city.

Isa 23:16 Take an harp, go about the city, thou harlot that hast been forgotten; make sweet melody, sing many songs, that thou mayest be remembered.

What are these songs? In the US during the fourth of July celebrations, two TV stations were singing the songs that represented America. One station sang rock and roll music, the other played patriotic music, some with Christian words, representing our Christian roots. The roots of rock and roll were sexual, carnal, the roots of our Christian heritage were spiritual. Spiritual harlotry is the worship of lusts and things and the god of this world. Some say that rock and roll made our country great. Lusts of the flesh leads to adultery, fornication and idotatry. The "new" culture wishes to remove our Christian roots. They join with the harlot cities of the world who sing for the arrival of the false man of peace. Now these are my thoughts, so you can take them or leave them.

Isa 23:17 And it shall come to pass after the end of seventy years, that the LORD will visit Tyre, and she shall turn to her hire, and shall commit fornication with all the kingdoms of the world upon the face of the earth.

Once again the money flows through the city called a harlot. Spiritual Babylon was called the harlot, because of the false gods which they worshipped and their love of the worlds pleasures. Even Jerusalem at one time was called a harlot, because of her works of darkness.

Isa 1:21 How is the faithful city become an harlot! it was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now murderers.

Spiritual adultery is removed by seeking the true God and obeying his word.

Jer 3:14 Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:
Jer 3:15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

Isa 23:18 And her merchandise and her hire shall be holiness to the LORD: it shall not be treasured nor laid up; for her merchandise shall be for themthat dwell before the LORD, to eat sufficiently, and for durable clothing.

The LORD would allow the harlot city to continue, her merchandise and her hire, would be called holiness? How could this be? Because the LORD saw it as a means to bless his people. Merchandise, to provide food and clothing for them who dwell before the LORD.

Mat 6:30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
Mat 6:31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
Mat 6:32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
Mat 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Isaiah 1 Table of Contents

Saturday, July 21, 2007

Genesis 16 - Those who Help Themselves

Those who Help Themselves

Gen 16:1 Now Sarai Abram's wife bare him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar.

One of the gifts from the Pharaoh of Egypt.

Gen 16:2 And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai.

Learn this, if God promises something, we do not do in the flesh what is to be done by the Spirit. Abram listened to Sarai, as Adam listened to Eve. Abram harkened, foolish Abram in the flesh. What we do we are accountable for. Righteousness is by faith and righteous works follow. This would fit the illustration "God helps those who help themselves." No, this is a lie from satan. Not a Bible truth. If we help ourselves apart from God's promise and by His faith, we sin.

Gen 16:3 And Sarai Abram's wife took Hagar her maid the Egyptian, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife.

Jewish teachings were that Sarai and Abram thought because they were not in the promise land, that God kept them from having the promised child. They had been in Canaan land for ten years, surely this was enough time. They lost faith in God's timing and decided to do something.

Gen 16:4 And he went in unto Hagar, and she conceived: and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes.

It was a reproach for a woman in that culture to be able to bear a child. Hagar despised Sarai her mistress and Sarai was made aware that she was the infertile one. This hurt her and made her jealous and angry. When we rely on the flesh, it gets ugly.

Rom 8:5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

Gal 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,
Gal 5:20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,
Gal 5:21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Gen 16:5 And Sarai said unto Abram, My wrong be upon thee: I have given my maid into thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: the LORD judge between me and thee.

Abram had did the greater sin. He should have been the spiritual head. A loved one may lead us into sin, but we are accountable to God. He was the head of his household. Women try to rule and then they blame any failure on the man. the LORD judge, the LORD give you the blame Abram!

Gen 16:6 But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee. And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face.

Abram puts Sarai first, above Hagar and Sarai punished Hagar. Sin makes for hardships and confusion. Hagar fled from her persecutor. We often flee from strife, I know I do. But, we cannot flee from our responsibilities.

1 Pet 2:19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.
1 Pet 2:20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.

Gen 16:7 And the angel of the LORD found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur.

The angel of the Lord, or the messenger of the LORD. I have trouble calling Jesus an angel. But many commentaries claim that this was Jesus.

