Finding True Wisdom

 “But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? Man does not know its value, nor is it found in the land of the living. It cannot be purchased for gold, nor can silver be weighed for its price. 

From where then does wisdom come? And where is the place of understanding? God understands its way, and He knows its place. For He looks to the ends of the earth, and sees under the whole heavens, to establish a weight for the wind, and apportion the waters by measure. 

When He made a law for the rain, and a path for the thunderbolt, then He saw wisdom and declared it; He prepared it, indeed, He searched it out. 

And to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding.’”

‭‭(Job‬ ‭28:12-13,15,20,23-28‬)

We have seen a lot happen in the past 1 1/2 years with Covid-19. I don’t plan on getting political here.

Job asked a good question and pondered some points that maybe we also should be. While in this world we won’t always have the answers, we can know One who has them because He has created all things and allows all things to point us to Him. And that’s they key, looking to God for the answers, to gain wisdom that does not come from mere man.

Before I begin I want to share a testimony of God’s amazing goodness. 

I have not posted a blog since March of this year. Before then just minimal posts for about a year. Not sure why, but I thought it was just time to stop. 

Well, perhaps I was wrong. God had other plans. And He worked in exactly the way He knows how for me. The thought came last week to starting the blog up again. Not sure where the thought came from, I put it out of my mind, maybe thinking the Lord would let me know for sure if this was from Him or my imagination. Crickets for about a week.

Then I get a phone call this morning from a friend of ours. My phone was off so I didn’t receive it immediately. Listening to the message he left I was surprised to hear that Tom, you know who you are, wondered if he had missed some blogs. Seems on checking, his gmail account was lost through a technical glitch. He asked if he could add him to my list to receive again. 

Only God could do this! Not only did He reveal an issue for Tom but answered my question. I love how He works. So, hopefully a short blog for starters. (Hah!)

So, we might have been fearful and/or angry this past year regarding issues related to COVID. Again, I will not focus on that. I can tell you that during this time I have begun to trust more in the Lord, which draws one closer also. I listened to several credible online church pastors who all said the same thing: God is in control. Well, shouldn’t this have been something we’d known all along??

He IS in control as He has been and always will be. 

Because He is God. 

He has all the answers and He knows just what it takes to get as many as possible to look to Him, not government or man, to get us through all this. As one ministry leader says repeatedly, Things aren’t falling apart, they are falling into place.

Keep this thought in mind…the Bible says He was, He is and He is to come. This references Jesus. He was, as we know from Old Testament scripture prophesied. He is, as also prophesied and which account was seen by hundreds of witnesses. He’s alive today in the lives of His followers. And He is to come. He will return, as the Bible says, at a day or hour which no man knows. He will come as a thief in the night. And we must be ready today. 

But where can wisdom be found? Where is the place of understanding?  That place is in the Word of God. Divinely inspired, written, as it were, through the power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of about 40 men. Documentation of things, that we might know, that we might not be unaware. Not some newspaper or news media source, no matter how good, but what God’s views are. In order that we be aware, we must enter into that Word. 

Just keep in mind the thought that God is in complete control, He always has been, always is and always will be…Things aren’t falling apart, they’re falling in place. I’m sure there will be more to follow! And…

Revelation‬ ‭1:8‬ ‭- “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”‭‭

The Word

 John 1:1 - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

The Word speaks for itself/Himself. 

The Word is the Bible. 

The Word made flesh is Jesus. He is the Word, both written and which was born, lived and died, then rose again. 

The words within the Word are His. If He says so, it is. He never changes. 

He, and His Word, will live on forever.

By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. (‭Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭3)

But the word of the LORD endures forever. Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you. (‭1Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭25‬)

For indeed the gospel was preached to US AS WELL as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. (‭Hebrews‬ ‭4‬:‭2‬)

It is not our works that save. True story, from a testimony given yesterday: A man who realized the destruction he was creating in his marriage because his life was consumed with alcohol (it could be consumed with _______...fill in the blank) knew he needed to change. He walked into the pastor's office one day and asked: What must I do to be saved? The pastor gladly told him to repent, turn from his ways and follow the Lord. They prayed a prayer for salvation, the pastor telling him if this man meant it in his heart, it would be so. The man asked: Now that I've done that, give me a list of things I need to do! 

