Sometimes we do not ask God for anything because we’re locked into an old mindset of performance mode. We do not feel that we deserve to be blessed unless we work like a dog for it; then we’ll feel like we earned it. Not only is this performance mode, but it is slavery mentality. When we receive the Lord into our hearts as our personal Lord and Savior, He gives us the right to come to Him in prayer and make requests of Him. Jesus said to simply ask, and He would give us what we ask for. This does not mean that we can ask Him for something that is outside of His Word. Whatever we ask Him for has to line up with the Word of God.
How do we know if what we ask for is according to the Word of God? The only way that we can be sure that our request is within the scope of God’s Word, is to spend quality time with Him in His Word.
Let’s say you’ve asked for God to bless you with prosperity. According to the Word of God, is this a promise from God, or just wishful thinking? To find out for sure, you would need to perform a topical study on the word prosperity. Once you complete your study, you will know exactly what the Lord has to say about prosperity. This is when you can rest assured that when you pray for prosperity, that your prayer is according to the Word of God, and He will answer.
A word study consists of researching the word that you're interested in, in a Strong’s Concordance. When you look into the concordance, you’ll find that the word prosperity is used seventeen different times in various scriptures. You can look up all the scriptures and complete a study, or you can pray for God to show you the scripture to study.
During your study you will learn that prosperity can mean different things in different scriptures, so it is important to make sure that you are looking at the correct scripture that you are studying.
For example;
Psalms 35:27 reads:
Let those who favor my righteous cause and have pleasure in my uprightness shout for joy and be glad and say continually, let the Lord be magnified, who takes pleasure in the PROSPERITY of his servant.
Prosperity in this scripture means: save, well, happy, peace, favor, good health, rest, wholly.
Psalms 118:25 reads:
Save now, we beseech (request) You, O Lord, send now PROSPERITY, O Lord we beseech You, and give to us success.
Prosperity in this scripture means: to push forward in various senses; break out, come mightily, go over, be good, be meet, be profitable, cause to effect, make to, to send.
If you are in need of a financial breakthrough, Deuteronomy 8:18 is a good scripture to commit to memory.
Deuteronomy 8:18 reads:
But you shall (earnestly) remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.
Wealth in this scripture means: a force, whether by men, means or other resources, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength, able, activity, band of men (soldiers), company, (great) forces, goods, host, might, power, riches, substance, virtuous (-ly), worthy (-ily).
This is a powerful promise in the Word of God that is based on His covenant (agreement/contract/word) with Abraham. Abraham was the father of faith. We became the seed of Abraham when we received the Lord Jesus Christ by faith. Therefore this is a promise that we can claim regarding our financial prosperity. It is also a warning for us to remember to thank God for manifesting His promises in our lives, because He is the source of the promises and their fulfillment.
• Are you seeking God for something?
• What are you seeking God for?
• How often do you seek Him?
• Does your request line up with the Word of God?
• Do you believe that He will answer you?
Definitions:
Ask: to call on for an answer, to speak, utter, to make a request.
Find: to discover by study, or experiment, attain, reach, to obtain by effort or management, to discover by sounding, to bring oneself to a realization of one’s powers or of one’s proper sphere of activity.
Given: presented as a gift, bestowed without compensation, granted, fixed and specified (at a time).
Knock: to strike something with a sharp blow, to make a pounding noise, to set forcibly in motion with a blow.
Open: to move as a door from closed position, to make available for entry or passage by turning back (as a barrier) removing (as a cover) or clearing away (as an obstruction), to make accessible for a particular purpose, to disclose or expose to view; reveal.
Seek: to go to, to go in search of, to ask for, request, to make a search for.
Reflection:
If we do not repetitively ask God for Him to manifest the promises in His Word in our lives, how will He know that we are serious about possessing the promises? If we are not serious about possessing the promises of the kingdom of God, we will not be serious about maintaining them.
Therefore, when we seek (worship) God in prayer through His Word, continually (knocking) with an audible persistent sound (such as our voice speaking His Word back to Him) causing a breakthrough to take place because of our faith in Him, He will answer our prayers by opening doors for us that had been blocked by obstacles (within and without), which prevented us from advancing into the kingdom promises of God.
Reference Scriptures:
Matthew 7:7, I John 3:22, Psalms 35:27, 118:25, Deuteronomy 8:18,
Reference Definitions: Webster’s Dictionary, 1990
Higgins, S. (2009). Sounds of Breakthrough (RP). Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing from http://devotionsforthought.blogspot.com.
Wednesday
Thursday
Changing Your Environment
Jesus can see deeper than any man can see. He speaks to the issues of the heart that try to hide within the flesh. Man sees with the natural eye, but God sees the spirit. When Jesus was called upon to go to an officials house (one who himself had authority and position); Jesus went because the official said that his daughter had died, and if Jesus would come to his house that she would live. This man had desperate faith! He had to leave his house and go get help from the One he knew could raise the dead.
The official knew the power of God, and forgot all about his position, his fame, his friends and anything else that would interfere with the miracle working power of Jesus. He stepped outside of his comfort zone. He did not care if he looked foolish. Even if people thought he was crazy for asking for help, he humbled himself, and pursued Jesus for the life of his daughter. He had no more pride, and he no more shame. He was desperate for a miracle, and nothing would stand in his way.
If we want Jesus to change our environment, we must consider:
• Are we desperate for an environmental shift?
• Who do we spend the majority of our time with?
• Who and what are we listening to?
• Who are our friends?
• Who is in our house?
• What are we saying?
Definition(s):
Environment: the circumstances, objects or conditions by which one is surrounded.
Faith: fidelity to one’s promises, belief and trust and loyalty to God, complete trust.
Friend: one attached to another by affection or esteem, one that is not hostile.
Desperate: involving or employing extreme measures in an attempt to escape defeat or frustration.
Humble: not proud or haughty, not arrogant or assertive, reflecting, expressing, or offered in a spirit of deference or submission.
Reflection:
When there is something that seems two difficult to handle, we can always call on the name of Jesus and He will respond to our faith in Him and His Word. If we continue to hold onto God’s Word and believe what He says, dreams that lay in wait within our heart will live again. What we thought was dead can live again if we exercise our faith in the One who will change our environment. Your dreams are not dead, they are alive! Your purpose is not dead, it is alive! What you thought was buried, and six feet under is still waiting for the word to be spoken out of your spirit, through faith in what God has said about you. Forget about what others may say about you, or if they laugh at you for believing God. Believe God anyway, and your unwavering faith will be rewarded. Just like the woman with the issue of blood for twelve years. She was considered unclean, and could not come in the midst of the people. She was desperate for a miracle, and risked her life to touch Jesus. But she had a made up mind that if she could touch the hem of His garment, that she would be healed; and when she touched Him, He knew.
That’s how powerful her faith was. That’s how powerful her belief in the power of Jesus was. Jesus stopped in His tracks when He felt her touch, and He asked who touched me? She confessed that it was she who touched Him. That’s when he told her that she was not just healed, but she was made completely whole because of her faith. Believing in the power of God is the answer to your today, yesterday and tomorrow. Our faith can touch Jesus just like the official, and the woman with the issue of blood. Both of them were desperate for change in their environment.
Reference Scriptures:
Matthew 9:18-25
Reference Definitions:
Webster's Dictionary, 2004
Higgins, S. (2009). Changing Your Environment (RP). Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing from http://devotionsforthought.blogspot.com.
The official knew the power of God, and forgot all about his position, his fame, his friends and anything else that would interfere with the miracle working power of Jesus. He stepped outside of his comfort zone. He did not care if he looked foolish. Even if people thought he was crazy for asking for help, he humbled himself, and pursued Jesus for the life of his daughter. He had no more pride, and he no more shame. He was desperate for a miracle, and nothing would stand in his way.
If we want Jesus to change our environment, we must consider:
• Are we desperate for an environmental shift?
• Who do we spend the majority of our time with?
• Who and what are we listening to?
• Who are our friends?
• Who is in our house?
• What are we saying?
Definition(s):
Environment: the circumstances, objects or conditions by which one is surrounded.
Faith: fidelity to one’s promises, belief and trust and loyalty to God, complete trust.
Friend: one attached to another by affection or esteem, one that is not hostile.
Desperate: involving or employing extreme measures in an attempt to escape defeat or frustration.
Humble: not proud or haughty, not arrogant or assertive, reflecting, expressing, or offered in a spirit of deference or submission.
Reflection:
When there is something that seems two difficult to handle, we can always call on the name of Jesus and He will respond to our faith in Him and His Word. If we continue to hold onto God’s Word and believe what He says, dreams that lay in wait within our heart will live again. What we thought was dead can live again if we exercise our faith in the One who will change our environment. Your dreams are not dead, they are alive! Your purpose is not dead, it is alive! What you thought was buried, and six feet under is still waiting for the word to be spoken out of your spirit, through faith in what God has said about you. Forget about what others may say about you, or if they laugh at you for believing God. Believe God anyway, and your unwavering faith will be rewarded. Just like the woman with the issue of blood for twelve years. She was considered unclean, and could not come in the midst of the people. She was desperate for a miracle, and risked her life to touch Jesus. But she had a made up mind that if she could touch the hem of His garment, that she would be healed; and when she touched Him, He knew.
That’s how powerful her faith was. That’s how powerful her belief in the power of Jesus was. Jesus stopped in His tracks when He felt her touch, and He asked who touched me? She confessed that it was she who touched Him. That’s when he told her that she was not just healed, but she was made completely whole because of her faith. Believing in the power of God is the answer to your today, yesterday and tomorrow. Our faith can touch Jesus just like the official, and the woman with the issue of blood. Both of them were desperate for change in their environment.
Reference Scriptures:
Matthew 9:18-25
Reference Definitions:
Webster's Dictionary, 2004
Higgins, S. (2009). Changing Your Environment (RP). Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing from http://devotionsforthought.blogspot.com.
Wednesday
Moving Pass The Past
John the Baptist was a humble man who had been called from his mother’s womb. John was a simple man and did not require much to live on because of the purpose in which he was called. He was a man of little means living in a desert; and ate locust and wild honey. He also did not have fancy clothing to wear. However, John’s humble lifestyle was not an issue, because God had called him to preach the coming of the Lord before he was even born. Even though John the Baptist had been called to prepare the people for the coming of the Lord: the Christ, the Messiah, the Anointed One who takes away the sin of the world; John felt inadequate to fulfill his purpose to completion.
Howeve, Jesus knew what must be done to fulfill the scriptures. He spoke to John, and gave him assurance with the Word concerning his destiny. Jesus did not condemn John the Baptist for saying that Jesus should baptize him. Jesus did not accuse John of not having faith. He encouraged John the Baptist to fulfill his calling; just like He encouraged Peter when Peter had denied Him three times.
