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[madewithonerib]

Hagah: The Noisy Meditation | Sarah E. Fisher [Psalm 1:1-4]

Source: Hebrew Word Lessons Series: Be Still & Know

Meditation: hagah (verb), to meditate, groan, moan, growl. (Strong’s 1897); hegeh (masc noun) or hagut (fem noun) or hagig (masc noun), a rumbling, moan -ing, a meditation (Strong’s 1899, 1900 & 1901);

higgayon, meditational music. (Strong’s 1902)

Phonetic: haw-gaw; heh-geh; ha-goot; ha-geeg;

1.] Meditation on GOD's Word

The word “meditation” freaks some people out.

It has often been associated with eastern religions — but it’s very much associated with the Bible. To meditate, Biblically, is kind of a combination bet- ween studying Scripture & praying.

The Psalms were written as musical, reflective, prayerful songs. It is meant to be experienced, thru song by seeing the words, & uttering them in melodic form — and then meditating on them.

The very first Psalm talked about meditating on the law [torah] of GOD:

Psalm 1:1-4 Way of the Righteous & the Wicked ¹ Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers.

² But his delight is in the Law of the YHWH, & on HIS law he meditates [yeh-h’geh] day & night.

³ He is like a tree planted by streams of water —yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, & who prospers in all he does.

⁴ Not so the wicked!

For they are like chaff driven off by the wind.

Meditating on Scripture helps us grow, like a well -watered plant. We will blossom & grow fruit and that fruit will help feed others.

But we can’t do this well unless we meditate on the Word of GOD.

Joshua 1:8-9 This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; you are to recite [w-hagita] it day & night so that you may be careful to do every -thing written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do. ⁹ Have I not commanded you to be strong & courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for YHWH your GOD is with you wherever you go.”

………………………………………………………………… Meditating on the Word of GOD, day and night, was quintessential to good living. It would bring success [not measured by a human definition of success, but by YHWH’s definition of prosperity & success] …………………………………………………………………

The greatest success was to walk alongside GOD & have a solid relationship with HIM.

Meditating on GOD’s Word would bring us as close to GOD as we could be, while we live our lives here on Earth.

………………………………………………………………… All of our meditation should be focused on YHWH, not on anything related to chaos, evil, violence or destruction. …………………………………………………………………

Instead we should utter words of praise to the CREATOR & MAKER of all things beautiful:

Psalm 77:11-15 [Asaph:] I shall remember the deeds of YHWH; I will certainly remember YOUR wonders of old. I will meditate [w-hagiti] on all YOUR works, & on YOUR deeds with thanksgiving.

YOUR way, GOD, is Holy; what GOD is great like our GOD? YOU are the GOD WHO works wonders; YOU have made known YOUR strength among the peoples. By YOUR power YOU have redeemed YOUR people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah

Meditating on the characteristics of GOD was  agood practise; HE was the Wonder-MAKER & the Redeemer; meditating on HIS goodness was the best way to live, filled with hope:

Psalm 143:5-6 [David:] I remember the days of old; I meditate [hagiti] on all YOUR accomplishments; I reflect on the work of YOUR hands.

I spread out my hands to YOU; my soul longs for YOU, like a weary land. Selah.

David was a big practitioner of meditation.

He started his day, meditating to YHWH: Psalm 5:1-3 Listen to my words, YHWH, consider my sighing [my meditation: hagigi]. Listen to the sound of my cry for help, my KING & my GOD, for to YOU I pray.

In the morning, YHWH, YOU will hear my voice; in the morning I will present my prayer to YOU & be on the watch.

David began his day in meditation & he ended his day just the same: Psalm 63:6-7 [David:] When I remember YOU on my bed — I meditate [eh-h’geh] on YOU in the night watches, for YOU have been my help, and in the shadow of YOUR wings I sing for joy.

2.] A Noisy Meditation

Unlike eastern meditation, where you close your mind, close your mouth, clear your mind & focus on a solitary thought — Biblical meditation has taught us that sound was an integral part of meditation.

Meditation was not meant to be practiced silently… you were to express, moan, & use your voice to reflect your feelings. Hagah was sometimes described as growling lions and moaning doves:

Isaiah 31:4 | For this is what YHWH says to me:

“As the lion or young lion growls [meditates: yeh-h’geh] over his prey—against which band of shepherds is called out & he will not be terrified at their voice nor disturbed at their noise, so will YHWH of armies come to wage war on Mount Zion and on its hill.”

Isaiah used this idea of focused meditation—like a lion growling over its prey—to show when you are hyper- focused nothing can distract you; fear is nothing when you are earnestly focused on GOD.

………………………………………………………………… But we are fearful creatures. It’s hard to be so devoutly meditative that we block out our worries and fears. …………………………………………………………………

YHWH gets that. Meditation can sometimes be a focused prayer asking for YHWH’s help:

Isaiah 38:14 | “Like a swallow, like a crane, so I twitter; I moan [meditate: eh-h’geh] like a dove; my eyes look wistfully to the heights; LORD, I am oppressed, be my security.”

Muttering and moaning were meant to be bi-products of meditation. Like grumbling lions and moaning doves —human meditation was expressed orally.

This was sometimes translated as a proclamation, an utterance, a sound or a sighing. When the mouth or tongue meditated, it made a sound:

Psalm 37:30-31 [David:] The mouth of the righteous utters [meditated: yeh-h’geh] wisdom & his tongue speaks justice. The Law of his GOD is in his heart; his steps do not slip.

Psalm 35:28 [David:] And my tongue shall proclaim meditate on [teh-h’geh] YOUR righteousness and YOUR praise all day long.

When the mouth meditated, it uttered a praiseful sound—singing and meditational uttering was the way to praise YHWH:

Psalm 71:22-24 | I will also praise YOU with a harp, & YOUR truth, my GOD; I will sing praises to YOU with the lyre, Holy ONE of Israel.

My lips will shout for joy when I sing praises to YOU; and my soul—which YOU have redeemed.

My tongue also will meditate  [teh-h’geh] on YOUR righteousness all day long; for they're put to shame —for they are humiliated who seek my harm.

3.] An Empty Meditation

Meditational singing & uttering were beautifully human.

So when humans started worshipping hand-made idols, it made no sense. How could humans wor- ship an object that couldn’t #sing or meditate or even speak?

Psalm 115:4-8 | Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. They have mouths but they cannot speak; & they have eyes — but cannot see; they have ears, but cannot hear; they have noses, but cannot smell; they have hands, but can't feel; they have feet, but they cannot walk; they cannot make a sound [a meditation: yeh-h’gu] with their throat.

Those who make them will become like them, everyone who trusts in them.

………………………………………………………………… Golden idols could not meditate; they could not utter a word. They were worthless, & those who worshipped them would become like them…

worthless. …………………………………………………………………

Their meditations were misguided.

It was a pointless practise; meditating on pagan gods was like meditating on emptiness:

Psalm 2:1 | Why are the nations restless and the peoples plotting in vain meditating on emptiness [yeh-h’gu riq]?

………………………………………………………………… Plotting in vain (as most translations provide) was an empty meditation; it had no value or merit. It wasn’t focused on GOD, and it was focused on the worthless. …………………………………………………………………

4.] Misguided Meditations

Meditation was not exclusive to GOD’s righteous people — those who meditated on violence and destruction brought about violence & destruction:

Proverbs 24:1-2 | Do not be envious of evil people, nor desire to be with them — for their minds #plot [meditate on: yeh-h’geh] violence, and their lips talk of trouble.

………………………………………………………………… Mediums and spiritists of the occult mis-used meditation—by turning the focus on the dead instead of the living: …………………………………………………………………

Isaiah 8:19

When they say to you, “Consult the mediums & the spiritists who whisper — and [do] the meditations [w-ha-ma-h’gim],” should people not consult their god/idols? Should they consult the dead on behalf of the living?

The Adversary (ha-Satan) was the god of death and his followers (like mediums) focused on death, & destruction and chaos.

………………………………………………………………… We should never meditate on the dead, but should always meditate on YHWH alone, for HE is the GOD of Life! …………………………………………………………………

But humans, being human, have a bond with death. There is an utter fascination because the grave waits for everyone.

Many reject YHWH’s promise of salvation from death —& their meditations are on themselves and not on YHWH. There is a separation between CREATOR and creation:

………………………………………………………………… Isaiah 59:2-3 | Your wrongdoings have caused a separation between you and your GOD, & your sins have hidden HIS face from you so that HE does not hear. …………………………………………………………………

For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with wrongdoing; your lips have spoken deceit — your tongue #mutters [meditates on: teh-h’geh] wickedness…

The people meditated on the wrong things; their mutterings were wicked. But if they recognized and owed up to the fact that their #meditations were misguided, and they turned back to YHWH — they would benefit from a REDEEMER WHO would save them:

Isaiah 59:9-14, 19-20 …Therefore justice is far from us — & righteousness does not reach us; we hope for light, but there is darkness, for brightness, but we walk in gloom. We grope for the wall like people who are blind — we grope like those who have no eyes.

We stumble at midday as in the twilight; among those who are healthy — we are like the dead.

………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………… All of us growl like bears, and moan sadly [moaningly moan: hagoh neh-h’geh] like doves; we hope for justice — but there is none; for salvation, but it is far from us. ………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………

For our wrongful acts have multiplied before YOU, & our sins have testified against us; for our wrong -ful acts are with us, & we know our wrongdoings:

offending and denying YHWH, and turning away from our GOD, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving & uttering [horow w-hogow] #lying words from the heart.

Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands far away; for truth has stumbled in the street, & uprightness cannot enter…

…So they will fear the name of YHWH from the west & HIS glory from the rising of the sun, for HE will come like a rushing stream — which the wind of YHWH drives.

”A Redeemer will come to Zion, and to those in Jacob who turn from wrongdoing,” declares YHWH.

Those who were against GOD were also against HIS followers. David’s enemies were described as plotters (meditators) against David:

Psalm 38:12-15 | [David:] Those who seek my life lay snares for me; and those who seek to injure me have threatened destruction, and they plot [meditate: yeh-h’gu] deception all day long.

But I, like a person who is deaf, do not hear; and I am like a person who cannot speak, who does not open his mouth.

Yes, I am like a person who does not hear, and in whose mouth are no arguments. For I wait for YOU, YHWH; YOU will answer, LORD my GOD.

Those who meditate on bringing destruction against YHWH and HIS people do not deserve a replied utterance — which was why David stayed silent.

YESHUA (JESUS) stayed silent when HIS enemies accused HIM.

The religious elite plotted/meditated on YESHUA’s destruction, and had HIM arrested. During HIS trial YESHUA stayed, primarily, silent:

Matthew 26:59-63a

Now the chief priests and the entire Council kept trying to obtain false testimony against JESUS, so that they might put HIM to death.