That's just it. There is no list. It's just as simple as what the Word of God states: And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. (‭Acts‬ ‭16‬:‭30-32‬)

It's all about the Word. It's about having faith that believing is enough. It's about hearing the Word, reading the Word, knowing the Word, knowing Christ. Knowing Christ is a deep spiritual, heartfelt occurrence, not just a mind thing. 

There is power in that Word that cannot and will never be extinguished. This Word has authority. It definitely does convict. It definitely can save. Our salvation experience is truly a miracle brought about only by our God. It is He who calls us and converts us, by the power of His Spirit. We can do nothing on our own...because we are nothing without first having the Lord Jesus. 

He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me. (‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭24‬)

Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. (‭1Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭13,15-16‬)

The Bible you can hold in your hand is only cardboard, paper and ink, maybe some leather! It can be physically destroyed...burned, marked up, ripped from its binding. But the Word who is Christ is still alive and active. His Holy Spirit lives on and is still able to transform lives. There is no power in a written Bible itself, but what the Bible says has a lot of power. If we know that Word and are the willing vessels to share that Word, there also can be power. We are nothing without God; we have no power, we are dead in our trespasses but with God nothing is impossible! 

His Word and words, however, can be offensive because the truth is sometimes hard to hear. BUT...the Word is also so very powerful that it can change anyone. It's that sharp sword of the Spirit: For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (‭Hebrews‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬)

As a pastor once said: There is nothing in scripture that says we cannot believe. We choose not to. Will you believe?

Romans 1:16 - For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

A More Excellent Name

Hebrews 1:1-4 - God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

Read that again taking in every word slowly. No glossing!!

All throughout the Bible God has spoken of something better to come. Something important. Someone who would come to bring this dead world. It was concealed within and throughout the Old Testament but nonetheless written that we might know the signs in days to come and today that all that was prophesied was true.

Of course, this is Jesus. Intricate details of sacrifices, temples and their furniture and utensils pointed to Him. People were appointed by God to do marvelous, albeit at the time, outlandish things that made no sense (like Noah building an ark for a flood from heavy rains which had never existed). Moses. the miracles and the exodus. People, who were types of a future deliverer, One to come.

When this Jesus came into ministry He came to abolish the need for endless sacrifices and became that one Deliverer, that one Promise of a better life, eternal life.

He was not only concealed in the Old Testament, He was seen through the gloriousness of creation because the One to come was there creating by His undeniably brilliant, awesome spoken word!! Creating things only He could.

People, there is no One greater than He. Jesus. Nothing is hidden from Him, not even our thoughts. Only He has the power over life and death. He holds your life and where you will go when you die. There are only two places. There’s no in between where family can buy your way out. Look in the Bible. See if it’s written there. Only heaven and hell are spoken of in various ways. There's only good and evil, black and white. There is no being kinda good. Either you are for Him or against Him. Neutrality does not exist for Him.

God, in His excellent name, created all things and He will remove all things bad. He will allow some in this world to dig themselves graves through wrong living, called sin, yet is always offering them chances at knowing and receiving His Son for the forgiveness of their sins. We cannot assume we know Him. We must know Him.

Many in this world live by church rules, all man made, like the Old Testament priests. Jesus came to do away with those rules to establish instead a relationship with Him. However, those laws are still important because they are there to show us what sin is...so we may know Him. We can never achieve to perfection any of those laws, but Jesus was the perfect sacrificial Lamb, who takes away the sins of the world. That's what it’s all about. It’s why He was killed, because religious men were threatened by this Man who came with a new message of hope, not through rituals but through grace and relationship.

No one else should be honored more greatly than the One whose name IS more excellent. He calls everyone but not everyone hears or listens. He says the sheep hear His voice. Do you? Will you? Will you listen? Your life depends on it!

