Devotions For Thought

Seek God And He Will Answer

2010-07-19T09:20:00.000-07:00

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. Lexicon / Concordance for Psalms 23:6

Background:
Many of David’s psalms are full of complaints, but this is full of comforts, and the expressions of delight in God’s great goodness and dependence upon him. It is a psalm which has been sung by good Christians, and will be while the world stands, with a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction. I. The psalmist here claims relation to God, as his shepherd (v. 1). II. He recounts his experience of the kind things God had done for him as his shepherd (v. 2, 3, 5). III. Hence he infers that he should want no good (v. 1), that he needed to fear no evil (v. 4), that God would never leave nor forsake him in a way of mercy; and therefore he resolves never to leave nor forsake God in a way of duty (v. 6). In this he had certainly an eye, not only to the blessings of God’s providence, which made his outward condition prosperous, but to the communications of God’s grace, received by a lively faith, and returned in a warm devotion, which filled his soul with joy unspeakable. And, as in the foregoing psalm he represented Christ dying for his sheep, so here he represents Christians receiving the benefit of all the care and tenderness of that great and good shepherd (Henry, 1996).

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. His hope rises, and his faith is strengthened, by being exercised. Observe, (1.) What he promises himself—goodness and mercy, all the streams of mercy flowing from the fountain, pardoning mercy, protecting mercy, sustaining mercy, supplying mercy. (2.) The manner of the conveyance of it: It shall follow me, as the water out of the rock followed the camp of Israel through the wilderness; it shall follow into all places and all conditions, shall be always ready. (3.) The continuance of it: It shall follow me all my life long, even to the last; for whom God loves he loves to the end. (4.) The constancy of it: All the days of my life, as duly as the day comes; it shall be new every morning (Lam. 3:22, 23) like the manna that was given to the Israelites daily. (5.) The certainty of it: Surely it shall. It is as sure as the promise of the God of truth can make it; and we know whom we have believed. (6.) Here is a prospect of the perfection of bliss in the future state. So some take the latter clause: "Goodness and mercy having followed me all the days of my life on this earth, when that is ended I shall remove to a better world, to dwell in the house of the Lord for ever, in our Father’s house above, where there are many mansions. With what I have I am pleased much; with what I hope for I am pleased more.’’ All this, and heaven too! Then we serve a good Master (Henry, 1996).

3. How resolutely he determines to cleave to God and to his duty. We read the last clause as David’s covenant with God: "I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever (as long as I live), and I will praise him while I have any being.’’ We must dwell in his house as servants, that desired to have their ears bored to the door-post, to serve him for ever. If God’s goodness to us be like the morning light, which shines more and more to the perfect day, let not ours to him be like the morning cloud and the early dew that passeth away. Those that would be satisfied with the fatness of God’s house must keep close to the duties of it (Henry, 1996).

Reflection:
Even though David had a flaw of sin that manifested itself in adultery and murder, he yet trusted in God and not in man. He knew that he was but flesh, and he had to trust in God for everything. David continually prayed to God and expressed his faith, trust and reliance upon God by seeking God in prayer; in the midst of difficult times as well as in the midst of good times. Let us remember that we can always go to God in prayer, no matter what. He will answer our prayer, as long as our prayer is in line with his word, and we are not asking for something that is contrary to his will; which is his word.

Blue Letter Bible Definitions:
Surely, goodness: 2896
a) good, pleasant, agreeable (to the sensess)
b) pleasant (to the highest nature)
c) good, excellent (of it's kind)
d) good, rich, valuable in estimation
e) good, appropriate, becoming
f) better (comparable)
g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature)
h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature)
i) good, kind, benign
j) good, right, (ethical)

And mercy: 2617
1) goodness, kindness, faithfulness
2) reproach, shame (above)

Shall follow: 7291
1) to be behind, follow after, pursue, run after
a) Qual (1) to pursue, chase, attend closely upon
3) to follow after, aim to secure

All the days: 3117
c) a lifetime

My life: 2416
1) living

And I will dwell: 3247
1) to dwell, remain, sit,
    (1) to sit, sit down
    (2) to be set
    (3) to remain stay
    (4) to dwell, to have one's abode

In the house: 1004
1) house
    (1) house, dwelling habitation

Of the Lord: 3068
Jehovah
(1) The proper name for the one true God.l

Forever: 753
1) length
    (a) physical lengtjh
    (b) of time

References:
Henry, Matthew. "Commentary on Psalms 23." Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar 1996. 2010. 19 Jul 2010. AuthorID=4&contentID=1146&commInfo=5&topic=Psalms&ar=Psa_23_6 >

Blue Letter Bible. "Book of Psalms 23 - (KJV - King James Version)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 19 Jul 2010. < http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Psa&c=23&t=KJV >

Higgins, S. (2010). Seek God And He Will Answer. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.higginspublishing.com

Double Vision Agreement

2010-07-02T11:44:00.000-07:00

Scripture: Acts 10:3,11-17

About the ninth hour of the day he clearly saw in a vision an angel of God who had just come in and said to him, "Cornelius!" [Acts 10:3] and he [Peter] saw the sky opened up, and an object like a great sheet coming down, lowered by four corners to the ground,and there were in it all kinds of four-footed animals and crawling creatures of the earth and birds of the air. A voice came to him, "Get up, Peter, kill and eat!"[Acts 10:11].

But Peter said, "By no means, Lord, for I have never eaten anything unholy and unclean." Again a voice came to him a second time, "What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy." This happened three times, and immediately the object was taken up into the sky.

Now while Peter was greatly perplexed in mind as to what the vision which he had seen might be, behold, the men who had been sent by Cornelius, having asked directions for Simon's house, appeared at the gate;

Background:
It is a turn very new and remarkable which the story of this chapter gives to the Acts of the apostles; hitherto, both at Jerusalem and every where else where the ministers of Christ came, they preached the gospel only to the Jews, or those Greeks that were circumcised and proselyted to the Jews’ religion; but now, "Lo, we turn to the Gentiles;’’ and to them the door of faith is here opened: good news indeed to us sinners of the Gentiles. The apostle Peter is the man that is first employed to admit uncircumcised Gentiles into the Christian church; and Cornelius, a Roman centurion or colonel, is the first that with his family and friends is so admitted. Now here we are told, I. How Cornelius was directed by a vision to send for Peter, and did send for him accordingly (v. 1-8). II. How Peter was directed by a vision to go to Cornelius, though he was a Gentile, without making any scruple of it, and did go accordingly (v. 9–23). III. The happy interview between Peter and Cornelius at Cesarea (v. 24–33). IV. The sermon Peter preached in the house of Cornelius to him and to his friends (v. 34–43). V. The baptizing of Cornelius and his friends with the Holy Ghost first, and then with water (v. 44–48).

Commentary:
Peter was at Simon the tanners house and he fell into a trance. During the time he was caught up, he had vision of all types of animals, and creeping things. God told Peter to kill and eat, but Peter rejected what God was saying. God continued to show this vision to Peter a total of three times. When Peter came out of the trance, he doubted the vision and was perplexed. That's when God sent three men from Corneilus' house in search of Peter; who also had a vision prior to the vision of Peter. God told Peter not to doubt and to go with the three men because He had sent them. Even though Peter was perplexed, and doubted in his heart the meaning and the purpose of the vision, God persisted with giving him the same vision with no revision. God also sent the answer to the vision while Peter was still in his doubtful state, because his doubt did not determine the answer that God had already provided pertaining to Corneilus. Let us remember the importance of fulfilling our part of the vision that God gives us, and not to doubt what He has spoken to us.

Reflection:
When the three men arrived in front of the house of where Peter was staying; they were separated by a gate.

1. What stands between you and the gate?
2. What in your life represents the gate?
3. What blocks you from accepting the answer that God has already provided?
4. What vision does God keep giving you, that you continually reject?

Even though we don't see the whole picture and possibly we become perplexed about what is going on in our life, this is a perfecy example of ttrusting God even though we don't necessarily understand what is happening. The main thing is to trust God because He loves us and only desires the best for us; and has already prepared the way for us.

Blue Letter Bible Definitions: Acts 10:17

Peter: 4074 - A rock or a stone - one of the 12 disciples.

Was Greatly: 1280 - To be entirely at a loss, to be in perplexity.

In mind: 1438 - Himself

The Vision: 3705 - A sight divinely granted in an ecstacy or in a sleep,
a vision.

Might Be, Behold: 2400 - See, lo

Who had been sent: 649 - To order one to go to a place appointed.

By Corneilius: 2883 - Of a horn, a Roman Centurion of the Italian Cohort stationed in Caesarea who converted to Christianity.

Having asked direction: 1331 - To find out by asking inquire.

Appeared: 2186 - Coming upon one suddenly. To be at hand.

At the Gate: 4440 - A large gate of a palace. The front part of a house, into which one enters through a gate, porch.

References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Acts of the Apostles 10 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 2 Jul 2010. < http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Act&c=10&t=NASB >

Henry, Matthew. "Commentary on Acts 10." . Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar 1996. 2010. 2 Jul 2010.
< http:// www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm? AuthorID=4&contentID=1698&commInfo=5&topic=Acts&ar=Act_10_1 >

Higgins, S. (2010). Double Vision Agreement. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.higginspublishing.com.

Sounds of Breakthrough

2010-06-30T08:14:00.001-07:00

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.

Changing Your Environment

2010-06-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

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.

Moving Pass The Past

2010-06-16T08:10:00.000-07:00

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.

Sounds of Breakthrough

2010-06-15T08:55:00.000-07:00

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.

The Building In You

2010-06-12T06:50:00.000-07:00

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.

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?

Seeking God in the building of His vision for our lives, is essential in making sure that we remain on the right track with the plan for our lives. Let us remember to seek our Father in everything that we do, in order to build what is already within us, by the grace of God.

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:

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

What God Says Is Yours, Is Yours!

2010-06-11T09:02:00.001-07:00

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

Clear Communication

2010-06-10T07:08:00.000-07:00

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

The Purpose of The Promise

2010-06-09T08:45:00.001-07:00

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.

Our Father Knows Best

2010-06-03T07:25:00.000-07:00

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 Covenant Keeper

2010-06-01T05:32:00.000-07:00

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

The Small Stuff

2010-05-31T09:08:00.000-07:00

Scripture(s): Genesis 317:12

"You know that I have served your father with all my strength. "Yet your father has cheated me and changed my wages ten times; however, God did not allow him to hurt me. "If he spoke thus, 'The speckled shall be your wages,' then all the flock brought forth speckled; and if he spoke thus, 'The striped shall be your wages,' then all the flock brought forth striped. "Thus God has taken away your father's livestock and given {them} to me. And it came about at the time when the flock were mating that I lifted up my eyes and saw in a dream, and behold, the male goats which were mating {were} striped, speckled, and mottled. "Then the angel of God said to me in the dream, 'Jacob,' and I said, 'Here I am.' "He said, 'Lift up now your eyes and see {that} all the male goats which are mating are striped, speckled, and mottled; for I have seen all that Laban has been doing to you.

Commentary:
Jacob worked for his uncle Laban, and he was a very hard and diligent worker. However, Laban had changed Jacobs wages ten times, and tried to give to Jacob as wages livestock that had flaws. Everytime that Laban changed his way of doing business with Jacob by switching livestock, God intervened in Jacobs favor. God also increased Jacob's livestock each time, by changing the characteristics of the livestock of Laban; therefore Laban's attempts of deceit and unfair business practices failed.

Reflection:
God sees when we are treated unfairly, and he knows how we feel. God's desire is that we prosper and be in health even as our soul prospers. Anything, or anyone, that would try to come up against us; our purpose, or the spoken word over our lives, will be dealth with by God. We do not have to take matters into our own hands. We do not have to be upset about it, and allow it to steal our productivity, and or creativity. Let us use the strength, and the energy that God gives us; to glorify him in everything that we do; and let him deal with the small stuff.

Prayer:
Father God, I thank you for taking care of me, and that you see everything that concerns me. I thank you for not allowing anyone to take advantage of me. I do not have to take matters into my own hands to resolve issues that are unfair. I can trust, and depend on you to handle it for me. Thank you so much for your protection, and your grace. In Jesus Name, I pray, Amen.

Strong's Concordance Definitions: Genesis 31:12

Lift: 5375
1) to lift, bear up, carry, take

a) (Qal)
1) to lift, lift up
2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure
3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive
b) (Niphal)
1) to be lifted up, be exalted
2) to lift oneself up, rise up
3) to be borne, be carried
4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away
c) (Piel)
1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist
2) to desire, long (fig.)
3) to carry, bear continuously
4) to take, take away
d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself
e) (Hiphil)
1) to cause one to bear (iniquity)
2) to cause to bring, have brought

up now: 4994
1) I (we) pray, now, please

a) used in entreaty or exhortation

your eye: 5869
1) eye
a) eye
1) of physical eye
2) as showing mental qualities
3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
2) spring, fountain

for I have seen: 7200
1) to see, look at, inspect, perceive, consider

a) (Qal)
1) to see
2) to see, perceive
3) to see, have vision
4) to look at, see, regard, look after, see after, learn about, observe,
watch, look upon, look out, find out
5) to see, observe, consider, look at, give attention to, discern, distinguish
6) to look at, gaze at
b) (Niphal)
1) to appear, present oneself
2) to be seen
3) to be visible
c) (Pual) to be seen
d) (Hiphil)
1) to cause to see, show
2) to cause to look intently at, behold, cause to gaze at
e) (Hophal)
1) to be caused to see, be shown
2) to be exhibited to
f) (Hithpael) to look at each other, face

all: 3605
1) all, the whole

a) all, the whole of
b) any, each, every, anything
c) totality, everything

has been doing: 6213
1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make
a) (Qal)
1) to do, work, make, produce
a) to do
b) to work
c) to deal (with)
d) to act, act with effect, effect
2) to make
a) to make
b) to produce
c) to prepare
d) to make (an offering)
e) to attend to, put in order
f) to observe, celebrate
g) to acquire (property)
h) to appoint, ordain, institute
i) to bring about
j) to use
k) to spend, pass
b) (Niphal)
1) to be done
2) to be made
3) to be produced
4) to be offered
5) to be observed
6) to be used
c) (Pual) to be made
2) (Piel) to press, squeeze

References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Book of Beginnings - Genesis 31 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 13 Jan 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Gen&c=31&t=NASB

Higgins, S. (2009). The Small Stuff. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com

The Source of the Celebration

2010-05-28T08:12:00.000-07:00

Scripture(s): 2 Chronicles 15:1-7

Then the Spirit of God came upon Azariah son of Oded, and he went out to meet King Asa as he was returning from the battle. "Listen to me, Asa!" he shouted. "Listen, all you people of Judah and Benjamin! The LORD will stay with you as long as you stay with him! Whenever you seek him, you will find him. But if you abandon him, he will abandon you. For a long time, Israel was without the true God, without a priest to teach them, and without God's law. But whenever you were in distress and turned to the LORD, the God of Israel, and sought him out, you found him. During those dark times, it was not safe to travel. Problems troubled the nation on every hand. Nation fought against nation, and city against city, for God was troubling you with every kind of problem. And now, you men of Judah, be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded."

Background:
Asa and his army were now returning in triumph from the battle, laden with spoils and adorned with the trophies of victory, the pious prince, we may now suppose, studying what he should render to God for this great favour. He knew that the work of reformation, which he had begun in his kingdom, was not perfected; his enemies abroad were subdued, but there were more dangerous enemies at home that were yet unconquered—idols in Judah and Benjamin: his victory over the former emboldened him vigorously to renew his attack upon the latter (Henry, 1996).

Now here we have, I. The message which God sent to him, by a prophet, to engage him to, and encourage him in, the prosecution of his reformation (v. 1-7). II. The life which this message put into that good cause, and their proceedings in pursuance of it. Idols removed (v. 8). The spoil dedicated to God (v. 9–11). A covenant made with God, and a law for the punishing of idolaters (v. 12–15). A reformation at court (v. 16). Dedicated things brought into the house of God (v. 18). All well, but that the high places were permitted (v. 17). And the effect of this was great peace (v. 19).

Commentary:
It was a great happiness to Israel that they had prophets among them; yet, while they were thus blessed, they were strangely addicted to idolatry, whereas, when the spirit of prophecy had ceased under the second temple, and the canon of the Old Temple was completed (which was constantly read in their synagogues), they were pure from idolatry; for the scriptures are of all other the most sure word of prophecy, and most effectual, and the church could not be so easily imposed upon by a counterfeit Bible as by a counterfeit prophet. Here was a prophet sent to Asa and his army, when they returned victorious from the war with the Ethiopians, not to compliment them and congratulate them on their success, but to quicken them to their duty; this is the proper business of God’s ministers, even with princes and the greatest men. The Spirit of God came upon the prophet (v. 1), both to instruct him what he should say and to enable him to say it with clearness and boldness (Henry, 1996).

I. He told them plainly upon what terms they stood with God. Let them not think that, having obtained this victory, all was their own for ever; no, he must let them know they were upon their good behaviour. Let them do well, and it will be well with them, otherwise not. 1. The Lord is with you while you are with him. This is both a word of comfort, that those who keep close to God shall always have his presence with them, and also a word of caution: "He is with you, while you are with him, but no longer; you have now a signal token of his favourable presence with you, but the continuance of it depends upon your perseverance in the way of your duty.’’ 2. "If you seek him, he will be found of you. Sincerely desire his favour, and aim at it, and you shall obtain it. Pray, and you shall prevail. He never said, nor ever will, Seek you me in vain.’’ See Heb. 11:6. But, 3. "If you forsake him and his ordinances, he is not tied to you, but will certainly forsake you, and then you are undone, your present triumphs will be no security to you; woe to you when God departs (Henry, 1996)."

Reflection:
King Asa was a king that was instructed of God by His prophets. The majority of his life king Asa obeyed what God spoke through the prophets. However, after one victory, the prophet of God gave a warning that the king nor the people should become to comfortable in their place of celebration. He prophesied that they should remember to be diligent to seek the Lord, and to continue with Him. As long as they continued with the Lord, the Lord would continue with them. If they departed from the Lord through idol worship, or for any other reason, the Lord would depart from them. This incident is a reminder to continue with the Lord, especially in times of victory, when one can quickly forget the victor; in the celebration of the occasion. Let us remember to remember the Victor; the one who gave His life, so that we would have life, and have it more abundantly. Let us celebrate the savior of our souls, and not get so caught up in the temporary celebration that we forget the source of the celebration.

References:

Blue Letter Bible. "Book of 2 Chronicles 15 - (NLT - New Living Translation)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 28 May 2010. < http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=2Ch&c=15&t=NLT >

Henry, Matthew. "Commentary on 2 Chronicles 15." . Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar 1996. 2010. 28 May 2010.
http:// www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?
AuthorID=4&contentID=1022&commInfo=5&topic=2%20Chronicles&
ar=2Ch_15_1 >

Higgins, S. (2010). The Source of the Celebration. Devotions For Thought. Higgins Publishing. http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com/, http://www.higginspublishing.com/

You Are "Defined" by God

2010-05-27T09:04:00.000-07:00

Scripture: Genesis 2:22-23 , 3:20

Gen 2:22 The LORD God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man.

Gen 2:23 The man said, "This is now bone of my bones, And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man."

Gen 3:20 Now the man called his wife's name Eve, because she was the mother of all {the} living.

In the renaming of Woman, to that of Eve; Adam did not just change her name, he changed the relationship between him and his wife. The original meaning of the name Woman came from the heart, and mouth of Adam; when he first lay eyes on her. Everything within him knew she was his helper, and he receivd her as such. However, after the fall in Genesis chapter 3; when Adam was reprimanded by God because of his sinful state; Adam made a conscious decision to rename the wife that God had given to him. The words that he originally spoke over her "Bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh," means in essence the substance of who he was, and a part of himself. However, now, his view of her had changed. He renamed her based on how he seen her, and not on who she was originally created to be.

When Adam changed the name of his wfe, he changed her position in his heart. He changed who she was to him; and he confused her purpose. That is what sin will do to the heart. Sin will change one's perspective of the perfect divine will of God of his or her life. Sin will also change one's view of what God has originally said, and subconsciously trick us into believing the opposite of what God has already spoken.

Reflection:
After God has spoken a thing in your heart, make sure to be careful not to change the purpose of what He has spoken; for in renaming, or trying to reclassify something in our life, does not reverse what God has said. What God has said will be, even if it takes a lifetime for Him to reshape, and remold our hearts to agree with what He has purposed in our lives. The rib of man was used for a specific purpose, and no matter how He tried to rename the rib created to protect his heart, from Woman to Eve; her purpose was already set, and could not be changed, nor redefined. Her sin was not what defined her, because she was destined to be what God had spoken! So be encouraged to know that God will continually mold you into who He has said you will be, and there is nothing that can reverse, nor redefine who you are in Him.

Prayer:
Dear God, help me to speak life over the people that you have put into my life. Help me to speak purpose over those that you have entrusted to me, and help me to see people as you see them. From this day forward, I will speak purpose, vision and destiny into the lives of others that you have assigned me to. I refuse to speak words that are contrary to your will over my life, or the lives of others. Thank you Father God, for the right word to speak, in the right season. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Strong's Cocordance Definition:
Genesis 2:23

This: 2088
1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such
a) (alone)
1) this one
2) this...that, the one...the other, another
b) (appos to subst)
1) this
c) (as predicate)
1) this, such
d) (enclitically)
1) then
2) who, whom
3) how now, what now
4) what now
5) wherefore now
6) behold here
7) just now
8) now, now already
e) (poetry)

1) wherein, which, those who
f) (with prefixes)
1) in this (place) here, then
2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter
3) thus and thus
4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus
5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side
6) on this account
7) in spite of this, which, whence, how

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

is now: 6471
1) stroke, beat, foot, step, anvil, occurrence
a) foot, hoof-beat, footfall, footstep
b) anvil
c) occurrence, time, stroke, beat
1) one time, once, twice, thrice, as time on time, at this repetition, this once, now at length, now...now, at one time...at another

of my bones: 6106
1) bone, essence, substance
a) bone
1) body, limbs, members, external body
b) bone (of animal)
c) substance, self

and 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

she shall be called: 7121
1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim
a) (Qal)
1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound
2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God)
3) to proclaim
4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read
5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow
6) to call, name, give name to, call by

b) (Niphal)
1) to call oneself
2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named
c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Woman: 802
1) woman, wife, female
a) woman (opposite of man)
b) wife (woman married to a man)
c) female (of animals)
d) each, every (pronoun)

She was taken: 3947
1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away
a) (Qal)
1) to take, take in the hand
2) to take and carry along
3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away
4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept
5) to take up or upon, put upon
6) to fetch
7) to take, lead, conduct
8) to take, capture, seize
9) to take, carry off
10) to take (vengeance)
b) (Niphal)
1) to be captured
2) to be taken away, be removed
3) to be taken, brought unto
c) (Pual)

1) to be taken from or out of
2) to be stolen from
3) to be taken captive
4) to be taken away, be removed
d) (Hophal)

1) to be taken unto, be brought unto
2) to be taken out of
3) to be taken away
e) (Hithpael)
1) to take hold of oneself
2) to flash about (of lightning)

Out of man: 376
man
a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female)
b) husband
c) human being, person (in contrast to God)
d) servant
e) mankind
f) champion
g) great man
2) whosoever
3) each (adjective)

Genesis: 3:20

Name: 8034
1) name
a) name
b) reputation, fame, glory
c) the Name (as designation of God)
d) memorial, monument

Eve: 2332
Eve = "life" or "living"
1) the first woman, wife of Adam

She was the mother: 517
1) mother
a) of humans
b) of Deborah's relationship to the people (fig.)
c) of animals
2) point of departure or division

of all: 3605
1) all, the whole
a) all, the whole of
b) any, each, every, anything
c) totality, everything

the living: 2416
1) living, alive
a) green (of vegetation)
b) flowing, fresh (of water)
c) lively, active (of man)
d) reviving (of the springtime)

n m
2) relatives
3) life (abstract emphatic)
a) life
b) sustenance, maintenance

n f
4) living thing, animal
a) animal
b) life
c) appetite
d) revival, renewal
5) community

References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Book of Beginnings - Genesis 2 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 1 Jan 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Gen&c=2&t=NASB

Blue Letter Bible. "Book of Beginnings - Genesis 3 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 1 Jan 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Gen&c=3&t=NASB

Higgins, S. (2010). You Are Defined by God (RP-R). Devotions for Thought Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, Http://www.higginspublishing.com

The Gift Within You is Priceless

2010-05-26T08:09:00.000-07:00

Scripture(s): Matthew 14:1-8

When Herod Antipas heard about Jesus, he said to his advisers, "This must be John the Baptist come back to life again! That is why he can do such miracles." For Herod had arrested and imprisoned John as a favor to his wife Herodias (the former wife of Herod's brother Philip). John kept telling Herod, "It is illegal for you to marry her." Herod would have executed John, but he was afraid of a riot, because all the people believed John was a prophet. But at a birthday party for Herod, Herodias's daughter performed a dance that greatly pleased him, so he promised with an oath to give her anything she wanted. At her mother's urging, the girl asked, "I want the head of John the Baptist on a tray!"

Background:
John the Baptist had said concerning Christ, He must increase, but I must decrease, Jn. 3:30. The morning-star is here disappearing, and the Sun of righteousness rising to its meridian lustre. Here is, I. The martyrdom of John; his imprisonment for his faithfulness to Herod (v. 1-5), and the beheading of him to please Herodias (v. 6–12). II. The miracles of Christ. 1. His feeding five thousand men that came to him to be taught, with five loaves and two fishes (v. 13–21). 2. Christ’s walking on the waves to his disciples in a storm (v. 22–23). 3. His healing the sick with the touch of the hem of his garment (v. 34–36). Thus he went forth, thus he went on, conquering and to conquer, or rather, curing and to cure (Henry, 1996).

Commentary:
(1.) The humouring of Herod by the damsel’s dancing upon a birth-day. It seems, Herod’s birth-day was kept with some solemnity; in honour of the day, there must needs be, as usual, a ball at court; and, to grace the solemnity, the daughter of Herodias danced before them; who being the queen’s daughter, it was more than she ordinarily condescended to do. Note, Times of carnal mirth and jollity are convenient times for carrying on bad designs against God’s people. When the king was made sick with bottles of wine, he stretched out his hand with scorners (Hos. 7:5), for it is part of the sport of a fool to do mischief, Prov. 10:23. The Philistines, when their heart was merry, called for Samson to abuse him. The Parisian massacre was at a wedding. This young lady’s dancing pleased Herod. We are not told who danced with her, but none pleased Herod like her dancing. Note, A vain and graceless heart is apt to be greatly in love with the lusts of the flesh and of the eye, and when it is so, it is entering into further temptation; for by that Satan gets and keeps possession. See Prov. 23:31–33. Herod was now in a mirthful mood, and nothing was more agreeable to him than that which fed his vanity (Henry, 1996).