They did not find any, even though many false witnesses came forward.

But later on two came forward, and said, “This man stated, ‘I am able to destroy the Temple of GOD and to rebuild it in three days.’”

The High Priest stood up and said to HIM, “Do YOU offer no answer for what these men are testifying against YOU?” But JESUS kept silent . . .

YESHUA knew these people wanted to destroy HIM; it was their focus and meditation… the death and destruction of the only truly innocent ONE on the planet. The High Priest did not deserve a reply.

But when he point-blank asked YESHUA if HE was the MESSIAH, YESHUA broke HIS #silence:

Matthew 26:63b-68

And the High Priest said to HIM, “I place YOU under oath by the living GOD — to tell us whether YOU are the MESSIAH, the SON of GOD”

JESUS said to him, “You have said it yourself. But I tell you, from now on you will see the SON of MAN sitting at the right hand of power, & coming on the clouds of Heaven.”

Then the High Priest tore his robes and said, “HE has blasphemed! What further need do we have of witnesses? See, you have now heard the blasphemy; what do you think?”

They answered, “HE deserves death!”

They spit in HIS face & beat HIM with their fists; & others slapped HIM, & said, “Prophesy to us, YOU MESSIAH; who is the one who hit YOU?”

At this, YESHUA returned to HIS silence. Who hit HIM? Ha-Satan (the Adversary) hit HIM, because the people bore the image of Satan that day.

Their hearts were not open to hearing the truth because their meditation is on death/destruction. They were deeply #immersed in the practices of GOD’s Opponent & their mouths #reflected their own misguided meditations.

Proverbs 15:28 The heart of the righteous ponders [meditates: yeh-h’geh] how to answer — but mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.

5. YHWH Meditates & Moans

Those with righteous hearts would be willing to listen & contemplate, because they were YHWH’s image bearers.

YHWH constantly contemplated and meditated on HIS righteous people and HE always listened to them when they called.

But when humanity turned away from YHWH, it broke HIS heart. HE would moan & meditate for HIS lost people:

Jeremiah 48:29-31

[YHWH:] “We have heard of the pride of Moab— he is very proud— of his haughtiness, his pride, his arrogance, and his self-exaltation.

“I know his fury,” declares YHWH, “But it is futile; his idle boasts have accomplished nothing. Thus I will wail for Moab, for all of Moab I will cry out; I will moan [yeh-h’geh] for the men of Kir-heres.”

We're the object of YHWH’s meditation-moaning --HIS #focus is squarely on us because HE deeply cares for HIS people.

………………………………………………………………… The enigmatic fourth friend of Job emphasised the audible #meditation of YHWH towards HIS people: …………………………………………………………………

Job 37:1-5

[Elihu:] “At this also my heart trembles, & leaps from its place. Listen closely to the thunder of HIS [YHWH’s] voice, & the rumbling [meditation: w-hegeh] that goes out from HIS mouth.

Under the whole Heaven HE lets it loose, and HIS lightning travels to the ends of the Earth. After it, a voice roars; HE thunders with HIS majestic voice and HE does not restrain the lightning--when HIS voice is heard.

GOD thunders wondrously with HIS voice, doing great things -- which we do not comprehend.”

The meditations of YHWH are to be a reminder to us of what meditation is all about… focused, audible, contemplative prayer, & it brings with it wondrous beauty and awe.

6.] The Meditation of My Heart:

I will be Redeemed & Live!

When it all comes down to it, a deep meditation of Scripture highlights the focus of redemption. From the moment we messed up in the Garden—YHWH put a plan into place to save us, redeem us, & bring us home to HIM.

Eve & Adam, by their actions, had to leave Eden— but that’s not what GOD wanted… & so HE made a plan to conquer the human curse of death in order for us to be able to return to HIS Garden Kingdom.

   Psalm 49 celebrated the Good News — and    understanding, of YHWH’s redemptive plan:

Psalm 49:1-15 [Sons of Korah:] Hear this all peoples; listen, all inhabitants of the world, both low & high, rich & poor together.

My mouth will speak wisdom, & the meditation of my heart [w-hagut libbi] will be understanding. I'll incline my ear to a proverb; I will express my riddle on the harp.

Why should I fear in days of adversity—when the injustice of those who betray me surrounds me— those who trust in their wealth, and boast in the abundance of their riches?

No one can by any means redeem another or give GOD a ransom for him—for the redemption of his soul is priceless, and he should cease imagining forever—that he might live on eternally, that he might not undergo decay.

For he sees that even wise people die; the foolish and the stupid alike perish & leave their wealth to others.

Their inner thought is that their houses are forever —and their dwelling places to all generations; they have named their lands after their own names.

But man in his splendour will not endure; he is like “𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗵”. This is the way of those who are foolish, & of those after them who approve their words.

………………………………………………………………… Selah: Like sheep they sink down to Sheol; death will be their Shepherd; and the upright will rule over them in the morning, & their form shall be for Sheol to consume so they have no lofty home. …………………………………………………………………

But GOD'll redeem my soul from the power of Sheol, for HE will receive me. Selah Those who put their trust in death, will die… they will sink into the grave [Sheol]; but those who put their trust in YHWH, the GOD of Life, will rise up and be redeemed.

Sheol cannot hold them down.

They'll be received by YHWH, back in the Kingdom where they belong. YESHUA’s death paid for our entrance fee back into YHWH’s Garden Kingdom.

………………………………………………………………… HIS resurrection meant that death was conquered & all the children of GOD could follow in YESHUA’s footsteps & return home to YHWH. …………………………………………………………………

     The Apostle Paul preached the Good News      of #salvation across the known world after      YESHUA’s death.

HE taught prayer & meditation should be though about & practised: Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, fellow believers, whatever is true/honourable/right/ or pure/lovely/commendable, if there is anything of excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

As for the things you have learned & received & heard & seen in me, practice these things, & the GOD of peace will be with you.

………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………… Who is true, honourable, right, pure, lovely and commendable? YHWH! So when we meditate on these things our focus is in the right place. ………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱, 𝗴𝗿𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗹𝗲, 𝗺𝗼𝗮𝗻 & 𝘀𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗺… Meditating 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴.

Don’t be afraid to get noisy… YHWH wants to hear from you! We should meditate as David meditated:

Psalm 19:14 [David:] May the words of my mouth & the meditation of my heart [w-heg’yown libbi] be acceptable in YOUR sight, YHWH my ROCK and my REDEEMER.

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Comment:

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Joyful Sparrow | July 31, 2022 @6:23AM

What a powerful reminder. It is all too easy to allow our thoughts to #dwell on cultural chaos & noise, unceasingly swirling around us―tugging at our minds and desiring to swallow up our hearts.

“LORD help us fix our thoughts on YOU; to choose to gently marinate in YOUR Word. Transform our minds as we meditate and 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘂𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝗱𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁.”

Published by Hebrew Word Lessons:

Sarah Fisher is an admirer of old books, and old languages, old stone carvings, old photos and pretty much everything old.

She is the administrator of the website www.booklives.ca & is a library technician at the University of Prince Edward Island.

Sarah has a Master of Arts degree in Early Medieval Studies from the University of York in England.

Her recent love of learning the Hebrew language from pictographic proto- Canaanite to the adopted Aramaic script has led her to create this blog.

#The Noisy Meditation #meditation #focused on GOD #GOD's Character #GOD's Faithfulness #brings spiritual success #walk alongside GOD #relationship with GOD #intimacy with GOD #YHWH #Hebrew Word Lessons #Hagah #Psalm 1

[madewithonerib]

1.] Live Life of Worship

So that everything that we do comes out of this deep place within us, which JESUS talked about in John 4.

You remember he said the water that I shall give, if you drink of it—you'll never thirst again.

    You are never thirsty again

But the water that I shall give, shall be a spring of water gushing up — gushing up see, that is out of the depths that goes with John 7.

  John 7:38 | ³⁸ Whoever believes in ME, as the   Scripture has said: ‘Streams of living water   will flow from within him.’”

  John 4:14 | ¹⁴ But whoever drinks the water   I give him will never thirst. Indeed, water I   give him will become in him fount of water   springing up to eternal life.”

  242. hallomai  [Original Word: ἅλλομαι]   hallomai: to leap   Phonetic Spelling: [hal'-lom-ahee]   Definition: to leap   Word Origin: from a prim. root hal-   NASB: leaped, leaping, springing.

“Whoever believes on ME,” JESUS said, “Out of his belly shall flow rivers.” See the abundance of this reality that we can come to know & that can be the place where we live now.

That's what I want to talk about and I will wander around through some Scriptures here & so on; & we'll end with some some practical things about what we can do.

Then I understand that you're going to have a time of prayer together — which is a wonderful thing to do with this kind of Message in the background & perhaps in that time of prayer, we can think more about how we can accomplish this.

1.1] Our Help in Time of Trouble

Let me read a few words from Psalm 46 first. They're very familiar, I don't think you would even need to turn there. It speaks about GOD being our refuge & strength—a present help in time of trouble.

   Therefore we will not fear,    though the Earth should change.

Do you remember those words now?

The writer lived in Earthquake country, and he knew what it was for the mountains to act like they were about to jump into the sea okay?

Were you here the last time around & then nice that was impressive wasn't it? Very impressive & you kind of notice how the Earth is behaving for several days after one of those don't you?

Listen to what he says:

    We will not fear though the Earth should     change & though the mountains slip into     the heart of the sea — though its waters     roar & foam, though the mountains quake     at its swelling pride

You see, now we're talking about a life in which there is no fear because GOD is there. Some years ago, Jane & I were down at the wild animal park in San Diego & there was a tiny little Rhinoceros. 

Now if you've ever seen them, they're just unreal & this little fellow or girl or whatever it was was very bold as long as its mother was there.

**************************************************************** And it would just bother anything around, you know as long as its mother was close by, & if there was any threatening move — it would just move over by its mother. ****************************************************************

And you could tell that it had solved the problem of fear & that was mama. Mama was the solution and that's a beautiful illustration of what the Psalmist has learned.

1.2] Psalm 46 Lesson Learned

He says the nations made an uproar!

The Kingdoms tottered, HE raised HIS voice, the Earth melted & the LORD of HOSTS is with us in v.7 the LORD of HOSTS—and HOSTS always refers to an uncountable army of Angels.

Remember JESUS on the night HE was betrayed, when they took out the sword, HE said put down your sword “I could call & bring 12 legions of Angels”

That's the HOSTS we're talking about here, and that's where JESUS lived before an open Heavens—and HE knew no fear because of that.

And you want to be careful in understanding HIS last days, in HIS last hours — because what you see HIM agonizing over was not fear, HE was in a battle and sweat is different than fear.

