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Previous months Daily Bible Readings have been moved to this page for the time being.

July 2010

July 31, 2010

The unity of mankind

Psalm 133


1Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! 2It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;
3As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.




Amen. Unity of brotherhood (which includes all of mankind, men, women and children) is pictured as being as precious as the oil of priestly consecration and as refreshing as the early morning dew and the ointment = anointing oil for the High Priest (See Exodus 29:7) made from olives. The oil would have also run down on the High Priests breastplate (breastplate = Ephod - see Exodus 28) where the names of the 12 tribes of Israel were inscribed, further signifying the unity of the nation. Let us always keep in mind that ALL people are God's creation and treat them as such, showing them the patience, mercy, love and compassion that Jesus showed for us all, amen.




July 30, 2010

Keeping your stone clean

Ephesians 2

19 through 22

19Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
20And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
21In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
22In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.




Amen. In the figure of the church as a temple, Jesus is the chief cornerstone, the apostles and New Testament prophets are the foundation, and each Christian is a stone in the building. Let us (first) keep our individual stone clean and then... with love, patience and compassion... assist our fellow believers in keeping theirs clean as well, amen.





July 29, 2010

Judging others

Romans 2
1 through 2

1Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.
2But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.



Amen. Have you ever looked at someone, got really upset at them for what they were doing or the way they were living and judged them because of it? Of course you have and, sadly to say, in the past, so have I. The key here is to catch ourselves when we find ourselves in this judgmental state of mind. Let us always remember not to judge others, lest we be judged (Luke 6:37), amen.





July 28, 2010

Guarding our tongues

James 3

1 through 6

1My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
2For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
3Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
4Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
5Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
6And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.



Amen. Since teachers (vs. 1 masters) use their tongues more (to instruct others), they will be judged more strictly. Small but powerful is the tongue, like a bit, a helm (rudder), and a little fire (spark). The tremendously destructive power of the tongue comes from hell (lit., Gehenna, see note on Matthew 5:22). Let us ever guard our tongues and may the Holy Spirit inspire ever word we say, amen.

we offend all = we all stumble
the course of nature = the whole course of human existence
whithersoever the governor listeth = wherever the pilot or captain directs




July 27, 2010

Even so Lord, come!

Matthew 16

24 through 28

24Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
25For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
26For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
27For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
28Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.



Amen. Jesus' reference to a cross (vs. 25) needed no explanation, for the Jews had seen thousands of their fellow countrymen crucified by the Romans. Allegiance, even at the possibility of death, (whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it), is demanded of Christ's followers. Here in vs.28 (see the Son of man coming in his kingdom) was fulfilled when the disciples witnessed the Transfiguration of Jesus (see Matthew 17:1-8), which was, in miniature, a preview of the kingdom to come, with the Lord Jesus appearing in a state of glory (Daniel 7:9-14). Even so, Lord, come, amen.





July 26, 2010

Rejoicing in the Lord always

Habakkuk 3

17 through 19

17Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:
18Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
19The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.


Amen. Though the Chaldean invasion would strip the land (vs 17), the prophet Habakkuk (which means "Embracer," because of his love for God), would, none the less, rejoice in the Lord (vs 18), who makes his feet like hinds' feet (Lit., gazelles' feet, signifying surefooted confidence). The message here, have faith, confidence and rejoice in the Lord always, in the good times as well as the bad, amen.




July 25, 2010

Guard your heart and mind

Ecclesiastes 10

1 through 3

1Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour.
2A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left.
3Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom faileth him, and he saith to every one that he is a fool.




Amen. Just as dead flies cause the ointment (perfume) of the apothecary (Perfumer) to stink (stinking savour), so, also, does the folly (foolish words or actions) of someone who seems to be honorable, prove there heart and intentions. Let us always be aware of what we say and do, guarding our hearts and minds and living in the way that Christ Jesus did, amen and amen.

right = the place of protection and effectiveness
left = the place of ineffectiveness and no protection 
saith to everyone (= says to everyone) = demonstrates by their speech




July 24, 2010

Overcome any trial through Christ Jesus

John 1
32 and 33

32Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
33These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.


Amen. Though we may encounter tribulations in this life, the Lord conquered death, hell and the grave and is seated at the right hand of the Father and we, as believers, can overcome any trial through Christ Jesus who strengthens us, amen.




July 23, 2010

Judging and Giving

Luke 6
37 and 38

37Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
38Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.



Amen. Here, where Jesus says "pressed down, and shaken together, and running over", He is giving the imagery of a container of grain filled to the brim and running over the edge. Our generosity should be genuine, giving wherever we can and expecting nothing in return. We are also never to judge someone else, for the way we judge others is the same way that God will judge us on Judgment Day, and even more so to the believer, amen.



July 22, 2010

The heart of the believer

Psalm 139
1 through 6

1O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.
2Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.
3Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
4For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. 5Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.
6Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.




Amen. This beautiful Psalm of David shows the king's inner heart toward the King of Kings. In the total 24 verses of Psalm 139, David focuses on the 4 great attributes of God: His knowledge of all things (verses 1 through 6), His presence everywhere (see vv. 7-12), His power in the formation of mankind (vv. 13-18), and His holiness, which destroys evil men and searches the heart of the believer, amen.





July 21, 2010

Able ministers of the Word

2 Corinthians 3
4 through 6

4And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:
5Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;
6Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.



Amen. The letter (the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life) stands for the whole Mosaic Law. It kills because, of itself, it could not give life (see Acts 13:39 and Romans 3:20). The work of the Law was to make us conscious of sin (Galatians 3:21 and 1 Timothy 1:9). The spirit (= Holy Spirit), by contrast, gives life to the believer, amen.

to God-ward = towards God
able ministers = sufficient or competent
the new testament = a new covenant, the message of the grace of Christ




July 20, 2010

Forgive us our sins

Isaiah 65

1 through 7
 
1I am sought of them that asked not for me; I am found of them that sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation that was not called by my name.
2I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts;
3A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face; that sacrificeth in gardens, and burneth incense upon altars of brick;
4Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine's flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels;
5Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day.
6Behold, it is written before me: I will not keep silence, but will recompense, even recompense into their bosom,
7Your iniquities, and the iniquities of your fathers together, saith the LORD, which have burned incense upon the mountains, and blasphemed me upon the hills: therefore will I measure their former work into their bosom.




Amen. Verse 1 refers to the Gentile's (Gentile = non-Jewish / non- Semite) seeking God, whereas verse 2 reiterates God's willingness (spread out my hands) to receive Israel (see Romans 10: 20-21). The rebellious people of Israel (v. 2) are indicted for idol worship (vv. 3,7) which is the breaking of the 1st of the 10 Commandments... (Thou shalt have no other god's before me), consulting with the dead (v.4), and eating forbidden swine's flesh (v.4; cf. Leviticus 11:7). Let us ask God, everyday, to forgive us if we have sinned in any way, amen.




July 19, 2010

The participles of the Christian

Jude 1
17 through 23

17But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;
18How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
19These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.
20But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
21Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
22And of some have compassion, making a difference: 23And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.



Amen. To keep oneself in the love of God (a command) is done by building on the truth of God (His Word), praying (while guided by the Holy Spirit), and looking (with an eternal perspective). All 3 activities are participles in the Greek. We are to show mercy to the unsaved while ever being careful of contamination.

have compassion = convince those (others = the unsaved) in doubt and snatch them from hell and damnation




July 18, 2010

Be quiet, be still

1 Thessalonians 4

11 and 12

11And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
12That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.




Amen. Here, study = to be ambitious, to aspire. The Greek word is used only here and in Romans 15:20 and 2 Corinthians 5:9. The problems mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 3:11 (some church members that did not work and were busybodies, meddling in the affairs of others) gave rise to these exhortations from the apostle Paul. May we always aspire to grow in wisdom and understanding of the Word and to shine the light of God in this ever dimming world of darkness and sin, amen.




July 17, 2010

The engrafted Word

James 1
19 through 21

19Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
20For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
21Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.




Amen. Here, superfluity of naughtiness = remainder of wickedness and engrafted word = implanted word, i.e., the gospel received as the Word of truth from the Lord to further our Christian growth, amen.

brethren = fellow human being = man - woman - child
every man = every human being = man - woman - child






July 16

Idolatry in today's world

Romans 1
22 through 25

22Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
23And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
25Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.




Amen. The apostle Paul is attacking the flagrant idolatry of most of the Gentile world, in which animals were considered gods and even worshiped as such. Sexual perversion was prevalent (as in today's world) and sin in general was rampant (also as in today's world), thus, God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts. Let us guard our hearts vigilantly and resist temptation that we fall not back on the sinful nature and out of God's grace, amen.





July 15, 2010

Blessed assurance through faith

Hebrews 4
11 through 14

11Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
12For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
13Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
14Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.




Amen. Here, let us labour = let us make every effort to rest in the assurances of Christ and keep the faith so that we don't fall into unbelief. In verse 12, the word of God = His inspired Word, the Scriptures and quick, and powerful = living, breathing and operative. The Word has the power to reach into the innermost part's of one's personality and to judge the innermost thoughts. Here, soul and spirit = the Word pierces to the depths of soul and spirit, not between the two. Verse 13, with whom we have to do = to whom (God) we have to give an account, i.e., if our lives conform to the Word of God, then our word (account) in the day of judgment will be acceptable to God, amen.




July 14, 2010

The Beatitudes of Christ

Matthew 5
3 through 12


3Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
10Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.