(2.) The rash and foolish promise which Herod made to this wanton girl, to give her whatsoever she would ask: and this promise confirmed with an oath, v. 7. It was a very extravagant obligation which Herod here entered into, and no way becoming a prudent man that is afraid of being snared in the words of his mouth (Prov. 6:2), much less a good man that fears an oath, Eccl. 9:2. To put this blank into her hand, and enable her to draw upon him at pleasure, was too great a recompense for such a sorry piece of merit; and, I am apt to think, Herod would not have been guilty of such an absurdity, if he had not been instructed of Herodias, as well as the damsel. Note, Promissory oaths are ensnaring things, and, when made rashly, are the products of inward corruption, and the occasion of many temptations. Therefore, swear not so at all, lest thou have occasion to say, It was an error, Eccl. 5:6 (Henry, 1996).
(3.) The bloody demand the young lady made of John the Baptist’s head, v. 8. She was before instructed of her mother. Note, The case of those children is very sad, whose parents are their counsellors to do wickedly, as Ahaziah’s (2 Chr. 22:3); who instruct them and encourage them in sin, and set them bad examples; for the corrupt nature will sooner be quickened by bad instructions than restrained and mortified by good ones. Children ought not to obey their parents against the Lord, but if they command them to sin, must say, as Levi did to father and mother, they have not seen them (Henry, 1996).

Reflection:
The daughter of Herodias danced before the king to please her mother, and to fulfill her mother's wicked scheme. Herodias did not conduct herself in a Godly manner and was in a relationship that was not approved by God. Her relationship choice was made public by John the Baptist. Herodias was of course not happy about this open and public rebuke; therefore she set out to take matters into her own hands to stop the mouth of the prophet, through the manipulation and control of her daughter’s gift.

The daughter of Herodias danced before the king, and he was so pleased with her that he said she could have anything that she asked for. At that point, she could have requested anything that her heart desired. But instead, she asked for something that someone else wanted. Unfortunately, she was influenced by an evil scheme that her mother had concocted. Instead of her mother being an example for her daughter in a good way, her mother planted the seed of manipulation, control, and murder within her daughter’s heart. Now, the daughter was conditioned to use her gift of dance to control other people to get them to do what she wanted them to do. Because her mother taught her how to prostitute her gift; the original purpose of her gift to bless, was twisted into a gift to curse. Our heavenly Father is sorrowful when we settle for less than what He has for us by allowing others to influence the way we use the gifts, talents and abilities that He has given to us. When we allow others to make decisions for our lives, instead of seeking God for his direction and guidance; we miss out on the blessings that have been prepared for us. The next time someone tries to influence you to use your gift in a direction in which God has not released you to do; deny them access to the gift within you. Make sure that you use your gift to glorify God, and do not allow anyone to prostitute your gift; because your gift possesses a value that is priceless.

There was nothing that the king would have held back from this young girl with the gift of dance, who blessed his soul with delight, in his drunken state. He was willing to give her whatever she asked for. Therefore he committed to her with his own personal oath, in the presence of his guests; that she could ask anything, and he would give it to her. Undoubtedly, she had been dancing for years, and had perfected her skill; with hours and hours of training and practice. Yet, she used her gift for evil instead of good. Just imagine the shock on the king’s face when she asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter. But, because he was the king, and he gave her his word, he granted her request; even though he was sorrowful because of it.
• Who is it that tries to replace the authority of God in your life?
• What do you gain by someone’s control over you?
• What do you gain by God’s hand in your life?
• What are the abilities, talents and gifts that God has give you?
• Do you believe that God will grant your request?

Knowing the answers to these questions will keep us on guard against ungodly influences that would try to induce us to prostitute our gifts, talents and abilities.

Strong’s Concordance Definitions (1988): Matthew 14:6-8

Asked: (154) crave, desire, require

Give: (1325) bestow, bring forth, commit, deliver (up), grant, make

Promised: (3670) covenant

Whatever: (1437) provided

Webster’s Dictionary Definitions (2004):

Boundary: something that indicates fixes a limit or extent, a bounding or separating line, or point.

Control: to exercise restraining or directing influence over: regulate, to have power over.

Manipulate: to control or play upon by artful, unfair, or insidious means esp. to one’s own advantage, to change by artful or unfair means so as to serve one’s purpose.

Anytime someone is trying to get you to do something that you do not want to do, it’s called manipulation and control to influence your decision, and to cross boundaries that should not be crossed. Therefore, it is important that we have a grasp on setting boundaries of what we will do and what we will not.

References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Gospel of Matthew 14 - (NLT - New Living Translation)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 26 May 2010. < http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mat&c=14&t=NLT >

Henry, Matthew. "Commentary on Matthew 14." . Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar 1996. 2010. 26 May 2010.
< http:// www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?
AuthorID=4&contentID=1609&commInfo=5&topic=Matthew&
ar=Mat_14_1 >

Higgins, S. (2010). The Gift With You is Priceless. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing. http://www.higginspublishing.com/, http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com/

Resources:

Boundaries: when to say yes, when to say no, to take control of your life by Dr. Henry Cloud
and Dr. John Townsend.

The Balance of Life

2010-05-24T08:03:00.000-07:00

Scripture: I Timothy 4:8

For bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life, and also for the life to come.

Exercise and eating healthy are beneficial for the body; however, we should not get so wrapped up in disciplining ourselves physically that we neglect our spiritual walk with Christ. Even though our schedules are extremely demanding in this day and age, our life requires balance in all areas as much as possible. Taking care of ourselves is essential in order for us to be able to fulfill our God-ordained purpose in life.

Therefore, having a daily schedule that includes exercise as well as a healthy diet, will help us keep physically fit for the things we need to do. Exercise alone, or just eating healthy alone, is not enough for us to keep our bodies in balance. If we exercise and we do not eat healthy, the benefits of exercise are diminished. If we eat healthy and do not exercise, eating healthy is not maximized to the fullest potential, and the nutritional values that we could have gained, or limited (USDA, 2009).

If we continue to be physically and nutritionally out of balance, then our bodies will begin to shut down, because of the lack of paying attention to the bodies that God has given us. If we neglect our spiritual life with Christ, we will begin to shut down spiritually; thereby stagnate the purpose in which we are created for.

Therefore, it is important to have balance in all areas of our lives, including, spiritually, physically, and nutritionally, to fulfill our earthly purpose toward earthly and eternal blessings.

Reflections:

What areas in your life need balance?
How can you help balance members in the body of Christ?
What is your definition of balance?
How can you be more balanced: spiritually, physically and nutritionally?

Balancing our life according with the Word of God begins before our feet hit the floor, and our minds begin to race about the responsibilities of the day. When the God of our salvation wakes us with the morning air, and we think about Him, let us remember to keep Him in the forefront of our minds, and He will give us balance in all things.

Prayer:
Lord God, I thank you that you are the source of the air that I breathe, and you are the director of my steps every step of the way. I thank you for balance in every area of my life. Even in areas that appear to be off balance, you balance me. I know that you are in total control, and you are the center of the scale that balances me spiritually, physically, nutritionally, and every other area that I need to be balanced. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Strong's Concordance Definitions:

For bodily: 4984
1) corporeal, bodily
a) having a bodily form or nature
b) pertaining to the body

Discipline: 1129
1) the exercise of the body in a palaestra or school of athletics
2) any exercise whatever

a) the exercise of conscientiousness relative to the body such as is characteristic of ascetics and consists in abstinence from matrimony and certain kinds of food

Is of little: 3641

1) little, small, few

a) of number: multitude, quantity, or size
b) of time: short

c) of degree or intensity: light, slight

Godliness: 2150

1) reverence, respect

2) piety towards God, godliness

For all - 3956
1) individually

a) each, every, any, all, the whole, everyone, all things, everything

2) collectively

a) some of all types

Since it holds - 2192
1) to have, i.e. to hold

a) to have (hold) in the hand, in the sense of wearing, to have (hold) possession of the mind (refers to alarm, agitating emotions, etc.), to hold fast keep, to have or comprise or involve, to regard or consider or hold as

2) to have i.e. own, possess

a) external things such as pertain to property or riches or furniture or utensils or goods or food etc.

b) used of those joined to any one by the bonds of natural blood or marriage or friendship or duty or law etc, of attendance or companionship

3) to hold one's self or find one's self so and so, to be in such or such a condition

4) to hold one's self to a thing, to lay hold of a thing, to adhere or cling to

a) to be closely joined to a person or a thing

Promise - 1860
1) announcement

2) promise

a) the act of promising, a promise given or to be given

b) a promised good or blessing

Life - 2222
1) life

a) the state of one who is possessed of vitality or is animate

b) every living soul

2) life

a) of the absolute fulness of life, both essential and ethical, which belongs to God, and through him both to the hypostatic "logos" and to Christ in whom the "logos" put on human nature

b) life real and genuine, a life active and vigorous, devoted to God, blessed, in the portion even in this world of those who put their trust in Christ, but after the resurrection to be consummated by new accessions (among them a more perfect body), and to last for ever.

And also for the life to come - 3195

1) to be about
a) to be on the point of doing or suffering something
b) to intend, have in mind, think to

References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Paul's Epistle - 1 Timothy 4 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2009. 8 Dec 2009. < http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=1Ti&c=4&t=NASB >

Higgins, S. (2009). The Balance of Life. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing, http://www.higginspublishing.com, http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com (RP)

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). (2009). My Pyramid Tracker. Center of Nutrition Policy and Promotion, Retrieved on December 8th, 2009 from
http://www.mypryamidtracker.com

He is His Word

2010-05-21T08:58:00.000-07:00

Scripture: Genesis 45: 5

"Now do not be grieved or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.

Commentary:
Joseph is speaking with his brothers, whom he had not seen since they had sold him into slavery to the Midianites. He recognized his brothers when they came to the land of Egypt in which he was now in the position of authority for the house of Pharoah. However, his brothers did not recognize him at all.

The main purpose for the brothers going to Egypt in the first place was to get food for their household at the order of their father; because of the famine. When Joseph seen them he came up with a plan to find out if his younger brother Benjamin was still alive. When his brothers departed and came back with Benjamin, he was moved with compassion to see his younger brother, and they celebrated.

The next morning the brothers were sent away to return home. However, the plan was not fully completed. On their way back home they were stopped in their tracks and their sacks were searched for the missing cup. They had no idea that the Joseph cup was in the younger brother's sack. They made a vow to return as slaves if the cup was found, not know that it had been planted by Joseph; as a way to find out for sure if his father was still alive.

When they returned, Judah pleaded with Joseph not to keep the younger brother, but to keep him instead. Joseph could not longer contain himself, and he opening wept in their presence, and let them know that he was their brother in whom they had sold into slavery. He told them not to be grieved or angry with themselves because it was God's plan to put him in a position of authority, in order to take care of his family in a time of famine.

His position of authority was given to him for the purpose of perserving life, and that he would make sure that his entire household was provided for; because God had put him in the position to do so. His dream of ruling and reigning over them, was not a dream of conceit for his purpose.

The dream that Joseph had was a sign of what God would do in the future; to make sure that his family was taken care of. They had no idea that a famine would be in the land for seven years, and they were not prepared for it. However, God knew; and He orchestrated a sequence of events, in order to make sure that their needs were met; well in advance by making Joseph a slave, and servant, to someone in a high position of authority.

After some time had passed, Pharoah cared for Joseph; and took care of him, like he was his own son. Therefore, when Joseph found his family, Pharoah was pleased, and told him that all of their needs would be met. It did not make any difference that Joseph was an Hebrew as well as his family, and Pharoah was an Egyptian; God set in motion the deliverance of his entire family through a foreign people, and land. There was nothing that Joseph could not ask for, that would withheld from him.

Reflection:
The life of Joseph shows us that no matter what we go through in life, God has already worked out our deliverance through a sequence of events; that he has already orchestrated to manifest, throughout a given time period. Even though we cannot see the whole picture, God loves us so much that He would not leave us barren, broken hearted, and without provision and protection. We can find comfort in knowing that God is truly a good God; and it is not in Him to be who He is not. He is His Word, and His Word is Him.

Prayer:
Father God, I thank and praise you for always taking care of me. Even though I cannot see the whole picture of what you have already worked out in my life, I know that you Oh God, have already worked it out. I give you praise and honor for what you have already done in my life; in order to perserve the life of my family, my friends and my neighbors. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

Strong's Concordance Definitions:

do not be greived: 6087
1) to hurt, pain, grieve, displease, vex, wrest
a) (Qal) to hurt, pain
b) (Niphal) to be in pain, be pained, be grieved
c) (Piel) to vex, torture
d) (Hiphil) to cause pain
e) (Hithpael) to feel grieved, be vexed
2) to shape, fashion, make, form, stretch into shape, (TWOT) worship
a) (Piel) to shape, form
b) (Hiphil) to form, copy, fashion

or angry: 2734
1) to be hot, furious, burn, become angry, be kindled
a) (Qal) to burn, kindle (anger)
b) (Niphal) to be angry with, be incensed
c) (Hiphil) to burn, kindle
d) (Hithpael) to heat oneself in vexation
with yourselves: 5869
1) eye
a) eye
1) of physical eye
2) as showing mental qualities
3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
2) spring, fountain

for God: 430
1) (plural)
a) rulers, judges
b) divine ones
c) angels
d) gods
2) (plural intensive - singular meaning)
a) god, goddess
b) godlike one
c) works or special possessions of God
d) the (true) God
e) God

Sent: 7971
1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out
a) (Qal)
1) to send
2) to stretch out, extend, direct
3) to send away
4) to let loose
b) (Niphal) to be sent
c) (Piel)
1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out
2) to let go, set free
3) to shoot forth (of branches)
4) to let down
5) to shoot
d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled
e) (Hiphil) to send

me before: 6440
1) face
a) face, faces
b) presence, person
c) face (of seraphim or cherubim)
d) face (of animals)
e) face, surface (of ground)
f) as adv of loc/temp

1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before
g) with prep
1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

you to perserve: 4241
1) preservation of life, sustenance

a) preservation of life
b) sustenance
c) reviving
d) the quick of the flesh, live flesh, tender or raw flesh

References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Book of Beginnings - Genesis 45 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 18 Jan 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Gen&c=45&t=NASB

Higgins, S. (2009) He is His Word! Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com (RP) The Missing Cup.

The Garments of Purpose

2010-05-18T09:51:00.000-07:00

Scripture(s): Numbers 20:23-26

Then the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron at Mount Hor by the border of the land of Edom, saying, Aaron will be gathered to his people; for he shall not enter the land which I have given to the sons of Israel, because you rebelled against My command at the waters of Meribah. "Take Aaron and his son Eleazar and bring them up to Mount Hor; and strip Aaron of his garments and put them on his son Eleazar. So Aaron will be gathered to his people, and will die there."

Commentary:
Moses and Aaron had previously been disobedience to the instructions of the Lord. The children of Israel had started to complain again, about their daily sustenance not being met. They complained about not having water, not having figs to eat, not having pomegranates, and so on. The pressure that Moses and Aaron were under as leaders caused them to really call out to the Lord in prayer. God answered their prayer, and told them exactly what to do to remedy the situation. He told Moses to do one thing only. However, Moses was so irritated by the people that he did what he wanted to do. Instead of speaking to the rock that God told him to speak to, he struck the rock twice. Not only did he strike the rock twice, he also yelled at the people; and told them that they were rebels, and made it look like he and Aaron had the ability to do something, that only God could do. Thus, neither Moses are Aaron made it into the promise land.

On their way toward the promised land, God instructed Moses to strip the priestly garments off of Aaron, and give his garments to his son Eleazar. Upon the stripping of the garments of purpose that were Aaron's livelihood, Aaron openly died on a high place, in the sight of all the people. Aaron could no longer fulfill the purpose in which he was called to do, and the garments in which he wore were of no effect on him, because of his disobedience. Once his purpose could not be fulfilled, Aaron died.

Reflection:
God has assigned tasks for each of us to do. Sometimes, when He gives us assignments we wonder how in the world can we do what He is telling us to do. Nevertheless, if God has given us an assignment, we should completely and totally depend upon Him to complete the tasks. We should not allow pure pressure to make us become irritated by the current circumstances. If God says to do something one way, we should not create another way to do what He has already instructed us to do. Going against what God has said pulls us out of line of our purpose. When we are out of balance with the purpose in which God has created us, we become non-effective in what He has given us; thereby producing no fruit. Therefore, let us take into consideration the cost of the garment of purpose that we wear, and what it will take to maintain it.

Prayer:
Father God, I thank you that I am obedient to what you have spoken to me. I thank you for putting the ability within me to do exactly what you have spoken, and that I will not be pressured into risking the anointing that you have placed on my life. I thank you for wisdom, and knowledge, in all that you give me to do, and I thank you for blessing every thing that my hands touch; for your glory, honor and praise. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen.

Strong's Concordance Definitions:

Aaron: 175
Aaron = "light bringer"

1) brother of Moses, a Levite and the first high priest

Shall be gathered: 622
1) to gather, receive, remove, gather in

a) (Qal)
1) to gather, collect
2) to gather (an individual into company of others)
3) to bring up the rear
4) to gather and take away, remove, withdraw
b) (Niphal)
1) to assemble, be gathered
2) (pass of Qal 1a2)
a) to be gathered to one's fathers
b) to be brought in or into (association with others)
3) (pass of Qal 1a4)
a) to be taken away, removed, perish
c) (Piel)
1) to gather (harvest)
2) to take in, receive into
3) rearguard, rearward (subst)
d) (Pual) to be gathered
e) (Hithpael) to gather oneself or themselves

Unto his people: 5971
1) nation, people

a) people, nation
b) persons, members of one's people, compatriots, country-men
2) kinsman, kindred

shall not enter: 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 the Land: 776
1) land, earth

a) earth
1) whole earth (as opposed to a part)
2) earth (as opposed to heaven)
3) earth (inhabitants)
b) land
1) country, territory
2) district, region
3) tribal territory
4) piece of ground
5) land of Canaan, Israel
6) inhabitants of land
7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world
8) city (-state)
c) ground, surface of the earth
1) ground
2) soil
d) (in phrases)
1) people of the land
2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance)
3) level or plain country
4) land of the living
5) end(s) of the earth
e) (almost wholly late in usage)
1) lands, countries
a) often in contrast to Canaan

which I have given: 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

because ye rebelled: 4784
1) to be contentious, be rebellious, be refractory, be disobedient towards, be rebellious against

a) (Qal) to be disobedient, be rebellious
1) towards father
2) towards God
b) (Hiphil) to show rebelliousness, show disobedience, disobey
my word: 6310
1) (peh) mouth
a) mouth (of man)
b) mouth (as organ of speech)
c) mouth (of animals)
d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc)
e) extremity, end
2) (pim) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1 Sa. 13:21

at the water: 4325

of Meribah: 4809
Meribah = "strife" or "contention"
1) a fountain at Rephidim, in the desert of Sin; so called because the Israelites murmured against God
2) the name of the water supply at Kadesh on the southern border of the promised land; the people also murmured here against God

References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Book of Numbers 20 - (KJV - King James Version)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 1 Mar 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Num&c=20&t=KJV

Higgins, S. (2010). The Garments of Purpose. Devotions For Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, Http://www.higginspublishing.com

Jezebel's Plan

2010-05-14T09:56:00.000-07:00

Scripture(s): I Kings 21:1-7.

And it came to pass after these things, Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard, which [was] in Jezreel, hard by the palace of Ahab king of Samaria. And Ahab spake unto Naboth, saying, Give me thy vineyard, that I may have it for a garden of herbs, because it [is] near unto my house: and I will give thee for it a better vineyard than it; [or], if it seem good to thee, I will give thee the worth of it in money. And Naboth said to Ahab, The LORD forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee. And Ahab came into his house heavy and displeased because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him: for he had said, I will not give thee the inheritance of my fathers. And he laid him down upon his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no bread. But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said unto him, Why is thy spirit so sad, that thou eatest no bread? And he said unto her, Because I spake unto Naboth the Jezreelite, and said unto him, Give me thy vineyard for money; or else, if it please thee, I will give thee [another] vineyard for it: and he answered, I will not give thee my vineyard. And Jezebel his wife said unto him, Dost thou now govern the kingdom of Israel? arise, eat bread, and let thine heart be merry: I will give thee the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.

Background:
Ahab is still the unhappy subject of the sacred history; from the great affairs of his camp and kingdom this chapter leads us into his garden, and gives us an account of some ill things (and ill indeed they proved to him) relating to his domestic affairs. I. Ahab is sick for Naboth’s vineyard (v. 1-4). II. Naboth dies by Jezebel’s plot, that the vineyard may escheat to Ahab (v. 5–14). III. Ahab goes to take possession (v. 15–16). IV. Elijah meets him, and denounces the judgments of God against him for his injustice (v. 17–24). V. Upon his humiliation a reprieve is granted (v. 25–29) (Henry, 1996)

Commentary:
Here is, 1. Ahab coveting his neighbour’s vineyard, which unhappily lay near his palace and conveniently for a kitchen-garden. Perhaps Naboth had been pleased that he had a vineyard which lay so advantageously for a prospect of the royal gardens, or the vending of its productions to the royal family; but the situation of it proved fatal to him. If he had had no vineyard, or it had lain obscure in some remote place, he would have preserved his life. But many a man’s possessions have been his snare, and his neighbourhood to greatness has been of pernicious consequence. Ahab sets his eye and heart on this vineyard, v. 2 (Henry, 1996.)

It will be a pretty addition to his demesne, a convenient out-let to his palace; and nothing will serve him but it must be his own. He is welcome to the fruits of it, welcome to walk in it; Naboth perhaps would have made him a lease of it for his life, to please him; but nothing will please him unless he have an absolute property in it, he and his heirs for ever. Yet he is not such a tyrant as to take it by force, but fairly proposes either to give Naboth the full value of it in money or a better vineyard in exchange. He had tamely quitted the great advantages God had given him of enlarging his dominion for the honour of his kingdom, by his victory over the Syrians, and now is eager to enlarge his garden, only for the convenience of his house, as if to be penny wise would atone for being pound foolish. To desire a convenience to his estate was not evil (there would be no buying if there were no desire of what is bought; the virtuous woman considers a field and buys it); but to desire any thing inordinately, though we would compass it by lawful means, is a fruit of selfishness, as if we must engross all the conveniences, and none must live, or live comfortably, by us, contrary to the law of contentment, and the letter of the tenth commandment, Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house. 2. The repulse he met with in this desire. Naboth would by no means part with it (v. 3) (Henry, 1996).

The Lord forbid it me; and the Lord did forbid it, else he would not have been so rude and uncivil to his prince as not to gratify him in so small a matter. Canaan was in a peculiar manner God’s land; the Israelites were his tenants; and this was one of the conditions of their leases, that they should not alienate (no, not to one another) any part of that which fell to their lot, unless in case of extreme necessity, and then only till the year of jubilee, Lev. 25:28. Now Naboth foresaw that, if his vineyard were sold to the crown, it would never return to his heirs, no, not in the jubilee. He would gladly oblige the king, but he must obey God rather than men, and therefore in this matter desires to be excused. Ahab knew the law, or should have known it, and therefore did ill to ask that which his subject could not grant without sin. Some conceive that Naboth looked upon his earthly inheritance as an earnest of his lot in the heavenly Canaan, and therefore would not part with the former, lest it should amount to a forfeiture of the latter. He seems to have been a conscientious man, who would rather hazard the king’s displeasure than offend God, and probably was one of the 7000 that had not bowed the knee to Baal, for which, it may be, Ahab owed him a grudge (Henry, 1996).

3. Ahab’s great discontent and uneasiness hereupon. He was as before (ch. 20:43) heavy and displeased (v. 4), grew melancholy upon it, threw himself upon his bed, would not eat nor admit company to come to him. He could by no means digest the affront. His proud spirit aggravated the indignity Naboth did him in denying him, as a thing not to be suffered. He cursed the squeamishness of Naboth’s conscience, which he pretended to consult the peace of, and secretly meditated revenge. Nor could he bear the disappointment; it cut him to the heart to be crossed in his desires, and he was perfectly sick for vexation (Henry, 1996).

Note, (1.) Discontent is a sin that is its own punishment and makes men torment themselves; it makes the spirit sad, the body sick, and all the enjoyments sour; it is the heaviness of the heart and the rottenness of the bones. (2.) It is a sin that is its own parent. It arises not from the condition, but from the mind. As we find Paul contented in a prison, so Ahab discontent in a palace. He had all the delights of Canaan, that pleasant land, at command the wealth of a kingdom, the pleasures of a court, and the honours and powers of a throne; and yet all this avails him nothing without Naboth’s vineyard. Inordinate desires expose men to continual vexations, and those that are disposed to fret, be they ever so happy, will always find something or other to fret at (Henry, 1996).

1Ki 21:5-16

Nothing but mischief is to be expected when Jezebel enters into the story—that cursed woman, 2 Ki. 9:34.
I. Under pretence of comforting her afflicted husband, she feeds his pride and passion, and blows the coals of his corruptions. It became her to take notice of his grief and to enquire into the cause of it, v. 5. Those have forgotten both the duty and affection of the conjugal relation that interest not themselves in each other’s troubles. He told her what troubled him (v. 6), yet invidiously concealed Naboth’s reason for his refusal, representing it as peevish, when it was conscientious—I will not give it thee, whereas he said, I may not. What! says Jezebel (v. 7), Dost thou govern Israel? Arise, and eat bread. She does well to persuade him to shake off his melancholy, and not to sink under his burden, to be easy and cheerful; whatever was his grief, grieving would not redress it, but pleasantness would alleviate it (Henry, 1996).

Her plea is, Dost thou now govern Israel? This is capable of a good sense: "Does it become so great a prince as thou art to cast thyself down for so small a matter? Thou shamest thyself, and profanest thy crown; it is below thee to take notice of so inconsiderable a thing. Art thou fit to govern Israel, who hast no better a government of thy own passions? Or hast thou so rich a kingdom at command and canst not thou be without this one vineyard?’’ We should learn to quiet ourselves, under our crosses, with the thoughts of the mercies we enjoy, especially our hopes of the kingdom. But she meant it in a bad sense: "Dost thou govern Israel, and shall any subject thou hast deny thee any thing thou hast a mind to? (Henry, 1996).