Philippians 2:9-11 - Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Food for the Soul

Proverbs‬ ‭24:13-14‬ ‭- My son, eat honey because it is good, and the honeycomb which is sweet to your taste; so shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul; if you have found it, there is a prospect, and your hope will not be cut off.

The Proverbs were written by King Solomon. He was the wisest man of his day. He prayed for God to give him wisdom over anything else and it was granted to him. It is something we all should seek (from God) everyday.

We all know honey is a thick liquid, sweet and easy to eat. If anyone has eaten the more solid honeycomb it requires a bit of chewing yet also provides much deliciousness. 

This reminded me of another scripture that tells us we need to grow in maturity in the Word. When a child is born it only has milk and soft foods. As it grows it develops a taste for solid foods. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (‭Hebrews‬ ‭5:13-14‬)

It is God's desire that we fill ourselves with His Word. By it comes wisdom. That wisdom shows us who God is, what we are here for, what we should do, how we should do it and the difference between good and evil. It shows us all we need to know for a good life, not necessarily one that will be easy, but how to get through those times...by calling on God, His Word. It is food for the soul.

True wisdom, from God, gives life. It gives hope. I'm certain nearly everyone is given the opportunity to get this. It comes through the power of the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ. Receive Him when He beckons. Take in the sweetness of the Word, Jesus, and learn true wisdom. 

This says it all: ‭

Psalm‬ ‭119:103‬ ‭- How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

It Can't Get Much Better!

John 1:1 - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

When we have Sunday school we use no other book but the Bible. Why do we need any other book anyway? The scripture above shows us one of the greatest truths: the WORD was and is...Jesus...and the Book. We dissect scripture in Sunday school. It takes weeks to get through a book of the Bible. It's life. It's rich. It's true. And it happens to be the bulk of this blog! 

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

So, we're finishing up 1Timothy. And what we discussed in much detail in Sunday school today were these verses:

COMMAND those who are rich in this present age not to be HAUGHTY, nor to TRUST in uncertain riches BUT IN the living God, WHO GIVES US RICHLY all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be RICH in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves A GOOD FOUNDATION for the time to come, that they may lay hold on ETERNAL LIFE. (1Timothy 6:17-19)

There is nothing wrong, as we discussed, with having riches. Even the poorest in this country are rich compared to other countries. But, there's an even greater thing we can have that produces riches that far surpass the things in this world. Sooooo...as I pondered these words from 1Timothy, more came to me:

...NO OTHER foundation can anyone lay THAN THAT which is laid, which is JESUS CHRIST. (1Corinthians 3:11) The Foundation (hah, FOUND-ation) that is Christ, the Word of God. The greatest Treasure to be FOUND.  Foundation: a body or ground on which other parts REST or are overlaid.  Strong's Concordance's definition of foundation in this verse: the foundations, beginnings, first principals; of institution or system of truth. Not only is He above all things but the solid ground beneath. And all things in between for those who desire Him. We are called to rest in Him. He holds the greatest system of truth being He is the Truth. Foundation - beginning (and the end) - first. It doesn't get much better. 

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; BUT lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For WHERE your treasure is, THERE your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21)

And there's a promise for anyone who seeks these better things:

I will give you the TREASURES of darkness and hidden RICHES of secret places, that you may know that I, the LORD, who call you by your name, am the God of Israel. (Isaiah 45:3)

And there's even more! 

...as it is written: Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the THINGS WHICH God HAS PREPARED for those who love Him. (1Corinthians 2:9)

                                                                          

His Spirit will let our spirits know the deeper things of God. These are the treasures we should seek. 

Thank You, my God, for trusting me with just a hint of those treasures! May my desire for more continue to grow. May nothing, absolutely nothing, take this desire away. No thing, no person, no trial. May this desire be met by You and revelation knowledge be passed on to me. I want to continually grow in Your wisdom and knowledge. 

Oh myyyyy...