HE was struggling, HE was fighting to get to the Cross —HE had no fear because GOD was with HIM, so the Psalmist says come & behold the works of the LORD & v.10 now is the center for our focus. [Psalm 46:10]

   Psalm 46:10 | GOD Is Our Refuge & Strength    [2 Kings 18:13-16; 2 Chronicles 32:1-8] ¹⁰    “Be still & know that I am GOD; I will be      exalted among the nations, I will be      exalted over the Earth.”

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A Call to Silence P,1,2,3,4,5,6 | Dallas Willard [Matthew 26:53]

Psalm 46:1-11 | GOD Is Our Refuge & Strength [2 Kings 18:13-16; 2 Chronicles 32:1-8]

¹ For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According   to Alamoth. A song. GOD is our refuge & strength, an   ever-present help in times of trouble.

² Therefore we will not fear, though the Earth is trans-    formed & the mountains are toppled into the depths    of the seas, ³ though their waters roar & foam & the    mountains quake in the surge. Selah

⁴ There is a river whose streams delight the city of GOD,    the Holy place where the MOST HIGH dwells.

⁵ GOD is within her; she will not be moved.   GOD will help her when morning dawns.

⁶ Nations rage, Kingdoms crumble; the Earth melts when   HE lifts HIS voice. ⁷ The LORD of HOSTS is with us; the   GOD of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

⁸ Come, see the works of the LORD,   WHO brings devastation upon the Earth.

⁹ HE makes wars to cease throughout the Earth;   HE breaks the bow & shatters the spear;   HE burns the shields in the fire.

¹⁰ “Be still & know that I am GOD; I will be exalted     among the nations, I will be exalted over the Earth.”

¹¹ The LORD of HOSTS is with us; the     GOD of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

#Call to Silence #Dallas Willard #Life of Worship #Living Water #eternal life #gushing #fountain #John 7:38 #John 4:14 #wellspring #Psalm 46 #Rhino #Help in Time of Trouble

[madewithonerib]

The weakest faith in JESUS will be far more liberating than the strongest faith in anything else. | Timothy J. Keller

[madewithonerib]

July 19, 2023 Helicopter pilot dies wildfire in Alberta

You are surrounded with thunder and light; Every thing in us, the longing, the ache

To join with the Heavens the anthem of praise

Holy, Holy, Holy

The train of HIS robe Filling the Temple

you will never meet a more important/incredible being than GOD HIMSELF

JESUS came so we all could do this right now—whenever we read HIS Word [#Bible] it is #divine sparking a 𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 in this rapidly darkening world releasing powerful #truths & generating life within each & everyone of us who dares to invite HIM in, learn from HIM

#July 19 #2023 #pilot dies #Billy Graham

[madewithonerib]

8.] When Fasting Turns to Feasting [Death to Life]

The Prophet Joel often focused on “the Day of the LORD”… a day where the LORD would set things straight.

The hope for YHWH’s return & the fixing of this broken world is a thing worth praying & fasting for: Joel 1:14-15 Consecrate a fast [tsom],

proclaim a solemn assembly; gather the elders & all the inhabitants of the land to the house of YHWH your GOD, & cry out to YHWH.

Woe for the day! For the day of YHWH is near, & it will come as destruction from the ALMIGHTY.

Joel 2:12-15, 18 “Yet even now,” declares YHWH, “Return to ME with all your heart, & with fasting [u-v-tson], weeping, & mourning; and tear your heart & not merely your garments.” Now return to YHWH your GOD — for HE is gracious and com -passionate, slow to anger, abounding in mercy & relenting of catastrophe.

Who knows, HE might turn & relent, and leave a blessing behind HIM, resulting in a grain offering & a drink offering for YHWH your GOD.

Blow a trumpet in Zion, consecrate a fast [tson], proclaim a solemn assembly…& YHWH, zealous for HIS land, will have compassion for HIS ppl.

This was the meaning of fasting… be sincere & turn your hearts back to YHWH and you will be rewarded with a lifetime of HIS compassion & mercy.

But we fail, as GOD’s children, all the time.

It is part of being human.

………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………… Fasting was a way to re-dedicate ourselves to our Creator, but fasting was not meant to be a never-ending sacrifice. ………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………

In YHWH’s Garden Kingdom there would be no need for fasting & no place for it either.

The Table in YHWH’s Kingdom was always full:

Revelation 22:1-5 Then the Angel showed me a river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flow -ing from the throne of GOD — and of the LAMB down the middle of the main street of the city.

On either side of the river stood a tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit & yielding a fresh crop for each month;

………………………………………………………………… & the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. …………………………………………………………………

The throne of GOD & of the LAMB will be within the city, & HIS servants will worship HIM. They'll see HIS face — and HIS name will be on their foreheads.

There will be no more night in the city, & they will have no need for the light of a lamp or of the Sun.

   For the LORD GOD will shine on them     — and they will reign forever & ever.

In the final garden scene YHWH provided the water of life & a continual feast of fruit.

There would be no famine & no fasting in YHWH’s Garden Kingdom. The curse of death had no place there—and so there was also no place for fasting.

………………………………………………………………… 𝗪𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗻𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 of our mortality, because we would no longer be mortal. …………………………………………………………………

In other words, in YHWH’s House we are to eat— drink & be merry… & you'll never be hungry again!

Disclaimer and post-script: Fasting should only be practised by those who are healthy & have sound, #established, eating habits.  I would also suggest 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽, so you can be accountable to each other, and watch out for each other’s health & safety.

In fact, you may opt for the alternative “fasting” of Isaiah 58, which is not about giving up food, but is instead about the giving of yourself to others…

feeding, clothing, and housing those in need. I am recently widowed, & this past week I was hit hard with Covid-19.

As a result, my friend did this alternate “fasting” for me. She brought part of her meal that she had made for herself and left it at my door.

I was in need and she fed me… that’s the “fasting” that GOD encourages us to do. Thank you, Doris, for bearing GOD’s image to me & to all who are blessed to have you in their lives. Shalom!

_________________________________________

Comment: Linda | August 12, 2022 @8:14PM _________________________________________

Thank you so much for all the work, that goes into teaching us GOD’s Word so clearly; just discovered your website & I am so grateful for your hard work

I am so terribly sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. May our GOD of comfort be there to give you HIS love and help you to get through this terrible time. [Deuteronomy 31:6]

Source: Hebrew Word Lessons

Tsum/Tsom: Fasting P,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 | Sarah E. Fisher [1 Kings 21:8]

Mercy: Death to Life | Amanda Cook [Mark 13:24-27]

Brave New World

My past embraced My sin forgiven I'm blameless in Your sight My history rewritten

My past embraced My sin forgiven I'm blameless in Your sight My history rewritten

'Cause You delight in showing mercy And mercy triumphs over judgement I know that You delight in showing mercy And mercy triumphs over judgement

Oh love, great love Fear cannot be found in You And there will never be a day You're uncertain of the ones You choose, yeah

'Cause You delight in showing mercy And mercy triumphs over judgement I know that You delight in showing mercy And mercy triumphs over judgement

Yes, You delight in showing mercy And mercy triumphs over judgment Know You delight in showing mercy And mercy triumphs over judgement

It's new every morning So I will wake And spend my days Loving the One who has raised me up From death to life From wrong to right You're making all things beautiful

Yes, I will wake And spend my days Loving the One who has raised me up From death to life From wrong to right You're making all things beautiful

Yes, I will wake And spend my days Loving the One who has raised me up From death to life From wrong to right You're making all things beautiful

Yes, I will wake And spend my days Loving the One who has raised me up From death to life From wrong to right You're making all things beautiful

You're making all things beautiful You're making all things beautiful You're making all things beautiful

'Cause You delight in showing mercy And mercy triumphs over judgement You delight in showing mercy And mercy triumphs over judgement

Know that You delight in showing mercy And mercy triumphs over judgement Know that You delight in showing mercy And mercy triumphs over judgement

Songwriters: Steffany Dawn Gretzinger / Amanda Lindsey Cook Mercy lyrics © Bethel Music Publishing

#Fasting #mourning #mourning the dead #worship #intercession #contrition #abstain from food #cover the mouth #saddest day #tragedy #cry out to YHWH #encourage others #considerate #bearing GOD’s image to others #Amanda Cook #Brave New World

[madewithonerib]

4.] Renew Vows to JESUS

O yes, you may be born again at the moment of confirmation but many of you need to reconfirm your confirmation vows.

You need to come to the LORD & say, “LORD, I haven't kept those vows. I want to re- confirm them. I want to re-dedicate my life to what I promised at confirmation or what was promised for me at baptism.”

Many are people like that. Thousands of people.

Whether you're what denomination.

It makes no difference.

A little Sunday school girl was asked which of the beatitudes she would rather be like.

………………………………………………………………… She said pure in heart. …………………………………………………………………

They asked why.

She said, because I could obtain a pure heart, I'd possess all the other good qualities spoken of in this CH.

If your heart is right, the rest of you is going to be right too. CHRIST changed the pattern of living.

HE said, “A good man out of the good treasures of the heart bringeth forth good things & an evil man out of the evil treasures brings forth evil things.”

CHRIST said, except a man is born of above he can -not see the Kingdom of Heaven.

4.1] How do you receive HIM?

[a] First, you must repent of sin.       You have to say to GOD, “O LORD, I've sinned.       “I'm sorry. I'm willing to change my way of living.”

      That's repentance. I'm willing.

      Notice, you can't do it yourself.

      GOD has to help you even in the repenting.       And then you receive HIM by faith.

      When I stepped up on this platform the other       night for the first time, I didn't stomp it, check       it, to see if it had been built to hold a man.

      I had faith in the people that put it here.

      When you sat in that seat you didn't look it over       & feel it to see if it would hold you.

      You believed in the people that built it. That's       the same kind of faith we're talking about here.

      Faith in CHRIST.

      Not in anything else except CHRIST and what HE       did at the cross & at the resurrection when GOD       raised him from the dead & HE's alive.

      I'm going to ask you to do it as we saw last night       more than a thousand people do.

      I'm going to ask you to get up out of your seat.

      From up there in the top gallery & around, it       will take an extra minute or two. And all of       you down here that GOD has spoken to & in       the choir.

      You may be a leader in the Church.

      Last night we even had a clergyman come.

      But you may want to make that commitment.

      I'm going to ask you to make that commitment       tonight & say, “LORD, I want a new heart. I want       to leave here a new person.

      “I want to walk a different road.”

      JESUS said there are two roads.

      There's the narrow road & the broad road       You're on one or the other.

      Which one are you on?

4.2] Public Confession

      Young people, older people, whoever you are,       I'm going to ask you to come stand here publicly.

      Why do I do it publicly?