Just imagine the shame that Peter must have felt, when he denied the Lord of lords, and the King of kings; even to the point of using profanity to make it look like he was not associated with Jesus. I am sure Peter felt unworthy to do what Jesus was calling him to do; but then again, Jesus is the perfect example of grace and forgiveness. He knew what was in John, he knew what was in Peter, and He knows what is in us.
God knows that we will feel unworthy of the calling on our lives because of the weakness of our flesh. He knows that sometimes we will be fearful, have doubts and even question the call He has spoken over us. However, no weakness within the flesh of man can reverse what God has spoken. All things happen for a reason, and all things are revealed through the Word of God concerning His creation. God does not make mistakes; He makes miracles happen through faith in Him to do what He says He will do. We must recognize that if God has given us promises through his Word He will perform what he has spoken. Do not become so discouraged that you loose sight on the call of God in your life or the grace of God. He loves us to much to let us wallow in fear, doubt, self-pity, shame, or lack of faith. If God has counted you worthy to fulfill your purpose, rely on Him to bring it to completion; and do not beat yourself up when you make a mistake, but continue to rely on God to finish what He has begun in you.
Have you been too hard on yourself?
Do you have a hard time forgiving yourself?
Is your value based on what God has said?
Do you believe what God has said about you?
Is there someone you need to forgive?
Definitions:
Assurance: The act or action of assuring, pledge, guarantee, security, being certain in the mind, confidence of mind or manner, easy freedom from self-doubt or uncertainty; something that inspires or tends to inspire confidence, to make safe.
Destiny: something to which a person or thing is destined; fortune. A predetermined course of events often held to be an irresistible power or agency. SYN: Fate.
Encourage: to inspire with courage, spirit or hope: Hearten, to spur on; stimulate, to give help to or patronage; foster.
Forgive: to cease to feel resentment against an offender; pardon, to give up resentment of or claim to requittal for an insult.
Grace: unmerited divine assistance given to man for his regeneration or sanctification, a virtue coming from God, a disposition to or an act or instance of kindness or clemency; mercy.
Resent: to feel or to express annoyance or ill will, a feeling of indignant displeasure or persistent ill will at something regarded as a wrong, insult or injury, or offense.
Worthy: having worth or value, estimable, having sufficient worth or importance.
Reflection:
If we repent (turn away from) and are genuinely sorry for something that we have said, or done, God will forgive us. However, we must learn to forgive ourselves and move forward into the purpose of God for our lives.
Scripture References:
Matthew 3:14, 6:14, Psalms 139:14
Definition References:
Webster's Dictionary, 1990
Higgins, S. (2009). Moving Pass the Past (RP). Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing from http://devotionsforthought.blogspot.com.
Howeve, Jesus knew what must be done to fulfill the scriptures. He spoke to John, and gave him assurance with the Word concerning his destiny. Jesus did not condemn John the Baptist for saying that Jesus should baptize him. Jesus did not accuse John of not having faith. He encouraged John the Baptist to fulfill his calling; just like He encouraged Peter when Peter had denied Him three times.
Just imagine the shame that Peter must have felt, when he denied the Lord of lords, and the King of kings; even to the point of using profanity to make it look like he was not associated with Jesus. I am sure Peter felt unworthy to do what Jesus was calling him to do; but then again, Jesus is the perfect example of grace and forgiveness. He knew what was in John, he knew what was in Peter, and He knows what is in us.
God knows that we will feel unworthy of the calling on our lives because of the weakness of our flesh. He knows that sometimes we will be fearful, have doubts and even question the call He has spoken over us. However, no weakness within the flesh of man can reverse what God has spoken. All things happen for a reason, and all things are revealed through the Word of God concerning His creation. God does not make mistakes; He makes miracles happen through faith in Him to do what He says He will do. We must recognize that if God has given us promises through his Word He will perform what he has spoken. Do not become so discouraged that you loose sight on the call of God in your life or the grace of God. He loves us to much to let us wallow in fear, doubt, self-pity, shame, or lack of faith. If God has counted you worthy to fulfill your purpose, rely on Him to bring it to completion; and do not beat yourself up when you make a mistake, but continue to rely on God to finish what He has begun in you.
Have you been too hard on yourself?
Do you have a hard time forgiving yourself?
Is your value based on what God has said?
Do you believe what God has said about you?
Is there someone you need to forgive?
Definitions:
Assurance: The act or action of assuring, pledge, guarantee, security, being certain in the mind, confidence of mind or manner, easy freedom from self-doubt or uncertainty; something that inspires or tends to inspire confidence, to make safe.
Destiny: something to which a person or thing is destined; fortune. A predetermined course of events often held to be an irresistible power or agency. SYN: Fate.
Encourage: to inspire with courage, spirit or hope: Hearten, to spur on; stimulate, to give help to or patronage; foster.
Forgive: to cease to feel resentment against an offender; pardon, to give up resentment of or claim to requittal for an insult.
Grace: unmerited divine assistance given to man for his regeneration or sanctification, a virtue coming from God, a disposition to or an act or instance of kindness or clemency; mercy.
Resent: to feel or to express annoyance or ill will, a feeling of indignant displeasure or persistent ill will at something regarded as a wrong, insult or injury, or offense.
Worthy: having worth or value, estimable, having sufficient worth or importance.
Reflection:
If we repent (turn away from) and are genuinely sorry for something that we have said, or done, God will forgive us. However, we must learn to forgive ourselves and move forward into the purpose of God for our lives.
Scripture References:
Matthew 3:14, 6:14, Psalms 139:14
Definition References:
Webster's Dictionary, 1990
Higgins, S. (2009). Moving Pass the Past (RP). Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing from http://devotionsforthought.blogspot.com.
Tuesday
Sounds of Breakthrough
Sometimes we do not ask God for anything because we’re locked into an old mindset of performance mode. We do not feel that we deserve to be blessed unless we work like a dog for it; then we’ll feel like we earned it. Not only is this performance mode, but it is slavery mentality. When we receive the Lord into our hearts as our personal Lord and Savior, He gives us the right to come to Him in prayer and make requests of Him. Jesus said to simply ask, and He would give us what we ask for. This does not mean that we can ask Him for something that is outside of His Word. Whatever we ask Him for has to line up with the Word of God.
How do we know if what we ask for is according to the Word of God? The only way that we can be sure that our request is within the scope of God’s Word, is to spend quality time with Him in His Word.
Let’s say you’ve asked for God to bless you with prosperity. According to the Word of God, is this a promise from God, or just wishful thinking? To find out for sure, you would need to perform a topical study on the word prosperity. Once you complete your study, you will know exactly what the Lord has to say about prosperity. This is when you can rest assured that when you pray for prosperity, that your prayer is according to the Word of God, and He will answer.
A word study consists of researching the word that you're interested in, in a Strong’s Concordance. When you look into the concordance, you’ll find that the word prosperity is used seventeen different times in various scriptures. You can look up all the scriptures and complete a study, or you can pray for God to show you the scripture to study.
During your study you will learn that prosperity can mean different things in different scriptures, so it is important to make sure that you are looking at the correct scripture that you are studying.
For example;
Psalms 35:27 reads:
Let those who favor my righteous cause and have pleasure in my uprightness shout for joy and be glad and say continually, let the Lord be magnified, who takes pleasure in the PROSPERITY of his servant.
Prosperity in this scripture means: save, well, happy, peace, favor, good health, rest, wholly.
Psalms 118:25 reads:
Save now, we beseech (request) You, O Lord, send now PROSPERITY, O Lord we beseech You, and give to us success.
Prosperity in this scripture means: to push forward in various senses; break out, come mightily, go over, be good, be meet, be profitable, cause to effect, make to, to send.
If you are in need of a financial breakthrough, Deuteronomy 8:18 is a good scripture to commit to memory.
Deuteronomy 8:18 reads:
But you shall (earnestly) remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.
Wealth in this scripture means: a force, whether by men, means or other resources, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength, able, activity, band of men (soldiers), company, (great) forces, goods, host, might, power, riches, substance, virtuous (-ly), worthy (-ily).
This is a powerful promise in the Word of God that is based on His covenant (agreement/contract/word) with Abraham. Abraham was the father of faith. We became the seed of Abraham when we received the Lord Jesus Christ by faith. Therefore this is a promise that we can claim regarding our financial prosperity. It is also a warning for us to remember to thank God for manifesting His promises in our lives, because He is the source of the promises and their fulfillment.
• Are you seeking God for something?
• What are you seeking God for?
• How often do you seek Him?
• Does your request line up with the Word of God?
• Do you believe that He will answer you?
Definitions:
Ask: to call on for an answer, to speak, utter, to make a request.
Find: to discover by study, or experiment, attain, reach, to obtain by effort or management, to discover by sounding, to bring oneself to a realization of one’s powers or of one’s proper sphere of activity.
Given: presented as a gift, bestowed without compensation, granted, fixed and specified (at a time).
Knock: to strike something with a sharp blow, to make a pounding noise, to set forcibly in motion with a blow.
Open: to move as a door from closed position, to make available for entry or passage by turning back (as a barrier) removing (as a cover) or clearing away (as an obstruction), to make accessible for a particular purpose, to disclose or expose to view; reveal.
Seek: to go to, to go in search of, to ask for, request, to make a search for.
Reflection:
If we do not repetitively ask God for Him to manifest the promises in His Word in our lives, how will He know that we are serious about possessing the promises? If we are not serious about possessing the promises of the kingdom of God, we will not be serious about maintaining them.Therefore, when we seek (worship) God in prayer through His Word, continually (knocking) with an audible persistent sound (such as our voice speaking His Word back to Him) causing a breakthrough to take place because of our faith in Him, He will answer our prayers by opening doors for us that had been blocked by obstacles (within and without), which prevented us from advancing into the kingdom promises of God.
Reference Scriptures:
Matthew 7:7, I John 3:22, Psalms 35:27, 118:25, Deuteronomy 8:18,
Reference Definitions: Webster’s Dictionary, 1990
Higgins, S. (2009). Sounds of Breakthrough. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing from http://devotionsforthought.blogspot.com.
How do we know if what we ask for is according to the Word of God? The only way that we can be sure that our request is within the scope of God’s Word, is to spend quality time with Him in His Word.
Let’s say you’ve asked for God to bless you with prosperity. According to the Word of God, is this a promise from God, or just wishful thinking? To find out for sure, you would need to perform a topical study on the word prosperity. Once you complete your study, you will know exactly what the Lord has to say about prosperity. This is when you can rest assured that when you pray for prosperity, that your prayer is according to the Word of God, and He will answer.