Gen 16:8 And he said, Hagar, Sarai's maid, whence camest thou? and whither wilt thou go? And she said, I flee from the face of my mistress Sarai.
Gen 16:9 And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands.

Return and submit. Always we submit to the will of God and blessings follow.

Gen 16:10 And the angel of the LORD said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.

This sounds similar to the promise to Abram, but these would oppose the son of faith and his decendants.

Gen 16:11 And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction.
Gen 16:12 And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.

A wild man, the father of the Arabs and Islam. his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren. This is seen in Iraq and all the nations opposing Israel and us, today. The children of flesh, religious, against the children of faith.

The spiritual significance of this is explained in Galatians 4. There Paul says that Hagar is a picture of the Law and Ishmael, her son, is a picture of those who try to establish favor in God's sight through religious activity. These are the Ishmaelites, and God says there shall be a great multitude, more than any man can number. Spiritually it is written of them, "Those who are in the flesh cannot please God," (Romans 8:8 ).

Gal 4:22 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.
Gal 4:23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.
Gal 4:24 Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.
Gal 4:25 For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.
Gal 4:26 But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.

Gen 16:13 And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?
Gen 16:14 Wherefore the well was called Beerlahairoi; behold, it is between Kadesh and Bered.

She named the well after God: The well of One who lives and sees. Kadesh means: holiness and Bered means hail or judgment. The well between holiness and judgment is the Grace of God; the grace of the one who lives and sees.

Gen 16:15 And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called his son's name, which Hagar bare, Ishmael.
Gen 16:16 And Abram was fourscore and six years old, when Hagar bare Ishmael to Abram.

Abram was 86 when Ishmael was born and we hear nothing else for thirteen years.The next chapter opens when he is ninety-nine years old. This means that for thirteen years, strife, disagreement, bitterness, jealousy, and heartache characterized that tent in the land of Canaan. It is God's way of teaching Abram: "... for apart from me you can do nothing," (John 15:5b ). It does not depend on us, it all depends on him.

How do we know we are not doing things in our flesh? I would suggest prayer until you find peace about a decision. One verse of controversy concerning waiting on the LORD is Isa 40:31:

Isa 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

The word in question is wait or wait upon the LORD. Some translate this as waiting as a waiter upon the LORD. Other Bible versions say to wait, to be still. In context of knowing God's will about something. Which is better, to be busy or to wait until we receive an answer?

06960qavah; to wait -- 1) to wait, look for, hope, expect, a) (Qal) waiting (participle) b) (Piel) 1) to wait or look eagerly for 2) to lie in wait for 3) to wait for, linger for 2) to collect, bind together a) (Niphal) to be collected, 8802 Stem - Qal, Mood - Participle Active

To actively wait; in context to walking in faith, we can do what we know is of faith, but that which is in question, we are to wait. To do something that is not of faith is sin.

Rom 14:23 ...for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

We wait upon the Lord before doing something in the flesh, that is not of faith. Two more ways to know if it is of faith
(1 Do you have peace about what you plan to do?
(2 Will it bring God glory?

One more illustration is the story of Mary and Martha. Martha was busy serving, but in the flesh. Mary was sitting at the master's feet. Jesus commended Mary.

Luke 10:40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
Luke 10:41 And Jesus answered and said untoher, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
Luke 10:42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

Rom 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

2 Cor 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

Rom 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
Rom 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

We do not help God by helping our self apart from his known will. We are to actively seek the will of God and walk by faith in his word. This is our duty.

Friday, July 13, 2007

Genesis 15 - Fear and Faith

Fear and Faith

Gen 15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.

Fear not; this is found in some form in every book of the Bible. Life is full of troubles and fears. What was Abram fearing? He and his mighty men of faith had stirred up the hornets nest by rescuing Lot, the spoils and the people back from Chedorlaomer king of Elam and a confederation of five kings. He was greatly outnumbered. Abram had a vision where the presence of God was encouraging him. Fear not: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. We find that in other places throughout the Bible.

First that comes to mind is Joshua.