      When JESUS died on the cross, HE died publicly       in your place & GOD laid on HIM all of our sins.

      Publicly.

      HE said, if you're not willing to acknowledge ME       publicly before men, I'll not acknowledge you       before my FATHER which is in Heaven.

      Something about coming & making it public that       HE requires. And it also psychologically does       something for you.

      Then you must follow HIM & serve HIM.       It's not just a one-time experience.

      This is the beginning of something new that's       going to be daily with you in which you are       trusting HIM.

   •  You're willing to take up the cross &       deny self & follow HIM.

   •  You're willing to look on your neighbors &       the needs of the world in a new way.

I'm going to ask you to get up & come right now.

And after you've all come, I'm going to say a word to you, & have a prayer with you & give you some literature to help you in your Christian life.

And if you're with your friends or relatives or you have come in a group, they'll wait, but you get up & come.

We're only going to keep you a few moments here.

Just get up & come right now.

Hundreds of you that GOD has spoken to.

There's a little voice inside that says you ought to come. You come tonight. From here, up there & in the choir.

GOD has spoken to some of you.

Get up & come.

      ♪ Just as I am, without one plea ♪ ♪       But that thy blood, was shed for me       ♪ ♪ O LAMB of GOD, I come, I come.

      ♪ You can make that decision to       follow JESUS CHRIST.

      Just as these many hundreds are doing       here in Syracuse, New York.

The number on your screen is your number to call for spiritual help & counseling, so, make that call.

It could be the most important call you've ever made.

We're in the Carrier Dome, this beautiful magnificent structure here in Syracuse, New York in the central part of the state & what a wonderful part of America this really is.

And tonight, as you can see, there've been hundreds of people respond to come & make their commitment to CHRIST or to renew their vows to CHRIST

………………………………………………………………… & you need to do the same thing that are watching. …………………………………………………………………

You may be in a hotel room, you may be in your own home, whatever. Make your commitment to CHRIST tonight.

HE'll come into your heart.

And if you will, pick up the phone & call that number that you see & there's a counselor standing by to say a word to you & to help you.

May GOD help you to make that commitment tonight.

GOD bless you.

There's still time to make your personal decision for JESUS CHRIST. Special friends are waiting to talk with you & to pray with you.

Just call the number now on your screen.

If the line is busy, write the number down & call again in a few moments. We'll be here as long as the calls keep coming in.

If you just prayed that prayer with my FATHER, or if you have any questions about a relationship with JESUS CHRIST, why don't you just call that number on the screen.

There'll be someone there to talk with you, pray with you & answer those questions.

And remember, GOD loves you!

If you would like to commit your life to JESUS CHRIST, Please call us right now toll free at 1-877-772-4559.

That's 1-877-772-4559.

Or you can write to us at Billy Graham 1 Billy Graham Parkway Department C Charlotte, North Carolina 28201 Or you can contact us on the web 24/7 at PeaceWithGod.tv We'll get the same helps to you we give to everyone who responds at the invitation.

On behalf of Franklin Graham & the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association Thank you for watching & thank you for your prayers.

[Franklin Graham]

We still have a window of opportunity to reach a lost & dying world with the truth of GOD's love.

It's not too late.

We've got an opportunity to tell others about JESUS CHRIST What are you going to do with it?

A Cure for Heart Trouble | P1,2,3,4 | Billy Graham [Matthew 22:37-40]

#Billy Graham

[madewithonerib]

 Worship Is Response | Eric Gilmour [Psalm 99:1-9]

The summary of this Psalm, the response of worship comes from the revelation of GOD. Just one read thru & you can see the revealing of the nature & character of our great & incredible GOD—produces worship.

      There is a rising of high exaltation that causes        a stooping low in adoration.

So there is no higher platform to start from than the opening of Psalm 99, the LORD reigns!

This is a recognition of HIS Lordship, WHO HE is, and that HIS reign is over all. It’s not just that HIS reign is over people, it’s over Angels. [0:51]

It's not just over Angels, it's also dominion exercised over molecules, HE is all supreme. This heart of GOD revealed to us and for us in this Psalm—causes us to realize HE humbles HIMSELF even to recognize us.

So such a thought about HIS absolute reign over all things in Heaven & on the Earth, and even over the details of the Earth, that this should cause us all to tremble.

2.] Supremacy of GOD

He follows this & says,

      “HE is enthroned above the cherubim!”

The Cherubim as you may already know, according to Ezekiel 28, are those who are put in authority over the Earth—who are over the Earth.

These Angels are given Authority, but HE is the ONE WHO is above all that authority. And this should cause the Earth to also tremble:

      HIS greatness over all the Angels & the Earth       is moved to a more central focal point when       the Psalmist says, “HE is great even in Zion”

      or HE is also great in Zion!

This is incredible, HE WHO is above the Cherubim HE WHO is ruler over all men, is also RULER in the intimate details of our existence & our realm!

Our very own life.

So HE is exalted above all the peoples [nations]

It reminds me of John the Baptist, who says:

     "HE WHO is from above, is above all"

This might be where JTB is pulling this from [2:36] 

     Every person is miserably inferior to GOD in      character, & power, & wisdom, & dominion      —we see glory of HIS PERSON in HIS Name!

     Exodus 33:19 shows us that HIS Presence &      HIS goodness, HIS character, & HIS glory are      all HIS Name! [3:04]

Exodus 33:19 | ¹⁹ “I will cause all MY goodness to pass before you,” the LORD replied, “and I will proclaim MY Name, the LORD in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, & I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”

You can take a look at that later.

But that is the significance of the Name of the LORD that is a strong tower & the righteous run into it. The Name of the LORD, that is exalted & great & mighty in this chapter it says that it is great & awesome:

     HIS great & awesome Name, it is HIS goodness      HIS character, HIS Presence and HIS glory. [3:26] 

So we hear the Name of the LORD & it should cause us to remember how good HE has been.  HIS great character — for us the Presence of GOD in our lives, WHO HE is should be encapsulated in just HIS Name!

3.] GOD is Otherly

And the Psalmist says, 'Holy is HE!'

HE is so separate, HE is altogether other than us in character, & goodness & in glory, HE is set apart in HIS OWN category. [3:51]

We don't have categories to define HIM, HE is above them all & that is what it means when we say that HE is Holy.

Kidner writes,

“Holy is a word to emphasize the distance between GOD & man, not only morally, as between the pure & the polluted. But in the realm of being between the eternal & the creaturely. [4:12] 

So this first Holy is HE is it first occurs twice, & the first one has to do with how removed & other GOD is from every other thing. [4:23]

He gives us a description of HIS Name, applied, or working in our lives by saying that HE loves justice —so this is GOD's character, that is in HIS Name being executed in the midst of men.

HE loves justice, which means HE is not corrupt in any way. HE loves & is equity, which is impartial.

HE is whole. HE is very fair.

HE executes justice, HE doesn't just talk justice HE makes sure that it is done; & HE is righteous

HE is the ONE WHO rights every wrong!! [4:58] 

This and this alone should cause praise to erupt on the inside of each one of us — such a ONE deserves worship!

He says, "Exalt the LORD our GOD & worship at HIS footstool." It's first a high exaltation of the PERSON of GOD, which produces low swooping down low adoration. [5:21] 

Psalm 99:1-9 | ¹ The LORD reigns; let the nations tremble! HE is enthroned above the cherubim; let the Earth quake! ² Great is the LORD in Zion; HE is exalted above all the peoples.

³ Let them praise YOUR great & awesome Name —HE is Holy! ⁴ The mighty KING loves justice. YOU have established equity; YOU have exercised justice & righteousness in Jacob.

⁵ Exalt the LORD our GOD, & worship at HIS foot-   stool; HE is Holy! ⁶ Moses & Aaron were among   HIS Priests, & Samuel among those who called   on HIS Name. They called to the LORD and HE   answered. ⁷ HE spoke to them from the pillar of   cloud; they kept HIS decrees & the statutes HE   gave them. ⁸ O LORD our GOD, YOU answered   them. YOU were a forgiving GOD to them, yet   an avenger of their misdeeds.

⁹ Exalt the LORD our GOD & worship at HIS Holy   mountain, for the LORD our GOD is Holy.

#Worship Is Response #Eric Gilmour #Psalm 99 #Earth quake #tremble #reverence #Worship #Psalm 99:1-9

[madewithonerib]

Stare Yourself Deaf | Eric Gilmour [2 Corinthians 13:5]

The more attention we give to JESUS the higher HE will become in our lives—if you look at Acts 1 this is the ascension of JESUS.

Though this physically took place, HE actually ascended in front of them. There is a spiritual implication, I believe we can pull from this for our daily lives

     v.9 it says that after HE had said these      things, HE's lifted up while they were      looking at HIM. They were looking at      HIM & HE was lifted up..

     HE was lifted up while they were look      -ing at HIM, I'm trying to tell you that      as we keep our attention & our gaze

     fixed upon CHRIST, HE will rise higher      & higher & higher in our lives higher      than all the things around us

     higher than all the things going on in      our government or in our nation—      higher than ourselves & others..

This is what is the greatest need is

     for CHRIST to be above everything      else including ourselves in our hearts

   •  we don't trust ourselves for guidance    •  we don't trust ourselves for obedience    •  we don't obey ourselves

We let CHRIST be lifted higher than us & others

This is happening in the heart that continually looks unto JESUS. Moses endured seeing HIM WHO was unseen.

1.]  Focus on JESUS, HE becomes Supreme

      So number one JESUS is lifted by staring at       HIM, the LORD said to me a couple months       back, HE said stare yourself deaf.

      I didn't know that a tumult & a torrential       downpour of voices from the enemy would       come to me & surround me.

      it felt like they were in me & above me &       around me—I didn't even know that was       coming. But JESUS said before this enemy       voice attack in my life,

      HE said stare yourself deaf

      We can look at JESUS so intently that we       can't hear the voice of the enemy, and I       would say also—the more we remove       our attention from the LORD JESUS, the       more we will hear the voice of the enemy

And as David says

      My soul is restless because of the voice       of the enemies. Let us stare ourselves       deaf — this means giving CHRIST the       highest place above everything.

That's going on everybody, around us & express it & especially above ourselves that's the one because the presence of GOD is experienced by those who are not focused on themselves!

In other words, consciousness of GOD's presence

Praise GOD! Consciousness of GOD's presence comes when we're no longer conscious of our -selves

     —we forget ourselves that we might see      HIM, oh in order for the bride to come out      of herself—she must forget herself

     O looking unto JESUS

2.] Long For HIS Return

But look what happens next v.10 & as they were gazing intently at the LORD—as they are gazing intently, they hear of the 2nd coming.