Amen. The beatitudes (blessed means "happy") describe the inner qualities of a follower of Jesus and promises the believer blessings in the future eternal kingdom to come. They contrast sharply with the characteristics of the Pharisees, who were proud, thinking they had already attained righteousness.





July 13, 2010

Possessing our vessels

1 Thessalonians 4
4 through 6

4That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
5Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
6That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.



Amen. Here, possess his vessel = mastery over one's body, keeping it pure (as in 1 Cor. 9:24-27), and can also refer to an honorable marriage (vessel = wife, as in 1 Peter 3:7). Verse 5, lust of concupiscence = passion of lust. In vs. 6, go beyond and defraud = transgress and is a reference to sexual conduct and brother = any other human being, male or female, believer or non-believer, who is a partner in illicit sex.





July 12, 2010

Who is the Shepherd?

Ezekiel 34

22 through 24

22Therefore will I save my flock, and they shall no more be a prey; and I will judge between cattle and cattle.
23And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.
24And I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them; I the LORD have spoken it.




Amen. God not only judges false leaders, but also those who trample on the poor. Here in verses 23 and 24, my servant David = not King David resurrected, but David's greatest descendant, the Messiah (see notes on Isaiah 55:3 and Jeremiah 23:5) which is Christ Jesus, amen.





July 11, 2010

The protection of God

1 John 5
18 through 21

18We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.
19And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. 20And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
21Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.




Amen. The believer can not lead a life of sin because God's Son keeps him, and satan cannot hold onto him. (The Greek verb translated "toucheth," is only used here and in John 20:17 and does not indicate a superficial touch but a grasping and holding onto.)

idols = anything that someone substitutes for God
him = mankind = fellow human being = man - woman - child
whole world = The world system with its godless ruler, teachings, people, ideas and temptations





July 10, 2010

Keep your eyes on the prize

Philippians 3

17 through 21

17Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
18(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
19Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
20For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
21Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.




Amen. The destiny of the wicked is destruction (vs 19) by way of their own choosing... knowing that God exists and that they are doing evil yet still choosing that path of evil by way of their own free will. Let us us choose the straight and narrow path, ever keeping our eyes on the prize which is eternal life with Christ Jesus, amen.

enemies of the cross = evil living by way of all sensual indulgences
vile body = body of humiliation, ie, our present state of mortality is a lowly one




July 9, 2010

The permanent benefits of the believer

1 Timothy 4
7 through 10

7But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
8For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
9This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.
10For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.




Amen. The benefits of bodily training are limited (little) and transient when contrasted with the extensive and permanent benefits of godliness. Here in v. 10, the Saviour of all men = the fact that He paid the ransom for all of mankind when Jesus took our sins upon Himself on the cross, though only those that believe and call upon Him are born again, amen.

old wives' fables - See note on 1 Timothy 1:4


July 8, 2010

The Lord declared

Isaiah 43

8 through 11

8Bring forth the blind people that have eyes, and the deaf that have ears.
9Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled: who among them can declare this, and shew us former things? let them bring forth their witnesses, that they may be justified: or let them hear, and say, It is truth.
10Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.
11I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.




Amen. Here, God declares His ultimate authority, majesty, love and saving grace by way of the savior, the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Lord, we ask that you fill us with your sweet Holy Spirit and dwell within us forever, amen and amen.





July 7, 2010

Humility

1 Peter 5
1 through 7

1The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
3Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock.
4And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
5Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
7Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.




Amen. Here, elders (see note on 1 Tim 3:1 concerning Elders) are urged to feed, lead (but not lord it over), and be an example to their people. Christ is also the Good Shepherd (John 10: 11-14) and the Great Shepherd (Heb 13:20). Faithful church leaders, who are often dishonored on earth, will receive an eternal crown and glory in heaven from Christ, the Chief Shepherd, amen.

humility = Humility for a Christian is a major virtue
he careth for you = it matters to Him concerning you; He loves you
constraint = compulsion not for filthy lucre = not in fondness for dishonest gain
crown of glory = The faithfuls eternal crown in heaven that will never fade as an earthly crown does





July 6, 2010

Conqueror's Through Christ

Romans 8

35 through 39

35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
37Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.




Amen. Difficulties are not necessarily obstacles for God's children, but are His appointed way to try us as a goldsmith tries ore... ridding it of all the ugly dross and sediment and, eventually, revealing it as a beautiful and spotless work of art, amen.





July 5, 2010

Standing fast in the Word

2 Thessalonians 2
13 through 15

13But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
14Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.



Amen. God's activity (the Holy Spirit's work of regeneration) and man's responsibility (faith) are equally necessary in salvation = through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth traditions = Biblical teachings on how we are to live as Christians.

ye = you
brethren = brother = fellow human being = man - woman - child



July 4, 2010

How deep is God's love?

Ephesians 3
17 through 21

17That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
18May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
19And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
20Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
21Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.




Amen. The love of Christ Jesus includes all of His creation, extends from eternity to eternity, seats us (the believers) in the heavenlies, and reaches down to our alienated position, amen.

dwell = to be completely at home
the power that worketh in us = the Holy Spirit of God
exceeding abundantly = A double compound word meaning super-superabundantly





July 3, 2010
The revelation in contrast to law

Hebrews 2

1 through 4

1Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which
we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
2For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;
3How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
4God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?



Amen. The revelation in contrast to law came through the Lord (see John 1:17) and was confirmed to the writer and readers of Hebrews by those who heard Him and by God, who authenticated it by signs and wonders.

slip = drift away from the faith
the word spoken by angels = Later Judaism held that the law was delivered by angels


July 2, 2010

Spiritual gifts

1 Corinthians 12
1 through 3

1Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
2Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
3Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.




Amen. Paul deals with the subject of spiritual gifts against the background of divisions and moral laxity in a church that lacked no gift (see note on 1:7). In verses 12:2-3, Paul infers that in their pagan days they were carried away to worship idols by powers outside themselves; i.e., demons. A believer, led by the Spirit of God, would never curse Jesus but rather acknowledge His supreme Lordship; i.e., His complete deity as Yawweh, amen.




July 1, 2010

Everything that has breath praise the Lord

Psalm 150


1Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.
2Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. 3Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. 4Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
5Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. 6Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.




Amen. Yes, times are tough all around the world right now and they may be even worse for some than for others. The key here is to count it all joy and praise God at all times... He knows what's going on and He knows what you need even before you ask it. It's easy to praise God when everything is going great but the sign of real spiritual growth is when you can praise Him, from a merry heart, even in times of trouble, amen.


June 30, 2010
You are a stone in the temple

Ephesians 2
19 through 22

19Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
20And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
21In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
22In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.



Amen. In the figure of the church as a temple, Jesus is the chief cornerstone, the apostles and New Testament prophets are the foundation, and each Christian is a stone in the building. Let us (first) keep our individual stone clean and then... with love, patience and compassion... assist our fellow believers in keeping theirs clean as well, amen.


June 29, 2010

Judging others

Romans 2
1 through 2

1Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.
2But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.



Amen. Have you ever looked at someone, got really upset at them for what they were doing or the way they were living and judged them because of it? Of course you have and, sadly to say, in the past, so have I. The key here is to catch ourselves when we find ourselves in this judgmental state of mind. Let us always remember not to judge others, lest we be judged (Luke 6:37), amen.

 man= mankind = human being = man - woman - child





June 28, 2010

Ruling our spirits

Proverbs 25

 26 through28

26A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.
27It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.
28He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.



Amen. Here in vs. 26 falling down = A righteous believer who wavers before the wicked. That wavering affects those who have come to rely upon them. A person who indulges in excess (vs. 27) and without self control (vs.28) is an easy victim when attacked by their desires and impulses. May we humble ourselves daily that we may be as little children in the sight of God and worthy of the kingdom, amen.





June 27, 2010

Use the Word to fight temptation

Matthew 4

1 through 4

1Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. 2And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
3And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
4But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.



Amen. In this, the first temptation of three of which Satan offers Jesus the world if He will only fall down and worship him in order to thwart God's plan of eternal salvation for His creation, Jesus throws back the Word at him in order to defeat the wiles of the devil. The devil, being a fallen angel (Lucifer), knows the Word of God very well and will try as often as he can to use others to tempt the believer. This is why it is VITAL that we read the scriptures and add them to our verbal arsenal against those that might tempt us to sin, amen.




June 26, 2010

What are love and charity?

1 Corinthians 13
4 through 7

4Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
6Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.



Amen. The supremacy of love and charity above all things is what is important... for without love we can't be truly (from the heart) charitable, hopeful nor strong in times of trouble. Let us never be jealous (= envieth not) nor brag (= vaunteth) or act unbecomingly (= unseemly), rather, let us put on the Whole Armor of God that we may be a light of hope to the lost, drawing all unto the Lord which is Christ Jesus, amen and amen.






June 25, 2010

The Christian diet

1 Peter 2

1 through 6

1Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
2As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
3If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
4To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,
5Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
6Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.


Amen. A proper diet for Christian growth eliminates the items in verse 1 and has a good appetite (desire) for pure (sincere) milk as a baby does. Christ is the living stone (v.4) and corner stone (v.6). Believers (lively ones, v.5) not only make up the church, but we also serve in it as priests offering spiritual sacrifices unto God, may He find them acceptable always, amen.





June 24, 2010

Parents

Proverbs 19

26 through 29

26He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.
27Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.
28An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.
29Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.



