Genesis 1:1 PG 1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. IN THE BEGINNING GOD....IF WE ARE TO FIND MEANING IN LIFE WE BEGIN WITH GOD, FOR GOD WAS IN THE BEGINNING AND HE IS THE SOURCE OF ALL CREATION. HE IS THE CREATOR AND WE ARE HIS CREATURES. Genesis 1:6 PG 1 And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. FIRMAMENT - GOD'S SUPERDOME, A DOME ENCLOSING THE WHOLE EARTH - WOW! NEW ORLEANS SUPERDOME IS NOT SO SUPER COMPARED TO GOD'S SUPERDOME. "God said" Gen 1:3,6,9,11,14,20,24,26. WHEN GOD SAID SOMETHING THAT WAS IT. ONLY MAN AND FALLEN ANGELS CAN FAIL TO MAKE AN APPROPRIATE RESPONSE TO WHAT GOD SAYS. THOSE INVOLVED IN THE OCCULT BELIEVE THERE ARE CREATIVE FORCES RELEASED WHEN WORDS ARE SPOKEN. THE WHOLE CREATION CAME TO BE NOT BECAUSE OF WHAT GOD SAID BUT BECAUSE IT WAS GOD WHO SAID IT. HOW WILL I RESPOND TO WHAT GOD SAID? Genesis 1:26 PG 2 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over ...all the earth... PLURAL PRONOUNS US AND OUR = FATHER, SON, HOLY SPIRIT MAN WAS CREATED TO HAVE DOMINION OVER GOD'S CREATION - WOW! Genesis 1:27 PG 2 So God created man in his image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. IMAGE - A REPRODUCTION OR IMITATION OF THE FORM OF A PERSON OR THING; AN IMITATION IN SOLID FORM: STATUE; EXACT LIKENESS, SEMBLANCE. HOW COULD WE KNOW THAT WE ARE CREATED IN THE IMAGE OF GOD AND EVER HAVE ANY PROBLEM WITH OUR SELF IMAGE? SELF IS THE PROBLEM! JESUS EMPTIED HIMSELF. HE WAS ALWAYS IN PERFECT TOTAL OBEDIENCE TO THE FATHER. WE NEED TO GET RID OF OUR PRIDE. PRIDE IS NOT A VIRTUE - IT IS A SIN. IF WE WILL EMPTY OURSELF, IF WE WILL HUMBLE OURSELF, GOD WILL LIFT US UP. IF WE LIFT OURSELF UP, WE WILL SURELY FALL. John the Baptist said as he spoke of Jesus - He must increase but I must decrease. WHO CONTROLS MY LIFE - ME OR JESUS? DO I WANT TO CONTROL OR DO I WANT HIM TO CONTROL? Genesis 1:31 PG 3 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, very good.... GOD DOESN'T MAKE JUNK - EVEN YOU AND ME - WE ARE NOT JUNK. Genesis 2:3 PG 3 And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made. GOD GAVE US AN EXAMPLE - WE NEED TO REST ONE DAY PER WEEK. ON THAT DAY AND EVERY DAY - FIND OUR REST IN HIM. Genesis 2:7 PG 4 And the LORD God formed man the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. MAN IS DIFFERENT FROM, AND ABOVE ANY ANIMAL. HE IS CREATED IN THE IMAGE OF GOD. HE HAS A FREE WILL. HE CAN CHOOSE TO DO OR NOT DO WHAT GOD SAYS. HE HAS A SOUL. HE IS AN ETERNAL BEING. ANIMAL RIGHTS FOLKS AND HINDU REINCARNATION BELIEFS ARE FOOLISH. Genesis 2:8 PG 4 And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed. Genesis 2:15 PG 4 And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. WORK IS A BLESSING. MAN WAS CREATED TO WORK. HE HAD MEANINGFUL WORK TO DO BEFORE THE FALL AND ANY SUBSEQUENT CURSE. Genesis 2:18 PG 4 And the LORD God said, not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. MEN NEED HELP! GOD KNEW IT WAS NOT GOOD FOR MAN TO BE ALONE. THAT IS WHY HE CREATED WOMEN TO HELP MEN. IT FOLLOWS THAT IN GENERAL MEN WILL NOT BE HAPPY, PRODUCTIVE AND FULFILLED WITHOUT A WOMAN TO HELP HIM. IT ALSO FOLLOWS THAT WOMEN IN GENERAL WILL BE MOST HAPPY IF THEY ARE HELPING THEIR HELPLESS MAN. PROBABLY THEY SHOULDN'T BE TOO OBVIOUS ABOUT HIS HELPLESSNESS. PROBABLY THE MAN SHOULD NOT BE TOO OBVIOUS ABOUT HIS AUTHORITY OVER THE WOMAN SINCE IT IS HE WHO IS HELPLESS. THIS IS PROBABLY THE MAIN REASON MARRIAGES FAIL. THE WOMAN DOES NOT WANT TO SUBMIT TO THE AUTHORITY OF SOMEONE WHO NEEDS SO MUCH HELP. THE HELPLESS MAN DOESN'T APPRECIATE HOW HELPLESS HE IS. Genesis 2:24-25 PG 5 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed. WHEN YOU MARRY CUT THE TIES WITH YOUR PARENT'S INFLUENCE ON YOUR LIFE. THAT ENDS THEIR AUTHORITY. IT DOES NOT END YOUR DUTY TO HONOR AND RESPECT THEM. BUT IT DOES END THEIR AUTHORITY OVER YOU. Genesis 3:5 - ...ye shall be as gods. THIS IS THE LIE. IT FORMS FUNDAMENTAL THESIS OF HINDUISM, BUDDHISM, MORMONISM, NEW AGE MOVEMENT, GLOBALISM, REINCARNATION, THE OCCULT AND ALMOST EVERY OTHER ISM OTHER THAN ORTHODOX JUDAISM AND CHRISTIANITY. LEARN TO RECOGNIZE THIS LIE REGARDLESS OF WHICH OF THE THOUSANDS OF NEW SUGAR COATINGS THAT SATAN PUTS OVER THIS BASIC FUNDAMENTAL LIE DESIGNED TO TAKE YOU TO HELL. Genesis 3:6 PG 5 And when the woman saw that the tree good for food, and that it pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. ADAM WAS STANDING RIGHT THERE WITH EVE WHEN SATAN WAS TEMPTING EVE. THE GUTLESS WONDER DID NOT DO ANYTHING TO STOP IT. IT WAS HIS RESPONSIBILITY TO STOP IT. Genesis 3:15 - 16 PG 5 -6 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire [shall be] to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. THE CURSES PUT MEN AND WOMEN IN CONFLICT. THE PERFECT SITUATION BETWEEN MAN AND CREATION WAS LOST. SATAN TOOK DOMINION. ONLY JESUS CAN RESTORE IT. JAN 2 GEN 4:1 - 5:32 PG 7 -10 Genesis 4:9 PG 7 ... I my brother's keeper? THE ANSWER IS YES. JESUS PAID THE ENTIRE PRICE FOR ALL THE SINS OF ALL MEN. DO I CARE THAT PEOPLE FOR WHOM MY LORD PAID SUCH A PRICE MAY BE LOST? WILL MY LIFE CAUSE ANY TO ASK THE REASON OF THE HOPE THAT IS WITHIN ME? AM I READY TO GIVE THEM THE ANSWER? WHY DID PEOPLE LIVE SO LONG BEFORE THE FLOOD? PROBABLY THE FIRMAMENT SHIELDED MEN FROM THE HARMFUL RADIATION WHICH CAUSED AGING. GOD CREATED MAN IN HIS IMAGE AND INTENDED FOR MAN TO HAVE ACCESS TO THE TREE OF LIFE AND LIVE FOREVER. WE CAN KNOW, ON THE INTEGRITY OF GOD'S WORD THAT THERE IS LIFE AFTER DEATH. WHERE WILL I SPEND ETERNITY? Genesis 5:24 PG 10 And Enoch walked with God: and he not; for God took him. ENOCH WALKED WITH GOD. AM I WALKING WITH GOD OR AWAY FROM HIM? ENOCH DID NOT DIE. GOD TOOK HIM. Hebrews 9:27 - And as it is appointed unto men [once to die], but after this the judgment: ELIJAH IS THE ONLY OTHER MAN WHO DID NOT DIE. PERHAPS ENOCH AND ELIJAH ARE GOD'S 2 SPECIAL WITNESSES IN THE TRIBULATION WHO STAND POWERFULLY AGAINST ANTICHRIST. JAN 3 GEN 6:1 - 9:29 PG 11 - 16 Genesis 6:4 PG 11 There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare to them, the same mighty men which of old, men of renown. THERE ARE DIFFERENT IDEAS ON WHAT THIS MEANS. SOME BELIEVE THAT THE SONS OF GOD WERE FALLEN ANGELS WHO TOOK HUMAN WIVES. THIS WAS GROSS SIN SINCE ANGELS WERE NOT TO TAKE WIVES. JESUS INSTRUCTED IN Matthew 22:30 - "For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven." WHEN YOU SEE THE "SONS OF GOD" REFERENCES IN JOB YOU SEE WHY SUCH BELIEF COULD BE FACTUAL. Job 1:6 - Now there was a day when the [sons of God] came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. Job 2:1 - Again there was a day when the [sons of God] came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD. Job 38:4 & 7 - Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. & When the morning stars sang together, and all the [sons of God] shouted for joy? THE ONLY REASON IT MAY BE IMPORTANT IS THAT ONE OF THE PARTICULAR END TIME SIGNS WHICH JESUS GAVE TO US IS THAT IT WOULD BE AS IT WAS IN THE DAYS OF NOAH. IT MAY BE THAT THESE UNHOLY DEMONIC UNIONS PRODUCED THE GIANTS. OR IT MAY JUST BE THE GROSS WICKEDNESS IN GENERAL WHICH MARKED NOAH'S TIME. THE HEBREW WORD FOR GIANT IS NEPHIYL, WHICH SIMPLY MEANS A BULLY TYRANT, OR GIANT. Genesis 6:5-6 PG 11 And God saw that the wickedness of man great in the earth, and every imagination of the thoughts of his heart only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. EVERY THOUGHT WAS ONLY EVIL CONTINUALLY. Genesis 6:8 PG 11 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. Genesis 7:5 PG 11 And Noah did according unto all that the LORD commanded him. WOULD I DO ALL THE LORD'S COMMANDS? - NOAH WORKED 100 YEARS BEING RIDICULED BY EVERYONE TO BUILD THE ARK. Genesis 7:16 And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in. FLOOD WATERS COVERED THE HIGHEST MOUNTAIN TOPS BY OVER 20 FEET. MANY IRREFUTABLE GEOLOGICAL PROOFS EXIST TO MARK THE GREAT FLOOD AS AN HISTORICAL FACT. HOW ELSE CAN ONE FIND MARINE FOSSILS AT ALTITUDES OF OVER 15,000 FEET ABOVE SEA LEVEL? HOW ELSE CAN THE HIGH ELEVATION TAR PITS CONTAIN THE BONES OF PREDATOR AND PREY ALIKE? Genesis 8:4 PG 14 And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat. THE ARK IS HIGH ON MT. ARARAT TO THIS DAY. IT HAS BEEN PHOTOGRAPHED BY AIR AND SATELLITE. PERHAPS THE "BREAK-UP" OF THE SOVIET UNION WILL FINALLY ALLOW ARCHAEOLOGICAL VERIFICATION. Genesis 8:15 - 20 PG 14 And God spake unto Noah,....Go forth of the ark,....And Noah went forth, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons' wives with him: Every beast, .....after their kinds, went forth out of the ark. And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. CONSIDER NOAH'S OBEDIENCE - 100 YEARS OF HARD LABOR AND RIDICULE BY HIS PEERS IN BUILDING THE ARK, 300 DAYS ON THE ARK, AND WAITED 56 DAYS AFTER THE GROUND WAS DRY UNTIL GOD TOLD HIM TO LEAVE THE ARK. THE FIRST THING HE DOES UPON LEAVING THE ARK IS TO BUILD AN ALTER AND MAKE SACRIFICE TO GOD. Genesis 8:21 PG 14 - 15 ... and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done. THE EARTH WILL NEVER AGAIN BE DESTROYED. MAN NOW HAS NUCLEAR CAPABILITY OF DESTROYING ALL LIFE ON EARTH; HOWEVER, GOD WILL NOT ALLOW IT. WE CAN FORGET ABOUT ALL OF THE SCIENTISTS WHO PREDICT DOOM. OZONE DEPLETION, GLOBAL WARMING, etc., IS ALL A BUNCH OF HORSEFEATHERS. WE SHOULD NOT TRASH THE ENVIRONMENT BUT GOD WILL NOT ALLOW THE DESTRUCTION OF THE PLANET. ENVIRONMENTAL EXTREMISM ILLUSTRATES THE HEIGHT OF HUMAN VANITY AND PLAYS RIGHT INTO THE HANDS OF ANTICHRIST. GOD WILL INTERVENE AT THE LORD'S SECOND COMING TO PREVENT THE DESTRUCTION OF ALL FLESH BY ANTICHRIST. THE IMAGINATION OF MAN'S HEART IS EVIL FROM HIS YOUTH. THIS IS WHY WE MUST BE BORN AGAIN BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD. OTHERWISE WE CANNOT HELP BUT THINK AND DO EVIL. MAN'S GREATEST PROBLEM IS THAT HE TRIES TO HIDE OR EXCUSE HIS SIN, JUST LIKE THE ALCOHOLIC DENIES THAT HE HAS A DRINKING PROBLEM. WE NEED THE HOLY SPIRIT TO CONVINCE US OF OUR SINS AND LEAD US TO CONFESS THEM AND HELP US REPENT FROM OUR SINS. JESUS PAID THE FULL PRICE FOR ALL OF OUR SINS BUT WE STILL HAVE TO CONFESS AND REPENT. THIS WE CANNOT DO WITHOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT. Genesis 9:1-2 PG 15 And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth. And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered. DO YOU KNOW YOU CAN BACK DOWN ANY WILD ANIMAL? GOD HAS PUT THE FEAR OF HUMANS INTO THE HEART OF EVERY ANIMAL. THE ANIMAL MUST FEAR YOU. THE ANIMAL SOMEHOW KNOWS IF YOU FEAR IT. IF YOU KNOW THAT GOD HAS PUT THE FEAR OF YOU INTO THAT ANIMAL, AND HAVE FAITH TO OVERCOME YOUR FEAR, YOU CAN COMMAND THAT ANIMAL TO STOP ITS CHARGE IN THE NAME OF JESUS AND IT WILL STOP. Genesis 9:3 PG 15 Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. MAN WAS ORIGINALLY CREATED TO BE VEGETARIAN. IT MAY EVEN BE MORE HEALTHY. BUT GOD SAID WE CAN EAT MEAT. SINCE THE TIME OF NOAH, GOD HAS SAID THAT MAN CAN EAT MEAT AS WELL AS VEGETABLES. VEGETARIANS ARE NO MORE OR NO LESS HOLY THAN THE MEAT EATERS. Genesis 9:5 PG 15 And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man's brother will I require the life of man. CAPITAL PUNISHMENT QUESTIONS ANSWERED HERE. JAN 4 GEN. 10:1 - 11:32 PG 17 - 22 In skipping over the genealogies of chapter 10 we should look at Gen 10:8-10 to understand why God had to do what he did in chapter 11. Genesis 10:8-10 PG 19 And Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be a mighty one in the earth. He was a mighty hunter before the LORD: wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the LORD. And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar. DO YOU REMEMBER THAT NOAH CURSED HIS SON HAM AND SAID THAT HAM'S DESCENDANTS WOULD BE SLAVES TO EVERYONE, BECAUSE OF HAM'S GROSS SIN. HAM BEGAT CUSH. CUSH BEGAT NIMROD WHOSE NAME IN HEBREW MEANS "WE WILL REBEL". THIS POINTS TO VIOLENT AND OPEN REBELLION AGAINST GOD. NO DOUBT HAM TOLD CUSH ABOUT THE CURSE, AND CUSH DIDN'T LIKE IT TO THE POINT HE NAMED HIS SON "WE WILL REBEL." I BELIEVE WE BEGIN TO SEE THE SEEDS OF ANTICHRIST RIGHT HERE. NIMROD BECAME A MIGHTY ONE IN THE EARTH BY BOLD AND DARING DEEDS. HIS DEEDS WERE TO HUNT MEN BY TYRANNY AND FORCE AND CONFUSION ACCORDING TO THE MEANING OF THE HEBREW WORDS USED IN THE TEXT AND ACCORDING TO THE FIRST CENTURY HISTORIAN, JOSEPHUS. HE BUILT BABEL AND HENCE, IN SCRIPTURE, BABYLON MEANS MORE THAN THE CAPITOL CITY OF CHALDEA. BABYLON MEANS TYRANNY AND CONFUSION AND OPEN REBELLION AGAINST GOD. NIMROD WAS OBSESSED WITH RAGE AGAINST THE CURSE AND PROPHESY OF NOAH REGARDING HIM AND HIS GENERATIONS. HE WOULD NOT BE A SLAVE. HE WOULD HUNT SLAVES. HE LORDED IT OVER OTHERS, HUNTING AND DESTROYING ALL WHO OPPOSED HIM IN HIS TYRANNY. HE PERSUADED MEN, ACCORDING TO JOSEPHUS, NOT TO ASCRIBE THEIR HAPPINESS TO GOD, BUT TO HIM. HE TAUGHT MEN TO CENTRALIZE AND OPENLY DEFIED GOD TO SEND ANOTHER FLOOD. HE ESTABLISHED THE FIRST KINGDOM AND ESTABLISHED THE FIRST GREAT UNIVERSAL RELIGION OPPOSING GOD SINCE THE FLOOD. THIS WAS DONE OPENLY "before the Lord" IN OPEN DEFIANCE TO GOD. HIS WIFE SEMIRAMIS BECAME PREGNANT AFTER HIS DEATH AND WAS THE UNWED MOTHER OF TAMMUZ. THE ROOTS OF ALMOST ALL ANCIENT RELIGIONS AND MANY MODERN ONES INCLUDING THE NEW AGE MOVEMENT CAN BE TRACED TO THESE THREE PEOPLE NIMROD, SEMIRAMIS, AND TAMMUZ. JUST A FEW ARE THE ANCIENT BABYLONIAN SUN GOD, AND HIS WIFE ISHTAR OR APHRODITE OR VENUS; OSIRIS AND ISIS OF THE EGYPTIANS, AS WELL AS THE HINDU GODS, ALL REINCARNATION RELIGIONS, BUDDHISTS, AND ALL OF THE OCCULT RELIGIONS INCLUDING MOTHER EARTH CAN TRACE THEIR ROOTS TO NIMROD. YOU SEE THE WAY NIMROD WAS GOING, GOD HAD A REAL PROBLEM WITH WHAT WAS GOING ON IN NIMROD'S CROWN JEWEL CITY OF BABEL. THE WAY NIMROD WAS GOING, THE RIGHTEOUS GOD FEARING CHILDREN OF SHEM AND JAPHET DID NOT STAND A CHANCE UNLESS GOD SOMEHOW DIRECTLY INTERVENED ON THEIR BEHALF. Genesis 11:5-9 PG 17 -18 And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded. And the LORD said, Behold, the people one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech. So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city. Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth. CAN YOU SEE THE MERCY OF GOD PROTECTING HIS PEOPLE? CAN WE SEE WHAT NIMROD STARTED BEING CARRIED ON TODAY? ARE POLITICAL LEADERS CALLING FOR CENTRALIZED GOVERNMENT? DO POLITICAL LEADERS SEEM TO BE CALLING FOR A GLOBAL OR ONE WORLD GOVERNMENT? CHRISTIANS MUST KNOW THAT ANY WORLD GOVERNMENT PRIOR TO THE MILLENNIAL REIGN OF JESUS CHRIST WILL BE HEADED BY ANTICHRIST. JAN 5 GEN 12:1 - 14:20 PG 23 - 28 Genesis 12:3 PG 24 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. ABRAHAM SETTLED IN HEBRON AND WAS THE FATHER OF THE HEBREWS OR THE FATHER OF THE NATION OF ISRAEL. THOSE WHO BLESS THE JEWS WILL BE BLESSED BY GOD. THOSE WHO CURSE THE JEWS WILL BE CURSED BY GOD. GOD'S PROMISE TO ABRAHAM STANDS FOREVER. IT IS VITAL THAT OUR NATION NEVER TURN ITS BACK ON ISRAEL. PROBABLY THE UNITED STATES HAS BEEN SO GREATLY BLESSED BY GOD BECAUSE THIS COUNTRY MORE THAN ANY OTHER HAS HELPED TO ESTABLISH AND SUSTAIN THE NATION OF ISRAEL IN PALESTINE. ISRAEL IS OUR MOST IMPORTANT ALLY. Genesis 12:7 PG 24 And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him. GOD GAVE PALESTINE TO THE JEWS FOREVER. (GEN 13:15) Genesis 13:13 PG 26 But the men of Sodom wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly. HOMOSEXUALITY IS NOT AN ALTERNATE LIFESTYLE. IT IS EXCEEDINGLY SINFUL. IN ALL OF HISTORY YOU WILL NOT FIND ANY PROMINENT NATION WHICH WAS NOT SWIFTLY JUDGED AND DESTROYED WHEN THE HOMOSEXUALS CAME OUT OF THE CLOSET. Genesis 13:18 PG 26 Then Abram removed tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the LORD. THIS IS WHERE WE GET THE TERM HEBREW. Genesis 14:18 PG 28 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he the priest of the most high God. SOME THINK MELCHIZEDEK MAY HAVE BEEN A PREINCARNATE APPEARANCE OF JESUS. THERE ARE OVER 40 OLD TESTAMENT APPEARANCES OF JESUS BEFORE HIS BIRTH OF WHICH WE MAY BE CERTAIN IT WAS JESUS. IT IS QUITE INTERESTING TO BE WATCHING CLOSELY FOR THESE APPEARANCES. HERE IS A HINT HOW YOU CAN SPOT THESE PREINCARNATE APPEARANCES OF JESUS CHRIST IN THE OLD TESTAMENT. NO ANGEL OF GOD WILL EVER EXCEPT WORSHIP. WORSHIP IS DUE JESUS SO HE WILL NOT REFUSE IT. MELCHIZEDEK'S NAME MEANS KING OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, KING OF SALEM OR KING OF PEACE, AND THE PRIEST OF THE MOST HIGH GOD. ABRAHAM PAID HIM A TITHE. GIVE GOD THE TOP 10% AND YOU WILL NOT HAVE FINANCIAL PROBLEMS. TRY IT. GOD WILL PROVE IT WORKS TO YOU. JAN 6 GEN 15:1 - 17:27 PG 29 - 34 Genesis 15:1 PG 29 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I thy shield, thy exceeding great reward. IT DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS. THE LORD IS ALL WE NEED. IF GOD IS OUR SHIELD - WHY FEAR? THERE IS NO GREATER REWARD THAN GOD HIMSELF. Genesis 15:6 PG 30 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness. RIGHTEOUSNESS IS A GIFT FROM GOD. NO MAN IS RIGHTEOUS. WE ALL HAVE SINNED, AND ALL OF OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS IS FILTHY RAGS TO GOD. YET GOD CAN COUNT US RIGHTEOUS, THROUGH FAITH. WE ARE COUNTED RIGHTEOUS BY GOD THE SAME WAY ABRAHAM WAS. WE BELIEVE GOD, WE BELIEVE WHAT GOD SAID, WE BELIEVE JESUS PAID THE PRICE REQUIRED FOR OUR SINS. RIGHTEOUSNESS CAN ONLY COME FROM GOD TO MAN THROUGH FAITH. SINCE GOD HIMSELF BECAME THE PERFECT LAMB TO WHICH ALL OF MOSSES' BLOOD SACRIFICES POINTED, THAT FAITH MUST BE IN JESUS CHRIST. JAN 7 GEN 18:1 - 19:38 PG 34 - 35 Genesis 18:13-14 PG 35 And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old? Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son. THERE IS ONLY ONE THING WHICH IS NOT POSSIBLE FOR GOD TO DO. GOD CAN'T LIE. NOTHING ELSE IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD. NOTHING IS TOO HARD FOR GOD. Genesis 18:18 PG 35 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? ALL NATIONS OF THE EARTH HAVE INDEED BEEN BLESSED BY ISRAEL THE NATION OF ABRAHAM. JESUS CAME FROM THE ABRAHAM'S FAMILY THROUGH MARY. JESUS WAS BORN A JEW. Genesis 18:19 PG 36 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him. HOW DOES MY FAMILY KEEP THE WAY OF THE LORD? DO I DO JUSTLY AND EXERCISE GOOD JUDGMENT IN HONEST FAIR DEALING WITH ALL THOSE WITH WHOM I COME IN CONTACT? Genesis 18:20 PG 36 And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous; HOMOSEXUALITY IS A VERY GRIEVOUS SIN. THROUGHOUT ALL HISTORY CIVILIZATIONS AND CULTURES HAVE BEEN DESTROYED AS SOON AS THIS VERY GRIEVOUS SIN WAS SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE AS JUST AN "ALTERNATE LIFESTYLE". Genesis 18:23 PG 36 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked? GOD WILL WITHHOLD JUDGMENT FOR THE SAKE OF A FEW RIGHTEOUS PEOPLE. 2 Chronicles 7:14 - If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. MANY PEOPLE BELIEVE OUR NATION IS ON A COLLISION COURSE WITH THE JUDGMENT OF GOD. THERE ARE CERTAINLY GOOD REASONS TO BELIEVE THIS. BEFORE GOD'S JUDGMENT WE MAY LIKELY SEE PERSECUTION OF BIBLE BELIEVING JEWS AND CHRISTIANS. YET GOD DOES NOT DESTROY THE RIGHTEOUS WITH THE WICKED. IT IS GOD'S PEOPLE, EVEN A SMALL SEEMINGLY HELPLESS FEW, WHO IF THEY HUMBLE THEMSELVES, PRAY, SEEK GOD, AND REPENT OF THEIR SINS CAN SAVE THEIR COUNTRY. JAN 8 GEN 20:1 - 21:21 PG 39 - 44 Genesis 20:6 - 7 PG 40 And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her. Now therefore restore the man wife; for he a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that thine. GOD PROTECTS ABRAHAM HIS PROPHET EVEN THOUGH ABRAHAM HAS NOT DEALT WITH INTEGRITY TOWARD ABIMELECH. Genesis 20:13 PG 40 -41 And it came to pass, when God caused me to wander from my father's house, that I said unto her, This thy kindness which thou shalt show unto me; at every place whither we shall come, say of me, He my brother. ABRAHAM DEFENDS SARAH'S HONOR AND ADMITS HE TOLD SARAH WHAT TO SAY. Genesis 21:2 PG 41 For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. GOD KEEPS HIS PROMISES. TRULY, NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD. THE ONLY THING GOD CAN'T DO IS LIE. ABE=100 SARA=90 Genesis 21:12 PG 43 And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called. GOD MAKES IT CLEAR THAT ISAAC, NOT ISHMAEL, INHERITS ALL THAT GOD HAD PROMISED TO ABRAHAM FOR EVER. PALESTINE IS GIVEN BY GOD TO ISRAEL NOT THE ARAB DECEDENTS OF ISHMAEL. JAN 9 GEN 22:1 - 23:20 PG 44 - 47 Genesis 22:2 PG 44 And he said, Take now thy son, thine only Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of. WOW WHAT A TEST! WE MUST LOVE GOD ABOVE ALL ELSE. WHAT AN EXAMPLE OF FAITH FOR US ALL. CALVARY IS THE HIGHEST PEAK IN THE LAND OF MORIAH WHERE GOD WOULD SACRIFICE HIS ONLY SON JESUS BECAUSE OF OUR SINS. DO I HAVE SUCH FAITH AND TRUST IN GOD? Genesis 22:3 PG 44 And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him. ABRAHAM IMMEDIATELY OBEYS. HIS TEST IS PROBABLY MORE DIFFICULT THAN ANY TEST WE COULD EVER FACE AND HE IMMEDIATELY OBEYS. WHAT A GREAT EXAMPLE OF FAITH AND TRUST IN GOD. Genesis 22:8 PG 44 And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together. PROPHESY - God will provide himself a lamb... POINTING TO THE SACRIFICE OF GOD'S ONLY SON JESUS ON THIS SAME PLACE BECAUSE OF OUR SINS. SUCH A GREAT PRICE WAS PAID BY GOD BECAUSE OF OUR SINS. HIS GRACE IS NOT CHEAP GRACE. HE CHECKED ABRAHAM'S FAITH AND TRUST BUT ULTIMATELY HE DID NOT REQUIRE ABRAHAM TO MAKE THE SACRIFICE HE WOULD MAKE HIMSELF HERE AT CALVARY. Genesis 22:10 - 12 PG 45 And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here I. And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only from me. COULD I PASS SUCH A TEST? Genesis 22:14 PG 45 Jehovahjireh: THE LORD WILL PROVIDE. Genesis 22:16 PG 45 And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only : That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed..... GOD SAID THAT HE WOULD SWEAR BY HIMSELF. THAT IS AS CERTAIN AS ANYTHING COULD POSSIBLY BE. THE HIGHEST AUTHORITY AND MAJESTY POSSIBLE IS GOD HIMSELF. JAN 10 GEN 24:1 - 24:67 PG 47 - 50 Genesis 24:2 PG 47 And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh: ACCORDING TO JEWISH AND ORIENTAL TRADITION THIS WAS A SACRED ACT OF SUBMISSION OF THE ONE WHO WAS CALLED TO PLACE THE HAND UNDER THE THIGH. Genesis 24:12 PG 48 And he said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and show kindness unto my master Abraham. ABRAHAM HAD OBVIOUSLY SHARED HIS FAITH IN GOD WITH HIS CHIEF STEWARD. GOD ANSWERS HIS PRAYER BEFORE HE HAS FINISHED PRAYING. Genesis 24:50-51 PG 49 Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, The thing proceedeth from the LORD: we cannot speak unto thee bad or good. Behold, Rebekah before thee, take , and go, and let her be thy master's son's wife, as the LORD hath spoken. LABAN AND BETHUEL RESPECTED THE LORD. THEY DID NOT HESITATE TO LET REBEKAH GO WITH ABRAHAM'S SERVANT WHEN THEY HEARD THAT IT WAS THE WILL OF THE LORD. JAN 11 GEN 25:1 - 26:33 PG 50 - 55 Genesis 25:5 PG 51 And Abraham gave all that he had unto Isaac. GOD GAVE PALESTINE TO JEWISH DECEDENTS OF ISAAC AND NOT THE ARAB DECEDENTS OF ISHMAEL. Genesis 25:11 PG 51 And it came to pass after the death of Abraham, that God blessed his son Isaac; and Isaac dwelt by the well Lahairoi. Genesis 25:21 PG 52 And Isaac entreated the LORD for his wife, because she barren: and the LORD was entreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived. Genesis 25:22 - 23 PG 52 And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If so, why I thus? And she went to inquire of the LORD. And the LORD said unto her, Two nations in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and people shall be stronger than people; and the elder shall serve the younger. GOD KNEW JACOB AND ESAU BEFORE THEY WERE BORN. THE TWINS WERE FIGHTING WITH EACH OTHER BEFORE THEY WERE BORN. LIFE BEGINS AT CONCEPTION. GOD TOLD REBEKAH THAT ESAU, THE ELDER, WOULD SERVE JACOB, THE YOUNGER. GOD KNEW THESE TWO BABIES FIGHTING WITH EACH OTHER IN REBEKAH'S WOMB. ABORTION KILLS BABIES. IT IS SACRIFICING TO MOLECH. Genesis 25:25, 26 & 28 PG 53 And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau. And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau's heel; and his name was called Jacob: and Isaac threescore years old when she bare them. And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of venison: but Rebekah loved Jacob. ESAU'S NAME MEANS ROUGH AND JACOB'S NAME MEANS TO OVERTHROW BY TRIPPING UP. THEIR PARENTS PICKED FAVORITES. THIS ADDED TO THE STRIFE BETWEEN THE BROTHERS. Genesis 25:30 PG 53 And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red ; for I faint: therefore was his name called Edom. ESAU GETS THE NEW NAME EDOM MEANING RED. WHAT NEW NAME DOES GOD GIVE JACOB? Genesis 26:4 - 5 And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws. ABRAHAM DID NOT HAVE THE SCRIPTURES. YET HIS FAITH AND OBEDIENCE WERE GREAT. HE FOUND GREAT FAVOR WITH GOD. WE HAVE SO MUCH MORE REASON TO HAVE FAITH AND BE OBEDIENT THAN DID ABRAHAM YET HOW FAR SHORT OF ABRAHAM'S LEVEL OF FAITH AND OBEDIENCE AM I? EVERYONE COULD SEE HOW GOD BLESSED ABRAHAM AND ISAAC AND JACOB BECAUSE OF ABRAHAM'S FAITH AND OBEDIENCE. JAN 12 GEN 26:34 - 28:22 PG 55 - 59 JACOB CONSPIRES WITH HIS MOTHER TO DECEIVE ISAAC. JACOB RECEIVES ISAAC'S SPECIAL BLESSING. THIS BLESSING IS THE BLESSING GOD GAVE TO ABRAHAM. Genesis 27:29 PG 57 Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let thy mother's sons bow down to thee: cursed every one that curseth thee, and blessed he that blesseth thee. GOD'S SPECIAL BLESSING TO ISRAEL THROUGH ABRAHAM IS THE ISSUE HERE. NO DOUBT REBEKAH HAD TRIED TO PERSUADE ISAAC TO GIVE THIS BLESSING TO HER FAVORITE JACOB. ISAAC PROBABLY KNEW THAT REBEKAH WAS RIGHT FROM WHAT REBEKAH HAD LEARNED FROM GOD BEFORE THE TWINS WERE BORN GEN. 25:22-23. NO DOUBT, THIS WAS REINFORCED WHEN ESAU TOOK HEATHEN WIVES WHICH GRIEVED BOTH REBEKAH AND ISAAC. JACOB HAD ALREADY OBTAINED ESAU'S BIRTHRIGHT. ISAAC CONTINUED RESISTING BECAUSE ESAU WAS HIS FAVORITE. IT IS IMPORTANT TO TALK THIS OUT IF A CHILD FEELS THAT HIS PARENT FAVORS THEIR SIBLING. PARENTS NEVER SHOULD SHOW THE TYPE OF OPEN AND BLATANT FAVORITISM WHICH WAS DEMONSTRATED BY ISAAC AND REBEKAH. Genesis 27:41 PG 57 And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob. ESAU PREMEDITATES THE MURDER OF HIS BROTHER. Genesis 28:4 PG 58 And give thee the blessing of Abraham, to thee, and to thy seed with thee; that thou mayest inherit the land wherein thou art a stranger, which God gave unto Abraham. THE ARAB ISRAELI CONFLICT OVER PALESTINE CANNOT BE RESOLVED. IF IT IS EVER RESOLVED AT THE PEACE TABLE IT WILL BE ANTI-CHRIST WHO IS IN CONTROL OF THE NEGOTIATING PROCESS. GOD GAVE THE LAND TO ISRAEL. SATAN IS STIRRING UP THE ARABS TO FIGHT ISRAEL FOR THIS LAND GIVEN TO THEM BY GOD. BEWARE OF THE PERSON BEHIND ANY ARAB ISRAELI PEACE TREATIES. HE WILL BE ANTICHRIST. Genesis 28:15 PG 59 And, behold, I with thee, and will keep thee in all whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done which I have spoken to thee of. HOW ABOUT THIS PROMISE. ANY "CHRISTIAN" WHO DOES NOT LOVE THE JEW DOESN'T KNOW GOD'S WORD ON THE SUBJECT. BECAUSE THE TRUE CHRISTIAN MUST SIDE WITH THE JEW WE WILL SEE THE WHOLE REST OF THE WORLD UNITED BEHIND ANTICHRIST TO WIPE OUT THE JEWS AND BIBLE BELIEVING CHRISTIANS. JAN 13 GEN 29:1 - 30:43 PG 59 - 63 Genesis 29:17 - 18 PG 60 Leah tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured. And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter. TENDER EYED? WEAK EYED? DELICATE EYES? PRETTY EYES? - PROBABLY INDICATES THAT LEAH WAS HOMELY OR GROSSLY OVERWEIGHT. FOR SOME REASON LABAN WAS NOT GOING TO GET TOO GREAT A DOWRY FOR HER AND IN FACT MAY NEVER GET HER MARRIED OFF. RACHEL LOOKED GOOD AND JACOB WAS IN LOVE WITH HER. Genesis 29:21 PG 60 And Jacob said unto Laban, Give my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in unto her. Genesis 29:22 And Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast. Genesis 29:24 PG 60 And Laban gave unto his daughter Leah Zilpah his maid an handmaid. Genesis 29:25 PG 60 And it came to pass, that in the morning, behold, it Leah: and he said to Laban, What this thou hast done unto me? did not I serve with thee for Rachel? wherefore then hast thou beguiled me? Genesis 29:27 PG 60 Fulfil her week, and we will give thee this also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years. JACOB ACTUALLY MARRIED BOTH LEAH AND RACHEL IN THE FIRST FEW WEEKS THAT HE WAS WITH LABAN. OTHERWISE THE TIMES AND THE BIRTHS OF THE 12 SONS DO NOT PHYSICALLY WORK OUT RIGHT. THE THING IS THAT LABAN KNEW THE PROMISE OF GOD TO ABRAHAM. HE KNEW THAT GOD WOULD BE BLESSING ABRAHAM'S OFFSPRING AND HE WANTED TO KEEP JACOB PERMANENTLY FOR HIS OWN GAIN. SEVEN YEARS WAS A GOOD DEAL TO JACOB AND A VERY GOOD DEAL FOR LABAN. YET LABAN FIGURED OUT A WAY TO MAKE THE VERY GOOD DEAL TWICE AS GOOD FOR HIM AND NOT TOO GOOD FOR JACOB. JACOB GOT SO DRUNK AT HIS WEDDING FEAST THAT HE COULDN'T TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HOMELY LEAH AND BEAUTIFUL RACHEL. HE PROBABLY PASSED OUT AND WOKE UP FINDING LABAN HAD PULLED OFF A SWITCH WITH HIM NOT HAVING CONSUMMATED THE MARRIAGE. THUS LABAN SUGGESTS HE COMPLETE LEAH'S WEEK AND THAT HE HAD TO TAKE THEM BOTH FOR 14 YEARS SERVICE. WHILE POLYGAMY WAS IN GOD'S PERMISSIVE WILL IT WAS NEVER HIS PERFECT WILL. JACOB ENDS UP WITH FAMILY PROBLEMS BIG TIME. Genesis 29:31 PG 61 And when the LORD saw that Leah hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel barren. ABRAHAM'S WIFE SARAH IS BARREN, ISAAC'S WIFE REBECCA IS BARREN, AND JACOB'S WIFE RACHEL IS BARREN UNTIL THE LORD HEALS THEM. Genesis 30:1-2 PG 61 And when Rachel saw that she bare Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister; and said unto Jacob, Give me children, or else I die. And Jacob's anger was kindled against Rachel: and he said, I in God's stead, who hath withheld from thee the fruit of the womb? WOW WHAT A MESS! HOW WOULD YOU LIKE LIVING IN THAT HORNET'S NEST. JAN 14 GEN 31:1 - 33:20 PG 63 - 68 Genesis 31:1 PG 63 And he heard the words of Laban's sons, saying, Jacob hath taken away all that our father's; and of which our father's hath he gotten all this glory. NOW HERE IS PRIDE AND UNGREATFULNESS. LABAN AND HIS FAMILY ARE PROBABLY 100 TIMES MORE WEALTHY BECAUSE OF JACOBS PRESENCE WITH THEM. FOR GOD WAS SO VERY OBVIOUSLY BLESSING JACOB. THEIR WEALTH HAD GREATLY INCREASED FROM THE OVERFLOW OF GOD'S BLESSING OF JACOB. Genesis 31:2 PG 63 And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it not toward him as before. IT IS TIME TO MOVE ON. Genesis 31:3 PG 63 And the LORD said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee. SHOULD WE HAVE ANY FEAR IF THE LORD PROMISES TO BE WITH US? GOD HAS NOT ONLY PROMISED TO BE WITH US BUT HE HAS PROMISED TO BE IN US. WE MAKE A CHOICE TO TRUST GOD AND LIVE BY FAITH OR WE WILL CHOOSE TO LIVE IN FEAR. WHY SHOULD WE EVER CHOOSE TO FEAR ANYTHING IF THE HOLY SPIRIT'S PRESENCE AND POWER OF GOD IS WITHIN US? Genesis 31:7 PG 63 And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me. JACOB HAD EXPERIENCED GOD'S PROTECTION. CAN YOU SHARE ANY TIME OR WAY IN WHICH YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED GOD'S PROTECTION, DELIVERANCE, OR PROVISION? Genesis 31:19 PG 64 And Laban went to shear his sheep: and Rachel had stolen the images that her father's. LABAN MAY HAVE KNOWN SOMETHING OF THE GOD OF ABRAHAM BUT HE ALSO WAS AN IDOL WORSHIPER. WHY WOULD RACHEL STEAL THEM? Genesis 31:36 PG 65 And Jacob was wroth, and chided with Laban: and Jacob answered and said to Laban, What my trespass? what my sin, that thou hast so hotly pursued after me? Genesis 31:41 PG 65 Thus have I been twenty years in thy house; I served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years for thy cattle: and thou hast changed my wages ten times. Genesis 31:42 PG 65 Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked yesternight. JACOB KNEW GOD WAS PROTECTING HIM. LABAN'S SUPERIOR ARMY DID NOT STAND A CHANCE AGAINST JACOB. IF GOD BE FOR YOU - WHO CAN BE AGAINST YOU. Genesis 31:47 PG 65 And Laban called it Jegarsahadutha: but Jacob called it Galeed. CHALDEE WORD AND HEBREW WORD BOTH MEANING HEAP OF WITNESS. Genesis 31:49 PG 65 And Mizpah; for he said, The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another. THIS IS A POPULAR FRIENDSHIP TOKEN PHRASE. BUT THE ACTUAL FACT WAS IN THEIR MEANING HERE THAT THEY WERE CALLING ON GOD TO WATCH THAT THE OTHER DID NOT ATTACK THEM. NOTHING WAS REALLY INTENDED FRIENDLY HERE. Genesis 31:52 PG 65 This heap witness, and pillar witness, that I will not pass over this heap to thee, and that thou shalt not pass over this heap and this pillar unto me, for harm. Genesis 32:1 PG 66 And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him. WOULDN'T THAT BUILD YOUR CONFIDENCE? Genesis 32:2 PG 66 And when Jacob saw them, he said, This God's host: and he called the name of that place Mahanaim. MAHANAIM MEANS TWO CAMPS. THEY WERE ACTUALLY TWO HUGE COMPANIES OF ANGELS WHO ACCOMPANIED JACOB'S CARAVAN ONE ON EACH SIDE. Genesis 32:6 PG 66 And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to thy brother Esau, and also he cometh to meet thee, and four hundred men with him. THIS IS NOT GOOD NEWS BECAUSE ESAU HAD VOWED TO KILL JACOB WHEN HE LEFT AND NOW HE IS COMING TO MEET HIM WITH A 400 MAN ARMY, BUT JACOB HAS THE TWO COMPANIES OF ANGELS. Genesis 32:7-8 PG 66 Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed: and he divided the people that with him, and the flocks, and herds, and the camels, into two bands; And said, If Esau come to the one company, and smite it, then the other company which is left shall escape. JACOB IS ACTING JUST LIKE WE DO SOMETIMES. GOD HAS PROMISED TO TAKE CARE OF HIM. GOD HAS EVEN SENT TWO COMPANIES OF ANGELS AND MADE THEM VISIBLE TO JACOB. JACOB HAS THE FEAR OR FAITH CHOICE. HE CHOOSES FEAR. BUT IN HIS FEAR HE TURNS TO THE LORD IN PRAYER REMINDING GOD OF HIS PROMISE. WHAT POWER IS AVAILABLE TO US IF WE WILL ONLY LEARN THE PROMISES OF GOD AND CHOOSE TO BE OBEDIENT. Genesis 32:24-26 & 28 PG 67 And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. Genesis 32:25 And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. Genesis 32:26 And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. Genesis 32:28 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. ISRAEL MEANS PRINCE WITH GOD, SOLDIER OF GOD, GOD-WRESTLING. JACOB WRESTLED WITH GOD. VERSE 10 - PAGE 66 - ANALYZE JACOB'S PRAYER - LET'S GOD KNOW HE KNOWS & BELIEVES WHAT GOD SAID, CONFESSES HIS UNWORTHINESS, ACKNOWLEDGES GOD AND NOT HIS OWN EFFORTS HAVE CAUSED HIS PROSPERITY, REMINDS GOD OF HIS PROMISES, AND PRAYS FOR DELIVERANCE. Genesis 32:30 PG 66 And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved. PENIEL MEANS FACE OF GOD JAN 15 GEN 34:1 - 35:29 PG 68 - 71 Genesis 34:24-27 PG 69 And unto Hamor and unto Shechem his son hearkened all that went out of the gate of his city; and every male was circumcised, all that went out of the gate of his city. And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males. And they slew Hamor and Shechem his son with the edge of the sword, and took Dinah out of Shechem's house, and went out. The sons of Jacob came upon the slain, and spoiled the city, because they had defiled their sister. READ GEN. 34:24-27. DO YOU THINK SIMEON AND LEVI DID RIGHT OR WRONG? WHAT SHOULD THEY HAVE DONE? Genesis 35:1 PG 70 And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother. GOD PROTECTS JACOB BY TELLING HIM WHAT TO DO. Genesis 35:2 PG 70 Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that with him, Put away the strange gods that among you, and be clean, and change your garments: WHAT ARE THE STRANGE GODS THAT WE MIGHT HAVE IN OUR HOMES? ASTROLOGY, OUIJI BOARDS, PORNOGRAPHY? Genesis 35:4 PG 70 And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which in their hand, and earrings which in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which by Shechem. WHY DID JACOB HIDE THEM. SHOULD HE NOT HAVE DESTROYED THEM? Genesis 35:5 PG 70 And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob. GOD PROTECTS JACOB. THE TERROR OF GOD WAS UPON THOSE WHO MIGHT HAVE SOUGHT TO DO HIM HARM AFTER WHAT HIS SONS HAD DONE TO THE CANAANITES. Genesis 35:10 PG 70 And God said unto him, Thy name Jacob: thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name: and he called his name Israel. ISRAEL MEANS HE STRUGGLES WITH GOD. I AM AN ISRAELITE. I STRUGGLE WITH GOD. SOMETIMES I KNOW WHAT GOD WANTS ME TO DO AND I FIGHT IT. I AM TIRED OF STRUGGLING WITH GOD. I WANT TO OBEY AND REST IN HIS PROTECTION. Genesis 35:11 PG 71 And God said unto him, I God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins; GOD IS ALMIGHTY. IF GOD BE FOR YOU, WHO CAN BE AGAINST YOU? Genesis 35:18 PG 71 And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin. RACHEL DIES IN GIVING BIRTH TO BENJAMIN CALLING HIM SON OF MY TROUBLE BUT JACOB CALLS HIM SON OF MY RIGHT HAND. RACHEL IS BURIED IN BETHLEHEM. Genesis 35:22 PG 71 And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father's concubine: and Israel heard . Now the sons of Jacob were twelve: HERE IS GOOD PROOF THAT THE BIBLE IS TRUE. IF MOSES WERE RECORDING A FICTIONAL ACCOUNT OF THE HISTORY OF ISRAEL THERE IS NO WAY THIS VERSE WOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED. MOSES WROTE WHAT GOD INSPIRED HIM TO WRITE - THE TRUTH. Genesis 35:29 PG 71 And Isaac gave up the ghost, and died, and was gathered unto his people, old and full of days: and his sons Esau and Jacob buried him. ISAAC DIES AT AGE 180 AND IS BURIED BY JACOB AND ESAU AND ESAU DOES NOT TRY TO KILL JACOB. JAN 16 GEN 36:1 - 36:43 PG 71 -74 I DID NOT GET ANYTHING OUT OF THIS CHAPTER OTHER THAN ESAU BECAME THE FATHER OF A MULTITLUDE - THE NATION OF EDOM. DID ANYONE ELSE GET ANYTHING OUT OF THIS CHAPTER? JAN 17 GEN 37:1 - 38:30 PG 74 - 77 Genesis 37:3 PG 74 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of colours. JOSEPH IS JACOB'S FAVORITE SON. IT IS NOT RIGHT TO PLAY FAVORITES WITH YOUR CHILDREN. IT SOMETIMES APPEARS TO HAPPEN BECAUSE SOME CHILDREN SHARE COMMON INTERESTS OF THE PARENTS. SUCH THINGS SHOULD BE TALKED OUT. Genesis 37:4 - 8 PG 74 And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him. And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told his brethren: and they hated him yet the more. And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed: For, behold, we binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf. And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words. HERE WE SEE THAT JOSEPH IS A PROPHET AND AN INTERPRETER OF DREAMS. PROBABLY BECAUSE OF JACOB'S FAVORITISM, HE IS INDISCRETE. WE ALL NEED TO LEARN HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO KEEP QUIET ABOUT SOME THINGS. JOSEPH PAYS FOR NOT KNOWING WHEN TO KEEP HIS MOUTH SHUT EVEN WHEN IT IS TRUE. Genesis 37:18 PG 75 And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him. Genesis 37:20 PG 75 Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams. Genesis 37:21 PG 75 And Reuben heard , and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him. Genesis 37:27 PG 75 Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he our brother our flesh. And his brethren were content. Genesis 37:31 PG 75 And they took Joseph's coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood; Genesis 37:35 PG 76 And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, For I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning. Thus his father wept for him. Genesis 37:36 PG 76 And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, captain of the guard. JOSEPH SURE PAID FOR NOT KEEPING HIS MOUTH SHUT. BUT WE WILL SEE HOW GOD PROTECTS, BLESSES AND PROSPERS HIM IN EGYPT TO BE ABLE TO SAVE THE WHOLE TRIBE OF ISRAEL FROM STARVATION, BUT ISRAEL ENDS UP WITH 4OO YEARS OF SLAVERY IN EGYPT, WHERE GOD GLORIOUSLY BRINGS THEM OUT. Genesis 38:7-9 PG 76 And Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD slew him. And Judah said unto Onan, Go in unto thy brother's wife, and marry her, and raise up seed to thy brother. And Onan knew that the seed should not be his; and it came to pass, when he went in unto his brother's wife, that he spilled on the ground, lest that he should give seed to his brother. THIS WAS THE LAW BEFORE THE LAW WAS GIVEN TO MOSES AND AFTERWARD. IT WAS ALSO DISOBEDIENCE TO HIS FATHER. ONAN PAYS FOR HIS DISOBEDIENCE WITH HIS LIFE. Genesis 38:15-16 & 18 PG 77 When Judah saw her, he thought her an harlot; because she had covered her face. And he turned unto her by the way, and said, Go to, I pray thee, let me come in unto thee; (for he knew not that she his daughter in law.) And she said, What wilt thou give me, that thou mayest come in unto me? And he said, What pledge shall I give thee? And she said, Thy signet, and thy bracelets, and thy staff that in thine hand. And he gave her, and came in unto her, and she conceived by him. AGAIN WE SEE PROOF OF THE TRUTH THAT THE BIBLE IS GOD'S TRUTH. IF MOSES WERE WRITING A FICTIONAL OR EVEN AN HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF HIS NATION OF ISRAEL SURELY THIS PART OF IT WOULD HAVE BEEN LEFT OUT. Genesis 38:26 PG 77 And Judah acknowledged , and said, She hath been more righteous than I; because that I gave her not to Shelah my son. And he knew her again no more. JUDAH DID NOT HAVE TAMAR PUT TO DEATH. TAMAR WAS MORE RIGHTEOUS THAN JUDAH AND IS FOUND IN THE RECORD OF THE FAMILY TREE OF JESUS CHRIST. Matthew 1:3 And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram; JAN 18 GEN 39:1 - 42:50 PG 78 - 82 Genesis 39:1 - 3 PG 78 And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither. And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the LORD with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand. JOSEPH IS SOLD INTO SLAVERY BUT GOD IS WITH HIM. EVEN THE MAN WHO JOSEPH WAS SOLD TO COULD SEE THAT THE LORD WAS HIM. HOW DO YOU THINK JOSEPH'S MASTER COULD TELL THE LORD WAS WITH JOSEPH? EVERYTHING THAT JOSEPH DID PROSPERED IN HIS HAND BUT HOW COULD THE MASTER KNOW IT WAS THE LORD WHO WAS BEHIND JOSEPH'S PROSPERITY? Genesis 39:7, 10, 12, 14 PG 78 And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me. And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, to be with her. And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out. That she called unto the men of her house, and spake unto them, saying, See, he hath brought in an Hebrew unto us to mock us; he came in unto me to lie with me, and I cried with a loud voice: JOSEPH GETS PUT IN PRISON AS A RESULT OF FALSE WITNESS. LIFE IS NOT FAIR. DOES JOSEPH GET BITTER OR BETTER? Genesis 39:21-22 PG 79 But the LORD was with Joseph, and showed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer . THE LORD WAS WITH JOSEPH IN PRISON. HOW DOES JOSEPH BEHAVE WHILE HE IS IN PRISON? Genesis 40:13 PG 79 Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thine head, and restore thee unto thy place: and thou shalt deliver Pharaoh's cup into his hand, after the former manner when thou wast his butler. But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and show kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house: JOSEPH INTERPRETS THE DREAMS OF THE BUTLER AND ASKS THE BUTLER TO HELP HIM GET OUT OF PRISON. THE BUTLER GETS OUT AND FORGETS JOSEPH. Genesis 40:22 PG 80 But he hanged the chief baker: as Joseph had interpreted to them. Genesis 40:23 Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him. Genesis 41:1 And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river. Genesis 41:8 And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh. NONE OF THE MAGICIANS OF EGYPT COULD INTERPRET PHARAOH'S DREAM. Genesis 41:9 PG 81 Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day: Genesis 41:12 And there with us a young man, an Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard; and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams; to each man according to his dream he did interpret. Genesis 41:13 And it came to pass, as he interpreted to us, so it was; me he restored unto mine office, and him he hanged. Genesis 41:14 Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved , and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh. Genesis 41:16 And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace. JOSEPH IS SO VERY CAREFUL TO GIVE GOD THE GLORY. WHAT DO YOU TELL PEOPLE WHEN THEY PRAISE YOU FOR DOING SOMETHING EXCELLENT? WHO GETS THE GLORY? Genesis 41:25 PG 82 And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh one: God hath showed Pharaoh what he about to do. PHARAOH HAS THE POWER OF LIFE OR DEATH OVER JOSEPH AND CAN GET JOSEPH OUT OF PRISON AND JOSEPH WITNESSES TO PHARAOH. WOULD WE BE THIS BOLD IN OUR WITNESS? Genesis 41:28 PG 81 This the thing which I have spoken unto Pharaoh: What God about to do he showeth unto Pharaoh. REMEMBER PHARAOH IS A PAGAN AND HIS PEOPLE THINK HE IS A GOD. IT WAS VERY DARING FOR JOSEPH TO SPEAK OF HIS GOD BEFORE PHARAOH. Genesis 41:32-32 & 38-39 PG 81 And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; because the thing established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass. Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt. Genesis 41:37 And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants. And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find as this , a man in whom the Spirit of God ? And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath showed thee all this, none so discreet and wise as thou : PHARAOH MAKES JOSEPH HEAD OF ALL EGYPT. GOD TAKES JOSEPH FROM SLAVERY AND PRISON AND MAKES HIM ONE OF THE MOST ELEVATED AND POWERFUL MEN IN THE WORLD. BUT THINK ABOUT JOSEPH'S FAITH AND HOW NO MATTER WHAT HE GIVES GOD THE GLORY. JAN 19 GEN 42:6 - 45:15 PG 82 -87 Genesis 42:8-10 PG 82 And Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him. And Joseph remembered the dreams which he dreamed of them, and said unto them, Ye spies; to see the nakedness of the land ye are come. And they said unto him, Nay, my lord, but to buy food are thy servants come. JOSEPH IMMEDIATELY RECOGNIZED HIS BROTHERS. THEY DID NOT RECOGNIZE HIM. BECAUSE OF HIS YET UNFULFILLED DREAMS ABOUT HIS BROTHERS BOWING TO HIM HE KEPT EXPECTING AND LOOKING FOR THEM. THEY NEVER EXPECTED TO SEE JOSEPH AGAIN BECAUSE OF THE EVIL THEY HAD DONE TO HIM. Genesis 42:25-26 PG 83 Then Joseph commanded to fill their sacks with corn, and to restore every man's money into his sack, and to give them provision for the way: and thus did he unto them. And they laded their asses with the corn, and departed thence. JOSEPH PUTS THEIR MONEY BACK IN THEIR SACKS. HE DOESN'T HATE HIS BROTHERS EVEN AFTER THEIR HATEFUL TREATMENT OF HIM. HE SEES GOD'S HAND ALLOWING HIS MISFORTUNE AT THE HAND OF HIS BROTHERS. HE TRUSTS GOD TO LIFT HIM FROM HIS BAD CIRCUMSTANCES. HE DOES NOT GET BITTER. HE GETS VERY MUCH BETTER. Genesis 42:38 PG 84 And he said, My son shall not go down with you; for his brother is dead, and he is left alone: if mischief befall him by the way in the which ye go, then shall ye bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave. JACOB PROBABLY SUSPECTED FOUL PLAY OF THE BROTHERS TO HAVE SOME PART IN JOSEPH'S DEATH. HE WAS NOT GOING TO LET THESE JEALOUS, STRIVING BROTHERS HAVE A SHOT AT KILLING HIS OTHER FAVORITE BENJAMIN. PARENTS SHOULD NOT PLAY FAVORITES. Genesis 43:23 PG 85 And he said, Peace to you, fear not: your God, and the God of your father, hath given you treasure in your sacks: I had your money. And he brought Simeon out unto them. EVEN THOUGH JOSEPH IS HAVING GREAT FUN WITH HIS BROTHERS HE CANNOT EVER PASS UP ANY CHANCE TO GIVE GLORY TO GOD. Genesis 43:28-30 PG 85 And they answered, Thy servant our father in good health, he yet alive. And they bowed down their heads, and made obeisance. And he lifted up his eyes, and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother's son, and said, this your younger brother, of whom ye spake unto me? And he said, God be gracious unto thee, my son. And Joseph made haste; for his bowels did yearn upon his brother: and he sought to weep; and he entered into chamber, and wept there. JOSEPH NEVER FORGOT HIS FAMILY. BENJAMIN WAS HIS FULL BROTHER NOT HALF BROTHER AND HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH HIM BEING SOLD AS A SLAVE. HE WAS BROKEN TO TEARS AT THE SIGHT OF HIS LITTLE BROTHER. Genesis 44:9-12 PG 86 With whomsoever of thy servants it be found, both let him die, and we also will be my lord's bondmen. And he said, Now also it according unto your words: he with whom it is found shall be my servant; and ye shall be blameless. Then they speedily took down every man his sack to the ground, and opened every man his sack. And he searched, began at the eldest, and left at the youngest: and the cup was found in Benjamin's sack. JOSEPH IS TESTING HIS BROTHERS. MAYBE HE STILL DOESN'T TRUST THEM. MAYBE HE IS WANTING TO PROTECT HIS BROTHER BENJAMIN FROM POSSIBLE MISFORTUNE FROM THE HANDS OF HIS HALF-BROTHERS. Genesis 44:18-20 PG 86 Then Judah came near unto him, and said, Oh my lord, let thy servant, I pray thee, speak a word in my lord's ears, and let not thine anger burn against thy servant: for thou even as Pharaoh. My lord asked his servants, saying, Have ye a father, or a brother? And we said unto my lord, We have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, a little one; and his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother, and his father loveth him. JUDAH IS A NATURAL LEADER. HE TAKES THE LEAD IN THE SITUATION. HE ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY. HE IS GOD'S CHOSEN LEADER OF ISRAEL. JESUS CHRIST, KING OF KINGS, LORD OF LORDS, WILL BE BORN OF THE ROYAL TRIBE OF JUDAH. Genesis 44:33-34 PG 86 Now therefore, I pray thee, let thy servant abide instead of the lad a bondman to my lord; and let the lad go up with his brethren. For how shall I go up to my father, and the lad not with me? lest peradventure I see the evil that shall come on my father. JUDAH PLEADS WITH JOSEPH TO KEEP HIM AS SLAVE AND LET BENJAMIN GO. THIS CONVINCES JOSEPH THAT HIS BROTHERS ARE TRULY SORRY FOR WHAT THEY HAVE DONE TO HIM. Genesis 45:5 PG 87 Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life. JOSEPH REVEALS HIMSELF TO HIS BROTHERS AND NOW THEY FIGURE THERE IS HELL TO PAY. BUT JOSEPH IS SO NEAT. SO FORGIVING. HE AND DAVID, TO ME, ARE THE 2 GREATEST HUMAN HEROES OF THE BIBLE. HOW HE TRUSTS GOD. HOW HE CAN SEEK AND FIND GOD'S WILL IN HIS UNFORTUNATE CIRCUMSTANCES. Genesis 45:8 PG 87 So now not you sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt. LOOK AT JOSEPH IN LIGHT OF THIS VERSE. I FEEL LIKE JOSEPH. MY FAMILY THREW ME AWAY LIKE GARBAGE. HOW I WOULD LIKE TO BE LIKE JOSEPH. HE WAS INNOCENT - I WAS NOT. HIS BROTHERS WERE UNJUSTIFIED - MY FAMILY HAD SOME JUSTIFICATION. HE COULD SEE GOD'S WILL IN WHAT HAPPENED TO HIM - AS YET I CANNOT. YET LIKE JOSEPH I HAVE FOUND GOD TO BE MUCH MORE THAN ENOUGH TO SUSTAIN ME THROUGH THE GRIEF OF THE LOSS OF MY FAMILY. I GRIEVE FOR MY FAMILY. BUT JOSEPH COULD SEE HIS CIRCUMSTANCES BEING IN GOD'S WILL AND I CAN NOT. CAN I FORGIVE? - CERTAINLY. CAN MY FAMILY? - I DOUBT IT. WHAT IS GOD'S WILL FOR ME IN MY CIRCUMSTANCES? I WISH I KNEW THE ANSWER? ALL I CAN DO IS WAIT, WORK, STUDY HIS WORD, TRUST HIM AND HIS FORGIVENESS, AND FIGHT BITTERNESS WITH ALL MY MIGHT. JAN 20 GEN 45:16 - 47:28 PG 87 - 91 Genesis 45:16-18 PG 87 And the fame thereof was heard in Pharaoh's house, saying, Joseph's brethren are come: and it pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Say unto thy brethren, This do ye; lade your beasts, and go, get you unto the land of Canaan; And take your father and your households, and come unto me: and I will give you the good of the land of Egypt, and ye shall eat the fat of the land. PHARAOH KNOWS BEYOND ANY DOUBT THAT HE HAS BEEN BLESSED BY JOSEPH AND JOSEPH'S GOD. PHARAOH WANTS ALL OF JOSEPH'S FAMILY WITH HIM IN EGYPT. THIS BEGINS THE FULFILLMENT OF GOD'S PROPHESY TO ABRAHAM THAT HIS OFFSPRING WOULD BE SLAVES IN EGYPT FOR 400 YEARS AND THAT GOD WOULD LEAD THEM OUT BY HIS POWER AS A GREAT NATION. Genesis 45:24 PG 88 So he sent his brethren away, and they departed: and he said unto them, See that ye fall not out by the way. DON'T QUARREL ON THE WAY. WHAT A MESS OF A FAMILY JACOB HAD. POLYGAMY IS STUPID. NOTHING BUT CONSTANT QUARRELING WAS IN THE FAMILY OF JACOB. EVEN THOUGH JOSEPH KNOWS HIS BROTHERS ARE TOTALLY REPENTANT OF WHAT THEY HAD DONE TO HIM, EVEN THOUGH HE KNOWS IT WAS GOD'S WILL - HE IS COMPELLED TO WARN THEM NOT TO QUARREL. WHAT INSIGHT INTO WHAT A MESS THIS FAMILY WAS. Genesis 46:2 PG 88 And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here I. IF YOU EVER HEAR YOUR FIRST NAME CALLED TWICE - AND NOBODY IS APPARENTLY THERE DOING THE CALLING - LISTEN CAREFULLY AND ANSWER - HERE I AM - IT MAY BE THE LORD. ABRAHAM ABRAHAM, JACOB JACOB, SAMUEL SAMUEL, SAUL SAUL. I ONCE HEARD THE LORD CALL JIM JIM, WHEN HE HEALED ME FROM ALCOHOL ADDICTION. Genesis 46:27 PG 89 And the sons of Joseph, which were born him in Egypt, two souls: all the souls of the house of Jacob, which came into Egypt, threescore and ten. SEVENTY GO DOWN TO EGYPT. 430 YEARS LATER GOD BRINGS OUT A GREAT NATION OF APPROXIMATELY 3 MILLION ISRAELITES. Genesis 47:20-21 & 23-25 And Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh; for the Egyptians sold every man his field, because the famine prevailed over them: so the land became Pharaoh's. And as for the people, he removed them to cities from [one] end of the borders of Egypt even to the [other] end thereof. Then Joseph said unto the people, Behold, I have bought you this day and your land for Pharaoh: lo, [here is] seed for you, and ye shall sow the land. And it shall come to pass in the increase, that ye shall give the fifth [part] unto Pharaoh, and four parts shall be your own, for seed of the field, and for your food, and for them of your households, and for food for your little ones. And they said, Thou hast saved our lives: let us find grace in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh's servants. JUST AS SURELY AS JOSEPH MADE ALL EGYPTIANS TO BE SLAVES OF PHARAOH, THE AMERICAN CONGRESS HAS SOLD ALL AMERICANS INTO SLAVERY TO THE STATE. THERE IS A FANTASTIC PARALLEL HERE IF YOU CAN SEE IT. THE EGYPTIANS ONLY HAD TO PAY PHARAOH 20%. HOW MUCH DO AMERICANS HAVE TO PAY THEIR PHARAOH? AMERICANS NEED ABOUT A 20 YEAR RECESS OF CONGRESS WHERE CONGRESS COULD ONLY BE CALLED INTO SESSION TO DECLARE WAR. WITHOUT ANY NEW LAWS CHANGING THE RULES OF THE GAME AND WITHOUT THE INEVITABLE INCREASES IN SPENDING OF THE CONGRESS, AMERICANS COULD WORK THEIR WAY OUT OF DEBT. AS IT STANDS NOW THEIR CONGRESS WILL ALWAYS SPEND FASTER THAN THEY CAN EARN. THE BORROWER IS SERVANT TO THE LENDER. JAN 21 GEN 47:29 - 50:26 PG 91 - 96 Genesis 48:4 PG 92 And said unto me, Behold, I will make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, and I will make of thee a multitude of people; and will give this land to thy seed after thee an everlasting possession. THERE IS SUCH TREMENDOUS SIGNIFICANCE TO ISRAEL POSSESSING PALESTINE. GOD MADE THE EARTH. GOD GAVE THE LAND OF PALESTINE TO THE JEWS NOT THE PALESTINIANS OR THE ARABS. ALL CHRISTIANS MUST SUPPORT THE JEWS RIGHT, GIVEN BY GOD, TO POSSESS THE LAND FROM THE RED SEA IN THE SOUTH, TO LEBANON IN THE NORTH, TO THE MEDITERRANEAN IN THE WEST AND TO THE JORDAN IN THE EAST. NO MATTER WHAT!!! HOW MANY TIMES IN SCRIPTURES IS THIS WILL AND PROMISE OF GOD REPEATED? IT IS IMPORTANT. SATAN IS BENT ON THE DESTRUCTION OF ISRAEL. BUT EVEN WHEN HE GETS THE WHOLE WORLD BENT ON THE DESTRUCTION OF ISRAEL, GOD WILL NOT ALLOW IT. WE MUST STAND WITH GOD IN SUPPORT OF ISRAEL. Genesis 48:21 PG 93 And Israel said unto Joseph, Behold, I die: but God shall be with you, and bring you again unto the land of your fathers. PROMISE REPEATED BY INFERENCE AGAIN. Genesis 49:4 PG 93 Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father's bed; then defiledst thou : he went up to my couch. PROOF OF INSPIRATION OF SCRIPTURE. JEWS DIRTY LAUNDRY EXPOSED FOR THE WORLD FOR ALL TIME TO SEE RUBEN'S DEFILEMENT OF HIS FATHER'S BED. Genesis 49:7 PG 93 Cursed their anger, for fierce; and their wrath, for it was cruel: I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel. PROPHESY FULFILLED BECAUSE LEVI WAS DISPERSED THROUGH ISRAEL AS THE LINE OF PRIESTHOOD AND ALSO EXECUTED THE DEATH PENALTY IN ISRAEL. Genesis 49:9-10 PG 93 Judah a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up? The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him the gathering of the people . JUDAH IS TO BE THE LINE OF ISRAEL'S KINGS. FROM WHICH WOULD PROCEED THE KING OF KINGS - JESUS CHRIST. TO HIM BELONGS THE OBEDIENCE OF ALL NATIONS. Genesis 50:17-20 PG 96 So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him. And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we thy servants. And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for I in the place of God? But as for you, ye thought evil against me; God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as this day, to save much people alive. LOOK AT THE HEART ATTITUDE OF JOSEPH. SEE HOW HE FORGIVES. SEE HIS INSIGHT INTO GOD'S WILL. JAN 22 EXO 1:1 - 6:27 PG 97 - 102 Exodus 1:8-10 PG 98 Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph. And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel [are] more and mightier than we: Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and [so] get them up out of the land. THE NEW PHARAOH FORGOT HOW JOSEPH NOT ONLY HAD SAVED EGYPT FROM THE GREAT FAMINE BUT ALSO HAD DELIVERED ALL EGYPTIANS AS SLAVES INTO THE HANDS OF PHARAOH. HE DECIDED TO MAKE HARD LABOR SLAVES OF THE HEBREWS. Exodus 1:12-13 PG 98 But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel. And the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigour: GOD HAD PROMISED TO GREATLY MULTIPLY THE CHILDREN OF ABRAHAM AND THE MORE THE HEBREWS WERE OPPRESSED THE MORE THEY MULTIPLIED. PHARAOH DECREED THAT ALL MALE HEBREW BABIES WOULD BE EXECUTED. Exodus 2:5-6 PG 98 - 99 And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash [herself] at the river; and her maidens walked along by the river's side; and when she saw the ark among the flags, she sent her maid to fetch it. And when she had opened [it], she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This [is one] of the Hebrews' children. GOD PROVIDED A WAY TO SAVE BABY MOSES AND RAISE HIM AS A PRINCE IN EGYPT TO PREPARE MOSES TO LEAD ISRAEL OUT OF EGYPT. Exodus 2:10-12 PG 99 And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water. And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren. And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that [there was] no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand. WHEN MOSES HAD GROWN TO BE A GREAT PRINCE OF EGYPT HE KILLED ONE OF THE EGYPTIAN TASKMASTERS. Exodus 2:15-16 PG 99 Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well. Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew [water], and filled the troughs to water their father's flock. MOSES FLED FOR HIS LIFE TO MIDIAN. HE BECAME A MEMBER OF JETHRO'S HOUSE BY MARRYING ZIPPORAH. AS A PRIEST OF MIDIAN JETHRO KNEW OF THE GOD OF ABRAHAM. REMEMBER THAT WHEN SARAH DIED ABRAHAM MARRIED KETURAH. KETURAH HAD 6 SONS BY ABRAHAM 2 OF WHICH WERE MEDAN AND MIDIAN. NO DOUBT ABRAHAM TOLD HIS SON MIDIAN EVERYTHING ABOUT HIS GOD AND HIS PEOPLE. THEREFORE JETHRO, AS A PRIEST OF MIDIAN, WAS ABLE TO GIVE MOSES MUCH INFORMATION ABOUT GOD AND THE HISTORY OF THE HEBREW PEOPLE. Exodus 2:23-25 PG 99 And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage. And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto [them]. GOD HAD BEEN PREPARING MOSES TO BE HIS INSTRUMENT TO DELIVER ISRAEL FROM THEIR BONDAGE FOR ALMOST 75 YEARS. GOD OFTEN PREPARES TO ANSWER OUR PRAYERS BEFORE WE EVEN GET AROUND TO PRAYING. IT WAS GOD'S WILL TO BRING ISRAEL OUT OF EGYPT AS A GREAT NATION FOR HIS GLORY AND TO REVEAL HIMSELF TO THE WORLD THROUGH THIS GREAT NATION. MOSES WAS ABOUT 40 WHEN HE KILLED THE EGYPTIAN. HE LIKELY HAD BEEN WITH JETHRO 30 YEARS PRIOR TO THE DEATH OF THE PHARAOH FROM WHOM HE HAD FLED. IF YOU WANT POWERFUL ANSWERS TO YOUR PRAYERS, GO TO THE BIBLE AND FIND GOD'S WILL ON THE SUBJECT OF YOUR PRAYER. FAITH IS AUTOMATIC WHEN YOU KNOW GOD'S WILL IS ALIGNED WITH THE SUBJECT OF YOUR PRAYER. IT IS A DONE DEAL WHEN YOU HAVE FOUND GOD'S WILL ALIGNS WITH YOUR PRAYER REQUEST. ALSO, WOULD YOU EVER WANT TO PRAY SOMETHING WHICH IS OPPOSED TO GOD'S WILL. PRAISING GOD IS ALWAYS THE RIGHT THING TO DO. READING GOD'S WORD IS ALWAYS RIGHT BECAUSE THAT IS HOW WE ALLOW GOD TO TALK TO US. BUT WE ALL NEED TO BE MORE CAREFUL WITH WHAT WE ASK GOD TO DO FOR US. THANK GOD HE SAYS NO TO OUR IGNORANT PRAYERS. Exodus 3:2 PG 99 And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush [was] not consumed. WHO IS THE ANGEL OF THE LORD? DO YOU KNOW HIS NAME? Exodus 3:4 PG 99 And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here [am] I. THIS IS HOW GOD CALLED HIS SERVANTS. HE CALLED THEM BY THEIR FIRST NAME TWICE. IF YOU HEAR YOUR FIRST NAME CALLED TWICE AND NO ONE IS THERE PAY CLOSE ATTENTION. IT MAY BE GOD CALLING. MOSES GAVE THE CORRECT RESPONSE - HERE I AM? ARE YOU READY IF GOD CALLS? Exodus 3:9-15 PG 100 Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them. Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt. And Moses said unto God, Who [am] I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this [shall be] a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain. And Moses said unto God, Behold, [when] I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What [is] his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this [is] my name for ever, and this [is] my memorial unto all generations. GOD TELLS MOSES THAT HE WILL BE WITH HIM. IF GOD IS WITH YOU THERE IS NO WAY YOU WILL NOT SUCCEED. GOD TELLS MOSES THAT HIS NAME IS "I AM THAT I AM". THE SELF EXISTENT ONE. THE MAKER OF ALL, THE SUSTAINER OF ALL. JESUS SAID THAT BEFORE ABRAHAM WAS "I AM". John 8:53-59 Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself? Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw [it], and was glad. Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, ... JESUS JUST DISAPPEARED BEFORE THEIR EYES JUST AS THE FIRE LEFT THE FLAMING BUSH WHEN HE FINISHED SPEAKING WITH MOSES. Exodus 3:19-22 PG 100 And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand. And I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof: and after that he will let you go. And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty: But every woman shall borrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put [them] upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall spoil the Egyptians. GOD WOULD FORCE PHARAOH TO LET THE HEBREW SLAVES GO FREE AND WHEN THEY LEAVE THEY WILL BE GIVEN GREAT WEALTH FROM EGYPT AS WELL. Exodus 4:10-15 PG 101 And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I [am] not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I [am] slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say. And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand [of him whom] thou wilt send. And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, [Is] not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart. And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do. MOSES DID NOT WANT THE JOB GOD WAS GIVING HIM. HE ARGUES WITH GOD TO THE POINT OF ANGERING GOD. NO ONE IS INCAPABLE OF ANYTHING WHEN GOD IS HELPING YOU. GOD CAN HELP US OVERCOME ANY SHORTCOMING. Exodus 4:21-26 PG 102 And the LORD said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go. And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel [is] my son, [even] my firstborn: And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, [even] thy firstborn. And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the LORD met him, and sought to kill him. Then Zipporah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast [it] at his feet, and said, Surely a bloody husband [art] thou to me. So he let him go: then she said, A bloody husband [thou art], because of the circumcision. MOSES KNEW VERY WELL OF GOD'S COVENANT WITH ABRAHAM WHICH REQUIRED CIRCUMCISION. ZIPPORAH HAD REFUSED TO LET MOSES CIRCUMCISE HIS SON WHICH ANGERED GOD TO THE POINT THAT GOD WOULD HAVE KILLED MOSES IF ZIPPORAH HAD NOT CIRCUMCISED THE BOY. THERE IS AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE HERE. HUSBANDS MUST OBEY GOD WHETHER THEIR WIVES AGREE OR NOT. HUSBANDS ARE THE HIGH PRIESTS OF THE FAMILY. MEN MUST NOT ABDICATE THEIR SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP POSITION IN THEIR HOMES. THE WIFE MUST SUBMIT TO THE SPIRITUAL AND TEMPORAL AUTHORITY OF HER HUSBAND IN ORDER TO BE OBEDIENT TO GOD. WOMEN WHO ARE TOO INDEPENDENT, TOO INTELLIGENT, TOO STRONG WILLED TO SUBMIT TO THE AUTHORITY OF A HUSBAND SHOULD NOT MARRY OR RAISE CHILDREN. JAN 23 EXO 5:1 - 8:32 PG 103 - 107 Exodus 5:2 PG 103 And Pharaoh said, Who [is] the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go. PHARAOH ASKED FOR IT? HE IS GOING TO LEARN THE AWESOME POWER OF GOD. Exodus 5:6-8 PG 103 And Pharaoh commanded the same day the taskmasters of the people, and their officers, saying, Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick, as heretofore: let them go and gather straw for themselves. And the tale of the bricks, which they did make heretofore, ye shall lay upon them; ye shall not diminish [ought] thereof: for they [be] idle; therefore they cry, saying, Let us go [and] sacrifice to our God. PHARAOH INCREASED THE HARDSHIP OF THE SLAVES. HE IS REALLY ASKING FOR IT. Exodus 6:2-3 PG 104 And God spake unto Moses, and said unto him, I [am] the LORD: And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by [the name of] God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them. GOD REVEALED HIS NAME EL SHADDAY, GOD ALMIGHTY TO ABRAHAM. NOW HE LETS MOSES KNOW HIS NAME JEHOVAH, THE LORD. Exodus 6:5-7 PG 104 And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage; and I have remembered my covenant. Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I [am] the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments: And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. GOD ALWAYS KEEPS HIS PROMISES. SOME OF HIS PROMISES ARE BLESSINGS AND SOME ARE CURSES. HE WANTS TO BLESS US. HE WANTS TO BE FREE OF THE BURDENS WE HAVE. WE ARE IN BONDAGE TO SIN. ONLY GOD CAN SET US FREE FROM THE BONDAGE OF SIN. Exodus 7:1-7 PG 105 And the LORD said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet. Thou shalt speak all that I command thee: and Aaron thy brother shall speak unto Pharaoh, that he send the children of Israel out of his land. And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt. But Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you, that I may lay my hand upon Egypt, and bring forth mine armies, [and] my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments. And the Egyptians shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them. And Moses and Aaron did as the LORD commanded them, so did they. And Moses [was] fourscore years old, and Aaron fourscore and three years old, when they spake unto Pharaoh. GOD HARDENED PHAROAH'S HEART FOR GOD'S GLORY. EGYPT AND THE REST OF THE WORLD WOULD NOT HAVE KNOWN THE GREAT ALMIGHTY POWER OF GOD IF PHAROAH HAD LET THE HEBREWS GO AFTER THE FIRST FEW PLAGUES. GOD IS SHOWING THE WORLD HIS ALMIGHTY POWER AGAIN TODAY THROUGH THE NATION OF ISRAEL. WHEN RUSSIA INVADES ISRAEL 5/6THS, 83% OF ALL RUSSIAN SOLDIERS WILL DIE AND ISRAEL MAY NOT EVEN FIRE A SHOT THAT THE WORLD WILL AGAIN SEE THE AWESOME POWER OF JEHOVAH THE LORD. HAVE I HARDENED MY HEART AGAINST THIS ALMIGHTY GOD? IT IS NOT SMART TO HARDEN YOUR HEART AGAINST GOD. Exodus 7:19 PG 105 And the LORD spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and stretch out thine hand upon the waters of Egypt, upon their streams, upon their rivers, and upon their ponds, and upon all their pools of water, that they may become blood; and [that] there may be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both in [vessels of] wood, and in [vessels of] stone. WATER WAS TURNED TO BLOOD. Exodus 7:22 PG 105 And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, neither did he hearken unto them; as the LORD had said. SATAN AND THE ENEMIES OF GOD MAY HAVE SOME POWER, BUT IT IS LIMITED. GOD IS ALMIGHTY. HIS POWER HAS NO LIMITS. NEVER FORGET THAT IF YOU HAVE THE HOLY SPIRIT THAT GREATER IS HE THAT IS IN YOU THAN HE THAT IS IN THE WORLD. Exodus 8:1-2 PG 106 And the LORD spake unto Moses, Go unto Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Let my people go, that they may serve me. And if thou refuse to let [them] go, behold, I will smite all thy borders with frogs: FROGS, FROGS, FROGS EVERYWHERE. NOT EVEN LIZZIE WOULD LIKE THIS MANY FROGS. Exodus 8:5-7 PG 106 And the LORD spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Stretch forth thine hand with thy rod over the streams, over the rivers, and over the ponds, and cause frogs to come up upon the land of Egypt. And Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt; and the frogs came up, and covered the land of Egypt. And the magicians did so with their enchantments, and brought up frogs upon the land of Egypt. THE MAGICIANS ARE STILL ABLE TO STAY IN THE GAME. COULD IT BE GOD'S POWER RATHER THAN SATAN'S POWER KEEPING THEM IN THE GAME UNTIL THE WHOLE WORLD WOULD KNOW HOW POWERFUL THE GOD OF ISRAEL IS? Exodus 8:15-21 PG 106 But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said. And the LORD said unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Stretch out thy rod, and smite the dust of the land, that it may become lice throughout all the land of Egypt. And they did so; for Aaron stretched out his hand with his rod, and smote the dust of the earth, and it became lice in man, and in beast; all the dust of the land became lice throughout all the land of Egypt. And the magicians did so with their enchantments to bring forth lice, but they could not: so there were lice upon man, and upon beast. Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This [is] the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said. And the LORD said unto Moses, Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh; lo, he cometh forth to the water; and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Let my people go, that they may serve me. Else, if thou wilt not let my people go, behold, I will send swarms [of flies] upon thee, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people, and into thy houses: and the houses of the Egyptians shall be full of swarms [of flies], and also the ground whereon they [are]. THE MAGICIANS WERE ABLE TO STAY IN THE GAME WITH THE LICE BUT THEY ARE GOING TO BE BLOWN OUT OF THE GAME WITH FLIES AND ALL THE SUBSEQUENT PLAGUES BY WHICH GOD DEMONSTRATES HIS POWER TO PHAROAH AND ALL THE WORLD. Exodus 8:24-25 PG 106 - 107 And the LORD did so; and there came a grievous swarm [of flies] into the house of Pharaoh, and [into] his servants' houses, and into all the land of Egypt: the land was corrupted by reason of the swarm [of flies]. And Pharaoh called for Moses and for Aaron, and said, Go ye, sacrifice to your God in the land. PHAROAH LIES TO GET RID OF THE FLIES. HE DOES NOT LET THEM GO. JAN 24 EXO 9:1 - 11:10 PG 107 - 110 Exodus 9:6-7 PG 107 And the LORD did that thing on the morrow, and all the cattle of Egypt died: but of the cattle of the children of Israel died not one. And Pharaoh sent, and, behold, there was not one of the cattle of the Israelites dead. And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he did not let the people go. ALL THE CATTLE OF EGYPT DIED AND NONE OF THE HEBREWS CATTLE DIED. PHARAOH'S HEART WAS HARDER STILL. Exodus 9:9 & 11-12 PG 107 And it shall become small dust in all the land of Egypt, and shall be a boil breaking forth [with] blains upon man, and upon beast, throughout all the land of Egypt. And the magicians could not stand before Moses because of the boils; for the boil was upon the magicians, and upon all the Egyptians. And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had spoken unto Moses. THIS PLAGUE OF BOILS MUST HAVE BEEN VERY BAD. THE MAGICIANS COULD NOT EVEN STAND BEFORE MOSES BECAUSE OF THE BOILS. THEY WERE BLOWN OUT OF THE GAME SEVERAL PLAGUES AGO. THIS SHOULD LET US KNOW HOW FOOLISH IT IS TO OPPOSE GOD AND HIS MINISTERS. PHARAOH'S HEART IS HARDER STILL. IS MY HEART HARDENED TOWARD GOD? IS MY HEART HARDENED TOWARD ANYONE? Exodus 9:14-19 For I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people; that thou mayest know that [there is] none like me in all the earth. For now I will stretch out my hand, that I may smite thee and thy people with pestilence; and thou shalt be cut off from the earth. And in very deed for this [cause] have I raised thee up, for to shew [in] thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth. As yet exaltest thou thyself against my people, that thou wilt not let them go? Behold, tomorrow about this time I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail, such as hath not been in Egypt since the foundation thereof even until now. Send therefore now, [and] gather thy cattle, and all that thou hast in the field; [for upon] every man and beast which shall be found in the field, and shall not be brought home, the hail shall come down upon them, and they shall die. PHARAOH WAS RAISED UP FOR THE GLORY OF GOD. WE ALL SHOULD HAVE OUR PRIMARY PURPOSE IN LIFE TO GLORIFY GOD. GOD SENDS A PLAGUE OF HAIL. THERE HAS NEVER BEEN SUCH A HAIL ON EARTH. THERE WILL BE ANOTHER SUCH HAIL COMING SOON. THIS IS THE HAIL WHICH WILL COME DURING THE GREAT TRIBULATION. Exodus 9:23-26 PG 108 And Moses stretched forth his rod toward heaven: and the LORD sent thunder and hail, and the fire ran along upon the ground; and the LORD rained hail upon the land of Egypt. So there was hail, and fire mingled with the hail, very grievous, such as there was none like it in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation. And the hail smote throughout all the land of Egypt all that [was] in the field, both man and beast; and the hail smote every herb of the field, and brake every tree of the field. Only in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel [were], was there no hail. NOTICE HOW GOD PROTECTED HIS PEOPLE IN THE MIDDLE OF ALL OF THESE PLAGUES. DURING THE TRIBULATION GOD WILL PROVIDE SUPERNATURAL PROTECTION FOR HIS PEOPLE. DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE RAPTURE OCCURRING AT THE END OF THE TRIBULATION. GET RIGHT WITH GOD. WHEN YOU ARE UNDER THE GREAT UMBRELLA OF GOD'S PROTECTION YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE HURT BY THE PLAGUES OF THE THE GREAT TRIBULATION. THE TEACHING OF A PRETRIBULATION RAPTURE MAY BE A PART OF THE END TIME STRONG DELUSION DESIGNED TO LEAD AWAY EVEN THE ELECT IF IT WERE POSSIBLE. WE ALL MUST GET RIGHT WITH GOD AND STAY IN A RIGHT RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM. THE PLAGUES SOON COMING AGAIN UPON ALL THE EARTH WILL DESTROY EVERYONE WHO IS NOT PROTECTED BY GOD. Exodus 9:29-30 PG 108 And Moses said unto him, As soon as I am gone out of the city, I will spread abroad my hands unto the LORD; [and] the thunder shall cease, neither shall there be any more hail; that thou mayest know how that the earth [is] the LORD'S. But as for thee and thy servants, I know that ye will not yet fear the LORD God. WE KNOW THAT DURING THE GREAT TABULATION THE PLAGUES COME AS WAVES GROWING MORE AND MORE SEVERE. MOST PEOPLE WILL HAVE THEIR HEARTS HARDENED AGAINST GOD INSTEAD OF REPENTING. Exodus 10:2 And that thou mayest tell in the ears of thy son, and of thy son's son, what things I have wrought in Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them; that ye may know how that I [am] the LORD. ALL FATHERS ARE GIVEN BY GOD THE RESPONSIBILITY OF TEACHING THEIR CHILDREN ABOUT GOD. THIS BOOK "FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND COUNTRYMEN - LEND ME YOUR EARS" IS THE MEANS WHICH GOD HAS GIVEN ME TO FULFILL THAT OBLIGATION. IT IS NOT THE MOTHER'S JOB IT IS THE FATHER'S JOB. Exodus 10:7 And Pharaoh's servants said unto him, How long shall this man be a snare unto us? let the men go, that they may serve the LORD their God: knowest thou not yet that Egypt is destroyed? EVERYBODY BUT PHARAOH COULD SEE THAT THEY HAD TO LET GOD'S PEOPLE GO FREE. EGYPT WAS DESTROYED AND HE WAS STILL ASKING FOR MORE DESTRUCTION. Exodus 10:12 PG 109 And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the land of Egypt for the locusts, that they may come up upon the land of Egypt, and eat every herb of the land, [even] all that the hail hath left. THE LOCUSTS DESTROYED EVERYTHING GREEN LEFT IN EGYPT. Exodus 10:16-17 PG 109 Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron in haste; and he said, I have sinned against the LORD your God, and against you. Now therefore forgive, I pray thee, my sin only this once, and entreat the LORD your God, that he may take away from me this death only. IT SOUNDS LIKE PHARAOH FINALLY HAS LEARNED HIS LESSON. NOT SO. EVEN THOUGH HE SAYS HE HAS SINNED AGAINST THE GOD OF ISRAEL IT IS JUST A PLOY TO GET THE PLAGUE STOPPED. Exodus 10:20-22 PG 109 But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go. And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness [which] may be felt. And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days: THE NEXT PLAGUE WAS 3 DAYS OF THICK DARKNESS. Exodus 11:2-3 PG 110 Speak now in the ears of the people, and let every man borrow of his neighbour, and every woman of her neighbour, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold. And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover the man Moses [was] very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh's servants, and in the sight of the people. THE HEBREW SLAVES WENT THROUGH THE LAND OF EGYPT COLLECTING GOLD SILVER AND JEWELS FROM ALL THE EGYPTIANS WHO WERE IN PANIC FEAR OF THEM AS A RESULT OF THE PLAGUES. THE LAST PLAGUE WAS THAT OF DEATH OF ALL THE FIRST BORN. IT IS SO VERY IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND WHAT GOD WAS GRAPHICALLY SYMBOLIZING BY THE PASSOVER. THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH. IF WE ARE COVERED BY THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB THAN GOD WILL PASS OVER US IN JUDGMENT OF OUR SINS AND WE WILL HAVE ETERNAL LIFE AND AVOID THE ETERNAL TORMENT OF HELL. JAN 25 EXO 12:1 - 13:16 PG 111 - 113 Exodus 12:3 PG 111 Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth [day] of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of [their] fathers, a lamb for an house: EVERY MAN MUST HAVE A LAMB TO SHED ITS BLOOD IN ORDER TO BE PASSED OVER IN JUDGMENT BY GOD. ALL OF OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS IS FILTHY RAGS. WITHOUT THE SHEDDING OF BLOOD THERE IS NO REMISSION OF SINS. Exodus 12:5-7 PG 111 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take [it] out from the sheep, or from the goats: And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening. And they shall take of the blood, and strike [it] on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it. THE LAMB MUST BE A PERFECT LAMB. THE BLOOD OF THE PERFECT LAMB MUST BE SHED AND APPLIED TO THE DOOR OF YOUR HOUSE FOR GOD TO PASS OVER YOUR HOUSE IN JUDGMENT. Exodus 12:12 For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I [am] the LORD. Exodus 12:13 And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye [are]: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy [you], when I smite the land of Egypt. Exodus 12:15 PG 111 Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel. SEVEN IS GOD'S NUMBER REPRESENTING COMPLETENESS. LEVEN OR YEAST REPRESENTS SIN. ONCE OUR SINS ARE COVERED BY THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB WE ARE REQUIRED AND EMPOWERED TO LIVE COMPLETELY FREE OF SIN. ONLY GOD CAN EMPOWER US TO LIVE COMPLETELY FREE OF SIN. Exodus 13:14-15 PG 113 And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What [is] this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand the LORD brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage: And it came to pass, when Pharaoh would hardly let us go, that the LORD slew all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man, and the firstborn of beast: therefore I sacrifice to the LORD all that openeth the matrix, being males; but all the firstborn of my children I redeem. WHEN YOUR CHILDREN SHALL ASK ABOUT THE THINGS OF GOD - BY THIS STRONG IMPLICATION FATHERS ARE REQUIRED BY GOD TO TEACH THEIR CHILDREN ABOUT GOD. HOPEFULLY THIS WORK WILL SERVE IN THIS OBLIGATION TO GOD FOR FATHERS WHO STRUGGLE WITH THIS OBLIGATION. JAN 26 EXO 13:17 - 15:21 PG 114 - 117 Exodus 13:21 PG 114 And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: THE LORD LED THE NATION OF ISRAEL OUT OF EGYPT. HE LED THEM AS A PILLAR OF CLOUD BY DAY AND AS A PILLAR OF FIRE BY NIGHT. THE LORD SHIELDED THEM BY THE CLOUD BY DAY AND GAVE THEM LIGHT TO CONTINUE THEIR MARCH BY NIGHT. ONE WOULD EXPECT SUCH MIRACULOUS LEADING FOLLOWING THE GREAT PLAGUES WOULD HAVE PRODUCED UNSHAKABLE FAITH OF THE HEBREW NATION IN THEIR ALMIGHTY GOD. UNFORTUNATELY IT WAS NOT SO. Exodus 14:4-5 PG 114 And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I [am] the LORD. And they did so. And it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled: and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against the people, and they said, Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us? PHARAOH WAS GOING AFTER THE HEBREWS TO GET HIS SLAVES BACK. ANYBODY IN THEIR RIGHT MIND WOULD HAVE LET THEM GO WAY BEFORE ALL THE DEVASTATION WHICH EGYPT SUFFERED DUE TO PHAROAH'S HARDNESS OF HEART. IT WAS GOD WHO HAD HARDENED HIS HEART FOR THE PURPOSE OF REVEALING HIMSELF TO EGYPT. BECAUSE OF PHARAOH'S HARDNESS OF HEART EGYPT AND ALL THE WORLD SHOULD HAVE COME TO KNOW THAT THE GOD OF ISRAEL IS THE ONLY TRUE GOD. SUCH POWERFUL ACTS OF GOD UPON EGYPT WOULD ALSO SERVE TO PUT FEAR OF THE GOD OF ISRAEL INTO THE HEARTS OF THE NATIONS WHICH ISRAEL WOULD PASS THROUGH AND HAVE TO CONQUER TO ENTER THE PROMISED LAND. Exodus 14:13-14 PG 115 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you today: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. THIS IS THE BIG LESSON WHICH I MUST SOMEHOW LEARN. I MUST QUIT TRYING TO FIGHT MY OWN BATTLES. MOSES TOLD THE PEOPLE, FEAR NOT, STAND STILL AND WATCH THE LORD FIGHT FOR YOU. IF WE WILL ALLOW THE LORD TO FIGHT FOR US WE WILL ALWAYS BE VICTORIOUS. IT IS NOT SMART TO FIGHT YOURSELF IF THE LORD WILL FIGHT FOR YOU. YET HOW MANY TIMES DO WE TAKE THINGS OUT OF HIS HANDS? Exodus 14:21-22 PG 115 And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go [back] by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry [land], and the waters were divided. And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry [ground]: and the waters [were] a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left. GOD DIVIDED THE RED SEA SO THAT THE ISRAELIS COULD WALK ACROSS THE RED SEA BOTTOM AS ON DRY GROUND WITH THE WATERS OF THE RED SEA WALLED UP ON BOTH SIDES. Exodus 14:26-28 PG 115 And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen. And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, [and] all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them. GOD DESTROYED THE ELITE POWERFUL ARMY OF EGYPT WHICH WAS PURSUING ISRAEL. WORD OF THIS WOULD SPREAD QUICKLY THROUGH THE NATIONS THROUGH WHICH ISRAEL WOULD HAVE TO PASS AND CONQUER. THIS DESTRUCTION OF THE EGYPTIAN ARMY BY THE GOD OF ISRAEL WOULD STRIKE FEAR INTO THE HEARTS OF THE ENEMIES OF ISRAEL. OUR GENERATION IS WITNESSING GOD DOING MIRACULOUS THINGS FOR ISRAEL. WE SHOULD SEEK ALL THE INFORMATION WHICH WE CAN GET REGARDING WHAT IS HAPPENING IN ISRAEL TODAY. GOD IS AGAIN FIGHTING FOR AND WITH ISRAEL. WOE TO AMERICA OR ANY OTHER NATION WHO DARES TO SET ITSELF AGAINST ISRAEL. WHAT AN EXCITING TIME IN WHICH TO LIVE. OUR GENERATION IS WITNESSING GOD REGATHER ISRAEL TO THE PROMISED LAND. WE CAN SEE GOD'S DIRECT INTERVENTION IN THE MIRACULOUS MILITARY VICTORIES OF ISRAEL SINCE 1963. THE VICTORIES GET MORE MIRACULOUS AND WILL CLIMAX WHEN RUSSIA GETS AROUND TO GOING AFTER ISRAEL TO GET THE WEALTH OF THE MIDDLE EAST OIL FIELDS. GOD HIMSELF WILL DESTROY 83% OF ALL OF RUSSIA'S ARMIES AND ISRAEL WILL NOT HAVE TO FIRE A SHOT. Exodus 14:31 And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses. ONE WOULD THINK THAT THE EXPERIENCE OF SUCH POWERFUL MIRACULOUS DELIVERY BY GOD WOULD PRODUCE UNSHAKEABLE FAITH. NOT SO, THESE ARE STIFFNECKED HUMAN SINNERS, JUST LIKE ME AND YOU. Exodus 15:1-3 PG 115 Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea. The LORD [is] my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he [is] my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him. The LORD [is] a man of war: the LORD [is] his name. SUCH MIRACLE DELIVERANCE BROUGHT FORTH THIS GREAT SONG OF PRAISE TO THE LORD. IT IS A GOOD SONG FOR US TODAY: THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH AND SONG. THE LORD IS MY SALVATION. THE LORD IS MY GOD, I WILL PRAISE HIM. THE LORD IS THE MOST MIGHTY WARRIOR. THE LORD IS MAJESTIC IN POWER. THE LORD'S ANGER CANNOT BE WITHSTOOD. THE LORD'S ENEMY'S BOASTS WILL BE REDUCED TO RIDICULE. THE LORD CAN DESTROY ANY AND ALL ENEMIES. THE LORD IS GREATER THAN ANY AND ALL OTHER gODS. THE LORD IS MAJESTIC IN HOLINESS THE LORD IS AWESOME IN GLORY. THE LORD WILL REIGN FOR EVER AND EVER. Exodus 15:11 PG 116 Who [is] like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who [is] like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful [in] praises, doing wonders? THIS IS A GREAT QUESTION. Exodus 15:13-16 PG 116 Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people [which] thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided [them] in thy strength unto thy holy habitation. The people shall hear, [and] be afraid: sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina. Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed; the mighty men of Moab, trembling shall take hold upon them; all the inhabitants of Canaan shall melt away. Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be [as] still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O LORD, till the people pass over, [which] thou hast purchased. IF ISRAEL WILL MAINTAIN THIS TRUTHFUL ATTITUDE OF FAITH AND PRAISE THEY WILL HAVE A CAKEWALK WITH GOD LEADING THEM INTO THE PROMISED LAND. Exodus 15:21 PG 117 And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea. MIRIAM IS MOSES AND AARON'S SISTER. SHE IS A PROPHETESS. SHE TAKES UP TAMBOURINES AND BEGINS DANCING WITH HER OWN NEAT LITTLE SONG OF PRAISE TO GOD. JAN 27 EX. 15:22 - 18:27 PG 117 - 121 Exodus 15:22 PG 117 So Moses brought Israel from the Red sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water. THEY WERE WITHOUT WATER IN THE DESERT FOR 3 DAYS. THEY FOUND STAGNANT WATER THAT WAS BITTER. MOSES PRAYED TO THE LORD AND THE LORD SHOWED MOSES A PIECE OF WOOD WHICH WHEN MOSES THREW INTO THE WATER IT WAS MIRACULOUSLY PURIFIED. Exodus 15:26 PG 118 And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I the LORD that healeth thee. THE LORD PROMISES TO KEEP US HEALTHY. IF WE LISTEN TO THE VOICE OF HIS HOLY SPIRIT WHEN HE CONVICTS US OF OUR SINS AND IF WE WILL BE OBEDIENT. THEN HE PROMISES TO BE THE LORD WHO HEALS US. DOESN'T THAT BEAT ANY HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN YOU EVER HEARD OF? Exodus 16:3 PG 118 And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger. THE ISRAELITES HAVE JUST SEEN GOD'S ALMIGHTY POWER TO DELIVER THEM OUT OF BONDAGE AND LOOK HOW QUICK THEY ARE TO FORGET HIS POWER INSTEAD IF DEPENDING ON HIS POWER THEY MURMUR AGAINST GOD AND HIS PROPHET MOSES. Exodus 16:4 PG 118 Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no. THE LORD MIRACULOUSLY RAINS DOWN MANNA FROM HEAVEN. IF THE LORD HEALS ALL YOUR DISEASES AND FEEDS YOU MANNA FROM HEAVEN WHY WOULD ANYONE EVER CONSIDER TAKING THE 666 MARK OF THE BEAST TO BE ABLE TO BUY OR SELL? Exodus 16:20 PG 118 Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto Moses; but some of them left of it until the morning, and it bred worms, and stank: and Moses was wroth with them. THE PEOPLE REFUSE TO OBEY. THE EXTRA MANNA THAT THEY GATHERED STANK AND PRODUCED MAGGOTS. Exodus 16:28 PG 119 And the LORD said unto Moses, How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws? HERE IS A BIG QUESTION FOR ALL OF US. WHAT IS IT THAT I KNOW GOD WANTS ME TO DO THAT I CONTINUE TO REFUSE TO DO? Exodus 16:30 PG 119 So the people rested on the seventh day. THE LORD GIVES HIS PEOPLE A DAY OF REST, TO CONCENTRATE ON HIM AND TO REST. Exodus 16:35 PG 119 And the children of Israel did eat manna forty years, until they came to a land inhabited; they did eat manna, until they came unto the borders of the land of Canaan. THE LORD FED THE APPROXIMATELY 3 MILLION ISRAELITES IN THE SINAI DESERT 40 YEARS. THERE IS NO FOOD OR WATER IN THE SINAI. KEEP THIS IN MIND IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE TO TAKE SOME KIND OF 666 MARK IN YOUR FOREHEAD OR RIGHT WRIST IN ORDER TO BE ABLE TO GET FOOD. Exodus 17:6 PG 120 Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel. THERE IS NO WATER IN THE SINAI DESERT. THE LORD PROVIDES SPRING WATER, FLOWING WATER, LIVING WATER OUT OF A ROCK IN THE SINAI DESERT. THERE IS STRONG SYMBOLISM HERE POINTING TO THE CORNER STONE ROCK OF THE CHURCH JESUS CHRIST WHO GIVES US LIVING WATER IN THE MIDST OF A DRY AND THIRSTY LAND. DO I HAVE A MURMURING AND COMPLAINING ATTITUDE LIKE THE ISRAELITES. "IS THE LORD AMONG US OR NOT." Exodus 17:11 PG 120 And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. MOSES HOLDS UP HIS HANDS AND THE WARRIORS OF ISRAEL PREVAIL. HE LETS DOWN HIS HANDS AND THE AMELEKITES PREVAIL. Exodus 18:8 PG 120 And Moses told his father in law all that the LORD had done unto Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel's sake, all the travail that had come upon them by the way, and the LORD delivered them. MOSES TELLS JETHRO ABOUT ALL THE LORD HAS DONE FOR HIM AND ISRAEL. ARE WE QUICK TO TESTIFY THE LORD'S POWER HELPING US? CAN ANYONE SHARE SOMETHING WE HAVE SEEN GOD DO FOR US? JAN 28 EX. 19:1 - 24:18 PG 121 - 126 Exodus 19:5 PG 122 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth mine: IF!!! IF I OBEY, THEN GOD BLESSES AND PROTECTS. SATAN IS ALWAYS SEEKING TO STEAL KILL AND DESTROY. IF WE OBEY GOD, SATAN IS POWERLESS BECAUSE GOD PROTECTS US. Exodus 19:8 PG 122 And all the people answered together, and said, All that the LORD hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the LORD. TALK IS CHEAP. THE PEOPLE PROMISE TO OBEY. BUT ALMOST IMMEDIATELY THEY BREAK THEIR PROMISES OF OBEDIENCE IN A VERY BLATANT GROSS WAY. Exodus 20:1-17 PG 123 And God spake all these words, saying, I the LORD thy God, 1)Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them 2)Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; 3)Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 4)Honour thy father and thy mother: 5)Thou shalt not kill. 6)Thou shalt not commit adultery. 7)Thou shalt not steal. 8)Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. 9)Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, 10)Thou shalt not covet any thing that thy neighbour's. HOW ARE THESE COMMANDMENTS TO BE GROUPED IN ORDER TO COME UP WITH 10 COMMANDMENTS? WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO TAKE THE LORD'S NAME IN VAIN? IS THE SABBATH TO BE ON SATURDAY OR SUNDAY OR DOES IT MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE? AT ANY RATE THIS IS THE BEST MORAL CODE EVER RECORDED. Exodus 20:20 PG 124 And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not. MANY PEOPLE SAY THAT THEY DON'T WANT TO HEAR HELL FIRE AND BRIMSTONE PREACHING. HOWEVER, WE SEE HERE, FROM THE WORD OF GOD THAT SUCH PREACHING, WHICH IS THE TEACHING TO FEAR GOD AND ONLY GOD, IS WHAT IS MOST EFFECTIVE TO KEEP US FROM SINNING. Exodus 20:25 PG 124 And if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone: for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it. GOD DOES NOT SANCTION FANCY ORNATE PLACES OF WORSHIP. JESUS MADE IT VERY CLEAR THAT GOD LOOKS AT THE ATTITUDE OF THE HEART. HE IS NOT INTERESTED IN THE OUTWARD SHOW BUT WITH OUR HEART ATTITUDE. Exodus 23:22 PG 124 But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries. BE OBEDIENT TO GOD AND THE LORD WILL PROTECT YOU. OBEDIENCE IS THE VITAL KEY TO OUR RELATIONSHIP TO GOD. Exodus 23:25 PG 125 And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee. SERVE GOD, WORSHIP GOD, OBEY GOD - GOD PROVIDES, BLESSES, AND TAKES AWAY SICKNESS. Exodus 23:31 PG 125 And I will set thy bounds from the Red sea even unto the sea of the Philistines, and from the desert unto the river: for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand; and thou shalt drive them out before thee. BY THE PROMISE AND DECLARATION OF ALMIGHTY GOD ISRAEL HAS BEEN GIVEN THE LAND FROM THE RED SEA TO LEBANON AND FROM THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA TO THE JORDAN RIVER. THE ARABS HAVE NO PART IN IT AND IT MUST BE EXTREMELY IMPORTANT BECAUSE OF HOW MANY TIMES GOD REPEATS THIS PARTICULAR PROMISE. WE AND OUR NATION MUST STAND WITH ISRAEL AGAINST ANYONE WHO WOULD OPPOSE ISRAEL'S POSSESSION OF THIS LAND. Exodus 24:9-10 PG 125 Then went up Moses, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel: And they saw the God of Israel: and under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in clearness. MOSES, AARON, NADAB, ABIHU AND 70 ELDERS OF ISRAEL SAW GOD. Exodus 24:18 PG 125 And Moses went into the midst of the cloud, and gat him up into the mount: and Moses was in the mount forty days and forty nights. MOSES WENT UP TO THE TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN WITH GOD TO RECEIVE THE 10 COMMANDMENTS CARVED IN STONE AND WAS WITH GOD 40 DAYS. JAN 29 EX. 25:1 - 28:43 PG 126 - 131 Exodus 25:2 PG 126 Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering. GOD LOVES CHEERFUL WILLING GIVERS. ABRAHAM AND JACOB GAVE TITHES BEFORE THE LAW. THE LAW HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH TITHING. IT IS A PRIVILEGE TO GIVE TO GOD. WE GIVE OFFERINGS AFTER WE HAVE GIVEN TITHES. IF YOU GIVE GRUDGINGLY YOU WOULD BE BETTER OFF NOT GIVING AT ALL. Exodus 25:8 PG 127 And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. GOD PROMISES TO DWELL IN ISRAEL'S SANCTUARY. CHAPTERS 25, 26, 27, 28 GIVE THE DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS FOR CONSTRUCTING THE ARC, TABERNACLE, TABERNACLE FURNISHINGS, AND PRIEST'S GARMENTS. DID ANYONE FIND ANY SPECIAL SYMBOLISM HERE? AARON IS SELECTED BY GOD AS HIGH PRIEST. JAN 30 EX. 29:1 - 31:18 PG 131 - 135 Exodus 29:9 PG 132 And thou shalt gird them with girdles, Aaron and his sons, and put the bonnets on them: and the priest's office shall be theirs for a perpetual statute: and thou shalt consecrate Aaron and his sons. AARON AND THE TRIBE OF LEVI ARE ORDAINED PRIESTS OF GOD. Exodus 30:10 PG 133 And Aaron shall make an atonement upon the horns of it once in a year with the blood of the sin offering of atonements: once in the year shall he make atonement upon it throughout your generations: it most holy unto the LORD. ONCE A YEAR THE HIGH PRIEST WILL MAKE A BLOOD SACRIFICE TO ATONE FOR THE SINS OF ALL THE PEOPLE. THIS POINTS TO WHAT JESUS WOULD DO ONCE FOR ALL PEOPLE ON CALVARY. IT IS MOST HOLY TO THE LORD. Exodus 30:12-15 PG 134 When thou takest the sum of the children of Israel after their number, then shall they give every man a ransom for his soul unto the LORD, when thou numberest them; that there be no plague among them, when numberest them. This they shall give, every one that passeth among them that are numbered, half a shekel after the shekel of the sanctuary: (a shekel twenty gerahs:) an half shekel the offering of the LORD. Every one that passeth among them that are numbered, from twenty years old and above, shall give an offering unto the LORD. The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel, when give an offering unto the LORD, to make an atonement for your souls. THE MEN, AT AGE 20, MUST PAY 1/2 SHECKLE TO BE COUNTED AS A PART OF THE NATION OF ISRAEL. DOES ANYONE KNOW IF THIS WAS ONCE A YEAR OR ONCE FOR ALL? WAS THIS THE 1/2 SHECKLE THAT PETER AND JESUS PAID WITH THE MONEY FROM THE FISHES MOUTH THAT THE LORD TOLD PETER TO CATCH? Exodus 31:1-3 PG 134 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, GOD CHOOSES HIS OWN WORKERS. HE GIVES HIS HOLY SPIRIT POWER TO EQUIP THE WORKERS HE CHOOSES. Exodus 31:18 PG 135 And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God. 10 COMMANDMENTS WRITTEN BY GOD'S OWN HAND. JAN 31 EX. 32:1 - 34:35 PG 136 - 139 Exodus 32:1 PG 136 And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. HOW QUICK, ONLY 1 MONTH, THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL BREAK THEIR SOLEMN PROMISE TO GOD. THEY TURN TO IDOLATRY AND SEXUAL IMMORALITY. Exodus 32:9 PG 136 And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it a stiffnecked people: Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation. GOD TELLS MOSES HOW THE PEOPLE ARE SINNING AND THAT GOD WILL DESTROY THEM AND MAKE A NEW NATION OF MOSES. Exodus 32:11-14 PG 136 And Moses besought the LORD his God, and said, LORD, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand? Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people. Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit for ever. And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people. UNLIKE MOST PEOPLE, MOSES THOUGHT NOTHING OF THE PERSONAL GREATNESS GOD WAS OFFERING HIM IN THE MIDST OF HIS ANGER. MOSES PLEADS WITH GOD, FOR THE SAKE OF GOD'S OWN GLORY, NOT TO DESTROY ISRAEL. SIN CAN MAKE GOD FURIOUSLY ANGRY. OUR HEARTS HAVE TO BE LIKE MOSES WITH JEALOUSY AND OVERRIDING CONCERN FOR GOD'S GLORY. MOSES' CONCERN FOR GOD'S GLORY CAUSED GOD TO CHANGE HIS MIND AND NOT DESTROY ISRAEL. Exodus 32:19 PG 136 And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing: and Moses' anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount. MOSES IN HIS ANGER BREAKS THE TABLES OF STONE UPON WHICH GOD HAD WRITTEN THE 10 COMMANDMENTS. Exodus 32:24 PG 137 And I said unto them, Whosoever hath any gold, let them break off. So they gave me: then I cast it into the fire, and there came out this calf. HOW ABOUT AARON'S EXCUSE? COULD IT BE THAT SATAN MADE IT HAPPEN AS AARON HAD SAID? IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW ALL APPARENT MIRACLES ARE NOT FROM GOD. ANTICHRIST AND HIS AGENTS WILL HAVE MANY PRETENDED SIGNS AND LYING WONDERS. Exodus 32:27 PG 137 And he said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Put every man his sword by his side, go in and out from gate to gate throughout the camp, and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbour. And the children of Levi did according to the word of Moses: and there fell of the people that day about three thousand men. SIN DOES NOT GO UNPUNISHED. IF WE REALLY UNDERSTOOD THE CONSEQUENCES OF OUR SINS WE WOULD PROBABLY NOT SIN. ALL SUFFERING IS A RESULT OF SIN. THE THING THAT IS HARD TO UNDERSTAND IS THAT THE PEOPLE WHO DO THE SUFFERING ARE NOT NECESSARILY OR NOT EVEN GENERALLY THE ONES WHO DO THE SINNING. Exodus 33:3 PG 137 Unto a land flowing with milk and honey: for I will not go up in the midst of thee; for thou a stiffnecked people: lest I consume thee in the way. GOD DOES NOT STAY WITH HIS PEOPLE BECAUSE OF THEIR SINS. DON'T THINK WE ARE NOT JUST AS STIFFNECKED AS THEY ARE. HIS ANGER AT SIN IS SO HOT THAT HE IS LIKELY TO UTTERLY DESTROY THEM AT THEIR NEXT INFRACTION. HE DOES LEAVE THEM HIS ANGEL TO LEAD THEM. BUT GOD MUST EITHER SEPARATE HIMSELF FROM SINNERS OR DESTROY THEM. Exodus 33:15-16 PG 138 And he said unto him, If thy presence go not , carry us not up hence. For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that upon the face of the earth. MOSES PLEADS WITH GOD FOR THE LORD HIMSELF TO GO WITH THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL. GOD'S PRESENCE WITH HIS PEOPLE IS THE ONLY THING WHICH CAN TRULY DISTINGUISH ANYONE. Exodus 33:18-20 PG 138 And he said, I beseech thee, show me thy glory. And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live. BECAUSE OF GOD'S LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP FOR MOSES GOD'S ANGER AGAINST ALL ISRAEL IS TEMPERED. GOD AGREES TO GO HIMSELF WITH ISRAEL. AND, HE SHOWS MOSES HIS GLORY. GOD IS GOD. GOD CHOOSES WHO HE WILL HAVE MERCY UPON AND UPON WHOM HE WILL NOT HAVE MERCY. Exodus 34:6-7 PG 138 - 139 And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear ; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth . GOD DESCRIBES HIMSELF - THE LORD, THE LORD, MERCIFUL, GRACIOUS, LONGSUFFERING, ABUNDANT IN GOODNESS AND TRUTH. Exodus 34:14 PG 139 For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name Jealous, a jealous God: DO NOT WORSHIP ANY OTHER GOD. Exodus 34:29 PG 139 And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him. MOSES' FACE WAS RADIANT AND SHINED BECAUSE HE HAD BEEN SPEAKING WITH THE LORD. FEB 1 EX. 35:1 - 39:1 PG 140 - 145 Exodus 35:4-5 PG 140 And Moses spake unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, This the thing which the LORD commanded, saying, Take ye from among you an offering unto the LORD: whosoever of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the LORD; gold, and silver, and brass, GIVE TO THE LORD WITH A WILLING HEART OR DON'T GIVE AT ALL. Exodus 36:6-7 PG 141 And Moses gave commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, Let neither man nor woman make any more work for the offering of the sanctuary. So the people were restrained from bringing. For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much. THE PEOPLE HAD TO BE RESTRAINED FROM GIVING. FEB 2 EX. 39:2 - 40:35 PG 145 - 147 THE TABERNACLE WAS COMPLETED ALONG WITH THE CLOTHING FOR THE PRIESTS. AARON WAS ANOINTED HIGH PRIEST ALSO HIS SONS WERE ANOINTED AS PRIESTS. DID ANYONE FIND ANY SPECIAL SYMBOLISM IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TABERNACLE? Exodus 40:15 PG 147 And thou shalt anoint them, as thou didst anoint their father, that they may minister unto me in the priest's office: for their anointing shall surely be an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations. WHAT ABOUT THE EVERLASTING PRIESTHOOD? DID IT END AT THE CRUCIFIXION WHEN THE CURTAIN WAS TORN TOP TO BOTTOM? DID IT END IN 70AD WHEN THE TEMPLE WAS DESTROYED? Exodus 40:34-35 PG 147 Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. WHEN THE TABERNACLE WAS COMPLETED THE GLORY OF THE LORD FILLED THE TABERNACLE. FEB 3 LEV. 8:1 - 10:20 PG 147 - 151 Leviticus 8:4 - Moses did as [the LORD commanded] PG 148 Leviticus 8:5 - [the LORD commanded] to be done. PG 148 Leviticus 8:9 - as [the LORD commanded] Moses. PG 148 Leviticus 8:13 - as [the LORD commanded] Moses. PG 148 Leviticus 8:17 - as [the LORD commanded] Moses. PG 148 Leviticus 8:21 - as [the LORD commanded] Moses. PG 149 Leviticus 8:29 - as [the LORD commanded] Moses. PG 149 Leviticus 8:36 - all things which [the LORD commanded] Leviticus 9:6 - [the LORD commanded] that ye should do: Leviticus 9:7 - as [the LORD commanded]. PG 150 Leviticus 9:10 - as [the LORD commanded] Moses. PG 150 DOES THE LORD HAVE THE RIGHT TO COMMAND US - YOU BETTER BELIEVE HE DOES. OBEDIENCE IS DOING WHAT THE LORD COMMANDS. SIN IS REBELLION AGAINST THE LORD'S COMMANDS. OBEDIENCE IS BETTER THAN SACRIFICE. 1 Samuel 15:22 - And Samuel said, Hath the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey better than sacrifice, to hearken than the fat of rams. GOD WILL EITHER SEPARATE HIMSELF FROM OR DESTROY THE SINNER. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE OBEY AND DO WHAT THE LORD COMMANDS? THE LORD IS WITH US, THE LORD BLESSES US, THE LORD PROVIDES FOR US, THE LORD PROTECTS US, THE LORD HEALS US, THE LORD BECOMES ALL WE NEED, THE LORD BECOMES SO VERY MUCH MORE THAN WE NEED. Leviticus 9:23 - 10:3 PG 150 And Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of the congregation, and came out, and blessed the people: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the people. And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces. And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD. Then Moses said unto Aaron, This that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE DO NOT DO AS THE LORD COMMANDS. IT IS EASY TO SEE IN THIS OLD TESTAMENT EXAMPLE UNDER THE LAW. AARON'S SONS NADAB AND ABIHU HAD ACCOMPANIED MOSES AND THE 70 ELDERS TO A BANQUET WITH THE LORD ON SINAI (EX 24;1-11). THEY HAD JUST BEEN SET APART FOR THE MINISTRY. NOW THROUGH SELF-EXULTATION, PRIDE, AND DRUNKENNESS THEY COMMITTED SIN AND DIED IN THE FIRE GOD SENT AS PUNISHMENT. THIS IS EASY TO UNDERSTAND, BECAUSE THE PEOPLE WHO DID THE SINNING PAID THE PRICE DIRECTLY AND IMMEDIATELY AT HE HAND OF GOD. TODAY IT IS NOT SO EASY TO SEE AND SO CLEAR CUT. NOW WE ARE NOT UNDER THE LAW BUT UNDER GRACE. NOW WE ARE PART OF THE CHURCH. JESUS PAID THE FULL PRICE FOR OUR SINS ON CALVARY. DOES THAT GIVE US A LICENCE TO SIN? WHAT HAPPENS NOW IS ONE OF THE HARDEST THINGS TO UNDERSTAND IN THE WHOLE CHRISTIAN FAITH. NOW GOD'S PROTECTION IS LIFTED AND SATAN IS ALLOWED TO STEAL, KILL, AND DESTROY. THE SINNER GIVES A LICENCE TO SATAN. SATAN WANTS TO HANG ON TO THAT LICENCE SO HE DOESN'T STEAL FROM, KILL, OR DESTROY THE SINNER. SATAN USES THAT LICENCE THAT THE SINNER GIVES HIM TO STEAL, KILL AND DESTROY OTHERS IN THE LOCAL CHURCH BODY. IF WE LOVE ONE ANOTHER WE WILL KEEP THE LORD'S COMMANDMENTS. THE PEOPLE WE LOVE END UP SUFFERING FOR OUR SINS AT THE HANDS OF SATAN IN THE HERE AND NOW. 1 Corinthians 11:27-30 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. {28} But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of bread, and drink of cup. {29} For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. {30} For this cause many weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. FEB 4 NUM. 3:1-13, 7:6-8:22 PG 152 - 157 Numbers 7:89 PG 157 And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congregation to speak with him, then he heard the voice of one speaking unto him from off the mercy seat that upon the ark of testimony, from between the two cherubims: and he spake unto him. THE LEVITES ARE CHOSEN BY GOD AS THE PRIESTS TO ASSIST AARON AND HIS SONS. EACH OF THE 12 TRIBES BRINGS GOLD AND SILVER VESSELS, MEAT OFFERINGS, BURNT OFFERINGS, SIN OFFERINGS, AND PEACE OFFERINGS AND THE TABERNACLE IS SET UP AND OPENED UP TO ALL OF THE 12 TRIBES OF ISRAEL. MOSES COULD HEAR GOD SPEAKING TO HIM FROM THE MERCY SEAT FROM INSIDE THE HOLY OF HOLYS. NO ONE COULD GO INSIDE THE HOLY OF HOLYS EXCEPT AARON THE HIGH PRIEST ONCE A YEAR ON THE DAY OF ATONEMENT. FEB 5 NUM. 9:1-12, 1:1-2:24 PG 157 - 162 Numbers 9:10 - 12 PG 158 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If any man of you or of your posterity shall be unclean by reason of a dead body, or in a journey afar off, yet he shall keep the passover unto the LORD. The fourteenth day of the second month at even they shall keep it, eat it with unleavened bread and bitter . They shall leave none of it unto the morning, nor break any bone of it: according to all the ordinances of the passover they shall keep it. IF BECAUSE OF A DEATH IN THE FAMILY OR BECAUSE OF BEING AWAY ON A TRIP THE PEOPLE COULD NOT CELEBRATE THE LORD'S PASSOVER ON THE 14TH DAY OF THE FIRST MONTH THEY COULD CELEBRATE THIS HOLY FEAST TO THE LORD ON THE 14TH DAY OF THE SECOND MONTH. Numbers 1:46 PG 161 Even all they that were numbered were six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty. THE ISRAELITE ARMY WAS MADE UP OF ALL THE ABLE BODIED MEN 20 AND OLDER EXCEPT FOR THE LEVITE PRIESTS = 603,550 MEN. 3 TRIBES OF ABOUT 15O,OOO WOULD CAMP ON EACH OF THE 4 SIDES OF THE TABERNACLE AND THE LEVITES WOULD CAMP AROUND THE TABERNACLE AND ASSEMBLE, DISASSEMBLE AND CARRY THE PARTS OF THE TABERNACLE WHEN ISRAEL WAS ON THE MARCH. TOTAL SIZE OF THE NATION OF ISRAEL IS BETWEEN 2 AND 3 MILLION. FEB 6 NUM. 3:14 - 4:49 PG 162 - 166 Numbers 4:5-15 PG 163 -164 And when the camp setteth forward, Aaron shall come, and his sons, and they shall take down the covering veil, and cover the ark of testimony with it: And shall put thereon the covering of badgers' skins, and shall spread over [it] a cloth wholly of blue, and shall put in the staves thereof. And upon the table of shewbread they shall spread a cloth of blue, and put thereon the dishes, and the spoons, and the bowls, and covers to cover withal: and the continual bread shall be thereon: And they shall spread upon them a cloth of scarlet, and cover the same with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put in the staves thereof. And they shall take a cloth of blue, and cover the candlestick of the light, and his lamps, and his tongs, and his snuffdishes, and all the oil vessels thereof, wherewith they minister unto it: And they shall put it and all the vessels thereof within a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put [it] upon a bar. And upon the golden altar they shall spread a cloth of blue, and cover it with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put to the staves thereof: And they shall take all the instruments of ministry, wherewith they minister in the sanctuary, and put [them] in a cloth of blue, and cover them with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put [them] on a bar: And they shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread a purple cloth thereon: And they shall put upon it all the vessels thereof, wherewith they minister about it, [even] the censers, the fleshhooks, and the shovels, and the basins, all the vessels of the altar; and they shall spread upon it a covering of badgers' skins, and put to the staves of it. And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear [it]: but they shall not touch [any] holy thing, lest they die. These [things are] the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation. EVERYONE WAS ASSIGNED SPECIFIC DUTIES REGARDING THE CARE OF THE TABERNACLE. NO ONE COULD EVER SEE THE MOST HOLY THINGS, THE ARC OF THE COVENANT EXCEPT AARON AND HIS SONS. ANYONE ELSE WHO WOULD EVER GET A GLIMPSE OF THE ARC WHEN GOD'S GLORIOUS PRESENCE WAS ON THE MERCY SEAT WOULD DIE. FEB 7 NUM. 9:15-23 AND 10:1 - 11:35 PG 166 - 170 Numbers 10:9 PG 166 And if ye go to war in your land against the enemy that oppresseth you, then ye shall blow an alarm with the trumpets; and ye shall be remembered before the LORD your God, and ye shall be saved from your enemies. GOD PROMISES TO PROTECT ISRAEL FORM HER ENEMIES. OUR GENERATION HAS SEEN THIS PROPHESY FULFILLED MORE CLEARLY THAN ANY OTHER IN HISTORY. THE SIX DAY WAR, THE YOM KIPPUR WAR, AND THE 1982 WAR ARE THE BEST HISTORICAL FULFILLMENTS OF THIS PROPHESY. ISRAEL HAS BEEN OUTNUMBERED BY THE ARABS ANYWHERE FROM 4 TO 6 TO 1. IN 1982 THE BIGGEST AIR TO AIR BATTLE IN HISTORY TOOK PLACE. SYRIA WAS EQUIPPED WITH THE LATEST MODEL RUSSIAN MIGS. THE RESULTS OF THAT AIR BATTLE 92 TO 0 IN FAVOR OF ISRAEL. SOME SYRIAN COULD HAVE GOTTEN OFF A LUCKY SHOT EXCEPT FOR THIS PROPHESY. WE MUST STAND WITH ISRAEL OR WE STAND AGAINST GOD. Numbers 9:22-23 PG 167 Or two days, or a month, or a year, that the cloud tarried upon the tabernacle, remaining thereon, the children of Israel abode in their tents, and journeyed not: but when it was taken up, they journeyed. {23} At the commandment of the LORD they rested in the tents, and at the commandment of the LORD they journeyed: they kept the charge of the LORD, at the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses. IT SOUNDS LIKE THE ISRAELITES HAVE FINALLY GOT IT. WHEN THE LORD SAYS GO THEY GO. WHEN THE LORD SAYS STOP AND REST THEY STOP AND REST. IT TOOK A LOT TO GET THEM TO STOP MURMURING AND DOUBTING GOD. 3000 HAD DIED AT THE HANDS OF THE LEVITES. AARONS SONS NADAB AND ABIHU ARE KILLED BY FIRE FROM GOD. THEY COLLECT MANNA EVERY DAY. WATER FLOWS FROM THE ROCKS OF THE DESERT. NOW THEY FINALLY SEEM TO BE OBEDIENT. HOW LONG WILL THEY FOLLOW GOD WITHOUT DOUBTS, MURMURING, AND REBELLION? Numbers 10:35-36 PG 168 And it came to pass, when the ark set forward, that Moses said, Rise up, LORD, and let thine enemies be scattered; and let them that hate thee flee before thee. And when it rested, he said, Return, O LORD, unto the many thousands of Israel. AS ISRAEL MARCHED THE FEAR OF THE LORD WENT BEFORE THEM. GOD SCATTERED THEIR ENEMIES. IF GOD WOULD BE WITH THEM THEY WOULD ALWAYS BE VICTORIOUS. Numbers 11:5-6 PG 168 We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlic: But now our soul dried away: nothing at all, beside this manna, our eyes. IT DOESN'T TAKE THEM LONG TO START COMPLAINING. GOD HAS DELIVERED THEM FROM HARD SLAVERY. THEY ARE AT REST AND AT EASE ON A CONTINUAL CAMPOUT WITH GOD PROVIDING THEIR EVERY NEED AND THEY START STINKIN THINKIN. ARE WE NOT THE SAME WAY? ONE THING IS CLEAR. HUMANS ARE NATURAL COMPLAINERS. GOD WANTS US TO BE CHEERFUL. WE NEED TO CONTINUALLY COUNT OUR BLESSINGS AND KNOW THAT GOD DOES NOT LIKE COMPLAINING AND GRIPING. MEMORIZE - Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things honest, whatsoever things just, whatsoever things pure, whatsoever things lovely, whatsoever things of good report; if any virtue, and if any praise, think on these things. Numbers 11:10-11 PG 168 Then Moses heard the people weep throughout their families, every man in the door of his tent: and the anger of the LORD was kindled greatly; Moses also was displeased. And Moses said unto the LORD, Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant? and wherefore have I not found favour in thy sight, that thou layest the burden of all this people upon me? EVEN MOSES IS COMPLAINING IN HIS PRAYER. GOD SURE HAS INFINITE PATIENCE. Numbers 11:23 PG 169 And the LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD'S hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not. IN THE LIVING BIBLE - "WHEN DID I BECOME WEAK?" NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE LORD - EVEN FEEDING 3 MILLION GRIPING, COMPLAINING, DOUBTING, REBELLIOUS PEOPLE MEAT TILL THEY ARE SICK OF IT FOR A WHOLE MONTH IN THE MIDDLE DESERT. Numbers 11:24 -25 PG 169 And Moses went out, and told the people the words of the LORD, and gathered the seventy men of the elders of the people, and set them round about the tabernacle. And the LORD came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that upon him, and gave unto the seventy elders: and it came to pass, , when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease. HERE IS ONE OF THE BEST EXAMPLES OF WHY I LIKE THE KING JAMES TRANSLATION BETTER THAN ANY OTHER. THE KING JAMES TRANSLATION HAS STOOD THE TEST OF TIME. NO ONE WAS OUT TO MAKE MONEY WITH IT. IT IS NOT COPYRIGHTED. HOW BAD IS IT TO COPYRIGHT THE WORD OF GOD. JESUS SAID FREELY YOU HAVE RECEIVED, FREELY GIVE. THE MINISTRY OF THE PROPHET HAS ALWAYS BEEN WITH MAN ON EARTH. IT IS SERIOUS ERROR TO THINK ALL PROPHETS ARE CRAZY. WE ARE WARNED TO BEWARE OF FALSE PROPHETS. THIS IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT IN THE LAST DAYS. HOW DO YOU TEST A PROPHET? WHAT IS YOUR OPINION OF SOMEONE WHO CLAIMS TO BE A PROPHET OR WHO CLAIMS TO HAVE A WORD OF PROPHESY? I HAVE PREPARED A WORD STUDY A OF PROPHETS, PROPHESY LET ME KNOW IF YOU WOULD LIKE A COPY. IF TIME PERMITS WE WILL DISCUSS THIS SUBJECT IN MORE DETAIL AT THE END OF COVERING FEB 9 MATERIAL. AS WE DRAW NEAR AND PERHAPS ENTER INTO THE FINAL 7 YEARS OF GREAT TRIBULATION THE CHURCH'S NEED FOR TRUE PROPHETS GROWS. EACH CHURCH HAS TO HAVE AT LEAST ONE TRUE PROPHET AND THERE IS NO REASON WHY ALL COULD NOT HAVE THIS GIFT. THE MAJORITY OF NEW TESTAMENT SCRIPTURES WOULD SEEM TO INDICATE THAT THE CHURCH SHOULD HAVE MANY TRUE PROPHETS. Acts 2:16-18 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: Acts 21:8-9 And the next we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was of the seven; and abode with him. And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy. Romans 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, ] according to the proportion of faith; 1 Corinthians 14:1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual , but rather that ye may [prophesy]. 