The Angels say,

     “This JESUS, WHOM has been taken up      into Heaven will come just in the same      way as you've watched HIM go.”

In other words, they receive a revelation of the coming of the LORD by staring at the LORD!

I want to submit to you that the more intently we gaze upon CHRIST—not only will HE be lifted higher than everything else in ourselves

—but also we will feel HIS second coming!

Maranatha pumps through the veins of those who stare at the KING, if the KING has all our attention then we expect anticipate & long for HIS coming! Praise GOD!

3.] Union with CHRIST Intercede for Others

Lastly v.14 when they return home from gazing intently upon the LORD, it says they continually devoted themselves to prayer!

They continually devoted themselves to prayer

So I feel like the life of prayer

     a life that is bathed in prayer literally      overwhelmed in unbroken conscious      union with the LORD & soaking other      things in prayer whatever we do

     we're doing it all with thanksgiving      unto the LORD & offering it to the      LORD & bathing everything in prayer

     it comes from a heart set & fixed upon      the MAN CHRIST JESUS & feeling the      fact that HE is returning

............................................................................. I would say that we are not a people of prayer to the degree we don't recognize HE's returning &

we are not a people of prayer to the degree HE's not lifted above everything around us & ourselves by gazing intently at HIM. .............................................................................

Those who pray are the ones who are looking unto JESUS, is in the life of prayer.

I've defined prayer often as conscious union just literally conscious of my union with HIM established by HIM, sustained by HIM.

I read in valley vision this morning that HIS work is everything--mine is to cling to HIM WHO is everything..

So all this to say:

     if we will look unto JESUS & stay fixed      steady staring, we will stare ourselves      deaf! HE will be lifted high above all      other things

We will feel & tremble with the expectation & anticipation of the return of the LORD & this'll make us a people of prayer!

Yes communion with GOD first & communion with GOD is the heart but also intercession praying for those that GOD has entrusted to us--it's just the highest delight!

I've often said that the essence of intercession is when the tears of CHRIST in Heaven come through my eyes on the Earth

or when the voice of the great intercessor in Heaven is echoed in the Earth by our lips!!!

4.] Closing Prayer

So FATHER thank YOU so much for the simplicity of this--that we can look unto JESUS & be saved & live in salvation & experience this wonderful & glorious salvation!

I praise YOU LORD!

I pray LORD, that YOU do something fresh; & every viewer show us where our gaze has been deviated or inconsistent & LORD show us the liberty & joy & peace & fulfillment that comes from just looking at YOU!

In YOUR precious Name, amen

P.S. You know one more thing just popped up in my       mind in 2 Corinthians 13, Paul says this amazing       thing he says examine yourselves!

      to see if you're in the faith, he's literally just       said you can look on the inside & see whether       or not you are born again.

      He says right here in v.5 test yourselves to see       if you were in the faith, examine yourself..

      •  think & look at your own life       •  look at your internals       •  look at what you are

      Then he says this or do you not recognize this about       yourself that JESUS CHRIST is in you. He is showing       us that the evidence of having been born again is       the recognition of CHRIST's Presence!

      O the recognition of CHRIST's presence that is not       only salvation itself because HE saved us from a       life apart from HIMSELF,

      But it is HIM WHO is salvation!

      possessed

      This is something that is perceived, we perceive       our possession of HIM WHO gave HIMSELF to us       that is the evidence & the anchor of our faith.

      The MAN CHRIST JESUS, not just theologically       but actually! Praise GOD! Thank YOU LORD for       this in the HOLY GHOST, I pray that those of you       that are watching that you would sense & feel       this reality. JESUS CHRIST is in you!

      Praise GOD, hey join us on Tuesday nights at 7 p.m       we sit together & we read the Scriptures & wait on       the LORD & we've been going through Psalm 119

      it's been incredible marked by the presence of the       LORD. Join us, I'll put a link down below if you want       to become one of our patreon supporters & joined       the mentoring group. GOD bless you guys

[2 Corinthians 13:5; 2 Peter 1:10-11]

   •  2 Corinthians 13:5 | Examine yourselves to        see whether you are in the faith; test your        selves. Can’t you see for yourselves JESUS        CHRIST is in you—unless you actually fail        the test?

   •  2 Peter 1:10-11 | Therefore, brothers, be        all the more eager to make your calling        & election sure. For if you practice these        things you will never stumble,¹¹ & you will        receive a lavish reception into the eternal        Kingdom of our LORD & SAVIOUR JESUS        CHRIST.

#Maranatha #stare #deaf #ignore enemy #June 21 2022 #Eric Gilmour #Stare Yourself Deaf #2 Corinthians 13:5 #2 Corinthians 13 #examine #2 Peter 1:10-11 #2 Peter 1 #VIL

[madewithonerib]

J. O. Y. | Eric Gilmour [Psalm 128]

Let's talk about joy the Scripture tells us in Psalm 128 that you will be happy who fears the LORD. This is the way of life, of those who fear GOD—joy!

     Joy C.S. Lewis said is the serious business of      Heaven; Martin Luther said I know how easily      one can forfeit the joy of the Gospel.

The Scripture tells us that the joy of men has withered away in connection with their disobedience—the first thing to go when our hearts go astray from GOD is joy!

You see, to entertain sin is to invite sorrow.

Mother Teresa once wrote:

     One filled with the joy the LORD preaches      without even preaching; A.B. Simpson said      there is no time Satan in the world tempts      the heart so persuasively—as when it has      lost the joy of the LORD.

See an Angel comes to announce the Gospel & he calls it glad tidings! Good news of great joy & I believe that man is not qualified to preach the Gospel without joy!

He must first be touched with the goodness of joy before he can preach the Gospel of glad tidings. See one of the things JESUS could have done to prepare the Disciples to preach the Gospel is you know teach them some specific method or something..

     But what happens is HE pours out HIS SPIRIT upon      them & we know that the fruit of the SPIRIT is joy!

2.] Wine Gladdens the Heart

HE came upon them, like wine!

Wine was CHRIST's chosen preparation for the preaching of the Gospel—we know in Psalm 16:11 | In the presence of the LORD is fullness of joy!

Not not just joy, but fullness of joy!

And at HIS right hand pleasure is forevermore!

     It's unending joy! See we must happily submit      to GOD & find that in this, is the highest way of      life that a man can experience joy.

     There isn't anything more joy-filled than being      filled with GOD—as C.S. Lewis also said:

     GOD does not give joy, HE is joy

Praise GOD! See HE's with us in every aspect of our lives —to be joy in that, even joy in the midst of sorrow, even joy in the midst of pain!

3.] Joy Obliterates All Other Circumstances

     Joy even in the midst of not knowing what to do!      because it's not based upon anything external HE      HIMSELF is that joy! In Ephesians 5:18, Paul likens      the SPIRIT to wine on the day of Pentecost.

     The men are not drunk as you suppose, we see      that even in Song of Solomon that HIS love is      likened to this wine of the SPIRIT.

     We know that in Luke 5:33-39 that the wine of the      new covenant burst the religious system; and we      know that in Luke 10:34 when we have the parable      of the Good Samaritan, the man is beat up on the      road, he's bloody & he's passed by a Levite & he's      passed by another…

     But who is the one who bandages him up?

     It's the good Samaritan & what does he use? He      uses wine! GOD does not heal us from being      battered & beaten in this life or by other people      or even by the Church in some circumstances..

     He doesn't heal us by mere words or theology      alone—HE heals us with the wine of HIS presence      & HIS SPIRIT, which is inseparable from the heart      being made merry in joy!

     The Scripture says in Psalm 104 that

     HE gives men wine to drink to make their hearts      glad & their faces glisten with oil! Scripture says      in Psalm 47

     YOU O GOD have put joy in my heart! Praise GOD      this is so important, we see also that joy isn't      taking refuge in GOD!

     The Psalmist shows us obviously joy is in HIS      presence we see joy is resting in HIS victory      [Psalm 20:5]

4.] Joy is Our New Way of Life

     We see that joy is connected to as we live      righteous, we grow in joy! We see GOD      HIMSELF is joy that there's joy in HIS rule.

     There's joy in hearing HIM, there's joy in      repentance; there's joy in HIS shadow!!!

     There's joy in HIS presence, HIS joy in the      springs of GOD! There's joy! HIS joy is our      satisfaction -- there is joy shed abroad in      our hearts by the HOLY SPIRIT.

     Joy is our way of life.

...................................................................................      1 Thessalonians 5 16 joy in Nehemiah is      said to be strength, the fruit of the SPIRIT      in Galatians is joy! joy joy upon joy! ...................................................................................

     This is the way of life in the Christian's life.

     Richard Raleigh writes that:

     When he experienced JESUS, he says HE      became all his desire, all his joy — all his      consolation, all his strength!

     So that his song was always about HIM & in HIM      all of his rest! See joy has nothing to do with      having or not having--joy has nothing to do with      being treated right or being treated wrong.

...................................................................................      Joy has nothing to do with any of these things;      it is the MAN CHRIST JESUS; it is the shadow of      the ALMIGHTY, it is the reception of the SPIRIT. ...................................................................................

     As I read a quote earlier that brown bread in      with the Gospel is great fair in other words      even if you have nothing—if you have the      Gospel, you have everything!

     And that Gospel is the glad tidings great joy!

     JESUS HIMSELF received & experienced.

     Richard Raleigh goes on to describe his sense      of GOD's presence in this manner he says:

     a certain sweet gift flows into the pure mind      & as if drunk with strong wine, we melt into      the pleasures of the CREATOR.

     He also says this inebriated my spirit with the      burning wine of YOUR sweetest love—so that      forgetting all evils in all limited sites illusions      & images, I may exalt embracing YOU alone!!!

     And I may rejoice in my GOD, my JESUS!

     You see it is the Christian life experience joy as      we experience GOD, joy erupts on the inside      that we might leave the Sanhedrin rejoicing      with our backs bloodied!

     Rejoicing because of the Name of the LORD!!!!

     We see that choosing to drink the wine of      Heaven will make us whine for the Earth..

     I remember reading Reinhard Bunkey said:

     Don't argue, shine & that shining is nothing      other than JESUS WHO is anointed with joy      above all HIS fellows!

     O a joy even in the midst of pain is probably the      greatest demonstration of GOD giving you a life      that is greater than anything that can happen to      you in this life!

     Praise GOD you see the enemy is after your joy      —the lack of joy is an indication GOD no longer      is the source, but this ecstatic life..

     This life of ecstasy in HIS presence comes from      a life of experiencing GOD & that is the joy that      we know! That's the highest joy that we're able      to know & I want to encourage you to live a life      rejoicing always, not just joy five days a week or      six days a week.