Amen. Not to follow the (good) instruction of one's parents is bad enough, but to mistreat (wasteth = assault verbally, emotionally or physically) and drive them away is unspeakably disgraceful. The person that stops hearing the (good) instruction (v.27) of ones parents will soon go astray and sin.





June 23, 2010

Making it through the storm


Mark 4
37 through 40

37And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.

38And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
39And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
40And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?



Amen. Although they feared here during this violent storm, the disciples would later go on to stand boldly in the faith of our Lord, many, even unto death. This boldness came by continually hearing the Word of God and living by it. Have faith, for with the faith of a tiny mustard seed, you too can calm ANY storm in your life, amen.





June 22, 2010

How deep is your faith?

Luke 17

1 through 6

1Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!
2It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.
3Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
4And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.
5And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.
6And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.


Amen. If He commands us to do this to others, we can be sure that God does this for us as well. Even though we may slip time and again and come repeatedly confessing the same sin, when we ask for forgiveness from a true and contrite spirit, He will wash us clean as snow. Wow! What an an awesome God we serve.

offend = Cause to stumble or lead others into sin
sycamine tree = The roots are particularly strong, making it nearly impossible to uproot
millstone = A pair of circular stones between which grain or another substance is ground, as in a mill




June 21, 2010

The Clothing of Christ

Galatians 3

26 through 29

26For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
27For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
29And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.


Amen. In the unity of the Body of Christ, differences of race, status, and gender lose their significance. Spiritual position is the same for all, but that does not mean that distinctions cease to exist, nor that all have the same functions within the Body.

children of God = Heirs because of adoption into God's family by faith
have put on Christ = Clothing oneself with Christ, behaving Christ like in all we do
baptized into Christ = Spirit baptism which brings us into a living union with Christ




June 20, 2010

Father knows best

John 16

22 through 24

22And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.
23And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.
24Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.



Amen. Even when things may seem at their worst and you get sad... don't worry... the Lord has your best interest at heart. Call on Him right right now and ask Him to turn that sadness into joy and He will. He loves you more than you can imagine.





June 19, 2010

Are You A Fool?


1 Corinthians 4

10 through 14

10We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.
11Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;
12And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:
13Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.
14I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.



Amen. Here, with biting irony, Paul contrasts the imagined exaltation of the Corinthians with the degradation and disgrace that were the apostles daily lot. Even though we, as Christians, may sometimes be mocked, persecuted or degraded, don't ever lose faith. God is our defender and our shield and any bad done unto us will definitely be recompensed. The Lord is coming back for His bride soon so, until then yes, I will be a fool for Christ, amen.




June 18, 2010

What Do You Treasure?


Matthew 6

19 through 24

 

19Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

20But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

21For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

22The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.

23But f thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

24No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

 

 

Amen. We need to ask ourselves "What do I treasure in my heart?" Is it God? Or is it your car? House? Bank account? Job? Your mate? Husband? Wife? Your kids? We must be very careful what we put the most significance on because, if it takes precedence above God, it can become your god. We must remember to put God first and foremost above any and all people or possessions, for this is the 1st of the 10 Commandments, amen.






June 17, 2010

False Teachers and Preachers


2 John
7 through 11

7For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

 8Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.

 9Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

 10If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:

 11For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.



Amen. In these the last days before Christ's return (in the clouds, not as a world leader) many false teachers are springing up everywhere, teaching all kinds of evil and perverted doctrines (doctrines of demons) and they do it very subtly. Teachers should be tested as to whether or not they teach the true Word of Jesus Christ and, if not, they are not of God but of the devil and we should not receive them (receive him not into your house). To do so would be investing in that false teachers ministry. Those who bid such a person Godspeed actually fellowship in the work of the Antichrist.

transgresseth = sins
abideth not = does not live by
hath not God = does not have God
him = man = mankind = human being = man - woman - child
Godspeed = good fortune, success, to a person starting on a journey, a new venture, etc.





June 16, 2010


Spreading The Gospel

Romans 10

10 through 17


10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

 11For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

 12For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

 13For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

 14How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

 15And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

 16But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?

 17So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.



Amen. Though God's election of His people is of His own free choice and not based on human merit, the elect are not saved without believing the message that is preached by those that are sent. (see Isaiah 52:7)

Some people, whether by choice or not, will never open a Bible in their life, this is why God sends preachers into the world to orally profess His Word to the four corners of the earth, that all may hear (v. 17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God), confess with their mouth (v.10) and be saved (v.10 salvation), amen and amen.



June 15, 2010

Being a Spiritual Light

2 Corinthians 4
1 through 6

1Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
2But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
3But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
4In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
5For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
6For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.



Amen. Just as physical light shined at creation, so spiritual light shines in the hearts of those who become a new creation in Jesus.


the god of this world = Satan
dishonesty = shame; i.e., shameful, hidden things
we faint not = Not a physical fainting but not losing courage
handling the Word of God deceitfully = adulterating the Word of God






June 14, 2010

Proclaiming God's Grace

2 Corinthians 5
17 through 21

17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

18And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

19To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

20Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

21For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

 


Amen. The grace of God not only justifies but also makes us a new creation, which results in a new style of life. Verse 19 - reconciliation - involves a changed relationship because our trespasses are not counted against us.  The heart of the gospel is here in verse 21 as the sinless Savior took onto Himself our sins that we might have the righteousness of God. As ambassadors of Jesus Christ, we are now to announce to others this message of God's grace, amen and amen.






June 13, 2010

Adultery

Proverbs 7
2 through 5


2Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.
3Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart.
4Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman:
5That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words.


thy = your
flattereth = flatters
strange woman = harlot - prostitute - whore - adulteress

As an intimate companion, wisdom and understanding will protect the susceptible person from the adulteress and the adulterer




June 12, 2010

What Is Charity?

1 Corinthians 13
1 through 7

1Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
4Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
6Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.


Amen. Charity is from the Latin caritas and means basically "benevolence or alms-giving" while the Greek word for charity is agape which means "love." Put the 2 together and we may start to realize just how much God loves us and what Jesus did for us on the cross.





June 11, 2010

What Is Faith?
 
Hebrews 11
1 through 4

1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
2For by it the elders obtained a good report.
3Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
4By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.


Amen. Faith is described here in this great verse as the substance (assurance or reality) of things hoped for, and the evidence (proof, as in John 16:8) of things not seen. Faith gives reality and proof of things unseen, treating them as if they were already objects of sight rather than of hope, amen.

the elders = the Old Testament patriarchs and heroes
obtained a good report = received divine approval
the worlds were framed = preparation of all that the successive periods of time would contain



June 10, 2010

God verses god's

Psalm 97

1The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.

 2Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.

 3A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about.

 4His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled.

 5The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.

 6The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory.

 7Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods.

 8Zion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O LORD.

 9For thou, LORD, art high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods.

 10Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.

 11Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.

 12Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.



Amen. This hymn of God's kingship opens with a call for all the earth to rejoice at the establishment of the kingdom of the Lord (v. 1), whose presence is described in theophany-like language (vv. 2-6); then it describes the effect of His kingdom in relation to the wicked (v. 7) and the righteous (vv. 8-9), reminds us of the 1st and 2nd of the 10 Commandments (v. 9) and concludes with an exhortation to hate evil and praise the Lord (vv. 10-12), amen and amen.

gods = man made - false god's (lower case g)
God = The only true God, maker of heaven and earth and all things therein (upper case G)
theophany = a manifestation or appearance of God



June 9, 2010

Let the Spirit Guide You

John 16
7 through 15

7Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
8And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
9Of sin, because they believe not on me;
10Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
11Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
12I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
13Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
14He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
15All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.



Amen. The Spirit, through apostles, evangelists, and preachers, will reprove the world. Here, reprove means to set forth the truth of the gospel in such a clear light that people are able to accept (God willing) or reject (God forbid) it intelligently. The Holy Spirit will help to break down the indifference of the typical pagan who has no conviction of sin, who holds a low regard for righteousness, and who pays no heed to warnings of the coming judgment.





June 8, 2010

Getting Along in the World

Titus 3

1 through 8


1Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
2To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
3For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
4But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.



Amen. When Peter wrote this, Nero had become an evil ruler. In verse 1, be subject means to submit oneself. The same Greek word is used in Romans 13:1 and 1 Peter 2:13. Also, principalities and powers usually refer to angels (good angels as in Ephesians 3:10 or evil angels as in Ephesians 6:12), but here the reference is to human, governmental rulers. Though we, as Christians, are a "special" people elected by God, redeemed from the world and no longer dependent upon it, we are not above the necessity of getting along with the civil authorities who govern us.

no brawlers = no quarreling, arguing, fighting
men = mankind = fellow human being = man - woman - child




June 7, 2010

The Last Days

2 Timothy 3

1 through 9


1This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

 2For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

 3Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

 4Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

 5Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

 6For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,

 7Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

 8Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

 9But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as their's also was.




Amen. Here "in the last days" is the entire periodbetween the writing of this letter to the Lord's return. As His return draws near, these characteristics will intensify (see 1 Timothy 4:1-5). The description that follows (vv. 2-9) is of mass corruption, of a breakdown of law and tradition.

Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof means having the outer semblance of it without its spiritual dynamic

These silly women, apparently because of sin, are easily changeable of mind, prone to accepting new ideas, and swayed by impulses

heady = headstrong - reckless
Jannes and Jambres (see Exodus 7:11)
fierce = the Greek word is really a noun meaning "untamed beasts"





June 6, 2010

The Key to Peace of Mind

Philippians 4
4 through 9

4Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

5Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
9Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.



