Scripture is read from the king James version of the Holy Bible with some explanation; followed with a quote made by some of history’s prominent and famous individuals, and the closing is with prayers. The hope here is to brighten the day for some and hop
We see here, again, by another prophet of God, an explanation of the displeasure of God. God reminds the of the glory that was in the temple that Solomon built. However, God let them know that the second temple would be of greater glory that the temple Solomon built. Nevertheless, because of sin and insincereness in their hearts God would remove His glory. But the prophet spoke of our day when the kingdom of Jesus Christ would prevail against all odds. God has constantly had to punish His people over time because no matter how much He showed and now shows His people love they have constantly disobeyed Him causing the indignation, wrath, and fury of God to destroy what some thought they were set for life with. But He will preserve the righteous until the coming of the day Jesus Christ to get the righteous out of the earth.
Here again, we learn that God‘s wrath would be kindled upon the disobedient, and the rebellious people that were at ease in Zion. As it was then so it is now. God is displeased with the disrespect and irreverence for Him by how people treat each other.
What we should learn from this message is that we should be patient and wait to understand our leading from the Lord. Then do what he tells us. That wisdom is in the scriptures. He lets us know here that even though the enemy may for a time ride over us and take advantage of us; the day will come that the Lord will deliver us by exacting his judgment and indignation against the enemy of his people. Deliverance is in Zion, the church of our risen Lord; Jesus the Christ of God.
Again here we see the agape' love of God in action. Even though God punishes wrong, even with his people, but when the adversary rises up against them to suppress them even more, God will, when He decides, come to their rescue. Satan is relentless at manipulating God's people. He uses people against people. But don't worry you righteous ones, God is on the move; be patient and see his deliverance. The willing, the humble, the obedient, shall eat the good of the land and God will withhold no good thing from His beloved.
In this scripture, I think we can capsulize the wisdom intended for humanity and particularly the people of God, by applying another scripture; which compounds the love of God, and that is: Galatians 6:7, Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Also, we can not walk as other gentiles walk; in the vanity of there mind.
Selfishness can produce an unhealthy and harmful attitude. From this divine demonstration of compassion let us learn that the most effective way to perform the tasks set before us each is to simply follow instructions. And let's be prudent enough to follow God's instructions learned from the word of God by the directions of God's spirit.
God said then and we can believe that he is saying now; because he is God that cannot change; woe to the heathen or nonbelievers that won't or don't try to help the believer in a time of distress, but take advantage of the believer and mock them with boasting and bragging God is coming for you. He is going to exact upon the nonbelievers that laughed at the calamity of the believers justice; by bringing them down and taking from them that that caused them to have such a negative bragging attitude. God delivered his people then as he is going to do even now; for in Mt Zion (the church) shall be deliverance.
The wisdom and understanding that the people of God were warned about then is the same that we should give heed to Today. That is don't think that just because God has allowed for much prosperity in life the prosperous believer is still required to conduct their lives in humility, compliance to scripture, and reverence for God. God hates even a proud look. Therefore, we should not be as non-believers, praising God in our worship services and live contrary otherwise. Only God knows the heart of man. Let's be real and honest; we can never fool God. Look at the world, the USA, the states, the counties, the cities, the towns, the communities, the neighborhoods, our homes and see God at work; because of disrespect and disobedience.
Here we learn of God's judgments in the latter days; and the extent of these judgments. The prophet declares how God is going to exact justice upon those that took advantage of God's people. He foresees the blessings God's people, the church shall enjoy.
We learn from this event in biblical history how when God has grown weary of tolerating rebellion and disobedience that he takes action. The controversy or argument that God had then and still today is that those that announce themselves as God's representatives in the earth give greater heed to rudiments of the world and secular wisdom than adhering to God's plan for his people. Therefore, God did then and is now bringing his indignation upon his people and making sure that the spiritual leaders understand that the people fail because they are failing to feed his people with knowledge and understanding.
Daniel's vision: Here we come to understand to some degree, metaphors and symbolism. God allowed Daniel to see destruction coming upon his people and his church. Principalities and Powers (Government leaders and church leaders) are corrupt and take advantage of the righteous people of God by forcing or compelling them to believe a lie and not the truth of God's desire for humanity. Daniel saw the destruction and calamity that was to destroy many; it was too much; he fainted. Look at the world today. Daniel saw trouble, tribulation, wickedness, deceit, lies, etc., coming upon the people caused by corrupt spiritual and secular leaders. as it is upon the world today.