     But living in joy even in the midst of things not      going your way, or someone being mean to you      or things not happening the way you thought or      expected or things start falling down all around

     You grip on to CHRIST WHO is GOD's smile in the      heart—grip on to CHRIST WHO pours the SPIRIT      out without measure!

     & let the SPIRIT HIMSELF fill your heart with the      love of GOD shed abroad! That great joy & love      in our hearts by HIMSELF.

I just want to encourage you this year there's probably all kinds of things going on in your life there's probably more things going to happen this year.

But this is certain, the joy of the LORD is your strength & that we can live in the shadow of the ALMIGHTY and rejoice there no matter what happens!

No matter what rain falls!

We have the pavilion of GOD ALMIGHTY & we can dance! We can dance in HIM & enjoy HIS presence!

Bless you guys!!

Joy upon joy be released upon you, wine of Heaven, Amen!

Hey guys it's Eric Gilmore, I'm extremely excited about adoration mentorship international. This is a time every Tuesday night where we can get to know each other & interact in a way that will help you give JESUS the kind of love HE deserves in your everyday life.

There's two types of involvement you can be a part of it:

If you want one or two Tuesday nights a month, I encourage you to sign up at patreon.com backslash Eric Gilmore pick your level of interest & I am excited to get to know you to pray with you, and to grow together in our love for CHRIST through this online mentorship program.

GOD bless you guys

Jan 10 2022

#Eric Gilmour #Psalm 16:11 #Psalm 128 #joy #wine #joy joy joy #joy to the LORD #way of life #new way of life #rejoice #glad tidings #Good News #Jan 10 2022

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A Beautiful Thing To JESUS | Eric Gilmour [Mark 14:3-9]

JESUS says she has done a beautiful thing to ME.

We've all read this story in Mark 14:3-9, but it is a beautiful thing to JESUS—what she does.

This story is sandwiched between two things in v.2 the Pharisees are trying to kill HIM, v.10 Judas goes out to betray HIM.

But this story of this woman's worship & love for the LORD is startling — it's striking! It moves the heart, I want to talk about.

11 things that can be seen in it, if you're not familiar with the story just a quick rundown: She goes to this person's house that's not her own.

She goes to JESUS while HE's reclining at the table, she takes an expensive perfume & pours it on HIS head—empties the contents on HIS head.

This makes people mad & because they felt like something better could have been done with that expensive perfume—like sold & then the money given to the poor.

They scold her, JESUS defends her.

JESUS questions their motives & HE says that she has given to HIM of what she had—in the mo fat version of the Bible it says, “she has done a beautiful thing.”

To me & he says that the memory of her & what she has done will go with the Gospel everywhere! That's incredible!

A.] List of Way to Bless JESUS

But here's 11 things that I pull from the story I think you'll really enjoy, they move me, it touches my heart & reminds me of this place that we can live in a place of love & enjoyment of JESUS

[1] She went to a house that was not hers, which       shows me HIS presence was even more important       than protocol. I think what we can draw from this       is the value JESUS has in our lives is determined       by whether or not we allow people to distract us       from HIM.

      Another way to say it is:

      If we live our lives by what people may think of us,       we may never come to HIM, that's the first point.

[2] She's an opportunist. She doesn't come to HIM       while HE's talking or while HE's teaching her       while HE's sleeping or while HE's eating.

      She comes to HIM when HE's reclining at the table       once it opens, she takes it & I think this is indicative       of that kind of love she has for JESUS.

      A heart that looks for opportunities to be with HIM       what does this look like? It looks like you look at       your day & you see opening in the day of a couple       of hours & you say I'm looking for opportunities to       pour oil upon HIM;

      & you say I'm going to take some of that time to pour       oil—to do something beautiful, to this beautiful ONE

[3] The perfume is it's not a leftover, it's not worth little       it's extremely valuable—she could have done some-       thing else with it.

      She could have chosen to gain personally from it but       she chose to give all of it to HIM, it's perfume which       is interesting because it's only for pleasure.

      There's nothing she can gain from this.

      It's only a gift of love to HIM, very valuable to her. So       we will give HIM of what we have in proportion to       our love—that's the third point

      we will give to HIM of what we have in proportion       to our love; how much value does JESUS have that       will be determined by what we give unto HIM.

[4] She gives all of it, she receives nothing for herself       or she doesn't reserve anything for another day!

      She's all in in the moment, that's what worship       really is. LORD here I am unreserved giving myself       completely over to YOU. She recognizes HIM as the       Anointed ONE.

      You know anointed means to have oil on you, she       pours oil on HIM—it's almost as if she is declaring       by her action “YOU are & I believe YOU to be the       the Anointed ONE!”

      You know it was customary for guests to be anointed       with oil when they came into someone's house—but       she pours all the oil on HIM, which means to me HE's       the only one in the room to her.

      HE's all that matters to her.

[5] The next point is, her display of love makes others       mad! Now she gives this perfume to HIM that is       equivalent to 300 days wages!

      Almost an entire year! This is expensive, it makes       other people mad. I think if we are going to walk       in a way of worship, living intimate lives with the       LORD—to know HIS kisses & HIS sweet touch, and       to run away into the cleft of the Rock & enjoy the       sweetness of it..

      If we're going to live that way, we got to expect       resistance! Resistance is to be expected some-       thing in the good deed, activity of men's hearts       is restless.

[6] Tradition vs. Devotion

      When we stop to just give JESUS full attention &       highest place, something is restless there—and I       think that our lack of understanding if you will of       HIS worth & this is #6:

      The lack of our understanding of HIS worth causes       us to elevate things done for HIM over that which       is to HIM.

      You see the natural man says there's nothing to       show for what she has done! There's nothing to       show for worship!

………………………………………………………………………………….       I think that's what makes private prayer so special       because only GOD sees it. It's for HIM & HIM alone ………………………………………………………………………………….

      Let's never place what can be done over HIM.

[7] Not only does it cause resistance & from men but       even a resistance in that human part of us that       causes even thoughts & actions to discourage it       that part of us that is judging ourselves

      saying we're not doing anything! This is not that       important, nothing's coming from this. This is       rising from frustrations that come from a low       view of JESUS.

      It's arising from frustrations that come from low       views of CHRIST. One of the things that John Gill       says about this frustration that they have with       her & their scolding of hers

………………………………………………………………………………….       he calls it resentment. He's trying to say that the       love that she's displaying—the depth of the love       she's displaying is exposing the shallowness of       their love & this makes them upset. ………………………………………………………………………………….

      But here's the thing, no matter what men say or       what resistance comes to us for treasuring CHRIST       & treasuring time with HIM, and prioritizing time       just to pour oil on HIM.

      No matter what opposition comes to us:

      Remember JESUS will oppose those who oppose       you & your time with HIM, if you seek GOD, HE'll       help you. You'll have GOD as your defense if any       comes against you, for your intimacy w the LORD

      Do not defend yourself because then you will       forfeit CHRIST defending of you, JESUS shoots       an arrow directly into the heart of the matter       by asking why to them..

      HE exposes motive, which means this is a heart       issue — I think we can check our hearts by our       treasuring of the presence of CHRIST,

      treasuring time in the presence of CHRIST.

[8] HE shows her good deed is still a good deed but       her motive is only HIM, HE calls this beautiful!!!

………………………………………………………………………………….       Maybe the heart that forgets everything else &       looks only to HIM is the attractive beauty to the       LORD—forget your ppl in your FATHER's house &       the KING will desire your beauty. ………………………………………………………………………………….

      It's just this single eye that is attractive to the       LORD—not only does she recognize WHO HE is       but she anoints HIM q”for burial”

      which is interesting, it's almost as if she's the       only one in the room that realizes what is       coming—maybe her glowing heart caused her       to see HIS purposes!!

      Praise GOD we will know the purposes of CHRIST       & identify with HIM to the degree our hearts glow       & light that way.

      JESUS doesn't discourage good deeds to men but       reveals that HIS presence trumps good deeds to       men; HE proves that their lack of recognition of       HIM & HIS purposes is the heart of why they see       what she's doing to be insignificant.

      But JESUS is saying this is beautiful, her offering       comes from her. HE actually says it like this:

      “She had, she did” that's the exact wording       “she had & she did” so what she did came       forth from what she was.

      Her value of HIM, as John Gill says it was the       expression of her faith in HIM, & her love to       HIM. Gill also writes it was revealed to her       probably by the HOLY SPIRIT that JESUS would       quickly die & that time was running out & she       would not be able to soon pour the oil on HIS       head—so this from what she is & how she acts       & that is what JESUS is most interested in

………………………………………………………………………………….       is it coming from what you are? Not just what       you do, she'll be eternalized! This girl would       be eternalized for what she's done. ………………………………………………………………………………….

      The actual wording here, when it says in memory       of her—the word memory comes from a word that       actually has to do with the way ancient stories       were told & it's the literary genius of tenacious       memory—which is what was leaned upon for the       passing on of stories.

What's the conclusion of all these points? It's this,

      JESUS is more worthy than anyone, JESUS       is more worthy than any deed. JESUS is       more worthy than any money. JESUS is       more worthy than anything

I pulled this quote from A.T Pearson on Mary's anointing of JESUS, he says:

      This monument to JESUS fills the whole world with       its fragrance still, & then he says this remarkable       statement what a hint there is here for those who       wish to leave permanent memorials!

      In other words, look at what she's doing. HE sees       it as beautiful & it lasts forever! Take that as a hint       as a thing that's most valuable.

      Wesley writes she did not wish to hold anything       back, she offered up all she gave away her all; it       was a tribute worthy of the KING.

      You see guys to her, HE's worthy!       To them it was wasted,

   •    to her HE is more than good people,    •    to her HE is more than good things    •    to her HE is more than good deeds

      And they scold her, but she doesn't respond because       she's beholding HIM; & she doesn't respond to the       scolding because she's beholding!

Praise GOD! O what a statement! What a statement!!!

So may the LORD do this in you & in a fresh way to realize HIS great value & don't let anybody look down on you for choosing to block out time to to be with GOD.

      Don't let anybody look down on you for being       an opportunist, trying to find those moments       where you can be with the LORD.

      Don't let anybody look down on you for not       letting people dictate whether or not you're       going to pour everything out on GOD!

      Don't let anybody dictate how much you give       to the LORD of your heart!!!

As I wrote this down here, Matthew Henry says that the ointment was the best of her affections. The ointment is that the best of our affections, don't let anybody get in the way of you pouring everything you are on JESUS

—because to HIM, this is a beautiful thing done to HIM

GOD bless you guys!

Don't forget I meet with my partners on Tuesday nights at 7:00 PM Eastern Standard Time if you want to join & become a partner & be a part of our mentoring program I'll put a link down below.

Blessings to you!

Let's give JESUS all that HE's worth & may we be like this wonderful man says, “the monument to JESUS.”

