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April 17 Hello every one
hope all is well
I have been realy busy.
I post more later
GBU robin February 15
John 13:16 records the final hours Jesus had with the disciples. What he taught during this brief and crucial time would reflect the most important things for them (and us) to remember.
Repeatedly in these important scriptures He urges us to ask of Him. Read John 14:13-14; 15:7; 16:23; 24, 26. Seven times in these scriptures He said, “Ask,”. Fear of asking amiss as James said (4:3) can destroy faith. We are afraid to ask for fear it will not be according to the will of God. These are scriptural stipulations for asking, but there are other stipulations by which we can measure our asking in a more positive way.
Ask in His name – as though He Himself were requesting. Ask with the knowledge that you are abiding in Him – seeing yourself in Christ as you ask. Ask according to His word – according to the principles and promises of God. Ask so that the answer glorifies God.
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that worketh in us” ( Ephesians 3:2).
Have a great week.
Thetus Tenney
International Coordinator
World Network of Prayer |  |
January 27
April is my little dog.
the Lord blessed me with.
My computer crashed right before thanks giving so I go to get some more picture of her scan on my computer so I can show you my baby girl.
God is good
GBU
Have a blessed day
robin January 10
| Written by Gayla Baughman |
| 01/01/07 |
by Gayla Baughman  I always thought men were of the impression that women were the carnal ones that needed to be whipped into shape. We were the ones that were naturally worldly. It was the woman that suffered insensitive gossip, inflated vanity, and inappropriate affections. One day the Lord began to deal with my totem-pole syndrome.
I am not alone. Many women suffer from this totem-pole syndrome. We see the people around us as the faces carved, one above the other on a vertical tree trunk. The higher the face is on the trunk, the more close to God they are, or the more successful they may be. But alas, our face is the one closest to the dirt. Where did we get the idea that we were the lowest face on the totem pole? Where did we get the idea that we were the least important person in the world? God never gave us that place. We just took it because we didn’t know that there was a better place to be.
Eventually I begin to notice who was praying in our churches…the ones that were faithful sitting on the pews. One pastor confided to me that if it were not for the women in his church, he would never see revival. They were committed; they were the ones that were praying, they were the ones that raised money to make the rent payment or mortgage on the church building payment.
I am no longer a victim of the totem-pole syndrome. Now I see myself as God sees me. I am a precious jewel that he saw fit to come to this earth and die for. Isaiah 43:4 says, “Since you were precious in My sight You have been honored, and I have loved you.” Now I am living by grace and the forgiveness of Jesus Christ who died on a tree at Calvary, and rose again. A living loving God, rather than intimidating faces on an old dead tree, a totem-pole. “But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “ Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.” Isaiah 43:1
 Gayla Baughman and her husband, Terry, pastor in Pleasanton, California. She loves music, enjoys writing, and is actively involved in National and District Women's Ministries projects.
http://www.ministeringladies.com/content/view/112/44/ | December 26
Matthew 2
| Mt 2:1 |
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, Wise-men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, |
| Mt 2:2 |
Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we saw his star in the east, and are come to worship him. |
| Mt 2:3 |
And when Herod the king heard it, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. |
| Mt 2:4 |
And gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ should be born. |
| Mt 2:5 |
And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written through the prophet, |
| Mt 2:6 |
And thou Bethlehem, land of Judah, Art in no wise least among the princes of Judah: For out of thee shall come forth a governor, Who shall be shepherd of my people Israel. |
| Mt 2:7 |
Then Herod privily called the Wise-men, and learned of them exactly what time the star appeared. |
| Mt 2:8 |
And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search out exactly concerning the young child; and when ye have found [him,] bring me word, that I also may come and worship him. |
| Mt 2:9 |
And they, having heard the king, went their way; and lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. |
| Mt 2:10 |
And when they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. |
| Mt 2:11 |
And they came into the house and saw the young child with Mary his mother; and they fell down and worshipped him; and opening their treasures they offered unto him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.