Amen. Just as in Matthew 6:25, we are reminded to put our full faith and trust in the Lord, worrying about nothing (Be careful for nothing), for He is our Father and He will always provide. Just have faith and believe then He will keep (guard) your feelings and thoughts, amen.

lovely = winsome
honest = worthy of respect





June 5, 2010




Be a Light in the Dark


Luke 21
32 through 36

32Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled. 33Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
34And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.
35For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
36Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.


Amen. Yes, we are the last generation before the return of Christ Jesus (in the air, not as a political or world leader, President, etc.) to earth. We are to be a light in this world of darkness. We are to share the good news with all who have an ear to hear.

surfeiting = dissipation or excess





June 4, 2010

False Teachers

2 Peter 2

1 through 3

1But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

2And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.


Amen. Though it may seem that God has delays in judging these false teachers, that judgment will surely come in God's own time, for God does not sleep  (slumbereth not).

privily = secretly
feigned words = false words
make merchandise of you = exploit you
denying the Lord that bought them = Jesus died on the cross for all mankind
pernicious way = licentiousness (sexually unrestrained; lascivious; libertine; lewd)




June 3, 2010

Seek the Heart of God

Isaiah 1
16 through 20

16Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;
17Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.
18Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
19If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: 20But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.


Amen. Let us put away any and all things that cause us to do evil in the sight of God. Let us wash our hands of any unrighteousness and, instead, seek the heart of the Lord with all of our mind, heart, spirit, strength and soul and, in every breath, let us praise the Lord, amen.





June 2, 2010

Focus on the Prize

2 Thessalonians 3
1 through 5

1Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:
2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.
4 And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.
5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.




Amen. Let us be patient while waiting for Christ, staying ever focused on the prize, which is eternal life with the Lord. Let us be in the world but not of the world and let us be in the Word and of the Word, amen.

men = mankind = human being = man - woman - child
"unreasonable and wicked men = perverse and evil men: those "who disbelieve the truth."





June 1, 2010

The Qualities Of A True Believer

Psalm 15


1Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?

 2He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.

 3He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.

 4In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.

 5He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.




Amen. Here King David describes the character of the person who qualifies to be a guest of God in His temple. The synonymous, parallel questions of verse 1 are answered in the following verses by an eleven fold description of the righteous person who is upright in deed, word, attitude, and finances. These qualities, not natural to us due to the fall of Adam and Eve and our, thenceforth, being born into sin, are imparted to us by God through our acceptance of Jesus Christ.

doeth = does
putteth = puts
taketh = takes
walketh = walks
speaketh = speaks
backbiteth = slanders
contemned = despised
worketh = works - does
changeth not = does not change
neighbour = fellow human being = man - woman - child
sweareth to his own hurt = one that keeps their word, even at the risk of being hurt




May 31, 2010

The Anti-christ

2 Thessalonians 2
3 through 10


3Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

 4Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

 5Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?

 6And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.

 7For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

 8And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

 9Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

 10And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.





Amen. The Anti-Christ is now being held by a restrainer. Some understand this to be God indwelling the church by the Holy Spirit, while others see human government as the restraint. According to the former view, the removal will be at the rapture of the church (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) but, according to the latter, at the overthrow of human government by the Ant-Christ himself. By looking around at the world in which we live today, the wicked being praised and the godly being thought of as "fanatics", it is all too clear that the Anti-Christ can not be that far away from being revealed on the world stage and, when that happens, I pray you are prepared, amen.





May 30, 2010

Today Let Us Choose Our Own Eternal Destiny

Philippians 3

15 through 21

15Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

 16Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

 17Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

 18(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:

 19Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)

 20For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

 21Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.




Amen. The apostle Paul assures us here "if in any thing ye be otherwise minded" (If you don't agree) that God will give you light on the subject. The destiny of the wicked is destruction, not annihilation but ruin int the lake of fire forever.

perfect = mature
 vile body = body of humiliation
enemies of the cross = evil living - those that reject Jesus





May 29, 2010

Who are the children of God?

1 John 3

1 through 8

 1Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

 2Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

 3And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

 4Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

 5And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

 6Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.

 7Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

 8He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.





Amen. After sons of God should be inserted the words "and we are" and sons = children, born ones of God = (the children of God), as in John 1:12. We can even now know Him as a child knows its father, the future relationship no words can describe. Verse 2 "like him" includes both physical changes of the resurrection body and spiritual changes of purity (v.3), no sin (v.5) and righteousness (v.7), amen.





May 28, 2010

What is Salvation?

Titus 3

2 through 8

2To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.

 3For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.

 4But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

 5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

 6Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

 7That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

 8This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.





Amen. Salvation is God's gracious work, not a reward for our good and worthwhile acts. Personal salvation is not achieved by good deeds but through the cleansing of the new birth when we accept Jesus Christ into our hearts as our Lord and Savior, amen.




May 27, 2010
The Body Of Christ

Ephesians 2

11 through 22

11Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;

 12That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

 13But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

 14For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

 15Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

 16And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

 17And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

 18For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

 19Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

 20And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

 21In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

 22In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.




Amen. Paul now expands on the concept of the body of Christ. Christ brings us near, He gives us peace, He gives us access, and He gives us a new family. In the figure of the church as a temple, Christ is the chief corner stone, the apostles and the New Testament prophets are the foundation, and each Christian is a stone in the building, amen.






May 26, 2010

Is Your House in Order?

Proverbs 12

1 through 7

1Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.

 2A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

 3A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.

 4A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

 5The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.

 6The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.

 7The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.




Amen. We should live our lives with love, kindness, mercy, charity, faith and righteousness... using every opportunity to share the gospel with all who will hear... keeping our "house" in order at all times that it, too, may forever stand, amen.




May 25, 2010

The Truly Spiritual Christian

1 Corinthians 2

9 through 16

9But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

 10But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

 11For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

 12Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

 13Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

 14But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

 15But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

 16For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.




Amen. The mature Cristian (that is spiritual), who is led and taught by the Spirit ( judgeth all things) ; i.e.  can scrutinize, sift, and thereby understand all things; but unbelievers and even carnally-minded Christians cannot judge (understand) that Christian. Where are you as a "Christian"?





May 24, 2010

What is the Christian Guide Book?

James 1

19 through 27

19Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

 20For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

 21Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

 22But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

 23For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:

 24For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

 25But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

 26If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

 27Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.




Amen. The Bible (the perfect law of liberty) itself is the means of regeneration, the vehicle for Christian growth, a mirror reflecting our defects, the ethical guide for Christian living, and the standard for judgment. The Bible (the Word) is our "guide book", if you will, of how we are to live, amen.



May 23, 2010

How Many Are the Ways to Heaven?

1 Timothy 2
1 through 8

1I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

 2For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

 3For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

 4Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

 5For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

 6Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

 7Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.

 8I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.




Amen. "Who will have" is an expression of God's wish, not His decree, that all would accept His Son, since not all will be saved, because they refuse to believe. All other mediators are ruled out "one mediator between God and men" in bringing God and mankind together. Jesus mediates through His death on the cross. Though we sin (since the fall of Adam and Eve, all are born into sin and are worthy of death - Genesis 1), Jesus gave himself as a ransom (= literally "a substitute payment") for our sins that we may be reconciled to the Father and have eternal life in heaven. Thus, one God and one way to heaven, and that one way is Jesus Christ of Nazareth, amen.



May 22, 2010

Let Everything That Has breath Praise the Lord



1Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.

 2Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.

 3Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.

 4Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.

 5Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.

 6Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.





Amen. In the last of the psalms, this final doxology, the psalmist calls for praise in God's sanctuary, because of His deeds and His greatness, with all kinds of musical instruments, and by everything that has breath. It's easy to praise God when all is well... can you praise Him in the storm? Of course you can... lift up your hands and your voice and praise Him now and may He bless you and keep you and make His face to shine upon you, in Jesus name, amen and amen.



May 21, 2010

The Faith-righteousness Principle

Romans 4

1 through 8

1What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?

 2For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.

 3For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

 4Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.

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

 6Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,

 7Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

 8Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.




Amen. Paul's point in this chapter is that the faith-righteousness principle is not new, and he uses Abraham as proof. Abraham was justified by faith, not by works (Genesis 15:6). Wages have nothing to do with grace (unmerited favor) but with what is due. Like Abraham, King David also knew the righteousness of God apart from any works (Psalm 32:1-2), amen.



May 20, 2010

Have you Chosen Your Destiny Yet?

Romans 1

18 through 32

18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

 19Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

 20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

 21Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

 22Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

 23And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

 24Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:

 25Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

 26For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:

 27And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

 28And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

 29Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

 30Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

 31Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

 32Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.




Amen. From 1:8 to 3:20 is God's indictment of the sinning world, showing why mankind needs the righteousness of the Lord. Mankind is condemned because the truth of Jesus is given though some, even knowing He is Lord, choose sin over eternal salvation, and they do so willingly, knowing that their final destiny is eternal damnation. The Good News is, we have a choice about where we will spend eternity. I don't know about you... but I choose eternal life with Jesus Christ and our heavenly Father, amen and amen.





May 19, 2010

Be Not Unequally Yoked

2 Corinthians 6
14 through 18

14Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

 15And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

 16And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

 17Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.

 18And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.