     Her Monument to JESUS fills the whole      world with its fragrance still praise GOD!

#VIL #Bless JESUS #A Beautiful Thing To JESUS #Anoint JESUS #spending everything on HIM #perfume #fragrance #Mark 14:3-9 #Eric Gilmour

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Genesis 1:1-2 | The Creation

[John 1:1-5; Hebrews 11:1-3] ¹ In the beginning GOD created the Heavens & the Earth. ² Now the Earth was formless & void, and darkness was    over the surface of the deep. And the SPIRIT of GOD    was hovering over the surface of the waters.

Genesis 1:3-5 | Day 1

³ And GOD said, “Let there be light,” & there was light. ⁴ And seeing that the light was good, GOD separated   the light from the darkness. ⁵ GOD called the light “day,” & the darkness HE called    “night.” And there was evening, & there was morning    —the first day.

Genesis 1:6-8 | Day 2

⁶ And GOD said, “Let there be an expanse between    the waters, to separate the waters from the waters.” ⁷ So GOD made the expanse & separated the waters    beneath it from the waters above. And it was so. ⁸ GOD called the expanse “sky;” & there was evening,    & there was morning—the second day.

Genesis 1:9-13 | Day 3

⁹ GOD said, “Let the waters under the sky be gathered    into one place, so the dry land may appear.”    And it was so.

¹⁰ GOD called the dry land “Earth,” & the gathering of     waters HE called “seas;” & GOD saw that it was good.

¹¹ Then GOD said, “Let the Earth bring forth vegetation:     seed-bearing plants & fruit trees, each bearing fruit     with seed according to its kind.” And it was so.

¹² The Earth produced vegetation: seed-bearing plants     according to their kinds & trees bearing fruit with     seed according to their kinds.     And GOD saw that it was good.

¹³ And there was evening, & there was morning     —the third day.

Genesis 1:14-19 | Day 4

¹⁴ And GOD said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of     the sky to distinguish between the day & the night, &     let them be signs to mark the seasons & days & years.

¹⁵ And let them serve as lights in the expanse of the sky     to shine upon the Earth.” And it was so.

¹⁶ GOD made two great lights: the greater light to rule the     day & the lesser light to rule the night. And HE made     the stars as well.

¹⁷ GOD set these lights in the expanse of the sky to shine     upon the Earth, ¹⁸ to preside over the day & the night, &     to separate the light from the darkness. And GOD saw     that it was good. ¹⁹ And there was evening, & there was     morning—the fourth day.

Genesis 1:20-23 | Day 5

²⁰ And GOD said, “Let the waters teem with living creatures,    & let birds fly above the Earth in the open expanse of the    sky.” ²¹ So GOD created the great sea creatures & every    living thing that moves, with which the waters teemed    according to their kinds, & every bird of flight after its kind.    And GOD saw that it was good.

²² Then GOD blessed them & said, “Be fruitful & multiply     & fill the waters of the seas, & let birds multiply on the    Earth.” ²³ And there was evening, & there was morning     —the fifth day.

Genesis 1:24-31 | Day 6

²⁴ And GOD said, “Let the Earth bring forth living creatures    according to their kinds: livestock, land crawlers, & beasts     of the Earth according to their kinds.” And it was so.

²⁵ GOD made the beasts of the Earth according to their     kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, & every-     thing that crawls upon the Earth according to its kind.

    And GOD saw that it was good.

²⁶ Then GOD said, “Let US make man in OUR image,     after OUR likeness, to rule over the fish of the sea     & the birds of the air, over the livestock, & over all     the Earth itself & every creature that crawls upon it.”

²⁷ So GOD created man in HIS own image; in the     image of GOD HE created him; male & female     HE created them.

²⁸ GOD blessed them & said to them, “Be fruitful &     multiply, & fill the Earth & subdue it; rule over the     fish of the sea & the birds of the air and every     creature that crawls upon the Earth.”

²⁹ Then GOD said, “Behold, I have given you every     seed-bearing plant on the face of all the Earth, &     every tree whose fruit contains seed.

    They will be yours for food.

³⁰ And to every beast of the Earth & every bird of the     air & every creature that crawls upon the Earth—     everything that has the breath of life in it—I have     given every green plant for food.”

    And it was so.

³¹ And GOD looked upon all that HE had made, &     indeed, it was very good. And there was evening,     & there was morning—the sixth day.

#Genesis 1

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A genuine believer can doubt their own salvation, but they will never doubt the truth that CHRIST is their only hope. — Paul Washer | via skystonedclouds

#doubt #Paul Washer #hope #JESUS #salvation #truth

[madewithonerib]

The Hand of the LORD | Timothy J. Keller [2 Samuel 24:10-21]

Series: The Life of David

This sermon was preached by Rev. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on August 25, 1996.

Sermon Summary: Inviting GOD's Wrath

The hand of the LORD, this sermon is available thru the Gospel & Life. But what we're going to be doing is break down some key points for personal study & reflection, & meditation in a small group.

So we're going to jump right into it.

The question that Tim Keller is seeking to answer in the sermon was what was so wrong with David counting his men & this was taken from a passage in 2 Samuel 24.

You can also find it in 1 Chronicles 21, and it's an interesting story because it does on the surface bring up the question or the issue well.

   •  What exactly was the deal here?    •  Why was this such a big problem?

I know when I've read through that passage I've also found it to be a little bit confusing and not really understanding why taking a census on the Army & how that would be such an offense?

Obviously as we'll see, there's going to be quite the punishment that comes as a result of doing this action — so Tim starts by stating kind of an aside up front and making an overarching point

Which is this: that any time that we disobey the command of GOD that's already cause for being disobedient & we're wrong just for that reason.

……………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………… And just for that purpose, it typically makes a great point right up front & that is we don't just obey GOD because it aligns with our reason or our own understanding of why it's important to do something or not not do it ……………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………

In American society, we run into this philosophy of pragmatism & we always want to know why & if we don't understand conceptually what's right or wrong about the thing that we're doing often -times we tend to not obey.

It's got to align with our own understanding.

We have to be in agreeance with it; & what Tim states here is if it's agreement & that's the thing that's driving you to comply then you don't have obedience—agreement and obedience are two different things & we can't put GOD through that lens and say I'm only going to follow YOU when it follows suit with my own understanding.

And I'm okay with it because it obeys some kind of objective reasoning of my own—we live in a world where there's a morality of:.

……………………………………………………………………………… IF it feels right—then it's okay to do it, & that is the way the world thinks & as Christians—that's not the same type of understanding that we can apply to GOD's Word & to HIS commands for us. ………………………………………………………………………………

And Tim uses a metaphor here of being a parent sometimes when your kids ask you why you do not necessarily have an explanation that they're going to be able to understand at their level

especially if they're younger & you expect your kids to just obey & do what you tell them to do because you know what's best for them even if you don't have intent to explain the rationale behind your decision making

And it's the same way with us, as GOD's children what's interesting is Tim shows us in Scripture who the first pragmatist was the first time this comes up & it's right in the Garden of Eden:

1.]  Serpent Presses For Rationale

      In Eden with the serpent asked Adam & Eve       “did GOD really say that you can't eat from       this tree?” & what is he doing there? He's       trying to play to their sense of rationality       & if they can't see a reason why this would       be bad to do—then therefore it must be OK

      And what did they do?

      They went ahead & they participated in that       sin & now we have the context of life where       we have today as a result of that decision a       rational framework is not proper framework       to evaluate GOD's commands for us...

      And so Tim makes that point right up front       before he goes into some of the essential       truths or kind of really digs into the passage       with a more fine-tooth comb to get to the       intent behind it.

2.] Pits King Saul as Deserving Wrath

      So what Tim does next is he gives us some       historical context about the time that Israel       was living in & he really goes back to some       of his earlier teachings on the time of King       Saul—he evaluates Saul's conquest of the       Amalekites.

      It teaches us a little bit about the Amalekites       — so the Amalekites, like all ancient peoples,       were living in sort of a power complex society

      Meaning that anytime that your military have       the might or the strength to take out a smaller       power—the temptation would be to do it then       when you would do it you'd conquer the other       nation's King & capture them — and plunder all       their wealth & their resources & their goods &       you would take it for your own.

………………………………………………………………………………       So might was kind of the rule of law & Israel was       the only exception to those types of societies—       where they were a society that ruled thru justice       & mercy.. ………………………………………………………………………………

      When GOD told Israel to go in & conquer another       nation—it wasn't due to their ability to go in with       superior forces & superior power & the superior       military — it was at HIS command and with HIS       provision.

      That's how they would win battles & it would be       for the purpose of either inflicting justice/mercy       on that opposing force of those other peoples..

……………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………       And so there was a very stark distinguishing line       there between how other ancient peoples would       live & how they would flex their military might ……………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………

      —whereas it was very different with Israel in the       way that they would go about their conquests &       so you have to be able to distinguish those two       points of position in terms of how they would go       about their conflicts or their battles or fighting       against other people.

3.]  Now what Saul did, when he went in & fought       against the Amalekites—he actually did capture       their King and he did take a small percentage of       the wealth of that nation.

      He brought it back to Israel & so when you look       at that passage—it seems like a small thing esp-       ecially given the justification that Saul used of

      “Hey I'm going to take these goods & I'm going       to sacrifice them to YOU LORD — and that's my       intent behind doing that”

      And that sounds like well okay..

      You know he's taking something from this other       people because GOD gave him this great victory       & he's giving it back to the LORD..

      This sounds like a good justification.

      But it's not!

      Nathan goes & tells Saul that this act of small       disobedience is massive disobedience because       what Saul had done here according to Timothy       Keller is he now used a tactic or approach that       was aligned with how other nations conquer..

      —just by doing that in a small way, it is still the       same technique that these other nations would       do & it blurred the distinguishing line about how       Israel would approach battle

      as opposed to how other nations would do it &       that was a pure act of disobedience — now that       was merging Israel with other nations — rather       than distinguishing them.

      And in fact, that was what was in it Saul's heart       is he was comparing & contrasting himself with       other Kings & wanted to be kind of part of that       fraternity & that was his deep justification?

      And that's what made it such an egregious sin?

4.] Distinction for David vs. Saul [unforgiven]

      When David was going to count his fighting men       —he was in a sense doing that same thing where       other nations would look at their fighting force       & that would be their symbol of strain — and by       David wanting to take a census of his military,       he was a sense doing that.

      In a sense doing that same thing where he was       trying to measure himself up to other nations       that were out there & that's what made it such       an egregious thing to do.