| Mt 2:12 |
And being warned [of God] in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. |
| Mt 2:13 |
Now when they were departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I tell thee: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. |
| Mt 2:14 |
And he arose and took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt; |
| Mt 2:15 |
and was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt did I call my son. |
| Mt 2:16 |
Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the Wise-men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the male children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the borders thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had exactly learned of the Wise-men. |
| Mt 2:17 |
Then was fulfilled that which was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet, saying, |
| Mt 2:18 |
A voice was heard in Ramah, Weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; And she would not be comforted, because they are not. |
| Mt 2:19 |
But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, |
| Mt 2:20 |
Arise and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead that sought the young child`s life. |
| Mt 2:21 |
And he arose and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. |
| Mt 2:22 |
But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither; and being warned [of God] in a dream, he withdrew into the parts of Galilee, |
| Mt 2:23 |
and came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophets, that he should be called a Nazarene. | |
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Matthew 2
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The life of Jesus on earth may be divided into two great periods, (1) that of his private life, till he was about thirty years of age; and (2) that of his public life, which lasted about three years.
In the "fulness of time" he was born at Bethlehem, in the reign of the emperor Augustus, of Mary, who was betrothed to Joseph, a carpenter (Matthew 1:1; Luke 3:23; Compare John 7:42). His birth was announced to the shepherds (Luke 2:8-20). Wise men from the east came to Bethlehem to see him who was born "King of the Jews," bringing gifts with them (Matthew 2:1-12). Herod's cruel jealousy led to Joseph's flight into Egypt with Mary and the infant Jesus, where they tarried till the death of this king (Matthew 2:13-23), when they returned and settled in Nazareth, in Lower Galilee (2:23; Compare Luke 4:16; John 1:46, etc.). At the age of twelve years he went up to Jerusalem to the Passover with his parents. There, in the temple, "in the midst of the doctors," all that heard him were "astonished at his understanding and answers" (Luke 2:41, etc.).
Eighteen years pass, of which we have no record beyond this, that he returned to Nazareth and "increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man" (Luke 2:52).
He entered on his public ministry when he was about thirty years of age. It is generally reckoned to have extended to about three years. "Each of these years had peculiar features of its own.
The first year may be called the year of obscurity, both because the records of it which we possess are very scanty, and because he seems during it to have been only slowly emerging into public notice. It was spent for the most part in Judea.
The second year was the year of public favour, during which the country had become thoroughly aware of him; his activity was incessant, and his frame rang through the length and breadth of the land. It was almost wholly passed in Galilee.
The third was the year of opposition, when the public favour ebbed away. His enemies multiplied and assailed him with more and more pertinacity, and at last he fell a victim to their hatred. The first six months of this final year were passed in Galilee, and the last six in other parts of the land.", Stalker's Life of Jesus Christ, p. 45.
The only reliable sources of information regarding the life of Christ on earth are the Gospels, which present in historical detail the words and the work of Christ in so many different aspects.
Judea
After the Captivity this name was applied to the whole of the country west of the Jordan (Haggai 1:1,14; 2:2). But under the Romans, in the time of Christ, it denoted the southernmost of the three divisions of Palestine (Matthew 2:1,5; 3:1; 4:25), although it was also sometimes used for Palestine generally (Acts 28:21).
Magic
The Jews seem early to have consulted the teraphim (q.v.) for oracular answers (Judges 18:5,6; Zechariah 10:2). There is a remarkable illustration of this divining by teraphim in Ezek. 21:19-22. We read also of the divining cup of Joseph (Genesis 44:5). The magicians of Egypt are frequently referred to in the history of the Exodus. Magic was an inherent part of the ancient Egyptian religion, and entered largely into their daily life. Mary
Hebrew Miriam.
The wife of Joseph, the mother of Jesus, called the "Virgin Mary," though never so designated in Scripture (Matthew 2:11; Acts 1:14). Little is known of her personal history. Her genealogy is given in Luke 3. She was of the tribe of Judah and the lineage of David (Psalms 132:11; Luke 1:32). She was connected by marriage with Elisabeth, who was of the lineage of Aaron (Luke 1:36).