Art thou a king? It is below thee to buy and pay, much more to beg and pray; use thy prerogative, and take by force what thou canst not compass by fair means; instead of resenting the affront thus, revenge it. If thou knowest not how to support the dignity of a king, let me alone to do it; give me but leave to make use of thy name, and I will soon give thee the vineyard of Naboth; right or wrong, it shall be thy own shortly, and cost thee nothing.’’ Unhappy princes those are, and hurried apace towards their ruin, who have those about them that stir them up to acts of tyranny and teach them how to abuse their power (Henry, 1996).

Reflections:

Jezebel's husband "Ahab," already possessed the kingdom, but he desired something that was not his; to the point that he became depressed, and bed-ridden. That's when Jezebel took the lead in her marriage, by stepping into her husbands shoes; to handle his business. She conspired to kill an innocent man, in exchange for his land; to satisfy the greed of her husband. The influence of Jezebel, was used to kill and take; regardless of who it would affect. When her plot played out, an innocent man was murdered, and Ahab was happy to possess the land that was wrongfully gained. But wait! God showed up in the mouth of the prophet Elijah; and all would not end as they expected. Jezebel would be eaten by dogs, and Ahab would also be punished. The bad example that Jezebel and Ahab set, as husband and wife, and as leaders; is a sharp reminder to never covet what someone else has, regardless of the position of influence that one has been given. It is also a reminder to be content with what God provides, so that one is not lead into a stuper of depression, that causes one to agree with, or make bad decisions, that lead to ultimate destruction.

References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Book of 1 Kings 21 - (KJV - King James Version)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 14 May 2010. < http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=1Ki&c=21&t=KJV >

Henry, Matthew. "Commentary on 1 Kings 21." . Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar 1996. 2010. 14 May 2010.

< http:// www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?
AuthorID=4&contentID=949&commInfo=5&topic=1%20Kings&
ar=1Ki_21_1 >

Higgins, S. (2010). Jezebel's Plan. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing. http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com/, http://www.higginspublishing.com/

Passing & Receiving the Mantle

2010-05-12T10:05:00.000-07:00

Scripture(s): I Kings 19:15-21
The LORD said to him, (Elijah) "Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus, and when you have arrived, you shall anoint Hazael king over Aram; and Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint king over Israel; and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint as prophet in your place. "It shall come about, the one who escapes from the sword of Hazael, Jehu shall put to death, and the one who escapes from the sword of Jehu, Elisha shall put to death. "Yet I will leave 7,000 in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal and every mouth that has not kissed him." So he departed from there and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, while he was plowing with twelve pairs of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth. And Elijah passed over to him and threw his mantle on him. He left the oxen and ran after Elijah and said, "Please let me kiss my father and my mother, then I will follow you." And he said to him, "Go back again, for what have I done to you?" So he returned from following him, and took the pair of oxen and sacrificed them and boiled their flesh with the implements of the oxen, and gave it to the people and they ate. Then he arose and followed Elijah and ministered to him.

Background:
We left Elijah at the entrance of Jezreel, still appearing publicly, and all the people’s eyes upon him. In this chapter we have him again absconding, and driven into obscurity, at a time when he could ill be spared; but we are to look upon it as a punishment to Israel for the insincerity and inconstancy of their reformation. When people will not learn it is just with God to remove their teachers into corners. Now observe, I. How he was driven into banishment by the malice of Jezebel his sworn enemy (v. 1-3). II. How he was met, in his banishment, by the favour of God, his covenant-friend. 1. How God fed him (v. 4-8). 2. How he conversed with him, and manifested himself to him (v. 9, 11–13), heard his complaint (v. 10–14), directed him what to do (v. 15–17), and encouraged him (v. 18). III. How his hands were strengthened, at his return out of banishment, by the joining of Elisha with him (v. 19–21).

Commentary:
Elisha was named last in the orders God gave to Elijah, but he was first called, for by him the other two were to be called. He must come in Elijah’s room; yet Elijah is forward to raise him, and is far from being jealous of his successor, but rejoices to think that he shall leave the work of God in such good hands. Concerning the call of Elisha observe, 1. That it was an unexpected surprising call. Elijah found him by divine direction, or perhaps he was before acquainted with him and knew where to find him. He found him, not in the schools of the prophets, but in the field, not reading, nor praying, nor sacrificing, but ploughing, v. 19 (Henry, 1996).

Though a great man (as appears by his feast, v. 21), master of the ground, and oxen, and servants, yet he did not think it any disparagement to him to follow his business himself, and not only to inspect his servants, but himself to lay his hand to the plough. Idleness is no man’s honour, nor is husbandry any man’s disgrace. An honest calling in the world does not at all put us out of the way of our heavenly calling, any more than it did Elisha, who was taken from following the plough the feed Israel and to sow the seed of the word, as the apostles were taken from fishing to catch men. Elisha enquired not after Elijah, but was anticipated with this call. We love God, and choose him, because he chose us, and loved us, first. 2. That it was a powerful call. Elijah did but cast his mantle upon him. (v. 19), in token of friendship, that he would take him under his care and tuition as he did under his mantle, and to be one with him in the same clothes, or in token of his being clothed with the spirit of Elijah (now he put some of his honour upon him, as Moses on Joshua, Num. 27:20); but, when Elijah went to heaven, he had the mantle entire, 2 Ki. 2:13 (Henry, 1996).

And immediately he left the oxen to go as they would, and ran after Elijah, and assured him that he would follow him presently, v. 20. An invisible hand touched his heart, and unaccountably inclined him by a secret power, without any external persuasions, to quit his husbandry and give himself to the ministry. It is in a day of power that Christ’s subjects are made willing (Ps. 110:3), nor would any come to Christ unless they were thus drawn. Elisha came to a resolution presently, but begged a little time, not to ask leave, but only to take leave, of his parents. This was not an excuse for delay, like his (Lu. 9:61) that desired he might bid those farewell that were at home, but only a reservation of the respect and duty he owed to his father and mother (Henry, 1996).

Elijah bade him to back and do it, he would not hinder him; nay, if he would, he might go back, and not return, for any thing he had done to him. He will not force him, nor take him against his will; let him sit down and count the cost, and make it his own act. The efficacy of God’s grace preserves the native liberty of man’s will, so that those who are good are good of choice and not by constraint, not pressed men, but volunteers. 3. That it was a pleasant and acceptable call to him, which appears by the farewell-feast he made for his family (v. 21), though he not only quitted all the comforts of his father’s house, but exposed himself to the malignity of Jezebel and her party. It was a discouraging time for prophets to set out in. A man that had consulted with flesh and blood would not be fond of Elijah’s mantle, nor willing to wear his coat; yet Elisha cheerfully, and with a great deal of satisfaction, leaves all to accompany him. Thus Matthew made a great fast when he left the receipt of custom to follow Christ. 4. That it was an effectual call. Elijah did not stay for him, lest he should seem to compel him, but left him to his own choice, and he soon arose, went after him, and not only associated with him, but ministered to him as his servitor, poured water on his hands, 2 Ki. 3:11. It is of great advantage to young ministers to spend some time under the direction of those that are aged and experienced, whose years teach wisdom, and not to think much, if occasion be, to minister to them. Those that would be fit to teach must have time to learn; and those that hope hereafter to rise and rule must be willing at first to stoop and serve (Henry, 1996).

Elijah was running from Jezebel because she made an open declaration that she was going to kill him, because he had put an open shame to her gods, and had all the prophets of Baal executed. Elijah ended up under a juniper tree, and asked God to take his life. He had, had enough. As he sat under the juniper tree, he fell asleep. Then the Angel of the Lord touched him, and told him to arise and eat. So Elijah did as the Angel of the Lord told him, but then he went back to sleep. The Angel of the Lord came to him again, and told him to arise and eat, because the journey was too great for him. So Elijah arose and ate. The food which he ate sustained him for forty days and forty nights. Then Elijah was instructed by God to go to Mount Horeb, but Elijah ended up in the cave out of fear. That's when the Lord came to him, and asked him "What are you doing here?" Elijah made an excuse as to the position of his disobedience. However, God did not condemn him, because he knew him; and gave him relief in the situation as well as a dear friend in who he would take under his tutleledge for the ministry of prophecy.

Reflection:
Even though Elijah was depressed, upset, fearful, and exhausted; God never left him. He continued to speak to Elijah, and comforted him by providing him with the knowledge that surely there were 7000 people who had not bowed to the false Gods, and that the new kings he was instructed to anoint would rectify the situation. He also encouraged him with the passing of his mantle (cloak/glory) to one that would continue in his stead, by the name of 'Elisha.' When Elijah threw the mantel on Elisha, Elisha knew what it meant, and accepted the calling, and followed Elijah after honoring his parents, and holding a feast. When it was time to pass the mantle Elijah did so speedily, he did not hold on to the mantel out of fear. He did not linger on the words of God, and try to delay the passing of his mantel.

When Elijah passed his mantle (glory/cloak) to Elisha, Elisha made no excuses as to why he could not accept it. He accepted the mantle in a time when prophets were being persecuted and killed, for what they believed in, and spoke about. Passing and receiving the mantle, requires the grace of God upon the lives of his children. If indeed God has called one to the ministry, the passing, and recieving of the mantle has to take place; so that the work of the ministry can continue to move forward. If the mantle is not passed to those that are called to the ministry, the ministry will be stagnated; and will not grow. The old traditions of yesterday will suffocate the church, if those in leadership do not discern the time in which to pass the mantle. At the same time, the mantle should not be passed out of exhaustion, desperation, or fear of what may, or may not happen. Upon the passing of the mantle, the training begins. It is important for us to understand, that the acceptance of the mantle into ministry, is not an overnight call to riches, fame or fortune; it is a call to servanthood. If the Angel of the Lord ministered to Elijah; how much more or we to minister to those who pass the mantle.

References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Book of 1 Kings 19 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 12 May 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=1Ki&c=19&t=NASB

Henry, Matthew. "Commentary on 1 Kings 19." . Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar 1996. 2010. 12 May 2010.
http:// www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?
AuthorID=4&contentID=947&commInfo=5&topic=1%20Kings&
ar=1Ki_19_15

Higgins, S. (2010). Passing & Receving the Mantle. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing. http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, http://www.higginspublishing.com

Provision In The House

2010-05-11T09:27:00.000-07:00

Scripture(s): I Kings 17:1-16

Now Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the settlers of Gilead, said to Ahab, "As the LORD, the God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, surely there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word."

The word of the LORD came to him, saying, "Go away from here and turn eastward, and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, which is east of the Jordan. "It shall be that you will drink of the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to provide for you there." So he went and did according to the word of the LORD, for he went and lived by the brook Cherith, which is east of the Jordan. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he would drink from the brook.

It happened after a while that the brook dried up, because there was no rain in the land. Then the word of the LORD came to him, saying, "Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and stay there; behold, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you." So he arose and went to Zarephath, and when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks; and he called to her and said, "Please get me a little water in a jar, that I may drink." As she was going to get it, he called to her and said, "Please bring me a piece of bread in your hand." But she said, "As the LORD your God lives, I have no bread, only a handful of flour in the bowl and a little oil in the jar; and behold, I am gathering a few sticks that I may go in and prepare for me and my son, that we may eat it and die."

Then Elijah said to her, "Do not fear; go, do as you have said, but make me a little bread cake from it first and bring it out to me, and afterward you may make one for yourself and for your son. "For thus says the LORD God of Israel, 'The bowl of flour shall not be exhausted, nor shall the jar of oil be empty, until the day that the LORD sends rain on the face of the earth.'" So she went and did according to the word of Elijah, and she and he and her household ate for many days. The bowl of flour was not exhausted nor did the jar of oil become empty, according to the word of the LORD which He spoke through Elijah.

Background:
So sad was the character both of the princes and people of Israel, as described in the foregoing chapter, that one might have expected God would cast off a people that had so cast him off; but, as an evidence to the contrary, never was Israel so blessed with a good prophet as when it was so plagued with a bad king. Never was king so bold to sin as Ahab; never was prophet so bold to reprove and threaten as Elijah, whose story begins in this chapter and is full of wonders. Scarcely any part of the Old-Testament history shines brighter than this history of the spirit and power of Elias; he only, of all the prophets, had the honour of Enoch, the first prophet, to be translated, that he should not see death, and the honour of Moses, the great prophet, to attend our Saviour in his transfiguration. Other prophets prophesied and wrote, he prophesied and acted, but wrote nothing; but his actions cast more lustre on his name than their writings did on theirs. In this chapter we have, I. His prediction of a famine in Israel, through the want of rain (v. 1). II. The provision made for him in that famine, 1. By the ravens at the brook Cherith (v. 2-7). 2. When that failed, by the widow at Zarephath, who received him in the name of a prophet and had a prophet’s reward; for (1.) He multiplied her meal and her oil (v. 8–16). (2.) He raised her dead son to life (v. 17–24). Thus his story begins with judgments and miracles, designed to awaken that stupid generation that had to deeply corrupted themselves (Henry, 1996).

Commentary:
We have here an account of the further protection Elijah was taken under, and the further provision made for him in his retirement. At destruction and famine he shall laugh that has God for his friend to guard and maintain him. The brook Cherith is dried up, but God’s care of his people, and kindness to them, never slacken, never fail, but are still the same, are still continued and drawn out to those that know him, Ps. 36:10. When the brook was dried up Jordan was not; why did not God send him thither? Surely because he would show that he has a variety of ways to provide for his people and is not tied to any one. God will now provide for him where he shall have some company and opportunity of usefulness, and not be, as he had been, buried alive. Observe, (Henry, 1996)

I. The place he is sent to, to Zarephath, or Sarepta, a city of Sidon, out of the borders of the land of Israel, v. 9. Our Saviour takes notice of this as an early and ancient indication of the favour of God designed for the poor Gentiles, in the fulness of time, Lu. 4:25, 26. Many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, and some, it is likely, that would have bidden him welcome to their houses; yet he is sent to honour and bless with his presence a city of Sidon, a Gentile city, and so becomes (says Dr. Lightfoot) the first prophet of the Gentiles (Henry, 1996).

Israel had corrupted themselves with the idolatries of the nations and become worse than they; justly therefore is the casting off of them the riches of the world. Elijah was hated and driven out by his countrymen; therefore, lo, he turns to the Gentiles, as the apostles were afterwards ordered to do, Acts 18:6. But why to a city of Sidon? Perhaps because the worship of Baal, which was now the crying sin of Israel, came lately thence with Jezebel, who was a Sidonian (ch. 16:31); therefore thither he shall go, that thence may be fetched the destroyer of that idolatry, "Even out of Sidon have I called my prophet, my reformer.’’ Jezebel was Elijah’s greatest enemy; yet, to show her the impotency of her malice, God will find a hiding-place for him even in her country. Christ never went among the Gentiles except once into the coast of Sidon, Mt. 15:21 (Henry, 1996)

Reflection:
Elijah was taken care of by God for three years at the brook of Cherith, east of the Jordan. When the brook dried up, He sent Elijah to a poor widow, who had a son. When he arrived on the scene, he asked the widow for water. She went to get the water for him. When he asked her for bread, she said that she did not have any bread. She stated all that she had was a bowl of flour, and a jar of oil. She planned to prepare the oil and the flour with sticks, and then die. Elijah told her that God would provide continuously for her, upon her obedience of preparing a little cake for him first, and then for herself; and her son. Even though the water had dried up at the brook, it had not dried up at the Jordan. God made sure that Elijah, and the widow were well taken care of, in the land of his arch enemy; Jezebel of Sidon. Not only was he taken care of, but so were the hundred prophets that were hidden by Obadiah, a servant in Jezebel's house. Even when enemies think they have a foothold on a situation, God has a ram in the bush; which will spring forth at the appointed time. So be encouraged to know that God is at work in the midst of a drought, and he will continually make provision in the house.

References:

Blue Letter Bible. "Book of 1 Kings 17 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 11 May 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=1Ki&c=17&t=NASB

Henry, Matthew. "Commentary on 1 Kings 17." . Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar 1996. 2010. 11 May 2010. http:// www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?
AuthorID=4&contentID=945&commInfo=5&topic=1%20Kings&
ar=1Ki_17_1 >

Higgins, S. (2010). Provision In the House. Devotions For Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, http://www.higginspublishing.com

Emulated Through Time

2010-05-10T09:54:00.000-07:00

Scripture(s) I Kings 14:7-11

"Go, say to Jeroboam, 'Thus says the LORD God of Israel, "Because I exalted you from among the people and made you leader over My people Israel, and tore the kingdom away from the house of David and gave it to you—yet you have not been like My servant David, who kept My commandments and who followed Me with all his heart, to do only that which was right in My sight; you also have done more evil than all who were before you, and have gone and made for yourself other gods and molten images to provoke Me to anger, and have cast Me behind your back— therefore behold, I am bringing calamity on the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from Jeroboam [fn] every male person, both bond and free in Israel, and I will make a clean sweep of the house of Jeroboam, as one sweeps away dung until it is all gone. "Anyone belonging to Jeroboam who dies in the city the dogs will eat. And he who dies in the field the birds of the heavens will eat; for the LORD has spoken it."'

Background:
The kingdom being divided into that of Judah and that of Israel, we must henceforward, in these books of Kings, expect and attend their separate history, the succession of their kings, and the affairs of their kingdoms, accounted for distinctly. In this chapter we have, I. The prophecy of the destruction of Jeroboam’s house (v. 7–16). The sickness of his child was the occasion of it (v. 1-6), and the death of his child the earnest of it (v. 17, 18), together with the conclusion of his reign (v. 19, 20). II. The history of the declension and diminution of Rehoboam’s house and kingdom (v. 21–28) and the conclusion of his reign (v. 29–31). In both we may read the mischievous consequences of sin and the calamities it brings on kingdoms and families (Henry, 1996).

Commentary:
When those that set up idols, and keep them up, go to enquire of the Lord, he determines to answer them, not according to the pretensions of their enquiry, but according to the multitude of their idols, Eze. 14:4. So Jeroboam is answered here (Henry, 1996).
I. The prophet anticipates the enquiry concerning the child, and foretels the ruin of Jeroboam’s house for the wickedness of it. No one else durst have carried such a message: a servant would have smothered it, but his own wife cannot be suspected of ill-will to him (Henry, 1996).

1. God calls himself the Lord God of Israel. Though Israel had forsaken God, God had not cast them off, nor given them a bill of divorce for their whoredoms. He is Israel’s God, and therefore will take vengeance on him who did them the greatest mischief he could do them, debauched them and drew them away from God (Henry, 1996).

2. He upbraids Jeroboam with the great favour he had bestowed upon him, in making him king, exalting him from among the people, the common people, to be prince over God’s chosen Israel, and taking the kingdom from the house of David, to bestow it upon him. Whether we keep an account of God’s mercies to us or no, he does, and will set even them in order before us, if we be ungrateful, to our greater confusion; otherwise he gives and upbraids not (Henry, 1996).

3. He charges him with his impiety and apostasy, and his idolatry particularly: Thou hast done evil above all that were before thee, v. 9. Saul, that was rejected, never worshipped idols; Solomon did it but occasionally, in his dotage, and never made Israel to sin. Jeroboam’s calves, though pretended to be set up in honour of the God of Israel, that brought them up out of Egypt, yet are here called other gods, or strange gods, because in them he worshipped God as the heathen worshipped their strange gods, because by them he changed the truth of God into a lie and represented him as altogether different from what he is, and because many of the ignorant worshippers terminated their devotion in the image, and did not at all regard the God of Israel. Though they were calves of gold, the richness of the metal was so far from making them acceptable to God that they provoked him to anger, designedly affronted him, under colour of pleasing him (Henry, 1996).

In doing this, (1.) He had not set David before him (v. 8): Thou hast not been as my servant David, who, though he had his faults and some bad ones, yet never forsook the worship of God nor grew loose nor cold to that; his faithful adherence to that gained him this honourable character, that he followed God with all his heart, and herein he was proposed for an example to all his successors. Those did not do well that did not do like David. (2.) He had not set God before him, but (v. 9), "Thou hast cast me behind thy back, my law, my fear; thou hast neglected me, forgotten me, and preferred thy policies before my precepts (Henry, 1996)."

4. He foretels the utter ruin of Jeroboam’s house, v. 10, 11. He thought, by his idolatry, to establish his government, and by that he not only lost it, but brought destruction upon his family, the universal destruction of all the males, whether shut up or left, married or unmarried. (1.) Shameful destruction. They shall be taken away as dung, which is loathsome and which men are glad to be rid of. He worshipped dunghill-deities, and God removed his family as a great dunghill. Noble and royal families, if wicked, are no better in God’s account. (2.) Unusual destruction. Their very dead bodies should be meat for the dogs in the street, or the birds of prey in the field, v. 11. Thus evil pursues sinners. See this fulfilled, ch. 15:29 (Henry, 1996).

Reflections:
When leaders are entrusted into a position, they have a responsiblity to do what is right in the sight of God. If leaders choose not to do as God instructs them to; they will be put out of position. Someone else that will listen to, and obey the voice of God, will be put in their place. Additionally, those that are under the leadership of corrupt leaders, will unfortunately suffer because of bad leadership; until God brings a faithful leader to get them back on track. Let us be mindful to be faithful over what God has given us, because he trusts us with the responsibility; keeping in mind that the position of leadership is not to be taken lightly. We are to always remember that what leaders do, will be emulated through time; whether it be good, or bad; and we will be held responsible for how we lead others, to, and/or away from the cross.

Strong's Concordance Definitions:

I Kings 14:10
therefore behold, I am bringing calamity on the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from Jeroboam [fn] every male person, both bond and free in Israel, and I will make a clean sweep of the house of Jeroboam, as one sweeps away dung until it is all gone.

A clean sweep: 1197
1) to burn, consume, kindle, be kindled

a) (Qal)
1) to begin to burn, be kindled, start burning
2) to burn, be burning
3) to burn, consume
4) Jehovah's wrath, human wrath (fig.)
b) (Piel)
1) to kindle, burn
2) to consume, remove (of guilt) (fig.)
c) (Hiphil)
1) to kindle
2) to burn up
3) to consume (destroy)
d) (Pual) to burn

References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Book of 1 Kings 14 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 10 May 2010.

Henry, Matthew. "Commentary on 1 Kings 14." . Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar 1996. 2010. 10 May 2010.
< http:// www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm? AuthorID=4&contentID=942&commInfo=5&topic=1%20Kings&
ar=1Ki_14_7 >

Higgins, S. (2010). Emulated Through Time. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, Http://www.higginspublishing.com

The Counter Creative Heart

2010-05-06T08:21:00.000-07:00

Scripture(s): I Kings 12:25-31
Then Jeroboam built Shechem in mount Ephraim, and dwelt therein; and went out from thence, and built Penuel. And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David:
If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, [even] unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah. Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves [of] gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And he set the one in Bethel, and the other put he in Dan. And this thing became a sin: for the people went [to worship] before the one, [even] unto Dan. And he made an house of high places, and made priests of the lowest of the people, which were not of the sons of Levi.

Background:
The glory of the kingdom of Israel was in its height and perfection in Solomon; it was long in coming to it, but it soon declined, and began to sink and wither in the very next reign, as we find in this chapter, where we have the kingdom divided, and thereby weakened and made little in comparison with what it had been. Here is, I. Rehoboam’s accession to the throne and Jeroboam’s return out of Egypt (v. 1, 2). II. The people’s petition to Rehoboam for the redress of grievances, and the rough answer he gave, by the advice of his young counsellors, to that petition (v. 3–15). III. The revolt of the ten tribes thereupon, and their setting up Jeroboam (v. 16–20). IV. Rehoboam’s attempt to reduce them and the prohibition God gave to that attempt (v. 21–24). V. Jeroboam’s establishment of his government upon idolatry (v. 25–33). Thus did Judah become weak, being deserted by their brethren, and Israel, by deserting the house of the Lord.

Commentary:
We have here the beginning of the reign of Jeroboam. He built Shechem first and then Penuel—beautified and fortified them, and probably had a palace in each of them for himself (v. 25), the former in Ephraim, the latter in Gad, on the other side Jordan. This might be proper; but he formed another project for the establishing of his kingdom which was fatal to the interests of religion in it.

I. That which he designed was by some effectual means to secure those to himself who had now chosen him for their king, and to prevent their return to the house of David, v. 26, 27. It seems, 1. He was jealous of the people, afraid that, some time or other, they would kill him and go again to Rehoboam. Many that have been advanced in one tumult have been hurled down in another. Jeroboam could not put any confidence in the affections of his people, though now they seemed extremely fond of him; for what is got by wrong and usurpation cannot be enjoyed nor kept with any security or satisfaction. 2. He was distrustful of the promise of God, could not take his word that, if he would keep close to his duty, God would build him a sure house (ch. 11:38); but he would contrive ways and means, and sinful ones too, for his own safety. A practical disbelief of God’s all-sufficiency is at the bottom of all our treacherous departures from him.

II. The way he took to do this was by keeping the people from going up to Jerusalem to worship. That was the place God had chosen, to put his name there. Solomon’s temple was there, which God had, in the sight of all Israel, and in the memory of many now living, taken solemn possession of in a cloud of glory. At the altar there the priest of the Lord attended, there all Israel were to keep the feasts, and thither they were to bring their sacrifices. Now,

1. Jeroboam apprehended that, if the people continued to do this, they would in time return to the house of David, allured by the magnificence both of the court and of the temple. If they cleave to their old religion, they will go back to their old king. We may suppose, if he had treated with Rehoboam for the safe conduct of himself and his people to and from Jerusalem at the times appointed for their solemn feasts, it would not have been denied him; therefore he fears not their being driven back by force, but their going back voluntarily to Rehoboam.

Reflection:
If we make decisions based out of fear and not on the promises of God, who then becomes our God? Our flesh has a tendency to make things bigger than they are, as if the God of our souls is too small to do what He says that He will do. Our flesh desires to drive us back into the hands of the bondage in which we have been released, and make us forget the promise of God spoken over our lives. Yes, the condition of the economy is like a giant standing right in front of us. But, will we still stand on what God has given us, or will we go back and build altars in the world that can neither save or deliver. The creativity that God has given us is for his kingdom, not to create scenarios of what could, or may happen out of fear.