————————————————————————       So Tim states there's a contrast & how we are to       live & how others are to live, so we can live thru       justice & mercy or through power & exploitation ————————————————————————

      And that is the heart of what is going on in this       passage—it's when we trust GOD & allow HIM to       rule our lives, and when we're obedient to HIM       —HE's going to enable us to live with a sense of       equity, justice, & mercy towards others

      serving them & relying on HIS strength & power       to give us what we need—or would we put GOD       aside? Our temptation is going to be to live with       a sense of power & exploitation that we're going       to use the same tactics in the world.

      their same moral framework to take what it is we       want thru the means we think is most appropriate

      We are not to do that.

5.] Racism Symbolic of Worldly Mentality

      Tim uses the metaphor of racism.

      So in the United States of course there's this       egregious history of racism & exploitation &       what Tim says the temptation is:

      To do this when tide turns, and the aggrieved       party becomes the party that now has a power       position, the #temptation would be to exploit       & exert power to inflict pain [extract revenge]

      And that's not what we as believers are to do       whether we're in the power position or in the       exploited position—that our approach should       always be justice & mercy & reliance on GOD

      And it's hard to not fall into the trap of       surrounding empires, or in our case the       other people around us live, whether:

       •  it's in the workplace or        •  it's in the community or        •  it's whatever your position is or        •  it's school you're trying to get good grades or        •  if you're manipulating people & using power           & exploitation to get to your goal

      Then you're mimicking & mirroring the world &       the way they would approach solving problems       & we need to come at it from an approach of       service/justice/mercy.

      Tim references here his favorite book it's the       LORD of the Rings & he pulls a metaphor out       of that book showing that the rings of power       the evil forces use power & exploitation to       inflict pain in order to gain territory & to seek       out their goals or the lead protagonists were       very unassuming & had a sense of service and       duty. And at the end of the day, we know they       end up winning out.

      In the book J.R.R Tolkien was trying to illustrate       this concept thru story & in the same way Israel       was not to have a standing army..

————————————————————————       They were supposed to be a force of defense       which when they were called to go out & do       battle—it was with this overarching sense of       justice & that GOD had a design and a plan for       each time they were to go out to march & take       out another country. ————————————————————————

6.] Personal Application

      So to zoom in again to our lives:

      What Tim is asking us to do is, he asked us to       evaluate our own heart—& he starts with the       concept of wealth.

      Are we using money to build a fortress in our       lives that we can trust?

      Are we counting it?

      Are we looking at it as our security & safety or       Are we relying upon GOD?

      Are we in relationship with HIM in the sense of       that we're praying, & we're trusting in HIS Word       to guide us & not looking to material possession       to be our strength — in the same way that David       counted his troops?

      If we're counting what we have & we're looking       to that as our comparison to others around us &       finding our strength in that source then we are       off track & the same is true in all areas of our       lives & our relationships & our title at work..

      All those areas need to be evaluated & if we're       putting our confidence in our strength in those       things—then we're not where GOD wants us to       be, so why did GOD handle David differently       than HE did Saul???

      or Saul was punished & he lost his Kingdom       —GOD still punished David, but David didn't       lose his Kingdom.

      He didn't lose his destiny.

      And Tim says the reason why GOD distinguished       between the two men in different ways — was       because of David's penitent heart.

      He was truly sorry for his sin, he was truly       repentant for his action & Tim states that       the more you mature & grow as believer       the more penitent your heart will be.

      —the more you're going to be conscious of your       own sin & you're going to repent of it & finally

7.]  Significance of Location

      David offers himself as a sacrifice for the nation       of Israel.

      And at the point, where GOD is at the threshing       floor to kill David, he finds mercy — and it was       actually at the same spot where Abraham was       about to sacrifice Isaac & GOD spiritize

      it was the exact same spot where eventually       Solomon actually built the Temple to GOD &

      finally it's important to note that when GOD       sent JESUS to die for our sins, HE didn't send       JESUS down to Earth with the sword, but HE       sent HIM to serve & to sacrifice & redeem us

      And so we need to model that behavior, we       need to put on the holiness of JESUS & follow       HIM wholly & with full devotion

      —not always understanding the answer why,       but trusting GOD in our lives.

      Well I hope these notes were helpful to you if       they were to leave a comment below like this       content & subscribe to my channel where I'll       continue to produce these summaries & thank       you so much for joining me today GOD bless!

#unpardonable #unforgiven #no mercy #Knowledge without Understanding #rationale #serpent #Adam & Eve

[madewithonerib]

Devil's Disinformation Campaign | Mark Sayers [Ephesians 6:10-18]

Scriptures: Ephesians 6:10-18; Galatians 4:1-9; Colossians 2:15

[madewithonerib]

Such a time as this | Vlad Sawchuk

#Youtube

[madewithonerib]

Generational Curse: Demons of Forefathers | Vlad Sawchuk

#demonic #demonic attacks

[madewithonerib]

This Is How You Know You're Chosen By GOD | Sacred Seekers [Matthew 22:14]

When GOD selects an individual exceptional qualities become evident in every aspect of their life; HIS favor seems to effortlessly accompany them—setting them apart. Being chosen by GOD leads to a life of ease and distinction, where blessings overflow in whatever endeavors they undertake. [0:10]

Let's explore the incredible journey of those select -ed by GOD, and the challenges they may face from others due to their Divine favor.

1.] GOD's Favor

When GOD chooses someone, their journey becomes exceptional — HIS Divine Touch brings forth ease and excellence, accompanied by unique ability that show -cases HIS glory.

The blessings of GOD follow them in all their pursuits —establishing a remarkable path filled with purpose & significance biblical insights.

Reflecting on biblical stories like that of Joseph we see how being chosen by GOD invites envy and admiration.

Joseph's favor from his father & his remarkable dreams led his brothers to feel envious & resentful—however it is essential to remember that GOD's choice is based on obedience & alignment with HIS will.

………………………………………………………………………………………………… Like Joseph when we follow HIS commands we pave the way for HIS blessings. As seen throughout history GOD's chosen ones have experienced HIS Divine protection and care. …………………………………………………………………………………………………

The story of the Israelites exemplifies this truth:

As GOD's chosen ppl, they were fiercely defended in battles and blessed with HIS guidance; while all the others around them were often filled w/ both envy & anger due to the visible Hand of GOD upon them.

2.] Handling Envy & Opposition

Envy and opposition are natural reactions to the exceptional favor GOD bestows upon HIS chosen ones — just as Moses faced envy from his siblings we may encounter negativity from those wishing they were similarly favored.

………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… Yet as Believers we are called to temper such reactions with the help of the HOLY SPIRIT. [2:04] ………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………

3.] GOD's Way

Resisting envy & treating others with humility and 𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁 embracing the journey.

Joseph's story reveals how GOD's chosen are often met with challenges in mistreatment—despite this GOD's plan always prevails & HIS chosen fulfill their purpose. [2:18]

4.] Divine Transformation

When GOD anoints, HE transforms lives, elevating individuals 𝗯𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘀…

This transformation may trigger envy—but our focus should remain on GOD's grace & humility rather than boasting.

Being chosen by GOD is a remarkable privilege that transforms lives: attracting both admiration & envy

While envy may lead to negativity, Believers should remain steadfast—embracing humility in recognizing that their blessings are a result of GOD's grace.

By staying aligned with GOD's will — those chosen by HIM can navigate challenges & impact the world with their exceptional journey. [3:03]

5.] Many Are Called

In the realm of divine selection, the words of Matthew 22:14 echo profoundly, “for many are called but few were chosen”

Today's discourse delves into the Intriguing topic of recognizing the signs that distinguish you as a chosen vessel for GOD's glorious purpose.

It's common to question one's chosen status, but let's uncover the truth behind this Divine calling, by first understanding the call.

6.] Role of Personal Responsibility

………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………… Matthew 22:14 serves as a reminder: GOD extends HIS call to many yet the distinction of being chosen is an honor & responsibility not all will accept. [3:39] ………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………

As believers we are all called by GOD, this including you, me, & everyone else —however being chosen requires more than merely receiving the call..

it necessitates proactive engagement on our part.

While GOD initiates the call, we have a role to play in positioning ourselves for HIS Divine selection.

Our responsibility wise—not in self-appointing— but in aligning our lives to be receptacles of HIS choosing. [4:15]

Through ongoing obedience & submission to JESUS' lordship — we create the conditions for HIS greater work in us.

7.] Five Signs of Being Chosen

Outlined below are five significant signs that point towards your selection by GOD — for a remarkable purpose:

1.] Isolation & introspection, one of the initial signs is a period of isolation — where you may feel detached from the norm and disinterested in worldly pursuits.

This isolation is a Divine process meant to draw you closer to GOD, eliminating distractions and focusing your attention on HIM. Just as JESUS spent time in the wilderness, isolation prepares you for divine encounters

2.] Shifting relationships, chosen individuals often experience shift in relationships—while it may seem painful, losing friends & associations is a sign of growth.

Your journey may be incompatible with certain connections—requiring you to let go of relation -ships hindering progress.

Remember losing for GOD's sake results in multiply blessings. [5:28]

3.] Unconditional love, chosen ones demonstrate an outpouring of unconditional love. [5:33]

This love extends not only to those who treat you well, but even those who wish you harm —loving others as CHRIST loves us is a hallmark of Discipleship. [5:40]

This love-driven mindset sets you apart and marks you as chosen by GOD.

4.] Passion for GOD and HIS Kingdom, a fervent hunger & passion for GOD's Presence, & the advancement of HIS Kingdom characterized chosen individuals.

Your heart's desire aligns with GOD's purpose and you prioritize Heavenly pursuits — over worldly distractions. [5:55 - 6:06]

This passionate pursuit fuels your spiritual journey & prepares you for greater service

5.] Spiritual gifting over time — GOD blesses all HIS chosen ones with spiritual gifts; gifts equip you to #discern truth from deception, and grant you wisdom & understanding to navigate challenges.

Spiritual gifting empowers you to stand firm in your chosen path & effectively fulfill HIS Divine purpose.

[Philippians 2:13; Ephesian 3:20]

The distinction of being chosen by GOD is both an honor and a responsibility—while many are called, only those who actively #engage in the process of alignment, & obedience, and growth are chosen for remarkable purposes.

Embrace the signs that indicate your Divine selection —and remember that your journey is marked by:

• isolation • shifting relationships • unconditional love • passion for GOD & • spiritual gifting

These are all a testament to GOD's transformative power in your life. Thanks for watching this lesson by Sacred Seekers.

If you haven't already consider subscribing & liking this video. If you enjoyed it I hope you come back for more Christian motivation & inspirational Messages.

Take care & GOD bless you!

#sacred calling #sacred seekers #transformation #GOD's power #obedience #remarkable purpose #the chosen #chosen of GOD #set apart #consecrated #Holiness #GOD enthroned #singularly focused #concentration #isolation #wilderness