While she resided at Nazareth with her parents, before she became the wife of Joseph, the angel Gabriel announced to her that she was to be the mother of the promised Messiah (Luke 1:35). After this she went to visit her cousin Elisabeth, who was living with her husband Zacharias (probably at Juttah, Joshua 15:55; 21:16, in the neighbourhood of Maon), at a considerable distance, about 100 miles, from Nazareth. Immediately on entering the house she was saluted by Elisabeth as the mother of her Lord, and then forthwith gave utterance to her hymn of thanksgiving (Luke 1:46-56; Compare 1 Samuel 2:1-10). After three months Mary returned to Nazareth to her own home. Joseph was supernaturally made aware (Matthew 1:18-25) of her condition, and took her to his own home. Soon after this the decree of Augustus (Luke 2:1) required that they should proceed to Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), some 80 or 90 miles from Nazareth; and while they were there they found shelter in the inn or khan provided for strangers (Luke 2:6,7). But as the inn was crowded, Mary had to retire to a place among the cattle, and there she brought forth her son, who was called Jesus (Matthew 1:21), because he was to save his people from their sins. This was followed by the presentation in the temple, the flight into Egypt, and their return in the following year and residence at Nazareth (Matthew 2). There for thirty years Mary, the wife of Joseph the carpenter, resides, filling her own humble sphere, and pondering over the strange things that had happened to her. During these years only one event in the history of Jesus is recorded, viz., his going up to Jerusalem when twelve years of age, and his being found among the doctors in the temple (Luke 2:41-52). Probably also during this period Joseph died, for he is not again mentioned.
After the commencement of our Lord's public ministry little notice is taken of Mary. She was present at the marriage in Cana. A year and a half after this we find her at Capernaum (Matthew 12:46,48,49), where Christ uttered the memorable words, "Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!" The next time we find her is at the cross along with her sister Mary, and Mary Magdalene, and Salome, and other women (John 19:26). From that hour John took her to his own abode. She was with the little company in the upper room after the Ascension (Acts 1:14). From this time she wholly disappears from public notice. The time and manner of her death are unknown.
Mary Magdalene, i.e., Mary of Magdala, a town on the western shore of the Lake of Tiberias. She is for the first time noticed in Luke 8:3 as one of the women who "ministered to Christ of their substance." Their motive was that of gratitude for deliverances he had wrought for them. Out of Mary were cast seven demons. Gratitude to her great Deliverer prompted her to become his follower. These women accompanied him also on his last journey to Jerusalem (Matthew 27:55; Mark 15:41; Luke 23:55). They stood near the cross. There Mary remained till all was over, and the body was taken down and laid in Joseph's tomb. Again, in the earliest dawn of the first day of the week she, with Salome and Mary the mother of James (Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:2), came to the sepulchre, bringing with them sweet spices, that they might anoint the body of Jesus. They found the sepulchre empty, but saw the "vision of angels" (Matthew 28:5). She hastens to tell Peter and John, who were probably living together at this time (John 20:1,2), and again immediately returns to the sepulchre. There she lingers thoughtfully, weeping at the door of the tomb. The risen Lord appears to her, but at first she knows him not. His utterance of her name "Mary" recalls her to consciousness, and she utters the joyful, reverent cry, "Rabboni." She would fain cling to him, but he forbids her, saying, "Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father." This is the last record regarding Mary of Magdala, who now returned to Jerusalem. The idea that this Mary was "the woman who was a sinner," or that she was unchaste, is altogether groundless.
Mary the sister of Lazarus is brought to our notice in connection with the visits of our Lord to Bethany. She is contrasted with her sister Martha, who was "cumbered about many things" while Jesus was their guest, while Mary had chosen "the good part." Her character also appears in connection with the death of her brother (John 11:20,31,33). On the occasion of our Lord's last visit to Bethany, Mary brought "a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus" as he reclined at table in the house of one Simon, who had been a leper (Matthew 26:6; Mark 14:3; John 12:2,3). This was an evidence of her overflowing love to the Lord. Nothing is known of her subsequent history. It would appear from this act of Mary's, and from the circumstance that they possessed a family vault (11:38), and that a large number of Jews from Jerusalem came to condole with them on the death of Lazarus (11:19), that this family at Bethany belonged to the wealthier class of the people. (See MARTHA .)