Josh 1:6 Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.
Josh 1:7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.

Also to Gideon

Judg 6:12 And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour.

Psa 3:3 But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

Gen 15:2 And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus?

Eliezer was a good man, but not the blood heir of Abram, as was promised.

Gen 15:3 And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir.

Abram reminds God of his promise. This was a sincere conversation, if we do not understand something, we may ask of God.

James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
James 1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

Ask and expect to receive the answer.

Gen 15:4 And, behold, the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir.

Abram hears from God. Out of your bowels, shall be thine heir. bowels is a general term used for the inner parts, and figuratively, the seat of emotions. From your body and Sarah's body shall come forth your heir.

Gen 15:5 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.

Abram's seed according to the flesh were like the dust of the earth, Gen 13:16, but his spiritual seed are like the stars of heaven. One seed of Abram would be the bright and morning star, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Rev 22:16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

Gen 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

Righteous faith is not just believing in God, the demons believe in God. Righteousness is by believing God, his word and promises.

Can we work out our own righteousness and does salvation come by our hard work?

Rom 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Isa 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

Heb 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
Heb 10:23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

Rom 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Rom 3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
Rom 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Rom 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

How can we lose what we did not earn? We either receive it from God by faith, or we do not have it, we must be sure.

Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Heb 6:4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
Heb 6:5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
Heb 6:6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

Heb 6:9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.
Heb 6:10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
Heb 6:11 And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:
Heb 6:12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Heb 6:13 For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,
Heb 6:14 Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee.
Heb 6:15 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.

Gen 15:7 And he said unto him, I am the LORD that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it.
Gen 15:8 And he said, Lord GOD, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it?

How will I know? by faith in His word we know. When may be a more appropriate question. Sometimes the Lord spoke audibly to these Old Testament men; sometimes it was in the heart, with a quiet, deep conviction that God is speaking.

Gen 15:9 And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.
Gen 15:10 And he took unto him all these, and divided them in the midst, and laid each piece one against another: but the birds divided he not.

Three years was the length of time Jesus served. Three is also the Trinity,: Father, Son, Holy Ghost. These were the animals chosen by God. A lamb would be chosen later, representing Jesus, the Passover Lamb of God.

Gen 15:11 And when the fowls came down upon the carcases, Abram drove them away.

Fowls are later spoken of as the devil. The devil always tries to interfere with the work of God.

James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

A covenant was made by dividing animals and walking through the center.

Jer 34:18 And I will give the men that have transgressed my covenant, which have not performed the words of the covenant which they had made before me, when they cut the calf in twain, and passed between the parts thereof.
Jer 34:19 The princes of Judah, and the princes of Jerusalem, the eunuchs, and the priests, and all the people of the land, which passed between the parts of the calf;

In Gen 15:18, God's presence passes through the divided animals. The covenant depended on God keeping it, not on Abraham.

Gen 15:12 And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.
Gen 15:13 And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;
Gen 15:14 And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.

The bad news of slavery for 400 years (in the land of Egypt); but afterwards they would come out with great substance.

Gen 15:15 And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.
Gen 15:16 But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.

The forth generation they shall be brought out. A generation here was a hundred years.

Gen 15:17 And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces.

The smoke is as the cloud by day that would guide Moses out of Egypt and the pillar of fire by night. The glory cloud and the fire of God.

Gen 15:18 In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:

Again the promises of a land is given, the dwelling place of the list of tribes that follow:

Gen 15:19 The Kenites, and the Kenizzites, and the Kadmonites,
Gen 15:20 And the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Rephaims,
Gen 15:21 And the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Girgashites, and the Jebusites.

This covenant God signed alone; Abram did not haggle with God over the terms. God established and Abram accepted. Abram cannot break a contract he has never signed!

"For a very brief time, under Solomon (1 Kings 8:65) and possibly again under Jeroboam II (2 Kings 14:25), the children of Israel ruled all this territory, as a token of the final and permanent possession they will have in the future." (Morris)

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Isaiah 23 - Humbling of Tyre and Zidon

Humbling of Tyre and Zidon

Isa 23:1 The burden of Tyre. Howl, ye ships of Tarshish; for it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no entering in: from the land of Chittim it is revealed to them.