References:
Henry, Matthew. "Commentary on 1 Kings 12." . Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar 1996. 2010. 6 May 2010.

http:// www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?
AuthorID=4&contentID=940&commInfo=5&topic=1%20Kings&
ar=1Ki_12_25

Blue Letter Bible. "Book of 1 Kings 12 - (KJV - King James Version)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 6 May 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=1Ki&c=12&t=KJV

Higgins, S. (2010). The Counter Creative Heart. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.higginspublishing.com

Wisdom InLove

2010-05-03T22:18:00.000-07:00

Scripture (s): I Kings 11:1-4

King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women besides Pharaoh's daughter--Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians and Hittites. They were from nations about which the Lord had told the Israelites, "You must not intermarry with them, because they will surely turn your hearts after their gods." Nevertheless, Solomon held fast to them in love. He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives led him astray. As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father had been.

Background:
This chapter begins with as melancholy a "but’’ as almost any we find in all the Bible. Hitherto we have read nothing of Solomon but what was great and good; but the lustre both of his goodness and of his greatness is here sullied and eclipsed, and his sun sets under a cloud. I. The glory of his piety is stained by his departure from God and his duty, in his latter days, marrying strange wives and worshipping strange gods (v. 4-8). II. The glory of his prosperity is stained by God’s displeasure against him and the fruits of that displeasure. 1. He sent him an angry message (v. 9–13). 2. He stirred up enemies, who gave him disturbance, Hadad (v. 14–22), Rezon (v. 23–25). 3. He gave away ten tribes of his twelve, from his posterity after him, to Jeroboam, whom therefore he sought in vain to slay (v. 26–40), and this is all that remains here to be told concerning Solomon, except his death and burial (v. 41–43), for there is nothing perfect under the sun, but all is so above the sun (Henry, 1996).

Commentary:
This is a sad story, and very surprising, of Solomon’s defection and degeneracy.

I. Let us enquire into the occasions and particulars of it. Shall Solomon fall, that was the beauty of Israel, and so great a blessing of his generation? Yes, it is too true, and the scripture is faithful in relating it, and repeating it, and referring to it long after, Neh. 13:26. There was no king like Solomon who was beloved of his God, yet even him did outlandish women cause to sin. There is the summary of his apostasy; it was the woman that deceived him, and was first in the transgression.

1. He doted on strange women, many strange women. Here his revolt began. (1.) He gave himself to women, which his mother had particularly cautioned him against. Prov. 31:3, Give not thy strength unto women (perhaps alluding to Samson, who lost his strength by giving information of it to a woman), for it is that which, as much as any thing, destroys kings. His father David’s fall began with the lusts of the flesh, which he should have taken warning by. The love of women has cast down many wounded (Prov. 7:26) and many (says bishop Hall) have had their head broken by their own rib (Henry, 1996).

(2.) He took many women, so many that, at last, they amounted to 700 wives and 300 concubines, 1000 in all, and not one good one among them, as he himself owns in his penitential sermon (Eccl. 7:28), for no woman of established virtue would be one of such a set. God had, by his law, particularly forbidden the kings to multiply either horses or wives, Deu. 17:16, 17. How he broke the former law, in multiplying horses, and having them out of Egypt too (which was expressly prohibited in that law) we read ch. 10:29, and here we are told how he broke the latter (which proved of more fatal consequence) in multiplying wives. Note, Less sins, made gold with, open the door to greater (Henry, 1996).

David had multiplied wives too much, and perhaps that made Solomon presume it lawful. Note, If those that are in reputation for religion in any thing set a bad example, they know not what a deal of mischief they may do by it, particularly to their own children. One bad act of a good man may be of more pernicious consequence to others than twenty of a wicked man. Probably Solomon, when he began to multiply wives, intended not to exceed his father’s number (Henry, 1996).

But the way of sin is down-hill; those that have got into it cannot easily stop themselves. Divine wisdom has appointed one woman for one man, did so at first; and those who do not think one enough will not think two or three enough. Unbridled lust will be unbounded, and the loosened hind will wander endlessly. But this was not all: (3.) They were strange women, Moabites, Ammonites, etc., of the nations which God had particularly forbidden them to intermarry with, v. 2. Some think it was in policy that he married these foreigners, by them to get intelligence of the state of those countries. I rather fear it was because the daughters of Israel were too grave and modest for him, and those foreigners pleased him with the looseness and wantonness of their dress, and air, and conversation (Henry, 1996).

Or, perhaps, it was looked upon as a piece of state to have his seraglio, as his other treasures, replenished with that which was far-fetched; as if that were too great an honour for the best of his subjects which would really have been a disgrace to the meanest of them—to be his mistresses. And, (4.) To complete the mischief, Solomon clave unto these in love, v. 2. He not only kept them, but was extravagantly fond of them, set his heart upon them, spent his time among them, thought every thing well they said and did, and despised Pharaoh’s daughter, his rightful wife, who had been dear to him, and all the ladies of Israel, in comparison of them. Solomon was master of a great deal of knowledge, but to what purpose, when he had no better a government of his appetites (Henry, 1996).

Reflection:
King Solomon had much wisdom and understanding. He also was one of the riches kings that ever lived. However, he had a serious weakness. He loved many women to the point of his own detriment. He had seven hundred wives, and three hundred concubines. To make matters even worse, these ...women worshiped other gods; in whom Solomon would begin to worship, and build altars and shrines for. He would soon begin to neglect the only true, and living God of his soul. Solomon also neglected his rightful wife; and chose to cleave to unholy flesh; that separated him from his relationship with God. The desire of his flesh ruled his very nature, and replaced his desire to please God. Therefore, the rule, and reign of Solomon was not glorious in the end, as in the beginning. His life was but a shadow of what it could have been, if he had only used the wisdom that God gave him in all areas of his life. The wisdom that he negated to use in fleshly matters, especially in choosing his wife; and being faithful to her, forfeited the grace that was afforded him. The grace of God extends to His children if we only but ask. But in our asking, let us listen to His voice, and do what He tells us to do; to experience the blessings of the Lord that maketh rich, and addeth no sorrow with it.

Strong's Exhausted Concordance Definitions: I Kings 11:2

You shall not associate: 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

Turn: 5186
1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow
a) (Qal)
1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer
2) to spread out, pitch (tent)
3) to bend, turn, incline
a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down
b) to bend, bow
c) to hold out, extend (fig.)
b) (Niphal) to be stretched out
c) (Hiphil)
1) to stretch out
2) to spread out
3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away
your heart: 3824
1) inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding
a) inner part, midst
1) midst (of things)
2) heart (of man)
3) soul, heart (of man)
4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory
5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will)
6) conscience
7) heart (of moral character)
8) as seat of appetites
9) as seat of emotions and passions
10) as seat of courage

their gods: 430
1) (plural)
a) rulers, judges
b) divine ones
c) angels
d) gods
2) (plural intensive - singular meaning)
a) god, goddess
b) godlike one
c) works or special possessions of God
d) the (true) God
e) God
Solomon: 8010
Solomon = "peace"
1) son of David by Bathsheba and 3rd king of Israel; author of Proverbs and Song of Songs

Held Fast: 1692
1) to cling, stick, stay close, cleave, keep close, stick to, stick with, follow closely, join to, overtake, catch
a) (Qal)
1) to cling, cleave to
2) to stay with
b) (Pual) to be joined together
c) (Hiphil)
1) to cause to cleave to
2) to pursue closely
3) to overtake
d) (Hophal) to be made to cleave

in love: 157
1) to love
a) (Qal)
1) human love for another, includes family, and sexual
2) human appetite for objects such as food, drink, sleep, wisdom
3) human love for or to God
4) act of being a friend
a) lover (participle)
b) friend (participle)
5) God's love toward man
a) to individual men
b) to people Israel
c) to righteousness
b) (Niphal)
1) lovely (participle)
2) loveable (participle)
c) (Piel)
1) friends
2) lovers (fig. of adulterers)
2) to like

Reference:
Blue Letter Bible. "Book of 1 Kings 11 - (NIV - New International Version)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 4 May 2010. < http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=1Ki&c=11&t=NIV >

Henry, Matthew. "Commentary on 1 Kings 11." . Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar 1996. 2010. 4 May 2010.

< http:// www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?
AuthorID=4&contentID=939&commInfo=5&topic=1%20Kings&
ar=1Ki_11_1 >

Higgins, S. (2010). Wisdom Inlove. Devotions For Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, Http://www.higginspublishing.com

The Keeper of the Covenant

2010-05-02T23:01:00.001-07:00

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 Keeper of The Covenant. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com

Resetting The Clock

2010-04-29T10:02:00.000-07:00

Scriptures: John 7:3-6

Therefore His brothers said to Him, "Leave here and go into Judea, so that Your disciples also may see Your works which You are doing. "For no one does anything in secret when he himself seeks to be known publicly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world." For not even His brothers were believing in Him. So Jesus said to them, my time is not yet here, but your time is always opportune.

Commentary:
The blood brothers of Jesus did not believe that Jesus was who He said that He was. Even though they had seen the miracles that Jesus performed. Based on how they talked to Jesus, they did not respect His authority. Because they had all been raised together; they were so familiar with Jesus, that they thought they could tell him what to do. Just imagine this scenario: the brothers being ridiculed when people approached them, and mocked them saying, "Your brother thinks he's the Messiah!" Yea, right.

So they tried to persuade him into doing something before it was time for him to move, by using scare tactics; that no one believed Him anyway. This must have been a heated conversation, because it steemed from the emotions of fear, and unbelief. Pressures were mounting, and the people were beginning to question the lineage of Jesus; and where did he actually come from.

Regardless of the peer pressure of the people, and of His family, Jesus refused to be controlled by the finite mind of man. He knew that it was not yet time for certain events to take place, and He would not be coersed into moving before it was time. The timeclock that Jesus was on, was that of the Father. No one could reset the clock. Therefore, His mind was made up, of what He would do, and When He would do it; because His mind was not His own, it was the mind of the Father. Therefore it did not matter what other people said to Jesus, He was on a mission, and no one could stop Him from accomplishing what He was purposed to do.

Reflection:
There will be many people that come into our lives, that will try and push us forward into a certain public place of ministry. However, we need to make sure that we have spent time with the Father, so that we will know when it time for us to move forward in Him. Let us not be so quick to move in an unprepared state, due to the lack of patience or trust in Him. When it is time to go forward; God will move us into position, and He will be the one to receive the glory; not us, or man. Our desire should not be, to be known publicly for who we are, but for Whose we are. Time with God is essential for us in knowing ourselves, an knowing, and completing our purpose. Resetting the clock is not an option.

Strong's Concordance Definitions: John 7:4

"For no one does anything in secret when he himself seeks to be known publicly. If You do thes things, show Yourself tothe world."

Does: 4160
1) to make

a) with the names of things made, to produce, construct, form, fashion, etc.
b) to be the authors of, the cause
c) to make ready, to prepare
d) to produce, bear, shoot forth
e) to acquire, to provide a thing for one's self
f) to make a thing out of something
g) to (make i.e.) render one anything

1) to (make i.e.) constitute or appoint one anything, to appoint or ordain one that
2) to (make i.e.) declare one anything
h) to put one forth, to lead him out
i) to make one do something

1) cause one to
j) to be the authors of a thing (to cause, bring about)
2) to do
a) to act rightly, do well

1) to carry out, to execute
b) to do a thing unto one

1) to do to one
c) with designation of time: to pass, spend
d) to celebrate, keep

1) to make ready, and so at the same time to institute, the celebration of the passover
e) to perform: to a promise

Anything: 5100
1) a certain, a certain one
2) some, some time, a while

In secret: 2927
1) hidden, concealed, secret

He himself: 846
1) himself, herself, themselves, itself
2) he, she, it
3) the same

seeks: 2212
1) to seek in order to find

a) to seek a thing
b) to seek [in order to find out] by thinking, meditating, reasoning, to enquire into
c) to seek after, seek for, aim at, strive after

2) to seek i.e. require, demand
a) to crave, demand something from someone

to be known publicly: 3934
1) freedom in speaking, unreservedness in speech

a) openly, frankly, i.e without concealment
b) without ambiguity or circumlocution
c) without the use of figures and comparisons

2) free and fearless confidence, cheerful courage, boldness, assurance
3) the deportment by which one becomes conspicuous or secures publicity

show: 4319
1) to make manifest or visible or known what has been hidden or unknown, to manifest, whether by words, or deeds, or in any other way

a) make actual and visible, realised
b) to make known by teaching
c) to become manifest, be made known
d) of a person

1) expose to view, make manifest, to show one's self, appear
e) to become known, to be plainly recognised, thoroughly understood

1) who and what one is

to the world: 2889
1) an apt and harmonious arrangement or constitution, order, government

2) ornament, decoration, adornment, i.e. the arrangement of the stars, 'the heavenly hosts', as the ornament of the heavens. 1 Pet. 3:3

3) the world, the universe
4) the circle of the earth, the earth
5) the inhabitants of the earth, men, the human family
6) the ungodly multitude; the whole mass of men alienated from God, and therefore hostile to the cause of Christ
7) world affairs, the aggregate of things earthly
a) the whole circle of earthly goods, endowments riches, advantages, pleasures, etc, which although hollow and frail and fleeting, stir desire, seduce from God and are obstacles to the cause of Christ
8) any aggregate or general collection of particulars of any sort
a) the Gentiles as contrasted to the Jews (Rom. 11:12 etc)
b) of believers only, John 1:29; 3:16; 3:17; 6:33; 12:47 1 Cor. 4:9; 2 Cor. 5:19

References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Gospel of John 7 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2009. 20 Dec 2009. < http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Jhn&c=7&t=NASB

Higgins, S. (2009). Resetting The Clock. Devotions for Thought. http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com/, http://www.higginspublishing.com/

The Dreamer Who Never Gave Up

2010-04-25T23:43:00.000-07:00

Scripture: 37:5

Then Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him even more.

Commentary:
Joseph's father had him when he was old in age, and he loved his son more than he loved his older sons. He gave Joseph a beautiful coat of many colors, and gave him responsibilities of tending the flock; even though he was only seventeen years of age. However, Joseph's brothers were jealous of him because their father loved him more, and showed favoritism to him. They also were envious of all the attention that he received from their father.

One night Joseph had a dream, and he relayed the dream to his brothers. He must not have known how his brothers felt about him. They hid their contempt of him so well, that he didn't have a clue. When he told them the dream, they became even more jealous of him. They asked him "will you rule and reign over us?"

Joseph was excited about the dream, and wanted to share it with them, however, they were not excited in the least. Then Joseph had another dream in which he shared with his brothers and his father. This time his father became upset as well as his brothers; but his father kept the saying in his heart.

After some time had passed, the brothers were tending the flock, and they saw Joseph from a far off, coming in their direction. That's when they made a plan to kill him. However, one of the brothers by the name of Rueben suggested that they drop him in a pit where no water was, and they agreed. Once they dropped him in the pit; they sat down to eat. A caravan approached, and another brother suggested that they not leave him there to die, but to sell him into slavery. So that's what they did. Then they told their father a lie about Joseph being torn to shreds by a wild animal; by showing him the coat that was drenched in blood.

Reflection:
Joseph was hated by his own flesh and blood brothers. Those that should have loved him, and taken care of him because he was the youngest. He trusted, and loved them; and wanted to share with them his dreams because he was excited. His brothers could care less about his dreams, and wanted to wipe him off the planet of the earth.

Sharing our dreams with those that we love should be something that we can all do. However, not everyone will be excited about how God is speaking with us. Many people, including those that are closest to us, will not want to hear about how God is going to bless us. There will be those that are envious, and jealous of what God has done, and will do in our lives. Nevertheless, no one will be able to stop what He is doing.

Every thing that we experience is designed to drive us toward our purpose in God. Anything He brings into our life, will propel us into our destiny. Those that choose to celebrate us, invite them into our dreams. Those that choose not too, release them into their yesterday; because they cannot go into our future.

Prayer:
Father God, I thank you for giving me dreams and visions about my life as well as wisdom on who to share them with. I thank you for surrounding me with visionaries with the desires of your heart, to fulfill your purpose in their lives; while encouraging others to do the same. Help me not to be prideful, or arrogant about the things that you speak to me in secret; but to be humble-minded, always depending on you. I thank and praise you for daily wisdom, knowledge and understanding in all things. In Jesus name, amen.

Strong's Concordance Definitions:

Joseph: 3130
Joseph = "Jehovah has added"

1) the eldest son of Jacob by Rachel
2) father of Igal, who represented the tribe of Issachar among the spies
3) a son of Asaph
4) a man who took a foreign wife in the time of Ezra
5) a priest of the family of Shebaniah in the time of Nehemiah
dream: 2472

1) dream
a) dream (ordinary)
b) dream (with prophetic meaning)

and when he told: 5046
1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known

a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare
1) to tell, announce, report
2) to declare, make known, expound
3) to inform of
4) to publish, declare, proclaim
5) to avow, acknowledge, confess
a) messenger (participle)
b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported

it to his brothers:251
1) brother
a) brother of same parents
b) half-brother (same father)
c) relative, kinship, same tribe
d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship)
e) (fig.) of resemblance

they hated: 8130
1) to hate, be hateful
a) (Qal) to hate
1) of man
2) of God
3) hater, one hating, enemy (participle) (subst)
b) (Niphal) to be hated
c) (Piel) hater (participle)
1) of persons, nations, God, wisdom

him even: 5750
1) a going round, continuance
adv
2) still, yet, again, besides
a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence)
b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition)
c) again
d) still, moreover, besides

more: 3254
1) to add, increase, do again
a) (Qal) to add, increase, do again
b) (Niphal)
1) to join, join oneself to
2) to be joined, be added to
c) (Hiphil)
1) to cause to add, increase
2) to do more, do again

References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Book of Beginnings - Genesis 37 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 15 Jan 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Gen&c=37&t=NASB

Higgins, S. (2009). The Dreamer Who Never Gave Up. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com

Money, Power & Desire

2010-04-21T07:33:00.000-07:00

Scriptures: II Samuel 12:1-9

Then the LORD sent Nathan to David. And he came to him and said, "There were two men in one city, the one rich and the other poor. "The rich man had a great many flocks and herds. "But the poor man had nothing except one little ewe lamb Which he bought and nourished; And it grew up together with him and his children. It would eat of his bread and drink of his cup and lie in his bosom, And was like a daughter to him.

"Now a traveler came to the rich man, And he was unwilling to take from his own flock or his own herd, To prepare for the wayfarer who had come to him; Rather he took the poor man's ewe lamb and prepared it for the man who had come to him." Then David's anger burned greatly against the man, and he said to Nathan, "As the LORD lives, surely the man who has done this deserves to die. "He must make restitution for the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing and had no compassion." Nathan then said to David, "You are the man! Thus says the LORD God of Israel, 'It is I who anointed you king over Israel and it is I who delivered you from the hand of Saul. 'I also gave you your master's house and your master's wives into your care, and I gave you the house of Israel and Judah; and if that had been too little, I would have added to you many more things like these! 'Why have you despised the word of the LORD by doing evil in His sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword, have taken his wife to be your wife, and have killed him with the sword of the sons of Ammon.

Background:
The foregoing chapter gave us the account of David’s sin; this gives us the account of his repentance. Though he fell, he was not utterly cast down, but, by the grace of God, recovered himself, and found mercy with God. Here is, I. His conviction, by a message Nathan brought him from God, which was a parable that obliged him to condemn himself (v. 1-6), and the application of the parable, in which Nathan charged him with the sin (v. 7-9) and pronounced sentence upon him, (v. 10–12). II. His repentance and remission, with a proviso (v. 13, 14). III. The sickness and death of the child, and his behaviour while it was sick and when it was dead (v. 15–23), in both which David gave evidence of his repentance. IV. The birth of Solomon, and God’s gracious message concerning him, in which God gave an evidence of his reconciliation to David (v. 24, 25). V. The taking of Rabbah (v. 26–31), which is mentioned as a further instance that God did not deal with David according to his sins (Henry, 1996).

Commentary:
It seems to have been a great while after David had been guilty of adultery with Bath-sheba before he was brought to repentance for it. For, when Nathan was sent to him, the child was born (v. 14), so that it was about nine months that David lay under the guilt of that sin, and, for aught that appears, unrepented of. What shall we think of David’s state all this while? Can we imagine that his heart never smote him for it, or that he never lamented it in secret before God? I would willingly hope that he did, and that Nathan was sent to him, immediately upon the birth of the child, when the thing by that means came to be publicly known and talked of, to draw from him an open confession of the sin, to the glory of God, the admonition of others, and that he might receive, by Nathan, absolution with certain limitations. But, during these nine months, we may well suppose his comforts and the exercises of his graces suspended, and his communion with God interrupted; during all that time, it is certain, he penned no psalms, his harp was out of tune, and his soul like a tree in winter, that has life in the root only. Therefore, after Nathan had been with him, he prays, Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation, and open thou my lips, Ps. 51:12, 15. Let us observe (Henry, 1996).

I. The messenger God sent to him. We were told by the last words of the foregoing chapter that the thing David had done displeased the Lord, upon which, one would think, it should have followed that the Lord sent enemies to invade him, terrors to take hold on him, and the messengers of death to arrest him. No, he sent a prophet to him—Nathan, his faithful friend and confidant, to instruct and counsel him, v. 1. David did not send for Nathan (though he had never had so much occasion as he had now for his confessor), but God sent Nathan to David. Note, Though God may suffer his people to fall into sin, he will not suffer them to lie still in it. He went on frowardly in the way of his heart, and if left to himself, would have wandered endlessly, but (saith God) I have seen his ways, and will heal him, Isa. 57:17, 18 (Henry, 1996).

He sends after us before we seek after him, else we should certainly be lost. Nathan was the prophet by whom God had sent him notice of his kind intentions towards him (ch. 7:4), and now, by the same hand, he sends him this message of wrath. God’s word in the mouth of his ministers must be received, whether it speak terror or comfort. Nathan was obedient to the heavenly vision, and went on God’s errand to David. He did not say, "David has sinned, I will not come near him.’’ No; count him not an enemy, but admonish him as a brother, 2 Th. 3:15. He did not say, "David is a king, I dare not reprove him.’’ No; if God sends him, he sets his face like a flint, Isa. 50:7 (Henry, 1996).

(1.) God, by Nathan, reminds David of the great things he had done and designed for him, anointing him to be king, and preserving him to the kingdom (v. 7), giving him power over the house and household of his predecessor, and of others that had been his masters, Nabal for one. He had given him the house of Israel and Judah. The wealth of the kingdom was at his service and every body was willing to oblige him. Nay, he was ready to bestow any thing upon him to make him easy: I would have given thee such and such things, v. 8. See how liberal God is in his gifts; we are not straitened in him. Where he has given much, yet he gives more. And God’s bounty to us is a great aggravation of our discontent and desire of forbidden fruit. It is ungrateful to covet what God has prohibited, while we have liberty to pray for what God has promised, and that is enough (Henry, 1996).

Reflection:
King David had a desire to possess something that belonged to someone else, and he was willing to do whatever was necessary to possess the lust of his soul; even to the point of murder. He desired Bethsheba, the wife of Urriah. His desire led to the birth of a child from another man's wife. His plan was then turned from pure lust to purposed murder. Even though David could have had anything he asked for within the will of God, he chose to fulfill his own desires; failing to realize that God will not hold any good thing from those that walk uprightly. Therefore, it is futile to step outside of the realm of God to try to fulfill our own desires, as if we could anyway. God knows the secrets of our hearts, and the desires of our souls continually. If God has not brought something to pass in our lives, it is either not time; or it is not his perfect will. Even though something is not God's will for our lives, we can rest assured what God 's will for our lives is, is better than anything that we can concoct. We should pray for the perfect will of God to be accomplished in our lives, and never try to push the envelope of blessings in the direction we want it to open; whether we have the money, or the power of influence to do it or not.

Bosom:
Bible Dictionary
Bosom definition

In the East objects are carried in the bosom which Europeans carry in the pocket. To have in one's bosom indicates kindness, secrecy, or intimacy (Gen. 16:5; 2 Sam. 12:8). Christ is said to have been in "the bosom of the Father," i.e., he had the most perfect knowledge of the Father, had the closest intimacy with him (John 1:18). John (13:23) was "leaning on Jesus' bosom" at the last supper. Our Lord carries his lambs in his bosom, i.e., has a tender, watchful care over them (Isa. 40:11) (Easton, 1897).

References:
bosom. (n.d.). Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary. Retrieved April 21, 2010, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/bosom
Henry, Matthew. "Commentary on 2 Samuel 12." . Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar 1996. 2010. 21 Apr 2010.

http://www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm? AuthorID=4&contentID=915&commInfo=5&topic=2%20Samuel&
ar=2Sa_12_1

Higgins, S. (2010). Money, Power & Desire. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, Http://www.higginspublishing.com

Prayers of Passion

2010-04-16T09:07:00.000-07:00

Elijah was a passionate prophet who cared sincerely about the will of the Lord. He was so passionate that he prayed that there would be no rain for three years because the new king of Israel (Ahab, son of Omri), did more evil in the sight of the Lord than all the others before him. Elijah was not concerned about how he himself would be taken care of. He went against the grain without fear of the consequences. He did not worry about what he would eat, or what he would drink. His desire was that the presence of the Lord would be the center of worship; and not the false dieties that Ahab was resurrecting.

Elijah prayed that the rain would cease for a span of three years, except at his word. When he prayed this prayer, God heard him, and instructed him on what to do next. He told Elijah where to go, so that he would be protected from the wrath of Ahab. He also told Elijah that he would drink from the brook. God also told Elijah that He had commanded the ravens to feed him at Kerith Ravine; east of the Jordan. Elijah was divinely taken care of for the span of three years and six months, during the time when there was a drought and famine in the land.

This drought continued until there was a shift in the heart of the people to worship God as Lord. (I Kings 18). When there was a shift in the minds of the people, Elijah told the king to go and eat, for he heard the sound of a heavy rain.

Elijah humbled himself, putting his face between his knees, and prayed for rain until the evidence of his prayer was answered. Elijah prayed and instructed his servant to look toward the sea and report back what he saw.

Elijah continued to pray until his servant came back with a good report. On the seventh time his servant testified that there was a cloud as small as a man's hand rising from the sea. Elijah prayed that the rains from the heavens would be released upon the earth as usual to produce it's fruit, and God answered his prayer.

When we see injuustices done that are blatantly against the will of God, we should also be so moved to pray as Elijah did; so that the will of God will be evident among all men and women.

When we ourselves have issues that need to be resolved, we should pray that God would help us be integral in everything that we do. Praying for integrity, and being integral, is not an overnight occurence. We should always continue to pray for change in ourselves, in order to be a witness for others.

Why should injuustices continue without rebuke?
Why should innocent children be the causualty of man's lack of restraint?
Why should the poor be the entertainment of those who despise them?
How can we continue to improve in our walk with the Lord?