Mary the wife of Cleopas is mentioned (John 19:25) as standing at the cross in company with Mary of Magdala and Mary the mother of Jesus. By comparing Matthew 27:56 and Mark 15:40, we find that this Mary and "Mary the mother of James the little" are on and the same person, and that she was the sister of our Lord's mother. She was that "other Mary" who was present with Mary of Magdala at the burial of our Lord (Matthew 27:61; Mark 15:47); and she was one of those who went early in the morning of the first day of the week to anoint the body, and thus became one of the first witnesses of the resurrection (Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:1; Luke 24:1).
Mary the mother of John Mark was one of the earliest of our Lord's disciples. She was the sister of Barnabas (Colossians 4:10), and joined with him in disposing of their land and giving the proceeds of the sale into the treasury of the Church (Acts 4:37; 12:12). Her house in Jerusalem was the common meeting-place for the disciples there.
A Christian at Rome who treated Paul with special kindness (Romans 16:6).
Nativity of Christ
The birth of our Lord took place at the time and place predicted by the prophets (Genesis 49:10; Isaiah 7:14; Jeremiah 31:15; Micah 5:2; Haggai 2:6-9; Daniel 9:24,25). Joseph and Mary were providentially led to go up to Bethlehem at this period, and there Christ was born (Matthew 2:1,6; Luke 2:1,7). The exact year or month or day of his birth cannot, however, now be exactly ascertained. We know, however, that it took place in the "fulness of the time" (Galatians 4:4), i.e., at the fittest time in the world's history. Chronologists are now generally agreed that the year 4 before the Christian era was the year of Christ's nativity, and consequently that he was about four years old in the year 1 A.D.
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| November 24
Psalm 101
| 1 |
A Psalm of David. I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing. |
| 2 |
I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. |
| 3 |
I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. |
| 4 |
A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person. |
| 5 |
Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer. |
| 6 |
Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me. |
| 7 |
He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight. |
| 8 |
I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD. | November 02
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Psalm 3
| 1 |
A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. |
| 2 |
Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah. |
| 3 |
But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. |
| 4 |
I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah. |
| 5 |
I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me. |
| 6 |
I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about. |
| 7 |
Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly. |
| 8 |
Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah. | |
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Psalm 28
| 1 |
A Psalm of David. Unto thee will I cry, O LORD my rock; be not silent to me: lest, if thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down into the pit. |
| 2 |
Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward thy holy oracle. |
| 3 |
Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief is in their hearts. |
| 4 |
Give them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their endeavours: give them after the work of their hands; render to them their desert. |
| 5 |
Because they regard not the works of the LORD, nor the operation of his hands, he shall destroy them, and not build them up. |
| 6 |
Blessed be the LORD, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications. |
| 7 |
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. |
| 8 |
The LORD is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed. |
| 9 |
Save thy people, and bless thine inheritance: feed them also, and lift them up for ever. | October 29
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Galatians 6:1-10, "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man shall bear his own burden. Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."
When Paul arrived the second time in Ephesus he met a group of disciples there and the first thing he asked them was, "Have you received the Holy Ghost since you were saved?" Responding that they did not know there was such a thing as the Holy Ghost Paul laid his hands upon them and prayed and while he was praying the Holy Spirit came upon them.
The book of Acts reveals that Paul kept nothing hidden that was profitable for the church at Ephesus. He declared unto them the whole counsel of God. Yet John wrote to them while on the Island of Pathos, "I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works," (Revelation 2.)
Through reading Easton's Bible Dictionary we get an insight into their 'first love' and 'first works' mentioned in the book of Revelation.
- Many Jews took up their residence in Ephesus, and here the seeds of the gospel were sown immediately after Pentecost (Acts 2:9; 6:9). At the close of his second missionary journey (about A.D. 51), when Paul was returning from Greece to Syria (18:18-21), he first visited this city. He remained, however, for only a short time, as he was hastening to keep the feast, probably of Pentecost, at Jerusalem; but he left Aquila and Priscilla behind him to carry on the work of spreading the gospel.