Ezekiel is taken out into the spirit by the Lord, to show him the abominations, the rebellion, the disobedience, and the idolatry of his chosen people. We should learn the just recompense of the Lord for the idol worship, rebellion, and disobedience. In my humble opinion, the many devastating things that are taking place today, like the spread of the pestilences from God; that is Covid, influenza, RSV, and the most recently discovered virus, the extreme inclement weather, the unexplainable fires, the senseless gun violence, etc; are the results of God's displeasure with His people.
This portion of scripture epitomizes what was wrong and what is wrong today with the people of God and that is, we are too reactive, as opposed to being more proactive, when it comes to our obedience to God and His plan of salvation for humanity. There is an old adage that seems to be applicable here: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”.
Here we should learn that God was very displeased with His people. As then, even now, the people of God gradually move away from His instructions. Disobedience provoked God then and now, to bring adversity of one sort or another into the lives of His people. God reminded His people then of the great blessings He put in their lives and also now by these scriptures how He has been ignored and transgressions increase. Therefore, the increase in cases of RSV, influenza, and Covid-19, with very inclement weather that's upon us continuing to spike up everywhere should get the attention of us all, that is God is at work because of transgressions.
Here we find the eagle,eye prophet looking into the future of the church, seven centuries in the future. After all that Jesus did for humanity He was rejected by man and He is still rejected. But if He had not done what He did, we would not be saved today.
Here we find a reference to a young woman that wakes in the night and finds her lover gone. She got up in the night (meaning heaviness in the heart and soul), because her lover was gone. She inquired of the city's watchmen to no avail. However, she did not stop searching for him until she found him. And when she did, he came displaying his glory. The wisdom here is for us today to seek the Lord, when our hearts get heavy and burdened, until he responds to our cry, with deliverance from whatever that has befallen us. Seek the Lord, while he may be found. Seek the Lord for your personal Pentecostal experience.
What we should learn here and put in practice in our lives and that is no matter how much we possess or own in our lives and don't care about the well-being of others can be detrimental. So take care for your soul and live by the rule of God. Care about others and share your prosperity, particularly when it can be a needed benefit to others.
The answers for life and direction for Christian believers lie in the scriptures. If we seek through the scriptures the answers we need to move forward in a God respecting way we will not falter. We will go through our trials, tribulations, and adversities and come out of them in a blessed place or status. Seek God while we have opportunity.
Here we understand that David's confidence was such that as it was so should it be now; that when people mistreat us say things about us that aren't so, even when afflictions befall is our confidence remain strong. Why should we get involved when God has left it on record for us; vengeance is mine, I will repay. He has been doing it a very long time, come on He is good at what He does. Let's honor God by allowing him the place and space in our lives that he deserves.
Here we should learn, as did Job, no matter what befalls we should not allow it to change or shake our faith in God. Even though sometimes people will turn away from you, please learn from this don't let your confidence in God waver; because we have hope of eternity with God, in glory. Sometimes the negativity we are confronted with and the ways we are treated by others is the divine requirements for their salvation as well as for ourselves. Don't let your faith fail you.
This is a chapter in a Bible story that depicts practicing the wisdom of God and taking courage to take a righteous stand your enemy will become victims of the plots they devised to do you harm. Don't let your faith fail you and God will manifest His presence on your behalf.
From this passage of scripture, we should learn the wisdom of following through with God's instructions. We should learn that when we do what God charges us to do, he will show us favor from himself, and from man. And in the final analysis, those that try to hold us down will have to look at us prosper, and they will have nothing to do with it and won't benefit from it.
Today, as it was then we should ourselves, all of humanity that is, but especially those of the household of faith be thankful to God for raising up people out of the midst of us that cry to him with a repentant cry. Still today, of all the greatness that God provides for His people there is still great disobedience and rebellion. Nevertheless, God continues to love us and does not reward us with what our rebellion warrants. Thank you God for your love, that you continue to put in the hearts of those that cry to you for the whole of humanity, but especially those of the household of faith.
Here we should learn that when we the people of God seek Him in sincerity and in truth He gets joy. When He gets joy He will grant unto us the petitions that we require of Him. God rewards righteousness and reverence and obedience to Him. However, when we go away from following His instructions He will recompense us with His vengeance.
Here we should learn that when God enables us to recognize that He is making a change, and He is making choices in our life, we should not become bitter, but become aggressive in promoting God‘s plan. David went above and beyond in giving to build the house of the Lord, and he blessed the Lord for allowing his son to succeed him as king. Let us take this wisdom as we move forward to agree with God and let him have his way and we will be blessed in the process.
This scripture helps us to see when we follow the leading and or instructions of God positive things will always be the result. This also helps us to understand what committment and dedication can accomplish. God granted Elisha his desire and He will do then same for is when we fully commit.