A word study consists of researching the word that you're interested in, in a Strong’s Concordance. When you look into the concordance, you’ll find that the word prosperity is used seventeen different times in various scriptures. You can look up all the scriptures and complete a study, or you can pray for God to show you the scripture to study.
During your study you will learn that prosperity can mean different things in different scriptures, so it is important to make sure that you are looking at the correct scripture that you are studying.
For example;
Psalms 35:27 reads:
Let those who favor my righteous cause and have pleasure in my uprightness shout for joy and be glad and say continually, let the Lord be magnified, who takes pleasure in the PROSPERITY of his servant.
Prosperity in this scripture means: save, well, happy, peace, favor, good health, rest, wholly.
Psalms 118:25 reads:
Save now, we beseech (request) You, O Lord, send now PROSPERITY, O Lord we beseech You, and give to us success.
Prosperity in this scripture means: to push forward in various senses; break out, come mightily, go over, be good, be meet, be profitable, cause to effect, make to, to send.
If you are in need of a financial breakthrough, Deuteronomy 8:18 is a good scripture to commit to memory.
Deuteronomy 8:18 reads:
But you shall (earnestly) remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.
Wealth in this scripture means: a force, whether by men, means or other resources, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength, able, activity, band of men (soldiers), company, (great) forces, goods, host, might, power, riches, substance, virtuous (-ly), worthy (-ily).
This is a powerful promise in the Word of God that is based on His covenant (agreement/contract/word) with Abraham. Abraham was the father of faith. We became the seed of Abraham when we received the Lord Jesus Christ by faith. Therefore this is a promise that we can claim regarding our financial prosperity. It is also a warning for us to remember to thank God for manifesting His promises in our lives, because He is the source of the promises and their fulfillment.
• Are you seeking God for something?
• What are you seeking God for?
• How often do you seek Him?
• Does your request line up with the Word of God?
• Do you believe that He will answer you?
Definitions:
Ask: to call on for an answer, to speak, utter, to make a request.
Find: to discover by study, or experiment, attain, reach, to obtain by effort or management, to discover by sounding, to bring oneself to a realization of one’s powers or of one’s proper sphere of activity.
Given: presented as a gift, bestowed without compensation, granted, fixed and specified (at a time).
Knock: to strike something with a sharp blow, to make a pounding noise, to set forcibly in motion with a blow.
Open: to move as a door from closed position, to make available for entry or passage by turning back (as a barrier) removing (as a cover) or clearing away (as an obstruction), to make accessible for a particular purpose, to disclose or expose to view; reveal.
Seek: to go to, to go in search of, to ask for, request, to make a search for.
Reflection:
If we do not repetitively ask God for Him to manifest the promises in His Word in our lives, how will He know that we are serious about possessing the promises? If we are not serious about possessing the promises of the kingdom of God, we will not be serious about maintaining them.Therefore, when we seek (worship) God in prayer through His Word, continually (knocking) with an audible persistent sound (such as our voice speaking His Word back to Him) causing a breakthrough to take place because of our faith in Him, He will answer our prayers by opening doors for us that had been blocked by obstacles (within and without), which prevented us from advancing into the kingdom promises of God.
Reference Scriptures:
Matthew 7:7, I John 3:22, Psalms 35:27, 118:25, Deuteronomy 8:18,
Reference Definitions: Webster’s Dictionary, 1990
Higgins, S. (2009). Sounds of Breakthrough. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing from http://devotionsforthought.blogspot.com.
Saturday
The Building In You
Scripture: Hebrews 3:4
For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.
There are many professions in the world that require years' and years' of training. Once we are trained in a field of our choice, we can fulfill our dream of building a lifestyle that is in line with our training. However, if we just go through life without seeking God for the purporse in which we are created, we can end up travelling along the wrong path, toward building something that was not planned for our destiny.
When we get off track, we must begin again in order to have a balanced life in the Lord Jesus Christ. In order to have a balanced life, we must consult with Him every day of our lives. We must ask Him where He would like us to build; so that whatever we put our hands too is blessed by Him.
It is important that we spend time in prayer, and time in God's Word; seeking Him for divine direction. Training in a given field is very important, however, the anointing of God will give us power to do what training cannot. Therefore, if we seek the Kingdom of God, first and foremost; all other things will be added to us to build what He intends to build through us.
Reflections:
If our desire to please our heavenly Father is stronger than any other desire that could distract us from our purpose in Him; we will not be distracted by another man's vision of building for our lives. We must be directed by the wisdom of God to build what He has put within us to build. Anything else that we try to build will come to nothing, because it's just not in our DNA.
Strong's Concordance Definitions:
Every: 3956
1) individually
a) each, every, any, all, the whole, everyone, all things, everything
2) collectively
a) some of all types
House: 3624
1) a house
a) an inhabited house, home
b) any building whatever
1) of a palace
2) the house of God, the tabernacle
c) any dwelling place
1) of the human body as the abode of demons that possess it
2) of tents, and huts, and later, of the nests, stalls, lairs, of animals
3) the place where one has fixed his residence, one's settled abode, domicile
2) the inmates of a house, all the persons forming one family, a household
a) the family of God, of the Christian Church, of the church of the Old and New Testaments
3) stock, family, descendants of one
Built: 2680
1) to furnish, equip, prepare, make ready
a) of one who makes anything ready for a person or thing
b) of builders, to construct, erect, with the included idea of adorning and equipping with all things necessary
Someone: 5100
1) a certain, a certain one
2) some, some time, a while
God: 2316
1) a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities
2) the Godhead, trinity
a) God the Father, the first person in the trinity
b) Christ, the second person of the trinity
c) Holy Spirit, the third person in the trinity
3) spoken of the only and true God
a) refers to the things of God
b) his counsels, interests, things due to him
4) whatever can in any respect be likened unto God, or resemble him in any way
a) God's representative or viceregent
1) of magistrates and judges
References:
Higgins, S. (2009). The Building In You (RP). Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing, http://www.higginspublishing.com, http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com
For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.
There are many professions in the world that require years' and years' of training. Once we are trained in a field of our choice, we can fulfill our dream of building a lifestyle that is in line with our training. However, if we just go through life without seeking God for the purporse in which we are created, we can end up travelling along the wrong path, toward building something that was not planned for our destiny.
When we get off track, we must begin again in order to have a balanced life in the Lord Jesus Christ. In order to have a balanced life, we must consult with Him every day of our lives. We must ask Him where He would like us to build; so that whatever we put our hands too is blessed by Him.
It is important that we spend time in prayer, and time in God's Word; seeking Him for divine direction. Training in a given field is very important, however, the anointing of God will give us power to do what training cannot. Therefore, if we seek the Kingdom of God, first and foremost; all other things will be added to us to build what He intends to build through us.
Reflections:
If our desire to please our heavenly Father is stronger than any other desire that could distract us from our purpose in Him; we will not be distracted by another man's vision of building for our lives. We must be directed by the wisdom of God to build what He has put within us to build. Anything else that we try to build will come to nothing, because it's just not in our DNA.
- Whose influence in your life is greater than the influence of God?
- Is what you are building in line with the vision God has given you?
- What have you begun to build that appears to be stagnant?
Strong's Concordance Definitions:
Every: 3956
1) individually
a) each, every, any, all, the whole, everyone, all things, everything
2) collectively
a) some of all types
House: 3624
1) a house
a) an inhabited house, home
b) any building whatever
1) of a palace
2) the house of God, the tabernacle
c) any dwelling place
1) of the human body as the abode of demons that possess it
2) of tents, and huts, and later, of the nests, stalls, lairs, of animals
3) the place where one has fixed his residence, one's settled abode, domicile
2) the inmates of a house, all the persons forming one family, a household
a) the family of God, of the Christian Church, of the church of the Old and New Testaments
3) stock, family, descendants of one
1) to furnish, equip, prepare, make ready
a) of one who makes anything ready for a person or thing
b) of builders, to construct, erect, with the included idea of adorning and equipping with all things necessary
Someone: 5100
1) a certain, a certain one
2) some, some time, a while
God: 2316
1) a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities
2) the Godhead, trinity
a) God the Father, the first person in the trinity
b) Christ, the second person of the trinity
c) Holy Spirit, the third person in the trinity
3) spoken of the only and true God
a) refers to the things of God
b) his counsels, interests, things due to him
4) whatever can in any respect be likened unto God, or resemble him in any way
a) God's representative or viceregent
1) of magistrates and judges
References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Letter to the Hebrews 3 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2009. 11 Dec 2009. < http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Hbr&c=3&t=NASB >
Higgins, S. (2009). The Building In You (RP). Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing, http://www.higginspublishing.com, http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com
Friday
What God Says Is Yours, Is Yours!
Scripture: Deuteronomy 19:14
"You shall not move your neighbor's boundary mark, which the ancestors have set, in your inheritance which you will inherit in the land that the LORD your God gives you to possess.
Commentary:
The laws which Moses had hitherto been repeating and urging mostly concerned the acts of religion and devotion towards God; but here he comes more fully to press the duties of righteousness between man and man. This chapter relates, I. To the sixth commandment, "Thou shalt not kill’’ (v. 1–13). II. To the eighth commandment, "Thou shalt not steal’’ (v. 14). III. To the ninth commandment, "Thou shalt not bear false witness,’’ (v. 15, etc.) (Henry, 1996).
Here is a statute for the preventing of frauds and perjuries; for the divine law takes care of men’s rights and properties, and has made a hedge about them. Such a friend is it to human society and men’s civil interest.
I. A law against frauds, v. 14. 1. Here is an implicit direction given to the first planters of Canaan to fix land-marks, according to the distribution of the land to the several tribes and families by lot. Note, It is the will of God that every one should know his own, and that all good means should be used to prevent encroachments and the doing and suffering of wrong. When right is settled, care must be taken that it be not afterwards unsettled, and that, if possible, no occasion of dispute may arise.
2. An express law to posterity not to remove those land-marks which were thus fixed at first, by which a man secretly got that to himself which was his neighbour’s. This, without doubt, is a moral precept, and still binding, and to us it forbids,
(1.) The invading of any man’s right, and taking to ourselves that which is not our own, by any fraudulent arts or practices, as by forging, concealing, destroying, or altering deeds and writings (which are our land-marks, to which appeals are made), or by shifting hedges, meer-stones, and boundaries. Though the land-marks were set by the hand of man, yet he was a thief and a robber by the law of God that removed them. Let every man be content with his own lot, and just to his neighbours, and then we shall have no land-marks removed.
(2.) It forbids the sowing of discord among neighbours, and doing any thing to occasion strife and law-suits, which is done (and it is very ill done) by confounding those things which should determine disputes and decide controversies.