Amen. Primarily "
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers" relates to the separation from the false teachers troubling the church, though it can also apply to other alliances such as marriage and business. Personal separation means:

1. Not loving the "
unclean thing", which is what we know as anything evil
2. Not loving the world (1 john 2:15-17) but using it (1 Corinthians 7:31)
3. Not having fellowship with sinning brothers or sisters in the church (1 Corinthians 5:11)
4. Exhibiting Christlikeness (see note on Acts 15:39)

ye = you
Belial = Satan
believeth = believes
infidel = one that does knot believe in God





May 18, 2010

Are you in God's Family?

Romans 8

12 through 17

12Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.

 13For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

 14For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

 15For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

 16The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

 17And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.




Amen. As we accept Jesus as Lord an "adoption" occurs and that adoption is the act of God placing us in His family for all eternity. We are first born into the family as a child who needs to grow and develop. Our position is one of full privilege and our practice should involve full growth in grace and love, amen.

ye = you
beareth = bears
Abba = Aramaic for Father



May 17, 2010

How to Please God

Hebrews 11
7 through 12


7By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

 8By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

 9By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

 10For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

 11Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.

 12Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.





Amen.  To please God, one must believe that the true God (not a god = lower case meaning a man made god), exists and that He rewards the faithful. God in Hebrew is Hashem (= The Name). This was God's secondary name given to the Hebrews in place of His holiest name, J-hovah, which is so holy as to never be voiced by mankind since we now are born into sin due to Adam and Eve eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:17), amen.




May 16, 2010

Faith and Praise in Times of Trouble

Psalm 108
1 through 6

1O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory.

 2Awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.

 3I will praise thee, O LORD, among the people: and I will sing praises unto thee among the nations.

 4For thy mercy is great above the heavens: and thy truth reacheth unto the clouds.

 5Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: and thy glory above all the earth;

 6That thy beloved may be delivered: save with thy right hand, and answer me.




Amen. King David vows to praise God (vv. 1-5), and voices his petition to the Lord for deliverance. Since childhood and his constant and unjust persecution by King Saul, King David never ceased to praise the Lord nor did his faith ever waiver, even when faced what seemed like imminent death. Let us take note of King David's never ending praise and faith in God and apply it to our own lives, amen.




May 15, 2010

What Is Your Choice For Eternity?

Romans 1

18 through 32

18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

 19Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

 20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

 21Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

 22Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

 23And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

 24Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:

 25Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

 26For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:

 27And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

 28And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

 29Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

 30Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

 31Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

 32Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.




Amen. From 1:8 to 3:20 is God's indictment of the sinning world, showing why mankind needs the righteousness of the Lord. Mankind is condemned because the truth of Jesus is given though some, even knowing He is Lord, choose sin over eternal salvation, and they do so willingly, knowing that their final destiny is eternal damnation. The Good News is, we have a choice about where we will spend eternity. I don't know about you... but I choose eternal life with Jesus Christ and our heavenly Father, amen and amen.




May 14, 2010

The Sloth
(The Lazy Person)

Proverbs 6
6 through 11


6Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:

 7Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,

 8Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.

 9How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?

 10Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:

 11So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.




Amen. The wise teacher rebukes the slothful (lazy) person, who characteristically does not begin things (6:9), does not complete things (Proverbs 12:27), and makes excuses for their laziness (Proverbs 22:13). Go to the ant = Consider the ant. The ant is mentioned only here and in 30:25 in the Bible. It has no physically present leader, yet it works with initiative, diligence, and foresight (in contrast to the sluggard, amen.)




May 13, 2010

Sanctification in the Last Days
(latter times)

1 Timothy 4
1 through 5

1Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

 2Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

 3Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

 4For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:

 5For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.





Amen. Both marriage and food are gifts from God to be gratefully used and setting things apart (the meaning of sanctify) by the word and prayer guards the believer from misusing even good things, amen.

speaketh = speaks





May 12, 2010

Eternal Security

John 6
37 through 40

37All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

 38For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

 39And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.

 40And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

 


Amen. This verse (37) combines God's sovereignty, mankind's responsibility to come, and eternal security for those who do His will. It is the Father's will to preserve those who come to Christ, amen.

hath = has
seeth = sees
giveth = gives
cometh = comes
believeth on = believes in - accepts Him





May 11, 2010

Faith and Deliverance

James 5
13 through 18

13Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.

 14Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:

 15And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

 16Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

 17Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.

 18And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.





Amen. No matter what sickness may attack you, call upon the Lord, maker of heaven and earth. Call on Him with genuine faith and without doubt and He will heal you. I say this with 100% faith and assurance as I speak from personal experience, amen.

Elias = Elijah, the Old Testament prophet (see 1 Kings 17)
him = man = mankind = human being = man - woman - child



May 10, 2010

Praying in the Will of God

James 5
13 through 18

13Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.

 14Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:

 15And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

 16Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

 17Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.

 18And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.




Amen. God may heal directly, through medicine, or in answer to prayer, as here. The oil is a symbol of the presence of God (cf. Psalm 23:5); though hardly being effective for all diseases. Prayers of faith are answered not simply because they are prayed in faith but only if they are prayed in the will of God, amen.



May 9, 2010

God's Mercy to All

Romans 15

8 through 13

8Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:

 9And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.

 10And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.

 11And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.

 12And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.

 13Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.





Amen. Jesus ministered to his fellow-Jews (a minister of the circumcision) to confirm the promises made to Israel and to Gentiles who, although without covenants, received the mercy of God, amen.

ye = you
Esaias = Isaiah
a root of Jesse = Jesus Christ the Messiah (Isaiah 11: 1-10)





May 8, 2010

The Wicked Fool

Proverbs 18
1 through 8

1Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.

 2A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.

 3When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.

 4The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.

 5It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

 6A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.

 7A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.

 8The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.




Amen. The fool has no desire to learn, but desires only to air their personal opinions. Contempt, dishonor, and reproach are the three companions of wickedness.

calleth = calls
overthrow = turn aside
cometh = comes - shows up
accept the person of = show partiality to
man = mankind = human being = man - woman - child





May 7, 2010

The Fruit Of The Spirit

Galatians 5
22 through 26

22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

 23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

 24And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

 25If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

 26Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.




Amen. Notice that the fruit of the Spirit is singular, indicating a crop of nine qualities produced by the Spirit in those who walk in dependence on Him. Since they also depict our Lord, it should be obvious that He should be seen in our everyday lives, amen.

Meekness = gentleness
longsuffering = patience
faith = faithfulness - trustworthiness
temperance = Here it means " self-control "





May 6, 2010

Everything you Need

Psalm 119
1 through 8

1Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.

 2Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.

 3They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.

 4Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.

 5O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!

 6Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.

 7I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.

 8I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.





Amen. This wisdom psalm (the longest psalm in the Bible) concerning the law of the Lord is an alphabetic acrostic in which each stanza of eight verses is devoted to successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet, each verse of a particular stanza beginning with the same letter. The psalm contains the thought that the Word of God contains everything we need, amen.





May 5, 2010

The Sole Foundation

Ephesians 2

18 through 22

18For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

 19Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

 20And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

 21In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

 22In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.




Amen. In the figure of the church as a temple, Christ is the chief corner stone, the apostles and the New Testament prophets are the foundation, and each Christian is a stone in the building (1 Peter 2: 4-8). In 1 Corinthians 3:11 the apostle Paul speaks of Christ as the sole foundation, amen.

ye = you
groweth = grows
Spirit = the Holy Spirit of God



May 4, 2010


What is Your Gift(s)?

1 Corinthians 12

8 through 11


 8For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

 9To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

10To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

11But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.




Amen. All of us are given at least one gift from the Spirit (the Holy Spirit) while others are given many. It is vital that we spend our lives finding out what our gift or gifts are and then using it / them to draw all people that we come in contact with unto the Father that they, too, might have eternal life through Christ Jesus, amen and amen.





May 3, 2010

Praise Him in the Storm

Psalm 57

5 through 11

5Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth.

 6They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen themselves. Selah.

 7My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.

 8Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.

 9I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations.

 10For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.

 11Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth.




Amen. Fleeing King Saul, David voices praise and prayer for deliverance. We should take note that, although he was constantly and unjustly pursued by King Saul that he might capture and kill him, David never wavered in his faith in the Lord. Selah was a brief, musical pause in the psalm for contemplation of what was just sung (said).

thou = you
thee = you





May 2, 2010

Life or Death?

Open to

2 Corinthians 2

14 through 17

14Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

 15For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:

 16To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?

 17For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.




Amen. What the apostle Paul is saying here is that, similar to the incense burned in a Roman parade, the believer's service in spreading the gospel is a sweet fragrance to the Lord. The same gospel brings life to the believer and death to the rejector.  

causeth = causes
savour = fragrance
by us = through us



May 1, 2010

The Spreading of the Gospel

2 Corinthians 2

14 through 17

14Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

 15For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:

 16To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?

 17For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.




Amen. What the apostle Paul is saying here is that, similar to the incense burned in a Roman parade, the believer's service in spreading the gospel is a sweet fragrance to the Lord. The same gospel brings life to the believer and death to the rejector.  

causeth = causes
savour = fragrance
by us = through us



April 30, 2010

Wisdom and Folly Contrasted
The qualities of wisdom

Proverbs 8
1 through 21

1Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?

 2She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths.

 3She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.

 4Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.

 5O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.

 6Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.

 7For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

 8All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.

 9They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.

 10Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.

 11For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.

 12I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.

 13The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

 14Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.

 15By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.

 16By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.

 17I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.

 18Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.

 19My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.