- During his third missionary journey Paul reached Ephesus from the "upper coasts" (Acts 19:1), i.e., from the inland parts of Asia Minor, and tarried here for about three years; and so successful and abundant were his labors that "all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks" (19:10). Probably during this period the seven churches of the Apocalypse were founded, not by Paul's personal labors, but by missionaries whom he may have sent out from Ephesus, and by the influence of converts returning to their homes.
From this synopsis we can conclude that the spreading of the gospel through missions began in the city of Ephesus. Their first love, first works, spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. They had a passion for spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ because of their faith and love of the Lord. But through the deceitfulness of "ravenous wolves" they lost that passion and the Lord removed their candlestick as forewarned in the Revelation of Jesus Christ written by John. The city of Ephesus was destroyed and a part of the site of this once famous city is now occupied by a small Turkish village, Ayasaluk, which is regarded as a corruption of the two Greek words, hagios theologos meaning "the holy divine."
The book of Jude tells us, "Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." The book of Jude is simply addressed to, "them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called." Beloved if , "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works," (II Timothy 3:16-17) then these things are profitable for us to observe and from which to learn.
Through all this we can fully comprehend Paul's words which he penned to the Ephesians, "For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil," Ephesians 5:8-16.
'Burnt out' should not be part of a Christian's vocabulary. When we grow weary in well doing then it is time to step back and rest in the Lord not move to another church or forget the assembling of yourself with other Christians. Often it is the assembly that helps us through times like these. When we rest in the Lord we can be assured that He will perform His word in us. "Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint," Isaiah 40:28-31.
Paul's admonishment to the church at Ephesus is so vital in these last days because the days are evil. When we step out without our spiritual garments we leave ourselves open prey to ravenous wolves. Today more than ever we need a move of God in our lives - first as individuals, then within our family, both personal and church. We cannot stand on our own without Christ. In Him we live and move and have our being. It is the Spirit of Christ, the Holy Spirit, that quickens us and makes us strong in the power of His might.
There is no difference between the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ, or the Holy Spirit. God gave Jesus the Spirit without measure and He has taken a portion of His Spirit and given it to you. "As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever," Isaiah 59:21.
We are one with Christ through the Spirit. Being filled with the Spirit and baptized in fire means releasing the Holy Spirit of God in our lives through faith and believing in all that Jesus Christ has accomplished. The work has been completed from the foundations of the world and He has promised He will not leave nor forsake us even until the end of the world. Our covenant with God is based on trust, unlimited responsibility, and cannot be broken. Jesus said, "Don't let your heart be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in Me." To believe in Jesus Christ is to place your trust in Him and all that He has promised to fulfill in you through the power of His Spirit. It is a promise, a covenant promise, that cannot be broken.
Psalms 105:1-5, "O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works. Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD. Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore. Remember his marvelous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth."
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Philippians 2:5-11, "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
Ephesians cautions us, "We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places," (Ephesians 6:12.) This enemy is hostile, aggressive, crafty, and deceitful. Its weapons are fear, lies, and deceit and it only comes to devour, steal, kill, and destroy. The only way to wrestle against this enemy is by being strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
As soldiers, it can be difficult to stand against an enemy face to face. It is even more difficult in the dark or when the enemy cannot be seen. When the enemy is hiding in dark corners or lofty places, it is hard to get a clear target. It is even more difficult when battling against an enemy who seems to be gargantuan in nature and who is in control of the situation. No soldier is ready to face such an enemy without knowing what is needed for his defense and a glorious victory.
When David went out to battle Goliath the book of I Samuel tells us that Saul clothed David with his amour and gave him his sword. But David said to Saul, "I cannot go with these because I have not proved them." So David took them off.
David had not tested or tried Saul's armor in battle; therefore, using the same weapons he had used to kill the lion and the bear, David picked up his staff and took five smooth stones from the brook. With his sling in his hand he went out to battle Goliath, and the giant taunted him. Then David said to the Philistine, "You have come to me with a sword and a spear but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied."