And, (3.) It forbids breaking in upon the settled order and constitution of civil government, and the altering of ancient usages without just cause. This law supports the honour of prescriptions. Consuetudo facit jus—Custom is to be held as law.
Reflection:
As children of God we have certain rights that have been given to us because of the promises that God has made to us in His word. We are the rightful heirs to the promises of God through the faith of Abraham. The promises of God have already been ear-marked for his children, and no one can take what is rightfully ours. No one can claim hold to what God has given us, unless we forfeit the promise through disobedience. The contract that God has set in writing is for our protection, and sets a boundary in place; that says what can, and what cannot take place in our lives. We are linked to our Father, through a boundary line that He has set in place. No one can come past the boundary line that God has instituted to protect us; bless us, and to keep us from harm. Be encouraged to know that the boundary in which God has set up, can never be crossed; and that what God says is yours, is yours!
Strong's Concordance Definitions:
Deuteronomy 19:14
Thou shalt not remove: 5253
1) to move away, backslide, move, go, turn back
a) (Qal) to backslide, prove recreant to
b) (Hiphil)
1) to displace, move back
2) to remove, carry away
d) (Hophal) to be driven back, be moved back
Thy Neighbor's: 7453
1) friend, companion, fellow, another person
a) friend, intimate
b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense)
c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)
Landmark: 1366
1) border, territory
a) border
b) territory (enclosed within boundary)
c) region, territory (of darkness) (fig.)
Which they of old time: 7223
1) first, primary, former
a) former (of time)
1) ancestors
2) former things
b) foremost (of location)
c) first (in time)
d) first, chief (in degree)
adv
2) first, before, formerly, at first
Have set: 1379
1) to bound, border
a) (Qal) to bound, border
b) (Hiphil) to set bounds, set bounds for
In thine inheritance: 5159
1) possession, property, inheritance, heritage
a) property
b) portion, share
c) inheritance, portion
which though shalt inherit: 5157
1) to get as a possession, acquire, inherit, possess
a) (Qal)
1) to take possession, inherit
2) to have or get as a possession or property (fig.)
3) to divide the land for a possession
4) to acquire (testimonies) (fig.)
b) (Piel) to divide for a possession
c) (Hithpael) to possess oneself of
d) (Hiphil)
1) to give as a possession
2) to cause to inherit, give as an inheritance
e) (Hophal) to be allotted, be made to possess
Giveth thee: 5414
1) to give, put, set
a) (Qal)
1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend
2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate
3) to make, constitute
b) (Niphal)
1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned
2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted
c) (Hophal)
1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up
2) to be put upon
thee to possess: 3423
1) to seize, dispossess, take possession off, inherit, disinherit, occupy, impoverish, be an heir
a) (Qal)
1) to take possession of
2) to inherit
3) to impoverish, come to poverty, be poor
b) (Niphal) to be dispossessed, be impoverished, come to poverty
c) (Piel) to devour
d) (Hiphil)
1) to cause to possess or inherit
2) to cause others to possess or inherit
3) to impoverish
4) to dispossess
5) to destroy, bring to ruin, disinherit
References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Book of Deuteronomy 19 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 13 Mar 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Deu&c=19&t=NASB
Henry, Matthew. "Commentary on Deuteronomy 19." . Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar 1996. 2010. 13 Mar 2010.
http://www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?
AuthorID=4&contentID=803&commInfo=5&topic=Deuteronomy&
ar=Deu_19_14 >
Higgins, S. (2010). What God Says Is Yours Is Yours - (RP). Devotions for Thought. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, Http://www.higginspublishing.com
"You shall not move your neighbor's boundary mark, which the ancestors have set, in your inheritance which you will inherit in the land that the LORD your God gives you to possess.
Commentary:
The laws which Moses had hitherto been repeating and urging mostly concerned the acts of religion and devotion towards God; but here he comes more fully to press the duties of righteousness between man and man. This chapter relates, I. To the sixth commandment, "Thou shalt not kill’’ (v. 1–13). II. To the eighth commandment, "Thou shalt not steal’’ (v. 14). III. To the ninth commandment, "Thou shalt not bear false witness,’’ (v. 15, etc.) (Henry, 1996).
Here is a statute for the preventing of frauds and perjuries; for the divine law takes care of men’s rights and properties, and has made a hedge about them. Such a friend is it to human society and men’s civil interest.
I. A law against frauds, v. 14. 1. Here is an implicit direction given to the first planters of Canaan to fix land-marks, according to the distribution of the land to the several tribes and families by lot. Note, It is the will of God that every one should know his own, and that all good means should be used to prevent encroachments and the doing and suffering of wrong. When right is settled, care must be taken that it be not afterwards unsettled, and that, if possible, no occasion of dispute may arise.
2. An express law to posterity not to remove those land-marks which were thus fixed at first, by which a man secretly got that to himself which was his neighbour’s. This, without doubt, is a moral precept, and still binding, and to us it forbids,
(1.) The invading of any man’s right, and taking to ourselves that which is not our own, by any fraudulent arts or practices, as by forging, concealing, destroying, or altering deeds and writings (which are our land-marks, to which appeals are made), or by shifting hedges, meer-stones, and boundaries. Though the land-marks were set by the hand of man, yet he was a thief and a robber by the law of God that removed them. Let every man be content with his own lot, and just to his neighbours, and then we shall have no land-marks removed.
(2.) It forbids the sowing of discord among neighbours, and doing any thing to occasion strife and law-suits, which is done (and it is very ill done) by confounding those things which should determine disputes and decide controversies.
And, (3.) It forbids breaking in upon the settled order and constitution of civil government, and the altering of ancient usages without just cause. This law supports the honour of prescriptions. Consuetudo facit jus—Custom is to be held as law.
Reflection:
As children of God we have certain rights that have been given to us because of the promises that God has made to us in His word. We are the rightful heirs to the promises of God through the faith of Abraham. The promises of God have already been ear-marked for his children, and no one can take what is rightfully ours. No one can claim hold to what God has given us, unless we forfeit the promise through disobedience. The contract that God has set in writing is for our protection, and sets a boundary in place; that says what can, and what cannot take place in our lives. We are linked to our Father, through a boundary line that He has set in place. No one can come past the boundary line that God has instituted to protect us; bless us, and to keep us from harm. Be encouraged to know that the boundary in which God has set up, can never be crossed; and that what God says is yours, is yours!
Strong's Concordance Definitions:
Deuteronomy 19:14
Thou shalt not remove: 5253
1) to move away, backslide, move, go, turn back
a) (Qal) to backslide, prove recreant to
b) (Hiphil)
1) to displace, move back
2) to remove, carry away
d) (Hophal) to be driven back, be moved back
Thy Neighbor's: 7453
1) friend, companion, fellow, another person
a) friend, intimate
b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense)
c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)
Landmark: 1366
1) border, territory
a) border
b) territory (enclosed within boundary)
c) region, territory (of darkness) (fig.)
Which they of old time: 7223
1) first, primary, former
a) former (of time)
1) ancestors
2) former things
b) foremost (of location)
c) first (in time)
d) first, chief (in degree)
adv
2) first, before, formerly, at first
Have set: 1379
1) to bound, border
a) (Qal) to bound, border
b) (Hiphil) to set bounds, set bounds for
In thine inheritance: 5159
1) possession, property, inheritance, heritage
a) property
b) portion, share
c) inheritance, portion
which though shalt inherit: 5157
1) to get as a possession, acquire, inherit, possess
a) (Qal)
1) to take possession, inherit
2) to have or get as a possession or property (fig.)
3) to divide the land for a possession
4) to acquire (testimonies) (fig.)
b) (Piel) to divide for a possession
c) (Hithpael) to possess oneself of
d) (Hiphil)
1) to give as a possession
2) to cause to inherit, give as an inheritance
e) (Hophal) to be allotted, be made to possess
Giveth thee: 5414
1) to give, put, set
a) (Qal)
1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend
2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate
3) to make, constitute
b) (Niphal)
1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned
2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted
c) (Hophal)
1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up
2) to be put upon
thee to possess: 3423
1) to seize, dispossess, take possession off, inherit, disinherit, occupy, impoverish, be an heir
a) (Qal)
1) to take possession of
2) to inherit
3) to impoverish, come to poverty, be poor
b) (Niphal) to be dispossessed, be impoverished, come to poverty
c) (Piel) to devour
d) (Hiphil)
1) to cause to possess or inherit
2) to cause others to possess or inherit
3) to impoverish
4) to dispossess
5) to destroy, bring to ruin, disinherit
References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Book of Deuteronomy 19 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 13 Mar 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Deu&c=19&t=NASB
Henry, Matthew. "Commentary on Deuteronomy 19." . Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar 1996. 2010. 13 Mar 2010.
http://www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?
AuthorID=4&contentID=803&commInfo=5&topic=Deuteronomy&
ar=Deu_19_14 >
Higgins, S. (2010). What God Says Is Yours Is Yours - (RP). Devotions for Thought. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, Http://www.higginspublishing.com
Thursday
Clear Communication
Scripture: Exodus 9:12
"You shall set bounds for the people all around, saying, 'Beware that you do not go up on the mountain or touch the border of it; whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death.
Commentary:
God set an example for us on how we should conduct ourselves in establishing relationships from the very beginning. He gave Moses specific instructions on what to tell the people, in regard to them approaching Him. The time had come for the people to consecrate themselves to God for a period of two days. On the third day, God would come into the midst of the people. However, God specifically told Moses what to tell the people.
The people in whom God delivered out of the hands of Pharaoh, would now be consecrated to God by devoting themselves to Him for a period of two days, and washing their garments. God also told Moses to set boundaries around Mount Sinai, so that the people would not go upon the mountain, or touch it. If anyone tried to go upon the mountain, or if anyone touched the mountain, they would die.
God set boundaries at the very beginning of His relationship with the children of Israel. They were to be set apart by consecrating themselves to Him, and they could not go to Him any kind of way. He put in place what He would, and would not accept from them. If they were obedient to the boundary that God had put in place they would flourish, but if they were not, they would die. There was no miscommunication on God's part. He made it perfectly clear from the beginning.
Reflection:
God has shown us how our relationships should be through His implementation of boundaries at Mount Sinai. We should communicate with eachother to the best of our ability; especially at the beginning of a friendship, and/or relationship with someone. Each person should have a clear understanding of one another's purpose, desires, and requests. Additionally, it should be made clear what one will, and will not accept in the relationship. Therefore, the chance of misunderstandings springing up, will be greatly diminished, if not obsolete.