We have the ability to make a difference. That ability is the power of prayer, that God has given us to shift the atmosphere for his glory. When we pray, God will hear us, and grant our requests; just like he heard Elijah. God will hear the heart of love and concern that He placed within each and every one of His children. He will be quick to move; out of our sincere desire for His will to be done.

Reflection:
Elijah was a perfect example of what we should do as children of God. He knew the will of God, and he had a heart to serve God, as well as the people. Therefore, he prayed for change. He did not complain about what the people were doing. He went straight to the throne of God, and prayed for divine intervention, to change the position of comfortability of the people; to do what they wanted to do.

If your heart strings are being tugged on about an element of change in your life, and in the lives of your family, friends, neighbors, co-workers or others, began praying every day until you see a shift in the natural realm. God will hear, and answer your prayer.

Prayer:
Dear Lord, I thank you for the ability to prayer. I ask that you continually place on my heart the things that you would like me to pray for. I thank you for answering the prayers that you give me the ability to speak. I praise you in advance for the manifestation of your will being done on earth, as it is in heaven, in my life, in the life of my family, friends, neighbors, business associates, and everyone else that you put in my path. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

Strong's Concordance Definitions: James 5:17 - 18

Elijah: 2243
Elijah = "my God is Jehovah"

1) a prophet born at Thisbe, the unflinching champion of the theocracy in the reigns of the idolatrous kings Ahab and Ahaziah. He was taken up to heaven without dying, whence the Jews expected he would return just before the advent of the Messiah, whom he would prepare the minds of the Israelites to receive.

Nature: 3663
1) suffering the like with another, of like feelings or affections

Prayed: 4336
1) to offer prayers, to pray

Earnestly: 4335
1) prayer addressed to God

2) a place set apart or suited for the offering of prayer
a) a synagogue
b) a place in the open air where the Jews were wont to pray, outside the cities, where they had no synagogue

1) such places were situated upon the bank of a stream or the shore of a sea, where there was a supply of water for washing the hands before prayer

That it would not rain: 1026
1) to moisten, wet, water
2) to water with rain, to cause to rain, to pour the rain, to send down like rain

On the earth: 1093
1) arable land

2) the ground, the earth as a standing place
3) the main land as opposed to the sea or water
4) the earth as a whole
a) the earth as opposed to the heavens
b) the inhabited earth, the abode of men and animals

5) a country, land enclosed within fixed boundaries, a tract of land, territory, region

Months: 3376
1) a month
2) the time of the new moon, new moon (the first day of each month, when the new moon appeared was a festival among the Hebrews)

James - 5:18

Again: 3825
1) anew, again
a) renewal or repetition of the action
b) again, anew
2) again, i.e. further, moreover
3) in turn, on the other hand

And the sky: 3772
1) the vaulted expanse of the sky with all things visible in it
a) the universe, the world
b) the aerial heavens or sky, the region where the clouds and the tempests gather, and where thunder and lightning are produced
c) the sidereal or starry heavens
2) the region above the sidereal heavens, the seat of order of things eternal and consummately perfect where God dwells and other heavenly beings

Poured: 1325
1) to give
2) to give something to someone
a) of one's own accord to give one something, to his advantage
1) to bestow a gift
b) to grant, give to one asking, let have
c) to supply, furnish, necessary things
d) to give over, deliver
1) to reach out, extend, present
2) of a writing
3) to give over to one's care, intrust, commit
a) something to be administered
b) to give or commit to some one something to be religiously observed
e) to give what is due or obligatory, to pay: wages or reward
f) to furnish, endue

3) to give
a) to cause, profuse, give forth from one's self
1) to give, hand out lots
b) to appoint to an office
c) to cause to come forth, i.e. as the sea, death and Hell are said to give up the dead who have been engulfed or received by them
c) to give one to someone as his own

1) as an object of his saving care
2) to give one to someone, to follow him as a leader and master
3) to give one to someone to care for his interests
4) to give one to someone to whom he already belonged, to return
4) to grant or permit one
a) to commission

Produced: 985
1) to sprout, bud, put forth new leaves
2) to produce

It's fruit: 2590
1) fruit
a) the fruit of the trees, vines, of the fields
b) the fruit of one's loins, i.e. his progeny, his posterity
2) that which originates or comes from something, an effect, result
a) work, act, deed
b) advantage, profit, utility
c) praises, which are presented to God as a thank offering
d) to gather fruit (i.e. a reaped harvest) into life eternal (as into a granary), is used in fig. discourse of those who by their labours have fitted souls to obtain eternal life

References:
Blue Letter Bible. "James's Epistle 5 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2009. 15 Dec 2009. < http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Jam&c=5&t=NASB >

Higgins, S. (2009). Prayers of Passion. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing, http://www.higginspublishing.com, http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com

The Egyptian Husband

2010-04-15T08:29:00.001-07:00

Leviticus: 24:10-16

Now the son of an Israelite woman, whose father was an Egyptian, went out among the sons of Israel; and the Israelite woman's son and a man of Israel struggled with each other in the camp. The son of the Israelite woman blasphemed the Name and cursed. So they brought him to Moses. (Now his mother's name was Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan.) They put him in custody so that the command of the LORD might be made clear to them. Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, "Bring the one who has cursed outside the camp, and let all who heard him lay their hands on his head; then let all the congregation stone him. "You shall speak to the sons of Israel, saying, 'If anyone curses his God, then he will bear his sin.
'Moreover, the one who blasphemes the name of the LORD shall surely be put to death; all the congregation shall certainly stone him. The alien as well as the native, when he blasphemes the Name, shall be put to death.

Commentary:
A mother by the name of Shelomith, who was an Israelite that had an Egyptian husband; had a son who was extremely verbal. One day in the Israelite camp, the son and an Israelite got into an altercation. The son begin to blaspheme the name of God, and curse. There were other people that were present, and witnessed the event. The son was brought to Moses, and put into custody; until the will of God was known on how to handle the actions of the son. The answer that came would be an example to those in the camp on respecting God for who He was, which is Holy. The son was then taken out of the camp, and all that witnessed his disrespectful words and attitude, stoned him to death.

Reflection:
What can be learned from this example, is that God is never to be disrespected by those in the camp, or from those that are not in the camp (Leviticus 24:16). God refused to have anyone disrepect His name, or His person. The result of such a state of disgrace was death by stoning. Just imagine how the mother felt when her son was stoned to death because of his words and actions; and how the father must have also felt. Regardless, of their emotional state, God would not be disrespected. The son possibly knew better; but the influence of his earthly father who was an Egyptian, may have had a stronger influence on his behavior. Possibly, he heard his father disrespect God in the house in which he was raised; and he felt as if he could do the same thing; and get away with it. Therefore, when an altercation brought out what had already been deposited in him, he was stoned to death for the condition of his heart.

God is Holy, and He should never be disrepected by those that know Him, or those who do not know him. When God is disrespected, a curse is brought upon the one in whom disrespects Him. God is our Father, and His authority should never be taken lightly, or held in contempt. When we disrespect our earthly parents, we inturn disrespect God, because He is the one that gives them authority over us, when he commanded us to obey our parents in the Lord. The authority of the Egyptian Husband who had a belief system that was contrary to the Israelites, most likely, was the ultimate influence in his household which lead his son into disobedience to God, that lead to death by stoning.

Food for thought:

How do we show our parents respect today?
What are we allowing to be deposited with us?

Prayer:
Father God, thank you for giving me a divine respect for your name and your authority in my life; which tends to a blessed life, verses the curse of death. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

Strong's Concordance Definitions: Leviticus 24:16

Blasphemed: 5344
1) to pierce, perforate, bore, appoint

a) (Qal)
1) to pierce, bore
2) to prick off, designate
b) (Niphal) to be pricked off, be designated, be specified
2) (Qal) to curse, blaspheme

of the LORD, and cursed:7043
1) to be slight, be swift, be trifling, be of little account, be light

a) (Qal)
1) to be slight, be abated (of water)
2) to be swift
3) to be trifling, be of little account
b) (Niphal)
1) to be swift, show oneself swift
2) to appear trifling, be too trifling, be insignificant
3) to be lightly esteemed
c) (Piel)
1) to make despicable
2) to curse
d) (Pual) to be cursed
e) (Hiphil)
1) to make light, lighten
2) to treat with contempt, bring contempt or dishonour
f) (Pilpel)
1) to shake
2) to whet
g) (Hithpalpel) to shake oneself, be moved to and fro

References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Law of Moses - Leviticus 24 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 18 Feb 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Lev&c=24&t=NASB

Higgins, S. (2010). An Egyptian Husband. Devotions For Thought. Higgins Publishing, Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, Http://www.higginspublishing.com

A Chance To Be Saved

2010-04-13T06:25:00.000-07:00

Scriptures: Genesis 19:15-17

When morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying, "Up, take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away in the punishment of the city." But he hesitated. So the men seized his hand and the hand of his wife and the hands of his two daughters, for the compassion of the LORD {was} upon him; and they brought him out, and put him outside the city. When they had brought them outside, one said, "Escape for your life! Do not look behind you, and do not stay anywhere in the valley; escape to the mountains, or you will be swept away."

Commentary:
Because of the sin of the city of Sodom, the judgment of God was pronounced. However, before the city was destroyed Abraham had prayed to God on behalf of the city that it would not be destroyed. God said that He would spare the city if he found ten righteous living in the city, even though the city was exceeding wicked. However, the outcry of wickedness prevailed, and two angels were sent by God to destroy the city, where Abraham's newphew Lot lived.

When they arrived at Lot's house, they wanted to stay in the square, but Lot urged them to stay with at house; so they did. Before they went to sleep the men from the city, young and old knocked at Lot's door; because they wanted to have sexual relations with the two men. As the pressure escalated, and the men became exceedingly more persistant, the angels of the Lord casts blindness on the men that were at the door; trying to force their way. Those who were struck blind, wearied themselves trying to still find the door.

Then the angels told lot that it was time to gather his family, and leave the city because they were going to destroy it! However, when it was time to go, Lot hesitated because of his heart was moved with the compassion of God for the people. But the wickedness of the people called for destruction, and the angels grabbed Lot's hand, his wife and his daughters, and snatched them out of the city before they destroyed it.

Reflection:
God knows our hearts; and our desire to see people that we care about saved. However, because He knows the heart of humankind; He knows already the decisions of their hearts.When we experience heartache or tauma in our lives, and we cannot see our way out, God will snatch us out of the situation, and remove others around us; so that we will not be swept away because of their disobedience.
Because of His grace, and His mercy for us, He gives everyone a chance to be saved. When we reject what He has said for us to do by living lives that are not pleasing to Him, destruction will ultimately come. When we listen, and do what He instructs us to do; the blessing of the Lord will overtake us.

Strong's Concordance Definitions: Genesis 19:16

But he hesistated: 4102
1) (Hithpalpel) to linger, tarry, wait, delay

So the men: 372
1) man

a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female)
b) husband
c) human being, person (in contrast to God)
d) servant
e) mankind
f) champion
g) great man
2) whosoever
3) each (adjective)

Seized: 2388
1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore
a) (Qal)

1) to be strong, grow strong
a) to prevail, prevail upon
b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure
c) to press, be urgent
d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense)
e) to be severe, be grievous
2) to strengthen
b) (Piel)
1) to make strong
2) to restore to strength, give strength
3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage
4) to make strong, make bold, encourage
5) to make firm
6) to make rigid, make hard

c) (Hiphil)
1) to make strong, strengthen
2) to make firm
3) to display strength
4) to make severe
5) to support
6) to repair
7) to prevail, prevail upon
8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support
9) to hold, contain

d) (Hithpael)
1) to strengthen oneself
2) to put forth strength, use one's strength
3) to withstand
4) to hold strongly with

hand: 3027
1) hand
a) hand (of man)
b) strength, power (fig.)
c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.)
d) (various special, technical senses)
1) sign, monument
2) part, fractional part, share
3) time, repetition
4) axle-trees, axle
5) stays, support (for laver)
6) tenons (in tabernacle)
7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure)
8) wrists

for the compassion: 2551
1) mercy, pity, compassion

of 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

was upon him; and they brought: 3318
1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth
a) (Qal)

1) to go or come out or forth, depart
2) to go forth (to a place)
3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something)
4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result)
5) to come out of
b) (Hiphil)
1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out
2) to bring out of
3) to lead out
4) to deliver
c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth

him out, and put: 5117
1) to rest
a) (Qal)
1) to rest, settle down and remain
2) to repose, have rest, be quiet
b) (Hiph)
1) to cause to rest, give rest to, make quiet
2) to cause to rest, cause to alight, set down
3) to lay or set down, deposit, let lie, place
4) to let remain, leave
5) to leave, depart from
6) to abandon
7) to permit
c) (Hoph)

1) to obtain rest, be granted rest
2) to be left, be placed
3) open space (subst)

him outside: 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)

the city: 5892
1) excitement, anguish
a) of terror
2) city, town (a place of waking, guarded)
a) city, town

References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Book of Beginnings - Genesis 19 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 7 Jan 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Gen&c=19&t=NASB

Higgins, S. (2009). A Chance To Be Saved. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com

The Planter, The Gardner and The Root

2010-04-11T07:09:00.000-07:00

Scripture(s): Mark 4:26-29

And He was saying, "The kingdom of God is like a man who casts seed upon the soil; and he goes to bed at night and gets up by day, and the seed sprouts and grows—how, he himself does not know. "The soil produces crops by itself; first the blade, then the head, then the mature grain in the head. "But when the crop permits, he immediately puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come."

Commentary:
III. The good seed of the gospel sown in the world, and sown in the heart, doth by degrees produce wonderful effects, but without noise (v. 26, etc.); So is the kingdom of God; so is the gospel, when it is sown, and received, as seed in good ground.

1. It will come up; though it seem lost and buried under the clods, it will find or make its way through them. The seed cast into the ground will spring. Let but the word of Christ have the place it ought to have in a soul, and it will show itself, as the wisdom from above doth in a good conversation. After a field is sown with corn, how soon is the surface of it altered! How gay and pleasant doth it look, when it is covered with green!

2. The husbandman cannot describe how it comes up; it is one of the mysteries of nature; It springs and grows up, he knows not how, v. 27. He sees it has grown, but he cannot tell in what manner it grew, or what was the cause and method of its growth. Thus we know not how the Spirit by the word makes a change in the heart, any more than we can account for the blowing of the wind, which we hear the sound of, but cannot tell whence it comes, or whither it goes. Without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness; how God manifested in the flesh came to be believed on in the world, 1 Tim. 3:16.

3. The husbandman, when he hath sown the seed, doth nothing toward the springing of it up; He sleeps, and rises, night and day; goes to sleep at night, gets up in the morning, and perhaps never so much as thinks of the corn he hath sown, or ever looks upon it, but follows his pleasures or other business, and yet the earth brings forth fruit of itself, according to the ordinary course of nature, and by the concurring power of the God of nature. Thus the word of grace, when it is received in faith, is in the heart a work of grace, and the preachers contribute nothing to it. The Spirit of God is carrying it on when they sleep, and can do no business (Job 33:15, 16), or when they rise to go about other business. The prophets do not live for ever; but the word which they preached, is doing its work, when they are in their graves, Zec. 1:5, 6. The dew by which the seed is brought up tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of men, Mic. 5:7.

Reflection:
The body of Christ has a responsibility to plant the seed of the word of God in the lives of people. Once the word of God is sown in the hearts of individuals that have heard the word of God, the word begins to work on the inside of a person, and the person becomes more mature in the things of God. As the scripture says, one plants, another waters, and God gives the increase. Therefore, the growth of the body of Christ is caused by God himself, not man. The ground yields fruit of itself, because the seed of the life of Christ was planted in the belly of the earth. The church does not grow based on man's efforts, it grows based on the seed of Christ. We are instruments that God uses to plant the seed of His word. We cannot take credit for it's growth. Nor should we spend countless hours, and restless nights stressing about how many members are in our churches. We should just do our part as He instructs us, and He will do the rest.

Prayer:
Father God, I thank you for the opportunity to plant the seed of your word, where you say to plant it. I thank you for blessing me with your word in my heart, so that not only I can become mature in the things that you desire, but so that others can also become mature; towards building your kingdom.
Strong's Concordance Definitions:

Kingdom: 932
1) royal power, kingship, dominion, rule

a) not to be confused with an actual kingdom but rather the right or authority to rule over a kingdom
b) of the royal power of Jesus as the triumphant Messiah
c) of the royal power and dignity conferred on Christians in the Messiah's kingdom
2) a kingdom, the territory subject to the rule of a king
3) used in the N.T. to refer to the reign of the Messiah

of 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

who casts: 906
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

seed: 4703
1) a sowing

2) seed (used in sowing)

the soil: 1093
1) arable land

2) the ground, the earth as a standing place
3) the main land as opposed to the sea or water
4) the earth as a whole
a) the earth as opposed to the heavens
b) the inhabited earth, the abode of men and animals
5) a country, land enclosed within fixed boundaries, a tract of land, territory, region

and he goes to bed: 2518
1) to fall asleep, drop off to sleep

2) to sleep
a) to sleep normally
b) euphemistically, to be dead
c) metaph.
1) to yield to sloth and sin
2) to be indifferent to one's salvation

at night: 3571
1) night

2) metaph. the time when work ceases
a) the time of death
b) the time for deeds of sin and shame
c) the time of moral stupidity and darkness
d) the time when the weary and also the drunken give themselves up to slumber

and gets: 1453
1) to arouse, cause to rise

a) to arouse from sleep, to awake
b) to arouse from the sleep of death, to recall the dead to life
c) to cause to rise from a seat or bed etc.
d) to raise up, produce, cause to appear
1) to cause to appear, bring before the public
2) to raise up, stir up, against one
3) to raise up i.e. cause to be born
4) of buildings, to raise up, construct, erect

up by day: 2250
1) the day, used of the natural day, or the interval between sunrise and sunset, as distinguished from and contrasted with the night

a) in the daytime
b) metaph., "the day" is regarded as the time for abstaining from indulgence, vice, crime, because acts of the sort are perpetrated at night and in darkness
2) of the civil day, or the space of twenty four hours (thus including the night)
a) Eastern usage of this term differs from our western usage. Any part of a day is counted as a whole day, hence the expression "three days and three nights" does not mean literally three whole days, but at least one whole day plus part of two other days.
3) of the last day of this present age, the day Christ will return from heaven, raise the dead, hold the final judgment, and perfect his kingdom
4) used of time in general, i.e. the days of his life.

sprouts: 985
1) to sprout, bud, put forth new leaves

2) to produce

and grows: 3373
1) to make long, to lengthen

2) in the Bible twice of plants, to cause to grow, increase

how . ..he himself does not know: 846
1) himself, herself, themselves, itself

2) he, she, it
3) the same

produces 2592
1) to bear fruit
2) to bear, bring forth, deeds
3) to bear fruit of one's self

by itself: 844
1) moved by one's own impulse, or acting without the instigation or intervention of another
2) often used of the earth producing plants of itself, and of the plants themselves and the fruits growing without culture

first: 4413
1) first in time or place
a) in any succession of things or persons
2) first in rank
a) influence, honour
b) chief
c) principal
3) first, at the first

the blade: 5528
1) first in time or place

a) in any succession of things or persons
2) first in rank
a) influence, honour
b) chief
c) principal
3) first, at the first

the head: 4719
1) an ear of corn or of growing grain

the mature: 4134
1) full, i.e. filled up (as opposed to empty)

a) of hollow vessels
b) of a surface, covered in every part
c) of the soul, thoroughly permeated with
2) full, i.e. complete
a) lacking nothing, perfect

grain: 4621
1) wheat, grain

in the head: 4719
1) an ear of corn or of growing grain

the crop: 2590
1) fruit

a) the fruit of the trees, vines, of the fields
b) the fruit of one's loins, i.e. his progeny, his posterity
2) that which originates or comes from something, an effect, result
a) work, act, deed
b) advantage, profit, utility
c) praises, which are presented to God as a thank offering
d) to gather fruit (i.e. a reaped harvest) into life eternal (as into a granary), is used in fig. discourse of those who by their labours have fitted souls to obtain eternal life

permits: 3860
1) to give into the hands (of another)

2) to give over into (one's) power or use
a) to deliver to one something to keep, use, take care of, manage
b) to deliver up one to custody, to be judged, condemned, punished, scourged, tormented, put to death
c) to deliver up treacherously
1) by betrayal to cause one to be taken
2) to deliver one to be taught, moulded
3) to commit, to commend
4) to deliver verbally
a) commands, rites
b) to deliver by narrating, to report
5) to permit allow
a) when the fruit will allow that is when its ripeness permits
b) gives itself up, presents itself

he immediately: 2117
1) straight, level
2) straight forward, upright, true, sincere
3) straightway, immediately, forthwith

puts: 649
1) to order (one) to go to a place appointed

2) to send away, dismiss
a) to allow one to depart, that he may be in a state of liberty
b) to order one to depart, send off
c) to drive away

in the sickle: 1407
1) a sickle, a pruning-hook, a hooked vine knife, such as reapers and vinedressers use

the harvest: 2326
1) harvest, the act of reaping

a) fig. of the gathering of men into the kingdom of God
b) referring to time of reaping, the final judgment, when the righteous are gathered into the kingdom of God and the wicked are cast into hell for ever

has come: 3936
1) to place beside or near

a) to set at hand
1) to present
2) to proffer
3) to provide
4) to place a person or thing at one's disposal
5) to present a person for another to see and question
6) to present or show
7) to bring to, bring near
8) metaph. i.e to bring into one's fellowship or intimacy
b) to present (show) by argument, to prove
2) to stand beside, stand by or near, to be at hand, be present
a) to stand by
1) to stand beside one, a bystander
b) to appear
c) to be at hand, stand ready
d) to stand by to help, to succour
e) to be present
1) to have come
2) of time

References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Gospel of Mark 4 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 23 Feb 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mar&c=4&t=NASB

Henry, Matthew. "Commentary on Mark 4." . Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar 1996. 2010. 23 Feb 2010. http:// www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm? AuthorID=4&contentID=1628&commInfo=5&topic=Mark&ar=Mar_4_26

Higgins, S. (2010). The Planter, The Gardner and The Root. Devotions For Thought. Higgins Publishing. http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot, http://www.higginspublishing.com

He Is Faithful

2010-04-09T09:48:00.000-07:00

Scripture (s): I Samuel 12:21 & 22

"You must not turn aside, for then you would go after futile things which can not profit or deliver, because they are futile. For the LORD will not abandon His people on account of His great name, because the LORD has been pleased to make you a people for Himself.

Background:
We left the general assembly of the states together, in the close of the foregoing chapter; in this chapter we have Samuel’s speech to them, when he resigned the government into the hands of Saul, in which, I. He clears himself from all suspicion or imputation of mismanagement, while the administration was in his hands (v. 1-5). II. He reminds them of the great things God had done for them and for their fathers (v. 6–13). III. He sets before them good and evil, the blessing and the curse (v. 14, 15). IV. He awakens them to regard what he said to them, by calling to God for thunder (v. 16–19). V. He encourages them with hopes that all should be well (v. 20–25). This is his farewell sermon to that august assembly and Saul’s coronation sermon (Henry, 1996).

Commentary:
II. He aims to confirm the people in their religion, and engage them for ever to cleave unto the Lord. The design of his discourse is much the same with Joshua’s, ch. 23 and 24.

1. He would not that the terrors of the Lord should frighten them from him, for they were intended to frighten them to him (v. 20): "Fear not; though you have done all this wickedness, and though God is angry with you for it, yet do not therefore abandon his service, nor turn from following him.’’ Fear not, that is, "despair not, fear not with amazement, the weather will clear up after the storm. Fear not; for, though God will frown upon his people, yet he will not forsake them (v. 22) for his great name’s sake; do not you forsake him then.’’ Every transgression in the covenant, though it displease the Lord, yet does not throw us out of covenant, and therefore God’s just rebukes must not drive us from our hope in his mercy. The fixedness of God’s choice is owing to the freeness of it; we may therefore hope he will not forsake his people, because it has pleased him to make them his people. Had he chosen them for their good merits, we might fear he would cast them off for their bad merits; but, choosing them for his name’s sake, for his name’s sake he will not leave them (Henry, 1996).

2. He cautions them against idolatry: "Turn not aside from God and the worship of him’’ (v. 20, and again v. 21); "for if you turn aside from God, whatever you turn aside to, you will find it is a vain thing, that can never answer your expectations, but will certainly deceive you if you trust to it; it is a broken reed, a broken cistern.’’ Idols could not profit those that sought to them in their wants, nor deliver those that sought to them in their straits, for they were vain, and not what they pretended to be. An idol is nothing in the world, 1 Co. 8:4 (Henry, 1996).

Reflections:
The people of Israel anxiously desired a king; and God gave them what they wanted, with a warning. He gave them a king to rule over them as they desired; but they were required to obey the Lord, as well as the newly appointed king. If they fell into disobedience, the hand of God would come upon them. Even though the people sinned against the Lord by rejecting Him as King; God did not, and would not, forsake them because he was pleased to make them a people for Himself. God was, and will always be faithful for his namesake. However, we should never take the faithfulness of God for granted. We should continually thank God for his faithfulness to us, and tenaciously strive to be faithful to him.

Strong's Concordance Definition:
I Samuel 12: 21 - Futile: 8414
1) formlessness, confusion, unreality, emptiness
a) formlessness (of primeval earth)
1) nothingness, empty space
b) that which is empty or unreal (of idols) (fig)
c) wasteland, wilderness (of solitary places)
d) place of chaos
e) vanity

I Samuel 12:22 - Abandon: 5203
1) to leave, permit, forsake, cast off or away, reject, suffer, join, spread out or abroad, be loosed, cease, abandon, quit, hang loose, cast down, make a raid, lie fallow, let fall, forgo, draw

a) (Qal)
1) to leave, let alone, lie fallow, entrust to
2) to forsake, abandon
3) to permit
b) (Niphal)
1) to be forsaken
2) to be loosened, be loose
3) to be let go, spread abroad
c) (Pual) to be abandoned, be deserted

References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Book of 1 Samuel 12 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 9 Apr 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=1Sa&c=12&t=NASB

Henry, Matthew. "Commentary on 1 Samuel 12." . Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar 1996. 2010. 9 Apr 2010.

http:// www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?
AuthorID=4&contentID=883&commInfo=5&topic=1%20Samuel&
ar=1Sa_12_21

Higgins, S. (2010). He Is Faithful. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, http://www.higginspublishing.com

Moving Ahead of the Head

2010-04-07T09:33:00.000-07:00

Scripture(s): I Samuel 8:1-8
And it came about when Samuel was old that he appointed his sons judges over Israel. Now the name of his firstborn was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah; they were judging in Beersheba. His sons, however, did not walk in his ways, but turned aside after dishonest gain and took bribes and perverted justice. Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah; and they said to him, "Behold, you have grown old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint a king for us to judge us like all the nations." But the thing was displeasing in the sight of Samuel when they said, "Give us a king to judge us." And Samuel prayed to the LORD. The LORD said to Samuel, "Listen to the voice of the people in regard to all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king over them. "Like all the deeds which they have done since the day that I brought them up from Egypt even to this day—in that they have forsaken Me and served other gods—so they are doing to you also.