Matthew 6:31-33 - Therefore do not worry, saying, "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?" For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Beginning to End

I dwell on this a lot. In the beginning...the Word was. In the end...the Word will be. I'm thankful I know this Word...this Man and His written Word...who is the Word! To see what He has created, to be part of His creation, to have even a smidgen of understanding of His Word...which means knowing Him. Life can't get much better.

So I'm letting His Word speak today. Nothing can beat His Word, the truth. 

Genesis 1:1 - In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. (‭‭Genesis‬ ‭1:1,31‬)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. (John‬ ‭1:1-3‬)

Brethren, I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you heard from the beginning. ‭‭(1John‬ ‭2:7‬)

"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.” Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.‭‭ (Revelation‬ ‭22:13-14‬)

Take Out the Kinks in Thinking!

John 1:14 - And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

I've been having trouble with my neck for which I'm seeing a chiropractor and getting an occasional massage. Yesterday I had that appointment with the massage therapist. 

Let's back up a little. I was so exhausted the night before I thought for sure I'd sleep good. I did, sort of, until 3:00. By 4:30 I was making coffee. I had a full, active day and by 4:15 in the afternoon I was writing this blog. Wide awake, after my massage. 

I was energized, not exhausted. My whole attitude was different. There were so many things I wanted to accomplish. But most of all I wanted to read an article, a pamphlet on heaven (which I plan to scrutinize when I get to it) and a couple Christian newspapers.

The article I read was The Truth About Truth written by my pastor, Terry Fischer. And somewhere in the middle of it I realized how awake I was...rarin' to go. Like all the kinks were out of my thinking! 

So where did I stop? Right after Pastor Terry penned these words: ...the very thing we must understand about truth is that it is more than fact, it is a person by the name of Jesus Christ. ... If truth is rejected, Christ is rejected. If truth is exalted, Christ is exalted. Since Jesus is also the word of God (John 1:14) and the word of God is truth, you therefore cannot reject the truth of the word and still claim that you accept the Lord Jesus Christ.

This is my story and I stick with it...always. This is the very important one thing we all should learn and understand. And maybe the more I write about it, one day it might be just the words that will speak to someone. I know Jesus would want that. It's all about Him, after all.

Maybe more people need to get the kinks out of their thinking. Jesus would approve. He would love for more people to know Him and His truth. It makes a big difference in our kinky thinking! 

There's been a conglomeration of thoughts in my own head about current events and I'm so very thankful I know Jesus Christ and am in relationship with Him. I stopped reading the article and thanked Him for what I hope is a turnaround in my energy level...and hopefully, some better nights' sleeping. I do know I awoke with something bothering me. As the day wore on, I was reminded that when all else fails or disappoints, He is all that matters. (This had nothing to do with the current news.)

Anyway, what Pastor says is true, because it comes right out of the Word of God, spoken by the Word who is Jesus. If we claim to love God but deny the truth of His Word, we do, essentially, reject Jesus. 

There's another point. In order to know what the truth is, we first have to receive Christ into our lives that He might, through His Spirit, give us a more well-defined understanding of His Word. Then the Word will become truth. As Pastor also quoted, And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:32)

In this world we see a lot of things that make us uncomfortable. The news is replete with stories of violence, deceit or disgust, all evil. I can say without a doubt that it doesn't bother me like it used to (but I have to keep it in check!). I know that Jesus has told us these things, and many more, must happen...and then the end shall come. To me that is very freeing. The return of Christ. If not in my lifetime, I know that after my passing, there is freedom also. Freedom from hell.

I'm not afraid because I know the Truth who is Jesus. If He says He will return, I believe He will. I will not fear because He has said if we know Him, there is nothing to fear. His truth, His promises give me peace. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27)

We can all know this truth. That's what's so amazing. Jesus loves us all. He doesn't give more to one than another. He plays no favorites. If one's heart is set on Him, His heart is set back on them. In fact, He loves us before we first love Him. Want to know absolute truth? Try Jesus. Be at peace. Know freedom. It can remove the kinks in your thinking.