The scriptures tell us that when the Philistine came out to meet David, David ran towards him and slung a rock from his sling. It lodged in the forehead of Goliath and he fell down upon the ground. Then taking Goliath's own sword David severed his head and killed him. While the armies of Israel fled David went out and faced the giant. When David went out to meet Goliath he was not concerned with who he was; he knew Who his God was and what he was able to do in the power of His name.
God has not left us powerless He has already prepared us for the defense of the gospel through the victory of His Son Jesus Christ. Through the power of His name we have been given all that is needed to keep us strong and well protected; but, it is up to us to take it. "Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God," (Ephesians 6:13.) (analambano - take up - to take up a thing in order to carry or use it.)
When we dress ourselves for the day generally we put on everything that is suited for the occasion. We would not venture out into the cold without a coat nor would we journey into the desert without a covering for our head. As Christians, we should adorn the doctrine of God our savior in all things (Titus 2:10). Kosmeo, adorn; to put in order, arrange, make ready, prepare, in order to defend ourselves against an enemy whose sole purpose is to destroy us.
The scriptures in I Samuel reveal to us that David was just a shepherd boy when God sent Samuel to anoint him as king of Israel. "Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward," (I Samuel 16:13.) God did not send David out until he was 'endued' with power from on high. David was strong in the Lord in the power of His might through the Spirit of the Lord which rested upon him.
Before Jesus began His ministry He was baptized by John and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in the form of a dove. A voice was heard, "This is My Son in Whom I am well pleased." The Holy Spirit is God's sign to all those in heaven and on earth upon all those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ that they truly are children of God, of His household, and part of His family; however, the power is only released by faith in wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. That holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory.
Jesus' final instructions to His disciples were to tarry in Jerusalem until they were 'endued' with power from on high; 'clothed' in His power, the whole amour of God. Clothed in His apparel wearing, as it were, His colors into battle. On the day of Pentecost cloven tongues of fire came and rested upon the one-hundred, twenty people who were tarrying in the upper room in Jerusalem. The promise of the Father, the Holy Spirit, so they could do the work that He sent them forth to do. A work that they could not accomplish in their own strength and power.
II Timothy 1:7-9, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began."
When God created man He created him perfect, eternal. Unique from any other created being, God breathed into man His divine nature, the Spirit of life. God gave man dominion over all that He created instructing him to fill the earth and to subdue, tame it. However, man chose to disobey the commandment of God and through disobedience lost, not only God's authority in the earth, but His divine nature, His Spirit, leaving man's nature sinful and subject to the curse of death.
The book of Ephesians gives us a divine glimpse of the restoration of that authority through the sacrifice of God's Son, Jesus Christ. We have been called, chosen, and predestined in Him, Who is the fullness of all and in all, from the foundation of the world. It is not because of anything we have done but because of Jesus Christ Who was called, chosen, and predestined to bring many sons to glory.
Had He at any time chose to disobey God all that He had been predestined to do would have been in vain. But because He was the express image of the person of God, the divine nature of God in the earth, He submitted Himself to the authority of God and, for the glory set before Him, He endured the cross. Being appeased through His blood, the propitiation for our sins, God raised Him from the dead for our justification, to set us free from the guilt of sin and the curse of death.
By one man's disobedience all were condemned but through One man's obedience all have been justified and God has highly exalted Him giving Him a name above all names. "But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus," Ephesians 2:4-7.
When Paul wrote, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil," he was using the word panoplia {pan-op-lee'-ah}. In the Greek this is the whole armor, all ... armor; full armor, complete armor which includes shield, sword, lance, helmet, greaves, and breastplate. The garments for our defense are not something you can fold and place in a drawer for a time that you need them. Nor are they given to us on a hanger enclosed in a garment bag. They are given to us when we enter God's New Covenant through the blood of Jesus Christ.
Covenant in Hebrew is beriyth (ber-eeth') in the sense of cutting; a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh); - confederacy, [con-]feder[-ate], covenant, league. The covenant is an agreement sealed by blood. It is based on trust, unlimited responsibility, and cannot be broken. It is a binding together of two separate individuals into one. In each covenant there is a vow made, an interweaving of identity, a sign or mark, and the shedding of blood. It is a promise between the agreeing parties that is irrevocable.