Background:
Things went so very well with Israel, in the chapter before, under Samuel’s administration, that, methinks, it is a pity to find him so quickly, as we do in this chapter, old, and going off, and things working towards a revolution. But so it is; Israel’s good days seldom continue long. We have here, I. Samuel decaying (v. 1). II. His sons degenerating (v. 2, 3). III. Israel discontented with the present government and anxious to see a change. For 1. They petition Samuel to set a king over them (v. 4, 5). 2. Samuel brings the matter to God (v. 6). 3. God directs him what answer to give them, by way of reproof (v. 7, 8), and by way of remonstrance, setting forth the consequences of a change of the government, and how uneasy they would soon be under it (v. 9–18). 4. They insist upon their petition (v. 19, 20). 5. Samuel promises them, from God, that they shall shortly be gratified (v. 21, 22). Thus hard is it for people to know when they are well off (Henry, 1996).

Commentary:
III. The instruction God gave him concerning this matter. Those that in straits seek to God shall find him nigh unto them, and ready to direct them. He tells him, (Henry, 1996).

1. That which would be an allay to his displeasure. Samuel was much disturbed at the proposal: it troubled him greatly to see his prophetic office thus slighted, and all the good turns he had done to Israel thus ungratefully returned; but God tells him he must not think it either hard or strange. (1.) He must not think it hard that they had put this slight upon him, for they had herein put a slight upon God himself: "They have not rejected thee only, but they have rejected me. I share with thee in the affront,’’ v. 7. Note, If God interest himself in the indignities that are done us, and the contempts that are put upon us, we may well afford to bear them patiently; nor need we think the worse of ourselves if for his sake we bear reproach (Ps. 69:7), but rather rejoice and count it an honour, Col. 1:24. Samuel must not complain that they were weary of his government, though just and gentle, for really they were weary of God’s government; this was what they disliked: They have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. God reigns over the heathen (Ps. 47:8), over all the world, but the government of Israel had hitherto been, in a more peculiar manner than ever any government was, a Theocracy, a divine government; their judges had their call and commission immediately from God; the affairs of their nation were under his peculiar direction. As the constitution, so the administration of their government, was by Thus saith the Lord; this method they were weary of, though it was their honour and safety, above any thing, so long as they kept in with God (Henry, 1996).

They were indeed so much the more exposed to calamities if they provoked God to anger by sin, and found they could not transgress at so cheap a rate as other nations could, which perhaps was the true reason why they desired to stand upon the same terms with God that other nations did. (2.) He must not think it strange, nor marvel at the matter, for they do as they always have done: According to all the works which they have done, since the day that I brought them out of Egypt, so do they unto thee, v. 8; They had at first been so very respectful and obsequious to Samuel that he began to hope they were cured of their old stubborn disposition; but now he found himself deceived in them, and must not be surprised at it. They had always been rude to their governors, witness Moses and Aaron; nay, They have forsaken me and served other gods; the greatness of their crime, in affecting new gods, may make this crime of affecting new governors seem little. Samuel might expect they would deal treacherously, for they were called transgressors from the womb, Isa. 48:8. This had been their manner from their youth up, Jer. 22:21 (Henry, 1996).

2. He tells him that which would be an answer to their demand. Samuel would not have known what to say if God had not instructed him. Should he oppose the motion, it would bespeak a greater fondness of power and dominion than did become a prophet, and an indulgence of his sons. Should he yield to the motion, it would look like the betraying of his trust, and he would become accessory to all the bad consequences of a change. Aaron sinned in gratifying the people when they said, Make us gods; Samuel dares not therefore comply with them when they say, Make us a king, but he gives them, with assurance, the answer God sent them (Henry, 1996).

Reflection:
Samuel was stricken in age, and his sons did not walk in his ways. Therefore, the people of Israel grew impatient, and wanted a king to rule over them as other nations. Samuel was not happy with their request. However, God told Samuel not to take it personal, and to listen to their voice. He also told Samuel that the people were not rejecting Samuel, they were rejecting Him; as they had done in the wilderness by worshipping other gods. He instructed Samuel to tell the people that they would have a king, but to let them know that the king would be a harsh, and cruel; and would take away everthing that they valued,; includidng putting their children in bondage (I Samuel 8:1-8).

A physical king is not who we should focus our attention on. We should focus our attention on the King of kings, and the Lord of lords to fulfill all of our needs. When we start depending on a man, a woman, a job, or someone, or something, to meet our needs; we get completely off track. When we start looking for a tangible thing to believe in "IT" becomes our god; and God is not pleased with our lack of focus. We must realize that God is a jealous God, and He will not have any other gods before him. Therefore, if there is someone, or something that is blocking your vision, or your prespective in life, reconsider why you desire for them to be in your life in the first place. God can only be God, and not man. Man cannot replace God in any way, shape our form. Therefore, wait on the timing of God to manifest what He desires for your life, which is much better than moving ahead of the head.

Strong's Concordance Definition: I Samuel 1:7

They have rejected me: 3988
1) to reject, despise, refuse
a) (Qal)
1) to reject, refuse
2) to despise
b) (Niphal) to be rejected
2) (Niphal) to flow, run

References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Book of 1 Samuel 8 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 7 Apr 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=1Sa&c=8&t=NASB

Henry, Matthew. "Commentary on 1 Samuel 8." . Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar 1996. 2010. 7 Apr 2010.
< http:// www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?
AuthorID=4&contentID=879&commInfo=5&topic=1%20Samuel&
ar=1Sa_8_7 >

Higgins, S. (2010). Moving Ahead of the Head. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, Http://www.higginspublishing.com

Her Womb Speaks

2010-04-05T09:53:00.000-07:00

Scripture(s): Samuel 1:1-8 - Highlight Scripture Samuel 1:8

Now there was a certain man from Ramathaim-zophim from the hill country of Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. He had two wives: the name of one was Hannah and the name of the other Peninnah; and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. Now this man would go up from his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice to the LORD of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests to the LORD there. When the day came that Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and her daughters; but to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved Hannah, but the LORD had closed her womb. Her rival, however, would provoke her bitterly to irritate her, because the LORD had closed her womb. It happened year after year, as often as she went up to the house of the LORD, she would provoke her; so she wept and would not eat. Then Elkanah her husband said to her, "Hannah, why do you weep and why do you not eat and why is your heart sad? Am I not better to you than ten sons?"

Commentary:
The history of Samuel here begins as early as that of Samson did, even before he was born, as afterwards the history of John the Baptist and our blessed Saviour. Some of the scripture-worthies drop out of the clouds, as it were, and their first appearance is in their full growth and lustre. But others are accounted for from the birth, and from the womb, and from the conception. What God says of the prophet Jeremiah is true of all: "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee,’’ Jer. 1:5. But some great men were brought into the world with more observation than others, and were more early distinguished from common persons, as Samuel for one. God, in this matter, acts as a free agent. The story of Samson introduces him as a child of promise, Jdg. 13. But the story of Samuel introduces him as a child of prayer. Samson’s birth was foretold by an angel to his mother; Samuel was asked of God by his mother. Both together intimate what wonders are produced by the word and prayer. Samuel’s mother was Hannah, the principal person concerned in the story of this chapter. I. Here is her affliction—she was childless, and this affliction aggravated by her rival’s insolence, but in some measure balanced by her husband’s kindness (v. 1-8). II. The prayer and vow she made to God under this affliction, in which Eli the high priest at first censured her, but afterwards encouraged her (v. 9–18). III. The birth and nursing of Samuel (v. 19–23) IV. The presenting of him to the Lord (v. 24–28).

Reflection:
Hannah had a good husband by the name of Elknah, who provided for her. There was nothing that she had need of. However, she lacked a hidden desire within her heart because it was burried within her womb. She was driven to not participate in a celebration that included food; for she was full of sorrow because she was barren. She did not eat, nor did she drink. It appears that she was not thankful for the blessings that she had received. However, the child that was yet to be born of her womb, was pulling on his purpose within her. She could not let go of the driving force within her to give birth to Samuel the prophet. Nothing else could satisfy her. Only God could fulfill the desire that burned within her to bring forth the son for his purpose, and his glory. The ridicule that she received for being barren, propelled her even more into the hands of her destiny to give birth to promise. Hannah is every woman's example to never let go of the inner propelling towards one's purpose. If a desire is tugging on one's heart, seek God wholeheartedly. He will reveal himself to those that seek his face.

Strong's Concordance Definition: Samuel 1:8
Husband :376
1) man
a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female)
b) husband
c) human being, person (in contrast to God)
d) servant
e) mankind
f) champion
g) great man
2) whosoever
3) each (adjective)

Better: 2896
1) good, pleasant, agreeable
a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses)
b) pleasant (to the higher nature)
c) good, excellent (of its kind)
d) good, rich, valuable in estimation
e) good, appropriate, becoming
f) better (comparative)
g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature)
h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature)
i) good, kind, benign
j) good, right (ethical)

References:

Blue Letter Bible. "Book of 1 Samuel 1 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 5 Apr 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=1Sa&c=1&t=NASB

Henry, Matthew. "Commentary on 1 Samuel 1." . Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar 1996. 2010. 5 Apr 2010.

http:// www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?
AuthorID=4&contentID=872&commInfo=5&topic=1%20Samuel&
ar=1Sa_1_8

Higgins, S. (2010). Her Womb Speaks. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, http://www.higginspublishing.com

He Is Risen, Go Quickly!

2010-04-04T07:22:00.000-07:00

Scripture(s): Matthew 28:1-7

Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first {day} of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave. And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it. And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. The guards shook for fear of him and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. "He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. "Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you."

Commentary:
Mary Magdalene and Mary went to the tomb of Jesus expecting to find his body. However, to their surprise, an Angel of the Lord met them and guided them to the place were Jesus had lain. The Angel informed them that Jesus had risen from the dead, and for them to go and tell His disciples; and that He would meet them in Galilee. The Angel also told them that Jesus had already went ahead, and would meet them there. The two women were the first women to preach about the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, directly to His disciples. God used their voices to proclaim that He had risen from the dead; and that He indeed was alive, as He said that He would be.

The Angel told them to go quickly. Time was of the essence, because those that opposed Jesus would soon hear about His resurrection, and make up a story that the disciples had come in the night and stole His body. The soilders that were at the tomb, were paid to hold to this lie, that was created by those in authority. Those that were in high places did not want anyone to know what had really happened, so they covered up the truth, with a bogus story designed to protect their position of authority.

Reflection:
When God says for us to do something, it is for us to do it now; not wait until we feel like it, or wait until it fits into our schedule. There is a purpose for the timing of God. Everything is designed to take place on a given date, at a given time. When we fail to act on what God is giving us to do in the moment, we miss a moment that can possibly never be regained again. Why take the chance? Maybe the moment in time will resurface once again, but we should not take the timing of God lightly. Therefore, when He says for us to do something, we should do it in the moment. His timing is perfect timing. We cannot figure out the mind of God. He always knows what's best. Therefore the next time He says to do something, do it quickly!

Strong's Concordance Definitions:

Go: 4198
1) to lead over, carry over, transfer
a) to pursue the journey on which one has entered, to continue on one's journey
b) to depart from life
c) to follow one, that is: become his adherent
1) to lead or order one's life

Quickly: 5035
1) quickly, speedily (without delay)

Tell: 3004
1) to say, to speak
a) affirm over, maintain
b) to teach
c) to exhort, advise, to command, direct
d) to point out with words, intend, mean, mean to say
e) to call by name, to call, name
f) to speak out, speak of, mention

His disciples: 3101
1) a learner, pupil, disciple

that He has risen: 1453
1) to arouse, cause to rise
a) to arouse from sleep, to awake
b) to arouse from the sleep of death, to recall the dead to life
c) to cause to rise from a seat or bed etc.
d) to raise up, produce, cause to appear
1) to cause to appear, bring before the public
2) to raise up, stir up, against one
3) to raise up i.e. cause to be born
4) of buildings, to raise up, construct, erect

from the dead: 3498
1) properly

a) one that has breathed his last, lifeless
b) deceased, departed, one whose soul is in heaven or hell
c) destitute of life, without life, inanimate
2) metaph.
a) spiritually dead
1) destitute of a life that recognises and is devoted to God, because given up to trespasses and sins
2) inactive as respects doing right
b) destitute of force or power, inactive, inoperative

He is going ahead: 4254
1) to lead forward, lead forth

a) one from a place in which he has lain hidden from view, as from a prison
b) in a forensic sense, to bring one forth to trial
2) to go before
a) preceding, prior in time, previous
b) to proceed, go forward
1) in a bad sense, to go further than is right. or proper

of you into Galilee: 1056
Galilee = "Circuit"

you will see: 3708
1) to see with the eyes

2) to see with the mind, to perceive, know
3) to see, i.e. become acquainted with by experience, to experience
4) to see, to look to
a) to take heed, beware
b) to care for, pay heed to
5) I was seen, showed myself, appeared

References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Gospel of Matthew 28 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 17 Feb 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mat&c=28&t=NASB

Higgins, S. (2010). He Is Risen, Go Quickly! Devotions For Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, http://www.higginspublishing.com

Prospective Hope

2010-04-01T09:52:00.000-07:00

Scripture(s): Judges 13:21-23
Now the angel of the LORD did not appear to Manoah or his wife again. Then Manoah knew that he was the angel of the LORD. So Manoah said to his wife, "We will surely die, for we have seen God." But his wife said to him, "If the LORD had desired to kill us, He would not have accepted a burnt offering and a grain offering from our hands, nor would He have shown us all these things, nor would He have let us hear things like this at this time."

Commentary:
At this chapter begins the story of Samson, the last of the judges of Israel whose story is recorded in this book, and next before Eli. The passages related concerning him are, from first to last, very surprising and uncommon. The figure he makes in this history is really great, and yet vastly different from that of his predecessors. We never find him at the head either of a court or of an army, never upon the throne of judgment nor in the field of battle, yet, in his own proper person, a great patriot of his country, and a terrible scourge and check to its enemies and oppressors; he was an eminent believer (Heb. 11:32) and a glorious type of him who with his own arm wrought salvation. The history of the rest of the judges commences from their advancement to that station, but Samson’s begins with his birth, nay, with his conception, no less than an angel from heaven ushers him into the world, as a pattern of what should be afterwards done to John Baptist and to Christ. This is related in this chapter. I. The occasion of raising up this deliverer was the oppression of Israel by the Philistines (v. 1). II. His birth is foretold by an angel to his mother (v. 2-5). III. She relates the prediction to his father (v. 6, 7). IV. They both together have it again from the angel (v. 8–14), whom they treat with respect (v. 15–18), and who, to their great amazement, discovers his dignity at parting (v. 19–23). V. Samson is born (v. 24, 25).

v. 21. It was plain it was not the body of a man they saw, since it was not chained to the earth, nor prejudiced by fire; but ascended, and ascended in flame, and therefore with good reason they conclude it was an angel; for he maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. [2.] But he did not any more appear to them; it was for a particular occasion, now over, that he was sent, not to settle a constant correspondence, as with prophets. They must remember and observe what the angel had said and not expect to hear more (Henry, 1996).

II. We have an account of the impressions which this vision made upon Manoah and his wife. While the angel did wondrously, they looked on, and said nothing (so it becomes us carefully to observe the wondrous works of God, and to be silent before him); but when he had gone, having finished his work, they had time to make their reflections. 1. In Manoah’s reflection upon it there is great fear, v. 22. He had spoken with great assurance of the son they should shortly be the joyful parents of (v. 8, 12), and yet is now put into such a confusion by that very thing which should have strengthened and encouraged his faith that he counts upon nothing but their being both cut off immediately: We shall surely die. It was a vulgar opinion generally received among the ancient Jews that it was present death to see God or an angel; and this notion quite overcome his faith for the present, as it did Gideon’s, ch. 6:22 (Henry, 1996).

2. In his wife’s reflection upon it there is great faith, v. 23. Here the weaker vessel was the stronger believer, which perhaps was the reason why the angel chose once and again to appear to her. Manoah’s heart began to fail him, but his wife, as a help meet for him, encouraged him. Two are better than one, for, if one fall into dejections and despondencies, the other will help to raise him up. Yoke-fellows should piously assist each other’s faith and joy as there is occasion. None could argue better than Manoah’s wife does here: We shall surely die, said her husband; "Nay,’’ said she, "we need not fear that; let us never turn that against us which is really for us. We shall not die unless God be pleased to kill us: our death must come from his hand and his pleasure. Now the tokens of his favour which we have received forbid us to think that he designs our destruction. Had he thought fit to kill us, (Henry, 1996).

(1.) He would not have accepted our sacrifice, and signified to us his acceptance of it by turning it to ashes, Ps. 20:3, margin. The sacrifice was the ransom of our lives, and the fire fastening upon that was a plain indication of the turning away of his wrath from us. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination, but you see ours is not so. (2.) He would not have shown us all these things, these strange sights, now at a time when there is little or no open vision (1 Sa. 3:1), nor would he have given these exceedingly great and precious promises of a son that shall be a Nazarite and a deliverer of Israel—he would not have told us such things as these if he had been pleased to kill us. We need not fear the withering of those roots out of which such a branch is yet to spring.’’ Note, Hereby it appears that God designs not the death of sinners that he has accepted the great sacrifice which Christ offered up for their salvation, has put them in a way of obtaining his favour, and has assured them of it upon their repentance (Henry, 1996).

Had he been pleased to kill them, he would not have done so. And let those good Christians who have had communion with God in the word and prayer, to whom he has graciously manifested himself, and who have had reason to think God has accepted their works, take encouragement thence in a cloudy and dark day. "God would not have done what he has done for my soul if he had designed to forsake me, and leave me to perish at last; for his work is perfect, nor will he mock his people with his favours.’’ Learn to reason as Manoah’s wife did, "If God had designed me to perish under his wrath, he would not have given me such distinguishing tokens of his favour.’’ O woman! great is thy faith (Henry, 1996).

Reflection:
Our flesh would have us to think, that because the promises that God has spoken over our lives seem to be at such a great distance from us; that they are not going to manifest. If God was not going to bring the promises that he has spoken over our lives into existence; He would not have spoken them in the first place. He would not keep bringing us his word, which is full of promises to us. He would not keep bringing us prophecies, that confirm his promises to us. He would not keep bringing us witnesses, that reconfirm the promises that he has continuously spoken, over and over again. We must remember to hold onto the promises of God; just like: Manoha's wife, father Abraham, Elizabeth the mother of John the Baptist, and Mary the mother of Jesus. Our hope is not in the promises of one that does not fulfill his, or her word. Our prospective hope is in the one, and only, true and living God; to fulfill every word that He has spoken to us. God would not play a game on us, or foolishly jester to make us hope for something that will never be. What He said, He will do.

References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Book of Judges 13 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 1 Apr 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Jdg&c=13&t=NASB

Henry, Matthew. "Commentary on Judges 13." . Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar 1996. 2010. 1 Apr 2010.

http:// www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?
AuthorID=4&contentID=857&commInfo=5&topic=Judges&ar=Jdg_13_21

Higgins, S. (2010). Prospective Hope. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, Http://www.higginspublishing.com

It's Not Too Late

2010-03-31T09:48:00.000-07:00

Scripture(s): Luke 6:11

On another Sabbath He entered the synagogue and was teaching; and there was a man there whose right hand was withered. The scribes and the Pharisees were watching Him closely to see if He healed on the Sabbath, so that they might find reason to accuse Him. But He knew what they were thinking, and He said to the man with the withered hand, "Get up and come forward!" And he got up and came forward. And Jesus said to them, "I ask you, is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save a life or to destroy it?"
After looking around at them all, He said to him, "Stretch out your hand!" And he did so; and his hand was restored. But they themselves were filled with rage, and discussed together what they might do to Jesus.

Commentary:
Jesus Christ, though he allowed works of necessity on the sabbath day, will notwithstanding have us to know and remember that it is his day, and therefore is to be spent in his service and to his honour (v. 5): The Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath. In the kingdom of the Redeemer, the sabbath day is to be turned into a Lord’s day; the property of it is, in some respects, to be altered, and it is to be observed chiefly in honour of the Redeemer, as it had been before in honour of the Creator, Jer. 16:14, 15. In token of this, it shall not only have a new name, the Lord’s day (yet not forgetting the old, for it is a sabbath of rest still) but shall be transferred to a new day, the first day of the week. (Henry, 1996).

II. He justifies himself in doing works of mercy for others on the sabbath day. Observe in this, 1. Christ on the sabbath day entered into the synagogue. Note, It is our duty, as we have opportunity, to sanctify sabbaths in religious assemblies. On the sabbath there ought to be a holy convocation; and our place must not be empty without very good reason. 2. In the synagogue, on the sabbath day, he taught. Giving and receiving instruction from Christ is very proper work for a sabbath day, and for a synagogue. Christ took all opportunities to teach, not only his disciples, but the multitude.

3. Christ’s patient was one of his hearers. A man whose right hand was withered came to learn from Christ. Whether he had any expectation to be healed by him does not appear. But those that would be cured by the grace of Christ must be willing to learn the doctrine of Christ. 4. Among those who were the hearers of Christ’s excellent doctrine, and the eye-witnesses of his glorious miracles, there were some who came with no other design than to pick quarrels with him, v. 7. The scribes and Pharisees would not, as became generous adversaries, give him fair warning that, if he did heal on the sabbath day, they would construe it into a violation of the fourth commandment, which they ought in honour and justice to have done, because it was a case without precedent (none having ever cured as he did), but they basely watched him, as the lion does his prey, whether he would heal on the sabbath day, that they might find an accusation against him, and surprise him with a prosecution (Henry, 1996).

5. Jesus Christ was neither ashamed nor afraid to own the purposes of his grace, in the face of those who, he knew, confronted them, v. 8. He knew their faults, and what they designed, and he bade the man rise, and stand forth, hereby to try the patient’s faith and boldness. 6. He appealed to his adversaries themselves, and to the convictions of natural conscience, whether it was the design of the fourth commandment to restrain men from doing good on the sabbath day, that good which their hand finds to do, which they have an opportunity for, and which cannot so well be put off to another time (Henry, 1996).

(v. 9): Is it lawful to do good, or evil, on the sabbath days? No wicked men are such absurd and unreasonable men as persecutors are, who study to do evil to men for doing good. 7. He healed the poor man, and restored him to the present use of his right hand, with a word’s speaking, though he knew that his enemies would not only take offence at it, but take advantage against him for it, v. 10. Let not us be drawn off, either from our duty or usefulness, by the oppression we meet with in it. 8. His adversaries were hereby enraged so much the more against him, v. 11. Instead of being convinced by this miracle, as they ought to have been, that he was a teacher come from God,—instead of being brought to be in love with him as a benefactor to mankind,—they were filled with madness, vexed that they could not frighten him from doing good, or hinder the growth of his interest in the affections of the people (Henry, 1996).

They were mad at Christ, mad at the people, mad at themselves. Anger is a short madness, malice is a long one; impotent malice, especially disappointed malice; such was theirs. When they could not prevent his working this miracle, they communed one with another what they might do to Jesus, what other way they might take to run him down. We may well stand amazed at it that the sons of men should be so wicked as to do thus, and that the Son of God should be so patient as to suffer it (Henry, 1996)

Reflection:
The scribes and the Pharisees were waiting for Jesus to do something good, so that they could say it was something wrong, because he performed a miracle on a holy day of rest. In their eyes, not even good could be done on a traditional day. They were locked into a traditonal mindset, and were not willing or ready to accept change. However, the man with the withered hand was not locked into a traditonal mindset, because he was ready to receive change through the healing of his hand. It did not matter to him what the scribes and the Pharisees had to say. He was ready to accept, and to receive what God had for him. He is an example of being ready and willing to receive, what God has for us. Even though change in the mind is not always an easy journey; trusting in the Lord, is a wonderful place to begin. Whether your heart has been broken, or your soul has been wounded, it's not too late to reach out your hand, and accept what God has for you.

References:

Henry, Matthew. "Commentary on Luke 6." . Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar 1996. 2010. 31 Mar 2010.

http:// www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?
AuthorID=4&contentID=1647&commInfo=5&topic=Luke&ar=Luk_6_6

Blue Letter Bible. "Gospel of Luke 6 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 31 Mar 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Luk&c=6&t=NASB

Higgins, S. (2010). It's Not Too Late. Devotions For Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, http://www.higginspublishing.com

You Are First Place With God

2010-03-30T10:06:00.000-07:00

Scripture (s): Luke 5:17-20

One day He was teaching; and there were some Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem; and the power of the Lord was present for Him to perform healing. And some men were carrying on a bed a man who was paralyzed; and they were trying to bring him in and to set him down in front of Him. But not finding any way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down through the tiles with his stretcher, into the middle of the crowd, in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, He said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven you."

Commentary:
Here is, I. A general account of Christ’s preaching and miracles, v. 17. 1. He was teaching on a certain day, not on the sabbath day, then he would have said so, but on a week-day; six days shalt thou labour, not only for the world, but for the soul, and the welfare of that. Preaching and hearing the word of God are good works, if they be done well, any day in the week, as well as on sabbath days. It was not in the synagogue, but in a private house; for even there where we ordinarily converse with our friends it is not improper to give and receive good instruction. 2. There he taught, he healed (as before, v. 15): (Henry, 1996)

And the power of the Lord was to heal them—eµn eis to iasthai autous. It was mighty to heal them; it was exerted and put forth to heal them, to heal those whom he taught (we may understand it so), to heal their souls, to cure them of their spiritual diseases, and to give them a new life, a new nature. Note, Those who receive the word of Christ in faith will find a divine power going along with that word, to heal them; for Christ came with his comforts to heal the broken-hearted, ch. 4:18. The power of the Lord is present with the word, present to those that pray for it and submit to it, present to heal them (Henry, 1996),

Or it may be meant (and so it is generally taken) of the healing of those who were diseased in body, who came to him for cures. Whenever there was occasion, Christ had not to seek for his power, it was present to heal. 3. There were some grandees present in this assembly, and, as it should seem, more than usual: There were Pharisees, and doctors of the law, sitting by; not sitting at his feet, to learn of him; then I should have been willing to take the following clause as referring to those who are spoken of immediately before (the power of the Lord was present to heal them); and why might not the word of Christ reach their hearts? But, by what follows (v. 21), it appears that they were not healed, but cavilled at Christ, which compels us to refer this to others, not to them; for they sat by as persons unconcerned, as if the word of Christ were nothing to them. They sat by as spectators, censors, and spies, to pick up something on which to ground a reproach or accusation. How many are there in the midst of our assemblies, where the gospel is preached, that do not sit under the word, but sit by! It is to them as a tale that is told them, not as a message that is sent them; they are willing that we should preach before them, not that we should preach to them (Henry, 1996).