 20I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:

 21That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.



judgment = justice
lead in the way = walk
revenue = produce - yield
seek me early = seek me diligently
froward = twisted = morally perverse
witty inventions = prudence - shrewdness




April 29, 2010

What is Humility?

John 13
3 through 11

3Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;

 4He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.

 5After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

 6Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?

 7Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.

 8Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.

 9Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.

 10Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.

 11For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.




Amen. This dramatic scene of the foot-washing is an acted out parable, a lesson in humility, and a vivid portrayal of Christ's self-humiliation. Normally a servant performed this lowly task, further highlighting Christ's coming to serve mankind (see Mark 10:45), amen.

Ye are not all clean = Judas, who would betray Jesus to the Romans





April 28, 2010

The Love Of Christ

2 Corinthians 5

17 through 21

17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

 18And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

 19To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

 20Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

 21For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.



If you do not know Jesus, you can right here and now...


If you accept Jesus today, let me know right HERE so I can celebrate you new Birthday with you.





April 27, 2010

Defenses Against Dangers

1  Timothy 4
6 through 16

6If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.

 7But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

 8For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

 9This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.

 10For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

 11These things command and teach.

 12Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

 13Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

 14Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

 15Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.

 16Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.




Amen. Though staying in shape is important to staying healthy, the benefits of bodily training  are limited and transient when contrasted to the extensive and permanent benefits of godliness. Jesus is the Saviour of all men (men = mankind = human being = man - woman - child) in that He paid the ransom for all (2:6), though only those that believe are born again, amen.




April 26, 2010
Consolation to the Believer

2 Thessalonians 2
13 through 17

13But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

 14Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 15Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

 16Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,

 17Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.




Amen. Here "through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth" means God's activity (the Holy Spirit's work of regeneration) and our responsibility (faith) are equally necessary in salvation, amen.




April 25, 2010

Sing Unto The Lord A New Song

Psalm 98

1O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.

 2The LORD hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen.

 3He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

 4Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.

 5Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm.

 6With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King.

 7Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

 8Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together

 9Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.




Amen. This psalm encourages us to praise God as our Deliverer (vv. 1-3), as King (vv. 4-6), and as Ruler (vv. 7-9), amen and amen.




April 24, 2010
The Exercise of Humility

Philippians 2
12 through 18

12Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

 13For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

 14Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

 15That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

 16Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

 17Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.

 18For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.





Amen. As believers, we must learn to stand on our own feet, with a sense of human frailty but knowing that God is behind us (v. 13). We can live in a corrupt human society yet still reflect the light that comes from our heavenly source while constantly proclaiming the gospel of the new life (v. 16) which is in Christ Jesus, amen.





April 23, 2010
Chosen and Sealed

Ephesians 1
3 through 12

3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

 4According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

 5Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

 6To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

 7In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

 8Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

 9Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

 10That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

 11In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

 12That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.





Amen.  Here "hath chosen us = elected us" - God's choice of some individuals who would believe occurred before creation and was for the purpose of those believers being holy.  Having predestinated us - God has determined beforehand that those who believe in Christ will be adopted into His family and conformed to his Son, amen.





April 22, 2010
Let Everything That Has breath Praise the Lord



1Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.

 2Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.

 3Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.

 4Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.

 5Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.

 6Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.





Amen. In the last of the psalms, this final doxology, the psalmist calls for praise in God's sanctuary, because of His deeds and His greatness, with all kinds of musical instruments, and by everything that has breath. It's easy to praise God when all is well... can you praise Him in the storm? Of course you can... lift up your hands and your voice and praise Him now and may He bless you and keep you and make His face to shine upon you, in Jesus name, amen and amen.




April 21, 2010

Characteristics of Fellowship In Relation to Our Prospect:

Purity

1 John 3
1 through 3

1Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

 2Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

 3And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.




Amen. After sons of God should be inserted "and we are." (sons = children, born ones of God, as in John 1:12) We can, even now, know Him as a child know its Father; the future relationship no words can describe, amen.

man = fellow human being = man - woman - child





April 20, 2010

Exhortations to Believers

Jude

17But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;

 18How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.

 19These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.

 20But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

 21Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

 22And of some have compassion, making a difference:

 23And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

 24Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

 25To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.





Amen. To keep oneself in the love of God (a command) is done by building (on the truth of God), praying (while guided by the Spirit of God), and looking (with an eternal perspective). All three are participles in the Greek.





April 19, 2010

The Old and the New

Ephesians 4
17 through 24

17This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

 18Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:

 19Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

 20But ye have not so learned Christ;

 21If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:

 22That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

 23And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

 24And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.





Amen. The old is what we were before we were saved, and the new is the new life we have in Christ (see 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 2:20), amen.

ye = you
Gentiles = non believers
man = human = human being = man - woman - child




April 18, 2010

The Grace, Love, and Forgiveness of God

1 Timothy 1
12 through 17

12And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;

 13Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

 14And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

 15This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

 16Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

 17Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.





Amen. The apostle Paul's gratitude was heightened by remembering the kind of person he was prior to experiencing the awesome grace, love, and forgiveness that Jesus showered upon him. I can relate as I was a terrible sinner and, even though I still may slip sometimes, I call upon the Lord and His grace, love, and forgiveness sustains me. Can you relate?




April 17, 2010

Proverbs 8
22 through 31

22The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.

 23I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.

 24When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.

 25Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:

 26While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.

 27When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:

 28When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:

 29When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:

 30Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;

 31Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.





Amen. This section has often been interpreted Christologically as presenting a picture of Christ. Christ is the revelation of God's wisdom (see 1 Corinthians 1:24). The passage shows that wisdom is older than creation and is fundamental to it (v. 23), that it assisted in creation as a master workman (v. 30), and that it rejoiced in creation (vv. 30-31), amen and amen.

 the sons of men = human beings = man - woman - child




April 16, 2010
False Teachers and Ant-Christ's

2 John 1
7 through 11

7For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

 8Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.

 9Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

 10If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:

 11For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.





Amen. All teachers should be scrutinized (yes, myself included) as to whether or not they are teaching the proper teachings of the Word of God and of His precious gift to us, Jesus Christ of Nazareth, amen and amen.





April 15, 2010

Romans 1
18 through 32

18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

 19Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

 20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

 21Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

 22Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

 23And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

24Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:

 25Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

 26For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:

 27And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

 28And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

 29Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

 30Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

 31Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

 32Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.




Amen. From verse 18 through 20 is God's indictment of the world, showing why man needs the righteousness of the Lord. Mankind is condemned because truth was given to him (vv. 19-20) and because he by his actions rejected it (vv. 21-32).




April 14, 2010

Ephesians 2
1 through 10

1And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

 2Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

 3Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

 4But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

 5Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

 6And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

 7That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

 8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

 9Not of works, lest any man should boast.

 10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.






Amen. We are separated from God (dead) because of sin. This is spiritual death. If we continue in this state, by continuing to reject Christ, spiritual death becomes the second death, which is eternal separation from God. I can not imagine the utter loneliness one would feel being eternally separated from the heavenly creator of all things, God forbid. Thank the Lord that we are saved by grace through faith and acceptance of Christ Jesus as our Lord and Savior, amen.




April 13, 2010

1 Timothy 2
1 through 8

1I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

 2For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

 3For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

 4Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

 5For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

 6Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

 7Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.

 8I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.




Amen. All other mediators are ruled out in bringing God and mankind together; Jesus mediates through His death on the cross, amen and amen.

a ransom = literally "a substitute payment"
men = man = mankind = human being = man - woman - child



April 12, 2010

1 Thessalonians 5
12 through 24

12And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

 13And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

 14Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

 15See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

 16Rejoice evermore.

 17Pray without ceasing.

 18In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

 19Quench not the Spirit.

 20Despise not prophesyings.

 21Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

 22Abstain from all appearance of evil.

 23And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 24Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.





Amen. Church leaders should labour (labor), preside (= over you), and admonish those in their charge. Church members should know (appreciate), esteem, and live in peace, and not be unruly (= idle - those who give up working because they expect the Lord's return soon), amen.

feebleminded = fainthearted
brethren = fellow human being = man woman - child
men = mankind = human being = man - woman - child




April 11, 2010
A New Creature in Christ


2 Corinthians 5
17 through 21

17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

 18And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

 19To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

 20Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

 21For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.




Amen. Here "a new creature" literally means a new creation and old things are passed away (aorist tense indicating the decisive change salvation brings); behold, "all things are become new" literally means the new has come (perfect tense indicating abiding results of the new life in Christ.) The grace of God not only justifies but makes a new creation, which results in a changed style of life, amen.

any man = any human being = man - woman - child



April 10, 2010
Salvation Means Jesus

Psalm 116
1 through 13

1I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.

 2Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.

 3The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.

 4Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.

 5Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.

 6The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.

 7Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.

 8For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.

 9I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.

 10I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted:

 11I said in my haste, All men are liars.

 12What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?

 13I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.





Amen. No matter what you are going through or how bad things may seem, call upon the Lord, for He will hear your prayer and rescue you in your darkest hour. All honor, power, glory and might be unto you Lord Jesus Christ our Salvation, forever and ever, amen and amen.

salvation = Jesus ( ancient Aramaic = Yeshua = Jesus )



April 9, 2010

2 Corinthians 3
1 through 3

1Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?

 2Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:

 3Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.





Amen. The work of the spirit in the changed lives of the Corinthians was sufficient recommendation of the apostle Paul's ministry. May we strive, daily, to live as Christ lived, sharing love, grace, peace, and forgiveness with all people we come into contact with, amen.

men = mankind = human being = man - woman - child





April 8, 2010

Ephesians 4
17 through 24

17This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

 18Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:

 19Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

 20But ye have not so learned Christ;

 21If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:

 22That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

 23And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

 24And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.