When boundaries are crossed in a relationship, it shows a lack of respect for the one who has set their own personal boundaries; which will cause the relationship to diminish over time. If the relationship is not restored with respect for the boundaries of either party, the relationship will end. Respecting one another as children of God continually, will help us to build stronger relationships; that do not cross boundary lines, that have been established by God.
you shall set bounds: 1379
1) to bound, border
a) (Qal) to bound, border
b) (Hiphil) to set bounds, set bounds for
for the people: 5971
1) nation, people
a) people, nation
b) persons, members of one's people, compatriots, country-men
2) kinsman, kindred
all around: 5439
subst
1) places round about, circuit, round about
adv
2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about
prep
3) in the circuit, from every side
that you do not go: 5927
1) to go up, ascend, climb
a) (Qal)
1) to go up, ascend
2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat
3) to go up, come up (of animals)
4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation)
5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon)
6) to come up (before God)
7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary)
8) to excel, be superior to
b) (Niphal)
1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away
2) to take oneself away
3) to be exalted
c) (Hiphil)
1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up
2) to bring up, bring against, take away
3) to bring up, draw up, train
4) to cause to ascend
5) to rouse, stir up (mentally)
6) to offer, bring up (of gifts)
7) to exalt
8) to cause to ascend, offer
d) (Hophal)
1) to be carried away, be led up
2) to be taken up into, be inserted in
3) to be offered
e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
up on the mountain: 2022
1) hill, mountain, hill country, mount
or touch: 5060
1) to touch, reach, strike
a) (Qal)
1) to touch
2) to strike
3) to reach, extend to
4) to be stricken
a) stricken (participle)
b) (Niphal) to be stricken, be defeated
c) (Piel) to strike
d) (Pual) to be stricken (by disease)
e) (Hiphil) to cause to touch, reach, approach, arrive
1) to cause to touch, apply
2) to reach, extend, attain, arrive, come
3) to approach (of time)
4) to befall (of fate)
the border: 7097
1) end, extremity
a) end, mouth, extremity
b) border, outskirts
c) the whole (condensed term for what is included within extremities)
d) at the end of (a certain time)
of if, whoever: 3605
1) all, the whole
a) all, the whole of
b) any, each, every, anything
c) totality, everything
shall surely be put to death: 4191
1) to die, kill, have one executed
a) (Qal)
1) to die
2) to die (as penalty), be put to death
3) to die, perish (of a nation)
4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct)
b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch
c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death
d) (Hophal)
1) to be killed, be put to death
a) to die prematurely
References: Blue Letter Bible. "Book of Exodus 19 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 28 Jan 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Exd&c=19&t=NASB
Higgins, S. (2010). Clear Communications, (RP). Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, Http://www.higginspublishing.com
"You shall set bounds for the people all around, saying, 'Beware that you do not go up on the mountain or touch the border of it; whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death.
Commentary:
God set an example for us on how we should conduct ourselves in establishing relationships from the very beginning. He gave Moses specific instructions on what to tell the people, in regard to them approaching Him. The time had come for the people to consecrate themselves to God for a period of two days. On the third day, God would come into the midst of the people. However, God specifically told Moses what to tell the people.
The people in whom God delivered out of the hands of Pharaoh, would now be consecrated to God by devoting themselves to Him for a period of two days, and washing their garments. God also told Moses to set boundaries around Mount Sinai, so that the people would not go upon the mountain, or touch it. If anyone tried to go upon the mountain, or if anyone touched the mountain, they would die.
God set boundaries at the very beginning of His relationship with the children of Israel. They were to be set apart by consecrating themselves to Him, and they could not go to Him any kind of way. He put in place what He would, and would not accept from them. If they were obedient to the boundary that God had put in place they would flourish, but if they were not, they would die. There was no miscommunication on God's part. He made it perfectly clear from the beginning.
Reflection:
God has shown us how our relationships should be through His implementation of boundaries at Mount Sinai. We should communicate with eachother to the best of our ability; especially at the beginning of a friendship, and/or relationship with someone. Each person should have a clear understanding of one another's purpose, desires, and requests. Additionally, it should be made clear what one will, and will not accept in the relationship. Therefore, the chance of misunderstandings springing up, will be greatly diminished, if not obsolete.
When boundaries are crossed in a relationship, it shows a lack of respect for the one who has set their own personal boundaries; which will cause the relationship to diminish over time. If the relationship is not restored with respect for the boundaries of either party, the relationship will end. Respecting one another as children of God continually, will help us to build stronger relationships; that do not cross boundary lines, that have been established by God.
you shall set bounds: 1379
1) to bound, border
a) (Qal) to bound, border
b) (Hiphil) to set bounds, set bounds for
for the people: 5971
1) nation, people
a) people, nation
b) persons, members of one's people, compatriots, country-men
2) kinsman, kindred
all around: 5439
subst
1) places round about, circuit, round about
adv
2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about
prep
3) in the circuit, from every side
that you do not go: 5927
1) to go up, ascend, climb
a) (Qal)
1) to go up, ascend
2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat
3) to go up, come up (of animals)
4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation)
5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon)
6) to come up (before God)
7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary)
8) to excel, be superior to
b) (Niphal)
1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away
2) to take oneself away
3) to be exalted
c) (Hiphil)
1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up
2) to bring up, bring against, take away
3) to bring up, draw up, train
4) to cause to ascend
5) to rouse, stir up (mentally)
6) to offer, bring up (of gifts)
7) to exalt
8) to cause to ascend, offer
d) (Hophal)
1) to be carried away, be led up
2) to be taken up into, be inserted in
3) to be offered
e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
up on the mountain: 2022
1) hill, mountain, hill country, mount
or touch: 5060
1) to touch, reach, strike
a) (Qal)
1) to touch
2) to strike
3) to reach, extend to
4) to be stricken
a) stricken (participle)
b) (Niphal) to be stricken, be defeated
c) (Piel) to strike
d) (Pual) to be stricken (by disease)
e) (Hiphil) to cause to touch, reach, approach, arrive
1) to cause to touch, apply
2) to reach, extend, attain, arrive, come
3) to approach (of time)
4) to befall (of fate)
the border: 7097
1) end, extremity
a) end, mouth, extremity
b) border, outskirts
c) the whole (condensed term for what is included within extremities)
d) at the end of (a certain time)
of if, whoever: 3605
1) all, the whole
a) all, the whole of
b) any, each, every, anything
c) totality, everything
shall surely be put to death: 4191
1) to die, kill, have one executed
a) (Qal)
1) to die
2) to die (as penalty), be put to death
3) to die, perish (of a nation)
4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct)
b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch
c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death
d) (Hophal)
1) to be killed, be put to death
a) to die prematurely
References: Blue Letter Bible. "Book of Exodus 19 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 28 Jan 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Exd&c=19&t=NASB
Higgins, S. (2010). Clear Communications, (RP). Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, Http://www.higginspublishing.com
Wednesday
The Purpose of The Promise
God has spoken promises over our lives, and each promise has a specific purpose. It is so important that we do not get wrapped up in the promise itself; but to get excited about the purpose of the promise being fulfilled; and being counted worthy to carry the purpose to completion.
It is essential to remember:
• The source of the promise
• The purpose of the promise
• To keep our promise
The reason why these three things are so important is so we don’t get off track in our thinking. Because the first thing the enemy will try to do is to make us feel that we did it on our own. This is when spirit of pride comes in to steal what God has given to us; because we did not give God the glory for what He has done. So, do not be tricked by the schemes of the enemy to rob you of your blessing; and always be prepared to give out of the abundance that God has spoken over your life through His word.
When the promise manifest, and it will, REMEMBER, to be a blessing out of your plenty to those that are in need, because that is the purpose for the manifestation of the promise.
• What are some of the promises that God has spoken over your life?
• What promises do you BELIEVE He will fulfill, in and through you?
• What is the purpose of the promises spoken over your life?
• When the promise(s) manifest; will you fulfill the purpose of it?
Knowing the answer to the above questions will help us to stay on track with God; so that He will continue to trust us with fulfilling the purposes that He has placed in our hearts.
Definition(s):
Purpose: something set up as an object or end to be attained, intention, resolution, determination.
Promise: to send forth, a declaration that one will do or refrain from doing something specified. A legally binding declaration that gives the person to whom it is made a right to expect or to claim the performance or forbearance of a specified act; reason to expect something; ground for expectation of success, improvement, or excellence. To pledge to do, bring about, or provide; to suggest beforehand, to give ground for expectation.
Remember: to be mindful, to think of again, to keep in mind for attention or consideration, to retain in memory, record, commemorate, to have a recollection or (remembrance). The period of which ones’ memory extends; the act of recalling to mind.
Reflection:
Remember to give God the glory in everything, because if He trusts us enough to bless us with abundance; it is our responsibility to be good stewards over what He has given to us to fulfill a specific purpose.
If you are not sure of the purpose of the promises that have been made in your life, seek God, and He will give you the answer.
Scripture References:
2 Corinthians 8:10-11, Deuteronomy 8:18
Definition References:
Webster's Dictionary, 2009
Higgins, S. (2009). The Purpose of the Promise. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing from http://devotionsforthought.blogspot.com.
It is essential to remember:
• The source of the promise
• The purpose of the promise
• To keep our promise
The reason why these three things are so important is so we don’t get off track in our thinking. Because the first thing the enemy will try to do is to make us feel that we did it on our own. This is when spirit of pride comes in to steal what God has given to us; because we did not give God the glory for what He has done. So, do not be tricked by the schemes of the enemy to rob you of your blessing; and always be prepared to give out of the abundance that God has spoken over your life through His word.
When the promise manifest, and it will, REMEMBER, to be a blessing out of your plenty to those that are in need, because that is the purpose for the manifestation of the promise.
• What are some of the promises that God has spoken over your life?
• What promises do you BELIEVE He will fulfill, in and through you?
• What is the purpose of the promises spoken over your life?
• When the promise(s) manifest; will you fulfill the purpose of it?
Knowing the answer to the above questions will help us to stay on track with God; so that He will continue to trust us with fulfilling the purposes that He has placed in our hearts.
Definition(s):
Purpose: something set up as an object or end to be attained, intention, resolution, determination.
Promise: to send forth, a declaration that one will do or refrain from doing something specified. A legally binding declaration that gives the person to whom it is made a right to expect or to claim the performance or forbearance of a specified act; reason to expect something; ground for expectation of success, improvement, or excellence. To pledge to do, bring about, or provide; to suggest beforehand, to give ground for expectation.
Remember: to be mindful, to think of again, to keep in mind for attention or consideration, to retain in memory, record, commemorate, to have a recollection or (remembrance). The period of which ones’ memory extends; the act of recalling to mind.
Reflection:
Remember to give God the glory in everything, because if He trusts us enough to bless us with abundance; it is our responsibility to be good stewards over what He has given to us to fulfill a specific purpose.