Psalm 27:1 - The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?

It's Alive and Growing

Hebrews‬ ‭4:12‬ ‭- For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

‭‭

...where believers are deeply committed to practicing their faith and passing it on to the next generation in a living way, there will be life and multiplication. As the saying goes, if it's alive, it grows. - Michael Brown

I read an article recently about the old fashioned way of Christianity and a progressive way that is taking shape. The quote above is in the article. People today want a Christianity that suits their lifestyle rather than the way God intended it to be...by the biblical standards set up for us in the Bible. 

If we do things the way God intended we are not oppressed but made alive. Like the scripture says, the Word of God is alive. It is life to those who have been touched by God, filled with His Spirit and who are rooted and grounded in His Word. 

Again, God never changes; therefore, neither does His Word. What sort of God would He be if He changed to suit our needs? He is infallible; we are not. Times change, but He never will. It's why the road to destruction grows larger while the road to eternal life grows narrower. We want to do life our way, not the way God suggests...um, commands.

But then we don't like being commanded. We are pride-filled, stubborn individuals until He opens our eyes. We want things our way and we want them now. I've been known to be impatient when the microwave isn't fast enough! 

God has only wanted to give us the best. Receiving the best starts with receiving Christ, the greatest treasure we can receive. He offers us the greatest gift possible, eternal life, in and only through Christ. If we are serious about Him and His Word, all His promises are, the Bible says, yes and amen. We are also taught that we live by faith, not by sight. (2Corinthians 5:7) And Without faith, it is impossible to please God. (Hebrews 11:6) It's important to have faith...not in self or a church or a pastor or our job or government or money, but God. People can say they have faith, but it must be in God or it is not faith at all. 

The promises of eternal life with Christ and in Christ far outweigh the alternative. We may not see in the here and now all the promises (that's the faith without sight), but some promises are for us today. These bring life; they keep us motivated in our faith and trust, even if we don't see what tomorrow brings. There is the peace that passes all understanding with no fear of the future. Contentment. Knowing that the trials we face today are small considering the glory that lies ahead for us in heaven. The book of Revelation tells us about this. It's that end result that keeps me going. The very big promise of eternal LIFE.

I just had to see if there was a count for the number of promises in the Bible. Bible Gateway came up with over 5400. It also stated this: The promises of God reveal his particular and eternal purposes to which he is unchangeably committed and upon which believers can totally depend. These promises are, however, conditional upon obedience on the part of believers.

There is always this condition. Hah, as I wrote that, it came to mind that it is our condition that causes us to need God! It is the very reason God sent His Son. Our sinful condition. But God...gave us a way out, through the unconditional love of Christ and His death on that cross. And here comes that word again...God gave us His Son in death...that we might have life. When we give in to that condition of God, that we receive Christ to secure eternal life, then those promises are for us. 

As I have said many times, it's not just about knowing who He is or what church we go to (or don't go to) or the amount of good we think we do. We must know that we have Him living in us through His Holy Spirit. And that can only happen if we truly desire Him and seek Him with our whole heart. 

How do we know we know Him? Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. (‭‭1John‬ ‭2:3-4)  That's a pretty hard statement. It means believing the Bible is true, for today as much as it was yesterday. When God says something is wrong, it is wrong. Whatever He says, He means. We still can never be perfect but if we are in Christ we are covered by His blood, being perfected and will attain perfection when He returns. 

So back to the beginning...we cannot want a Christianity that suits our lifestyle rather than by the Bible, the very Word of God. This world is doing this and this nation is also. If we as individuals or a nation fail, and we all do, we seek God's forgiveness. So often in the Bible God has forgiven if forgiveness was asked for. Do you see the stubbornness, the rebelliousness being played out today?

...where believers are deeply committed to practicing their faith and passing it on to the next generation in a living way, there will be life and multiplication. As the saying goes, if it's alive, it grows. - Michael Brown  It's why I am committed.