Howl you ships at Tarshish, for this once thriving seaport will be no more. Word has come to them from the Island of Cypress. The prophecy of the heavy calamity and destruction of Tyre. Tyre was to be destroyed; first by Nebuchadnezzar, and afterwards by Alexander the great.

Isa 23:2 Be still, ye inhabitants of the isle; thou whom the merchants of Zidon, that pass over the sea, have replenished.
Isa 23:3 And by great waters the seed of Sihor, the harvest of the river, is her revenue; and she is a mart of nations.

Be still, you who live on the Isle, which were replenished by the merchants of Sidon. The harvest of grain from the Nile came through your port, you are the market for the nations. Tarsus was a great port for commerce. It is a destruction that would come from the Almighty God designed to convince men of the vanity and uncertainty of all earthly glory.

Isa 23:4 Be thou ashamed, O Zidon: for the sea hath spoken, even the strength of the sea, saying, I travail not, nor bring forth children, neither do I nourish up young men, nor bring up virgins.

The seaport of Zidon was humbled, the Isle of Tyre shall not grow or be inhabited. Let the ruin of Tyre warn all places and persons to take heed of pride; for he who exalts himself shall be abased.

Isa 23:5 As at the report concerning Egypt, so shall they be sorely pained at the report of Tyre.

Egypt and Tyre were allies and closely tied economically.

Isa 23:6 Pass ye over to Tarshish; howl, ye inhabitants of the isle.
Isa 23:7 Is this your joyous city, whose antiquity is of ancient days? her own feet shall carry her afar off to sojourn.

Pass over to the port at Tarshish. Things are changed, no more living in plenty and in pleasures. Take yourself from your sure place to walk in a new way. Things that were normal for ages suddenly stop; this life is uncertain. Make the fullest of each day.

The life of faith is to be as a sojourner, not to be too comfortable and content in pleasures. Tyre and Zidon were to be under God's judgment, yet even if we are in God's will, that doesn't mean we are in control of what happens. We may see changes. Changes in our way of life and in our patterns of ease. Remember what Jesus said to Peter:

John 21:18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.
John 21:19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

Isa 23:8 Who hath taken this counsel against Tyre, the crowning city, whose merchants are princes, whose traffickers are the honourable of the earth?
Isa 23:9 The LORD of hosts hath purposed it, to stain the pride of all glory, and to bring into contempt all the honourable of the earth.

The LORD allowed this to happen, because they gloried in self, wealth and pleasures. He would bring into contempt all who seek honor and are not humble before God.

Job 22:29 When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up; and he shall save the humble person.

Monday, July 9, 2007

Isaiah 22 - Nails and Vessels

Nails and Vessels

Isa 22:23 And I will fasten him as a nail in a sure place; and he shall be for a glorious throne to his father's house.

Eliakim shall be given the key of king David (vs 22) and the LORD will establish him on the throne of David, because he was faithful. A metaphor is used , of him fastened as a nail, in a sure place. Nails hold things secure. As a cabinet maker, nails are used to secure wood together to create something useful.

Isa 22:24 And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his father's house, the offspring and the issue, all vessels of small quantity, from the vessels of cups, even to all the vessels of flagons.

He shall have all the honor and authority of king David, his offspring shall be blessed. the vessels shall hang on nails or pegs, from the small vessels and also vessels of flagons, the skin storage bottles. As a type of Christ I see the vessels as the spiritual offspring of Jesus, vessels for the masters use. Each held secure by the one who was nailed securely to the cross, to atone for our sins.

Rom 9:22 What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
Rom 9:23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,
Rom 9:24 Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?

Isa 22:25 In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, shall the nail that is fastened in the sure place be removed, and be cut down, and fall; and the burden that was upon it shall be cut off: for the LORD hath spoken it.

This applies to the wicked treasurer, Shebna, in verse 15. The LORD was sending the invader to take him away, rolling him away as a ball.