If you are not sure of the purpose of the promises that have been made in your life, seek God, and He will give you the answer.
Scripture References:
2 Corinthians 8:10-11, Deuteronomy 8:18
Definition References:
Webster's Dictionary, 2009
Higgins, S. (2009). The Purpose of the Promise. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing from http://devotionsforthought.blogspot.com.
Thursday
Our Father Knows Best
Scripture(s): Numbers 11:4-6
The rabble who were among them had greedy desires; and also the sons of Israel wept again and said, "Who will give us meat to eat? "We remember the fish which we used to eat free in Egypt, the cucumbers and the melons and the leeks and the onions and the garlic, but now our appetite is gone. There is nothing at all to look at except this manna."
Commentary:
These verses represent things sadly unhinged and out of order in Israel, both the people and the prince uneasy.
I. Here is the people fretting, and speaking against God himself (as it is interpreted, Ps. 78:19), notwithstanding his glorious appearances both to them and for them. Observe, (Henry, 1996).
1. Who were the criminals. (1.) The mixed multitude began, they fell a lusting, v. 4. The rabble that came with them out of Egypt, expecting only the land of promise, but not a state of probation in the way to it. They were hangers on, who took hold of the skirts of the Jews, and would go with them only because they knew not how to live at home, and were disposed to seek their fortunes (as we say) abroad. These were the scabbed sheep that infected the flock, the leaven that leavened the whole lump. Note, A few factious, discontented, ill-natured people, may do a great deal of mischief in the best societies, if great care be not taken to discountenance them. Such as these are an untoward generation, from which it is our wisdom to save ourselves, Acts 2:40. (2.) Even the children of Israel took the infection, as we are informed, v. 4. The holy seed joined themselves to the people of these abominations. The mixed multitude here spoken of were not numbered with the children of Israel, but were set aside as a people God made no account of; and yet the children of Israel, forgetting their own character and distinction, herded themselves with them and learned their way, as if the scum and outcasts of the camp were to be the privy-counsellors of it. The children of Israel, a people near to God and highly privileged, yet drawn into rebellion against him! O how little honour has God in the world, when even the people which he formed for himself, to show forth his praise, were so much a dishonour to him! Therefore let none think that their external professions and privileges will be their security either against Satan’s temptations to sin or God’s judgments for sin. See 1 Co. 10:1, 2, 12 (Henry, 1996).
2. What was the crime: they lusted and murmured. Though they had been lately corrected for this sin, and many of them overthrown for it, as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and the smell of the fire was still in their nostrils, yet they returned to it. See Prov. 27:22. (1.) They magnified the plenty and dainties they had had in Egypt (v. 5), as if God had done them a great deal of wrong in taking them thence. While they were in Egypt they sighed by reason of their burdens, for their lives were made bitter to them with hard bondage; and yet now they talk of Egypt as if they had all lived like princes there, when this serves as a colour for their present discontent. But with what face can they talk of eating fish in Egypt freely, or for nought, as if it cost them nothing, when they paid so dearly for it with their hard service? They remember the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick (precious stuff indeed to be fond of!), but they do not remember the brick-kilns and the task-masters, the voice of the oppressor and the smart of the whip. No, these are forgotten by these ungrateful people. (2.)
They were sick of the good provision God had made for them, v. 6. It was bread from heaven, angels’ food. To show how unreasonable their complaint was, it is here described, v. 7-9. It was good for food, and pleasant to the eye, every grain like an orient pearl; it was wholesome food and nourishing; it was not to be called dry bread, for it tasted like fresh oil; it was agreeable (the Jews say, Wisd. 16:20) to every man’s palate, and tasted as he would have it; and, though it was still the same, yet, by the different ways of dressing it, it yielded them a grateful variety; it cost them no money, nor care, for it fell in the night, while they slept; and the labour of gathering it was not worth speaking of; they lived upon free quarter, and yet could talk of Egypt’s cheapness and the fish they ate there freely. Nay, which was much more valuable than all this, the manna came from the immediate power and bounty of God, not from common providence, but from special favour. It was, as God’s compassion, new every morning, always fresh, not as their food who live on shipboard (Henry, 1996).
While they lived on manna, they seemed to be exempted from the curse which sin has brought on man, that in the sweat of his face should he eat bread. And yet they speak of manna with such scorn, as if it were not good enough to be meat for swine: Our soul is dried away. They speak as if God dealt hardly with them in allowing them no better food. At first they admired it (Ex. 16:15): What is this? "What a curious precious thing is this!’’ But now they despised it. Note, Peevish discontented minds will find fault with that which has no fault in it but that it is too good for them. It is very provoking to God to undervalue his favours, and to put a but upon our common mercies. Nothing but manna! Those that might be very happy often make themselves very miserable by their discontents (Henry, 1996).
(3.) They could not be satisfied unless they had flesh to eat. They brought flocks and herds with them in great abundance out of Egypt; but either they were covetous, and could not find in their hearts to kill them, lest they should lessen their flocks (they must have flesh as cheap as they had bread, or they would not be pleased), or else they were curious, beef and mutton would not please them; they must have something more nice and delicate, like the fish they did eat in Egypt. Food would not serve; they must be feasted. They had feasted with God upon the peace-offerings which they had their share of; but it seems God did not keep a table good enough for them, they must have daintier bits than any that came to his altar (Henry, 1996).
Note, It is an evidence of the dominion of the carnal mind when we are solicitous to have all the delights and satisfactions of sense wound up to the height of pleasurableness. Be not desirous of dainties, Prov. 23:1-3. If God gives us food convenient, we ought to be thankful, though we do not eat the fat and drink the sweet. (4.) They distrusted the power and goodness of God as insufficient for their supply: Who will give us flesh to eat? taking it for granted that God could not. Thus this question is commented upon, Ps. 78:19, 20, Can he provide flesh also? though he had given them flesh with their bread once, when he saw fit (Ex. 16:13), and they might have expected that he would do it again, and in mercy, if, instead of murmuring, they had prayed. Note, It is an offence to God to let our desires go beyond our faith. (5.) They were eager and importunate in their desires; they lusted a lust, so the word is, lusted greatly and greedily, till they wept again for vexation (Henry, 1996),
So childish were the children of Israel, and so humoursome, that they cried because they had not what they would have and when they would have it. They did not offer up this desire to God, but would rather be beholden to any one else than to him. We should not indulge ourselves in any desire which we cannot in faith turn into prayer, as we cannot when we ask meat for our lust, Ps. 78:18. For this sin the anger of the Lord was kindled greatly against them, which is written for our admonition, that we should not lust after evil things as they lusted, 1 Co. 10:6. (6.) Flesh is good food, and may lawfully be eaten; yet they are said to lust after evil things. What is lawful of itself becomes evil to us when it is what God does not allot to us and yet we eagerly desire it (Henry, 1996).
Reflection:
The children of Israel made a conscious decision to agree with those that were mixed in with the chosen people of God. They forgot whom their God was, and joined forces with a bunch of individuals that were greedy for what they were accustomed to in the land of bondage and slavery. They voiced there opinions loudly, and boisterously among the people; to the point that God heard, and so did Moses. God was angry with the children of Israel for having no faith in Him to provide what He knew they needed, and to accuse Him of not being able to provide for them. God had provided Manna for them in the wilderness of Sinai, every single day, and up until now it was sufficient. However, when they began to listen to the voice of those that had no relationship with God, and started complaining about the provision of God, they were rebuked by God Himself.
God provides according to what He knows is best for us, physically, emotionally, spiritually, and financially. Even though we think we know what we need, our Father knows best. We shoud refrain from complaining, because God sees and knows every angle of our life. He knows exactly what we need, and when we need it. As children of God, we must remember to trust the timing of God, be thankful for the provisions of today, and not to be concerned about the provisions of tomorrow. For God knows what we have need of before we even ask.
Strong's Concordance Definitions: King James Version (Numbers 11:4)
Rabble: 628
1) collection, rabble, collected multitude, mixed multitude
that was among: 7130
1) midst, among, inner part, middle
a) inward part
1) physical sense
2) as seat of thought and emotion
3) as faculty of thought and emotion
b) in the midst, among, from among (of a number of persons)
c) entrails (of sacrificial animals)
them, fell a lusting: 183
1) desire, incline, covet, wait longingly, wish, sigh, want, be greedy, prefer
a) (Piel) to desire, crave (food and drink)
b) (Hithpael) to desire, long for, lust after (of bodily appetites)
of Israel: 3478
Israel = "God prevails"
1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel
2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob
a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split
b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah
c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
also wept: 1058
1) to weep, bewail, cry, shed tears
a) (Qal)
1) to weep (in grief, humiliation, or joy)
2) to weep bitterly (with cognate acc.)
3) to weep upon (embrace and weep)
4) to bewail
b) (Piel) participle
1) lamenting
2) bewailing
who shall give us flesh: 1320
1) flesh
a) of the body
1) of humans
2) of animals
b) the body itself
c) male organ of generation (euphemism)
d) kindred, blood-relations
e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God)
f) all living things
g) animals
h) mankind
to eat: 398
1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed
a) (Qal)
1) to eat (human subject)
2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds)
3) to devour, consume (of fire)
4) to devour, slay (of sword)
5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought)
6) to devour (of oppression)
b) (Niphal)
1) to be eaten (by men)
2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire)
3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh)
c) (Pual)
1) to cause to eat, feed with
2) to cause to devour
d) (Hiphil)
1) to feed
2) to cause to eat
e) (Piel)
1) consume
References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Book of Numbers 11 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 25 Feb 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Num&c=11&t=NASB
Henry, Matthew. "Commentary on Numbers 11." . Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar 1996. 2010. 25 Feb 2010. http:// www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?
AuthorID=4&contentID=758&commInfo=5&topic=Numbers&ar=Num_11_4
Higgins, S. (2010). Our Father Knows Best (RP). Devotions For Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, http://www.higginspublishing.com
The rabble who were among them had greedy desires; and also the sons of Israel wept again and said, "Who will give us meat to eat? "We remember the fish which we used to eat free in Egypt, the cucumbers and the melons and the leeks and the onions and the garlic, but now our appetite is gone. There is nothing at all to look at except this manna."
Commentary:
These verses represent things sadly unhinged and out of order in Israel, both the people and the prince uneasy.
I. Here is the people fretting, and speaking against God himself (as it is interpreted, Ps. 78:19), notwithstanding his glorious appearances both to them and for them. Observe, (Henry, 1996).