For those who believe and have faith in God, whose Word is in them, both Jesus the Word of God and the written Word, it is alive and growing. Hallelujah. Is that Word in you? 

2Corinthians 1:20-22 - For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

Blessed is the Man

Psalm 1:1-3 - Blessed is the man 

Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, 

Nor stands in the path of sinners, 

Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; 

But his delight is in the law of the LORD, 

And in His law he meditates day and night. 

He shall be like a tree 

Planted by the rivers of water, 

That brings forth its fruit in its season, 

Whose leaf also shall not wither; 

And whatever he does shall prosper.

After our last Bible Study Fellowship gathering Wednesday, we were asked what we would study during the summer months. I have decided the Psalms. 

The first Psalm says it all. It's short. Read it in its entirety. Blessed is anyone who reads the Word, knows the basics of the Word, meditates on it and obeys it. We won't understand everything, but the basics are pretty understandable!

I had lunch with a friend yesterday. We got to talking about the state of the world and how despite all we see happening we have a sense of peace. We know, from the Word, these things must take place before Jesus returns. (Matthew 24) Ten years ago, even less, could we have imagined some of what is now acceptable? Some say times change and we must change with it. But God never changes and neither does His Word.

While evil has replaced good and while we shake our heads at it all, that peace that passes understanding lies deep in many souls. Do we want to see these things happen? No. Will we ever get used to it? No. But we know it was prophesied in the Bible thousands of years ago and it can be believed. How can one live with this peace?

Blessed are those who delight in His Word. There is a scripture relating to the Jewish people as they began their crossing over into the land that God had promised them. Basically, know God, fear Him, trust and obey Him and He will prolong life.
And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. ‭‭(Deuteronomy‬ ‭6:6-9‬)

When we know His Word today it will come to us for any situation tomorrow. It may be a promise, a conviction, exhortation, command, or comfort. We will be blessed, even in conviction, because God is wanting to do something good in us. There is a wealth of knowledge in this Book. A wealth of examples and truths. The Jewish men would bind small boxes to their foreheads (frontlets or phylacteries). These boxes held text of the laws as a reminder to keep them. We have Bibles to do the same. Is yours readily available? Do words from His Book come to mind? Are they written on the doorposts of your heart? 

The greatest truth you will find and delight in in His Word is that God sent His Son Jesus...He came down from heaven to be among us...so He could die that we might have life. Blessed are you if you know this and have received Christ because you have heard the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

He will prolong our lives...we will be like those trees planted by the rivers of water. Jesus is our Living Water. There is a tree of life awaiting those who will look to Jesus. The prosperity mentioned is not of this world but is in the Treasure of heaven, Jesus. The Treasure that has been offered to us to bring us life. Blessed are you if you know and understand this because it comes from the Word God has given us. 

If you recognize the unsettled lifestyle these days, seek God. You will learn why it is as it is, what to do. Instead of fear, we can have hope. We can have that peace that passes all understanding. From a well known hymn, It Is Well With My Soul:

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,

It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Deuteronomy‬ ‭6:1-2 ‭- Now this is the commandment, and these are the statutes and judgments which the LORD your God has commanded to teach you, that you may observe them in the land which you are crossing over to possess, that you may fear the LORD your God, to keep all His statutes and His commandments which I command you, you and your son and your grandson, all the days of your life, and that your days may be prolonged. 

Hallelujah and Amen!

John 14:26‬ ‭- But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.

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The other morning I had something happen that I wish would happen more often. It was incredible. I was just beginning to wake up, either on my own or because of what was transpiring. In my head or my spirit or heart, I was rattling off one scripture after another describing God and His greatness. I knew I had also been doing it in my sleep.

As I became fully awake it continued. I was able, over a couple of days, to think back on that and it dawned on me: God's Word tells us He will bring His Word to mind by the power of His Spirit, when we need it. 

I have shaken my head repeatedly over this and desiring more of it. I've had songs in my head when I awake. This was better! I know that if I should ever be in a situation where I am without a Bible, I can rely on His Spirit to bring into remembrance His truths and promises. 