These Pharisees and scribes (or doctors of the law) came out of every town of Galilee, and Judea, and Jerusalem; they came from all parts of the nation. Probably, they appointed to meet at this time and place, to see what remarks they could make upon Christ and what he said and did. They were in a confederacy, as those that said, Come, and let us devise devices against Jeremiah, and agree to smite him with the tongue, Jer. 18:18. Report, and we will report it, Jer. 20:10. Observe, Christ went on with his work of preaching and healing, though he saw these Pharisees, and doctors of the Jewish church, sitting by, who, he knew, despised him, and watched to ensnare him (Henry, 1996).

Reflection:
Jesus did not allow the Pharisess, or the doctors of the Jewish church to interfere with fulfilling his kingdom purpose. He was never too busy to stop what he was doing to listen to the voice of faith; even if he was in the middle of a massive crowd that was demanding of his attention. Jesus had a heart for the people. There was nothing, or no one, that could stop Jesus from fulfilling his purpose of taking care of those that God had given him to. He will never say that he is too busy. He will never say come back later. He will never make us feel that we are second, third or fourth place with him. He always puts us first, just like He did at calvary. He gave his best for us, because he loves us; and will never put us last. We are his, and he is ours. Let us remember how much he loves us, because he first loved us.

References:
Henry, Matthew. "Commentary on Luke 5." . Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar 1996. 2010. 30 Mar 2010.

http:// www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?
AuthorID=4&contentID=1646&commInfo=5&topic=Luke&ar=Luk_5_17

Blue Letter Bible. "Gospel of Luke 5 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 30 Mar 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Luk&c=5&t=NASB

Higgins, S. (2010). You Are First Place With God. Devotions For Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, http://www.higginspublishing.com

Don't Go Back!

2010-03-26T07:55:00.000-07:00

Scripture(s): Joshua 23:12-13

"For if you ever go back and cling to the rest of these nations, these which remain among you, and intermarry with them, so that you associate with them and they with you, know with certainty that the LORD your God will not continue to drive these nations out from before you; but they will be a snare and a trap to you, and a whip on your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from off this good land which the LORD your God has given you.

Commentary:
III. He gives them fair warning what would be the fatal consequences of apostasy (v. 12, 13, 15, 16): "If you go back, know for a certainty it will be your ruin.’’ Observe,

1. How he describes the apostasy which he warns them against. The steps of it would be (v. 12) growing intimate with idolaters, who would craftily wheedle them, and insinuate themselves into their acquaintance, now that they had become lords of the country, to serve their own ends. The next step would be intermarrying with them, drawn to it by their artifices, who would be glad to bestow their children upon these wealthy Israelites. And the consequence of that would be (v. 16) serving other gods (which were pretended to be the ancient deities of the country) and bowing down to them. Thus the way of sin is down-hill, and those who have fellowship with sinners cannot avoid having fellowship with sin. This he represents, (1.) As a base and shameful desertion; "it is going back from what you have so well begun,’’ v. 12. (2.) As a most perfidious breach of promise (v. 16): "It is a transgression of the covenant of the Lord your God, which he commanded you, and which you yourselves set your hand to.’’ Other sins were transgressions of the law God commanded them, but this was a transgression of the covenant he commanded them, and amounted to a breach of the relation between God and them and a forfeiture of all the benefits of the covenant (Henry, 1996).

2. How he describes the destruction which he warns them of. He tells them, (1.) That these remainders of the Canaanites, if they should harbour them, and indulge them, and join in affinity with them, would be snares and traps to them, both to draw them to sin (not only to idolatry, but to all immoralities, which would be the ruin, not only of their virtue, but of their wisdom and sense, their spirit and honour), and also to draw them into foolish bargains, unprofitable projects, and all manner of inconveniences; and having thus by underhand practices decoyed them into one mischief or other, so as to gain advantages against them, they would then act more openly, and be scourges in their sides and thorns in their eyes, would perhaps kill or drive away their cattle, burn or steal their corn, alarm or plunder their houses, and would be all ways possible be vexatious to them; for, whatever pretences of friendship they might make, a Canaanite, unless proselyted to the faith and worship of the true God, would in every age hate the very name and sight of an Israelite (Henry, 1996).

See how the punishment would be made to answer the sin, nay, how the sin itself would be the punishment. (2.) That the anger of the Lord would be kindled against them. Their making leagues with the Canaanites would not only give those idolaters the opportunity of doing them a mischief, and be the fostering of snakes in their bosoms, but it would likewise provoke God to become their enemy, and would kindle the fire of his displeasure against them. (3.) That all the threatenings of the word would be fulfilled, as the promise had been, for the God of eternal truth is faithful to both (Henry, 1996).

Reflection:
We are encouraged to cling to the Lord our God (Joshua 23:8) and not to cling to the gods of other nations that do not worship the Lord our God; but who worship idols, in which they themselves have made with their own hands. Idols can also be individuals in our lives, that we have set on a pedestal; as if they are our everything. God strictly warns against worshipping anyone, or anything above him. We are never to go back to ungodly relationships in which God himself has clearly stated, is not his perfect will. God is a jealous God, and one of his names if Jealous (Exodus 34:14). Therefore, we must be mindful to cling to the Lord our God with our entire being, and not be distracted by anyone, or anything; that would try to make us take our mind off of the one that saved our souls from eternal separation from Him.

Strong's Concordance Definition: (Joshua 23:12)

If you ever go back: 7725
1) to return, turn back
a) (Qal)
1) to turn back, return
a) to turn back
b) to return, come or go back
c) to return unto, go back, come back
d) of dying
e) of human relations (fig)
f) of spiritual relations (fig)
1) to turn back (from God), apostatise
2) to turn away (of God)
3) to turn back (to God), repent
4) turn back (from evil)
g) of inanimate things
h) in repetition
b) (Polel)
1) to bring back
2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig)
3) to lead away (enticingly)
4) to show turning, apostatise
c) (Pual) restored (participle)
d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back
1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment
2) to bring back, refresh, restore
3) to bring back, report to, answer
4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense)
5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse
6) to turn away (face), turn toward
7) to turn against
8) to bring back to mind
9) to show a turning away
10) to reverse, revoke
e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back
f) (Pulal) brought back

and cling to : 1692
1) to cling, stick, stay close, cleave, keep close, stick to, stick with, follow closely, join to, overtake, catch

a) (Qal)
1) to cling, cleave to
2) to stay with
b) (Pual) to be joined together
c) (Hiphil)
1) to cause to cleave to
2) to pursue closely
3) to overtake
d) (Hophal) to be made to cleave

these nations: 1471
1) nation, people

a) nation, people
1) usually of non-Hebrew people
2) of descendants of Abraham
3) of Israel
b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.)

these which remain: 7604
1) to remain, be left over, be left behind

a) (Qal) to remain
b) (Niphal)
1) to be left over, be left alive, survive
a) remainder, remnant (participle)
2) to be left behind
c) (Hiphil)
1) to leave over, spare
2) to leave or keep over
3) to have left
4) to leave (as a gift)
and intermarry with them: 2859
1) to become a son-in-law, make oneself a daughter's husband

a) (Qal) wife's father, wife's mother, father-in-law, mother-in-law (participle)
b) (Hithpael) to make oneself a daughter's husband

Associate with them, and they with you: 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

References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Book of Joshua 23 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 26 Mar 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Jos&c=23&t=NASB

Henry, Matthew. "Commentary on Joshua 23." . Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar 1996. 2010. 26 Mar 2010.
http:// www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?
AuthorID=4&contentID=842&commInfo=5&topic=Joshua&ar=Jos_23_12

Higgins, S. (2010). Don't Go Back. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, Http://www.higginspublishing.com

It's Just A Matter of Time

2010-03-25T09:43:00.000-07:00

Scripture: Joshua 21:43-45

So the LORD gave Israel all the land which He had sworn to give to their fathers, and they possessed it and lived in it. And the LORD gave them rest on every side, according to all that He had sworn to their fathers, and no one of all their enemies stood before them; the LORD gave all their enemies into their hand. Not one of the good promises which the LORD had made [fn] to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass.

Commentary:
It had been often said that the tribe of Levi should have "no inheritance with their brethren,’’ no particular part of the country assigned them, as the other tribes had, no, not the country about Shiloh, which one might have expected to be appropriated to them as the lands of the church; but, though they were not thus cast into a country by themselves, it appears, by the provision made for them in this chapter, that they were no losers, but the rest of the tribes were very much gainers, by their being dispersed. We have here, I. The motion they made to have their cities assigned them, according to God’s appointment (v. 1, 2). II. The nomination of the cities accordingly out of the several tribes, and the distribution of them to the respective families of this tribe (v. 3-8). III. A catalogue of the cities, forty-eight in all (v. 9–42). IV. A receipt entered in full of all that God had promised to his people Israel (v. 43–45). (Henry, 1996).

We have here the conclusion of this whole matter, the foregoing history summed up, and, to make it appear the more bright, compared with the promise of which it was the full accomplishment. God’s word and his works mutually illustrate each other. The performance makes the promise appear very true and the promise makes the performance appear very kind (Henry, 1996).

I. God had promised to give the seed of Abraham the land of Canaan for a possession, and now at last he performed this promise (v. 43): They possessed it, and dwelt therein. Though they had often forfeited the benefit of that promise, and God had long delayed the performance of it, yet at last all difficulties were conquered, and Canaan was their own. And the promise of the heavenly Canaan is as sure to all God’s spiritual Israel, for it is the promise of him that cannot lie (Henry, 1996).

II. God had promised to give them rest in that land, and now they had rest round about, rest from the fatigues of their travel through the wilderness (which tedious march, perhaps, was long in their bones), rest from their wars in Canaan, and the insults which their enemies there had at first offered them. They now dwelt, not only in habitations of their own, but those quiet and peaceable ones; though there were Canaanites that remained, yet none that had either strength or spirit to attack them, nor so much as give them an alarm (Henry, 1996).

Reflection:
It may appear that the promises of God are delayed over a long period of time. However, the promises of God are released into the atmosphere at the appointed time, according to Habbaku 2:2. It is so important for us to write down what God gives us to do, and or to say. We must be prepared to receive the promises of God. It is not that we will not receive what God has for us, because He is faithful that promised. What God has spoken to our heart will come into reality. It's just a matter of time. He will not withhold any good thing from those that walk uprightly. So be encouraged, and know, that our God shall supply all of our need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. No good thing will He withhold from those that walk uprightly. Every promise that God has spoken will be fulfilled, because God cannot lie.

References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Book of Joshua 21 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 25 Mar 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Jos&c=21&t=NASB

Henry, Matthew. "Commentary on Joshua 21." . Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar 1996. 2010. 25 Mar 2010.
http:// www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?
AuthorID=4&contentID=840&commInfo=5&topic=Joshua&ar=Jos_21_45

Higgins, S. (2010). It's Just A Matter of Time. Devotions For Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, Http://www.higginspublishing.com

What Are You Waiting On?

2010-03-24T09:48:00.000-07:00

Scripture(s): Joshua 18:2-3

There remained among the sons of Israel seven tribes who had not divided their inheritance. So Joshua said to the sons of Israel, "How long will you put off entering to take possession of the land which the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you?

Commentary:
In this chapter we have, I. The setting up of the tabernacle at Shiloh (v. 1). II. The stirring up of the seven tribes that were yet unsettled to look after their lot, and the putting of them in a method for it, by Joshua (v. 2-7). III. The distributing of the land into seven lots, by certain men employed for that purpose (v. 8, 9). IV. The determining of these seven portions to the seven tribes yet unprovided for by lot (v. 10). V. The particular lot of the tribe of Benjamin, the borders of it (v. 11–20). And the cities contained in it (v. 21–28). The other six tribes we shall find well provided for in the next chapter (Henry, 1996)

Here, I. Joshua reproves those tribes which were yet unsettled that they did not bestir themselves to gain a settlement in the land which God had given them. Seven tribes were yet unprovided for, though sure of an inheritance, yet uncertain where it should be, and it seems in no great care about it, v. 2. And with them Joshua reasons (v. 3): How long are you slack? 1. They were too well pleased with their present condition, liked well enough to live in a body together, the more the merrier, and, like the Babel-builders, had no mind to be scattered abroad and break good company. The spoil of the cities they had taken served them to live plentifully upon for the present, and they banished the thoughts of time to come. Perhaps the tribes of Judah and Joseph, who had already received their inheritance in the countries next adjoining, were generous in entertaining their brethren who were yet unprovided for, so that they went from one good house to another among their friends, with which, instead of grudging that they were postponed, they were so well pleased that they cared not for going to houses of their own.

2. They were slothful and dilatory. It may be they wished the thing done, but had not spirit to stir in it, or move towards the doing of it, though it was so much for their own advantage; like the sluggard, that hides his hand in his bosom, and it grieves him to bring it to his mouth again. The countries that remained to be divided lay at a distance, and some parts of them in the hands of the Canaanites. If they go to take possession of them, the cities must be rebuilt or repaired, they must drive their flocks and herds a great way, and carry their wives and children to strange places, and this will not be done without care and pains, and breaking through some hardships; thus he that observes the wind shall not sow, and he that regards the clouds shall not reap, Eccl. 11:4. Note, Many are diverted from real duties, and debarred from real comforts, by seeming difficulties. God by his grace has given us a title to a good land, the heavenly Canaan, but we are slack to take possession; we enter not into that rest, as we might by faith, and hope, and holy joy; we live not in heaven, as we might by setting our affections on things above and having our conversation there (Henry, 1996).

How long shall it be thus with us? How long shall we thus stand in our own light, and forsake our own mercies for lying vanities? Joshua was sensible of the inconveniences of this delay, that, while they neglected to take possession of the land that was conquered, the Canaanites were recovering strength and spirit, and fortifying themselves in the places that were yet in their hands, which would make the total expulsion of them the more difficult. They would lose their advantages by not following their blow; and therefore, as an eagle stirreth up her nest, so Joshua stirs them up to take possession of their lot. He is ready to do his part, if they will but do theirs (Henry, 1996)

Reflection:
The blessings of the Lord maketh rich and added no sorrow with it. However, when the blessing is at the door, we tend to expect the blessing to open the door. We have to do something to actually receive what God has for us. We have to walk through the door and possess what God has given us. We cannot expect for God to do everything. We have to do something. Just like those that inherited the land of Caanan, they had to take a census of the land, and bring back a description to Joshua; so that he could divide the land accordingly. Work would be involved in taking possession. Laziness would not fit into the equation, and fear would block them from what was rightfully theirs. Physical and mental labor was required for them to take possession. So it is with us. Mentally, we must prepare for what God has given to us, and then we must physcially claim, and possess what is ours by faith. Wishing, hoping and dreaming is never enough to take possession of the promise. Action is required to bring our promise into our reality, and there is no time for a lazy mindset.

Strong's Concordance Definition: Joshua 18:3
How long are ye slack: 7503
1) to sink, relax, sink down, let drop, be disheartened

a) (Qal)
1) to sink down
2) to sink, drop
3) to sink, relax, abate
4) to relax, withdraw
b) (Niphal) idle (participle)
c) (Piel) to let drop
d) (Hiphil)
1) to let drop, abandon, relax, refrain, forsake
2) to let go
3) to refrain, let alone
4) to be quiet
e) (Hithpael) to show oneself slack

to 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

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

which 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

God: 430
1) (plural)

a) rulers, judges
b) divine ones
c) angels
d) gods
2) (plural intensive - singular meaning)
a) god, goddess
b) godlike one
c) works or special possessions of God
d) the (true) God
e) God

hath given you: 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

References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Book of Joshua 18 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 24 Mar 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Jos&c=18&t=NASB

Henry, Matthew. "Commentary on Joshua 18." . Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar 1996. 2010. 24 Mar 2010.

http:// www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm
AuthorID=4&contentID=837&commInfo=5&topic=Joshua&ar=Jos_18_2

Higgins, S. (2010). What Are You Waiting On? Devotions For Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, Http://www.higginspublishing.com

The Eyes of the Spy

2010-03-23T09:12:00.000-07:00

Scripture(s): Joshua 14:7-9

"I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadesh-barnea to spy out the land, and I brought word back to him as it was in my heart. "Nevertheless my brethren who went up with me made the heart of the people melt [fn] with fear; but I followed the LORD my God fully. "So Moses swore on that day, saying, 'Surely the land on which your foot has trodden will be an inheritance to you and to your children forever, because you have followed the LORD my God fully.'

Commentary:
(1.) The testimony of his conscience concerning his integrity in the management of that great affair on which it proved the fare of Israel turned, the spying out of the land. Caleb was one of the twelve that were sent out on that errand (v. 7), and he now reflected upon it with comfort, and mentioned it, not in pride, but as that which, being the consideration of the grant, was necessary to be inserted in the plea, [1.] That he made his report as it was in his heart, that is, he spoke as he thought when he spoke so honourably of the land of Canaan, so confidently of the power of God to put them in possession of it, and so contemptibly of the opposition that the Canaanites, even the Anakim themselves, could make against them, as we find he did, Num. 13:30; 14:7-9. He did not do it merely to please Moses, or to keep the people quiet, much less from a spirit of contradiction to his fellows, but from a full conviction of the truth of what he said and a firm belief of the divine promise (Henry, 1996).

[2.] That herein he wholly followed the Lord his God, that is, he kept close to his duty, and sincerely aimed at the glory of God in it. He conformed himself to the divine will with an eye to the divine favour. He had obtained this testimony from God himself (Num. 14:24), and therefore it was not vain-glory in him to speak of it, any more than it is for those who have God’s Spirit witnessing with their spirits that they are the children of God humbly and thankfully to tell others for their encouragement what God has done for their souls. Note, Those that follow God fully when they are young shall have both the credit and comfort of it when they are old, and the reward of it for ever in the heavenly Canaan (Henry, 1996).

[3.] That he did this when all his brethren and companions in that service, except Joshua, did otherwise. They made the heart of the people melt (v. 8), and how pernicious the consequences of it were was very well known. It adds much to the praise of following God if we adhere to him when others desert and decline from him. Caleb needed not to mention particularly Joshua’s conduct in this matter; it was sufficiently known, and he would not seem to flatter him; it was enough to say (v. 6), Thou knowest what the Lord spoke concerning me and thee (Henry, 1996).

Reflection:
When Moses sent out two of his servants to spy out the land, one servant came back with a fearful report, and another servant came back with a good report. The difference between the two is clear. One did not believe God, and one believed God. They both had been in the wilderness for quite some time. However, one could see what the other could not, and he was blessed with the possession of the promise. He did not die in the wilderness with the others that died in their unbelief. He lived to see the promise, and to possess it. His heart fully followed the Lord in faith. He could have been discouraged, and lost hope, but his hope was rooted in the only true and living God. We can be encouraged by the eyes of the spy, that had faith to believe the promise; to also possess the promises that God has made to us.

Strong's Concordance Definitions: [Joshua 14:9]

Surely the land: 776
1) land, earth
a) earth
1) whole earth (as opposed to a part)
2) earth (as opposed to heaven)
3) earth (inhabitants)
b) land
1) country, territory
2) district, region
3) tribal territory
4) piece of ground
5) land of Canaan, Israel
6) inhabitants of land
7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world
8) city (-state)
c) ground, surface of the earth
1) ground
2) soil
d) (in phrases)
1) people of the land
2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance)
3) level or plain country
4) land of the living
5) end(s) of the earth
e) (almost wholly late in usage)
1) lands, countries
a) often in contrast to Canaan

Whereon thy feet: 7272
1) foot
a) foot, leg
b) of God (anthropomorphic)
c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table
d) according to the pace of (with prep)
e) three times (feet, paces)

Have trodden: 1869
1) to tread, bend, lead, march
a) (Qal)
1) to tread, march, march forth
2) to tread on, tread upon
3) to tread (a press)
4) to tread (bend) a bow
5) archer, bow-benders (participle)
b) (Hiphil)
1) to tread, tread down
2) to tread (bend with the foot) a bow
3) to cause to go, lead, march, tread

Shall be thy inheritance: 5159
1) possession, property, inheritance, heritage
a) property
b) portion, share
c) inheritance, portion

Because thou has wholly: 4390
1) to fill, be full
a) (Qal)
1) to be full
a) fulness, abundance (participle)
b) to be full, be accomplished, be ended
2) to consecrate, fill the hand
b) (Niphal)
1) to be filled, be armed, be satisfied
2) to be accomplished, be ended
c) (Piel)
1) to fill
2) to satisfy
3) to fulfil, accomplish, complete
4) to confirm
d) (Pual) to be filled
e) (Hithpael) to mass themselves against

Followed: 310
1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time)

a) as an adverb
1) behind (of place)
2) afterwards (of time)
b) as a preposition
1) behind, after (of place)
2) after (of time)
3) besides
c) as a conjunction
1) after that
d) as a substantive
1) hinder part
e) with other prepositions
1) from behind
2) from following after

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

My God: 430
1) (plural)

a) rulers, judges
b) divine ones
c) angels
d) gods
2) (plural intensive - singular meaning)
a) god, goddess
b) godlike one
c) works or special possessions of God
d) the (true) God
e) God

References:

Blue Letter Bible. "Book of Joshua 14 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 23 Mar 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Jos&c=14&t=NASB

Henry, Matthew. "Commentary on Joshua 14." . Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar 1996. 2010. 23 Mar 2010.
http:// www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?
AuthorID=4&contentID=833&commInfo=5&topic=Joshua&ar=Jos_14_7

Higgins, S. (2010). The Eyes of the Spy. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, Http://www.higginspublishing.com

A Shift In The Natural Realm

2010-03-22T08:54:00.000-07:00

Scripture: James 5:17 & 18 - (Amplified)

Elijah was a human being with a nature such as we have (with feelings, affections, and a consitution like ours), and he prayed earnestly for it not to rain, and no rain fell on the earth for three years and six months (I Kings 17:1). And (then) he prayed again and the heavens supplied rain and the land produced it's crops [as usual] - (I Kings 18:42-45).

Commentary:
Elijah was a passionate prophet who cared sincerely about the will of the Lord. He was so passionate that he prayed that there would be no rain for three years because the new king of Israel (Ahab, son of Omri), did more evil in the sight of the Lord than all the others before him. Elijah was not concerned about how he himself would be taken care of. He went against the grain without fear of the consequences. He did not worry about what he would eat, or what he would drink. His desire was that the presence of the Lord would be the center of worship; and not the false dieties that Ahab was resurrecting.

When we see injustices that are blatantly against the will of God, we should also be so moved to pray as Elijah did; so that the will of God will be evident among all men and women.

Why should injuustices continue without rebuke?
Why should innocent children be the casualty of man's lack of restraint?
Why should the poor be the entertainment of those who despise them?
How can we continue to improve in our walk with the Lord?

Reflection:
Elijah was a perfect example of what we should do as children of God. He knew the will of God, and he had a heart to serve God, and the people. Therefore, he prayed for change. He did not complain about what the people were, or were not doing. He went straight to the throne of God, and prayed for divine intervention, to change the position of comfortability of the people; to do what they wanted to do.

If your heart strings are being tugged on about an element of change in your life, and in the lives of your family, friends, neighbors, co-workers or others, began praying every day until you see a shift in the natural realm; and God will hear, and answer your prayer.

Prayer:
Dear Lord, I thank you for the ability to prayer. I ask that you continually place on my heart the things that you would like me to pray for. I thank you for answering the prayers that you give me the ability to speak. I praise you in advance for the manifestation of your will being done on earth, as it is in heaven, in my life, in the life of my family, friends, neighbors, business associates, and everyone else that you put in my path. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

Strong's Concordance Definitions: James 5:17 - 18

Elijah: 2243
Elijah = "my God is Jehovah"

Nature: 3663
1) suffering the like with another, of like feelings or affections

Prayed: 4336
1) to offer prayers, to pray

Earnestly: 4335
1) prayer addressed to God

That it would not rain: 1026
1) to moisten, wet, water
2) to water with rain, to cause to rain, to pour the rain, to send down like rain

On the earth: 1093
1) arable land

Again: 3825
1) anew, again
a) renewal or repetition of the action
b) again, anew
2) again, i.e. further, moreover
3) in turn, on the other hand

Produced: 985
1) to sprout, bud, put forth new leaves
2) to produce

References:
Blue Letter Bible. "James's Epistle 5 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2009. 15 Dec 2009. < http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Jam&c=5&t=NASB >

Higgins, S. (2009). A Shift In The Natural Realm. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing, http://www.higginspublishing.com, http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com

Cut For Purpose

2010-03-20T07:40:00.000-07:00

Scripture(s): Joshua 5:2-8

At that time the LORD said to Joshua, "Make for yourself flint knives and circumcise again the sons of Israel the second time." Jos 5:3 So Joshua made himself flint knives and circumcised the sons of Israel at Gibeath-haaraloth. This is the reason why Joshua circumcised them: all the people who came out of Egypt who were males, all the men of war, died in the wilderness along the way after they came out of Egypt. For all the people who came out were circumcised, but all the people who were born in the wilderness along the way as they came out of Egypt had not been circumcised. For the sons of Israel walked forty years in the wilderness, until all the nation, that is, the men of war who came out of Egypt, perished because they did not listen to the voice of the LORD, to whom the LORD had sworn that He would not let them see the land which the LORD had sworn to their fathers to give us, a land flowing with milk and honey. Their children whom He raised up in their place, Joshua circumcised; for they were uncircumcised, because they had not circumcised them along the way. Jos 5:8 Now when they had finished circumcising all the nation, they remained in their places in the camp until they were healed.