Often the covenant agreement is preceded by a feast symbolizing the trust the parties place in each other. The exchange of garments symbolizes putting on the appearance of the other. The exchange or interweaving of names symbolizes unity. Often there is an exchange of weapons symbolizing the agreement to come to the defense of the other. There is always a sign, either in the flesh or a marker set in place, to remind the agreeing parties of their responsibility to one another. The shedding of blood, usually a sacrifice, symbolizes the covenant has been sealed and cannot be broken by the agreeing parties. The New Covenant is unconditional - there are no terms simply an agreement to accept God's free gift of grace.
Through this covenant, symbolized in Holy Communion, He has promised us eternal life through the shedding of the blood of Jesus Christ. It is a constant reminder of Christ and what He has done for us by offering Himself as a sacrifice. He has given us the Spirit of Christ and clothed us in His righteousness. He has given us a new name which is written in the Lamb's Book of Life. He has given us the weapons of our warfare which are mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds. He has given us the garments for our defense and promised to defend us; all of which are attainable through the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ, in us. He has marked us with His sign the Holy Spirit. All these things have been given as a promise that is irrevocable. All we have to do to receive is to accept what He has offered and apply it to our lives, 'put it on,' while we are still in the earth. Then, after having done all, 'stand.'
After Jesus ascended into heaven God sent us another comforter, the Holy Spirit. The promise of God through the testimony of Jesus Christ. His divine nature in us through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The One Who speaks not of Himself but whatsoever God gives Him to speak. Opening the eyes of your understanding, enlightening us so that we may know what is the hope of His calling, and the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints. The Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. The exceeding greatness of His power to we who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He performed in Christ when He raised Him from the dead.
God has set Jesus at His own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come. He has put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him that fills all in all. And we who believe in Him are raised together with Him and are seated together with Christ in heavenly places.
When we lay all that we are and all that we have at the feet of Jesus Christ we become His soldiers bearing His standard into battle, the cross of Jesus Christ. The hands that were weak become strong and are lifted up. The voice which was still is heard in the streets. Our feet are prepared with the gospel of peace when we are strong in the Spirit. God has appointed salvation for the covering of our head and has clothed us with the breastplate of His righteousness. We are girded about with the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ and out of our bellies flow rivers of living water. Our faith in the Lord shields us from all the accusations of the wicked revealing that our works are those of God. The sword that we wield is the word of God which is quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword. Piercing even to the dividing of the soul and spirit and the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Oh chosen of God, it is the Spirit which quickens the body. Just as the breath of the Spirit of life God breathed into man when He formed him from the dust of the earth and man stood up and became a living soul, so too, we receive the Spirit of life when we believe in our hearts in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and confess Him with our mouths giving praise to His holy name. He brings life and light to every believer. When we pray to God the Father through Jesus Christ His Son we become complete and filled through the power of the Holy Spirit in us. We are strengthened in our inner man. What God sees through the blood of Jesus Christ is His child and because you are His child He has given you everything you have need of for your defense in the power of Jesus name
'Having Done All, Stand'
Isaiah 59:16-21, "And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him. For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak. According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompense to his enemies; to the islands he will repay recompense. So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him. And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD. As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever."
The word "standard" in Isaiah 59 is identified as the root word nuwc, pronounced noos in Hebrew. Strong's concordance defines this word as to vanish away (subside, escape: chase, impel, deliver): - to put to flight, to drive hastily, to cause to disappear, hide, lift up a standard.
When Israel pitched in the plains of Moab the people of Moab feared and became distressed because there were so many of the children of Israel. What Balak saw were the standards of the camp of the tribes of Israel and the multitudes that were following them. Standards which were the ensigns, banners, or flags of their individual tribes. A symbol of unity and harmony through allegiance among their people. Banners fluttering in the breeze signifying strength and power in the numbers of a multitude.
Flags signify allegiance, devotion, or obligation to a people, a nation, an organization, or a country. A country's flag can stir people to joy, to courage, and to sacrifice. Many people have died to protect their national flags from dishonor and disgrace. Carried into battle it is a symbol of the nation the armies stand to protect to the death if necessary. But above all it stands for the strength, power, and might of the nation it represents. God's standard expresses His presence, His protection, and His aid given to His people.