In our study in Revelation there is a section that says the Apostle John, seeing events that were to take place, was asked to take a small scroll. Then he was told to eat it but advised that while it would taste sweet like honey it would turn bitter to the stomach. The explanation to this is: Only as we take God's Word into our own lives can we speak even hard words of truth in love. ... But people would not obey or listen, so the scroll was a message of judgment. It tasted sweet, but because people were not willing to listen, it left the prophet [Ezekiel] "in bitterness...and deeply distressed." (Ezekiel 3:1-15) (BSF, Lesson 15, Revelation)

I bring this up because of the sweetness of waking up with His Word in my spirit. I can't tell you... Yes, it is sweet. But there can be some hard truths to it also, especially for those who choose not to know this very word of God.

What happened is God's incredible power at work. It will happen in those who believe and seek more of Him. 

In the Old Testament the people were instructed to know and keep His Word ever before and within them. Moses instructed the people after receiving and sharing the Ten Commandments: 

Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.(Deuteronomy‬ ‭11:18-19‬)

The more we spend in His Word, the more it will be ingrained in our spirits...for times when we need them. They are good, true and just, as is He.

Psalms‬ ‭34:8‬ ‭- Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!

I Give You My Word

Nehemiah‬ ‭8:1-2,5-6,8-10 - Now all the people gathered together as one man in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate; and they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded Israel. So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could hear with understanding on the first day of the seventh month.

And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. Then all the people answered, “Amen, Amen!” while lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.

So they read distinctly from the book, in the Law of God; and they gave the sense, and helped them to understand the reading. And Nehemiah, who was the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn nor weep.” For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law. Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

The words, The joy of the Lord is my strength, popped into my head this morning. And I went to that passage to read. When was the last time God's Word caused you to weep? There are days when I weep at the Word the Lord has given us. Tears of joy, sorrow, comfort, anger, frustration...all emotions. Our HEARTS should be rejoicing in His Word...and bowing before this awesome God. His Word is life and truth. Sometimes I wish there was a way to explain how my heart feels like bursting! Is the joy of the Lord your strength

I'm thankful for a God who cares so much that He has given us His Word as a guide. Sometimes people will say, I give you my word, as a (sometimes loosely spoken) promise. God is not slack regarding His
promises, though (2Peter 3:9). All those promises written are for us to hang on to because this God will not change His mind. They were written, they stand, they will happen. Hmmm, He was, and is, and is to come! 

Oh, some are good promises. The free gift of salvation and eternal life through Jesus Christ, is one. Another, however, is a day when He returns to judge the world and especially those who did not receive His free gift. That judgment upon unbelievers brings eternal death and separation from Him. That's a promise also. 

You can't separate God from His Word. It is Him. Not only did He give us this written Word, He gave us His Word, His only Son, in the flesh! Proof of His Word. His Word which was, and is, alive. 

I'm thankful for a church which takes the time to read from the Book, just the Book...and allows for discussion, meaning, understanding. I've wept in Sunday school and in church, too.

It's true. The joy of the Lord is my strength. How else can I explain why I do not fear death or the things happening in the world? In our weakness He is made strong. I trust that to be the case should something arise, which I'm sure it will. Trust in Him, rejoice in Him during the trouble. Just what He says we should do. Imagine doing the absolute opposite of what we would normally be inclined to do. It might take a reminder. 

I pray this strength never wanes for anything that might come in a more personal way. Often in dire circumstances is when our faith is truly tested. Lord, let that faith never fail but let it be strengthened all the more. Your Word is true and just. Don't let me fail to remember, Lord. Help me to recognize Your voice reminding me! 

God has given us His Word, both in writing and in the flesh. Let's earnestly trust that Word. It's the only thing we can hang our hats on! Don't understand the Word? He can help through the power of His Holy Spirit. It takes commitment.