1. Who were the criminals. (1.) The mixed multitude began, they fell a lusting, v. 4. The rabble that came with them out of Egypt, expecting only the land of promise, but not a state of probation in the way to it. They were hangers on, who took hold of the skirts of the Jews, and would go with them only because they knew not how to live at home, and were disposed to seek their fortunes (as we say) abroad. These were the scabbed sheep that infected the flock, the leaven that leavened the whole lump. Note, A few factious, discontented, ill-natured people, may do a great deal of mischief in the best societies, if great care be not taken to discountenance them. Such as these are an untoward generation, from which it is our wisdom to save ourselves, Acts 2:40. (2.) Even the children of Israel took the infection, as we are informed, v. 4. The holy seed joined themselves to the people of these abominations. The mixed multitude here spoken of were not numbered with the children of Israel, but were set aside as a people God made no account of; and yet the children of Israel, forgetting their own character and distinction, herded themselves with them and learned their way, as if the scum and outcasts of the camp were to be the privy-counsellors of it. The children of Israel, a people near to God and highly privileged, yet drawn into rebellion against him! O how little honour has God in the world, when even the people which he formed for himself, to show forth his praise, were so much a dishonour to him! Therefore let none think that their external professions and privileges will be their security either against Satan’s temptations to sin or God’s judgments for sin. See 1 Co. 10:1, 2, 12 (Henry, 1996).
2. What was the crime: they lusted and murmured. Though they had been lately corrected for this sin, and many of them overthrown for it, as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and the smell of the fire was still in their nostrils, yet they returned to it. See Prov. 27:22. (1.) They magnified the plenty and dainties they had had in Egypt (v. 5), as if God had done them a great deal of wrong in taking them thence. While they were in Egypt they sighed by reason of their burdens, for their lives were made bitter to them with hard bondage; and yet now they talk of Egypt as if they had all lived like princes there, when this serves as a colour for their present discontent. But with what face can they talk of eating fish in Egypt freely, or for nought, as if it cost them nothing, when they paid so dearly for it with their hard service? They remember the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick (precious stuff indeed to be fond of!), but they do not remember the brick-kilns and the task-masters, the voice of the oppressor and the smart of the whip. No, these are forgotten by these ungrateful people. (2.)
They were sick of the good provision God had made for them, v. 6. It was bread from heaven, angels’ food. To show how unreasonable their complaint was, it is here described, v. 7-9. It was good for food, and pleasant to the eye, every grain like an orient pearl; it was wholesome food and nourishing; it was not to be called dry bread, for it tasted like fresh oil; it was agreeable (the Jews say, Wisd. 16:20) to every man’s palate, and tasted as he would have it; and, though it was still the same, yet, by the different ways of dressing it, it yielded them a grateful variety; it cost them no money, nor care, for it fell in the night, while they slept; and the labour of gathering it was not worth speaking of; they lived upon free quarter, and yet could talk of Egypt’s cheapness and the fish they ate there freely. Nay, which was much more valuable than all this, the manna came from the immediate power and bounty of God, not from common providence, but from special favour. It was, as God’s compassion, new every morning, always fresh, not as their food who live on shipboard (Henry, 1996).
While they lived on manna, they seemed to be exempted from the curse which sin has brought on man, that in the sweat of his face should he eat bread. And yet they speak of manna with such scorn, as if it were not good enough to be meat for swine: Our soul is dried away. They speak as if God dealt hardly with them in allowing them no better food. At first they admired it (Ex. 16:15): What is this? "What a curious precious thing is this!’’ But now they despised it. Note, Peevish discontented minds will find fault with that which has no fault in it but that it is too good for them. It is very provoking to God to undervalue his favours, and to put a but upon our common mercies. Nothing but manna! Those that might be very happy often make themselves very miserable by their discontents (Henry, 1996).
(3.) They could not be satisfied unless they had flesh to eat. They brought flocks and herds with them in great abundance out of Egypt; but either they were covetous, and could not find in their hearts to kill them, lest they should lessen their flocks (they must have flesh as cheap as they had bread, or they would not be pleased), or else they were curious, beef and mutton would not please them; they must have something more nice and delicate, like the fish they did eat in Egypt. Food would not serve; they must be feasted. They had feasted with God upon the peace-offerings which they had their share of; but it seems God did not keep a table good enough for them, they must have daintier bits than any that came to his altar (Henry, 1996).
Note, It is an evidence of the dominion of the carnal mind when we are solicitous to have all the delights and satisfactions of sense wound up to the height of pleasurableness. Be not desirous of dainties, Prov. 23:1-3. If God gives us food convenient, we ought to be thankful, though we do not eat the fat and drink the sweet. (4.) They distrusted the power and goodness of God as insufficient for their supply: Who will give us flesh to eat? taking it for granted that God could not. Thus this question is commented upon, Ps. 78:19, 20, Can he provide flesh also? though he had given them flesh with their bread once, when he saw fit (Ex. 16:13), and they might have expected that he would do it again, and in mercy, if, instead of murmuring, they had prayed. Note, It is an offence to God to let our desires go beyond our faith. (5.) They were eager and importunate in their desires; they lusted a lust, so the word is, lusted greatly and greedily, till they wept again for vexation (Henry, 1996),
So childish were the children of Israel, and so humoursome, that they cried because they had not what they would have and when they would have it. They did not offer up this desire to God, but would rather be beholden to any one else than to him. We should not indulge ourselves in any desire which we cannot in faith turn into prayer, as we cannot when we ask meat for our lust, Ps. 78:18. For this sin the anger of the Lord was kindled greatly against them, which is written for our admonition, that we should not lust after evil things as they lusted, 1 Co. 10:6. (6.) Flesh is good food, and may lawfully be eaten; yet they are said to lust after evil things. What is lawful of itself becomes evil to us when it is what God does not allot to us and yet we eagerly desire it (Henry, 1996).
Reflection:
The children of Israel made a conscious decision to agree with those that were mixed in with the chosen people of God. They forgot whom their God was, and joined forces with a bunch of individuals that were greedy for what they were accustomed to in the land of bondage and slavery. They voiced there opinions loudly, and boisterously among the people; to the point that God heard, and so did Moses. God was angry with the children of Israel for having no faith in Him to provide what He knew they needed, and to accuse Him of not being able to provide for them. God had provided Manna for them in the wilderness of Sinai, every single day, and up until now it was sufficient. However, when they began to listen to the voice of those that had no relationship with God, and started complaining about the provision of God, they were rebuked by God Himself.
God provides according to what He knows is best for us, physically, emotionally, spiritually, and financially. Even though we think we know what we need, our Father knows best. We shoud refrain from complaining, because God sees and knows every angle of our life. He knows exactly what we need, and when we need it. As children of God, we must remember to trust the timing of God, be thankful for the provisions of today, and not to be concerned about the provisions of tomorrow. For God knows what we have need of before we even ask.
Strong's Concordance Definitions: King James Version (Numbers 11:4)
Rabble: 628
1) collection, rabble, collected multitude, mixed multitude
that was among: 7130
1) midst, among, inner part, middle
a) inward part
1) physical sense
2) as seat of thought and emotion
3) as faculty of thought and emotion
b) in the midst, among, from among (of a number of persons)
c) entrails (of sacrificial animals)
them, fell a lusting: 183
1) desire, incline, covet, wait longingly, wish, sigh, want, be greedy, prefer
a) (Piel) to desire, crave (food and drink)
b) (Hithpael) to desire, long for, lust after (of bodily appetites)
of Israel: 3478
Israel = "God prevails"
1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel
2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob
a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split
b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah
c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
also wept: 1058
1) to weep, bewail, cry, shed tears
a) (Qal)
1) to weep (in grief, humiliation, or joy)
2) to weep bitterly (with cognate acc.)
3) to weep upon (embrace and weep)
4) to bewail
b) (Piel) participle
1) lamenting
2) bewailing
who shall give us flesh: 1320
1) flesh
a) of the body
1) of humans
2) of animals
b) the body itself
c) male organ of generation (euphemism)
d) kindred, blood-relations
e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God)
f) all living things
g) animals
h) mankind
to eat: 398
1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed
a) (Qal)
1) to eat (human subject)
2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds)
3) to devour, consume (of fire)
4) to devour, slay (of sword)
5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought)
6) to devour (of oppression)
b) (Niphal)
1) to be eaten (by men)
2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire)
3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh)
c) (Pual)
1) to cause to eat, feed with
2) to cause to devour
d) (Hiphil)
1) to feed
2) to cause to eat
e) (Piel)
1) consume
References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Book of Numbers 11 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 25 Feb 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Num&c=11&t=NASB
Henry, Matthew. "Commentary on Numbers 11." . Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar 1996. 2010. 25 Feb 2010. http:// www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?
AuthorID=4&contentID=758&commInfo=5&topic=Numbers&ar=Num_11_4
Higgins, S. (2010). Our Father Knows Best (RP). Devotions For Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, http://www.higginspublishing.com
Tuesday
The Covenant Keeper
Scripture(s) Genesis 16:1-6
Now Sarai, Abram's wife had borne him no {children,} and she had an Egyptian maid whose name was Hagar. So Sarai said to Abram, "Now behold, the LORD has prevented me from bearing {children.} Please go in to my maid; perhaps I will obtain children through her." And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai.
After Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan, Abram's wife Sarai took Hagar the Egyptian, her maid, and gave her to her husband Abram as his wife. He went in to Hagar, and she conceived; and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her sight.
And Sarai said to Abram, "May the wrong done me be upon you. I gave my maid into your arms, but when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her sight. May the LORD judge between you and me."
But Abram said to Sarai, "Behold, your maid is in your power; do to her what is good in your sight." So Sarai treated her harshly, and she fled from her presence.
Commentary:
Sarai wanted a child desperately, but she was barren and could not give her husband a child. She was obviously frustrated with her barren situation, and wanted to produce a child so badly; that she did not think about what would happen once her husband, and her maid had sex. She did not consider how she would feel about, her husband's heart now being divided between her, and the woman she gave him permission to sleep with. She did think of how she would feel seeing the relationship changes that were bound to happen based on a new covenant that had been established by her, and not by God. Taking matters into her own hands, cost her dearly because she was desparate for something that God did not ordain.
When the covenant of Sarai's creation was staring her right in the face, twenty-four hours a day, and seven days a week; she couldn't bare it any longer. She began to blame her maid, and her husband, for an ordeal that she created herself. Hagar thought she had an upper hand on Sarai because she was pregnant with her bosses husband's child. Hagar was feeling superior, and God had to deal with her heart; as well as Sarai's, and Abram's. Sarai had learned from her husband during the times of famine, how to manipulate others into doing things that she wanted them to do. She used what she had learned to manipulate the situation by using the word, please; to make her husband respond to her desperation; just as her husband had done with her.