Amen. Here begins a long passage (ending at 6:9) in which the apostle Paul draws the logical conclusions, in terms of life and morals, that follows in membership in Christ's body, amen.

 being past feeling = become callous
the new man = the new life we have in Christ
the old man  = what we were before accepting Jesus
man = mankind = fellow human being = man - woman - child




April 7, 2010

Hebrews 13
1 through 6

1Let brotherly love continue.

 2Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

 3Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.

 4Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

 5Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

 6So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.




Amen. We should treat everyone we meet with brotherly love (brother = fellow human being = man - woman - child), and let our conversation (what we say and do and the way in which we live) always be reflective of what is inside us, which is to say, the Holy Spirit of God, that we may draw all unto the light and Salvation which is Christ Jesus, amen.

conversation = way of life
Marriage is honourable = Let marriage be honorable



April 6, 2010

Acts 1
6 through 11


6When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?

 7And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

 8But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

 9And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

 10And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;

 11Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.




Amen. When Jesus returns it will be in the same manner as when he left... in the clouds, not as a one world leader (the one world leader will be the Anti-Christ who, after 3 1/2 years of peace and prosperity on earth, will claim to be God... be not deceived), amen.



April 5, 2010
Christ's Appearances and Ascension

Mark 16
9 through 20


9Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.

 10And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.

 11And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.

 12After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country.

 13And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them.

 14Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.

 15And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

 16He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

 17And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

 18They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

 19So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.

 20And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.






April 4, 2010
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ

John 20
10 through 18

10Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.

 11But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,

 12And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.

 13And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my LORD, and I know not where they have laid him.

 14And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

 15Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.

 16Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.

 17Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

 18Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the LORD, and that he had spoken these things unto her.





April 3, 2010
The Burial of Jesus

Mark 15
42 through 47

42And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,

 43Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.

 44And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.

 45And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.

 46And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre.

 47And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid.





Amen. Though our Lord's physical body was then in the sepulchre (a grave hewn out of a rock mountain side), his Holy Spirit was in hell, battling the devil, snatching the keys of hell and of death from him (see Revelation 1:18), defeating him, and returning victorious in the flesh the following Sunday in His resurrected body, amen.




April 2, 2010
The Crucifixion of Jesus

Matthew 27
45 through 60

45Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.

 46And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

 47Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias.

 48And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink.

 49The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him.

 50Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.

 51And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;

 52And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,

 53And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.

 54Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.

 55And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:

 56Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedees children.

 57When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple:

 58He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.

 59And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,

 60And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.

61And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.

 62Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,

 63Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.

 64Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.

 65Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can.

 66So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.





April 1, 2010

1 John 3
19 through 24

19And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.

 20For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.

 21Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.

 22And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

 23And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

 24And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.





Amen. God is greater than our heart. We may be either too strict or too lenient in examining our lives; therefore, John's word of comfort is, God the all knowing is also the all loving. We are to believe all that Christ is, for salvation and answered prayer. Loving one another keeps prayer from being self-centered, amen.



March 31, 2010

Philippians 3
15 through 21

15Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

 16Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

 17Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

 18(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:

 19Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)

 20For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

 21Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.




Amen. The apostle Paul assures us here "if in any thing ye be otherwise minded" (If you don't agree) that God will give you light on the subject. The destiny of the wicked is destruction, not annihilation but ruin int the lake of fire forever.

perfect = mature
 vile body = body of humiliation
enemies of the cross = evil living - those that reject Jesus



March 30, 2010

1 John 3
1 through 8

 1Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

 2Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

 3And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

 4Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

 5And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

 6Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.

 7Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

 8He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.





Amen. After sons of God should be inserted the words "and we are" and sons = children, born ones of God, as in John 1:12. We can even now know Him as a child knows its father, the future relationship no words can describe. Verse 2 "like him" includes both physical changes of the resurrection body and spiritual changes of purity (v.3), no sin (v.5) and righteousness (v.7), amen.



March 29, 2010
Titus 3
2 through 8

2To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.

 3For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.

 4But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

 5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

 6Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

 7That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

 8This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.





Amen. Salvation is God's gracious work, not a reward for our good and worthwhile acts. Personal salvation is not achieved by good deeds but through the cleansing of the new birth when we accept Jesus Christ into our hearts as our Lord and Savior, amen.




March 28, 2010
Ephesians 2
11 through 22

11Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;

 12That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

 13But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

 14For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

 15Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

 16And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

 17And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

 18For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

 19Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

 20And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

 21In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

 22In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.




Amen. Paul now expands on the concept of the body of Christ. Christ brings us near, He gives us peace, He gives us access, and He gives us a new family. In the figure of the church as a temple, Christ is the chief corner stone, the apostles and the New Testament prophets are the foundation, and each Christian is a stone in the building, amen.





March 27, 2010

Proverbs 12
1 through 7

1Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.

 2A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

 3A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.

 4A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

 5The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.

 6The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.

 7The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.




Amen. We should live our lives with love, kindness, mercy, charity, faith and righteousness... using every opportunity to share the gospel with all who will hear... keeping our "house" in order at all times that it, too, may forever stand, amen.



March 26, 2010
1 Corinthians 2
9 through 16

9But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

 10But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

 11For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

 12Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

 13Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

 14But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

 15But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

 16For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.




Amen. The mature Cristian (he that is spiritual), who is led and taught by the Spirit, judgeth all things; i.e. he can scrutinize, sift, and thereby understand all things; but unbelievers and even carnally-minded Christians cannot judge (understand) him, amen.





March 25, 2010
James 1
19 through 27

19Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

 20For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

 21Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

 22But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

 23For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:

 24For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

 25But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

 26If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

 27Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.




Amen. The Bible (the perfect law of liberty) itself is the means of regeneration, the vehicle for Christian growth, a mirror reflecting our defects, the ethical guide for Christian living, and the standard for judgment. The Bible (the Word) is our "guide book", if you will, of how we are to live, amen.



March 24, 2010

1 Timothy 2
1 through 8

1I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

 2For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

 3For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

 4Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

 5For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

 6Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

 7Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.

 8I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.




Amen. "Who will have" is an expression of God's wish, not His decree, that all would accept His Son, since not all will be saved, because they refuse to believe. All other mediators are ruled out "one mediator between God and men" in bringing God and mankind together. Jesus mediates through His death on the cross. Though we sin (since the fall of Adam and Eve, all are born into sin and are worthy of death - Genesis 1), Jesus gave himself as a ransom (= literally "a substitute payment") for our sins that we may be reconciled to the Father and have eternal life in heaven. Thus, one God and one way to heaven, and that one way is Jesus Christ of Nazareth, amen.



March 23, 2010

2 Thessalonians 3
1 through 5

1Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:

 2And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.

 3But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

 4And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.

 5And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.



Amen. Here "the patient waiting for Christ" refers to our expectation of Christ's second coming (in the air, not as a world, political or religious figure or leader... that person will be the Anti-Christ) and that the endurance or steadfastness of Christ during His life on earth should be our example, amen.



March 22, 2010

Romans 4
1 through 8

1What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?

 2For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.

 3For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

 4Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.

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

 6Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,

 7Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

 8Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.




Amen. Paul's point in this chapter is that the faith-righteousness principle is not new, and he uses Abraham as proof. Abraham was justified by faith, not by works (Genesis 15:6). Wages have nothing to do with grace (unmerited favor) but with what is due. Like Abraham, King David also knew the righteousness of God apart from any works (Psalm 32:1-2), amen.




March 21, 2010

Philippians 3
1 through 3

1Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.

 2Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.

 3For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.




Amen. Paul here becomes polemical. He labels the Judaizers (who taught that circumcision was necessary for salvation) dogs (a term they used to call Gentiles and Roman soldiers), evil workers, and concision (which meant mutilators). all three epithets are directed at the same people.



March 20, 2010

Proverbs 12
1 through 8

1Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.

 2A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

 3A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.

 4A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

 5The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.

 6The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.

 7The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.

 8A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.




Amen. Whereas the wicked condemn others with false testimony and evil lies, the righteous speak the truth and deliver the innocent. Which one do you consider yourself?

loveth = loves
maketh = makes
 obtaineth favour = obtains favor
instruction = training by word or deed
hateth reproof = hates being corrected
virtuous woman = a wife of noble and upright character



March 19, 2010

Galatians 3
1 through 5

1O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?

 2This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

 3Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?

 4Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.

 5He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?




Amen. Paul asserts here that, to return to the law (study Leviticus concerning the law) and negate the necessity of the death of Christ (2:21) is to act as if bewitched. Works of the law does not give us the Holy Spirit. Paul brought the gospel to the Galatians and the Spirit worked in them. Yet now they were reverting to flesh works in the hope that a combination of faith (Spirit) and works (flesh) would work more easily or better.



March 18, 2010

Romans 8
12 through 17

12Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.

 13For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

 14For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

 15For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

 16The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

 17And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.




Amen. As we accept Jesus as Lord an "adoption" occurs and that adoption is the act of God placing us in His family for all eternity. We are first born into the family as a child who needs to grow and develop. Our position is one of full privilege and our practice should involve full growth in grace and love, amen.

ye = you
beareth = bears
Abba = Aramaic for Father


March 17, 2010

Hebrews 11
7 through 12


7By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

 8By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

 9By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

 10For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

 11Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.