Isa 22:18 He will surely violently turn and toss thee like a ball into a large country: there shalt thou die, and there the chariots of thy glory shall be the shame of thy lord's house.

If Eliakim is a type of Christ, then Shebna could be a type of Judas Iscariot. He was given authority and because of his love of money, he betrayed his master's trust. The nail of authority, the presence of the Holy Spirit, was removed from him. He wouldbe destroyed. We must be faithful and not fall to the temptations of the world, for we have been given the authority of Christ to do his work.

Isaiah 22

Sunday, July 8, 2007

Isaiah 22 - The Key

The Key

Isa 22:20 And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will call my servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah:

Isa 36:3 Then came forth unto him Eliakim, Hilkiah's son, which was over the house, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah, Asaph's son, the recorder.

Both Shebna and Eliakim were servants of Hezekiah, but Shebna's heart was directed towards selfish ambition and glory, and Eliakim's heart was turned towards the LORD.

Isa 22:21 And I will clothe him with thy robe, and strengthen him with thy girdle, and I will commit thy government into his hand: and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah.

Shebna is unfaithful, the LORD will remove him from his office, strip him of his authority, and give it to Eliakim.

Isa 22:22 And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.

The righteous Eliakim as the steward of the house of David, was a type of Jesus, as spoken in Revelation 3:7.

Rev 3:7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
Rev 3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

A key represents authority. Authority was given to Peter and the apostles and to those who Jesus chooses to have authority. We must be a faithful servant to be given his authority. His authority is his presence.

Mat 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Mat 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
Mat 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Mat 16:19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Eliakim as the steward of the house of David, was given the authority and responsibility delegated to the name of King David.

Authority is power. Jesus shared authority and power, in his name, with his disciples.

Mat 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Luke 24:48 And ye are witnesses of these things.
Luke 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

Jesus gave the Holy Spirit to his born again disciples, with power and authority to accomplish his work. If we have no power, we are operating in the flesh, in our own power. We are to submit all to God, to be used of him. Not to manipulate or pretend to be what we are not. Eliakim had proven himself by faithfulness to the most high God.

Saturday, July 7, 2007

Genesis 14 - Melchizedek

Melchizedek

Gen 14:1 And it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of nations;
Gen 14:2 That these made war with Bear king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela, which is Zoar.
Gen 14:3 All these were joined together in the vale of Siddim, which is the salt sea.

The enemy nations make war with the nations where Lot has made his home. Sodom and Gomorrah represent nations where there was liberty to indulge in riches and sins of the flesh. These were as the city of Las Vegas with all of the temptations found there. These freedoms were being threatened by invading nations who wished to terrorize, taking away their lifestyle and making them slaves.

Gen 14:4 Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled.
Gen 14:5 And in the fourteenth year came Chedorlaomer, and the kings that were with him, and smote the Rephaims in Ashteroth Karnaim, and the Zuzims in Ham, and the Emims in Shaveh Kiriathaim,
Gen 14:6 And the Horites in their mount Seir, unto Elparan, which is by the wilderness.
Gen 14:7 And they returned, and came to Enmishpat, which is Kadesh, and smote all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, that dwelt in Hazezontamar.

Rephaim and Zuzim were families of giants. It is from this group, later in Israel's history, that Goliath came, whom David decapitated with his own sword. These were men eight to ten feet tall, a mighty race who were greatly feared by the people around them. Yet the invading kings swept even these giants before them. (Stedman)

Gen 14:8 And there went out the king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorrah, and the king of Admah, and the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (the same is Zoar;) and they joined battle with them in the vale of Siddim;
Gen 14:9 With Chedorlaomer the king of Elam, and with Tidal king of nations, and Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar; four kings with five.< Gen 14:10 And the vale of Siddim was full of slimepits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and fell there; and they that remained fled to the mountain.
Gen 14:11 And they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their victuals, and went their way.
Gen 14:12 And they took Lot, Abram's brother's son, who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed.

Vale of Siddom means valley of the plowed field. but in these fields were slimepits, tar pits. The pits were covered with sand and as they hurried in retreat , many were caught in these pits.