If you have never made a decision to trust God for your life, you can do it today. It's a choice you make to truly take Him at His Word and take that Word into your heart, both written and flesh! Submit to Jesus, call on His name and receive Him. If there is a circumstance that is troubling, whatever it might be, He is the solution to the problem. Call on Him to help, strengthen, comfort. If you truly desire it, He will respond and you will know. 

Hebrews‬ ‭4:11-12‬ ‭- Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

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Prophecies

1Peter 1:10,12 - Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you...To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into.

I've mentioned before how the Bible shows us all we need to know about God and His Son, to understand and adhere to. In the Old Testament Jesus was written about but not by this name. He was hidden, as it were. He was in the tabernacle, the temple, the feasts and suggestions all throughout Psalms. Not one book of the Old Testament goes without alluding to the One so important who would come to bring us  our salvation. Here are just a handful of examples:

He was the sacrificial Lamb in the Passover, whose blood was sprinkled over the doorposts then and over our hearts now.

There were high priests who made all the endless sacrifices for the people; Jesus has become our Great High Priest having sacrificed Himself once for all.

Jonah was in the belly of a whale for three days and delivered; as was Jesus dead for three days and resurrected.

All the materials used in building the tabernacle listed in Exodus (25-30) describe Him; in the Holy of Holies, the furniture describes Him.

Psalm 119 (176 verses) mentions Him, not by name, all throughout. Here are just three verses from the very beginning of this Psalm: 

Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with the whole heart! How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. (‭Psalms‬ 119‬:‭2,9,11‬)

This Book is phenomenal. Oh, the depth of the wisdom and truth. Every time one picks it up He speaks to us and opens our eyes even more to the wonders of Him, His love, promises, judgments, His words of life to us. Again my heart feels like it will burst thinking on these things. It's exciting and glorious. This is worship to our God!

He longs to share these with anyone who desires to know Him more. That's love. He won't choose one over another or think one is more worthy to receive than another. We are all His creation and His desire is for all to know Him, to receive Him as our own, to be saved from eternal death and made righteous and holy through Him. Only He can do this. We cannot do it on our own. 

All He desires: “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. (‭John‬ ‭17‬:‭24‬)  Remember, He loves each of us with the same love. He does not relish the idea that some will perish without knowing Him.  

So prophecies from the Old Testament and the actual words of Christ in the New Testament are all available for us to see Who this Man is. Before He even existed He was being made known to any who would listen. He speaks to each of us. If you do not know this Man, ask Him to show you Who He is. He will be very accommodating. His Word is very descriptive and true. Are you in a dark place? Are you in need of encouragement? Do you not know which way to turn? Look up. Look to Jesus.

2Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭19-21 - 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; knowing this first, that no prophecy of  Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. 

These Words

Revelation 1:8,11 - "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last."

I'm stuck on these words. He is ALL. He can be ALL to ALL people if they desire it. It's not about bowing to a dictator or puppet master, but a God who will bless us spiritually, sometimes physically, but most importantly spiritually, when we do. I want His spiritual blessings.

I don't know about anyone else, I just know that there are times when I read the Word I am overcome by them. There is power in the words, and truth in them. Love and judgment. I know the Bible is God's Word written to each of us, to admonish, encourage, convict, warn and save. 

Those words above do the same thing every time I read them. Jesus is saying them. It's as if in my spirit I completely collapse to the before Him. It feels as though my heart is about to burst.  Even if we sing these words in worship I feel undone.

All encompassing, as you can see...First, Last, Beginning, End, Alpha, Omega. Jesus Christ. Who else can say this about himself? Who would dare? 

The enormity of those words. Who can comprehend them? Too amazing, too glorious, too powerful.

So, I cannot say much more. The words speak for themselves. Can you grasp them? I pray that you do. As life goes on I find a greater and more important need to take these words in...and take Christ in to a deeper level. 

Psalms 102:11-12,24-27 - My days are like a shadow that lengthens, and I wither away like grass. But You, O LORD, shall endure forever, and the remembrance of Your name to all generations. ...Your years are throughout all generations. Of old You laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You will endure... But You are the same, and Your years will have no end.