1 Corinthians 14:22-25 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. NOT ONLY DID MOSES NOT CARE THAT OTHERS WERE PROPHESYING BUT HE WISHED THAT THE LORD WOULD PUT HIS HOLY SPIRIT ON THEM ALL AND THAT THEY ALL WOULD PROPHESY. NUM. 11:30 FEB 8 NUM. 12:1 - 14:45 PG 170 - 174 Numbers 12:1-2 PG 170 And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman. And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard . PRIDE IS A SIN. IT WILL GET US INTO ALL SORTS OF TROUBLE. I WAS RAISED TO THINK PRIDE WAS A VIRTUE. IT IS A SIN THAT LEADS TO NOTHING BUT TROUBLE. THE OTHER THING GOING ON HERE IS SPEAKING AGAINST THE LORD'S ANOINTED. THAT IS DANGEROUS BUSINESS. I AM UNDER CONVICTION ON BOTH COUNTS NOW OF PRIDE AND SPEAKING AGAINST THE LORD'S ANOINTED RIGHT NOW. I WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR PRAYERS. Numbers 12:3 PG 170 (Now the man Moses very meek, above all the men which upon the face of the earth.) HERE IS ANOTHER INSTANCE WHERE THE KJV PROBABLY IS A LITTLE BETTER TRANSLATION THAN THE NIV. THE NIV USES THE WORD HUMBLE WHICH IS PART OF MEEKNESS. MEEKNESS IS MORE THAN HUMILITY AND IS A BETTER DESCRIPTION OF MOSES. MEEK IS DEFINED AS ENDURING INJURY WITH PATIENCE AND WITHOUT RESENTMENT. MEEKNESS IS NOT WEAKNESS. MEEKNESS IS POWER UNDER CONTROL. CHARLES STORY IS AN EXAMPLE OF MEEKNESS. Numbers 12:7-8 PG 170 My servant Moses not so, who faithful in all mine house. With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses? MOSES WAS CLOSER TO GOD THAN ANY OTHER MAN ON EARTH. WE SHOULD ALWAYS BE AFRAID TO SPEAK AGAINST GOD'S ANOINTED SERVANTS. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A GIFTED SERVANT AND AN ANOINTED SERVANT OF GOD? Numbers 12:9 PG 171 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them; and he departed. IT MAKES GOD ANGRY WHEN SOMEONE SPEAKS AGAINST GOD'S ANOINTED. WHAT COULD BE WORSE THAN MAKING GOD ANGRY WITH YOU? Numbers 12:13-14 PG 171 And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee. And the LORD said unto Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in . MOSES ASKS GOD TO HEAL MARIAM'S LEPROSY. BECAUSE MOSES ASKS GOD AGREES TO HEAL HER BUT NOT IMMEDIATELY. SPITTING IN THE FACE WAS HELD BY ORIENTAL PEOPLE AS A SIGN OF GREAT CONTEMPT. THE IDEA HERE IS THAT IF HER FATHER HAD SPIT IN HER FACE SHE WOULD HAVE BEEN GREATLY HUMILIATED. HOW MUCH MORE SHOULD SHE BE HUMILIATED IF SHE HAD BEEN REJECTED BY GOD FOR WRONGDOING. Numbers 13:30-31 PG 172 And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they stronger than we. GOD GIVES US EVERY REASON TO TRUST HIM. WHY DO WE SOMETIMES FAIL TO TRUST HIM? IF GOD BE FOR YOU, WHO CAN BE AGAINST YOU? READ ROMANS 8, OR PSALM 103 THE NEXT TIME YOU FEEL OVERWHELMED. Numbers 14:2 PG 172 And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness! GOD ANSWERS THE MURMURING PRAYER OF ALL THE ISRAELITES. THEY WILL ALL DIE IN THIS WILDERNESS. MURMURING IS VERY DANGEROUS. GOD KNOWS OUR EVERY THOUGHT. HE JUST MIGHT ANSWER OUR MURMURING OR COMPLAINING. ONE OF THE EASIEST THINGS FOR A HUMAN BEING TO DO IS TO FIND FAULT. GOD HAS GIVEN US BRAINS. WE ARE TO USE THESE BRAINS TO FIND VIRTUE AND FIND THINGS WORTHY OF PRAISE. IT WOULD BE GOOD FOR ALL OF US TO MEMORIZE. Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things honest, whatsoever things just, whatsoever things pure, whatsoever things lovely, whatsoever things of good report; if any virtue, and if any praise, think on these things. Numbers 14:8 PG 173 If the LORD delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey. IS THE LORD DELIGHTED WITH YOU? REMEMBER THE COMMERCIAL "IT DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS" THAT IS HOW IT WOULD BE IF THE LORD IS DELIGHTED WITH YOU. Numbers 14:9 PG 173 Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD with us: fear them not. HERE IS THE CHOICE WE ALL GET TO MAKE EVERY DAY. IT IS A CHOICE. WE CHOOSE FEAR OR WE CHOOSE FAITH. IT IS A CHOICE. GOD IS DELIGHTED WHEN WE TRUST HIM AND CHOOSE TO LIVE A LIFE WITHOUT FEAR. JESUS WAS THE BEST TEACHER ON THIS SUBJECT. Numbers 14:10 PG 173 But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel. THIS IS STILL WHAT USUALLY HAPPENS TO THOSE WHO TRY TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO TRUST IN GOD. THE PEOPLE THREATENED TO KILL THEM. Numbers 14:11 PG 173 And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have showed among them? HOW LONG WILL IT BE BEFORE I QUIT SINNING AND STOP PROVOKING GOD? HOW LONG WILL IT BE UNTIL I TRUST HIM COMPLETELY TO MEET ALL MY NEEDS? WE HAVE ALL SEEN GOD DO GREAT MIRACLES. Numbers 14:18-24 PG 173 The LORD longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing , visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth . Pardon, I beseech thee, the iniquity of this people according unto the greatness of thy mercy, and as thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now. And the LORD said, I have pardoned according to thy word: But truly I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD. Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice; Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it: But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it. MOSES ASKS GOD TO FORGIVE THE PEOPLE. THE PEOPLE ARE FORGIVEN BUT THEIR SIN DOES NOT GO TOTALLY UNPUNISHED. CHRIST PAID THE FULL PRICE FOR ALL OF OUR SINS ON CALVARY. YET THERE ARE STILL CONSEQUENCES OF OUR SINS. THE ISRAELITES OF THE SINNING GENERATION ALL DIED IN THE DESERT. NONE OF THEM ENTERED THE PROMISED LAND EXCEPT JOSHUA AND CALEB. Numbers 14:40-42 PG 174 And they rose up early in the morning, and gat them up into the top of the mountain, saying, Lo, we , and will go up unto the place which the LORD hath promised: for we have sinned. And Moses said, Wherefore now do ye transgress the commandment of the LORD? but it shall not prosper. Go not up, for the LORD not among you; that ye be not smitten before your enemies. IF GOD IS WITH YOU - NO PROBLEM. IF GOD IS NOT WITH YOU - DON'T DO IT. FEB 9 NUM. 16:1 - 18:32 PG 174 - 179 Numbers 16:1-3 PG 175 Now Korah, .....took : And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown: And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, too much upon you, seeing all the congregation holy, every one of them, and the LORD among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD? WE ARE ABOUT TO LEARN A LESSON ABOUT WHAT GOD THINKS ABOUT ANYONE WHO CRITICIZES HIS ANOINTED SERVANTS. KORAH CONFRONTS MOSES WITH 250 LEADERS AND SAYS WE WANT TO MINISTER IN THE TEMPLE AND YOU ARE NO BETTER THAN WE ARE. WE ARE ALL LEVITES. YOUR BROTHER AARON IS NO MORE QUALIFIED TO BE THE HIGH PRIEST THAN ANY OF US. IT IS JUST PLAIN NEPOTISM AND WE ARE GOING TO HAVE OUR RIGHTS AND HAVE JUST AS GREAT A LEADERSHIP ROLE AS YOU AND AARON. Numbers 16:4 PG 175 And when Moses heard , he fell upon his face: MOSES IMMEDIATELY FALLS FLAT ON HIS FACE IN THE DIRT. KORAH AND THE BOYS THINK HE IS GUILTY AND THEY GOT HIM. WHAT IS MOSES REALLY DOING? IS HE SURRENDERING AND BEGGING FOR MERCY FROM KORAH? MOSES IS PRAYING AND WAITING FOR GOD TO TELL HIM HOW TO ANSWER KORAH. WHEN I AM CRITICIZED I DON'T STOP AND PRAY FOR GOD TO GIVE ME THE RIGHT WAY TO ANSWER. I NEED TO START DOING THIS. I USUALLY FIRE BACK MORE HARSH CRITICISM. I HAVE GOT TO STOP THIS. Numbers 16:5 PG 175 And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the LORD will show who his, and holy; and will cause to come near unto him: even whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him. GOD ANOINTS THOSE WHOM HE CHOOSES TO SERVE HIM. HE IS ABOUT TO SHOW KORAH AND THE BOYS WHAT HE THINKS ABOUT THEM CRITICIZING MOSES HIS ANOINTED. Numbers 16:11 PG 175 For which cause thou and all thy company gathered together against the LORD: and what Aaron, that ye murmur against him? MOSES TELLS KORAH THAT KORAH IS SETTING HIMSELF AGAINST THE LORD NOT MOSES AND AARON. IF WE CRITICIZE OUR PASTOR WHO ARE WE CRITICIZING? IF OUR PASTOR DELIVERS A BORING SERMON, IS IT HIS FAULT OR IS IT MY FAULT FOR HOW I LISTENED? THE HOLY SPIRIT CAN MAKE ANY WORDS OF TRUTH COME ALIVE. IF WE HEAR WORDS THAT ARE CONTRARY TO SCRIPTURE THEN WE SHOULD SHOUT THE PREACHER DOWN. MANY GOOD PREACHERS WILL FLOAT OUT A HERESY TO SEE IF THE PEOPLE ARE REALLY LISTENING AS THEY SHOULD TO SHOUT DOWN THE HERESY. IF THE PASTOR IS NOT PREPARING PROPERLY TO PREACH IT IS NOT MY JOB TO CORRECT OR CRITICIZE HIM. IT IS EVERYONE'S JOB TO BE SURE WHAT THE PASTOR PREACHES AGREES EXACTLY WITH THE BIBLE. Numbers 16:19 PG 175 And Korah gathered all the congregation against them unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the congregation. KORAH IS NOT JUST TRYING TO GET THE LEVITES TO TURN AGAINST MOSES BUT THE WHOLE NATION. Numbers 16:20-22 PG 175 And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment. And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation? GOD IS READY TO DESTROY THEM ALL IN A MOMENT. MOSES DOESN'T SHOUT GOOD RIDDANCE. HE PRAYS FOR GOD TO BE MERCIFUL. Numbers 16:23-25 PG 176 And the LORD spake unto Moses,....... Moses rose up and ..... and the elders of Israel followed him. Numbers 16:26 PG 176 And he spake unto the congregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins. IT IS SO EASY TO GET SUCKED INTO A REBELLION. IF THE REBELLION IS AGAINST SOMEONE WHOM GOD HAS ANOINTED YOU HAD BETTER NOT BE ANY PART OF THE REBELLION. Numbers 16:28-33 PG 176 And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that the LORD hath sent me to do all these works; for not of mine own mind. If these men die the common death of all men, or if they be visited after the visitation of all men; the LORD hath not sent me. But if the LORD make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the LORD. And it came to pass, as he had made an end of speaking all these words, that the ground clave asunder that under them: And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that unto Korah, and all goods. They, and all that to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation. THIS IS THE THING FOR PEOPLE TO READ WHEN THEY FEEL LIKE CRITICIZING GOD'S ANOINTED SERVANT. Numbers 16:35 PG 176 And there came out a fire from the LORD, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense. SO HERE WE HAVE 250 ASH PILES WITH SMOKING CENSORS BY EACH LITTLE ASH PILE. WHAT WOULD YOU DO? NATURALLY YOU TAKE THE BRASS CENSORS AND MELT THE BRASS TO MAKE A BRASS ALTER COVER. NOW ANY TIME ANYONE LOOKS AT THE ALTER THEY SHOULD FORGET ANY THOUGHTS OF REBELLING AGAINST GODS ANOINTED - RIGHT? - WRONG!!! Numbers 16:41 PG 176 But on the morrow all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, Ye have killed the people of the LORD. THE VERY NEXT DAY FIRE UP THE REBELLION. THESE PEOPLE ARE AS HARD HEADED AND STUPID AS I AM. Numbers 16:44-46 PG 176 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Get you up from among this congregation, that I may consume them as in a moment. And they fell upon their faces. And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the LORD; the plague is begun. BY THIS TIME MOSES KNOWS GOD IS SO ANGRY IT IS GOING TO DO NO GOOD TO PLEAD FOR MERCY FOR THE PEOPLE. HE ONLY HOPES TO GET GOD'S ATTENTION IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS FURIOUS DESTRUCTION OF THIS STIFFNECKED, REBELLIOUS, UNFAITHFUL, UNGRATEFUL PEOPLE. PICTURE THIS SITUATION WITH PEOPLE FALLING DEAD LIKE THE WAVE OF THE CROWD IN THE FOOTBALL STADIUM. AARON STANDS WITH THE CENSOR AND THE WAVE OF DEATH STOPS AFTER 14,700 FALL DEAD. Numbers 17:10 PG 177 And the LORD said unto Moses, Bring Aaron's rod again before the testimony, to be kept for a token against the rebels; and thou shalt quite take away their murmurings from me, that they die not. WHO CAN TELL THE STORY OF AARON'S BUDDING STAFF? GOD MADE SURE THAT THE OFFICE OF THE HIGH PRIEST WAS VERY SACRED AND SELECT AND DESIGNATED BY GOD ONLY. THOSE WHO DELIVERED UP JESUS FOR CRUCIFIXION BOTH ANNIS AND CAIPHAS WERE GRANDSONS OF AARON. HAD THE PRINCES OF THIS WORLD KNOWN THEY WOULD NOT HAVE CRUCIFIED THE LORD OF GLORY. THE DESIGNATED HIGH PRIEST OF GOD, SHED THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB OF GOD, ONCE AND FOR ALL TO ATONE FOR THE SINS OF ALL MANKIND. WHEN CHRIST DIED THE CURTAIN SEPARATING THE HOLY OF HOLLIES WAS TORN OPEN BY GOD HIMSELF. ALL MAY NOW HAVE DIRECT ACCESS TO GOD THROUGH THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. FEB 10 NUM. 20:1 - 33:49 PG 179 - 184 Numbers 20:7-12 PG 179 -180 And the LORD spake unto Moses, ....Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, ..... and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, ....And Moses took the rod from before the LORD, as he commanded him. ......gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock? And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts . And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them. DOESN'T THIS SEEM LIKE CRUEL AND UNUSUAL PUNISHMENT? WHO CAN EXPLAIN WHY MOSES WAS PUNISHED LIKE THIS? HERE IS THE BEST I COULD FIND ON THE SUBJECT: SPEAKING HARSHLY TO ISRAEL, AND NOT SPEAKING TO THE ROCK AS COMMANDED, WAS: 1) UNBECOMING TO ONE OF MOSES' POSITION 2) AN ACT OF UNBELIEF 3) IT CALLED ATTENTION TO WE, MOSES AND AARON, AND NOT JEHOVAH Numbers 21:5 PG 181 And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for no bread, neither water; and our soul loatheth this light bread. HERE WE GO AGAIN. THEY JUST DON'T GET IT. WE JUST DON'T GET IT. GOD DOES NOT LIKE GRIPING, COMPLAINING, STINKIN THINKIN. WE HAVE ALL BEEN GIVEN SO MUCH FOR WHICH TO BE THANKFUL. COMPLAINING IS EASY. COMPLAINING IS A NATURAL HUMAN TENDENCY. IT IS HARD TO OVERCOME THE TENDENCY TO GRIPE AND COMPLAIN ABOUT OUR CIRCUMSTANCES. WE MUST FORCE OURSELVES TO FIND SOMETHING WORTHY OF PRAISE REGARDLESS OF OUR CIRCUMSTANCES, OR ELSE IT NOT POSSIBLE TO BE HAPPY. IF YOU WANT TO BE HAPPY MAKE THIS VERSE A PRIORITY PART OF YOUR LIFE: Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things honest, whatsoever things just, whatsoever things pure, whatsoever things lovely, whatsoever things of good report; if any virtue, and if any praise, think on these things. Numbers 21:6 -9 PG 181 And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died. Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived. JESUS CHRIST WAS LIFTED UP ON THE CROSS AT CALVARY THAT WE MIGHT LOOK TO HIM AND LIVE. THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH BUT THE FREE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH JESUS CHRIST. MOSES LIFTED UP THE BRONZE SERPENT. THE ONLY WAY OF AVOIDING THE CERTAIN DEATH OF THE SERPENT'S BITE, WAS SIMPLY TO LOOK TO THAT WHICH WAS LIFTED UP. WILL YOU LOOK TO JESUS TO SAVE YOU FROM THAT OLD SERPENT SATAN'S DEATH BITE OF SIN? THERE IS NO OTHER CURE. FEB 11 NUM. 22:1 - 24:25 PG 184 - 190 THE WHOLE STORY OF BALAAM IS ONE OF THE MOST INTERESTING AND HUMOROUS IN THE BIBLE. WHAT A FANTASTIC WONDERFUL SENSE OF HUMOR THE LORD HAS. HE MAKES BALAAM'S DONKEY TALK TO FINALLY GET HIS ATTENTION. BALAAM IS SO ANGRY HE DOESN'T EVEN APPARENTLY REALIZE THAT IT IS QUITE UNUSUAL FOR A DONKEY TO TALK. THIS IS PROBABLY WHAT INSPIRED THE MOVIE "FRANCIS THE TALKING MULE" AND THE T.V. SERIES MR. ED. DON FRANCISCO HAS A GREAT BALLAD ABOUT THIS WHICH ENDS WITH THE FOLLOWING LINE: SO THE NEXT TIME THE LORD STARTS USING YOU, DON'T YOU PAY IT ANY MIND. HE COULD HAVE USED THE DONKEY NEXT DOOR, IF HE'D BEEN SO INCLINED. WAS BALAAM A PROPHET OR AN OCCULT SPIRITUALIST? THE QUESTION IS DEBATABLE. HERE ARE SOME THINGS WE CAN KNOW ABOUT BALAAM FROM THE SCRIPTURES: 1) IN GREEK HIS NAME MEANS SUBVERTER. 2) IN HEBREW HIS NAME MEANS DEVOURER, OR FOREIGNER. 3) HE LIVED IN MESOPOTAMIA BEYOND THE EUPHRATES RIVER. 4) HE HAD A WIDESPREAD REPUTATION OF BEING ABLE TO PROPHESY AND PRONOUNCE BLESSINGS OR CURSES WITH ACCURATE FULFILLMENT. 22:5-6 5) PRINCES OF 2 NATIONS WERE SENT TO OFFER HIM REWARDS FOR CURSING ISRAEL. 22:7 6) HE SEEMS TO HAVE KNOWN GOD ALMIGHTY. HIS FIRST ANSWER EXPRESSED A DESIRE TO ENQUIRE OF JEHOVAH AS TO WHAT HIS WILL WOULD BE REGARDING GOING WITH THE PRINCES TO CURSE ISRAEL. 22:8 7) JEHOVAH GOD SPOKE TO HIM AND REVEALED THAT HIS WILL WAS NOT TO GO AND NOT TO CURSE ISRAEL, FOR THEY WERE BLESSED BY JEHOVAH. 22:9-12 8) HE WAS FAITHFUL TO REPORT TO THE PRINCES THAT JEHOVAH GOD REFUSED TO LET HIM GO. 22:13-14 9) HIGHER RANKING PRINCES WERE SENT TO OFFER MORE MONEY AND MUCH HONOR IF HE WOULD ONLY COME. 22:15-17 10) HE WAS FAITHFUL ENOUGH TO GOD AT THE TIME TO REJECT THE OFFER AND NOT DISOBEY GOD FOR RICHES. WHEN HE INQUIRED AGAIN OF JEHOVAH AFTER HE ALREADY HAD CLEARLY BEEN TOLD GOD'S WILL ON THE ISSUE, HE SHOWED THE SECRET DESIRE FOR REWARD INSTEAD OF INSTANTLY BREAKING OFF THE NEGOTIATIONS. 22:18-19 11) GOD KNEW BALAAM WOULD EVENTUALLY GIVE IN TO THE TEMPTATION, AND GAVE HIM PERMISSION TO GO BUT ONLY TO SAY WHAT GOD TOLD HIM TO SAY. 22:20 12) HE WAS TO GO AND BLESS, NOT CURSE, ISRAEL, IF THE MEN CALLED HIM. 22:20 13) HE COULD NOT WAIT FOR THE MEN TO CALL. HE ROSE UP BEING ANXIOUS TO GO. THIS MADE GOD ANGRY AND THE ANGEL OF THE LORD OPPOSED HIM (WAS GOING TO HAVE AN ANGEL KILL HIM) IN THE WAY. 22:21-33 14) WHEN BALAAM FINALLY SAW THE ANGEL OF THE LORD, HE ACKNOWLEDGED HIS SIN AND OFFERED TO GO BACK. GOD ALLOWED HIM TO GO ON BUT WARNED HIM ONLY TO SPEAK EXACTLY WHAT GOD TOLD HIM. 15) BALAAM MADE IT CLEAR TO THE KING THAT HE WOULD ONLY SPEAK EXACTLY WHAT GOD TOLD HIM TO SAY, WHICH COULD HAVE COST HIM HIS LIFE. 22:36-38 16) BALAAM SACRIFICED TO JEHOVAH, NOT BAAL AND HE EXPECTED ONLY GOD TO ANSWER. 23:1-3 17) GOD MET HIM. BALAAM TOLD JEHOVAH OF HIS SACRIFICES TO HIM. 23:4 THE ANIMALS HE OFFERED WERE CLEAN ANIMALS INDICATING BALAAM'S UNDERSTANDING OF GOD'S REQUIREMENTS. 18) JEHOVAH GAVE HIM THE PROPHESY WHICH HE FAITHFULLY DELIVERED TO BALAK. 23:5-10 19) HE WAS WILLING TO FACE THE WRATH OF THE KING TO BE FAITHFUL TO WHAT JEHOVAH TOLD HIM TO SAY. 23:11-12 20) JEHOVAH MET HIM AGAIN AND GAVE HIM ANOTHER WORD OF PROPHESY WHICH HE FAITHFULLY DELIVERED TO BALAK. 23:16-24 21) HE ANGERED BALAK BY FAITHFULLY DELIVERING GOD'S WORD AGAIN TO BALAK. 23:25-26 22) THE SPIRIT OF GOD CAME ON HIM AND HE PROPHESIED ABOUT ISRAEL. 23:2-9 23) THIS REALLY ANGERED BALAK AND HE WAS ORDERED TO LEAVE. 24:10-13 24) BEFORE LEAVING BALAAM GIVES A MESSIANIC PROPHESY. HE CLEARLY IS TALKING ABOUT JESUS. 24:14-19 25) HE RETURNED HOME AFTER GAINING THE REWARD HE WAS AFTER FROM BALAK. HE TAUGHT BALAK HOW TO ENSNARE ISRAEL IN SIN. 24:25 THERE ARE REFERENCES WHICH SHOW THAT BALAAM RECEIVED REWARDS FROM BALAK FOR TEACHING BALAK HOW TO GET ISRAEL TO SIN. 2 Peter 2:15-16 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet. Jude 1:11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. Revelation 2:14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. IT SEEMS THAT BALAAM STARTED OUT KNOWING JEHOVAH. THE LOVE OF MONEY BROUGHT HIM DOWN. IT WOULD SEEM THAT HE HAD STARTED OUT AS A TRUE PROPHET OF GOD AND WAS BROUGHT DOWN BECAUSE OF THE LOVE OF MONEY. FEB 12 NUM. 25:1 - 31:54 PG 190 - 194 Numbers 25:1 PG 191 And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab. And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods. And Israel joined himself unto Baalpeor: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel. And the LORD said unto Moses, Take all the heads of the people, and hang them up before the LORD against the sun, that the fierce anger of the LORD may be turned away from Israel. BALAAM COULD NOT CURSE ISRAEL FOR KING BALAK'S REWARD, BUT HE COULD TELL KING BALAK HOW TO GET THE BLESSING TO BE REMOVED FROM ISRAEL. BALAAM WAS ABLE TO GET HIS REWARD FROM BALAK BY TELLING BALAK THAT ISRAEL WOULD LOSE THE BLESSINGS OF GOD IF BALAK WOULD SEND THE TEMPLE PROSTITUTES INTO THE CAMP OF ISRAEL AND GET ISRAEL STARTED IN SEXUAL IMMORALITY. IT SPREAD LIKE WILDFIRE THROUGH THE CAMP AND BEFORE LONG THE MEN OF ISRAEL WERE WORSHIPING THE GODS OF THESE TEMPLE PROSTITUTES OF BAAL. Numbers 25:5 PG 191 And Moses said unto the judges of Israel, Slay ye every one his men that were joined unto Baalpeor. THIS IS GOD'S OLD TESTAMENT REMEDY FOR SEXUAL IMMORALITY. IT WAS A CAPITAL OFFENSE. Numbers 25:6-9 PG 191 And, behold, one of the children of Israel came and brought unto his brethren a Midianitish woman in the sight of Moses, and in the sight of all the congregation of the children of Israel, who weeping the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. And when Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, saw , he rose up from among the congregation, and took a javelin in his hand; And he went after the man of Israel into the tent, and thrust both of them through, the man of Israel, and the woman through her belly. So the plague was stayed from the children of Israel. And those that died in the plague were twenty and four thousand. DO WE EVER SEE THIS KIND OF INSTANT, ZEALOUS, RIGHTEOUS ACTION TODAY? PHINEHAS WAS A RIGHT WING RELIGIOUS EXTREMIST. (PEOPLE IN JAIL FOR ABORTION CLINIC DEMONSTRATIONS) EXAMPLES OF BLATANT UNRIGHTEOUSNESS ARE ALL AROUND US. HOW DO CHRISTIANS RESPOND TO BLATANT PUBLIC UNRIGHTEOUSNESS? HAVE YOU BEEN CALLED A RADICAL RELIGIOUS EXTREMIST LATELY? HAVE YOU BEEN CALLED A JESUS FREAK LATELY? DO SUCH LABELS INTIMIDATE YOU? JESUS WAS CRUCIFIED BY THE RELIGIOUS AND POLITICAL LEADERS OF HIS DAY FOR BEING A RADICAL EXTREMIST. Numbers 25:10-13 PG 191 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, hath turned my wrath away from the children of Israel, while he was zealous for my sake among them, that I consumed not the children of Israel in my jealousy. Wherefore say, Behold, I give unto him my covenant of peace: And he shall have it, and his seed after him, the covenant of an everlasting priesthood; because he was zealous for his God, and made an atonement for the children of Israel. HOW DOES GOD VIEW PHINEHAS, THE RADICAL RELIGIOUS EXTREMIST? THE PLAGUE WHICH HAD ALREADY KILLED 24,000 WAS STOPPED BECAUSE OF THE IMMEDIATE, ZEALOUS, RIGHTEOUS RESPONSE OF PHINEHAS. 2 CHRON. 7:14 TELLS US THAT THE MAJORITY DOES NOT COUNT. IT IS THE RESPONSE OF THE PEOPLE OF GOD WHICH DETERMINES THE FATE OF A NATION. NO MATTER HOW SMALL THAT NUMBER OF THE PEOPLE OF GOD IS WITHIN THE NATION - EVEN ONE PERSON. Numbers 31:7 PG 192 And they warred against the Midianites, as the LORD commanded Moses; and they slew all the males. Numbers 31:8 And they slew the kings of Midian, beside the rest of them that were slain; , ....: Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword. Revelation 2:14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. IT WAS BALAAM WHO WAS BEHIND THE MIDIANITE TEMPLE PROSTITUTES BEING BROUGHT INTO THE CAMP OF ISRAEL. HE GOT HIS REWARD OF MONEY FROM BALAK, BUT IT WAS NOT LONG BEFORE THE GOT HIS REWARD FROM GOD. FEB 13 NUM. 26:1 - 26:65 PG 194 - 198 GOD TOLD MOSES TO TAKE ANOTHER CENSUS. SOME TRIBES HAD GROWN AND SOME TRIBES WERE SMALLER SINCE THE LAST CENSUS. DOES ANYONE HAVE ANYTHING ON WHY THIS MAY HAVE HAPPENED? FEB 14 NUM. 27:15 - 35:8 HAPPY BIRTHDAY LIZZIE! PG 198 - 203 Numbers 27:15-16 PG 198 And Moses spake unto the LORD, saying, Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation, WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS NAME OF GOD? Numbers 27:18-22 PG 198 And the LORD said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him; And set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight. And thou shalt put of thine honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient. And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation. And Moses did as the LORD commanded him: and he took Joshua, and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation: And Moses did as the LORD commanded him: and he took Joshua, and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation: THE LORD PICKS JOSHUA TO SUCCEED MOSES AS LEADER OF GOD'S PEOPLE. ONLY JOSHUA AND CALEB HAD GIVEN A GOOD REPORT WHEN GOD HAD ORIGINALLY TOLD ISRAEL TO GO IN TO POSSESS THE PROMISED LAND. JOSHUA HAD ALMOST BEEN STONED FOR TELLING THE PEOPLE THAT IF GOD IS FOR YOU NO ONE CAN PREVAIL AGAINST YOU. JOSHUA WAS A FAITHFUL, COURAGEOUS MAN. WHAT WAS JOSHUA'S MAIN QUALIFICATION? IT WAS THE FACT THAT HE HAD THE HOLY SPIRIT IN HIM. JOSHUA WAS A GIFTED, TRAINED, EXPERIENCED MAN, ANOINTED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. DOES EVERYONE UNDERSTAND THE COUNSEL AND JUDGMENT OF THE URIM? THE COUNSEL OR JUDGMENT OF THE URIM WAS THAT JOSHUA COULD STAND BEFORE THE HIGH PRIEST AND ASK ANY QUESTION AND GET A DIRECT INFALLIBLE YES OR NO ANSWER FROM GOD. THE URIM AND THUMMIM WERE 2 STONES OF THE SAME SIZE AND SHAPE OF LIGHT AND DARK COLOR WHICH THE HIGH PRIEST CARRIED IN A SPECIAL POUCH ON HIS CHEST. WHEN HE REACHED INTO THE POUCH FOR ONE OF THE STONES IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE PRIEST TO KNOW WHICH OF THE 2 STONES HE HAD IN HIS HAND IN THE POUCH. GOD PROMISED TO MAKE THE RIGHT YES OR NO ANSWER ALWAYS COME OUT OF THE POUCH FOR JOSHUA. THIS IS A MAJOR TURNING POINT IN THE GOVERNMENT OF ISRAEL. MOSES HAD BEEN OVER THE HIGH PRIEST. NOW WHEN HE DIES - JOSHUA WILL BE THE LEADER, BUT HE WILL HAVE TO BE UNDER THE HIGH PRIEST SINCE HE MUST GO TO THE HIGH PRIEST FOR GOD'S DIRECTION YES OR NO ON ANY MATTER. Numbers 32:6 PG 199 And Moses said unto the children of Gad and to the children of Reuben, Shall your brethren go to war, and shall ye sit here? RUBEN AND GAD WANT THE GOOD GRAZING LAND EAST OF THE JORDAN. THEY WANT TO STOP THE MARCH TO BUILD HOMES FOR THEIR WOMEN AND CHILDREN AND PENS FOR THEIR LIVESTOCK. Numbers 32:17 PG 199 But we ourselves will go ready armed before the children of Israel, until we have brought them unto their place: and our little ones shall dwell in the fenced cities because of the inhabitants of the land. We will not return unto our houses, until the children of Israel have inherited every man his inheritance. THEIR PROPOSAL ASSURED MOSES THAT IT WAS NOT COWARDICE WHICH MOTIVATED RUBEN AND GAD TO ASK FOR THIS LAND AND HE AGREES WITH THEIR PLAN. Numbers 33:50-53 PG 201 And the LORD spake unto Moses in the plains of Moab by Jordan Jericho, saying,.... ye shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, and destroy all their pictures, and destroy all their molten images, and quite pluck down all their high places: And ye shall dispossess of the land, and dwell therein: for I have given you the land to possess it. GOD GAVE THIS LAND TO THE ISRAELIS. THEY WERE TO DESTROY EVERY FORM OF OTHER WORSHIP IN THE LAND AND DRIVE OUT THE INHABITANTS. THIS HAS TREMENDOUS SIGNIFICANCE FOR OUR GENERATION. WHAT HAPPENED WHEN ISRAEL DEPORTED 400 ARAB TERRORISTS TO SOUTHERN LEBANON. LEBANON DID NOT WANT THE TERRORISTS. THE WORLD IS RAISING A GREAT UPROAR ABOUT HOW WRONG IT IS FOR ISRAEL TO DEPORT THESE 400 ARAB TERRORISTS. THE RELIGION OF THE CANNANITES WAS IDOLATRY BUT REALLY THAT WAS JUST A COVER AND LICENCE FOR SEXUAL IMMORALITY. THIS IS HOW WE GOT THE WORD LICENTIOUSNESS IN THE FIRST PLACE. CAN ISRAEL PEACEFULLY COEXIST WITH THE ARABS? NO. WHAT ABOUT THIS ARAB GOD ALLAH? WHAT ABOUT THE SETTLEMENTS ON THE WEST BANK? WHERE MUST THE CHRISTIAN STAND REGARDING THE ARABS AND ISRAELIS? FEB 15 DEUT. 1:1 - 4:40 PG 203 - 210 Deuteronomy 1:8 PG 203 Behold, I have set the land before you: go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give unto them and to their seed after them. IT MAY SOUND LIKE A BROKEN RECORD BUT PALESTINE BELONGS TO THE JEWS FOREVER. AS CHRISTIANS WE MUST SIDE WITH THE JEWS REGARDING PALESTINE. IF TIME PERMITS WE WILL TALK BRIEFLY ABOUT WHAT THE ARABS BELIEVE WITH THEIR RELIGION OF ISLAM. Deuteronomy 1:17 PG 204 Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment God's: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring unto me, and I will hear it. MOSES WAS THE SUPREME COURT. TRUTH OR RIGHT AND WRONG IN OUR COURTS TODAY IS NOT NEARLY AS IMPORTANT AS HOW MUCH MONEY YOU HAVE AND WHO HAS THE BEST LAWYERS. Deuteronomy 1:25-26 PG 204 And they took of the fruit of the land in their hands, and brought down unto us, and brought us word again, and said, a good land which the LORD our God doth give us. Notwithstanding ye would not go up, but rebelled against the commandment of the LORD your God: IF THEY HAD BEEN OBEDIENT THEY WOULD NOT HAVE HAD TO SPEND 40 YEARS AND DIE IN THE DESERT. Deuteronomy 1:29-30 PG 204 Then I said unto you, Dread not, neither be afraid of them. The LORD your God which goeth before you, he shall fight for you, according to all that he did for you in Egypt before your eyes; WE NEED TO STUDY THE SCRIPTURES TO INCREASE OUR FAITH. FAITH COMES BY HEARING THE WORD OF GOD. WE NEED TO REMEMBER GOD'S POWER AND FAITHFULNESS AND LEARN TO FEAR NOTHING BUT GOD. FEAR IS THE OPPOSITE OF FAITH. GOD WANTS US TO HAVE FAITH IN HIM AND BE HAPPY NOT FEARFUL OR DISCOURAGED. Deuteronomy 1:36 PG 204 Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh; he shall see it, and to him will I give the land that he hath trodden upon, and to his children, because he hath wholly followed the LORD. AM I FOLLOWING THE LORD WHOLEHEARTEDLY? Deuteronomy 2:7 PG 205 For the LORD thy God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand: he knoweth thy walking through this great wilderness: these forty years the LORD thy God with thee; thou hast lacked nothing. IF GOD IS WITH YOU WHAT ELSE DO YOU NEED? THEY HAD FOOD, WATER AND CLOTHING IN THE DESERT 40 YEARS. THEIR CLOTHES AND SHOES DID NOT WEAR OUT. WHAT IF YOU HAVE TO TAKE SOME GOVERNMENT MARK TO BE ABLE TO BUY OR SELL? REMEMBER HOW GOD TOOK CARE OF ISRAEL IN THE DESERT. Deuteronomy 2:25 PG 206 This day will I begin to put the dread of thee and the fear of thee upon the nations under the whole heaven, who shall hear report of thee, and shall tremble, and be in anguish because of thee. Deuteronomy 2:30 PG 206 But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him: for the LORD thy God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into thy hand, as this day. Deuteronomy 2:33 PG 206 And the LORD our God delivered him before us; and we smote him, and his sons, and all his people. IF WE WILL BE OBEDIENT, THEN GOD WILL FIGHT OUR BATTLES FOR US BETTER THAN WE COULD POSSIBLY FIGHT THEM OURSELVES. IT IS HARD TO TURN THE OTHER CHEEK. IT IS HARD TO PRAY FOR THOSE WHO DESPITEFULLY USE YOU. IF WE WILL, HOWEVER, THEN GOD WILL TAKE UP OUR BATTLE AND NOBODY CAN STAND AGAINST HIM. Deuteronomy 3:18-19 PG 207 And I commanded you at that time, saying, The LORD your God hath given you this land to possess it: ye shall pass over armed before your brethren the children of Israel, all meet for the war. But your wives, and your little ones, and your cattle, <(for> I know that ye have much cattle,) shall abide in your cities which I have given you; THE TRIBES OF RUBEN, GAD, AND MANASSEH, WANTED THE CAPTURED LANDS EAST OF THE JORDAN. MOSES AGREED TO LET THEM HAVE IT, BUT AS SOON AS THEIR WOMEN AND CHILDREN WERE SETTLED, ALL THE MEN OF FIGHTING AGE WOULD LEAD THE REST OF THE ENTIRE NATION IN BATTLE UNTIL ALL OF THE TRIBES WERE PEACEFULLY SETTLED IN THEIR LAND, YET TO BE CONQUERED, ON THE WEST SIDE OF THE JORDAN RIVER. THEN THE TRIBES OF RUBEN, GAD, AND MANASSEH COULD RETURN TO THEIR FAMILIES. A GOOD PLAN INSURING STRONG LEADERSHIP IN BATTLE, TOOK CARE OF THE LARGE FLOCKS OF RUBEN, GAD, AND MANASSEH, AND WOULD MAKE SURE THE FIGHTING WOULD GO AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE THESE GUYS WANTED TO GO HOME AND COULD NOT DO SO UNTIL ALL BATTLES WERE COMPLETED. Deuteronomy 3:21-24 PG 207 -208 And I commanded Joshua at that time, saying, Thine eyes have seen all that the LORD your God hath done unto these two kings: so shall the LORD do unto all the kingdoms whither thou passest. Ye shall not fear them: for the LORD your God he shall fight for you. And I besought the LORD at that time, saying, O Lord GOD, thou hast begun to show thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand: for what God in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might? THERE IS NO OTHER GOD LIKE THE GOD OF ISRAEL. OUR GOD IS ALMIGHTY. IT IS FAR BETTER TO HAVE HIM FIGHT OUR BATTLES THAN FOR US TO FIGHT THEM OURSELF. HOW DO WE INCREASE OUR FAITH IN HIM? PAY ATTENTION WHEN HE WORKS A MIRACLE, AND MOST IMPORTANT STUDY THE BIBLE EVERY DAY. Deuteronomy 4:6 PG 208 Keep therefore and do ; for this your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation a wise and understanding people. For what nation great, who God nigh unto them, as the LORD our God in all we call upon him ? ALL NATIONS HAVE TO RECOGNIZE THE 10 COMMANDMENTS AS THE BEST MORAL CODE EVER RECORDED. IT SURELY HAD TO COME FROM THE HAND OF GOD. IF WE WILL KEEP THESE COMMANDS GOD DELIGHTS TO HEAR OUR PRAYERS AND GIVES US THE GOOD THINGS WHICH WE ASK OF HIM. Deuteronomy 4:24 PG 209 For the LORD thy God a consuming fire, a jealous God. THE LORD REQUIRES FIRST PLACE IN ALL OF OUR LIVES. Deuteronomy 4:29-31 PG 209 But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find , if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice; (For the LORD thy God a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them. WE CANNOT BACKSLIDE SO FAR FROM GOD THAT HE FORGETS US FOREVER. IF WE WILL REPENT AND TURN AWAY FROM SIN AND TURN BACK TO GOD, HE WILL BE MERCIFUL AND HELP US. THE THREEFOLD PROMISE TO ISRAEL IS: 1) HE WILL NOT FORSAKE YOU, 2) HE WILL NOT DESTROY YOU, 3) HE WILL NOT FORGET THE COVENANT MADE WITH YOUR FATHERS. FEB 16 DEUT. 4:44 - 8:20 PG 210 - 214 Deuteronomy 5:28-29 PG 211 And the LORD heard the voice of your words, when ye spake unto me; and the LORD said unto me, I have heard the voice of the words of this people, which they have spoken unto thee: they have well said all that they have spoken. O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever! TALK IS CHEAP. YOU CAN FOOL ALL THE PEOPLE IN THE WORLD BUT CAN'T FOOL GOD. HE KNOWS OUR HEARTS BETTER THAN WE OURSELVES. IF WE WILL OBEY HIM IT WILL BE WELL WITH US AND WITH OUR CHILDREN. Deuteronomy 6:4 PG 211 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God one LORD: Deuteronomy 6:5 PG 211 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. THERE IS ONLY ONE TRUE GOD. HE CAN ONLY BE APPROACHED IN THE WAY HE SPECIFIES. GOD IS GOD. HE MAKES THE RULES. WHETHER THE RULES SEEM FAIR OR RIGHT TO US IS IRRELEVANT. ONLY GOD CAN SPECIFY THE WAY TO APPROACH HIM. JESUS IS THAT SPECIFIC WAY. GOD MUST HAVE POSITION #1 IN OUR LIVES. JESUS IS EITHER LORD OF ALL OF OUR LIFE OR ELSE HE IS NOT LORD AT ALL. Deuteronomy 6:7 PG 211 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. WHEN US CHRISTIANS COME TOGETHER DO WE TALK ABOUT THE WORD OF GOD? YOU BET WE DO. THAT IS WHAT IS GOING ON TONIGHT, AND THURSDAY NIGHT. WE ARE NOT TALKING ABOUT THE COWBOYS, FISHING, OR ANYTHING OTHER THAN THE WORD OF GOD. Deuteronomy 7:1 PG 212 When the LORD thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee, the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than thou; ALL OF THESE 7 NATIONS WHICH ISRAEL CONQUERED WERE GREATER AND MORE POWERFUL THAN ISRAEL. IF GOD BE FOR YOU WHO CAN BE AGAINST YOU? IF YOU TRUST AND OBEY GOD EVERYTHING WILL BE ALL RIGHT. Deuteronomy 7:8 PG 212 For thou an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that upon the face of the earth. The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye the fewest of all people: But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. ISRAEL IS GOD'S CHOSEN PEOPLE BECAUSE GOD KEEPS HIS PROMISES. ISRAEL GAVE GOD PLENTY OF GOOD REASONS TO DISCARD THEM. BUT GOD KEEPS HIS PROMISES. Deuteronomy 7:15 PG 213 And the LORD will take away from thee all sickness, and will put none of the evil diseases of Egypt, which thou knowest, upon thee; but will lay them upon all that hate thee. THIS IS THE 3RD TIME GOD PROMISED TO TAKE AWAY ALL SICKNESS AND DISEASES. EX. 15:26, 23:25. THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO SOLVE THE HEALTH CARE CRISIS. GOD'S HEALTH CARE PLAN IS THE BEST. WHATEVER BILL AND HILLARY COME UP WILL COST MORE AND BE WORTHLESS BY COMPARISON. Deuteronomy 7:21 PG 213 Thou shalt not be affrighted at them: for the LORD thy God among you, a mighty God and terrible. WE NEED TO TRY TO GROW TO THE POINT WHERE WE FEAR NOTHING BUT GOD AND ONLY GOD. WE CHOOSE TO BE AFRAID OR WE CAN CHOOSE TO TRUST GOD. Deuteronomy 7:22 PG 213 And the LORD thy God will put out those nations before thee by little and little: thou mayest not consume them at once, lest the beasts of the field increase upon thee. ANYBODY GOT ANY IDEA WHAT THIS MEANS? Deuteronomy 8:3 PG 213 And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. JESUS QUOTED THIS VERSE WHEN SATAN TEMPTED HIM AFTER HE HAD FASTED FOR 40 DAYS IN THE WILDERNESS. WE NEED THE SPIRITUAL FOOD OF THE WORD OF GOD TO LIVE. IT IS EVERY BIT AS IMPORTANT AS OUR PHYSICAL FOOD. Deuteronomy 8:4 PG 213 Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years. WHAT A MIRACLE. 40 YEARS ON THE FLINT ROCK OF THE SINAI DESERT AND THEIR SHOES AND CLOTHES DID NOT WEAR OUT. Deuteronomy 8:5 PG 214 Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, the LORD thy God chasteneth thee. DISCIPLINE OF THE LORD DOESN'T SEEM LIKE FUN BUT, IT IS A CERTAIN SIGN THAT HE LOVES YOU. Deuteronomy 8:17-18 PG 214 And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of hand hath gotten me this wealth. But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as this day. GOD GIVES THE INCREASE. GOD GIVES US THE POWER TO GET WEALTH. HERE IS WHERE PRIDE BEGINS. IT IS ULTIMATELY DEVASTATING TO THINK YOU HAVE DONE ANYTHING WORTHWHILE ON YOUR OWN. IF I PROSPER IT IS USUALLY NOT BECAUSE OF WHAT I DO BUT IS A TESTIMONY OF GOD'S POWER IN SPITE OF WHAT I DO. GOD EXPECTS US TO USE THE TALENTS HE GIVES US BUT WE SHOULD NEVER FORGET THAT IT WAS GOD WHO GAVE US THE TALENTS. WE CAN ONLY EXERCISE AND DEVELOP OUR TALENTS. THE TALENTS ARE ONLY OURS BECAUSE GOD GAVE THEM TO US. PRAY LIKE EVERYTHING DEPENDS ON GOD, AND WORK LIKE EVERYTHING DEPENDS ON YOU. THE WORKING PARTNERSHIP WHICH PEOPLE ESTABLISH WITH GOD DETERMINES ULTIMATE SUCCESS. FEB 17 DEUT. 9:1 - 11:32 PG 214 - 218 Deuteronomy 9:3 PG 214 Understand therefore this day, that the LORD thy God [is] he which goeth over before thee; [as] a consuming fire he shall destroy them, and he shall bring them down before thy face: so shalt thou drive them out, and destroy them quickly, as the LORD hath said unto thee. OUR CHOICE EVERY DAY - WILL WE CHOOSE FEAR OR WILL WE CHOOSE FAITH IN GOD? NOTHING IS TOO HARD FOR THE LORD. IF GOD BE FOR YOU WHO CAN STAND AGAINST YOU? IF GOD IS IN COMMAND OF ALL OF OUR DAILY BATTLES WE WILL ALWAYS BE VICTORIOUS. Deuteronomy 9:4-5 PG 214 Speak not thou in thine heart, after that the LORD thy God hath cast them out from before thee, saying, For my righteousness the LORD hath brought me in to possess this land: but for the wickedness of these nations the LORD doth drive them out from before thee. Not for thy righteousness, or for the uprightness of thine heart, dost thou go to possess their land: but for the wickedness of these nations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee, and that he may perform the word which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. IF WE ARE TRULY HONEST NONE OF US WOULD EVER WANT WHAT WE DESERVE. WE ALL DESERVE HELL. WE CAN NOT EARN RIGHTEOUSNESS. CHRIST EARNED OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS FOR US. SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS, PRIDE, AND VANITY ARE SNARES THAT CAN GET US INTO ALL KINDS OF TROUBLE. GOD GAVE ISRAEL VICTORY OVER THE ANAIKITES BECAUSE GOD IS FAITHFUL TO KEEP HIS PROMISES AND THE WICKEDNESS OF THE ANAKITES HAD BECOME FULL. IS THERE ANY WAY TO KNOW WHEN THE INIQUITY OF A SOCIETY CAUSES GOD TO DESTROY IT? (SODOM & GAMORAH) Deuteronomy 9:6-7 PG 215 Understand therefore, that the LORD thy God giveth thee not this good land to possess it for thy righteousness; for thou [art] a stiffnecked people. Remember, [and] forget not, how thou provokedst the LORD thy God to wrath in the wilderness: from the day that thou didst depart out of the land of Egypt, until ye came unto this place, ye have been rebellious against the LORD. I CAN REALLY RELATE TO THIS STIFFNECKED PEOPLE THING. ANYBODY ELSE STIFFNECKED HERE? MOSES TOLD THE PEOPLE TO REMEMBER THEIR SINS. LET'S DISCUSS THIS: 1)IF WE CONFESS AND REPENT THE SINS ARE FORGIVEN. 2)GOD DOES NOT REMEMBER OUR SINS AFTER WE CONFESS & REPENT 3)THERE IS THEREFORE NOW NO CONDEMNATION WHY SHOULD WE REMEMBER OUR FORGIVEN SINS - FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US - HEAVY - HEAVY - DO WE REALIZE WHAT WE ARE PRAYING? Deuteronomy 10:12-13 PG 216 And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, To keep the commandments of the LORD, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good? IT IS REALLY PRETTY SIMPLE WHAT THE LORD REQUIRES. JESUS REDUCED THE 10 COMMANDMENTS DOWN TO 2. WHO KNOWS THE 2? Micah 6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what [is] good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? MY FAVORITE OLD TESTAMENT SUMMARY - GREAT MEMORY AND MEDITATION VERSE Deuteronomy 10:19 PG 217 Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt. AREN'T YOU GLAD GOD IS NO RESPECTER OF PERSONS. HE DOES NOT SHOW PARTIALITY. WE DEMONSTRATE OUR LOVE TO GOD BY OUR MERCY TO THOSE IN NEED. MAN'S GREATEST NEED IS FREEDOM FROM THE SLAVERY OF SIN. Deuteronomy 11:13-14 PG 217 And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul, That I will give [you] the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil. THE BIG IF WORD - ANYBODY WANT TO TALK ABOUT THE BIG REGARDING THE BLESSINGS AND PROMISES OF GOD? CAN YOU THINK OF ANY WHICH DON'T HAVE THE IF - UNCONDITIONAL? James 1:5 - If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. Deuteronomy 11:19 PG 217 And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. YE SHALL TEACH YOUR CHILDREN, MY QUALIFICATIONS AND REASON FOR THIS WORK. I HAVE LOST MY CHILDREN. I COVET YOUR PRAYERS IN THIS REGARD. Deuteronomy 11:26 PG 218 Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; OBEDIENCE IS WHAT OPENS UP THE MANY BLESSINGS WHICH GOD WANTS TO GIVE US. DISOBEDIENCE - IF WE COULD ONLY SEE HOW FOOLISH IT IS. FEB 18 DEUT 5:5 - 17:7 PG 219 - 223 Deuteronomy 5:7 PG 220 Thou shalt have none other gods before me. ARE THERE THINGS TODAY WHICH YOU MIGHT CALL OTHER GODS? Leviticus 20:4-5 PG 221 And if the people of the land do any ways hide their eyes from the man, when he giveth of his seed unto Molech, and kill him not: Then I will set my face against that man, and against his family, and will cut him off, and all that go a whoring after him, to commit whoredom with Molech, from among their people. CHILDREN WERE SACRIFICED BY BEING BURNED ALIVE BEFORE THIS IDOL MOLECH. HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT THIS IS ESSENTIALLY THE SAME PRACTICE AS ABORTION TODAY. ACCORDING TO THESE VERSES WE ARE NOT ALLOWED TO HIDE OUR EYES FROM THIS PRACTICE. GOD DOES NOT ALLOW NEUTRALITY ON THIS PRACTICE OF KILLING ONE AND A HALF MILLION BABIES A YEAR THROUGH LEGALIZED ABORTION. WHAT CAN OR SHOULD WE DO ABOUT IT? WE CAN'T IGNORE IT. Leviticus 19:27 PG 221 Ye shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shalt thou mar the corners of thy beard. Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I the LORD. THE IDEA HERE IS NOT SO MUCH THAT WE DO NOT GRIEVE AND MOURN THE PASSING OF OUR LOVED ONES. JESUS WEPT AT THE TOMB OF LAZARUS. THIS IS MORE LIKELY TO BE A MATTER OF PROHIBITING THE HEATHEN OR OCCULT PRACTICE OF NECROMANCY OR TRYING TO CONTACT DEAD DEPARTED SPIRITS. Deuteronomy 12:31 PG 221 Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God: for every abomination to the LORD, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods. THE IDOLATROUS ARTICLES OF WORSHIP WERE TO BE UTTERLY DESTROYED. ALL OF THESE PEOPLES HAD DEVELOPED FORMS OF WORSHIP WHICH GRATIFIED THEIR OWN LUSTS. THEY ALL LICENSED GROSS IMMORALITY. Deuteronomy 13:17 PG 222 And there shall cleave nought of the cursed thing to thine hand: that the LORD may turn from the fierceness of his anger, and show thee mercy, and have compassion upon thee, and multiply thee, as he hath sworn unto thy fathers; HOW DOES ALL OF THIS IDOLATRY APPLY TO ME? THE HUMAN HEART IS DESPERATELY WICKED. WE NEED TO SEARCH OUT THOSE CURSED SINS IN OUR HEART AND AGREE WITH GOD TO QUIT HOLDING ON TO THEM. AS WE GET RID OF THOSE CURSED THINGS WE SEE THE LORD'S MERCY AND BLESSINGS. Deuteronomy 17:6 PG 222 At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death. A MINIMUM OF 2 WITNESSES IS REQUIRED TO CONVICT SOMEONE OF A CAPITAL PUNISHMENT OFFENSE. Deuteronomy 12:21 PG 222 If the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen to put his name there be too far from thee, then thou shalt kill of thy herd and of thy flock, which the LORD hath given thee, as I have commanded thee, and thou shalt eat in thy gates whatsoever thy soul lusteth after. Deuteronomy 12:26 PG 223 Only thy holy things which thou hast, and thy vows, thou shalt take, and go unto the place which the LORD shall choose. GOD WOULD HAVE ONLY ONE HOLY PLACE FOR THE SACRIFICES OF THE WHOLE NATION OF ISRAEL TO BE ACCEPTABLE. WHERE WAS THIS PLACE? JERUSALEM. ONE PLACE, ONE TIME, ONLY BY THE HIGH PRIEST ALL POINTING TO THE ONE ACCEPTABLE, ONCE FOR ALL, SACRIFICE TO ATONE FOR THE SINS OF ALL MANKIND. IT ALL POINTS TO THE SACRIFICE OF JESUS ON CALVARY OUTSIDE THE GATES OF JERUSALEM. THE SPOTLESS LAMB OF GOD SHEDDING HIS PRECIOUS BLOOD TO ATONE ONCE AND FOR ALL FOR ALL THE SINS OF ALL MANKIND. THE JEWS HAD A HARD TIME RECOGNIZING THEIR MESSIAH WHEN HE CAME THE FIRST TIME AS THE LAMB OF GOD. THEY WILL HAVE NO PROBLEM AT ALL RECOGNIZING JESUS WHEN HE COMES AGAIN AS THE LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH. WE MUST PRAY THAT OUR JEWISH BROTHERS AND SISTERS CAN COME TO KNOW MESSIAH JESUS AS THE LAMB OF GOD AS WELL AS KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. FEB 19 DEUT 18:1-26:15 LEV 19:,20:,24: PG 223-228 Leviticus 19:26 PG 223 Ye shall not eat with the blood: neither shall ye use enchantment, nor observe times. Leviticus 19:31 Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I the LORD your God. Leviticus 20:6 And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people. WITCHCRAFT AND DIVINATION ARE STRICTLY FORBIDDEN. TODAYS POLITICAL CORRECTNESS EMBRACES MUCH OF THE OCCULT PARTS OF THE NEW AGE MOVEMENT. WORSHIPING MOTHER EARTH, GETTING IN TOUCH WITH SPIRIT GUIDES, ASTROLOGY ALL OF THESE THINGS CARRIED THE DEATH PENALTY IN ISRAEL. IF YOU LOOK AT MOST OF THE ELEMENTS OF POLITICAL CORRECTNESS YOU WILL FIND THEM TO BE ANTICHRIST. THOSE WHO ARE MOST DEEPLY INTO THE NEW AGE MOVEMENT BELIEVE CHRISTIANS TO BE INCURABLY MENTALLY ILL. IT IS UNFORTUNATE HOW MANY CHRISTIANS CAN BE INTIMIDATED BY SUCH TERMS AS FUNDAMENTALIST OR JESUS FREAK. THESE TERMS SHOULD BE BADGES OF HONOR. Deuteronomy 18:15 PG 224 The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken; Deuteronomy 18:18 I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. Deuteronomy 18:19 And it shall come to pass, whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require of him. GOD PROMISES THAT HE WAS GOING TO SEND A PROPHET FROM THE NATION OF ISRAEL THAT EVERYONE MUST OBEY OR ELSE. THIS PROPHET "CAPITAL 'P'" PROPHET IN THE KJV WOULD HAVE GREATER POWER AND AUTHORITY THAN MOSES. ONLY JESUS COULD POSSIBLY FIT THAT DESCRIPTION. Deuteronomy 18:20-22 PG 224 But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken? When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him. THERE WILL ALWAYS BE FALSE PROPHETS - SOME EVEN HAVING SUPERNATURAL POWERS WHICH ARE DEMONIC. THE SIMPLE TEST OF THE PROPHET IS IF HE IS 100% ACCURATE ALL THE TIME. THE PROPHET'S BATTING AVERAGE MUST BE 1000. IT IS EVEN EASIER FOR US BECAUSE WE HAVE THE SCRIPTURES. NO PROPHET OF GOD WILL SAY ANYTHING TO CONFLICT WITH THE SCRIPTURES. I HAVE A 2 PAGE STUDY ON PROPHETS AND PROPHESY WHICH WILL BE TACKED ON TO THIS DAY'S MATERIAL. THE MINISTRY OF THE PROPHET IS FIRST A PREACHER OF RIGHTEOUSNESS AND TO FORTH TELL GOD'S TRUTH. SUBSEQUENTLY OR SECONDARILY HE MAY FORETELL BUT THAT IS NOT THE PRIMARY JOB OF THE PROPHET. Deuteronomy 5:11 PG 224 & 225 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain: for the LORD will not hold guiltless that taketh his name in vain. HERE IS AN OFFENSE WHICH CARRIED THE DEATH PENALTY IN ISRAEL. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO TAKE THE NAME OF THE LORD IN VAIN? WHEN SOMEONE THROWS THE NAME OF JESUS AROUND IS IT LIKE FINGERNAILS ACROSS THE BLACKBOARD TO YOU? HOW DO YOU GET PEOPLE TO STOP THIS IN YOUR PRESENCE? ARE YOU AFRAID OF OFFENDING SOMEONE? Matthew 10:33 But whosoever shall [deny] me before men, him will I also [deny] before my Father which is in heaven. Exodus 22:29-30 PG 225 Thou shalt not delay the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors: the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto me. Likewise shalt thou do with thine oxen, with thy sheep: seven days it shall be with his dam; on the eighth day thou shalt give it me. MALE BABIES WERE TO BE CIRCUMCISED ON THE 8TH DAY. THERE WAS ALSO A SACRIFICE REQUIRED TO REDEEM THIS BABY. THE SACRIFICE WOULD DEPEND UPON THE WEALTH OF THE FAMILY. DO YOU KNOW WHAT THE REDEMPTION SACRIFICE OF THE FIRST BORN SON WAS? Deuteronomy 14:22-23 PG 226 Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year. And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always. GOD WOULD HAVE ONLY ONE ACCEPTABLE PLACE FOR OFFERING SACRIFICES AND RECEIVING TITHES. THIS WAS THE TEMPLE IN JERUSALEM POINTING TO HOW CHRIST WOULD BE SACRIFICED FOR SINS ONCE FOR ALL AT JERUSALEM. Deuteronomy 14:28-29 PG 226 At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine increase the same year, and shalt lay up within thy gates: And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest. THERE ARE JEWS OF EVERY RACE EVERYWHERE AND HERE IS WHY. THE JEWS TOOK CARE OF THEIR OWN. ALSO EVERYONE CAME TO KNOW THAT THE JEWS WOULD HAVE FOOD FOR THE STRANGER AND ALIEN. THE SYNAGOGUE IN EACH TOWN WAS A PLACE ANY HUNGRY PERSON COULD GO TO FOR HELP. THIS GENEROSITY CAUSED PEOPLE OF EVERY RACE TO BE PROSELYTIZED AND BECOME JEWS. THE GOVERNMENT TAKEOVER OF WELFARE FROM THE CHURCHES IS WHAT IS BRINGING ABOUT THE FINANCIAL AND SPIRITUAL RUIN OF AMERICA. IT SHOULD BE THE JOB OF THE CHURCH AND NOT THE GOVERNMENT TO FEED THE HUNGRY, CLOTHE THE NAKED, AND HOUSE THE HOMELESS. WHEN THE CHURCH GAVE THIS RESPONSIBILITY TO THE GOVERNMENT, AMERICA LOST IT SPIRITUAL AND ECONOMIC ROOTS. WHEN WELFARE IS HANDLED BY THE GOVERNMENT 75% OF THE FUNDS ARE LOST IN ADMINISTRATION. PEOPLE ARE NOT HELPED OUT OF THEIR POVERTY. CHURCH PEOPLE MISS THE BLESSINGS OF GOD WHICH GO WITH HELPING THOSE IN NEED. CHURCHES NEED TO TAKE THIS TURF BACK FROM THE GOVERNMENT. CHURCHES NEED TO ESTABLISH STORE HOUSES FOR HELPING THEIR OWN, THOSE IN THEIR COMMUNITY, AND THE STRANGER PASSING THROUGH. I HAVE A WHOLE SERIES OF SERMONS ON THIS BUT BETTER STILL I RECOMMEND YOU READ ISAIAH 58. Exodus 31:15 PG 228 Six days may work be done; but in the seventh the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. BREAKING THE SABBATH WAS A DEATH PENALTY OFFENSE. WHAT DAY IS THE SABBATH? IS ANY DAY OK AS LONG AS ONE OF SEVEN IS A DAY REST AND WORSHIP OF THE LORD? HOW COME JEWS WORSHIP ON SATURDAY AND CHRISTIANS WORSHIP ON SUNDAY? WASN'T SUNDAY IN ANCIENT TIMES A WEEKLY FESTIVAL TO THE SUN GOD? FEB 20 DEUT 16:, LEV 16:, 23:, NUM 29: PG 228-236 Exodus 23:14-17 PG 228-229 Three times thou shalt keep a feast unto me in the year. Thou shalt keep the feast of unleavened bread: (thou shalt eat unleavened bread seven days, as I commanded thee, in the time appointed of the month Abib; for in it thou camest out from Egypt: and none shall appear before me empty:) And the feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering, in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labours out of the field. Three times in the year all thy males shall appear before the Lord GOD. THERE ARE 3 FEASTS PER YEAR REQUIRED FOR ALL. ALL MUST GO TO THE LORD'S APPOINTED PLACE THESE 3 TIMES EVERY YEAR. PASSOVER, HARVEST, AND INGATHERING ARE SOMETIMES CALLED BY DIFFERENT NAMES WHICH MAKES SOME THINK THAT THERE ARE MORE THAN 3 FEASTS UNDER THE LAW OF MOSES. PASSOVER IS SOMETIMES CALLED UNLEAVENED BREAD. HARVEST IS SOMETIMES CALLED FIRSTFRUITS, OR PENTECOST. INGATHERING IS SOMETIMES CALLED TRUMPETS OR FEAST OF TABERNACLES. HOW DOES THE PASSOVER POINT TO JESUS? THE FIRST AND BEST IS TO BE PRESENTED TO THE LORD AT THE FEAST OF HARVEST. THE FEAST OF TRUMPETS, INGATHERING, OR TABERNACLES INCLUDES THE MOST HOLY DAY OF THE YEAR THE DAY OF ATONEMENT. ONLY ON THIS ONE DAY EACH YEAR, ONLY THE HIGH PRIEST, ONLY WHEN PROPERLY ATTIRED, ONLY WHEN HIS SACRIFICE HAS BEEN MADE CAN THE HIGH PRIEST ENTER THE MOST HOLY PLACE. IT IS FASCINATING TO SEE HOW THESE FEASTS POINT TO JESUS. JESUS BROUGHT THE NEW COVENANT. JESUS ATONED FOR ALL OF OUR SINS FOR ALL TIME. NOW EVERYONE MAY HAVE DIRECT ACCESS TO GOD. THE NEW COVENANT IS SO FANTASTIC COMPARED TO THE OLD COVENANT ONE HAS TO WONDER HOW ALL JEWS WOULD NOT RECOGNIZE MESSIAH JESUS AND BE IN THE NEW COVENANT RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD. Deuteronomy 16:13-14 PG 236 Thou shalt observe the feast of tabernacles seven days, after that thou hast gathered in thy corn and thy wine: And thou shalt rejoice in thy feast, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite, the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that within thy gates. GOD WANTS US TO BE JOYFUL. STINKIN THINKIN IS NOT PART OF GOD'S PROGRAM FOR US. FEB 21 LEV 1:, 2:, 6:, NUM 15: PG 236-240 Leviticus 1:2-4 PG 236 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If any man of you bring an offering unto the LORD, ye shall bring your offering of the cattle, of the herd, and of the flock. If his offering a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish: he shall offer it of his own voluntary will at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD. And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him. EVERYONE SINS. HERE WE SEE THAT UNDER THE OLD COVENANT SPOTLESS BULLS OR LAMBS WERE TO BE OFFERED TO ATONE FOR THE SINS COMMITTED EVERY DAY. 1) THE ANIMALS WERE ALWAYS MALES 2) THEY WERE PERFECT OR SPOTLESS 3) THEY WERE BUTCHERED BY THE PERSON SEEKING TO MAKE THE ATONEMENT SACRIFICE. 4) THE PRIESTS WOULD PUT THE OFFERING ON THE ALTER TO BE BURNED 5) THE OFFERING WAS TOTALLY CONSUMED WHAT ARE SOME OF THE WAYS YOU CAN SEE HOW THIS SACRIFICE SYSTEM WAS POINTING TO WHAT JESUS DID ON CALVARY? CAN YOU MAKE SOME COMPARISONS OF THE SYSTEM OF SACRIFICE AND ATONEMENT UNDER THE OLD AND NEW COVENANTS? FEB 22 LEV 3:, 7:, 4&5:, NUM 15: PG 240-245 FELLOWSHIP OFFERINGS ARE DIFFERENT FROM SIN ATONEMENT OFFERINGS. ONLY A SMALL PART OF THE MEAT IS TOTALLY CONSUMED AS A BURNT OFFERING. THE MAJORITY OF THE MEAT IS TO PROVIDE A FEAST FOR THE LEVITES AND THE PEOPLE MAKING THE FELLOWSHIP OFFERING, THANKSGIVING OFFERINGS, AND FREEWILL OFFERINGS. THE ANIMALS MUST STILL BE SPOTLESS. NOTHING LESS THAN PERFECT WAS ALLOWED TO BE BROUGHT TO THE ALTER OF THE LORD. HERE WE SEE THE LORD ACCEPTING FREEWILL OFFERINGS OF THANKSGIVING AND FELLOWSHIP. GOD IS FEASTING AND FELLOWSHIPS WITH HIS PEOPLE. HE ACCEPTS THEIR PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING IN FELLOWSHIP WITH THEM. UNDER THE NEW COVENANT CHRIST HAS ATONED FOR ALL SINS. NOW FELLOWSHIP IS ONLY BROKEN WITH GOD BY UNCONFESSED OR UNREPENTANT SIN. IF WE AGREE WITH GOD AND CONFESS OUR SINS THEY ARE FORGIVEN AND FORGOTTEN AND THERE IS FANTASTIC UNLIMITED FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD. THE SIN OFFERINGS ARE MOST HOLY POINTING TO HE MOST HOLY WORK OF JESUS CHRIST. EITHER GOD MAKES PROVISION TO FORGIVE AND ATONE FOR OUR SINS OR ELSE WE ARE HOPELESSLY LOST. THERE IS NO WAY WE COULD EVER ATONE FOR OUR OWN SINS. ALL OF OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS IS FILTHY RAGS TO GOD. YET HE FORGIVES US FOR CHRIST'S SAKE AND FELLOWSHIPS WITH US AND LOVES US SO MUCH. WE WILL ALSO BE REWARDED FOR WHATEVER GOOD WORKS WHICH WE DO STRICTLY FOR GOD'S GLORY. Numbers 15:29-31 PG 245 Ye shall have one law for him that sinneth through ignorance, him that is born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them. But the soul that doeth presumptuously, born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people. Because he hath despised the word of the LORD, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity upon him. GOD IS NO RESPECTER OF PERSONS. SAME LAW APPLIES TO ALL. IT IS DEADLY SERIOUS TO SIN PRESUMPTUOUSLY OR WILLFULLY OR DEFIANTLY. FEB 23 LEV 22:, 23:, NUM 28:, DEUT 21 PG 245-248 Numbers 6:23 PG 248 Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them, LET US PRAY THE FOLLOWING BLESSING ON EACH OTHER. Numbers 6:24-26 The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. WHAT ELSE COULD ANYONE POSSIBLY NEED? FEB 24 LEV. 21:1 - 25:55 PG 248 - 252 Lev 21:8 PG 248 Regard them as holy, because they offer up the food of your God. Consider them holy, because I the LORD am holy-- I who make you holy. GOD IS HOLY. IT IS GOD WHO MAKES US HOLY. WE DO NOT EARN RIGHTEOUSNESS. CHRIST EARNED RIGHTEOUSNESS FOR US. THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE ONLY THING WHICH CAN GIVE US THE POWER WE NEED TO LIVE HOLY LIVES. Lev 21:17 PG 249 "Say to Aaron: `For the generations to come none of your descendants who has a defect may come near to offer the food of his God. NO IMPERFECTION OR DEFECT WAS ALLOWED FOR ANYONE WHO WOULD COME TO MAKE OFFERINGS TO SUCH A HOLY GOD. WE MUST BE PERFECT TO APPROACH SUCH A HOLY GOD. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR ANY HUMAN IN THEIR OWN POWER TO LIVE HOLY. THEREFORE WE MUST BE BORN AGAIN BY THE HOLY SPIRIT. Lev 21:23 PG 249 yet because of his defect, he must not go near the curtain or approach the altar, and so desecrate my sanctuary. I am the LORD, who makes them holy.'" HOW CAN ANY HUMAN BE PERFECT? HOW CAN ANY HUMAN BE HOLY? YET THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT JESUS SAYS IS REQUIRED IN : Matt 5:48 - Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. (KJV) PAUL GIVES THE ANSWER IN: Phil 3:12-15 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Lev 25:3-6 PG 250 For six years sow your fields, and for six years prune your vineyards and gather their crops. But in the seventh year the land is to have a sabbath of rest, a sabbath to the LORD. Do not sow your fields or prune your vineyards. Do not reap what grows of itself or harvest the grapes of your untended vines. The land is to have a year of rest. Whatever the land yields during the sabbath year will be food for you-- for yourself, your manservant and maidservant, and the hired worker and temporary resident who live among you, WHAT IS GOD TEACHING HERE WITH THE SABBATH? JESUS SAID THE SABBATH WAS MADE FOR MAN NOT MAN MADE FOR THE SABBATH. EVEN THE LAND WAS TO HAVE A SABBATH. THE PEOPLE WERE NOT TO SOW OR REAP. EVERYONE WAS TO BE FREE TO GATHER WHATEVER THE LAND PRODUCED BY ITSELF. THE PEOPLE WERE BEING TAUGHT TO DEPEND ON GOD AND NOT TO DEPEND ON THEMSELVES. THEY WERE BEING TAUGHT THAT GOD AND ONLY GOD WAS TO BE THEIR PROVIDER. THIS PRACTICE ALSO MADE THE LAND MORE PRODUCTIVE. THE PRACTICE OF LEAVING LAND FALLOW REMAINS AN IMPORTANT PART OF AGRICULTURE TO AVOID DEPLETING THE SOIL. IT IS GOD, NOT OUR BRAINS, NOT OUR EFFORTS, IT IS ONLY GOD WHO PROVIDES US WITH ANY GOOD AND/OR PERFECT GIFT. Lev 25:8-17 PG 251 "`Count off seven sabbaths of years-- seven times seven years-- so that the seven sabbaths of years amount to a period of forty-nine years. Then have the trumpet sounded everywhere on the tenth day of the seventh month; on the Day of Atonement sound the trumpet throughout your land. Consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you; each one of you is to return to his family property and each to his own clan. The fiftieth year shall be a jubilee for you; do not sow and do not reap what grows of itself or harvest the untended vines. For it is a jubilee and is to be holy for you; eat only what is taken directly from the fields. "`In this Year of Jubilee everyone is to return to his own property. "`If you sell land to one of your countrymen or buy any from him, do not take advantage of each other. You are to buy from your countryman on the basis of the number of years since the Jubilee. And he is to sell to you on the basis of the number of years left for harvesting crops. When the years are many, you are to increase the price, and when the years are few, you are to decrease the price, because what he is really selling you is the number of crops. Do not take advantage of each other, but fear your God. I am the LORD your God. THE JUBILEE OR 50TH YEAR IS HOLY AND SPECIAL. IT IS AN ENTIRE YEAR OF REST AND HOLY CELEBRATION WHERE ALL DEBTS ARE FORGIVEN. THE LAND WAS NEVER TO BE SOLD. IT WAS A PERMANENT POSSESSION. IT WOULD ALWAYS BE RETURNED TO THE SELLER IN THE YEAR OF JUBILEE. GOD MADE IT ALL AND OWNS IT ALL. WE ARE ALIENS IN GOD'S LAND. WE ARE AT BEST HIS STEWARDS OR TENANTS OF HIS LAND. IT IS AN HISTORICAL ECONOMIC FACT THAT ECONOMIC DEPRESSIONS OCCUR IN 50 YEAR CYCLES. BY THIS JUBILEE GOD WAS SPARING HIS PEOPLE FROM THE HARDSHIPS OF DEPRESSION. OUR LAST GREAT DEPRESSION WAS IN THE 1930'S. WHY DIDN'T WE HAVE ONE IN THE 1980'S? WE SHOULD HAVE AND THE ONE THAT IS COMING SOON IS ONLY GOING TO BE THAT MUCH WORSE. WE ARE REMINDED TO OWE NO MAN NOTHING BUT LOVE. EVERYONE SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO STAY OUT OF DEBT. IF YOU CAN'T PAY CASH FOR IT HOLD OFF UNTIL YOU CAN. THE NEXT ECONOMIC DEPRESSION WILL BE FAR GREATER IN SCOPE AND SEVERITY THAN ANY PREVIOUS ONE. THE INTERNATIONAL BANKERS ARE MANIPULATING VALUELESS CURRENCIES AROUND THE ENTIRE WORLD. THE COMING GREAT WORLD ECONOMIC COLLAPSE MAY VERY WELL BE WHAT BRINGS ANTICHRIST TO FULL POWER. FEB 25 LEV 12:1 - 15:30, NUM 19: PG 253-256 Leviticus 12:8 PG 253 And if she be not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons; the one for the burnt offering, and the other for a sin offering: and the priest shall make an atonement for her, and she shall be clean. MARY AND JOSEPH COULD NOT AFFORD THE LAMB & DOVE. WHEN THEY CAME FOR PRESENTATION AT THE TEMPLE FOLLOWING THE BIRTH OF JESUS, THEY BROUGHT THE TWO DOVES. THINK HOW THE LORD OF GLORY HUMBLED HIMSELF. Leviticus 14:19 PG 254 And the priest shall offer the sin offering, and make an atonement for him that is to be cleansed from his uncleanness; and afterward he shall kill the burnt offering: And the priest shall offer the burnt offering and the meat offering upon the altar: and the priest shall make an atonement for him, and he shall be clean. UNDER THE OLD COVENANT IT WAS BELIEVED THAT IF SOMEONE GOT SICK IT WAS BECAUSE THEY HAD SINNED. THE FRIENDS OF JOB GIVE THE CLASSIC EXAMPLE OF THIS PERSPECTIVE. IF THE PEOPLE WERE OBEDIENT GOD PROMISED THEM HEALTH. THIS IDEA OF THE OLD COVANENT WHERE SICKNESS WAS A RESULT OF SIN OF THE ONE AFFLICTED HAD BASIS IN SCRIPTURE. SICKNESS AND SUFFERING HAVE ALWAYS BEEN DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND. YOU CAN KNOW FOR SURE THAT SATAN IS THE ONE WHO IS BEHIND ALL SUFFERING AND SICKNESS. WE HAVE A MUCH BETTER PERSPECTIVE ON SICKNESS AND SUFFERING IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. SATAN SEEKS WHO HE MAY STEAL, KILL AND DESTROY. HE GETS THIS STEALING AND KILLING LICENCE WHEN WE SIN. USUALLY IT IS NOT THE ONE DOING THE SINNING WHO DOES THE SUFFERING. Leviticus 14:25 PG 254 And he shall kill the lamb of the trespass offering, and the priest shall take of the blood of the trespass offering, and put upon the tip of the right ear of him that is to be cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot: WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB ON THE RIGHT EAR, RIGHT THUMB, AND RIGHT BIG TOE? I BELIEVE SOMEONE IN OUR GROUP HAD PREVIOUSLY SHARED SOMETHING ABOUT THIS. HEAR NO EVIL, DO NO EVIL WITH YOUR HANDS, AND RUN FROM ANY OCCASION OF EVIL. THEY DIDN'T HAVE ANY TV, MAGAZINES, OR CAMERAS SO THE EYES DIDN'T TEND TO GET THEM IN THE KINDS OF TROUBLE WE CAN GET INTO TODAY. Numbers 19:2 PG 256 This the ordinance of the law which the LORD hath commanded, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring thee a red heifer without spot, wherein no blemish, upon which never came yoke: ASHES OF THE RED HEIFER WERE USED FOR PURIFICATION WATER. FEB 26 NUM 6, DEU 23, LEV 19, 27 PG 256 - 261 Deuteronomy 23:2 PG 257 A bastard shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to his tenth generation shall he not enter into the congregation of the LORD. GOD IS HOLY. HE WANTS HIS PEOPLE HOLY. FAIRNESS IS NOT AN ISSUE. WHAT IS FAIR ABOUT JESUS GOING TO CALVARY FOR MY SINS? MR. SMITH IS RIGHT ON TARGET THAT THESE SEEMINGLY HARSH EXCLUSIONS WERE AIMED AT DENOUNCING AND PREVENTING THE PRACTICES WHICH CAUSE THEM. Numbers 6:2,3,5,6,7,& 8 PG 257-258 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When either man or woman shall separate [themselves] to vow a vow of a Nazarite, to separate [themselves] unto the LORD: 3)He shall separate [himself] from wine and strong drink, and shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of strong drink, neither shall he drink any liquor of grapes, nor eat moist grapes, or dried. 5) All the days of the vow of his separation there shall no razor come upon his head: until the days be fulfilled, in the which he separateth [himself] unto the LORD, he shall be holy, [and] shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow. 6) All the days that he separateth [himself] unto the LORD he shall come at no dead body. 7) He shall not make himself unclean for his father, or for his mother, for his brother, or for his sister, when they die: because the consecration of his God [is] upon his head. 8) All the days of his separation he [is] holy unto the LORD. PEOPLE COULD MAKE VOWS TO THE LORD. THE NAZARITE VOW WAS A SPECIAL VOW. CAN YOU NAME ANY PEOPLE OF THE BIBLE WHO MADE THIS NAZARITE VOW? (SAMPSON & JOHN THE BAPTIST) THE THING ABOUT MAKING VOWS TO THE LORD IS THAT YOU BETTER KEEP THE VOW. GOD IS PERFECT AT KEEPING HIS PROMISES AND WE HAD BETTER KEEP OUR PROMISES TO GOD. GOD ALWAYS HAS AND ALWAYS WILL TAKE VERY SERIOUSLY ANY PROMISES WE MAKE TO HIM. IF YOU MAKE HIM A PROMISE YOU BETTER KEEP IT. Leviticus 27:2, 28, 29, 30 PG 259 -260 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When a man shall make a singular vow, the persons [shall be] for the LORD by thy estimation. 28) Notwithstanding no devoted thing, that a man shall devote unto the LORD of all that he hath, [both] of man and beast, and of the field of his possession, shall be sold or redeemed: every devoted thing [is] most holy unto the LORD. 29) None devoted, which shall be devoted of men, shall be redeemed; [but] shall surely be put to death. 30) And all the tithe of the land, [whether] of the seed of the land, [or] of the fruit of the tree, [is] the LORD'S: [it is] holy unto the LORD. GOD TAKES VERY SERIOUSLY THOSE THINGS VOWED TO HIM. HE MAKES THEM HOLY. WHAT HAPPENS TO US WHEN WE REALIZE WE ARE SINNERS, AND THAT ONLY JESUS CAN SAVE US AND WE ASK HIM TO SAVE US? WE ARE SAVED AND WE ARE VOWED TO HIM AND WE ARE TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF SANCTIFICATION. THINK ABOUT WHAT SANCTIFICATION IS. IT IS THE PROCESS OF BECOMING HOLY. SANCTIFICATION IS THE PROCESS OF BECOMING MORE AND MORE DEVOTED TO THE LORD. Leviticus 27:32 & 33 PG 260 And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, [even] of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD. 33) He shall not search whether it be good or bad, neither shall he change it: and if he change it at all, then both it and the change thereof shall be holy; it shall not be redeemed. TITHES ARE HOLY. THE WERE ESTABLISHED WAY BEFORE THE LAW AND ARE PART OF THE NEW TESTAMENT AND WILL BE IN THE MILLENNIUM. IF YOU HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THE BLESSINGS OF TITHING, JUST TRY IT. IT MAY BE SCARY AT FIRST BUT SOON YOU WILL SEE HOW FANTASTIC GOD'S FINANCIAL SYSTEM IS. WHEN WE ARE FAITHFUL WITH THE TITHE WE WILL NOT HAVE FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES. Deuteronomy 23:21, 22 & 23 PG 260 When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee. 22) But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in thee. 23) That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform; [even] a freewill offering, according as thou hast vowed unto the LORD thy God, which thou hast promised with thy mouth. WHAT DOES GOD NEED FROM US? NOTHING. HE REALLY DOESN'T CARE IF WE MAKE PROMISES TO HIM - BUT HE CARES BIG TIME WHETHER WE KEEP OUR PROMISES TO HIM. BE VERY CAREFUL WHAT YOU PROMISE TO GOD. Leviticus 19:2 PG 260 Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God [am] holy. GOD IS HOLY. WE NEED TO BE ABOUT THE JOB OF SANCTIFICATION AS JOB 1. WE MUST BECOME HOLY. Leviticus 19:19 PG 260 Ye shall keep my statutes. Thou shalt not let thy cattle gender with a diverse kind: thou shalt not sow thy field with mingled seed: WE ARE TO BE HOLY AND SEPARATE FROM THE ADULTEROUS WORLD. FEB 27 DEU 17, 19, & 24 PG 261 - 263 Deuteronomy 17:15 - 20 PG 261 Thou shalt in any wise set king over thee, whom the LORD thy God shall choose: from among thy brethren shalt thou set king over thee: thou mayest not set a stranger over thee, which not thy brother. But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses: forasmuch as the LORD hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way. Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold. And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of before the priests the Levites: And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them: That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, the right hand, or the left: to the end that he may prolong days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel. WHAT IS THE BEST FORM OF GOVERNMENT? MOST PEOPLE WOULD SAY DEMOCRACY. GOD'S BEST FOR HIS PEOPLE IS A THEOCRACY. WHO COULD POSSIBLY KNOW BETTER WHAT TO DO AND HOW TO GOVERN THAN GOD? GOD KNEW ISRAEL WOULD EVENTUALLY DECIDE TO LEAVE THEIR THEOCRACY FORM OF GOVERNMENT AND HAVE A KING LIKE THE NATIONS AROUND THEM. WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS AND QUALITIES FOR A KING FOR ISRAEL? 1) HE MUST BE CHOSEN BY GOD, 2) HE MUST BE AN ISRAELITE, 3) HE MUST NOT SEEK TO BUILD AN EMPIRE BY ACQUIRING HORSES WHICH WAS THE MEASURE OF MILITARY STRENGTH, 4) EGYPT HAD THE BEST HORSES AND WERE STRONG MILITARILY BECAUSE OF THEIR HORSES AND THE KING OF ISRAEL WAS NOT TO SEEK THESE EGYPTIAN HORSES BUT WAS TO TRUST IN GOD RATHER THAN MILITARY MIGHT, 5) HE WAS NOT TO HAVE MANY WIVES - MONOGAMY WAS ALWAYS GOD'S PERFECT WILL FOR MANKIND, 6) HE WAS NOT TO BE COVETOUS, HE WAS NOT TO TRUST IN HIS MONEY, HE WAS TO TRUST IN GOD, 7) HE WAS TO WRITE, WITH HIS OWN HAND THE FIVE BOOKS OF GENESIS, EXODUS, LEVITICUS, NUMBERS, AND DEUTERONOMY WITH HIS OWN HAND. 8) HE WAS TO READ FROM THIS BOOK EVERY DAY OF HIS LIFE. 9) HE IS NOT TO CONSIDER HIMSELF BETTER THAN HIS BROTHERS. 10) HE WAS GOING TO FOLLOW GOD'S LAW EXACTLY. Exodus 22:28 PG 262 Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people. HERE IS A VERSE WHERE THE KJV IS CONFUSING. SOMEHOW ELOHEEM WAS TRANSLATED WITH A LITTLE "g". ELOHEEM IS ALWAYS BIG "G". THE IDEA HERE IS NOT TO MAKE LIGHT, OR BE TOO CASUAL, OR BLASPHEME GOD. GOD EITHER PLACES OR AT LEAST ALLOWS ALL RULERS TO HAVE THEIR POSITIONS. RESPECT FOR AUTHORITY IS ONE OF GOD'S STRICT REQUIREMENTS. Exodus 23:8 PG 262 And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous. Leviticus 19:15 PG 262 Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour. Deuteronomy 24:17 PG 262 Thou shalt not pervert the judgment of the stranger, of the fatherless; nor take a widow's raiment to pledge: JUDGES ARE NOT TO TAKE BRIBES. THEY ARE NOT TO BE RESPECTERS OF PERSONS. THEY ARE TO BE FAIR AND IMPARTIAL IN THEIR VERDICTS. DOES THE POOR MAN FIND EQUAL JUSTICE IN OUR LEGAL SYSTEM? HOW OFTEN ARE CASES DECIDED ON THE BASIS OF WHO CAN PAY FOR THE BEST LAWYERS. Deuteronomy 5:20 PG 263 Neither shalt thou bear false witness against thy neighbour. Exodus 23:1 PG 263 Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness. Exodus 23:2 PG 263 Thou shalt not follow a multitude to evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest : Deuteronomy 19:15 PG 263 One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established. TRUTH. LOVE OF THE TRUTH MAY BE THE MOST ESSENTIAL PART OF THE LIFE OF THE CHRISTIAN. IN John 14:6 - Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. JESUS PERSONIFIED TRUTH. JESUS IS THE TRUTH. John 18:37 - Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. IN OUR CULTURE THERE SEEMS TO BE NO ABSOLUTES. SOME SHARP MIND CAN ALWAYS CHALLENGE EVERY ABSOLUTE TRUTH. YET UNLESS WE CAN ACCEPT SOME THINGS AS BEING ABSOLUTELY TRUE LIFE WILL HOLD NOTHING BUT FRUSTRATION AND CONFUSION. THE ONLY THING GOD CAN'T DO IS LIE. LIARS ARE DESTINED FOR THE LAKE OF FIRE Revelation 21:8 ...[all liars], shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. THE BIBLE IS GOD'S WORD. IT IS ABSOLUTE TRUTH. YOUR COMMITMENT TO READ THROUGH THIS BIBLE IN A YEAR PROVES YOUR LOVE FOR THE TRUTH. FALSE WITNESS AND SLANDER IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN BY GOD. Deuteronomy 21:23 PG 263 His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the LORD thy God giveth thee an inheritance. HERE AGAIN WE CAN SEE THE OLD TESTAMENT LAW POINTING TO JESUS. 2 Corinthians 5:21 - For he hath made him sin for us, who [knew no sin]; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. Matthew 27:46 - And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli , Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou [forsaken me]? JESUS BECAME SIN FOR US THAT WE MIGHT BE MADE RIGHTEOUS. WHILE HANGING ON THE CROSS AT CALVARY HE WAS FORSAKEN BY GOD, HE DESCENDED INTO HELL AND PAID THE FULL PRICE OF HELL FOR EVERY ONE OF US. BY HIS INFINITE CLOSENESS WITH GOD THE FATHER FROM ALL ETERNITY PAST HE KNEW THE FATHER MORE FULLY THAN ANY OF US CAN EVER HOPE TO UNDERSTAND. HE WAS FORSAKEN, ACCURSED, AND SEPARATED FROM GOD. THAT IS WHAT HELL IS - TO KNOW HOW GREAT GOD IS AND THEN HAVING IT PRONOUNCED THAT FOR ALL ETERNITY YOU MAY HAVE NO CONTACT WITH HIM. JESUS PAID IT ALL. IT IS NOT CHEAP GRACE WE FIND IN JESUS. HE PAID THE FULL PRICE OF HELL FOR ALL OF US. FEB 28 NUM 35, DEUT 19,22 EX 21 PG 264 - 267 Exodus 21:12-14 PG 264 He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death. And if a man lie not in wait, but God deliver into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee. But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die. IF THE MURDER IS PREMEDITATED THAN THERE IS TO BE THE DEATH PENALTY. IF THE PERSON IS KILLED BY ACCIDENT THAN THERE IS A PLACE WHERE THE PERSON MAY FLEE FOR SAFETY FROM THE VENGEANCE OF THE RELATIVES OF THE PERSON WHO WAS ACCIDENTALLY KILLED. MORE THAN ONE WITNESS IS REQUIRED TO CONVICT OF THE CRIME OF MURDER. Numbers 35:33-34 PG 264 So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye : for blood it defileth the land: and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it. Defile not therefore the land which ye shall inhabit, wherein I dwell: for I the LORD dwell among the children of Israel. GOD REQUIRES THAT MURDERERS BE PUT TO DEATH. Exodus 22:2-3 PG 264 If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, no blood for him. If the sun be risen upon him, blood for him; he should make full restitution; if he have nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft. THIS CAUSED MOST STEALING TO BE DONE IN THE DAYLIGHT IN ISRAEL. IF THE THIEF WAS CAUGHT BREAKING INTO A HOUSE AT NIGHT HE WOULD BE KILLED BY THE OWNER OF THE HOUSE WITH NO GUILT BEING PLACED ON THE OWNER OF THE HOUSE FOR KILLING THE THIEF IN THE DARK. IF THE THIEF WAS CAUGHT BREAKING IN DURING DAYLIGHT HE WAS NOT TO BE KILLED. Numbers 35:26-28 PG 265 But if the slayer shall at any time come without the border of the city of his refuge, whither he was fled; And the revenger of blood find him without the borders of the city of his refuge, and the revenger of blood kill the slayer; he shall not be guilty of blood: Because he should have remained in the city of his refuge until the death of the high priest: but after the death of the high priest the slayer shall return into the land of his possession. IF YOU ACCIDENTALLY KILLED SOMEONE YOU HAD TO FLEE TO A CITY OF REFUGE. IF YOU EVER CAME OUT OF THE CITY OF REFUGE THE RELATIVE OF THE PERSON THAT YOU ACCIDENTALLY KILLED WOULD BE FREE TO KILL YOU WITH NO PENALTY. YOU HAD TO REMAIN IN THE CITY OF REFUGE THE REST OF YOUR LIFE OR UNTIL THE HIGH PRIEST DIED. AFTER THE DEATH OF THE HIGH PRIEST YOU COULD SAFELY LEAVE THE CITY OF REFUGE. Deuteronomy 19:11-12 PG 266 But if any man hate his neighbour, and lie in wait for him, and rise up against him, and smite him mortally that he die, and fleeth into one of these cities: Then the elders of his city shall send and fetch him thence, and deliver him into the hand of the avenger of blood, that he may die. PREMEDITATED OR 1ST DEGREE MURDERS WERE NOT PROTECTED BY FLEEING TO A CITY OF REFUGE. IT WAS ONLY A REFUGE FOR PEOPLE WHO KILLED WITHOUT MALICE AFORETHOUGHT. Exodus 21:22 - 23 PG 266 If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart , and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges . And if mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life, HERE IS STRONG PROOF THAT FROM GOD'S PERSPECTIVE ABORTION IS MURDER. Leviticus 24:19-20 PG 266 And if a man cause a blemish in his neighbour; as he hath done, so shall it be done to him; Breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth: as he hath caused a blemish in a man, so shall it be done to him . HERE IS THE EYE FOR EYE, TOOTH FOR TOOTH VERSE. BY THIS LAW GOD WAS LIMITING VENGEANCE. BEFORE THIS LAW THE AMOUNT OF VENGEANCE WAS ANYTHING SHORT OF DEATH. THIS IS OLD TESTAMENT. WHAT IS THE NEW TESTAMENT COMPLETION OF THIS LAW? Matthew 5:38-40 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have cloak also. Exodus 21:15 PG 267 And he that smiteth his father, or his mother, shall be surely put to death. JUVENILE DELINQUENCY WAS NOT A PROBLEM IN OLD ISRAEL. CHILDREN WERE UNDER A DEATH PENALTY FOR DISOBEDIENCE. AS A RESULT THE CHILDREN WERE OBEDIENT. Exodus 22:4 PG 267 If the theft be certainly found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall restore double. STEALING WAS NOT A GREAT PROBLEM IN ISRAEL. PEOPLE WERE NOT IMPRISONED FOR STEALING. THEY WERE REQUIRED TO PAY BACK AT LEAST DOUBLE WHAT THEY HAD STOLEN. MAR 1 EX 22 & 22, DEUT 21 & 25, NUM 30 PG 268 - 274 Exodus 22:9 PG 268 For all manner of trespass, [whether it be] for ox, for ass, for sheep, for raiment, [or] for any manner of lost thing, which [another] challengeth to be his, the cause of both parties shall come before the judges; [and] whom the judges shall condemn, he shall pay double unto his neighbour. OLD ISRAEL DIDN'T HAVE A HIGH CRIME RATE. THIEVES HAD TO PAY BACK DOUBLE. THEY WERE NOT PUT IN PRISON. RESTITUTION MAKES BETTER SENSE THAN PRISON. Exodus 22:14-15 PG 268 And if a man borrow [ought] of his neighbour, and it be hurt, or die, the owner thereof [being] not with it, he shall surely make [it] good. [But] if the owner thereof [be] with it, he shall not make [it] good: if it [be] an hired [thing], it came for his hire. IF YOU BORROW SOMETHING YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ITS CARE. IF THE THING YOU BORROW BREAKS WHILE YOU ARE USING IT, THEN YOU HAVE TO REPLACE IT. ON THE OTHER HAND IF YOU HIRE SOMEONE TO BRING HIS EQUIPMENT IN TO DO WORK FOR YOU AND HIS EQUIPMENT BREAKS WHILE HE IS USING IT THEN YOU ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRING OR REPLACING HIS EQUIPMENT. Exodus 22:16-17 PG 268 And if a man entice a maid that is not betrothed, and lie with her, he shall surely endow her to be his wife. If her father utterly refuse to give her unto him, he shall pay money according to the dowry of virgins. ADULTERY CARRIED THE DEATH PENALTY IN ISRAEL. FORNICATION WAS HANDLED DIFFERENTLY. IF A MAN SEDUCED A GIRL HE COULD MARRY THE GIRL TO SAVE HIS LIFE. IF THE FATHER OF THE GIRL REFUSED TO HAVE HIM AS A SON-IN-LAW HE COULD PAY THE DOWRY PRICE FOR THE GIRL. Exodus 21:33-34 PG 269 And if a man shall open a pit, or if a man shall dig a pit, and not cover it, and an ox or an ass fall therein; The owner of the pit shall make [it] good, [and] give money unto the owner of them; and the dead [beast] shall be his. IF YOU DUG A PIT YOU HAD TO PROTECT IT WITH A FENCE. PEOPLE HAD TO ACT RESPONSIBLY. IF SOMEONE'S ANIMAL WERE HURT ON YOUR PROPERTY YOU WERE REQUIRED TO MAKE RESTITUTION. Exodus 21:29-32 PG 269 But if the ox were wont to push with his horn in time past, and it hath been testified to his owner, and he hath not kept him in, but that he hath killed a man or a woman; the ox shall be stoned, and his owner also shall be put to death. If there be laid on him a sum of money, then he shall give for the ransom of his life whatsoever is laid upon him. Whether he have gored a son, or have gored a daughter, according to this judgment shall it be done unto him. If the ox shall push a manservant or a maidservant; he shall give unto their master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned. PEOPLE DID NOT KEEP DANGEROUS ANIMALS. IF YOU HAD A BULL THAT WAS KNOWN TO BE DANGEROUS AND SOMEONE WAS GORED AND KILLED BY THAT BULL YOU COULD BE KILLED BECAUSE YOU KNEW THE BULL WAS DANGEROUS AND DID NOT GET RID OF THE DANGEROUS BULL. THE FAMILY OF THE PERSON KILLED HAD THE OPTION OF KILLING YOU OR REQUIRING YOU TO PAY WHATEVER AMOUNT THEY WANTED YOU TO PAY. Deuteronomy 22:8 PG 269 When thou buildest a new house, then thou shalt make a battlement for thy roof, that thou bring not blood upon thine house, if any man fall from thence. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE WHEN PEOPLE ARE INJURED ON YOUR PROPERTY. RAILINGS WERE REQUIRE TO KEEP PEOPLE FROM FALLING OFF YOUR ROOF OR BALCONY. Deuteronomy 24:14-15 PG 269 Thou shalt not oppress an hired servant [that is] poor and needy, [whether he be] of thy brethren, or of thy strangers that [are] in thy land within thy gates: At his day thou shalt give [him] his hire, neither shall the sun go down upon it; for he [is] poor, and setteth his heart upon it: lest he cry against thee unto the LORD, and it be sin unto thee. WHEN YOU HIRE SOMEONE YOU HAD TO PAY THEM IMMEDIATELY. GOD'S HEART IS VERY COMPASSIONATE TO THE POOR. IF THE POOR CRY TO THE LORD AGAINST YOU BECAUSE YOU WITHHELD THEIR WAGES THEN YOU WERE IN BIG TROUBLE. Deuteronomy 23:19-20 PG 270 Thou shalt not lend upon usury to thy brother; usury of money, usury of victuals, usury of any thing that is lent upon usury: Unto a stranger thou mayest lend upon usury; but unto thy brother thou shalt not lend upon usury: that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all that thou settest thine hand to in the land whither thou goest to possess it. WHEN YOU LEND MONEY YOU SHOULD NOT CHARGE INTEREST TO YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND CHRISTIAN BROTHERS AND SISTERS. YOU NEED TO BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE GIVING THEM A GIFT AND NOT EXPECT THEM TO PAY YOU BACK. IF YOU ARE NOT IN A STRONG ENOUGH FINANCIAL POSITION TO GIVE YOUR BROTHER A GIFT DON'T MAKE THE LOAN. YOU CAN'T LOAN AND EXPECT TO BE REPAID. IF THEY DO REPAY THAN COUNT IT AS A BLESSING. IF YOU FEEL THEY SHOULD REPAY OR ESPECIALLY IF YOU WILL NEED THEM TO REPAY DON'T LOAN IT IN THE FIRST PLACE. THIS IS NOT A LICENCE TO FAIL TO PAY BACK YOUR BROTHER IF HE HELPS YOU. IT IS JUST A BIBLICAL PRINCIPLE THAT KEEPS HARMONY IN FAMILIES AND CHURCHES. DON'T LOAN MONEY TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY. GIVE THEM GIFTS IF YOU CAN AFFORD IT. IF THEY PAY YOU BACK, AND THEY SHOULD, FINE AND DANDY. BUT DON'T MAKE THEM A LOAN UNLESS YOU CAN DO IT WITHOUT EXPECTING THEM TO REPAY. YOU MUST VIEW IT AS A GIFT.- Luke 6:34-35 And if ye lend [to them] of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and [to] the evil. Deuteronomy 15:7-11 PG 271 If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother: But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, [in that] which he wanteth. Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou givest him nought; and he cry unto the LORD against thee, and it be sin unto thee. Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him: because that for this thing the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto. For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land. ISAIAH 58:6-11 [Is] not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? [Is it] not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward. Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I [am]. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; And [if] thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness [be] as the noon day: And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. Numbers 30:13-15 PG 272 Every vow, and every binding oath to afflict the soul, her husband may establish it, or her husband may make it void. But if her husband altogether hold his peace at her from day to day; then he establisheth all her vows, or all her bonds, which [are] upon her: he confirmeth them, because he held his peace at her in the day that he heard [them]. But if he shall any ways make them void after that he hath heard [them]; then he shall bear her iniquity. IT WOULD NOT BE POLITICALLY CORRECT TO GO INTO DETAIL REGARDING HOW GOD REQUIRES SPECIFIC AUTHORITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY STRUCTURES. WOMEN HAVE A CHOICE OF EITHER TRYING TO DEAL WITH THEIR HELPLESS HUSBAND OR TO TRUST GOD TO DEAL WITH HIM. IT WOULD SEEM THAT THESE VERSES WOULD REQUIRE THE HUSBAND TO COMMUNICATE WITH HIS WIFE IN GREAT DETAIL EVERY DAY. ANY DEAL SHE MADE COULD BE CANCELED IF HE TOOK SWIFT RESPONSIBLE ACTION. IF HE EITHER DID NOT COMMUNICATE WITH HIS WIFE OR HE DID NOT TAKE IMMEDIATE RESPONSIBLE ACTION HER DEALS BECAME HIS DEALS. THE LAW HAD TO BE SET UP THIS WAY BECAUSE MEN ARE NATURALLY IRRESPONSIBLE AND THEY WILL TURN OVER ANY RESPONSIBILITY TO THEIR WIFE THAT THEY CAN GET AWAY WITH. THIS LAW LIMITED HOW MUCH THE IRRESPONSIBLE MAN COULD GET AWAY WITH. THE JAN 1 STUDY ON GEN 2:18 MIGHT BE WORTH REVIEW. Deuteronomy 25:13-16 PG 272 Thou shalt not have in thy bag divers weights, a great and a small. Thou shalt not have in thine house divers measures, a great and a small. [But] thou shalt have a perfect and just weight, a perfect and just measure shalt thou have: that thy days may be lengthened in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. For all that do such things, [and] all that do unrighteously, [are] an abomination unto the LORD thy God. GOD REQUIRES HONESTY. CHEATING PEOPLE IS AN ABOMINATION TO THE LORD. MAR 2 DEUT 22 & 24, LEV 18 & 20 PG 275 -280 Deuteronomy 24:5 PG 275 When a man hath taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war, neither shall he be charged with any business: [but] he shall be free at home one year, and shall cheer up his wife which he hath taken. FOR THE FIRST YEAR OF THEIR MARRIAGE MEN WERE EXEMPT FROM MILITARY SERVICE. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS? WOULD THIS STRENGTHEN OR WEAKEN ISRAEL MILITARILY? Deuteronomy 22:13-21 PG 275 If any man take a wife, and go in unto her, and hate her, And give occasions of speech against her, and bring up an evil name upon her, and say, I took this woman, and when I came to her, I found her not a maid: Then shall the father of the damsel, and her mother, take and bring forth [the tokens of] the damsel's virginity unto the elders of the city in the gate: And the damsel's father shall say unto the elders, I gave my daughter unto this man to wife, and he hateth her; And, lo, he hath given occasions of speech [against her], saying, I found not thy daughter a maid; and yet these [are the tokens of] my daughter's virginity. And they shall spread the cloth before the elders of the city. And the elders of that city shall take that man and chastise him; And they shall amerce him in an hundred [shekels] of silver, and give [them] unto the father of the damsel, because he hath brought up an evil name upon a virgin of Israel: and she shall be his wife; he may not put her away all his days. But if this thing be true, [and the tokens of] virginity be not found for the damsel: Then they shall bring out the damsel to the door of her father's house, and the men of her city shall stone her with stones that she die: because she hath wrought folly in Israel, to play the whore in her father's house: so shalt thou put evil away from among you. THERE WAS NO NEED FOR ABORTION CLINICS IN ISRAEL. TEENAGE PREGNANCY WAS NO PROBLEM IN ISRAEL. THERE WAS VERY LITTLE NEED FOR AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN IN ISRAEL. THERE WERE STANDARDS OF SEXUAL MORALITY THAT RESOLVED PROBLEMS FOR THE SOCIETY BEFORE THERE EVEN WAS A PROBLEM. SEXUAL IMMORALITY IN ALMOST ANY FORM WAS A DEATH PENALTY OFFENSE. GOD'S LAWS AND PRINCIPLES WORK WHETHER WE LIKE THEM OR NOT. WHETHER WE AGREE WITH THEM OR NOT THEY DO WORK. IT MAY SEEM MUCH TOO SEVERE BUT IT SURE DID WORK. WHAT DO YOU THINK? Deuteronomy 22:22 PG 276 If a man be found lying with a woman married to an husband, then they shall both of them die, [both] the man that lay with the woman, and the woman: so shalt thou put away evil from Israel. THERE WAS NOT MUCH ADULTERY IN ISRAEL. Deuteronomy 22:23 PG 276 If a damsel [that is] a virgin be betrothed unto an husband, and a man find her in the city, and lie with her; Then ye shall bring them both out unto the gate of that city, and ye shall stone them with stones that they die; the damsel, because she cried not, [being] in the city; and the man, because he hath humbled his neighbour's wife: so thou shalt put away evil from among you. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THIS AND THE TEST OF ADULTERY FOUND IN NUM. 5:11-31? Leviticus 18:6 PG 278 None of you shall approach to any that is near of kin to him, to uncover [their] nakedness: I [am] the LORD. INCEST IS A DEATH PENALTY OFFENSE. Leviticus 18:22 PG 279 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it [is] abomination. HOMOSEXUALITY IS NOT AN ALTERNATE LIFESTYLE. IT IS AN ABOMINATION TO GOD. Leviticus 20:13 PG 279 If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood [shall be] upon them. IN ISRAEL IF THE HOMOSEXUAL CAME OUT OF THE CLOSET THEY WOULD BE STONED TO DEATH. Leviticus 18:24 PG 280 Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you: SEXUAL IMMORALITY IS WHY GOD DROVE OUT THE INHABITANTS OF THE PROMISED LAND. ISRAEL WAS TO TOTALLY DESTROY THESE NATIONS WITH NO MERCY BECAUSE OF THE SEXUAL IMMORALITY OF THESE NATIONS. Deuteronomy 22:5 PG 280 The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so [are] abomination unto the LORD thy God. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THIS? MAR 3 LEV 13, 14 & 15 PG 280 - 285 Leviticus 13:45-46 PG 282 And the leper in whom the plague [is], his clothes shall be rent, and his head bare, and he shall put a covering upon his upper lip, and shall cry, Unclean, unclean. All the days wherein the plague [shall be] in him he shall be defiled; he [is] unclean: he shall dwell alone; without the camp [shall] his habitation [be]. WHAT COULD BE WORSE THAN TO HAVE LEPEROSY. NO ONE COULD TOUCH YOU. YOU HAD TO GO ARROUND SAYING UNCLEAN, UNCLEAN. LEPEROSY REPRESENTED SIN. THIS DOES NOT SOUND VERY COMPASSIONATE. SEE HOW JESUS TREATED LEPERS - Matthew 8:2 And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. 3) And Jesus put forth [his] hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4) And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. Numbers 5:1-4 PG 285 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Command the children of Israel, that they put out of the camp every leper, and every one that hath an issue, and whosoever is defiled by the dead: Both male and female shall ye put out, without the camp shall ye put them; that they defile not their camps, in the midst whereof I dwell. And the children of Israel did so, and put them out without the camp: as the LORD spake unto Moses, so did the children of Israel. Leviticus 15:31 PG 285 Thus shall ye separate the children of Israel from their uncleanness; that they die not in their uncleanness, when they defile my tabernacle that [is] among them. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS? MAR 4 LEV 7, 11, 17, & 20 PG 286 - 288 Leviticus 11:12 PG 286 Whatsoever hath no fins nor scales in the waters, that [shall be] an abomination unto you. WHAT ABOUT CATFISH? CLAMS? SCALLOPS? Leviticus 11:20-22 PG 286 All fowls that creep, going upon [all] four, [shall be] an abomination unto you. Yet these may ye eat of every flying creeping thing that goeth upon [all] four, which have legs above their feet, to leap withal upon the earth; [Even] these of them ye may eat; the locust after his kind, and the bald locust after his kind, and the beetle after his kind, and the grasshopper after his kind. MANY WOULD SAY THAT THIS IS ALL OLD TESTAMENT INFORMATION WHICH HAS NO PLACE TODAY. WHAT WOULD HAPPEN HOWEVER IF YOU WERE REQUIRED BY LAW TO HAVE THAT 666 BASED SCANNING SYMBOL TATTOOED ON YOUR FOREHEAD OR RIGHT WRIST IN ORDER TO BE ABLE TO BUY OR SELL. IF YOU KNEW WHAT INSECTS WERE EDIBLE MAYBE YOU WOULD NOT HAVE TO STARVE TO DEATH? DUMB QUESTION. RIGHT? MAYBE YOU DON'T WANT TO THINK ABOUT SUCH HORRIBLE THINGS. YOU ARE GOING TO BE RAPTURED BEFORE THAT SORT OF THING HAPPENS. RIGHT? WRONG!!!!! BUT WE DON'T HAVE TO DISCUSS IT IF YOU DON'T WANT TO. MOVE ON TO THE NEXT TOPIC VERSE 11:44. Leviticus 11:44 PG 286 For I [am] the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I [am] holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. SANCTIFICATION IS NEW TESTAMENT. WHAT DOES SANCTIFICATION MEAN? HOW DO WE BECOME SANCTIFIED? CAN YOU BE COMPLETELY SANCTIFIED? Leviticus 20:26 PG 287 And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the LORD [am] holy, and have severed you from [other] people, that ye should be mine. IS THIS PART OF NEW TESTAMENT DOCTRINE? YES! WE ARE STILL CALLED TO BE HOLY. IF YOU ARE GOING TO BE HOLY CAN YOU BE PLURALISTIC? NO! IF YOU ARE GOING TO BE HOLY YOU ARE GOING TO BE NARROW MINDED. YOU CAN AFFORD TO BE NARROW MINDED IF YOU ARE RIGHT. WE ARE STILL CALLED TO BE DIFFERENT FROM THE MAJORITY. THE MAJORITY DOESN'T WANT ANYTHING TO DO WITH HOLINESS. WE ARE NOT CALLED TO BE OBNOXIOUS BUT WE ARE NOT TO BE INTIMIDATED. WE ARE CALLED TO SPEAK OUT AGAINST ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS EVEN IF WE ARE ALIENATED FROM THE WORLD AROUND US. WE ARE THE SALT OF THE EARTH. WE ARE CALLED TO GIVE THE LIGHT OF TRUTH TO THE WORLD IN WHICH WE LIVE. Leviticus 17:11 & 14 PR 288 For the life of the flesh [is] in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it [is] the blood [that] maketh an atonement for the soul. :14) For [it is] the life of all flesh; the blood of it [is] for the life thereof: therefore I said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall eat the blood of no manner of flesh: for the life of all flesh [is] the blood thereof: whosoever eateth it shall be cut off. THE LIFE IS IN THE BLOOD. JESUS IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH, THE LIFE. IT IS THE BLOOD OF JESUS WHICH HAS GIVEN US ALL THE HOPE OF ETERNAL LIFE. MAR 5 LEV 19, 20, & 25, DEU 20 & 23, EX 22 PG 288 - 292 Leviticus 19:9-10 PG 288 And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest. And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather [every] grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I [am] the LORD your God. GOD NOT ONLY WILL BLESS US IF WE HAVE COMPASSION FOR THE POOR BUT HE REQUIRES THAT WE PROVIDE FOR THE POOR. HOW SHOULD WE GO ABOUT THIS TODAY? Deuteronomy 23:24-25 PG 289 When thou comest into thy neighbour's vineyard, then thou mayest eat grapes thy fill at thine own pleasure; but thou shalt not put [any] in thy vessel. When thou comest into the standing corn of thy neighbour, then thou mayest pluck the ears with thine hand; but thou shalt not move a sickle unto thy neighbour's standing corn. IT WAS OK TO SNACK ON YOUR NEIGHBORS CROPS BUT YOU WOULD BE STEALING TO TAKE MORE THAN A SNACK. WHAT DO YOU THINK? Leviticus 20:9 & Deuteronomy 21:18-21 PG 289 For every one that curseth his father or his mother shall be surely put to death: he hath cursed his father or his mother; his blood [shall be] upon him. Deuteronomy 21:18 -21 If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and [that], when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them: Then shall his father and his mother lay hold on him, and bring him out unto the elders of his city, and unto the gate of his place; And they shall say unto the elders of his city, This our son [is] stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our voice; [he is] a glutton, and a drunkard. And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear. JUVENILE DELINQUENCY WAS NO PROBLEM IN ISRAEL. THIS MAY SOUND EXTREME AND CRUEL BUT THINK ABOUT IT. CHILDREN NEED TRAINING AND DISCIPLINE. YOU DON'T HAVE TO TEACH A CHILD TO LIE. YOU HAVE TO TEACH THEM HOW TO TELL THE TRUTH. REBELLION IS A PART OF BASIC HUMAN NATURE. WHY ARE SO MANY YOUNG PEOPLE MAKING A MESS OF THEIR LIVES IN OUR COUNTRY TODAY? IT IS BECAUSE THERE IS NO DISCIPLINE IN THEIR LIVES AND THE BLESSINGS OF OBEDIENCE ARE NEVER TAUGHT. THE GREATEST HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER I EVER KNEW SAID HE RETIRED FROM TEACHING BECAUSE "THE TEACHERS ARE AFRAID OF THE ADMINISTRATION, THE ADMINISTRATION IS AFRAID OF THE SCHOOL BOARD, THE SCHOOL BOARD IS AFRAID OF THE PARENTS, THE PARENTS ARE AFRAID OF THE CHILDREN AND THE CHILDREN ARE NOT AFRAID OF ANYBODY." YOUNG PEOPLE ARE BEING RAISED WITHOUT DISCIPLINE AND DIRECTION. THEY ARE BEING TAUGHT IF IT FEELS GOOD - DO IT. THEY ARE BEING TAUGHT THAT THE WORLD OWES THEM A LIVING. THEY ARE NOT BEING TAUGHT - 1) THE BLESSINGS OF OBEDIENCE, 2) THE BLESSINGS OF HARD WORK, 3) RESPECT FOR AUTHORITY, 4) LOVE AND RESPECT FOR TRUTH, 5) LOVE, RESPECT AND FEAR OF GOD, 6) LOVE OF COUNTRY, IN ISRAEL CURSING PARENTS WAS A DEATH PENALTY OFFENSE. AS A RESULT, THERE SIMPLY WERE NOT ANY ARGUMENTS BETWEEN CHILDREN AND PARENTS. IT MAY ONLY HAVE HAPPENED ONCE, BUT IT DID HAPPEN. EVEN IF IT IS NOT RECORDED IN SCRIPTURE IT WAS TALKED ABOUT IN THE FAMILIES HOW SO AND SO WAS STONED TO DEATH 20 YEARS AGO BECAUSE HE HAD CURSED HIS PARENTS. THE CHILDREN THEMSELVES TALKED ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED TO SO AND SO. PARENTS COULD IMMEDIATELY GET THE CHILD'S UNDIVIDED ATTENTION BY SIMPLY MENTIONING WHAT HAPPENED TO SO AND SO. Deuteronomy 21:21 And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear. THE KEY HERE IS THAT ALL ISRAEL SHALL HEAR AND FEAR. YOU CAN BE SURE IT DID NOT HAPPEN OFTEN. IT IS AN ACT OF LOVE TO DISCIPLINE A CHILD. IT IS HORRIBLE TO ABUSE A CHILD. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DISCIPLINE AND ABUSE? DISCIPLINE IS PUNISHMENT THAT TRAINS, CORRECTS, AND MOLDS CHARACTER. ABUSE IS DONE IN ANGER. ABUSE IS CORRUPT PUNISHMENT THAT IS UNJUST, VILIFIES, DAMAGES OR INJURES. THERE IS GREAT CONFUSION IN OUR SOCIETY OVER THE MEANING OF DISCIPLINE AND ABUSE. CHILDREN IN ISRAEL KNEW THAT THEIR PARENTS HELD LIFE OR DEATH POWER OVER THEM AND THEREFORE WERE EASILY DISCIPLINED AND NOT PRONE TO REBELLION AND DISRESPECT. THE PARENTS NEVER HAD TO USE THAT POWER. JUST THE FACT THAT THE CHILDREN KNEW THAT THEY HAD THAT POWER HELPED THE CHILDREN TO BE RESPECTFUL AND OBEDIENT. Leviticus 19:32 Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I [am] the LORD. WE SHOULD HONOR AND RESPECT OUR ELDERS. Exodus 22:22-24 PG 290 Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child. If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry; And my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless. IT IS GODLY TO BE KIND AND TENDERHEARTED TO WIDOWS AND ORPHANS. GOD HIMSELF WILL AVENGE THOSE WHO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF WIDOWS AND ORPHANS. Leviticus 19:17-19 PG 290 Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him. Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I [am] the LORD. THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS CAN BE SEEN IN THE NUMBER OF NEW TESTAMENT REFERENCES TO THESE VERSES. Matthew 5:43-45 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second [is] like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. Romans 13:9-10 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if [there be] any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love [is] the fulfilling of the law. Galatians 5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, [even] in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. James 2:8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: LOVE IS THE FULFILLMENT OF THE LAW. Deuteronomy 20:3-4 AND 8 PG 291 And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them; For the LORD your God [is] he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you. And the officers shall speak further unto the people, and they shall say, What man [is there that is] fearful and fainthearted? let him go and return unto his house, lest his brethren's heart faint as well as his heart. IN PREPARING FOR BATTLE THE PRIESTS WOULD FIRST LET THE TROOPS KNOW THAT THEY SHOULD NOT BE AFRAID BECAUSE GOD WAS GOING TO GO WITH THEM AND FIGHT FOR THEM AND GIVE THEM THE VICTORY. THEN THE GENERALS WOULD SEND VARIOUS GROUPS HOME. THE GENERALS WOULD SEND HOME ANYONE WHO WAS FEARFUL. IF GOD BE FOR YOU WHO CAN BE AGAINST YOU? HOW DIFFERENT IT IS TODAY WHEN EVEN THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF DODGED THE DRAFT. IT USED TO BE AN HONOR TO FIGHT FOR YOUR COUNTRY. MAR 6 LEV 22 & 26 DEUT 31 PG 292 - 295 Leviticus 22:31-33 PG 292 Therefore shall ye keep my commandments, and do them: I [am] the LORD. Neither shall ye profane my holy name; but I will be hallowed among the children of Israel: I [am] the LORD which hallow you, That brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I [am] the LORD. HOW DO WE PROFANE THE NAME OF GOD? BY LETTING PEOPLE KNOW THAT WE ARE CHRISTIANS AND THEN NOT ACTING LIKE IT. A CHRISTIAN WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING CHARACTER TRAITS EVIDENT IN THEIR LIFE ...love, [joy], peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: Gal 5:22 JESUS IS EITHER LORD OF ALL OR NOT LORD AT ALL. Deuteronomy 31:12 PG 293 Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that [is] within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law: EVERYONE NEEDS TO KNOW GOD'S WORD. IT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT KNOWLEDGE THAT WE CAN EVER HAVE. IT IS FOR EVERYONE. Leviticus 26:3,4,8,13 PG293 If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them; 4) Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit. 8) And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight: and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword. 13) I [am] the LORD your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, that ye should not be their bondmen; and I have broken the bands of your yoke, and made you go upright. THE BIG "IF" WORD IS ALWAYS ASSOCIATED WITH THE BLESSINGS AND PROMISES OF GOD. IF WE WILL OBEY WE WILL BE BLESSED. 5 SHALL CHASE 100 ... 100 SHALL PUT 10,000 TO FLIGHT. GOD HAS FREED US FROM THE SLAVERY OF SIN AND WE MAY WALK WITH OUR HEADS HELD HIGH. Leviticus 26:40-43 PG 294 - 295 If they shall confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, with their trespass which they trespassed against me, and that also they have walked contrary unto me; And [that] I also have walked contrary unto them, and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity: Then will I remember my covenant with Jacob, and also my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham will I remember; and I will remember the land. The land also shall be left of them, and shall enjoy her sabbaths, while she lieth desolate without them: and they shall accept of the punishment of their iniquity: because, even because they despised my judgments, and because their soul abhorred my statutes. WHAT IS THE STATUS OF THE BIBLE IN OUR COUNTRY? IS THE BIBLE CONSIDERED TO BE THE MOST IMPORTANT OF KNOWLEDGE OR IS IT DESPISED AND RIDICULED? THIS COUNTRY WAS FOUNDED AND DEVELOPED ON BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES. JUDGMENT IS INEVITABLE UNLESS THE CHRISTIANS IN AMERICA HUMBLE THEMSELVES, AND PRAY, ... and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 HOW DO YOU SEEK GOD'S FACE? READ THE BIBLE. WHAT WILL CAUSE YOU TO TURN FROM YOUR WICKED WAYS? READING THE BIBLE. MAR 7 DEU 28, 29 & 30 PG 296 - 302 Deuteronomy 26:16 & 28:1-2 PG 296 This day the LORD thy God hath commanded thee to do these statutes and judgments: thou shalt therefore keep and do them with all thine heart, and with all thy soul. 28:1 And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe [and] to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: 28:2 And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God. THE BLESSINGS COME IF WE WILL OBEY. WILL WE OBEY? Deuteronomy 28:7 PG 296 The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways. DO YOU HAVE ANY ENEMIES? OBEY GOD AND WATCH THEM FLEE. Deuteronomy 28:13 PG 297 And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do [them]: WILL YOU PAY ATTENTION TO DO WHAT GOD WANTS? THEN YOU'LL BE THE HEAD AND NOT THE TAIL. Deuteronomy 28:45-46 PG 298 Moreover all these curses shall come upon thee, and shall pursue thee, and overtake thee, till thou be destroyed; because thou hearkenedst not unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which he commanded thee: And they shall be upon thee for a sign and for a wonder, and upon thy seed for ever. IF YOU WILL NOT OBEY, THEN NOT ONLY WILL YOU NOT BE BLESSED, BUT YOU WILL BE CURSED AND DESTROYED. Deuteronomy 29:2-6 PG 299 And Moses called unto all Israel, and said unto them, Ye have seen all that the LORD did before your eyes in the land of Egypt unto Pharaoh, and unto all his servants, and unto all his land; The great temptations which thine eyes have seen, the signs, and those great miracles: Yet the LORD hath not given you an heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, unto this day. And I have led you forty years in the wilderness: your clothes are not waxen old upon you, and thy shoe is not waxen old upon thy foot. Ye have not eaten bread, neither have ye drunk wine or strong drink: that ye might know that I [am] the LORD your God. Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do. MOSES CALLED ALL ISRAEL. YOU ALL SAW WHAT GOD DID TO PHARAOH. YOU ALL SAW HIS GREAT POWER THROUGH THE MIRACLES WHICH HE PERFORMED. IN THE SINAI DESERT 40 YEARS, HE FED YOU, YOUR CLOTHES DIDN'T EVEN WEAR OUT IN 40 YEARS. YET YOU STILL WILL NOT OBEY. WE HAD BETTER NOT SHAKE OUR HEADS AT THE ISRAELITES BECAUSE WE DO THE SAME THING. WE HAVE MUCH MORE UPON WHICH TO BASE OUR FAITH AND OBEDIENCE. WE HAVE ALL 66 BOOKS OF SCRIPTURE NOT JUST THE 5 THEY HAD. MUCH MUCH MORE THAN THAT WE HAVE JESUS WHO HAS BAPTIZED US WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. THEY PERHAPS COULD FIND EXCUSES FOR THEIR LACK OF FAITH AND DISOBEDIENCE. BUT THERE IS NO WAY WE COULD HAVE EXCUSES FOR OUR DISOBEDIENCE. Deuteronomy 29:19-21 PG 299 And it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst: The LORD will not spare him, but then the anger of the LORD and his jealousy shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and the LORD shall blot out his name from under heaven. And the LORD shall separate him unto evil out of all the tribes of Israel, according to all the curses of the covenant that are written in this book of the law: SO THE WORLD IS FULL OF PEOPLE WHO DON'T BELIEVE THAT DISOBEDIENCE TO GOD'S COMMANDS IS GOING TO MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE IN THEIR LIFE. THERE ARE EVEN CHRISTIANS WHO ARE CONVINCED THAT THEY CAN CONTINUE IN SIN BECAUSE GOD IS LOVE. THERE ARE EVEN PROFESSING CHRISTIANS WHO ARE DRUNK, INTO PROMISCUOUS SEX, AND OTHER HABITUAL SINS WHO SAY IN THEIR HEARTS ITS OK. GOD LOVES ME. WE SEE HERE THAT IT IS NOT OK. THEY WILL NOT HAVE PEACE. IT MAKES GOD ANGRY. WHAT COULD POSSIBLY BE MORE SERIOUS THAN TO HAVE GOD ANGRY WITH YOU? Deuteronomy 29:29 PG 300 The secret [things belong] unto the LORD our God: but those [things which are] revealed [belong] unto us and to our children for ever, that [we] may do all the words of this law. GOD KNOWS EVERYTHING. THERE ARE MANY THINGS THAT HE KEEPS TO HIMSELF. EVEN IF WE ARE THE MOST BRILLIANT SCHOLAR IN THE WORLD IT IS NOTHING COMPARED TO GOD'S KNOWLEDGE. THERE ARE MANY THINGS WHICH GOD KEEPS SECRET FROM US FOR OUR OWN GOOD. BUT HE HAS GIVEN US ALL THE NECESSARY AND IMPORTANT KNOWLEDGE THAT WE NEED IN HIS WORD, THE BIBLE. Deuteronomy 30:10-20 PG 301 If thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which are written in this book of the law, [and] if thou turn unto the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul. For this commandment which I command thee this day, it [is] not hidden from thee, neither [is] it far off. It [is] not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? Neither [is] it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? But the word [is] very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it. See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil; In that I command thee this day to love the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it. I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, [that] I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, [and] that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he [is] thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them. WHAT A GREAT COMMENTARY ON THE WORD OF GOD. LIFE AND DEATH IS SET BEFORE US. BLESSING OR CURSES OF GOD. IF YOU WANT A FULL AND PROSPEROUS LIFE THAT GOES ON INTO ETERNITY GET TO KNOW GOD'S WORD AND - JUST DO IT! IT IS NOT FAR AWAY. IT IS NOT HARD TO UNDERSTAND. OFTEN IT IS EXACTLY OPPOSITE WHAT YOU WOULD NATURALLY WANT TO DO. IT MAY NOT MAKE ANY SENSE TO ANYONE ELSE IN THE WORLD. BUT JUST DO IT. AND YOU WILL BE BLESSED. NEGLECT IT OR DON'T DO IT AND YOU WILL BE CURSED. MAR 8 DEUT 31 & 32 PG 303 - 308 Deuteronomy 31:6 PG 303 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he [it is] that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. CHRISTIANS IT IS TIME TO BE STRONG! BE COURAGEOUS! FEAR NOT! IF GOD BE FOR YOU WHO CAN BE AGAINST YOU? Deuteronomy 31:16-18 PG 304 And the LORD said unto Moses, Behold, thou shalt sleep with thy fathers; and this people will rise up, and go a whoring after the gods of the strangers of the land, whither they go [to be] among them, and will forsake me, and break my covenant which I have made with them. Then my anger shall be kindled against them in that day, and I will forsake them, and I will hide my face from them, and they shall be devoured, and many evils and troubles shall befall them; so that they will say in that day, Are not these evils come upon us, because our God [is] not among us? And I will surely hide my face in that day for all the evils which they shall have wrought, in that they are turned unto other gods. GOD KNOWS THE END FROM THE BEGINNING. HE CAN SEE THE FUTURE BETTER THAN WE CAN SEE THE PAST OR THE PRESENT. HE KNEW ISRAEL WOULD BREAK THE COVENANT. HE KNEW THE HORRIBLE TROUBLE THEY WOULD GET INTO. THAT IS WHY HE WAITED UNTIL IT WAS TIME FOR MOSES TO DIE TO SO CLEARLY TELL HIM THIS. MOSES WAS A GREAT LEADER BUT GOD HAD SOMETHING BETTER FOR HIM. HE WOULD GO TO FELLOWSHIP WITH ABRAHAM, ISAAC, JACOB, AND ALL THE OTHER FAITHFUL DEPARTED. NONE OF THEM COULD ENTER HEAVEN YET. JESUS HAD NOT PAID THE PRICE OF ADMISSION FOR THEM YET. WE KNOW THIS FROM WHAT JESUS TOLD ABOUT THE BEGGAR AND LAZARUS. Luke 16:19-31 There was a [certain rich] man,..... Luke 16:20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus,... JESUS MADE IT VERY CLEAR THAT THIS WAS NOT A PARABLE BUT A TRUE CONDITION WHICH WE SHOULD UNDERSTAND. IT IS IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THE TRUTH IN LUKE 16:19-31. GOD WAS COMFORTING MOSES AND LETTING HIM KNOW IT WASN'T THE BEST FOR HIM TO GO INTO THE PROMISED LAND WITH THE ARMIES OF ISRAEL. HE WAS LETTING MOSES KNOW THERE WAS NO STOPPING THE REBELLIOUS MESSES THAT THE ISRAELITES WERE GOING TO GET INTO. Deuteronomy 32:3-6 PG 304 Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God. [He is] the Rock, his work [is] perfect: for all his ways [are] judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right [is] he. They have corrupted themselves, their spot [is] not [the spot] of his children: [they are] a perverse and crooked generation. Do ye thus requite the LORD, O foolish people and unwise? [is] not he thy father [that] hath bought thee? hath he not made thee, and established thee? MOSES PUTS A SUMMARY OF GOD'S WORD INTO SONG FOR ISRAEL BEFORE HE LEAVES THEM. HE HAS DONE EVERYTHING HE POSSIBLY COULD TO HELP THEM BE OBEDIENT. THE SONG HE HOPED WOULD HELP THEM TO STAY LONGER ON THE PATH OF FAITH AND OBEDIENCE. Deuteronomy 32:28-31 PG 306 & 307 For they [are] a nation void of counsel, neither [is there any] understanding in them. O that they were wise, [that] they understood this, [that] they would consider their latter end! How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had shut them up? For their rock [is] not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves [being] judges. MOSES' SONG UNFORTUNATELY WAS NOT A BEST SELLER. BUT IT WAS TRUE. HE COULD HAVE JUST TOLD THEM ABOUT GOD'S BLESSINGS. BUT HE TOLD THEM THE WHOLE TRUTH. GOD'S WORD IS FULL OF SUCH GREAT, BLESSED, WONDERFUL TRUTH. IT IS ALSO HAS A GREAT DEAL OF HARD TRUTH WHICH WILL VERY SELDOM BE HERD IN THE LAST DAYS WHEN PEOPLE WILL HEAP TO THEMSELVES TEACHERS HAVING ITCHING EARS. MOSES WAS NOT TICKLING THEIR EARS. HE WAS GIVING THEM THE WHOLE TRUTH. WE NEED TO PRAY THAT OUR PASTORS, TEACHERS, AND PREACHERS WILL HAVE THE COURAGE TO TELL US THE WHOLE TRUTH; AND, NOT JUST TICKLE OUR EARS WITH WHAT WE LIKE TO HEAR. SOMETIMES WE NEED TO HAVE OUR EARS SLAPPED HARD. IT IS NOT A PLEASANT JOB FOR A LOVING PREACHER. Deuteronomy 32:46-47 PG 308 And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law. For it [is] not a vain thing for you; because it [is] your life: and through this thing ye shall prolong [your] days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it. IT IS LIFE AND DEATH - ETERNAL LIFE OR THE SECOND DEATH. OUR CHILDREN NEED TO KNOW THE WHOLE TRUTH. MAR 9 DEUT. 33 & 34 PG 308 - 312 Deuteronomy 33:27 PG 310 The eternal God [is thy] refuge, and underneath [are] the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy [them]. EVERLASTING ARMS! WHAT A NEAT THOUGHT AND INSPIRATION FOR A GREAT HYMN. GOD IS OUR REFUGE AND OUR STRENGTH. Deuteronomy 33:29 PG 310 Happy [art] thou, O Israel: who [is] like unto thee, O people saved by the LORD, the shield of thy help, and who [is] the sword of thy excellency! and thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread upon their high places. MOSES SIGNS OFF TO ISRAEL WITH BLESSINGS FOR EACH OF THE TRIBES. BUT HE HAS NOT FAILED TO TELL THEM THE FULL AND EVEN VERY UNPLEASANT TRUTH OF THEIR FUTURE WHEN THEY LEAVE THE PATH OF FAITH AND OBEDIENCE. Deuteronomy 34:5-7 PG 311 So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD. And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Beth-peor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day. And Moses [was] an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated. MOSES DIED A STRONG MAN AT THE AGE OF 120. HE HAD DONE A GREAT JOB. APPARENTLY IT WAS GOD WHO TOOK CHARGE OF MOSES' BURIAL. GOD SENT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL TO FIGHT THE DEVIL WHO PROBABLY WAS SOMEHOW GOING TO OTHERWISE DESECRATE MOSES' BODY, AND MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL BURIED MOSES. Jude 1:9 Yet [Michael] the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. MAR 10 JOSH. 1:1 - 5:15 PG 312 - 317 Joshua 1:5-9 PG 312 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, [so] I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it [to] the right hand or [to] the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest. GOD PROMISES TO BE WITH JOSHUA AS HE WAS WITH MOSES. OVER AND OVER GOD TELLS HIS PEOPLE TO BE STRONG AND BE COURAGEOUS. (8 TIMES IN DEUT AND JOSH) IF GOD IS WITH YOU WHY SHOULD YOU FEAR? GOD WANTS US TO BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS. THE DEVIL WANTS US TO FEAR. IT IS A CHOICE. LET US BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS. Joshua 2:9-13 PG 313 And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you. For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that [were] on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed. And as soon as we had heard [these things], our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he [is] God in heaven above, and in earth beneath. Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father's house, and give me a true token: And [that] ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death. RAHAB WAS KING DAVID'S GREAT GRANDMOTHER. SHE RISKED HER LIFE TO HIDE THE 2 ISRAELITES THAT JOSHUA HAD SENT TO SPY OUT THE LAND. BECAUSE OF THE RISK SHE HAD TAKEN THE MEN PROMISED TO SPARE HER FAMILY WHEN ISRAEL INVADED JERICHO. Joshua 3:13 And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of Jordan, [that] the waters of Jordan shall be cut off [from] the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand upon an heap. ALL OF THE WARRIORS THAT JOSHUA WAS LEADING HAD HEARD HOW GOD HAD PARTED THE WATERS OF THE RED SEA SO THAT MOSES COULD LEAD ISRAEL ACROSS AND DESTROY PHARAOH'S ARMY. NOW GOD IS LIFTING UP JOSHUA IN THE SIGHT OF ISRAEL BY STOPPING THE FLOW OF THE JORDAN RIVER. GOD IS HONORING JOSHUA AS THEIR LEADER JUST AS GOD HAD HONORED MOSES BEFORE HIM. Joshua 3:15-17 PG 315 And as they that bare the ark were come unto Jordan, and the feet of the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brim of the water, (for Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest,) That the waters which came down from above stood [and] rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that [is] beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, [even] the salt sea, failed, [and] were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho. And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan. GOD CONFIRMS JOSHUA'S LEADERSHIP OF ISRAEL WITH THE SAME TYPE OF MIRACLE THAT HE HAD DONE THROUGH MOSES. Joshua 4:21-24 PG 316 And he spake unto the children of Israel, saying, When your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What [mean] these stones? Then ye shall let your children know, saying, Israel came over this Jordan on dry land. For the LORD your God dried up the waters of Jordan from before you, until ye were passed over, as the LORD your God did to the Red sea, which he dried up from before us, until we were gone over: That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that it [is] mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God for ever. PARENTS ARE COMMANDED TO TEACH THEIR CHILDREN OF GOD'S MIGHTY POWER. CHILDREN MUST BE TAUGHT THE FEAR OF THE LORD WHICH IS THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM. Psalms 111:10 The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom: Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of knowledge: [but] fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy [is] understanding. Joshua 5:3-5 PG 316 And Joshua made him sharp knives, and circumcised the children of Israel at the hill of the foreskins. And this [is] the cause why Joshua did circumcise: All the people that came out of Egypt, [that were] males, [even] all the men of war, died in the wilderness by the way, after they came out of Egypt. Now all the people that came out were circumcised: but all the people [that were] born in the wilderness by the way as they came forth out of Egypt, [them] they had not circumcised. IT IS NOT TOLD WHY THIS PART OF THE COVENANT HAD BEEN NEGLECTED WHILE ISRAEL WAS WONDERING IN THE DESERT. AT ANY RATE THE MEN OF ISRAEL WERE UNCIRCUMCISED AND JOSHUA MADE SURE THIS WAS DONE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THEY CROSSED THE JORDAN. DOES ANYONE KNOW WHY THE BABY BOYS BORN IN THE DESERT WERE NOT CIRCUMCISED WHEN THEY WERE 8 DAYS OLD IN THE DESERT? Joshua 5:12 PG 317 And the manna ceased on the morrow after they had eaten of the old corn of the land; neither had the children of Israel manna any more; but they did eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year. GOD FED THEM MANA WHEN THEY COULD NOT FEED THEMSELVES WHEN THEY WERE IN THE DESERT. AS SOON AS THEY WERE IN THE PROMISED LAND AND CAPABLE OF GROWING CROPS THE MANA STOPPED. Joshua 5:13-15 PG 317 And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, [Art] thou for us, or for our adversaries? And he said, Nay; but [as] captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant? And the captain of the LORD'S host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest [is] holy. And Joshua did so. WHO IS THIS CAPTAIN OF THE HOST OF THE LORD? IT IS JESUS. NO ANGEL WOULD EVER ACCEPT WORSHIP. THAT WAS SATAN'S ORIGINAL SIN - THAT HE WANTED TO BE WORSHIPED. JESUS ALWAYS ACCEPTED WORSHIP AS HIS DUE. BUT, NO ANGEL WOULD EVER ACCEPT WORSHIP. MAR 11 JOSH. 6:, 7:, & 8: PG 317 - 322 Joshua 6:2-5 PG 317 And the LORD said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, [and] the mighty men of valour. And ye shall compass the city, all [ye] men of war, [and] go round about the city once. Thus shalt thou do six days. And seven priests shall bear before the ark seven trumpets of rams' horns: and the seventh day ye shall compass the city seven times, and the priests shall blow with the trumpets. And it shall come to pass, that when they make a long [blast] with the ram's horn, [and] when ye hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city shall fall down flat, and the people shall ascend up every man straight before him. THIS BATTLE PLAN WOULD NOT COMPUTE TO THE NATURAL MIND. THERE WERE PEOPLE ON TOP OF THE WALLS TO THROW STUFF DOWN ON ANYONE WHO CAME CLOSE TO THE WALLS. GOD WAS TESTING THE WILLINGNESS OF THE PEOPLE TO FOLLOW JOSHUA'S ORDERS. Joshua 6:15-21 PG 318 And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they rose early about the dawning of the day, and compassed the city after the same manner seven times: only on that day they compassed the city seven times. And it came to pass at the seventh time, when the priests blew with the trumpets, Joshua said unto the people, Shout; for the LORD hath given you the city. And the city shall be accursed, [even] it, and all that [are] therein, to the LORD: only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all that [are] with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent. And ye, in any wise keep [yourselves] from the accursed thing, lest ye make [yourselves] accursed, when ye take of the accursed thing, and make the camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it. But all the silver, and gold, and vessels of brass and iron, [are] consecrated unto the LORD: they shall come into the treasury of the LORD. So the people shouted when [the priests] blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city. And they utterly destroyed all that [was] in the city, both man and woman, young and old, and ox, and sheep, and ass, with the edge of the sword. GOD CAUSED THE WALLS OF JERICHO TO FALL DOWN. THE ISRAELI ARMY KILLED EVERYTHING THAT MOVED EXCEPT FOR RAHAB AND HER FAMILY. ALL THE SILVER, GOLD, BRONZE AND IRON WAS TO BE PUT INTO THE TEMPLE TREASURY. Joshua 6:25 PG 318 And Joshua saved Rahab the harlot alive, and her father's household, and all that she had; and she dwelleth in Israel [even] unto this day; because she hid the messengers, which Joshua sent to spy out Jericho. RAHAB AND HER FAMILY WERE THE ONLY SURVIVORS WHEN THE WALLS OF JERICHO CAME TUMBLING DOWN. RAHAB IS MENTIONED IN THE GENEOLOGY GIVEN IN MATTHEW CHAPTER 1. SHE WAS KING DAVID'S GREAT GRANDMOTHER. Joshua 7:1 PG 319 But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel. ALTHOUGH THEY WERE SPECIFICALLY WARNED NOT TO TAKE ANYTHING OUT OF THE CITY OF JERICHO, ACHAN TOOK SILVER, A BABYLONIAN ROBE, AND A WEDGE OF GOLD. WHO CAN HIDE ANYTHING FROM GOD? THIS ANGERED GOD. WHEN THE MEN OF ISRAEL WENT UP AGAINST AI THEY WERE ROUTED AND 36 ISRAELITES WERE KILLED BECAUSE OF ACHAN'S SIN. Joshua 7:6-13 PG 319 And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads. And Joshua said, Alas, O Lord GOD, wherefore hast thou at all brought this people over Jordan, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us? would to God we had been content, and dwelt on the other side Jordan! O Lord, what shall I say, when Israel turneth their backs before their enemies! For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land shall hear [of it], and shall environ us round, and cut off our name from the earth: and what wilt thou do unto thy great name? And the LORD said unto Joshua, Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face? Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put [it] even among their own stuff. Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, [but] turned [their] backs before their enemies, because they were accursed: neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you. Up, sanctify the people, and say, Sanctify yourselves against tomorrow: for thus saith the LORD God of Israel, [There is] an accursed thing in the midst of thee, O Israel: thou canst not stand before thine enemies, until ye take away the accursed thing from among you. IT SOUNDS LIKE JOSHUA IS WHINING IN HIS PRAYER UNTIL HE ASKS GOD - WHAT WILL YOU DO UNTO YOUR GREAT NAME GOD? THE LORD TELLS JOSHUA TO GET UP AND GRIT UP HIS GUT. GOD TELLS HIM THAT ISRAEL HAS SINNED BY TAKING THINGS FROM JERICHO THAT WERE DEVOTED TO THE TEMPLE TREASURY OF THE LORD. IT IS NOT SMART TO STEAL FROM THE LORD. THAT IS WHY IT IS SMART TO TITHE. GOD WILL NOT BE WITH ISRAEL UNTIL THE ACCURSED PERSON WHO WOULD ROB FROM THE TEMPLE TREASURY OF THE LORD IS PURGED. Joshua 8:1-8 PG 320 And the LORD said unto Joshua, Fear not, neither be thou dismayed: take all the people of war with thee, and arise, go up to Ai: see, I have given into thy hand the king of Ai, and his people, and his city, and his land: And thou shalt do to Ai and her king as thou didst unto Jericho and her king: only the spoil thereof, and the cattle thereof, shall ye take for a prey unto yourselves: lay thee an ambush for the city behind it. So Joshua arose, and all the people of war, to go up against Ai: and Joshua chose out thirty thousand mighty men of valour, and sent them away by night. And he commanded them, saying, Behold, ye shall lie in wait against the city, [even] behind the city: go not very far from the city, but be ye all ready: And I, and all the people that [are] with me, will approach unto the city: and it shall come to pass, when they come out against us, as at the first, that we will flee before them, (For they will come out after us) till we have drawn them from the city; for they will say, They flee before us, as at the first: therefore we will flee before them. Then ye shall rise up from the ambush, and seize upon the city: for the LORD your God will deliver it into your hand. And it shall be, when ye have taken the city, [that] ye shall set the city on fire: according to the commandment of the LORD shall ye do. See, I have commanded you. AS CRAZY AS THE FIRST BATTLE STRATEGY AGAINST JERICHO SOUNDS WE HAVE HERE JUST THE OPPOSITE. THIS IS BRILLIANT MILITARY STRATEGY. GOD CAN TURN A HUMILIATING DEFEAT INTO A STUNNING VICTORY. IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO TURN IN REPENTANCE AND SEE GOD BRING BEAUTY FROM THE ASHES OF DEFEAT. THE DETAIL ACCOUNT OF THE VICTORY IS FOUND ON PG 321 IN Joshua 8:18-23. Joshua 8:30-32 PG 321 Then Joshua built an altar unto the LORD God of Israel in mount Ebal, As Moses the servant of the LORD commanded the children of Israel, as it is written in the book of the law of Moses, an altar of whole stones, over which no man hath lift up [any] iron: and they offered thereon burnt offerings unto the LORD, and sacrificed peace offerings. And he wrote there upon the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he wrote in the presence of the children of Israel. JOSHUA KNEW EXACTLY WHAT TO DO WHEN GOD HAD GIVEN THEM THE VICTORY. HE MAKES AN ALTAR AND GIVES THANKSGIVING BURNT OFFERINGS AND PEACE OFFERINGS TO GOD ON THE ALTAR. Joshua 8:34-35 PG 322 And afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessings and cursings, according to all that is written in the book of the law. There was not a word of all that Moses commanded, which Joshua read not before all the congregation of Israel, with the women, and the little ones, and the strangers that were conversant among them. AFTER THE SACRIFICES WERE MADE AND JOSHUA WROTE THE COMMANDMENTS ON THE STONES OF THE ALTAR, HE CALLED ALL ISRAEL TOGETHER INCLUDING THE WOMEN AND CHILDREN AND EVERYONE WHO WAS IN THE WHOLE COMPANY OF ISRAEL TO HEAR ALL THE WORDS OF THE LAW. UNLIKE MOST PREACHERS TODAY HE DID NOT JUST TELL THEM THE BLESSINGS BUT GAVE THEM THE BLESSINGS AND CURSINGS. TODAY WE HAVE NOT HEARD THE CURSINGS IN SO LONG, IT IS WHAT WE REALLY NEED TO HEAR BUT WE DON'T WANT TO HEAR. EVEN IF WE ASKED OUR PREACHERS TO TELL US THE CURSINGS MOST PROBABLY WOULD NOT DO IT. THIS IS WHY YOU NEED TO READ THE WHOLE BIBLE FOR YOURSELF. MAR 12 JOSH 9:, 10:, 11:, & 12 PG 322 - 328 Joshua 9:14-15 PG 323 And the men took of their victuals, and asked not [counsel] at the mouth of the LORD. And Joshua made peace with them, and made a league with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation sware unto them. HERE IS A CURIOUS SITUATION. THE MEN OF GIBEON TRICKED JOSHUA. JOSHUA WAS A TREMENDOUS MILITARY LEADER YET HOW EASILY HE FELL FOR THE TRICK OF THE GIBEONITES SHOWS HIS COMPASSION FOR THE POOR AND THE ALIEN. IT SHOWS HOW HE HAS TAKEN THE LAW OF GOD TO HIS HEART. HIS UNDERSTANDING OF THE PROPER TREATMENT OF THE POOR AND THE SOJOURNER ALLOWED HIM TO BE TRICKED. YES HE SHOULD HAVE CONSULTED THE LORD YET THE MEN OF GIBEON WERE ASKING FOR MERCY FROM THE GOD OF ISRAEL AND MERCY TRIUMPHS OVER JUDGMENT. THE GIBEONITES WOULD HAVE BEEN KILLED BUT CAN YOU THINK OF ANY OTHER WAY THEY COULD HAVE BEEN ALLOWED TO LIVE ALBEIT AS SLAVES. IT WILL BE INTERESTING TO SEE HOW THIS WORKS OUT IN THE LONG RUN OF THE HISTORY OF ISRAEL. Joshua 9:18-27 PG 323 And the children of Israel smote them not, because the princes of the congregation had sworn unto them by the LORD God of Israel. And all the congregation murmured against the princes. But all the princes said unto all the congregation, We have sworn unto them by the LORD God of Israel: now therefore we may not touch them. This we will do to them; we will even let them live, lest wrath be upon us, because of the oath which we sware unto them. And the princes said unto them, Let them live; but let them be hewers of wood and drawers of water unto all the congregation; as the princes had promised them. And Joshua called for them, and he spake unto them, saying, Wherefore have ye beguiled us, saying, We [are] very far from you; when ye dwell among us? Now therefore ye [are] cursed, and there shall none of you be freed from being bondmen, and hewers of wood and drawers of water for the house of my God. Joshua 9:24 And they answered Joshua, and said, Because it was certainly told thy servants, how that the LORD thy God commanded his servant Moses to give you all the land, and to destroy all the inhabitants of the land from before you, therefore we were sore afraid of our lives because of you, and have done this thing. And now, behold, we [are] in thine hand: as it seemeth good and right unto thee to do unto us, do. And so did he unto them, and delivered them out of the hand of the children of Israel, that they slew them not. And Joshua made them that day hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation, and for the altar of the LORD, even unto this day, in the place which he should choose. IN VERSE 9:24 THEY GAVE JOSHUA THE ONLY RIGHT ANSWER. THEY FEARED THE GOD OF ISRAEL AND KNEW THAT THEIR ONLY HOPE OF SURVIVAL WAS TO APPEAL FOR MERCY FROM THE LEADER WHICH THE GOD OF ISRAEL HAD APPOINTED. IF JOSHUA WERE RUTHLESS HE WOULD HAVE KILLED THEM. HE WAS MERCIFUL. THESE PEOPLE FEARED HIS GOD AND SOUGHT MERCY. "I AM IN YOUR HANDS DO AS YOU WILL WITH ME." THIS IS THE CORRECT RESPONSE TO GOD BY ANY ONE AT ANY TIME. GOD IS INFINITELY MERCIFUL. I AM LIVING PROOF OF HIS INFINITE MERCY. Joshua 10:6-8 PG 324 And the men of Gibeon sent unto Joshua to the camp to Gilgal, saying, Slack not thy hand from thy servants; come up to us quickly, and save us, and help us: for all the kings of the Amorites that dwell in the mountains are gathered together against us. So Joshua ascended from Gilgal, he, and all the people of war with him, and all the mighty men of valour. And the LORD said unto Joshua, Fear them not: for I have delivered them into thine hand; there shall not a man of them stand before thee. OVER AND OVER WE HERE THE WORDS - FEAR NOT - BE STRONG & BE COURAGEOUS - IF GOD BE FOR YOU WHO CAN BE AGAINST YOU? LOOK HOW GOD FIGHTS FOR ISRAEL. Joshua 10:11 PG 324 And it came to pass, as they fled from before Israel, [and] were in the going down to Beth-horon, that the LORD cast down great stones from heaven upon them unto Azekah, and they died: [they were] more which died with hailstones than [they] whom the children of Israel slew with the sword. MORE OF THE AMORITES DIED OF THE GREAT HAILSTONES THAT THE LORD CAST DOWN UPON THEM THAN ISRAEL SLEW WITH THE SWORD. Joshua 10:13-14 PG 324 And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. [Is] not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day. And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the LORD hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the LORD fought for Israel. JOSHUA WAS HAVING A LITERAL FIELD DAY. HE WANTED TO FINISH THE JOB BEFORE DARK. HE PRAYED AND ASKED GOD TO MAKE THE SUN STAND STILL, AND IT DID FOR ALMOST A FULL DAY. I HAVE KNOWN A NUMBER OF ENGINEERS WHO HAVE WORKED ON VARIOUS SPACE PROGRAMS. MORE THAN ONE HAS TOLD ME THAT THE EQUATIONS FOR CELESTIAL NAVIGATION DON'T QUITE COME OUT EXACTLY UNLESS YOU ADD ABOUT 24 HOURS TO THE EQUATION IN ABOUT 1450BC. YOU ALSO HAVE TO ADD ANOTHER 40 MINUTES ABOUT 710BC TO BE PRECISE. THEN ALL THE PLANETS AND ALL THE STARS ARE EXACTLY WHERE THEY MAY BE CALCULATED TO BE. DOES ANYONE KNOW WHERE THE OTHER 40 MINUTES CAME FROM ABOUT 700BC? HEZAKAIAH'S SIGN IN Isaiah 38:8 Behold, I will bring again the shadow of the degrees, which is gone down in the sun dial of Ahaz, ten degrees backward. So the sun returned ten degrees, by which degrees it was gone down. Joshua 10:25 PG 325 And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage: for thus shall the LORD do to all your enemies against whom ye fight. WE CAN NOT HEAR TOO MUCH OF THIS MESSAGE. FEAR NOT - BE STRONG - BE COURAGEOUS - IF GOD BE FOR YOU WHO CAN BE AGAINST YOU. YOU CAN CHOOSE FAITH AND BE RID OF YOUR FEARS. WILL WE CHOOSE TO BELIEVE GOD? Joshua 11:6 And the LORD said unto Joshua, Be not afraid because of them: for to morrow about this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel: thou shalt hough their horses, and burn their chariots with fire. Joshua 11:9 And Joshua did unto them as the LORD bade him: he houghed their horses, and burnt their chariots with fire. WHY DESTROY THE HORSES? THESE WERE THE NUCLEAR WEAPONS OF WARFARE OF THIS ERA. ISRAEL WAS TO TRUST ONLY IN THE LORD. DAVID SAYS IT BEST IN Psalms 20:7 Some [trust] in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. Joshua 11:12 PG 326 And all the cities of those kings, and all the kings of them, did Joshua take, and smote them with the edge of the sword, [and] he utterly destroyed them, as Moses the servant of the LORD commanded. Joshua 11:14-15 PG 326 And all the spoil of these cities, and the cattle, the children of Israel took for a prey unto themselves; but every man they smote with the edge of the sword, until they had destroyed them, neither left they any to breathe. As the LORD commanded Moses his servant, so did Moses command Joshua, and so did Joshua; he left nothing undone of all that the LORD commanded Moses. JOSHUA DID ALL THAT WAS COMMANDED BY THE LORD. ALL THE NATIONS BUT THE GIBEONITES WERE UTTERLY DESTROYED. WHY DID THEY ALL HAVE TO BE DESTROYED? SEE VERSE 11:20 Joshua 11:20 PG 326 For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly, [and] that they might have no favour, but that he might destroy them, as the LORD commanded Moses. Joshua 11:23 PG 327 So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war. MAR 13 JOSH. 13:1-17:18 PG 328 - 333 Joshua 13:1 PG 328 Now Joshua was old [and] stricken in years; and the LORD said unto him, Thou art old [and] stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed. JOSHUA WAS OLD BUT HE WAS STILL STRONG AND A GREAT LEADER ALWAYS OBEDIENT TO GOD. Joshua 13:6 PG 328 All the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon unto Misrephoth-maim, [and] all the Sidonians, them will I drive out from before the children of Israel: only divide thou it by lot unto the Israelites for an inheritance, as I have commanded thee. THE LORD KNEW WHOM HE WANTED WHERE. HE WOULD CONTROL THE LOTS SO THAT THERE WOULD BE NO BICKERING AND EVERYONE WOULD BE WHERE GOD KNEW IT WOULD BE BEST FOR THEM TO BE. GOD WANTS FOR US EXACTLY WHAT WE WOULD WANT FOR OURSELVES IF ONLY WE HAD SENSE ENOUGH TO KNOW IT. Joshua 13:22 PG 329 Balaam also the son of Beor, the soothsayer, did the children of Israel slay with the sword among them that were slain by them. ACCORDING TO THIS VERSE MR. SMITH WAS RIGHT WHEN HE HAD TOLD US THAT BALAAM WAS NOT A GOOD PROPHET GONE BAD OVER THE LOVE OF MONEY. THIS VERSE MAKES IT CLEAR THAT BALAAM WAS A SOOTHSAYER WHO PRACTICED THE FORBIDDEN BLACK MAGIC OF DIVINATION WHO WAS USED BRIEFLY BY GOD TO BLESS ISRAEL. Joshua 13:33 PG 330 But unto the tribe of Levi Moses gave not [any] inheritance: the LORD God of Israel [was] their inheritance, as he said unto them. WHAT ELSE COULD YOU WANT? WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU NEED? Joshua 14:8-9 & 12 PG 331 Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt: but I wholly followed the LORD my God. And Moses sware on that day, saying, Surely the land whereon thy feet have trodden shall be thine inheritance, and thy children's for ever, because thou hast wholly followed the LORD my God. 14:12 Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the LORD spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims [were] there, and [that] the cities [were] great [and] fenced: if so be the LORD [will be] with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said. JOSHUA AND CALEB GO WAY BACK. THEY ARE THE ONLY 2 MEN OF THE ENTIRE NATION OF OVER A MILLION WHO MADE IT THROUGH THE 40 YEARS IN THE DESERT TO ENTER THE PROMISED LAND. YOU LOOKING FOR THE SECRET OF A LONG, SUCCESSFUL, AND FULFILLED LIFE - WHOLLY FOLLOW THE LORD YOUR GOD!!! NO WAY WOULD JOSHUA NOT GIVE TO CALEB THE PORTION OF THE PROMISED LAND WHICH HIS HEART DESIRED. JOSHUA KNEW IT WOULD BE GOD'S WILL TO GIVE CALEB HIS HEARTS DESIRE. NO LOT CASTING WOULD BE REQUIRED HERE. Psalms 37:4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. MAR 14 JOSH. 18:1 - 21:45 PG 333 - 338 Joshua 21:43 And the LORD gave unto Israel all the land which he sware to give unto their fathers; and they possessed it, and dwelt therein. Joshua 21:44 And the LORD gave them rest round about, according to all that he sware unto their fathers: and there stood not a man of all their enemies before them; the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand. Joshua 21:45 There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass. GOD KEEPS ALL HIS PROMISES. DO WE? MAR 15 JOSH. 22:1 - 24:28 PG 338 - 343 Joshua 22:5-6 PG 339 But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the LORD charged you, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul. So Joshua blessed them, and sent them away: and they went unto their tents. WILL WE DILIGENTLY PAY ATTENTION TO GOD'S WAY OF DOING THINGS? HIS WAYS ARE NOT OUR NATURAL WAYS. WILL I SERVE GOD WITH ALL MY HEART AND SOUL. IF JESUS CHRIST IS NOT THE SON OF GOD NOTHING MATTERS, BUT IF HE IS NOTHING ELSE MATTERS. JESUS IS EITHER LORD OF ALL OR NOT LORD AT ALL. Joshua 22:33-34 PG 340 And the thing pleased the children of Israel; and the children of Israel blessed God, and did not intend to go up against them in battle, to destroy the land wherein the children of Reuben and Gad dwelt. And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad called the altar [Ed]: for it [shall be] a witness between us that the LORD [is] God. IT APPEARS ISRAEL FINALLY HAS GOT IT. IT LOOKS LIKE THEY ARE READY TO FINALLY FOLLOW THE LORD WITH ALL THEIR HEART. WHAT IS GOING ON HERE IS THAT THE TRIBES WEST OF JORDAN ARE READY TO GO TO WAR WITH THE TRIBES EAST OF THE JORDAN BECAUSE OF THE EASTERN TRIBES BUILDING AN ALTAR LIKE THE ALTER AT THE TABERNACLE. THE DEAL IS THAT THE EASTERN TRIBES BUILT THE ALTAR NOT FOR MAKING SACRIFICES BUT AS A WITNESS BETWEEN THE EASTERN AND WESTERN TRIBES THAT THE EASTERN TRIBES WERE AS MUCH A PART OF ISRAEL AS THE WESTERN TRIBES AND THAT THE JORDAN RIVER WOULD NOT BE CAUSE OF SEPARATION IN FUTURE GENERATIONS. Joshua 23:3 & 5 PG 340 & 341 And ye have seen all that the LORD your God hath done unto all these nations because of you; for the LORD your God [is] he that hath fought for you. 23:5 And the LORD your God, he shall expel them from before you, and drive them from out of your sight; and ye shall possess their land, as the LORD your God hath promised unto you. JOSHUA KNOWS THAT HE WILL SOON DIE. HE TRIES HIS BEST TO ENCOURAGE ISRAEL TO BE TOTALLY OBEDIENT TO GOD. HE REMINDS THEM THAT GOD IS FIGHTING FOR THEM AND THEY CAN'T LOOSE IN BATTLE IF GOD IS ON THEIR SIDE. GOD'S SIDE IS ALWAYS THE WINNER. YOU HAVE SEEN GOD'S POWER FOR YOURSELF. GOD HAD PROMISED THE LAND TO THEM. THERE IS NO REASON FOR THEM NOT TO FINISH THE JOB. Joshua 23:6-11 PG 341 Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom [to] the right hand or [to] the left; That ye come not among these nations, these that remain among you; neither make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause to swear [by them], neither serve them, nor bow yourselves unto them: But cleave unto the LORD your God, as ye have done unto this day. For the LORD hath driven out from before you great nations and strong: but [as for] you, no man hath been able to stand before you unto this day. One man of you shall chase a thousand: for the LORD your God, he [it is] that fighteth for you, as he hath promised you. Take good heed therefore unto yourselves, that ye love the LORD your God. WHAT IF WE SEE THE DAY WHEN THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST IS PERSECUTED AS IT HAS BEEN FOR FIFTY YEARS BEHIND THE IRON CURTAIN. WILL WE BE COURAGEOUS? WILL WE BE SUCKED IN TO THE NEW AGE MOVEMENT? WILL WE GO ALONG WITH THE ANTICHRIST GLOBAL WORLD GOVERNMENT SYSTEM? THIS MAY BE WHERE WE SEE WHO REALLY LOVES GOD AND WHO JUST LOVES PLAYING CHURCH? Joshua 23:14-16 PG 341 And, behold, this day I [am] going the way of all the earth: and ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, [and] not one thing hath failed thereof. Therefore it shall come to pass, [that] as all good things are come upon you, which the LORD your God promised you; so shall the LORD bring upon you all evil things, until he have destroyed you from off this good land which the LORD your God hath given you. When ye have transgressed the covenant of the LORD your God, which he commanded you, and have gone and served other gods, and bowed yourselves to them; then shall the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and ye shall perish quickly from off the good land which he hath given unto you. FOLLOWING GOD IS SERIOUS BUSINESS. GOD KEEPS ALL HIS PROMISES. WE WILL BE BLESSED IN OUR OBEDIENCE TO GOD. JUST AS SURELY AS WE WILL BE BLESSED BY OUR OBEDIENCE WE WILL BE CHASTENED IN DISOBEDIENCE. WHO DO YOU REALLY TRUST? IS IT GOD, OR YOUR MONEY, OR YOUR GOVERNMENT? WILL YOU SERVE THE ONE TRUE LIVING GOD OR WILL YOU SERVE THE ANTICHRIST GOD OF THE NEW AGE? WILL YOU TAKE THE 666 BASED SCANNER MARK ON YOUR RIGHT WRIST OR FOREHEAD TO BE ABLE TO BUY OR SELL? Joshua 24:15 PG 342 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that [were] on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. ALMOST EVERY CHRISTIAN HAS HEARD THIS FAMOUS QUOTE OF JOSHUA - "BUT AS FOR ME AND MY HOUSE, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD." TAKE A LOOK AT THE CONTEXT FROM WHICH THE QUOTE IS TAKEN. CHOOSE YOU THIS DAY WHOM YE WILL SERVE. WHAT ARE THE CHOICES? WHO WERE THE GODS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FLOOD? THEY WERE THE SAME AS THE GODS OF THE AMORITES. THESE GODS ARE GODS OF PRIDE, ANGER, LUST, ENVY, GLUTTONY, GREED, SEX, AND SELF GRATIFICATION. THE GODS OF THE NEW AGE ARE NOT NEW AT ALL. IN THE GARDEN SATAN SAID TO ADAM AND EVE "YE SHALL BE AS GOD". WILL YOU SET YOURSELF TO BE YOUR OWN GOD OR WILL YOU SERVE THE ONE TRUE LIVING GOD? IS JESUS LORD OF MY LIFE OR AM I LORD OF MY LIFE? CHOOSE YE THIS DAY WHOM YE WILL SERVE. WILL I DENY MYSELF, PICK UP MY CROSS AND FOLLOW JESUS? Joshua 24:19 PG 342 And Joshua said unto the people, Ye cannot serve the LORD: for he [is] an holy God; he [is] a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins. GOD WILL HAVE NOTHING LESS THAN FIRST PLACE IN YOUR LIFE. HE IS HOLY AND REQUIRES US TO BE HOLY. WE ARE FREE TO CHOOSE WHOM WE WILL SERVE. GOD OR SELF WHO WILL I SERVE? Joshua 24:23 PG 342 Now therefore put away, [said he], the strange gods which [are] among you, and incline your heart unto the LORD God of Israel. WHAT ARE THE STRANGE GODS THAT MUST BE PUT OUT OF MY LIFE? Joshua 24:24 PG 342 And the people said unto Joshua, The LORD our God will we serve, and his voice will we obey. THEY TALK THE TALK. WILL THEY WALK THE WALK? I KNOW IT IS EASY TO SAY I WILL SERVE THE LORD. WILL I SERVE THE LORD IN DEED AND IN TRUTH? MAR 16 JOSH. 24 & JUDGES 1:1 -2:5 PG 343 -346 Judges 2:8 PG 243 And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died, [being] an hundred and ten years old. JOSHUA DIES AT AGE 110. ISRAEL HAD BEEN MAKING PROGRESS UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF MOSES AND HAD MADE GREAT PROGRESS UNDER JOSHUA'S LEADERSHIP. GODLY, STRONG AND COURAGEOUS LEADERSHIP MAKES A DIFFERENCE. ISRAEL WAS ON THE ROAD TO THE GREATNESS WHICH GOD HAD INTENDED FOR HIS CHOSEN PEOPLE. ONCE JOSHUA DIED ISRAEL LOST THE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS LEADER WHO WOULD NOT CONSIDER DEFEAT A POSSIBILITY WHEN GOD WAS ON HIS SIDE. THE BACKSLIDING OF ISRAEL BEGINS AT JOSHUA'S DEATH. WE NEED STRONG, AND COURAGEOUS FEARLESS LEADERS TODAY. Judges 1:2 PG 344 And the LORD said, Judah shall go up: behold, I have delivered the land into his hand. THE LORD TOLD JUDAH THAT THEY WOULD BE VICTORIOUS. GOD GAVE JUDAH THE HONOR OF BEING THE NATIONAL LEADER AFTER THE DEATH OF JOSHUA. JUDAH WAS VICTORIOUS BUT THEN THEY STOPPED AND DID NOT DRIVE OUT THE PEOPLE OF THE PLAINS - BECAUSE THEY HAD IRON CHARIOTS. GET THIS - THEY HAD GOD ON THEIR SIDE BUT FEAR OF THEIR ENEMY'S IRON CHARIOTS CAUSED THEM TO QUIT THE BATTLE. JUDAH WAS THE LEADER. THEY SET THE EXAMPLE. THEY STOPPED SHORT OF WHAT GOD TOLD THEM TO DO. ALL THE REST OF THE TRIBES FOLLOWED SUIT AND HERE BEGINS THE DOWNWARD FALL OF ISRAEL FROM THE GREATEST NATION ON EARTH TO TOTAL DESTRUCTION. WHAT FEAR OR TACTIC OF THE ENEMY WILL KEEP ME FROM COMPLETING THE JOB GOD HAS LAID OUT FOR ME TO DO? HAS SATAN RUN ANY IRON CHARIOTS AT YOU LATELY? THERE ARE MANY IRON CHARIOTS IN THE HILL COUNTRY TO TRY TO STOP US FROM COMPLETING OUR GOAL OF GOING THROUGH THE SCRIPTURES TOGETHER THIS YEAR. Judges 2:1-5 PG 346 And an angel of the LORD came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I sware unto your fathers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you. And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall throw down their altars: but ye have not obeyed my voice: why have ye done this? Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be [as thorns] in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you. And it came to pass, when the angel of the LORD spake these words unto all the children of Israel, that the people lifted up their voice, and wept. And they called the name of that place Bochim: and they sacrificed there unto the LORD. EVERY TRIBE FOLLOWED JUDAH'S EXAMPLE. THE IRON CHARIOTS OF FEAR CAUSED JUDAH TO FAIL TO COMPLETE THEIR MISSION OF DRIVING OUT ALL OF THE IDOLATROUS INHABITANTS OF THE LAND WHICH GOD TOLD THEM TO POSSESS. AFTER THE FAILURE OF ALL THE TRIBES GOD HIMSELF IN THE FORM OF AN ANGEL DELIVERS THE BAD NEWS TO ISRAEL. THIS WAS NOT JUST AN ANGEL. NO ANGEL COULD SAY WHAT IS SAID HERE. ONLY GOD COULD SAY WHAT IS SAID IN VERSE 1. IT WAS JESUS. THERE ARE ACTUALLY ABOUT 40 TIMES IN THE OLD TESTAMENT WHERE GOD APPEARED TO MEN. THIS IS AT LEAST GOD'S 25th APPEARANCE. GOD HAD BEEN USING THE ENEMIES OF ISRAEL TO TEST THE NATION AND SEE IF THEY WOULD BE OBEDIENT AND DEPEND ON HIM FOR CONTINUED HELP. THIS IS THE SAME REASON HE PERMITS US CHRISTIANS TO BE TESTED. ALL OF THE EXPERIENCES OF ISRAEL ARE LESSONS TO US TODAY. DO WE DEPEND ON GOD? CAN GOD DEPEND ON US? GOD DOESN'T NEED US, HE LOVES US. HE WANTS TO BLESS US. WE GROW THROUGH TRIALS AND TESTING. BUT WHO WANTS TO SUFFER TODAY? HAVE YOU SEEN ANY IRON CHARIOTS LATELY? THERE HAVE NOW BEEN 25 VERSES WHERE GOD HAS APPEARED TO MEN FROM GENESIS TO JUDGES 2:1. THERE ARE SOME DEBATABLE APPEARANCES. YOU COULD COUNT AS MANY AS 32 APPEARANCES OF JESUS TO THIS POINT IF YOU WANTED TO COUNT HIS APPEARANCES TO BALAAM'S DONKEY. WE NEED TO PRAY FOR THE JEWS TO BE ABLE TO SEE JESUS IN THEIR SCRIPTURES. MAR 17 JUDGES 2:7 - 3:31 PG 347 - 349 Judges 2:10-12 PG 347 And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel. And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim: And they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that [were] round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the LORD to anger. HISTORY TEACHES US THAT EVEN GREAT SOCIETIES AND EMPIRES ARE ONLY ONE GENERATION AWAY FROM DESTRUCTION. WHEN THE NEXT GENERATION FAILS TO LEARN THE IMPORTANT MORAL LESSONS FROM THE PREVIOUS GENERATION IT IS A FAST TRACK DOWN THE TUBES. THAT IS WHY PARENTS MUST TEACH THEIR CHILDREN. THAT IS WHY IT IS SO SAD TO SEE HOW GOD AND GODLY PRINCIPLES HAVE, IN OUR GENERATION, BEEN SYSTEMATICALLY ELIMINATED FROM THE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEMS OF OUR COUNTRY. Judges 2:14 And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies. GOD PUTS UP WITH A LOT, PERMITS A LOT, AND HAS GREAT PATIENCE. BUT THERE COMES A TIME WHEN HE HAS ENOUGH AND BECOMES ANGRY WITH SINFUL NATIONS. WHEN GOD'S ANGER IS RAISED AGAINST A NATION THAT NATION BECOMES ENSLAVED OR DESTROYED COMPLETELY UNLESS THEY REPENT. WE MUST BE CRYING OUT TO GOD FOR REPENTANCE IN AMERICA. Judges 3:9-11 PG 348 And when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, [even] Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother. And the spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the LORD delivered Chushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushan-rishathaim. And the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died. WHENEVER PEOPLE WILL CRY OUT TO THE LORD IN REPENTANCE HE HEARS THEM. WHETHER OR NOT THEY ARE DELIVERED DEPENDS ON THEIR OBEDIENCE. WE MUST TURN AWAY FROM OUR SINS. DO YOU NOTICE HOW WE SEE THAT A GENERATION IN THE BIBLE SEEMS TO BE 40 YEARS. THIS IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT SINCE ISRAEL BECAME A NATION IN 1948. WHEN WOULD YOU SAY THE NATION OF ISRAEL BEGAN TO BLOSSOM AND FLOURISH? THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT IN LIGHT OF WHAT JESUS SAID IN MATTHEW 24. Judges 3:20-22 PG 349 And Ehud came unto him; and he was sitting in a summer parlour, which he had for himself alone. And Ehud said, I have a message from God unto thee. And he arose out of [his] seat. And Ehud put forth his left hand, and took the dagger from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly: And the haft also went in after the blade; and the fat closed upon the blade, so that he could not draw the dagger out of his belly; and the dirt came out. EHUD KILLED THE KING OF MOAB. EHUD WAS STRONG AND VERY COURAGEOUS. Judges 3:29-30 PG 349 And they slew of Moab at that time about ten thousand men, all lusty, and all men of valour; and there escaped not a man. So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel. And the land had rest fourscore years. HERE WE SEE THE LAND HAVING PEACE FOR 80 YEARS. WILL ISRAEL REMAIN FAITHFUL TO GOD? NO WAY! 80 YEARS LATER IT IS BACK TO BAALS AND ASTHOROTHS. DO WE DARE DISCUSS WHY IT WAS ALWAYS BACK TO THE BAALS? MAR 18 JUDGES 4:1 - 5:31 PG 349 - 353 Judges 4:3 PG 349 And the children of Israel cried unto the LORD: for he had nine hundred chariots of iron; and twenty years he mightily oppressed the children of Israel. IRON CHARIOTS - THESE ARE WHAT PUT FEAR IN THE HEARTS OF THE ISRAELITES. WHAT IS IT THAT WE FEAR. WE NEED TO TRY TO GET TO THE POINT WHEN IT IS ONLY GOD THAT WE FEAR AND NOTHING ELSE. GOD WANTS US TO BE STRONG AND BE COURAGEOUS. THAT IS ONLY POSSIBLE WHEN WE TRUST GOD COMPLETELY. Judges 4:4 PG 350 And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time. THERE WAS NOT A MAN IN ISRAEL THAT HAD THE STRENGTH AND COURAGE TO CHALLENGE THE IRON CHARIOTS. IT WAS DEBORAH WHO HAD THE COURAGE TO GO AGAINST THE IRON CHARIOTS. Judges 4:9-10 PG 350 And she said, I will surely go with thee: notwithstanding the journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honour; for the LORD shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman. And Deborah arose, and went with Barak to Kedesh. And Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh; and he went up with ten thousand men at his feet: and Deborah went up with him. BARAK DID NOT HAVE THE COURAGE TO GO UP AGAINST SISERA'S IRON CHARIOTS. IF DEBORAH WOULD NOT HAVE GONE UP TO SHAME BARAK'S LACK OF COURAGE THE IRON CHARIOTS NEVER WOULD HAVE BEEN CHALLENGED. Judges 4:15 PG 350 And the LORD discomfited Sisera, and all [his] chariots, and all [his] host, with the edge of the sword before Barak; so that Sisera lighted down off [his] chariot, and fled away on his feet. IT IS IMPORTANT TO SEE THAT IT WAS ALWAYS THE LORD WHO GIVES THE VICTORY. Judges 4:21 PG 350 Then Jael Heber's wife took a nail of the tent, and took an hammer in her hand, and went softly unto him, and smote the nail into his temples, and fastened it into the ground: for he was fast asleep and weary. So he died. NONE OF THE MEN HAD THE COURAGE TO DO WHAT JAEL DID. Judges 5:1-3 PG 351 Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying, Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves. Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, [even] I, will sing unto the LORD; I will sing [praise] to the LORD God of Israel. AS THE LEADER OF ISRAEL DEBORAH MADE SURE THAT GOD RECEIVED ALL THE PRAISE AND GLORY FOR THE VICTORY. Judges 5:31 PG 353 So let all thine enemies perish, O LORD: but [let] them that love him [be] as the sun when he goeth forth in his might. And the land had rest forty years. AGAIN WE SEE THE LAND HAVING REST FOR 40 YEARS. IT CERTAINLY DOES SEEM THAT A BIBLICAL GENERATION IS 40 YEARS. I WOULD BE INTERESTED TO KNOW WHAT EVENTS YOU BELIEVE MARKED THE FLOURISHING OR BLOOMING OF THE NATION OF ISRAEL. ISRAEL BECAME A NATION IN 1948. LAST DAYS PROPHESY HAD BEEN ON HOLD FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS UNTIL THEN. END TIME PROPHESIES ARE NOW BEING FULFILLED SO RAPIDLY IT IS HARD TO KEEP TRACK OF THEM ALL. WHAT AN EXCITING TIME. WE MAY INDEED BE THE GENERATION TO WITNESS THE LORD'S RETURN. BETWEEN NOW AND THEN THERE WILL BE THAT 7 YEARS OF THE NEW WORLD ORDER OR NEW AGE MOVEMENT UNDER THE TYRANNICAL RULE OF ANTICHRIST. MAR 19 JUDGES 6:1 - 8:3 PG 353 - 357 Judges 6:10 PG 354 And I said unto you, I [am] the LORD your God; fear not the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but ye have not obeyed my voice. LET US OBEY THE VOICE OF THE LORD. WE HEAR THE VOICE OF THE LORD WHEN WE READ THE BIBLE. IT IS GOD, NOT THE GOVERNMENT, NOT THE NEW AGE MOVEMENT, NOT MOTHER EARTH, NOT THE VOICE OF THE ASCENDED MASTERS THAT WE MUST HEAR AND OBEY. IT IS ONLY THE VOICE OF GOD THAT WE MUST OBEY. THERE ARE MANY VOICES THAT WE HEAR TODAY. MOST OF THEM ARE IN DIRECT OPPOSITION TO THE VOICE OF GOD. THE ONLY WAY WE CAN AVOID BEING DECEIVED TODAY IS TO HEAR THE VOICE OF GOD AND KNOW THE VOICE OF GOD FROM GENESIS TO REVELATION. EVEN OUR LOVED ONES, OUR FRIENDS, OUR FAMILIES AND EVEN OUR PASTORS CAN DECEIVE US. IN THE LAST DAYS THEY WILL HEAP TO THEMSELVES TEACHERS HAVING ITCHING EARS. UNFORTUNATELY TODAY THERE ARE MANY MORE FALSE TEACHERS THAT TRUE TEACHERS. IN FACT THE ONLY WE CAN KEEP FROM BEING DECEIVED IS TO CHECK EVERYTHING WE HEAR AND CAREFULLY COMPARE IT WITH WHAT GOD SAYS TO US GENESIS TO REVELATION. Judges 6:14 PG 354 And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee? HOW CAN YOU FAIL IF IT IS GOD WHO SENDS US? BUT GIDEON SAYS - WHO ME? MAYBE THAT IS WHAT YOU THINK WHEN GOD TELLS YOU TO DO SOMETHING THAT YOU THINK IS BEYOND YOUR ABILITY OR STRENGTH. BUT GOD'S STRENGTH IS MADE PERFECT IN WEAKNESS. GOD IS MORE GLORIFIED WHEN THE WEAK UNTALENTED PERSON DOES THE GREAT THING THAN WHEN THE GREAT PERSON DOES A GREAT THING. YOU CAN DO ANYTHING GOD TELLS YOU TO DO BECAUSE IT IS GOD'S POWER NOT YOURS THAT WILL MAKE IT HAPPEN. NO ONE IS UNDERQUALIFIED FOR ANYTHING THAT GOD TELLS THEM TO DO. Judges 6:17-18 PG 354 And he said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, then shew me a sign that thou talkest with me. Depart not hence, I pray thee, until I come unto thee, and bring forth my present, and set [it] before thee. And he said, I will tarry until thou come again. HOW CAN WE BE SURE IT IS GOD TELLING US TO DO SOMETHING? REMEMBER GIDEON DID NOT HAVE THE BIBLE WE HAVE. NOBODY THEN HAD THE POWER WE HAVE NOW. NOBODY THEN HAD THE KNOWLEDGE YOU HAVE NOW. THE HOLY SPIRIT WOULD ONLY BE WITH PEOPLE FOR A TIME THEN. NOW YOU CAN HAVE THE HOLY SPIRIT IN YOU. DO YOU SEE THE DIFFERENCE? HAVE YOU RECEIVED THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT? WE NEED THE FULLNESS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. WHAT IS SPIRIT FILLED? BEING FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT IS BEING FILLED WITH THE WORD OF GOD. IT IS NOT A FEELING, IT IS BEING FILLED WITH THE TRUTH AND POWER OF GOD'S WORD. GIDEON DIDN'T HAVE THAT. GIDEON COULDN'T HAVE THAT - BUT YOU CAN. NOTHING BOTHERS ME MORE THAN PEOPLE WHO CLAIM TO BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT AND WHO HAVE NEVER READ THE BIBLE AND WHO DO NOT HAVE TIME TO READ THE BIBLE. WE MAY GET FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT BUT WE ALL LEAK A LOT. WE NEED TO GET REFILLED. GETTING FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT IS THE SAME AS GETTING FILLED WITH THE WORD. OBEDIENCE IS THE KEY. OBEDIENCE COMES WHEN WE READ THE WORD AND THE HOLY SPIRIT TAKES THAT WORD AND CONVICTS US OF OUR DISOBEDIENCE. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS A PERFECT GENTLEMAN. THE SPIRIT OF THE PROPHET IS SUBJECT TO THE PROPHET. GOD WILL NEVER FORCE YOU TO DO ANYTHING YOU DON'T WANT TO DO. Judges 6:21 PG 354 Then the angel of the LORD put forth the end of the staff that [was] in his hand, and touched the flesh and the unleavened cakes; and there rose up fire out of the rock, and consumed the flesh and the unleavened cakes. Then the angel of the LORD departed out of his sight. JESUS GAVE GIDEON THE SIGN HE NEEDED. YES IT WAS JESUS. THIS IS AT LEAST JESUS' 26TH APPEARANCE. JESUS GAVE GIDEON THE SIGN HE NEEDED. HE DOESN'T GIVE A LOT OF SIGNS TODAY BECAUSE WE SHOULDN'T NEED SIGNS TODAY. TODAY WITH ALL THE DEMONIC ACTIVITY ON THE INCREASE, SIGNS CAN GET YOU IN TROUBLE. WHAT WE NEED TODAY IS MORE KNOWLEDGE OF HIS WORD. Judges 6:23 PG 354 And the LORD said unto him, Peace [be] unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die. GIDEON KNEW THAT HE HAD SEEN GOD WHEN HE HAD SEEN JESUS. WE NEED TO PRAY THAT OUR JEWISH BROTHERS CAN SEE GOD WHEN THEY SEE MESSIAH JESUS IN THEIR SCRIPTURES. Judges 6:25-27 PG 354 -355 And it came to pass the same night, that the LORD said unto him, Take thy father's young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove that [is] by it: And build an altar unto the LORD thy God upon the top of this rock, in the ordered place, and take the second bullock, and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of the grove which thou shalt cut down. Then Gideon took ten men of his servants, and did as the LORD had said unto him: and [so] it was, because he feared his father's household, and the men of the city, that he could not do [it] by day, that he did [it] by night. GIDEON OBEYED GOD BUT HE DID IT AT NIGHT. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THIS? WAS THIS A WEAKNESS OF FAITH? GIDEON WAS PROBABLY JUST USING THE BRAINS THAT GOD HAD GIVEN HIM. IF HE HAD TRIED TO DO IT IN THE DAY HE PROBABLY WOULD HAVE BEEN STOPPED. WE NEED TO HAVE FAITH BUT WE ALSO HAVE TO USE THE BRAINS THAT GOD GIVES AND NOT JUST RUN ON EMOTION. Judges 6:30-32 PG 355 Then the men of the city said unto Joash, Bring out thy son, that he may die: because he hath cast down the altar of Baal, and because he hath cut down the grove that [was] by it. And Joash said unto all that stood against him, Will ye plead for Baal? will ye save him? he that will plead for him, let him be put to death whilst [it is yet] morning: if he [be] a god, let him plead for himself, because [one] hath cast down his altar. Therefore on that day he called him Jerubbaal, saying, Let Baal plead against him, because he hath thrown down his altar. THIS IS FANTASTIC. GIDEON'S DAD HAD THE PERFECT DEFENSE FOR HIS SON. DO YOU WANT TO KILL MY SON BECAUSE MY SON TORE DOWN THE ALTER OF YOUR GOD? IF YOUR GOD IS A GOD WHY DO YOU HAVE TO FIGHT YOUR GOD'S BATTLES. IF YOU GOD IS A GOD HE WILL KILL MY SON HIMSELF BEFORE THE MORNING IS OVER. LET YOUR GOD KILL HIM IF HE IS A GOD. IF YOUR GOD DOESN'T KILL HIM MY SON HAS DONE YOU ALL A FAVOR BY PROVING THAT YOU ARE NOT FOLLOWING THE RIGHT GOD. Judges 6:36-40 PG 355 And Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said, Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in the floor; [and] if the dew be on the fleece only, and [it be] dry upon all the earth [beside], then shall I know that thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said. And it was so: for he rose up early on the morrow, and thrust the fleece together, and wringed the dew out of the fleece, a bowl full of water. And Gideon said unto God, Let not thine anger be hot against me, and I will speak but this once: let me prove, I pray thee, but this once with the fleece; let it now be dry only upon the fleece, and upon all the ground let there be dew. And God did so that night: for it was dry upon the fleece only, and there was dew on all the ground. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THIS? GIDEON KNEW HE WAS DOING WRONG WHEN HE WAS TESTING GOD WITH THE FLEECE. GOD WAS MERCIFUL AND ALLOWED GIDEON'S TESTS. WE ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO PUT OUT FLEECES BUT WHEN IN DOUBT DON'T. SEEK GOD'S WILL IN HIS WORD - NOT FLEECES. Judges 7:2-4 PG 355 And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people that [are] with thee [are] too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me. Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whosoever [is] fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from mount Gilead. And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand; and there remained ten thousand. And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people [are] yet [too] many; bring them down unto the water, and I will try them for thee there: and it shall be, [that] of whom I say unto thee, This shall go with thee, the same shall go with thee; and of whomsoever I say unto thee, This shall not go with thee, the same shall not go. GIDEON STARTED OUT WITH AN ARMY OF ABOUT 33,000 TO GO FIGHT THE MIDIANITE ARMY OF 155,000. GOD DID NOT LIKE THE 5 TO 1 ODDS. GOD SAID THAT IF THE ODDS WERE ONLY 5 TO 1 THE ISRAELITES WOULD THINK THEY WON THE VICTORY. GOD WANTED THEM TO BE SURE THAT THE VICTORY WAS GOD'S AND NOT THEIRS. THERE WERE 23,OOO WHO WERE AFRAID AND THAT LEFT GIDEON WITH 10,000 OR 15 TO 1 ODDS. STILL NOT HIGH ENOUGH ODDS. GOD HELPED GIDEON TO CUT THE SIZE OF THE ARMY TO 300 SO THAT THE ODDS IN THE BATTLE WERE 500 TO 1. GOOD ODDS FOR ANYONE WHEN GOD IS ON THEIR SIDE. DON'T EVER FORGET IF GOD BE FOR YOU WHO CAN BE AGAINST YOU? Judges 7:16-22 PG 356 And he divided the three hundred men [into] three companies, and he put a trumpet in every man's hand, with empty pitchers, and lamps within the pitchers. And he said unto them, Look on me, and do likewise: and, behold, when I come to the outside of the camp, it shall be [that], as I do, so shall ye do. When I blow with a trumpet, I and all that [are] with me, then blow ye the trumpets also on every side of all the camp, and say, [The sword] of the LORD, and of Gideon. So Gideon, and the hundred men that [were] with him, came unto the outside of the camp in the beginning of the middle watch; and they had but newly set the watch: and they blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers that [were] in their hands. And the three companies blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers, and held the lamps in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands to blow [withal]: and they cried, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon. And they stood every man in his place round about the camp: and all the host ran, and cried, and fled. And the three hundred blew the trumpets, and the LORD set every man's sword against his fellow, even throughout all the host: and the host fled to Beth-shittah in Zererath, [and] to the border of Abel-meholah, unto Tabbath. HERE IS THE BATTLE PLAN SHOUT AND TOOT. WHAT IS THE PLAN GIDEON - WE'RE GONNA SHOUT AND TOOT. WHAT? WE'RE GONNA SHOUT AND TOOT. NOW YOU ALL CAN SHOUT BUT NO TOOTING IN HERE TONIGHT. Judges 8:1-3 PG 357 And the men of Ephraim said unto him, Why hast thou served us thus, that thou calledst us not, when thou wentest to fight with the Midianites? And they did chide with him sharply. And he said unto them, What have I done now in comparison of you? [Is] not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abi-ezer? God hath delivered into your hands the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb: and what was I able to do in comparison of you? Then their anger was abated toward him, when he had said that. LOOK AT THE PRIDE IN ISRAEL AND HOW GIDEON DEALT WITH IT. MAR 20 JUDGES 8:4 - 9:57 PG 357 - 361 Judges 8:6-7 &9 PG 357 And the princes of Succoth said, [Are] the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thine hand, that we should give bread unto thine army? And Gideon said, Therefore when the LORD hath delivered Zebah and Zalmunna into mine hand, then I will tear your flesh with the thorns of the wilderness and with briers. :9 And he spake also unto the men of Penuel, saying, When I come again in peace, I will break down this tower. FOOD WAS SCARCE IN ISRAEL BECAUSE OF THE OPPRESSION OF THE MIDIANITES. GIDEON HAD JUST ROUTED THE MIDIANITES AND WAS CHASING THE 20,000 OF THE MIDIANITES THAT WERE LEFT OF THE ORIGINAL 155,000. GIDEON STILL HAD ALL 300 OF HIS MEN BUT THE MEN OF SUCCOTH AND PENUEL WOULD NOT GIVE HIS MEN ANY FOOD. THEY FIGURED ONCE GIDEON CAUGHT UP WITH THE MIDIANITES HIS 300 MEN WOULD BE WIPED OUT AND THEY DIDN'T WANT TO GIVE THESE CRAZY GUYS ANY FOOD BECAUSE THE WOULD ALL SURELY BE KILLED WHEN THEY CAUGHT UP WITH ZEBAH AND ZALMUNNA WITH THE ODDS AT 67 TO 1. Judges 8:15-17 PG 357 And he came unto the men of Succoth, and said, Behold Zebah and Zalmunna with whom ye did upbraid me, saying, [Are] the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thine hand, that we should give bread unto thy men [that are] weary? And he took the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness and briers, and with them he taught the men of Succoth. And he beat down the tower of Penuel, and slew the men of the city. WHEN GIDEON RETURNED TO SUCCOTH AND PENUEL HE PAID THEM BACK FOR NOT GIVING FOOD TO HIS MEN. Judges 8:22-23 PG 358 Then the men of Israel said unto Gideon, Rule thou over us, both thou, and thy son, and thy son's son also: for thou hast delivered us from the hand of Midian. And Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the LORD shall rule over you. THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL WANTED TO MAKE GIDEON KING BUT HE REFUSED. HE TOLD THEM THAT THE LORD SHOULD RULE OVER THEM. BUT HE DID TAKE 43 POUNDS OF GOLD FROM THEM. Judges 8:27-28 PG 358 And Gideon made an ephod thereof, and put it in his city, [even] in Ophrah: and all Israel went thither a whoring after it: which thing became a snare unto Gideon, and to his house. Thus was Midian subdued before the children of Israel, so that they lifted up their heads no more. And the country was in quietness forty years in the days of Gideon. YOU RECALL THAT GIDEON HAD SEEN THE LORD JESUS AND WAS AFRAID THAT HE WOULD DIE. HE TOOK THE GOLD AND MADE AN EPHOD WHICH WAS A GOLD PLATED IMAGE OF JESUS. GOD DOES NOT WANT THIS. THE PEOPLE WORSHIPED THE IMAGE. THIS IS WRONG. GOD DOES NOT WANT ANYONE WORSHIPING IMAGES, STATUES, PICTURES OR ANY OTHER THING. GOD IS TOO GREAT TO BE IMAGED. IT BECAME A SNARE TO GIDEON'S FAMILY AND MAY HAVE HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE LOSS OF HIS 70 SONS IN ONE DAY. AGAIN WE SEE THAT THE LAND HAD PEACE FOR 40 YEARS. THIS IS ANOTHER INDICATION THAT A BIBLE GENERATION IS 40 YEARS. Judges 8:30-31 PG 358 And Gideon had threescore and ten sons of his body begotten: for he had many wives. And his concubine that [was] in Shechem, she also bare him a son, whose name he called Abimelech. GIDEON HAD 70 SONS FROM HIS WIVES. BEYOND HIS POLYGAMY HE HAD A SON BY A CONCUBINE IN SCHECHEM. IT IS CURIOUS THAT HE WOULD NAME HIM ABIMELECH. THIS NAME IS THE HEATHEN TITLE OF CHIEF OR KING. Judges 8:33-34 PG 358 And it came to pass, as soon as Gideon was dead, that the children of Israel turned again, and went a whoring after Baalim, and made Baal-berith their god. And the children of Israel remembered not the LORD their God, who had delivered them out of the hands of all their enemies on every side: IT ONLY TAKES A GENERATION WHERE THE CHILDREN ARE NOT TAUGHT TO FEAR THE LORD AND SATAN ALWAYS WILL TURN THEM TO BAAL OR THE RELIGION OF SEXUAL IMMORALITY. WE ARE WATCHING IT HAPPENING IN OUR LAND TODAY. THE 40 YEAR BIBLE GENERATION IS SIGNIFICANT. Judges 9:3-15 PG 358 - 359 And his mother's brethren spake of him in the ears of all the men of Shechem all these words: and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech; for they said, He [is] our brother. And they gave him threescore and ten [pieces] of silver out of the house of Baal-berith, wherewith Abimelech hired vain and light persons, which followed him. And he went unto his father's house at Ophrah, and slew his brethren the sons of Jerubbaal, [being] threescore and ten persons, upon one stone: notwithstanding yet Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left; for he hid himself. And all the men of Shechem gathered together, and all the house of Millo, and went, and made Abimelech king, by the plain of the pillar that [was] in Shechem. And when they told [it] to Jotham, he went and stood in the top of mount Gerizim, and lifted up his voice, and cried, and said unto them, Hearken unto me, ye men of Shechem, that God may hearken unto you. The trees went forth [on a time] to anoint a king over them; and they said unto the olive tree, Reign thou over us. But the olive tree said unto them, Should I leave my fatness, wherewith by me they honour God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees? And the trees said to the fig tree, Come thou, [and] reign over us. But the fig tree said unto them, Should I forsake my sweetness, and my good fruit, and go to be promoted over the trees? Then said the trees unto the vine, Come thou, [and] reign over us. And the vine said unto them, Should I leave my wine, which cheereth God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees? Then said all the trees unto the bramble, Come thou, [and] reign over us. And the bramble said unto the trees, If in truth ye anoint me king over you, [then] come [and] put your trust in my shadow: and if not, let fire come out of the bramble, and devour the cedars of Lebanon. ABIMELECH GOT MONEY TO HIRE MERCENARIES FROM THE PEOPLE OF SCHECHEM. HE THE WENT TO GIDEON'S TOWN AND KILLED ALL 70 OF HIS HALF BROTHERS IN ONE DAY AND ONLY JOTHAM ESCAPED. ABIMELECH WAS MADE KING. JOTHAM GIVE A GREAT SPEECH AND SOWS THE SEEDS OF REVOLT TO ABIMELECH'S SUBJECTS. Judges 9:19-20 PG 359 If ye then have dealt truly and sincerely with Jerubbaal and with his house this day, [then] rejoice ye in Abimelech, and let him also rejoice in you: But if not, let fire come out from Abimelech, and devour the men of Shechem, and the house of Millo; and let fire come out from the men of Shechem, and from the house of Millo, and devour Abimelech. THE CONCLUSION WAS OBVIOUS. THE HOUSE OF GIDEON HAD BEEN TREACHEROUSLY AND DASTARDLY DESTROYED BY ABIMELECH. Judges 9:22-23 PG 359 When Abimelech had reigned three years over Israel, Then God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech: THE SEEDS OF REVOLT SOWN TO THE MEN OF SHECHEM BY JOTHAM'S SPEECH QUICKLY LEAD TO ABIMELECH'S DOWNFALL. IT TAKES JUST 3 YEARS TO BEGIN IN ERNEST. Judges 9:53-57 PG 361 And a certain woman cast a piece of a millstone upon Abimelech's head, and all to brake his skull. Then he called hastily unto the young man his armourbearer, and said unto him, Draw thy sword, and slay me, that men say not of me, A woman slew him. And his young man thrust him through, and he died. And when the men of Israel saw that Abimelech was dead, they departed every man unto his place. Thus God rendered the wickedness of Abimelech, which he did unto his father, in slaying his seventy brethren: And all the evil of the men of Shechem did God render upon their heads: and upon them came the curse of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal. MAR 21 JUDGES 10:1 - 12:15 PG 361 - 364 Judges 10:6-7 PG 361 And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim, and Ashtaroth, and the gods of Syria, and the gods of Zidon, and the gods of Moab, and the gods of the children of Ammon, and the gods of the Philistines, and forsook the LORD, and served not him. And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he sold them into the hands of the Philistines, and into the hands of the children of Ammon. WHAT COULD BE WORSE THAN TO HAVE THE ANGER OF THE LORD HOT AGAINST YOU? ISRAEL TURNS AWAY FROM GOD AND ENDS UP IN BONDAGE AGAIN. Judges 10:10 PG 362 And the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, saying, We have sinned against thee, both because we have forsaken our God, and also served Baalim. IT IS ONLY WHEN THEY GET IN TROUBLE THAT THEY REMEMBER GOD. ISN'T THAT JUST HOW WE ARE SOMETIMES? THAT IS WHAT IS SO GOOD ABOUT WHAT WE ARE DOING WITH THIS DAILY BIBLE READING. THERE IS THIS DISCIPLINE OF GOING TO GOD'S WORD DAILY. WE DON'T HAVE TO BE IN TROUBLE TO REMEMBER GOD. IT IS SO MUCH BETTER TO PRAISE HIM AS WE ARE SENSITIVE TO HOW HE BLESSES US EVERY DAY? Judges 10:13-14 PG 362 Yet ye have forsaken me, and served other gods: wherefore I will deliver you no more. Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation. HERE IS THE MOST FRIGHTENING THOUGHT. GOD SAYS I WILL DELIVER YOU NO MORE. WHAT IF WE COULD NOT CRY TO GOD? Judges 10:15-16 PG 362 And the children of Israel said unto the LORD, We have sinned: do thou unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee; deliver us only, we pray thee, this day. And they put away the strange gods from among them, and served the LORD: and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel. ISRAEL REPENTS. THEY AGREE WITH GOD. THEY AGREE THAT THEY HAVE SINNED. THEY AGREE THAT GOD HAS EVERY RIGHT TO DO WITH THEM WHATEVER HE WANTS TO DO WITH THEM. THE REAL KEY IS THAT THEY DID PUT AWAY THE STRANGE GODS. THEY ACTUALLY CHOSE OBEDIENCE. AS A RESULT OF THIS OBEDIENCE THE SOUL OF THE LORD GRIEVED AT THEIR MISERY. Judges 11:29-31 PG 363 Then the spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah, and he passed over Gilead, and Manasseh, and passed over Mizpeh of Gilead, and from Mizpeh of Gilead he passed over [unto] the children of Ammon. And Jephthah vowed a vow unto the LORD, and said, If thou shalt without fail deliver the children of Ammon into mine hands, Then it shall be, that whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the children of Ammon, shall surely be the LORD'S, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering. GOD RAISED UP JAPHTHAH TO DELIVER ISRAEL FROM THE OPPRESSION OF THE AMORITES. THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD CAME UPON HIM. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF HIS VOW TO SACRIFICE WHATEVER COMES OUT OF THE DOOR OF HIS HOUSE? Judges 11:34-36 PG 363 - 364 And Jephthah came to Mizpeh unto his house, and, behold, his daughter came out to meet him with timbrels and with dances: and she [was his] only child; beside her he had neither son nor daughter. And it came to pass, when he saw her, that he rent his clothes, and said, Alas, my daughter! thou hast brought me very low, and thou art one of them that trouble me: for I have opened my mouth unto the LORD, and I cannot go back. And she said unto him, My father, [if] thou hast opened thy mouth unto the LORD, do to me according to that which hath proceeded out of thy mouth; forasmuch as the LORD hath taken vengeance for thee of thine enemies, [even] of the children of Ammon. LOOK AT THE OBEDIENCE OF JEPHTHAH'S DAUGHTER. WHY DO YOU THINK GOD DID NOT STOP JEAPHTHAH FROM SACRIFICING HIS DAUGHTER AS HE HAD STOPPED ABRAHAM FROM SACRIFICING ISAAC? Judges 12:2-3 PG 364 And Jephthah said unto them, I and my people were at great strife with the children of Ammon; and when I called you, ye delivered me not out of their hands. And when I saw that ye delivered [me] not, I put my life in my hands, and passed over against the children of Ammon, and the LORD delivered them into my hand: wherefore then are ye come up unto me this day, to fight against me? WHAT IS WITH THESE EPHRAIM PEOPLE? THIS IS THE SAME THING THAT THEY DID TO GIDEON. THEY WILL NOT JOIN IN THE BATTLE AND AFTER THE LORD GIVES VICTORY WITHOUT THEIR HELP THEY WANT TO FIGHT THE PEOPLE THAT THE LORD HAD USED IN THE VICTORY. IT IS PRIDE. HAVE YOU EVER KNOWN A SAINT IN THE CHURCH WHO GETS UPSET WHEN SOMEONE STEPS IN TO DO THE JOB THEY SHOULD HAVE DONE. GOD'S WORK WILL BE DONE. THIS SORT OF THING IS A SURE SIGN THAT THE PEOPLE ARE WORKING FOR THEIR OWN PRIDE AND VAIN GLORY RATHER THAN GOD'S GLORY. ULTIMATELY THEY WILL BE STRUCK DOWN. MAR 22 RUTH 1:1 - 4:22 PG 365 - 369 Ruth 1:13 Would ye tarry for them till they were grown? would ye stay for them from having husbands? nay, my daughters; for it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the LORD is gone out against me. NAOMI EXPRESSES HER GRIEF SAYING THE LORD'S HAND HAS GONE OUT AGAINST HER. HOW SHOULD WE TRY TO COMFORT THOSE WHO ARE IN THE MIDDLE OF GRIEF WHO MAY BE BLAMING GOD FOR THEIR LOSS? Ruth 1:16-17 And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, [or] to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people [shall be] my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, [if ought] but death part thee and me. WHAT A NOBLE LADY RUTH IS. THIS PURE HEART ATTITUDE PROBABLY HAS COME AS A RESULT OF GETTING TO KNOW NAOMI'S GOD. Ruth 2:7 And she said, I pray you, let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves: so she came, and hath continued even from the morning until now, that she tarried a little in the house. NO ONE COULD HELP BUT NOTICE HOW HARD RUTH WAS WORKING. DILIGENT WORK DOES GET NOTICED, AND IS A SIGN OF GOOD CHARACTER. Ruth 2:10-12 PG 366 - 367 Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I [am] a stranger? And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and [how] thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore. The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust. BY HER WORK AND BY HER ATTITUDE RUTH HAD DEMONSTRATED TO BOAZ THAT SHE WAS A GODLY WOMAN. HER ATTITUDE AND CHARACTER PROVED HER FAITH IN GOD. Ruth 3:11-14 And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou [art] a virtuous woman. And now it is true that I [am thy] near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I. Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, [that] if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman's part: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman to thee, [as] the LORD liveth: lie down until the morning. BOAZ LOVED RUTH AND TOLD HER THAT HE WOULD BE HAPPY TO MARRY HER AS THE LAW REQUIRED HER NEAREST KIN TO DO; BUT THAT SHE HAD ANOTHER RELATIVE WHO WAS ACCORDING TO THE LAW TO MARRY HER. Ruth 4:8 Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy [it] for thee. So he drew off his shoe. THE NEAREST KINSMAN REFUSED TO TAKE RUTH AND THEREFORE BOAZ WAS FREE TO MARRY RUTH. Ruth 4:11 And all the people that [were] in the gate, and the elders, said, [We are] witnesses. The LORD make the woman that is come into thine house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel: and do thou worthily in Ephratah, and be famous in Beth-lehem: THE PEOPLE PROBABLY HAD NO IDEA OF THE PROPHETIC SIGNIFICANCE OF WHAT THEY WERE SAYING. - Micah 5:2 But thou, Beth-lehem Ephratah, [though] thou be little among the thousands of Judah, [yet] out of thee shall he come forth unto me [that is] to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth [have been] from of old, from everlasting. Ruth 4:13-17 PG 369 So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son. And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed [be] the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel. And he shall be unto thee a restorer of [thy] life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath borne him. And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it. And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he [is] the father of Jesse, the father of David. RUTH WAS DAVID'S GREAT GRANDMOTHER. RAHAB WAS BOAZ'S MOTHER. I THINK I TOLD YOU WRONG LAST WEEK THAT RAHAB WAS KING DAVID'S GREAT GRANDMOTHER. ACTUALLY SHE WAS HIS GREAT GREAT GRANDMOTHER, AND RUTH WAS HIS GREAT GRANDMOTHER. MAR 23 JUDGES 13:1 - 16:31 PG 370 - 375 Judges 13:1 PG 370 And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD delivered them into the hand of the Philistines forty years. THIS IS NOW THE 7TH TIME JUST IN THE BOOK OF JUDGES THAT ISRAEL LEFT SERVING THE LORD AND WENT AFTER BAAL AND ASHERAH. WHAT WAS THE ATTRACTION OF BAAL AND ASHERAH? THEY JUST DID NOT GET IT ANY MORE THAN WE KEEP GOING BACK INTO OUR MESSES. IT IS DIFFERENT HERE BECAUSE GOD DOES NOT RAISE UP A LEADER OF THE ISRAELI FORCES BUT RATHER A SINGLE INDIVIDUAL WHO IS EMPOWERED WITH SUPERHUMAN STRENGTH BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD. Judges 13:22-23 PG 371 And Manoah said unto his wife, We shall surely die, because we have seen God. But his wife said unto him, If the LORD were pleased to kill us, he would not have received a burnt offering and a meat offering at our hands, neither would he have shewed us all these [things], nor would as at this time have told us [such things] as these. MANOAH WAS BLESSED WITH A GODLY WIFE. WE HELPLESS MEN NEED TO BE ATTENTIVE TO OUR GODLY WIFE. LATER ON WE SEE THE OTHER TYPE OF WIFE. SAMSON HAD THE OTHER TYPE OF WIFE NAGGING AND PRODING HIM DAY AFTER DAY UNTIL HE WAS TIRED TO DEATH. MEN WHICH TYPE OF WIFE DO YOU HAVE? LADIES WHICH TYPE OF WIFE ARE YOU? Judges 14:6 And the spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and he rent him as he would have rent a kid, and [he had] nothing in his hand: but he told not his father or his mother what he had done. GOD HAD GIVEN SAMPSON SUCH SUPERHUMAN STRENGTH THAT HE COULD TEAR AN ATTACKING YOUNG LION APART WITH HIS BARE HANDS. HE NOT ONLY HAD TO BE STRONG BUT ALSO VERY QUICK. Judges 14:18-19 PG 372 And the men of the city said unto him on the seventh day before the sun went down, What [is] sweeter than honey? and what [is] stronger than a lion? And he said unto them, If ye had not plowed with my heifer, ye had not found out my riddle. And the spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, and slew thirty men of them, and took their spoil, and gave change of garments unto them which expounded the riddle. And his anger was kindled, and he went up to his father's house. SAMPSON KNEW HIS WIFE HAD BETRAYED HIM. HE QUICKLY KILLED 30 PHILISTINES AND TOOK THEIR GARMENTS TO PAY OFF HIS LOST BET. STILL ANGRY HE CATCHES 300 FOXES, TIES THEIR TAILS TOGETHER IN PAIRS AND TIED TORCHES TO THEM AND SET THEM LOOSE TO BURN THE PHILISTINE CROPS. Judges 15:6-8 PG 372 Then the Philistines said, Who hath done this? And they answered, Samson, the son in law of the Timnite, because he had taken his wife, and given her to his companion. And the Philistines came up, and burnt her and her father with fire. And Samson said unto them, Though ye have done this, yet will I be avenged of you, and after that I will cease. And he smote them hip and thigh with a great slaughter: and he went down and dwelt in the top of the rock Etam. SAMPSON'S UNFAITHFUL WIFE ALONG WITH HER FATHER IS BURNED ALIVE. SAMPSON TAKES VENGEANCE ON THE PHILISTINES AND SLAUGHTERED MANY OF THEM. Judges 15:15 And he found a new jawbone of an ass, and put forth his hand, and took it, and slew a thousand men therewith. WHEN GOD'S SPIRIT WAS UPON HIM SAMPSON'S STRENGTH AND QUICKNESS WERE AWESOME. THAT IS THE RIGHT USE OF THE WORD BECAUSE THIS STRENGTH CAME FROM GOD. SINGLE HANDED HE KILLED 1000 WITH THE JAWBONE OF AN ASS. Judges 16:15-16 PG 374 And she said unto him, How canst thou say, I love thee, when thine heart [is] not with me? thou hast mocked me these three times, and hast not told me wherein thy great strength [lieth]. And it came to pass, when she pressed him daily with her words, and urged him, [so] that his soul was vexed unto death; DELILAH NAGGED SAMPSON AND HE GAVE IN AND TOLD HER THE SECRET OF HIS STRENGTH. Judges 16:20-21 PG 374 And she said, The Philistines [be] upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him. But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison house. ONCE THE LORD HAD DEPARTED FROM HIM IT WAS NO PROBLEM FOR THE PHILISTINES TO SUBDUE HIM. Judges 16:28-30 PG 357 And Samson called unto the LORD, and said, O Lord GOD, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes. And Samson took hold of the two middle pillars upon which the house stood, and on which it was borne up, of the one with his right hand, and of the other with his left. And Samson said, Let me die with the Philistines. And he bowed himself with [all his] might; and the house fell upon the lords, ... SAMPSON DIED KILLING MORE PHILISTINES THAN WHILE HE LIVED. MAR 24 JUDGES 17 & 18 PG 375 - 378 Judges 17:5 PG 376 And the man Micah had an house of gods, and made an ephod, and teraphim, and consecrated one of his sons, who became his priest. MICAH HAD A WHOLE HOUSE FULL OF gODS (LITTLE g gODS). HE KNEW THE LAW BUT HE THOUGHT HIS OWN WAY WHICH WAS AGAINST THE LAW WAS BETTER. Judges 17:6 PG 376 In those days [there was] no king in Israel, [but] every man did [that which was] right in his own eyes. MICAH WAS TYPICAL OF HOW FAR THE WHOLE NATION HAD BACKSLID. EVERY MAN DID WHAT WAS RIGHT IN HIS OWN EYES WITHOUT ANY REGARD FOR WHAT GOD SAID WAS RIGHT OR WRONG. Judges 18:18 PG 377 And these went into Micah's house, and fetched the carved image, the ephod, and the teraphim, and the molten image. Then said the priest unto them, What do ye? And they said unto him, Hold thy peace, lay thine hand upon thy mouth, and go with us, and be to us a father and a priest: [is it] better for thee to be a priest unto the house of one man, or that thou be a priest unto a tribe and a family in Israel? And the priest's heart was glad, and he took the ephod, and the teraphim, and the graven image, and went in the midst of the people. HOW MANY PRIESTS OR PASTORS TODAY ARE GLAD TO GO WHEREVER THEY CAN GET THE BEST OFFER? OF COURSE THEY WILL ALL SAY THAT THEY ARE CALLED SOMEWHERE ELSE. HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE ALWAYS JUMPING FROM CHURCH TO CHURCH WHENEVER THEY GET THEIR FEELINGS HURT? I THINK GOD WANTS US TO BLOOM WHERE WE ARE PLANTED. LOYALTY IS A VIRTUE AS LONG AS WE ARE LOYAL TO THE TRUTH. IF SOMETHING IS WRONG IN YOUR CHURCH PRAY AND WORK TO FIX IT. Judges 18:31 And they set them up Micah's graven image, which he made, all the time that the house of God was in Shiloh. MAR 25 JUDGES 19, 20, & 21 PG 378 - 383 Judges 19:12-15 PG 379 And his master said unto him, We will not turn aside hither into the city of a stranger, that [is] not of the children of Israel; we will pass over to Gibeah. And he said unto his servant, Come, and let us draw near to one of these places to lodge all night, in Gibeah, or in Ramah. And they passed on and went their way; and the sun went down upon them [when they were] by Gibeah, which [belongeth] to Benjamin. And they turned aside thither, to go in [and] to lodge in Gibeah: and when he went in, he sat him down in a street of the city: for [there was] no man that took them into his house to lodging. Judges 19:20 PG 379 And the old man said, Peace [be] with thee; howsoever [let] all thy wants [lie] upon me; only lodge not in the street. THIS SOUNDS VERY SIMILAR TO WHAT LOT TOLD THE ANGELS AT SODOM AND GAMORAH. Judges 19:23-26 PG379 And the man, the master of the house, went out unto them, and said unto them, Nay, my brethren, [nay], I pray you, do not [so] wickedly; seeing that this man is come into mine house, do not this folly. Behold, [here is] my daughter a maiden, and his concubine; them I will bring out now, and humble ye them, and do with them what seemeth good unto you: but unto this man do not so vile a thing. But the men would not hearken to him: so the man took his concubine, and brought her forth unto them; and they knew her, and abused her all the night until the morning: and when the day began to spring, they let her go. Then came the woman in the dawning of the day, and fell down at the door of the man's house where her lord [was], till it was light. Judges 19:29 PG 380 And when he was come into his house, he took a knife, and laid hold on his concubine, and divided her, [together] with her bones, into twelve pieces, and sent her into all the coasts of Israel. THE LAW HAD COMMANDED THAT SODOMIZERS BE KILLED. ALL ISRAEL WAS MOBILIZED TO MAKE AN END OF THIS CRIME. Judges 20:1-3 PG 380 Then all the children of Israel went out, and the congregation was gathered together as one man, from Dan even to Beer-sheba, with the land of Gilead, unto the LORD in Mizpeh. And the chief of all the people, [even] of all the tribes of Israel, presented themselves in the assembly of the people of God, four hundred thousand footmen that drew sword. (Now the children of Benjamin heard that the children of Israel were gone up to Mizpeh.) Then said the children of Israel, Tell [us], how was this wickedness? AFTER ISRAEL WAS MOBILIZED A TRIAL OF SORTS WAS HELD WHERE THE CRIME WAS REVIEWED. Judges 20:11-13 PG 380 So all the men of Israel were gathered against the city, knit together as one man. And the tribes of Israel sent men through all the tribe of Benjamin, saying, What wickedness [is] this that is done among you? Now therefore deliver [us] the men, the children of Belial, which [are] in Gibeah, that we may put them to death, and put away evil from Israel. But the children of Benjamin would not hearken to the voice of their brethren the children of Israel: THE MEN OF ISRAEL ASK THAT THE OFFENDERS BE DELIVERED IN ORDER TO AVOID THE MASS BLOODSHED OF WAR, BUT BENJAMIN REFUSES TO HAND OVER THE MEN OF GIBEAH. Judges 20:23-28 PG 381 (And the children of Israel went up and wept before the LORD until even, and asked counsel of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up again to battle against the children of Benjamin my brother? And the LORD said, Go up against him.) And the children of Israel came near against the children of Benjamin the second day. And Benjamin went forth against them out of Gibeah the second day, and destroyed down to the ground of the children of Israel again eighteen thousand men; all these drew the sword. Then all the children of Israel, and all the people, went up, and came unto the house of God, and wept, and sat there before the LORD, and fasted that day until even, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD. And the children of Israel inquired of the LORD, (for the ark of the covenant of God [was] there in those days, And Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, stood before it in those days,) saying, Shall I yet again go out to battle against the children of Benjamin my brother, or shall I cease? And the LORD said, Go up; for to morrow I will deliver them into thine hand. EVEN AFTER INQUIRING OF GOD TO FIGHT OR NOT TO WAGE WAR ISRAEL SUFFERS SEVERAL MAJOR DEFEATS BEFORE WINNING THE WAR. THE VICTORY IS WON BY PERSEVERANCE AND NOT LOOSING HEART AFTER INITIAL DEFEATS. IF GOD IS ON YOUR SIDE YOU WILL ULTIMATELY BE VICTORIOUS EVEN IF YOU EXPERIENCE DEFEAT EARLY ON. Judges 20:35 PG 381 And the LORD smote Benjamin before Israel: and the children of Israel destroyed of the Benjamites that day twenty and five thousand and an hundred men: all these drew the sword. THE LORD SMOTE BENJAMIN. THE LORD GAVE ISRAEL THE VICTORY IN HIS TIME. Judges 21:16-18 PG 383 Then the elders of the congregation said, How shall we do for wives for them that remain, seeing the women are destroyed out of Benjamin? And they said, [There must be] an inheritance for them that be escaped of Benjamin, that a tribe be not destroyed out of Israel. Howbeit we may not give them wives of our daughters: for the children of Israel have sworn, saying, Cursed [be] he that giveth a wife to Benjamin. ISRAEL HAD PURGED THE EVIL FROM THE LAND OF BENJAMIN. THEY STILL HAD COMPASSION ON BENJAMIN. WE ARE CALLED TO CORRECT AND DISCIPLINE OUR BROTHERS NOT TO DESTROY THEM. Judges 21:23 PG 383 And the children of Benjamin did so, and took [them] wives, according to their number, of them that danced, whom they caught: and they went and returned unto their inheritance, and repaired the cities, and dwelt in them. Judges 21:25 PG 383 In those days [there was] no king in Israel: every man did [that which was] right in his own eyes. THIS IS NOT A GOOD THING WHEN EVERYONE DOES WHAT IS RIGHT IN HIS OWN EYES. DOES GOD AGREE THAT WHAT YOU ARE DOING IS RIGHT? MAR 26 I SAMUEL 1, & 2 PG 384 - 388 I Samuel 1:10-11 PG 385 And she [was] in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore. And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head. THIS IS A HARD PROMISE FOR A PARENT TO MAKE. WOULD SHE KEEP HER PROMISE? I Samuel 1:14 PG 385 And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee. HANNAH WAS IN SUCH ERNEST PRAYER THAT ELI THOUGHT SHE WAS DRUNK. I Samuel 1:16-17 PG 385 Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto. Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant [thee] thy petition that thou hast asked of him. THEN ELI TELLS HANNAH THAT HE IS IN AGREEMENT WITH HER PRAYER. I Samuel 1:28 PG 385 Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there. HANNAH KEPT HER VOW AND SAMUEL WOULD BECOME A MIGHTY PROPHET OF GOD AND LEADER OF GOD'S PEOPLE. I Samuel 2:2-3 PG 386 [There is] none holy as the LORD: for [there is] none beside thee: neither [is there] any rock like our God. Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let [not] arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD [is] a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. HANNAH'S PRAYER IS A GREAT PRAYER. GOD IS THE JUDGE OF US ALL. ONLY GOD KNOWS THE MOTIVES OF THE HEART AND THEREFORE ONLY GOD CAN CORRECTLY JUDGE ALL. I Samuel 2:8-9 PG 386 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, [and] lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set [them] among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth [are] the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them. He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail. GOD WILL LIFT UP THE POOR AND HUMBLE IN HEART. GOD PROTECTS HIS HUMBLE SERVANTS. I Samuel 2:12 PG 386 Now the sons of Eli [were] sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD. ELI'S SONS WERE WICKED AS THE DEVIL. THEY WERE PRIESTS AND DID NOT KNOW THE LORD AND PROFANED THEIR HIGH OFFICE AND BLASPHEMED GOD. I Samuel 2:16-17 PG 386-387 And [if] any man said unto him, Let them not fail to burn the fat presently, and [then] take [as much] as thy soul desireth; then he would answer him, [Nay]; but thou shalt give [it me] now: and if not, I will take [it] by force. Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD: for men abhorred the offering of the LORD. ELI HAD FAILED TO TEACH AND DISCIPLINE HIS SONS. I Samuel 2:20-21 PG 387 And Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, and said, The LORD give thee seed of this woman for the loan which is lent to the LORD. And they went unto their own home. And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD. ELI GLADLY RECEIVED SAMUEL FROM HANNAH AND ELKANAH. SAMUEL HAD BEEN PROPERLY BY THEM BEFORE THEY GAVE HIM TO THE LORD PROBABLY AT ABOUT AGE 4. NO DOUBT SAMUEL RECEIVED HARSH TREATMENT FROM ELI'S WICKED SONS. I Samuel 2:25 PG 387 If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall entreat for him? Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the LORD would slay them. ELI WAS DISGUSTED WITH THE WICKEDNESS OF HIS SONS AND TRIED TO REASON WITH THEM BUT THEY WOULD NOT LISTEN TO THEIR FATHER. I Samuel 2:30-31 & 34 PG 387 Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed [that] thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed. Behold, the days come, that I will cut off thine arm, and the arm of thy father's house, that there shall not be an old man in thine house. And this [shall be] a sign unto thee, that shall come upon thy two sons, on Hophni and Phinehas; in one day they shall die both of them. JUDGMENT COMES WHEN THERE IS NO REPENTANCE. GOD SENT A PROPHET TO TELL ELI THAT HIS HOUSE WAS GOING TO BE WIPED OUT BECAUSE OF THE UNREPENTANT EVIL OF HIS SONS. MAR 27 I SAMUEL 3 THRU 7 PG 388 - 392 I Samuel 3:1 PG 388 And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; [there was] no open vision. THESE WERE DARK DAYS IN WHICH THE WORD OF THE LORD WAS RARE. BUT GOD WAS GOING TO RAISE UP SAMUEL AS A GREAT PROPHET AND LEADER. I Samuel 3:9-10 PG 389 Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place. And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth. LISTEN CAREFULLY IF YOU HEAR YOUR NAME CALLED TWICE AND YOU DON'T KNOW FOR SURE FROM WHERE THE VOICE IS COMING. ADAM, ADAM, ABRAHAM, ABRAHAM, MOSES, MOSES AND NOW SAMUEL, SAMUEL. GOD KNOWS US BY OUR FIRST NAME. I CAN TESTIFY THAT GOD CAN STILL CALL HIS SERVANTS IN THIS SAME WAY. LISTEN CAREFULLY AND BE READY TO ANSWER - HERE I AM. I Samuel 3:18 PG 389 And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It [is] the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good. SAMUEL DID NOT HOLD BACK FROM TELLING THE FULL HARD TRUTH TO ELI. WE MUST TELL THE WHOLE TRUTH EVEN WHEN IT IS UNPLEASANT. I Samuel 4:3-4 PG 389 And when the people were come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, Wherefore hath the LORD smitten us to day before the Philistines? Let us fetch the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of Shiloh unto us, that, when it cometh among us, it may save us out of the hand of our enemies. So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth [between] the cherubims: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, [were] there with the ark of the covenant of God. HERE IS THE ARK OF THE COVENANT IN THE HANDS OF HOPHNI AND PHINEHAS. THE ARK OF THE COVENANT IS CAPTURED BY THE PHILISTINES AND HOPHNI AND PHINEHAS WERE KILLED. I Samuel 4:17-18 PG 389 And the messenger answered and said, Israel is fled before the Philistines, and there hath been also a great slaughter among the people, and thy two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God is taken. And it came to pass, when he made mention of the ark of God, that he fell from off the seat backward by the side of the gate, and his neck brake, and he died: for he was an old man, and heavy. And he had judged Israel forty years. ELI DIES IN THE SAME DAY AND SAMUEL THEN BECOMES GOD'S PROPHET AND LEADER OF ISRAEL. I Samuel 4:21-22 PG 390 And she named the child Ichabod, saying, The glory is departed from Israel: because the ark of God was taken, and because of her father in law and her husband. And she said, The glory is departed from Israel: for the ark of God is taken. HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE CALLED ICHABOD - NO GLORY? THE PHILISTINES HAD THE ARK BUT THEY SOON WISH THEY DIDN'T. THIS IS THE ONLY TIME GOD ALLOWED THE ARK TO BE TAKEN AS A SPOIL OF WAR. WHEN TITUS SACKED JERUSALEM IN 70 AD IT SEEMS GOD TOOK THE ARK TO HEAVEN. SEE REV. 11:19. I Samuel 5:2-3 PG 390 When the Philistines took the ark of God, they brought it into the house of Dagon, and set it by Dagon. And when they of Ashdod arose early on the morrow, behold, Dagon [was] fallen upon his face to the earth before the ark of the LORD. And they took Dagon, and set him in his place again. WHAT A FANTASTIC SENSE OF HUMOR GOD HAS. THE PHILISTINES gOD DAGON FALLS ON ITS FACE BEFORE THE ARK. I Samuel 5:6-7 & 9-10 PG 391 But the hand of the LORD was heavy upon them of Ashdod, and he destroyed them, and smote them with emerods, [even] Ashdod and the coasts thereof. And when the men of Ashdod saw that [it was] so, they said, The ark of the God of Israel shall not abide with us: for his hand is sore upon us, and upon Dagon our god. And it was [so], that, after they had carried it about, the hand of the LORD was against the city with a very great destruction: and he smote the men of the city, both small and great, and they had emerods in their secret parts. Therefore they sent the ark of God to Ekron. And it came to pass, as the ark of God came to Ekron, that the Ekronites cried out, saying, They have brought about the ark of the God of Israel to us, to slay us and our people. THE PHILISTINES DIDN'T MISS WHAT GOD WAS TELLING THEM. I Samuel 6:1 And the ark of the LORD was in the country of the Philistines seven months. AT THE END OF 7 MONTHS THEY WANTED TO SEND THE ARK BACK. I Samuel 6:10-12 PG 391 And the men did so; and took two milch kine, and tied them to the cart, and shut up their calves at home: And they laid the ark of the LORD upon the cart, and the coffer with the mice of gold and the images of their emerods. And the kine took the straight way to the way of Beth-shemesh, [and] went along the highway, lowing as they went, and turned not aside [to] the right hand or [to] the left; and the lords of the Philistines went after them unto the border of Beth-shemesh. THE COWS LEFT THEIR CALVES AND PULLED THE CART STRAIGHT TO ISRAEL. I Samuel 6:19-20 PG 391 And he smote the men of Beth-shemesh, because they had looked into the ark of the LORD, even he smote of the people fifty thousand and threescore and ten men: and the people lamented, because the LORD had smitten [many] of the people with a great slaughter. And the men of Beth-shemesh said, Who is able to stand before this holy LORD God? and to whom shall he go up from us? THERE WERE 50,060 MEN WHO WERE KILLED FOR LOOKING INTO THE ARK. WHO IS ABLE TO STAND BEFORE THIS HOLY GOD? ONLY THOSE WHO ARE COVERED BY THE BLOOD OF JESUS MAY APPROACH THE MERCY SEAT OF GOD WITH CONFIDENCE. I Samuel 7:10-11 PG 392 And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the LORD thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel. And the men of Israel went out of Mizpeh, and pursued the Philistines, and smote them, until [they came] under Beth-car. GOD ANSWERED THE PRAYER OF SAMUEL TO DELIVER ISRAEL FROM THE PHILISTINES WITH GREAT THUNDER. IT SCARED THE PHILISTINES AND ISRAEL ROUTED THEM. MAR 28 I SAMUEL 8 THRU 12 PG 392 - 398 I Samuel 8:6-7 PG 393 But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD. And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. SAMUEL WAS GRIEVED THAT ISRAEL WANTED A KING INSTEAD OF THE THEOCRACY WHICH GOD HAD GIVEN THEM. GOD HAD ALREADY KNOWN THAT THIS WOULD HAPPEN AND HAD PREPARED FOR IT BY GIVING THE QUALIFICATION FOR A KING TO MOSES ABOUT 350 YEARS AGO. GOD TELLS SAMUEL THAT ISRAEL IS NOT REJECTING SAMUEL BUT THEY ARE REJECTING GOD'S BEST. I Samuel 8:10-11 PG 393 And Samuel told all the words of the LORD unto the people that asked of him a king. And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint [them] for himself, for his chariots, and [to be] his horsemen; and [some] shall run before his chariots. SAMUEL WARNED THEM WHAT THEY WOULD BE GETTING WITH A KING. I CAN'T HELP RECALLING HOW RUSH LIMBAUGH TRIED TO TELL AMERICA WHAT THEY WERE GETTING WITH CLINTON. I Samuel 8:19 Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us; NAY BUT WE WILL HAVE A KING. PEOPLE OUGHT TO KNOW BETTER THAN TO WANT WORLD OR GLOBAL GOVERNMENT. BUT EVEN SOME CHRISTIANS WILL SUPPORT THE PLAN TO GO TO THE NEW WORLD ORDER OF THE NEW AGE MOVEMENT TO BE HEADED BY THE ANTICHRIST. ANY WORLD GOVERNMENT PRIOR TO THE RETURN OF JESUS CHRIST WILL BE HEADED BY SATAN, THE ANTICHRIST AND THE FALSE PROPHET. I Samuel 9:2 PG 393 And he had a son, whose name [was] Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly: and [there was] not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward [he was] higher than any of the people. LONG TALL SAUL WOULD BECOME KING. I Samuel 10:21 PG 396 When he had caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near by their families, the family of Matri was taken, and Saul the son of Kish was taken: and when they sought him, he could not be found. Therefore they inquired of the LORD further, if the man should yet come thither. And the LORD answered, Behold, he hath hid himself among the stuff. LONG TALL SAUL IS NOT TOO COURAGEOUS. I Samuel 11:6-7 PG 396 And the spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard those tidings, and his anger was kindled greatly. And he took a yoke of oxen, and hewed them in pieces, and sent [them] throughout all the coasts of Israel by the hands of messengers, saying, Whosoever cometh not forth after Saul and after Samuel, so shall it be done unto his oxen. And the fear of the LORD fell on the people, and they came out with one consent. LOOK WHAT HAPPENS TO LONG TALL HIDE-IN-THE-BAGGAGE SAUL WHEN THE SPIRIT OF GOD COMES ON HIM. NOW HE HAS COURAGE WAY BEYOND HIS IMPRESSIVE FRAME. GOD'S ANOINTING IS THE QUALIFICATION THAT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE. I Samuel 12:20-25 PG 398 And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart; And turn ye not aside: for [then should ye go] after vain [things], which cannot profit nor deliver; for they [are] vain. For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people. Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way: Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart; for consider how great [things] he hath done for you. But if ye shall still do wickedly, ye shall be consumed, both ye and your king. GOD FORBID THAT I SHOULD SIN AGAINST THE LORD IN CEASING TO PRAY FOR YOU. ONLY FEAR THE LORD. SERVE HIM IN TRUTH WITH ALL YOUR HEART. CONSIDER THE GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE FOR YOU. YOU HAVE WORKED TO INCREASE YOUR TALENTS, BUT, WHO GAVE YOU TALENTS TO BEGIN WITH? MAR 29 I SAMUEL 13 THRU 14 PG 398 - 402 I Samuel 13:8-10 PG 399 And he tarried seven days, according to the set time that Samuel [had appointed]: but Samuel came not to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him. And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offering. And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might salute him. SAUL KNEW IT WAS THE PRIEST'S JOB TO MAKE THE OFFERING AND NOT THE KING. HERE IS WHERE HE STARTS HIS TAILSPIN TO HELL. I Samuel 13:13-14 PG 400 And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever. But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him [to be] captain over his people, because thou hast not kept [that] which the LORD commanded thee. GOD REQUIRES OBEDIENCE FORM KINGS, PRIESTS, AND EVERYONE. SAMUEL LETS SAUL KNOW THAT GOD WILL CHOOSE A NEW KING AND IT DOESN'T TAKE SAUL LONG TO FIGURE OUT THAT IT WILL BE DAVID. I Samuel 14:6-7 & 13-15 PG 400 And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for [there is] no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few. And his armourbearer said unto him, Do all that [is] in thine heart: turn thee; behold, I [am] with thee according to thy heart. And Jonathan climbed up upon his hands and upon his feet, and his armourbearer after him: and they fell before Jonathan; and his armourbearer slew after him. And that first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armourbearer made, was about twenty men, within as it were an half acre of land, [which] a yoke [of oxen might plow]. And there was trembling in the host, in the field, and among all the people: the garrison, and the spoilers, they also trembled, and the earth quaked: so it was a very great trembling. THIS REALLY IS A SHAME. NO DOUBT JONATHAN WOULD HAVE MADE A GOOD KING. LOOK AT HIS COURAGE AND TRUST IN GOD. NO WONDER HE AND DAVID WERE SUCH CLOSE FRIENDS. TWO PEAS IN A POD WERE DAVID AND JONATHAN. I Samuel 14:43-45 PG 401 Then Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what thou hast done. And Jonathan told him, and said, I did but taste a little honey with the end of the rod that [was] in mine hand, [and], lo, I must die. And Saul answered, God do so and more also: for thou shalt surely die, Jonathan. And the people said unto Saul, Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel? God forbid: [as] the LORD liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with God this day. So the people rescued Jonathan, that he died not. SAUL SURE FELL IN A HURRY AND HE WAS AN IMMEDIATE DISASTER. HIS SON JUST GOT A TREMENDOUS VICTORY FOR SAUL AND NOW HE IS READY TO KILL JONATHAN IF THE PEOPLE HAD NOT PREVENTED IT. WOW! MAR 30 I SAMUEL 14 THRU 15 PG 402 - 405 I Samuel 14:47 PG 402-403 So Saul took the kingdom over Israel, and fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, and against the children of Ammon, and against Edom, and against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines: and whithersoever he turned himself, he vexed [them]. IT MAY SEEM LIKE SAUL IS A GOOD KING BECAUSE HE IS LEADING THE IARAELI ARMIES IN VICTORY OVER ALL THEIR ENEMIES. THE TRUTH IS THAT ISRAEL WOULD HAVE BEEN VICTORIOUS WITH OR WITHOUT SAUL ACCORDING TO I Chronicles 5:22 For there fell down many slain, because the war [was] of God. And they dwelt in their steads until the captivity. I Samuel 15:10-11 PG 403 Then came the word of the LORD unto Samuel, saying, It repenteth me that I have set up Saul [to be] king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night. GOD AND SAMUEL WERE SORRY THAT SAUL WAS KING. SAUL DID NOT DO THE MOST IMPORTANT THING FOR THE KING OF ISRAEL TO DO. TO SEEK THE LORD WITH ALL HIS HEART AND READ AND WRITE THE LAW OF GOD EVERY DAY. HAD SAUL STUDIED THE LAW OF GOD AS IT WAS REQUIRED HE COULD HAVE BEEN RENEWED AND BEEN A GOOD KING. THE SAME HOLDS TRUE FOR US. IF WE NEGLECT GOD'S WORD WE TOO WILL BACKSLIDE. IN THESE TURBULENT TIMES WE MUST NOT NEGLECT GOD'S WORD. I Samuel 15:19-20 PG 404 Wherefore then didst thou not obey the voice of the LORD, but didst fly upon the spoil, and didst evil in the sight of the LORD? And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. SAMUEL IS ALWAYS CATCHING SAUL IN THE MIDDLE OF HIS SINS. SAUL ALWAYS IS TRYING TO LIE HIS WAY OUT OF IT. SAUL IS NOT TOO BRIGHT. SAMUEL IS GOD'S PROPHET. IT IS NOT COINCIDENCE THAT SAMUEL KEEPS SHOWING UP WHEN SAUL HAS HIS HAND IN THE COOKIE JAR. EVERY TIME HE HAS A CHANCE TO REPENT. HE CAN EITHER GET BETTER OR BITTER. I Samuel 15:22-23 PG 404 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD [as great] delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey [is] better than sacrifice, [and] to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion [is as] the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness [is as] iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from [being] king. THERE ARE TWO EXTREMELY IMPORTANT PRINCIPLES IN THESE TWO VERSES: 1) OBEDIENCE IS BETTER THAN SACRIFICE. 