All the possessions of Sodom and Gomorrah were taken, and they took Lot, who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods.

Gen 14:13 And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these were confederate with Abram.

Mamre, as we have noted before, means "fatness or richness." Eshcol means "a group or bunch," and Aner means "an exile, one who withdraws himself." Taking these three names together, I see a prayer meeting here! Here, symbolically, is a group of people, living in the richness of fellowship with Christ, who have withdrawn themselves from the ordinary demands of life for a specific purpose. This is exactly what our Lord bids us do, in Matthew 6:6a: "But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father ..." (Stedman)

The messenger reaches Abram the Hebrew, with a plea for help. This was the first time the word Hebrew was used. a name applied to the Israelites in Scripture only by one who is a foreigner, or by the Israelites when they speak of themselves to foreigners.

The name is derived, according to some, from Eber ( Gen 10:24), the ancestor of Abraham. The Hebrews are "sons of Eber" ( 10:21).

from the Hebrew word _'abhar_, "to pass over," whence _'ebher_, in the sense of a "sojourner" or "passer through" as distinct from a "settler" in the land, and thus applies to the condition of Abraham ( Hbr 11:13).

I see this name as we would use the term Gypsies; sojourners without roots. Perhaps we could use the term, street person or homeless. Not a term of endearment. The next place Hebrew was used was of Joseph, by the accusing wife of Potiphar. (Gen 39:14)

Gen 14:14 And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan.

These were Abrams mighty men of God, trained by Abram. Could they go against an army that defeated the giants? God is able. David had his mighty men too, who did great exploits.

Gen 14:15 And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus.
Gen 14:16 And he brought back all the goods, and also brought again his brother Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people.
Gen 14:17 And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale.
Gen 14:18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.

This is an important person, a type of Jesus as high priest. King of Salem; most Jewish commentators affirm that Salem is the same as Jerusalem. Jesus would be king in Jerusalem. We are priests and kings after the order of Melchizedek, by faith and not by blood relation.

Gen 14:19 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:

He was king and priest of the Most High God. He blessed Abram, also knowing that he was a servant of the most high God.

Gen 14:20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.

Abram gave Melchizedek tithes. Read about Melchizedek as a type of Christ in other places, especially Hebrews 5 - 8.

Psa 110:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
Psa 110:2 The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.
Psa 110:3 Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.
Psa 110:4 The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.

Heb 5:10 Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.

Heb 7:1 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;
Heb 7:2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;
Heb 7:3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.
Heb 7:4 Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.
Heb 7:5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:
Heb 7:6 But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.
Heb 7:7 And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.

Heb 7:14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
Heb 7:15 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,
Heb 7:16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. Heb 7:17 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

Heb 7:24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
Heb 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
Heb 7:26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
Heb 7:27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.

Heb 8:10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:

Gen 14:21 And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself.

The king of Sodom wanted his people, but wanted to give all the recovered goods to Abram.

Gen 14:22 And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth,
Gen 14:23 That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:
Gen 14:24 Save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men which went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.

Abram did not want to be indebted to the wicked king of Sodom. When we receive from the devil, there is always a price to pay. We receive blessings from God and we give from these blessings back to God and the needs around us.

Friday, July 6, 2007

Isaiah 22 - Unjust Steward

Unjust Steward

Isa 22:15 Thus saith the Lord GOD of hosts, Go, get thee unto this treasurer, even unto Shebna, which is over the house, and say,
Isa 22:16 What hast thou here? and whom hast thou here, that thou hast hewed thee out a sepulchre here, as he that heweth him out a sepulchre on high, and that graveth an habitation for himself in a rock?

Shebna was the treasurer and he was the steward of king Hezekiah, being over his house and also a scribe. Hezekiah was a a good king, but those under him were greedy and using their wealth to exalt themselves and to live in pleasure.

2 Ki 18:18 ... and Shebna the scribe, ...

The LORD speaks to the next highest after the king; Shebna, who do you think you are, and what do you think you have?

Gal 6:3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. (Apart from the Lord, we are nothing.)

What hast thou here?