 12Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.





Amen.  To please God, one must believe that the true God (not a god = lower case meaning a man made god), exists and that He rewards the faithful. God in Hebrew is Hashem (= The Name). This was God's secondary name given to the Hebrews in place of His holiest name, J-hovah, which is so holy as to never be voiced by mankind since we now are born into sin due to Adam and Eve eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:17), amen.



March 16, 2010

2 Corinthians 6
14 through 18

14Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

 15And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

 16And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

 17Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.

 18And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.




Amen. Primarily "
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers" relates to the separation from the false teachers troubling the church, though it can also apply to other alliances such as marriage and business. Personal separation means:

1. Not loving the "
unclean thing", which is what we know as anything evil
2. Not loving the world (1 john 2:15-17) but using it (1 Corinthians 7:31)
3. Not having fellowship with sinning brothers or sisters in the church (1 Corinthians 5:11)
4. Exhibiting Christlikeness (see note on Acts 15:39)

ye = you
Belial = Satan
believeth = believes
infidel = one that does knot believe in God




March 15, 2010

2 Thessalonians 2
3 through 10


3Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

 4Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

 5Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?

 6And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.

 7For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

 8And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

 9Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

 10And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.





Amen. The Anti-Christ is now being held by a restrainer. Some understand this to be God indwelling the church by the Holy Spirit, while others see human government as the restraint. According to the former view, the removal will be at the rapture of the church (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) but, according to the latter, at the overthrow of human government by the Ant-Christ himself. By looking around at the world in which we live today, the wicked being praised and the godly being thought of as "fanatics", it is all too clear that the Anti-Christ can not be that far away from being revealed on the world stage and, when that happens, I pray you are prepared, amen.



March 14, 2010

Proverbs 8
22 through 31

22The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.

 23I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.

 24When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.

 25Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:

 26While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.

 27When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:

 28When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:

 29When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:

 30Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;

 31Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.





Amen. This section has often been interpreted Christologically, as presenting a picture of Christ rather than simply the eternal character of wisdom. The passage shows that wisdom is older than cr

November 30, 2009

Romans 15
1 through 4

1We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

 2Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.

 3For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.

 4For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.




Amen. The apostle Paul counts himself among the strong, yet he gladly placed restrictions on his conduct for the sake of his witness (also see 1 Corinthians 9:19-27). By pointing to the example of Christ and quoting from Psalm 69:9, Paul answers the question, Why should I restrict myself? Amen and amen.



November 29, 2009

Psalm 117

1O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.

 2For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.




Amen. This shortest psalm and middle chapter of the Bible is a hymn in its simplest form - a call to praise (v.1) and the cause for that praise (v.2). Here merciful kindness means steadfast, loyal love (see note on Hosea 2:19), amen.

ye = you
endureth = endures


November 28, 2009

3 through 8

3If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;

 4He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,

 5Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

 6But godliness with contentment is great gain.

 7For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

 8And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.




Amen. Again heretical teachers are excoriated by the apostle Paul. We are to know the true spirit of a "teacher" of the Word by the doctrine they preach. Is it the same teachings as that of Christ Jesus... or is it a perverted version of Christ's teachings inner-mingled with their own earthly lusts? Do your homework on whichever teacher you study under and / or follow and, yes, that includes me as well, amen.



November 27, 2009

9 through 20

9For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

 10That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

 11Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

 12Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

 13Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

 14In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

 15Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

 16For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

 17And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

 18And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

 19For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;

 20And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.




Amen. Christ is the remedy from alienation from God (to reconcile all things unto himself), and eventually all things will be changed and brought into a unity in Him, even though this will involve judgment (see 1 Corinthians 15:24-28), amen.

made us meet = made us fit, qualified us
consist = hold together in unity



November 26, 2009
Thanksgiving Day

Psalm 100

1Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

 2Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

 3Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

 4Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

 5For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.



Amen. Let us us give thanks for all that we have, our family, our loved ones, the bounty with which God has blessed us and let us remember in our prayers those that have little or nothing. May the Lord reach out to them on this day and forever more and  touch them, raining down all blessings upon them and bringing them into the heavenly kingdom, in Jesus name we pray and ask, amen and amen.

ye = you
endureth = endures


November 25, 2009
Matthew 9
9 through 13

9And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, natthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.

 10And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.

 11And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?

 12But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be wholamed Me need not a physician, but they that are sick.

 13But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.



Amen. Publicans that collected taxes for the Romans had a bad reputation for extortion and malpractice. "Sinners" were those whose daily occupations rendered them ceremonially unclean and not, in Pharisaic eyes, to be associated with, however, Jesus' meaning here was far deeper. They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. He is saying that He came to heal and save the sick, the sinner and the lost, that they may be reconciled to the Father and have eternal life. 

ye = you
meaneth = means
eateth = eats - dines

November 24, 2009

2 Corinthians 6 
14 through 18

14
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

 15And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

 16And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

 17Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.

 18And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.



Amen. Here "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers" primarily relates to the separation from the false teachers troubling the church and also applies to other alliances like marriage, business, and those we hang out with or consider "friends", amen. 

ye = you
Belial = satan

November 23, 2009

10 through 12

10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

 11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

 12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.



Amen. The believer's enemies (vv. 11-12) are the demonic hosts of satan, always assembled for mortal combat. For this reason we are given the honor and responsibility to 
Put on the whole armour of God, amen.

armour = armor
wiles = craftiness

November 22, 2009

1 Corinthians 15
20 through 28


20But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

 21For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.

 22For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

 23But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.

 24Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.

 25For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.

 26The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

 27For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.

 28And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.



Amen. The order of the resurrections is as follows: first, Christ's; then that of believers at His second coming (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18); and finally, the resurrection at the end of the millennial kingdom. Here "in Christ shall all be made alive" refers to the resurrection of the believers in Christ, those who have accepted Him as their Lord and Savior. 

Here "
the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all " is not to imply that the Son (Jesus) is inferior to the Father (God), but, when death is conquered at the end of the Millennium, then all things will be under the administration of the triune God (the Trinity = the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost), amen and amen.


November 21, 2009

Romans 2
1 through 11

1
Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.

 2But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.

 3And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?

 4Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

 5But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

 6Who will render to every man according to his deeds:

 7To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:

 8But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,

 9Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;

 10But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:

 11For there is no respect of persons with God.


thou = you
thee = you
leadeth = leads
despisest = despise
worketh good = does good works
man = mankind = human being = man - woman - child
thou that judgest doest the same things = you that judge do the same things



November 20, 2009


1Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me.

 2Mine enemies would daily swallow me up: for they be many that fight against me, O thou most High.

 3What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

 4In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.

 5Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil.

 6They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul.

 7Shall they escape by iniquity? in thine anger cast down the people, O God.

 8Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?

 9When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.

 10In God will I praise his word: in the LORD will I praise his word.

 11In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.

 12Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee.

 13For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?




Amen. This lament contains a plea for help (vv. 1-6), a petition for retribution (vv. 7-11), and a promise to pay vows (vv. 12-13). Here what flesh can do unto me means what can mere human beings do to me? The implied answer to the question is "Nothing that God does not permit.", amen and amen.



November 19, 2009

Amos 9
11 through 15

11In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old:

 12That they may possess the remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen, which are called by my name, saith the LORD that doeth this.

 13Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him that soweth seed; and the mountains shall drop sweet wine, and all the hills shall melt.

 14And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them.

 15And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the LORD thy God.



Amen. In that day means the aspect of the Day of the Lord, known as the Millennium. The dynasty of King David (the tabernacle of David), though humbled for a time, will be reinstated to rule over all the world (see Acts 15:15-17). The Millennial Kingdom will be characterized by fertility (v.13), prosperity (v.14), and security (v.15), with Israel permanently possessing the land promised in Genesis 15:18-21, amen.




November 18, 2009
1 through 5

1Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

 2Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

 3Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

 4For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:

 5For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.




Amen. The apostle Paul returns to his attack on heresy. False teaching is inspired by demons (= devils) and promulgated by men Speaking lies in hypocrisy (Speaking is masculine, referring to men). The Christian should live affirmatively, neither renouncing the world for a life of self-denial nor plunging into indulgence (vv. 3-5). Both marriage and food are gifts from God and to be gratefully used.  Setting things apart (the meaning of sanctify) by the Word and prayer guards us from misusing even good things, amen.



November 17, 2009

1 through 10

1From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?

 2Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.

 3Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

 4Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

 5Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?

 6But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

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

 8Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

 9Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.

 10Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.





Amen. There are 10 verbs, all commands, in verses 7 through 10, in a tense that indicates a need for a decisive, and urgent break with the old life. Ye adulterers and adulteresses is symbolic language for unfaithful people, as often used in the Old Testament.

ye = you
lusteth = lusts
giveth = gives
resisteth = resists
dwelleth = dwells - lives - abides
friend of the world in Greek = philia, indicating a reciprocal relationship



November 16, 2009

3 through 12

3Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

 4Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

 5Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?

 6And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.

 7For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

 8And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

 9Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

 10And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

 11And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

 12That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.




Amen. In the last days (of which I personally believe we are already in) just prior to the Antichrist showing up on the world stage, the strong delusion comes from God; it is both a punishment and a moral result of ones actions and of ones rejection of the Truth, which is Christ Jesus. The result will be that people will believe a lie (literally - the lie), as satan works through the Antichrist. Do NOT take the mark of the Antichrist, amen.

ye = you
sitteth = sits
opposeth = opposes