2) REBELLION IS AS BAD AS THE SIN OF WITCHCRAFT. OBEDIENCE IS MOST IMPORTANT EVEN MORE IMPORTANT THAN SACRIFICE. WITCHCRAFT IS TRYING TO CONTROL AND MANIPULATE OTHERS WHICH IS GROSS SIN. YET TO REBEL AGAINST GOD-GIVEN AUTHORITY IS AS BAD AS THE SIN OF WITCHCRAFT. THESE ARE VERY IMPORTANT PRINCIPLES WHICH FEW UNDERSTAND. I Samuel 15:24 PG 404 And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice. SAUL LIES AGAIN TO COVER HIS SIN. HE DID WHAT HE WANTED TO DO. WHAT THE PEOPLE WANTED DID NOT HAVE A THING TO DO WITH HIS ACTIONS. I Samuel 15:26 PG 404 And Samuel said unto Saul, I will not return with thee: for thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD hath rejected thee from being king over Israel. THESE WERE SAMUEL'S LAST WORDS TO SAUL. SAUL IS PARANOID FROM THAT TIME FORWARD AND CONTINUES HIS TAILSPIN TO HELL. MAR 31 I SAMUEL 16 THRU 17 PG 405 - 409 I Samuel 16:7 PG 406 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. MEN LOOK ON THE OUTWARD APPEARANCE BUT GOD LOOKS AT THE HEART. WE DON'T KNOW THE HEART INTENTS OF ANYONE. WE BARELY KNOW OUR OWN HEART INTENTS. THE HEART INTENT MEANS EVERYTHING. THAT IS WHY IT IS SO IMPORTANT THAT WE DON'T JUDGE OTHERS. WE SHOULD JUDGE OURSELVES BECAUSE WE DO KNOW OUR OWN HEARTS AND SO DOES GOD. I Samuel 16:13 PG 406 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah. SAMUEL ANOINTED DAVID TO BE KING. THE SPIRIT OF GOD CAME UPON DAVID AND STAYED WITH HIM. DAVID WAS A MAN AFTER GOD'S OWN HEART. I Samuel 16:18 PG 406 Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Beth-lehemite, [that is] cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD [is] with him. EVERYONE COULD TELL THAT THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD WAS UPON DAVID. I Samuel 16:22-23 PG 406 And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before me; for he hath found favour in my sight. And it came to pass, when the [evil] spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him. GOD DID NOT SEND THE EVIL SPIRIT. GOD HAD LIFTED HIS PROTECTION FROM SAUL. THUS, GOD PERMITTED THE EVIL DEMONIC SPIRIT OF DEPRESSION TO MOLEST SAUL. IF SAUL HAD BEEN IN A RIGHT RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD, THEN GOD WOULD NOT HAVE PERMITTED THIS DEMONIC OPPRESSION OF SAUL. WHAT SONGS DO YOU THINK DAVID PLAYED WHICH DROVE THE EVIL SPIRITS AWAY FROM SAUL? YOU GUESSED IT - PSALMS. SPIRITS OF DEPRESSION AND OPPRESSION ARE DEMONIC. I KNOW THIS DOESN'T SOUND SCIENTIFIC OR SOPHISTICATED, BUT IF JESUS SAYS THERE ARE DEMONS YOU BETTER BELIEVE THERE ARE. ONE OF THE BIGGEST ALLIES OF THE DEMONS ARE THE PSEUDO INTELLECTUAL PSYCHO BABBLERS. ONE THING THAT A DEMON CAN'T STAND IS WHEN YOU PRAISE GOD. SOMETIMES YOU CAN FEEL SO OVERWHELMED THAT YOU CAN'T PRAISE GOD IN YOUR OWN WORDS. READ THE PSALMS. MAY I SAY THIS AGAIN. READ THE PSALMS WHEN YOU ARE OPPRESSED OR DEPRESSED. IF YOU KNOW A GOOD SCRIPTURE PRAISE SONG FORCE YOURSELF TO SING IT IN YOUR HEART. SATAN AND HIS DEMONS WILL NOT HANG AROUND PEOPLE WHO PRAISE GOD. THE BIG GUN YOU HAVE IS THAT OUR LORD HAS ALLOWED US TO USE THE AUTHORITY OF HIS NAME. WHEN WE ARE IN RIGHT STANDING WITH GOD WE CAN STOP A DEMON IN ITS TRACKS WITH THE AUTHORITY OF THE NAME OF JESUS. GREATER IS HE THAT IS WITHIN YOU THAN HE THAT IS IN THE WORLD. WE NEED TO KNOW THESE THINGS FOR THE SPIRITUAL WARFARE MAY BECOME TOTAL WAR DURING THE GREAT TRIBULATION. IF GOD BE FOR YOU WHO CAN BE AGAINST YOU? I Samuel 17:4 PG 407 And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height [was] six cubits and a span. GOD HAD BEEN GIVING ISRAEL VICTORY IN SPITE OF SAUL, NOT BECAUSE OF HIM. THE PHILISTINES TROT OUT THEIR BIG GUY, GOLIATH. OVER 9 FEET TALL. WHO WAS ISRAEL'S BIG GUY? SAUL WAS HEAD AND SHOULDERS TALLER THAN ANYONE IN ISRAEL. HE MUST HAVE BEEN CLOSE TO 7 FOOT HIMSELF. NO WONDER DAVID COULD NOT THINK OF USING SAUL'S ARMOR. SAUL IS SCARED TO DEATH. I Samuel 17:8-9 PG 407 And he stood and cried unto the armies of Israel, and said unto them, Why are ye come out to set [your] battle in array? [am] not I a Philistine, and ye servants to Saul? choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me. If he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants: but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us. BECAUSE SAUL IS SO INTIMIDATED SO IS ALL THE ARMY OF ISRAEL. I Samuel 17:32-51 PG 408 - 409 And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine. And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou [art but] a youth, and he a man of war from his youth. And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered [it] out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught [him] by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God. David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee. And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail. And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved [it]. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved [them]. And David put them off him. And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling [was] in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine. And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the man that bare the shield [went] before him. And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was [but] a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance. And the Philistine said unto David, [Am] I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field. Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle [is] the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands. And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang [it], and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth. So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but [there was] no sword in the hand of David. Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled. DAVID DIDN'T HESITATE FOR A MOMENT. WHO IS THIS UNCIRCUMCISED PHILISTINE THAT HE THINKS HE CAN DEFY THE ARMY OF THE LIVING GOD. THAT IS THE KIND OF FAITH AND ATTITUDE THAT WE NEED TO SEEK. NO WONDER HE WAS A MAN AFTER GOD'S OWN HEART. DAVID KNEW GOD WOULD BE GLORIFIED BY WHOEVER WOULD GO AFTER THIS ENEMY OF GOD. WE NEED THIS SAME ATTITUDE AGAINST GOD'S ENEMIES. DAVID JUMPED AT THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE GOD'S INSTRUMENT TO REMOVE ANY GIANT WHO WOULD BE AGAINST THE LIVING GOD. WE SHOULD STUDY THIS ACCOUNT FREQUENTLY WHEN WE FEEL WE ARE BEING ATTACKED BY A STRONG ENEMY. I Samuel 17:57 And as David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, Abner took him, and brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand. APR 1 HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROBIN! I SAMUEL 18 THRU 20 & PSALM 59 PG 409 - 415 I Samuel 18:1-5 PG 409 And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father's house. Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that [was] upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle. And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, [and] behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul's servants. DAVID AND JONATHAN WERE IMMEDIATE BEST FRIENDS. THEY BOTH TRUSTED GOD WITH ALL THEIR HEART. DAVID WAS THE BEST AND MOST TRUSTWORTHY SUBJECT IN SAUL'S KINGDOM. I Samuel 18:7-11 PG 409 - 410 And the women answered [one another] as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands. And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed [but] thousands: and [what] can he have more but the kingdom? And Saul eyed David from that day and forward. And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and [there was] a javelin in Saul's hand. And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall [with it]. And David avoided out of his presence twice. And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul. Therefore Saul removed him from him, and made him his captain over a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people. And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD [was] with him. DAVID DID EVERYTHING HE COULD TO SERVE SAUL AND SAUL JUST HATED DAVID. HAVE YOU EVER JUST TRIED EVERYTHING YOU COULD TO BE A BLESSING TO SOMEONE AND THEY JUST KEPT HATING YOU AND TRYING TO HURT YOU? PRAY FOR THEM. WE HAVE A WAY OF BLESSING THE UNBLESSABLE. IT IS PRAYER. WE CAN TOUCH THE UNTOUCHABLE WITH PRAYER. NOBODY CAN STOP THE POWER OF PRAYER. JUST MAKE VERY SURE YOU ARE PRAYING BLESSINGS ON THE PERSON. PRAYING CURSES IS WITCHCRAFT. THERE IS NO DEFENSE AGAINST LOVE. I Samuel 18:20-21 PG 410 And Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him. And Saul said, I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Wherefore Saul said to David, Thou shalt this day be my son in law in [the one of] the twain. HOW ABOUT THIS GUY SAUL. HE KNOWS HIS DAUGHTER MICHAL HAS A BAD ATTITUDE. HE KNOWS HER NAGGING, POORMOUTH, WAYS AND WANTS TO GIVE HER IN MARRIAGE AS "A SNARE" TO DAVID. I Samuel 19:4-6 PG 411 And Jonathan spake good of David unto Saul his father, and said unto him, Let not the king sin against his servant, against David; because he hath not sinned against thee, and because his works [have been] to thee-ward very good: For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest [it], and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause? And Saul hearkened unto the voice of Jonathan: and Saul sware, [As] the LORD liveth, he shall not be slain. WHEN DAVID WAS SUCCESSFUL SAUL TOLD JOATHAN AND ALL THE ATTENDANTS TO KILL DAVID. JONATHAN QUICKLY SPOKE UP ON BEHALF OF HIS FRIEND DAVID AND SAUL CHANGED HIS MIND. Psalms 59:1-13 PG 411-412 {To the chief Musician, Al-taschith, Michtam of David; when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him.} Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me. Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloody men. For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not [for] my transgression, nor [for] my sin, O LORD. They run and prepare themselves without [my] fault: awake to help me, and behold. Thou therefore, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel, awake to visit all the heathen: be not merciful to any wicked transgressors. Selah. But thou, O LORD, shalt laugh at them; thou shalt have all the heathen in derision. [Because of] his strength will I wait upon thee: for God [is] my defence. The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see [my desire] upon mine enemies. Slay them not, lest my people forget: scatter them by thy power; and bring them down, O Lord our shield. [For] the sin of their mouth [and] the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying [which] they speak. Consume [them] in wrath, consume [them], that they [may] not [be]: and let them know that God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth. Selah. HERE IS DAVID CONTINUALLY RISKING HIS LIFE FOR SAUL AND SAUL JUST WANTS TO KILL HIM. DAVID WAS SO COURAGEOUS BECAUSE OF HIS TRUST IN GOD'S PROTECTION. HE TOOK HIS PROBLEMS TO GOD. GOD'S ENEMIES WERE DAVID'S ENEMIES AND DAVID'S ENEMIES WERE GOD'S ENEMIES. Psalms 59:16-17 PG 412 But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble. Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God [is] my defence, [and] the God of my mercy. PEOPLE WOULD SING OF DAVID'S VICTORIES. DAVID HOWEVER WOULD ALWAYS GIVE THE GLORY TO GOD. THIS IS WHAT WE NEED TO LEARN. THERE IS NO LIMIT TO THE GLORIOUS THINGS WHICH GOD CAN HELP US ACCOMPLISH. WE JUST NEED TO BE CAREFUL TO GIVE GOD THE GLORY. I Samuel 19:19 PG 412 And it was told Saul, saying, Behold, David [is] at Naioth in Ramah. I Samuel 20:1 PG 413 And David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan, What have I done? what [is] mine iniquity? and what [is] my sin before thy father, that he seeketh my life? SAUL WAS HUNTING HIS BEST SERVANT DAVID LIKE A MAD DOG. I Samuel 20:32-34 PG 414 And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done? And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David. So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and did eat no meat the second day of the month: for he was grieved for David, because his father had done him shame. JONATHAN TRIES TO INTERCEDE AGAIN FOR DAVID AND SAUL TRIES TO KILL JONATHAN. SAUL IS ROARING ON HIS TAILSPIN TO HELL. APR 2 I SAMUEL 21-22 & PSALM 56,34,&142 PG 415 - 419 I Samuel 21:6 PG 415 So the priest gave him hallowed [bread]: for there was no bread there but the shewbread, that was taken from before the LORD, to put hot bread in the day when it was taken away. DAVID AND HIS MEN ATE THE CONSECRATED HOLY SHOW BREAD. GOD CARES ABOUT OUR PHYSICAL NEEDS. JESUS POINTED TO THIS INCIDENT WHEN HIS DISCIPLES WERE BEING CRITICIZED FOR EATING CORN FROM THE FIELD ON THE SABBATH. OUTWARD SHOWS CAN BE VERY DIFFERENT THAN THE HEART ATTITUDE. OVER AND OVER GOD LETS US KNOW HE IS MUCH MORE CONCERNED BY OUR HEART ATTITUDE THAN ANY OUTWARD SHOW. THE MOTIVATION OF THE HEART IS SO MUCH MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE APPEARANCE. Psalms 56:3-4 PG 415 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me. WHAT A GOOD PRAYER. WHAT A GOOD EXAMPLE. WE HAVE THE CHOICE OF FAITH OR FEAR IN ALL OF LIFE'S PROBLEMS. Psalms 56:10-11 PG 416 In God will I praise [his] word: in the LORD will I praise [his] word. In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me. DAVID LOVED THE WORD OF GOD. HE MEDITATED IN IT DAY AND NIGHT. AS A RESULT OF HIS CONTINUAL STUDY OF GOD'S WORD HE BECAME SINGLED OUT FROM ALL MEN AS A MAN AFTER GOD'S OWN HEART. WHEN YOU READ GOD'S WORD YOU LET GOD TALK TO YOU AND, OVER TIME, YOUR HEART ATTITUDES GET CHANGED FOR THE GOOD. THIS IS THE REAL REASON PEOPLE DO NOT READ THE BIBLE EVERY DAY. WE CANNOT HELP BUT COME UNDER CONVICTION OF THE SINS IN OUR HEARTS. THE HUMAN HEART IS DESPERATELY WICKED AND RESISTS THIS CONVICTING WORK OF GOD TO CHANGE OUR HEARTS. IF YOU LOVE GOD - READ HIS WORD AND LET HIM HAVE HIS WAY IN CHANGING OUR HEARTS. Psalms 34 PG 416-417 { [A Psalm] of David, when he changed his behaviour before Abimelech; who drove him away, and he departed.} IF EVER YOU ARE DEPRESSED - READ THIS PSALM 34 I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise [shall] continually [be] in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear [thereof], and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried, and the LORD heard [him], and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. O taste and see that the LORD [is] good: blessed [is] the man [that] trusteth in him. O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for [there is] no want to them that fear him. The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good [thing]. Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD. What man [is he that] desireth life, [and] loveth [many] days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. The eyes of the LORD [are] upon the righteous, and his ears [are open] unto their cry. The face of the LORD [is] against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. [The righteous] cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The LORD [is] nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. DEPRESSION CAN BE CONQUERED BY MEMORIZING THIS PSALM. WHEN YOU GET FEELING LOW - THIS IS THE PLACE TO GO. I Samuel 22:2 PG 417 And every one [that was] in distress, and every one that [was] in debt, and every one [that was] discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men. DAVID WAS A GREAT LEADER. ALL THE MISFITS AND MALCONTENTS CAME TO HIM AND HE MOLDED THEM INTO ISRAEL'S BEST FIGHTING FORCE. THESE MALCONTENTS WOULD RISK THEIR LIVES GOING BACK AND FORTH THRU ENEMY LINES JUST TO GET DAVID A DRINK OF WATER IF DAVID EVER EVEN MUSED THAT A DRINK OF WATER WOULD TASTE GOOD. ONLY THE GREATEST LEADERSHIP QUALITIES WHICH CAME FROM GODLY HEART PURITY COULD PRODUCE SUCH LOYALTY IN GOOD MEN NOT TO MENTION MALCONTENTS. APR 3 I SAMUEL 23-24 & PSALM 52,63,&57 PG 419 - 424 I Samuel 22:18-19 PG 419 And the king said to Doeg, Turn thou, and fall upon the priests. And Doeg the Edomite turned, and he fell upon the priests, and slew on that day fourscore and five persons that did wear a linen ephod. And Nob, the city of the priests, smote he with the edge of the sword, both men and women, children and sucklings, and oxen, and asses, and sheep, with the edge of the sword. SAUL IS OUTRAGED THAT THE PRIESTS HAD GIVEN FOOD TO DAVID. HE ORDERS DOEG TO KILL EVERYONE. WE KNOW THE SLAUGHTER INCLUDED 85 PRIESTS AND IN ADDITION TO THIS ALL THE WOMEN, CHILDREN, BABIES, AND EVEN THE ANIMALS WERE KILLED. SAUL MUST HAVE INDEED BEEN DEMON POSSESSED AT THIS POINT. ALL THIS TIME DAVID HAD PROVEN HIMSELF TO BE THE MOST TRUSTWORTHY MAN IN HIS KINGDOM. PRIDE AND JEALOUSY HAD TOTAL CONTROL OF SAUL. Psalms 52:8-9 PG 420 But I [am] like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever. I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done [it]: and I will wait on thy name; for [it is] good before thy saints. IN THIS PSALM DAVID CRIES OUT TO GOD WHEN HE HEARS OF THE SLAUGHTER OF THE WHOLE TOWN WHICH HAD GIVEN HIM AID. WHY DO YOU BOAST OF YOUR EVIL? SURELY GOD WILL BRING YOU TO AN EVERLASTING RUIN. DAVID CONCLUDES PSALM 52 BY TELLING WHY HE IS DIFFERENT THAN SAUL. DAVID TRUSTS IN THE EVERLASTING MERCY OF GOD AND IS IN A STATE OF CONTINUAL PRAISE OF GOD. Psalms 63:1-8 PG 421 {A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.} O God, thou [art] my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see thy power and thy glory, so [as] I have seen thee in the sanctuary. Because thy lovingkindness [is] better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name. My soul shall be satisfied as [with] marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise [thee] with joyful lips: When I remember thee upon my bed, [and] meditate on thee in the [night] watches. Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me. IN THIS PSALM DAVID PRAISES GOD FOR HIS GREAT PROTECTION. DAVID HAS A CONTINUAL DEEP HUNGER AND THIRST FOR GOD. THE LOVINGKINDNESS OF GOD IS BETTER THAN LIFE. DAVID IS CONTINUALLY LIFTING UP HIS HANDS IN PRAISE TO GOD. EVERY NIGHT HE FALLS ASLEEP THINKING OF GOD'S GREATNESS AND KINDNESS TO HIM. Psalms 54:4 PG 422 Behold, God [is] mine helper: the Lord [is] with them that uphold my soul. THE ZIPHITES TELL SAUL WHERE DAVID IS HIDING. PSALM 54 RECORDS HOW DAVID CRIED OUT TO GOD WHEN HE LEARNED OF THE TREACHERY OF THE ZIPHITES AND THAT SAUL WOULD BE COMING AFTER HIM. SAVE ME AND VINDICATE ME BY YOUR POWER LORD. DAVID FINDS HIS STRENGTH IN GOD. I Samuel 24:4-6 PG 423 And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily. And it came to pass afterward, that David's heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul's skirt. And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD'S anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he [is] the anointed of the LORD. GOD DELIVERED SAUL RIGHT INTO DAVID'S HANDS. SAUL WENT BY HIMSELF TO RELIEVE HIMSELF RIGHT IN THE CAVE WHERE DAVID AND HIS MEN WERE HIDING. WITH SAUL IN THIS MOST VULNERABLE POSITION, AT THE URGING OF HIS MEN, DAVID CUT OFF PART OF SAUL'S ROBE. DAVID IS IMMEDIATELY REMORSEFUL THAT HE HAS TOUCHED THE LORD'S ANOINTED. WOW! WHAT A MESSAGE THERE IS FOR US IF WE EVER CONSIDER DOING ANYTHING AGAINST SOMEONE WHOM GOD HAS PUT IN AUTHORITY OVER US. I Samuel 24:8-12 PG 423 David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself. And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearest thou men's words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt? Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and [some] bade [me] kill thee: but [mine eye] spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he [is] the LORD'S anointed. Moreover, my father, see, yea, see the skirt of thy robe in my hand: for in that I cut off the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou and see that [there is] neither evil nor transgression in mine hand, and I have not sinned against thee; yet thou huntest my soul to take it. The LORD judge between me and thee, and the LORD avenge me of thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee. DAVID SHOWS SAUL THE PROOF THAT HE IS PROBABLY THE MOST TRUSTWORTHY MAN IN SAUL'S KINGDOM, IN LIGHT OF HOW RUTHLESSLY SAUL IS HUNTING HIM. THE LORD JUDGE BETWEEN US. WHENEVER GOD PUTS ANY AUTHORITY OVER US IT IS GOD'S BUSINESS TO DEAL WITH THAT PERSON. IT IS NOT RIGHT FOR US TO REBEL OR EVEN BE CRITICAL OF GOD ANOINTED AUTHORITY OF US. IF THERE IS EVER A PROBLEM BETWEEN YOU AND LET'S SAY YOUR PASTOR - LIFT HIM UP TO GOD IN PRAYER. GO TO HIM ONE ON ONE WITH THE PROBLEM IN MEEKNESS AND FEAR. DON'T EVER START OR SUSTAIN GOSSIP. I Samuel 24:16-19 PG 423 And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words unto Saul, that Saul said, [Is] this thy voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept. And he said to David, Thou [art] more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil. And thou hast shewed this day how that thou hast dealt well with me: forasmuch as when the LORD had delivered me into thine hand, thou killedst me not. For if a man find his enemy, will he let him go well away? wherefore the LORD reward thee good for that thou hast done unto me this day. IT LOOKS LIKE SAUL MAY REPENT. HOW LONG WILL SAUL HAVE VICTORY OVER HIS PRIDE AND JEALOUSY? Psalms 57:1 PG 424 {To the chief Musician, Al-taschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave.} Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until [these] calamities be overpast. THIS PSALM IS DAVID'S PRAYER WHILE HIDING IN THE CAVE WHERE GOD DID DELIVER SAUL RIGHT INTO DAVID'S HAND. Psalms 57:5 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; [let] thy glory [be] above all the earth. Psalms 57:7 My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise. Psalms 57:9 I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations. Psalms 57:10 For thy mercy [is] great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds. Psalms 57:11 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: [let] thy glory [be] above all the earth. ANYONE BUT DAVID WOULD HAVE SAID THIS IS THE ANSWER TO MY PRAYER AND KILLED SAUL. WHAT A GREAT LESSON THERE IS HERE FOR US WHEN WE FIND FAULT WITH GOD GIVEN AUTHORITY. DAVID'S PRAISE TO GOD - BE EXALTED ABOVE THE HEAVENS AND LET YOUR GLORY BE ABOVE ALL THE EARTH. APR 4 I SAMUEL 25-27 & I CHRON 12 PG 424 - 431 I Samuel 25:3 PG 424 Now the name of the man [was] Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail: and [she was] a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance: but the man [was] churlish and evil in his doings; and he [was] of the house of Caleb. ABIGAIL WAS A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN OF GOOD UNDERSTANDING. IT MAKES YOU WONDER WHY SHE WOULD MARRY A GUY LIKE NABAL WHO WAS CHURLISH AND EVIL IN HIS DOINGS. THE WORD NABAL IN HEBREW MEANS DOLT OR STUPID. CHURLISH REALLY FITS NABAL - VULGAR, ILL-NATURED, STINGY, PEEVISH, DIFFICULT TO DEAL WITH. DAVID AND HIS MEN HAD BEEN PROTECTING NABAL'S 4,000 SHEEP AND GOATS. WITHOUT THE PROTECTION OF DAVID'S MEN, NABAL WOULD PROBABLY HAVE LOST 200 SHEEP AND GOATS TO VARIOUS THIEVES. AT SHEARING TIME DAVID SENT TO ASK NABAL TO LET DAVID'S MEN SHARE IN HIS SHEARING FEAST. AND NABAL INSULTED DAVID. I Samuel 25:21-22 PG 425 Now David had said, Surely in vain have I kept all that this [fellow] hath in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that [pertained] unto him: and he hath requited me evil for good. So and more also do God unto the enemies of David, if I leave of all that [pertain] to him by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall. DAVID IS GOING TO GO AND WIPE OUT CHURLISH NABAL. I Samuel 25:26 PG 425 Now therefore, my lord, [as] the LORD liveth, and [as] thy soul liveth, seeing the LORD hath withholden thee from coming to [shed] blood, and from avenging thyself with thine own hand, now let thine enemies, and they that seek evil to my lord, be as Nabal. ONE OF THE SERVANTS WHO KNEW THE STRENGTH OF DAVID'S ARMY WENT TO ABIGAIL. ABIGAIL QUICKLY GOT A BUNCH OF FOOD TOGETHER AND HURRIED OUT TO MEET DAVID. SHE PERSUADED HIM NOT TO TAKE VENGEANCE ON NABAL'S HOUSE. I Samuel 25:32-35 PG 426 And David said to Abigail, Blessed [be] the LORD God of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me: And blessed [be] thy advice, and blessed [be] thou, which hast kept me this day from coming to [shed] blood, and from avenging myself with mine own hand. For in very deed, [as] the LORD God of Israel liveth, which hath kept me back from hurting thee, except thou hadst hasted and come to meet me, surely there had not been left unto Nabal by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall. So David received of her hand [that] which she had brought him, and said unto her, Go up in peace to thine house; see, I have hearkened to thy voice, and have accepted thy person. ABIGAIL HAD SAVED HER WHOLE HOUSE AND HAD BEEN GOD'S INSTRUMENT TO PREVENT DAVID FROM TAKING VENGEANCE INTO HIS OWN HANDS. I Samuel 25:38-39 PG 426 And it came to pass about ten days [after], that the LORD smote Nabal, that he died. And when David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, Blessed [be] the LORD, that hath pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and hath kept his servant from evil: for the LORD hath returned the wickedness of Nabal upon his own head. And David sent and communed with Abigail, to take her to him to wife. NABAL DIED IN JUST 10 DAYS AND DAVID TOOK ABIGAIL AS HIS WIFE. I Samuel 25:43 David also took Ahinoam of Jezreel; and they were also both of them his wives. DAVID'S ONLY APPARENT WEAKNESS IS HIS EYE FOR THE LADIES. HE NOW HAS 3 WIVES. POLYGAMY WAS NEVER GOD'S PERFECT WILL. IT WAS PERMITTED BUT NEVER WAS IT SANCTIONED. I Samuel 26:7-9 PG 427 So David and Abishai came to the people by night: and, behold, Saul lay sleeping within the trench, and his spear stuck in the ground at his bolster: but Abner and the people lay round about him. Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth at once, and I will not [smite] him the second time. And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD'S anointed, and be guiltless? GOD AGAIN DELIVERED SAUL INTO DAVID'S HAND. ABISHAI WANTED TO KILL SAUL. DAVID SAYS NO WAY, DON'T DARE TOUCH THE LORD'S ANOINTED. I Samuel 26:10 PG 427 David said furthermore, [As] the LORD liveth, the LORD shall smite him; or his day shall come to die; or he shall descend into battle, and perish. NOBODY PROBABLY COULD EVER HAVE BETTER JUSTIFICATION FOR TAKING VENGEANCE THAN DAVID. IT SEEMED THAT GOD WAS HANDING SAUL OVER TO DAVID. DAVID KNEW THAT VENGEANCE IS THE PREROGATIVE OF GOD AND GOD ALONE. GOD DOES NOT NEED ANY HELP IN THE VENGENCE DEPARTMENT. I Samuel 26:12 So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul's bolster; and they gat them away, and no man saw [it], nor knew [it], neither awaked: for they [were] all asleep; because a deep sleep from the LORD was fallen upon them. THE LORD HAD MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR DAVID AND ABISHAI TO GO IN AN OUT OF SAUL'S ARMY LINES BY WAY OF A DEEP SLEEP. I Samuel 26:16-17 PG 427 This thing [is] not good that thou hast done. [As] the LORD liveth, ye [are] worthy to die, because ye have not kept your master, the LORD'S anointed. And now see where the king's spear [is], and the cruse of water that [was] at his bolster. And Saul knew David's voice, and said, [Is] this thy voice, my son David? And David said, [It is] my voice, my lord, O king. NEXT MORNING DAVID CALLS ABNER ON THE CARPET FOR THE LOUSY JOB HE DID OF DEFENDING KING SAUL. GUARDS FALLING ASLEEP GOT THE DEATH PENALTY IN ALL ARMIES OF THAT DAY. I Samuel 26:21-25 PG 427 Then said Saul, I have sinned: return, my son David: for I will no more do thee harm, because my soul was precious in thine eyes this day: behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly. And David answered and said, Behold the king's spear! and let one of the young men come over and fetch it. The LORD render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness: for the LORD delivered thee into [my] hand to day, but I would not stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed. And, behold, as thy life was much set by this day in mine eyes, so let my life be much set by in the eyes of the LORD, and let him deliver me out of all tribulation. Then Saul said to David, Blessed [be] thou, my son David: thou shalt both do great [things], and also shalt still prevail. So David went on his way, and Saul returned to his place. SAUL'S REPENTANCE NEVER WAS GENUINE. HE COULD NEVER CONTROL THE DEMONS OF PRIDE AND JEALOUSY. THEY HAD TOTAL CONTROL OF HIM. I Samuel 27:9-12 PG 428 And David smote the land, and left neither man nor woman alive, and took away the sheep, and the oxen, and the asses, and the camels, and the apparel, and returned, and came to Achish. And Achish said, Whither have ye made a road to day? And David said, Against the south of Judah, and against the south of the Jerahmeelites, and against the south of the Kenites. And David saved neither man nor woman alive, to bring [tidings] to Gath, saying, Lest they should tell on us, saying, So did David, and so [will be] his manner all the while he dwelleth in the country of the Philistines. And Achish believed David, saying, He hath made his people Israel utterly to abhor him; therefore he shall be my servant for ever. DAVID'S JOB IN SAUL'S KINGDOM WAS KILLING PHILISTINES. THIS WAS A TOUGH JOB WHEN SAUL WAS HUNTING DAVID LIKE A MAD DOG. GOD GAVE DAVID THE WAY OUT. DAVID WENT TO LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE PHILISTINES. THE PHILISTINES KNEW HOW SAUL WAS TRYING TO KILL DAVID. SO DAVID TOLD THE PHILISTINES THAT HE HAD HAD ENOUGH OF SAUL AND WOULD RAID ISRAEL FOR THE PHILISTINES. HE WOULD MARCH HIS ARMY OUT TOTALLY DESTROY A PHILISTINE CITY AND COME BACK WITH SPOILS THAT HE WOULD TELL HIS PHILISTINE RULER WERE TAKEN BY RAIDS IN ISRAEL. I Samuel 30:5 PG 429 And David's two wives were taken captives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite. And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God. DAVID'S ARMY RETURNED HOME TO FIND THEIR CITY BURNED AND THEIR WIVES AND CHILDREN TAKEN CAPTIVE. THE MEN WERE TALKING ABOUT KILLING DAVID IN THEIR GRIEF. DAVID ENCOURAGED HIMSELF IN THE LORD. I Samuel 30:17-19 PG 430 And David smote them from the twilight even unto the evening of the next day: and there escaped not a man of them, save four hundred young men, which rode upon camels, and fled. And David recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away: and David rescued his two wives. And there was nothing lacking to them, neither small nor great, neither sons nor daughters, neither spoil, nor any [thing] that they had taken to them: David recovered all. DAVID PULLED HIS MEN TOGETHER AND WENT AFTER THE AMALEKITE ARMY. THEY RESCUED THEIR FAMILIES EVERYTHING ELSE THAT THE AMALEKITES HAD TAKEN. I Samuel 30:24-25 PG 430 For who will hearken unto you in this matter? but as his part [is] that goeth down to the battle, so [shall] his part [be] that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall part alike. And it was [so] from that day forward, that he made it a statute and an ordinance for Israel unto this day. SOME OF THE 400 WHO HAD GONE WITH DAVID TO FIGHT SAID THAT THE PLUNDER SHOULD NOT BE SHARED WITH THE 200 WHO WERE TOO WEAK AND STAYED BACK WITH THE SUPPLIES. NO WAY SAYS DAVID. GOD GAVE US THE VICTORY. ALL WILL SHARE EQUALLY AND HE MADE THIS A LAW. APR 5 I SAMUEL 28 - II SAMUEL 1 PG 431 - 434 I Samuel 28:5-7 PG 431 And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled. And when Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets. Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and inquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, [there is] a woman that hath a familiar spirit at En-dor. SAUL KNEW ANY ATTEMPT TO CONTACT DEPARTED SPIRITS WAS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN BY GOD. PART OF HIS RESPONSIBILITY AS KING OF ISRAEL WAS TO PURGE THE LAND FROM THOSE WHO WOULD ENGAGE IN SUCH PRACTICES. HOW BAD HAVE THINGS GOTTEN IN AMERICA WHEN THE FIRST LADY OPENLY BRAGS ABOUT HER CONVERSATIONS WITH ELEANOR ROOSEVELT? GOD HAVE MERCY! I Samuel 28:12 PG 431 And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice: and the woman spake to Saul, saying, Why hast thou deceived me? for thou [art] Saul. THE WOMAN KNEW THIS WAS FOR REAL. GOD SENT SAMUEL'S SPIRIT BACK FOR THIS OCCASION. I Samuel 28:15-16 & 19 PG 431 And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do. Then said Samuel, Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the LORD is departed from thee, and is become thine enemy? Moreover the LORD will also deliver Israel with thee into the hand of the Philistines: and to morrow [shalt] thou and thy sons [be] with me: the LORD also shall deliver the host of Israel into the hand of the Philistines. SAMUEL TELLS SAUL HE AND HIS SONS WILL DIE TOMORROW. SAUL HAS BECOME AN ENEMY OF GOD. I Samuel 31:4 PG 432 Then said Saul unto his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it. SAUL COMMITS SUICIDE. THIS MATTER OF CONSULTING FAMILIAR SPIRITS IS SERIOUS SIN AND IT IS SERIOUS BUSINESS. IT IS SAD TO SEE HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE BEING SUCKED INTO THESE OCCULT PRACTICES. EVEN THE PRESIDENT'S WIFE TALKS ABOUT IT OPENLY. THESE PEOPLE ARE TOO IGNORANT OF GOD'S WORD TO KNOW THAT THESE DEPARTED SPIRITS, THESE SPIRIT GUIDES, THESE ASCENDED MASTERS ARE DEMONS. THESE BEINGS ARE CAPABLE OF DOING MOST ANYTHING TO SUCK PEOPLE INTO THIS. ONCE PEOPLE ARE SUCKED INTO THIS DEMONIC CONTACT IT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE FOR THEM TO COME OUT ALIVE. THE DEAD END OF THIS TRIP WITH THESE SPIRITS IS THE SECOND DEATH. I Chronicles 10:13-14 PG 432 So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, [even] against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking [counsel] of [one that had] a familiar spirit, to inquire [of it]; And inquired not of the LORD: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse. THIS CONTACT OR VISUALIZATIONS WITH SPIRIT BEINGS IS NO SMALL MATTER. THEY MAY COME AS ANGELS OF ENLIGHTENMENT BUT THEIR REAL GOAL IS TO KILL AND DESTROY THEIR IGNORANT UNWITTING VICTIMS AND LEAD THEM TO THE ULTIMATE SECOND DEATH OF HELL AND ITS ETERNAL TORMENT. THE NEW AGE MOVEMENT IS NOT NEW AT ALL. IT IS A RETURN TO THE OLD DARK AGES OF THE OCCULT. PEOPLE SIMPLY DO NOT KNOW THE WORD OF GOD AND ARE GETTING SUCKED INTO THIS GARBAGE. II Samuel 1:14-15 PG 433 And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the LORD'S anointed? And David called one of the young men, and said, Go near, [and] fall upon him. And he smote him that he died. AN AMALEKITE THOUGHT HE COULD MAKE SOME POINTS WITH DAVID BY FINISHING OFF SAUL AND BRINGING HIS CROWN TO DAVID. DAVID HAD HIM KILLED ON THE SPOT. II Samuel 1:26 PG 434 I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women. THERE HAVE BEEN SICK PERVERTS WHO WOULD SAY THAT THIS VERSE SPEAKS OF A HOMOSEXUAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DAVID AND JONATHAN. THAT IS A SICK CRUDE ATTEMPT TO PERVERT THIS VERSE. HOMOSEXUALITY IS GROSS SIN. THERE IS NO WAY BUT THROUGH PERVERSION THAT ONE MAY FIND JUSTIFICATION FOR HOMOSEXUAL ACTS IN THE WORD OF GOD. NEITHER DAVID OR JONATHAN WERE PERVERTS. APR 6 II SAMUEL 2 - 4 PG 434 - 439 II Samuel 2:10 PG 435 Ish-bosheth Saul's son [was] forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and reigned two years. But the house of Judah followed David. SAUL'S SON ISHBOSHETH ON THE BASIS OF ABNER'S STRENGTH WAS KING OVER ALL ISRAEL EXCEPT JUDAH OVER WHICH DAVID WAS KING. SAMUEL HAD ANOINTED DAVID KING OF ISRAEL. IT WOULD NOT TAKE LONG UNTIL DAVID WOULD BE KING OF ALL ISRAEL. II Samuel 2:22-23 PG 435 And Abner said again to Asahel, Turn thee aside from following me: wherefore should I smite thee to the ground? how then should I hold up my face to Joab thy brother? Howbeit he refused to turn aside: wherefore Abner with the hinder end of the spear smote him under the fifth [rib], that the spear came out behind him; and he fell down there, and died in the same place: and it came to pass, [that] as many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died stood still. ABNER KILLED JOAB'S BROTHER ASAHAEL. UNDER THE LAW JOAB WAS BOUND TO KILL ABNER. THEY WERE COMMANDING GENERALS OF OPPOSING ARMIES. JOAB WAS A DETERMINED MAN OF ACTION AND LOYALTY TO KING DAVID. II Samuel 2:30-31 PG 436 And Joab returned from following Abner: and when he had gathered all the people together, there lacked of David's servants nineteen men and Asahel. But the servants of David had smitten of Benjamin, and of Abner's men, [so that] three hundred and threescore men died. DAVID WAS CHOSEN BY GOD TO BE KING. IT WAS OBVIOUS IN THE BATTLES BETWEEN THE TWO KINGS. DAVID LOST 19 MEN WHILE ISHBOSHETH LOST 360 MEN. II Samuel 3:2-5 PG 436 And unto David were sons born in Hebron: and his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur; And the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital; And the sixth, Ithream, by Eglah David's wife. These were born to David in Hebron. DAVID NOW HAS SIX SONS AND 6 WIVES. FAMILY PROBLEMS WOULD LIKELY HAVE HAPPENED EVEN IF HE WOULD NOT HAVE SINNED BY TAKING URIAH'S WIFE. HIS FIRST WIFE, MICHAL, SAUL'S DAUGHTER, HAD BEEN TAKEN BY SAUL AND MARRIED TO PALTIEL. II Samuel 3:7-11 PG 437 And Saul had a concubine, whose name [was] Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and [Ish-bosheth] said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father's concubine? Then was Abner very wroth for the words of Ish-bosheth, and said, [Am] I a dog's head, which against Judah do shew kindness this day unto the house of Saul thy father, to his brethren, and to his friends, and have not delivered thee into the hand of David, that thou chargest me to day with a fault concerning this woman? So do God to Abner, and more also, except, as the LORD hath sworn to David, even so I do to him; To translate the kingdom from the house of Saul, and to set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beer-sheba. And he could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him. HERE WE GET A GOOD PICTURE OF THE CHARACTER OF DAVID'S OPPONENTS. ABNER IS AN OPPORTUNIST. HE HAD AN AFFAIR WITH ONE OF SAUL'S CONCUBINES. ISHBOSHETH CONFRONTED HIM REGARDING THE AFFAIR. ABNER TELLS HIM THAT HE WILL DELIVER THE WHOLE KINGDOM TO DAVID. ISHBOSHETH WAS A COWARD AND NEVER SAID ANYTHING ABOUT THIS THREAT. II Samuel 3:12 PG 436 And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, Whose [is] the land? saying [also], Make thy league with me, and, behold, my hand [shall be] with thee, to bring about all Israel unto thee. ABNER DOES PROCEED TO DELIVER THE KINGDOM TO DAVID. II Samuel 3:13 PG 436 And he said, Well; I will make a league with thee: but one thing I require of thee, that is, Thou shalt not see my face, except thou first bring Michal Saul's daughter, when thou comest to see my face. DAVID FIRST REQUIRES THAT HIS WIFE MICHAL BE BROUGHT BACK TO HIM. THIS WAS QUITE NECESSARY POLITICALLY. DAVID HAD TO REMOVE ALL THRONE RIGHTS OF SAUL'S FAMILY. IT WOULD BE NECESSARY TO SECURE A UNITED KINGDOM WITHOUT BLOODSHED. II Samuel 3:23-24 When Joab and all the host that [was] with him were come, they told Joab, saying, Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he hath sent him away, and he is gone in peace. Then Joab came to the king, and said, What hast thou done? behold, Abner came unto thee; why [is] it [that] thou hast sent him away, and he is quite gone? GENERAL JOAB HAD JUST RETURNED FROM A GREAT VICTORY TO FIND HIS ENEMY WHO HAD KILLED HIS BROTHER HAD BEEN TO VISIT HIS KING DAVID AND DAVID LET HIM GO IN PEACE. THIS WAS A VERY HARD PILL FOR THE DILIGENT AND LOYAL GENERAL JOAB TO SWALLOW. II Samuel 3:26 PG 437 And when Joab was come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, which brought him again from the well of Sirah: but David knew [it] not. And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth [rib], that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother. JOAB WASTES NO TIME IN AVENGING THE BLOOD OF HIS BROTHER BY KILLING ABNER. WE SHOULD REMEMBER THAT THIS WAS A CORRECT THING FOR JOAB UNDER THE LAW. II Samuel 3:35-37 PG 437-438 And when all the people came to cause David to eat meat while it was yet day, David sware, saying, So do God to me, and more also, if I taste bread, or ought else, till the sun be down. And all the people took notice [of it], and it pleased them: as whatsoever the king did pleased all the people. For all the people and all Israel understood that day that it was not of the king to slay Abner the son of Ner. DAVID CURSED JOAB AND MOURNED THE DEATH OF ABNER. ALL THE NATION OF ISRAEL WERE PLEASED TO HAVE DAVID AS THEIR KING. EVERYONE KNEW THAT JOAB HAD ACTED ON HIS OWN IN THE DEATH OF ABNER. II Samuel 4:9-11 PG 438 And David answered Rechab and Baanah his brother, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, and said unto them, [As] the LORD liveth, who hath redeemed my soul out of all adversity, When one told me, saying, Behold, Saul is dead, thinking to have brought good tidings, I took hold of him, and slew him in Ziklag, who [thought] that I would have given him a reward for his tidings: How much more, when wicked men have slain a righteous person in his own house upon his bed? shall I not therefore now require his blood of your hand, and take you away from the earth? THESE TWO THOUGHT THEY WOULD GET A REWARD FROM KING DAVID FOR MURDERING ISHBOSHETH. DAVID KILLED THEM ON THE SPOT. II Samuel 5:4 PG 439 David [was] thirty years old when he began to reign, [and] he reigned forty years. DAVID BEGAN TO REIGN AS KING AT AGE 3O AND TURNED THE KINGDOM OVER TO HIS SON SOLOMON AT AGE 70. I Chronicles 12:38 PG 439 All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel: and all the rest also of Israel [were] of one heart to make David king. ALL ISRAEL WAS GLADLY UNITED UNDER THE RIGHTEOUS REIGN OF KING DAVID. APR 7 2 SAM 5:6 - 22:51 & PSALM 18 PG 439 - 443 II Samuel 5:10 PG 439 And David went on, and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts [was] with him. EVERYONE COULD TELL BY THE WAY DAVID GREW GREAT THAT GOD WAS WITH HIM. DAVID DID NOT PROSPER BY THE WAYS OF MEN. HE DID NOT RETURN EVIL FOR EVIL. AS SAUL HUNTED HIM LIKE A DOG HE REMAINED FAITHFUL AND ALWAYS TRIED TO BE A BLESSING TO SAUL. DO WE BLESS THOSE WHO PERSECUTE US? DAVID TRUSTED GOD SO COMPLETELY ANYONE COULD SEE THAT GOD WAS WITH HIM. I Chronicles 13:8 PG 440 And David and all Israel played before God with all [their] might, and with singing, and with harps, and with psalteries, and with timbrels, and with cymbals, and with trumpets. WHEN IS THE LAST TIME THAT YOU PRAISED GOD WITH ALL YOUR MIGHT? DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY IDEAS HOW WE MIGHT GET TOGETHER TO PRAISE GOD WITH ALL OF OUR MIGHT? II Samuel 6:6-7 PG 440 And when they came to Nachon's threshing floor, Uzzah put forth [his hand] to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook [it]. And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for [his] error; and there he died by the ark of God. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THIS? HOW COME THE PHILISTINES DID NOT GET KILLED WHEN THEY HANDLED THE ARK? II Samuel 5:20 PG 441 And David came to Baal-perazim, and David smote them there, and said, The LORD hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach of waters. Therefore he called the name of that place Baal-perazim. DAVID IS ALWAYS SO AWARE THAT IT IS GOD WHO IS GIVING HIM THE VICTORIES OVER HIS ENEMIES. DO I FIGHT MY ENEMIES OR DO I BLESS THEM AND TRUST GOD TO DELIVER ME FROM MY ENEMIES? I Chronicles 14:17 PG 441 And the fame of David went out into all lands; and the LORD brought the fear of him upon all nations. DAVID BECAME FAMOUS IN ALL LANDS - AND GOD MADE ALL THE NATIONS FEAR DAVID. Psalms 18:2-3 PG 441 The LORD [is] my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, [and] my high tower. I will call upon the LORD, [who is worthy] to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. GOD IS OUR STRENGTH. HE IS ALL WE NEED. GOD PROTECTS US AND SAVES US FROM OUR ENEMIES. WE SHOULD SEEK TO HAVE OUR HEARTS FILLED WITH CONTINUAL PRAISE AS DAVID WAS. Psalms 18:25-27 PG 442 With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright; With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward. For thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring down high looks. GOD'S CHARACTER IS TRUTH, MERCY, PURITY AND JUSTICE. AS WE GROW AND PRACTICE THESE CHARACTER TRAITS IN OUR LIVES WE SEE MORE AND MORE OF GOD'S TRUTH AND MERCY. GOD BRINGS DOWN THE PROUD AND LIFTS UP THE HUMBLE. WHAT COULD BE MORE FOOLISH THAN TO TRY TO GET AWAY WITH ANYTHING WITH GOD. WITH THE CROOKED GOD WILL SHOW HIMSELF SHREWD - AND NOBODY CAN STAND WHEN GOD SHOWS THEM HIS SHREWDNESS. Psalms 18:30-36 PG 443 [As for] God, his way [is] perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he [is] a buckler to all those that trust in him. For who [is] God save the LORD? or who [is] a rock save our God? [It is] God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds' [feet], and setteth me upon my high places. He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms. Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great. Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip. GOD'S WAYS ARE PERFECT. HIS WAYS ARE NOT OUR WAYS. HIS WAYS AND HIS THOUGHTS ARE HIGHER THAN OUR THOUGHTS. OFTEN I FIND GOD'S WAY TO BE EXACTLY OPPOSITE OF THE WAY I WOULD NATURALLY BE INCLINED TO GO. THIS IS WHY I NEED TO GET TO KNOW GOD BETTER THROUGH HIS WORD AND WHY I NEED IT EVERY DAY. I WILL EITHER TRUST GOD OR I WILL LIVE IN FEAR AND FAILURE. Psalms 18:46 PG 443 The LORD liveth; and blessed [be] my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted. AMEN!!! AMEN!!! APR 8 2 SAM 6, 1 CHRON 15, 16, PS 105 & 96 PG 443 - 448 I Chronicles 15:1-2 PG 443 -444 And [David] made him houses in the city of David, and prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched for it a tent. Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them hath the LORD chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister unto him for ever. GOD CHOOSES HIS MINISTERS. THIS POINT WAS INDELIBLY MADE WHEN UZZAIAH WAS KILLED FOR TOUCHING THE ARK. I Chronicles 15:29 PG 445 And it came to pass, [as] the ark of the covenant of the LORD came to the city of David, that Michal the daughter of Saul looking out at a window saw king David dancing and playing: and she despised him in her heart. SHE DID NOT MAKE DAVID WELCOME. HER WORDS WERE BITTER AND CUTTING. DAVID RETURNED SHARPNESS FOR BEING PRUDISH WHERE GOD AND JOY IN THE LORD ARE CONCERNED. SHE DIED CHILDLESS. I Chronicles 16:2 PG 445 And when David had made an end of offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD. DAVID DID NOT ACTUALLY MAKE THE SACRIFICES BUT HE AUTHORIZED THE PRIESTS TO DO IT. Psalms 96:11-13 PG 448 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof. Let the field be joyful, and all that [is] therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth. THE WHOLE CREATION IS GROANING AND LONGING FOR THE LORD TO COME BACK AND SET THINGS IN RIGHT ORDER. HE IS COMING. WE NEED TO BE SURE WE ARE READY, BECAUSE HE IS COMING IN JUDGMENT AND HE WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE WITH HIS TRUTH. I Chronicles 16:34 PG 448 O give thanks unto the LORD; for [he is] good; for his mercy [endureth] for ever. INDEED WE SHOULD GIVE THANKS TO GOD FOR HIS INFINITE EVERLASTING MERCY. I Chronicles 16:36 PG 448 Blessed [be] the LORD God of Israel for ever and ever. And all the people said, Amen, and praised the LORD. ALL THE PEOPLE SAID AMEN AND PRAISED THE LORD. APR 9 2 SAM 7, 1 CHRON 17 PG 448 - 451 II Samuel 6:20 PG 448 Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, How glorious was the king of Israel to day, who uncovered himself to day in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovereth himself! MANY A MAN HAS RETURNED HOME TO BLESS HIS FAMILY AND BEEN MET WITH THE OPPOSITE OF BLESSING FROM HIS WIFE OR OTHER MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY. THIS RIOT ACT FROM MICHAL WAS REALLY BAD. MICHAL DIED CHILDLESS. II Samuel 6:22 PG 448 And I will yet be more vile than thus, and will be base in mine own sight: and of the maidservants which thou hast spoken of, of them shall I be had in honour. DAVID SET HER STRAIGHT. HE LET HER KNOW HE DIDN'T CARE WHO THOUGHT HIM UNDIGNIFIED WHEN HE WAS PRAISING GOD. HE ONLY CARED THAT HE PRAISED GOD WITH ALL HIS MIGHT AND HE DIDN'T GIVE A RIP WHAT ANYBODY ELSE THOUGHT ABOUT IT. GOOD MOTIVATION FOR US NOT TO SIT ON OUR HANDS WHEN WE ARE IN WORSHIP SERVICES. II Samuel 9:7-8 PG 449 And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father's sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually. And he bowed himself, and said, What [is] thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I [am]? DAVID TAKES GOOD CARE OF JONATHAN'S CRIPPLED SON MEPHIBOSHETH. II Samuel 7:7 In all [the places] wherein I have walked with all the children of Israel spake I a word with any of the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded to feed my people Israel, saying, Why build ye not me an house of cedar? NOWHERE IN SCRIPTURE DOES GOD REQUEST OR REQUIRE THAT HE HAVE FANCY BUILDINGS MADE FOR HIM. WE NEED TO BE AWARE OF THIS IN CHURCH BUILDING PROGRAMS. WOULD GOD NOT BE MORE PLEASED WITH CHURCH BUILDING MONEY BEING USED TO SPREAD THE GOSPEL AND FEED AND CLOTHE THE POOR? SOLOMON'S TEMPLE WAS BUILT BY PERMISSION AS A FAVOR TO DAVID. GOD WILL MAKE HIS OWN PERMANENT DWELLING PLACES SUCH AS NEW JERUSALEM A 1500 MILE CUBE THAT WOULD BE TECHNICALLY IMPOSSIBLE FOR MEN TO BUILD. II Samuel 7:20-23 & 26 PG 450 And what can David say more unto thee? for thou, Lord GOD, knowest thy servant. For thy word's sake, and according to thine own heart, hast thou done all these great things, to make thy servant know [them]. Wherefore thou art great, O LORD God: for [there is] none like thee, neither [is there any] God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears. And what one nation in the earth [is] like thy people, [even] like Israel, whom God went to redeem for a people to himself, and to make him a name, and to do for you great things and terrible, for thy land, before thy people, which thou redeemedst to thee from Egypt, [from] the nations and their gods? II Samuel 7:26 And let thy name be magnified for ever, saying, The LORD of hosts [is] the God over Israel: and let the house of thy servant David be established before thee. DAVID'S PRIMARY MOTIVATION WAS TO GLORIFY GOD. IS THIS THE NUMBER ONE MOTIVE IN MY LIFE? II Samuel 7:28-29 PG 451 And now, O Lord GOD, thou [art] that God, and thy words be true, and thou hast promised this goodness unto thy servant: Therefore now let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may continue for ever before thee: for thou, O Lord GOD, hast spoken [it]: and with thy blessing let the house of thy servant be blessed for ever. EVERYTHING IS NOT GOING TO BE PERFECT IN DAVID'S HOUSE. FAR FROM PERFECT BECAUSE OF SIN, BUT IT COULD HAVE BEEN PERFECT WITHOUT SIN, AND IT IS AN ETERNAL THRONE AND KINGDOM. APR 10 2 SAM 11, 1 CHRON 19, PSALM 60, 51 PG 451 - 456 II Samuel 21:17 But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succoured him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David sware unto him, saying, Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the light of Israel. DAVID'S REPUTATION AS AN INVINCIBLE MILITARY LEADER WAS A GREAT ASSET TO ISRAEL. BECAUSE DAVID HAD A CLOSE CALL HIS ARMY WANTED HIM TO STAY AWAY FROM THE FRONT LINES. THEY WANTED HIM JUST TO COME IN FOR THE MOP UP CAMPAIGNS. THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN OK, IF DAVID HAD FOUND SOME OTHER WORK TO KEEP HIM BUSY. WE WILL SOON SEE A CLASSIC EXAMPLE OF HOW IDLENESS IS THE DEVIL'S WORKSHOP. ALSO WE NEED TO QUESTION THE FAITH OF THE MEN IN DAVID'S ARMY. I Chronicles 19:12-13 PG 452 And he said, If the Syrians be too strong for me, then thou shalt help me: but if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will help thee. Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God: and let the LORD do [that which is] good in his sight. DAVID'S GENERALS WERE GOOD MILITARY STRATEGISTS AND VERY COURAGEOUS. I Chronicles 19:19 PG 453 And when the servants of Hadarezer saw that they were put to the worse before Israel, they made peace with David, and became his servants: neither would the Syrians help the children of Ammon any more. DAVID'S ARMIES CONQUER AND ESTABLISH PEACE WITH STRONG NATIONS WHICH ISRAEL HAD NEVER BEFORE BEEN ABLE TO CONQUER. Psalms 60:4 PG 453 Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah. THIS VERSE MARKS A CHANGE IN DAVID'S ATTITUDE FROM DESPAIR TO VICTORY. DAVID NOW CHOOSES TO RAISE THE BANNER OF VICTORY INSTEAD OF DEFEAT. THE ENSIGN OF ISRAEL IN THE LAST DAYS WILL BE MESSIAH HIMSELF. II Samuel 11:1-2 PG 453 And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth [to battle], that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem. And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman [was] very beautiful to look upon. DAVID PROBABLY HAD NOT DONE A GOOD ENOUGH DAYS WORK TO BE ABLE TO SLEEP SOUNDLY. IDLENESS AND NOT BEING WITH THE TROOPS, LEADS DAVID INTO TEMPTATION. II Samuel 11:4-5 PG 454 And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house. And the woman conceived, and sent and told David, and said, I [am] with child. DAVID COMMITS ADULTERY. II Samuel 11:11 PG 454 And Uriah said unto David, The ark, and Israel, and Judah, abide in tents; and my lord Joab, and the servants of my lord, are encamped in the open fields; shall I then go into mine house, to eat and to drink, and to lie with my wife? [as] thou livest, and [as] thy soul liveth, I will not do this thing. DAVID BRINGS BATHSHEBA'S HUSBAND HOME FROM THE FRONT LINES AND TRIES TO GET HIM TO HELP COVER DAVID'S SIN OF ADULTERY BUT URIAH IS A GOOD MAN AND WILL NOT VIOLATE GOD'S LAW REGARDING MILITARY SERVICE EVEN WHEN ENCOURAGED TO DO SO BY THE KING. II Samuel 11:15 PG 454 And he wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die. DAVID MURDERS URIAH TO COVER HIS SIN OF ADULTERY. II Samuel 12:5-13 PG 455 And David's anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, [As] the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this [thing] shall surely die: And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity. And Nathan said to David, Thou [art] the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul; And I gave thee thy master's house, and thy master's wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if [that had been] too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things. Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife [to be] thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon. Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife. Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give [them] unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun. For thou didst [it] secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun. And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die. NATHAN THE PROPHET CONFRONTS DAVID WITH HIS SINS. WILL YOU NOTICE THAT THE PRIMARY JOB OF THE PROPHET AHEAD OF PREDICTING THE FUTURE IS TO DISCLOSE HIDDEN SIN AND PREACH RIGHTEOUSNESS. I Corinthians 14:22-25 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying [serveth] not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in [those that are] unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or [one] unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on [his] face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. I Corinthians 14:1-3 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual [gifts], but rather that ye may prophesy. For he that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth [him]; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men [to] edification, and exhortation, and comfort. WILL YOU NOTICE HOW DAVID RESPONDS TO THE PROPHET. ANY OTHER KING WOULD HAVE KILLED NATHAN. DAVID GOES ON HIS FACE IN REPENTANCE. HOW DO I RESPOND WHEN MY BROTHER CONFRONTS ME WITH MY SIN. DO WE SEE THIS TYPE OF JOB 1 PROPHETIC MINISTRY IN THE CHURCH TODAY? DO WE NEED THE MINISTRY OF THE PROPHET TO DISCLOSE HIDDEN SINS IN OUR CONGREGATIONS TODAY? MOST IMPORTANTLY WILL WE RESPOND AS DAVID RESPONDED WHEN THE PROPHET DISCLOSES THAT SIN THAT WE HAVE TRIED TO COVER? Psalms 51:1-12 455 - 456 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin [is] ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done [this] evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, [and] be clear when thou judgest. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden [part] thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; [that] the bones [which] thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me [with thy] free spirit. WHAT A GREAT PRAYER OF REPENTANCE. NOTICE HOW THIS PRAYER OF REPENTANCE SPRINGS IMMEDIATELY FROM THE HEART OF DAVID. Psalms 51:16-17 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give [it]: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God [are] a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. WE CAN NOT APPEASE GOD BY DOING ANYTHING TO MAKE UP TO HIM FOR OUR SINS. PRAISE GOD FOR JESUS DOING THE IMPOSSIBLE FOR US ALL. HOWEVER, WE STILL MUST AGREE WITH GOD THAT WE WERE WRONG. WE MUST AGREE THAT WE MUST TURN AWAY FROM THE SIN. II Samuel 12:13-17 And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die. Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also [that is] born unto thee shall surely die. And Nathan departed unto his house. And the LORD struck the child that Uriah's wife bare unto David, and it was very sick. David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth. And the elders of his house arose, [and went] to him, to raise him up from the earth: but he would not, neither did he eat bread with them. GOD FORGIVES OUR SIN, YET THERE ARE CONSEQUENCES OF SIN THAT WE MAY NOT ESCAPE. IF WE COULD REALLY SEE THE FULL SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE AND TOTAL CONSEQUENCES OF SIN WE WOULD NOT BE SO EASILY TEMPTED. APR 11 2 SAM 8, 1 CHRON 11 PG 456 - 460 II Samuel 12:21-23 PG 457 When said his servants unto him, What thing [is] this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child, [while it was] alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread. And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell [whether] GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live? But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me. DAVID KNEW THAT GOD NEVER INTENDS FOR BAD THINGS TO HAPPEN. BAD THINGS ARE ALLOWED TO HAPPEN AS A RESULT OF OUR EVIL CHOICES. DAVID KNEW THAT GOD MIGHT PREVENT THE CHILD'S DEATH. DAVID KNEW HOW GRACIOUS GOD IS. II Samuel 12:27-28 PG 457 And Joab sent messengers to David, and said, I have fought against Rabbah, and have taken the city of waters. Now therefore gather the rest of the people together, and encamp against the city, and take it: lest I take the city, and it be called after my name. GENERAL JOAB IS A DANDY. HE HAS FOUGHT AND WON THE VICTORY BUT HE DOESN'T WANT THE GLORY OF VICTORY FOR HIMSELF HE WANTS HIS KING TO CLAIM THE VICTORY. HE KNOWS THIS WILL INCREASE THE FEAR OF THE ARMIES OF DAVID AND HELP HIM IN HIS FUTURE BATTLES. WE NEED TO SEEK THE SORT OF SERVANTS HEART ATTITUDE ILLUSTRATED HERE BY GENERAL JOAB. II Samuel 8:6 PG 458 Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus: and the Syrians became servants to David, [and] brought gifts. And the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went. GOD TOOK CARE OF DAVID AND GAVE VICTORIES THAT NO OTHER LEADER OF ISRAEL COULD ACHIEVE. II Samuel 8:11 PG 458 Which also king David did dedicate unto the LORD, with the silver and gold that he had dedicated of all nations which he subdued; THIS IS HOW SOLOMON'S TEMPLE WAS FINANCED. II Samuel 23:15-17 PG 458 And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Beth-lehem, which [is] by the gate! And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Beth-lehem, that [was] by the gate, and took [it], and brought [it] to David: nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the LORD. And he said, Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this: [is not this] the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives? therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mighty men. THIS SHOWS WHAT KIND OF LEADER DAVID WAS. MAKING AN IDLE COMMENT OF HOW GOOD IT WOULD BE TO HAVE A DRINK FROM THE WATERS OF BETHLEHEM, 3 MEN RISK THEIR LIVES GOING THROUGH THE ENEMY LINES (BACK AND FORTH) TO GET THIS DRINK FOR DAVID. NO WAY WOULD HE DRINK IT OR CONDONE SUCH RISK. IT JUST SHOWED HOW HIS MEN ESTEEMED HIM. APR 12 2 SAM 13, 14 PG 460 - 463 II Samuel 12:24-25 PG 460 And David comforted Bath-sheba his wife, and went in unto her, and lay with her: and she bare a son, and he called his name Solomon: and the LORD loved him. And he sent by the hand of Nathan the prophet; and he called his name Jedidiah, because of the LORD. COULD PREDESTINATION BE SUPPORTED BY THESE VERSES? II Samuel 13:11-14 PG 461 And when she had brought [them] unto him to eat, he took hold of her, and said unto her, Come lie with me, my sister. And she answered him, Nay, my brother, do not force me; for no such thing ought to be done in Israel: do not thou this folly. And I, whither shall I cause my shame to go? and as for thee, thou shalt be as one of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, I pray thee, speak unto the king; for he will not withhold me from thee. Howbeit he would not hearken unto her voice: but, being stronger than she, forced her, and lay with her. DAVID'S SON AMNON RAPES ABSALOM'S SISTER, HIS HALF SISTER TAMAR. II Samuel 13:28-29 PG 462 Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant. And the servants of Absalom did unto Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king's sons arose, and every man gat him up upon his mule, and fled. ABSALOM MURDERS AMNON. II Samuel 13:38-39 So Absalom fled, and went to Geshur, and was there three years. And [the soul of] king David longed to go forth unto Absalom: for he was comforted concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead. ABSALOM WAS IN EXILE FOR 3 YEARS AND IN EFFECT DAVID LOST 2 SONS. DAVID LOVED BOTH AMNON AND ABSALOM. II Samuel 14:12-14 PG 463 Then the woman said, Let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak [one] word unto my lord the king. And he said, Say on. And the woman said, Wherefore then hast thou thought such a thing against the people of God? for the king doth speak this thing as one which is faulty, in that the king doth not fetch home again his banished. For we must needs die, and [are] as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect [any] person: yet doth he devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him. GENERAL JOAB KNOWS HIS KING MISSES HIS SON AND HIRES A WOMAN TO MAKE THE POINT TO DAVID THAT IT WAS TIME FOR HIM TO BRING ABSALOM BACK FORM EXILE. II Samuel 14:19 PG 463 And the king said, [Is not] the hand of Joab with thee in all this? And the woman answered and said, [As] thy soul liveth, my lord the king, none can turn to the right hand or to the left from ought that my lord the king hath spoken: for thy servant Joab, he bade me, and he put all these words in the mouth of thine handmaid: DAVID RECOGNIZES THE TACTICS OF HIS GENERAL JOAB. APR 13 2 SAM 15, 16 PSALM 3 PG 463 - 467 II Samuel 15:3-6 PG 464 And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters [are] good and right; but [there is] no man [deputed] of the king to hear thee. Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice! And it was [so], that when any man came nigh [to him] to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him. And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel. ABSALOM BEGINS HIS POLITICKING TO SUBVERT HIS FATHER. HE WANTS TO BE KING. HIS METHOD IS TO TELL EVERYONE COMING TO THE CAPITOL CITY THAT THE KING HAS NO TIME TO HEAR HIS CASE. HE TELLS THEM THAT THEIR CAUSE IS JUST AND THAT IF HE WERE JUDGE THEY WOULD HAVE RECEIVED A FAVORABLE VERDICT BUT AS LONG AS HIS FATHER IS KING THEY WILL NOT EVEN GET A CHANCE TO BE HEARD. BY THIS TECHNIQUE HE STOLE THE LOYALTY OF THE PEOPLE AWAY FROM HIS FATHER. WHAT WAS DAVID DOING WHILE ALL THIS WAS GOING ON? II Samuel 15:31 PG 466 And [one] told David, saying, Ahithophel [is] among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness. CAN WE SEE THE WISDOM IN HOW DAVID HANDLES HIS ENEMIES? HE ASKS FOR GOD TO INTERVENE. II Samuel 16:7-12 PG 466 And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial: The LORD hath returned upon thee all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose stead thou hast reigned; and the LORD hath delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom thy son: and, behold, thou [art taken] in thy mischief, because thou [art] a bloody man. Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head. And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? so let him curse, because the LORD hath said unto him, Curse David. Who shall then say, Wherefore hast thou done so? And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now [may this] Benjamite [do it]? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him. It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day. THINK WHAT IT WOULD BE LIKE IF WE COULD CONDUCT OURSELVES AS DAVID DOES HERE. WHAT DO I DO WHEN SOMEONE CURSES AND INSULTS ME? DO I LET GOD TAKE CARE OF IT OR DO I TAKE OFF THE PERSON'S HEAD. DAVID'S WAY IS THE RIGHT WAY. MY WAY IS THE WRONG WAY. Psalms 3:1-8 PG 467 LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many [are] they that rise up against me. Many [there be] which say of my soul, [There is] no help for him in God. Selah. But thou, O LORD, [art] a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah. I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set [themselves] against me round about. Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies [upon] the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly. Salvation [belongeth] unto the LORD: thy blessing [is] upon thy people. Selah. THIS IS A GREAT PSALM AND IS WORTH MEMORIZING. IT IS PROBABLY MUCH EASIER TO MEMORIZE IN THE KING JAMES VERSION. GOD IS OUR SHIELD, OUR GLORY AND THE LIFTER OF OUR HEADS. WE HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR IF GOD IS FOR US. APR 14 II SAMUEL 16 - 18 PG 467 - 471 II Samuel 16:21-22 PR 467 And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father's concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father: then shall the hands of all that [are] with thee be strong. So they spread Absalom a tent upon the top of the house; and Absalom went in unto his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel. WE SEE THAT THE PROPHESY GIVEN BY NATHAN TO DAVID WHEN HE WAS CONFRONTED WITH HIS SIN OF ADULTERY AND MURDER IS FULFILLED HERE. WE ALSO SEE THAT GOD ANSWERS DAVID'S PRAYER THAT AHITHOPHEL'S COUNCIL TO ABSALOM BE TURNED TO FOOLISHNESS. II Samuel 17:7-10 PG 468 And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given [is] not good at this time. For, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father and his men, that they [be] mighty men, and they [be] chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and thy father [is] a man of war, and will not lodge with the people. Behold, he is hid now in some pit, or in some [other] place: and it will come to pass, when some of them be overthrown at the first, that whosoever heareth it will say, There is a slaughter among the people that follow Absalom. And he also [that is] valiant, whose heart [is] as the heart of a lion, shall utterly melt: for all Israel knoweth that thy father [is] a mighty man, and [they] which [be] with him [are] valiant men. HUSHAI GIVES GOOD COUNCIL. HE COULD NOT HELP BUT GIVE WISER COUNCIL THAN THE FOOLISHNESS THAT AHITOPHEL WAS GIVING. II Samuel 17:14 PG 468 And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the Archite [is] better than the counsel of Ahithophel. For the LORD had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil upon Absalom. THE LORD IS IN CONTROL NO MATTER HOW IT MAY SEEM. II Samuel 17:23 PG 469 And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled [his] ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father. AHITHOPHEL THE TRAITOR COMMITS SUICIDE WHEN HIS FOOLISH COUNCIL IS NOT FOLLOWED. II Samuel 18:3-4 PG 469 But the people answered, Thou shalt not go forth: for if we flee away, they will not care for us; neither if half of us die, will they care for us: but now [thou art] worth ten thousand of us: therefore now [it is] better that thou succour us out of the city. And the king said unto them, What seemeth you best I will do. And the king stood by the gate side, and all the people came out by hundreds and by thousands. DAVID'S MEN WERE LOYAL, COURAGEOUS, AND BRILLIANT MILITARY STRATEGISTS. DAVID AGREES TO STAY OFF THE FRONT LINES AS MORE TO PROTECT HIS MEN THAN TO PROTECT HIMSELF. ALL ISRAEL STILL FEARED THE MILITARY REPUTATION OF DAVID. AND DAVID WAS THE TARGET NOT HIS MEN. II Samuel 18:8-11 PG 469 - 470 For the battle was there scattered over the face of all the country: and the wood devoured more people that day than the sword devoured. And Absalom met the servants of David. And Absalom rode upon a mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the heaven and the earth; and the mule that [was] under him went away. And a certain man saw [it], and told Joab, and said, Behold, I saw Absalom hanged in an oak. And Joab said unto the man that told him, And, behold, thou sawest [him], and why didst thou not smite him there to the ground? And I would have given thee ten [shekels] of silver, and a girdle. II Samuel 18:14-15 PG 470 Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus with thee. And he took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while he [was] yet alive in the midst of the oak. And ten young men that bare Joab's armour compassed about and smote Absalom, and slew him. GOD HANGS ABSALOM BY HIS PRETTY HAIR AND JOAB FINISHES HIM OFF. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF WHAT JOAB DID? II Samuel 18:29 PG 471 And the king said, Is the young man Absalom safe? And Ahimaaz answered, When Joab sent the king's servant, and [me] thy servant, I saw a great tumult, but I knew not what [it was]. DAVID WAS SO CONCERNED ABOUT ABSALOM BECAUSE HE KNEW ABSALOM WAS IN GREAT SIN AND DAVID WAS FEARFUL THAT HIS SON WOULD DIE IN HIS SIN. II Samuel 18:33 PG 471 And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son! DAVID WOULD MUCH RATHER HAVE DIED THAN ABSALOM. DAVID KNEW HE WOULD BE GATHERED WITH ABRAHAM AND THE OTHER SAINTS WHEN HE DIED AND HE ALSO KNEW THAT ABSALOM WOULD BE GOING TO HELL IF HE WERE TO DIE IN HIS SINS WITHOUT REPENTANCE. II Samuel 19:1-4 PG 471 And it was told Joab, Behold, the king weepeth and mourneth for Absalom. And the victory that day was [turned] into mourning unto all the people: for the people heard say that day how the king was grieved for his son. And the people gat them by stealth that day into the city, as people being ashamed steal away when they flee in battle. But the king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son! DAVID'S GRIEF OVER ABSALOM'S DEATH WAS REMOVING ANY POSSIBLE JOY OF VICTORY. JOAB KNOWS HE HAS GOT TO GET HIS KING STRAIGHTENED OUT OR ELSE THERE WILL BE ANOTHER REBELLION. APR 15 II SAMUEL 19 - 20 PG 471 - 475 II Samuel 19:5-7 pg 471 And Joab came into the house to the king, and said, Thou hast shamed this day the faces of all thy servants, which this day have saved thy life, and the lives of thy sons and of thy daughters, and the lives of thy wives, and the lives of thy concubines; In that thou lovest thine enemies, and hatest thy friends. For thou hast declared this day, that thou regardest neither princes nor servants: for this day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this day, then it had pleased thee well. Now therefore arise, go forth, and speak comfortably unto thy servants: for I swear by the LORD, if thou go not forth, there will not tarry one with thee this night: and that will be worse unto thee than all the evil that befell thee from thy youth until now. JOAB SETS THE KING STRAIGHT. SOMETIMES WE NEED LOYAL LOVING FRIENDS TO TELL US THE KIND OF TRUTH THAT HURTS. WITH THE BLUNTNESS OF A GENERAL HE LETS DAVID KNOW THAT HE MUST STOP GRIEVING FOR ABSALOM AND BE THE VICTORIOUS KING AND CELEBRATE WITH THE TROOPS. IF DAVID HAD NOT TAKEN JOAB'S ADVICE IT WAS LIKELY THAT ANOTHER REBELLION WITH MORE BLOODSHED WOULD HAVE STARTED. II Samuel 19:21-23 PG 472 But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered and said, Shall not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD'S anointed? And David said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah, that ye should this day be adversaries unto me? shall there any man be put to death this day in Israel? for do not I know that I [am] this day king over Israel? Therefore the king said unto Shimei, Thou shalt not die. And the king sware unto him. IS THERE ANY OTHER KING BESIDES DAVID WHO WOULD NOT HAVE EXECUTED SHIMEI? WE NEED THIS TYPE OF MERCIFUL ATTITUDE TOWARD OUR ENEMIES. II Samuel 19:26 - 30 PG 472 And he answered, My lord, O king, my servant deceived me: for thy servant said, I will saddle me an ass, that I may ride thereon, and go to the king; because thy servant [is] lame. And he hath slandered thy servant unto my lord the king; but my lord the king [is] as an angel of God: do therefore [what is] good in thine eyes. For all [of] my father's house were but dead men before my lord the king: yet didst thou set thy servant among them that did eat at thine own table. What right therefore have I yet to cry any more unto the king? And the king said unto him, Why speakest thou any more of thy matters? I have said, Thou and Ziba divide the land. And Mephibosheth said unto the king, Yea, let him take all, forasmuch as my lord the king is come again in peace unto his own house. DAVID CONTINUES TO TAKE CARE OF MEPHIBOSHETH. DAVID IS A PEACEMAKER. DAVID PROBABLY MARKED ZIBA'S UNFAITHFULNESS TO MEPHIBOSHETH, BUT HE TAKES A PEACEFUL PATH WITHOUT BLOODSHED. II Samuel 20:3 PG 473 And David came to his house at Jerusalem; and the king took the ten women [his] concubines, whom he had left to keep the house, and put them in ward, and fed them, but went not in unto them. So they were shut up unto the day of their death, living in widowhood. ABSALOM HAD PUBLICLY DEFILED THESE WOMEN. DAVID MADE PROVISION FOR THEIR CARE. II Samuel 20:22-23 PG 474 - 475 Then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and cast [it] out to Joab. And he blew a trumpet, and they retired from the city, every man to his tent. And Joab returned to Jerusalem unto the king. Now Joab [was] over all the host of Israel: and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada [was] over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites: WE NEED MORE WISE WOMEN TO HELP STOP THE BLOODSHED IN THIS WORLD. JOAB GETS THE JOB DONE WITH THE LEAST AMOUNT OF BLOODSHED. DO YOU HAVE ANY THOUGHTS TO SHARE ABOUT THIS WISE WOMAN OR GENERAL JOAB? APR 16 2 SAMUEL 21 1 CHRON 22 PSALM 30 PG 475 - 480 II Samuel 21:1 PG 475 Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David inquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, [It is] for Saul, and for [his] bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites. GOD EXPECTS HIS PEOPLE'S PROMISES TO BE KEPT. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THIS? II Samuel 24:1-4 PG 476 And again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah. For the king said to Joab the captain of the host, which [was] with him, Go now through all the tribes of Israel, from Dan even to Beer-sheba, and number ye the people, that I may know the number of the people. And Joab said unto the king, Now the LORD thy God add unto the people, how many soever they be, an hundredfold, and that the eyes of my lord the king may see [it]: but why doth my lord the king delight in this thing? Notwithstanding the king's word prevailed against Joab, and against the captains of the host. And Joab and the captains of the host went out from the presence of the king, to number the people of Israel. HOW ABOUT GENERAL JOAB? WHY DID DAVID DO THIS AND WHY WAS IT SO SINFUL? II Samuel 24:10 PG 477 And David's heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And David said unto the LORD, I have sinned greatly in that I have done: and now, I beseech thee, O LORD, take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly. DAVID WAS A MAN AFTER GOD'S OWN HEART. WE HAVE SEEN HIS FAITH. WE HAVE SEEN HIS COURAGE. WE HAVE SEEN HOW HIS PRIMARY MOTIVATION WAS GOD'S GLORY. WHAT IS REALLY MOST IMPORTANT ABOUT DAVID'S CHARACTER THAT MAKES HIM SINGLED OUT AS THE MAN AFTER GOD'S OWN HEART? (INSTANT REPENTANCE DID NOT COVER HIS SIN). II Samuel 24:13-17 PG 477 So Gad came to David, and told him, and said unto him, Shall seven years of famine come unto thee in thy land? or wilt thou flee three months before thine enemies, while they pursue thee? or that there be three days' pestilence in thy land? now advise, and see what answer I shall return to him that sent me. And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let us fall now into the hand of the LORD; for his mercies [are] great: and let me not fall into the hand of man. So the LORD sent a pestilence upon Israel from the morning even to the time appointed: and there died of the people from Dan even to Beer-sheba seventy thousand men. And when the angel stretched out his hand upon Jerusalem to destroy it, the LORD repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed the people, It is enough: stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD was by the threshingplace of Araunah the Jebusite. And David spake unto the LORD when he saw the angel that smote the people, and said, Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly: but these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father's house. DAVID REALLY KNEW GOD. "LET US FALL NOW INTO THE HANDS OF THE LORD FOR HIS MERCIES ARE GREAT" I Chronicles 22:5 PG 478 And David said, Solomon my son [is] young and tender, and the house [that is] to be builded for the LORD [must be] exceeding magnifical, of fame and of glory throughout all countries: I will [therefore] now make preparation for it. So David prepared abundantly before his death. DAVID WANTED TO BUILD THE MOST MAGNIFICENT STRUCTURE EVER BUILT BY MAN FOR HIS GOD. HE WAS NOT PERMITTED BECAUSE OF ALL THE BLOOD WHICH HE HAD SHED. HE ABUNDANTLY PREPARED FOR HIS SON TO DO IT. I Chronicles 22:7-14 PG 478 - 479 And David said to Solomon, My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God: But the word of the LORD came to me, saying, Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou \halt not build an house unto my name, because thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in my sight. Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days. He shall build an house for my name; and he shall be my son, and I [will be] his father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel for ever. Now, my son, the LORD be with thee; and prosper thou, and build the house of the LORD thy God, as he hath said of thee. Only the LORD give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the LORD thy God. Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed. Now, behold, in my trouble I have prepared for the house of the LORD an hundred thousand talents of gold, and a thousand thousand talents of silver; and of brass and iron without weight; for it is in abundance: timber also and stone have I prepared; and thou mayest add thereto. VERSE 12 "ONLY THE LORD GIVE THEE WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING... WHEN GOD TOLD SOLOMON HE COULD ASK FOR ANYTHING - HIS FATHER DAVID HAD ALREADY TOLD HIM WHAT WAS THE MOST PRECIOUS THING TO ASK OF GOD. WISDOM - GOD'S WISDOM. DOESN'T IT MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD TO KNOW THAT IS WHAT WE ARE ABOUT WHEN WE ARE STUDYING GOD'S WORD. Psalms 30:4-5 Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. For his anger [endureth but] a moment; in his favour [is] life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy [cometh] in the morning. HIS ANGER LASTS JUST A MOMENT - WEEPING MAY ENDURE FOR A NIGHT BUT JOY COMETH IN THE MORNING Psalms 30:8-12 PG I cried to thee, O LORD; and unto the LORD I made supplication. What profit [is there] in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth? Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me: LORD, be thou my helper. Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; To the end that [my] glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever. I WILL GIVE THANKS TO THEE FOREVER. APR 17 1 CHRON 23, 24, 25, & 26 PG 480 - 485 DAVID HOLDS A NATIONAL CONVENTION AND ORGANIZES ALL THE LEADERS TO MAKE AN ORDERLY TRANSFER OF POWER FROM HIM TO HIS SON SOLOMON AND TO BE CERTAIN THAT THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TEMPLE WILL BE DONE IN HIS SON'S REIGN. APR 18 1 CHRON 26, 27, 28, & 29 PG 485 - 490 I Chronicles 27:32 PG 487 Also Jonathan David's uncle was a counsellor, a wise man, and a scribe: and Jehiel the son of Hachmoni [was] with the king's sons: NOTHING WRONG WITH NEPOTISM WHEN THE RELATIVE HAS QUALIFICATIONS. DAVID'S UNCLE WAS A WISE MAN AND A SCRIBE. PERHAPS DAVID'S UNCLE JONATHAN WROTE DOWN SOME OF THE PSALMS THAT DAVID WOULD COMPOSE AND SING. I Chronicles 27:33 PG 488 And Ahithophel [was] the king's counsellor: and Hushai the Archite [was] the king's companion: AHITHOPHEL WAS THE KINGS ADVISOR BUT HUSHAI WAS THE KING'S FRIEND. WHEN ABSALOM REVOLTED AHITHOPHEL JOINED THE REVOLT TO KEEP HIS BIG JOB COUNSELOR JOB. GOD TURNED AHITHOPHEL'S COUNCIL TO FOOLISHNESS. HUSHAI REMAINED LOYAL TO DAVID AND DAVID HAD TO ORDER HUSHAI TO STAY WITH ABSALOM. I Chronicles 27:34 And after Ahithophel [was] Jehoiada the son of Benaiah, and Abiathar: and the general of the king's army [was] Joab. JOAB WAS THE GENERAL. I THINK JOAB IS FANTASTIC. I CAN REALLY RELATE TO JOAB. CAN YOU HELP ME WITH MY BLIND SPOTS REGARDING JOAB? MAYBE YOU HAVE RECOGNIZED IMPERFECTIONS IN JOAB THAT I WOULD EXCUSE OR RATIONALIZE. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF JOAB? APR 19 PSALM 5, 6, 10, & 11 PG 490 - 495 Psalms 5:1-3 PG 491 Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation. Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray. My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct [my prayer] unto thee, and will look up. THE MORNING IS A GREAT TIME TO PRAY. TO BEGIN A DAY THINKING OF THINGS FOR WHICH TO THANK HIM AND TO ASK HIS BLESSING AND DIRECTIONS FOR THE DAY WHICH IS BEFORE YOU. THIS HAS BEEN PUT INTO SONG IN A POPULAR CHRISTIAN MUSIC ALBUM. Psalms 5:6 PG 492 Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man. GOD ABHORS DECEITFUL MEN. Psalms 5:11 PG 492 But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. THERE IS NO OTHER GOOD PLACE TO PUT YOUR TRUST. THERE IS NO DEFENSE LIKE WHEN GOD DEFENDS YOU. Psalms 6:1 PG 492 O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure. NOTHING COULD BE MORE FEARFUL THAN THE WRATH OF GOD. Psalms 6:2 PG 492 Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I [am] weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed. I NEED TO BE MORE AWARE OF MY WEAKNESS BECAUSE HIS STRENGTH IS MADE PERFECT IN WEAKNESS. Psalms 6:4 PG 492 Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies' sake. WHAT A PROPER AND PROFOUND PRAYER IS CONTAINED IN THIS VERSE. SAVE ME AS A DEMONSTRATION OF YOUR INFINITE MERCY. Psalms 6:6 PG 492 I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears. SOMETIMES WE CAN BE SO OVERWHELMED THAT WE CANNOT SLEEP. ONLY GOD CAN HELP WITH SOME OF LIFE'S PROBLEMS. Psalms 6:9 PG 493 The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer. IT IS FANTASTIC WHEN YOU KNOW THAT GOD HAS HEARD YOUR PRAYER. THE PEACE THAT PASSES UNDERSTANDING. Psalms 10:2 PG 494 The wicked in [his] pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined. PRIDE IS SOMETHING WITH WHICH EVERYONE MUST DEAL. DAVID IS A MAN AFTER GOD'S OWN HEART BECAUSE HE UNDERSTOOD THE HEART OF GOD SO WELL. WE SEE GOD'S PERSPECTIVE OF THE EXCEEDING WICKEDNESS OF THE PROUD OF WHO WOULD PERSECUTE THE POOR. GOD HIMSELF IS THE DEFENDER OF THE POOR. APPROXIMATELY 200 TIMES IN SCRIPTURES WE ARE INSTRUCTED TO HAVE COMPASSION ON THE POOR. WHAT DOES GOD NEED FROM US? THE ANSWER IS NOTHING? IN FACT THE ONLY TANGIBLE WAY OF GIVING SOMETHING TO GOD IS TO GIVE TO THE POOR. LOOK AT Isaiah 58:6-11 [Is] not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? [Is it] not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward. Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I [am]. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; And [if] thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness [be] as the noon day: And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. Psalms 10:3 PG 494 For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, [whom] the LORD abhorreth. GOD ABHORS THE COVETOUS. Psalms 10:4 PG 494 The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek [after God]: God [is] not in all his thoughts. GOD IS NOT IN THE THOUGHTS OF THE WICKED. THE THOUGHTS OF THE WICKED ARE CONSUMED IN SELFISHNESS. Psalms 10:7-10 PG 494 His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue [is] mischief and vanity. He sitteth in the lurking places of the villages: in the secret places doth he murder the innocent: his eyes are privily set against the poor. He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lieth in wait to catch the poor: he doth catch the poor, when he draweth him into his net. He croucheth, [and] humbleth himself, that the poor may fall by his strong ones. He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: he hideth his face; he will never see [it]. ONE WOULD BE HARD PRESSED TO FIND A BETTER DEFINITION OF THE WICKED. GOD DOES SEE. GOD WILL NOT FORGET. PAYBACK IS HELL. Psalms 11:5-7 PG 495 The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth. Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: [this shall be] the portion of their cup. For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright. GOD TESTS THE RIGHTEOUS. GOD HATES THOSE THAT LOVE VIOLENCE. APR 20 PSALM 13, 17, 23, 26, 28, & 31 PG 495 - 500 Psalms 13:5-6 PG 495 But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me. PRAISE GOD FOR HIS MERCY, SALVATION, AND GOODNESS Psalms 17:6-9 PG 496 I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, [and hear] my speech. Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust [in thee] from those that rise up [against them]. Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings, From the wicked that oppress me, [from] my deadly enemies, [who] compass me about. WHAT COULD POSSIBLY BE BETTER THAN TO BE THE APPLE OF GOD'S EYE. Psalms 23 The LORD [is] my shepherd; I shall not want. Psalms 23:2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. Psalms 23:3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Psalms 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalms 23:5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Psalms 23:6 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. PROBABLY MORE PEOPLE HAVE MEMORIZED THIS PSALM THAN ANY OTHER. IT IS SHORT AND CERTAINLY WORTH MEMORIZING. Psalms 28:6-7 Blessed [be] the LORD, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications. The LORD [is] my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH. IF THE LORD TRULY IS YOUR STRENGTH THAN YOU TRULY ARE STRONG. OTHERWISE YOU ONLY THINK YOU ARE STRONG. GOD'S STRENGTH IS MADE PERFECT IN WEAKNESS. Psalms 31:14-20 PG 499 But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou [art] my God. 31:15 My times [are] in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me. 31:16 Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies' sake. 31:17 Let me not be ashamed, O LORD; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed, [and] let them be silent in the grave. 31:18 Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous. 31:19 [Oh] how great [is] thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; [which] thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men! 31:20 Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues. 31:16 - SAVE ME FOR THY MERCY'S SAKE, I AM LIVING PROOF OF THE INFINITE MERCY OF GOD. IF GOD CAN BE MERCIFUL TO ME HE CAN HAVE MERCY ON ANYONE. Psalms 31:23-24 O love the LORD, all ye his saints: [for] the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer. Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD. BE OF GOOD COURAGE ALL YE THAT HOPE IN THE LORD.. APR 21 PSALM 35, 41, 43, 46, 55 PG 500 - 504 Psalms 35:3 PG 500 say unto my soul, I [am] thy salvation. SOMETIMES WE CAN FEEL SO BADLY THAT WE THINK WE HAVE PUSHED BEYOND THE LIMITS OF GOD'S PATIENCE. BUT HIS MERCY ENDURES FOREVER. THERE IS ONLY ONE UNPARDONABLE SIN. GOD IS OUR SALVATION. WE DO NOT SAVE OURSELVES. GOD CAN SPEAK TO OUR SOULS WITH THE INTEGRITY OF HIS WORD THAT HE IS OUR SALVATION NO MATTER WHAT. Psalms 35:4-6 PG 500 Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul: let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt. Let them be as chaff before the wind: and let the angel of the LORD chase [them]. Let their way be dark and slippery: and let the angel of the LORD persecute them. HERE IS SOMETHING THAT IS HARD FOR ME TO UNDERSTAND. DAVID WAS A MAN AFTER GOD'S OWN HEART AND ALWAYS SEEMED SO COMPASSIONATE TOWARD HIS ENEMIES. HE WAS SO GOOD AND LOYAL TO SAUL AND SAUL HOUNDED HIM TO DEATH. DAVID ALWAYS SEEMED SO COMPASSIONATE AND FORGIVING AND YET HE WAS BRUTAL TOWARD HIS ENEMIES IN MANY OF THE PSALMS. MAYBE THIS IS THE KEY THAT I HAVE ALWAYS MISSED. DAVID TRUSTED GOD TO FIGHT HIS ENEMIES AND DID NOT FIGHT THEM DIRECTLY HIMSELF. Psalms 35:10 PG 500 LORD, who [is] like unto thee, which deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoileth him? IT IS NOT SMART TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE POOR. GOD FIGHTS THE BATTLES OF THE POOR. Psalms 35:28 PG 501 And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness [and] of thy praise all the day long. IT FEELS GOOD TO PRAISE THE LORD. YOU JUST CAN'T STAY DEPRESSED IF YOU PRAISE THE LORD LONG ENOUGH. GOD INHABITS THE PRAISES OF HIS PEOPLE. IF YOU EVER GET DOWN - PRAISE THE LORD. Psalms 41:1 PG 501 Blessed [is] he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble. IF YOU ARE KIND TO THE POOR - YOU MAY EXPECT HELP FROM THE LORD WITH YOUR TROUBLES. Psalms 41:7 PG 502 All that hate me whisper together against me: against me do they devise my hurt. An evil disease, [say they], cleaveth fast unto him: and [now] that he lieth he shall rise up no more. Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up [his] heel against me. IF YOU ARE A CHRISTIAN YOU NEED TO EXPECT THAT THE PEOPLE IN THE WORLD ARE GOING TO BE TAKING SHOTS AT YOU ALL THE TIME. WHAT REALLY HURTS THOUGH IS WHEN YOUR CLOSEST FRIENDS RIP YOU. WHAT HURTS THE VERY WORST OF ALL IS WHEN YOUR CHILD TURNS AGAINST YOU AS ABSALOM TURNED AGAINST DAVID. ONLY GOD CAN GIVE COMFORT FOR THAT HURT. Psalms 43:2-3 PG 502 For thou [art] the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles. EVEN DAVID SOMETIMES FELT LIKE GOD HAD REJECTED HIM. IF DAVID FELT REJECTED BY GOD AT TIMES IT IS NATURAL TO EXPECT THAT WE WILL HAVE DAYS LIKE THAT TOO. WHAT DO YOU DO ABOUT IT? GET GOD'S LIGHT AND GOD'S TRUTH. THAT MEANS GO TO YOUR BIBLE. THE TRUTH IS THAT GOD LOVES YOU - IT IS A LIE OF THE DEVIL THAT YOU ARE REJECTED BY GOD. Psalms 46:1 PG 503 God [is] our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. FROM MANY BAD EXPERIENCES I CONTINUE TO LEARN HOW STUPID IT IS TO FIGHT MY OWN BATTLES. I LOOSE ALMOST ALL OF THEM. IT IS MUCH SMARTER TO LET GOD BE YOUR REFUGE AND STRENGTH. WILL I EVER LEARN? Psalms 46:7 PG 503 The LORD of hosts [is] with us; the God of Jacob [is] our refuge. Selah. PROTECTION DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER THAN GOD'S PROTECTION - SELAH = THINK ABOUT IT. Psalms 46:10-11 PG 503 Be still, and know that I [am] God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD of hosts [is] with us; the God of Jacob [is] our refuge. Selah. TO REALLY KNOW THAT HE IS GOD WE NEED TO FIND QUIET. SOMETIMES IT IS HARD TO FIND THE TIME AND PLACE TO BE STILL AND KNOW THAT HE IS GOD. BUT GOD'S PEACE AND GOD'S PROTECTION ARE BEST FOUND WHEN YOU CAN GET QUIET? Psalms 55:22 PG 504 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. I HOPE YOU NEVER FIND IT AS DIFFICULT AS I DO TO CAST YOUR BURDENS UPON THE LORD. IT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO. TRUSTING HIM IS THE RIGHT SMART WAY. APR 22 PSALM 61, 62, 64, 69 PG 505 - 508 Psalms 61:2-4 PG 505 From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock [that] is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, [and] a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah. WHERE ELSE WILL YOU GO WHEN YOU ARE OVERWHELMED? TO BE SURE WE ALL WILL BE OVERWHELMED FROM TIME TO TIME. TO THINK OF ABIDING IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD FOR ETERNITY IS GREAT COMFORT. Psalms 62:1-2 PG 505 Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him [cometh] my salvation. He only [is] my rock and my salvation; [he is] my defence; I shall not be greatly moved. Psalms 62:6-8 PG 505 He only [is] my rock and my salvation: [he is] my defence; I shall not be moved. In God [is] my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, [and] my refuge, [is] in God. Trust in him at all times; [ye] people, pour out your heart before him: God [is] a refuge for us. Selah. ONLY GOD CAN OFFER US SALVATION AND A SOLID ANCHOR IN THE STORMS OF LIFE. ONLY GOD IS WORTHY OF OUR TRUST AT ALL TIMES. TRUSTING ANYTHING OR ANYBODY ELSE WILL BRING DISAPPOINTMENT AT SOMETIME. IT IS SO MUCH BETTER TO POUR YOUR HEART OUT TO GOD THAN EVEN YOUR BEST FRIEND. SELAH = THINK ABOUT IT. Psalms 62:10-12 Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart [upon them]. God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power [belongeth] unto God. Also unto thee, O Lord, [belongeth] mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work. GOD HAS THE POWER. SOMETIMES MEN THINK THEY HAVE POWER. THAT IS A LIE. GOD HAS THE POWER - ALL POWER. PRAISE GOD THAT HE HAS INFINITE MERCY TO GO WITH HIS AWESOME INFINITE POWER. Psalms 64:9-10 PG 506 And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of his doing. The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory. THE RIGHTEOUS MAKE THEIR BOASTS IN THE LORD. RIGHTEOUSNESS IS THE RESULT OF TRUSTING HIM. Psalms 69:6-9 PG 507 Let not them that wait on thee, O Lord GOD of hosts, be ashamed for my sake: let not those that seek thee be confounded for my sake, O God of Israel. Because for thy sake I have borne reproach; shame hath covered my face. I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother's children. For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me. WE NEED TO BE CONCERNED THAT OUR ACTIONS DO NOT BRING SHAME ON THE FAMILY OF GOD. IT IS DIFFICULT TO LIVE BEYOND REPROACH. UNJUST REPROACH IS PART OF THE LIFE OF THE CHRISTIAN. IT HURTS MOST WHEN THE REPROACH COMES FROM ONE'S FAMILY. WHEN YOU TRY TO WALK GODLY IN AN UNGODLY WORLD YOU HAVE TO EXPECT REPROACH. BY AND BY OUR SKINS WILL BE TOUGHENED AS OUR HEARTS ARE SOFTENED. Psalms 69:21 They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink. PROPHESY FULFILLED BY CHRIST ON CALVARY. APR 23 PSALM 70, 71, 77, 83, 86 PG 509 - 513 Psalms 70:4 PG 509 Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified. DID YOU EVER HEAR PECULIAR PEOPLE GOING AROUND SPONTANEOUSLY SAYING "PRAISE THE LORD", OR "THANK YOU JESUS", ALL DAY LONG? THE JOY OF THE LORD IS OUR STRENGTH. Psalms 71:3-4 PG 509 Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou [art] my rock and my fortress. Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man. WE CAN LIVE IN THE CONTINUAL PRESENCE AND PROTECTION OF GOD. HOW? PRAISE! GOD INHABITS THE PRAISES OF HIS PEOPLE. WE MAY HAVE THE PRESENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS ALWAYS A PERFECT GENTLEMAN. THE SPIRIT OF THE PROPHET IS SUBJECT TO THE PROPHET. HE WILL NEVER FORCE YOU TO DO ANYTHING THAT YOU DON'T WANT TO DO. YET WHO KNOWS BEST WHAT TO DO? SURELY GOD. THERE ARE 2 KEYS. THE FIRST IS BROKENNESS OR YIELDEDNESS OR SUBMISSIVENESS. THE OTHER IS PRAISE. THE FULLNESS OF THE SPIRIT IS IN PROPORTION TO OUR YIELDEDNESS. AND WE ALL LEAK A LOT. Psalms 71:9-10 PG 509 Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth. For mine enemies speak against me; and they that lay wait for my soul take counsel together, AS WE GROW OLDER HOPEFULLY WE WILL GROW WISER. IF WE GROW WISER WE SEE THAT OUR NEED FOR GOD GROWS. IF WE DON'T FIGURE THIS OUT WHEN WE ARE YOUNG AND STRONG IT WILL PROBABLY OCCUR TO US WHEN OUR STRENGTH FAILS IN OLD AGE. THE YOUNGER WE ARE WHEN WE FIGURE THIS OUT THE BETTER OUR LIFE WILL BE. Psalms 71:14-17 PG 509 But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more. My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness [and] thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers [thereof]. I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, [even] of thine only. O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. INTEGRITY IS A MUST FOR EVERYONE IN EVERYTHING. SELF RIGHTEOUSNESS STINKS. GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS IS WONDERFUL. Psalms 71:19-21 PG 510 Thy righteousness also, O God, [is] very high, who hast done great things: O God, who [is] like unto thee! [Thou], which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth. Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side. CLEAR TEACHING OF THE RESURRECTION AND ETERNAL LIFE. Psalms 77:11-15 PG 511 I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings. Thy way, O God, [is] in the sanctuary: who [is so] great a God as [our] God? Thou [art] the God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people. Thou hast with [thine] arm redeemed thy people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah. GOD HAS REVEALED HIS ALMIGHTY POWER BY HOW HE DELIVERED HIS CHOSEN PEOPLE ISRAEL. IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THIS. THERE DOES EXIST THE POSSIBILITY THAT THE RAPTURE OCCURS AT THE END OF THE TRIBULATION. THE KNOWLEDGE OF HOW GOD DELIVERED ISRAEL IN THE MIDDLE OF TRIBULATION FROM PHARAOH WILL HELP THE CHURCH DURING TRIBULATION FROM ANTICHRIST. Psalms 86:8-12 PG 512 Among the gods [there is] none like unto thee, O Lord; neither [are there any works] like unto thy works. All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name. For thou [art] great, and doest wondrous things: thou [art] God alone. Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name. I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore. THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS TO LEARN GOD'S WAY. IT IS A WAY OF LOVE AND TRUTH. GOD'S WAY OF LOVE IS SO DIFFERENT FROM THE NATURAL WAY OF REACTING. MAY I ASK YOU TO PRAY THAT GOD WILL HELP ME BE MORE GODLY IN MY WAYS OF LOVING OTHERS? APR 24 PSALM 88, 91, 95, 108, 109 PG 513 - 517 Psalms 88:9-12 PG 513 Mine eye mourneth by reason of affliction: LORD, I have called daily upon thee, I have stretched out my hands unto thee. Wilt thou shew wonders to the dead? shall the dead arise [and] praise thee? Selah. Shall thy lovingkindness be declared in the grave? [or] thy faithfulness in destruction? Shall thy wonders be known in the dark? and thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness? ALL DAVID HAD TO WORK WITH WAS ONLY THE FIRST 5 BOOKS OF THE BIBLE OR THE LAW GIVEN TO MOSES. HE KNEW THERE HAD TO BE A RESURRECTION. Psalms 91 PG 514 1:He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2:I will say of the LORD, [He is] my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. 3:Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, [and] from the noisome pestilence. 4:He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth [shall be thy] shield and buckler. 5:Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; [nor] for the arrow [that] flieth by day; 6:[Nor] for the pestilence [that] walketh in darkness; [nor] for the destruction [that] wasteth at noonday. 7:A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; [but] it shall not come nigh thee. 8:Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. 9:Because thou hast made the LORD, [which is] my refuge, [even] the most High, thy habitation; 10:There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. 11:For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. 12:They shall bear thee up in [their] hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. 13:Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. 14:Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. 15:He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I [will be] with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. 16:With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. WHERE ELSE WILL YOU PUT YOUR TRUST? PUT YOUR TRUST ANYWHERE ELSE AND SOONER OR LATER YOU WILL BE DISAPPOINTED. THIS WHOLE PSALM IS FANTASTIC. IT MAY BE LONG BUT IT SURE WOULD BE WORTH MEMORIZING. HOW ABOUT VERSE 7 - A THOUSAND MAY FALL AT YOUR SIDE AND TEN THOUSAND MAY FALL AT YOUR RIGHT HAND BUT IT WILL NOT COME NEAR YOU. Psalms 95:6-9 PG 515 O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. For he [is] our God; and we [are] the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, [and] as [in] the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work. IT IS SO IMPORTANT NOT TO LET YOUR HEART GET HARDENED. I WOULD LIKE TO ASK YOU TO PRAY FOR ME IN THIS REGARD - THAT GOD WOULD SOFTEN MY HEART. IT IS SO EASY FOR ME TO BE HARDENED. Psalms 108:4-5 PG 515 For thy mercy [is] great above the heavens: and thy truth [reacheth] unto the clouds. Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: and thy glory above all the earth; INFINITE MERCY AND ABSOLUTE TRUTH WHAT A WONDERFUL GLORIOUS GOD WE SERVE IN JESUS CHRIST. Psalms 109:4-5 PG 516 For my love they are my adversaries: but I [give myself unto] prayer. And they have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my love. IT HURTS SO BAD WHEN THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE RETURN EVIL FOR GOOD AND HATRED FOR YOUR LOVE. Psalms 109:17 As he loved cursing, so let it come unto him: as he delighted not in blessing, so let it be far from him. IF YOU WANT TO BE BLESSED FIGURE OUT HOW TO BE A BLESSING TO OTHERS. CURSING IS WHAT THE PEOPLE IN THE OCCULT ARE GOOD AT. Psalms 109:26-28 PG 517 Help me, O LORD my God: O save me according to thy mercy: That they may know that this [is] thy hand; [that] thou, LORD, hast done it. Let them curse, but bless thou: when they arise, let them be ashamed; but let thy servant rejoice. WE DO NOT NEED TO FEAR ANY CURSES OF MEN. WE TRUST IN GOD AND FEAR ONLY HIM. APR 25 PSALM 120, 121, 140, 143, 144 PG 517 - 520 Psalms 120:6-7 PG 518 My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace. I [am for] peace: but when I speak, they [are] for war. JESUS SAID BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS FOR THEY SHALL BE CALLED THE CHILDREN OF GOD. Matthew 5:9 Psalms 121:1-2 PG 518 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help [cometh] from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. IF GOD BE FOR YOU WHO CAN BE AGAINST YOU. Psalms 121:7-8 PG 518 The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore. GOD IS ABLE AND WILL TAKE CARE OF HIS PEOPLE. Psalms 140:6-8 PG 518 I said unto the LORD, Thou [art] my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD. O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle. Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; [lest] they exalt themselves. Selah. SELAH = THINK ABOUT IT. WHAT IS THE STRENGTH OF MY SALVATION? IS IT THAT I DO MORE GOOD THINGS THAN BAD THINGS? THE STRENGTH OF OUR SALVATION CAN ONLY BE GOD. ONLY THE BLOOD OF JESUS MAKES MY SALVATION POSSIBLE. JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY(John 14:6). THERE IS NO OTHER NAME UNDER HEAVEN BY WHICH WE MAY BE SAVED.(John 20:31, Acts 2:21, Acts 2:38, Acts 4:12) Psalms 140:12-13 PG 519 I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, [and] the right of the poor. Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence. GOD TAKES CARE OF THE POOR. THE ONLY TANGIBLE THING WE CAN EVER DO FOR GOD IS TO CARE FOR THE POOR AND AFFLICTED. Psalms 143:1-2 PG 519 Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, [and] in thy righteousness. And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified. WE ARE ALL IN THE SAME LEAKY BOAT. NO MAN LIVING IS JUSTIFIED UNLESS THE PRICE WHICH JESUS PAID AT CALVARY IS APPLIED TO THEIR ACCOUNT. THAT IS THE ONLY WAY ANYONE CAN BE JUSTIFIED IN GOD'S SIGHT. Psalms 143:5-6 PG 519 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands. I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul [thirsteth] after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah. I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR GOD'S LOVINGKINDNESS IN THE MORNING OR ANY OTHER TIME. HOW DO YOU GET TO HEAR IT? Psalms 143:8-9 PG 519 Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee. Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me. IT IS GOOD TO THINK ON THE WONDERFUL THINGS WHICH GOD HAS DONE. HOW DOES ONE SPREAD OUT THEIR HANDS TO GOD? Psalms 144:3-4 PG 519 LORD, what [is] man, that thou takest knowledge of him! [or] the son of man, that thou makest account of him! Man is like to vanity: his days [are] as a shadow that passeth away. DO YOU EVER WONDER WHY IT IS THAT GOD CARES SO MUCH FOR US? Psalms 144:15 Happy [is that] people, that is in such a case: [yea], happy [is that] people, whose God [is] the LORD. THE JOY OF THE LORD IS OUR STRENGTH. IF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST IS YOUR GOD YOU WILL BE HAPPY AND BLESSED. APR 26 PSALM 1, 14, 15, 36, 37, 394 PG 521 - 526 Psalms 1 PG 521 Blessed [is] the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight [is] in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly [are] not so: but [are] like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. THIS IS ANOTHER OT THE SHORT PSALMS WHICH IS PACKED WITH GOD'S PRINCIPLES AND IS WORTH MEMORIZING FOR MEDITATION LIKE PSALM 23. Psalm 14:1 PG 521 The fool hath said in his heart, [There is] no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, [there is] none that doeth good. THE FOOL SAYS IN HIS HEART THERE IS NO GOD. Psalms 14:2-3 PG 521 The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, [and] seek God. They are all gone aside, they are [all] together become filthy: [there is] none that doeth good, no, not one. THERE IS NOT A RIGHTEOUS PERSON. Psalms 15:1-5 PG 522 LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. [He that] backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour. In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. [He that] sweareth to [his own] hurt, and changeth not. [He that] putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these [things] shall never be moved. CHARACTER TRAITS OF THE RIGHTEOUS. Psalms 36:1-4 PG 523 The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, [that there is] no fear of God before his eyes. For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful. The words of his mouth [are] iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, [and] to do good. He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way [that is] not good; he abhorreth not evil. THE DEPRAVITY OF THE WICKED Psalms 36:10-12 PG 523 O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart. Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me. There are the workers of iniquity fallen: they are cast down, and shall not be able to rise. GOD WILL RAISE UP THE RIGHTEOUS IF THEY FALL. Psalms 37:3-9 PG 523 Trust in the LORD, and do good; [so] shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring [it] to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth. Psalms 37:16-17 PG 524 A little that a righteous man hath [is] better than the riches of many wicked. For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous. IF YOU ARE RIGHT WITH GOD - EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE OK. YOU DON'T NEED ANYTHING BUT JESUS. Psalms 37:21-22 PG 525 The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth. For [such as be] blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and [they that be] cursed of him shall be cut off. THE RIGHTEOUS SHOWETH MERCY AND GIVETH. Psalms 37:25 I have been young, and [now] am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. GOD TAKES CARE OF HIS PEOPLE. Psalms 37:30-31 PG 524 The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment. The law of his God [is] in his heart; none of his steps shall slide. RIGHTEOUSNESS AND WISDOM GO HAND IN HAND. Psalms 37:37-40 PG 525 Mark the perfect [man], and behold the upright: for the end of [that] man [is] peace. But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off. But the salvation of the righteous [is] of the LORD: [he is] their strength in the time of trouble. And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him. TRY TO ASSOCIATE WITH PEOPLE OF INTEGRITY. SEEK OUT THOSE WHO WILL GIVE YOU THE BAD NEWS FIRST HAND AND THE GOOD NEWS SECONDHAND. Psalms 39:1 PG 525 I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me. SILENCE IS THE BEST THING TO DO IN THE PRESENCE OF THE WICKED. APR 27 PSALM 40, 49, 50, 73, PG 526 - 531 Psalms 40:1-4 PG 526 I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, [and] established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, [even] praise unto our God: many shall see [it], and fear, and shall trust in the LORD. Blessed [is] that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. PATIENTLY WAITING FOR THE LORD IS HARD. VERSE 4 IS A GOOD SHORT RECIPE FOR HAPPINESS - TRUST THE LORD, AVOID PRIDE, AVOID DECEIT. Psalms 40:7-8 PG 526 Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book [it is] written of me, I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law [is] within my heart. WE ALL NEED TO HAVE SOFT HEARTS AND HARD THICK SKIN. FINDING DELIGHT IN DOING GOD'S WILL REGARDLESS OF WHAT PEOPLE THINK OF US AND WHAT WE DO. Psalms 40:11-12 PG 527 Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O LORD: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me. For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me. THE TENDER MERCIES OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN LIFE. WHEN FRIENDS FAIL YOU, WHEN HEALTH FAILS YOU, WHEN WE REALIZE HOW SHORT OF GOD'S GRACE WE HAVE FALLEN - IT IS THE INFINITE MERCY OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS WHICH WILL BRING US THROUGH TO GLORY. PRAISE GOD! Psalms 40:16-17 PG 527 Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified. But I [am] poor and needy; [yet] the Lord thinketh upon me: thou [art] my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God. THESE 2 VERSES MAKE UP A BEAUTIFUL LITTLE PRAYER. Psalms 49:5-10 PG 527 Wherefore should I fear in the days of evil, [when] the iniquity of my heels shall compass me about? They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; None [of them] can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: (For the redemption of their soul [is] precious, and it ceaseth for ever:) That he should still live for ever, [and] not see corruption. For he seeth [that] wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others. HERE IS GREAT WISDOM. THE REDEMPTION OF THE SOUL IS PRECIOUS. YOU CAN NOT ACQUIRE ENOUGH WEALTH TO BUY YOUR WAY OUT OF THE GRAVE. WHAT YOU CANNOT BUY GOD OFFERS AS A FREE GIFT. THE WISDOM OF LIFE THEN IS TO MAKE THAT LIFE A LIFE OF THANKSGIVING TO GOD FOR THE GIFT YOU COULD NEVER EARN. Psalms 49:15-17 PG 527 But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah. Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased; For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him. WE ALL KNOW YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU. SINCE ONLY GOD CAN REDEEM YOUR SOUL FROM THE GRAVE IT MAKES GOOD SENSE TO LIVE FOR HIS GLORY AND TO DO WHAT YOU CAN TO HELP THE POOR AND BE GOD'S INSTRUMENT OF BLESSING IN THIS LIFE. Psalms 50:3-6 PG 528 Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him. He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people. Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice. And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God [is] judge himself. Selah. JESUS IS COMING AGAIN - MAYBE SOON. HE WILL NOT BE COMING THIS TIME AS THE GENTLE LAMB OF GOD BUT AS ALMIGHTY GOD. WILL YOU NOTICE THAT HIS COMING WITH A DEVOURING FIRE AND RAGING TEMPEST EITHER PRECEDES OR IS COINCIDENTAL WITH THE GATHERING OF HIS SAINTS. THERE IS NO INDICATION THAT HIS GATHERING OCCURS 7 OR 3.5 YEARS BEFORE HIS COMING IN GREAT POWER. Psalms 50:14-15 PG 529 Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High: And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. GOD KEEPS HIS PROMISES AND HE EXPECTS US TO KEEP OUR PROMISES. WHEN GOD DELIVERS US WE SHOULD BE CAREFUL TO GIVE HIM THE GLORY. Psalms 73:2-5 PG 529 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. For I was envious at the foolish, [when] I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For [there are] no bands in their death: but their strength [is] firm. They [are] not in trouble [as other] men; neither are they plagued like [other] men. DO NOT ENVY THE WICKED RICH. REMEMBER WHAT JESUS EXPLAINED WHEN HE TOLD ABOUT LAZARUS AND THE RICH MAN. Psalm 73:25-26 PG 530 Whom have I in heaven [but thee]? and [there is] none upon earth [that] I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: [but] God [is] the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. JESUS IS WHAT WE NEED. WE NEED ONLY JESUS. WE NEED MORE OF JESUS. WITHOUT JESUS YOU REALLY HAVE NOTHING. IF YOU HAVE JESUS YOU HAVE ALL YOU NEED. IF YOU HAVE JESUS YOU HAVE EVERYTHING. WITHOUT JESUS YOU REALLY HAVE NOTHING. APR 28 PSALM 76, 82, 84, 90, 92, 112, 115 PG 531 - 536 Psalms 76:7 PG 531 Thou, thou, to be feared: and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry? NO ONE MAY STAND IN THE FACE OF GOD'S ANGER. IT IS GOD AND GOD ALONE WHO IS WORTHY TO BE FEARED. Psalms 84:5 PG 532 Blessed the man whose strength in thee; in whose heart the ways . GOD IS OUR STRENGTH. STRENGTH FOUND ANYWHERE ELSE WILL FAIL AT SOME TIME. Psalms 84:10 PG 532 For a day in thy courts better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. IT IS BETTER TO BE A DOOR KEEPER OR A FISH CLEANER IN HEAVEN THAN TO DWELL WITH THE WICKED IN HELL. JESUS SENT HIS DISCIPLES OUT TO DO THE WORKS THAT HE WAS DOING. THEY RETURNED REJOICING THAT EVEN THE DEMONS WERE SUBJECT TO THEM IN JESUS' NAME. HE TOLD THEM NOT TO REJOICE IN THE POWER OF HIS NAME BUT TO REJOICE THAT THEIR NAMES WERE WRITTEN IN THE LAMB'S BOOK OF LIFE. Psalms 84:11-12 PG 532 For the LORD God a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed the man that trusteth in thee. GOD GIVES LIGHT (DIRECTION) AND PROTECTION. THE LORD GIVES GRACE AND UPLIFTS THE POOR AND HUMBLE. THE LORD DOES NOT HOLD BACK ANY GOOD THING FROM THOSE WHO WALK IN RIGHTEOUSNESS. HAPPINESS IS FOUND IN TRUSTING GOD. THESE ARE GOOD MEMORY VERSES. Psalms 90:4 PG 533 For a thousand years in thy sight as yesterday when it is past, and a watch in the night. GOD IS NOT LIMITED BY TIME AND SPACE 1000 YEARS IS AS A DAY. Psalms 90:10-12 PG 533 The days of our years threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength fourscore years, yet their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, thy wrath. So teach to number our days, that we may apply hearts unto wisdom. WE ARE HERE FOR A VERY SHORT TIME TYPICALLY 70 TO 80 YEARS. BECAUSE WE ARE HERE FOR SUCH A SHORT TIME WE NEED TO APPLY OUR HEARTS TO WISDOM TO GET TO KNOW GOD AND HIS WAYS AS A TOP PRIORITY IN OUR LIVES. THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM. Psalms 90:14 PG 533 O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. JOY COMES EASY WHEN YOU KNOW GOD IS FOR YOU. THE EXPERIENCE OF GOD'S MERCY THROUGH JESUS CHRIST MAKES THE HEART GLAD WHEN THERE IS NO OTHER WAY TO FIND JOY IN OUR CIRCUMSTANCES. EVERYONE HAS A GOD HOLE IN THE PIT OF OUR GUTS. ONLY GOD CAN FILL IT. BOOZE CAN'T. DRUGS CAN'T. WEALTH CAN'T. NOTHING BUT GOD CAN FILL IT. Psalms 92:1-2 PG 533 - 534 good to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: To show forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night, IT IS A GOOD THING TO GIVE THANKS TO GOD IN THE MORNING AND AT NIGHT. GIVE HIM THANKS WHEN YOU WAKE AND WHEN YOU GO TO SLEEP. ANY TIME IS A GOOD TIME TO THANK GOD. IT IS ESPECIALLY GOOD WHEN WAKING AND RETIRING. DEPRESSION AND NEGATIVE THOUGHTS AND BAD ATTITUDES CAN BE DEALT WITH BY PRAISING GOD. Psalms 92:4-6 PG 534 For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands. O LORD, how great are thy works! thy thoughts are very deep. A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this. IT DOESN'T TAKE A ROCKET SCIENTIST TO THINK OF THINGS FOR WHICH TO PRAISE GOD. JUST LOOK AROUND AND LOOK UP. HOW GREAT IS GOD? THINK ABOUT HIM. THINK ABOUT WHAT HE HAS DONE. PRAISE WILL START FLOWING NATURALLY. PRAISING HIM WILL MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD NO MATTER WHAT. PRAISING HIM IS ALWAYS THE RIGHT AND SMART THING TO DO. Psalms 112:4-8 PG 534 -535 Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous. A good man showeth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion. Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance. He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD. His heart established, he shall not be afraid, until he see upon his enemies. THE RIGHTEOUS MAN WHO TRUSTS IN GOD LIVES IN JOY AND WITHOUT FEAR. GOOD THINGS JUST COME TO HIM. Psalms 115:1-3 PG 535 Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, for thy truth's sake. Wherefore should the heathen say, Where now their God? But our God in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased. GIVE GOD THE GLORY. NOT TO US, NOT TO US, BUT TO GOD BE THE GLORY. THE HEATHEN MAY SAY WHERE IS THEIR GOD? WE KNOW OUR GOD IS IN HEAVEN AND IN US BY THE PRESENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IF WE HAVE BEEN BORN AGAIN. AND OUR GOD CAN HANDLE ANYTHING. APR 29 PSALM 8, 9, 16, 19, 21, 24 PG 536 - 540 Psalms 8 A Psalm of David. PG 536 O LORD our Lord, how excellent [is] thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all [things] under his feet: All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, [and whatsoever] passeth through the paths of the seas. O LORD our Lord, how excellent [is] thy name in all the earth! WHEN I CONSIDER THY HEAVENS - WHAT IS MAN THAT YOU CARE SO MUCH ABOUT US? Psalms 9:1-2 PG 537 A Psalm of David I will praise [thee], O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High. PRAISE THE LORD WITH YOUR WHOLE HEART. IT WILL MAKE YOU GLAD AND LIFT YOU ABOVE YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES. Psalms 9:9-10 PG 537 The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. GOD TAKES CARE OF HIS PEOPLE NO MATTER WHAT. Psalms 16:1-2 PG 538 David Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust. [O my soul], thou hast said unto the LORD, Thou [art] my Lord: my goodness [extendeth] not to thee; YOU ARE MY LORD - APART FROM YOU I HAVE NO GOOD THING. Psalms 16:7-8 PG 538 I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons. I have set the LORD always before me: because [he is] at my right hand, I shall not be moved. SET THE LORD ALWAYS BEFORE YOU - DO THINGS HIS WAY AND YOU WILL NEVER BE DEFEATED. Psalms 19:1-2 PG 538 A Psalm of David The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. THE HEAVENS DECLARE THE GLORY OF GOD. IT TAKES MORE FAITH TO BE AN ATHEIST THAN TO BELIEVE IN GOD. GOD IS NOT ANY OF THE IMPERSONAL gODS OF THE NEW AGE. HE ALONE IS GOD. HE REVEALS HIMSELF TO MAN BY HIS CREATION, BY HIS DEALINGS WITH ISRAEL AND MOST CLEARLY IN JESUS CHRIST. IF YOU HAVE JESUS YOU HAVE EVERYTHING. WITHOUT JESUS YOU REALLY HAVE NOTHING WORTHWHILE. Psalms 19:7-14 PG 539 The law of the LORD [is] perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD [is] sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD [are] right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD [is] pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD [is] clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD [are] true [and] righteous altogether. More to be desired [are they] than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: [and] in keeping of them [there is] great reward. Who can understand [his] errors? cleanse thou me from secret [faults]. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous [sins]; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. THE LAW OF GOD IS PERFECT CONVERTING THE SOUL AND BRINGING IT TO ABUNDANT ETERNAL LIFE IN JESUS CHRIST. WHO CAN UNDERSTAND HIS SINS AND BE CLEANSED FROM SECRET FAULTS? JESUS PROVIDES THE ANSWER THROUGH THE CONVICTING POWER OF HIS INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT. THERE IS NO CONDEMNATION FOR THOSE WHO ARE IN CHRIST JESUS BUT THERE IS CONVICTION AND FORGIVENESS AND NEW, ABUNDANT, POWERFUL, ETERNAL LIFE. Psalms 21:9 PG 540 Thou shalt make them as a fiery oven in the time of thine anger: the LORD shall swallow them up in his wrath, and the fire shall devour them. CLEAR DESCRIPTION OF THE RETURN OF JESUS CHRIST. BE READY. DO NOT BE AMONG THE WICKED WHO WILL EXPERIENCE THE WRATH OF GOD AT THE RETURN OF JESUS CHRIST. BE AMONG THOSE WHO LOOK TO HIS RETURN AS THEIR BLESSED HOPE. Psalms 24 PG 540 A Psalm of David & GOSPEL OF JESUS The earth [is] the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods. Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. This [is] the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who [is] this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift [them] up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he [is] the King of glory. Selah. THE LORD MADE EVERYTHING AND THEREFORE HE OWNS EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE. WHO WILL BE ABLE TO STAND IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD? ONLY THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN COVERED BY THE BLOOD WHICH WAS SHED BY JESUS FOR THEM AT CALVARY. THE EXPERIENCE OF JESUS PAYING THE PRICE FOR OUR SINS CREATES THE CLEAN HEART IN US. NOTHING ELSE CAN FREE US FROM OUR VANITY. WE RECEIVE RIGHTEOUSNESS AS A GIFT FROM GOD THROUGH JESUS CHRIST THE GOD OF OUR SALVATION. WILL YOU OPEN THE GATE OF YOUR HEART AND LET THE KING OF GLORY COME IN? THE LORD STRONG AND MIGHTY - WHO GIVES RIGHTEOUSNESS, ABUNDANT, POWERFUL ETERNAL LIFE HERE AND NOW AND FOREVER. JESUS CHRIST THE LORD OF HOSTS - HE IS THE KING OF GLORY. HE WANTS TO ENTER THE GATE OF EVERY HUMAN HEART BUT HE WILL NOT FORCE HIS WAY IN. WE EACH MUST WELCOME HIM IN. APR 30 PSALM 29, 33, 65, 66, 67, 68 PG 540 - 546 Psalms 29:2 PG 540 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. GOD IS DUE ALL GLORY. AS WE WORSHIP THE LORD WE NEED TO BE MINDFUL OF THE POSSIBILITY OF UNCONFESSED SIN IN OUR LIFE. WORSHIPING GOD IN HOLINESS IS BEAUTIFUL. HOLINESS IS AVAILABLE TO US. WE MISS IT IF WE HIDE OUR SINS. ALL WE HAVE TO DO IS AGREE WITH GOD THAT OUR SIN IS WRONG AND THAT WE WANT TO TURN AWAY FROM IT. GOD IS MORE QUICK TO FORGIVE AND FORGET THAN WE ARE TO ASK FORGIVENESS. YOU CANNOT HIDE ANYTHING FROM GOD. YOU CAN HIDE IT FROM YOUR FRIENDS AND EVEN TRY TO HIDE IT FROM YOURSELF BUT YOU CAN'T HIDE IT FROM GOD. Psalms 33:1 PG 541 Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: [for] praise is comely for the upright. IT IS GOOD TO PRAISE THE LORD. GOD INHABITS THE PRAISES OF HIS PEOPLE. II Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord [is], there [is] liberty. Psalms 33:4-5 PG 541 For the word of the LORD [is] right; and all his works [are done] in truth. He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD. TRUTH, RIGHTEOUSNESS, JUDGMENT, GOODNESS ARE OF THE LORD. Psalms 33:12 PG 541 Blessed [is] the nation whose God [is] the LORD; [and] the people [whom] he hath chosen for his own inheritance. AMERICA HAS BEEN BLESSED. THE FOUNDERS OF THE NATION SOUGHT TO ESTABLISH A NATION WHOSE GOD IS THE LORD. IN RECENT YEARS A SPIRIT OF ANTICHRIST HAS MOVED TO PREEMINENCE IN THIS LAND. AMERICA ONCE HAD BEEN DISTINGUISHED AS A GREAT NATION WHOSE GOD IS THE LORD. CHRISTIANS MUST BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS AND RISE UP TO RECLAIM THEIR NATION FOR GOD INSTEAD OF GOING WITH THE MAJORITY WHO AWAIT THE RAPTURE. Psalms 33:18-22 PG 542 Behold, the eye of the LORD [is] upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he [is] our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name. Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee. THE LORD WATCHES OVER AND PROTECTS HIS CHILDREN. THERE IS NO OTHER PLACE TO PUT YOUR TRUST. Psalms 65:7 PG 542 Which stilleth the noise of the seas, the noise of their waves, and the tumult of the people. REMEMBER HOW JESUS DID THIS WHEN HIS FRIGHTENED FISHERMEN DISCIPLES WOKE HIM FROM HIS PEACEFUL SLEEP DURING THE STORM ON THE SEA OF GALILEE. Psalms 66:1-4 PG 543 Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands: Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious. Say unto God, How terrible [art thou in] thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee. All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing [to] thy name. Selah. YOUR BELIEFS ARE NOT LIKELY TO BE RIDICULED UNLESS YOU BELIEVE IN JESUS. YET SOME DAY EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW AND EVERY TONGUE SHALL CONFESS THAT JESUS IS LORD. Psalms 66:8-10 PG 543 O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard: Which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved. For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried. PRAISE THE LORD. BE BOLD. DON'T LET THE MAJORITY OF UNBELIEVERS INTIMIDATE YOU. GOD WILL NOT LET YOU BE OVERWHELMED. WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO STOP THE ANTICHRIST JUGGERNAUT BUT WE CAN MAKE IT GO AROUND US AS WE BOLDLY PRAISE OUR GOD. GOD ALLOWS US TO BE TESTED AND TRIED BUT FROM THE FIRE OF OUR TRIALS AND SUFFERING WE ARE REFINED. Psalms 66:16-20 PG 544 Come [and] hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul. I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue. If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear [me]: [But] verily God hath heard [me]; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed [be] God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me. WE ARE TO ENCOURAGE EACH OTHER WITH OUR TESTIMONIES. THEY OVERCAME HIM BY THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB AND BY THE WORD OF THEIR TESTIMONY. ENCOURAGE OTHERS BY LETTING THEM KNOW HOW GOD HAS ANSWERED YOUR PRAYERS. Psalms 68:18 PG 545 Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, [for] the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell [among them]. HERE IS ANOTHER OF DAVID'S PROPHESIES OF JESUS. Psalms 68:19 PG 545 Blessed [be] the Lord, [who] daily loadeth us [with benefits, even] the God of our salvation. Selah. SELAH - THINK ABOUT IT. IT IS GOOD TO THINK ABOUT THE DAILY BLESSINGS WHICH WE RECEIVE FROM JESUS THE GOD OF OUR SALVATION. MAY 1 PSALM 75, 93, 94, 97, 98, 99, 100 PG 546 - 550 Psalms 75:1 PG 546 A Psalm of Asaph Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, [unto thee] do we give thanks: for [that] thy name is near thy wondrous works declare. GIVE THANKS TO GOD. HOW VERY FOOLISH ARE THE POLITICALLY CORRECT, THE ATHEIST, THE SOCIALIST, THE HUMANIST, THE NEW AGE PANTHEIST. THEY HAVE BOUGHT THE LIE THAT "YE SHALL BE AS GOD". HOW ELSE CAN ONE LOOK AT GOD'S MAGNIFICENT UNIVERSE AND MAINTAIN INTELLECTUAL HONESTY? ALL OF THIS WONDERFUL ORDER JUST HAPPENED BY CHANCE? IT TAKES MUCH GREATER FAITH TO BE AN ATHEIST THAN TO BELIEVE IN GOD. JUST AS THE CHRISTIAN KNOWS HE MADE THE RIGHT DECISION OF ETERNAL CONSEQUENCE WHEN HE DIES, SO THE ATHEIST AND ANYONE ELSE WHO HAS BOUGHT THE LIE, WILL KNOW HE HAS MADE THE WRONG DECISION OF ETERNAL CONSEQUENCE WHEN HE DIES. THE SECOND LAW OF THERMODYNAMICS BLOWS THE THEORY OF EVOLUTION TO SMITHEREENS. THE UNIVERSE IS WINDING DOWN NOT UP. THINGS WILL CONTINUE TO DETERIORATE UNTIL JESUS CHRIST RETURNS TO PUT AN END TO LUCIFER'S EVIL DECEPTION AND SEDUCTION OF HUMANITY. Psalms 75:4 PG 546 I said unto the fools, Deal not foolishly: and to the wicked, Lift not up the horn: THE FOOL SAYS IN HIS HEART THERE IS NO GOD. TO THE ARROGANT I SAY 'BOAST NO MORE'. THERE IS NO PLACE FOR MAN TO BOAST WHEN THE GREATNESS OF GOD IS CONSIDERED. THE ANTICHRIST WILL SAY UNHEARD-OF THINGS AGAINST GOD. HE WILL EVEN CLAIM TO BE GOD. HE WILL APPEAR TO PROSPER FOR A WHILE. HIS TOTAL RISE TO POWER AND COMPLETE DESTRUCTION OF HIMSELF AND ALL HIS FOLLOWERS WILL SPAN LESS THAN 7 YEARS. Psalms 93:1-2 PG 547 The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, [wherewith] he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved. Thy throne [is] established of old: thou [art] from everlasting. THE LORD REIGNS. HE FIRMLY ESTABLISHED THE WORLD. IT IS THE HEIGHT OF MAN'S VANITY AND FOOLISHNESS THAT WE COULD DESTROY GOD'S PLANET EARTH. THAT IS NOT TO SAY THAT WE SHOULD BE TRASHY. CHRISTIANS NEED TO KNOW THAT ALL OF THIS ENVIRONMENTAL EXTREMISM IS ONE OF THE VARIOUS METHODS BEING EMPLOYED TO BRING ABOUT THE ONE WORLD GOVERNMENT AND RELIGIOUS SYSTEM OF THE ANTICHRIST. Psalms 93:5 Thy testimonies are very sure: holiness becometh thine house, O LORD, for ever. WE NEED TO STRIVE FOR HOLINESS. HOLINESS IS THE RESULT OF OBEDIENCE AND SUBMISSION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT. THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL NEVER FORCE US TO DO ANYTHING. YET IF WE WILL SUBMIT TO HIS LEADING, HOLINESS WILL BE THE RESULT. HOLINESS IS WHAT WILL ATTRACT THE WORLD TO ASK THE REASON FOR THE HOPE THAT WE HAVE. Psalms 94:8-13 PG 547 - 548 Understand, ye brutish among the people: and [ye] fools, when will ye be wise? He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see? He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct? he that teacheth man knowledge, [shall not he know]? The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, that they [are] vanity. Blessed [is] the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law; That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked. When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up. GOD DESIGNED EARS AND EYES. HOW FOOLISH IS IT TO THINK ANYTHING CAN BE HID FROM GOD. GOD KNOWS THE THOUGHTS OF ALL MEN. REMEMBER HOW JESUS ALWAYS KNEW WHAT MEN AROUND HIM WERE THINKING. THAT IS REALLY GREAT BECAUSE WE CAN BE CERTAIN THAT OUR SILENT PRAYERS ARE HEARD BY GOD AND THERE IS NO WAY OUR ADVERSARY CAN KNOW WHAT WE ARE PRAYING ABOUT. WE ARE TESTED, CHASTENED, AND DISCIPLINED BY GOD. THIS IS A GOOD THING WHICH WILL WORK FOR OUR GOOD IN THE LONG RUN. IF IT EVER SEEMS OVERWHELMING READ THE PSALMS AND MEDITATE ON GOD'S INFINITE MERCY AND LOVE FOR YOU. Psalms 94:19 PG 548 In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul. WHEN ANXIETY WELLS UP MEDITATE ON THE PSALMS AND THE CONSOLATION OF GOD WILL BRING JOY TO YOUR SOUL. Psalms 94:22-23 PG 548 But the LORD is my defence; and my God [is] the rock of my refuge. And he shall bring upon them their own iniquity, and shall cut them off in their own wickedness; [yea], the LORD our God shall cut them off. IF THE LORD IS YOUR DEFENSE AND YOUR REFUGE THEN THERE WILL BE NO VALIDITY TO ANY FEAR. DON'T WORRY ABOUT YOUR WICKED ENEMIES. GOD CAN HANDLE THEM BETTER THAN WE CAN. Psalms 97:9-12 PG 549 For thou, LORD, [art] high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods. Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked. Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. IT IS GOD ABOVE ALL. TO LOVE GOD IS TO HATE EVIL. GOD IS WELL ABLE TO DELIVER HIS PEOPLE FROM THE HANDS OF THE WICKED. WISDOM IS FOR THE RIGHTEOUS AND JOY IS FOR THE UPRIGHT IN HEART. BE GLAD IN THE LORD. Psalms 98:1-3 PG 549 O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory. The LORD hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen. He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. THIS HAS BEEN PUT TO SONG. A GOOD SONG TO SING. Psalms 100:1-5 PG 550 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he [is] God: [it is] he [that] hath made us, and not we ourselves; [we are] his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, [and] into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, [and] bless his name. For the LORD [is] good; his mercy [is] everlasting; and his truth [endureth] to all generations. GOD'S KIDS KNOW HOW TO HAVE A GOOD TIME. THEY ARE FUN TO BE WITH. NOTHING SHAKES THEM. EVERYBODY HAS UPS AND DOWNS BUT GOD'S KIDS ARE JUST ABOUT ALWAYS UP. THEY DON'T STAY DOWN LONG. THEY KNOW WHO GOD IS. THEY KNOW GOD IS WITH THEM. THEY KNOW THAT WHEN GOD IS ON YOUR SIDE YOU WIN THE WAR EVEN IF YOU LOOSE A BATTLE ONCE IN A WHILE. MAY 2 PSALM 103, 104, 113, 114, 117 PG 550 - 554 Psalms 103 PG 550 - 551 A Psalm of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, [bless] his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good [things; so that] thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel. The LORD [is] merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep [his anger] for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, [so] great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, [so] far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth [his] children, [so] the LORD pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we [are] dust. [As for] man, his days [are] as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. But the mercy of the LORD [is] from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them. The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all. Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. Bless ye the LORD, all [ye] his hosts; [ye] ministers of his, that do his pleasure. Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul. THIS IS MY FAVORITE PSALM. IF EVER YOU ARE DOWN OR DEPRESSED OR FACING ANY OF LIFE'S PROBLEMS - READ AND MEDITATE ON PSALM 103 READ IT OVER AND OVER. Psalms 104:5 PG 551-552 [Who] laid the foundations of the earth, [that] it should not be removed for ever. HERE IS A GOOD VERSE FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL EXTREMISTS. MAN CAN NEVER DESTROY GOD'S PLANET EARTH. ALL OF THE NUCLEAR WEAPONS OF USA AND RUSSIA GOING OFF AT THE SAME TIME WILL NOT DESTROY THE PLANET. THE HIDDEN AGENDA OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL EXTREMISTS IS TO BRING ABOUT THE GLOBAL WORLD GOVERNMENT AND RELIGIOUS SYSTEM OF ANTICHRIST. Psalms 104:33-34 PG 553 I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD. IT IS GOOD TO THINK ABOUT THE LORD. IF YOU AND THE LORD ARE ON THE SAME TEAM IT WILL MAKE YOU GLAD WHENEVER YOU TAKE TIME TO THINK OR MEDITATE ABOUT HIM. Psalms 113:4-5 PG 553 The LORD [is] high above all nations, [and] his glory above the heavens. Who [is] like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high, GREAT QUESTION - WHO IS LIKE THE LORD? THINK ABOUT IT. Psalms 117:1-2 PG 554 O Praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD [endureth] for ever. Praise ye the LORD. THIS MAY BE THE SHORTEST PSALM. IT MAY BE SHORT BUT IT IS FULL. MAYBE A GOOD ONE TO PICK FOR MEMORIZING. MAY 3 PSALM 119 PG 554 - 562 Psalms 119:1 PG 554 ALEPH. Blessed the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. THIS IS THE LONGEST PSALM. IT IS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF THE BIBLE IN OUR LIVES. THIS PSALM GIVES MANY GOOD REASONS WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO GET TO KNOW THE WORD OF GOD. Psalms 119:4-6 PG 554 Thou hast commanded to keep thy precepts diligently. O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes! Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments. I HAVE BEEN ASHAMED MANY TIMES BECAUSE I HAVE NOT FOLLOWED GOD'S PRINCIPLES. I HAVE COME TO KNOW THAT GOD GAVE THE 10 COMMANDMENTS BECAUSE HE MADE US AND KNEW WHAT MESSES WE WOULD MAKE OF OUR LIVES IF HE DID NOT GIVE US THE DIRECT GUIDANCE FOUND IN THE 10 COMMANDMENTS. THEY ARE NOT THE 10 SUGGESTIONS. Psalms 119:9 PG 555 BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed according to thy word. WE ALL NEED TO CLEAN UP OUR ACT. WE ARE BORN SINNERS. YOU DON'T HAVE TO TEACH A CHILD HOW TO LIE. YOU NEED TO TEACH THEM HOW IMPORTANT IS TO TELL THE TRUTH. HOW DO WE CLEAN UP OUR ACT? GET TO KNOW WHAT IS IN THE BIBLE, AND LIVE BY GOD'S PRINCIPLES. Psalms 119:11 PG 555 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. MEMORIZE THIS VERSE OF SCRIPTURE. A TIME MAY COME WHEN IT WILL BE ILLEGAL TO HAVE A BIBLE UNDER THE WORLD GOVERNMENT AND RELIGIOUS SYSTEM OF THE ANTICHRIST. Psalms 119:15-16 PG 555 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. PEOPLE NEED TO GET SERIOUS ABOUT THE URGENCY OF GETTING TO KNOW GOD'S WORD. Psalms 119:17-18 PG 555 GIMEL. Deal bountifully with thy servant, I may live, and keep thy word. Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. GOD'S WORD IS UNDERSTOOD SPIRITUALLY. THE HOLY SPIRIT OPENS OUR UNDERSTANDING AND CAUSES US TO HUNGER FOR THE WORD OF GOD. OFTEN OUR EDUCATION CAN BE A BLOCK TO UNDERSTANDING GOD'S WORD. THIS IS CERTAINLY TRUE IN AMERICAN PUBLIC EDUCATION WHICH IS CONTROLLED BY THE NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION WHICH IS PHILOSOPHICALLY ANTICHRIST. Psalms 119:24 PG 555 Thy testimonies also my delight my counsellors. WHEN GOD'S PRINCIPLES GUIDE YOUR DECISIONS YOU MAKE BETTER DECISIONS. GOD'S WORD AND THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE BEST COUNSEL THAT THERE IS. Psalms 119:25 PG 555 DALETH. My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word. SOMETIMES CIRCUMSTANCES CAN MAKE YOU FEEL LOWER THAN WHALE DUNG. GOD'S WORD CAN GIVE YOU THE ENCOURAGEMENT TO KEEP GOING WHEN YOU FEEL LIKE YOU CAN'T. Psalms 119:28-30 PG 555 - 556 My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word. Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously. I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid . GOD'S WORD STRENGTHENS US AND HELPS OUR INTEGRITY. Psalms 119:33-34 PG 556 HE. Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with whole heart. UNDERSTANDING. UNDERSTANDING. KNOWLEDGE IS THE BEGINNING BUT THE GOAL IS UNDERSTANDING. IF WE FULLY UNDERSTOOD GOD'S WAYS IT WOULD SATISFY EVERY NEED WE EVER HAD. GOD GIVES THE UNDERSTANDING. Psalms 119:40 PG 556 Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness. MANY PEOPLE DO NOT WANT TO HEAR THAT RIGHTEOUSNESS IS A GIFT THAT GOD GIVES. NO ONE IS RIGHTEOUS. SELF RIGHTEOUSNESS IS FOOLISHNESS AND SELF DELUSION. THE TRUTH IS THAT NO ONE IS RIGHTEOUS. SOME MAY BE MORE RIGHTEOUS THAN OTHERS, BUT UNLESS GOD GIVES YOU RIGHTEOUSNESS YOU CAN'T BE RIGHTEOUS. Psalms 119:41 PG 556 VAU. Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, thy salvation, according to thy word. GOD'S MERCY IS INFINITE. I AM LIVING PROOF OF HIS INFINITE MERCY. WE ARE SAVED AND GIVEN ABUNDANT, ETERNAL, POWERFUL LIFE BY GOD THROUGH WHAT JESUS DID FOR US BASED ON THE INTEGRITY OF GOD'S WORD. THE ONLY THING GOD CAN'T DO IS LIE. HOW COULD GOD MAINTAIN HIS INTEGRITY AND DECLARE ME TO BE RIGHTEOUS? THE ONLY WAY IS IF GOD HIMSELF PAID THE FULL PENALTY OF MY UNRIGHTEOUSNESS FOR ME. THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT HE DID FOR ME. DO YOU KNOW HE HAS DONE THAT FOR YOU? HAVE YOU ALLOWED GOD TO PAY THE FULL PRICE OF YOUR UNRIGHTEOUSNESS? IF YOU ARE TRYING TO PAY IT YOURSELF BY DOING ENOUGH GOOD WORKS - GIVE UP, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE. SELF RIGHTEOUSNESS STINKS TO HIGH HEAVEN. Psalms 119:49-50 PG 556 ZAIN. Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope. This my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me. WHERE ELSE WILL YOU ANCHOR YOUR HOPE? IF YOUR HOPE IS ANCHORED ANYWHERE ELSE BUT IN GOD AND THE INTEGRITY OF HIS WORD, THAN THERE WILL SURELY COME A STORM IN WHICH YOUR ANCHOR WILL NOT HOLD. Psalms 119:57-58 PG 557 CHETH. my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep thy words. I entreated thy favour with whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word. THE INFINITE MERCY OF GOD IS BASED ON THE INTEGRITY OF HIS WORD AND THE ONLY THING GOD CAN'T DO IS LIE. Psalms 119:65 PG 557 TETH. Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word. HOW HAS GOD DEALT WITH YOU LATELY? Psalms 119:73 PG 558 JOD. Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments. GOD IS OUR CREATOR. GOD GIVES UNDERSTANDING. Psalms 119:81 PG 558 CAPH. My soul fainteth for thy salvation: I hope in thy word. THE WHOLE CONCEPT OF HOW GOD GIVES SALVATION AS A FREE GIFT IS SO FANTASTIC THAT IF IT WAS NOT FOR THE FACT THAT THIS GIFT OF SALVATION IS BASED ON THE INTEGRITY OF GOD'S WORD IT WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE TO BELIEVE. Psalms 119:89-90 PG 558 LAMED. For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Thy faithfulness unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. GOD'S WORD IS ABSOLUTELY TRUE. IT IS NOT GOING TO CHANGE. YOU MAY NOT LIKE TO AGREE WITH PARTS OF GOD'S WORD BUT IF YOU CHOOSE TO DISAGREE WITH IT YOU CHOOSE TO BE WRONG. GOD IS GOD. WHETHER WE AGREE OR DISAGREE DETERMINES IF WE ARE RIGHT OR WRONG. ALL THE NUKES MAN CAN MAKE CAN NOT DESTROY THE PLANET. IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW THE HIDDEN AGENDA OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL EXTREMISTS. Psalms 119:97-99 MEM. O how love I thy law! it my meditation all the day. Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies my meditation. THERE IS GREAT KNOWLEDGE AVAILABLE TO EVERYONE TODAY. KNOWLEDGE AND THE AVAILABILITY OF KNOWLEDGE IS INCREASING AT ALMOST AN EXPONENTIAL RATE. WISDOM IS WHAT WE NEED. WISDOM IS KNOWING WHAT TO DO WITH THE KNOWLEDGE YOU HAVE. THE GREATEST TEACHER OR COUNSELOR IS THE HOLY SPIRIT. YOU CAN GET ALL THE DEGREES AND KNOWLEDGE IN THE WORLD AND EASILY BE OUTSMARTED BY A CERTIFIED IDIOT WHO IS GIVEN UNDERSTANDING BY THE HOLY SPIRIT. Psalms 119:105 PG 559 NUN. Thy word a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. THE WORD OF GOD IS THE BEST WAY TO AVOID STUMBLING AND CONFUSION. Psalms 119:113-114 PG 559 SAMECH. I hate thoughts: but thy law do I love. Thou my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word. DO I HATE VAIN THOUGHTS AS MUCH AS I LOVE GOD'S WORD? THIS IS A SERIOUS QUESTION. DAVID WAS A MAN AFTER GOD'S OWN HEART. I HAVEN'T GROWN TO THAT POINT YET. HAVING GOD FOR MY HOPE AND PROTECTION - I CAN SAY AMEN TO THAT! Psalms 119:129-130 PG 560 PE. Thy testimonies wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them. The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. AN IDIOT WHO HAS BEEN GIVEN UNDERSTANDING OF GOD'S WORD WILL CONFOUND THE GENIUS WHO ONLY HAS GREAT INTELLIGENCE AND MAN'S KNOWLEDGE AND WISDOM TO WORK WITH. Psalms 119:137 PG 560 TZADDI. Righteous thou, O LORD, and upright thy judgments. GOD IS RIGHTEOUS AND JUDGES IN RIGHTEOUSNESS. Psalms 119:142 PG 560 Thy righteousness an everlasting righteousness, and thy law the truth. THE RIGHTEOUSNESS THAT GOD GIVES LASTS FOREVER. SELF RIGHTEOUSNESS IS SELF DECEPTION. LET YOUR STANDARD FOR ABSOLUTE TRUTH BE THE BIBLE. A BETTER SOURCE OF ABSOLUTE TRUTH DOES NOT EXIST. Psalms 119:145 PG 561 KOPH. I cried with whole heart; hear me, O LORD: I will keep thy statutes. IS MY WHOLE HEART SET TO KEEPING GOD'S LAWS? Psalms 119:153 RESH. Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law. ONLY GOD HAS THE CAPABILITY TO DELIVER US FROM ANY AND ALL AFFLICTIONS. WHO ELSE CAN DELIVER US FROM DEATH AND GIVE US ABUNDANT, POWERFUL, ETERNAL LIFE? Psalms 119:161 PG 561 SCHIN. Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word. ONLY GOD IS WORTHY OF AWE. IT BOTHERS ME THE WAY KIDS TODAY THROW AROUND THE WORD AWESOME. Psalms 119:169 PG 562 TAU. Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to thy word. IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO HAVE FULL UNDERSTANDING OF GOD'S WORD BUT WHATEVER UNDERSTANDING WE CAN GET WILL HELP US. MAY 4 PSALM 122, 124, 133 THRU 136, 138 PG 562 - 566 Psalms 122:1 David PG 562 I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD. DOES THE THOUGHT OF GOING TO CHURCH MAKE YOU GLAD? IF NOT WHY NOT? Psalms 122:6 PG 562 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. GOD TOLD ABRAHAM I'LL BLESS THOSE WHO BLESS YOU AND I'LL CURSE THOSE WHO CURSE YOU. IF YOU SUPPORT ISRAEL YOU WILL BE BLESSED BY GOD. JERUSALEM WILL HAVE EVERLASTING PEACE WHEN JESUS RETURNS. THE JEWS WILL RECOGNIZE HIM AS MESSIAH WHEN HE COMES BACK IN FULL POWER AND GLORY. IN THE MEAN TIME NO REAL CHRISTIAN CAN FAIL TO STAND UP AND BE COUNTED IN FAVOR OF THE JEWS AND ISRAEL. Psalms 124:1-3 DAVID PG 562-563 If the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say; If the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us: Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us: DAVID THE GREAT KING AND PSALM WRITER WAS ALSO A GREAT PROPHET. OUR GENERATION IS WITNESSING THE FULFILLMENT OF THIS PROPHESY AS NO OTHER GENERATION IN HISTORY EVER HAS. ALL THE WORLD WILL TURN AGAINST ISRAEL. ANTICHRIST WILL OFFER A PEACE TREATY TO ISRAEL. GOD HAS LONG PROMISED THAT HE WOULD REGATHER ISRAEL IN THE HOMELAND HE GAVE TO ABRAHAM. WE ARE SEEING THIS BEING FULFILLED. ONCE ISRAEL IS REGATHERED GOD WILL BE FIGHTING IN ISRAEL'S BATTLES WITH THE REST OF THE WORLD. LOOK WHAT HAPPENED IN THE 1964 WAR, 6 DAYS, THE 1967 WAR, YOM KIPPUR. IN 1982 THE GREATEST AIR BATTLE EVER FOUGHT TOOK PLACE. THE WORLD MAY NEVER AGAIN WITNESS SUCH A DOGFIGHT. ISRAEL IN 1 DAY WIPED OUT THE ENTIRE SYRIAN AIR FORCE WHICH WAS EQUIPPED WITH THE LATEST MODEL RUSSIAN MIGS. WE DIDN'T HEAR MUCH ABOUT IT IN THE NEWS BUT THE RESULTS OF THAT GREATEST DOGFIGHT IN HISTORY WAS 92 TO O. IF GOD DID NOT HAVE HIS HAND IN THAT DOGFIGHT SOME SYRIAN WOULD HAVE GOTTEN OFF A LUCKY SHOT. Psalms 133:1 David PG 563 Behold, how good and how pleasant for brethren to dwell together in unity! THIS IS THE GREAT NEED OF THE CHURCH TODAY - UNITY? CHRISTIANS NEED TO STOP WASTING ENERGY FIGHTING AMONG THEMSELVES AND FIGHT THE COMMON ENEMY. THE LEVEL OF SPIRITUAL WARFARE WITH SATAN AND ANTICHRIST IS RAPIDLY INCREASING. ONE CAN PUT 1000 TO FLIGHT AND 2 OF US CAN PUT 10,000 TO FLIGHT. WE NEED UNITY WITHOUT COMPROMISE. Psalms 135:1-3 PG 563 - 564 Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the name of the LORD; praise , O ye servants of the LORD. Ye that stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God, Praise the LORD; for the LORD good: sing praises unto his name; for pleasant. IT IS RIGHT AND GOOD TO PRAISE THE LORD. IT IS GOOD ANY TIME BUT IT IS BETTER WITH A GROUP OF FELLOW BELIEVERS. Psalms 136:1-5 PG 564 - 565 O give thanks unto the LORD; for good: for his mercy for ever. O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy for ever. O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy for ever. To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy for ever. To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy for ever. THIS WHOLE PSALM IS FANTASTIC. CAN YOU GET THE MESSAGE? GOD IS SO GREAT AND HIS MERCY ENDURES FOR EVER. Psalms 138:1-3 David PG 566 I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee. I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, strengthenedst me strength in my soul. GOD CAN GIVE YOU STRENGTH WHERE YOU NEED IT THE MOST IN YOU SOUL. MAY 5 PSALM 139, 145, 148, 150, PG 566 - 569 Psalms 139:1-7 A Psalm of David PG 566 O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known . Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted all my ways. For not a word in my tongue, , lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. knowledge too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot unto it. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? THIS WHOLE PSALM IS FANTASTIC. THE NEW AGE MOVEMENT WITH ALL OF ITS SUNDRY CULTS AND THE ANTICHRIST RELIGION WOULD HAVE YOU BELIEVE THAT GOD IS AN IMPERSONAL GOD OF FORCES. WE ALL OUGHT TO KNOW BETTER. GOD IS ANYTHING BUT IMPERSONAL. JESUS SAID THE FATHER EVEN KNOWS THE NUMBER OF HAIRS THAT WE HAVE ON OUR HEAD. GOD KNOWS EACH OF US BETTER THAN WE EVEN KNOW OURSELF. WE CAN'T HIDE ANYTHING FROM HIM. THAT IS WHY IT IS FOOLISH TO BE A HYPOCRITE. WE MIGHT FOOL EVERY MAN ON EARTH AND EVEN FOOL OURSELF, BUT WE CAN'T PUT ANYTHING PAST GOD. Psalms 139:13-14 PG 567 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully wonderfully made: marvellous thy works; and my soul knoweth right well. HERE IS ANOTHER VERY STRONG ARGUMENT AGAINST ABORTION. DAVID SAYS THAT GOD KNEW HIM WHEN HE WAS A FETUS IN HIS MOTHER'S WOMB. DAVID KNEW HOW WONDERFULLY GOD MADE THE HUMAN BODY. DAVID KNEW THAT THE HUMAN BEING IS MADE IN THE IMAGE AND LIKENESS OF GOD. DAVID UNDERSTOOD THE INCREDIBLE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MAN AND ANY ANIMAL. DAVID SAW THAT MEN WERE GIVEN THE FREE WILL CHOICE TO USE THEIR TALENTS FOR GOD'S GLORY OR TO MAKE THEMSELVES A gOD TO THEMSELVES AND PAY THE ETERNAL CONSEQUENCES OF SUCH A CHOICE. Psalms 139:17-18 PG 567 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee. GOD'S WAYS AND GOD'S THOUGHTS ARE HIGHER THAN OUR WAYS AND THOUGHTS. GOD DOES REVEAL HIMSELF AND HIS WAYS TO US THROUGH HIS CREATION AND HIS WORD. HE REWARDS ANYONE WHO WILL SEEK TO KNOW HIM. WE ALL NEED TO THINK ABOUT THINGS AS GOD THINKS ABOUT THEM. FOR SURE WE WILL BE BLESSED. Psalms 139:21-24 PG 567 Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee? I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies. Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. IT IS HIGH TIME FOR THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST TO QUIT FIGHTING AMONG ITSELF AND FIGHT THOSE WHO ARE ANTICHRIST. BEFORE WE GO INTO THE SPIRITUAL WARFARE WE NEED TO BE SURE THAT WE ARE READY FOR THE BATTLE. IF GOD IS WITH US WE WIN. IF NOT WE LOOSE. IT IS ONLY OUR INIQUITY WHICH WILL SEPARATE US FROM GOD. THEREFORE WE NEED TO ASK GOD TO SEARCH US BY HIS HOLY SPIRIT TO SEE IF THERE IS ANY WICKED WAY THAT WE NEED TO TAKE TO GOD FOR FORGIVENESS AND/OR CHANGING. Psalms 145 David's of praise. PG 567 -568 I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever. Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever. Great the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness unsearchable. One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts. I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works. And shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will declare thy greatness. They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness. The LORD gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. The LORD good to all: and his tender mercies over all his works. All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee. They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power; To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom. Thy kingdom an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion throughout all generations. The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all bowed down. The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing. The LORD righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. The LORD nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them. The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy. My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever. DAVID REALLY KNEW GOD. IT IS NO WONDER WHY IN Acts 13:22 IT SAYS THAT GOD ... raised up unto them [David] to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found [David] the of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will. IN THE HISTORY OF AMERICA THERE HAVE BEEN TIMES WHEN THE LEADERS OF AMERICA WERE GODLY MEN. NOW IT IS TIME FOR THE CHRISTIANS, THE PEOPLE WHO ARE CALLED BY HIS NAME, TO HUMBLE THEMSELVES AND PRAY AND TURN FROM THEIR WICKED WAYS AND SEEK GOD. DON'T BE CONTENT WITH THE STATUS QUO WAITING FOR THE RAPTURE RIDE. SPIRITUAL WARRIORS ARE NEEDED TO OCCUPY TILL HE COMES AT THE END OF THE TRIBULATION. Psalms 148:1-2 PG 568 Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the LORD from the heavens: praise him in the heights. Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts. NO DOUBT THE ANGLES REALLY KNOW HOW TO PRAISE GOD. THEY HAVE HAD MUCH MORE TIME TO BE IN HIS PRESENCE AND MUCH MORE PRACTICE AT PRAISING HIM. IT WILL BE FANTASTIC TO SOME DAY JOIN IN WITH THEM IN PRAISING GOD. Psalms 150:2 PG 569 Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. Psalms 150:6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD. LET EVERYTHING THAT HATH BREATH PRAISE THE LORD. MAY 6 PSALM 4, 12, 20, 25, 32, 38 PG 570 - 574 Psalms 4:1 A Psalm of David PG 570 Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer. O ye sons of men, how long my glory into shame? will ye love vanity, seek after leasing? Selah. But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him. Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. GOD HEARS AND ANSWERS THE PRAYERS OF THE RIGHTEOUS. HOW LONG WILL WE TAKE THE GLORIOUS NAME OF CHRISTIAN AND BRING SHAME UPON THE NAME OF OUR LORD? HOW LONG WILL WE PERSIST IN VANITY AND DECEIT? A GREAT WAY OF PRAYING IS JUST TO COMMUNE WITH GOD WITH YOUR MIND AS YOU LIE STILL ON YOUR BED, JUST YOU AND GOD KNOW SUCH PRAYERS FROM YOUR HEART. Psalms 12:1-3 A Psalm of David PG 570 Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men. They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: flattering lips with a double heart do they speak. The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, the tongue that speaketh proud things: WHAT A PROPER PRAYER FOR OUR NATION TODAY. Psalms 20:5 PG 571 We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions. THIS WHOLE PSALM IS A GOOD PRAYER FOR YOUR FRIENDS. Psalms 20:7 PG 571 Some in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. IN WHOM OR IN WHAT DO YOU PLACE YOUR TRUST? Psalms 25:1-2 A of David PG 571 Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me. THESE FIRST 2 VERSES OF PSALM 25 HAVE BEEN PUT TO MUSIC IN A POPULAR CHRISTIAN MUSIC ALBUM. HAVE YOU HEARD IT? Psalms 25:11 PG 572 For thy name's sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it great. NOW HERE IS A GOOD REASON FOR GOD TO FORGIVE US. HE HAS ALLOWED US TO TAKE HIS NAME. IT IS GOOD TO ASK HIS FORGIVENESS FOR HIS NAME'S SAKE. HE WANTS TO FORGIVE US MORE THAN WE WANT TO BE FORGIVEN. HE ALSO HAS A SEA OF FORGETFULNESS INTO WHICH OUR SINS GO WHEN WE CONFESS THEM. HE THROWS THEM AS FAR AS THE EAST IS FROM THE WEST. YOU CAN ASK HIM 2 MINUTES AFTER CONFESSING A SIN IF HE REMEMBERS THAT SIN YOU WERE JUST TALKING ABOUT AND HE WILL SAY NO. BECAUSE HE CHOOSES TO FORGET THEM AND HAS THE CAPABILITY TO FORGET THEM. WE DON'T HAVE A SEA OF FORGETFULNESS. WE CAN OFTEN FORGIVE OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS BUT IT IS NOT EASY TO FORGET. YET IF WE ARE TO LIVE GODLY WE NEED TO TRY TO FORGET THOSE THINGS. Psalms 32:1-2 of David PG 572 - 573 Blessed transgression forgiven, sin covered. Blessed the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit no guile. THERE IS A BIG DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COVERING YOUR SIN AND HAVING YOUR SIN COVERED. HERE DAVID IS TALKING ABOUT CONFESSING HIS SIN TO GOD AND THAT HAPPINESS COMES WHEN GOD COVERS HIS SIN. GOD FORGIVES SIN BECAUSE THEY ARE COVERED BY THE BLOOD WHICH JESUS SHED ON CALVARY. WE STILL NEED TO CONFESS THE SIN TO GOD FOR GOD TO COVER THE SIN. WHEN WE COVER OUR SIN IT IS GUILE. WHEN WE HIDE OUR SINS INSTEAD OF CONFESSING THEM TO GOD OUR SPIRIT IS FILLED WITH GUILE OR DECEIT. Psalms 32:5 PG 573 I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. HERE IS WHY DAVID WAS A MAN AFTER GOD'S OWN HEART. HE DID NOT HIDE HIS SINS. HE CONFESSED THEM. SELAH - THINK ABOUT IT. Psalms 38:1 A Psalm of David PG 573 O LORD, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure. GOD IS MORE THAN WILLING TO FORGIVE OUR SINS. CHRIST HAS PAID THE FULL PENALTY OF ALL OF OUR SINS. IT MAKES GOD ANGRY THAT WE REFUSE TO ACCEPT WHAT HE HAS DONE FOR US BY THE GREAT SACRIFICE WHICH HE MADE FOR US ON CALVARY. IF WE REFUSE TO CONFESS OUR SINS AND DIE IN THEM RATHER THAN ACCEPTING THE FORGIVENESS HE OFFERS WE WILL FACE HIS WRATH. THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY. THE SALVATION OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS IS SO FANTASTIC IT IS HARD TO BELIEVE. WE CAN NOT UNDERSTAND THE PRICE THAT JESUS PAID FOR US ON CALVARY. IT IS NOT CHEAP GRACE THAT GOD OFFERS US. IF IT IS HARD TO UNDERSTAND JUST REMEMBER THAT GOD IS GOD. HE MAKES THE RULES. WHETHER WE UNDERSTAND IT OR NOT WE HAVE GOT TO BELIEVE IT BECAUSE GOD SAID SO. WHAT A CHOICE - THE UNSEARCHABLE RICHES OF GOD'S GRACE IN JESUS CHRIST OR HELL. WILL YOU CHOOSE GOD'S WAY OR SOME OTHER WAY? JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE. MAY 7 PSALM 42, 53, 58, 81, 101 PG 574 - 578 Psalms 42:1 Korah PG 574 As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. AS THE DEER PANT IN THEIR THIRSTY SEARCH FOR A STREAM OF WATER - SO DOES MY SOUL THIRST FOR GOD. Psalms 42:2 PG 574 My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? DO YOU LONG TO SEE GOD FACE TO FACE AND HAVE HIM TELL YOU THAT YOU MAY REMAIN WITH HIM FOR ETERNITY? WE KNOW THAT WE WILL BE WITH HIM BECAUSE JESUS HAS PAID THE PRICE FOR US. WE KNOW THIS ON THE BASIS OF THE INTEGRITY OF HIS WORD YET DON'T YOU STILL LONG TO SEE HIM FACE TO FACE AND HAVE HIM SAY IT TO YOU DIRECTLY. Psalms 42:3 PG 574 My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where [is] thy God? COUNT ON IT, DON'T BE SURPRISED, EXPECT IT. THE WORLD WILL PERSECUTE YOU. YOU WILL BE TAUNTED - WHERE IS YOUR GOD? JESUS SAID - Matthew 5:11&12 Blessed are ye, when [men] shall revile you, and persecute [you], and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great [is] your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. PERSECUTION IS A PART OF THE LIFE OF THE CHRISTIAN. WHEN YOU ARE PERSECUTED IT IS A CAUSE FOR REJOICING. THAT IS HOW YOU MAY BE SURE YOU ARE A GOOD CHRISTIAN WHEN YOU ARE PERSECUTED. Psalms 42:5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and [why] art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him [for] the help of his countenance. ARE YOU DOWN? ARE YOU IN THE PITS? PUT YOUR TRUST IN GOD AND PRAISE HIM. PRAISING GOD IS THE QUICKEST WAY, THE BEST WAY, AND SOMETIMES THE ONLY WAY OUT OF THE PITS. Psalms 42:8 [Yet] the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song [shall be] with me, [and] my prayer unto the God of my life. THINK OF THE LORD AND HOW MUCH HE LOVES YOU. COMMUNE WITH HIM IN YOUR THOUGHTS AT NIGHT. IT IS THE WAY OF ETERNAL ABUNDANT LIFE. Psalms 42:11 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, [who is] the health of my countenance, and my God. USUALLY DEPRESSION IS THE RESULT OF NOT BEING CLOSE TO GOD. WHEN EVERYTHING IS GOING GREAT SOMETIMES WE FORGET THAT IT IS GOD WHO IS THE SOURCE OF EVERY GOOD THING IN OUR LIFE. SIN WILL SURELY SEPARATE US FROM GOD. IF YOU ARE DEPRESSED SEARCH YOUR CONSCIENCE FOR ANY UNCONFESSED SIN AND IF YOU ARE HARBORING UNFORGIVNESS OR BITTERNESS TOWARD ANYONE. IF YOU HAVE CONFESSED YOUR SINS AND FORGIVEN THOSE WHO HAVE HURT YOU, THEN START PRAISING GOD. GOD INHABITS THE PRAISES OF HIS PEOPLE. WHEN YOU ARE CLOSE TO GOD YOU CAN'T BE DEPRESSED. GETTING CLOSE TO GOD AND EXPERIENCING HIS PRESENCE IS THE SURE PROVEN WAY TO OVERCOME DEPRESSION. THE JOY OF THE LORD IS YOUR STRENGTH Psalms 53:1 A Psalm of David PG 575 The fool hath said in his heart, [There is] no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: [there is] none that doeth good. HERE IS THE CLASSIC DEFINITION OF A FOOL. THE FOOL SAYS IN HIS HEART THERE IS NO GOD. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A GOOD FOOL. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A GOOD ATHEIST. FULL BLOWN CORRUPTION IS WHAT MAKES PEOPLE EMBRACE ATHEISM. Psalms 53:2-3 PG 575 God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were [any] that did understand, that did seek God. Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; [there is] none that doeth good, no, not one. THIS IS THE TRUTH. NO ONE IS RIGHTEOUS. NO ONE CAN BE RIGHTEOUS ON THEIR OWN. SELF RIGHTEOUSNESS IS SELF DECEPTION. RIGHTEOUSNESS IS A GIFT OF GOD. IF GOD DECLARES YOU RIGHTEOUS BECAUSE JESUS PAID THE PRICE FOR YOUR SINS ON CALVARY THAN YOU ARE RIGHTEOUS BY A GIFT OF GOD. SELF RIGHTEOUSNESS STINKS. A MARK OF HOLINESS IS THAT ONE BEGINS TO REALIZE HOW DISPARATELY WICKED HIS HEART REALLY IS. THERE IS HOPE ONLY IN GOD'S INFINITE MERCY. Psalms 58:1 David PG 576 Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men? THESE ARE GOOD QUESTIONS. THE TRUTH IS THAT OUR HEARTS ARE DISPARATELY WICKED? WE CAN'T FIX THEM BUT GOD CAN. Psalms 58:2-3 PG 576 Yea, in heart ye work wickedness; ye weigh the violence of your hands in the earth. The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies. WE ARE ALL BORN LIARS. WE NEED TO BE BORN AGAIN BY THE HOLY SPIRIT TO REALLY KNOW THE TRUTH AND FIND ABUNDANT, POWERFUL, ETERNAL LIFE. Psalms 58:11 So that a man shall say, Verily [there is] a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth. THERE TRULY IS A GREAT REWARD FOR THE RIGHTEOUS. NO ONE WANTS THE REWARD OF THE SELF RIGHTEOUS. Psalms 101 A Psalm of David PG 577 -578 I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing. I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; [it] shall not cleave to me. A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked [person]. Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer. Mine eyes [shall be] upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me. He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight. I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD. DO WE PICK OUR FRIENDS LIKE DAVID DID? A BETTER QUESTION IS - WOULD DAVID HAVE ME FOR A FRIEND? MAY 8 PSALM 111, 130, 131, 141, 146 PG 578 - 580 Psalms 111:1 Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with [my] whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and [in] the congregation. WHEN IS THE LAST TIME YOU PRAISED GOD WITH YOUR WHOLE HEART IN YOUR LOCAL CHURCH CONGREGATION? MANY MAY HAVE DIFFICULTY IN RECALLING WHEN THEY PRAISED GOD WITH THEIR WHOLE HEART IN THEIR LOCAL CHURCH. MANY CHURCHES HAVE VERY FORMAL AND PROPER WORSHIP SERVICES. I RECALL THE SERVICE WHERE ONE OF OUR ELDERS, JERRY HENDRICKS, HAD BEEN MIRACULOUSLY HEALED. THE PRAISE WAS WITH THE WHOLE HEART OF THE WHOLE ASSEMBLY. IT WAS NOT WILDLY EMOTIONAL YET IT WAS WITH THE WHOLE HEART BY THE WHOLE CONGREGATION. IS THE PRESENCE AND POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT A PART OF YOUR LOCAL CHURCH WORSHIP EXPERIENCE? Psalms 111:2 The works of the LORD [are] great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. GOOD NEWS TRANSLATION - HOW WONDERFUL ARE THE THINGS THE LORD DOES! ALL WHO ARE DELIGHTED WITH THEM WANT TO UNDERSTAND THEM. Psalms 111:4-5 PG 578 He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD [is] gracious and full of compassion. He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant. WE ALL SHOULD SPEND A LOT OF TIME EACH DAY THINKING ABOUT GOD'S GREAT AND WONDERFUL WORKS. IT IS HELPFUL TO LIVE IN THE HILL COUNTRY WHERE YOU ARE SURROUNDED BY TREES, WILD FLOWERS, DEER AND BIRDS INSTEAD OF CONCRETE AND ASPHALT. YET OUR MAGNIFICENT AND WONDERFUL CREATOR IS FULL OF COMPASSION. HE PROMISES TO MEET ALL OF OUR NEEDS. NOT NECESSARILY ALL OF OUR WANTS BUT SURELY ALL OF OUR NEEDS. HE ALWAYS KEEPS HIS PROMISES. Psalms 111:7-10 PG 578 The works of his hands [are] verity and judgment; all his commandments [are] sure. They stand fast for ever and ever, [and are] done in truth and uprightness. He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend [is] his name. The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do [his commandments]: his praise endureth for ever. EVERYTHING GOD DOES IS JUST, TRUE, RIGHT AND DEPENDABLE. GOD IS INFINITE IN HOLINESS, POWER, TRUTH, JUSTICE AND MERCY. THE INFINITE REQUIREMENTS OF GOD'S JUSTICE AND MERCY WERE BROUGHT TOGETHER FOR US IN JESUS CHRIST. ONLY JESUS CAN MAKE A WAY FOR US SINNERS TO FIND GOD'S ABSOLUTE JUSTICE AND INFINITE MERCY. THERE IS NO OTHER WAY. Psalms 130:3 PG 578 If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? THE OBVIOUS ANSWER IS THAT NO ONE COULD STAND. Psalms 130:4 PG 578 But [there is] forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. BECAUSE GOD FORGIVES US WE SHOULD REVERENTLY OBEY HIM. Psalms 130:5 PG 578 I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. I EAGERLY WAIT FOR THE LORD'S HELP AND I TRUST IN HIS WORD Psalms 131:1-2 David PG 579 LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me. Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul [is] even as a weaned child. WHEN WE CAN GIVE UP OUR PRIDE AND ARROGANCE THEN WE CAN FIND PEACE. GOD SUBJECTED THE WHOLE CREATION TO VANITY IN THE HOPE THAT WITH OUR SELF CONSCIEOUSNESS AND FREE WILL WE WOULD STILL CHOSE TO SUBMIT TO HIM. IF WE WILL HUMBLE OURSELVES, WE CAN FIND PEACE THAT PASSES UNDERSTANDING. THE BEST WAY DAVID COULD FIND TO EXPRESS THIS PEACE THAT PASSES UNDERSTANDING IS THAT WHICH A BABY HAS LYING QUIETLY IN THE ARMS OF ITS MOTHER. Psalms 141:1 A Psalm of David. PG 579 - 580 LORD, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee. THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY - CRY TO GOD. OUR FRIENDS DON'T WANT TO HEAR US CRY. OUR FRIENDS WANT US TO BE JOYFUL. BUT GOD KNOWS HOW WE FEEL AND HE IS ALWAYS LISTENING WHEN WE CRY TO HIM. WE NEED TO TAKE OUR PROBLEMS TO HIM AS WELL AS OUR PRAISES. Psalms 141:3 PG 579 Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. WOW! THIS NEEDS TO BE MY PRAYER! Psalms 141:5 PG 579 Let the righteous smite me; [it shall be] a kindness: and let him reprove me; [it shall be] an excellent oil, [which] shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also [shall be] in their calamities. LET THE GODLY SMITE ME! IT WILL BE A KINDNESS! IF THEY REPROOVE ME, IT IS MEDICINE! DON'T LET ME REFUSE IT. BUT I AM IN CONSTANT PRAYER AGAINST THE WICKED AND THEIR DEEDS. MAY 9 PSALM 2, 22, 27, PG 580 - 580 Psalms 2:1-3 PG 580 - 581 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, [saying], Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. THIS IS A PROPHETIC PSALM ABOUT THE SECOND COMING OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. WHAT IS THE VAIN THING THAT THE PEOPLE AND THEIR RULERS IMAGINE? A GLOBAL WORLD GOVERNMENT WHICH CAN PROVIDE PEACE, AND FAIRNESS FOR ALL. THIS GLOBAL WORLD GOVERNMENT WILL ACTUALLY BRING THE PERIOD OF HISTORY KNOWN AS 7 YEARS OF GREAT TRIBULATION. THE CHRISTIAN WHO KNOWS HIS BIBLE ALSO KNOWS THAT ANY WORLD GOVERNMENT BEFORE JESUS RETURNS WILL BE THE WORLD GOVERNMENT OF THE ANTICHRIST. Psalms 2:4-5 PG 581 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. GOD IS SO POWERFUL AND MIGHTY THAT IT CAN ONLY MAKE HIM LAUGH WHEN THE PEOPLE OF THE WORLD AND THEIR RULERS SET THEMSELVES AGAINST HIM TO BRING IN THE GLOBAL WORLD GOVERNMENT OF ANTICHRIST. Psalms 2:6-9 PG 581 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou [art] my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give [thee] the heathen [for] thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth [for] thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. GOD WILL ALLOW THE GLOBAL GOVERNMENT OF ANTICHRIST TO PLAY THEIR FOOLISHNESS 7 YEARS. GOD MAKES IT CLEAR HIS KING JESUS WILL COME AGAIN TO THE MOUNT OF OLIVES IN JERUSALEM. JESUS CHRIST THE ONLY BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD IS KING OF KINGS. HE SHALL RULE THE WORLD WITH A ROD OF IRON FOR THE 1000 YEAR MILLENNIUM FROM ZION. HE WILL CRUSH THE ASSEMBLED ARMIES OF ANTICHRIST WITH THE BRIGHTNESS OF HIS COMING AND THEY WILL ALL BE DESTROYED BY HIS WORD AT HIS RETURN. EVEN SO COME LORD JESUS. Psalms 2:10-12 PG 581 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish [from] the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed [are] all they that put their trust in him. IF YOU WOULD BE WISE - SERVE THE LORD WITH FEAR AND TREMBLING NOW. KISS THE SON, CLING TO JESUS, PUT ALL YOUR TRUST IN JESUS AND YOU WILL BE HAPPY AND BLESSED. NO ONE WILL BE ABLE TO STAND THE WRATH OF JESUS CHRIST WHEN HE RETURNS. Psalms 22:1 A Psalm of David. PG 581 My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? [why art thou so] far from helping me, [and from] the words of my roaring? IN THIS PSALM WE SEE DAVID THE GREAT PSALMIST KING AS THE GREAT PROPHET TALKING ABOUT JESUS. THESE ARE THE EXACT WORDS OF JESUS AS HE WAS HANGING ON THE CROSS. SEE MATT. 27:46 AND MARK 15:334 Psalms 22:14-18 PG 582 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels. My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death. For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have enclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. I may tell all my bones: they look [and] stare upon me. They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture. IN POETRY OR PROSE IT WOULD BE HARD TO FIND A MORE ACCURATE DESCRIPTION OF THE CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS. Psalms 27:1-3 A Psalm of David. PG 583 -584 The LORD [is] my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, [even] mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this [will] I [be] confident. GOD IS MY SALVATION. I CERTAINLY DON'T EVER WANT TO GET WHAT I DESERVE. HELL IS WHAT I DESERVE. BUT THANKS BE TO GOD, JESUS PAID THE PRICE FOR ALL OF MY SINS. BEFORE JESUS SAVED ME I HAD MANY FEARS. NOW I ONLY FEAR GOD. ONLY GOD IS WORTHY OF ANYONE'S FEAR. ALL OF MY CONFIDENCE IS IN HIM. MY APPARENT STRONG SELF CONFIDENCE NOW IS A RESULT OF MY CONFIDENCE IN JESUS. Psalms 27:14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. THIS IS THE HARDEST THING FOR ME TO DO. I HATE TO WAIT. HOW WELL DO YOU WAIT ON THE LORD. DO YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS FOR ME? MAY 10 PSALM 45, 47, 48, 87, 110 PG 584 - 587 Psalms 45:1-4 sons of Korah PG 584 -585 My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue [is] the pen of a ready writer. Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever. Gird thy sword upon [thy] thigh, O [most] mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty. And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness [and] righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things. TALKING ABOUT THE GLORIOUS SECOND COMING OF JESUS CHRIST. MAYBE WE WILL BE ALIVE TO SEE IT. IT WILL SURELY BE GLORIOUS. Psalms 48:1-2 sons of Korah Great [is] the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, [in] the mountain of his holiness. Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, [is] mount Zion, [on] the sides of the north, the city of the great King. I CAN REMEMBER SINGING THE SONG COMPOSED FROM THESE 2 VERSES. HAVE YOU HEARD IT? Psalms 110:1 A Psalm of David PG 587 The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. DAVID IS TALKING ABOUT JESUS AGAIN. LOOK AT THE FOLLOWING VERSES IN HEBREWS AND ACTS. Hebrews 1:13 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Acts 2:30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; Acts 2:31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. Acts 2:34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Acts 2:35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool. Psalms 110:4 PG 587 The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou [art] a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. JESUS IS THE GREAT ETERNAL HIGH PRIEST FOR EVERYONE. I Timothy 2:5 For [there is] one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; MAY 11 1 KINGS 1:, 2:, 2 SAMUEL 23 PG 587 - 591 I Kings 1:1-2 PG 588 Now king David was old [and] stricken in years; and they covered him with clothes, but he gat no heat. Wherefore his servants said unto him, Let there be sought for my lord the king a young virgin: and let her stand before the king, and let her cherish him, and let her lie in thy bosom, that my lord the king may get heat. THIS SOUNDS STRANGE BUT THEY DIDN'T HAVE ELECTRIC BLANKETS BACK THEN. I Kings 1:5-7 PG 588 Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. And his father had not displeased him at any time in saying, Why hast thou done so? and he also [was a] very goodly [man]; and [his mother] bare him after Absalom. And he conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah, and with Abiathar the priest: and they following Adonijah helped [him]. WHY WOULD JOAB HELP ADONIJAH? I Kings 1:10 PG 590 But Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah, and the mighty men, and Solomon his brother, he called not. ADONIJAH KNEW WHAT HE WAS DOING WAS WRONG BECAUSE HE DID NOT CALL NATHAN THE PROPHET. JOAB SHOULD HAVE INSISTED ON NATHAN'S ATTENDANCE. NATHAN THE PROPHET WOULD KNOW GOD'S CHOICE TO OCCUPY THE THRONE OF DAVID. I Kings 1:16-19 PG 588 And Bath-sheba bowed, and did obeisance unto the king. And the king said, What wouldest thou? And she said unto him, My lord, thou swarest by the LORD thy God unto thine handmaid, [saying], Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne. And now, behold, Adonijah reigneth; and now, my lord the king, thou knowest [it] not: And he hath slain oxen and fat cattle and sheep in abundance, and hath called all the sons of the king, and Abiathar the priest, and Joab the captain of the host: but Solomon thy servant hath he not called. WHAT DO YOU THINK THAT JOAB MIGHT HAVE AGAINST SOLOMON BEING KING? REMEMBER JOAB SENT BATHSHEBA'S HUSBAND URIAH TO BE KILLED AT DAVID'S REQUEST. I Kings 1:24-27 PG 588 -589 And Nathan said, My lord, O king, hast thou said, Adonijah shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne? For he is gone down this day, and hath slain oxen and fat cattle and sheep in abundance, and hath called all the king's sons, and the captains of the host, and Abiathar the priest; and, behold, they eat and drink before him, and say, God save king Adonijah. But me, [even] me thy servant, and Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and thy servant Solomon, hath he not called. Is this thing done by my lord the king, and thou hast not shewed [it] unto thy servant, who should sit on the throne of my lord the king after him? NATHAN CONFIRMS BATHSHEBA'S REPORT TO DAVID AND ASKS DAVID WHY HE WOULD HAVE ABIATHAR DO THIS WITHOUT TELLING THEM. I Kings 1:32-37 PG 589 And king David said, Call me Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada. And they came before the king. The king also said unto them, Take with you the servants of your lord, and cause Solomon my son to ride upon mine own mule, and bring him down to Gihon: And let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him there king over Israel: and blow ye with the trumpet, and say, God save king Solomon. Then ye shall come up after him, that he may come and sit upon my throne; for he shall be king in my stead: and I have appointed him to be ruler over Israel and over Judah. And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada answered the king, and said, Amen: the LORD God of my lord the king say so [too]. As the LORD hath been with my lord the king, even so be he with Solomon, and make his throne greater than the throne of my lord king David. DAVID TOOK ACTION TO MAKE SOLOMON KING. GOOD INTENTIONS WITHOUT ACTION DOESN'T PRODUCE GOOD RESULTS. I Kings 1:46-53 PG 589 - 590 And also Solomon sitteth on the throne of the kingdom. And moreover the king's servants came to bless our lord king David, saying, God make the name of Solomon better than thy name, and make his throne greater than thy throne. And the king bowed himself upon the bed. And also thus said the king, Blessed [be] the LORD God of Israel, which hath given [one] to sit on my throne this day, mine eyes even seeing [it]. And all the guests that [were] with Adonijah were afraid, and rose up, and went every man his way. And Adonijah feared because of Solomon, and arose, and went, and caught hold on the horns of the altar. And it was told Solomon, saying, Behold, Adonijah feareth king Solomon: for, lo, he hath caught hold on the horns of the altar, saying, Let king Solomon swear unto me today that he will not slay his servant with the sword. And Solomon said, If he will shew himself a worthy man, there shall not an hair of him fall to the earth: but if wickedness shall be found in him, he shall die. So king Solomon sent, and they brought him down from the altar. And he came and bowed himself to king Solomon: and Solomon said unto him, Go to thine house. SOLOMON SHOWS WISDOM AND MERCY IN DEALING WITH HIS BROTHER. HE DID NOT HAVE HIM PUT TO DEATH. BUT HE WOULD NOT MAKE AN UNCONDITIONAL PROMISE. ADONIJAH WOULD HAVE TO PROVE HIS LOYALTY TO SOLOMON. ANY REBELLION WOULD BE CRUSHED AND ADONIJAH WOULD HAVE TO KEEP A LOW PROFILE AND PUBLICLY PLEDGE LOYALTY TO SOLOMON. II Samuel 23:1-7 the last words of David PG 590 David the son of Jesse said, and the man [who was] raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said, The spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word [was] in my tongue. DAVID KNEW THE HOLY SPIRIT GAVE HIM GOD'S WORD TO DELIVER TO ALL BELIEVERS. II Samuel 23:3 The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men [must be] just, ruling in the fear of God. WHEN VOTING FOR YOUR RULERS IS THE FEAR OF GOD THE MAIN VIRTUE OF THE CANDIDATE WHO GETS YOUR VOTE. HOW DOES ONE KNOW WHICH ONE IS THE ONE WITH THE FEAR OF GOD? FRANCIS SCHAEFER SAID THAT IN OUR DAY IT WOULD BE THE CANDIDATE'S POSITION REGARDING ABORTION. PRO LIFE FEARS GOD - PRO CHOICE DOES NOT FEAR GOD. I Kings 2:1-3 PG 590 Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying, I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man; And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself: SHOW THAT YOU ARE A MAN - DAVID AS HE DELIVERS HIS LAST WORDS TO SOLOMON. HOW? 1)DO THE JOB GOD HAS GIVEN YOU. 2)KEEP GOD'S COMMANDMENTS. JUST DO THESE 2 THINGS TO SHOW THAT YOU ARE A MAN AND YOU WILL PROSPER IN EVERYTHING THAT YOU DO. I Kings 2:5-6 PG 591 Moreover thou knowest also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, [and] what he did to the two captains of the hosts of Israel, unto Abner the son of Ner, and unto Amasa the son of Jether, whom he slew, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put the blood of war upon his girdle that [was] about his loins, and in his shoes that [were] on his feet. Do therefore according to thy wisdom, and let not his hoar head go down to the grave in peace. I OWE YOU ALL AN APOLOGY FOR TELLING YOU THAT I THOUGHT JOAB WAS A GREAT HERO. HIS BIG PROBLEM WAS BEING TOO QUICK TO TAKE THINGS INTO HIS OWN HANDS. JOAB WAS A BLOODY MAN OF ACTION. DAVID KNEW HE WOULD BE A POSSIBLE PROBLEM FOR SOLOMON AND MORE OR LESS TOLD SOLOMON TO DISPOSE OF JOAB. JOAB KNEW DAVID SHOULD INSTALL ONE OF HIS SONS ON THE THRONE BEFORE WORD OF DAVID'S FAILING HEALTH AND WEAKNESS GOT TO THE POTENTIAL ENEMIES OF ISRAEL. JOAB WAS FORCING DAVID'S HAND BY HELPING ADONIJAH. THE END DOES NOT JUSTIFY THE MEANS. GOD ALWAYS PLACES US UNDER AUTHORITY, AND REBELLION IS AS THE SIN OF WITCHCRAFT. IT IS SO VERY IMPORTANT TO RECOGNIZE THE AUTHORITY THAT GOD PLACES US UNDER AND TO SUBMIT TO THAT AUTHORITY. IF THAT AUTHORITY IS IN ERROR DIRECTLY CONFRONT THE PERSON IN A LOVING UNCOMPROMISING WAY AND TRUST GOD TO DO WHATEVER FURTHER DEALING IS NECESSARY WITH THAT AUTHORITY. DO NOT TAKE THINGS INTO YOUR OWN HANDS. TRUST GOD NOT YOURSELF. I Kings 2:8-9 PG 591 And, behold, [thou hast] with thee Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite of Bahurim, which cursed me with a grievous curse in the day when I went to Mahanaim: but he came down to meet me at Jordan, and I sware to him by the LORD, saying, I will not put thee to death with the sword. Now therefore hold him not guiltless: for thou [art] a wise man, and knowest what thou oughtest to do unto him; but his hoar head bring thou down to the grave with blood. SHIMEI THE BENJAMITE THAT CURSED DAVID IS FINALLY GOING TO GET HIS JUST REWARD AT THE HANDS OF SOLOMON. I Kings 2:10-11 PG 591 So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David. And the days that David reigned over Israel [were] forty years: seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem. Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established greatly. DAVID RULED 40 YEARS, DIED AND WAS BURIED IN JERUSALEM. SOLOMON WAS FIRMLY ESTABLISHED AS KING AND THE KINGDOM PROSPERED GREATLY IN PEACE. MAY 12 1 KINGS 2, 3, 2 CHRON. 1 PG 591 - 595 I Kings 2:17-25 PG 592 And he said, Speak, I pray thee, unto Solomon the king, (for he will not say thee nay,) that he give me Abishag the Shunammite to wife. 18 And Bath-sheba said, Well; I will speak for thee unto the king. 21 And she said, Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah thy brother to wife. 22 And king Solomon answered and said unto his mother, And why dost thou ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? ask for him the kingdom also; for he [is] mine elder brother; even for him, and for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah. 23 Then king Solomon sware by the LORD, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah have not spoken this word against his own life. 24 Now therefore, [as] the LORD liveth, which hath established me, and set me on the throne of David my father, and who hath made me an house, as he promised, Adonijah shall be put to death this day. 25 And king Solomon sent by the hand of Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; and he fell upon him that he died. HEAVY POLITICS ARE INVOLVED HERE. BATHSHEBA PROBABLY HAD NO GREAT LOVE LOSS FOR ABISHAG. NO DOUBT SHE WAS NEVER CONSULTED REGARDING THIS SOLUTION TO DAVID'S NEED FOR AN ELECTRIC BLANKET. SHE CERTAINLY WOULD NOT WANT HER SON, KING SOLOMON, TO GET EYES FOR ABISHAG. THIS REALLY SHOWS SOLOMON'S POLITICAL WISDOM. HE HAD TOLD ADONIJAH THAT HIS LIFE WOULD ONLY BE SPARED IF HE BEHAVED HIMSELF. IF ADONIJAH HAD BEEN GIVEN ABISHAG HE WOULD SOON HAVE DETHRONED SOLOMON. ABISHAG WAS WITH DAVID IN HIS LAST DAYS. SHE COULD HAVE TOLD THE LEADERS OF ISRAEL THAT DAVID HAD REALLY WANTED HIS OLDER SON ADONIJAH TO BE KING. SHE COULD HAVE DENIED THAT DAVID BOWED TO SOLOMON ON HIS BED. SHE COULD HAVE TOLD THE LEADERS OF ISRAEL THAT SOLOMON, BATHSHEBA, AND NATHAN HAD CONSPIRED TO USURP THE THRONE FROM HER HUSBAND. SOLOMON QUICKLY RECOGNIZED THE IMPLICATIONS AND KEPT HIS PROMISE TO ADONIJAH AND IMMEDIATELY HAD HIM EXECUTED. I Kings 2:28-31 PG 593 Then tidings came to Joab: for Joab had turned after Adonijah, though he turned not after Absalom. And Joab fled unto the tabernacle of the LORD, and caught hold on the horns of the altar. And it was told king Solomon that Joab was fled unto the tabernacle of the LORD; and, behold, [he is] by the altar. Then Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, saying, Go, fall upon him. And Benaiah came to the tabernacle of the LORD, and said unto him, Thus saith the king, Come forth. And he said, Nay; but I will die here. And Benaiah brought the king word again, saying, Thus said Joab, and thus he answered me. And the king said unto him, Do as he hath said, and fall upon him, and bury him; that thou mayest take away the innocent blood, which Joab shed, from me, and from the house of my father. SOLOMON HAD JOAB EXECUTED. JOAB WAS A GREAT GENERAL AND HAD DONE MUCH GREAT SERVICE TO HIS KING DAVID. HE WAS TOO QUICK TO TAKE THINGS INTO HIS OWN HANDS. JOAB WAS THE MAN WHO EXECUTED THE ORDER FOR URIAH'S DEATH. THEREFORE DAVID'S SON BY URIAH'S WIFE WOULD NOT BE JOAB'S NATURAL CHOICE FOR THE KING TO SUCCEED DAVID. JOAB WAS THE MAN MOST RESPONSIBLE FOR A SON OF DAVID TO BE ON THE THRONE BEFORE DAVID'S DEATH TO BE SURE THAT THE SMOOTH TRANSITION OF POWER WOULD NOT HAVE GIVEN ANY OPPORTUNITY TO THE ENEMIES OF ISRAEL. I Kings 3:1 PG 594 And Solomon made affinity with Pharaoh king of Egypt, and took Pharaoh's daughter, and brought her into the city of David, until he had made an end of building his own house, and the house of the LORD, and the wall of Jerusalem round about. TAKING A FOREIGN WIFE WAS NOT ACCEPTABLE FOR ANY ISRAELITE AND CERTAINLY IT WAS A BAD EXAMPLE FOR THE KING TO SET FOR HIS PEOPLE. I Kings 3:2 PG 594 Only the people sacrificed in high places, because there was no house built unto the name of the LORD, until those days. And Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father: only he sacrificed and burnt incense in high places. BURNING INCENSE IN THE HIGH PLACES MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ACCEPTABLE WORSHIP OF JEHOVAH BUT MAY HAVE BEEN A CANNANITE PRACTICE. I Kings 3:5 In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee. GOD TOLD SOLOMON THAT HE COULD ASK HIM FOR ANYTHING. WHAT WOULD YOU ASK FOR? I Kings 3:9-10 PG 594 - 595 Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. SOLOMON ASKED FOR UNDERSTANDING. WE NEED TO REVIEW SOME OF THE TEXT FROM APRIL 16 TO SEE WHY SOLOMON KNEW WHAT TO ASK FOR. I Chronicles 22:7-14 PG 478 - 479 And David said to Solomon, My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God: But the word of the LORD came to me, saying, Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou shalt not build an house unto my name, because thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in my sight. Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days. He shall build an house for my name; and he shall be my son, and I [will be] his father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel for ever. Now, my son, the LORD be with thee; and prosper thou, and build the house of the LORD thy God, as he hath said of thee. Only the LORD give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the LORD thy God. Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed. VERSE 12 "ONLY THE LORD GIVE THEE WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING... WHEN GOD TOLD SOLOMON HE COULD ASK FOR ANYTHING - HIS FATHER DAVID HAD ALREADY TOLD HIM WHAT WAS THE MOST PRECIOUS THING TO ASK OF GOD. WISDOM - GOD'S WISDOM. ONLY GOD CAN GIVE WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING. ALL THE KNOWLEDGE AND DEGREES IN THE WORLD IS NOT WORTH ANYTHING WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING. KNOWLEDGE IS GOOD AND WE NEED TO SEEK KNOWLEDGE. BUT WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING IS ALWAYS A GIFT FROM GOD AND GIVES VALUE TO YOUR KNOWLEDGE. WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING IS KNOWING WHAT TO DO WITH THE KNOWLEDGE THAT YOU ACQUIRE. EVERYONE IS QUICK TO SAY THAT GOD'S LOVE AND PROMISES ARE UNCONDITIONAL. THIS IS NOT TRUE. MOST OF THEM ARE: IF YOU DO THIS, THEN I'LL DO THAT. THERE ARE REALLY VERY FEW UNCONDITIONAL PROMISES. THE ONLY ONE I KNOW WHICH IS UNCONDITIONAL IS James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. WISDOM! WISDOM! GET WISDOM! WHERE DO YOU GET IT? ONLY FROM GOD. NO MATTER WHAT SHAPE YOU ARE IN - ASK GOD FOR WISDOM AND HE WILL GIVE IT TO YOU. NOTHING YOU CAN SEEK IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING. I Kings 3:11-14 PG 595 And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days. And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days. SOLOMON IS WIDELY REGARDED AS THE WISEST MAN WHO EVER LIVED. BECAUSE OF THE UNSELFISH REQUEST FOR WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING TO PROPERLY RULE GOD'S PEOPLE HE WAS ALSO PROBABLY THE WEALTHIEST MAN WHO EVER LIVED. WE NEED TO BE CAREFUL TO NOTE THE "IF YOU - THEN I" NATURE OF THE PROMISES OF GOD. GOD'S DEALS ARE ALWAYS GOOD DEALS FOR US. HE WANTS TO BLESS US BUT THE BLESSINGS ARE GENERALLY CONTINGENT ON OUR OBEDIENCE. I Kings 3:16, 22-28 PG 595 Then came there two women, [that were] harlots, unto the king, and stood before him. 22 And the other woman said, Nay; but the living [is] my son, and the dead [is] thy son. And this said, No; but the dead [is] thy son, and the living [is] my son. Thus they spake before the king. Then said the king, The one saith, This [is] my son that liveth, and thy son [is] the dead: and the other saith, Nay; but thy son [is] the dead, and my son [is] the living. And the king said, Bring me a sword. And they brought a sword before the king. And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other. Then spake the woman whose the living child [was] unto the king, for her bowels yearned upon her son, and she said, O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the other said, Let it be neither mine nor thine, [but] divide [it]. Then the king answered and said, Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it: she [is] the mother thereof. And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God [was] in him, to do judgment. SOLOMON KNEW THAT THE ONE WHO WAS WILLING TO GIVE UP THE CHILD THAT IT MIGHT LIVE WAS THE TRUE PARENT. I HAVE REALLY COME TO UNDERSTAND SOME DEEP TRUTH REGARDING DIVORCE FROM THESE PASSAGES. MALACHI 2:16 SAYS THE LORD HATES DIVORCE. THE REASON IS THAT THE CHILDREN BECOME THE VICTIMS. THE PARENTS FIGHT EACH OTHER BY TEARING THE HEARTS OF THE CHILDREN. THE TRUE PARENT WILL ALLOW THE OTHER TO HAVE THE CHILDREN. THE LOVING PARENT WILL ALLOW THE OTHER TO HAVE THE CHILDREN SO THAT CHILDREN ARE NOT TORN. HOW IT HURTS. BUT GOD CAN GIVE GRACE EVEN TO COMFORT IN SUCH A SITUATION. PARENTS IN A DIVORCE SITUATION NEED TO DO EVERYTHING THAT THEY CAN TO SHIELD THE CHILDREN FROM THE HURT AND TEARING OF THEIR HEARTS. MAY 13 1 KINGS 5,6,7 2 CHRON. 2,3,4 PG 596 - 602 II Chronicles 2:5-6 PG 596 And the house which I build [is] great: for great [is] our God above all gods. But who is able to build him an house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him? who [am] I then, that I should build him an house, save only to burn sacrifice before him? THE TEMPLE WAS THE MOST MAGNIFICENT STRUCTURE WHICH MAN HAD EVER CONSTRUCTED. YET SOLOMON'S QUESTIONS ARE VALID. WHO IS ABLE TO BUILD GOD A HOUSE? EVEN THE HEAVENS CANNOT CONTAIN HIM. GOD CANNOT BE PUT INTO ANY OF THE BOXES WE MIGHT TRY TO MAKE FOR HIM. THE NEW TESTAMENT MAKES IT CLEAR THAT GOD BUILDS HIS OWN TEMPLE. NEW JERUSALEM IS BEYOND MAN'S CONSTRUCTION CAPABILITIES. AIRPLANES WILL HAVE TO FLY AROUND IT BECAUSE IT WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE TO FLY OVER A 1500 MILE HIGH STRUCTURE. TODAY OUR BODIES BECOME THE TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. WE SHOULD TAKE CARE OF GOD'S TEMPLE. THEY SHOULD BE KEPT CLEAN AND THE WEIGHT SHOULD BE KEPT IN CHECK. CHURCHES SHOULD SPEND THEIR RESOURCES ON PEOPLE AND MISSIONS AND NOT ON BUILDINGS. II Chronicles 2:11-16 PG 596 - 597 Then Huram the king of Tyre answered in writing, which he sent to Solomon, Because the LORD hath loved his people, he hath made thee king over them. Huram said moreover, Blessed [be] the LORD God of Israel, that made heaven and earth, who hath given to David the king a wise son, endued with prudence and understanding, that might build an house for the LORD, and an house for his kingdom. And now I have sent a cunning man, endued with understanding, of Huram my father's, The son of a woman of the daughters of Dan, and his father [was] a man of Tyre, skilful to work in gold, and in silver, in brass, in iron, in stone, and in timber, in purple, in blue, and in fine linen, and in crimson; also to grave any manner of graving, and to find out every device which shall be put to him, with thy cunning men, and with the cunning men of my lord David thy father. Now therefore the wheat, and the barley, the oil, and the wine, which my lord hath spoken of, let him send unto his servants: And we will cut wood out of Lebanon, as much as thou shalt need: and we will bring it to thee in floats by sea to Joppa; and thou shalt carry it up to Jerusalem. HURAM, KING OF TYRE WAS A FRIEND OF DAVID. NOTICE THAT DAVID MUST HAVE SHARED HIS FAITH WITH HURAM. HIS WORDS IN VERSE 12 BLESSED BE THE LORD GOD OF ISRAEL WHO MADE HEAVEN AND EARTH. DAVID SHARED HIS FAITH WITH HIS PEERS. DO WE? I Kings 7:51 So was ended all the work that king Solomon made for the house of the LORD. And Solomon brought in the things which David his father had dedicated; [even] the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, did he put among the treasures of the house of the LORD. II Chronicles 8:16 Now all the work of Solomon was prepared unto the day of the foundation of the house of the LORD, and until it was finished. [So] the house of the LORD was perfected. THE TEMPLE WAS COMPLETED AND SOLOMON WAS FAITHFUL TO DO EVERYTHING THAT DAVID HAD INSTRUCTED HIM TO DO. MAY 14 1 KINGS 8, 2 CHRON. 5,6,7 PG 602 - 606 II Chronicles 5:6 Also king Solomon, and all the congregation of Israel that were assembled unto him before the ark, sacrificed sheep and oxen, which could not be told nor numbered for multitude. WHEN THEY DEDICATED THE TEMPLE IT WAS QUITE A CELEBRATION. THE NUMBER OF SHEEP AND OXEN SACRIFICED COULD NOT BE NUMBERED. II Chronicles 5:10 PG 602 [There was] nothing in the ark save the two tables which Moses put [therein] at Horeb, when the LORD made [a covenant] with the children of Israel, when they came out of Egypt. WASN'T THERE ALSO A JAR OF MANA AND AARON'S ROD THAT BUDDED ALSO IN THE ARK WHEN THEY CAME INTO CANAAN? WHEN THE PHILISTINES CAPTURED THE ARK MAYBE THEY TOOK THE JAR OF MANA AND AARON'S ROD. II Chronicles 5:13-14 PG 603 It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers [were] as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up [their] voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the LORD, [saying], For [he is] good; for his mercy [endureth] for ever: that [then] the house was filled with a cloud, [even] the house of the LORD; So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God. GOD INHABITS THE PRAISES OF HIS PEOPLE. THIS IS THE KEY TO THE POWER FILLED, VICTORIOUS, CHRISTIAN LIFE. NOW OUR BODIES ARE THE TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. PRAISE GOD AND YOU WILL EXPERIENCE GOD'S PRESENCE, JOY, AND PEACE THAT PASSES UNDERSTANDING REGARDLESS HOW BAD YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES MAY BE. II Chronicles 6:3-4 PG 603 And the king turned his face, and blessed the whole congregation of Israel: and all the congregation of Israel stood. And he said, Blessed [be] the LORD God of Israel, who hath with his hands fulfilled [that] which he spake with his mouth to my father David, saying, GOD KEEPS HIS PROMISES. HE EXPECTS US TO KEEP OURS TOO. II Chronicles 6:14 PG 603 And said, O LORD God of Israel, [there is] no God like thee in the heaven, nor in the earth; which keepest covenant, and [shewest] mercy unto thy servants, that walk before thee with all their hearts: THERE IS ONE TRUE GOD. HE IS A VERY PERSONAL GOD. HE KNOWS OUR EVERY THOUGHT. HE KNOWS THE NUMBER OF HAIRS WE HAVE ON OUR HEAD. HE KNOWS US BETTER THAN WE KNOW OURSELVES. HIS LOVE AND MERCY ARE BEYOND OUR UNDERSTANDING. DO WE WALK BEFORE THE LORD WITH ALL OUR HEART SET TO GIVE HIM GLORY? II Chronicles 6:18-19 PG 604 But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have built! Have respect therefore to the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O LORD my God, to hearken unto the cry and the prayer which thy servant prayeth before thee: YES INDEED GOD WILL DWELL WITH MEN ON EARTH. HE WILL BRING NEW JERUSALEM TO EARTH AND WILL DWELL WITH MEN ON EARTH. NEW JERUSALEM - WHAT A PLACE. IT IS 1500 MILES LONG, 1500 MILES WIDE AND GET THIS 1500 MILES HIGH. THERE IS ROOM FOR EVERYONE. JESUS SAID IN HIS FATHER'S HOUSE THERE ARE MANY APARTMENTS. WITH 10' CEILINGS IT CONTAINS THE ENTIRE DRY LAND SURFACE AREA OF PLANET EARTH. ONLY GOD COULD BUILD SOMETHING LIKE THAT AND HE IS BRINGING IT TO EARTH. II Chronicles 6:24-25 PG 604 And if thy people Israel be put to the worse before the enemy, because they have sinned against thee; and shall return and confess thy name, and pray and make supplication before thee in this house; Then hear thou from the heavens, and forgive the sin of thy people Israel, and bring them again unto the land which thou gavest to them and to their fathers. IT IS GOD'S PEOPLE HOWEVER SMALL A MINORITY THEY MAY BE THAT MAKE ALL OF THE DIFFERENCE. IF THE CHRISTIANS WILL HUMBLE THEMSELVES AND REPENT GOD WILL HEAR AND HEAL OUR LAND. 2 CHRONICLES 7:14. II Chronicles 6:30-31 PG 604 Then hear thou from heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and render unto every man according unto all his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou only knowest the hearts of the children of men:) That they may fear thee, to walk in thy ways, so long as they live in the land which thou gavest unto our fathers. WE CANNOT HIDE ANYTHING FROM GOD. WE WILL BE REWARDED FOR THOSE THINGS WHICH WE DO TO GLORIFY GOD. WHAT WE DO FOR OURSELVES WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO TAKE WITH US. THAT IS WHY THE MOST PROFITABLE WORK IS TO WORK FOR THE GLORY OF GOD. II Chronicles 6:36 PG 605 If they sin against thee, (for [there is] no man which sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them over before [their] enemies, and they carry them away captives unto a land far off or near; SOLOMON WAS WISE ENOUGH TO KNOW THAT EVERYONE SINS EVERY DAY. SOME JUST DON'T SEARCH THEIR CONSCIENCES DEEPLY ENOUGH TO SEE IT. BUT THE GOOD NEWS OF THE GOSPEL IS THAT WE DO NOT HAVE TO BE BOUND TO ANY SIN HABIT AND THAT JESUS PAID THE FULL PRICE FOR ALL THE SINS OF ALL MANKIND. II Chronicles 6:38-39 PG 605 If they return to thee with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their captivity, whither they have carried them captives, and pray toward their land, which thou gavest unto their fathers, and [toward] the city which thou hast chosen, and toward the house which I have built for thy name: Then hear thou from the heavens, [even] from thy dwelling place, their prayer and their supplications, and maintain their cause, and forgive thy people which have sinned against thee. GOD WILL ALWAYS HEAR THE PRAYER OF REPENTANCE. HE WANTS TO FORGIVE MORE THAN WE WANT TO BE FORGIVEN. CONFESSION IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL. SOUND MENTAL HEALTH IS IMPOSSIBLE WITHOUT THE CONFESSION OF SINS. GOD THROWS THEM IN HIS SEA OF FORGETFULNESS AND REMEMBERS THEM NO MORE. WE NEED TO FORGET THEM TOO WHEN WE HAVE CONFESSED THEM TO GOD. HOW GOOD IT FEELS TO BE FORGIVEN BY GOD!!!! I Kings 8:56-58 PG 605 Blessed [be] the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant. The LORD our God be with us, as he was with our fathers: let him not leave us, nor forsake us: That he may incline our hearts unto him, to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and his statutes, and his judgments, which he commanded our fathers. NOT ONE WORD OF GOD'S PROMISES WILL EVER FAIL. REMEMBER THAT GOD HAS PROMISED BAD THINGS AS WELL AS GOOD THINGS. IT IS BASED ON THE CHOICES WE MAKE. HE WANTS TO BLESS US AND WILL BLESS US IF WE WILL BE OBEDIENT. I Kings 8:60-61 PG 605 - 606 That all the people of the earth may know that the LORD [is] God, [and that there is] none else. Let your heart therefore be perfect with the LORD our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day. HERE IS ARE KEYS TO BEING BLESSED BY GOD. HE ASKS THAT WE AND ISRAEL BE BLESSED SO THAT THE WHOLE WORLD WILL KNOW THAT THERE IS ONLY ONE TRUE GOD. GOD WANTS TO BLESS US MORE THAN WE WANT TO BE BLESSED. THE PROBLEM IS THAT MOST PEOPLE SAY HOW HARD THEY WORKED FOR THEIR BLESSINGS OR HOW SMART THEY ARE INSTEAD OF GIVING THE GLORY TO GOD. THE OTHER KEY TO BEING BLESSED BY GOD IS TO BE OBEDIENT AND KEEP GOD'S COMMANDMENTS. II Chronicles 7:1-3 PG 606 Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house. And the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD'S house. And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the LORD, [saying], For [he is] good; for his mercy [endureth] for ever. SOLOMON CUT A DEAL WITH GOD THAT ISRAEL WOULD BE SO GREATLY BLESSED BY GOD THAT ALL THE WORLD WOULD KNOW THAT THE GOD OF ISRAEL WAS THE ONLY TRUE GOD. THEY PROMISED TO BE OBEDIENT TO GOD'S LAWS. GOD SEALED HIS AGREEMENT TO KEEP HIS END OF THE DEAL BY SENDING FIRE DOWN FORM HEAVEN. THE WHOLE ASSEMBLY OF ISRAEL SAW GOD'S GLORY AND POWER. THE GLORY OF GOD SO FILLED THE TEMPLE THAT THE PRIESTS COULD NOT ENTER THE TEMPLE. MAY 15 1 KINGS 4,9,10 2 CHRON. 7,8,10 PG 606 - 613 II Chronicles 7:14 PG 607 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. MEMORIZE THIS VERSE. LET ME SAY IT AGAIN - MEMORIZE AND MEDITATE ON THIS VERSE. ARE YOU A CHRISTIAN? ARE YOU CALLED BY HIS NAME? THEN REGARDLESS HOW SMALL OF A MINORITY YOU MAY BE, IF IT IS ONLY YOU - WHAT YOU DO MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE. WHAT THE CHRISTIAN DOES MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE. WILL WE HUMBLE OURSELVES? WILL WE TURN FROM AWAY FROM OUR SINS? IF - IF WE WILL, THEN GOD WILL HEAL OUR LAND. II Chronicles 7:15-16 PG 607 Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer [that is made] in this place. For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually. THIS IS WHY THE JEWS WILL REBUILD THE TEMPLE IN JERUSALEM. THIS MAY BE WHY JEWS ALL OVER THE WORLD FACE TOWARD JERUSALEM AS THEY HAVE PRAYED DURING THEIR 20OO YEAR DISPERSION. IT IS ANTICHRIST WHO WILL BE DEMANDING WORSHIP AS GOD IN THIS REBUILT TEMPLE. THIS WILL BE THE ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION SPOKEN OF BY THE PROPHET DANIEL. II Chronicles 7:19-22 PG 607 But if ye turn away, and forsake my statutes and my commandments, which I have set before you, and shall go and serve other gods, and worship them; Then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have sanctified for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and will make it [to be] a proverb and a byword among all nations. And this house, which is high, shall be an astonishment to every one that passeth by it; so that he shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and unto this house? And it shall be answered, Because they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, and laid hold on other gods, and worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath he brought all this evil upon them. SO MUCH IS SAID ABOUT THE UNCONDITIONAL LOVE OF GOD. IS IT UNCONDITIONAL? WE ARE SAVED BY GRACE. GOD ONLY ASKS THAT WE CONFESS OUR SINS. BUT WHAT IF WE HIDE OUR SINS? IS THE LOVE OF GOD UNCONDITIONAL? GOD DOESN'T ASK MUCH FROM US. IF WE MAKE A CORRECT RESPONSE TO HIS LOVE TO US THROUGH JESUS CHRIST HIS LOVE MAY SEEM UNCONDITIONAL. BUT OBEDIENCE SHOULD BE A NATURAL RESPONSE TO HIS LOVE. THE CONDITIONAL PART OF GOD'S LOVE IS THAT WE LOVE HIM BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED US AND WE LOVE OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS BECAUSE OF HIS LOVE FOR US. THE TRUTH IS THAT WHILE NOT MUCH IS REQUIRED OR EXPECTED FROM US IT IS NOT UNCONDITIONAL. I Kings 4:30 & 32 PG 609 And Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt. 4:32 And he spake three thousand proverbs: and his songs were a thousand and five. SOLOMON SPOKE 3,000 PROVERBS. THE BEATLES, BARRY MANILOW, AND ELVIS, COMBINED DID NOT HAVE 1005 SONGS. I Kings 10:14 PG 609 Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred threescore and six talents of gold, SOLOMON GOT 25 TONS OF GOLD PER YEAR. I Kings 10:21 And all king Solomon's drinking vessels [were of] gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon [were of] pure gold; none [were of] silver: it was nothing accounted of in the days of Solomon. SOLOMON WAS SO WEALTHY THAT SILVER WAS NOT EVEN COUNTED IT WAS A COMMON AS ROCKS IN JERUSALEM. I Kings 10:23-24 PG 609 So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom. And all the earth sought to Solomon, to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart. WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING COME FROM GOD. IF YOU WANT KNOWLEDGE GO TO SCHOOL. IF YOU WANT WISDOM GET ON YOUR KNEES IN PRAYER AND READ YOUR BIBLE. I Kings 4:26 PG 610 And Solomon had forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen. HORSES = 40,000 I Kings 4:22-23 PG 610 And Solomon's provision for one day was thirty measures of fine flour, and threescore measures of meal, Ten fat oxen, and twenty oxen out of the pastures, and an hundred sheep, beside harts, and roebucks, and fallowdeer, and fatted fowl. SOLOMON'S DAILY BANQUETS REQUIRED 375 BUSHELS OF GRAIN, 10 PRIME HEAD OF BEEF, 20 CHOICE HEAD OF BEEF, 100 SHEEP, AND AN UNSPECIFIED NUMBER OF DEER, AND POULTRY. I Kings 10:1 And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to prove him with hard questions. THE QUEEN OF SHEBA PROBABLY FROM YEMEN WHICH WOULD HAVE REQUIRED A 1200 MILE CAMEL RIDE THROUGH WILD RUGGED DESERT. SOLOMON'S WISDOM WAS LEGENDARY. THE QUEEN HAD TO MAKE THE TRIP TO SEE IF HIS LEGENDARY WISDOM WAS FOR REAL. SHE CAME WITH HARD QUESTIONS. I Kings 10:3 PG 611 And Solomon told her all her questions: there was not [any] thing hid from the king, which he told her not. SOLOMON HAD NO DIFFICULTY ANSWERING ANY OF HER HARD QUESTIONS. I Kings 10:6-7, & 9 PG 611 And she said to the king, It was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thy acts and of thy wisdom. Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen [it]: and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard. Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel: because the LORD loved Israel for ever, therefore made he thee king, to do judgment and justice. THE LEGENDS THAT THE QUEEN OF SHEBA HAD HEARD OF SOLOMON'S WISDOM ONLY TOLD THE HALF OF HOW GREAT SOLOMON'S WISDOM WAS. SHE QUICKLY REALIZED THAT ONLY GOD COULD GIVE SUCH WISDOM TO ANYONE. Psalms 72:18-19 PG PG 613 Blessed [be] the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things. And blessed [be] his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled [with] his glory; Amen, and Amen. MUCH OF SOLOMON'S PSALM 72 SOUNDS LIKE BOASTING UNTIL YOU SEE HOW HE WRAPS IT UP. MAY 16 PROVERBS 8, 9, 3, 1, 4 PG 614 - 619 Proverbs 8:35-36 PG 615 For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD. But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death. PROVERBS 8:12-31 POINT TO HOW JESUS PERSONIFIES WISDOM. YOU FIND THE SOURCE OF ETERNAL LIFE IN JESUS CHRIST. IN John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. JESUS IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE - NOT A WAY, NOT A TRUTH, BUT THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE. YOU CAN NOT FIND ABUNDANT LIFE APART FROM JESUS CHRIST. EVERYONE KNOWS THAT AS SURELY AS THEY ARE BORN THEY WILL JUST AS SURELY DIE SOME DAY. ONLY JESUS HAS THE ANSWER TO THAT PROBLEM. JESUS DIED ON THE CROSS OF CALVARY TO PAY THE PRICE FOR YOU AND ME THAT WE COULD NOT HOPE TO PAY BY OURSELF. JESUS DID NOT STAY IN THE GRAVE. HE IS ALIVE. BECAUSE HE IS ALIVE - WE MAY BE CERTAIN OF OUR FUTURE IN HIM BEYOND THE DAY OF OUR DEATH. IN FINDING JESUS YOU FIND ETERNAL ABUNDANT LIFE AND THE ONLY ACCEPTABLE WAY TO GOD. REJECTING JESUS WILL DESTROY YOUR SOUL AND BRING THE SECOND DEATH OF ETERNAL SEPARATION FROM GOD. Proverbs 2:6 PG 616 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth [cometh] knowledge and understanding. WE CAN ACQUIRE KNOWLEDGE ON OUR OWN. WE CAN READ AND STUDY AND JUST THE RIGORS OF LIVING WILL GIVE US KNOWLEDGE. WISDOM IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN KNOWLEDGE. ALL THE KNOWLEDGE IN THE WORLD CAN BE WORTHLESS WITHOUT WISDOM. WISDOM IS KNOWING WHAT TO DO WITH OR HOW TO USE KNOWLEDGE. GOD GIVES WISDOM. IF YOU ARE TRYING TO GET WISDOM APART FROM GOD YOU ARE A FOOL. WISDOM IS A GIFT WHICH GOD WILL GIVE TO ANYONE WHO ASKS HIM FOR IT. James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. NO STRINGS ATTACHED - JUST ASK GOD AND RECEIVE LIBERALLY. Proverbs 3:13-17 PG 616-617 Happy [is] the man [that] findeth wisdom, and the man [that] getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it [is] better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She [is] more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days [is] in her right hand; [and] in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways [are] ways of pleasantness, and all her paths [are] peace. WISDOM IS MORE VALUABLE THAN WEALTH. WISDOM WILL LEAD TO A FULL, PLEASANT, AND PEACEFUL LIFE. Proverbs 1:28-29 PG 617 Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: GOD IS THE ONLY SOURCE OF TRUE WISDOM. IF WE CONTINUE TO REJECT GOD THERE WILL FINALLY COME A TIME WHEN YOU WILL BE IN TROUBLE AND NOT BE ABLE TO FIND HIM. Proverbs 9:17-18 PG 618 Stolen waters are sweet, and bread [eaten] in secret is pleasant. But he knoweth not that the dead [are] there; [and that] her guests [are] in the depths of hell. SEXUAL IMMORALITY AND ADULTERY IN PARTICULAR ARE STUPID. IT PROVES A LACK OF UNDERSTANDING. Proverbs 4:7 PG 618 Wisdom [is] the principal thing; [therefore] get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. WISDOM IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING. ONLY GOD CAN GIVE TRUE WISDOM. WISDOM FOUND APART FROM GOD WILL ULTIMATELY TAKE YOU DOWN AND OUT. Proverbs 4:13-14 PG 618 Take fast hold of instruction; let [her] not go: keep her; for she [is] thy life. Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil [men]. SEEK WISE COUNCIL AND WISE INSTRUCTION. THERE IS NONE BETTER THAN WHAT THE HOLY SPIRIT CAN GIVE YOU AS YOU READ THE WORD OF GOD. IT WILL KEEP YOU FROM ENTERING THE PATHS OF EVIL THE END OF WHICH IS THE SECOND DEATH. Proverbs 4:23-24 PG 619 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it [are] the issues of life. Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. GOD KNOWS WHAT IS IN OUR HEARTS. WE CAN HIDE WHAT WE THINK FROM PEOPLE. WE CANNOT HIDE OUR THOUGHTS FROM GOD. IF WE WILL BE DILIGENT TO KEEP OUR HEART RIGHT ALL OF OUR WORDS AND ACTIONS WILL TEND TO BE RIGHT. THE MEANING OF HEBREW WORD HERE TRANSLATED FROWARD MEANS CROOKED OR FALSE. IN THE DICTIONARY THE WORD FROWARD MEANS HABITUALLY DISPOSED TO DISOBEDIENCE. THE FROWARD MOUTH PROBABLY IS BEST THOUGHT OF AS CROOKED OR LYING WORDS. THE THOUGHT COMPLETION OF PERVERSE LIPS IS THAT THEY ARE TURNED AWAY FROM WHAT IS RIGHT OR GOOD. IN SHORT - TELL THE TRUTH. MAY 17 PROVERBS 22, 1, 3, 16, 26 PG 619 - 624 Proverbs 22:17-21 PG 619 Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. For [it is] a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips. That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee? A LOVING FATHER IS POURING HIS HEART OUT TO HIS CHILDREN. HE SAYS WORK HARD TO GET KNOWLEDGE. ABOVE ALL GET WISDOM SO THAT YOU WILL KNOW HOW TO PUT YOUR KNOWLEDGE TO GOOD USE. IT IS GOD WHO GIVES WISDOM. OTHERWISE YOU WILL GET YOUR WISDOM FORM THE SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS. TRUST IN THE LORD IS WISDOM. TRUST PLACED ANYWHERE ELSE WILL LET YOU DOWN AND CAN BE VERY FOOLISH INDEED. Proverbs 9:10 PG 620 The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy [is] understanding. THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM. CONSIDER THE AWESOME POWER REQUIRED TO CREATE THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE. HONEST SCIENTISTS KNOW THAT THE UNIVERSE IS EXPANDING BECAUSE OF THE "BIG BANG". THEY ALSO KNOW THAT THE SECOND LAW OF THERMODYNAMICS IS TRUE. THE UNIVERSE IS WINDING DOWN NOT UP. THESE FACTS POINT TO CREATION NOT EVOLUTION. THERE ARE, OF COURSE, MANY OTHER FACTS WHICH MAKE THE THEORY OF EVOLUTION PREPOSTEROUS AND ABSURD IN THE LIGHT OF HONEST SCIENCE. THE FOOL SAYS IN HIS HEART THERE IS NO GOD. IT IS SIMPLY AN EXCUSE FOR SINFUL BEHAVIOR. Proverbs 14:2 PG 620 He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but [he that is] perverse in his ways despiseth him. JESUS IS THE TRUTH (JOHN 14:6). SATAN IS THE FATHER OF LIES. YOU CANNOT SERVE TWO MASTERS. WILL YOU HAVE INTEGRITY AND LOVE THE TRUTH OR WILL YOU BE A LIAR? Proverbs 15:33 PG 620 The fear of the LORD [is] the instruction of wisdom; and before honour [is] humility. THIS IS A GOOD VERSE UPON WHICH TO MEDITATE. Proverbs 3:5-6 PG 620 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. HAVE YOU EVER HEAD "GOD HELPS THOSE WHO HELP THEMSELVES"? YOU WILL NOT FIND IT IN THE BIBLE. THE TRUTH IS THAT WE NEED TO TRUST GOD AND NOT OUR OWN STRENGTH, TALENTS, AND EFFORTS. IN ALL OUR WAYS, HE WILL DIRECT US IF WE ACKNOWLEDGE HIM. Proverbs 3:7-8 PG 620 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. THERE IS NO END TO THE TROUBLE YOU MAY GET INTO IF YOU ARE WISE IN YOUR OWN EYES. WE ALL NEED FRIENDS WHO WILL TELL US THE TRUTH ABOUT OUR SHORTCOMINGS AND BLIND SPOTS. AN HONORABLE LIFE WITHOUT EVIL IS A VERY IMPORTANT PART OF GOOD HEALTH. Proverbs 16:3 PG 621 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. WHILE OUR BURDENS MAY CAUSE US ANXIETY, THEY ARE NOT TOO GREAT FOR GOD. LET GOD HAVE YOUR BURDENS. HE CAN HANDLE THEM BETTER THAN WE CAN. THIS IS WILL ELIMINATE ANXIETY. Proverbs 18:2 PG 621 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself. THE FOOL HAS NO DELIGHT IN WISDOM OR UNDERSTANDING. SATAN'S LIE IS STILL THE SAME - "YE SHALL BE AS GOD." SINCE THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF UNDERSTANDING AND WISDOM THE FOOL SIMPLY HAS BOUGHT THE LIE AND FACTORED GOD OUT OF THE EQUATIONS OF HIS LIFE. SO MUCH OF TODAYS MODERN EDUCATION IS DESIGNED TO MAKE ONE A FOOL. MUCH OF MODERN EDUCATION CENTERS ON DISCOVERING ONE'S SELF. DISCOVERING GOD AND DEVELOPING A RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM IS THE WISEST OF PURSUITS. Proverbs 18:10 PG 621 The name of the LORD [is] a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. THE NAME OF THE LORD IS JESUS! WHAT A STRONG TOWER WE HAVE IN BEING ABLE TO USE THE NAME OF JESUS. THE WORLD DOES NOT UNDERSTAND SUCH GREAT POWER AND AUTHORITY. Philippians 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things] under the earth; Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Ephesians 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; I Corinthians 5:4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, Proverbs 26:12 PG 621 Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? [there is] more hope of a fool than of him. DO YOU KNOW ANYONE WHO IS WISE IN HIS OWN EYES? PRAY FOR HIM BECAUSE THERE IS MORE HOPE FOR A FOOL THAN FOR HIM. Proverbs 29:25 PG 621 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. NO ONE IS WORTHY OF YOUR FEAR OR TRUST BUT THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. EVERYONE ELSE WILL LET YOU DOWN AND DISAPPOINT YOU BUT JESUS IS WORTHY. ETERNAL SECURITY IS FOUND ONLY IN HIM. Proverbs 26:8 PG 622 As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so [is] he that giveth honour to a fool. IF YOU TIE A STONE IN A SLING YOU WILL HURT YOURSELF. DO NOT GIVE HONOR TO A FOOL. IT IS AS STUPID AS TYING A STONE IN A SLING. IT WILL HURT YOU. Proverbs 10:14 PG 623 Wise [men] lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish [is] near destruction. IT IS MUCH BETTER TO SIT AND APPEAR IGNORANT THAN TO OPEN YOUR MOUTH AND PROVE IT. THINK BEFORE SPEAKING. WE LEARN BY LISTENING NOT BY SPEAKING. MAY 18 PROVERBS 3, 9, 12, 22, 27 PG 624 - 630 PROVERBS FOR MEMORY AND MEDITATION ADVICE AND REBUKE PROVERBS Proverbs 3:1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: Proverbs 3:2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Proverbs 3:3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: Proverbs 3:4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Proverbs 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 9:8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Proverbs 27:5 Open rebuke [is] better than secret love. Proverbs 27:6 Faithful [are] the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy [are] deceitful. Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. VALUE OF ADVISOR PROVERB Proverbs 15:22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established. VALUE OF DISCIPLINE PROVERBS Proverbs 12:1 Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof [is] brutish. Proverbs 13:24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes. Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:15 Foolishness [is] bound in the heart of a child; [but] the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. Proverbs 23:13 Withhold not correction from the child: for [if] thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Proverbs 23:14 Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell. Proverbs 23:15 My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine. REPENTANCE PROVERB Proverbs 28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh [them] shall have mercy. RIGHTEOUSNESS & WICKEDNESS PROVERBS Proverbs 11:6 The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in [their own] naughtiness. Proverbs 14:34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin [is] a reproach to any people. INTEGRITY & PERVERSION PROVERB Proverbs 15:26 The thoughts of the wicked [are] an abomination to the LORD: but [the words] of the pure [are] pleasant words. APPROPRIATE CONSEQUENCES PROVERBS Proverbs 10:22 The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it. Proverbs 10:23 [It is] as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom. Proverbs 10:24 The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted. Proverbs 10:25 As the whirlwind passeth, so [is] the wicked no [more]: but the righteous [is] an everlasting foundation. Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous [is] a tree of life; and he that winneth souls [is] wise. MAY 19 PROVERBS ON SINCERE MOTIVATION PG 630 - 634 PROVERBS FOR MEMORY AND MEDITATION MOTIVE AND THE HEART Proverbs 16:2 All the ways of a man [are] clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits. Proverbs 20:27 The spirit of man [is] the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly. Proverbs 21:2 Every way of a man [is] right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts. FALSE WORSHIP Proverbs 15:8 The sacrifice of the wicked [is] an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright [is] his delight. Proverbs 15:29 The LORD [is] far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous. Proverbs 21:27 The sacrifice of the wicked [is] abomination: how much more, [when] he bringeth it with a wicked mind? DUPLICITY (DECEPTION, FRAUD, TRICKERY, DISHONESTY) Proverbs 11:3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them. Proverbs 26:24 He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him; Proverbs 26:25 When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for [there are] seven abominations in his heart. Proverbs 26:26 [Whose] hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the [whole] congregation. Proverbs 26:27 Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him. LOVE AND FAITHFULNESS Proverbs 3:3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: Proverbs 3:4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Proverbs 20:6 Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find? Proverbs 25:19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble [is like] a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint. LOVE, HATRED, AND COMPASSION Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins. Proverbs 17:5 Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: [and] he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished. Proverbs 24:17 Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: Proverbs 24:18 Lest the LORD see [it], and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him. Proverbs 25:21 If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: Proverbs 25:22 For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee. Proverbs 12:25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad. OVERSTAYING WELCOME Proverbs 25:17 Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee, and [so] hate thee. PRIDE AND HUMILITY Proverbs 11:2 [When] pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly [is] wisdom. Proverbs 12:9 [He that is] despised, and hath a servant, [is] better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread. Proverbs 13:10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised [is] wisdom. Proverbs 15:25 The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow. Proverbs 16:5 Every one [that is] proud in heart [is] an abomination to the LORD: [though] hand [join] in hand, he shall not be unpunished. Proverbs 16:18 Pride [goeth] before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:19 Better [it is to be] of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. Proverbs 18:12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour [is] humility. Proverbs 22:4 By humility [and] the fear of the LORD [are] riches, and honour, and life. Proverbs 27:2 Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips. Proverbs 29:23 A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit. MAY 20 PROVERBS ON SELF CONTROL PG 634 - 639 PROVERBS FOR MEMORY AND MEDITATION TEMPER AND PATIENCE Proverbs 25:28 He that [hath] no rule over his own spirit [is like] a city [that is] broken down, [and] without walls. Proverbs 29:11 A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise [man] keepeth it in till afterwards. Proverbs 12:16 A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent [man] covereth shame. Proverbs 14:17 [He that is] soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated. Proverbs 29:22 An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression. DRUNKENESS, DRUG ABUSE, GLUTTONY Proverbs 20:1 Wine [is] a mocker, strong drink [is] raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. Proverbs 23:19 Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way. Proverbs 23:20 Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: Proverbs 23:21 For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe [a man] with rags. Proverbs 23:29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? Proverbs 23:30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. Proverbs 23:31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, [when] it moveth itself aright. ADULTRY Proverbs 6:27 Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? Proverbs 6:28 Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned? Proverbs 6:29 So he that goeth in to his neighbour's wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent. Proverbs 6:30 [Men] do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry; Proverbs 6:31 But [if] he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house. Proverbs 6:32 [But] whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he [that] doeth it destroyeth his own soul. Proverbs 6:33 A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away. Proverbs 6:34 For jealousy [is] the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance. Proverbs 6:35 He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts. Proverbs 22:14 The mouth of strange women [is] a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein. MAY 21 PROVERBS ON CONTROLING WHAT YOU SAY PG 639 - 642 PROVERBS FOR MEMORY AND MEDITATION WISE AND FOOLISH TALK Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. Proverbs 16:23 The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips. Proverbs 18:7 A fool's mouth [is] his destruction, and his lips [are] the snare of his soul. Proverbs 23:15-16 My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine. Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things. RIGHTEOUS AND WICKED TALK Proverbs 12:13 The wicked is snared by the transgression of [his] lips: but the just shall come out of trouble. Proverbs 12:14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of [his] mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him. Proverbs 15:28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things. APPROPRIATE SPEECH Proverbs 16:24 Pleasant words [are as] an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. Proverbs 27:14 He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him. MAINTAINING SILENCE Proverbs 10:19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips [is] wise. Proverbs 12:23 A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness. Proverbs 17:28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: [and] he that shutteth his lips [is esteemed] a man of understanding. Proverbs 18:13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth [it], it [is] folly and shame unto him. CONTROLLED SPEECH Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. FLATTERY Proverbs 28:23 He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue. Proverbs 29:5 A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet. SLANDER AND GOSSIP Proverbs 11:13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter. Proverbs 16:28 A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends. Proverbs 17:9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth [very] friends. Proverbs 20:19 He that goeth about [as] a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips. Proverbs 26:20 Where no wood is, [there] the fire goeth out: so where [there is] no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. HURTFUL TALK Proverbs 15:4 A wholesome tongue [is] a tree of life: but perverseness therein [is] a breach in the spirit. Proverbs 26:2 As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come. QUARRELING Proverbs 17:14 The beginning of strife [is as] when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with. Proverbs 20:3 [It is] an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling. Proverbs 22:10 Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease. Proverbs 26:21 [As] coals [are] to burning coals, and wood to fire; so [is] a contentious man to kindle strife. LYING Proverbs 12:19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue [is] but for a moment. Proverbs 12:22 Lying lips [are] abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly [are] his delight. Proverbs 19:5 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and [he that] speaketh lies shall not escape. Proverbs 19:22 The desire of a man [is] his kindness: and a poor man [is] better than a liar. Proverbs 21:6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue [is] a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death. POWER OF TONGUE Proverbs 18:20 A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; [and] with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. MAY 22 PROVERBS ON DISHARMONY AND STRIFE PG 643 - 646 PROVERBS FOR MEMORY AND MEDITATION SOLICITATION TO EVIL Proverbs 1:10 My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. Proverbs 28:10 Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good [things] in possession. VIOLENCE Proverbs 3:31 Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways. Proverbs 3:32 For the froward [is] abomination to the LORD: but his secret [is] with the righteous. Proverbs 21:29 A wicked man hardeneth his face: but [as for] the upright, he directeth his way. CAUSING OTHERS HARM Proverbs 3:29 Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee. Proverbs 3:30 Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm. REVENGE Proverbs 20:22 Say not thou, I will recompense evil; [but] wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee. DISSENSION AND STRIFE Proverbs 6:16-19 These six [things] doth the LORD hate: yea, seven [are] an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness [that] speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. Proverbs 17:1 Better [is] a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices [with] strife. MEDDLING Proverbs 26:17 He that passeth by, [and] meddleth with strife [belonging] not to him, [is like] one that taketh a dog by the ears. TRUTHFULNESS Proverbs 13:5 A righteous [man] hateth lying: but a wicked [man] is loathsome, and cometh to shame. ACCURATE WEIGHTS Proverbs 11:1 A false balance [is] abomination to the LORD: but a just weight [is] his delight. WRONGFULLY OBTAINED GAINS Proverbs 13:11 Wealth [gotten] by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase. BRIBERY Proverbs 15:27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live. Proverbs 17:8 A gift [is as] a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth. FALSE WITNESSES Proverbs 19:9 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and [he that] speaketh lies shall perish. JUDICIAL JUSTICE Proverbs 17:15 He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both [are] abomination to the LORD. Proverbs 21:15 [It is] joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction [shall be] to the workers of iniquity. Proverbs 28:5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all [things]. MAY 23 PROVERBS ON ECONOMIC WELL-BEING PG 647 - 652 PROVERBS FOR MEMORY AND MEDITATION WEALTH AND POVERTY Proverbs 3:9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: Proverbs 3:10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. Proverbs 11:4 Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death. Proverbs 13:8 The ransom of a man's life [are] his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke. Proverbs 15:16 Better [is] little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith. Proverbs 22:2 The rich and poor meet together: the LORD [is] the maker of them all. Proverbs 22:7 The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower [is] servant to the lender. Proverbs 28:6 Better [is] the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than [he that is] perverse [in his] ways, though he [be] rich. BENEVOLENCE AND GENEROSITY Proverbs 3:27 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do [it]. Proverbs 3:28 Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee. Proverbs 11:25 The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. Proverbs 14:21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy [is] he. Proverbs 19:17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again. Proverbs 25:14 Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift [is like] clouds and wind without rain. OPRESSION OF THE POOR Proverbs 14:31 He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor. INDUSTRIOUSNESS Proverbs 6:6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Proverbs 6:7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Proverbs 6:8 Provideth her meat in the summer, [and] gathereth her food in the harvest. Proverbs 10:4 He becometh poor that dealeth [with] a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich. Proverbs 12:24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute. Proverbs 20:13 Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, [and] thou shalt be satisfied with bread. Proverbs 28:19 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain [persons] shall have poverty enough. Proverbs 21:20 [There is] treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up. SURETY (CO-SIGNING) FOR ANOTHER Proverbs 11:15 He that is surety for a stranger shall smart [for it]: and he that hateth suretiship is sure. Proverbs 17:18 A man void of understanding striketh hands, [and] becometh surety in the presence of his friend. MAY 24 PROVERBS ON PERSONS AND ATTRIBUTES PG 652 - 657 PROVERBS FOR MEMORY AND MEDITATION PARENTS AND CHILDREN Proverbs 17:6 Children's children [are] the crown of old men; and the glory of children [are] their fathers. Proverbs 20:20 Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness. Proverbs 23:22 Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old. Proverbs 23:23 Buy the truth, and sell [it] not; [also] wisdom, and instruction, and understanding. Proverbs 23:24 The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise [child] shall have joy of him. Proverbs 23:25 Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice. THE ELDERLY Proverbs 16:31 The hoary head [is] a crown of glory, [if] it be found in the way of righteousness. Proverbs 20:29 The glory of young men [is] their strength: and the beauty of old men [is] the grey head. WOMEN AND WIVES Proverbs 11:22 [As] a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, [so is] a fair woman which is without discretion. Proverbs 14:1 Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands. Proverbs 21:9 [It is] better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house. Proverbs 21:19 [It is] better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman. KINGS AND RULERS Proverbs 16:12 [It is] an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness. Proverbs 16:13 Righteous lips [are] the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right. Proverbs 17:7 Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince. Proverbs 29:12 If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants [are] wicked. COMPANIONS Proverbs 12:26 The righteous [is] more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them. Proverbs 13:20 He that walketh with wise [men] shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. Proverbs 18:24 A man [that hath] friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend [that] sticketh closer than a brother. CAUTION Proverbs 22:3 A prudent [man] foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished. REPUTATION Proverbs 22:1 A [good] name [is] rather to be chosen than great riches, [and] loving favour rather than silver and gold. COURAGE Proverbs 3:25 Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. Proverbs 3:26 For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken. Proverbs 14:32 The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death. HOPE Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but [when] the desire cometh, [it is] a tree of life. Proverbs 23:17 Let not thine heart envy sinners: but [be thou] in the fear of the LORD all the day long. Proverbs 23:18 For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off. MAY 25 PROVERBS AND THE GOOD & NOBLE WIFE 657 - 661 PROVERBS FOR MEMORY AND MEDITATION JOY AND GRIEF Proverbs 15:13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart doeth good [like] a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. Proverbs 18:14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear? SAYINGS OF AGUR Proverbs 30:7 Two [things] have I required of thee; deny me [them] not before I die: Proverbs 30:8 Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Proverbs 30:9 Lest I be full, and deny [thee], and say, Who [is] the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God [in vain]. Proverbs 30:21 For three [things] the earth is disquieted, and for four [which] it cannot bear: Proverbs 30:22 For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat; Proverbs 30:23 For an odious [woman] when she is married; and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress. THE WIFE OF NOBLE CHARACTER Proverbs 31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price [is] far above rubies. Proverbs 31:11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. Proverbs 31:12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. Proverbs 31:13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. Proverbs 31:14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. Proverbs 31:15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. Proverbs 31:20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. Proverbs 31:30 Favour [is] deceitful, and beauty [is] vain: [but] a woman [that] feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Proverbs 31:31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates. MAY 26 PSALM 127 & SONG OF SOLOMON 661 - 672 Psalms 127:1 PG 661 Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh [but] in vain. GOD IS THE SOURCE OF EVERY GOOD AND PERFECT GIFT. IT IS GOD WHO GIVES THE INCREASE AND MAKES THE HOUSE, THE CITY, OR THE NATION SAFE AND STRONG. MANS EFFORTS JUST END IN VANITY UNLESS GOD IS A FACTOR IN ALL THE EQUATIONS OF LIFE. Psalms 127:3-4 PG 661 Lo, children [are] an heritage of the LORD: [and] the fruit of the womb [is his] reward. As arrows [are] in the hand of a mighty man; so [are] children of the youth. CHILDREN BELONG TO GOD AND ARE ON LOAN TO THE PARENTS NOT THE STATE. THE MOST EXTREME FORM OF TYRANNY IS WHEN THE STATE TAKES CHILDREN FROM THEIR PARENTS. THE BLESSINGS OF CHILDREN ARE ONE OF THE GREATEST REWARDS OR GIFTS THAT GOD GIVES US. SONG OF SOLOMON MANY HAVE FOUND BEAUTIFUL ALLEGORIES IN THIS SONG OF LOVE. PERSONALLY IT IS THE MOST DIFFICULT BOOK IN THE BIBLE. THIS PERHAPS POINTS TO A PERSONAL LACK OF UNDERSTANDING OF LOVE, AT LEAST UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. PLEASE SHARE ANY INSIGHTS THAT GO BEYOND THE FOLLOWING SIMPLE SUMMARY. SOLOMON WITH ALL OF HIS WISDOM, WEALTH, AND FLATTERY COULD NOT PERSUADE THE SHULAMITE GIRL TO COMPROMISE HER VIRTUOUS LOVE FOR HER BELOVED. WE SEE IN THE EXAMPLE OF THE SHULAMITE THAT NOT ALL YOUNG WOMEN CAN BE WON BY FLATTERY, AND/OR THE OPPORTUNITY TO OBTAIN RICHES AND GLORY. SOME WOMEN INDEED DO VALUE THEIR VIRTUE MORE THAN LIFE ITSELF. SOME WOMEN DO LOVE TRULY FROM THE HEART AND HAVE TOTAL DEDICATION TO THE HAPPINESS OF THEIR LIFE COMPANION AND HIS CHILDREN. SOME WOMEN DO MAINTAIN A NATURAL AND UNSPOILED DISPOSITION REGARDLESS OF THEIR BEAUTY AND CHARM. SOME WOMEN WILL NEVER TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR NATURAL BEAUTY TO FURTHER A SINFUL PURSUIT. SOME WOMEN LIVE PURE AND UPRIGHT IN THE FACE OF GREAT TEMPTATIONS AND THE SEVEREST OF TRIALS. MAY 27 1 KINGS 11 672 - 674 I Kings 11:1-3 PG 672 But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, [and] Hittites; Of the nations [concerning] which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: [for] surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love. And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart. SOLOMON'S WISDOM AND WEALTH WAS LEGENDARY. SOLOMON WAS NOT ONLY A MAN OF WISDOM BUT A MAN OF FOLLY. HE HAD 700 WIVES AND 300 CONCUBINES. THOUGH IT WAS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN TO TAKE FOREIGN WIVES HE MUST HOLD THE RECORD FOR DISOBEDIENCE AND FOLLY IN THIS REGARD. SOME HAVE SAID THAT MORE OF SOLOMON'S WRITINGS MAY BE FOUND IN THE OCCULT LITERATURE THAN IN THE BIBLE. IT IS NOT AT ALL CERTAIN THAT WE WILL SEE SOLOMON IN HEAVEN. I Kings 11:4-6 PG 672-673 For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, [that] his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as [was] the heart of David his father. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as [did] David his father. HOW DO YOU THINK SOLOMON ENDED UP? JESUS SAID IN - Mark 8:36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? COULD HE HAVE HAD SOLOMON IN MIND? HOW WELL WOULD SOLOMON FIT THIS PICTURE OF HAVING GAINED THE WHOLE WORLD. I Kings 11:9-13 PG 673 And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice, And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the LORD commanded. Wherefore the LORD said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant. Notwithstanding in thy days I will not do it for David thy father's sake: [but] I will rend it out of the hand of thy son. Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom; [but] will give one tribe to thy son for David my servant's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake which I have chosen. THE LORD BECAME ANGRY WITH SOLOMON AND TOLD HIM THAT THE LORD WOULD TAKE THE KINGDOM FROM HIS SON AND GIVE IT TO ONE OF HIS SERVANTS AFTER SOLOMON DIED. FOR THE SAKE OF DAVID AND JERUSALEM ONE TRIBE WOULD REMAIN UNDER SOLOMON'S SON. MAY 28 ECCLESIATES - SEARCH FOR MEANING 675 - 678 MEMORY AND MEDITATION VERSES THE ULTIMATE QUESTION Ecclesiastes 1:2 Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all [is] vanity. Ecclesiastes 1:3 What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun? CYCLICAL NATURE OF LIFE Ecclesiastes 1:9 The thing that hath been, it [is that] which shall be; and that which is done [is] that which shall be done: and [there is] no new [thing] under the sun. Ecclesiastes 1:10 Is there [any] thing whereof it may be said, See, this [is] new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us. Ecclesiastes 1:11 [There is] no remembrance of former [things]; neither shall there be [any] remembrance of [things] that are to come with [those] that shall come after. MAN'S SEARCH FOR MEANING Ecclesiastes 6:11 Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what [is] man the better? MORTALITY OF ANIMALS AND MAN Ecclesiastes 3:19 For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all [is] vanity. Ecclesiastes 3:20 All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again. Ecclesiastes 3:21 Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth? Ecclesiastes 3:22 Wherefore I perceive that [there is] nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that [is] his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him? MORTALITY OF FOOLISH AND WISE Ecclesiastes 2:13 Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness. Ecclesiastes 2:14 The wise man's eyes [are] in his head; but the fool walketh in darkness: and I myself perceived also that one event happeneth to them all. Ecclesiastes 2:16 For [there is] no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now [is] in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise [man]? as the fool. MORTLITY OF THE RIGHTEOUS AND WICKED Ecclesiastes 9:1 For all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, [are] in the hand of God: no man knoweth either love or hatred [by] all [that is] before them. Ecclesiastes 9:3 This [is] an evil among all [things] that are done under the sun, that [there is] one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness [is] in their heart while they live, and after that [they go] to the dead. IMPORTANCE OF THE PRESENT Ecclesiastes 9:4 For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion. Ecclesiastes 9:5 For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do [it] with thy might; for [there is] no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. LIFE'S MEANING INSCRUTABLE Ecclesiastes 8:17 Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek [it] out, yet he shall not find [it]; yea farther; though a wise [man] think to know [it], yet shall he not be able to find [it]. MAY 29 ECCLESIATES - TRIVIAL PURSUITS 678 - 684 MEMORY AND MEDITATION VERSES EMPTINESS OF HUMAN WISDOM Ecclesiastes 1:18 For in much wisdom [is] much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow. EMPTINESS OF PLEASURE Ecclesiastes 2:1 I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also [is] vanity. Ecclesiastes 2:3 I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what [was] that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life. EMPTINESS OF ACHIEVEMENT Ecclesiastes 2:10 And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour. Ecclesiastes 2:11 Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all [was] vanity and vexation of spirit, and [there was] no profit under the sun. EMPTINESS OF LABOR Ecclesiastes 2:24 [There is] nothing better for a man, [than] that he should eat and drink, and [that] he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it [was] from the hand of God. EMPTINESS OF ACCUMULATION Ecclesiastes 4:4 Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This [is] also vanity and vexation of spirit. Ecclesiastes 4:6 Better [is] an handful [with] quietness, than both the hands full [with] travail and vexation of spirit. EMPTINESS OF UNSHARED LIVES Ecclesiastes 4:8 There is one [alone], and [there is] not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet [is there] no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither [saith he], For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This [is] also vanity, yea, it [is] a sore travail. Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two [are] better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. Ecclesiastes 4:10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him [that is] alone when he falleth; for [he hath] not another to help him up. EMPTINESS OF POLITICS Ecclesiastes 4:13 Better [is] a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished. EMPTINESS OF FALSE WORSHIP Ecclesiastes 5:1 Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil. Ecclesiastes 5:2 Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter [any] thing before God: for God [is] in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few. Ecclesiastes 5:3 For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice [is known] by multitude of words. Ecclesiastes 5:4 When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for [he hath] no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. EMPTINESS OF WEALTH Ecclesiastes 5:10 He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this [is] also vanity. Ecclesiastes 5:11 When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good [is there] to the owners thereof, saving the beholding [of them] with their eyes? Ecclesiastes 5:12 The sleep of a labouring man [is] sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep. Ecclesiastes 5:15 As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand. Ecclesiastes 5:18 Behold [that] which I have seen: [it is] good and comely [for one] to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it [is] his portion. Ecclesiastes 5:19 Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this [is] the gift of God. Ecclesiastes 5:20 For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth [him] in the joy of his heart. EMPTINESS OF MATERIALISM Ecclesiastes 6:7 All the labour of man [is] for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled. Ecclesiastes 6:8 For what hath the wise more than the fool? what hath the poor, that knoweth to walk before the living? Ecclesiastes 6:9 Better [is] the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this [is] also vanity and vexation of spirit. EMPTINESS OF PROSPERITY Ecclesiastes 7:14 In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him. EMPTINESS OF WICKEDNESS Ecclesiastes 8:11 Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. EMPTINESS OF INJUSTICE Ecclesiastes 8:14 There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; that there be just [men], unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked; again, there be wicked [men], to whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous: I said that this also [is] vanity. EMPTINESS OF STRENGTH Ecclesiastes 9:15 Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man. Ecclesiastes 9:16 Then said I, Wisdom [is] better than strength: nevertheless the poor man's wisdom [is] despised, and his words are not heard. Ecclesiastes 9:17 The words of wise [men are] heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools. Ecclesiastes 9:18 Wisdom [is] better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good. MAY 30 ECCLESIATES - TRIVIAL PURSUITS 684 - 687 MEMORY AND MEDITATION VERSES VARIOUS PROVERBS Ecclesiastes 7:9 Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools. Ecclesiastes 7:12 For wisdom [is] a defence, [and] money [is] a defence: but the excellency of knowledge [is, that] wisdom giveth life to them that have it. Ecclesiastes 7:20 For [there is] not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not. Ecclesiastes 7:21 Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee: Ecclesiastes 7:22 For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others. Ecclesiastes 10:2 A wise man's heart [is] at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left. Ecclesiastes 10:12 The words of a wise man's mouth [are] gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself. Ecclesiastes 10:13 The beginning of the words of his mouth [is] foolishness: and the end of his talk [is] mischievous madness. Ecclesiastes 10:17 Blessed [art] thou, O land, when thy king [is] the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness! Ecclesiastes 10:18 By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through. Ecclesiastes 10:20 Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter. WISDOM COMES FROM SORROW Ecclesiastes 7:1 A good name [is] better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth. Ecclesiastes 7:2 [It is] better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that [is] the end of all men; and the living will lay [it] to his heart. Ecclesiastes 7:5 [It is] better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools. DANGER OF EXTREMISM Ecclesiastes 7:16 Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself? Ecclesiastes 7:18 [It is] good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all. FEW CHOOSE WISDOM Ecclesiastes 7:27 Behold, this have I found, saith the preacher, [counting] one by one, to find out the account: Ecclesiastes 7:28 Which yet my soul seeketh, but I find not: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found. Ecclesiastes 7:29 Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions. MAY 31 ECCLESIATES - LIFE'S TRUE MEANING 687 - 689 MEMORY AND MEDITATION VERSES PURPOSE AND BALANCE IN LIFE Ecclesiastes 3:1 To every [thing there is] a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up [that which is] planted; Ecclesiastes 3:3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; Ecclesiastes 3:4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; Ecclesiastes 3:5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; Ecclesiastes 3:6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; Ecclesiastes 3:7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; Ecclesiastes 3:8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. Ecclesiastes 3:9 What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth? Ecclesiastes 3:10 I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it. Ecclesiastes 3:11 He hath made every [thing] beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. Ecclesiastes 3:12 I know that [there is] no good in them, but for [a man] to rejoice, and to do good in his life. Ecclesiastes 3:14 I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth [it], that [men] should fear before him. ADVICE TO YOUNG PEOPLE Ecclesiastes 11:9 Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these [things] God will bring thee into judgment. Ecclesiastes 12:1 Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; WHERE LIFE FINDS ITS MEANING Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this [is] the whole [duty] of man. Ecclesiastes 12:14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether [it be] good, or whether [it be] evil. JUN 1 1 KINGS 12,13 2 CHRON. 10,11 PG 690 - 694 I Kings 12:3-4 PG 690 That they sent and called him. And Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came, and spake unto Rehoboam, saying, Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, lighter, and we will serve thee. THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL DID NOT WANT TO REBEL THEY JUST WANTED RELIEF FROM THE HEAVY TAX BURDENS WHICH SOLOMON HAD IMPOSED ON THEM. APPARENTLY IN THE FOLLY OF HIS MANY FOREIGN WIVES SOLOMON HAD BECOME A TYRANNICAL TAXER. GOD HAD BEEN ANGERED BY SOLOMON'S DISOBEDIENCE AND TOLD SOLOMON THAT THE KINGDOM EXCEPT FOR ONE TRIBE WOULD BE TAKEN FROM HIS SON. I Kings 12:8 PG 691 But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, [and] which stood before him: REHOBOAM COULD HAVE MAINTAINED THE KINGDOM IF HE HAD LISTENED TO THE WISE ADVICE OF THE OLDER MEN INSTEAD OF THE FOOLISH ADVICE OF THE YOUNG MEN. I Kings 12:11 PG 691 And now whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. REHOBOAM'S ARROGANT RESPONSE TO THE REASONABLE REQUEST OF HIS PEOPLE GUARANTEED A REBELLION. THE ARROGANT CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES SHOULD TAKE NOTE OF THIS. TO PASS THE CLINTON TAX INCREASE WHEN AS MANY AS 80% OF THE CONSTITUENTS CALLED IN OPPOSITION TO THE TAX INCREASE SOUNDS QUITE SIMILAR TO THE RESPONSE OF REHOBOAM TO THE PEOPLE. I Kings 12:18-19 PG 691 Then king Rehoboam sent Adoram, who [was] over the tribute; and all Israel stoned him with stones, that he died. Therefore king Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem. So Israel rebelled against the house of David unto this day. REHOBOAM SHOULD HAVE ISSUED A BUNCH OF ROCK CONTROL LAWS BEFORE SENDING OUT HIS TAX COLLECTORS. I Kings 12:24 PG 691-692 Thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel: return every man to his house; for this thing is from me. They hearkened therefore to the word of the LORD, and returned to depart, according to the word of the LORD. THE MAN OF GOD PREVENTED CIVIL WAR IN ISRAEL. WILL THE GOD FEARING PEOPLE OF AMERICA SEND MESSAGES TO THE CONGRESS THAT THEY WILL FINALLY UNDERSTAND. VOTE THEM OUT. KEEP VOTING THEM OUT. DON'T ALLOW ANY OF THEM TO BE CORRUPTED BY A SECOND TERM. I Kings 12:28-29 PG 692 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 Beth-el, and the other put he in Dan. SOLOMON HAD REALLY SENT THE NATION OF ISRAEL IN A TAILSPIN BY HIS FOLLY AND THE BAD EXAMPLE OF HIS MANY FOREIGN WIVES AND THE IDOLATRY WHICH THEY BROUGHT. GOLDEN CALF WORSHIP BECOMES THE RELIGION OF ISRAEL. DON'T LAUGH TOO HARD. WHAT IS HAPPENING IN AMERICA WITH THE ENVIRONMENTAL EXTREMISM WORSHIPING MOTHER EARTH AND THE NEW AGE OCCULTISM? THIS STUFF IS NOT NEW IT IS JUST A REVIVAL OF THE SAME AGE OLD OCCULTISM. WHEN ANY NATION REJECTS THE TRUE GOD THE FALSE gODS ARE QUICK TO FILL THE VOID. II Chronicles 11:16-17 PG 692 And after them out of all the tribes of Israel such as set their hearts to seek the LORD God of Israel came to Jerusalem, to sacrifice unto the LORD God of their fathers. So they strengthened the kingdom of Judah, and made Rehoboam the son of Solomon strong, three years: for three years they walked in the way of David and Solomon. SOME PEOPLE DID NOT GO ALONG WITH THE FALSE RELIGION AND LEFT ISRAEL FOR JUDAH. AMERICA USED TO BE A GOD FEARING NATION. LOOK AT YOUR MONEY. IT SAYS "IN GOD WE TRUST", IS THAT STILL TRUE OR AN OUTDATED SAYING SLATED FOR THE CLINTON POLITICS OF CHANGE? WHEN AMERICA IS CHANGED AND COMPLETELY SOCIALIZED WHERE CAN PEOPLE SEEKING THE FREEDOM TO TRUST IN THE TRUE GOD GO? I Kings 13:4-5 PG 693 And it came to pass, when king Jeroboam heard the saying of the man of God, which had cried against the altar in Beth-el, that he put forth his hand from the altar, saying, Lay hold on him. And his hand, which he put forth against him, dried up, so that he could not pull it in again to him. The altar also was rent, and the ashes poured out from the altar, according to the sign which the man of God had given by the word of the LORD. WE NEED SOMETHING LIKE THIS TO GET THE ATTENTION OF THE ANTICHRIST POLITICAL LEADERS TODAY. THE MAN OF GOD SURE DID GET JEREBOAM'S ATTENTION. I Kings 13:8-9 PG 693 And the man of God said unto the king, If thou wilt give will I eat bread nor drink water in this place: For so was it charged me by the word of the LORD, saying, Eat no bread, nor drink water, nor turn again by the same way that thou camest. THIS MAN OF GOD COULD NO MORE BE BOUGHT THAN COULD HE BE INTIMIDATED. WHO HAS SUCH PRICELESS HOLY BOLDNESS TODAY? JUN 2 1 KINGS 14, 2 CHRON. 11,12,13 PG 694 - 698 I Kings 13:33-34 PG 694 After this thing Jeroboam returned not from his evil way, but made again of the lowest of the people priests of the high places: whosoever would, he consecrated him, and he became [one] of the priests of the high places. And this thing became sin unto the house of Jeroboam, even to cut [it] off, and to destroy [it] from off the face of the earth. JEROBOAM SET UP IDOL WORSHIP AND SEXUAL IMMORALITY THAT GOES WITH IDOL WORSHIP IN ISRAEL. ANYBODY WHO WANTED TO BE A PRIEST COULD PAY JEROBOAM THE FEE AND BE A PRIEST. THE LEVITES HAD FLED TO JUDAH. THEREFORE ISRAEL ESSENTIALLY HAD NO PRIESTS OF THE TRUE GOD. I Kings 14:7-10 PG 694 Go, tell Jeroboam, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Forasmuch as I exalted thee from among the people, and made thee prince over my people Israel, And rent the kingdom away from the house of David, and gave it thee: and [yet] thou hast not been as my servant David, who kept my commandments, and who followed me with all his heart, to do [that] only [which was] right in mine eyes; But hast done evil above all that were before thee: for thou hast gone and made thee other gods, and molten images, to provoke me to anger, and hast cast me behind thy back: Therefore, behold, I will bring evil upon the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from Jeroboam him that pisseth against the wall, [and] him that is shut up and left in Israel, and will take away the remnant of the house of Jeroboam, as a man taketh away dung, till it be all gone. GOD'S PROPHET TELLS THE TRUTH AND MOST OF THE TIME IT IS NOT WHAT YOU WANT TO HEAR. BUT YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT IS GOING TO BE JUST AS GOD'S PROPHET SAYS. I Kings 14:12 & 17 PG 694 -695 Arise thou therefore, get thee to thine own house: [and] when thy feet enter into the city, the child shall die. :17 And Jeroboam's wife arose, and departed, and came to Tirzah: [and] when she came to the threshold of the door, the child died; THIS IS TYPICAL OF HOW ACCURATELY GOD'S PROPHETS PREDICT FUTURE EVENTS. EVERY BIBLE PROPHESY THAT HAS COME TO PASS TO DATE HAS COME TO PASS WITH ABSOLUTE 100% ACCURACY. THERE ARE 2000 OLD TESTAMENT PROPHESIES THAT HAVE BEEN FULFILLED WITH THE SAME 100% ACCURACY AS WE SEE HERE. NO OTHER RELIGION IN THE WORLD GIVES PREDICTIVE PROPHECIES. ONLY ORTHODOX JUDAISM AND ORTHODOX CHRISTIANITY GIVE PREDICTIVE PROPHECY. TYPICAL JEAN DIXON TYPE PROPHETS HAVE BATTING AVERAGES AS LOW AS O FOR 61. COMPARE THE 2000 FOR 2000 CORRECT BIBLE PROPHECIES WITH ANY OTHER PREDICTIONS. FULFILLED PROPHECY BRINGS ONE TO CONCLUDE THE BIBLE IS TRUE. IT ALSO BRINGS ONE TO CONCLUDE THAT THOSE PROPHECIES WHICH HAVE NOT YET BEEN FULFILLED WILL CERTAINLY BE FULFILLED. I Kings 14:22-26 PG 695 -696 And Judah did evil in the sight of the LORD, and they provoked him to jealousy with their sins which they had committed, above all that their fathers had done. For they also built them high places, and images, and groves, on every high hill, and under every green tree. And there were also sodomites in the land: [and] they did according to all the abominations of the nations which the LORD cast out before the children of Israel. And it came to pass in the fifth year of king Rehoboam, [that] Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem: And he took away the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house; he even took away all: and he took away all the shields of gold which Solomon had made. IDOLATRY AND SEXUAL IMMORALITY GO HAND IN HAND. THERE IS NO END TO SEXUAL IMMORALITY. IT GETS WORSE AND WORSE UNTIL IT RESULTS IN THE PERVERSION OF SODOMY AND HOMOSEXUALITY. WHAT HAPPENS HERE IS WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO EVERY NATION IN HISTORY WHICH HAS TOLERATED AND GIVEN PREEMINENCE TO HOMOSEXUALITY - THE NATION IS CONQUERED. GOD HAS NEVER TOLERATED ANY NATION WHICH ALLOWED HOMOSEXUALITY TO BE PRACTICED OPENLY. THE NEW AGE ENLIGHTENMENT IS NOT NEW AT ALL. THE NEW POLITICAL CORRECTNESS IS NOT NEW AT ALL. IT IS THE SAME OLD ULTIMATE DEPRAVITY WHICH HAS ALWAYS BROUGHT SWIFT JUDGMENT TO THE LAND WHICH HAS PRACTICED AND CONDONED AND ELEVATED SODOMITES. II Chronicles 13:3-5 PG 697 And Abijah set the battle in array with an army of valiant men of war, [even] four hundred thousand chosen men: Jeroboam also set the battle in array against him with eight hundred thousand chosen men, [being] mighty men of valour. And Abijah stood up upon mount Zemaraim, which [is] in mount Ephraim, and said, Hear me, thou Jeroboam, and all Israel; Ought ye not to know that the LORD God of Israel gave the kingdom over Israel to David for ever, [even] to him and to his sons by a covenant of salt? ABIJAH IS GIVING JEROBOAM AND ISRAEL A CHANCE TO SURRENDER WHEN HE IS OUTNUMBERED 2 TO 1. IT SOUNDED CRAZY TO ISRAEL BUT THEY SHOULD HAVE TAKEN THE CHANCE TO SURRENDER. GOD WAS ON THE SIDE OF ABIJAH AND 2 TO 1 ODDS ARE NO ODDS AT ALL WHEN GOD IS ON YOUR SIDE. II Chronicles 13:12-18 PG 697 And, behold, God himself [is] with us for [our] captain, and his priests with sounding trumpets to cry alarm against you. O children of Israel, fight ye not against the LORD God of your fathers; for ye shall not prosper. But Jeroboam caused an ambushment to come about behind them: so they were before Judah, and the ambushment [was] behind them. And when Judah looked back, behold, the battle [was] before and behind: and they cried unto the LORD, and the priests sounded with the trumpets. Then the men of Judah gave a shout: and as the men of Judah shouted, it came to pass, that God smote Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah. And the children of Israel fled before Judah: and God delivered them into their hand. And Abijah and his people slew them with a great slaughter: so there fell down slain of Israel five hundred thousand chosen men. Thus the children of Israel were brought under at that time, and the children of Judah prevailed, because they relied upon the LORD God of their fathers. HERE YOU SEE IT. NOT ONLY ARE THEY OUTNUMBERED 2 TO 1 BUT THEY ARE SURROUNDED. IT SEEMS HOPELESS - THEY CRIED TO THE LORD - AND THE LORD GAVE THEM THE VICTORY. WHEN IT SEEMS HOPELESS - DON'T FORGET TO CRY OUT TO THE LORD. JUN 3 1 KINGS 15,16 2 CHRON. 14,15,16 PG 698 - 704 II Chronicles 14:2-5 PG 698 And Asa did [that which was] good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God: For he took away the altars of the strange [gods], and the high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the groves: And commanded Judah to seek the LORD God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandment. Also he took away out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the images: and the kingdom was quiet before him. ASA WAS A GOOD KING FOR JUDAH AND DID WHAT WAS RIGHT. ISRAEL HAD BAD KINGS THAT LED THEM IN SIN, DEGRADATION, AND SLAVERY. I Kings 15:29 PG 699 And it came to pass, when he reigned, [that] he smote all the house of Jeroboam; he left not to Jeroboam any that breathed, until he had destroyed him, according unto the saying of the LORD, which he spake by his servant Ahijah the Shilonite: HERE IS ANOTHER TYPICAL EXAMPLE OF THE 100% ACCURACY WITH WHICH 2000 OLD TESTAMENT PROPHECIES HAVE BEEN FULFILLED. II Chronicles 14:11-12 PG 699 And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, [it is] nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou [art] our God; let not man prevail against thee. So the LORD smote the Ethiopians before Asa, and before Judah; and the Ethiopians fled. THE WISEST THING TO DO IS ASK GOD FOR HELP. WHEN YOU HAVE BEEN FAITHFUL AND OBEDIENT AS ASA, GOD IS DELIGHTED TO HELP YOU AND GIVE YOU VICTORY. II Chronicles 15:1-2 PG 700 And the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded: And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The LORD [is] with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you. JOB 1 OF GOD'S PROPHETS IS TO PREACH RIGHTEOUSNESS MUCH MORE THAN TO PREDICT THE FUTURE. NOTICE THAT THE BLESSINGS OF GOD ARE CONDITIONAL. OBEDIENCE IS BETTER THAN SACRIFICE. II Chronicles 15:4 PG 700 But when they in their trouble did turn unto the LORD God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them. WHEN YOU SEEK GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART YOU WILL FIND GOD. II Chronicles 15:7 PG 700 Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded. WORK IS A BLESSING. EVEN IN THE NEW TESTAMENT WE ARE ADMONISHED TO WORK. "IF HE WILL NOT WORK - LET HIM NOT EAT." BE STRONG! BE COURAGEOUS! PRAY HARD! WORK HARD! II Chronicles 15:12-13 PG 700 And they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul; That whosoever would not seek the LORD God of Israel should be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman. JUDAH WAS SERIOUS ABOUT SEEKING GOD WITH ALL THEIR HEART. II Chronicles 15:17 PG 700 But the high places were not taken away out of Israel: nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days. AS SERIOUS AS THEY WERE THE DAMNABLE HIGH PLACES (SEXUAL IMMORALITY) WERE NOT TORN DOWN. II Chronicles 16:7 PG 701 And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the LORD thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand. JUST LIKE ASA THIS IS MY DOWNFALL. RUNNING AHEAD OF GOD. GOD PERMITS A LOT. WE NEED TO BE CAREFUL TO SEEK GOD'S PERFECT WILL. GOD'S PERFECT WILL FOR ASA WAS THAT HE WOULD HAVE MADE SYRIA SUBJECT TO ASA INSTEAD OF SYRIA BEING AN UNRELIABLE ALLY WHICH SOME DAY WILL TAKE ALL JUDAH AND ISRAEL CAPTIVE. HERE IS WHERE THE COUNCIL OF FAITHFUL CHRISTIAN FRIENDS COULD SAVE MUCH UNNECESSARY TROUBLE IN OUR LIFE. WILL YOU TRUST YOUR OWN STRENGTH OR WILL YOU TRUST GOD? II Chronicles 16:9 PG 701 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of [them] whose heart [is] perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars. THIS IS A VERSE TO MEMORIZE. THINK ABOUT IT. II Chronicles 16:10 PG 701 Then Asa was wroth with the seer, and put him in a prison house; for [he was] in a rage with him because of this [thing]. And Asa oppressed [some] of the people the same time. THIS IS USUALLY WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO YOU WHEN YOU TRY TO POINT OUT THE ERROR IN SOMEONE'S WAY. EVEN GODLY KING ASA PUT THE PROPHET IN PRISON. WISE PEOPLE WILL SEEK THE CONVICTING WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AND CONCENTRATE ON GETTING THEIR OWN LIFE CENTERED IN GOD'S PERFECT WILL. WISE PEOPLE WILL NOT CORRECT OTHERS UNLESS THEY ASK FOR COUNSEL. WISDOM REQUIRES THAT WE ARE BOLD TO WIN SOULS FOR CHRIST AND PRAY FOR THE CONVICTING WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN OUR OWN LIFE AND IN THOSE WE LOVE. I Kings 16:12 Thus did Zimri destroy all the house of Baasha, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake against Baasha by Jehu the prophet, FULFILLED BIBLE PROPHESY TO DATE IS 2000 FOR 2000 RIGHT WITH 100% ACCURACY. WE HAVE EVERY REASON TO BELIEVE THE PROPHESIES NOT YET FULFILLED WILL BE FULFILLED WITH THE SAME ACCURACY. NO GENERATION HAS EVER HAD GREATER INCENTIVE TO STUDY BIBLE PROPHESY THAN OUR GENERATION. I Kings 16:30-31 PG 703 And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD above all that [were] before him. And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him. And he reared up an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he had built in Samaria. And Ahab made a grove; and Ahab did more to provoke the LORD God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel that were before him. AHAB IS THE WORST OF ISRAEL'S BAD KINGS. WHAT MADE HIM SO BAD IS HOW HE WAS DIRECTED BY JEZEBEL. II Chronicles 17:3-6 PG 703-704 And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim; But sought to the [LORD] God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel. Therefore the LORD stablished the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honour in abundance. And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah. JEHOSHAPHAT WAS A VERY GOOD KING. WHY? THINK ABOUT IT. II Chronicles 17:9-10 And they taught in Judah, and [had] the book of the law of the LORD with them, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people. And the fear of the LORD fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that [were] round about Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat. HERE IS THE KEY TO HEALING OURSELVES, OUR FAMILIES, OUR CHURCHES, OUR CITIES, AND OUR NATION. JUN 4 1 KINGS 17,18, 19 PG 704 - 709 I Kings 17:1-7 PG 705 And Elijah the Tishbite, [who was] of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, [As] the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word. And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that [is] before Jordan. And it shall be, [that] thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there. So he went and did according unto the word of the LORD: for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that [is] before Jordan. And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook. And it came to pass after a while, that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land. ELIJAH WAS A MIGHTY PROPHET OF GOD. NO RAIN WOULD FALL IN THE WHOLE LAND UNTIL ELIJAH WOULD CALL FOR RAIN AT GOD'S DIRECTION. ELIJAH WILL BE ONE OF THE PROPHETS WHICH WILL WITHSTAND ANTICHRIST DURING THE MIDDLE OF THE GREAT TRIBULATION. THE RAVENS, AN UNCLEAN BIRD, BROUGHT FOOD TO ELIJAH IN THE WILDERNESS. THIS WAS A HARD TEST FOR ELIJAH. RAVENS EAT CARRION. YUK! I Kings 17:14-16 PG 705 For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day [that] the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth. And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat [many] days. [And] the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Elijah. HERE IS SOMETHING WE NEED TO REMEMBER. GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF HIS PEOPLE AND GOD WILL MULTIPLY FOOD SO THAT HIS PEOPLE WILL NOT STARVE. WE NEED TO REMEMBER THIS IF WE WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO BUY OR SELL UNLESS WE ACCEPT A MARK ON OUR FOREHEAD OR RIGHT WRIST. I Kings 17:22-24 PG 706 And the LORD heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived. And Elijah took the child, and brought him down out of the chamber into the house, and delivered him unto his mother: and Elijah said, See, thy son liveth. And the woman said to Elijah, Now by this I know that thou [art] a man of God, [and] that the word of the LORD in thy mouth [is] truth. IN ANSWER TO ELIJAH'S PRAYER GOD BROUGHT THE WIDOW'S SON BACK TO LIFE. ELIJAH'S FAITH DID NOT BRING HIM BACK TO LIFE. GOD WORKED THE MIRACLE IN RESPONSE TO ELIJAH'S PRAYER AND FAITH. THERE IS NO POWER IN FAITH. ALL POWER IS IN GOD. HAVE FAITH IN GOD. DON'T EVER BUY THE HERESY OF HAVING FAITH IN YOUR FAITH. FAITH IN YOUR FAITH IS NOT THE SAME AS FAITH IN GOD. FAITH IN YOUR FAITH IS FAITH ASTRAY. I Kings 18:17-18 PG 707 And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, [Art] thou he that troubleth Israel? And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the LORD, and thou hast followed Baalim. AHAB BLAMES ELIJAH FOR ALL THE PROBLEMS IN ISRAEL BECAUSE IT HAD NOT RAINED FOR 3 YEARS AND ISRAEL WAS REALLY HURTING. IT MAY HAPPEN THAT THE WORLD WILL SOON FACE GREAT FAMINE AND ECONOMIC CHAOS AND JEWS AND CHRISTIANS WILL LIKELY BE THE TARGETS OF BLAME FOR THE PROBLEMS OF THE WORLD. ELIJAH LETS AHAB KNOW THAT JUDGMENT OF ANY NATION IS A RESULT OF THAT NATION REJECTING GOD. GOD'S PEOPLE MAKE THE DIFFERENCE. IF THE CHRISTIANS WILL HUMBLE THEMSELVES AND TURN FROM THEIR WICKED WAYS, GOD WILL HEAL THEIR LAND. 2 CHRON. 7:14 I Kings 18:21-22 PG 707 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD [be] God, follow him: but if Baal, [then] follow him. And the people answered him not a word. THE DOUBLE MINDED MAN IS UNSTABLE IN ALL HIS WAYS. IF JESUS IS NOT LORD OF ALL HE IS NOT LORD AT ALL. THE PEOPLE WOULD NOT ANSWER. HOW WILL I ANSWER? IS JESUS IN TOTAL CONTROL OF MY LIFE? I Kings 18:24 And call ye on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the LORD: and the God that answereth by fire, let him be God. And all the people answered and said, It is well spoken. IT WAS WELL SPOKEN THEN. TODAY HOWEVER WE NEED TO BE CAREFUL OF SEEKING AFTER ANY SUPERNATURAL MANIFESTATIONS. JESUS WARNED US THAT IN THE END TIMES, WHEN SATAN IS CAST OUT OF HEAVEN FOR THE 7 YEARS OF GREAT TRIBULATION, THERE WILL BE MANY PRETENDED SIGNS AND WONDERS. WE NEED TO GET TO KNOW THE WORD OF GOD. THE WORD OF GOD MUST MEAN MORE TO US THAN ALL THE MIRACLES IN THE WORLD. A TRUE MIRACLE WILL ALWAYS GLORIFY THE TRUE GOD. STEER CLEAR OF ANY SUPERNATURAL MANIFESTATIONS WHICH DO NOT GLORIFY JESUS. I Kings 18:33-38 PG 707-708 And he put the wood in order, and cut the bullock in pieces, and laid [him] on the wood, and said, Fill four barrels with water, and pour [it] on the burnt sacrifice, and on the wood. And he said, Do [it] the second time. And they did [it] the second time. And he said, Do [it] the third time. And they did [it] the third time. And the water ran round about the altar; and he filled the trench also with water. And it came to pass at [the time of] the offering of the [evening] sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou [art] God in Israel, and [that] I [am] thy servant, and [that] I have done all these things at thy word. Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that thou [art] the LORD God, and [that] thou hast turned their heart back again. Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that [was] in the trench. ELIJAH WATCHED THE 450 PROPHETS DANCE, SHOUT, CUT THEMSELVES AND EXHAUST THEMSELVES ALL DAY CRYING FOR FIRE FROM BAAL. THEN HE SETS THE ALTER, THE WOOD AND THE OFFERING AND DOUSES THE WHOLE THING WITH WATER 3 TIMES UNTIL THE WHOLE THING IS IN AL LARGE POOL OF WATER. THEN HE ASKS GOD TO LET THE PEOPLE KNOW WHO GOD IS BY SENDING FIRE. GOD ANSWERS IMMEDIATELY AND THE FIRE OF GOD, NOT THE FIRE OF ELIJAH, (THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS THE FIRE OF ELIJAH), CONSUMES EVERYTHING INCLUDING THE POOL OF WATER. I Kings 18:39-40 PG 708 And when all the people saw [it], they fell on their faces: and they said, The LORD, he [is] the God; the LORD, he [is] the God. And Elijah said unto them, Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape. And they took them: and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there. GOD SHOWED THE PEOPLE WHO THE TRUE GOD IS. ELIJAH IMMEDIATELY HAD THE 450 PROPHETS OF BAAL EXECUTED. I Kings 19:1-2 PG 708 And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do [to me], and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time. WE SEE CLEARLY HERE WHO RULED THE KINGDOM OF ISRAEL. YOU MAY NOT LIKE THIS AND I'LL LIKELY GET SHOUTED DOWN FOR THIS BUT WOMEN RULING OVER MEN IS GENERALLY CONTRARY TO THE WORD OF GOD. SOMETIMES HOWEVER THE MEN ARE SO GUTLESS THAT THE WOMEN HAVE TO TAKE THE LEAD SUCH AS JAEL AND DEBORAH IN THE BOOK OF JUDGES. I Kings 19:4 But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I [am] not better than my fathers. WHY IS ELIJAH SO FRIGHTENED OF JEZEBEL? WHY AFTER SUCH TREMENDOUS DEMONSTRATIONS OF GOD'S POWER IS HE HAVING A PITY PARTY UNDER THE JUNIPER TREE PRAYING TO DIE? I Kings 19:11-13 PG 709 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; [but] the LORD [was] not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; [but] the LORD [was] not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; [but] the LORD [was] not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. And it was [so], when Elijah heard [it] that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, [there came] a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah? THERE IS A FANTASTIC MESSAGE HERE. EVEN GREAT MIGHTY MEN OF GOD CAN BE OVERWHELMED BY DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES AND PERSECUTION. WE NEED TO REMEMBER THAT ELIJAH DID NOT HAVE THE HOLY SPIRIT IN HIM. OBVIOUSLY THE HOLY SPIRIT WAS WITH HIM BUT WE KNOW HE WAS NOT IN ELIJAH. WHEN CIRCUMSTANCES OVERWHELM YOU, WHEN YOU GROW WEARY IN WELL DOING, WHEN GOD SEEMS DISTANT - GET ALONE AND GET QUIET. GOD WAS NOT IN THE STRONG WIND, OR THE EARTHQUAKE, OR THE FIRE. GOD WAS IN THE STILL SMALL VOICE. GOD'S QUESTION - WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE? HAVE YOU HEARD GOD ASK YOU WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE LATELY? IS IT TIME TO GET QUIET? JUN 5 1 KINGS 20, 21, 22 PG 709 - 715 I Kings 20:13-14 PG 710 And, behold, there came a prophet unto Ahab king of Israel, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Hast thou seen all this great multitude? behold, I will deliver it into thine hand this day; and thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD. And Ahab said, By whom? And he said, Thus saith the LORD, [Even] by the young men of the princes of the provinces. Then he said, Who shall order the battle? And he answered, Thou. GOD IS TRYING TO REACH AHAB AND BRING HIM TO REPENTANCE. GOD'S KINDNESS IS MEANT TO CALL US TO REPENTANCE. GOD GIVES AHAB A MIRACULOUS VICTORY OVER SYRIA. I Kings 20:28 PG 711 And there came a man of God, and spake unto the king of Israel, and said, Thus saith the LORD, Because the Syrians have said, The LORD [is] God of the hills, but he [is] not God of the valleys, therefore will I deliver all this great multitude into thine hand, and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD. AHAB DID NOT REPENT. GOD GIVES THE SECOND VICTORY OVER SYRIA TO AHAB TO SHOW GOD'S POWER AND GLORY TO THE SYRIANS AND ANSWER THE INSULT OF GOD BY THE SYRIANS WHEN THEY SAID THE GOD OF ISRAEL WAS A GOD OF THE HILLS AND DID NOT RECOGNIZE THE GOD OF ISRAEL AS THE ONLY TRUE GOD OF ALL. I Kings 21:7 PG 712 And Jezebel his wife said unto him, Dost thou now govern the kingdom of Israel? arise, [and] eat bread, and let thine heart be merry: I will give thee the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite. JEZEBEL DOES HER THING TO GET NABOTH'S VINEYARD FOR AHAB. SHE HAS NABOTH KILLED. I Kings 21:18-19 PG 713 Arise, go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, which [is] in Samaria: behold, [he is] in the vineyard of Naboth, whither he is gone down to possess it. And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Hast thou killed, and also taken possession? And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the LORD, In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick thy blood, even thine. GOD SENDS ELIJAH TO PRONOUNCE JUDGMENT ON AHAB FOR HAVING NABOTH KILLED TO TAKE HIS VINEYARD. I Kings 21:23 And of Jezebel also spake the LORD, saying, The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel. JEZEBEL WILL GET HER REWARD TOO. AGAIN WE WILL SEE HOW ACCURATELY BIBLE PROPHESY IS FULFILLED WITH 100% ACCURACY. I Kings 22:7-8 PG 714 And Jehoshaphat said, [Is there] not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might inquire of him? And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, [There is] yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may inquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so. MOST TRUE PROPHETS USUALLY END UP BEING HATED AND THROUGHOUT THE OLD TESTAMENT WE SEE THEM BEING IMPRISONED AND KILLED BY THE KINGS WHO SOUGHT THE WORD OF THE LORD FROM THEM. I Kings 22:19-23 PG 714-715 And he said, Hear thou therefore the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left. And the LORD said, Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead? And one said on this manner, and another said on that manner. And there came forth a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will persuade him. And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt persuade [him], and prevail also: go forth, and do so. Now therefore, behold, the LORD hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these thy prophets, and the LORD hath spoken evil concerning thee. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS? HAVE YOU EVER HEARD A PREACHER TELL YOU WHAT YOU WANTED TO HEAR INSTEAD OF THE TRUTH? IN THE LAST DAYS SUCH PREACHERS THAT TELL YOU WHAT YOU WANT TO HEAR INSTEAD OF THE TRUTH WILL FAR OUTNUMBER THE PREACHERS WHO WILL FAITHFULLY PREACH THE TRUTH. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT PRETRIBULATION RAPTURE MAY BE SOME OF THAT TELL THEM WHAT THEY WANT TO HEAR TEACHING. I Kings 22:26-28 PG 715 And the king of Israel said, Take Micaiah, and carry him back unto Amon the governor of the city, and to Joash the king's son; And say, Thus saith the king, Put this [fellow] in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I come in peace. And Micaiah said, If thou return at all in peace, the LORD hath not spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, O people, every one of you. TYPICAL TREATMENT FOR THE TRUE PROPHET OF GOD. JUN 6 2 CHRON. 19,20 2 KINGS 1, PG 715 - 719 I Kings 22:38 PG 715 And [one] washed the chariot in the pool of Samaria; and the dogs licked up his blood; and they washed his armour; according unto the word of the LORD which he spake. DETAILED PROPHESY FULFILLMENT. II Chronicles 19:2-3 PG 715 And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore [is] wrath upon thee from before the LORD. Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast taken away the groves out of the land, and hast prepared thine heart to seek God. AHAB WAS EVIL. GOOD KING JEHOSHAPHAT HAD TO KNOW AHAB WAS TOTALLY CONTROLLED BY JEZEBEL. WHY WOULD JEHOSHAPHAT MAKE AN ALLIANCE WITH HIM? II Chronicles 20:2 PG 716 Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying, There cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea on this side Syria; and, behold, they [be] in Hazazon-tamar, which [is] En-gedi. AS SOON AS JEHOSHAPHAT HEARS OF THE SERIOUS THREAT OF INVASION HE IMMEDIATELY DOES THE RIGHT THING. HE ANNOUNCES A FAST FOR ALL JUDAH. HE ASSEMBLES THE ENTIRE NATION OF JUDAH FOR A NATIONAL PRAYER MEETING. DO YOU HAVE ANY GUESS WHAT BILL CLINTON WOULD DO IN A SIMILAR THREATENING CIRCUMSTANCE? II Chronicles 20:5-12 PG 716 And Jehoshaphat stood in the congregation of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD, before the new court, And said, O LORD God of our fathers, [art] not thou God in heaven? and rulest [not] thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in thine hand [is there not] power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee? [Art] not thou our God, [who] didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for ever? And they dwelt therein, and have built thee a sanctuary therein for thy name, saying, If, [when] evil cometh upon us, [as] the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we stand before this house, and in thy presence, (for thy name [is] in this house,) and cry unto thee in our affliction, then thou wilt hear and help. And now, behold, the children of Ammon and Moab and mount Seir, whom thou wouldest not let Israel invade, when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned from them, and destroyed them not; Behold, [I say, how] they reward us, to come to cast us out of thy possession, which thou hast given us to inherit. O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes [are] upon thee. THE PRAYER MEETING HAD BEEN PRECEDED BY FASTING. EVERYBODY WAS THERE AND JEHOSAPHAT LED THE PRAYER MEETING. HE KNEW GOD. HE KNEW GOD RULES OVER ALL AND THAT NOTHING IS PERMITTED WHICH GOD DOES NOT ALLOW. HE REMINDS GOD OF GOD'S GLORIOUS ACTS OF DELIVERANCE FOR THE DECEDENTS OF ABRAHAM. HE REMINDS GOD OF HIS PROMISES TO HIS FRIEND ABRAHAM AND THAT HE KNOWS THAT HE IS A DESCENDENT OF GOD'S FRIEND ABRAHAM TO WHOM THE PROMISES THEREFORE APPLY. HE REMINDS GOD OF HIS PROMISE TO ISRAEL WHEN SOLOMON DEDICATED THE TEMPLE. HE TELLS GOD THAT FROM WHAT HE KNOWS OF GOD'S PROMISES THAT HE DOESN'T BELIEVE IT IS GOD'S WILL THAT THEY BE CONQUERED BY AMMON AND MOAB. HE ASKS GOD TO DELIVER THEM AND CONFESSES THEIR WEAKNESS AND INABILITY TO BE SAVED WITHOUT GOD'S HELP. HE SAYS THAT ALL OF THEIR HOPE AND TRUST IS IN GOD. THE BOTTOM LINE IS HE KNEW GOD AND HE KNEW THE WORD OF GOD. FROM THE WORD AND PROMISES OF GOD HE HAD DISCERNED GOD'S WILL. GOD HONORS FAITH - YET FAITH IS AN ALMOST AUTOMATIC THING WHEN YOU HAVE RIGHTLY DIVIDED THE WORD TO DISCERN GOD'S WILL ON ANYTHING THAT YOU WOULD TAKE TO HIM IN PRAYER. II Chronicles 20:14-17 PG 717 Then upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, came the Spirit of the LORD in the midst of the congregation; And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle [is] not yours, but God's. Ye shall not [need] to fight in this [battle]: set yourselves, stand ye [still], and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD [will be] with you. THE SPIRIT OF GOD GAVE AN IMMEDIATE ANSWER TO THE PRAYER. GOD WOULD DELIVER JUDAH AND THEY WOULD NOT HAVE TO DO ANYTHING BUT WATCH GOD DELIVER THEM. II Chronicles 20:19 PG 717 And the Levites, of the children of the Kohathites, and of the children of the Koran, stood up to praise the LORD God of Israel with a loud voice on high. THEY HAD THE ANSWER - NOW IT WAS TIME FOR PRAISING GOD. NOTE AFTER THEY PRAYED AND BEFORE THE MIRACLE HAD BEEN SEEN THEY WERE IN PRAISE. THIS IS THE WAY TO DEMONSTRATE YOUR FAITH. II Chronicles 20:23 PG 718 For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy [them]: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one helped to destroy another. THE ATTACKING ARMIES OF THE AMMONITES AND MOABITES KILLED EACH OTHER. THIS IS TYPICAL OF HOW GOD CAN WIN BATTLES FOR YOU. YOUR ENEMIES USE THEIR WEAPONS ON THEMSELVES. THIS IS PROBABLY GOING TO BE THE WAY GOD WILL DESTROY 5/6'S OF ALL OF RUSSIA'S ARMY WHEN THEY INVADE ISRAEL. II Chronicles 20:29 PG 718 And the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of [those] countries, when they had heard that the LORD fought against the enemies of Israel. THE ENEMIES OF ISRAEL ARE ENEMIES OF GOD. THE FRIENDS OF ISRAEL ARE BLESSED BY GOD. GOD IS AGAINST YOU IF YOU ARE AGAINST ISRAEL. II Chronicles 20:32-33 PG 718 And he walked in the way of Asa his father, and departed not from it, doing [that which was] right in the sight of the LORD. Howbeit the high places were not taken away: for as yet the people had not prepared their hearts unto the God of their fathers. JEHOSAPHAT WAS A GOOD KING BUT STILL THE HIGH PLACES WHERE SEXUAL IMMORALITY WAS PRACTICED WERE NOT TORN DOWN. II Kings 1:10-17 PG 719 And Elijah answered and said to the captain of fifty, If I [be] a man of God, then let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And there came down fire from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty. Again also he sent unto him another captain of fifty with his fifty. And he answered and said unto him, O man of God, thus hath the king said, Come down quickly. And Elijah answered and said unto them, If I [be] a man of God, let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And the fire of God came down from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty. And he sent again a captain of the third fifty with his fifty. And the third captain of fifty went up, and came and fell on his knees before Elijah, and besought him, and said unto him, O man of God, I pray thee, let my life, and the life of these fifty thy servants, be precious in thy sight. Behold, there came fire down from heaven, and burnt up the two captains of the former fifties with their fifties: therefore let my life now be precious in thy sight. And the angel of the LORD said unto Elijah, Go down with him: be not afraid of him. And he arose, and went down with him unto the king. So he died according to the word of the LORD which Elijah had spoken. And Jehoram reigned in his stead in the second year of Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat king of Judah; because he had no son. ELIJAH WAS A MIGHTY MAN OF GOD. I ONCE HAD A MAN OF GOD CALL THE FIRE OF ELIJAH DOWN ON ME. I HAD NO DOUBT THAT HE WAS A MIGHTY MAN OF GOD. LET ME TELL YOU THIS COULD BE VERY INTIMIDATING. I WAS NOT INTIMIDATED AND HE MARVELED AT MY BOLDNESS. I HAVE BEEN IN ERNEST PRAYER FOR THE MAN EVER SINCE BECAUSE I DON'T BELIEVE THAT ELIJAH FIRE HAS ANY PLACE WITHIN THE BODY OF CHRIST EVEN WHEN BROTHERS AND SISTERS DISAGREE WITH ONE ANOTHER. WHAT DO YOU THINK? 2 Kings 3:1-3 PG 719 Now Jehoram the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned twelve years. And he wrought evil in the sight of the LORD; but not like his father, and like his mother: for he put away the image of Baal that his father had made. Nevertheless he cleaved unto the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which made Israel to sin; he departed not therefrom. JUN 7 2 KINGS 2, 4, 6, 8 PG 720 - 724 II Kings 2:8 PG 720 And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped [it] together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground. PRETTY NEAT MIRACLE. SURE BEATS BUILDING A BRIDGE. REMEMBER THIS IT COULD COME IN HANDY SOME DAY. II Kings 2:9 PG 720 And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me. ELISHA ASKED FOR A DOUBLE PORTION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT POWER OF GOD. DO YOU REALIZE THAT TODAY JESUS BAPTIZES BELIEVERS WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT SO THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT IS NOT JUST WITH SOMEONE LIKE ELIJAH AND ELISHA BUT ACTUALLY IN THEM. BUT THE HOLY SPIRIT IS JUST THAT - THE HOLY SPIRIT. POWER BEYOND COMPREHENSION - YET TWO THINGS ARE REQUIRED OF THE BORN AGAIN BELIEVER. FIRST HOLINESS - IF THERE IS UNCONFESSED SIN IN YOUR LIFE YOU MUST TAKE IT TO THE CROSS. SECOND YIELDEDNESS - THE HOLY SPIRIT IS A PERFECT GENTLEMAN. HE WILL NEVER FORCE YOU TO DO ANYTHING THAT YOU DO NOT WANT TO DO. ALL BELIEVERS MUST GET THIS STRAIGHT BECAUSE IF THE RAPTURE OCCURS AT THE END OF THE TRIBULATION THAN THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL BE THE ONLY MEANS OF SURVIVAL AND OVERCOMING. II Kings 2:10 PG 720 And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: [nevertheless], if thou see me [when I am] taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be [so]. ELIJAH MAKES IT CLEAR TO ELISHA THAT THE POWER IS NOT HIS BUT GOD'S. WE MUST BE CAREFUL TO ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT WE HAVE THIS TREASURE IN EARTHEN VESSELS THAT THE EXCELLENCY OF THE POWER MAY BE OF GOD AND NOT OF US. II Kings 2:11 PG 720 And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, [there appeared] a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. ELIJAH WAS TAKEN UP TO HEAVEN BY GOD. HE AND ENOCH ARE THE ONLY TWO PEOPLE WHO LEFT THE EARTH WITHOUT DYING. BECAUSE OF THIS IT IS QUITE LIKELY THAT ENOCH AND ELIJAH WILL BE THE TWO GREAT MEN OF GOD WHO WILL RESIST ANTICHRIST WITH TREMENDOUS POWER DURING THE MIDDLE OF THE TRIBULATION. II Kings 2:19-22 PG 721 And the men of the city said unto Elisha, Behold, I pray thee, the situation of this city [is] pleasant, as my lord seeth: but the water [is] nought, and the ground barren. And he said, Bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein. And they brought [it] to him. And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, Thus saith the LORD, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren [land]. So the waters were healed unto this day, according to the saying of Elisha which he spake. II Kings 2:23-24 PG 721 And he went up from thence unto Beth-el: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head. And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the LORD. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them. THIS IS HARD TO UNDERSTAND - OTHER THAN TOUCH NOT GOD'S ANOINTED. IT COULD BE VERY SERIOUS BUSINESS TO RIDICULE OR BAD MOUTH AN ANOINTED MAN OF GOD. II Kings 4:2-7 PG 721 And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil. Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, [even] empty vessels; borrow not a few. And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full. So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought [the vessels] to her; and she poured out. And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, [There is] not a vessel more. And the oil stayed. Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest. GOD MULTIPLIED THE OIL AND THERE WAS NO EXCESS. IF WE CAN NOT BUY OR SELL WE CAN BE SURE THAT AS WE REMAIN FAITHFUL THAT GOD WILL MULTIPLY THE SMALL AMOUNTS OF RESOURCES WE HAVE TO EXACTLY MEET OUR NEEDS DAY BY DAY. II Kings 4:32 PG 723 And when Elisha was come into the house, behold, the child was dead, [and] laid upon his bed. He went in therefore, and shut the door upon them twain, and prayed unto the LORD. ELISHA DID NOT RAISE THE BOY FROM THE DEAD. GOD RAISED THE BOY FROM THE DEAD IN ANSWER TO ELISHA'S PRAYER. II Kings 4:40-41 PG 722 So they poured out for the men to eat. And it came to pass, as they were eating of the pottage, that they cried out, and said, O [thou] man of God, [there is] death in the pot. And they could not eat [thereof]. But he said, Then bring meal. And he cast [it] into the pot; and he said, Pour out for the people, that they may eat. And there was no harm in the pot. THE STEW HAD BEEN COOKED WITH POISON GOURDS. AS SOON AS THE MEN HAD EATEN JUST A SMALL AMOUNT THEY KNEW THEY WERE GOING TO BE SICK OR POSSIBLY EVEN DIE. ELISHA SAID THROW IN SOME MEAL AND THE STEW THEN WAS NOT ONLY NOT POISON BUT HEALED THEM FROM THE POISON WHICH THEY HAD ALREADY INGESTED. THE MESSAGE IS DON'T EVER FAIL TO ASK GOD TO BLESS YOUR FOOD. ONCE THE FOOD HAD BEEN BLESSED IT HAD NO POWER TO POISON THE MEN. Mark 16:18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. II Kings 6:4-7 PG 724 So he went with them. And when they came to Jordan, they cut down wood. But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water: and he cried, and said, Alas, master! for it was borrowed. And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he shewed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast [it] in thither; and the iron did swim. Therefore said he, Take [it] up to thee. And he put out his hand, and took it. THE IRON AXE HEAD WHICH WAS BORROWED, LOST IN THE WATER, AND QUITE VALUABLE, WAS MADE TO FLOAT. IT IS A MIRACLE TO MAKE SOLID IRON FLOAT. DID ELISHA MAKE THE AXE HEAD FLOAT? NO - GOD DID IT. THIS MAY SOUND LIKE A BROKEN RECORD BUT WE SHOULD NEVER FORGET - II Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. JUN 8 2 KINGS 3, 2 CHRON. 21 PG 724 - 726 II Kings 8:16 PG 724 And in the fifth year of Joram the son of Ahab king of Israel, Jehoshaphat [being] then king of Judah, Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat king of Judah began to reign. JEHOSAPHAT WAS A GOOD KING BUT HIS SON DID NOT FOLLOW IN THE WAY OF THE LORD. HIS SON JEHORAM REJECTED GOD. II Kings 8:18 PG 726 And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as did the house of Ahab: for the daughter of Ahab was his wife: and he did evil in the sight of the LORD. JEHORAM MARRIED THE DAUGHTER OF AHAB. HE LED JUDAH TO BACKSLIDE AWAY FROM GOD. II Chronicles 21:4 PG 724 Now when Jehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself, and slew all his brethren with the sword, and [divers] also of the princes of Israel. JEHORAM KILLED ALL OF HIS BROTHERS AND MANY OTHERS. II Kings 3:14-18 PG 725 And Elisha said, [As] the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, surely, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look toward thee, nor see thee. But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the LORD came upon him. And he said, Thus saith the LORD, Make this valley full of ditches. For thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not see wind, neither shall ye see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, that ye may drink, both ye, and your cattle, and your beasts. And this is [but] a light thing in the sight of the LORD: he will deliver the Moabites also into your hand. ELISHA HAD RESPECT FOR JEHOSHAPHAT. HE PROPHESIED THEIR VICTORY AND THE MIRACLE THAT THE LORD WOULD DO TO GIVE THEM THE VICTORY OVER MOAB. II Chronicles 21:12-15 PG 726 And there came a writing to him from Elijah the prophet, saying, Thus saith the LORD God of David thy father, Because thou hast not walked in the ways of Jehoshaphat thy father, nor in the ways of Asa king of Judah, But hast walked in the way of the kings of Israel, and hast made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to go a whoring, like to the whoredoms of the house of Ahab, and also hast slain thy brethren of thy father's house, [which were] better than thyself: Behold, with a great plague will the LORD smite thy people, and thy children, and thy wives, and all thy goods: And thou [shalt have] great sickness by disease of thy bowels, until thy bowels fall out by reason of the sickness day by day. THIS IS A MYSTERIOUS LETTER OF PROPHESY FROM ELIJAH WHICH WAS DELIVERED AFTER HE HAD BEEN TAKEN UP FROM THE EARTH BY GOD. BECAUSE JEHORAM HAD LED THE NATION AWAY FROM GOD, AND KILLED HIS BROTHERS, HE DIED A HORRIBLE DEATH. GOD STRUCK HIS PEOPLE, HIS FAMILY, AND JEHORAM HIMSELF DIED OF A BOWEL DISEASE THAT HAD TO BE AS HORRIBLE AS ANY DEATH ONE COULD IMAGINE. JUN 9 OBEDIAH PG 727 - 729 Obadiah 1:1 PG 727 The vision of Obadiah. Thus saith the Lord GOD concerning Edom; We have heard a rumour from the LORD, and an ambassador is sent among the heathen, Arise ye, and let us rise up against her in battle. OBADIAH, SERVANT OF GOD, PROPHESIES AGAINST EDOM. Obadiah 1:3-4 PG 727 The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation [is] high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground? Though thou exalt [thyself] as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the LORD. PRIDE IS SOMETHING WHICH WE ALL STRUGGLE TO OVERCOME. SOME HAVE BEEN RAISED TO BELIEVE THAT PRIDE IS VIRTUE. PRIDE IS A SIN. WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN FREE WILL AND SELF CONSCIOUSNESS AND THEREFORE WE HAVE A TENDENCY TO BE PROUD. PRIDE IN SATAN STARTED ALL EVIL. IF WE WILL HUMBLE OURSELVES GOD WILL LIFT US UP. IF WE WILL NOT HUMBLE OURSELVES THAN GOD WILL HUMBLE US. JUN 10 2 KINGS 5, 6, 7, PG 729 - 734 II Kings 6:9-12 PG 729 And the man of God sent unto the king of Israel, saying, Beware that thou pass not such a place; for thither the Syrians are come down. And the king of Israel sent to the place which the man of God told him and warned him of, and saved himself there, not once nor twice. Therefore the heart of the king of Syria was sore troubled for this thing; and he called his servants, and said unto them, Will ye not shew me which of us [is] for the king of Israel? And one of his servants said, None, my lord, O king: but Elisha, the prophet that [is] in Israel, telleth the king of Israel the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber. ARAM IS SYRIA. ELISHA WAS GIVING THE KING OF ISRAEL ALL OF THE MILITARY MANEUVER PLANS OF THE KING OF SYRIA. THE KING OF SYRIA THOUGHT HE HAD A SPY AMONG HIS HIGHEST GENERALS. HIS PEOPLE TOLD HIM THAT ELISHA WAS RESPONSIBLE. HE FIGURED THAT HE SHOULD SEND PART OF HIS ARMY JUST TO WIPE OUT ELISHA. II Kings 6:15-23 PG 730 And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? And he answered, Fear not: for they that [be] with us [are] more than they that [be] with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain [was] full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed unto the LORD, and said, Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness. And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha. And Elisha said unto them, This [is] not the way, neither [is] this the city: follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom ye seek. But he led them to Samaria. And it came to pass, when they were come into Samaria, that Elisha said, LORD, open the eyes of these [men], that they may see. And the LORD opened their eyes, and they saw; and, behold, [they were] in the midst of Samaria. And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite [them]? shall I smite [them]? And he answered, Thou shalt not smite [them]: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master. And he prepared great provision for them: and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. So the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel. THE KING OF SYRIA SENT AN ARMY TO COMPLETELY SURROUND THE CITY WHERE ELISHA WAS STAYING. WHEN ELISHA'S SERVANT WOKE UP AND LOOKED IN THE MORNING, HE THOUGHT IT WAS ALL OVER. HE WENT TO ELISHA AND EXPRESSED HIS FEAR AND SAID WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO NOW? ELISHA SAID DON'T WORRY, AND ASKED GOD TO OPEN HIS SERVANTS EYES THAT HE WOULD BE ABLE TO SEE ALL OF THE ANGELS WHICH GOD HAD SENT TO PROTECT ELISHA. ELISHA THEN ASKED GOD TO STRIKE THE SYRIAN ARMY WITH BLINDNESS. HE THEN LED THEM INTO THE HANDS OF THE KING OF ISRAEL. THE KING SAYS, WOW - CAN I KILL THEM? ELISHA LETS HIM KNOW THAT THEY WERE ELISHA'S PRISONERS AND NOT THE KING'S. ELISHA TELLS THE KING TO PREPARE A FEAST FOR THEM AND LET THEM GO. THIS IS GOD'S WISDOM AND WOULD BE FOOLISH MILITARY STRATEGY - BUT AS A RESULT ISRAEL WAS NO LONGER ATTACKED BY SYRIA. II Kings 5:1 PG 730-731 Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, [but he was] a leper. SYRIA'S COMMANDER OF THE ARMY WAS GIVEN MILITARY SUCCESS BY GOD AND HE HAD LEPROSY. HE WAS TOLD TO GO TO ELISHA THAT HE COULD BE HEALED. II Kings 5:8-16 PG 731 And it was [so], when Elisha the man of God had heard that the king of Israel had rent his clothes, that he sent to the king, saying, Wherefore hast thou rent thy clothes? let him come now to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel. So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha. And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean. But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper. [Are] not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage. And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, [if] the prophet had bid thee [do some] great thing, wouldest thou not have done [it]? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean? Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean. And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him: and he said, Behold, now I know that [there is] no God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore, I pray thee, take a blessing of thy servant. But he said, [As] the LORD liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take [it]; but he refused. THIS IS FASCINATING. ELISHA WOULD NOT COME OUT TO MEET THE GREAT SYRIAN COMMANDER. LOOK WHAT PRIDE CAN DO. HERE HE IS GOING TO ELISHA TO ASK HIM TO HEAL HIS LEPROSY AND BECAUSE HE WAS NOT GREETED BY ELISHA PERSONALLY HE GOES OFF IN A HUFF SAYING THAT THE RIVERS BACK HOME WERE BETTER THAN THE JORDAN WHICH ELISHA TOLD HIM TO DIP IN 7 TIMES FOR HEALING. FORTUNATELY HE HAS WISE LOVING SERVANTS WHO WAIT TILL HE COOLS DOWN AND TELL HIM IT IS WORTH A TRY TO BE CURED. HE DIPS IN THE JORDAN AND IS HEALED. HE THEN RECOGNIZES THE GOD OF ELISHA AS THE ONLY TRUE GOD AND TRIES TO GIVE A REWARD TO ELISHA WHICH ELISHA REFUSES. II Kings 5:20-23 PG 732 But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, [as] the LORD liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him. So Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw [him] running after him, he lighted down from the chariot to meet him, and said, [Is] all well? And he said, All [is] well. My master hath sent me, saying, Behold, even now there be come to me from mount Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets: give them, I pray thee, a talent of silver, and two changes of garments. And Naaman said, Be content, take two talents. And he urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of garments, and laid [them] upon two of his servants; and they bare [them] before him. ELISHA'S SERVANT GEHAZI RUNS AFTER NAAMAN TO TRY TO GET SOME OF THE REWARD THAT ELISHA REFUSED. NAAMAN GLADLY GIVES HIM MORE THAN HE ASKED FOR. II Kings 5:25-27 PG 732 But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisha said unto him, Whence [comest thou], Gehazi? And he said, Thy servant went no whither. And he said unto him, Went not mine heart [with thee], when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? [Is it] a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants? The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper [as white] as snow. WHEN GEHAZI RETURNS ELISHA LETS HIM KNOW THAT HE CANNOT HIDE HIS SIN AND BECAUSE OF IT HE GETS THE LEPERACY. II Kings 7:3-7 PG 733 And there were four leprous men at the entering in of the gate: and they said one to another, Why sit we here until we die? If we say, We will enter into the city, then the famine [is] in the city, and we shall die there: and if we sit still here, we die also. Now therefore come, and let us fall unto the host of the Syrians: if they save us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall but die. And they rose up in the twilight, to go unto the camp of the Syrians: and when they were come to the uttermost part of the camp of Syria, behold, [there was] no man there. For the Lord had made the host of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, [even] the noise of a great host: and they said one to another, Lo, the king of Israel hath hired against us the kings of the Hittites, and the kings of the Egyptians, to come upon us. Wherefore they arose and fled in the twilight, and left their tents, and their horses, and their asses, even the camp as it [was], and fled for their life. ISRAEL WAS DONE FOR. THEY WOULD EITHER SURRENDER OR STARVE TO DEATH. GOD RESCUED THEM. GOD MADE THE SYRIAN ARMY THINK THEY WERE BEING ATTACKED. THEY FLED THEIR SIEGE CAMP AND LEFT EVERYTHING. II Kings 7:16-20 PG 734 And the people went out, and spoiled the tents of the Syrians. So a measure of fine flour was [sold] for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, according to the word of the LORD. And the king appointed the lord on whose hand he leaned to have the charge of the gate: and the people trode upon him in the gate, and he died, as the man of God had said, who spake when the king came down to him. And it came to pass as the man of God had spoken to the king, saying, Two measures of barley for a shekel, and a measure of fine flour for a shekel, shall be to morrow about this time in the gate of Samaria: And that lord answered the man of God, and said, Now, behold, [if] the LORD should make windows in heaven, might such a thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof. And so it fell out unto him: for the people trode upon him in the gate, and he died. HERE IS ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF THE 2000 VERY DETAILED AND EXACTLY FULFILLED BIBLE PROPHECIES. IF THE FULFILLED BIBLE PROPHESY RECORD IS 2000 FOR 2000 RIGHT, ONLY A FOOL WOULD NOT BELIEVE THAT THE FEW REMAINING UNFULFILLED BIBLE PROPHECIES WILL NOT BE FULFILLED. ONLY FOOLS WILL NOT BELIEVE THE BIBLE IF THEY WOULD EVER DILIGENTLY STUDY IT. THE FOOL SAYS IN HIS HEART THERE IS NO GOD. IN LESS THAN 100 YEARS THAT FOOL WILL KNOW FOR ALL ETERNITY WHAT A GREAT FOOL HE HAS BEEN NOT TO BELIEVE EVERY WORD OF THE BIBLE. JUN 11 2 KINGS 8, 9, 10 PG 734 - 738 II Kings 8:7-13 PG 743 -735 And Elisha came to Damascus; and Ben-hadad the king of Syria was sick; and it was told him, saying, The man of God is come hither. And the king said unto Hazael, Take a present in thine hand, and go, meet the man of God, and inquire of the LORD by him, saying, Shall I recover of this disease? So Hazael went to meet him, and took a present with him, even of every good thing of Damascus, forty camels' burden, and came and stood before him, and said, Thy son Ben-hadad king of Syria hath sent me to thee, saying, Shall I recover of this disease? And Elisha said unto him, Go, say unto him, Thou mayest certainly recover: howbeit the LORD hath shewed me that he shall surely die. And he settled his countenance stedfastly, until he was ashamed: and the man of God wept. And Hazael said, Why weepeth my lord? And he answered, Because I know the evil that thou wilt do unto the children of Israel: their strong holds wilt thou set on fire, and their young men wilt thou slay with the sword, and wilt dash their children, and rip up their women with child. And Hazael said, But what, [is] thy servant a dog, that he should do this great thing? And Elisha answered, The LORD hath shewed me that thou [shalt be] king over Syria. GOD REVEALED EVERYTHING WHICH WAS GOING TO HAPPEN TO ELISHA. THE SYRIANS SOONER OR LATER SHOULD HAVE FIGURED OUT THAT ELISHA'S GOD WAS THE ONLY TRUE GOD. JUST THINK ABOUT ELISHA'S PROPHECIES AND MIRACLES DONE TO THE SYRIAN KINGS AND NOBLES. ACCORDING TO AMOS GOD DOES NOT DO ANYTHING EXCEPT THAT HE FIRST REVEAL IT TO HIS SERVANTS THE PROPHETS. Amos 3:7 Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets. II Kings 9:1-3 PG 735 And Elisha the prophet called one of the children of the prophets, and said unto him, Gird up thy loins, and take this box of oil in thine hand, and go to Ramoth-gilead: And when thou comest thither, look out there Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat the son of Nimshi, and go in, and make him arise up from among his brethren, and carry him to an inner chamber; Then take the box of oil, and pour [it] on his head, and say, Thus saith the LORD, I have anointed thee king over Israel. Then open the door, and flee, and tarry not. JEHU IS ANOINTED KING OF JUDAH. HE WILL CLEAN OUT BOTH THE EVIL HOUSES OF THE KINGS OF JUDAH AND ISRAEL. II Kings 9:7 PG 736 And thou shalt smite the house of Ahab thy master, that I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the LORD, at the hand of Jezebel. EVERY DETAIL OF THE HORRIBLE PROPHECIES THAT ELISHA HAD DELIVERED REGARDING THE HOUSE OF AHAB & JEZEBEL, AND JEHORAM WAS EXECUTED BY THE HAND OF JEHU. JEHU PERSONALLY KILLED KING JORAM AND AHAZIAH AND ORDERED THE EXECUTION OF JEZEBEL, THE 70 SONS OF AHAB, AND THE 42 SONS OF AHAZIAH. YES IT WAS BLOODY. THE DOGS ATE THE CARCASS OF JEZEBEL BEFORE IT COULD BE BURIED. JUN 12 2 KINGS 11 & 2 CHRON 22 & 23 PG 739- 741 II Chronicles 22:10-12 PG 739 But when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal of the house of Judah. But Jehoshabeath, the daughter of the king, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons that were slain, and put him and his nurse in a bedchamber. So Jehoshabeath, the daughter of king Jehoram, the wife of Jehoiada the priest, (for she was the sister of Ahaziah,) hid him from Athaliah, so that she slew him not. And he was with them hid in the house of God six years: and Athaliah reigned over the land. WOW - WHAT A NICE FAMILY. WHEN SHE HEARD THAT HER SON KING AHAZIAH HAD BEEN KILLED BY JEHU, ATHALIAH PROCEEDED TO MURDER EVEN HER OWN CHILDREN TO TAKE THE THRONE OF JUDAH FOR HERSELF. WOULDN'T JEZEBEL INDEED HAVE BEEN PROUD OF HER DAUGHTER ATHALIAH. BUT ONE NEWBORN BABY BOY THAT ATHALIAH PROBABLY DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT WAS KEPT HIDDEN FROM HER BY JEHOIADA THE PRIEST. NO WAY COULD ATHALIAH OR ANYONE ELSE KEEP ANY OF GOD'S PROPHECIES FROM BEING FULFILLED. II Chronicles 23:3 PG 740 And all the congregation made a covenant with the king in the house of God. And he said unto them, Behold, the king's son shall reign, as the LORD hath said of the sons of David. WHEN JOASH WAS 7 YEARS OLD, JEHOIADA THE PRIEST LET THE PEOPLE KNOW THAT THEY HAD A KING AND PREPARED TO OVERTHROW ATHALIAH. II Chronicles 23:16-17 PG 741 And Jehoiada made a covenant between him, and between all the people, and between the king, that they should be the LORD'S people. Then all the people went to the house of Baal, and brake it down, and brake his altars and his images in pieces, and slew Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars. JUDAH IS BROUGHT BACK TO GOD BECAUSE OF THE FAITHFULNESS OF JEHOIADA. HE TAUGHT JOASH WELL. HE LED JUDAH TO FOLLOW THE LORD AND TO DESTROY THE TEMPLE OF BAAL. II Chronicles 24:1-2 PG 741 Joash [was] seven years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also [was] Zibiah of Beer-sheba. And Joash did [that which was] right in the sight of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest. JOASH WAS A GOOD KING DOING WHAT WAS RIGHT IN GOD'S EYES. II Kings 10:18-20 PG 739 And Jehu gathered all the people together, and said unto them, Ahab served Baal a little; [but] Jehu shall serve him much. Now therefore call unto me all the prophets of Baal, all his servants, and all his priests; let none be wanting: for I have a great sacrifice [to do] to Baal; whosoever shall be wanting, he shall not live. But Jehu did [it] in subtilty, to the intent that he might destroy the worshippers of Baal. And Jehu said, Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal. And they proclaimed [it]. JEHU WAS BEING USED TO EXECUTE JUDGMENT IN ISRAEL AND HE PRETENDS TO BE A BAAL WORSHIPER TO EXECUTE THE PRIESTS AND WORSHIPERS OF BAAL. II Kings 10:30-31 PG 740 And the LORD said unto Jehu, Because thou hast done well in executing [that which is] right in mine eyes, [and] hast done unto the house of Ahab according to all that [was] in mine heart, thy children of the fourth [generation] shall sit on the throne of Israel. But Jehu took no heed to walk in the law of the LORD God of Israel with all his heart: for he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam, which made Israel to sin. JEHU EXECUTED GOD'S JUDGMENT ON THE HOUSE OF JEZEBEL AND AHAB AND BROUGHT AN END TO BAAL WORSHIP IN ISRAEL. NOW IT WOULD SEEM THE KINGDOMS OF JUDAH AND ISRAEL COULD HAVE AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN BROUGHT BACK TOGETHER. BUT JEHU WANTED TO BE KING. HE DID NOT WANT TO ABDICATE HIS THRONE TO JOASH. SO HE MAINTAINED THE CALF WORSHIP THAT JEROBOAM HAD ESTABLISHED IN ISRAEL WHEN THEY SPLIT FROM SOLOMON'S SON. JUN 13 JOEL PG 741- 748 Joel 1:3 PG 742 Tell ye your children of it, and [let] your children [tell] their children, and their children another generation. MANY TIMES IN THE SCRIPTURES FATHERS ARE COMMANDED TO TELL THEIR CHILDREN ALL OF WHAT THE LORD HAS DONE AND EVERYTHING THE LORD HAS SAID. ACCORDING TO GOD'S COMMANDS WE FATHERS ARE TO TELL THE WHOLE TRUTH TO OUR CHILDREN. THE MANY TEACHERS OF THE END TIMES WILL TICKLE THE EARS OF THEIR CONGREGATIONS WITH ALL GOD'S PROMISES OF BLESSINGS. THERE WILL BE LITTLE OR NO MENTION THAT WITH ALMOST EVERY PROMISE OF BLESSING FROM OBEDIENCE THERE IS A PROMISE OF CURSING FOR SIN AND DISOBEDIENCE. WE NEED TO SEEK AND SHARE THE WHOLE TRUTH. EMPHASIS MUST BE PLACED ON THAT HARD TRUTH THAT YOU ARE UNLIKELY TO HEAR JUST SITTING IN A CONGREGATION. IT IS NOT GIVEN TO DISCOURAGE OR CAUSE FEAR. IT IS GIVEN TO ENCOURAGE YOU RECEIVE THE BLESSINGS OF OBEDIENCE AND TO ENCOURAGE YOU TO AVOID THE CURSES OF SIN. EVERYONE WHO ONLY KNOWS ABOUT BLESSINGS IS MUCH MORE LIKELY TO EXPERIENCE THE CURSES DUE TO IGNORANCE OF THE CURSES. Joel 1:15 PG 743 Alas for the day! for the day of the LORD [is] at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come. HAS THERE EVER BEEN A GENERATION WHICH HAS MORE REASONS TO EXPECT TO SEE THE DAY OF THE LORD? OBVIOUSLY NO. ACCORDING TO WHAT JESUS SAID IN MATTHEW 24, LUKE 21, AND MARK 13, THE GENERATION WHICH WOULD SEE ISRAEL ESTABLISHED AND FLOURISHING AS A NATION WOULD BE THE GENERATION THAT WOULD SEE ALL END TIME EVENTS BEING FULFILLED. WE HAVE EVERY REASON TO BELIEVE THAT MUCH OF WHAT JOEL HAS WRITTEN IS FOR OUR GENERATION. Joel 2:1 PG 744 Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for [it is] nigh at hand; THE TRUTH IS THAT IT IS OUR GENERATION WHICH MUST BE TOLD THAT THE DAY OF THE LORD IS NEAR AT HAND. YOU MUST BE WARNED TO GET READY FOR THE DAY IS AT HAND. Joel 2:11-13 PG 745 And the LORD shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp [is] very great: for [he is] strong that executeth his word: for the day of the LORD [is] great and very terrible; and who can abide it? Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye [even] to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he [is] gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. WE MUST HEAR JOEL SPEAKING TO US. WHO CAN ENDURE THE DAY OF THE LORD? ONLY THOSE WHOSE HEART IS TOTALLY COMMITTED TO THE LORD. IS JESUS MORE IMPORTANT TO YOU THAN YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY? WE MUST TURN TO THE LORD WITH ALL OUR HEART. OUTWARD SHOWS WON'T BE WORTH A RIP. WE NEED TO RIP OUR HEARTS IN REPENTANCE. GOD IS GRACIOUS, AND MERCIFUL, AND SLOW TO ANGER, AND GREAT IN KINDNESS, AND DOES NOT WANT ANY TO PERISH. BUT WE MUST HEAR JOEL TELLING US THAT GOD WILL FINALLY SAY ENOUGH AND BRING THE EVIL OF THIS WORLD TO AN END IN JUDGMENT. YOU MUST BE TOLD THAT THE TIME IS AT HAND. NO ONE IS TELLING YOU THE DAY OR THE HOUR. BUT COULD IT BE LESS THAN 10 YEARS? COULD THE 7 YEARS OF GREAT TRIBULATION ALREADY HAVE BEGUN? THE GREAT TRIBULATION WILL BE USHERED IN WITH SUCH SUBTLE GRADUAL CHANGES THAT NO ONE WILL KNOW THE DAY OR THE HOUR IN WHICH THE FINAL 7 YEARS OF GREAT TRIBULATION WILL HAVE STARTED. WILL YOU TAKE THE MARK WHICH YOUR GOVERNMENT WILL REQUIRE YOU TO TAKE IN ORDER TO BUY OR SELL? IT IS TIME TO GET SERIOUS. Joel 2:18-21 PG 245 - 246 Then will the LORD be jealous for his land, and pity his people. Yea, the LORD will answer and say unto his people, Behold, I will send you corn, and wine, and oil, and ye shall be satisfied therewith: and I will no more make you a reproach among the heathen: But I will remove far off from you the northern [army], and will drive him into a land barren and desolate, with his face toward the east sea, and his hinder part toward the utmost sea, and his stink shall come up, and his ill savour shall come up, because he hath done great things. Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things. WE WILL SEE IT IF WE ARE NOT TAKEN OUT BY A FIRST STRIKE NUCLEAR ATTACK BY RUSSIA. THE WEAKNESS OF RUSSIA IS A MYTH. THEIR STRATEGIC NUCLEAR ARSENAL IS INTACT. PRIOR TO THE LYING "BREAK-UP" OF THE SOVIET UNION THERE WAS ONLY ONE FINGER ON THE BUTTON. NOW - WHO KNOWS? RUSSIA IS VERY PROMINENT IN END TIME PROPHESY. RUSSIA IS JOEL'S NORTHERN ARMY. AS LONG AS WE HAVE A 2ND AMENDMENT RUSSIA KNOWS THAT SHE CAN'T TAKE THE U.S.A.. IF SHE CAN'T TAKE IT SHE WILL LIKELY DESTROY IT. WHOEVER STRIKES FIRST IN STRATEGIC NUCLEAR WAR WINS. RUSSIA GROWS MORE AND MORE DISPARATE EVERY DAY. IS GOD PUTTING THE HOOK IN RUSSIA'S JAW TO PUT HER ON THE MARCH TO WAR? ISRAEL IS RUSSIA'S FINAL TARGET BUT THE U.S.A. IS LIKELY HER FIRST TARGET. ISRAEL HAS NOTHING TO FEAR BECAUSE GOD HIMSELF WILL DESTROY RUSSIA. ISRAEL WILL NOT HAVE TO FIRE A SHOT AND 83% OF ALL RUSSIAN SOLDIERS WILL BE KILLED SO THAT THE WHOLE WORLD WILL KNOW THAT THE GOD OF ISRAEL IS THE ONLY TRUE GOD. THE LORD WILL DO GREAT THINGS FOR ISRAEL. Joel 2:25-27 PG 746 And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you. And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed. And ye shall know that I [am] in the midst of Israel, and [that] I [am] the LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed. WHAT A GREAT PROMISE OF GOD - I WILL RESTORE THE YEARS THAT THE LOCUST AND CANKERWORM HAVE EATEN. MAKE NO MISTAKE ISRAEL IS GOD'S CHOSEN PEOPLE. THE JEWS REJECTION OF MESSIAH JESUS IS THE ONLY REASON THAT WE GENTILES HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO BECOME PART OF THE FAMILY OF GOD. BUT THE TIMES OF THE GENTILES WILL COME TO AN END. THE ARMY OF ISRAEL IS THE ONLY ARMY IN THE WORLD WHICH CANNOT EVER AGAIN BE DEFEATED. IT TOOK 6 DAYS FOR THE 3 MILLION JEWS TO DEFEAT THE 20 MILLION ARABS IN 1963. THEY WERE EVEN BETTER IN 1967. IN THE BIGGEST AIR BATTLE IN HISTORY, ISRAEL WIPED OUT THE ENTIRE SYRIAN AIR FORCE EQUIPPED WITH THE LATEST RUSSIAN MIGS. THE RESULTS OF THE DOG FIGHT WAS 92 TO 0 IN FAVOR OF ISRAEL. SOMEBODY SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN OFF 1 LUCKY SHOT FOR SYRIA BUT GOD DID NOT LET IT HAPPEN. ALWAYS BE ON THE SIDE OF ISRAEL. OTHERWISE GOD IS NOT ON YOUR SIDE. GOD WILL BLESS THOSE WHO BLESS ISRAEL AND GOD WILL CURSE THOSE WHO CURSE ISRAEL. ISRAEL HAS BEEN PERSECUTED BUT NEVER AGAIN. ANTICHRIST WILL MAKE A PEACE TREATY WITH ISRAEL. PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO ANY PEACE TALKS INVOLVING ISRAEL. NEVER BE AGAINST ISRAEL OR YOU WILL BE AGAINST GOD. Joel 2:28-32 PG 746 - 747 And it shall come to pass afterward, [that] I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come. And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call. THERE CANNOT BE ANY DOUBT ABOUT THESE PASSAGES PETER EXPLAINS THEM FOR US - Acts 2:14-24 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all [ye] that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is [but] the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. WAS PETER TELLING THEM WHAT THEY WANTED TO HEAR? NO WAY! HE GAVE THEM THE STRAIGHT HARD TRUTH. IT WAS AT PENTECOST. JESUS HAD SENT THE HOLY SPIRIT TO INDWELL THOSE WHO WITH ALL THEIR HEARTS HAD TURNED TO THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. PETER DID NOT HESITATE TO TELL THE TRUTH THAT ONLY THOSE WHO CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AND HAVE THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT WOULD HAVE ANY HOPE IN THE DAY OF GOD'S JUDGMENT. PETER'S EXPLANATION OF JOEL'S PROPHESY SHOULD MEAN MORE TO US THAN IT DID WHEN HE SPOKE. Acts 2:37-38 Now when they heard [this], they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men [and] brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added [unto them] about three thousand souls. Joel 3:12-17 PG 747 Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat: for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about. Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the press is full, the vats overflow; for their wickedness [is] great. Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD [is] near in the valley of decision. The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining. The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD [will be] the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel. So shall ye know that I [am] the LORD your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more. WE ARE LIKELY TO WITNESS THE GATHERING OF THE ARMIES OF ANTICHRIST TO THE VALLEY OF JEHOSHAPHAT (ARMAGEDDON). THE LORD SHALL ROAR OUT OF ZION. CHRIST IS COMING BACK. THIS TIME NOT AS THE LAMB OF GOD BUT AS THE ROARING LION OF JUDAH. THE LORD IS YOUR ONLY HOPE AND STRENGTH. WHAT PRIORITY DOES THE LORD NOW HAVE IN YOUR LIFE? AN INTERESTING POINT IS THAT THE PROPHET JOEL WROTE THIS PROPHESY ABOUT 2800 YEARS AGO. IN THE VOCABULARY OF 3000 YEARS AGO HOW WOULD ONE DESCRIBE NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS? BLOOD AND FIRE AND PILLARS OF SMOKE - FIRE & BILLOWING PILLARS OF SMOKE. JUN 14 2 CHRON 24 2 KINGS 10, 12, 13 PG 748- 752 II Chronicles 24:3 PG 748 And Jehoiada took for him two wives; and he begat sons and daughters. JEHOIADA PROTECTED JOASH AND RAISED HIM RIGHT. JEHOIADA CHOSE THE 2 WIVES FOR JOASH. II Kings 12:5 & 14 PG 748 & 749 Let the priests take [it] to them, every man of his acquaintance: and let them repair the breaches of the house, wheresoever any breach shall be found. 12:14 But they gave that to the workmen, and repaired therewith the house of the LORD. JOASH ORDERS THE TEMPLE TO BE RENOVATED. IT SEEMS THAT JUDAH IS BACK ON TRACK TO SEEK AFTER THE LORD AND NOW HAS A GOOD KING. II Kings 10:35 PG 749 And Jehu slept with his fathers: and they buried him in Samaria. And Jehoahaz his son reigned in his stead. MEANWHILE OVER IN ISRAEL JEHU DIES AND HIS SON JEHOAHAZ BECOMES KING OF ISRAEL. II Kings 13:2-6 PG 750 - 751 And he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD, and followed the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which made Israel to sin; he departed not therefrom. And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he delivered them into the hand of Hazael king of Syria, and into the hand of Ben-hadad the son of Hazael, all [their] days. And Jehoahaz besought the LORD, and the LORD hearkened unto him: for he saw the oppression of Israel, because the king of Syria oppressed them. (And the LORD gave Israel a saviour, so that they went out from under the hand of the Syrians: and the children of Israel dwelt in their tents, as beforetime. Nevertheless they departed not from the sins of the house of Jeroboam, who made Israel sin, [but] walked therein: and there remained the grove also in Samaria.) JEHU HAD EXECUTED THE JUDGMENT OF GOD ON JEZEBEL, AND HAD PURGED BOTH JUDAH AN ISRAEL OF THEIR EVIL KINGS AS WELL AS ELIMINATING BAAL WORSHIP FROM ISRAEL. YET JEHU WOULD NOT ABDICATE HIS THRONE IN ORDER TO REUNITE THE NATION. HE KEPT THE CALF WORSHIP THAT JEROBOAM HAD SET UP. AS A RESULT ISRAEL WAS UNDER CONTINUAL ATTACK FROM SYRIA. AS EVIL AS JEHOAHAZ WAS WHEN HE ASKED THE LORD TO DELIVER ISRAEL FROM THE SYRIAN OPPRESSION, THE LORD DELIVERED ISRAEL. THE LORD GAVE ISRAEL A SAVIOR. THEN IT WAS THE POWER OF GOD THRU ELISHA. THE TRUE SAVIOR OF ISRAEL AND THE WHOLE WORLD IS GOD HIMSELF IN THE PERSON OF JESUS CHRIST. THE NAME JESUS MEANS JEHOVAH IS SALVATION AND CHRIST MEAN MESSIAH OR KING. II Chronicles 24:15-21 PG 750 But Jehoiada waxed old, and was full of days when he died; an hundred and thirty years old [was he] when he died. And they buried him in the city of David among the kings, because he had done good in Israel, both toward God, and toward his house. Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princes of Judah, and made obeisance to the king. Then the king hearkened unto them. And they left the house of the LORD God of their fathers, and served groves and idols: and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their trespass. Yet he sent prophets to them, to bring them again unto the LORD; and they testified against them: but they would not give ear. And the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, which stood above the people, and said unto them, Thus saith God, Why transgress ye the commandments of the LORD, that ye cannot prosper? because ye have forsaken the LORD, he hath also forsaken you. And they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the commandment of the king in the court of the house of the LORD. JEHOIADA THE PRIEST DIED AT AGE 130. HE WAS BURIED WITH THE KINGS BECAUSE OF THE GOOD HE HAD DONE AND HAD ACTED AS KING BETWEEN THE TIME THAT ATHILEAH HAD BEEN REMOVED AND JOASH WAS OLD ENOUGH TO REIGN. AS SOON AS JEHOIADA DIED JOASH ALLOWS THE SEXUAL IMMORALITY RELIGIONS BACK INTO JUDAH. ZECHARIAH, JEHOIADA'S SON, PROPHESIED AND SPOKE OUT AGAINST THE PAGAN SEX RELIGIONS AND WAS KILLED FOR IT. GOD SENT THE GREAT PROPHETS BUT THE KINGS AND PEOPLE WOULD NOT LISTEN TO THEM AND KILLED THEM. GOD'S PROPHETS HISTORICALLY HAVE BEEN KILLED FOR THEIR MINISTRY. THEY USUALLY DON'T TELL THE PEOPLE WHAT THE PEOPLE WANT TO HEAR. PEOPLE DON'T WANT TO HEAR ABOUT THEIR SINS. THEY DON'T WANT TO ASSOCIATE THEIR SINS WITH THEIR PROBLEMS. II Chronicles 24:23-24 PG 751 And it came to pass at the end of the year, [that] the host of Syria came up against him: and they came to Judah and Jerusalem, and destroyed all the princes of the people from among the people, and sent all the spoil of them unto the king of Damascus. For the army of the Syrians came with a small company of men, and the LORD delivered a very great host into their hand, because they had forsaken the LORD God of their fathers. So they executed judgment against Joash. JOASH SHOULD HAVE LISTENED TO THE PROPHETS THAT GOD HAD SENT TO HIM INSTEAD OF HAVING THEM KILLED. SYRIA BECAME GOD'S INSTRUMENT OF JUDGMENT UPON JUDAH BECAUSE THEY TURNED AWAY FROM GOD AND WENT BACK INTO THE OLD SEX RELIGIONS WITH THE IDOLS AND ASHERAH POLES. II Kings 12:18 PG 751 And Jehoash king of Judah took all the hallowed things that Jehoshaphat, and Jehoram, and Ahaziah, his fathers, kings of Judah, had dedicated, and his own hallowed things, and all the gold [that was] found in the treasures of the house of the LORD, and in the king's house, and sent [it] to Hazael king of Syria: and he went away from Jerusalem. LATER WE WILL SEE THAT APPEASEMENT OF AN HOSTILE NATION NEVER WORKS. JOASH TOOK ALL OF THE VALUABLE SACRED OBJECTS AND THE GOLD OF THE TEMPLE AND BOUGHT OFF THE KING OF SYRIA. JUST AS IT DIDN'T WORK WHEN THE WORLD TRIED TO APPEASE HITLER IT DOESN'T WORK FOR JOASH. RIGHTEOUSNESS EXALTS A NATION - BUT SIN IS A REPROACH TO ANY PEOPLE. THE KEY TO ULTIMATE PEACE AND PROSPERITY IS RIGHTEOUSNESS. (Proverbs 14:34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin [is] a reproach to any people.) II Kings 13:17-19 PG 751-752 And he said, Open the window eastward. And he opened [it]. Then Elisha said, Shoot. And he shot. And he said, The arrow of the LORD'S deliverance, and the arrow of deliverance from Syria: for thou shalt smite the Syrians in Aphek, till thou have consumed [them]. And he said, Take the arrows. And he took [them]. And he said unto the king of Israel, Smite upon the ground. And he smote thrice, and stayed. And the man of God was wroth with him, and said, Thou shouldest have smitten five or six times; then hadst thou smitten Syria till thou hadst consumed [it]: whereas now thou shalt smite Syria [but] thrice. HERE IS ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF THE 100% ACCURACY IN THE FULFILLMENT OF BIBLE PROPHESY. JUN 15 2 CHRON 25 2 KINGS 13, 14 PG 752- 755 II Kings 14:1 PG 752 In the second year of Joash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel reigned Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah. AFTER A WHILE IT GETS HARD TO KEEP TRACK OF WHO IS KING OF WHAT AND WHEN. AT ANY RATE AMAZIAH IS NOW KING OF JUDAH. II Kings 14:3-5 PG 752-753 And he did [that which was] right in the sight of the LORD, yet not like David his father: he did according to all things as Joash his father did. Howbeit the high places were not taken away: as yet the people did sacrifice and burnt incense on the high places. And it came to pass, as soon as the kingdom was confirmed in his hand, that he slew his servants which had slain the king his father. AMAZIAH WAS A GOOD KING YET HE STILL DID NOT TAKE DOWN THE HIGH PLACES WHICH WERE A LICENCE FOR SEXUAL IMMORALITY. II Kings 13:20-21 PG 753 And Elisha died, and they buried him. And the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming in of the year. And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold, they spied a band [of men]; and they cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha: and when the man was let down, and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS? EVEN AFTER ELISHA IS DEAD AND BURIED GOD WORKS A MIRACLE THROUGH ELISHA'S BONES. II Kings 13:22-23 PG 753 But Hazael king of Syria oppressed Israel all the days of Jehoahaz. And the LORD was gracious unto them, and had compassion on them, and had respect unto them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them, neither cast he them from his presence as yet. ISRAEL HAD TURNED AWAY FROM GOD BUT WAS NOT JUDGED BECAUSE OF GOD'S COVENANT WITH ABRAHAM. GOD WAS HOPEFUL THAT ISRAEL WOULD REPENT. THEY WERE NOT TAKEN CAPTIVE IN JUDGMENT - YET! GOD IS SO PATIENT. HE DOES NOT WANT TO DO ANYTHING BUT BLESS US YET IF WE ARE IN REBELLION WE WILL ULTIMATELY BE JUDGED. JUST BECAUSE WE ARE NOT JUDGED IMMEDIATELY DOES NOT MEAN THAT JUDGMENT WILL NOT BE INEVITABLE WITHOUT REPENTANCE. II Kings 13:25 PG 753 And Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz took again out of the hand of Ben-hadad the son of Hazael the cities, which he had taken out of the hand of Jehoahaz his father by war. Three times did Joash beat him, and recovered the cities of Israel. JUST AS ELISHA HAD PROPHESIED SYRIA WAS BEATEN 3 TIMES BUT ULTIMATELY SYRIA WOULD BE THE VICTOR SINCE ISRAEL WOULD NOT REPENT. II Chronicles 25:7-8 PG 753 But there came a man of God to him, saying, O king, let not the army of Israel go with thee; for the LORD [is] not with Israel, [to wit, with] all the children of Ephraim. But if thou wilt go, do [it], be strong for the battle: God shall make thee fall before the enemy: for God hath power to help, and to cast down. BACK IN JUDAH THEY WERE AT LEAST HALF-HEARTEDLY FOLLOWING THE LORD. AMAZIAH HAD HIRED 100,000 MERCENARIES FROM ISRAEL THAT THE PROPHET TOLD HIM WAS UNACCEPTABLE TO GOD. THE PROPHET EXPLAINED THAT IT IS GOD WHO GIVES THE VICTORY. AMAZIAH WAS OBEDIENT AND GOD GAVE HIM THE VICTORY. BUT THE MERCENARIES WHICH HE HAD SENT HOME ATTACKED HIS CITIES WHILE HE WAS FIGHTING THE EDOMITES. II Chronicles 25:14-23 PG 754 Now it came to pass, after that Amaziah was come from the slaughter of the Edomites, that he brought the gods of the children of Seir, and set them up [to be] his gods, and bowed down himself before them, and burned incense unto them. Wherefore the anger of the LORD was kindled against Amaziah, and he sent unto him a prophet, which said unto him, Why hast thou sought after the gods of the people, which could not deliver their own people out of thine hand? And it came to pass, as he talked with him, that [the king] said unto him, Art thou made of the king's counsel? forbear; why shouldest thou be smitten? Then the prophet forbare, and said, I know that God hath determined to destroy thee, because thou hast done this, and hast not hearkened unto my counsel. Then Amaziah king of Judah took advice, and sent to Joash, the son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, let us see one another in the face. And Joash king of Israel sent to Amaziah king of Judah, saying, The thistle that [was] in Lebanon sent to the cedar that [was] in Lebanon, saying, Give thy daughter to my son to wife: and there passed by a wild beast that [was] in Lebanon, and trode down the thistle. Thou sayest, Lo, thou hast smitten the Edomites; and thine heart lifteth thee up to boast: abide now at home; why shouldest thou meddle to [thine] hurt, that thou shouldest fall, [even] thou, and Judah with thee? But Amaziah would not hear; for it [came] of God, that he might deliver them into the hand [of their enemies], because they sought after the gods of Edom. So Joash the king of Israel went up; and they saw one another in the face, [both] he and Amaziah king of Judah, at Beth-shemesh, which [belongeth] to Judah. And Judah was put to the worse before Israel, and they fled every man to his tent. And Joash the king of Israel took Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Joash, the son of Jehoahaz, at Beth-shemesh, and brought him to Jerusalem, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim to the corner gate, four hundred cubits. SINCE GOD HAD GIVEN HIM THE VICTORY IT IS CRAZY HOW HE COULD HAVE SET UP THE EDOMITE IDOLS. MAD AT WHAT THE MERCENARIES HAD DONE AND FILLED WITH PRIDE FROM THE VICTORY OVER THE EDOMITES HE CHALLENGES ISRAEL. HE IS DEFEATED BECAUSE OF HIS PRIDE AND SETTING UP THE IDOLS OF EDOM. WAS IT IDOLATRY OR PRIDE THAT BROUGHT HIM DOWN? IF IT WAS NOT FOR HIS PRIDE, HE COULD HAVE LISTENED TO THE PROPHET THAT GOD HAD SENT TO HIM. WE ALL NEED TO WATCH OUT FOR PRIDE WHICH WILL CAUSE US ALL KINDS OF PROBLEMS. JUN 16 JONAH PG 755- 758 Jonah 1:1-3 PG 755 Now the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me. But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. NINEVEH WAS THE CAPITAL OF SYRIA. SYRIA WAS CONTINUALLY ATTACKING ISRAEL. ISRAEL BECAME WEAK BECAUSE THEY HAD TURNED AWAY FROM GOD. WHEN WE GET WEAK FROM BECOMING A GODLESS SOCIETY DON'T BE SURPRISED IF RUSSIA NUKES US. SUPPOSE YOU KNEW WITH ABSOLUTE CERTAINTY THAT RUSSIA WAS GOING TO LAUNCH A FIRST STRIKE STRATEGIC NUCLEAR WAR AGAINST US. THEN SUPPOSE GOD TOLD YOU TO GO TO MOSCOW AND TELL THEM GOD WAS GOING TO DESTROY THEM. THIS IS EXACTLY THE SITUATION OF JONAH. HE DID NOT WANT TO WARN HIS COUNTRY'S MORTAL ENEMY THAT THEY WERE GOING TO BE DESTROYED BY GOD. HE WANTED GOD TO DESTROY HIS COUNTRY'S ENEMY. SO INSTEAD OF GOING TO NINEVEH HE TRIES TO RUN AWAY FROM GOD TO THE FARTHEST PART OF THE KNOWN WORLD OF HIS DAY - TARSHISH OR SPAIN AS WE KNOW IT TODAY. CAN YOU RUN AWAY OR HIDE FROM GOD? NO WAY, YOU ONLY FOOL YOURSELF. Jonah 1:11-12 & 15 PG 756 Then said they unto him, What shall we do unto thee, that the sea may be calm unto us? for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous. And he said unto them, Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest [is] upon you. So they took up Jonah, and cast him forth into the sea: and the sea ceased from her raging. THE LORD CAUSED A TREMENDOUS STORM ON THE SEA. JONAH TOLD THE SAILORS IT WAS HIS FAULT BECAUSE HE WAS RUNNING AWAY FROM GOD. THE ONLY WAY ANY OF THEM COULD AVOID DROWNING WAS TO THROW HIM OVERBOARD. THAT DID THE TRICK THE SEA BECAME CALM. Jonah 1:16-17 PG 756 Then the men feared the LORD exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice unto the LORD, and made vows. Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. AT THIS POINT MANY SAY THIS IS JUST A FABLE. IT IS NOT A FABLE, IT IS AN ACTUAL HISTORICAL FACT. ABOUT 10 YEARS AGO SOMEONE WAS SWALLOWED BY A WHALE. REMEMBER, WHALES ARE AIR BREATHING MAMMALS. IT IS NOT ONLY POSSIBLE BUT PROBABLE. IS ANYTHING IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD? REMEMBER ALSO, JESUS TOLD US THIS IS TRUE. Matthew 12:39, Matthew 16:4, AND LUKE 11:29-30 And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet. For as Jonas was a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation. Jonah 2:7-9 PG 756 When my soul fainted within me I remembered the LORD: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple. They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy. But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay [that] that I have vowed. Salvation [is] of the LORD. HAVE YOU EVER GOTTEN SO LOW THAT YOUR SOUL FAINTS? REMEMBER THE LORD. PRAYER CHANGES THINGS. NO MATTER WHAT YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES THEY COULD NOT BE WORSE THAN THE CIRCUMSTANCE THAT JONAH WAS IN WHILE HE PRAYED THIS GREAT PRAYER. SALVATION IS OF THE LORD. NOBODY CAN BE GOOD ENOUGH TO MERIT ANYTHING BUT HELL. GOD GIVES SALVATION AS A DEMONSTRATION OF HIS MERCY AND GRACE THROUGH JESUS CHRIST. THERE IS NO OTHER WAY OF SALVATION. Jonah 2:10 PG 756 And the LORD spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry [land]. HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE WALKING ALONG THE SHORE AND HERE COMES THIS GREAT WHALE AND - BLAAAHHH - THERE'S JONAH. GET THIS PICTURE STRAIGHT. THE WHALE DEPOSITS JONAH ON SHORE AND HE WALKS INTO NINEVEH BLEACHED COMPLETELY WHITE BY BEING IN THE WHALE'S BELLY FOR 3 DAYS. HE WALKS UP AND SAYS REPENT! WHAT WOULD YOU DO? JUST WHAT THEY DID IN NINEVEH. THEY REPENTED. Jonah 3:3-6 PG 757 So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days' journey. And Jonah began to enter into the city a day's journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown. So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them. For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered [him] with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. WHEN THESE PEOPLE SAW AND HEARD JONAH THEY GOT SERIOUS ABOUT THEIR REPENTANCE. EVEN THE KING FASTED IN SACKCLOTH AND ASHES. HE MADE A DECREE THAT THEY SHOULD QUIT THEIR EVIL WAYS AND THEIR VIOLENCE. NO MORE ATTACKING OF ISRAEL. Jonah 3:9-10 PG 757 Who can tell [if] God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not? And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did [it] not. THEY REPENTED AND THEY WERE NOT DESTROYED. Jonah 4:1-4 PG 757 But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry. And he prayed unto the LORD, and said, I pray thee, O LORD, [was] not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou [art] a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil. Therefore now, O LORD, take, I beseech thee, my life from me; for [it is] better for me to die than to live. Then said the LORD, Doest thou well to be angry? JONAH EXPLAINS WHY HE WAS FLEEING TO TARSHISH. HE KNEW HOW MERCIFUL GOD IS. HE WANTED GOD TO DESTROY NINEVEH. IF HE HAD GONE IMMEDIATELY NINEVEH MAY NOT HAVE REPENTED. THE BLEACH JOB OF HIS WHOLE BODY BY THE WHALE NO DOUBT MADE HIM MUCH MORE BELIEVABLE. Jonah 4:9-11 PG 758 And God said to Jonah, Doest thou well to be angry for the gourd? And he said, I do well to be angry, [even] unto death. Then said the LORD, Thou hast had pity on the gourd, for the which thou hast not laboured, neither madest it grow; which came up in a night, and perished in a night: And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and [also] much cattle? ME AND JONAH - WOW! WHAT HARDHEADS. GOD TOLD HIM THERE WERE MORE THAN 60,000 CHILDREN WHO WERE TOO YOUNG TO KNOW THEIR RIGHT FROM THEIR LEFT AND THEREFORE HAD TO BE INNOCENT. II Kings 13:5 (And the LORD gave Israel a saviour, so that they went out from under the hand of the Syrians: and the children of Israel dwelt in their tents, as beforetime. OBVIOUSLY SYRIA DID REPENT OF THEIR VIOLENT WAYS BECAUSE THE ATTACKS ON ISRAEL STOPPED. II Kings 14:25 He restored the coast of Israel from the entering of Hamath unto the sea of the plain, according to the word of the LORD God of Israel, which he spake by the hand of his servant Jonah, the son of Amittai, the prophet, which [was] of Gath-hepher. JONAH WAS FROM GALILEE. PHARISEES WRONG IN JOHN 7:52. JUN 17 HOSEA 1, 2, 3 PG 758 - 762 Hosea 1:2 PG758 The beginning of the word of the LORD by Hosea. And the LORD said to Hosea, Go, take unto thee a wife of whoredoms and children of whoredoms: for the land hath committed great whoredom, [departing] from the LORD. GOD TOLD HOSEA TO MARRY A PROSTITUTE. HOSEA WAS TO BE GOD'S INSTRUMENT TO TELL ISRAEL HOW GOD FELT WHEN ISRAEL WORSHIPED BAAL AND TURNED TO IDOLATRY. Hosea 1:3-5 PG 759 So he went and took Gomer the daughter of Diblaim; which conceived, and bare him a son. And the LORD said unto him, Call his name Jezreel; for yet a little [while], and I will avenge the blood of Jezreel upon the house of Jehu, and will cause to cease the kingdom of the house of Israel. And it shall come to pass at that day, that I will break the bow of Israel in the valley of Jezreel. ISRAEL WAS TO LOOSE A DECISIVE BATTLE AT JEZREEL. ISRAEL WAS TO GO INTO CAPTIVITY. Hosea 1:6 PG 759 And she conceived again, and bare a daughter. And [God] said unto him, Call her name Lo-ruhamah: for I will no more have mercy upon the house of Israel; but I will utterly take them away. THE DAUGHTER'S NAME MEANT NO PITY OR NO MERCY. GOD WAS SAYING HE HAD ENOUGH OF ISRAEL'S HARLOTRY. HE WOULD NO LONGER HAVE MERCY. NO MATTER HOW THEY PLEADED HE WOULD NOT PITY ISRAEL. THEIR CHANCES TO REPENT WERE GONE. THERE IS A SOBERING MESSAGE FOR US AS WELL. GOD'S MERCY IS INFINITE AND ETERNAL. I AM LIVING PROOF OF THAT. YET THERE DOES FINALLY COME A TIME WHEN IT IS NO LONGER POSSIBLE FOR THE INDIVIDUAL TO REPENT. THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT WE WILL BE HERE TOMORROW. IF WE DIE IN OUR SINS THERE IS NO LONGER ANY CHANCE TO REPENT. Hosea 1:7 PG 759 But I will have mercy upon the house of Judah, and will save them by the LORD their God, and will not save them by bow, nor by sword, nor by battle, by horses, nor by horsemen. GOD PROMISES THAT HE WOULD STILL HAVE MERCY ON JUDAH AND THEY WOULD AT LEAST FOR NOW BE SAVED FROM CAPTIVITY. IT WOULD NOT BE BY THEIR MILITARY STRENGTH BUT BY GOD'S DIRECT INTERVENTION. Hosea 1:9 PG 759 Then said [God], Call his name Lo-ammi: for ye [are] not my people, and I will not be your [God]. THE SECOND SON'S NAME WAS LOAMMI MEANING NOT MY PEOPLE. WHAT IF GOD WERE TO SAY THAT HE WAS NO LONGER GOING TO HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH YOU? WHAT IF YOU COULDN'T PRAY? HELL = ETERNAL, CONSCIOUS, HOPELESS, SEPARATION FROM GOD. Hosea 2:13 PG 760 And I will visit upon her the days of Baalim, wherein she burned incense to them, and she decked herself with her earrings and her jewels, and she went after her lovers, and forgat me, saith the LORD. ISRAEL REJECTED GOD AND THEREFORE HE WAS ALLOWING THEM TO SUFFER THE PUNISHMENT OF BEING CONQUERED AND TAKEN CAPTIVE. Hosea 2:18 PG 761 And in that day will I make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven, and [with] the creeping things of the ground: and I will break the bow and the sword and the battle out of the earth, and will make them to lie down safely. HERE IS THE GREAT MESSAGE OF HOPE. SOME TIME IN THE DISTANT FUTURE, GOD WOULD AGAIN MAKE ISRAEL HIS COVENANT PEOPLE AND GIVE THEM EVERLASTING PEACE. I BELIEVE WE ARE WITNESSING THE BEGINNING OF THE FULFILLMENT OF THIS PROMISE. ISRAEL IS BEING REGATHERED FROM THE DISPERSION. THE PEACE TREATY WITH ANTICHRIST WILL COME FIRST, TO BE BROKEN IN 3 1/2 YEARS AND 3 1/2 YEARS LATER CHRIST WILL COME TO PUT DOWN THE ARMIES OF ANTICHRIST AND SET UP HIS MILLENNIAL KINGDOM HERE. ISRAEL'S ARMY TODAY IS THE ONLY UNDEFEATABLE ARMY BECAUSE GOD IS ON ISRAEL'S SIDE AGAIN. Hosea 2:23 PG 761 And I will sow her unto me in the earth; and I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to [them which were] not my people, Thou [art] my people; and they shall say, [Thou art] my God. I BELIEVE THAT OUR GENERATION IS WITHOUT QUESTION THE GENERATION WHICH IS WITNESSING THE FULFILLMENT OF THIS PROPHESY. WE ARE WITNESSING ISRAEL BEING REGATHERED IN THEIR HOMELAND AFTER 2000 YEARS OF DISPERSION. Hosea 3:4-5 PG 762 For the children of Israel shall abide many days without a king, and without a prince, and without a sacrifice, and without an image, and without an ephod, and [without] teraphim: Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their king; and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days. IT HAS INDEED BEEN MANY DAYS SINCE ISRAEL HAS BEEN WITHOUT A KING, A PRINCE, OR A SACRIFICE. AS I WRITE TODAY IT HAS BEEN 1,923 YEARS. IS NOT OUR GENERATION INDEED THE GENERATION WHICH IS SEEING THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL BEING RETURNED. ALL THAT REMAINS IS FOR ISRAEL TO RECOGNIZE THEIR MESSIAH - JESUS CHRIST. JUN 18 HOSEA 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 PG 762 - 769 Hosea 4:1-2 PG 762 Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because [there is] no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land. By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood. IS THIS ALSO AN ACCURATE DESCRIPTION OF THE CONDITIONS IN OUR LAND TODAY AS WELL? Hosea 4:6 PG 762 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT VERSE IN THE BOOK OF HOSEA. GOD'S PEOPLE ARE DESTROYED FOR LACK OF KNOWLEDGE. THIS IS THE ONLY REASON THAT GOD'S PEOPLE ARE DESTROYED. WHAT KNOWLEDGE IS GOD TALKING ABOUT? THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD'S WORD. WHEN GOD'S PEOPLE REJECT GOD'S WORD, THEN THEY HAVE REJECTED GOD AND THEY ARE DESTROYED. because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. WHEN ONE REJECTS THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD'S WORD AND FORGET THE LAWS OF GOD THEN YOU ARE HEADED FOR DESTRUCTION. Hosea 4:18 PG 763 Their drink is sour: they have committed whoredom continually: her rulers [with] shame do love, Give ye. CLINTON IS PROMOTING SODOMITES AND ABORTION. HOMOSEXUALS ARE SODOMITES AND SODOMY IS SIN. ABORTION IS EXACTLY THE SAME AS SACRIFICING CHILDREN TO MOLECH. ACCORDING TO WHAT THE WORD OF GOD CLEARLY TEACHES THESE ARE SERIOUS SINS. WHEN A NATION'S RULERS DEARLY LOVE SHAMEFUL WAYS THAT NATION WILL BE SWEPT AWAY. Hosea 5:4 PG 764 They will not frame their doings to turn unto their God: for the spirit of whoredoms [is] in the midst of them, and they have not known the LORD. THEIR DEEDS DO NOT PERMIT THEM TO RETURN TO THEIR GOD. A SPIRIT OF PROSTITUTION IS IN THEIR HEART AND THEY DO NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE LORD. Hosea 6:6 PG 765 For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. GOD WANTS US TO BE MERCIFUL. WE NEED TO HAVE FORGIVING AND COMPASSIONATE HEARTS. THIS IS MORE IMPORTANT TO GOD THAN ANY FORM OF SACRIFICE. THE PURSUIT OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE WORD OF GOD IS MORE DESIRABLE TO GOD THAN BURNT OFFERINGS. Hosea 7:3 PG 766 They make the king glad with their wickedness, and the princes with their lies. IT IS A LIE TO SAY THAT HOMOSEXUALITY IS NATURAL FOR ANYONE. IT IS A LIE TO SAY THAT ABORTION DOES NOT KILL A BABY. YET OUR PRESIDENT IS GLAD TO PROMOTE THE RIGHTS OF SODOMITES AND THE RIGHT OF WOMEN TO KILL THEIR UNBORN BABIES. Hosea 7:13 PG 766-767 Woe unto them! for they have fled from me: destruction unto them! because they have transgressed against me: though I have redeemed them, yet they have spoken lies against me. WOE UNTO US! IF THIS NATION CONTINUES TO FORSAKE GOD IT IS HEADED FOR DESTRUCTION. YOU MUST FORCE YOURSELF TO SEE THE TRUTH THAT DESTRUCTION COULD COME AT ANY MOMENT THAT RUSSIA LAUNCHES A FIRST STRIKE STRATEGIC NUCLEAR ATTACK. THE "BREAK-UP" OF THE SOVIET UNION HAS NO EFFECT OTHER THAN TO INCREASE THE LIKELIHOOD OF A FIRST STRIKE STRATEGIC NUCLEAR ATTACK. THIS IS NOT WHAT YOU WANT TO HEAR OR THINK ABOUT BUT IT IS THE TRUTH THAT YOU MUST BE TOLD. Hosea 8:7 PG 767 For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind: it hath no stalk: the bud shall yield no meal: if so be it yield, the strangers shall swallow it up. IF YOU SOW THE WIND, YOU SHALL REAP THE WHIRLWIND. Hosea 9:7 PG 769 The days of visitation are come, the days of recompence are come; Israel shall know [it]: the prophet [is] a fool, the spiritual man [is] mad, for the multitude of thine iniquity, and the great hatred. IN OUR LAND TODAY IS THE PROPHET CONSIDERED A FOOL? BECAUSE OF THE WAY THAT WICKEDNESS HAS MULTIPLIED IN THIS NATION, AND THE REJECTION TO THE POINT OF HATRED OF GOD AND GOD'S PRINCIPLES, THE SPIRITUAL MAN OF GOD IS CONSIDERED CRAZY. Hosea 9:17 PG 769 My God will cast them away, because they did not hearken unto him: and they shall be wanderers among the nations. GOD DID CAST ISRAEL AWAY AND THEY HAVE BEEN WANDERERS THROUGHOUT ALL NATIONS WITHOUT A HOMELAND UNTIL OUR GENERATION. JUN 19 HOSEA 10-14, 2 KINGS 15, 2 CHRON. 26 PG 762 - 769 Hosea 10:12 PG 771 Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for [it is] time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you. AMEN! IT IS TIME TO SEEK THE LORD. HOW DO YOU SOW TO YOURSELF IN RIGHTEOUSNESS? GET SERIOUS ABOUT STUDYING HIS WORD. STUDYING GOD'S WORD WILL INCREASE YOUR FAITH AND YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. IT IS TIME TO GET SERIOUS ABOUT GETTING READY FOR THE LORD'S RETURN. BREAK UP YOUR FALLOW GROUND - PULL ALL THE STOPS, AND SEEK THE LORD WITH YOUR FULLEST POTENTIAL UNTIL HE RETURNS. IT MAY BE SOON. Hosea 10:13 PG 771 Ye have plowed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity; ye have eaten the fruit of lies: because thou didst trust in thy way, in the multitude of thy mighty men. ALL OF US HAVE BEEN GUILTY OF WICKEDNESS IN ONE FORM OR ANOTHER. WE HAVE ALL TRUSTED IN OUR OWN WAYS WHEN WE SHOULD HAVE BEEN TRUSTING GOD. REPENTANCE MEANS TO AGREE WITH GOD THAT WE NEED TO REDIRECT OUR LIVES ACCORDING TO HIS WAYS AND NOT OUR OWN WAYS. Hosea 11:1 PG 771 When Israel [was] a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt. THIS IS A MESSIANIC PROPHECY WHICH JESUS FULFILLED. JOSEPH TOOK JESUS AND MARY TO EGYPT BEFORE HERROD HAD ALL MALE BABIES LESS THAN 2 YEARS OLD KILLED. Hosea 11:9-11 PG 772 I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I [am] God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee: and I will not enter into the city. They shall walk after the LORD: he shall roar like a lion: when he shall roar, then the children shall tremble from the west. They shall tremble as a bird out of Egypt, and as a dove out of the land of Assyria: and I will place them in their houses, saith the LORD. WHAT A FANTASTIC PROMISE TO GIVE GREAT HOPE TO ISRAEL. PRAISE GOD THAT HIS WAYS ARE NOT LIKE OUR WAYS. GOD IS INFINITE IN HIS MERCY, COMPASSION, AND PATIENCE. HE IS ALWAYS WANTING TO FORGIVE MORE THAN WE WANT TO BE FORGIVEN. WITH GOD'S AWESOME POWER WE SHOULD PRAISE HIM EVERY DAY FOR HIS INFINITE MERCY IN JESUS CHRIST. WHEN ALL NATIONS ARE GATHERED AGAINST ISRAEL AND THEY FINALLY RECOGNIZE MESSIAH JESUS, HE WILL THEN ROAR LIKE A LION AND ALL THE WORLD WILL TREMBLE IN FEAR OF HIM. Hosea 12:6 PG 772 Therefore turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment, and wait on thy God continually. WE MUST REPENT AND TURN TO GOD AND HIS WAYS WITH ALL OUR HEART. MAINTAIN LOVE AND JUSTICE. WAIT CONTINUALLY FOR GOD. Hosea 13:4 PG 773 Yet I [am] the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but me: for [there is] no saviour beside me. JESUS IS THE ONLY SAVIOR. WE CANNOT SAVE OURSELVES. NO ONE CAN EVER HAVE THE NECESSARY RIGHTEOUSNESS APART FROM JESUS. SALVATION IS A FREE GIFT OF GOD THROUGH THE SHED BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST TO PAY THE PRICE THAT NONE OF COULD PAY OURSELVES. Hosea 13:6 PG 773 According to their pasture, so were they filled; they were filled, and their heart was exalted; therefore have they forgotten me. WATCH OUT WHEN EVERYTHING SEEMS TO BE GOING GREAT FOR YOU. THE NORMAL HUMAN TENDENCY WHEN WE ARE BLESSED BY GOD IS TO BECOME PROUD AND FORGET THAT GOD IS THE SOURCE OF OUR BLESSINGS. Hosea 13:9 PG 774 O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me [is] thine help. WHEN ALL NATIONS OF THE WORLD TURN AGAINST ISRAEL THEN GOD WILL FIGHT THEIR BATTLES. WE ARE WITNESSING THIS TODAY. THE 6 DAY WAR IN 1963, AGAIN IN 1967, AND IN 1982 IN THE LARGEST DOGFIGHT IN HISTORY ISRAEL SHOT DOWN 92 SYRIAN MIGS AND NOT 1 ISRAELI PLANE WENT DOWN. THERE CAN BE NO DOUBT THAT GOD IS HELPING ISRAEL. Hosea 13:14 I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes. WE FIND ETERNAL LIFE IN JESUS CHRIST. ETERNAL TORMENT AND SEPARATION FROM GOD IS THE PENALTY FOR REJECTING THE LOVE OF GOD IN JESUS CHRIST. Hosea 14:9 Who [is] wise, and he shall understand these [things]? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD [are] right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein. ARE YOU WISE? JESUS CHRIST IS WISDOM. DO YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT IS AT STEAK REGARDING YOUR RELATIONSHIP TO GOD IN JESUS CHRIST? JUN 20 AMOS 1, 2, 3, 4 PG 777 - 782 Amos 1:1 PG 777 The words of Amos, who was among the herdmen of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash king of Israel, two years before the earthquake. AMOS IS A SHEPHERD. TOTALLY UNEDUCATED, HE IS CALLED BY GOD TO REBUKE THE KING AND THE RELIGIOUS LEADERS OF ISRAEL. AMOS PRONOUNCES GOD'S PENDING JUDGMENT ON THE NATIONS FOR THEIR SPECIFIC NATIONAL SINS. GET SET FOR SOME EARTHY LANGUAGE AND HOLY SPIRIT INSPIRED BOLDNESS FROM THE SHEPHERD AND SYCAMORE PRUNER AND DUNGER OF TEKOA. Amos 1:2 PG 777 And he said, The LORD will roar from Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the habitations of the shepherds shall mourn, and the top of Carmel shall wither. WE ALL NEED TO BE ABOUT OUR PREPARATIONS TO HEAR THE LORD ROARING OUT OF ZION. MESSIAH JESUS IS SOON TO RETURN AS THE LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH. JOB 1 FOR ALL OF US IS - GET READY! HE IS COMING AGAIN AND EVERYONE WILL RECOGNIZE WHO HE REALLY IS THIS TIME. NO LAMB-LIKE MEEKNESS AND GENTLENESS IS JESUS THIS TIME. THE GREAT ROARING LION THAT NONE CAN WITHSTAND IS JESUS THIS TIME. Amos 1:3 PG 777 Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof; because they have threshed Gilead with threshing instruments of iron: THUS SIATH THE LORD; FOR THREE TRANSGRESSIONS AND FOR FOUR, I WILL NOT TURN AWAY THE PUNISHMENT. THIS IS THE MESSAGE WHICH GOD CALLED AMOS TO DELIVER AGAINST SYRIA, PHILISTIA, TYRE, EDOM, JORDON, MOAB, JUDAH AND ISRAEL. Amos 1:11 PG 778 Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Edom, and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof; because he did pursue his brother with the sword, and did cast off all pity, and his anger did tear perpetually, and he kept his wrath for ever: WHEN AMOS GETS TO EDOM, HE GETS TO ME. MY PERSONALITY IS INTENSE. MY BESETTING SINS ARE PRIDE AND ANGER, JUST LIKE ESAU. I ACT IN ALMOST CONTINUAL ANGER EVEN TOWARD THE PEOPLE I LOVE MOST. IT IS NOT NECESSARILY A SIN TO BE ANGRY. IN FACT, WE SHOULD BE ANGRY ABOUT THE THINGS THAT MAKE GOD ANGRY. ANGER BECOMES SIN WHEN IT IS NOT QUENCHED. WE ARE NOT TO LET THE SUN GO DOWN ON OUR ANGER. WE ARE NOT TO HARBOR ANGER. HARBORED ANGER WILL PRODUCE A DEEP STRONG ROOT OF BITTERNESS. WE ARE TO BE QUICK TO HEAR AND SLOW TO SPEAK: QUICK TO FORGIVE, QUICK TO LOVE, AND SLOW TO ANGER. I SEEM TO HAVE IT ALL BACKWARDS. WILL YOU PRAY FOR ME? Amos 2:4 PG 778 Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Judah, and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof; because they have despised the law of the LORD, and have not kept his commandments, and their lies caused them to err, after the which their fathers have walked: EVEN JUDAH WAS GOING TO BE JUDGED BY GOD FOR THIS. EVEN WHEN JUDAH WAS JUDGED IT WAS NOT AGAINST THE LAW IN JUDAH TO DISPLAY THE 10 COMMANDMENTS IN ANY CLASSROOM IN JUDAH. IS THERE ANY HOPE LEFT FOR AMERICA? HOW CAN THIS NATION SO BLESSED BY GOD, SO UTTERLY HAVE REJECTED THE LAW OF THE LORD? ONLY BY WIMPY CHRISTIAN COMPLACENCY. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THEY SAY. I SAY GUTLESS BULLSHIT. LOVE TAKES COURAGE. IT WAS A MESSAGE OF LOVE WHEN JESUS, TO THEIR FACES, TOLD THE SCRIBES AND PHARISEES THAT THEY WERE HYPOCRITES, A BUNCH OF SNAKES. CHRISTIANS MUST RISE UP IN BOLDNESS AND CALL THIS NATION TO REPENTANCE. THE LIES GLORIFYING SODOMY AND INFANTICIDE MUST BE BOLDLY EXPOSED. THE LIES GLORIFYING GLOBAL ANTICHRIST GOVERNMENT MUST BE BOLDLY EXPOSED. THE LIES OF A GLOBAL ANTICHRIST ECONOMIC SYSTEM MUSTS BE BOLDLY EXPOSED. THE LIES OF A NEW AGE ANTICHRIST SPIRITUALISM AND RELIGIOUS SYSTEM MUST BE BOLDLY EXPOSED. Amos 3:7 Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets. THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT VERSE IN AMOS. SURELY THE LORD GOD WILL DO NOTHING, BUT HE REVEALETH HIS SECRET UNTO HIS SERVANTS THE PROPHETS. HEAR THIS - DAVID WILKERSON - A MIGHTY PROPHET OF GOD IN OUR TIME, HAS HEARD GOD REVEAL HIS SECRET REGARDING AMERICA. YOU DON'T WANT TO HEAR IT BUT YOU MUST BE TOLD. AMERICA IS GOING TO GO UP IN SMOKE. RUSSIA WILL LAUNCH A STRATEGIC NUCLEAR ATTACK FROM WHICH AMERICA WILL NOT SURVIVE. IF YOU ARE NOT READY, GET READY. GOD'S SECRET HAS BEEN REVEALED TO HIS SERVANTS THE PROPHETS. DON'T FEAR - GET RIGHT WITH GOD. YOUR FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST IS ALL THAT REALLY MATTERS NOW. TELL YOUR FAMILY. TELL YOUR FRIENDS. TELL YOUR GOVERNMENT. GET BOLD NOW. GET READY NOW. IF YOU WILL JUST THINK LOGICALLY FOR A MOMENT, THERE IS LITTLE OR NO DIFFERENCE TO THE TRUE CHRISTIAN BETWEEN THE RAPTURE AND BEING THE TARGET OF A STRATEGIC NUCLEAR ATTACK. IF YOU THINK THERE IS A BIG DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE RAPTURE AND STRATEGIC NUCLEAR ATTACK YOU BETTER THINK AGAIN IF YOU ARE AN AMERICAN. Amos 4:1 Hear this word, ye kine of Bashan, that [are] in the mountain of Samaria, which oppress the poor, which crush the needy, which say to their masters, Bring, and let us drink. HERE IS SOME OF THE MOST EARTHY LANGUAGE IN THE BIBLE. BASHAN WAS FAMOUS FOR ITS LUSH PASTURE LAND WHICH PRODUCED THE FATTEST COWS OF THE WORLD AT THAT TIME. HERE AMOS SPEAKS TO THE WOMEN OF ISRAEL. HEAR THIS YOU FAT COWS. YOU FAT COWS OPPRESS THE POOR. YOU FAT COWS CRUSH THE NEEDY. YOU FAT COWS ORDER YOUR HUSBANDS TO FATTEN YOU. JUN 21 AMOS 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 PG 782 - 789 Amos 5:5-6 PG 782 But seek not Beth-el, nor enter into Gilgal, and pass not to Beer-sheba: for Gilgal shall surely go into captivity, and Beth-el shall come to nought. Seek the LORD, and ye shall live; lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and devour [it], and [there be] none to quench [it] in Beth-el. THERE IS ONLY ONE HOPE, ONLY ONE WAY TO AVOID THE DESTRUCTION WHICH IS COMING. SEEK THE LORD, AND YE SHALL LIVE. EVEN IF YOUR NATION IS THE TARGET OF A STRATEGIC NUCLEAR ATTACK FROM WHICH THERE IS NO ESCAPE FOR ANYONE - IF YOU HAVE SOUGHT GOD AND FOUND HIM IN JESUS CHRIST, THEN YOU HAVE ETERNAL LIFE. THIS ETERNAL LIFE IN JESUS CHRIST MAKES THE EFFECT OF A NUCLEAR BLAST AND THE RAPTURE EXACTLY THE SAME FOR THE CHRISTIAN. HAVE YOU SOUGHT THE LORD WITH YOUR WHOLE HEART? IS ANYTHING IN YOUR LIFE MORE IMPORTANT THAN JESUS? Amos 5:14-15 PG 783 Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken. Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate: it may be that the LORD God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph. GOD LOVES US. HE WANTS TO BLESS US. ONLY OUR SINS SEPARATE US FROM GOD. GOD IS A HOLY GOD. SEEKING GOD MUST INVOLVE TURNING AWAY FROM OUR SINS. WE DON'T HAVE THE POWER IN OURSELVES TO HATE EVIL AND LOVE THE GOOD. THIS IS WHY JESUS TOLD US THAT WE MUST BE BORN AGAIN. WE ARE BORN SINNERS. IT IS THE HOLY SPIRIT THAT CONVICTS US OF OUR SINS AND GIVES THE POWER WE NEED TO OVERCOME OUR NATURAL TENDENCY TO SIN. WE ARE BORN AGAIN WHEN WE MAKE JESUS CHRIST LORD OF OUR LIFE. AT THAT POINT JESUS BAPTIZES US WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. THE HOLY SPIRIT PROVIDES THE POWER WE NEED TO LIVE A HOLY LIFE AND MAINTAIN UNBROKEN FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD. Amos 5:18-20 PG 783 Woe unto you that desire the day of the LORD! to what end [is] it for you? the day of the LORD [is] darkness, and not light. As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him. [Shall] not the day of the LORD [be] darkness, and not light? even very dark, and no brightness in it? WOE UNTO THOSE WHO DESIRE THE DAY OF THE LORD. THE DAY OF THE LORD IS NOT FUN AND GAMES. THE WORLD HAS NEVER SEEN SUCH EARTHQUAKES, 100 POUND HAIL STONES, TREMENDOUS PLAGUES, PEOPLE WILL WANT TO DIE AND NOT BE ABLE TO. Revelation 9:6 And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them. AMOS' QUESTION NEEDS TO BE ANSWERED. THE ETERNAL DESTINY OF YOUR SOUL WILL BE FINALIZED AT THE DAY OF THE LORD OR THE DAY YOU DIE WHICH EVER COMES FIRST. AMOS' QUESTION DEMANDS AN ANSWER - WHERE IS YOUR SOUL GOING TO BE? Amos 6:1 Woe to them [that are] at ease in Zion, and trust in the mountain of Samaria, [which are] named chief of the nations, to whom the house of Israel came! ARE YOU AT EASE? ARE YOU COMPLACENT? IS YOUR GOVERNMENT GOING TO TAKE CARE OF YOU? WOE TO THOSE WHO LIKE THEIR LIFE JUST AS IT IS. Luke 14:26 If any [man] come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. Luke 16:13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Amos 8:11-12 PG 786 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find [it]. IN OUR LAND TODAY ARE WE TOO EXPERIENCING A FAMINE FOR THE WORD OF GOD? THERE IS COMING A TIME WHEN IT WILL BE HARD TO FIND A COPY OF THE WORD OF GOD. THAT IS WHY WE NEED TO MEMORIZE SCRIPTURE. IT IS MUCH EASIER FOR ME TO MEMORIZE KING JAMES VERSION. WE NEED TO BE GETTING AS MUCH OF THE WORD OF GOD STORED SECURELY IN OUR MINDS BEFORE THE FAMINE OCCURS WHICH AMOS TALKS ABOUT HERE. Amos 9:13-15 PG 788 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him that soweth seed; and the mountains shall drop sweet wine, and all the hills shall melt. And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit [them]; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them. And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the LORD thy God. ISRAEL WOULD BE JUDGED. GOD NEVER DID FORSAKE THEM. AFTER CAPTIVITY, PERSECUTION, AND DISPERSION GOD PROMISED THAT HE WOULD BRING THEM BACK TO THEIR HOMELAND AGAIN. WE ARE WITNESSING THE REGATHERING. GOD IS DOING A GREAT WORK IN ISRAEL THAT IS NOT BEING REPORTED IN OUR MEDIA. ISRAEL IS HOME AGAIN. GOD WILL NOT LET THEM BE REMOVED AGAIN. JUN 22 AMOS 7. 2 KINGS 14 & 15. 2 CHRON 26 PG 788 - 790 Amos 7:12-13 PG 789 Also Amaziah said unto Amos, O thou seer, go, flee thee away into the land of Judah, and there eat bread, and prophesy there: But prophesy not again any more at Beth-el: for it [is] the king's chapel, and it [is] the king's court. AMAZIAH THE HIGH PRIEST TOLD AMOS TO GET OUT OF TOWN. THEY DID NOT WANT TO HEAR THE TRUTH THAT GOD TOLD AMOS TO GIVE THEM. PREACHERS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS HAVE ALWAYS EXPERIENCED THIS TREATMENT. IN THE LAST DAYS THEY WILL HEAP TO THEMSELVES TEACHERS HAVING ITCHING EARS. IF YOUR PREACHER DOESN'T TICKLE YOUR EARS AND TRIES TO GIVE YOU THE HARD TRUTH THAT GOD IS A HOLY GOD AND REQUIRES HOLINESS FROM US HE WILL BE TOLD GET OUT. Amos 7:14-15 PG 789 Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I [was] no prophet, neither [was] I a prophet's son; but I [was] an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit: And the LORD took me as I followed the flock, and the LORD said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel. AMOS TELLS THE HIGH PRIEST THAT HE IS JUST A SHEPHERD. THE LORD TOLD HIM WHERE HE HAD TO GO AND WHAT HE HAD TO SAY. THIS IS WHAT THE PREACHER MUST TELL THOSE WHO DO NOT WANT TO HEAR THE SOBERING TRUTH THAT JUDGMENT AWAITS THOSE WHO WILL NOT CHOOSE GOD'S WAYS. MOST PEOPLE WANT THE PREACHER TO EXCUSE THEIR SINS. EVERY YEAR MORE AND MORE PREACHERS GET MORE POLISHED IN DELIVERING SERMONS TO EXCUSE AND COVER SINS. GOD HOLDS THE PREACHER RESPONSIBLE TO HIM. THE PREACHER AND THE PARENT MUST GET THEIR MARCHING ORDERS FROM GOD AND FAITHFULLY PREACH RIGHTEOUSNESS, HOLINESS, AND JUDGMENT ALONG WITH LOVE AND MERCY. II Kings 15:12 PG 789 This [was] the word of the LORD which he spake unto Jehu, saying, Thy sons shall sit on the throne of Israel unto the fourth [generation]. And so it came to pass. ANOTHER ONE OF OVER 2000 FULFILLED PROPHETIC PREDICTIONS. THE PROPHECIES GIVEN IN THE BIBLE WILL COME TO PASS WITH 100% ACCURACY. WITH THE WAY WE ARE SEEING PROPHECIES FULFILLED NOW THAT ISRAEL HAS BEEN BROUGHT BACK TO THEIR HOMELAND WE NEED TO PAY CLOSER ATTENTION THAN EVER TO THE PROPHECIES REGARDING THE END TIMES. II Chronicles 26:16 But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to [his] destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense. WATCH OUT FOR PRIDE. UZZIAH WAS A GOOD KING WHO WAS BLESSED. AS HE PROSPERED HE FORGOT THAT IT WAS GOD WHO WAS MAKING HIM PROSPEROUS. PRIDE IS A DANGEROUS SIN. HE WAS GOING TO OFFER HIS OWN INCENSE. THE PRIESTS TOLD HIM IT WAS WRONG AND HE GOT ANGRY AND WAS GOING TO DO IT ANYHOW. HE CAME OUT OF THE TEMPLE WITH LEPROSY AND WAS SEPARATED FROM THE TEMPLE AND HIS OFFICE AS KING UNTIL HE DIED. JUN 23 ISAIAH 1, 2, 3, 5 PG 791 - 798 Isaiah 1:1 PG 791 The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, [and] Hezekiah, kings of Judah. THIS ACCURATELY FIXES THE TIME THAT GOD SENT ISAIAH TO SPEAK THE WORD OF THE LORD TO JUDAH AT 800 - 730 BC. Isaiah 1:2 PG 791 Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me. GOD WAS GRIEVING OVER JUDAH'S REJECTION OF HIM AS A FATHER GRIEVES OVER HIS CHILDREN WHEN THEY REBEL AGAINST HIM. I KNOW OF THIS DEEP GNAWING RELENTLESS PAIN THAT GOD DESCRIBES REGARDING JUDAH'S REJECTION OF HIM. Isaiah 1:3 PG 791 The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: [but] Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider. GOD HAD PROVIDED FOR AND PROTECTED JUDAH. IN JUDAH'S PROSPERITY SHE FORGOT THAT IT WAS GOD WHO WAS PROVIDING HER PROSPERITY. EVEN DUMB ANIMALS KNOW THAT THEIR MASTER PROVIDES FOR THEM. IT IS WE HUMANS WHO FORGET THAT THE LORD IS THE SOURCE OF EVERY GOOD AND PERFECT GIFT. THE NATURAL HUMAN TENDENCY IS FOR US TO FORGET GOD WHEN THINGS ARE GOING WELL AND ONLY REMEMBER TO GO TO HIM WHEN WE ARE IN TROUBLE. Isaiah 1:15-17 PG 793 And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. THIS IS A SERIOUS WORD. THERE COMES A TIME WHEN GOD SAYS HE WILL NOT HEAR US WHEN WE PRAY TO HIM. WHAT COULD BE WORSE THAN TO THINK GOD WOULD NOT HEAR US WHEN WE CALL TO HIM? ISAIAH TELLS THEM THAT REPENTANCE IS THE KEY. IF WE ARE TO BE HEARD BY GOD WE MUST AGREE WITH GOD REGARDING OUR SINS. WE MUST LEARN TO DO GOOD, RELIEVE THE OPPRESSED, CARE FOR THE FATHERLESS, AND FOR THE WIDOW. Isaiah 1:23 PG 793 Thy princes [are] rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them. DOES THIS DESCRIBE OUR LAND TODAY? DO OUR RULERS REBEL AGAINST GOD? DO OUR LAWMAKERS AND JUDGES TAKE BRIBES? DO OUR COURTS PROVIDE JUSTICE FOR THE RICH AND OPPRESSION FOR THE POOR? Isaiah 2:10-12 PG 794 Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty. The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day. For the day of the LORD of hosts [shall be] upon every [one that is] proud and lofty, and upon every [one that is] lifted up; and he shall be brought low: AT THE TIME OF THE DAY OF THE LORD THE PROUD AND THE MIGHTY WILL BE BROUGHT DOWN. THEY WILL SEEK TO HIDE IN THE ROCKS AND EVEN SEEK TO DIE BUT THEY WILL NOT BE ABLE. WE NEED TO HUMBLE OURSELVES AND SUBMIT TO GOD BEFORE HIS RETURN OTHERWISE IT WILL BE TOO LATE. HIS COMING MAY BE VERY SOON. WE NEED TO BE READY. ARE YOU READY? Isaiah 3:9-10 PG 799 The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide [it] not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves. Say ye to the righteous, that [it shall be] well [with him]: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings. WE HAVE THIS HERE TODAY TOO. THEY DECLARE THEIR SIN AS SODOM. THE HOMOSEXUALS BLATANTLY AND OPENLY DEMONSTRATE THEIR SIN AND ARE DEMANDING SPECIAL PRIVILEGES. DO YOU KNOW THAT THERE NEVER HAS BEEN A SOCIETY IN HISTORY THAT WAS NOT SUDDENLY DESTROYED WHEN HOMOSEXUALS IN THAT SOCIETY OPENLY AND BLATANTLY PARADED THEIR SIN? Isaiah 3:12 PG 795 [As for] my people, children [are] their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause [thee] to err, and destroy the way of thy paths. YOUNG PEOPLE JOIN LAWLESS GANGS, INTIMIDATING ELDERLY PEOPLE WITH NO REGARD FOR LIFE OR LAW. Isaiah 5:8 PG 796 Woe unto them that join house to house, [that] lay field to field, till [there be] no place, that they may be placed alone in the midst of the earth! GREED IS A CRUEL MASTER AND ITS SLAVE DOES NOT EVER FIND JOY. ONE OF THE RICHEST MEN IN THE WORLD WAS ASKED HOW MUCH MONEY WAS ENOUGH. HE RESPONDED A LITTLE MORE THAN WHAT I HAVE GOT. CAN YOU SEE WHAT A TRAP HE IS IN. WE NEED TO BE CONTENT WITH WHAT WE HAVE. EVERYTHING WE OWN TAKES OUR TIME. WE END UP BECOMING SLAVES TO OUR POSSESSIONS. Isaiah 5:15-16 PG 797 And the mean man shall be brought down, and the mighty man shall be humbled, and the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled: But the LORD of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness. IN THE DAY OF THE LORD - GOD WILL BE EXULTED. THERE WILL BE NO PLACE FOR THE PRIDE OF ANYONE. Isaiah 5:20-22 PG 797 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto [them that are] wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! Woe unto [them that are] mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink: WOE - GRIEF, REGRET, DISTRESS, LAMENTABLY BAD, DEEP SUFFERING, AFFLICTION. THIS IS WHAT IS COMING TO THOSE WHO CALL EVIL GOOD AND GOOD EVIL. SODOMY IS SIN, NOT AN ALTERNATE LIFESTYLE. WHAT GOD SAYS IS RIGHT NO MATTER WHAT YOU OR ANYBODY ELSE THINKS. ULTIMATELY IT IS WOE FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT AGREE WITH GOD. YOU CAN APPARENTLY GET AWAY WITH IT FOR A TIME BUT ULTIMATELY IT IS WOE. ARE YOU WISE IN YOUR OWN EYES OR DO YOU GET YOUR WISDOM FROM GOD? IS WHAT GOD SAID IMPORTANT TO YOU? JUN 24 ISAIAH 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 PG 798 - 803 Isaiah 5:24-25 PG 798 Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, [so] their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel. Therefore is the anger of the LORD kindled against his people, and he hath stretched forth his hand against them, and hath smitten them: and the hills did tremble, and their carcases [were] torn in the midst of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand [is] stretched out still. GOD'S JUDGMENT WILL BE SEVERE. JUDAH HAS PUSHED GOD'S PATIENCE TO THE LIMIT. GOD'S ANGER IS THE MOST FEARSOME AND AWESOME THING IN THE UNIVERSE. INTELLIGENCE WITHOUT WISDOM IS NOT WORTH MUCH. KNOWLEDGE WITHOUT WISDOM IS NOT WORTH MUCH. HERE IS A FORM OF WISDOM - LEARN AND DO THOSE THINGS WHICH PLEASE AND GLORIFY GOD; LEARN AND AVOID THOSE THINGS WHICH MAKE GOD ANGRY. THE SOURCE OF JUDAH'S PROBLEM IS THE SAME AS THE INTELLIGENT AND KNOWLEDGEABLE PEOPLE EVERYWHERE WHO LACK TRUE WISDOM. THEY HAVE CAST AWAY THE LAW OF THE LORD AND DESPISED THE WORD OF THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL. WILL YOU SEEK WISDOM? WILL YOU STUDY GOD'S WORD? GOD WANTS TO BLESS YOU. WE TIE HIS HANDS WHEN WE REJECT HIS WORD? OUR HUMAN WISDOM IS NOT TRUE WISDOM. WE NEED GOD'S WISDOM MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE. IT IS ONLY AVAILABLE IN THE BIBLE. Isaiah 1:27-28 PG 798 Zion shall be redeemed with judgment, and her converts with righteousness. And the destruction of the transgressors and of the sinners [shall be] together, and they that forsake the LORD shall be consumed. AFTER THE AWESOME FURY OF GOD'S JUDGMENT, JUDAH WILL BE REDEEMED. BUT MAKE NO MISTAKE, GOD JUDGES RIGHTEOUSLY. SIN DOES NOT GO UNPUNISHED. THE RIGHTEOUS WILL BE REDEEMED AND THOSE WHO FORSAKE THE LORD WILL BE CONSUMED IN DESTRUCTION. NOW HEAR THE GOOD NEWS. JESUS HAS PAID THE FULL PENALTY FOR YOUR SINS AND MY SINS AND THE SINS OF THE WHOLE WORLD. JESUS OFFERS US RIGHTEOUSNESS AS A FREE GIFT. WILL YOU RECEIVE, KEEP, NOURISH AND CHERISH THIS GIFT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS OR WILL YOU FORSAKE THE LORD? YOU CAN'T FOOL GOD. Isaiah 2:22 PG 799 Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of? WHO DO YOU TRUST? DON'T TRUST YOURSELF. DON'T TRUST ANY HUMAN BEING WITH YOUR SOUL. IT IS ONLY THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, GOD ALMIGHTY WHO CAN BE TRUSTED WITH YOUR SOUL. Isaiah 1:18-20 PG 799-800 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken [it]. HEAR THE WORD OF THE LORD. WILL YOU SEE HIS LOVE AND DESIRE TO BLESS YOU? HE SAYS COME NOW - LET US REASON TOGETHER. LET'S TALK ABOUT IT. GOD SAYS LET ME HELP YOU FIGURE OUT WHAT IS REALLY IMPORTANT. NO MATTER HOW BAD AND BLOODY YOUR SINS MAY BE, GOD WANTS TO MAKE YOU AS THOUGH YOU HAD NEVER SINNED. GOD CAN DO THAT. YOU CAN'T DO THAT. IT IS ONLY JESUS WHO HAS EVER LIVED A LIFE WITHOUT SIN. WE HAVE ALL SINNED. NONE OF US CAN EVER MAKE UP FOR ANY SIN. IT MAKES NO DIFFERENCE HOW GREAT YOUR SIN MAY BE. IN FACT JESUS POINTED OUT THAT THE ONE WHO HAS BEEN FORGIVEN MUCH GENERALLY LOVES GOD MORE THAN THE SOMEONE WHO HAS NOT BEEN FORGIVEN MUCH. THOUGH YOUR SINS BE AS SCARLET THEY SHALL BE AS WHITE AS SNOW; THOUGH THEY BE RED LIKE CRIMSON, THEY SHALL BE AS WOOL. GOD FORGIVES AND FORGETS JUST AS IF I'D NEVER SINNED. COME NOW TO JESUS. BE FORGIVEN. BE JUSTIFIED BY GOD. Isaiah 2:2-5 PG 800 And it shall come to pass in the last days, [that] the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the LORD. IN THE LAST DAYS WHEN THE LORD RETURNS AT THE END OF THE 7 YEARS OF THE GREAT TRIBULATION, JESUS WILL ANNIHILATE THE ARMIES OF ANTICHRIST AND ALL OF THE UNRIGHTEOUS AND LEAD THE SAINTS IN HEAVEN BACK TO EARTH TO SET UP HIS MILLENNIAL KINGDOM. JESUS WILL SET UP HIS KINGDOM IN JERUSALEM. HE WILL RULE THE WORLD WITH A ROD OF IRON. THERE WILL BE NO MORE WARS. THERE WILL BE NO MORE VIOLENCE. EVERYONE WILL KNOW AND FOLLOW THE WAYS OF THE LORD. IT WILL BE FANTASTIC JOYFUL PEACE AND PROSPERITY FOR EVERYONE. II Kings 15:19 PG 801 [And] Pul the king of Assyria came against the land: and Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver, that his hand might be with him to confirm the kingdom in his hand. MANAHEM LEVIED HEAVY TAXES ON THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL WHICH HE USED TO PAY TRIBUTE TO THE KING OF ASSYRIA TO STOP PUL FROM ATTACKING ISRAEL. THIS FIRMED UP HIS HOLD ON ISRAEL. II Kings 15:24-25 PG 801 And he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD: he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin. But Pekah the son of Remaliah, a captain of his, conspired against him, and smote him in Samaria, in the palace of the king's house, with Argob and Arieh, and with him fifty men of the Gileadites: and he killed him, and reigned in his room. MANAHEM WAS NEITHER A GOOD KING OR A POPULAR KING. PEKAH USED HIS TRUSTED POSITION AS A CAPTAIN OF MANAHEM TO ASSASSINATE HIM AND BECAME KING AFTER THE ASSASSINATION. II Kings 15:28 PG 801 And he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD: he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin. PEKAH SERVED HIMSELF, NOT THE LORD. HE WAS AN EVIL KING. II Chronicles 27:2 PG 801 And he did [that which was] right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Uzziah did: howbeit he entered not into the temple of the LORD. And the people did yet corruptly. OVER IN JUDAH UZZIAH'S SON, JOTHAM, WAS A GOOD KING. Isaiah 6:1-10 PG 802 In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, [is] the LORD of hosts: the whole earth [is] full of his glory. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. Then said I, Woe [is] me! for I am undone; because I [am] a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts. Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, [which] he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: And he laid [it] upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here [am] I; send me. And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed. IN THE YEAR KING UZZIAH DIED ISAIAH HAS THE VISION OF THE LORD IN HIS TEMPLE WHICH GIVES HIM HIS MISSION OF PREACHING REPENTANCE TO THE PEOPLE OF JUDAH. ISAIAH COULD NOT ADEQUATELY DESCRIBE THE BEAUTY AND MAJESTY OF THE LORD ON HIS THRONE. THE LORD IS SURROUNDED BY MIGHTY SERAPHIM ANGELS WHO PROCLAIM - HOLY, HOLY, HOLY IS THE LORD, THE WHOLE EARTH IS FULL OF HIS GLORY. ISAIAH WAS FILLED WITH AWE, FEAR, AND AWARENESS OF HIS OWN CORRUPTION AT THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS AS HIS SPIRIT WITNESSED THE VISION OF THE LORD ON HIS THRONE. HERE IS TRUE CONVICTION. ISAIAH IS OVERWHELMED BY CONCERN OVER WHAT HE IS. HIS CONCERN IS NOT SO MUCH WHAT HE HAS DONE OR WHAT HE HAS NOT DONE. WHAT A PERSON IS, IS MORE IMPORTANT THAT WHAT YOU HAVE DONE. GOD IS MUCH MORE INTERESTED IN HIS SERVANTS, THAN IN WHAT THEY DO FOR HIM. HOLINESS OF LIFE IS MUCH MORE IMPORTANT THAN HOLINESS OF DOCTRINE. DOING RIGHT IS INFINITELY MORE IMPORTANT THAN TALK ABOUT IT. THE ANGEL FLIES WITH A HOT COAL IN TONGS FROM THE FIRE BEFORE THE LORD'S ALTER AND TOUCHES ISAIAH'S LIPS TO ASSURE HIM THAT HIS UNCLEANNESS WAS GOING TO BE CLEANSED BY GOD. THIS IS THE ONLY WAY ANY SINS CAN BE CLEANSED. GOD HAS TO DO IT FOR US. WE CANNOT CLEANSE OURSELVES. WHEN HE HEARS GOD SAY, "WHOM SHALL I SEND, AND WHO WILL GO FOR US?", ISAIAH IMMEDIATELY SAYS - HERE I AM, SEND ME. ISAIAH GOT HIS MARCHING ORDERS FROM GOD. NO WONDER HE HAD SUCH BOLDNESS BEFORE THE KINGS AND PRIESTS WHERE HE DELIVERED THE HARD MESSAGES THAT THEY DID NOT WANT TO HEAR. II Chronicles 27:5-6 PG 803 He fought also with the king of the Ammonites, and prevailed against them. And the children of Ammon gave him the same year an hundred talents of silver, and ten thousand measures of wheat, and ten thousand of barley. So much did the children of Ammon pay unto him, both the second year, and the third. So Jotham became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the LORD his God. JOTHAM WAS A GOOD KING AND SOUGHT THE LORD AND DID NOT GET LIFTED UP WITH PRIDE AS HIS FATHER UZZIAH HAD DONE WHEN THE LORD BLESSED HIM. THEREFORE THE LORD CONTINUED TO BLESS UZZIAH. JUN 25 MICAH 1, 2 PG 803 - 806 Micah 2:1 PG 805 Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds! when the morning is light, they practise it, because it is in the power of their hand. ARE YOU CONTENT WITH WHAT YOU HAVE? WE MUST BE CONTENT WITH WHAT WE HAVE. WE NEED TO THANK GO FOR WHAT WE HAVE. IF WE WANT SOMETHING WE SHOULD ASK GOD FOR IT AND WORK FOR IT. WHEN YOU SEE OTHERS WHO HAVE DESIRABLE THINGS DO YOU PRAISE GOD FOR BLESSING THEM? ARE YOU JEALOUS OF ANYONE? THE SIN OF COVETOUSNESS WILL MAKE YOUR LIFE MISERABLE. Micah 2:6 PG 806 Prophesy ye not, [say they to them that] prophesy: they shall not prophesy to them, [that] they shall not take shame. PROPHETS PREACH RIGHTEOUSNESS. PEOPLE DO NOT WANT TO HAVE THEIR SINS EXPOSED. TO EXPOSE THE SINS OF OTHERS IS ALL RIGHT. BUT WHAT IF THE PROPHET TELLS YOU YOUR SINS? YOU PROBABLY DON'T WANT TO HEAR IT. IN OUR LAND TODAY THE FAITHFUL BIBLE TEACHING OF THE PARENTS IS REGARDED AS MENTAL ABUSE OF THE CHILDREN. PREACHING RIGHTEOUSNESS IS NEVER ABUSE BUT AN ACT OF LOVE. PREACHING THE TRUTH OF THE DANGER OF JUDGMENT IS NEVER ABUSE BUT AN ACT OF LOVE. THE PROBLEM IS THAT NO BODY WANTS TO HEAR IT. DO NOT TELL ME ABOUT THESE THINGS THEY SAY? WHAT YOU SAY FRIGHTENS ME THEY SAY? THAT IS WHY THE TRUTH OF A POST TRIBULATION RAPTURE HAS NOT BEEN PREACHED NOW FOR ALMOST 4 GENERATIONS. HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL LISTEN WHEN THE POSSIBILITY OF RUSSIA STARTING A STRATEGIC NUCLEAR WAR IS DISCUSSED? Micah 2:7 PG 806 O [thou that art] named the house of Jacob, is the spirit of the LORD straitened? [are] these his doings? do not my words do good to him that walketh uprightly? IT IS ALWAYS TRUE THAT GOD'S WORDS ARE ACCEPTABLE WITH AND DO GOOD TO THOSE WHO WALK UPRIGHTLY. BUT TO THOSE WHO SIN THEY ARE WORDS OF CONDEMNATION AND WORDS THAT THEY DO NOT WANT TO HEAR. Micah 2:11 PG 806 If a man walking in the spirit and falsehood do lie, [saying], I will prophesy unto thee of wine and of strong drink; he shall even be the prophet of this people. PEOPLE ARE STILL FLOCKING TO THE FALSE LYING PROPHETS WHO WILL TELL THEM WHAT THEY WANT TO HEAR. JUN 26 MICAH 3, 4 PG 806 - 810 Micah 3:1-2 PG 806 And I said, Hear, I pray you, O heads of Jacob, and ye princes of the house of Israel; [Is it] not for you to know judgment? Who hate the good, and love the evil; who pluck off their skin from off them, and their flesh from off their bones; WHERE HAS SOUND JUDGMENT GONE IN OUR LAND? HOW IS IT THAT OUR LEADERS HATE THE GOOD AND LOVE THE EVIL? Micah 3:4 PG 807 Then shall they cry unto the LORD, but he will not hear them: he will even hide his face from them at that time, as they have behaved themselves ill in their doings. WHAT COULD POSSIBLY BE MORE FRIGHTENING THAN THIS? WHEN YOU PRAY DO YOU KNOW GOD HEARS YOU? WHAT COMFORT THERE IS IN PRAYER. WHAT IF YOU WANTED TO PRAY AND GOD'S REPRESENTATIVE TOLD YOU THAT GOD WOULD NOT HEAR YOU? Micah 3:8 PG 807 But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin. MICAH IS FULL OF THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. THIS IS WHAT THE HOLY SPIRIT DOES. HE GIVES US POWER, AND GOOD JUDGMENT, AND UNDERSTANDING. HE CONVICTS US OF OUR SINS. HE DOES NOT CONDEMN US. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CONVICTION AND CONDEMNATION? Micah 4:2-5 PG 808 And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make [them] afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken [it]. For all people will walk every one in the name of his god, and we will walk in the name of the LORD our God for ever and ever. THIS IS ALMOST IDENTICAL TO ISAIAH'S MESSAGE REGARDING THE MILLENNIAL KINGDOM WHICH JESUS WILL SET UP IN JERUSALEM. EVERY MAN SHALL HAVE HIS OWN WORK AND PROVISION IN THE KINGDOM. THERE SHALL BE NOTHING TO FEAR FOR ANYONE IN THE KINGDOM. Micah 4:10 PG 808 Be in pain, and labour to bring forth, O daughter of Zion, like a woman in travail: for now shalt thou go forth out of the city, and thou shalt dwell in the field, and thou shalt go [even] to Babylon; there shalt thou be delivered; there the LORD shall redeem thee from the hand of thine enemies. JUDAH WOULD GO INTO PAINFUL CAPTIVITY IN BABYLON. THE LORD WOULD NOT LEAVE THEM THERE AND WOULD DELIVER THEM FROM THE BABYLONIAN CAPTIVITY. Micah 5:2 PG 809 But thou, Beth-lehem Ephratah, [though] thou be little among the thousands of Judah, [yet] out of thee shall he come forth unto me [that is] to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth [have been] from of old, from everlasting. IT IS THE PROPHET MICAH WHO MADE IT CLEAR THAT JESUS WHO WAS FROM OF OLD, FROM EVERLASTING, THE LORD WOULD BE BORN IN BETHLEHEM. Micah 5:15 PG 810 And I will execute vengeance in anger and fury upon the heathen, such as they have not heard. OLD TESTAMENT WAS LAW AND THE NEW TESTAMENT IS GRACE. HAVE YOU HEARD THIS BEFORE? HAVE WE SEEN GRACE IN THE OLD TESTAMENT? JUST AS THERE WAS GRACE UNDER THE LAW SO THERE IS LAW UNDER GRACE. GOD IS A HOLY GOD AND WE NEED TO BE ABOUT THE WORK OF SANCTIFICATION WHICH IS GROWTH IN GRACE. THE TIMES OF THE GENTILES WILL BE FULFILLED AND THE ANTI-CHRIST WILL WAGE WAR ON THE SAINTS FOR 7 YEARS OF GREAT TRIBULATION. WE NEED TO BE DILIGENT AS WE LOOK FORWARD AND PREPARE FOR THE LORD'S RETURN. JUN 27 MICAH 6, 7 PG 810 - 813 Micah 6:3 PG 810 O my people, what have I done unto thee? and wherein have I wearied thee? testify against me. GOD ASKS WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME? IS THERE ANY GOOD REASON? OF COURSE THERE IS NO GOOD REASON. Micah 6:8 PG 811 He hath shewed thee, O man, what [is] good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? THIS IS MY FAVORITE MEMORY VERSE FROM MICAH. IT IS SUMMED UP SO SIMPLY. EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW WHAT GOD REQUIRES FROM US. TO DO JUSTLY - TO LOVE MERCY - TO WALK HUMBLY WITH GOD. Micah 7:2-3 PG 812 The good [man] is perished out of the earth: and [there is] none upright among men: they all lie in wait for blood; they hunt every man his brother with a net. That they may do evil with both hands earnestly, the prince asketh, and the judge [asketh] for a reward; and the great [man], he uttereth his mischievous desire: so they wrap it up. MICAH MAY HAVE BEEN EXPOSING THE UNRIGHTEOUS CONDITIONS IN JUDAH. IT APPLIES TO OUR LAND JUST AS WELL TODAY. OUR RULERS AND JUDGES ARE ON THE TAKE. THE WEALTHY AND POWERFUL OPPRESS THE POOR. THE RIGHTEOUS ARE RIDICULED AS EXTREME RELIGIOUS FANATICS. Micah 7:5-7 PG 812 Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom. For the son dishonoureth the father, the daughter riseth up against her mother, the daughter in law against her mother in law; a man's enemies [are] the men of his own house. Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. THESE TIMES ARE COMING WHEN DISCRETION WILL BE REQUIRED OF THOSE WHO REALLY ARE CHRISTIANS. EVEN MEMBERS OF YOUR OWN FAMILY MAY TURN AGAINST YOU FOR FOLLOWING JESUS CHRIST INSTEAD OF THE ANTI-CHRIST. THE ANSWER IS IN VERSE 7. LOOK UNTO THE LORD. JESUS THE GOD OF OUR SALVATION IS COMING AGAIN SOON. LET GOD HEAR YOUR PRAYERS. TRUST GOD NOT ANYTHING OR ANYONE ELSE. Micah 7:15-16 PG 813 According to the days of thy coming out of the land of Egypt will I shew unto him marvellous [things]. The nations shall see and be confounded at all their might: they shall lay [their] hand upon [their] mouth, their ears shall be deaf. IN THE END TIMES GOD WILL AGAIN MIRACULOUSLY DELIVER AND PROTECT ISRAEL. OUR GENERATION IS WITNESSING TREMENDOUS MIRACLES OF DELIVERANCE AND PROTECTION OF ISRAEL. THERE IS A GENERAL NEWS BLACKOUT REGARDING THESE MIRACLES, BUT THEY ARE SO SPECTACULAR THAT YOU DON'T HAVE TO SEARCH TOO HARD TO SEE THEM. BIGGER ONES ARE COMING. NO NATION CAN DEFEAT THE ARMY OF ISRAEL AGAIN BECAUSE GOD IS FIGHTING FOR THEM. Micah 7:18-19 PG 813 Who [is] a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth [in] mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. GOD IS INFINITE IN HIS MERCY. GOD DOES NOT STAY ANGRY. GOD DELIGHTS TO BE MERCIFUL. WHEN WE CONFESS OUR SINS GOD FORGETS THEM AND IT IS AS THOUGH WE NEVER COMMITTED THE SIN. JUN 28 2 KINGS 15 - 17 2 CHRON. 28 PG 813 - 815 II Kings 15:29 PG 813 In the days of Pekah king of Israel came Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria, and took Ijon, and Abel-beth-maachah, and Janoah, and Kedesh, and Hazor, and Gilead, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali, and carried them captive to Assyria. I Chronicles 5:25-26 PG 814 And they transgressed against the God of their fathers, and went a whoring after the gods of the people of the land, whom God destroyed before them. And the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria, and the spirit of Tilgath-pilneser king of Assyria, and he carried them away, even the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, and brought them unto Halah, and Habor, and Hara, and to the river Gozan, unto this day. THE PEOPLE DID NOT REPENT AT THE MESSAGE GOD GAVE THEM BY THE PROPHETS AND THEREFORE THEY ARE BEING TAKEN CAPTIVE TO BABYLON. GOD'S PROPHETS ARE ALWAYS 100% ACCURATE. IT IS FOOLISH NOT TO PAY ATTENTION TO THEM. II Kings 15:38 PG 814 And Jotham slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father: and Ahaz his son reigned in his stead. II Chronicles 28:2-3 PG 814 For he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and made also molten images for Baalim. Moreover he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the fire, after the abominations of the heathen whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel. JOTHAM WAS THE LAST OF THE GOOD KINGS. HE WAS A GOOD KING BUT NOT A GOOD FATHER. HE DID NOT TELL HIS SON AHAZ TO FEAR THE LORD AND DISCIPLINE HIM TO WALK IN THE WAYS OF THE LORD. AHAZ EVEN SACRIFICED HIS CHILDREN TO MOLECH. JUN 29 ISAIAH 7, 8, 9 PG 815 - 819 Isaiah 7:2-3 PG 815 And it was told the house of David, saying, Syria is confederate with Ephraim. And his heart was moved, and the heart of his people, as the trees of the wood are moved with the wind. Then said the LORD unto Isaiah, Go forth now to meet Ahaz, thou, and Shear-jashub thy son, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool in the highway of the fuller's field; ISRAEL WAS JOINING FORCES WITH SYRIA TO ATTACK JUDAH. A TOTALLY HOPELESS SITUATION FOR JUDAH. Isaiah 7:7 PG 815 Thus saith the Lord GOD, It shall not stand, neither shall it come to pass. GOD DID NOT LET IT HAPPEN YET. THINGS CANNOT HAPPEN IF GOD DOES NOT PERMIT IT. JUDAH WAS OUTMANNED AND OUTGUNNED 1000 TO 1 BUT GOD DID NOT LET IT HAPPEN. THIS SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN AHAZ AND JUDAH'S ATTENTION BUT IT DID NOT. Isaiah 7:10-13 PG 816 Moreover the LORD spake again unto Ahaz, saying, Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD. And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; [Is it] a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also? ISAIAH TELLS AHAZ TO ASK GOD FOR ANY SIGN SO THAT HE WOULD BE ABLE TO BELIEVE THAT GOD WAS GOING TO DELIVER JUDAH. HYPOCRITE KING AHAZ SAYS HE WILL NOT ASK FOR A SIGN. AHAZ WAS GIVING ISAIAH TROUBLE AND ISAIAH TELLS HIM HE CAN'T GIVE GOD A HARD TIME. GOD WOULD GIVE THE SIGN HIMSELF. Isaiah 7:14 PG 816 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. THE GREAT SIGN THAT GOD GIVES IS THE VIRGIN BIRTH OF JESUS. WATCH OUT FOR SOME TRANSLATIONS HERE. THE REVISED STANDARD VERSION HAS TRANSLATED VIRGIN AS YOUNG WOMAN. THAT WOULD NOT BE MUCH OF A SIGN WOULD IT? THE HEBREW WORD FOR VIRGIN IS ALMAH AND THAT IS THE WORD USED IN THIS VERSE. EMMANUEL - GOD WITH US. Isaiah 8:13-14 PG 817 Sanctify the LORD of hosts himself; and [let] him [be] your fear, and [let] him [be] your dread. And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. FEAR GOD AND NOTHING OR NO ONE ELSE. GOD IS THE ONLY TRUSTWORTHY PROTECTOR AND PROVIDER. Isaiah 8:15-16 PG 817 And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken. Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples. THE REASON FOR STUMBLING AND FALLING IN LIFE IS LACK OF KNOWLEDGE OF THE WORD OF GOD. GOD TOLD ISAIAH TO STOP PREACHING TO JUDAH IN GENERAL. ISAIAH WAS TOLD TO TAKE GODS WORD TO GOD'S PEOPLE AND ONLY SHARE IT WITH GOD'S DISCIPLES. SUCH A TIME MAY BE COMING FOR US AS WELL. HAVE YOU SEALED UP GOD'S LAW AND TESTIMONY IN YOUR HEART? Isaiah 8:19-20 PG 818 And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, [it is] because [there is] no light in them. AS IT WAS FOR JUDAH JUST BEFORE THEY WERE TO EXPERIENCE GOD'S FIERY WRATH OF JUDGMENT SO IT IS FOR US TODAY. SEEK THEM THAT HAVE FAMILIAR SPIRITS - WIZARDS THAT PEEP AND MUTTER. WE HAVE REPORTS OF HILLARY CLINTON BOASTING OF HER CONVERSATIONS WITH ELEANOR ROOSEVELT. HOW FAR FROM JUDGMENT ARE WE? WHEN WE SEE SUCH THINGS HERE IS THE ANSWER - TO THE LAW AND TO THE TESTIMONY. IF THEY SPEAK NOT ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE THEY ARE IN TOTAL DARKNESS. Isaiah 9:2 PG 818 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. JESUS FULFILLED THIS PROPHESY OF ISAIAH ACCORDING TO Matthew 4:16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up. Isaiah 9:6-7 PG 818 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. HOW ABOUT THIS! DOES ISAIAH GIVE US AN ACCURATE PICTURE OF JESUS. REMEMBER THIS WAS WRITTEN ABOUT 750 B.C.. JUN 30 ISAIAH 10, 11, 12, 2 CHRON. 28 PG 819 - 825 Isaiah 10:1-3 PG 819 -820 Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness [which] they have prescribed; To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and [that] they may rob the fatherless! And what will ye do in the day of visitation, and in the desolation [which] shall come from far? to whom will ye flee for help? and where will ye leave your glory? WHAT IS THE STATE OF LAWS AND JUSTICE IN OUR COUNTRY TODAY? ARE THE LAWS AND DECREES OF OUR PRESIDENT, CONGRESS, AND SUPREME COURT RIGHTEOUS OR UNRIGHTEOUS? DOES THE POOR MAN RECEIVE JUSTICE IN OUR COURTS OR DO THE RICH WHO HAVE THE EXPENSIVE LAWYERS WIN OVER THE POOR? Isaiah 10:12-13 PG 820 Wherefore it shall come to pass, [that] when the Lord hath performed his whole work upon mount Zion and on Jerusalem, I will punish the fruit of the stout heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his high looks. For he saith, By the strength of my hand I have done [it], and by my wisdom; for I am prudent: and I have removed the bounds of the people, and have robbed their treasures, and I have put down the inhabitants like a valiant [man]: GOD USED THE KING OF ASSYRIA TO JUDGE JUDAH. THE ASSYRIAN KING DID NOT SEE THAT GOD HAD ANY PART IN HIS VICTORY. THE KING WAS PUFFED UP WITH PRIDE. GOD DID NOT ENTER INTO THE KING'S EQUATION. Isaiah 10:15 Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? [or] shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it? as if the rod should shake [itself] against them that lift it up, [or] as if the staff should lift up [itself, as if it were] no wood. GOD EXPLAINS THE WISDOM OF THE PRIDE OF THE ASSYRIAN KING. GOD SAYS IT IS LIKE THE AX BOASTING ABOUT ALL THE WOOD IT CHOPPED GIVING NO THOUGHT TO THE FACT THAT THE AX COULD NOT MOVE LET ALONE CHOP WITHOUT IT BEING IN THE HANDS OF THE ONE DOING THE CHOPPING. GOD SAYS IT IS LIKE THE SAW BOASTING ABOUT EVERYTHING IT HAS CUT GIVING NO THOUGHT TO THE FACT THAT THE SAW COULD NOT BE MOVED LET ALONE CUT ANYTHING WITHOUT IT BEING IN THE HANDS OF THE CUTTER. WHEN WE THINK RIGHT WE REALIZE THAT WE CAN NOT EVEN TAKE A BREATH, OUR HEARTS CANNOT MAKE A BEAT. WE LIKE THE AX, OR THE SAW , OR THE ROD, OR THE STAFF CANNOT EVEN MOVE IF GOD DOES NOT ALLOW IT. ALL REASONS FOR BOASTING AND PRIDE BREAKS DOWN WHEN YOU THINK RIGHT REGARDING WHO WE ARE AND WHO GOD IS. IT IS FOOLISH TO FAIL TO GIVE GOD GLORY. PRIDE IS A SIGN OF FOOLISHNESS AND A LACK OF WISDOM. Isaiah 11:1-5 PG 822 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. ISAIAH HERE GIVES MESSIANIC PROPHESY. HE TELLS US THAT JESUS COULD TRACE HIS FAMILY TREE AND FIND HIS ROOTS IN JESSE WHO IS THE FATHER OF KING DAVID. IN MATTHEW CHAPTER 1 AND LUKE CHAPTER 3 WE FIND THAT JESUS COULD MAKE A LEGITIMATE CLAIM TO THE THRONE OF DAVID. ISAIAH MAKES A RAPID SHIFT FROM THE BIRTH OF JESUS TO THE MILLENNIAL REIGN OF KING JESUS. ONLY GOD COULD DO THE THINGS THAT ISAIAH TELLS US THAT JESUS WILL DO. JUDGING WITH ABSOLUTE RIGHTEOUSNESS IS SOMETHING WHICH ONLY GOD CAN DO. WITHOUT THE HELP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT OUR JUDGMENT CANNOT BE SOUND IN RIGHTEOUSNESS. Isaiah 11:6-10 PG 822 - 823 The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious. WILL YOU HAVE A PLACE IN THE REIGN OF KING JESUS? THINK ABOUT THIS GLORIOUS KINGDOM WHICH JESUS WILL ESTABLISH. ALL ANIMALS WILL BE GENTLE. ALL PEOPLE WILL BE KIND AND GENTLE. EVERYONE WILL TRY TO FIND WAYS TO BE A BLESSING TO OTHERS. THERE WILL BE NO VIOLENCE, NO SICKNESS, NO DEATH. "HIS REST SHALL BE GLORIOUS." WILL YOU BE THERE? Isaiah 11:11-12 PG 823 And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea. And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth. JESUS SAID WHEN YOU SEE THESE THINGS COME TO PASS KNOW THAT I AM NEAR, EVEN AT THE DOOR. WE ARE LIVING IN THE MOST EXCITING TIME OF ALL HUMAN HISTORY. JESUS HAS COME THE FIRST TIME AS THE SPOTLESS PERFECT LAMB WHO WAS SLAIN FOR ALL OF OUR SINS. HE WAS RESURRECTED AND ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN. HE IS COMING BACK AGAIN. HIS 2ND COMING IS NEAR. HE DOES NOT MAKE ANY SECRET 2ND COMING. HE WILL COME AGAIN IN GREAT POWER AND GLORY. WE ARE SEEING THE PROPHESY WHICH TELLS US WHEN TO EXPECT HIS RETURN BEING FULFILLED BEFORE OUR EYES RIGHT NOW IN THE 1990'S. ISRAEL, THE DOWN TRODDEN JEWS WHO HAVE BEEN DISPERSED AND SCATTERED THROUGHOUT THE WORLD, ARE BEING GATHERED BACK TO THEIR HOMELAND. IT IS HAPPENING NOW. THERE IS NO SECRET 2ND COMING. A SECRET SECOND COMING IS NOT SCRIPTURAL, IT IS A MYTH DESIGNED FOR THE END TIMES TO LEAD AWAY EVEN THE ELECT IF IT WERE POSSIBLE. WHEN JESUS COMES AGAIN IT WILL NOT BE IN SECRET. IT CAN ONLY BE THE POWERFUL AND GLORIOUS SECOND COMING. EVERY EYE SHALL SEE HIM AT HIS 2ND COMING. ARE YOU READY? IF YOU ARE NOT READY IT IS HIGH TIME TO GET READY. Isaiah 12:1-6 PG 823 -824 And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me. Behold, God [is] my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH [is] my strength and [my] song; he also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted. Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this [is] known in all the earth. Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great [is] the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee. SOME DAY SOON THE JEWS IN ISRAEL WILL FINALLY BEGIN TO SEE THAT JESUS IS THE LORD JEHOVAH. SALVATION CAN ONLY BE FOUND IN JESUS, FOR THERE IS NO OTHER NAME GIVEN UNDER HEAVEN BY WHICH MEN CAN BE SAVED. Acts 4:10-12 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, [even] by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. NO ONE KNOWS THE DAY OR THE HOUR THAT THE LORD WILL RETURN. THERE ARE THINGS WHICH WE WILL RECOGNIZE AS WE ARE IN THE FINAL 7 YEARS OF GREAT TRIBULATION. SINCE THE GREAT TRIBULATION WILL START SO GRADUALLY THAT NO ONE WILL KNOW WHEN THE GREAT TRIBULATION STARTED, THEN EVEN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE GREAT TRIBULATION WE WILL NOT KNOW THE DAY OR THE HOUR OF THE LORD'S 2ND COMING. WHAT WE WILL KNOW WHEN WE REALIZE WE ARE IN THE FINAL 7 YEARS IS THAT IN LESS THAN 7 YEARS OUR KING JESUS IS COMING. THAT IS OUR BLESSED HOPE. THE PRE TRIBULATION RAPTURE IS NOT OUR BLESSED HOPE. IN FACT, IT IS NOT SCRIPTURAL AND IS PART OF THE END TIME STRONG DELUSION. KEEP YOUR ATTENTION FOCUSED ON WHAT THE BIBLE ACTUALLY SAYS AND NOT WHAT PEOPLE TELL YOU IT SAYS. ALSO KEEP YOUR ATTENTION FOCUSED ON WHAT IS HAPPENING IN ISRAEL. WHEN YOU SEE THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL FINALLY RECOGNIZING JESUS, THEIR MESSIAH, THEN YOU MAY KNOW HIS RETURN IS VERY NEAR INDEED. AT HIS 2ND COMING EVERYONE WILL RECOGNIZE HIM. EVERY EYE SHALL SEE HIM. II Chronicles 28:6 PG 824 For Pekah the son of Remaliah slew in Judah an hundred and twenty thousand in one day, [which were] all valiant men; because they had forsaken the LORD God of their fathers. THEY WERE DEFEATED BECAUSE THEY HAD FORSAKEN THE LORD. II Chronicles 28:8-9 PG 824 And the children of Israel carried away captive of their brethren two hundred thousand, women, sons, and daughters, and took also away much spoil from them, and brought the spoil to Samaria. But a prophet of the LORD was there, whose name [was] Oded: and he went out before the host that came to Samaria, and said unto them, Behold, because the LORD God of your fathers was wroth with Judah, he hath delivered them into your hand, and ye have slain them in a rage [that] reacheth up unto heaven. ISRAEL WAS TAKING THEIR BROTHERS FROM JUDAH AS SLAVES. THE PROPHET ODED TOLD THEM TO RETURN THEIR BROTHERS FROM JUDAH. FORTUNATELY FOR BOTH ISRAEL AND JUDAH THEY DID. II Chronicles 28:19-21 PG 825 For the LORD brought Judah low because of Ahaz king of Israel; for he made Judah naked, and transgressed sore against the LORD. And Tilgath-pilneser king of Assyria came unto him, and distressed him, but strengthened him not. For Ahaz took away a portion [out] of the house of the LORD, and [out] of the house of the king, and of the princes, and gave [it] unto the king of Assyria: but he helped him not. AHAZ WAS USED BY GOD TO HUMBLE JUDAH. HE WAS AN INSTRUMENT OF GOD BUT HE WAS EVIL. GOD CAN USE ANYONE. BEING USED BY GOD DOES NOT MAKE YOU RIGHTEOUS. JUL 1 ISAIAH 15, 16, 17, PG 825 - 829 Isaiah 34:2 PG 825 For the indignation of the LORD [is] upon all nations, and [his] fury upon all their armies: he hath utterly destroyed them, he hath delivered them to the slaughter. THIS PROPHESY TELLS OF THE CONDITIONS IN THE WORLD AT THE LORD'S SECOND COMING. ALL NATIONS WILL HAVE TURNED AGAINST HIM. THERE WILL BE A NEW WORLD ORDER, WHICH WILL HAVE BEEN SET UP AGAINST GOD, HEADED BY THE ANTI-CHRIST. WHY DO YOU SUPPOSE IT IS AGAINST THE LAW FOR OUR CHILDREN TO HAVE A COPY OF THE 10 COMMANDMENTS DISPLAYED IN THEIR PUBLIC SCHOOL CLASSROOMS? ALMOST ALL RELIGIONS ARE GOING AFTER A METAPHYSICAL SPIRITUALISM. ONLY 2 RELIGIOUS BELIEFS WILL NOT FIT UNDER THE UMBRELLA OF THE NEW AGE OF RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE. BIBLICAL CHRISTIANITY AND ORTHODOX JUDAISM WILL NOT BE DUPED INTO THIS NEW AGE SPIRITUALISM. WHY IS THE BIBLE, THE WORLD'S GREATEST COLLECTION OF LITERATURE, HISTORY, AND WISDOM SO RIDICULED THROUGHOUT THE WORLD? EVERYONE WHO HAS NOT DILIGENTLY STUDIED THE BIBLE WILL LIKELY BE SUCKED INTO THIS NEW WORLD ORDER AND METAPHYSICAL RELIGION. THOSE WHO KNOW THE TRUTH WILL BE THOUGHT TO BE INCURABLY MENTALLY ILL. ANTI-CHRIST WILL HAVE POWER TO WAGE WAR ON THE SAINTS. THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN SUCKED INTO THE NEW WORLD ORDER WILL BELIEVE THEY ARE DOING YOU A FAVOR BY KILLING YOU TO PUT YOU OUT OF THE MISERY OF YOUR INCURABLE MENTAL ILLNESS. Isaiah 34:4 PG 825 And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off from the vine, and as a falling [fig] from the fig tree. THERE WILL BE FANTASTIC WONDERS IN THE HEAVENS AT THE LORD'S RETURN. THE LORD WILL ROLL UP THE HEAVENS AS A SCROLL. Isaiah 14:27 PG 826 For the LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul [it]? and his hand [is] stretched out, and who shall turn it back? WHEN GOD ALMIGHTY HAS PURPOSED SOMETHING, WHO CAN STOP IT? WHEN JESUS RETURNS NOTHING CAN STOP HIM. Isaiah 16:5 PG 827 And in mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness. THE MILLENNIAL THRONE OF JESUS SHALL BE ESTABLISHED IN MERCY, TRUTH, AND RIGHTEOUSNESS. Isaiah 17:7-8 PG 828 At that day shall a man look to his Maker, and his eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of Israel. And he shall not look to the altars, the work of his hands, neither shall respect [that] which his fingers have made, either the groves, or the images. EVERYONE INCLUDING ALL THE JEWS WILL RECOGNIZE AND WORSHIP JESUS AT HIS SECOND COMING. ARE YOU READY FOR HIS RETURN? Isaiah 17:13 PG 829 The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters: but [God] shall rebuke them, and they shall flee far off, and shall be chased as the chaff of the mountains before the wind, and like a rolling thing before the whirlwind. THE ANTI-CHRIST WILL DECLARE HIMSELF TO BE GOD AND ASSEMBLE HIS ARMIES TO TRY TO STOP JESUS FROM RETURNING TO EARTH. WHO DO YOU THINK WILL WIN THIS FINAL BATTLE? JUL 2 ISAIAH 21, 23 2 KINGS 16, 18 PG 829 - 833 Isaiah 23:9 PG 829 The LORD of hosts hath purposed it, to stain the pride of all glory, [and] to bring into contempt all the honourable of the earth. ISAIAH PRONOUNCES GOD'S PENDING JUDGMENT AGAINST EDOM, ARABIA, AND TYRE. ALL JUDGMENTS OF GOD BRING DOWN THE PRIDE AND GLORY OF MAN WHEN HE TURNS AWAY FROM GOD. WE NEED TO WORK FOR THE GLORY OF GOD AS PRIORITY 1. WE CAN HAVE OUR OWN PRIDE AND LIVE IN UNFORGIVENESS AND BITTERNESS FOR A WHILE BUT ULTIMATELY OUR PRIDE WILL BE JUDGED FOR THE SIN THAT IT IS. II Kings 16:8 PG 832 And Ahaz took the silver and gold that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house, and sent [it for] a present to the king of Assyria. BACK IN JUDAH, KING AHAZ CONTINUES TO SINK DEEPER. HE IS LEADING HIS PEOPLE AWAY FROM GOD AND INTO THE JUDGMENT OF CAPTIVITY. HE TAKES THE GOLD AND SILVER FROM THE TEMPLE AND GIVES IT FOR TRIBUTE TO THE KING OF ASSYRIA. II Kings 16:11&16 PG 832 And Urijah the priest built an altar according to all that king Ahaz had sent from Damascus: so Urijah the priest made [it] against king Ahaz came from Damascus. II Kings 16:16 Thus did Urijah the priest, according to all that king Ahaz commanded. NOT ONLY DID KING AHAZ TAKE THE GOLD AND SILVER FOR TRIBUTE TO THE KING OF ASSYRIA, BUT HE HAD ALTERS SET UP IN JUDAH TO FORSAKE GOD AND WORSHIP THE gods OF ASSYRIA. NOT TOO SMART. BUT WHAT ABOUT OUR NATIONAL LEADERS - HAVE THEY NOT SET THE GOVERNMENT UP AS A god EMBRACING SOCIALISM, ABORTION (MOLECH), NECROMANCY (HILLARY CLINTON'S CONVERSATIONS WITH ELEANOR ROOSEVELT), SODOMY (HOMOSEXUAL SOCIAL STATUS ELEVATION)? COULD WE NOT ALSO BE HEADED FOR JUDGMENT. WISE PEOPLE TODAY REALIZE HOW NEAR WE ARE TO DISASTER AND ARE ORDERING THEIR LIVES TO SEEK GOD WITH ALL THEIR HEART IN TRUE REPENTANCE. THE JUDGMENT OF A NUCLEAR HOLOCAUST IS MUCH NEARER THAN YOUR GOVERNMENT OR THE MEDIA WILL TELL YOU IT IS. II Kings 18:3-7 PG 833 And he did [that which was] right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father did. He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it: and he called it Nehushtan. He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor [any] that were before him. For he clave to the LORD, [and] departed not from following him, but kept his commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses. And the LORD was with him; [and] he prospered whithersoever he went forth: and he rebelled against the king of Assyria, and served him not. AHAZ DIED. HIS SON HEZEKIAH KNEW HOW WRONG HIS FATHER WAS. HEZEKIAH SOUGHT THE LORD DILIGENTLY AND TORE DOWN ALL THE ALTERS THAT HIS FATHER AHAZ HAD SET UP. HE EVEN TORE DOWN THE HIGH PLACES AND ASHERAH POLES OF THE SEXUAL IMMORALITY WHICH WAS RAMPANT IN THE LAND. HEZEKIAH WAS A GOOD KING AND DELAYED THE JUDGMENT THAT WAS COMING ON JUDAH. IF THE CHRISTIANS IN THIS LAND WILL BOLDLY STAND UP AND DECLARE RIGHTEOUSNESS AND LIVE RIGHTEOUSLY THE JUDGMENT THAT OUR NATION FACES CAN POSSIBLY BE PREVENTED. WHEN YOU STAND UP FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS BE PREPARED FOR EVEN YOUR FAMILY TO TURN AGAINST YOU. YOUR CLOSE FRIENDS AND FAMILY DO NOT WANT TO HEAR ABOUT JUDGMENT AND RIGHTEOUSNESS. THEY MAY LISTEN IF YOU TALK OF LOVE AND GRACE BUT THEY WILL TUNE YOU OUT AND THINK YOU ARE CRAZY OR EVEN EVIL IF YOU TALK OF JUDGMENT. IF YOU LOVE THEM YOU MUST TRY TO TELL THEM. GET READY AND STAY READY. GET RIGHT AND STAY RIGHT. JUL 3 ISAIAH 13, 14, 21 PG 834 - 839 Isaiah 13:4-5 PG 834-835 The noise of a multitude in the mountains, like as of a great people; a tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together: the LORD of hosts mustereth the host of the battle. They come from a far country, from the end of heaven, [even] the LORD, and the weapons of his indignation, to destroy the whole land. THERE IS A SPIRITUAL REALITY BEHIND WARS, INTERNATIONAL ECONOMICS, AND ALL THE PLANS OF THE NEW AGE AND NEW WORLD ORDER. THE VAST MAJORITY OF THOSE WHO ARE WORKING TO BRING ABOUT THIS NEW AGE OR NEW WORLD ORDER DO NOT REALIZE THE SOURCE OF THE GLOBAL WORLD ORDER IS SATAN. THOSE AT THE HIGHEST LEVELS OF THE INNER ELITE DO RECOGNIZE LUCIFER AS THEIR GOD. THE METAPHYSICAL AND SUPERNATURAL MANIFESTATIONS THAT SUCK IN THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE WORKERS FOR THE NEW WORLD ORDER STOP SHORT OF IDENTIFYING LUCIFER AS THE PRIME DIRECTOR OF THIS NEW AGE MOVEMENT. LUCIFER IS THE SPIRIT OF ANTI-CHRIST WHO IS BEHIND IT ALL. THE KINGDOMS OF THE WORLD ARE COMING TOGETHER IN A SPIRIT OF ANTI-CHRIST. IT IS NOT LUCIFER WHO WILL BE VICTORIOUS. ALTHOUGH, FOR A SHORT TIME, IT MAY APPEAR THAT HE AND THE ANTI-CHRIST ARE UNSTOPPABLE. THE LORD JESUS CHRIST HAS THE ULTIMATE VICTORY. ULTIMATE VICTORY CAN ONLY BE FOUND IN JESUS CHRIST. Isaiah 13:11 PG 835 And I will punish the world for [their] evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible. THE END OF THE LEADERS AND PLANNERS OF THIS NEW AGE, NEW WORLD ORDER IS CLEARLY SPELLED OUT HERE. THE UPPER ELITE OF THE NEW WORLD ORDER KNOWINGLY FOLLOW LUCIFER. THE PROUD VAST MAJORITY HAVE BEEN SUCKED IN AND ARE DUPED INTO WORKING FOR THIS NEW AGE MOVEMENT BECAUSE THEY ARE IGNORANT AND/OR REBELLIOUS TOWARD THE WORD OF GOD. THEY WILL ALL BE PUNISHED BY GOD. Isaiah 13:19 PG 835 And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. IN SCRIPTURE BABYLON IS MORE THAN JUST THE CAPITOL OF CHALDIA. IT IS USED TO DESCRIBE TYRANNY OR CONFUSION. TYRANNY AND CONFUSION IS EXACTLY WHAT THE NEW AGE AND NEW WORLD ORDER IS. TYRANNY IS THE OPPOSITE OF FREEDOM. THE TRUTH IS WHAT SETS US FREE. IF THE SON SETS US FREE WE ARE FREE INDEED. THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN SUCKED INTO ANY OF THE VARIOUS BRANCHES OF THE NEW AGE MOVEMENT ARE INTO CONFUSION AND THE MOST HORRIBLE FROM OF TYRANNY WHICH KEEPS THEM FROM FINDING THE TRUE FREEDOM IN CHRIST. Isaiah 14:1 PG 836 For the LORD will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land: and the strangers shall be joined with them, and they shall cleave to the house of Jacob. THE WHOLE WORLD MAY BE TURNED AGAINST ISRAEL BUT THE LORD WILL BE ON THE SIDE OF ISRAEL AND ISRAEL WILL NOT BE DEFEATED AGAIN. ALIENS WILL JOIN THEM. PEOPLE WHO KNOW THE ONE TRUE GOD WILL BE ON THE SIDE OF ISRAEL. PART OF BEING A CHRISTIAN IS TO BE ESPECIALLY COMPASSIONATE AND TENDER HEARTED TOWARD THE JEWS. WE SEE TODAY HOW JEWS FROM ALL NATIONS OF THE WORLD ARE RETURNING TO THEIR HOMELAND. WE MUST SUPPORT ISRAEL. IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO BE A TRUE CHRISTIAN AND HATE THE JEWS. PART OF BEING A CHRISTIAN IS TO LOVE THE JEWS. Isaiah 14:9-17 PG 836 - 837 Hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet [thee] at thy coming: it stirreth up the dead for thee, [even] all the chief ones of the earth; it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations. All they shall speak and say unto thee, Art thou also become weak as we? art thou become like unto us? Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, [and] the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee. How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! [how] art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, [and] consider thee, [saying, Is] this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms; [That] made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; [that] opened not the house of his prisoners? HERE IS SOME OF THE MOST ENLIGHTENING AND ENCOURAGING OF ALL SCRIPTURES. WE SHALL OVERCOME THE DEVIL BY THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB AND THE WORD OF OUR TESTIMONY. MAKE THESE VERSES PART OF YOUR TESTIMONY. THESE FEW VERSES TELL YOU A GREAT DEAL ABOUT LUCIFER, THE DEVIL, OUR ADVERSARY. HELL FROM BENEATH IS THE DESTINY OF LUCIFER AND ALL THOSE WHO HAVE NOT FOUND SALVATION IN JESUS CHRIST. WHERE IS LUCIFER? IN HEAVEN. HE IS OUR ACCUSER. HE IS STILL TRYING TO LEAD THE 2/3 OF THE FAITHFUL ANGELS IN REBELLION AGAINST GOD. ONE DAY GOD WILL HAVE HAD ENOUGH. HE WILL CAST LUCIFER AND THE 1/3 OF REBELLIOUS ANGELS OUT OF HEAVEN AND DOWN TO EARTH. THE DEAD WILL HAVE BEEN STIRRED UP FOR LUCIFER'S COMING. ALL ARE SPIRITUALLY DEAD UNLESS THEY HAVE FOUND ETERNAL LIFE IN JESUS CHRIST. EVERYONE EXCEPT BORN AGAIN CHRISTIANS WILL HAVE BEEN STIRRED UP TO WELCOME SATAN AND HIS ANTI-CHRIST TO USHER IN THE NEW WORLD ORDER. THIS NEW ORDER WILL BE CONFUSION AND TYRANNY. SATAN HAS ALREADY BEEN DEFEATED. IN REALITY HE IS MUCH WEAKER THAN WE ARE. WHEN WE HAVE THE PRESENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT WE CAN TELL HIM TO GO TO HELL WHERE HE BELONGS. WHEN THE ELITE OF THE EARTH, WHO FOLLOW LUCIFER, SEE HIM THEY WILL SAY - ARE YOU WEAK LIKE US? ARE YOU JUST AS WEAK AS WE ARE? HOW ART THOU FALLEN FROM HEAVEN, O LUCIFER. HIS ANTI-CHRIST WILL HAVE USED HIS MASTERY OF DECEPTION TO HAVE WAGED WAR ON THE SAINTS. HIS POWER IS ONLY IN HIS MASTERY OF DECEPTION AND ILLUSION. WE HAVE ETERNAL LIFE. HE CAN KILL US BUT HE CAN'T TAKE OUR ETERNAL LIFE. ETERNAL TORMENT IS HIS DESTINY. LUCIFER IS NOT A POWERFUL GOD. HE IS THE SOURCE OF ALL EVIL. HE CREATED EVIL WHEN HE SAID THE MOST FOOLISH THING EVER STATED - "I WILL BE LIKE THE MOST HIGH." HOW MANY MOST HIGHS CAN THERE BE? YET HE CONTINUES TO USE THIS SAME FOOLISH LIE TO DECEIVE MEN AND ANGELS. THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE MORMONS DON'T KNOW THAT THE GOD THEY ARE WORSHIPING IS LUCIFER. THE TEMPLE MORMONS FIND OUT, BUT BY THEN, THEY ARE SO FAR INTO IT THAT VERY FEW EVER COME OUT. THE 33RD DEGREE MASONS FIND OUT THAT THE MASON'S GOD IS LUCIFER, BUT BY THEN THEY ARE SO FAR INTO IT THAT FEW IF ANY WILL EVER COME OUT. IF YOU WORK YOUR WAY UP THE LADDER OF THE NEW AGE YOU WILL FIND THAT LUCIFER IS THE GOD OF THE NEW AGE. SATAN CAN COME AS AN ANGEL OF LIGHT. REMEMBER THE LIE HE GAVE ADAM AND EVE IN THE GARDEN - YOU SHALL BE LIKE GOD. PEOPLE ARE STILL BUYING THAT LIE. IT HAS THOUSANDS OF DIFFERENT SUGAR COATINGS. THE BOTTOM LINE IS - ARE YOU YOUR OWN GOD OR HAVE YOU SOUGHT SALVATION FROM THE TRUE GOD BY COMING UNDER THE LORDSHIP OF JESUS. WILL YOU OBEY AND SUBMIT TO GOD UNDER THE LORDSHIP OF JESUS CHRIST OR WILL YOU SEEK TO BE YOUR OWN GOD AND END UP WITH LUCIFER? LUCIFER IS DESTINED FOR HELL. WHEN THEY FINALLY SEE THEIR GOD LUCIFER THEY WILL SAY "IS THIS THE MAN THAT MADE THE EARTH TREMBLE AND THAT DID SHAKE KINGDOMS, THAT CAUSED THE NUCLEAR WARS TO MAKE VAST SECTIONS OF THE WORLD A WILDERNESS?" LUCIFER IS ONLY POWERFUL IF WE ALLOW HIM TO DECEIVE US. THE DEVIL WILL HAVE POWER OVER YOU IF YOU DO NOT KNOW THE WORD OF GOD. JESUS IS THE LOGOS - THE LIVING WORD OF GOD. YOU WILL GET SUCKED INTO THE DECEPTION WITH THE MAJORITY OF HUMANITY IF YOU REJECT GOD AND DO NOT GET TO KNOW THE WORD OF GOD. IF YOU DON'T KNOW THE WORD OF GOD YOU WILL BE DECEIVED. DON'T TRUST YOUR PASTOR. DON'T TRUST ME. TRUST THE WORD OF GOD. GET TO KNOW THE WORD OF GOD FOR YOURSELF. GET IN A HURRY ABOUT IT. NOTHING IS MORE IMPORTANT FOR ANYONE TODAY. ASK JESUS FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT TO GIVE YOU KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORD OF GOD. BABYLON, THE NEW WORLD ORDER OF TYRANNY AND CONFUSION, WILL NOT STAND. SEE Isaiah 21:9, BABYLON IS FALLEN, IS FALLEN. THE NEW WORLD ORDER WILL FALL IN LESS THAN 7 YEARS. JUL 4 2 CHRON 29, 30, 31 PG 839 - 843 II Chronicles 29:3 PG 839 He in the first year of his reign, in the first month, opened the doors of the house of the LORD, and repaired them. HEZEKIAH ACTED AS QUICKLY AS HE POSSIBLY COULD TO TURN HIS NATION BACK TO GOD. AMERICANS SHOULD READ THE MAYFLOWER COMPACT. IN IT YOU WILL FIND THIS NATION TO HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED "FOR THE GLORY OF GOD AND THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION". OUR CONSTITUTION SPECIFIES "THAT CONGRESS SHALL MAKE NO LAW RESPECTING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF RELIGION NOR PROHIBITING THE FREE EXERCISE THEREOF." ONLY IN MUSLIM EXTREMIST COUNTRIES COULD THE FREE EXERCISE OF CHRISTIANITY BE AS PROHIBITED AS IN AMERICA. HOW CAN A NATION SO BLESSED BY GOD BE SO SET AGAINST GOD AND GOD'S PRINCIPLES? ONLY IN AMERICAN PUBLIC SCHOOLS IS THE DISPLAY OF THE 10 COMMANDMENTS AGAINST THE LAW. IT IS AGAINST THE LAW TO DISPLAY THE BEST MORAL CODE IN HUMAN HISTORY TO THE CHILDREN OF THIS LAND. GOD HELP US! CAN JUDGMENT BE VERY FAR OFF? TEACHING OF GOD'S JUDGMENT IS NOT TOLERATED. THE PARENT WHO WOULD TRY TO WARN HIS CHILDREN OF GOD'S JUDGMENT WILL LIKELY BE CONSIDERED GUILTY OF SEVERE MENTAL ABUSE. EVEN CHRISTIAN FAMILIES ARE BROKEN BY MEN WHO WILL NOT LOVE THEIR WIFE AS CHRIST LOVED THE CHURCH, AND WOMEN WHO FIND IT IMPOSSIBLE TO LIVE IN OBEDIENT GODLY SUBMISSION TO THEIR HUSBANDS. II Chronicles 30:6-9 PG 841 So the posts went with the letters from the king and his princes throughout all Israel and Judah, and according to the commandment of the king, saying, Ye children of Israel, turn again unto the LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and he will return to the remnant of you, that are escaped out of the hand of the kings of Assyria. And be not ye like your fathers, and like your brethren, which trespassed against the LORD God of their fathers, [who] therefore gave them up to desolation, as ye see. Now be ye not stiffnecked, as your fathers [were, but] yield yourselves unto the LORD, and enter into his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified for ever: and serve the LORD your God, that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you. For if ye turn again unto the LORD, your brethren and your children [shall find] compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for the LORD your God [is] gracious and merciful, and will not turn away [his] face from you, if ye return unto him. HEZEKIAH SENT LETTERS TO ALL THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL AS WELL AS HIS KINGDOM OF JUDAH. NOT ONLY WAS HE GOING TO DO EVERYTHING HE COULD TO TURN HIS KINGDOM OF JUDAH BACK TO THE LORD BUT ALSO HE WAS GOING TO ENCOURAGE THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL TO RETURN TO THE LORD. WE NEED TO REMEMBER THAT ISRAEL HAD BECOME THE ENEMY OF JUDAH. HE DOES NOT COMPROMISE. BE YE NOT STIFFNECKED! REJECTING GOD IS THE SOURCE OF OUR PROBLEMS. BY TURNING BACK TO GOD EVERYONE FINDS GRACE AND MERCY. II Chronicles 30:10 PG 841 So the posts passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh even unto Zebulun: but they laughed them to scorn, and mocked them. THE MAJORITY OF THE PEOPLE IN ISRAEL LAUGHED THE KING'S MESSENGERS TO SCORN. THIS IS JUST WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IN OUR LAND TODAY WHEN YOU PREACH RIGHTEOUSNESS, HOLINESS, AND TRY TO WARN OF GOD'S JUDGMENT. YET THIS DID NOT STOP KING HEZEKIAH OR HIS MEN. A VERY FEW PEOPLE IN ISRAEL DID RESPOND TO THE CALL FOR REPENTANCE. II Chronicles 30:18-20 PG 842 For a multitude of the people, [even] many of Ephraim, and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The good LORD pardon every one [That] prepareth his heart to seek God, the LORD God of his fathers, though [he be] not [cleansed] according to the purification of the sanctuary. And the LORD hearkened to Hezekiah, and healed the people. EVEN UNDER THE LAW WE SEE GRACE HERE. GOD LOOKS ON THE HEART AND NOT ON THE OUTWARD APPEARANCE. ONLY GOD KNOWS THE HEART MOTIVES OF THOSE WHO MAY APPEAR TO US TO BE DOING WRONG. WE DON'T KNOW WHAT IS IN THEIR HEARTS AND GOD COMMANDS US TO LET HIM BE THE JUDGE AND FOR US ALWAYS TO THINK THE BEST, AND ASSUME THE BEST, AND PRAY FOR THOSE WHO SEEM TO BE DOING WRONG. WE ARE TO JUDGE OURSELVES AND LEAVE THE JUDGMENT OF OTHERS TO GOD. II Chronicles 30:26-27 PG 842 So there was great joy in Jerusalem: for since the time of Solomon the son of David king of Israel [there was] not the like in Jerusalem. Then the priests the Levites arose and blessed the people: and their voice was heard, and their prayer came [up] to his holy dwelling place, [even] unto heaven. THE JOY OF THE LORD IS OUR STRENGTH. WHEN WE SEEK TO FIND OUR JOY APART FROM THE LORD THE JOY IS PASSING AND UNREAL. THE JOY OF THE LORD IS REAL AND CAN SUSTAIN YOU THROUGH LIFE'S MOST DIFFICULT STRUGGLES. IF YOU WANT A GREAT SIMPLE FORMULA FOR JOY, MAKE PHILIPPIANS 4:8 A PART OF YOUR LIFE AND PRACTICE IT EVERY DAY - Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things. JUL 5 ISAIAH 24, 25, 26, 32, 35 PG 844 - 849 Isaiah 24:1 PG 844 Behold, the LORD maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof. And it shall be, as with the people, so with the priest; as with the servant, so with his master; as with the maid, so with her mistress; as with the buyer, so with the seller; as with the lender, so with the borrower; as with the taker of usury, so with the giver of usury to him. The land shall be utterly emptied, and utterly spoiled: for the LORD hath spoken this word. NO MATTER HOW THE ANTI-CHRIST AND THE NEW AGE GLOBALISTS APPEAR TO PROSPER AND PERSECUTE THE PEOPLE OF GOD, BE CERTAIN THAT IT IS GOD WHO IS IN CONTROL. WEALTH AND STATUS WILL PROVIDE NO SHELTER FROM GOD'S JUDGMENT. THE LORD WILL DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO BRING ABOUT EVERLASTING LOVE, PEACE, JOY, RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND JUSTICE TO THE WORLD. Isaiah 24:21 PG 845 And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the LORD shall punish the host of the high ones [that are] on high, and the kings of the earth upon the earth. THERE IS AN UNHOLY ALLIANCE BETWEEN LUCIFER, DEMONS (FALLEN ANGELS), THE HIGH ONES THAT ARE ON HIGH, AND THE POWERFUL MEN ON EARTH. THE VAST MAJORITY OF THOSE SUCKED INTO THE NEW AGE MOVEMENT FOR A NEW WORLD ORDER OF GLOBAL GOVERNMENT, MONEY, AND RELIGION ARE SIMPLY IGNORANT OF THE BIBLE. THEY DON'T KNOW THAT THEIR SPIRIT GUIDES ARE DEMONS. THEY DON'T KNOW THAT THE SUPERNATURAL METAPHYSICAL MANIFESTATIONS COME FROM THESE DEMONS TO DECEIVE THEM. GOD'S PEOPLE WILL BE DESTROYED FOR ONLY ONE REASON - LACK OF KNOWLEDGE OF THE WORD OF GOD - HOSEA 4:6. STAY SERIOUS ABOUT YOUR STUDY OF THE BIBLE ALL OF YOUR LIFE. IT BECOMES MORE VITAL EVERY DAY. GOD WILL ULTIMATELY PUNISH EVERYONE INVOLVED WITH THIS UNHOLY ALLIANCE. THIS PUNISHMENT WILL TAKE PLACE ON EARTH. SOME DAY LUCIFER AND ALL FALLEN ANGEL WILL BE CAST DOWN FROM HEAVEN TO EARTH TO WAGE WAR ON THE SAINTS FOR THE LAST 7 YEARS BEFORE THE 2ND COMING OF JESUS CHRIST. NO ONE WILL KNOW THE DAY OR HOUR OF THE BEGINNING OF THESE FINAL 7 YEARS; BUT, A DRAMATIC INCREASE IN DEMONIC SUPERNATURAL MANIFESTATIONS IS CERTAIN TO OCCUR. CAREFULLY TEST AND CHECK ANY AND ALL SUPERNATURAL MANIFESTATIONS TO BE CERTAIN THAT IT IS FROM GOD. HOW? ONLY THE BIBLE LETS YOU KNOW FOR SURE. IS JESUS CHRIST GLORIFIED BY THE WORK? Isaiah 25:1 PG 845 O LORD, thou [art] my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful [things; thy] counsels of old [are] faithfulness [and] truth. GOD IS SO GREAT. HIS WORDS ARE FAITHFUL AND TRUE. WE SHOULD CONTINUALLY PRAISE GOD IN THE NAME OF JESUS. Isaiah 25:4 PG 846 For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones [is] as a storm [against] the wall. WHERE IS YOUR STRENGTH? IS IT YOUR MONEY? IS IT YOUR POSITION? IS IT YOUR INTELLIGENCE? IS IT YOUR EDUCATION? THE ONLY STRENGTH THAT WILL NOT FAIL IS GOD. Isaiah 25:6-8 PG 846 And in this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined. And he will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the veil that is spread over all nations. He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken [it]. IT WAS INDEED ON THIS MOUNT JERUSALEM WHERE GOD DID SWALLOW UP DEATH IN VICTORY BY THE DEATH, BURIAL, AND RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST. WE HAVE ETERNAL LIFE IN JESUS CHRIST. WE MAY DIE, WE MAY BE KILLED, YET WE SHALL LIVE AND OUR ETERNAL LIFE IN JESUS CHRIST CONTINUES. PAIN AND SUFFERING IN THIS LIFE ARE REALITIES. DEATH IS NOT A REALITY FOR THE TRUE BELIEVER IN JESUS CHRIST. SURE WE GRIEVE AT THE LOSS AND SEPARATION OF OUR LOVED ONES. THAT IS REAL. BUT TO THAT BELIEVER WHO DIES IN CHRIST, DEATH IS NOT A REALITY AND HIS ETERNAL LIFE CONTINUES IN CHRIST. THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS CHRIST IS AGAIN TO THIS MOUNT JERUSALEM WHERE HE SHALL REMOVE ALL SATANIC DARKNESS AND POWER NOW COVERING ALL NATIONS. THE INFLUENCE OF LUCIFER, THAT WORKS IN ALL SONS OF SIN, WILL BE REMOVED FROM ALL HEARTS AND MINDS. THEN, FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE ADAM SINNED IN THE GARDEN, MEN WILL BE FREE FROM ALL SATANIC INFLUENCE AND DEMONIC POWER. SATAN IS THE RULER OF THE DARKNESS OF THIS WORLD. JESUS WILL CONFINE HIM AND ALL OF HIS AGENTS TO THE ABYSS DURING THE MILLENNIUM. Isaiah 25:9 PG 846 And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this [is] our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this [is] the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation. DOES THIS EXPRESS YOUR DEEPEST FEELINGS? ARE YOU WAITING FOR HIM? IS THERE SOMETHING YOU MUST DO BEFORE HE RETURNS? HOW WOULD YOU CHANGE YOUR LIFE IF HE WERE COMING TOMORROW? Isaiah 26:3 PG 846 Thou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on thee]: because he trusteth in thee. THE WAY TO HAVE PERFECT PEACE REGARDLESS OF CIRCUMSTANCES. Isaiah 26:4 PG 847 Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH [is] everlasting strength: DON'T PUT YOUR TRUST ANYWHERE ELSE. IT IS ONLY THE STRENGTH OF GOD WHICH WILL NEVER FAIL. Isaiah 26:7-9 PG 847 The way of the just [is] uprightness: thou, most upright, dost weigh the path of the just. Yea, in the way of thy judgments, O LORD, have we waited for thee; the desire of [our] soul [is] to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee. With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments [are] in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness. IS THE DEEPEST DESIRE OF YOUR HEART TO KNOW JESUS OR IS IT TO KNOW SOMEONE OR SOMETHING ELSE? Isaiah 26:12-14 PG 847 LORD, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us. O LORD our God, [other] lords beside thee have had dominion over us: [but] by thee only will we make mention of thy name. [They are] dead, they shall not live; [they are] deceased, they shall not rise: therefore hast thou visited and destroyed them, and made all their memory to perish. GOD GIVES US PEACE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STRESSES AND TRIALS OF THIS LIFE. GOD IS THE SOURCE OF ANY GOOD WORK THAT WE WOULD DO. HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED HOW YOU WILL HAVE TOTAL HAPPINESS IN HEAVEN IF SOMEONE THAT YOU LOVE IS NOT THERE? HERE IS A POSSIBLE ANSWER FOR YOU - YOU WILL NOT REMEMBER THEM - ALL MEMORY OF THEM WILL BE GONE. ON THE OTHER HAND DON'T EVER WORRY ABOUT ANYBODY BEING THERE THAT YOU DON'T LIKE. NO ONE KNOWS THE MOTIVATIONS OF THE HEART BEHIND AN APPEARANTLY EVIL ACTION. THE TRUTH IS THAT WE ARE ALL HAVE DESPERATELY WICKED HEARTS AND ONLY JESUS CAN FIX OUR DESPERATELY WICKED HEARTS. HE WILL HAVE FIXED ALL OF THESE PEOPLE AND YOU'LL LOVE THEM WHEN JESUS FINISHES WITH THEM. Isaiah 26:19 PG 848 Thy dead [men] shall live, [together with] my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew [is as] the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead. JESUS IS THE LIVING PROOF OF THIS VERSE. JESUS IS THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE. John 11:25-26 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? WHEN YOU TRUST JESUS YOU DON'T NEED TO BE AFRAID TO DIE. Isaiah 32:1-2 PG 848 Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment. And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. YOU MAY NOT LIKE SOME OF THE PEOPLE WHO RULE OVER YOU NOW BUT WHEN JESUS COMES BACK YOU WILL LOVE EVERY RULER IN HIS KINGDOM. Isaiah 35:3-4 PG 849 Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them [that are] of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come [with] vengeance, [even] God [with] a recompence; he will come and save you. IS THERE ANYTHING THAT CAUSES YOU TO BE AFRAID? EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE ALL RIGHT! DON'T BE AFRAID OF ANYTHING. BE STRONG. BE COURAGEOUS. JESUS WILL SAVE YOU AND PROTECT YOU. Isaiah 35:5-6 PG 849 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame [man] leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert. JESUS DID THESE THING WHEN HE CAME THE FIRST TIME. WAIT TILL YOU SEE HOW GREATLY HE FIXES THINGS WHEN HE RETURNS. Isaiah 35:10 PG 850 And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. HAVE YOU HEARD THIS VERSE PUT INTO A SONG? IT IS A GOOD SONG TO SING. JUL 6 ISAIAH 28, 29, 22, 33 PG 850 - 855 Isaiah 29:13 PG 851 Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near [me] with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: HERE IS A VERSE WHICH OFTEN BRINGS ME UNDER CONVICTION. IT MAY BE EASY TO PUT SOMETHING OVER ON PEOPLE BUT GOD KNOWS OUR HEARTS BETTER THAN WE DO. GOD ALWAYS KNOWS WHEN WHAT WE SAY IS DIFFERENT THAN WHAT WE THINK. THERE IS NO WAY TO GET AWAY WITH A LIE TO GOD. WHY WOULD WE EVER BE SO FOOLISH AS TO TRY SUCH A THING. WE CAN NOT HIDE ANY SECRET THOUGHT FROM GOD. Isaiah 29:14-16 Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, [even] a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise [men] shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent [men] shall be hid. Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the LORD, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us? Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter's clay: for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not? or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding? WHAT FANTASTIC ILLUSTRATION TO POINT OUT THE FOOLISHNESS OF THOSE WHO PLOT EVIL. THE NEW AGE MOVERS AND SHAKERS ARE SO DECEIVED BY LUCIFER AND HIS DEMONS INTO THINKING THAT NO ONE KNOWS WHAT THEY ARE UP TO WITH THEIR SCHEMES TO CONTROL, MANIPULATE, AND ENSLAVE THE WORLD. THE PEOPLE MAY NOT FIGURE IT OUT BUT GOD SURELY KNOWS THEIR EVERY EVIL PLOT. SHALL THE PIECE OF CLAY SAY TO THE POTTER THAT HE DOESN'T KNOW WHAT HE IS DOING? HOW FOOLISH CAN WE BE TO THINK WE KNOW A WAY BETTER THAN GOD'S WAY OR THAT WE CAN HIDE ANYTHING FROM GOD? Isaiah 29:18-20 PG 855 And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness. The meek also shall increase [their] joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. For the terrible one is brought to nought, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off: LUCIFER, HIS DEMONS, AND THE MEN THAT THEY CONTROL MAY HAVE A SHORT 7 YEAR SEASON WHERE THEY SEEM TO HAVE IT ALL GOING THEIR WAY. BUT JESUS CHRIST IS COMING AGAIN AND HE WILL MAKE EVERYTHING THE WAY IT REALLY SHOULD BE. OUR BLESSED HOPE IS THAT WE KNOW EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE ALL RIGHT. JESUS IS GOING TO RETURN. JUL 7 ISAIAH 27, 29, 32, 33, 22 PG 855 - 859 Isaiah 27:2-3 PG 855 In that day sing ye unto her, A vineyard of red wine. I the LORD do keep it; I will water it every moment: lest [any] hurt it, I will keep it night and day. WE ARE SEEING PART OF THE FULFILLMENT OF THIS PROPHESY. ISRAEL IS BEING REGATHERED. AGAINST 10 TO 1 ODDS ISRAEL HAS SOUNDLY DEFEATED HER ARAB ATTACKERS. ISRAEL IS GOD'S VINEYARD. GOD IS ISRAEL'S PROTECTOR. ISRAEL CANNOT BE DEFEATED THOUGH THE WHOLE WORLD IS TURNED AGAINST ISRAEL. ONLY A FOOL COULD FAIL TO ACKNOWLEDGE GOD'S HAND IN THE MIRACULOUS DELIVERANCE WHICH GOD HAS GIVEN TO ISRAEL SINCE 1963. EVEN THOUGH THERE IS ALMOST A COMPLETE NEWS BLACKOUT SURROUNDING ISRAEL WE SHOULD TRY TO FIND OUT AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE WHAT IS GOING ON OVER THERE. ISRAEL IS THE FOCAL POINT FOR SO MUCH PROPHESY. Isaiah 27:6 PG 856 He shall cause them that come of Jacob to take root: Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit. HOW GLORIOUSLY THIS PROPHESY IS BEING FULFILLED IN OUR TIME. THE LATTER RAINS ARE FALLING ON ISRAEL. GOD IS BRINGING THE JEWS TO THEIR HOMELAND FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD. Isaiah 33:2-3 PG 857 O LORD, be gracious unto us; we have waited for thee: be thou their arm every morning, our salvation also in the time of trouble. At the noise of the tumult the people fled; at the lifting up of thyself the nations were scattered. GOD TRULY HAS BEEN THE SALVATION OF ISRAEL SINCE THE REGATHERING HAS STARTED. THE 92 TO 0 AIR TO AIR COMBAT VICTORY IS TYPICAL OF THE MIRACULOUS MILITARY VICTORIES WHICH GOD HAS GIVEN ISRAEL. Isaiah 33:5-6 PG 857 The LORD is exalted; for he dwelleth on high: he hath filled Zion with judgment and righteousness. And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, [and] strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD [is] his treasure. THE LORD IS EXALTED IN HEAVEN RIGHT NOW. SOON HE WILL RETURN TO ZION. WHEN JESUS COMES TO ZION THIS TIME EVERYONE WILL RECOGNIZE HIM AS LORD. HE WILL REIGN FROM HIS THRONE IN JERUSALEM WITH RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT. THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE KEY TO HIS TREASURES, OF WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE AND SALVATION. Isaiah 33:15-16 PG 858 He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil; He shall dwell on high: his place of defence [shall be] the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters [shall be] sure. HERE ARE SOME OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF THOSE WHO WOULD DWELL WITH THE LORD FOR THE LORD IS A CONSUMING FIRE - WALKING RIGHTEOUSLY, SPEAKING THE TRUTH, DOES NOT OPPRESS THE POOR, WILL NOT TAKE BRIBES, WILL NOT TAKE PART IN ANY MURDEROUS PLOT, AND WILL NOT LOOK AT EVIL THINGS. Isaiah 33:22 PG 858 For the LORD [is] our judge, the LORD [is] our lawgiver, the LORD [is] our king; he will save us. THE WORLD IS FULL OF UNRIGHTEOUS JUDGES. DON'T EVER FORGET THAT THE LORD IS THE ULTIMATE JUDGE OF EVERYONE AND HE KNOWS THE DEEPEST SECRETS OF EVERYONE. NOTHING CAN ESCAPE HIS RIGHT JUDGMENTS. ONLY JESUS OUR LORD AND KING CAN SAVE US. WE CAN NOT SAVE OURSELVES. NO ONE SHOULD EVER WANT WHAT HE DESERVES BECAUSE WE ALL DESERVE HELL. JESUS PAID A PRICE FOR US THAT WE COULD NEVER PAY OURSELF. Isaiah 33:24 PG 858 And the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick: the people that dwell therein [shall be] forgiven [their] iniquity. THE LORD WILL HEAL ALL SICKNESS AND FORGIVE ALL SINS IF ONLY WE WILL AGREE WITH GOD THAT WE HAVE SINNED AND WANT TO TURN AWAY FROM OUR SINS AND LIVE THE WAY GOD WANTS US TO LIVE. JUL 8 2 KINGS 17, 18 PG 859 - 862 II Kings 18:11 PG 860 And the king of Assyria did carry away Israel unto Assyria, and put them in Halah and in Habor [by] the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes: THE KING OF ASSYRIA TOOK ALL ISRAEL INTO CAPTIVITY. II Kings 17:7 PG 860 For [so] it was, that the children of Israel had sinned against the LORD their God, which had brought them up out of the land of Egypt, from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and had feared other gods, ISRAEL HAD TURNED AWAY FROM THE LORD. THEY TOTALLY REJECTED THE LAW OF THE LORD AND WERE TOTALLY GIVEN OVER TO IDOLATRY AND SEXUAL IMMORALITY. EVERYONE DID WHAT WAS RIGHT IN THEIR OWN EYES. THERE WERE NO ETHICAL PEOPLE. II Kings 17:14 PG 860 Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the LORD their God. GOD HAD SENT THEM PROPHETS TO PREACH RIGHTEOUSNESS TO THEM AND WARN THEM OF IMPENDING JUDGMENT. BUT THEY HARDENED THEIR HEARTS AND WERE STIFFNECKED. II Kings 17:18-19 PG 861 Therefore the LORD was very angry with Israel, and removed them out of his sight: there was none left but the tribe of Judah only. Also Judah kept not the commandments of the LORD their God, but walked in the statutes of Israel which they made. JUDGMENT HAD NOT YET FALLEN ON JUDAH WHEN ISRAEL WAS TAKEN INTO CAPTIVITY. JUDAH WAS EXPERIENCING REVIVAL UNDER GOOD KING HEZEKIAH. THE CORRUPT KINGS WHICH JUDAH HAD BEFORE HEZEKIAH HAD LED JUDAH DOWN THE SAME PATH AWAY FROM GOD THAT ISRAEL HAD TAKEN. AS LONG AS THEY WERE RETURNING AND REPENTING AND TRYING TO FOLLOW GOD THEY WERE PROTECTED BY GOD. II Kings 17:25 PG 861 And [so] it was at the beginning of their dwelling there, [that] they feared not the LORD: therefore the LORD sent lions among them, which slew [some] of them. AFTER THE KING OF ASSYRIA HAD TAKEN THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL INTO CAPTIVITY HE SENT OTHER PEOPLE IN TO INHABIT THE CITIES AND TOWNS OF ISRAEL. THESE PEOPLE DID NOT KNOW THE GOD OF ISRAEL AND GOD THEN SENT LIONS INTO THE LAND AND PUT THE NEW INHABITANTS INTO GREAT FEAR. II Kings 17:28 PG 861 Then one of the priests whom they had carried away from Samaria came and dwelt in Beth-el, and taught them how they should fear the LORD. THE ASSYRIAN KING THEN SENT ONE OF THE PRIESTS OF ISRAEL TO TEACH THE NEW INHABITANTS ABOUT JEHOVAH. II Kings 17:33 PG 861 They feared the LORD, and served their own gods, after the manner of the nations whom they carried away from thence. Unto this day they do after the former manners: they fear not the LORD, neither do they after their statutes, or after their ordinances, or after the law and commandment which the LORD commanded the children of Jacob, whom he named Israel; IT DID NOT REALLY MAKE MUCH DIFFERENCE BECAUSE THEY KEPT RIGHT ON MAKING AND WORSHIPING THEIR OWN IDOLS. II Kings 18:7-8 PG 862 And the LORD was with him; [and] he prospered whithersoever he went forth: and he rebelled against the king of Assyria, and served him not. He smote the Philistines, [even] unto Gaza, and the borders thereof, from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city. BACK IN JUDAH THINGS WERE GOING MUCH BETTER. GOOD KING HEZEKIAH HAD CALLED HIS NATION TO REPENTANCE AND GOD WAS BLESSING JUDAH. THE LORD CAUSED HEZEKIAH TO PROSPER IN EVERYTHING HE DID. HE REBELLED AND REFUSED TO PAY TRIBUTE TO ASSYRIA. ASSYRIA HAD ALREADY CONQUERED THE LARGER NATION OF ISRAEL. IT WOULD BE 125 YEARS LATER THAT JUDAH WOULD ALSO BE TAKEN INTO CAPTIVITY. IT WAS THE POLICY OF THE ASSYRIANS TO CONQUER A LAND AND MOVE ITS PEOPLE TO ANOTHER CONQUERED LAND TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF REBELLION AND EASILY CONTROL THEIR VAST EMPIRE. JUL 9 ISAIAH 18, 19, 20, 30, 31 PG 863 - 869 Isaiah 18:3 PG 864 All ye inhabitants of the world, and dwellers on the earth, see ye, when he lifteth up an ensign on the mountains; and when he bloweth a trumpet, hear ye. JEHOVAH GOD COMMANDS ALL MEN TO LOOK WHEN HE LIFTS UP A SIGN FOR ALL MEN IN THE MOUNTAINS OF ZION. ALL MEN MUST LOOK TO CALVARY FOR THEIR SALVATION. ANYONE WHO REFUSES TO LOOK TO THIS ENSIGN OF GOD WILL NOT BE SAVED. WHEN GOD COMMANDS THE TRUMPET AT THE 2ND COMING OF JESUS CHRIST, EVERYONE WILL HEAR IT EVEN THOUGH THE MAJORITY WILL NOT WANT TO HEAR IT. EVERYONE HAS A CHOICE WITH HOW THEY VIEW THE ENSIGN OF GOD. HOW THEY HAVE LOOKED TO THE ENSIGN OF GOD WILL DETERMINE WHETHER THEY HEAR THE TRUMPET WITH A RAPTUROUS JOY OR DISPARATE FEAR. HOW WILL YOU HEAR THE TRUMPET? THIS IS AN IMPORTANT QUESTION BECAUSE YOU WILL MOST CERTAINLY HEAR THE TRUMPET. Isaiah 19:1 PG 864 The burden of Egypt. Behold, the LORD rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt: and the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it. THE 19TH CHAPTER OF ISAIAH FINDS MUCH OF ITS FULFILLMENT IN THE TRIBULATION AND MILLENNIUM. Isaiah 19:2 And I will set the Egyptians against the Egyptians: and they shall fight every one against his brother, and every one against his neighbour; city against city, [and] kingdom against kingdom. IT IS NOT CLEAR WHEN THIS EGYPTIAN CIVIL WAR WILL OCCUR. MOST OF EGYPT TODAY IS MUSLIM. SOME MUSLIMS MAY NOT GO ALONG WITH THE ANTI-CHRIST WORLD RELIGION. THIS MAY BE WHAT PRECIPITATES THE EGYPTIAN CIVIL WAR. IT WILL MOST LIKELY HAVE A TRIBULATION FULFILLMENT. Isaiah 19:4 And the Egyptians will I give over into the hand of a cruel lord; and a fierce king shall rule over them, saith the Lord, the LORD of hosts. THIS FIERCE KING IS THE ANTI-CHRIST. Isaiah 19:8 The fishers also shall mourn, and all they that cast angle into the brooks shall lament, and they that spread nets upon the waters shall languish. WE HAVE SEEN FULFILLMENT OF THIS PROPHESY. IT CAME WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE ASWAN DAM. PRIOR TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF THIS DAM THE WATERS OF THE NILE WERE ALWAYS MUDDY AND TURBID WHICH MADE THEM EASY TO FISH COMMERCIALLY WITH NETS. NOW THEY HAVE BECOME RELATIVELY CLEAR AND THERE ARE OVER 30,000 EGYPTIAN COMMERCIAL FISHERMEN WHO LOST THEIR LIVELIHOOD. Isaiah 19:17 And the land of Judah shall be a terror unto Egypt, every one that maketh mention thereof shall be afraid in himself, because of the counsel of the LORD of hosts, which he hath determined against it. WE HAVE ALSO SEEN AT LEAST A PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THIS PROPHESY. ISRAEL HAS SOUNDLY DEFEATED EGYPTIAN FORCES IN ALL BATTLES SINCE THE 6 DAY WAR OF 1963. ISRAEL TOOK VAST LAND AREAS OF EGYPT ALL THE WAY TO THE SUEZ CANAL IN THIS WAR. THIS IS WHAT BROUGHT ABOUT THE CARTER PEACE TREATY BETWEEN SADAT AND BEGIN WHEN ISRAEL RETURNED MUCH OF THIS TERRITORY BACK TO EGYPT. Isaiah 19:20 And it shall be for a sign and for a witness unto the LORD of hosts in the land of Egypt: for they shall cry unto the LORD because of the oppressors, and he shall send them a saviour, and a great one, and he shall deliver them. EGYPT'S SAVIOR IS NONE OTHER THEN THE SAVIOR OF ALL MANKIND. IT IS JESUS CHRIST AND THIS PROPHESY LIKELY WILL BE FULFILLED IN THE MILLENNIUM. Isaiah 20:2-4 PG 866 At the same time spake the LORD by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, Go and loose the sackcloth from off thy loins, and put off thy shoe from thy foot. And he did so, walking naked and barefoot. And the LORD said, Like as my servant Isaiah hath walked naked and barefoot three years [for] a sign and wonder upon Egypt and upon Ethiopia; So shall the king of Assyria lead away the Egyptians prisoners, and the Ethiopians captives, young and old, naked and barefoot, even with [their] buttocks uncovered, to the shame of Egypt. GOD MADE ISAIAH A SIGN AND A WONDER TO HIS PEOPLE BY HIS WALKING NAKED AND BAREFOOTED FOR 3 YEARS. HE WAS NOT NUDE, BUT HAD TAKEN OFF HIS SACKCLOTH PROPHET CLOTHES AS SAUL DID IN 1 SAM. 19:24. PETER ALSO PUT OFF HIS OUTER GARMENTS SO THAT HE COULD FISH JOHN 21:7. NO DOUBT THIS WAS AN EMBARRASSING HARDSHIP FOR ISAIAH, NEVERTHELESS HE WAS OBEDIENT. ISAIAH WAS VERY GRAPHICALLY LETTING THE PEOPLE OF JUDAH KNOW THAT THEIR HELP WOULD ONLY BE FOUND IN GOD AND NOT IN ANY ALLIANCE WITH ETHIOPIA OR EGYPT. Isaiah 30:15 PG 867 For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not. IN REPENTANCE AND REST IS YOUR SALVATION. IN QUIETNESS AND TRUST IN GOD IS YOUR STRENGTH. WILL YOU TRUST YOUR OWN SCHEMES OR WILL YOU TRUST GOD? THIS IS THE CHOICE WE MAKE IN LIVING EVERY DAY. Isaiah 30:16 PG 867 But ye said, No; for we will flee upon horses; therefore shall ye flee: and, We will ride upon the swift; therefore shall they that pursue you be swift. I HAVE TO CONFESS THAT FAR TOO OFTEN I HAVE TRIED TO FIGURE OUT A WAY OF MY OWN. I HAVE FAILED TO TRUST GOD TO WORK OUT THE SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM AND HAVE TRIED TO SOLVE IT MYSELF AND FAILED. FINALLY YOU WILL COME TO PROBLEMS THAT ARE SO GREAT THAT ONLY TRUST IN GOD CAN GIVE YOU ANY PEACE. Isaiah 30:18 PG 868 And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD [is] a God of judgment: blessed [are] all they that wait for him. GOD LONGS TO BE GRACIOUS TO US AND WAITS FOR US TO CALL. Isaiah 30:19-21 PG 868 For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: thou shalt weep no more: he will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee. And [though] the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers: And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This [is] the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left. THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN JERUSALEM WILL WEEP NO MORE. HOW GRACIOUS THE LORD IS. GOD IS PROTECTING ISRAEL. THEY HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT AFFLICTION AND ADVERSITY SINCE THEY REJECTED MESSIAH JESUS AND WERE DESTROYED BY ROME IN 70 AD. NOW GOD IS REGATHERING THEM AND GOD IS PROVIDING FOR THEM AND PROTECTING THEM. GOD IS ON ISRAEL'S SIDE. THE ARMIES OF ISRAEL CAN NOT BE DEFEATED EVER AGAIN. ISRAEL STILL NEEDS TO LEARN THE MESSIAH'S IDENTITY. THEY WILL NOT ALL FLOCK TO ANTI-CHRIST EVEN THOUGH THEIR NATION WILL MAKE A PEACE TREATY WITH HIM. ALL ISRAEL WILL BE SAVED WHEN MESSIAH JESUS RETURNS TO JERUSALEM. IN ONE DAY THEY SHALL ALL BE SAVED. Isaiah 31:1 PG 869 Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because [they are] many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD! WHERE DO WE GO FOR HELP? SOME TRUST IN MILITARY STRENGTH AS THE EGYPTIANS TRUSTED IN THEIR HORSES AND CHARIOTS. THERE IS ONLY ONE WHO IS WORTHY OF OUR TRUST. IT IS MESSIAH JESUS CHRIST THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL. JUL 10 ISAIAH 38 2 KINGS 18, 19, 20 PG 870 - 877 II Kings 20:4-6 PG 870 And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the LORD came to him, saying, Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD. And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake. PRAYER CHANGES THINGS. HEZEKIAH WAS GOING TO DIE. HE WAS A GOOD KING AND HAD DONE MUCH TO BRING HIS NATION BACK TO GOD. ISAIAH HAD ALREADY TOLD HIM THAT HIS ILLNESS WAS TERMINAL AND TO GET HIS HOUSE IN ORDER. HEZEKIAH PRAYS AND ASKS GOD TO HEAL HIM AND BEFORE ISAIAH LEAVES THE COURTYARD GOD TELLS HIM TO GO BACK AND TELL HEZEKIAH THAT GOD HAS HEARD HIS PRAYER AND THAT HE WILL BE HEALED AND HAVE 15 MORE YEARS BEFORE HE DIES. GOD ALSO TELLS HIM THAT HE WILL SAVE JUDAH FROM THE ASSYRIANS BECAUSE IT WOULD GLORIFY GOD AND FOR THE SAKE OF DAVID. II Kings 20:10-11 PG 871 And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees. And Isaiah the prophet cried unto the LORD: and he brought the shadow ten degrees backward, by which it had gone down in the dial of Ahaz. IT WOULD BE A MUCH GREATER MIRACLE FOR THE EARTH TO SUDDENLY SKIP BACKWARD IN ITS ROTATION 10 DEGREES. THE ENTIRE INERTIA OF THE PLANET WAS OPPOSING THIS GREAT MIRACLE. IT WAS THIS PHENOMENAL MIRACLE THAT LIKELY CAUSED THE KING OF BABYLON TO SEND HEZEKIAH A GIFT AND HEAR ABOUT HIS ILLNESS. GOD HAD STOPPED THE EARTH'S ROTATION FOR 24 HOURS WHEN JOSHUA WAS ROUTING HIS ENEMY. THE 10 DEGREE SKIP BACK OF THE PLANET IS 40 MINUTES. I HAVE HEARD THAT THE COMPUTER PROGRAMS FOR CELESTIAL NAVIGATION WHICH PLOT THE COURSES OF ALL CELESTIAL BODIES REQUIRE A 24 HOUR AND 40 MINUTE CORRECTION TO MAKE ALL OF THESE POSITION CALCULATIONS WORK OUT EXACTLY. II Chronicles 32:25-26 PG 872 But Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit [done] unto him; for his heart was lifted up: therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem. Notwithstanding Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, [both] he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the LORD came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah. EVEN GOOD HEZEKIAH WAS NOT ABLE TO AVOID THE SIN OF PRIDE. AFTER THIS GREAT MIRACLE SIGN WAS DONE BY GOD FOR HIM HE "RENDERED NOT AGAIN ACCORDING TO THE BENEFIT DONE UNTO HIM;". THANKSGIVING, PRAISE, AND GREATFULNESS TO GOD IS OUR FIRST LINE DEFENSE AGAINST THE BESETTING SIN OF PRIDE. PRIDE IS A SIN WHICH IS OFTEN PRESENTED BY THE WORLD AS A VIRTUE. PRIDE IS A SIN WHICH WILL GET US INTO ALL SORTS OF TROUBLE. TAKING PRIDE IN YOUR WORK IS NOT SMART. WORK IS A BLESSING. DOING A GOOD JOB BRINGS JOY AND SATISFACTION. HERE ARE A COUPLE OF KEYS TO HELP IN THE BATTLE WE ALL HAVE WITH PRIDE - Luke 17:10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do. AND I Peter 4:11..if any man minister, [let him do it] as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. WHY ARE WE TALENTED? DOES GOD GIVE US TALENTS THAT WE MAY GET PUFFED UP? WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN TALENTS THAT WE MIGHT USE THEM FOR THE GLORY OF GOD. IF OUR TALENTS ARE USED FOR OUR OWN GLORY THEN THEY GO TO THE GRAVE WITH US. IF OUR TALENTS ARE USED FOR THE GLORY OF GOD THEN THEIR VALUE AND GLORY TAKE ON AN ETERNAL EVERLASTING VALUE. II Kings 20:13-17 PG 872 And Hezekiah hearkened unto them, and shewed them all the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and [all] the house of his armour, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah shewed them not. Then came Isaiah the prophet unto king Hezekiah, and said unto him, What said these men? and from whence came they unto thee? And Hezekiah said, They are come from a far country, [even] from Babylon. And he said, What have they seen in thine house? And Hezekiah answered, All [the things] that [are] in mine house have they seen: there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shewed them. And Isaiah said unto Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD. Behold, the days come, that all that [is] in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store unto this day, shall be carried into Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the LORD. IT WAS HEZEKIAH'S PRIDE THAT CAUSED HIM TO SHOW OUT TO THE SPIES FROM BABYLON. WE SHOULD BE CAREFUL, ESPECIALLY IN THESE DANGEROUS TIMES NOT TO BE TOO FLASHY. WOMEN CAN REDUCE THEIR CHANCES OF BEING ASSAULTED OR RAPED BY DRESSING MODESTLY. BE CLEAN AND BE MODEST. DO NOT BE OVERLY ATTRACTIVE BECAUSE IN THESE DANGEROUS TIMES YOU MAY ATTRACT AN ASSAULT. HEZEKIAH SHOULD HAVE HIDDEN HIS TREASURES FROM THE DANGEROUS BABYLONIANS. OUR DAUGHTERS MUST BE TAUGHT TO DRESS AND ACT MODESTLY. II Chronicles 32:7-8 PG 873 Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that [is] with him: for [there be] more with us than with him: With him [is] an arm of flesh; but with us [is] the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah. THESE WERE THE RIGHT WORDS FOR THE DANGER FACING JUDAH. THEY ARE THE RIGHT WORDS FOR AMERICAN CHRISTIANS TODAY. CHRISTIANS EVERYWHERE NEED TO MEDITATE ON THESE WORDS AS WE SEE THIS JUGGERNAUT OF ANTI-CHRIST MOVING TOWARD WORLD DOMINATION. II Kings 18:22, 25, 26, & 36 PG 873 - 874 But if ye say unto me, We trust in the LORD our God: [is] not that he, whose high places and whose altars Hezekiah hath taken away, and hath said to Judah and Jerusalem, Ye shall worship before this altar in Jerusalem? 