Shebna used his position and riches for himself, and the LORD said that he had hewn out a habitation in stone, or he had made himself a grave.

Isa 22:17 Behold, the LORD will carry thee away with a mighty captivity, and will surely cover thee.
Isa 22:18 He will surely violently turn and toss thee like a ball into a large country: there shalt thou die, and there the chariots of thy glory shall be the shame of thy lord's house.
Isa 22:19 And I will drive thee from thy station, and from thy state shall he pull thee down.

The invading Babylonians were sent from the LORD to punish. Shebna had more power and responsibility, so he was mentioned here in this prophecy. Hard things were coming. I can't help but compare our own country to Judah at this time. Proud, ignorant, indulgent, not seeking God, hoarding treasures and lusting. Hard times are ahead and God will send the invaders, unless we too repent, humble ourselves and seek God's covering and help.

Shebna didn't want to hear this prophecy. He continued to build an elaborate tomb for himself as if it would not be as God had spoken: He will surely violently turn and toss thee like a ball into a large country: there shalt thou die...

What is your future?

Luke 12:40 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.
Luke 12:41 Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?
Luke 12:42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?
Luke 12:43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.

Be faithful and wise in the things of the Lord, for all we have and own, came from him. We are his stewards to serve him and to honor him. We are not to use all of our talents and wealth for our own selfish desires.

Eaglewings Testimonies

Wednesday, July 4, 2007

Isaiah 22 - Forget God, Let's party...

Forget God, Let's party...

Isa 22:8 And he discovered the covering of Judah, and thou didst look in that day to the armour of the house of the forest.
Isa 22:9 Ye have seen also the breaches of the city of David, that they are many: and ye gathered together the waters of the lower pool.
Isa 22:10 And ye have numbered the houses of Jerusalem, and the houses have ye broken down to fortify the wall.
Isa 22:11 Ye made also a ditch between the two walls for the water of the old pool: but ye have not looked unto the maker thereof, neither had respect unto him that fashioned it long ago.

The enemy uncovered the defenses of Judah. The people of Jerusalem attempt to prepare the city walls by tearing down houses and using the materials to strengthen the walls. They diverted some of the water to make pools so they would have water; but still did not seek God, nor hear him.

Isa 22:12 And in that day did the Lord GOD of hosts call to weeping, and to mourning, and to baldness, and to girding with sackcloth:

The LORD God of hosts called for them to repent and to show works of repentance. To say words is not enough, there must be an outward evidence of their desire to repent and to cry unto God for his protection.

John the Baptist in his day scolded the unrepentant leaders.

Mat 3:5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,
Mat 3:6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
Mat 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
Mat 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:

Isa 22:13 And behold joy and gladness, slaying oxen, and killing sheep, eating flesh, and drinking wine: let us eat and drink; for to morrow we shall die.

Instead of weaping and mourning, they were partying as if by escaping into wild lusts that they would be out of danger. They hid their sorrows in wine and food. They escaped into the pleasures of the world. Their behavior showed that they did not trust in the Lord.

This is the behavior of those who do not trust in God, the behavior of many in this age. Go for thegusto, get all you can, Let's party, forget God!

1 Cor 15:31 I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.
1 Cor 15:32 If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.
1 Cor 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
1 Cor 15:34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.

Paul said if the dead rise not, then eat and drink for tomorrow we die. The dead do rise, we are accountable to God and if they or we act as if it doesn't matter what we do, we are a poor witness to the lost. We do not bring glory to God by ignoring him and seeking only the lusts of this life. Many mock God today, and do just this. To our shame, many are in the church.

Isa 22:14 And it was revealed in mine ears by the LORD of hosts, Surely this iniquity shall not be purged from you till ye die, saith the Lord GOD of hosts.

Isaiah sees that the Lord of Hosts is aware of their lack of prayer, their lack of belief and their lack of trust in HIM. Their sins wll not be put away.