Oh precious chosen of God, it is His desire that through His words you would become more aware of His greatness, His strength, His divine nature which He has given to you. That you would come to the knowledge of all that His has put at your disposal through the authority and power of the name of His Son Jesus. That you would comprehend the height, the depth, the length, and the breadth of His love toward you. Because His banner over you is love.
It is our fervent prayer for you that through this study you have become more aware of this great truth. That no matter what the circumstance, no matter what storms you face, that after having done all to stand, stand. Stand not in your own power but in the power and authority of Jesus Christ of Whom we are.
You have been given an inheritance, you are a child of God. All those things which are inherited in the nature of Jesus Christ have been given to you through the Holy Spirit. It is Christ in you the hope of glory. We stand victorious not because of anything we have done but because of Him Who sacrificed all for you. It is through our faith in Jesus Christ and our witness of Him in the earth that we stand firm upon a solid rock that is immoveable. Overcoming all the judgment of this world by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. We are not only armed with the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, but we are clothed in His battle attire.
As we conclude this study enter the presence of God through prayer. Coming boldly to the throne of grace through the blood of Jesus Christ. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. That the Lord would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge, that you might be filled with all the fullness of God. Requesting that utterance may be given to you. That you may open your mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel of Jesus Christ for which you are an ambassador in the bonds of our Lord and Savior.
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Oh beloved called of God, you have been chosen, selected by God to be a peculiar people unto Him. You are His praise, His glory in the earth. He has given you the riches of His glory, the inheritance of His saints. You are His light in a world consumed by darkness to spread the gospel of light and love to all the earth. We stand in His field which is white, ready to harvest. Wherefore, His word says, "arise, shine, for the light has come, for the glory of the Lord has risen upon you."
Of all the things He has given to us He has poured out His Spirit upon us for the purpose of glorifying Jesus Christ our Lord in the earth. "That you should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ. In Whom you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. In Whom also after you believed, you were sealed with the holy Spirit of promise," (Ephesians 1:12-13.)
Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. It is only through His atoning blood that all who believe can receive eternal life because He is the resurrection and the life. He is the light of the world and those who follow Him shall have the light of life. He is the door to the sheepcote and He stands at the door and knocks. Anyone who hears His voice and opens the door He will enter in and dine with them. He is the bread of life and if anyone eat of this bread he shall live forever.
We are called for His purpose. We are His witness in the earth; a witness of His grace and love which was poured out by Jesus Christ upon the cross. When we adorn ourselves with the whole armor of God we are complete in Him. We stand prepared ready to spread the gospel of peace having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness. Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. Taking the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.
We stand not by our own power but by the Lord's power and might which is within us. When we allow the Holy Spirit to move through us, to guide us, and to lead us we are given His wisdom and discernment. We do not have to wonder what the will of the Lord is in our lives because we will know and understand. He has prepared us for the work that He has called us to do. All we have to do is to accept it and to put it on in faith and in trust believing in the Lord Jesus Christ. He is our hope and we have been sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise until the day of the redemption of our bodies.
From beginning to end the book of Ephesians has shown us all the riches of His glory inherited in the saints. We have heard the word of truth the gospel of our salvation. We have trusted in Him and by faith we are saved by His grace. We have been renewed in the spirit of our mind and have been created new in righteousness and true holiness. We have heard the truth and learned the truth from Him which is in Jesus. It is by the Word of God that we have received all these things because faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Stand on the Word speak it in your going out and coming in; when you rise up and when you lie down. Hold fast to that which you have heard and which you have believed. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding.
Oh chosen of God, stand fast, hold onto those things which you have been taught, which you have seen, and which you have believed to be in Jesus Christ our Lord. And after having done all stand, no matter the tempest, no matter the storm, no matter what the devil or the world throws at you, you are able to stand through the power of His might which is in you and flows through you.
Remember, rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesying. Prove all things and hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil and the very God of peace sanctify you wholly. I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He that called you, Who also will do it, (I Thessalonians 5:16-24.) |
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