Commentary:
Israel have now got over Jordan, and the waters which had opened before them, to favour their march forward, are closed again behind them, to forbid their retreat backward. They have now got footing in Canaan, and must apply themselves to the conquest of it, in order to which this chapter tells us, I. How their enemies were dispirited (v. 1). II. What was done at their first landing to assist and encourage them. 1. The covenant of circumcision was renewed (v. 2-9). 2. The feast of the passover was celebrated (v. 10). 3. Their camp was victualled with the corn of the land, whereupon the manna ceased (v. 11, 12). 4. The captain of the Lord’s host himself appeared to Joshua to animate and direct him (v. 13–15). (Henry, 1996)

II. The opportunity which this gave to the Israelites to circumcise those among them that were uncircumcised: At that time (v. 2), when the country about them was in that great consternation, God ordered Joshua to circumcise the children of Israel, for at that time it might be done with safety even in an enemy’s country; their hearts being melted, their hands were tied, that they could not take this advantage against them as Simeon and Levi did against the Shechemites, to come upon them when they were sore. Joshua could not be sure of this, and therefore, if he had ordered this general circumcision just at this time of his own head, he might justly have been censured as imprudent; for, how good soever the thing was in itself, in the eye of reason it was not seasonable at this time, and might have been of dangerous consequence; but, when God commanded him to do it, he must not consult with flesh and blood; he that bade them to do it would, no doubt, protect them and bear them out in it. Now observe,

1. The occasion there was for this general circumcision. (1.) All that came out of Egypt were circumcised, v. 5. while they had peace in Egypt doubtless they circumcised their children the eighth day according to the law. But after they began to be oppressed, especially when the edict was made for the destruction of their male infants, the administration of this ordinance was interrupted; many of them were uncircumcised, of whom there was a general circumcision, either during the time of the three days’ darkness, as Dr. Lightfoot conjectures, or a year after, just before their eating the second passover at Mount Sinai, and in order to that solemnity (Num. 9:2) as many think (Henry, 1996).

And it is with reference to that general circumcision that this is called a second, v. 2. But the learned Masius thinks it refers to the general circumcision of Abraham’s family when that ordinance was first instituted, Gen. 17:23. That first confirmed the promise of the land of Canaan, this second was a thankful celebration of the performance of that promise. But, (2.) All that were born in the wilderness, namely, after their walking in the wilderness, became by the divine sentence a judgment upon them for their disobedience, as is intimated by that repetition of the sentence, v. 6. Al that were born since that fatal day on which God swore in his wrath that none of that generation should enter into his rest were uncircumcised. But what shall we say to this? Had not God enjoined it to Abraham, under a very severe penalty, that every man-child of his seed should be circumcised on the eighth day? (Henry, 1996).

Gen. 17:9–14. Was it not the seal of the everlasting covenant? Was not so great a stress laid upon it when they were coming out of Egypt that when, immediately after the first passover, the law concerning that feast was made perpetual, this was one clause of it, that no uncircumcised person should eat of it, but should be deemed as a stranger? and yet, under the government of Moses himself, to have all their children that were born for thirty-eight years together left uncircumcised is unaccountable. So great an omission could not be general but by divine direction. Now, [1.] Some think circumcision was omitted because it was needless: it was appointed to be a mark of distinction between the Israelites and other nations, and therefore in the wilderness, where they were so perfectly separated from all and mingled with none, there was no occasion for it. [2.] Others think that they did not look upon the precept of circumcision as obligatory till they came to settle in Canaan; for in the covenant made with them at Mount Sinai nothing was said about circumcision, neither was it of Moses but of the fathers (Jn. 7:22), and with particular reference to the grant of the land of Canaan, Gen. 17:8. [3.] (Henry, 1996).

Others think that God favourably dispensed with the observance of this ordinance in consideration of the unsettledness of their state, and their frequent removals while they were in the wilderness. It was requisite that children after they were circumcised should rest for some time while they were sore, and stirring them might be dangerous to them; God therefore would have mercy and not sacrifice. This reason is generally acquiesced in, but to me it is not satisfactory, for sometimes they staid a year in a place (Num. 9:22), if not much longer, and in their removals the little children, though sore, might be wrapped so warm, and carried so easy, as to receive no damage, and might certainly be much better accommodated than the mothers in travail or while lying in. Therefore,

[4.] To me it seems to have been a continued token of God’s displeasure against them for their unbelief and murmuring. Circumcision was originally a seal of the promise of the land of Canaan, as we observed before. It was in the believing hope of that good land that the patriarchs circumcised their children; but when God had sworn in his wrath concerning the men of was who came out of Egypt that they should be consumed in the wilderness, and never enter Canaan, nor come within sight of it (as that sentence is here repeated, v. 6, reference being made to it), as a further ratification of that sentence, and to be a constant memorandum of it to them, all that fell under that sentence, and were to fall by it, were forbidden to circumcise their children, by which they were plainly told that, whatever others might, they should never have the benefit of that promise of which circumcision was the seal. And this was such a significant indication of God’s wrath as the breaking of the tables of the covenant was when Israel had broken the covenant by making the golden calf. It is true that there is no express mention of this judicial prohibition in the account of that sentence; but an intimation of it in Num. 14:33, Your children shall bear your whoredoms. It is probable the children of Caleb and Joshua were circumcised, for they were excepted out of that sentence, and of Caleb it is particularly said, To him will I give the land, and to his children (Deu. 1:36), which was the very promise that circumcision was the seal of: and Joshua is here told to circumcise the people, not his own family. Whatever the reason was, it seems that this great ordinance was omitted in Israel for almost forty years together, which is a plain indication that it was not of absolute necessity, nor was to be of perpetual obligation, but should in the fulness of time be abolished, as now it was for so long a time suspended (Henry, 1996).

2. The orders given to Joshua for this general circumcision (v. 2): Circumcise again the children of Israel, not the same person, but the body of the people. Why was this ordered to be done now? Answ. (2.) Because now the promise of which circumcision was instituted to be the seal was performed. The seed of Israel was brought safely into the land of Canaan. "Let them therefore hereby own the truth of that promise which their fathers had disbelieved, and could not find in their hearts to trust to.’’ (2.) Because now the threatening of which the suspending of circumcision for thirty-eight years was the ratification was fully executed by the expiring of the forty years. That warfare is accomplished, that iniquity is pardoned (Isa. 40:2), and therefore now the seal of the covenant is revived again. But why was it not done sooner? why not while they were resting some months in the plains of Moab? why not during the thirty days of their mourning for Moses? (Henry, 1996).

Why was it not deferred longer, till they had made some progress in the conquest of Canaan, and had gained a settlement there, at least till they had entrenched themselves, and fortified their camp? why must it be done the very next day after they had come over Jordan? Answ. Because divine Wisdom saw that to be the fittest time, just when the forty years were ended, and they had entered Canaan; and the reasons which human wisdom would have offered against it were easily overruled. [1.] God would hereby show that the camp of Israel was not governed by the ordinary rules and measures of war, but by immediate direction from God, who by thus exposing them, in the most dangerous moments, magnified his own power in protecting them even then. And this great instance of security, in disabling themselves for action just when they were entering upon action, proclaimed such confidence in the divine care for their safety as would increase their enemies’ fears, much more when their scouts informed them not only of the thing itself that was done, but of the meaning of it, that it was a seal of the grant of this land to Israel (Henry, 1996).

[2.] God would hereby animate his people Israel against the difficulties they were now to encounter, by confirming his covenant with them, which gave them unquestionable assurance of victory and success, and the full possession of the land of promise. [3.] God would hereby teach them, and us with them, in all great undertakings to begin with God, to make sure of his favour, by offering ourselves to him a living sacrifice (for that was signified by the blood of circumcision), and then we may expect to prosper in all we do. [4.] The reviving of circumcision, after it had been so long disused, was designed to revive the observance of other institutions, the omission of which had been connived at in the wilderness (Henry, 1996).

This command to circumcise them was to remind them of that which Moses had told them (Deu. 21:8), that when they should have come over Jordan they must not do as they had done in the wilderness, but must come under a stricter discipline. It was said concerning many of the laws God had given them that they must observe them in the land to which they were going, Deu. 6:1; 12:1. [5.] This second circumcision, as it is here called, was typical of the spiritual circumcision with which the Israel of God, when they enter into the gospel rest, are circumcised; it is the learned bishop Pierson’s observation that this circumcision being performed under the direction of Joshua, Moses’ successor, it points to Jesus as the true circumciser, the author of another circumcision than that of the flesh, commanded by the law, even the circumcision of the heart (Rom. 2:29), called the circumcision of Christ, Col, 2:11 (Henry, 1996).

3. The people’s obedience to these orders. Joshua circumcised the children of Israel (v. 3), not himself with his own hands, but he commanded that it should be done, and took care that it was done: it might soon be despatched, for it was not necessary that it should be done by a priest or Levite, but any one might be employed to do it. All those that were under twenty years old when the people were numbered at Mount Sinai, and not being numbered with them fell not by the fatal sentence, were circumcised, and by them all the rest might be circumcised in a little time. The people had promised to hearken to Joshua as they had hearkened to Moses (ch. 1:17), and here they gave an instance of their dutifulness by submitting to this painful institution, and not calling him for the sake of it a bloody governor, as Zipporah because of the circumcision called Moses a bloody husband (Henry, 1996).

4. The names given to the place where this was done, to perpetuate the memory of it. (1.) It was called the hill of the foreskins, v. 3. Probably the foreskins that were cut off were laid on a heap, and covered with earth, so that they made a little hillock. (2.) It was called Gilgal, from a word which signifies to take away, from that which God said to Joshua (v. 9), This day have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt. God is jealous for the honour of his people, his own honour being so much interested in it; and, whatever reproach they may lie under for a time, first or last it will certainly be rolled away, and every tongue that riseth up against them he will condemn (Henry, 1996).

[1.] Their circumcision rolled away the reproach of Egypt. they were hereby owned to be the free-born children of God, having the seal of the covenant in their flesh, and so the reproach of their bondage in Egypt was removed. They were tainted with the idolatry of Egypt, and that was their reproach; but now that they were circumcised it was to be hoped they would be so entirely devoted to God that the reproach of their affection to Egypt would be rolled away. [2.] Their coming safely to Canaan rolled away the reproach of Egypt, for it silenced that spiteful suggestion of the Egyptians, that for mischief they were brought out, the wilderness had shut them in, Ex. 14:3. Their wandering so long in the wilderness confirmed the reproach, but now that they had entered Canaan in triumph that reproach was done away. When God glorifies himself in perfecting the salvation of his people he not only silences the reproach of their enemies, but rolls it upon themselves (Henry, 1996).

Reflection:
If we allow our wilderness to captivate our minds, and to block our progress, than we learn nothing, and receive nothing. But, if we allow our wilderness experience to teach us how to become obedient to the perfect will of God, then we learn the lessons that God has orchestrated to take us into what He has already proclaimed, and declared, as our possession. Therefore, it is essential that we learn from the lessons in our life, designed to make us into who God created us to be; and not die in the wilderness, along with a handful of empty dreams.We must also remember, that anything that is not of God; will be permanently circumcised. Anything that is contrary to our purpose, will be cut off and burned! Remember, never to go back to dead things that have been severed by the hand of God himself.

References:
Henry, Matthew. "Commentary on Joshua 5." . Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar 1996. 2010. 20 Mar 2010.
http:// www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?
AuthorID=4&contentID=824&commInfo=5&topic=Joshua&ar=Jos_5_2

Higgins, S. (2010). Cut For Purpose. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, http://www.higginspublishing.com

In The Moment

2010-03-18T08:58:00.001-07:00

Scripture(s): Matthew 27:39-44

And those passing by were hurling abuse at Him, wagging their heads and saying, "You who {are going to} destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross." In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking {Him} and saying, "He saved others; He cannot save Himself. He is the King of Israel; let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe in Him. "HE TRUSTS IN GOD; LET GOD RESCUE {Him} now, IF HE DELIGHTS IN HIM; for He said, 'I am the Son of God.' "The robbers who had been crucified with Him were also insulting Him with the same words.

Commentary:
During the crucifixion, Jesus experienced the worst treatment from those that previously followed him, as well as those that condemned Him from the beginning. They mocked him, and humiliated him. They said all manner of words against Him, and who He was. The accusations that were used against Him, were used to make him give up the purpose in which He had come to earth.

Therefore, it was not an option for Him to abort His mission, no matter what others said to Him. If He would have listened to the voices of man, and stepped down from the cross, or called a legion of angels; the purpose in which He came to redeem mankind back to God would have been of no effect. Therefore, His final moments show us how much He really loved us, even unto death by crucifixion.

Reflection:
There will be times that people in our lives will not be able to see the full picture of what God is doing in our lives. They will only be able to see the outer appearance of things, and not understand the full scope of what our purpose in life is. We can try to explain it to them, as Jesus kept explaining the purpose of His life to the disciples. However, the disciples did not understand His purpose in the moment. Just like people in our lives will not always understand our purpose. They will not understand the countless hours of sacrifice, and the self-denial that it takes for us to forge foward in our purpose. They will not understand the shear commitment, and the disicipline that it takes for us to keep on the right course. But we must be encouraged to not come down from the cross, and hold to the purpose in which He has given us. Yes, sometimes it gets lonely, but the final moments of how we live our lives, will prove to be a fruitful investment for the glory of God.

Strong's Concordance Definition:

Mocking: 1702
1) to play with, trifle with
a) to mock
b) to delude, deceive

Down: 2597
1) to go down, come down, descend

a) the place from which one has come down from
b) to come down
1) as from the temple at Jerusalem, from the city of Jerusalem
2) of celestial beings coming down to earth
c) to be cast down
2) of things
a) to come (i.e. be sent) down
b) to come (i.e. fall) down
1) from the upper regions of the air
3) metaph. to (go i.e.) be cast down to the lowest state of wretchedness and shame

Believe: 4100
1) to think to be true, to be persuaded of, to credit, place confidence in

a) of the thing believed
1) to credit, have confidence
b) in a moral or religious reference
1) used in the NT of the conviction and trust to which a man is impelled by a certain inner and higher prerogative and law of soul
2) to trust in Jesus or God as able to aid either in obtaining or in doing something: saving faith
3) mere acknowledgment of some fact or event: intellectual faith
2) to entrust a thing to one, i.e. his fidelity
a) to be intrusted with a thing

References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Gospel of Matthew 27 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 15 Feb 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mat&c=27&t=NASB

Higgins, S. (2010). In The Moment. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, Http://www.higginspublishing.com

Face-To-Face

2010-03-17T08:14:00.000-07:00

Scripture: (Deuteronomy 34:1-4)

Now Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho. And the LORD showed him all the land, Gilead as far as Dan, and all Naphtali and the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, and all the land of Judah as far as the western sea, and the Negev and the plain in the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees, as far as Zoar. Then the LORD said to him, "This is the land which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, 'I will give it to your descendants'; I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over there."

Commentary:
Having read how Moses finished his testimony, we are told here how he immediately after finished his life. This chapter could not be written by Moses himself, but was added by Joshua or Eleazar, or, as bishop Patrick conjectures, by Samuel, who was a prophet, and wrote by divine authority what he found in the records of Joshua, and his successors the judges. We have had an account of his dying words, here we have an account of his dying work, and that is work we must all do shortly, and it had need be well done. Here is, I. The view Moses had of the land of Canaan just before he died (v. 1-4). II. His death and burial (v. 5, 6). III. His age (v. 7). IV. Israel’s mourning for him (v. 8). V. His successor (v. 9). VI. His character (v. 10, etc.) (Henry, 1996).

Moses looking downward again towards this earth, to see the earthly Canaan into which he must never enter, but therein by faith looking forwards to the heavenly Canaan into which he should now immediately enter. God had threatened that he should not come into the possession of Canaan, and the threatening is fulfilled. But he had also promised that he should have a prospect of it, and the promise is here performed: The Lord showed him all that good land, v. 1. 1. If he went up alone to the top of Pisgah, yet he was not alone, for the Father was with him, Jn. 16:32. If a man has any friends, he will have them about him when he lies a dying. But if, either through God’s providence or their unkindness, it should so happen that we should then be alone, we need fear no evil if the great and good Shepherd be with us, Ps. 23:4. 2 (Henry, 1996).

Though his sight was very good, and he had all the advantage of high ground that he could desire for the prospect, yet he could not have seen what he now saw, all Canaan from end to end (reckoned about fifty or sixty miles), if his sight had not been miraculously assisted and enlarged, and therefore it is said, The Lord showed it to him. Note, All the pleasant prospects we have of the better country we are beholden to the grace of God for; it is he that gives the spirit of wisdom as well as the spirit of revelation, the eye as well as the object. This sight which God here gave Moses of Canaan, probably, the devil designed to mimic, and pretended to out-do, when in an airy phantom he showed to our Saviour, whom he had placed like Moses upon an exceedingly high mountain, all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them, not gradually, as here, first one country and then another, but all in a moment of time (Henry, 1996).

3. He saw it at a distance. Such a sight the Old-Testament saints had of the kingdom of the Messiah; they saw it afar off. Thus Abraham, long before this, saw Christ’s day; and, being fully persuaded of it, embraced it in the promise, leaving others to embrace it in the performance, Heb. 11:13. Such a sight believers now have, through grace, of the bliss and glory of their future state. The word and ordinances are to them what Mount Pisgah was to Moses; from them they have comfortable prospects of the glory to be revealed, and rejoice in hope of it. 4. He saw it, but must never enjoy it. As God sometimes takes his people away from the evil to come, so at other times he takes them away from the good to come, that is, the good which shall be enjoyed by the church in the present world (Henry, 1996.)

Reflection:
God was merciful to Moses in that he was allowed to see the promise land. Moses was able to behold the beautiful land that God had promised to his people; the land flowing with milk and honey. However, Moses knew that because he stepped outside of the will of God at Meribah, by getting angry and reacting to the demands of the people; that he would not receive the benefit of entering the promise land. Nevertheless, Moses had such a close relationship with God, that even though he made a grievious mistake; God still talked to him face-to-face, until it was time for Moses to be called home to be with his fathers. Moses loved God, and did not question the decisions of God. Therefore, Moses accepted what God said, and was received into the eternal promise land; though he did not enter into the earthly promise. Let us learn from the example of Moses, and continually strive to be obedient in what God gives us to do, so that we can possess all the promises of God, earthly and eternal.

Strong's Concordance Definitions - (Deuteronomy 34:4)

This is the land: 776
1) land, earth

2) earth
1) whole earth (as opposed to a part)
2) earth (as opposed to heaven)
3) earth (inhabitants)
b) land
1) country, territory
2) district, region
3) tribal territory
4) piece of ground
5) land of Canaan, Israel
6) inhabitants of land
7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world
8) city (-state)
c) ground, surface of the earth
1) ground
2) soil
d) (in phrases)
1) people of the land
2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance)
3) level or plain country
4) land of the living
5) end(s) of the earth
e) (almost wholly late in usage)
1) lands, countries
a) often in contrast to Canaan

which I sware: 7650
1) to swear, adjure

a) (Qal) sworn (participle)
b) (Niphal)
1) to swear, take an oath
2) to swear (of Jehovah by Himself)
3) to curse
c) (Hiphil)
1) to cause to take an oath
2) to adjure

to Abraham: 85
Abraham = "father of a multitude" or "chief of multitude"

1) friend of God and founder of Hebrew nation via God's elective covenant

unto Isaac: 3327
Isaac = "he laughs"

1) son of Abraham by Sarah his wife and father of Jacob and Esau

and unto Jacob: 3290
Jacob = "heel holder" or "supplanter"
1) son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham, and father of the 12 patriarchs of the tribes of Israel

saying I will give: 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

thou shalt not go: 5674
1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress

a) (Qal)
1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over
2) to pass beyond
3) to pass through, traverse
a) passers-through (participle)
b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant)
4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by
a) passer-by (participle)
b) to be past, be over
5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance
6) to pass away
a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory)
b) to vanish
c) to perish, cease to exist
d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree)
e) to be alienated, pass into other hands
b) (Niphal) to be crossed
c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross
d) (Hiphil)
1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote
2) to cause to pass through
3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by
4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away
e) (Hithpael) to pass over

References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Book of Deuteronomy 34 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 17 Mar 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Deu&c=34&t=NASB

Henry, Matthew. "Commentary on Deuteronomy 34." . Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar 1996. 2010. 17 Mar 2010.

http:// www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?
AuthorID=4&contentID=818&commInfo=5&topic=Deuteronomy&
ar=Deu_34_1

Higgins, S. (2010). Face-To-Face. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, http://www.higginspublishing.com

But I Want What I Want

2010-03-16T09:08:00.000-07:00

Scripture: (Mark 15:15)
Wishing to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas for them, and after having Jesus scourged, he handed Him over to be crucified.

Commentary:
What we read of the sufferings of Christ, in the foregoing chapter, was but the prologue or introduction; here we have the completing of them. We left him condemned by the chief priests; but they could only show their teeth, they could not bite. Here we have him, I. Arraigned and accused before Pilate the Roman governor (v. 1-5). II. Cried out against by the common people, at the instigation of the priests (v. 6–14). III. Condemned to be crucified immediately (v. 15). IV. Bantered and abused, as a mock-king, by the Roman soldiers (v. 16–19). V. Led out to the place of execution with all possible ignominy and disgrace (v. 20–24). VI. Nailed to the cross between two thieves (v. 25–28). VII. Reviled and abused by all that passed by (v. 29–32). VIII. Forsaken for a time by his father (v. 33–36). IX. Dying, and rending the veil (v. 37, 38). X. Attested and witnessed to by the centurion and others (v. 39–41). XI. Buried in the sepulchre of Joseph of Arimathea (v. 42–47) (Henry, 1996).

Here, I. Pilate, to gratify the Jews’ malice, delivers Christ to be crucified, v. 15. Willing to content the people, to do enough for them (so the word is), and make them easy, that he might keep them quiet, he released Barabbas unto them, who was the scandal and plague of their nation, and delivered Jesus to be crucified, who was the glory and blessing of their nation. Though he had scourged him before, hoping that would content them, and then not designing to crucify him, yet he went on to that; for no wonder that he who could persuade himself to chastise one that was innocent (Lu. 23:16), could by degrees persuade himself to crucify him (Henry, 1996).

Reflection:
Those that pushed for the crucifixion of Jesus, were so hell bent on having Him crucified, that it did not matter what He had done for them. It did not matter that He had, raised the dead, or healed the sick, or even feed thousands of people. What mattered to them, is having their own way; and they wanted him dead. The question remains, why were they so set on killing someone that had only accomplished good in their lives? We understand that calvary was in the plan of God. But let us go a little deeper in our train of thought. How many times have we done something just to satisfy someone, so that they would not complain; or, so that they would be quiet? We didn't want to rock the boat. Just like Pilate. Or, how many times have we wanted our own way, and pushed to get it, regardless if it was wrong, or right? Just like those during the times of the crucifixion of or Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Let us be mindful to always consider the motive of our hearts, and remember that nothing is more important than reflecting the mind of Christ, regardless of what we want.

Strong's Concordance Definition:

Wishing: 1014
1) to will deliberately, have a purpose, be minded

2) of willing as an affection, to desire

To satisfy: 4160
1) to make

a) with the names of things made, to produce, construct, form, fashion, etc.
b) to be the authors of, the cause
c) to make ready, to prepare
d) to produce, bear, shoot forth
e) to acquire, to provide a thing for one's self
f) to make a thing out of something
g) to (make i.e.) render one anything
1) to (make i.e.) constitute or appoint one anything, to appoint or ordain one that
2) to (make i.e.) declare one anything
h) to put one forth, to lead him out
i) to make one do something
1) cause one to
j) to be the authors of a thing (to cause, bring about)
2) to do
a) to act rightly, do well
1) to carry out, to execute
b) to do a thing unto one
1) to do to one
c) with designation of time: to pass, spend
d) to celebrate, keep
1) to make ready, and so at the same time to institute, the celebration of the passover
e) to perform: to a promise

The crowd: 3793
1) a crowd

a) a casual collection of people
1) a multitude of men who have flocked together in some place
2) a throng
b) a multitude
1) the common people, as opposed to the rulers and leading men
2) with contempt: the ignorant multitude, the populace
c) a multitude
1) the multitudes, seems to denote troops of people gathered together without order

Released: 630
1) to set free

2) to let go, dismiss, (to detain no longer)
a) a petitioner to whom liberty to depart is given by a decisive answer
b) to bid depart, send away
3) to let go free, release
a) a captive i.e. to loose his bonds and bid him depart, to give him liberty to depart
b) to acquit one accused of a crime and set him at liberty
c) indulgently to grant a prisoner leave to depart
d) to release a debtor, i.e. not to press one's claim against him, to remit his debt
4) used of divorce, to dismiss from the house, to repudiate. The wife of a Greek or Roman may divorce her husband.
5) to send one's self away, to depart

Barrabas: 912
Barabbas = "son of a father or master"

1) the captive robber whom the Jews begged Pilate to release instead of Christ

for them and having Jesus: 2424
Jesus = "Jehovah is salvation"

1) Jesus, the Son of God, the Saviour of mankind, God incarnate
2) Jesus Barabbas was the captive robber whom the Jews begged Pilate to release instead of Christ
3) Joshua was the famous captain of the Israelites, Moses' successor (Ac. 7:45, Heb. 4:8)
4) Jesus, son of Eliezer, one of the ancestors of Christ (Lu. 3:29)
5) Jesus, surnamed Justus, a Jewish Christian, an associate with Paul in the preaching of the gospel (Col. 4:11)

he handed: 3860
1) to give into the hands (of another)

2) to give over into (one's) power or use
a) to deliver to one something to keep, use, take care of, manage
b) to deliver up one to custody, to be judged, condemned, punished, scourged, tormented, put to death
c) to deliver up treacherously
1) by betrayal to cause one to be taken
2) to deliver one to be taught, moulded
3) to commit, to commend
4) to deliver verbally
a) commands, rites
b) to deliver by narrating, to report
5) to permit allow
a) when the fruit will allow that is when its ripeness permits
b) gives itself up, presents itself

Him over to be crucified: 4717
1) to stake, drive down stakes

2) to fortify with driven stakes, to palisade
3) to crucify
a) to crucify one
b) metaph. to crucify the flesh, destroy its power utterly (the nature of the figure implying that the destruction is attended with intense pain)

References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Gospel of Mark 15 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 16 Mar 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mar&c=15&t=NASB

Henry, Matthew. "Commentary on Mark 15." . Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar 1996. 2010. 16 Mar 2010.

http:// www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?
AuthorID=4&contentID=1639&commInfo=5&topic=Mark&ar=Mar_15_15