The wisdom here is to never allow yourself to be lured into philosophy or doctrine that contradicts what has been proven in your life. That is the truth of God learned from His Word, by the indwelling of the Christ of God. By this wisdom we learn and understand the intended purpose of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the courage to stand firm.
We can learn here that God does not appreciate boasting and bragging. If we follow through with God's commands and desires and if we make reparations for violations of the rule God he will turn away the indignation imposed upon humanity. As with the current indignation/pestilence/COVID-19 and inclement weather like hurricane Laura can be turned away or not do as much damage and harm if repentance and sacrifice pleases God.
Saul goes after David, who again spares Saul's life. David exhorts Saul and Saul acknowledges his sin. We learn here that as believers we cannot and must not allow non-believers to make us act like them; in not following the desires of God. When we refuse to conduct our lives in ways that do not reflect reverence and respect for the will of God we are no better than those which persecute us. This is how we defeat them; for love is stronger than hate: God is love.
Sometimes life seems so cold. But don't give up on God; for in the case of the righteous, better days are coming. God is the all seeing eye, and is everywhere all the time; knowing everything all the time; and has the power to do anything; all the time. When Noami thought that she had lost it all she never waivered in her character causing her daughter in law Ruth to decree that she would never leave her, because she too, being of a different nationality, believed in her mother in law's God; our God. God allowed Ruth to marry into the lineage and give birth in the lineage to Obed the father of David in which Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, in the natural, was born. How amazing, God did not ignore Naomi's loyalty and faithfulness to Him. He won't ignore our's either.
This is another example of the agape' love of our God. Even after he had punished His people for disobedience, idolatry, and rebellion with captivity by their enemies He provided a way for deliverance. The way of and the leader of deliverance was very unlikely, but look, we are talking about God. So hold fast to your faith and be courageous, you could be the one God chooses to ring deliverance to you and yours.
Obedience to God is the absolute answer for all that we do and be. Hide the word, the commandments of God in your heart and God will always be there for you; in the furnace, in the den, in the water, in the wind, even in quiet; with healing, deliverance, prosperity, and most importantly, salvation. God never fails.
In this excerpt from the book of Deuteronomy we learn and are admonished by God, to remain obedient to His instructions for prosperous living and sole worship of Him alone. If we follow the instructions of God He will withhold no good thing from us.
In this passage of scripture we are reminded that when we walk in obedience to the charge and the command of God He will always be there for us. God uses, as always, His spiritual leaders to speak to His sheep by the Holy Ghost. When we humble ourselves and walk in obedience to the commands of God we shall do well.
We learn here that we can know how to manage our lives now, as God was so kind in those days to let His people know that He would always be there for the righteous and that He would punish those that go contrary through disobedience to His instructions. God rewards obedience and when we delight in Him He will give us our hearts desire. And as we know that hell enlargeth her mouth daily for the unrighteous. Disobedience will cause God to take the blessings He gave us and turn them into a curse. Justice.
This part of history speaks much wisdom to humanity. Jethro, Moses' father-in-law took his daughter, Moses' wife, and his grandsons to Moses in the wilderness after Israel's deliverance from Egypt. This created the opportunity for Moses to let the people see him as a father and husband. Then Jethro realized the burdens upon Moses as he met to instruct all Israel alone at once and advised him that was to tedious and wearisome and suggested to him to select some trustworthy men; instruct and teach them and let them teach and in instruct the same to smaller groups. The wisdom was just as in our countries with democratic governments the president has governors over states under him, and then senators, and then city mayors, etc..
In this passage of scripture we learn that God put man in dominion and Satan's desire to turn man from God. When man failed and as he continues to fail the consequences imposed by God were and still can be very severe.
Here God allowed Apostle John to pen down for our edification the fulfillment of His promise; triumphant praises to God on earth, and praises to the Lord for his righteous judgments, and seeing the church in heaven. This is the rapture of the church; the being caught up by the Lord Jesus for all that accepted the baptism of the Holy Ghost. And the Christ going forth to destroy the beast and his armies.
Here the apostle exhorts the church to stedfastness in the faith. He warns the people of the potential danger of being infected by false teachers and preachers, of the dreadful punishment which shall be inflicted on them and their followers. The man of God here provides some insight and an awful description of gospel seducers and their deplorable end; falling into the hands of the living God. The Apostle here cautions the church against being surprised at such deceivers arising among them.
Here again we learn the importance and power of effectual and sincere prayer. This prayer is for brother Gaius to regain his health and possessions that were wrongfully taken. The wisdom of this prayer is for us to follow the doctrine of Jesus Christ, no matter what and God will be with us. Our God is the restorer and repairer of all breaches, and restitution is one of his great qualities.