The LORD spoke through Paul:

1 Th 5:2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
1 Th 5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
1 Th 5:4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
1 Th 5:5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
1 Th 5:6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
1 Th 5:7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
1 Th 5:8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
1 Th 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
1 Th 5:10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
1 Th 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

Isaiah 1 Table of Contents

 

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

Thoughts about change and ministries

 
Thoughts about change and ministries
 
Change is hard if we resist it for the wrong reasons. The flesh likes it's comfort and the soul seeks for peace. Where God is there is peace. God is never far from His word, so the more we seek the truth in His word, the closer we are to God.  God is more than a feeling after a lively worship service. Maybe for some, the presence of God is an emotional feeling. Should we not see God in his peace, in the love he gives to us for others and yes in joy? He is in all good and pure things. Lord, lead me in your way.  Change me Lord Jesus into your likeness. LORD, Father, may we not be too busy building our version of serving you, that we forget to seek you, to hear from you and to walk with you. When we answer another's need, we meet with you too.
 
This is me speaking. I see ministries that are man made, or woman made. That are more for self glory.
 
Psa 94:12  Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law;
Psa 94:13  That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked.
Psa 94:14  For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance.
Psa 94:15  But judgment shall return unto righteousness: and all the upright in heart shall follow it.
Psa 94:16  Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?
Psa 94:17  Unless the LORD had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence.
Psa 94:18  When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up.
Psa 94:19  In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.
Psa 94:20  Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law?
Psa 94:21  They gather themselves together against the soul of the righteous, and condemn the innocent blood.
Psa 94:22  But the LORD is my defence; and my God is the rock of my refuge.
Psa 94:23  And he shall bring upon them their own iniquity, and shall cut them off in their own wickedness; yea, the LORD our God shall cut them off.

 
Rom 2:21  Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?
Rom 2:22  Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?
Rom 2:23  Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?
Rom 2:24  For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.
Rom 2:25  For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.
Rom 2:26  Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?
Rom 2:27  And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?
Rom 2:28  For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
Rom 2:29  But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
 
 
Psa 51:10  Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Psa 51:11  Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
Psa 51:12  Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
Psa 51:13  Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.


May all be done by God's Spirit, in truth and from a heart of love. If we are driven by anything but a pure heart, stop and seek God and be cleansed. We do not build ministries in the flesh.

Monday, July 2, 2007

Isaiah 22 - Day of Trouble

Day of Trouble

Isa 22:5 For it is a day of trouble, and of treading down, and of perplexity by the Lord GOD of hosts in the valley of vision, breaking down the walls, and of crying to the mountains.

Isaiah sees the the Babylonians, sent by the LORD, to take Jerusalem captive.

Isa 22:6 And Elam bare the quiver with chariots of men and horsemen, and Kir uncovered the shield.

Gen 10:22 The children of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram.

There was no defending Jerusalem.

Elam bore the quiver: "Because Elam, Babylon's neighbor to the east, had strongly supported the Babylonians and the Chaldeans in the struggle against Assyria, the Elamites were probably allies of the Babylonians." (Wolf)

Isa 22:7 And it shall come to pass, that thy choicest valleys shall be full of chariots, and the horsemen shall set themselves in array at the gate.

Jer 39:1 In the ninth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the tenth month, came Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon and all his army against Jerusalem, and they besieged it.
Jer 39:2 And in the eleventh year of Zedekiah, in the fourth month, the ninth day of the month, the city was broken up.
Jer 39:3 And all the princes of the king of Babylon came in, and sat in the middle gate, even Nergalsharezer, Samgarnebo, Sarsechim, Rabsaris, Nergalsharezer, Rabmag, with all the residue of the princes of the king of Babylon.
Jer 39:4 And it came to pass, that when Zedekiah the king of Judah saw them, and all the men of war, then they fled, and went forth out of the city by night, by the way of the king's garden, by the gate betwixt the two walls: and he went out the way of the plain.
Jer 39:5 But the Chaldeans' army pursued after them, and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho: and when they had taken him, they brought him up to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he gave judgment upon him.
Jer 39:6 Then the king of Babylon slew the sons of Zedekiah in Riblah before his eyes: also the king of Babylon slew all the nobles of Judah.
Jer 39:7 Moreover he put out Zedekiah's eyes, and bound him with chains, to carry him to Babylon.