Reflection:
Through all of the covenant breaking due to the weakness of man's flesh, God came in and still kept his promise to Abram; because He is not a covenant breaker. He keeps His promises, and shows us our need to fully depend upon Him, in order for us to keep ours. The promised son, Isaac, would be born to Abraham, and Sarah; when Abraham was ninety-nine, and Sarah was ninety-two. The son of the bondwoman "Hagar", was born when Abram was seventy-three years old. Therefore, God reminded Abram once again at the age of eighty-six; that the promise was yet alive thirteen years later. The covenant that God made would manifest at the appointed time. Even though Abram laughed when God told him that he would be a father at ninety-nine, God looked past the condition of his heart, and fulfilled His promise.
Prayer:
Father God, I thank you for your grace and mercy, that even when I fall short in believing your promises, that your promises still stand. I thank you for writing your word on my heart, and that my heart will respond with acceptance, and expectation; of what you have promised. I thank and praise you for revealing your word to me, and manifesting your power every day of my life. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance: Genesis 16:2
So Sarai: 8297
Sarai = "princess"
1) original name of Sarah the wife of Abram or Abraham
Said: 559
1) to say, speak, utter
a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend
b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called
c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly
d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch
To Abram: 87
Abram = "exalted father"
1) original name of Abraham
Now: 4994
1) I (we) pray, now, please
a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Behold: 2009
1) behold, lo, see, if
The LORD: 3068
Jehovah = "the existing One"
1) the proper name of the one true God
a) unpronounced except with the vowel pointings of 0136
has prevented: 6113
1) to restrain, retain, close up, shut, withhold, refrain, stay, detain
a) (Qal)
1) to restrain, halt, stop
2) to retain
b) (Niphal) to be restrained, be stayed, be under restraint
me from bearing: 3205
1) to bear, bring forth, beget, gender, travail
a) (Qal)
1) to bear, bring forth
a) of child birth
b) of distress (simile)
c) of wicked (behaviour)
2) to beget
b) (Niphal) to be born
c) (Piel)
1) to cause or help to bring forth
2) to assist or tend as a midwife
3) midwife (participle)
d) (Pual) to be born
e) (Hiphil)
1) to beget (a child)
2) to bear (fig. - of wicked bringing forth iniquity)
f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive)
g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
children, Please: 4994
1) I (we) pray, now, please
a) used in entreaty or exhortation
go: 935
1) to go in, enter, come, go, come in
a) (Qal)
1) to enter, come in
2) to come
a) to come with
b) to come upon, fall or light upon, attack (enemy)
c) to come to pass
3) to attain to
4) to be enumerated
5) to go
b) (Hiphil)
1) to lead in
2) to carry in
3) to bring in, cause to come in, gather, cause to come, bring near, bring against, bring upon
4) to bring to pass
c) (Hophal)
1) to be brought, brought in
2) to be introduced, be put
into my maid: 8198
1) maid, maid-servant, slavegirl
a) maid, maid-servant (as belonging to a mistress)
b) of address, speaker, humility (fig)
perhaps: 194
1) perhaps, peradventure
2) if peradventure
3) unless
4) suppose
I will obtain: 1129
1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue
a) (Qal)
1) to build, rebuild
2) to build a house (ie, establish a family)
b) (Niphal)
1) to be built
2) to be rebuilt
3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.)
4) established (made permanent)
5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine)
through: 4480
1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than
a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of
b) out of
1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling)
2) (of material from which something is made)
3) (of source or origin)
c) out of, some of, from (partitively)
d) from, since, after (of time)
e) than, more than (in comparison)
f) from...even to, both...and, either...or
g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons)
h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive)
Listened: 8085
1) to hear, listen to, obey
a) (Qal)
1) to hear (perceive by ear)
2) to hear of or concerning
3) to hear (have power to hear)
4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to
5) to understand (language)
6) to hear (of judicial cases)
7) to listen, give heed
a) to consent, agree
b) to grant request
8) to listen to, yield to
9) to obey, be obedient
b) (Niphal)
1) to be heard (of voice or sound)
2) to be heard of
3) to be regarded, be obeyed
c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon
d) (Hiphil)
1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound
2) to sound aloud (musical term)
3) to make proclamation, summon
4) to cause to be heard
to the voice: 6963
1) voice, sound, noise
a) voice
b) sound (of instrument)
2) lightness, frivolity
References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Book of Beginnings - Genesis 16 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 6 Jan 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Gen&c=16&t=NASB
Higgins, S. 2009. The Covenant Keeper -RP. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com
Now Sarai, Abram's wife had borne him no {children,} and she had an Egyptian maid whose name was Hagar. So Sarai said to Abram, "Now behold, the LORD has prevented me from bearing {children.} Please go in to my maid; perhaps I will obtain children through her." And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai.
After Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan, Abram's wife Sarai took Hagar the Egyptian, her maid, and gave her to her husband Abram as his wife. He went in to Hagar, and she conceived; and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her sight.
And Sarai said to Abram, "May the wrong done me be upon you. I gave my maid into your arms, but when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her sight. May the LORD judge between you and me."
But Abram said to Sarai, "Behold, your maid is in your power; do to her what is good in your sight." So Sarai treated her harshly, and she fled from her presence.
Commentary:
Sarai wanted a child desperately, but she was barren and could not give her husband a child. She was obviously frustrated with her barren situation, and wanted to produce a child so badly; that she did not think about what would happen once her husband, and her maid had sex. She did not consider how she would feel about, her husband's heart now being divided between her, and the woman she gave him permission to sleep with. She did think of how she would feel seeing the relationship changes that were bound to happen based on a new covenant that had been established by her, and not by God. Taking matters into her own hands, cost her dearly because she was desparate for something that God did not ordain.
When the covenant of Sarai's creation was staring her right in the face, twenty-four hours a day, and seven days a week; she couldn't bare it any longer. She began to blame her maid, and her husband, for an ordeal that she created herself. Hagar thought she had an upper hand on Sarai because she was pregnant with her bosses husband's child. Hagar was feeling superior, and God had to deal with her heart; as well as Sarai's, and Abram's. Sarai had learned from her husband during the times of famine, how to manipulate others into doing things that she wanted them to do. She used what she had learned to manipulate the situation by using the word, please; to make her husband respond to her desperation; just as her husband had done with her.
Reflection:
Through all of the covenant breaking due to the weakness of man's flesh, God came in and still kept his promise to Abram; because He is not a covenant breaker. He keeps His promises, and shows us our need to fully depend upon Him, in order for us to keep ours. The promised son, Isaac, would be born to Abraham, and Sarah; when Abraham was ninety-nine, and Sarah was ninety-two. The son of the bondwoman "Hagar", was born when Abram was seventy-three years old. Therefore, God reminded Abram once again at the age of eighty-six; that the promise was yet alive thirteen years later. The covenant that God made would manifest at the appointed time. Even though Abram laughed when God told him that he would be a father at ninety-nine, God looked past the condition of his heart, and fulfilled His promise.
Prayer:
Father God, I thank you for your grace and mercy, that even when I fall short in believing your promises, that your promises still stand. I thank you for writing your word on my heart, and that my heart will respond with acceptance, and expectation; of what you have promised. I thank and praise you for revealing your word to me, and manifesting your power every day of my life. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance: Genesis 16:2
So Sarai: 8297
Sarai = "princess"
1) original name of Sarah the wife of Abram or Abraham
Said: 559
1) to say, speak, utter
a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend
b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called
c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly
d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch
To Abram: 87
Abram = "exalted father"
1) original name of Abraham
Now: 4994
1) I (we) pray, now, please
a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Behold: 2009
1) behold, lo, see, if
The LORD: 3068
Jehovah = "the existing One"
1) the proper name of the one true God
a) unpronounced except with the vowel pointings of 0136
has prevented: 6113
1) to restrain, retain, close up, shut, withhold, refrain, stay, detain
a) (Qal)
1) to restrain, halt, stop
2) to retain
b) (Niphal) to be restrained, be stayed, be under restraint
me from bearing: 3205
1) to bear, bring forth, beget, gender, travail
a) (Qal)
1) to bear, bring forth
a) of child birth
b) of distress (simile)
c) of wicked (behaviour)
2) to beget
b) (Niphal) to be born
c) (Piel)
1) to cause or help to bring forth
2) to assist or tend as a midwife
3) midwife (participle)
d) (Pual) to be born
e) (Hiphil)
1) to beget (a child)
2) to bear (fig. - of wicked bringing forth iniquity)
f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive)
g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
children, Please: 4994
1) I (we) pray, now, please
a) used in entreaty or exhortation
go: 935
1) to go in, enter, come, go, come in
a) (Qal)
1) to enter, come in
2) to come
a) to come with
b) to come upon, fall or light upon, attack (enemy)
c) to come to pass
3) to attain to
4) to be enumerated
5) to go
b) (Hiphil)
1) to lead in
2) to carry in
3) to bring in, cause to come in, gather, cause to come, bring near, bring against, bring upon
4) to bring to pass
c) (Hophal)
1) to be brought, brought in
2) to be introduced, be put
into my maid: 8198
1) maid, maid-servant, slavegirl
a) maid, maid-servant (as belonging to a mistress)
b) of address, speaker, humility (fig)
perhaps: 194
1) perhaps, peradventure
2) if peradventure
3) unless
4) suppose
I will obtain: 1129
1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue
a) (Qal)
1) to build, rebuild
2) to build a house (ie, establish a family)
b) (Niphal)
1) to be built
2) to be rebuilt
3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.)
4) established (made permanent)
5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine)
through: 4480
1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than
a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of
b) out of
1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling)
2) (of material from which something is made)
3) (of source or origin)
c) out of, some of, from (partitively)
d) from, since, after (of time)
e) than, more than (in comparison)
f) from...even to, both...and, either...or
g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons)
h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive)
Listened: 8085
1) to hear, listen to, obey
a) (Qal)
1) to hear (perceive by ear)
2) to hear of or concerning
3) to hear (have power to hear)
4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to
5) to understand (language)
6) to hear (of judicial cases)
7) to listen, give heed
a) to consent, agree
b) to grant request
8) to listen to, yield to
9) to obey, be obedient
b) (Niphal)
1) to be heard (of voice or sound)
2) to be heard of
3) to be regarded, be obeyed
c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon
d) (Hiphil)
1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound
2) to sound aloud (musical term)
3) to make proclamation, summon
4) to cause to be heard
to the voice: 6963
1) voice, sound, noise
a) voice
b) sound (of instrument)
2) lightness, frivolity
References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Book of Beginnings - Genesis 16 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 6 Jan 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Gen&c=16&t=NASB
Higgins, S. 2009. The Covenant Keeper -RP. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com
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