In this letter of commendation to a particular mother in the church for her demonstration of love and obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ. She is praised for her nurturing her children in the same fashion in that they too, demonstrate love and compassion. As opposed to inciting division among the people. We are today admonished by the Lord to walk by the same rule in the same understanding of the gospel because of the spirit of the antichrist that is so prevalent today. There still are many that reject the Lord Jesus Christ and we are admonished to not have fellowship with such.
Brotherly love is the effect of the new birth, which makes obedience to all God's commandments pleasant.Reference to witnesses agreeing to prove that Jesus, the Son of God, is the true Messiah. The satisfaction the believer has about Christ, and eternal life through him. The assurance of God's hearing and answering prayer. The happy condition of true believers, and a charge to renounce all idolatry.
The wisdom here is a reminder of Christ's final coming to judgement; and that He will appear and when he does the people won't be ready, and I might say, even now by what we see and hear and are experiencing it is very rare to find readiness for the Lord Jesus Christ. As we know God destroyed the whole world by water, except for Noah and his family, but promised it will be dissolved by fire next time. The Apostle closes here inferring the need for holiness, and stedfastness in the faith; even as it should be now.
Here Peter exhorts and encourages the elders. He also admonishes the younger Christians to submit to their elders, and to yield with humility and patience to God, and to be sober, watchful, and stedfast in faith. To cast all their cares upon God; as we should today. Lastly he Prays for their growth and establishment in obedience to the Christian doctrine.
The judgments of God denounced against rich unbelievers. Exhortation to patience and meekness under tribulations. Cautions against rash swearing Prayer recommended in afflictive and prosperous circumstances, Christians to confess their faults to each other. The happiness of being the means of the conversion of a sinner
God‘s inspiration for the writing of this excerpt of scripture is to remind us of the extent to which He went to affirm the redemption of, and salvation for, all of humanity. He gave his only begotten son, made in the form of a man, and not an angel. This was His wisdom for us all to know that He is not a respector of persons. Whosever will, let him come. Repentance for sin and belief in God through Jesus Christ by receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost assures every man; regardless of his origin that with the in dwelling of the Christ of God He has made it possible to come back home to Him; from whence Satan lost his place.
Paul here praises the brethren for their love for him, and thankful for how they constantly aided him. But now he is asking them to demonstrate that same love to brother Onesimus who is now saved, and helping him. This is a story of love and trust, and more importantly, forgiveness. When one has been forgiven they should be restored because of the love God to the person violated, as if it never happened. This is an example of the love and care for one another that God expects from us today; especially those that claim salvation.
In this passage of scripture, we should learn that the elders in the church, that is the older men and women in the church, should be certain to teach and more particularly to demonstrate the gospel of Jesus Christ. Keep in mind, the old adage, “ways and actions speak louder than words“. The older Saints should know that it is their responsibility to make sure that the younger Saints understand and know how to demonstrate the gospel of Jesus Christ, and how we should treat one another, and not walk according to the tradition of men and the wisdom of the world.
This scripture is another example of God‘s agape love, in that he afforded us the opportunity to have the baptism of the Holy Ghost with the in dwelling of the Christ of God. If we follow the Word of God, God will always demonstrate his presence with us. Let us remember that the devil is always on the prowl seeking to kill, steal, and destroy. Nevertheless, God remains faithful if we live by his Word, He will be there for us.
During these times as were in the era of the Apostle Paul and his spiritual son Timothy we should give earnest heed to the gospel of Jesus Christ. There were then, as now, some that are teaching from the gospel of Jesus Christ, but they don't know that they don't really understand the intended purpose of the gospel, which depicted by their life styles. People of God, follow the holy scriptures and we will survive all adversity and contrariness being taught by many that don't know and don't know that they don't know because they are so enveloped in what think is right that they won't take the time to be taught what they ought to know. This pandemic, the new variant, the inclement weather, and other adversities are upon us all, God sent, because of disobedience, rebellion, and disrespect.
We learn here how Paul blessed the Thessalonians for their faithfulness and their concern for each other. He also requested their prayers for him as he would against much opposition go on to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He also then as we should today beware of the people we allow into our lives; people that make it obvious that they don't reverence and acknowledge God. When people in our lives begin to follow the rudiments of the world by turning away from the gospel instructions for living as children of God release those people from our lives and hold onto the teachings of Jesus Christ that on the day Jesus stands in the clouds and call the righteous unto him we will be chosen. Be mindful of who you allow in your life.