18:25 Am I now come up without the LORD against this place to destroy it? The LORD said to me, Go up against this land, and destroy it. 18:26 Then said Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, and Shebna, and Joah, unto Rab-shakeh, Speak, I pray thee, to thy servants in the Syrian language; for we understand [it]: and talk not with us in the Jews' language in the ears of the people that [are] on the wall. 18:36 But the people held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not. THE KING OF ASSYRIA SENT TARTAN, RABSARIS, AND RABSHAKAH (COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, CHIEF OF HEADS, AND CHIEF OF CAPTAINS) TO DEMORALIZE JUDAH. THE PLAN WAS TO SHOUT TO THE PEOPLE OF JUDAH IN THEIR LANGUAGE AND WITH THE VAST ARMY OF 185,000 THAT IT WAS HOPELESS TO FIGHT ASSYRIA. WHAT RABSHAKAH DID NOT REALIZE IS THAT HE WAS INSULTING THE TRUE GOD. VERSE 25 INDICATES THEY HAD HEARD THE PROPHECIES OF ISAIAH 10:5-19. RABSHAKAH THOUGHT HIS GOD, WHOSE ALTERS HAD BEEN DESTROYED BY HEZEKIAH, WAS AS GOOD OR BETTER THAN JEHOVAH. THIS WAS HIS FATAL MISTAKE. THIS WAS AN INSULT WHICH GOD WOULD NOT ALLOW. HEZEKIAH HAD GIVEN THE RIGHT WORDS AND INSTRUCTIONS TO HIS PEOPLE. THE PEOPLE OF JUDAH DID NOT RUSH TO SURRENDER AND GAVE NO RESPONSE TO RABSHAKAH. II Kings 19:5-7 PG 875 So the servants of king Hezekiah came to Isaiah. And Isaiah said unto them, Thus shall ye say to your master, Thus saith the LORD, Be not afraid of the words which thou hast heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me. Behold, I will send a blast upon him, and he shall hear a rumour, and shall return to his own land; and I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land. GOD SENDS WORD TO KING HEZEKIAH AND THE PEOPLE OF JUDAH BY HIS PROPHET ISAIAH REGARDING WHAT HE IS GOING TO DO. Amos 3:7 Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets. AMOS TOLD US THAT GOD WILL NOT DO ANYTHING WITHOUT FIRST REVEALING HIS SECRET TO HIS SERVANTS THE PROPHETS. THIS IS WHY IN THIS DANGEROUS TIME, AS GOD'S PEOPLE DID THEN, WE NEED TO VERY EARNESTLY STUDY PROPHESY. IT IS ALL THERE IN OUR BIBLES IF WE WILL ONLY DILIGENTLY LOOK FOR IT. GOD HAS TOLD US WHAT WILL HAPPEN AND HOW WE CAN OVERCOME ANTI-CHRIST AND HIS ARMY BY THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB AND BY THE WORD OF OUR TESTIMONY. IF WE ARE DESTROYED IT WILL ONLY BE BECAUSE WE HAVE NEGLECTED THIS KNOWLEDGE THAT GOD HAS SO GRACIOUSLY OFFERED US. HAVE YOU STUDIED END TIME PROPHESY? DON'T YOU THINK YOU SHOULD? IF YOU ARE TEMPTED TO SAY IT IS TOO HARD TO UNDERSTAND REMEMBER THAT ALL SCRIPTURE IS SPIRITUALLY UNDERSTOOD. PRAY AND ASK GOD BY HIS HOLY SPIRIT TO GIVE YOU UNDERSTANDING. II Kings 19:14-19 875 And Hezekiah received the letter of the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up into the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD. And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD, and said, O LORD God of Israel, which dwellest [between] the cherubims, thou art the God, [even] thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth. LORD, bow down thine ear, and hear: open, LORD, thine eyes, and see: and hear the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent him to reproach the living God. Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands, And have cast their gods into the fire: for they [were] no gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them. Now therefore, O LORD our God, I beseech thee, save thou us out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou [art] the LORD God, [even] thou only. THE MESSAGE OF RABSHAKEH WAS WRITTEN AND DELIVERED TO KING HEZEKIAH. IMMEDIATELY HE WENT TO GOD IN PRAYER. HIS PRAYER WAS THAT GOD SEE AND HEAR HOW ASSYRIA WAS INSULTING GOD. HE ASKS GOD TO SAVE JUDAH SO THAT THE WHOLE WORLD WILL KNOW THAT ONLY JEHOVAH IS GOD. II Kings 19:22-23 PG 875 - 876 Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted [thy] voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? [even] against the Holy [One] of Israel. By thy messengers thou hast reproached the Lord,... GOD SENDS ISAIAH TO LET HEZEKIAH KNOW HOW TO ANSWER ASSYRIA. GOD THEN IN ONE NIGHT WIPES OUT 185,000 ASSYRIAN SOLDIERS. THE KING OF ASSYRIA WENT HOME DEFEATED AND WAS KILLED JUST AS ISAIAH HAD PROPHESIED. JUL 11 2 KINGS 20, 21 PG 877 - 878 II Kings 20:21 And Hezekiah slept with his fathers: and Manasseh his son reigned in his stead. II Kings 21:1 Manasseh [was] twelve years old when he began to reign, and reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name [was] Hephzibah. II Kings 21:2 And he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD, after the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel. II Kings 21:10 And the LORD spake by his servants the prophets, saying, II Kings 21:11 Because Manasseh king of Judah hath done these abominations, [and] hath done wickedly above all that the Amorites did, which [were] before him, and hath made Judah also to sin with his idols: II Kings 21:12 Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Behold, I [am] bringing [such] evil upon Jerusalem and Judah, that whosoever heareth of it, both his ears shall tingle. II Kings 21:13 And I will stretch over Jerusalem the line of Samaria, and the plummet of the house of Ahab: and I will wipe Jerusalem as [a man] wipeth a dish, wiping [it], and turning [it] upside down. II Kings 21:14 And I will forsake the remnant of mine inheritance, and deliver them into the hand of their enemies; and they shall become a prey and a spoil to all their enemies; II Kings 21:15 Because they have done [that which was] evil in my sight, and have provoked me to anger, since the day their fathers came forth out of Egypt, even unto this day. THE TEXT PRETTY WELL SPEAKS FOR ITSELF. MANASSEH WAS AS BAD OF A KING AS HIS FATHER HEZEKIAH HAD BEEN GOOD. EVERY NATION IS ONLY ONE GENERATION AWAY FROM DEMORALIZATION. IT IS THE FATHER'S RESPONSIBILITY TO TEACH THE CHILDREN TO SEEK GOD AND TO LIVE THEIR LIVES IN ACCORDANCE WITH GOD'S PRINCIPLES. THAT IS THE REASON FOR THIS BOOK WHICH I HAVE WRITTEN FOR MY DAUGHTERS. JUL 12 ISAIAH 40, 41 PG 878 - 883 Isaiah 40:1-2 PG 879 Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD'S hand double for all her sins. WHERE DO YOU GO TO FIND PEACE? ISRAEL HAS PAID A GREAT PRICE FOR THEIR REBELLION AGAINST GOD AND THE REJECTION OF MESSIAH. NOW HOWEVER, IN OUR TIME, THE TIMES OF THE GENTILES ARE COMING TO AN END. GOD IS REGATHERING HIS PEOPLE ISRAEL. HE IS PROTECTING THEM. SOON MESSIAH WILL RETURN AND ALL ISRAEL WILL BE SAVED IN JUST 1 DAY. Isaiah 40:3 PG 879 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. ISAIAH HERE DESCRIBES THE MINISTRY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST. Matthew 3:3, Mark 1:3, Luke 3:4, John 1:19 And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? John 1:23 He said, I [am] the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. Isaiah 40:5 PG 880 And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see [it] together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken [it]. AT THE SECOND COMING OF MESSIAH JESUS CHRIST ALL FLESH WILL SEE THE GLORY OF THE LORD AND IN THAT SAME DAY ALL ISRAEL WILL BE SAVED. Isaiah 40:7-8 PG 880 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people [is] grass. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever. COMPARED WITH ETERNITY THE HUMAN LIFE SPAN IS SO VERY SHORT THAT IT IS LIKE GRASS. WE QUICKLY GROW UP AND IT SEEMS THAT NO SOONER THAN WE FLOURISH AS ADULTS THAT WE BEGIN WITHERING AND AGING AND OUR STRENGTH FADES. WHAT DO WE HAVE TO HOLD ON TO FOREVER? WE HAVE THE WORD OF GOD WHICH SHALL STAND FOREVER. Isaiah 40:10-11 PG 880 Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong [hand], and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward [is] with him, and his work before him. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry [them] in his bosom, [and] shall gently lead those that are with young. LOOK, MESSIAH JESUS CHRIST, THE LORD GOD IS COMING SOON WITH GREAT STRENGTH, POWER, AND GLORY. EVEN WITH SUCH GREAT POWER AND GLORY HE SHALL LEAD HIS PEOPLE LIKE A GENTLE SHEPHERD. ONLY THE LORD JESUS IS PICTURED IN SCRIPTURE AS THE GOOD SHEPHERD. ALL THE OTHERS ARE WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING. Isaiah 40:28-29 PG 882 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, [that] the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? [there is] no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to [them that have] no might he increaseth strength. DON'T YOU KNOW? HAVEN'T YOU HEARD? THE LORD GOD, WHO CREATED THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH, NEVER GETS TIRED OR WEARY! THE HUMAN MIND IS NOT CAPABLE OF UNDERSTANDING HOW GREAT IS GOD'S WISDOM, KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING. GOD WILL GIVE YOU THE STRENGTH YOU NEED TO MEET THE TRIALS OF LIFE. YOUR OWN STRENGTH WILL FAIL YOU. LOOK TO THE LORD FOR STRENGTH THAT WILL NOT FAIL. Isaiah 40:31 PG 882 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint. TRUST GOD! WAIT FOR HIM TO HELP YOU. DON'T BE OVERWHELMED. WHEN GOD IS THE SOURCE OF YOUR STRENGTH, YOU MAY GET KNOCKED DOWN, YOU MAY GET WEARY, BUT GOD WILL RENEW YOUR STRENGTH AND HELP YOU SOAR ABOVE YOUR PROBLEMS. Isaiah 41:9-10 PG 883 [Thou] whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou [art] my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away. Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. ISRAEL IS GOD'S CHOSEN PEOPLE. WITH ALL OF THEIR PERSECUTIONS OVER THE COURSE OF HISTORY IT MAY HAVE AT TIMES SEEMED THAT THEY WERE CURSED BY GOD. BUT TODAY, OUR GENERATION IS SEEING THEM BEING REGATHERED TO THE HOMELAND WHICH GOD GAVE THEM. WE SEE THEM BEING GIVEN MIRACULOUS MILITARY VICTORIES BY NOTHING LESS THAN GOD'S OWN HAND. SOON THEY WILL RECOGNIZE THEIR MESSIAH. ISRAEL HAS NOTHING TO FEAR. GOD IS WITH THEM AGAIN AND THIS TIME IT WILL BE FOREVER AS SOON AS THEY FINALLY RECOGNIZE THEIR MESSIAH. JUL 13 ISAIAH 41, 42, 43 PG 883 - 887 Isaiah 41:11 PG 883 Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish. ANYBODY WHO DOES NOT LIKE THE JEWS IS IN DEEP DOODOO! WE MUST SUPPORT ISRAEL AND WE MUST BLESS THE JEWS AND BEFRIEND THEM. Isaiah 41:13-14 PG 883 For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. Fear not, thou worm Jacob, [and] ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. THE JEWS DON'T HAVE IT FIGURED OUT YET BUT IT IS THEIR MESSIAH WHO IS HELPING THEM. IT IS JESUS WHO IS BRINGING THEM HOME AND PROTECTING THEM. WHO IS NOW SITTING AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD? IT IS JESUS CHRIST, THE REDEEMER OF ALL MANKIND, THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL. Isaiah 41:16 PG 883 Thou shalt fan them, and the wind shall carry them away, and the whirlwind shall scatter them: and thou shalt rejoice in the LORD, [and] shalt glory in the Holy One of Israel. MOST JEWS STILL REJECT THEIR MESSIAH JESUS CHRIST. SOON THEY WILL GLORY IN JESUS THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL. Isaiah 42:1-4 PG 884 Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, [in whom] my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law. IN ISAIAH WE FIND SOME OF THE MOST DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF JESUS CHRIST THE MESSIAH. IT IS A WONDER HOW THEY CAN CONTINUE TO FAIL TO RECOGNIZE THEIR MESSIAH. GOD HAS BLINDED THEIR EYES THAT WE GENTILES MIGHT ENTER INTO THE FAMILY OF GOD. THE TIMES OF THE GENTILES ARE ALMOST FULFILLED AND SOON MORE AND MORE IN ISRAEL WILL BEGIN TO SEE JESUS CHRIST AS THEIR MESSIAH. Isaiah 42:7-8 PG 885 To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, [and] them that sit in darkness out of the prison house. I [am] the LORD: that [is] my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. LOOK AT THE ANSWER JESUS GAVE TO THOSE WHO JOHN THE BAPTIST SENT TO JESUS WHEN KING HEROD HAD JOHN LOCKED IN PRISON. Luke 7:19-22 And John calling [unto him] two of his disciples sent [them] to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? And in that same hour he cured many of [their] infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many [that were] blind he gave sight. Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. JESUS RESPONDED TO JOHN'S DISCIPLES BY TELLING THEM IN NO UNCERTAIN TERMS THAT HE INDEED WAS THE MESSIAH. THEY HAD SEEN WITH THEIR OWN EYES HOW JESUS WAS DOING THE MIRACLES THAT ISAIAH HAD PROPHESIED THAT THE MESSIAH WOULD BE ABLE TO DO. JESUS NEVER REFUSED TO RECEIVE WORSHIP. WORSHIP IS DUE HIM FOR JESUS IS LORD, JESUS IS THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL. ISAIAH IS PROBABLY THE BEST PART OF THE BIBLE TO RECOMMEND TO ANY JEW WHO DOES NOT KNOW JESUS. Isaiah 43:1-3 PG 886 - 887 But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called [thee] by thy name; thou [art] mine. When thou passest through the waters, I [will be] with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I [am] the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt [for] thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee. NO ONE BUT JESUS CAN REDEEM ANYONE FROM THE PENALTY OF SIN. WITHOUT THE SHEDDING OF BLOOD, THERE IS NO REMISSION OF SIN. THE BLOOD OF THE SPOTLESS LAMB OF GOD, JESUS CHRIST IS REQUIRED FOR GOD TO PASSOVER US IN JUDGMENT. HAVE YOU BEEN REDEEMED? DO YOU BELONG TO THE LORD? IF YOU BELONG TO THE LORD YOU HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR. WHEN WE PASS THROUGH THE DEEP WATERS JESUS PROMISES TO BE WITH US. WHEN WE WALK THROUGH THE FIERY TRIALS OF LIFE JESUS WILL BE WITH US JUST AS HE WAS WITH SHADRACK, MESHACK, AND ABEDNIGO AND WE SHALL NOT BE BURNED. JESUS IS THE LORD. JESUS IS GOD. JESUS IS THE SAVIOR. JESUS IS THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL. Isaiah 43:5-7 PG 887 Fear not: for I [am] with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west; I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth; [Even] every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him. WE ARE THE GENERATION TO SEE ALL OF THESE GREAT PROPHESIES BEING FULFILLED RIGHT BEFORE OUR EYES. JESUS IS BRINGING THE JEWS HOME. THEY COME FROM THE SOUTH IN ETHIOPIA, FROM THE NORTH OUT OF RUSSIA, AND FROM THE ENDS OF THE EARTH. WHEN YOU SEE ISRAEL REGATHERED AND FLOURISHING AS A NATION JESUS SAID TO KNOW THAT HE IS NEAR EVEN AT THE DOOR. THERE IS EVERY REASON TO BELIEVE THAT IT IS OUR GENERATION WHO WILL WITNESS THE LORD'S SECOND COMING IN POWER AND GREAT GLORY. ARE YOU READY? JUL 14 ISAIAH 43, 44, 45 PG 887 - 893 Isaiah 43:10 PG 887 Ye [are] my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I [am] he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. WE ARE GOD'S WITNESSES AND HIS CHOSEN SERVANTS. THERE IS ONLY ONE GOD. JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY TO GOD. Isaiah 43:11 PG 887 I, [even] I, [am] the LORD; and beside me [there is] no saviour. JESUS IS THE LORD. JESUS IS THE ONLY SAVIOR. WE CANNOT SAVE OURSELVES. IF JESUS DOES NOT SAVE US THEN WE WILL NOT BE SAVED. Isaiah 43:12-13 PG 887 I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when [there was] no strange [god] among you: therefore ye [are] my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I [am] God. Yea, before the day [was] I [am] he; and [there is] none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it? GOD HAS REVEALED HIMSELF TO THE WORLD THROUGH THE NATION OF ISRAEL. WITH THE POSSIBLE EXCEPTIONS OF LUKE AND HEBREWS ALL 66 BOOKS OF OUR BIBLES WERE WRITTEN BY JEWS. GOD DECLARED TO THESE MEN WHAT THEY WERE TO WRITE. THE MIRACULOUS DELIVERANCE OF THE JEWS IS AN HISTORICAL FACT. WHENEVER THE NATION OF ISRAEL WAS FAITHFUL TO GOD AND HAD NO STRANGE GODS IN THEIR MIDST THEY COULD NOT BE DEFEATED BY ANY ARMY NO MATTER HOW THEY WERE OUTNUMBERED AND OUTGUNNED. GOD IS STILL REVEALING HIMSELF TO THE WORLD THROUGH THE NATION OF ISRAEL. ISRAEL HAS THE ONLY ARMY WHICH CAN NOT EVER AGAIN BE DEFEATED. OUR GENERATION HAS WITNESSED THE REGATHERING AND BLOSSOMING OF THE NATION OF ISRAEL. NO FORCE CAN MOVE ISRAEL OUT OF THEIR HOMELAND WHICH GOD GAVE THEM FOREVER AS LONG AS GOD IS ON THEIR SIDE. NO ONE CAN STOP GOD FROM DOING WHATEVER HE WANTS TO DO AND PROPHESY MAKES IT VERY CLEAR HE INTENDS TO REGATHER ISRAEL TO THEIR HOMELAND AND HE DOES NOT INTEND TO LET ANYONE EVER AGAIN CONQUER THIS NATION. WE ALSO SHOULD BE GOD'S WITNESSES TO THIS. WATCH WHAT HAPPENS IN ISRAEL. TRY TO FIND WAYS TO KNOW WHAT IS HAPPENING IN ISRAEL. SO MUCH END TIMES PROPHESY RELATES TO ISRAEL. YOU WILL NOT GET THE REAL NEWS YOU NEED ON T.V.. Isaiah 43:18-19 PG 888 Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, [and] rivers in the desert. A NUMBER OF THINGS ARE POSSIBLE HERE. FIRST WE ALL NEED TO BE CONSCIOUS THAT WE CANNOT CHANGE THE PAST. WE ALL HAVE SINNED AND WE WILL ALL DO THINGS THAT IF WE HAD THE CHANCE TO DO OVER WE WOULD DO DIFFERENTLY. I LOST MY FAMILY. DIVORCE SHOULD NOT HAPPEN TO CHRISTIANS. YET IT HAPPENS AND IT IS NOT THE UNPARDONABLE SIN. IF I HAD DONE THINGS DIFFERENTLY PERHAPS IT WOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED. TWO OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AND MOST TALENTED OF GODS CHILDREN WILL BE SCARRED FOR LIFE BECAUSE I COULD NOT MAKE THE MARRIAGE WITH THEIR MOTHER WORK. THEY HAVE NO EXPERIENTIAL UNDERSTANDING OF A FATHERS LOVE BECAUSE OF THE BROKEN FAMILY RELATIONSHIP. IT TAKE 2 TO MAKE A MARRIAGE AND ONLY 1 TO MAKE A DIVORCE. THE CHILDREN ARE ALWAYS THE MOST DAMAGED VICTIMS. BEYOND THE NECESSITY OF FORGETTING THE PAST WHAT IS THE NEW THING THAT GOD WILL DO? HE IS GOING TO MAKE A NEW HEAVEN AND A NEW EARTH THAT SO FANTASTIC THAT NO ONE WILL EVEN THINK ABOUT THE OLD. HE SENT JESUS TO COMPLETE THE LAW AND MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR US DISPARATELY WICKED HUMANS TO UNDERSTAND LOVE AND GRACE. WHAT OTHER NEW THINGS CAN YOU THINK OF THAT GOD WILL DO ? Isaiah 43:24-25 PG 888 Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy sacrifices: but thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities. I, [even] I, [am] he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. OUR SINS ARE A BURDEN TO GOD. WHEN WE SIN WE FRUSTRATE GOD. WE BLOCK THE FLOW OF HIS GRACE TO US. HE WANTS TO BLESS US AND OUR SINS BURDEN HIM BECAUSE IT OFTEN SEEMS THAT THE MORE HE BLESSES US THE LESS WE THINK OF HIM AND THE MORE WE SIN. OUR SINS ARE TOO BIG OF A PROBLEM FOR US TO HANDLE. GOD AND ONLY GOD CAN SOLVE OUR SIN PROBLEM FOR US. IT IS ONLY GOD, THROUGH THE SHED BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST, WHO CAN BLOT OUT OUR TRANSGRESSION. GOD, FOR HIS OWN SAKE, BLOTS OUR SINS. GOD LOVES US SO MUCH. IT BURDENS HIM THAT HE CANNOT BLESS US AND HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH US BECAUSE OF OUR SINS. WE CANNOT PAY THE REQUIRED PRICE TO TAKE AWAY ANY ONE OF OUR SINS. SO GOD DOES IT FOR US, AND FOR HIS OWN SAKE HE DOES NOT REMEMBER OUR SINS. WE MAY REMEMBER OUR SINS BUT GOD DOES NOT. THE ONLY THING WE MUST DO IS AGREE WITH GOD THAT WE HAVE SINNED AND ASK HIM TO FORGIVE US. WE ALSO MUST BE PREPARED TO FORGIVE THOSE WHO SIN AGAINST US. WHAT IF GOD EVER DID ANSWER THAT PART OF THE PRAYER WHERE WE ASK HIM TO "FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US"? HOW CAN WE CONTINUE TO PRAY THAT PRAYER IF WE REALLY THINK ABOUT WHAT WE ARE ASKING HIM? THANK GOD THAT HE SOMETIMES SAYS NO TO OUR PRAYER REQUESTS. IS THERE SOMEONE IN YOUR LIFE THAT IS HARD FOR YOU TO FORGIVE? THINK ABOUT IT? Isaiah 44:3 PG 889 For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring: GOD PROMISES TO GIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT. THIS COULD NOT BE FULFILLED UNTIL JESUS HAD SHED HIS BLOOD, BEEN RESURRECTED AND BE ASCENDED TO TAKE HIS GLORIFIED POSITION AT THE RIGHT HAND OF THE THRONE OF GOD THE FATHER. THERE IS COMING A FUTURE FULFILLMENT WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL BE POURED FORTH ON THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL. THIS WILL HAPPEN WHEN ALL ISRAEL IN ONE DAY WILL RECOGNIZE THEIR MESSIAH JESUS CHRIST. Isaiah 44:24-26 PG 889 Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I [am] the LORD that maketh all [things]; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself; That frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad; that turneth wise [men] backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish; That confirmeth the word of his servant, and performeth the counsel of his messengers; that saith to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be inhabited; and to the cities of Judah, Ye shall be built, and I will raise up the decayed places thereof: GOD IS GOING TO HAVE HIS PROPHET ISAIAH SPEAK TO A KING NAMED CYRUS WHO HAS NOT YET BEEN BORN. ISAIAH WILL NEED TO LIST A FEW OF GOD'S CREDENTIALS SO THAT THIS KING CYRUS WILL KNOW WHY HE MUST DO WHAT GOD SAYS. GOD IS THE MAKER OF ALL THINGS. HE MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND EVERYTHING THAT IS CONTAINED THEREIN. THESE ARE GOOD CREDENTIALS BUT PROBABLY THE ONE WHICH GOT CYRUS' ATTENTION IS THE FACT THAT THIS WAS WRITTEN IN 712 BC AND CYRUS BEGAN TO REIGN 176 YEARS LATER IN 536 BC. Isaiah 44:28 PG 891 That saith of Cyrus, [He is] my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid. ONLY GOD COULD KNOW CYRUS 200 YEARS BEFORE HE WAS BORN. Isaiah 45:1-5 PG Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut; I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron: And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call [thee] by thy name, [am] the God of Israel. For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me. I [am] the LORD, and [there is] none else, [there is] no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: GOD TELLS ISAIAH TO WRITE TO CYRUS 200 YEARS BEFORE CYRUS IS BORN. HE TELLS HIM THE EXACT MEANS BY WHICH HE WILL CONQUER BABYLON. GOD CAUSED THE RIVER TO DRY UP SO THAT A FEW OF CYRUS'S SOLDIERS COULD GO IN THE DRY RIVER BED AND OPEN THE BRONZE LEAF GATES OF BABYLON FROM THE INSIDE TO LET IN THE ARMIES OF CYRUS. WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU WERE CYRUS. MOST LIKELY YOU WOULD DO WHAT CYRUS DID AND DO WHAT GOD TOLD YOU. Isaiah 45:9-11 PG 892 Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! [Let] the potsherd [strive] with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands? Woe unto him that saith unto [his] father, What begettest thou? or to the woman, What hast thou brought forth? Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me. HERE IS ONE OF THE FEW CASES WHERE YOU WILL FIND THE KJV TO BE IN ERROR. THERE SHOULD BE A "?" AT THE END OF VERSE 11. THE NIV, REVISED STANDARD, AND LIVING BIBLE HAVE THE REQUIRED "?". I HAVE HEARD FAITH PREACHERS TRY TO SAY THIS VERSE TELLS US TO COMMAND GOD TO DO WHAT WE WANT HIM TO DO. WOW! WOULD YOU BUY THAT? I HOPE NOT. THE VERSE NEEDS A "?" TO MAKE IT CLEAR. HOW DARE YOU COMMAND GOD? HE IS THE CREATOR AND WE ARE HIS CREATURES. WOE TO HIM WHO STRIVES WITH HIS MAKER. DOES THE CLAY DARE TO SAY TO THE POTTER YOU HAVE NOT DONE IT RIGHT? WE DO NOT EVER DARE TO COMMAND GOD WHAT TO DO! GOD GRACIOUSLY ACCEPTS OUR QUESTIONS - HE KNOWS WE CAN'T HELP THAT. BUT NO WAY WILL HE ACCEPT US TRYING TO COMMAND HIM. Isaiah 45:12-13 PG 892 - 893 I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, [even] my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded. I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts. WOULD ANY KING TURN LOOSE OF MILLIONS OF SALVES FOR NOTHING? YET THAT IS JUST EXACTLY WHAT CYRUS DID. PRAISE THE LORD! JUL 15 ISAIAH 46, 47, 48 PG 893 - 898 Isaiah 45:17-19 PG 893 [But] Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end. For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I [am] the LORD; and [there is] none else. I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain: I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right. SOME DAY ALL ISRAEL WILL BE SAVED IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST WITH AN EVERLASTING SALVATION. ALREADY WE SEE HOW HE IS REGATHERING ISRAEL FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD. WE SEE HOW HE IS PROTECTING THEM FROM OVERWHELMING MILITARY ODDS. ISRAEL CAN NEVER BE DEFEATED AGAIN. WE ARE NEARING THE CONCLUSION OF HISTORY. WHAT AN EXCITING TIME IN WHICH TO BE LIVING HERE ON PLANET EARTH. GOD CREATED THE EARTH TO BE INHABITED. WHEN RUSSIA LAUNCHES ITS STRATEGIC NUCLEAR WAR ON THE UNITED STATES TO PRECEDE ITS INVASION OF ISRAEL THEN GOD HIMSELF WILL WIPE OUT 5/6THS OF ALL RUSSIAN SOLDIERS. WITHOUT GOD'S DIRECT INTERVENTION ALL LIFE ON EARTH COULD BE DESTROYED WITH TODAY'S NUCLEAR CAPABILITIES. THE UNITED STATES MAY BE TOTALLY DESTROYED BUT GOD WILL PUT AN END TO RUSSIA WHEN SHE TRIES TO INVADE ISRAEL. GOD HAS NOT TOLD US THESE THINGS IN SECRET. HE DOES NOT DO ANYTHING BEFORE THAT HE FIRST REVEALS HIS SECRETS TO HIS SERVANTS THE PROPHETS. WHAT GOD SAYS IS RIGHT. WHAT GOD SAYS WILL HAPPEN - WILL HAPPEN. Isaiah 45:23-24 PG 894 I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth [in] righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. Surely, shall [one] say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: [even] to him shall [men] come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed. GOD HAS SWORN BY HIMSELF. THERE CAN BE NOTHING MORE CERTAIN THAN WHEN GOD SWEARS BY HIMSELF. HE IS THE MOST HIGH. ISAIAH IS TALKING ABOUT JESUS CHRIST. Philippians 2:9-11 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things] under the earth; And [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord, to the glory of God the Father. THERE SIMPLY IS NO OTHER WAY IN WHICH WE CAN HAVE RIGHTEOUSNESS. RIGHTEOUSNESS MUST BE GIVEN TO US BY GOD. THIS RIGHTEOUSNESS MUST HUMBLE US BECAUSE WE DON'T DESERVE IT. ALL OF THE SACRIFICES WHICH GOD INSTRUCTED MOSES TO HAVE THE NATION OF ISRAEL OFFER WERE ONLY A SIGN AND A SYMBOLIC WAY TO POINT TO THE ONCE FOR ALL PERFECT SACRIFICE OF THE ONLY SPOTLESS LAMB OF GOD ON CALVARY. IF THE PRINCES OF THIS WORLD HAD KNOWN THEY WOULD NOT HAVE CRUCIFIED THE LORD OF GLORY. HE WHO KNEW NO SIN WAS MADE TO BE SIN FOR US THAT WE MIGHT BECOME RIGHTEOUS. THE OFFICIAL DESIGNATED HIGH PRIEST OF ISRAEL HAD THE ONLY PERFECT LAMB OF GOD SLAIN ON CALVARY TO POUR OUT HIS BLOOD FOR THE REMISSION OF ALL SINS FOR ALL MANKIND. TRYING TO FIND RIGHTEOUSNESS ANY OTHER WAY WILL TAKE YOU TO HELL. GOD GRANTS RIGHTEOUSNESS ONLY THRU THE BLOOD OF JESUS. IF THE BLOOD OF JESUS IS APPLIED TO YOUR SINS GOD WILL PASS OVER YOU IN JUDGMENT. ANY ISRAELITE WHO DID NOT APPLY THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB TO HIS HOUSE WAS NOT PASSED OVER AND THE JUDGMENT OF DEATH CAME UPON HIS HOUSE. LIKE IT OR NOT, BELIEVE IT OR NOT, IT IS GOD'S ONLY PROVISION FOR YOU TO BE PASSED OVER IN JUDGMENT. OTHERWISE THERE IS HELL TO PAY. Isaiah 46:8-10 PG 895 Remember this, and shew yourselves men: bring [it] again to mind, O ye transgressors. Remember the former things of old: for I [am] God, and [there is] none else; [I am] God, and [there is] none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times [the things] that are not [yet] done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: GOD IS GOD. BELIEVE IT OR GO TO HELL. IT IS JUST THAT SIMPLE. WE ARE ALL SINNERS. JESUS PAID THE PRICE FOR OUR RANSOM. WE CAN NEVER PAY THAT PRICE OURSELVES. ONLY GOD DECLARES THE END FORM THE BEGINNING. ALL OF GOD'S PROPHECIES WILL COME TO PASS WITH 100% ACCURACY. WILL YOU LIVE FOR GOD OR WILL YOU LIVE FOR YOURSELF? WILL YOU DO IT GOD'S WAY OR WILL YOU DO IT YOUR OWN WAY? THESE ARE IMPORTANT QUESTIONS WHICH ALL WILL SOON ANSWER IN THE GREAT TRIBULATION. GOD'S WORD WILL STAND. GOD WILL DO WHAT EVER HE SAYS HE WILL AND NO ONE CAN PREVENT HIM. WE ARE EITHER OUR OWN BOSS OR WE LET JESUS BE LORD OF OUR LIFE. EVERYONE WILL MAKE A FINAL CHOICE DURING THE GREAT TRIBULATION. ARE YOU READY? HAVE YOU MADE THE RIGHT CHOICE? THERE IS STILL TIME TO CHANGE YOUR MIND IF YOU HAVE NOT MADE THE RIGHT CHOICE. IT IS IMPORTANT TO HAVE READ THE ENTIRE WORD OF GOD FROM GENESIS TO REVELATION. DON'T DEPEND ON ANY PREACHER. READ IT FOR YOURSELF AND HAVE THE HOLY SPIRIT GIVE YOU THE NECESSARY UNDERSTANDING OF GOD'S WORD. Isaiah 48:9-12 PG 897 For my name's sake will I defer mine anger, and for my praise will I refrain for thee, that I cut thee not off. Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction. For mine own sake, [even] for mine own sake, will I do [it]: for how should [my name] be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another. Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I [am] he; I [am] the first, I also [am] the last. ISRAEL HAS MADE GOD ANGRY. WE HAVE ALL MADE GOD ANGRY WITH OUR REJECTION AND LOW REGARD FOR GOD AND GOD'S WORD. GOD EXPLAINS THAT IT IS FOR HIS OWN SAKE THAT HE HAS NOT TOTALLY DESTROYED US IN HIS ANGER. YOU SEE HIS LOVE IS GREATER THAN HIS ANGER. GOD COULD MOST CERTAINLY BE JUSTIFIED IN DESTROYING EVERY ONE OF US. PRAISE GOD THAT HIS LOVE AND MERCY IS GREATER THAN HIS ANGER. WE CANNOT BEGIN TO UNDERSTAND GOD'S LOVE AND MERCY UNTIL WE BEGIN TO UNDERSTAND WHAT GOD HAS DONE FOR US IN CHRIST JESUS. ONE DAY ISRAEL WILL WAKE UP AND LOOK UPON HIM WHOM THEY HAVE PIERCED. IN ONE DAY THEY WILL SEE JEHOVAH THROUGH JESUS CHRIST THE MESSIAH. WHO IS THE ALPHA AND OMEGA? WHO IS THE BEGINNING AND THE END? WHO IS THE FIRST AND THE LAST? Revelation 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified [it] by his angel unto his servant John: Revelation 1:3 Blessed [is] he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time [is] at hand. Revelation 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, [who is] the faithful witness, [and] the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, Revelation 1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him [be] glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Revelation 1:7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they [also] which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. Revelation 1:8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. Revelation 1:11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send [it] unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. Revelation 1:17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: Revelation 1:18 I [am] he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Revelation 22:13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Revelation 22:16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, [and] the bright and morning star. JUL 16 ISAIAH 48, 49, 50 PG 898 - 902 Isaiah 48:17-18 PG 898 Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I [am] the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way [that] thou shouldest go. O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea: IT CAN ONLY BE THE REDEEMER, JESUS CHRIST, THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL, WHO CAN GIVE US THE DIRECTION WE NEED. HE CAME TO FULFILL THE LAW WITH THE PERFECT LAW OF LOVE. IF WE WOULD PAY ATTENTION TO HIS WAYS WE CAN HAVE PERFECT PEACE AND RIGHTEOUSNESS. Isaiah 48:20 PG 898 Go ye forth of Babylon, flee ye from the Chaldeans, with a voice of singing declare ye, tell this, utter it [even] to the end of the earth; say ye, The LORD hath redeemed his servant Jacob. LEAVE BABYLON, FLEE FROM THE BABYLONIANS! BABYLON WAS THE PLACE TO WHICH ISRAEL WAS TAKEN CAPTIVE. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW THAT THE WORD BABYLON IS USED IN SCRIPTURE TO DESCRIBE TYRANNY AND CONFUSION. IN THEIR CAPTIVITY THE JEWS HAD BLENDED INTO THE BABYLONIAN SOCIETY. WHEN THEY WOULD BE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY BY CYRUS TO RETURN TO THEIR HOMELAND MANY WHO WOULD BE COMFORTABLE IN BABYLON WOULD PASS UP THE OPPORTUNITY. THEIR HOMELAND HAD BECOME A FOREIGN LAND. YET GOD TELLS THEM, AND HE TELLS US LEAVE BABYLON, FLEE THE BABYLONIANS! THE NEW WORLD ORDER, NEW AGE MOVEMENT, WORLD GOVERNMENT, GLOBAL WHATEVER, IS ANTI-CHRIST. THIS NEW WORLD ORDER WILL INDEED BE THE GOVERNMENT, ECONOMIC SYSTEM, AND RELIGIOUS SYSTEM OF ANTI-CHRIST. ITS TRUE LEADER IS SATAN OR LUCIFER. IT IS PROBABLE THAT THE UNITED STATES WILL BE DESTROYED BY A RUSSIAN PREEMPTIVE STRATEGIC NUCLEAR ATTACK. SOME SCRIPTURES POINT TO SUCH A SCENARIO. ISRAEL WILL LIKELY BE THE ONLY PLACE ON EARTH WHICH IS ABLE TO STAND WITH ANY DEGREE OF RELIEF FROM THE TYRANNY AND CONFUSION OF THE ANTI-CHRIST SYSTEM. Isaiah 49:6-7 PG 899 And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth. Thus saith the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel, [and] his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers, Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the LORD that is faithful, [and] the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee. MESSIAH JESUS WAS SENT TO, AND REJECTED BY, ISRAEL. HE IS THE REDEEMER OF ISRAEL AS WELL AS THE WHOLE WORLD. HE HAS BEEN A LIGHT TO THE GENTILES FOR ALMOST 2000 YEARS BUT THE TIMES OF THE GENTILES ARE RAPIDLY COMING TO AN END. YET ISRAEL REMAINS GOD'S CHOSEN PEOPLE. Isaiah 49:14-16 PG 900 But Zion said, The LORD hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of [my] hands; thy walls [are] continually before me. IN ITS MANY AFFLICTIONS ISRAEL HAS SAID THAT THE LORD HAS FORSAKEN THEM. GOD VERY EMPHATICALLY SAYS NO. IT WOULD BE MUCH MORE LIKELY FOR A WOMAN TO FORGET HER NURSING BABY THAN FOR GOD TO FORGET OR FORSAKE ISRAEL. GOD LOVES ISRAEL AND WE HAD BETTER LOVE THE JEWS TOO! WE MUST TAKE THE SIDE OF ISRAEL OR WE STAND AGAINST GOD. THE CHRISTIAN MUST TAKE STRONG STANDS AGAINST ANY FORM OF ANTI-SEMITISM. Isaiah 50:1-2 PG 901 Thus saith the LORD, Where [is] the bill of your mother's divorcement, whom I have put away? or which of my creditors [is it] to whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities have ye sold yourselves, and for your transgressions is your mother put away. Wherefore, when I came, [was there] no man? when I called, [was there] none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stinketh, because [there is] no water, and dieth for thirst. GOD MAKES IT CLEAR WHY ISRAEL HAS BEEN AFFLICTED. IT IS BECAUSE OF THEIR NATIONAL SIN. THE GREATEST OF THEIR NATIONAL SINS WAS THE REJECTION OF THEIR MESSIAH. THIS MUST, AND SOME DAY WILL, CHANGE. EVERYONE WILL RECOGNIZE MESSIAH JESUS WHEN HE COMES THIS TIME. Isaiah 50:5-10 PG 901 -902 The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back. I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting. For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed. [He is] near that justifieth me; who will contend with me? let us stand together: who [is] mine adversary? let him come near to me. Behold, the Lord GOD will help me; who [is] he [that] shall condemn me? lo, they all shall wax old as a garment; the moth shall eat them up. Who [is] among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh [in] darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God. HERE IS ANOTHER OF ISAIAH'S WORD PICTURES OF JESUS. ENCOURAGE YOUR JEWISH FRIENDS TO STUDY THE BOOK OF ISAIAH. THIS IS THE BOOK OF THE JEWS WHICH IS MOST LIKELY TO HELP THEM RECOGNIZE THEIR MESSIAH. IF YOUR JEWISH FRIEND WERE TO BE TOTALLY HONEST HE WOULD ADMIT TO A CERTAIN DARKNESS OR LACK OF MEANING WITHIN HIS FAITH. ISAIAH IS HIS BOOK WHICH CAN HELP HIM FINALLY FIGURE OUT THE NAME OF HIS LORD, AND BRING LIGHT TO ALL THE DARK CORNERS OF HIS FAITH. JUL 18 ISAIAH 54, 55, 56 PG 908 -911 Isaiah 54:9-10 PG 908 For this [is as] the waters of Noah unto me: for [as] I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee. For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee. GOD IS RENEWING HIS COVENANT WITH ISRAEL AS HE DID WITH NOAH AFTER THE FLOOD. THE JEWS ARE BEING REGATHERED FROM THEIR AFFLICTION AND THE DISPERSION TO THEIR HOMELAND. THE KINDNESS OF GOD IS EASILY SEEN IN ISRAEL TODAY. ISRAEL IS ESTABLISHED FOREVER AND GOD'S KINDNESS AND MERCY TO ISRAEL WILL BECOME MORE AND MORE EVIDENT TO THE WORLD NO MATTER HOW THE NEWS IS MANIPULATED AND BLACKED OUT BY SATAN. Isaiah 54:14-15 PG 908 - 909 In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee. Behold, they shall surely gather together, [but] not by me: whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake. DO YOU KNOW WHAT RIGHTEOUSNESS IS AND HOW YOU GET IT? NO ONE IS RIGHTEOUS BUT GOD. IF WE ARE HONEST WE WILL ALL ADMIT THAT WE ARE SINNERS. SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS STINKS TO HIGH HEAVEN. RIGHTEOUSNESS CAN ONLY COME FROM GOD BECAUSE ONLY GOD IS TRULY RIGHTEOUS. ONLY GOD HAS TRUE RIGHTEOUSNESS IN AND OF HIMSELF. RIGHTEOUSNESS IS GIVEN TO MEN WHEN GOD DECLARES THEIR SINS COVERED AND FORGIVEN. GOD CAN EVEN FORGET THAT THE SINS WERE EVER COMMITTED. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT WE CAN'T DO BUT GOD CAN DO. RIGHTEOUSNESS IS THE RESULT OF GOD COVERING, AND REMITTING, AND FORGETTING OUR SINS. WE CAN ONLY STAY RIGHTEOUS WITH GOD'S HELP. HOW WILL ISRAEL BE ESTABLISHED IN RIGHTEOUSNESS? WITHOUT THE SHEDDING OF BLOOD THERE IS NO REMISSION OF SINS. ISRAEL HAS NOT HAD BLOOD SACRIFICES SINCE THEY WERE DISPERSED IN 70AD. WILL THEY REBUILD THE TEMPLE IN JERUSALEM? PROBABLY THEY WILL. BUT THIS WILL NOT BRING THEM RIGHTEOUSNESS ANY MORE THAN IT EVER DID. YET THEY WILL BE ESTABLISHED IN RIGHTEOUSNESS. HOW? AN EARTHQUAKE OCCURRED IN 33 AD IN JERUSALEM. THIS EARTHQUAKE TORE THE VEIL WHICH SEPARATED ALL BUT THE HIGH PRIEST ONCE A YEAR FROM GOD'S PRESENCE. GOD USED THAT EARTHQUAKE TO LET EVERYONE KNOW THEIR SEPARATION FROM HIM DID NOT HAVE TO CONTINUE UNLESS THEY WANTED TO BE SEPARATED FROM HIM. THE FINAL BLOOD SACRIFICE, TO WHICH ALL PREVIOUS BLOOD SACRIFICES OF ISRAEL HAD SYMBOLICALLY POINTED, HAD JUST BEEN COMPLETED. THE ONLY PERFECT AND ACCEPTABLE LAMB OF GOD HAD JUST BEEN SLAIN BY THE HIGH PRIEST. THE LAMB'S BLOOD HAD JUST BEEN SHED TO COVER THE SINS OF ALL HUMANKIND FOR ALL TIME. GOD WAS OFFERING RIGHTEOUSNESS TO ALL. ONCE THE PERFECT LAMB OF GOD HAD BEEN SLAIN AND GOD HIMSELF HAD TORN DOWN THE VEIL OF SEPARATION THE IMPERFECT SACRIFICES BECAME SUCH AN ABOMINATION TO GOD THAT HE BROUGHT THE ARMY OF ROME UNDER TITUS TO DESTROY THE TEMPLE AND DISPERSE ISRAEL IN 70AD. NOW GOD IS REGATHERING ISRAEL. NEVER AGAIN WILL GOD BRING AN ENEMY AGAINST ISRAEL. NOW ISRAEL'S ENEMIES ARE GOD'S ENEMIES. ANY ENEMY THAT COMES AGAINST ISRAEL NOW WILL BE AGAINST GOD HIMSELF AND WILL SURELY BE DEFEATED BY GOD. ISRAEL HAS NOT FOUND RIGHTEOUSNESS YET. BUT THEY WILL SOON. Isaiah 54:17 PG 909 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue [that] shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This [is] the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness [is] of me, saith the LORD. WE ARE THE GENERATION TO SEE THE FULFILLMENT OF THIS PROPHESY. HOW ABOUT THE 92 TO 0 AIR TO AIR COMBAT VICTORY OF ISRAEL? IN 1982 SYRIA SENT ITS 200 MIGS AGAINST THE 130 PLANES OF ISRAEL. SOMEBODY SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN OFF A LUCKY SHOT FOR SYRIA. EVEN A FOOL OUGHT TO BE ABLE TO SEE THAT SUCH VICTORIES, AND THERE HAVE BEEN MANY LIKE IT SINCE 1963, MEAN THAT WE ARE SEEING THIS PROPHESY BEING FULFILLED BEFORE OUR EYES. NO MATTER HOW THE NEWS IS BLACKED OUT AND MANIPULATED BY THE MEDIA AND THE PRINCE OF THE POWER OF THE AIR, THE TRUTH OF GOD NOW STANDING WITH ISRAEL CANNOT BE SUPPRESSED. THE TIMES OF THE GENTILES HAVE BEEN FULFILLED. ISRAEL HAS NOT YET FOUND THEIR RIGHTEOUSNESS. ANY JEW WHO IS HUNGERING AND THIRSTING FOR THAT RIGHTEOUSNESS WILL FIND IT SOON. ALL THEY NEED TO DO IS TO CORRECTLY IDENTIFY THEIR MESSIAH. DO YOU KNOW THE NAME AND IDENTITY OF THE MESSIAH? Isaiah 55 PG 909 - 910 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for [that which is] not bread? and your labour for [that which] satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye [that which is] good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, [even] the sure mercies of David. Behold, I have given him [for] a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people. Behold, thou shalt call a nation [that] thou knowest not, and nations [that] knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee. Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper [in the thing] whereto I sent it. For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap [their] hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign [that] shall not be cut off. HOW I PRAY THAT OUR JEWISH FRIENDS COULD HEAR THE CALL OF MESSIAH FROM THE 55TH CHAPTER OF ISAIAH. THE MESSIAH IS CALLING TO ALL HUMANKIND. ARE YOU HUNGERING AND THIRSTING FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS? IT IS FREE. GOD WANTS TO GIVE IT TO YOU. YOU CAN'T BUY IT. YOU CAN'T EARN IT. ONLY GOD CAN GIVE IT TO YOU. WHY DO YOU WORK SO HARD FOR THAT WHICH DOES NOT SATISFY YOU, SAYS THE MESSIAH. COME TO YOUR MESSIAH AND YOU SHALL HAVE IT ALL. LISTEN TO YOUR MESSIAH. THE MESSIAH IS THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL. DO YOU KNOW HIM? DO YOU KNOW HIS NAME? HOW CAN YOU SEEK HIM IF YOU DON'T KNOW HIS NAME? HE HAS MANY TITLES SUCH AS KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS, ANGEL OF THE LORD, PRINCE OF PEACE. SEEK HIM WHILE HE MAY BE FOUND. HE WAITS SO PATIENTLY FOR YOU TO FIND HIM. HE WILL ABUNDANTLY PARDON FORGIVING ALL OF YOURS SINS, PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. HE IS COMING SOON AND EVERY EYE SHALL SEE HIM. BUT I MUST WARN YOU THAT IF YOU HAVEN'T FOUND HIM AND COME TO KNOW HIM BEFORE HE RETURNS IN GREAT POWER AND GLORY IT WILL BE TOO LATE. SEEK HIM WHILE HE MAY BE FOUND. GET RID OF YOUR RELIGION AND GET A RELATIONSHIP WITH THE MESSIAH. MEMORIZE ISAIAH 55:11. So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereunto I have sent it. NEVER HOLD BACK FROM SPEAKING SCRIPTURE. GOD'S WORD IS POWERFUL AND WILL NEVER RETURN VOID. GOD WILL CAUSE HIS WORD TO WORK WHAT GOD WILLS IN ANY SITUATION. THINK WHAT THIS IMPLIES. JUL 19 ISAIAH 57, 58, 59 PG 911 -916 Isaiah 57:1-2 PG 911 The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth [it] to heart: and merciful men [are] taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil [to come]. He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, [each one] walking [in] his uprightness. THE RIGHTEOUS PEOPLE DIE TO SPARE THEM FROM EVIL. THE RIGHTEOUS ENTER PEACE, REST, AND JOY UNSPEAKABLE WITH THE LORD WHEN THEY DIE. ARE YOU RIGHTEOUS? DO YOU KNOW HOW TO BECOME RIGHTEOUS? DO YOU KNOW HOW TO STAY RIGHTEOUS? Isaiah 57:11 And of whom hast thou been afraid or feared, that thou hast lied, and hast not remembered me, nor laid [it] to thy heart? have not I held my peace even of old, and thou fearest me not? IT IS TRUE THAT IN OUR TIMES OF TROUBLE AND DISASTER IS WHEN WE TURN TO THE LORD MOST EARNESTLY. IT WOULD BE MUCH BETTER TO GO TO HIM WITH JOY AND PRAISE. Isaiah 57:13 PG 912 When thou criest, let thy companies deliver thee; but the wind shall carry them all away; vanity shall take [them]: but he that putteth his trust in me shall possess the land, and shall inherit my holy mountain; PUTTING TRUST IN ANYTHING OR ANYONE OTHER THAN THE LORD WILL LEAD TO DISAPOINTMENT. ONLY GOD IS WORTHY OF OUR TRUST. Isaiah 57:15 PG 912 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name [is] Holy; I dwell in the high and holy [place], with him also [that is] of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. GOD WILL ALWAYS REACH DOWN TO PICK US UP WHEN WE HUMBLE OURSELVES BEFORE HIM AND CONFESS OUR WEAKNESS AND SIN. ON THE OTHER HAND IF WE ARE PUFFED UP AND DO NOT RECOGNIZE THAT HE IS THE ONE BLESSING US AND NOT WE OURSELVES HE WILL JUST AS SURELY LET US GET HUMBLED. Isaiah 57:17-19 PG 913 For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him: I hid me, and was wroth, and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart. I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners. I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to [him that is] far off, and to [him that is] near, saith the LORD; and I will heal him. WHEN WE COVET WHAT OUR NEIGHBOR HAS IN STEAD OF PRAISING GOD FOR BLESSING OUR NEIGHBOR IT MAKES GOD ANGRY. GOD WILL HEAL US ALL AND GIVE US PEACE. PRAISE THE LORD! Isaiah 58:5-7 PG 913 - 914 Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? [is it] to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes [under him]? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD? [Is] not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? [Is it] not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? WOULD YOU LIKE TO PLEASE GOD? DO WHAT PLEASES HIM AND KEEP IT JUST BETWEEN YOU AND GOD SO THAT GOD GETS THE PRAISE. WHAT DOES GOD NEED FORM US? NOTHING! YET IF YOU REALLY WANT TO PLEASE GOD HERE IS THE KEY - FIND SOMEONE IN NEED AND HELP THEM. PERHAPS SOMEONE IS PRAYING RIGHT NOW BECAUSE THEY NEED HELP WITH SOMETHING. HOW GREAT IS IT IF YOU BECOME THE INSTRUMENT BY WHICH GOD ANSWERS THAT PRAYER. THAT PLEASES GOD. SHARING YOU FOOD WITH THOSE WHO ARE HUNGRY. SHARING YOUR MONEY WITH THOSE WHO HAVE A REAL NEED WHICH THEY CANNOT AFFORD. THIS IS FANTASTIC. HELPING OTHERS WHO ARE LESS FORTUNATE IS THE WAY TO PLEASE GOD. CONCERNING YOURSELF WITH THE NEEDS OF OTHERS IS THE WAY TO FREEDOM FROM YOUR OWN CONCERNS. LISTEN TO WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU CONCERN YOURSELF WITH THE NEEDS OF OTHERS - Isaiah 58:8-11 PG 914 Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward. Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I [am]. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; And [if] thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness [be] as the noon day: And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. YOU SHALL HAVE STRENGTH, HEALTH, JOY, AND PROTECTION FROM GOD. WHEN YOU CALL OUT TO GOD, GOD WILL SAY HERE I AM. IF WE CARRY THE BURDENS OF OTHERS GOD CARRIES OUR BURDENS. IF WE ARE COMPASSIONATE WE FIND GOD'S COMPASSION. THE MORE WE ARE CONCERNED FOR OTHERS THE MORE GOD WILL MAKE OUR PROBLEMS DISAPPEAR. GOD WILL GUIDE US CONTINUALLY. HE WILL CAUSE US TO RIDE ON THE HIGH PLACES AND BLESS US BEYOND ALL OUR NEEDS. Isaiah 59:1-2 PG 914 Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid [his] face from you, that he will not hear. GOD HAS MORE THAN ENOUGH POWER TO GIVE VICTORY IN ANY SITUATION. IT IS ONLY OUR SINS WHICH PUT GOD AT A DISTANCE. WE SEPARATE OURSELVES FROM GOD. IF WE WILL CONFESS OUR SINS TO HIM, HE WANTS TO FORGIVE US MORE THAN WE WANT TO BE FORGIVEN. SOMETIMES WE DON'T KNOW HOW TO PRAY AS WE OUGHT TO PRAY. SOMETIMES WE HAVE CONFESSED ALL OF OUR SINS. WHAT THEN? PRAISE GOD EVEN WHEN YOU CAN'T. PRAISE GOD EVEN IF YOU DON'T FEEL LIKE IT. IF YOUR SINS ARE CONFESSED START READING THE PSALMS AND MAKE THEM YOUR PRAISES TO GOD WHEN YOU FEEL TOO OVERWHELMED TO MUSTER UP PRAISES AND THANKSGIVING FROM WITHIN YOURSELF. GOD INHABITS THE PRAISES OF HIS PEOPLE AND IT IS ONLY UNCONFESSED SIN WHICH WILL KEEP GOD AT A DISTANCE. Isaiah 59:16-17 PG 915 - 916 And he saw that [there was] no man, and wondered that [there was] no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him. For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance [for] clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak. WHEN THE APOSTLE PAUL TAUGHT THE EPHESIANS ABOUT THE WHOLE ARMOUR OF GOD HE TOOK THE HELMET OF SALVATION AND THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS FROM RIGHT HERE. WHAT ARE THE OTHER PARTS OF THE WHOLE ARMOUR OF GOD? Ephesians 6:13-17 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. :14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; :15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; :16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. :17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Isaiah 59:19-20 PG 916 So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him. And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD. ARE YOU READY? THE REDEEMER IS COMING. JUL 20 ISAIAH 60, 61, 62, 63, 64 PG 916 - 923 Isaiah 60:1-3 PG 916 Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. THERE IS GOOD REASON TO BELIEVE THAT THE TIMES OF THE GENTILES HAVE BEEN FULFILLED BECAUSE OF THE MIGHTY THINGS GOD IS AGAIN DOING IN ISRAEL. THE WORLD AS A WHOLE IS SWIFTLY MOVING TO A NEW DARK AGE OR A NEW BABYLONIAN WORLD ORDER OF TYRANNY AND CONFUSION. IN SUCH WORLD DARKNESS THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE LORD AND HIS GLORY WILL BE SEEN IN ISRAEL. Isaiah 60:12 PG 917 For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, [those] nations shall be utterly wasted. WOE TO THE UNITED STATES OR ANY OTHER COUNTRY THAT IS NOT ON THE SIDE OF ISRAEL. GOD IS ON ISRAEL'S SIDE AND ANY NATION THAT IS AGAINST ISRAEL IS AGAINST GOD. THOSE NATIONS SHALL BE UTTERLY DESTROYED. Isaiah 60:18 PG 917 Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise. IT WILL BE THE RETURN OF MESSIAH JESUS OF NAZARETH WHICH BRINGS THIS TO FULFILLMENT. Isaiah 61:1-3 PG 918 The spirit of the Lord GOD [is] upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to [them that are] bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. THEY TRIED TO KILL JESUS WHEN HE PREACHED THIS ONE SABBATH DAY IN HIS HOME TOWN SYNAGOGUE IN NAZARETH - Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, Luke 4:19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. Luke 4:20 And he closed the book, and he gave [it] again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. Luke 4:21 And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. Luke 4:28 And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, Luke 4:29 And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong. Luke 4:30 But he passing through the midst of them went his way, THE LAMB OF GOD HAD MORE WORK TO DO AND THE HIGH PRIEST WAS NOT IN THE CONGREGATION SO HE JUST WALKED RIGHT THROUGH THE MIDDLE OF THE MOB AND THEY COULDN'T TOUCH HIM. Isaiah 63:7-9 PG 921 I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, [and] the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses. For he said, Surely they [are] my people, children [that] will not lie: so he was their Saviour. In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old. IT HAS GRIEVED GOD TO HAVE TO AFFLICT HIS CHOSEN PEOPLE FOR THEIR REJECTION OF HIM. YET WE SEE HIS LOVE FOR ISRAEL BEING DEMONSTRATED TODAY. HE IS BRINGING ISRAEL HOME FROM THEIR DISPERSION. HE HAS MADE THEIR ARMY INVINCIBLE. ISRAEL WILL NOT REJECT THEIR MESSIAH WHEN HE COMES THIS TIME. JESUS WILL SAVE ISRAEL FROM ALL OF THE ARMIES OF ANTI-CHRIST WHICH WILL GATHER IN MEGIDDO. IN ONE DAY ALL ISRAEL WILL GET IT. ALL ISRAEL WILL KNOW THEIR MESSIAH JESUS CHRIST. HE WILL SAVE THEM. HE IS WORKING IT OUT RIGHT BEFORE OUR EYES. WOULD IT NOT BE GLORIOUS TO BE IN ISRAEL AND BE ABLE TO SEE FIRST HAND THE JOY THAT WILL BREAK FORTH AS MORE AND MORE JEWS BEGIN TO RECOGNIZE THEIR MESSIAH. Isaiah 64:6 PG 922 But we are all as an unclean [thing], and all our righteousnesses [are] as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. THIS IS SO HARD FOR US TO ACCEPT. WE ARE ALL UNCLEAN. WE ARE ALL SINNERS. THERE IS NO WAY ANY OF US COULD DO ENOUGH GOOD WORKS TO MAKE UP FOR ANY SINS. ALL OF OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS IS A STINKING FILTHY MESS TO GOD. SELF RIGHTEOUSNESS STINKS. RIGHTEOUSNESS CAN ONLY COME AS A GIFT TO US FROM GOD. ONLY GOD CAN GIVE US WHAT IT TAKES TO BE RIGHTEOUS. THE BAD NEWS OF THIS TRUTH FINALLY MUST CAUSE US TO CRY OUT - HOW CAN WE BE SAVED? THEN COMES THE GOOD NEWS THAT JESUS CHRIST THE MESSIAH, THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL, THE ONLY TRULY PERFECT SPOTLESS LAMB OF GOD HAS PAID THE FULL PRICE FOR US ALL. PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!!!! DO YOU GET IT? HAVE YOU GOT IT? ARE ALL OF YOUR SINS, PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE COVERED BY THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB SO THAT GOD IS FREE TO PASS OVER YOU IN JUDGMENT? Isaiah 64:7 PG 922 And [there is] none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities. THIS IS STILL THE APPARENT CONDITION IN ISRAEL. BUT IT IS CHANGING. IN ONE DAY THEY WILL ALL CALL UPON HIS NAME. IN ONE DAY THEY WILL ALL KNOW IT IS JESUS WHO IS BOTH LORD AND MESSIAH. Isaiah 64:8 PG 923 But now, O LORD, thou [art] our father; we [are] the clay, and thou our potter; and we all [are] the work of thy hand. IF JESUS IS NOT LORD OF ALL HE IS NOT LORD AT ALL. WHAT IS IT THAT I NEED TO SURRENDER IN MY LIFE TO HIS LORDSHIP? THE SOONER I CAN BE LIKE CLAY BEING FORMED IN THE MASTER'S SKILLFUL HANDS THE BETTER. WHY DO I DO THINGS MY WAY INSTEAD OF THE LORD'S WAY? WHY DO I RESIST HIS MOLDING ME INTO SOMETHING USEFUL AND PLEASING TO HIM? JUL 21 ISAIAH 65, 66, 2 CHRON. 19 PG 923 - 928 Isaiah 65:1-2 PG 923 I am sought of [them that] asked not [for me]; I am found of [them that] sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation [that] was not called by my name. I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way [that was] not good, after their own thoughts; GOD EXPLAINS WHY ISRAEL AND JUDAH ARE GOING TO BE JUDGED AND GO INTO THE CAPTIVITY IN BABYLON. IF HE DID JUDGE ISRAEL WITH GREAT AFFLICTION, WHAT MAKES AMERICANS THINK WE ARE NOT ON A COLLISION COURSE WITH GOD'S JUDGMENT. ARE WE NOT A REBELLIOUS PEOPLE. REBELLION IS AS THE SIN OF WITCHCRAFT. THE YOUNG PEOPLE BRAG OF THEIR REBELLION AS THOUGH IT IS A VIRTUE. THIS NATION WALKS IN A WAY NOT GOOD. POLITICAL CORRECTNESS IN THIS CORRUPT NATION IS ANTICHRIST AND DIAMETRICALLY OPPOSED TO GOD'S PRINCIPLES. EVERYONE WALKS AFTER THEIR OWN THOUGHTS WHICH HAVE NO PLACE FOR GOD AND HIS PRINCIPLES. GET READY FOR JUDGMENT. Isaiah 65:5 PG 923 Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These [are] a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day. THIS MAY BE THE MOST OFFENSIVE AND OBNOXIOUS OF SINS. "STAY AWAY FROM ME - I AM HOLIER THAN YOU ARE." WOW, HOW REPULSIVE THIS MUST BE TO GOD. WE ARE ALL SINNERS. ALL OF OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS IS FILTHY RAGS TO GOD. THE TRUE MARK OF HOLINESS IS THE REALIZATION OF THE DESPERATE WICKEDNESS WHICH EVERYONE HIDES DEEPLY IN THEIR INNERMOST BEING. GOD LOVES THE UNLOVABLE. I AM LIVING PROOF OF THIS. I WILL REACH OUT TO THE OUTCAST. EVERYONE IS MORE HOLY THAN I. HOLY PEOPLE, WHO THINK THEY ARE HOLY, STINK TO HIGH HEAVEN. Isaiah 65:11-12 PG 924 But ye [are] they that forsake the LORD, that forget my holy mountain, that prepare a table for that troop, and that furnish the drink offering unto that number. Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose [that] wherein I delighted not. GOD IS CALLING AMERICA. WILL AMERICA HEAR? WILL AMERICA REPENT? WILL THIS NATION WHICH WAS FOUNDED FOR THE GLORY OF GOD AND THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION CONTINUE ITS COLLISION COURSE WITH GOD'S JUDGMENT? GOD IS CALLING. THE GREATEST SLAUGHTER OF ALL TIME IS IMMINENT. GOD IS CALLING. WILL YOU ANSWER? WILL YOU CONTINUE GOING YOUR OWN WAY? WILL YOU IGNORE THE CALL OF GOD. Isaiah 65:17-18 PG 924 - 925 For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. But be ye glad and rejoice for ever [in that] which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy. GOD HAS PROMISED A NEW HEAVEN AND A NEW EARTH THAT IS SO FANTASTIC THAT NO ONE WILL EVEN REMEMBER THIS OLD EARTH. ARE YOU GOING TO HAVE A PLACE IN THIS FANTASTIC NEW HEAVEN AND NEW EARTH? IN THIS NEW HEAVEN AND NEW EARTH IS ONLY GLADNESS AND JOY AND REJOICING FOR EVER. I WANT TO SEE YOUR FACE THERE. DO YOU WANT TO SEE ME THERE? Isaiah 65:24 PG 925 And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust [shall be] the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD. BEFORE THEY CALL, I WILL ANSWER - SAYS THE LORD. GOD WANTS TO FORGIVE MORE THAN WE WANT TO BE FORGIVEN. HOW MANY TIMES HAVE WE SEEN GOD GIVE US ANSWERS BEFORE WE EVEN HAD SENSE ENOUGH TO ASK FOR HIS HELP. WHEN IT COMES TO FORGIVENESS HE IS ALWAYS READY TO ANSWER BEFORE WE EVEN ASK. THERE COMES A TIME WHEN IT IS TOO LATE. BUT UNTIL THAT TIME, BEFORE WE CALL TO HIM FOR FORGIVENESS, HE WANTS TO FORGIVE. AND EVEN THOUGH WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO FORGET - HE CAN AND DOES. PRAISE THE LORD! SUCH A FANTASTIC NEW HEAVEN AND NEW EARTH IS AVAILABLE IF WE CAN BE FORGIVEN AND LEARN TO BE FORGIVING. Isaiah 66:1-2 PG 925 Thus saith the LORD, The heaven [is] my throne, and the earth [is] my footstool: where [is] the house that ye build unto me? and where [is] the place of my rest? For all those [things] hath mine hand made, and all those [things] have been, saith the LORD: but to this [man] will I look, [even] to [him that is] poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. GOD IS SO MAGNIFICENT AND POWERFUL. ONLY GOD IS WORTHY OF THE WORD AWESOME. HOW SAD IT IS TO HEAR YOUNG PEOPLE DEBASE THIS WORD WHICH IS ONLY FITTING FOR THE DESCRIPTION OF GOD AND HIS ATTRIBUTES. THIS ONLY TRULY AWESOME GOD LOOKS AFTER THE POOR. THIS AWESOME GOD LOOKS FOR THE MEEK AND HUMBLE WHOSE HEART IS REPENTANT. THIS AWESOME GOD LOOKS FOR THOSE WHO TAKE HIS WORDS SO SERIOUSLY THAT THEY TREMBLE ONLY AT THE THOUGHT OF HIS AWESOME POWER AND HOW THEY HAVE VIOLATED HIS WORD. Isaiah 66:4 PG 926 I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose [that] in which I delighted not. GOD HAS BEEN CALLING. HAVE YOU ANSWERED? HAVE YOU EVEN HEARD HIM CALL? IF YOU HAVE NOT ANSWERED HIS CALL YOU WILL HAVE MUCH TO FEAR. YOUR FEARS WILL COME UPON YOU IF YOU WILL NOT HEAR GOD. Isaiah 66:8 PG 926 Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? [or] shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children. ISRAEL WAS BORN AGAIN IN ONE DAY IN 1948. GOD IS REGATHERING THEM HOME FROM THE FAR CORNERS OF THE WORLD. NEVER AGAIN WILL GOD BE SENDING A NATION AGAINST THEM TO JUDGE THEM AND AFFLICT THEM. GOD IS ON THE SIDE OF ISRAEL. ANY PERSON NOW OR ANY NATION NOW WHO STANDS AGAINST ISRAEL STANDS AGAINST GOD. IF YOU ARE NOT ISRAEL'S SIDE YOU ARE NOT ON GOD'S SIDE. DO YOU LOVE THE JEWS? IF NOT PRAY FOR GOD TO CHANGE YOUR HEART NOW! Isaiah 66:10 PG 926 Rejoice ye with Jerusalem, and be glad with her, all ye that love her: rejoice for joy with her, all ye that mourn for her: REJOICE AT WHAT GOD IS DOING IN ISRAEL. PRAY FOR THE PEACE OF JERUSALEM. DO NOT SUPPORT ANY POLITICAL LEADER WHO OPPOSES ISRAEL. TO OPPOSE ISRAEL TODAY IS TO OPPOSE GOD. FIND OUT WHAT IS HAPPENING IN ISRAEL. PRAISE GOD FOR THE MIRACLES HE IS PREFORMING IN ISRAEL. Isaiah 66:22 PG 927 For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain. THE NEW HEAVEN AND NEW EARTH WHICH GOD MAKES WILL LAST FOREVER. IS YOUR NAME WRITTEN IN THE LAMB'S BOOK OF LIFE? ARE THE NAMES OF YOUR CHILDREN WRITTEN IN THE LAMBS BOOK OF LIFE? THIS IS SO VERY IMPORTANT AS WE CONTINUE ON THIS COLLISION COURSE WITH GOD'S JUDGMENT. WILL YOU BE BOLD TO SHARE THE GOOD NEWS OF THE GOSPEL OF THE ABUNDANT, ETERNAL LIFE WHICH JESUS CHRIST CONTINUES TO OFFER? THE TIME IS SHORT. WILL WE STAND UP AND BE BOLD FOR JESUS? II Chronicles 33:12-13 PG 928 And when he was in affliction, he besought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, And prayed unto him: and he was entreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD he [was] God. JUDAH'S MOST WICKED KING REPENTED AND WAS FORGIVEN. NO ONE CAN BE SO WICKED THAT GOD WILL NOT FORGIVE THEM. TO DIE REJECTING JESUS IS THE ONLY UNPARDONABLE SIN. FORGIVE AND BE FORGIVEN. JESUS LOVES YOU AND SO DO I. JUL 22 NAHUM PG 929 - 933 Nahum 1:1 PG 929 The burden of Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite. NAHUM'S LITTLE BOOK IS SELDOM GIVEN MUCH CONSIDERATION. IT IS A PROPHESY AGAINST NINEVEH. MAYBE IT IS TIME TO TAKE A SERIOUS LOOK AT THIS LITTLE BOOK. NINEVEH IS THE CAPITOL OF BABYLON. REMEMBER, IN SCRIPTURE, BABYLON MEANS TYRANNY AND CONFUSION. SUPPOSE THAT THE PRESENT CAPITOL OF TYRANNY AND CONFUSION IS AMERICA. WHAT COUNTRY NOW IS LEADING THE WAY TO THE NEW WORLD ORDER OF TYRANNY AND CONFUSION TO BE HEADED BY THE ANTICHRIST? Nahum 1:2-3 PG 929 God [is] jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and [is] furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth [wrath] for his enemies. The LORD [is] slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit [the wicked]: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds [are] the dust of his feet. NAHUM SAYS IT THRICE - THE LORD REVENGES. THE LORD WILL HAVE THE LAST WORD. THE LORD WILL TAKE FINAL VENGEANCE. DO YOU SUPPOSE THE LORD IS FURIOUS REGARDING THE NATIONAL SINS OF AMERICA? JUST BECAUSE THE LORD IS SO VERY MUCH SLOWER TO ANGER THAN WE ARE, WE CANNOT THINK HIS PATIENCE MEANS THERE WILL NOT BE JUDGMENT. Nahum 1:7 PG 929 -930 The LORD [is] good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. WHEN GOD'S JUDGMENT FALLS ONLY GOD CAN PROVIDE REFUGE. WHATEVER ELSE YOU TRUST WILL DO YOU NO GOOD IN JUDGMENT. Nahum 1:9 PG 930 What do ye imagine against the LORD? he will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time. ARE YOU AGAINST GOD IN ANY AREA OF YOUR LIFE OR THOUGHTS? GOD WILL BRING THIS TO AN UTTER END. Nahum 1:11 PG 930 There is [one] come out of thee, that imagineth evil against the LORD, a wicked counsellor. IN RECENT HISTORY WE SAW A MAN NAMED HITLER WHO FIT THIS DESCRIPTION. THE WORLD STAGE NOW IS SET FOR THE ANTICHRIST. HIS NEW WORLD ORDER IS MUCH MORE SEVERE THAN HITLER'S. KNOW FOR SURE THAT WORLD GOVERNMENT BEFORE THE RETURN OF JESUS CHRIST WILL BE HEADED BY SATAN, THE ANTICHRIST, AND HIS FALSE PROPHET. Nahum 3:4 PG 932 Because of the multitude of the whoredoms of the wellfavoured harlot, the mistress of witchcrafts, that selleth nations through her whoredoms, and families through her witchcrafts. WHO IS IT THAT NAHUM IS TALKING ABOUT HERE? TODAY I BELIEVE HE IS TALKING ABOUT AMERICA. THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT I DO NOT LOVE MY COUNTRY. I AM GRIEVING OVER WHAT IT HAS BECOME. THE WELLFAVOURED HARLOT, THE RICHEST NATION IN THE WORLD, IN OUTWARD APPEARANCE, FOUNDED FOR THE GLORY OF GOD WHICH NOW HOLDS THE BANNER OF ANTICHRIST HIGHER THAN RUSSIA. THE MISTRESS OF WITCHCRAFTS, LEADING THE WORLD IN WIVES REBELLING AGAINST THE GOD GIVEN AUTHORITY OF THEIR HUSBANDS. LEADING THE WORLD IN THE NEW AGE MOVEMENT. LEADING THE WORLD IN THE EXULTATION OF HOMOSEXUALITY. LEADING THE WORLD IN THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANTICHRIST. LEADING THE WORLD ON THE PATH TO JUDGMENT AND DESTRUCTION. SELLING NATIONS THROUGH HER WHOREDOMS AND FAMILIES THROUGH HER WITCHCRAFTS. WITCHCRAFT IS THE ATTEMPT TO CONTROL OTHERS BY ANY MEANS OTHER THAN DIRECT CONFRONTATION. THE WOMEN OF AMERICA ARE THE MOST CONTROLLING OF THE WORLD. THE WOMEN OF AMERICA WILL NOT LIVE WITH A HUSBAND THAT THEY CANNOT CONTROL. LEADING THE WORLD IN BROKEN HOMES. LEADING THE WORLD IN FATHERLESS FAMILIES. LEADING THE WORLD IN WITCHCRAFT. Nahum 3:19 PG 933 [There is] no healing of thy bruise; thy wound is grievous: all that hear the bruit of thee shall clap the hands over thee: for upon whom hath not thy wickedness passed continually? IF NAHUM IS SPEAKING OF AMERICA TODAY, THEN THERE IS NO ESCAPE OF TOTAL DESTRUCTION. HOW COULD THIS BE? IF YOU WILL FORCE YOURSELF TO BE LOGICAL YOU CAN EASILY SEE IT. THE "BREAK-UP" OF THE SOVIET UNION IS A MYTH. IS RUSSIA PAYING MONEY TO AMERICA OR IS AMERICA PAYING MONEY TO RUSSIA? HAS A SINGLE STRATEGIC NUCLEAR WEAPON OF RUSSIA BEEN DISMANTLED? BEFORE THE "BREAK-UP" THERE WAS ONLY ONE FINGER ON THE BUTTON. HOW MANY FINGERS AND WHOSE FINGERS ARE NOW ON RUSSIA'S STRATEGIC NUCLEAR WEAPONS? MAKE NO MISTAKE ABOUT IT, RUSSIA HAS BEEN PREPARING FOR STRATEGIC NUCLEAR WAR FOR 40 YEARS. RUSSIA IS DESPERATE. WHEN SHE GETS DESPERATE ENOUGH, AMERICA GOES UP IN SMOKE. THE WORLD HAS NEVER SEEN STRATEGIC NUCLEAR WARFARE. NOW HERE IS THE GOOD NEWS - II Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. EVEN IF THE LAND OF AMERICA IS NOT HEALED - EVEN IF IT IS DESTROYED BY STRATEGIC NUCLEAR WEAPONS - FOR THE CHRISTIAN THERE IS NOT ONE IOTA OF DIFFERENCE IN WHAT HAPPENS TO THEM WHEN THE NUCLEAR STRIKE OCCURS OR WHEN THE RAPTURE OCCURS. FOR THE CHRISTIAN WHO IS IN RIGHT STANDING WITH GOD THE EFFECT OF EITHER IS IDENTICAL - INSTANTLY WITH THE LORD. THE SERIOUS QUESTION - ARE YOU READY? PLEASE GET SERIOUS, AND STAY READY. FORCE YOURSELF TO THINK SOBERLY. JUL 23 2 KINGS 21, 22, 23 2 CHRON 33 PG 934 - 935 II Chronicles 33:22-23 PG 934 But he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD, as did Manasseh his father: for Amon sacrificed unto all the carved images which Manasseh his father had made, and served them; And humbled not himself before the LORD, as Manasseh his father had humbled himself; but Amon trespassed more and more. AMON WAS WORSE THAN HIS FATHER MANASSEH. YOU WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT HE WOULD HAVE LEARNED SOMETHING FROM THE GREAT SINS AND SUBSEQUENT AFFLICTION OF HIS FATHER. II Kings 22:1-2 PG 934 Josiah [was] eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty and one years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name [was] Jedidah, the daughter of Adaiah of Boscath. And he did [that which was] right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in all the way of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left. HOW DOES SUCH AN EVIL KING AS AMON HAVE SUCH A GODLY SON AS JOSIAH? HE WAS PERHAPS THE MOST RIGHTEOUS KING JUDAH EVER HAD. II Kings 23:25-27 PG 935 And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the LORD with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; neither after him arose there [any] like him. Notwithstanding the LORD turned not from the fierceness of his great wrath, wherewith his anger was kindled against Judah, because of all the provocations that Manasseh had provoked him withal. And the LORD said, I will remove Judah also out of my sight, as I have removed Israel, and will cast off this city Jerusalem which I have chosen, and the house of which I said, My name shall be there. YET THE EVIL OF HIS FATHER AND GRANDFATHER HAD PROVOKED THE LORD TO THE POINT THAT JUDAH WOULD BE JUDGED EVEN THOUGH JOSIAH IS TRYING HARD TO RENEW JUDAH ACCORDING TO THE LAW OF GOD. THIS IS VERY SOBERING IN THE LIGHT OF NAHUM'S PROPHESY. EVEN IF THE CHRISTIANS OF AMERICA HUMBLE THEMSELVES THE JUDGMENT OF NUCLEAR DESTRUCTION AT THE HANDS OF RUSSIA MAY ALREADY HAVE BEEN SETTLED IN HEAVEN. LET US NOT DELAY IN RETURNING TO THE LORD. IT IS THE ONLY WAY OF ESCAPE. WILL YOU PLEASE SEEK GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART? FORGET THE PETTY PURSUITS. WHAT WOULD PLEASE GOD TODAY? CONFESS YOUR SINS. FORGIVE THOSE WHO HAVE SINNED AGAINST YOU. JUL 24 ZEPHANIAH PG 935 - 941 Zephaniah 1:2-3 PG 935 I will utterly consume all [things] from off the land, saith the LORD. I will consume man and beast; I will consume the fowls of the heaven, and the fishes of the sea, and the stumblingblocks with the wicked; and I will cut off man from off the land, saith the LORD. HAS THIS EVER HAPPENED? NO. IT WILL INDEED HAPPEN BECAUSE GOD HAS SAID THAT IT WILL HAPPEN. DO YOU REALIZE THAT OUR GENERATION IS THE FIRST GENERATION IN HISTORY TO UNDERSTAND HOW SUCH DESTRUCTION COULD HAPPEN? ZEPHANIAH IS TALKING ABOUT STRATEGIC NUCLEAR WEAPONS. Zephaniah 1:7-8 PG 936 Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord GOD: for the day of the LORD [is] at hand: for the LORD hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath bid his guests. And it shall come to pass in the day of the LORD'S sacrifice, that I will punish the princes, and the king's children, and all such as are clothed with strange apparel. THIS IS THE MESSAGE OF ZEPHANIAH - THE DAY OF THE LORD IS AT HAND. IT WAS A MESSAGE OF OBSCURITY UNTIL OUR GENERATION. ONLY THE JEWS ARE NOT CLOTHED WITH STRANGE APPAREL. GOD IS NOW ON THE SIDE OF ISRAEL. ALL OTHER NATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO DESTRUCTION EXCEPT ISRAEL. THE DESTRUCTION OF WHICH ZEPHANIAH SPEAKS CAN APPLY TO ANY NATION EXCEPT ISRAEL. Zephaniah 1:14-18 PG 936 -937 The great day of the LORD [is] near, [it is] near, and hasteth greatly, [even] the voice of the day of the LORD: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly. That day [is] a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, A day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities, and against the high towers. And I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the LORD: and their blood shall be poured out as dust, and their flesh as the dung. Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD'S wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land. YOU MUST HEAR THIS. THE MESSAGE OF ZEPHANIAH IS FOR US. THE GREAT DAY OF THE LORD IS NEAR, IT IS NEAR, AND HASTENETH GREATLY. THE MESSAGE IS FOR US. WHEN STRATEGIC NUCLEAR WEAPONS ARE USED KINGS AND PRINCES ARE DESTROYED ALONG WITH EVERYTHING ELSE. NOTHING CAN PROTECT OR SAVE YOU EXCEPT THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. ONLY THE CHRISTIAN IN RIGHT STANDING WITH GOD CAN LOOK AT A NUCLEAR EXPLOSION AND SEE IT HAVING THE SAME EFFECT ON HIM AS THE RAPTURE. ARE YOU READY? IF WE ARE NUKED TOMORROW - WHERE WILL YOU SPEND ETERNITY? WILL A NUCLEAR EXPLOSION HAVE THE SAME EFFECT FOR YOU AS THE RAPTURE? Zephaniah 2:3 PG 937 Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD'S anger. MEEKNESS IS NOT WEAKNESS. MEEKNESS IS STRENGTH AND POWER UNDER CONTROL. MEEK PEOPLE ARE STRONG PEOPLE. THE PROUD PEOPLE ARE THE WEAK PEOPLE. MEEK PEOPLE ARE MERCIFUL PEOPLE. MEEK PEOPLE ARE FORGIVING PEOPLE BECAUSE THEY KNOW HOW MUCH GOD HAS FORGIVEN THEM. MEEK PEOPLE CAN ENDURE INJURY WITH PATIENCE AND WITHOUT RESENTMENT. HOW DO YOU SEEK MEEKNESS? YOU SEEK MEEKNESS BY SEEKING TO FORGIVE THOSE WHO HAVE INJURED YOU. Zephaniah 3:1-6 PG 938 - 939 Woe to her that is filthy and polluted, to the oppressing city! She obeyed not the voice; she received not correction; she trusted not in the LORD; she drew not near to her God. Her princes within her [are] roaring lions; her judges [are] evening wolves; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow. Her prophets [are] light [and] treacherous persons: her priests have polluted the sanctuary, they have done violence to the law. The just LORD [is] in the midst thereof; he will not do iniquity: every morning doth he bring his judgment to light, he faileth not; but the unjust knoweth no shame. I have cut off the nations: their towers are desolate; I made their streets waste, that none passeth by: their cities are destroyed, so that there is no man, that there is none inhabitant. WHO IS ZEPHANIAH TALKING ABOUT. HE IS NOT TALKING ABOUT ISRAEL. HE IS TALKING ABOUT AMERICA. AMERICA, THE NATION FOUNDED FOR THE GLORY OF GOD, HAS TURNED TO ANTICHRIST. NOTHING CAN PROTECT ANYONE IN THIS COUNTRY FROM RUSSIA'S STRATEGIC NUCLEAR ATTACK. IT IS A FARCE HOW AMERICA'S MONEY SAYS "IN GOD WE TRUST." THIS JUDGMENT IS COMING TO AMERICA, NOT ISRAEL. THE TOWERS OF ISRAEL CAN NOT FALL FOR IT IS GOD WHO STRENGTHENS THEM. ISRAEL CAN NEVER AGAIN BE DESTROYED BECAUSE IT IS GOD WHO IS REGATHERING AND PROTECTING ISRAEL. HE IS TALKING ABOUT THAT OTHER NATION, AMERICA, WHICH WAS ALSO FOUNDED FOR THE GLORY OF GOD. Zephaniah 3:14-18 PG 940 Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem. The LORD hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast out thine enemy: the king of Israel, [even] the LORD, [is] in the midst of thee: thou shalt not see evil any more. In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not: [and to] Zion, Let not thine hands be slack. The LORD thy God in the midst of thee [is] mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. NOW ZEPHANIAH IS TALKING ABOUT ISRAEL. THE LORD THY GOD IN THE MIDST OF THEE IS MIGHTY. THIS IS ISRAEL. JUL 25 JEREMIAH 1, 2 PG 941 - 947 Jeremiah 1:4-5 PG 942 Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, [and] I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. HOW ABOUT VERSE 5 FOR A CLEAR VIEW OF GOD'S PERSPECTIVE ON ABORTION? GOD TOLD JEREMIAH THAT HE KNEW HIM AND SET HIM APART FOR HIS PROPHETIC MINISTRY WHILE HE WAS STILL BEING FORMED IN THE WOMB. ABORTION KILLS A BABY THAT GOD KNOWS. GOD'S PERSPECTIVE IS THAT ABORTION IS MURDER. Jeremiah 1:7-9 PG 942 But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I [am] a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Be not afraid of their faces: for I [am] with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD. Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth. JEREMIAH TOLD THE LORD HE WAS ONLY A CHILD AND THEREFORE NOT QUALIFIED FOR THE PROPHET MINISTRY. HERE IS THE POINT - GOD QUALIFIES HIS SERVANTS. GOD'S STRENGTH IS MADE PERFECT IN WEAKNESS. OFTEN OUR QUALIFICATIONS DISQUALIFY US FROM GOD'S SERVICE. ALL GOD NEEDS IS SOMEONE WHO IS WILLING TO BE OBEDIENT. IF IT IS OUR TRAINING AND OUR INTELLIGENCE THAT GIVES THE QUALIFICATION THEN HOW IS GOD GLORIFIED? THIS DOESN'T MEAN WE SHOULD NOT WORK AS HARD AS WE CAN TO GROW THE TALENTS THAT GOD GIVES US. BUT THE MOST IMPORTANT QUALIFICATION IS OBEDIENCE AND A MIND SET TO GLORIFY GOD. Jeremiah 1:13-14 PG 943 And the word of the LORD came unto me the second time, saying, What seest thou? And I said, I see a seething pot; and the face thereof [is] toward the north. Then the LORD said unto me, Out of the north an evil shall break forth upon all the inhabitants of the land. THE NORTHERN FORCE OF BABYLON DID CONQUER AND TAKE ISRAEL AND JUDAH CAPTIVE. THE GREAT NORTHERN FORCE OF RUSSIA WILL TRY TO INVADE ISRAEL IN THE LAST DAYS. BUT GOD WILL WIPE OUT 5/6THS OF ALL THE RUSSIAN SOLDIERS AND ISRAEL MAY NOT EVEN HAVE TO FIRE A SHOT. GOD WILL DO IT HIMSELF TO SHOW THE WHOLE WORLD THAT HE ALONE IS GOD. BEFORE RUSSIA TRIES THIS SHE WILL LIKELY HAVE FIRST DESTROYED THE UNITED STATES WITH A STRATEGIC NUCLEAR ATTACK. AMERICANS MUST WAKE UP TO THEIR PERIL AND TURN TO THE LORD IN REPENTANCE WITH ALL THEIR HEART. Jeremiah 1:19 PG 943 And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I [am] with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee. THESE ARE HARD THINGS THAT YOU DON'T WANT TO HEAR. WHERE ELSE ARE YOU GOING TO HEAR THE HARD TRUTH. YOU MUST HEAR THE TRUTH EVEN THE HARD TRUTH. YOU CAN GET YOUR EARS TICKLED IN ALMOST ANY CHURCH SERVICE YOU ATTEND. YOU ARE NOT LIKELY TO HEAR THE HARD TRUTH YOU NEED TO HEAR ANYWHERE. Jeremiah 2:5 PG 943 Thus saith the LORD, What iniquity have your fathers found in me, that they are gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and are become vain? IT IS NOT GOD'S FAULT THAT PEOPLE REJECT HIM. IT IS THE PRIDE AND VANITY AND LUST OF THE PEOPLE WHICH CAUSE THEM TO TURN AWAY FROM GOD. PROCLAIMING THEMSELVES TO BE WISE THEY BECOME FOOLS AND LEAVE THE GLORY OF GOD TO WORSHIP AND SERVE THEMSELVES AS A GOD. THEY BUY SATAN'S SAME OLD LIE - "YE SHALL BE AS GOD". Jeremiah 2:7 PG 944 And I brought you into a plentiful country, to eat the fruit thereof and the goodness thereof; but when ye entered, ye defiled my land, and made mine heritage an abomination. COULD THIS NOT BE SAID JUST AS ACCURATELY ABOUT AMERICA? Jeremiah 2:11-13 PG 944 Hath a nation changed [their] gods, which [are] yet no gods? but my people have changed their glory for [that which] doth not profit. Be astonished, O ye heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid, be ye very desolate, saith the LORD. For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, [and] hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water. AMERICA'S MONEY SAYS "IN GOD WE TRUST". IT IS A FARCE. AMERICA HAS SET ITS MEDIA AND THE STATE AS ITS GOD. AMERICA IS LEADING THE WAY TO THE NEW WORLD ORDER OF ANTICHRIST. WE HAVE TRADED TRUST IN GOD FOR TRUST IN ANYTHING BUT GOD. AMERICA IS ON A COLLISION COURSE WITH THE JUDGMENT OF GOD. Jeremiah 2:17 & 19 PG 944 Hast thou not procured this unto thyself, in that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, when he led thee by the way? Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that [it is] an evil [thing] and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and that my fear [is] not in thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts. WE BRING JUDGMENT ON OURSELVES BY FORSAKING GOD. ALMOST EVERYONE CAN SAY GOD IS LOVE. FEW TODAY UNDERSTAND THAT THE ONLY HEALTHY FEAR IS THE FEAR OF THE LORD. Jeremiah 2:29 PG 946 Wherefore will ye plead with me? ye all have transgressed against me, saith the LORD. TO BLAME GOD FOR OUR PROBLEMS IS FOOLISH. WE HAVE ALL SINNED. OUR SINS ARE USUALLY THE SOURCE OF OUR PROBLEMS. LIKE ALCOHOLICS WE DENY THAT OUR SINS CAUSE OUR PROBLEMS. YOU CAN'T PLANT BEANS AND EXPECT TO HARVEST CORN. Jeremiah 2:31-32 PG 946 O generation, see ye the word of the LORD. Have I been a wilderness unto Israel? a land of darkness? wherefore say my people, We are lords; we will come no more unto thee? Can a maid forget her ornaments, [or] a bride her attire? yet my people have forgotten me days without number. HOW CAN HUMAN CREATURES SO EASILY FORGET THEIR CREATOR. GOD IS THE SOURCE OF EVERY GOOD AND PERFECT GIFT. HOW EASILY WE STILL BUY SATAN'S LIE THAT WE CAN BE OUR OWN gOD. Jeremiah 2:35 PG 946 Yet thou sayest, Because I am innocent, surely his anger shall turn from me. Behold, I will plead with thee, because thou sayest, I have not sinned. WE ARE LIARS WHEN WE SAY WE ARE INNOCENT. WE HAVE ALL SINNED. JUL 26 JEREMIAH 3, 4 PG 947 - 953 Jeremiah 3:8 PG 947 And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also. JUDAH DID NOT LEARN ANYTHING WHEN ISRAEL WENT INTO CAPTIVITY AS A RESULT OF ISRAEL'S UNFAITHFULNESS TO GOD. JUDAH KEPT RIGHT ON BACKSLIDING AWAY FROM GOD. Jeremiah 3:12-13 PG 947 Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the LORD; [and] I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I [am] merciful, saith the LORD, [and] I will not keep [anger] for ever. Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD. JUDAH FOLLOWED GOD IN PRETENSE AND NOT WITH THEIR HEART. THEREFORE GOD CHOSE TO SEND HIS PROPHET TO FAITHLESS ISRAEL AND EXTEND HIS OFFER OF MERCY TO ISRAEL. ONLY ACKNOWLEDGE THINE INIQUITY. ALL GOD ASKED WAS FOR ISRAEL TO ADMIT WHAT THEY HAD DONE WAS WRONG. GOD KNEW THE TOTALLY FAITHLESS NATION IN CAPTIVITY WAS MORE LIKELY TO RECEIVE HIS OFFER OF MERCY THAN THE HOLY HYPOCRITES IN JUDAH. NO ONE IS HARDER TO REACH THAN THE SELF RIGHTEOUS HOLY HYPOCRITES IN THE CHURCH. Jeremiah 3:16-18 PG 948 And it shall come to pass, when ye be multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, saith the LORD, they shall say no more, The ark of the covenant of the LORD: neither shall it come to mind: neither shall they remember it; neither shall they visit [it]; neither shall [that] be done any more. At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of the LORD; and all the nations shall be gathered unto it, to the name of the LORD, to Jerusalem: neither shall they walk any more after the imagination of their evil heart. In those days the house of Judah shall walk with the house of Israel, and they shall come together out of the land of the north to the land that I have given for an inheritance unto your fathers. IT SEEMS LIKE THIS PROPHESY APPLIES TO ISRAEL MORE TODAY THAN IT EVER DID. JER 3:16 HAS THE LAST OLD TESTAMENT REFERENCE TO THE ARK OF THE COVENANT. Revelation 11:19 And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail. THIS IS THE ONLY REFERENCE IN SCRIPTURE WHICH GIVES THE PRESENT LOCATION OF THE ARK OF THE COVENANT. INDIANA JONES CERTAINLY DID NOT FIND IT. ONE DOES NOT HEAR IF ISRAEL IS GOING TO TRY TO RECONSTRUCT AN ARK. NO ONE KNOWS WHAT HAPPENED TO THE ARK WHEN TITUS DESTROYED THE TEMPLE IN 70 AD. REVELATION 11:19 WOULD INDICATE THAT GOD TOOK IT FROM THE TEMPLE TO HEAVEN. AT ANY RATE, WE ARE WITNESSING THE JEWS OF ALL TRIBES BEING GATHERED FROM THE NORTH AND ALL PARTS OF THE WORLD. WHAT GOOD WOULD IT DO FOR THE JEWS TO RECONSTRUCT THE TEMPLE WITHOUT THE ARK TO BE INSIDE THE HOLY OF HOLYS? HAVE YOU HEARD ANY NEWS REGARDING THE REBUILDING OF THE TEMPLE? Jeremiah 3:20 PG 948 Surely [as] a wife treacherously departeth from her husband, so have ye dealt treacherously with me, O house of Israel, saith the LORD. TREACHEROUS DEALING FROM A SPOUSE REALLY HURTS. THERE ARE A LOT OF SUCH HURTS IN OUR LAND. MEMORY OF COMING HOME TO FIND THE WIFE, THE KIDS, THE DOG, THE MONEY AND THE FURNITURE ALL GONE HURTS ALMOST 4 YEARS REMOVED. REBUILDING TRUST AFTER TREACHERY IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE. GOD CAN DO IT BUT MOST PEOPLE CAN NOT REBUILD TRUST AFTER TREACHERY. THE CHILDREN ARE THE REAL VICTIMS. THIS SORT OF SITUATION IS PART OF THE LEGACY OF THE WOMEN'S LIBERATION MOVEMENT. WERE WOMEN NOT REALLY MUCH BETTER OFF UNDER CHIVALRY? CERTAINLY THE CHILDREN WERE MUCH BETTER OFF. THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE USED TO KEEP THEIR VOWS AND HANG IN THERE THROUGH DIFFICULTIES. OUR NATION IS IN CONFUSION. Jeremiah 3:22 PG 948 Return, ye backsliding children, [and] I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou [art] the LORD our God. GOD IS ALWAYS MORE READY TO FORGIVE THAN WE ARE EVEN READY TO BE FORGIVEN. Jeremiah 4:3-4 PG 949 For thus saith the LORD to the men of Judah and Jerusalem, Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns. Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your heart, ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: lest my fury come forth like fire, and burn that none can quench [it], because of the evil of your doings. BREAK UP YOUR FALLOW GROUND MEANS IT IS TIME TO PULL ALL THE STOPS. DON'T HOLD ANYTHING BACK. USE EVERY RESOURCE THAT YOU HAVE. SOW NOT AMONG THORNS - MEANS DON'T WASTE ANY OF YOUR EFFORT. IT IS YOUR LAST CHANCE TO SEEK THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH BECAUSE JUDGMENT IS COMING. THIS PROBABLY APPLIES MORE TO AMERICANS TODAY THAN IT DID TO JUDAH IN 600BC. Jeremiah 4:10 PG 950 Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! surely thou hast greatly deceived this people and Jerusalem, saying, Ye shall have peace; whereas the sword reacheth unto the soul. PEACE! THE COLD WAR IS OVER. HOW IS IT THAT THE SUPPOSED WINNER OF THE COLD WAR IS PAYING THE SUPPOSED LOOSER OF THE COLD WAR 24 BILLION DOLLARS A YEAR? PEACE THEY SAY. HOW IS IT THAT THE SUPPOSED WINNER OF THE COLD WAR IS DISARMING WHILE THE WEAPONS AND MILITARY OF THE SUPPOSED LOOSER REMAINS INTACT? THEY CAN SAY PEACE, PEACE, BUT THE SWORD IS AT OUR THROATS. HAVE ANY SOVIET STRATEGIC NUCLEAR WEAPONS BEEN DISMANTLED? HOW MANY SOVIET MILITARY BASES HAVE BEEN CLOSED? PEACE, PEACE, THEY SAY WHEN THE TRUTH SAYS GREATER PERIL EVERY DAY. GOD HELP US! Jeremiah 4:14 PG 950 O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee? THE SITUATION WAS DESPERATE FOR JERUSALEM. THE ANSWER FOR JERUSALEM THEN IS THE SAME AS THE ANSWER FOR AMERICA TODAY. WASH OUR HEARTS FROM WICKEDNESS. THEIR PERIL WAS ONLY CAPTIVITY. HOW MUCH GREATER IS OUR PERIL? HOW LONG WILL WE CONTINUE IN VANITY. IT WAS GOD'S PROVIDENCE, AND GRACE WHICH BUILT AMERICA. THE PRIDE, ARROGANCE, AND VANITY OF OUR LEADERS IS ASTOUNDING. Jeremiah 4:18-19 PG 951 Thy way and thy doings have procured these [things] unto thee; this [is] thy wickedness, because it is bitter, because it reacheth unto thine heart. My bowels, my bowels! I am pained at my very heart; my heart maketh a noise in me; I cannot hold my peace, because thou hast heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war. JUDAH WAS CORRUPT TO THE HEART. JEREMIAH BURSTS OUT WITH GREAT DISTRESS AND PAIN IN HIS HEART FOR THE DISASTER COMING ON HIS COUNTRY. MANY CHRISTIANS IN AMERICA ARE FEELING THIS DEEP HEART PAIN FOR THEIR COUNTRY BEING ON A COLLISION COURSE WITH THE DISASTER OF GOD'S JUDGMENT. Jeremiah 4:22 For my people [is] foolish, they have not known me; they [are] sottish children, and they have none understanding: they [are] wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge. THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING. IT IS AGAINST THE LAW TO DISPLAY THE 10 COMMANDMENTS IN PUBLIC SCHOOL CLASSROOMS IN AMERICA. GIVE THEM CONDOMS AND SEX EDUCATION AND THEN WONDER HOW THEY ARE WISE TO DO EVIL AND HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE TO DO GOOD? HOW STUPID AND FOOLISH CAN WE GET? Jeremiah 5:1-2 PG 952 Run ye to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and know, and seek in the broad places thereof, if ye can find a man, if there be [any] that executeth judgment, that seeketh the truth; and I will pardon it. And though they say, The LORD liveth; surely they swear falsely. WE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS HERE TODAY. IN AMERICA IF YOU ARE NOT A JEW YOU MUST BE A CHRISTIAN. HOW DOES THE CHRISTIAN'S DISHONESTY, DRUNKENNESS, AND LUST DISHONOR THE LORD OF GLORY? Jeremiah 5:12-13 PG 953 They have belied the LORD, and said, [It is] not he; neither shall evil come upon us; neither shall we see sword nor famine: And the prophets shall become wind, and the word [is] not in them: thus shall it be done unto them. WOW! HOW THIS APPLIES TO AMERICA TODAY! THEY THINK YOU ARE CRAZY IF YOU TELL THEM THE COUNTRY IS ON A COLLISION COURSE WITH GOD'S JUDGMENT? YOU ARE WRONG IF YOU THINK THIS COUNTRY IS IN ANY LESS DANGER BECAUSE OF THE MYTH OF THE "BREAK-UP" OF THE SOVIET UNION AND ITS DESPERATE ECONOMIC STATUS. YOU ARE WRONG IF YOU THINK THIS COUNTRY WHICH KILLS 1.5 MILLION BABIES PER YEAR WILL NOT COME TO HARM. THOSE WHO SAY PEACE, PEACE, ARE FALSE PROPHETS. IS GOD'S WORD IN DAN RATHER, TOM BROKAW OR PETER JENNINGS? JUL 27 JEREMIAH 5, 6 PG 953 - 957 Jeremiah 5:18-18 PG 953 Nevertheless in those days, saith the LORD, I will not make a full end with you. And it shall come to pass, when ye shall say, Wherefore doeth the LORD our God all these [things] unto us? then shalt thou answer them, Like as ye have forsaken me, and served strange gods in your land, so shall ye serve strangers in a land [that is] not yours. GOD WAS NOT GOING TO MAKE A FULL END OF JUDAH. THEY WOULD GO INTO CAPTIVITY. WHEN THEY WOULD ASK THEMSELVES WHY THEY WERE IN SUCH A PLIGHT THEY WOULD THEN CONCLUDE IT WAS BECAUSE THEY HAD FORSAKEN GOD. TODAY AMERICA FACES A FULL END. THERE MAY BE NO TIME TO REPENT WHEN JUDGMENT FALLS ON AMERICA. Jeremiah 5:21-25 PG 954 Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not: Fear ye not me? saith the LORD: will ye not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand [for] the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it? But this people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart; they are revolted and gone. Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear the LORD our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in his season: he reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest. Your iniquities have turned away these [things], and your sins have withholden good [things] from you. GOD WANTS ONLY THE BEST FOR US. GOD WANTS TO BLESS US. BUT WE ARE SO FOOLISH. WE WILL NOT HEAR HIM. HOW DO WE HEAR GOD? READ HIS WORD AND LET HIM MAKE HIS WORD COME ALIVE FOR US BY HIS HOLY SPIRIT. WE SHOULD FEAR GOD. HIS POWER IS BEYOND OUR UNDERSTANDING. BUT WE KEEP DOING IT OUR OWN WAY. WE DON'T UNDERSTAND THAT GOD HAS A BETTER WAY - A WAY OF REST IN TRUSTING HIM. WHEN GOD BLESSES PEOPLE THEY USUALLY TEND TO FORGET GOD. IT IS OUR SINS WHICH SEPARATE US FROM GOD. IF WE WOULD BE OBEDIENT AND GIVE GOD THE GLORY WHEN WE ARE BLESSED, ONLY GOD KNOWS HOW MUCH WE COULD BE BLESSED. Jeremiah 5:30-31 PG 954 A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land; The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love [to have it] so: and what will ye do in the end thereof? THEIR PROPHETS PROPHESY FALSELY. RATHER, BROKAW AND JENNINGS SOMETIMES SEEM TO THINK THEIR JOB IS TO DUPE THE DOPES. THANK GOD FOR RUSH LIMBAUGH. Jeremiah 6:10-11 PG 955 To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear? behold, their ear [is] uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken: behold, the word of the LORD is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it. Therefore I am full of the fury of the LORD; I am weary with holding in: I will pour it out upon the children abroad, and upon the assembly of young men together: for even the husband with the wife shall be taken, the aged with [him that is] full of days. I HAVE AGONIZED OVER MANY OF THE THINGS WHICH I HAVE BEEN WRITING. TO WHOM SHALL I SPEAK? NOBODY WANTS TO HEAR OR THINK ABOUT SUCH THINGS. BUT TO BE OBEDIENT TO GOD I MUST GIVE THIS INFORMATION TO MY CHILDREN REGARDLESS OF ALL OPPOSITION. MANY OF THE THINGS I FEEL COMPELLED TO SHARE ARE NO DELIGHT AND IN FACT ARE A REPROACH. YOU DON'T WANT TO BE REPROACHED BY THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE, YET LOVE REQUIRES THE TRUTH. I AM WEARY OF HOLDING THESE THINGS IN AND YET COMPELLED TO TELL THE TRUTH. Jeremiah 6:13-19 PG 955 - 956 For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one [is] given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely. They have healed also the hurt [of the daughter] of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when [there is] no peace. Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time [that] I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the LORD. Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where [is] the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk [therein]. Also I set watchmen over you, [saying], Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken. Therefore hear, ye nations, and know, O congregation, what [is] among them. Hear, O earth: behold, I will bring evil upon this people, [even] the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not hearkened unto my words, nor to my law, but rejected it. TAKE THIS TO HEART. THESE VERSES APPLY TO AMERICA TODAY. JUL 28 JEREMIAH 7, 8, 9 PG 957 - 963 Jeremiah 7:11 PG 957 Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, even I have seen [it], saith the LORD. THE LORD EXPECTS THE PEOPLE WHO ARE CALLED BY HIS NAME TO SET THE EXAMPLE FOR TRUTH AND JUSTICE. THERE IS NO WAY TO HIDE ANYTHING FROM GOD. WHEN THE PEOPLE WHO PUBLICLY PROCLAIM THAT THEY KNOW GOD LIE, CHEAT, AND STEAL, THEN THOSE WHO DO NOT KNOW THE LORD WILL NOT WANT TO KNOW THE LORD. THEY ARE NOT HYPOCRITES. IT IS NOT GOD'S WILL THAT ANY SHOULD PERISH. GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM SHOULD NOT PERISH, BUT HAVE ETERNAL LIFE. CHRISTIAN HYPOCRITES ARE SATAN'S MOST EFFECTIVE TOOL TO TAKE SOULS TO HELL. CHRISTIANS ARE CALLED TO LIVE AND LOVE IN SUCH A WAY AS TO CAUSE UNBELIEVERS TO ASK THE REASON OF THE HOPE THAT IS WITHIN THEM. Jeremiah 7:23-24 PG 958 But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you. But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels [and] in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward. OBEDIENCE IS BETTER THAN SACRIFICE. OBEDIENCE IS THE IDENTIFYING MARK OF GOD'S PEOPLE. EVEN TODAY THIS IS A MESSAGE GOD'S PEOPLE ARE INCLINED TO REJECT. LOVE, LOVE THEY SAY. GRACE, GRACE THEY SAY. OBEDIENCE? - THAT IS LEGALISM. NO! THAT'S LOVING GOD. Jeremiah 7:27 PG 958 Therefore thou shalt speak all these words unto them; but they will not hearken to thee: thou shalt also call unto them; but they will not answer thee. THROUGH DISOBEDIENCE AND REBELLION, HYPOCRISY WILL GROW TO BLOCK OFF THE EARS FROM HEARING. CURSED SELF RIGHTEOUSNESS THAT STINKS TO HIGH HEAVEN TAKES HOLD. AMEN, FOLLOWS AMEN, BUT THE GOOD PREACHING BRINGS NO CHANGES TO THE LIFE. THAT IS WHY PEOPLE DON'T READ THEIR BIBLES EVERY DAY. EVEN THOUGH THEY KNOW IT IS THE GREATEST COLLECTION OF TRUTH, KNOWLEDGE, AND WISDOM TO BRING UNBOUNDED JOY AND HOPE TO MANKIND. THEY REFUSE TO HEAR THE CONVICTING VOICE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. YOU SIMPLY CANNOT READ THE SCRIPTURES EVERY DAY WITHOUT GETTING YOUR HEART CLEANSED. SOMETIMES THIS IS PAINFUL AND CAUSES PEOPLE TO BECOME LAX IN THEIR DAILY READING. WILL I HEAR THE CONVICTING VOICE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT? Jeremiah 8:5-7 PG 957 Why [then] is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding? they hold fast deceit, they refuse to return. I hearkened and heard, [but] they spake not aright: no man repented him of his wickedness, saying, What have I done? every one turned to his course, as the horse rusheth into the battle. Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgment of the LORD. JEREMIAH SPEAKS JUST AS CLEARLY TODAY TO ANOTHER NATION FOUNDED FOR THE GLORY OF GOD. JEREMIAH IS SPEAKING TO AMERICA EVEN MORE PROFOUNDLY THAN HE SPEAKS TO ISRAEL. WHY THIS PERPETUAL BACKSLIDING? CAN'T YOU SEE THE IMMINENT JUDGMENT? NO ONE REPENTS OF THEIR OWN WICKEDNESS. SURE WE CAN SEE THE SINS OF OTHERS. YET NO ONE IS CRYING OUT TO GOD IN THE FACE OF JUDGMENT - WHAT HAVE I DONE? PLEASE NOTE THE WORDS WHAT HAVE I DONE. NOT WHAT HAVE YOU DONE. WHAT HAVE I DONE? EVEN THE STORK KNOWS WHEN WINTER IS COMING. EVEN THE TURTLE AND THE SWALLOW OBSERVE THE TIME. BUT GOD'S PEOPLE KNOW NOT THE JUDGMENT OF THE LORD. IT IS NEAR. Jeremiah 8:9 PG 959 The wise [men] are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the LORD; and what wisdom [is] in them? WHEN YOU REJECT THE WISDOM OF THE LORD YOU BECOME WISE IN YOUR OWN EYES AND END UP BEING A FOOL. Romans 1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, KNOWLEDGE IS WORTHLESS WHEN YOU HAVE REJECTED THE WORD OF GOD. Jeremiah 8:11 PG 959 For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when [there is] no peace. PEACE, PEACE, THEY SAY WHEN THERE IS NO PEACE. WE HAVE NEVER BEEN IN GREATER PERIL THAN WE ARE TODAY. EVERY STRATEGIC NUCLEAR WEAPON EVER BUILT TO BE AIMED AT AMERICA IS STILL IN PLACE AND IN THE HANDS OF A PEOPLE WHO GROW MORE DESPARATE EVERY DAY. PEACE, PEACE THEY SAY WHEN THERE IS NO PEACE BUT HORRENDOUS IMPENDING FIREY JUDGMENT. Jeremiah 8:12 PG 959 - 960 Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore shall they fall among them that fall: in the time of their visitation they shall be cast down, saith the LORD. IS BILL CLINTON ASHAMED OF HIS LIES? IS HILLARY CLINTON ASHAMED OF CONSULTING FAMILIAR SPIRITS OF ELEANOR ROSEVELT? THEY DON'T EVEN BLUSH. DO THE CONGRESSMEN WHO WRITE BAD CHECKS BLUSH? ITS THEIR PRIVILEGE. Jeremiah 9:3-6 PG 961 And they bend their tongues [like] their bow [for] lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the LORD. Take ye heed every one of his neighbour, and trust ye not in any brother: for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbour will walk with slanders. And they will deceive every one his neighbour, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies, [and] weary themselves to commit iniquity. Thine habitation [is] in the midst of deceit; through deceit they refuse to know me, saith the LORD. WHAT A VIVID WORD PICTURE OF AMERICA TODAY. CONTINUING LIES, PROCEEDING FROM EVIL TO EVIL, THEY DON'T KNOW THE LORD. THEY BAN THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE LORD FROM THE CLASSROOMS OF AMERICA. DO YOU TRUST ANY OF YOUR NEIGHBORS IN WASHINGTON D.C.? Jeremiah 9:13-14 PG 962 And the LORD saith, Because they have forsaken my law which I set before them, and have not obeyed my voice, neither walked therein; But have walked after the imagination of their own heart, and after Baalim, which their fathers taught them: THEY HAVE FORSAKEN THE LAW OF THE LORD. THEY HAVE BANNED THE LAW OF THE LORD FROM THEIR CHILDREN. THEY HAVE BOUGHT THE LIE OF LUCIFER. THEY PROFESS THE LIE OF LUCIFER. THEY FOLLOW AFTER LUCIFER AS THEIR GOD. LUCIFER IS THE GOD OF THE NEW AGE MOVEMENT AND THE NEW WORLD ORDER. HE IS THE GOD OF AMERICAN PUBLIC EDUCATION TODAY. Jeremiah 9:23-24 PG 963 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise [man] glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty [man] glory in his might, let not the rich [man] glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I [am] the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these [things] I delight, saith the LORD. IN WHAT DO YOU GLORY? IS IT YOUR KNOWLEDGE? YOUR WISDOM? YOUR STRENGTH? YOUR RICHES? GOD SAYS TO GLORY IN THIS - THAT YOU KNOW AND UNDERSTAND GOD. GOD DELIGHTS IN LOVE, KINDNESS, AND RIGHTEOUSNESS. PRAISE GOD THAT WE CAN STILL READ HIS WORD AND GET TO KNOW HIM AND UNDERSTAND HIM. HOW LONG BEFORE OUR BIBLES WILL BE OUTLAWED? WE MUST GET SERRIOUS ABOUT HIDING HIS WORD IN OUR HEARTS. WE MUST BE SERIOUS ABOUT TRUE RIGHTEOUSNESS THAT COMES FROM KNOWING AND UNDERSTANDING GOD. WE MUST GET RID OF THE GARBAGE OF OUR SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH STINKS TO HIGH HEAVEN. JUL 29 JEREMIAH 10, 11, 12 PG 963 - 968 Jeremiah 10:6-7 PG 963 Forasmuch as [there is] none like unto thee, O LORD; thou [art] great, and thy name [is] great in might. Who would not fear thee, O King of nations? for to thee doth it appertain: forasmuch as among all the wise [men] of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, [there is] none like unto thee. WHO WOULD NOT FEAR GOD? ONLY A CLASSIC FOOL WOULD NOT FEAR GOD. THE FOOL SAYS IN HIS HEART THERE IS NO GOD. FOR SOME IT IS HARD TO UNDERSTAND THE FEAR OF THE LORD WHEN YOU HAVE SEEN JUST A TINY GLIMPSE OF HIS LOVE. FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE ONLY HEALTHY FEAR. GOD IS SO GREAT, SO POWERFUL, SO MAJESTIC THAT IT IS REALLY IMPOSSIBLE NOT TO FEAR HIM. PERHAPS TO THINK OF THE FEAR OF THE LORD AS REVERENCE WOULD BE HELPFUL. FEAR OF GOD IS A MOTIVE OF OBEDIENCE. LOVE OF GOD IS A BETTER MOTIVE. HOWEVER, IF YOU DON'T HAVE ENOUGH LOVE OF GOD TO OVERCOME A BIG TRIAL OR TEMPTATION, FEAR OF THE LORD COULD BE QUITE HELPFUL. Jeremiah 10:8 PG 964 But they are altogether brutish and foolish: the stock [is] a doctrine of vanities. THEY ARE ALL SENSELESS AND FOOLISH WHO DO NOT FEAR THE LORD. ONE WILL EITHER CHOOSE TO FEAR GOD OR HE WILL WASTE AWAY IN VANITY. WE ARE BORN IN VANITY. THE WHOLE CREATION WAS SUBJECTED TO VANITY IN GOD'S HOPE THAT WITH THIS SELF CONSCIOUS VANITY MAN WOULD CHOOSE TO LOVE GOD FROM HIS OWN FREE WILL. Romans 8:20-21 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected [the same] in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. Jeremiah 10:10 PG 964 But the LORD [is] the true God, he [is] the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation. ALL THOSE WHO WORSHIP LUCIFER DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY WILL END UP FACING THE WRATH OF GOD. NOTHING CAN BE MORE FEARFUL THAN TO FACE THE WRATH OF GOD. REFERRING TO INDIRECT WORSHIP OF LUCIFER SPEAKS OF THOSE WHO ARE UNWITTINGLY SUCKED INTO CONTACT WITH SPIRIT GUIDES, ASCENDED MASTERS, FAMILIAR SPIRITS, THE OCCULT, ASTROLOGY, THE NEW AGE MOVEMENT, THE NEW WORLD ORDER, AND VARIOUS OTHER ORDERS WHICH WILL ALL FALL IN LINE UNDER ANTICHRIST. IT IS ALL QUICKLY BOILING DOWN TO FOLLOWING JESUS CHRIST OR ANTICHRIST. Jeremiah 10:15 PG 964 They [are] vanity, [and] the work of errors: in the time of their visitation they shall perish. ALL BELIEFS EXCEPT ORTHODOX CHRISTIANITY AND JUDAISM WILL FALL IN LINE UNDER ANTICHRIST'S REGIME. IT IS ALL VANITY UNDER LUCIFER, THE FATHER OF LIES. WHEN JESUS CHRIST RETURNS THEY SHALL ALL PERISH WHILE THE FAITHFUL BELIEVERS IN JESUS CHRIST ARE BEING RAPTURED TO MEET THE LORD IN THE AIR AS HE PROCEEDS TO DESTROY ALL OTHERS WITH THE BRIGHTNESS OF HIS COMING AND THE POWER OF HIS WORD. Jeremiah 10:23-24 PG 965 O LORD, I know that the way of man [is] not in himself: [it is] not in man that walketh to direct his steps. O LORD, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing. OUR LIFE IS A GIFT FROM GOD. DON'T BLAME YOUR PARENTS FOR BRINGING YOU INTO A CORRUPT WORLD OR A BAD SITUATION. THANK GOD FOR YOUR LIFE. FIND ABUNDANT, POWERFUL, ETERNAL LIFE IN JESUS CHRIST RIGHT HERE AND NOW. JESUS CHRIST IS COMING BACK SOON TO SET THIS WHOLE WORLD THE WAY IT SHOULD BE. DON'T THINK YOUR GOVERNMENT OR ANY WORLD GOVERNMENT CAN DO WHAT ONLY JESUS CHRIST CAN DO. HE IS GOING TO MAKE EVERYTHING RIGHT AND IT MAY BE COMING TO PASS SOONER THAN YOU THINK. THERE MAY BE AS MANY AS 7 YEARS OF GREAT TRIBULATION BUT HANG IN THERE - JESUS, OUR BLESSED HOPE IS COMING SOON. Jeremiah 11:1 PG 965 The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, JEREMIAH IS NOT JUST MAKING IDLE CHATTER. THE LORD IS TELLING HIM EXACTLY WHAT TO SAY. Jeremiah 11:3 PG 965 And say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel; Cursed [be] the man that obeyeth not the words of this covenant, THINK ABOUT THIS. IT IS VERY SERIOUS TO BE CURSED BY GOD. THOSE WHO DO NOT OBEY THE WORDS OF THE COVENANT ARE GOING TO BE CURSED. THE COVENANT IS THE 10 COMMANDMENTS. IN AMERICA THE LAW FORBIDS A COPY OF THE COVENANT TO BE DISPLAYED IN ANY PUBLIC SCHOOL IN THE LAND. COULD WE ALREADY BE IN THE 7 LAST YEARS AND NOT EVEN KNOW IT? Jeremiah 11:14 PG 966 Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up a cry or prayer for them: for I will not hear [them] in the time that they cry unto me for their trouble. DO YOU KNOW A TIME COMES WHEN IT IS TOO LATE TO PRAY? LET US HOPE THAT WE HAVE NEVER COME TO THAT POINT IN GOD'S TIMETABLE AND LONGSUFFERING PATIENCE. Jeremiah 11:20 PG 966 But, O LORD of hosts, that judgest righteously, that triest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I revealed my cause. WE MUST NEVER FORGET THAT VENGEANCE IS THE LORD'S BUSINESS AND NOT OUR BUSINESS. Jeremiah 12:1-3 PG 967 Righteous [art] thou, O LORD, when I plead with thee: yet let me talk with thee of [thy] judgments: Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? [wherefore] are all they happy that deal very treacherously? Thou hast planted them, yea, they have taken root: they grow, yea, they bring forth fruit: thou [art] near in their mouth, and far from their reins. But thou, O LORD, knowest me: thou hast seen me, and tried mine heart toward thee: pull them out like sheep for the slaughter, and prepare them for the day of slaughter. IT IS GOOD TO ASK GOD WHY? WE MUST NOT LET OUR WHY'S BECOME A WHINE. JEREMIAH ASKS WHY DO THE WICKED PROSPER. THE WICKED WILL PROSPER FOR A SHORT TIME. ANTICHRIST WILL BE GIVEN POWER TO WAGE WAR ON THE SAINTS. BUT WHAT IS SEVEN YEARS OF THE PROSPERING OF WICKEDNESS COMPARED TO ETERNITY? IF JUDGMENT BEGINS WITH THE HOUSE OF GOD, HOW SHALL THE WICKED STAND? NONE SHALL BE ABLE TO STAND THE WRATH OF THE LAMB. Jeremiah 12:7 PG 967 I have forsaken mine house, I have left mine heritage; I have given the dearly beloved of my soul into the hand of her enemies. THIS IS GOD TALKING. GOD IS GREATLY GRIEVED WHEN HE IS FORCED TO PUNISH HIS REBELLIOUS CHILDREN. IT HURTS LIKE IT HURTS ANY PARENT TO DISCIPLINE A REBELLIOUS CHILD. GOD'S PERFECT WILL IS TO SHOWER US WITH THE BLESSINGS OF OBEDIENCE. WE FORCE HIM TO GIVE US THE JUDGMENT OF REBELLION AND IT GRIEVES HIM. Jeremiah 12:10-11 PG 967 Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness. They have made it desolate, [and being] desolate it mourneth unto me; the whole land is made desolate, because no man layeth [it] to heart. HOW MANY PASTORS TODAY EXCUSE IF NOT OUTRIGHT ENCOURAGE THEIR PEOPLE TO CONTINUE LIVING IN THEIR SINS. THERE ARE EVEN "CHRISTIAN" PASTORS WHO SEE NOTHING WRONG WITH GLOBAL GOVERNMENT OR THE NEW WORLD ORDER. SOME EVEN THINK THAT GETTING IN TOUCH WITH YOUR SPIRIT GUIDE OR ASCENDED MASTER IS OK. SOME WOULD SAY ABORTION IS A WOMAN'S RIGHT. HELL, FIRE, AND BRIMSTONE PREACHERS ARE FEW AND FAR BETWEEN AND UNPOPULAR TO SAY THE LEAST. THIS LAND CAN BE MADE UTTERLY DESOLATE VERY QUICKLY. JUL 30 JEREMIAH 13, 14, 15 PG 968 - 973 Jeremiah 13:15-16 PG 969 Hear ye, and give ear; be not proud: for the LORD hath spoken. Give glory to the LORD your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and, while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, [and] make [it] gross darkness. WHAT IS IT THAT PREVENTS US HEARING GOD? IT IS VANITY AND OUR PRIDE? WE CANNOT HELP HAVING VANITY AND PRIDE. WE ARE BORN WITH THIS AFFLICTION. BUT IT IS ONLY BY HEARING GOD THAT WE CAN BREAK FREE OF OUR VANITY AND PRIDE. WE RECEIVE RIGHTEOUSNESS AS A GIFT OF GOD BY FAITH. HOW DO YOU GET FAITH? Romans 10:17 So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. FAITH COMES BY HEARING, AND HEARING BY THE WORD OF GOD. THIS IS NOT A CATCH 22 SITUATION. IT IS THE FUNDAMENTAL CHOICE WHICH EVERY HUMAN BEING WILL MAKE. WILL WE CHOOSE TO HUMBLE OURSELF AND LISTEN TO GOD OR WILL WE PERSIST IN OUR VANITY AND DIE IN OURS SINS. GIVE GLORY TO GOD BEFORE THE DARKNESS OF DEATH OVERTAKES YOU. YOU DON'T KNOW THE DAY OR THE HOUR WHEN DEATH WILL OVERTAKE YOU. WILL YOU LET THE TRUE GOD BE GOD OR WILL YOU PERSIST IN THE FUTILE VAIN ATTEMPT TO BE YOUR OWN GOD? Jeremiah 13:23 PG 970 Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? [then] may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil. CAN THE LEOPARD CHANGE HIS SPOTS? OF COURSE HE CAN NOT. IT IS THE SAME WITH MAN AND HIS VANITY. IT IS JUST AS IMPOSSIBLE FOR A MAN TO OVERCOME HIS VANITY. HE CAN PUT ON A GOOD SHOW BUT GOD KNOWS THE VANITY CONDITION OF THE HEART. THE MORE A MAN TRIES TO DO ENOUGH GOOD WORKS TO COVER HIS SINS THE MORE THE VANITY GROWS IN HIS HEART. IT WILL GROW INTO SELF RIGHTEOUSNESS AND HYPOCRISY WHICH STINKS TO HIGH HEAVEN. WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS????? Romans 7:24-8:2 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. [There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. YOU SEE THE LEOPARD CANNOT CHANGE HIS SPOTS. BUT GOD CAN CHANGE THE LEOPARD'S SPOTS FOR HIM. WE CANNOT COVER OR MAKE UP TO GOD FOR ANY OF OUR SINS. BUT GOD CAN COVER OUR SINS FOR US. Jeremiah 14:7 PG 971 O LORD, though our iniquities testify against us, do thou [it] for thy name's sake: for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against thee. THIS IS POWERFUL PRAYER. DO IT FOR YOUR NAME'S SAKE. GOD IDENTIFIED HIMSELF TO THE WORLD AS THE GOD OF ISRAEL. JEREMIAH ASKS GOD TO SAVE ISRAEL FOR THE SAKE OF GOD'S NAME, THE GOD OF ISRAEL. Jeremiah 14:11-12 PG 971 Then said the LORD unto me, Pray not for this people for [their] good. When they fast, I will not hear their cry; and when they offer burnt offering and an oblation, I will not accept them: but I will consume them by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence. GOD TELLS JEREMIAH THAT IT IS TOO LATE. THIS NATION IS SO BAD. THEY HAVE BEEN SO BAD FOR SO LONG GOD, THE HOLY GOD, CANNOT STAND ANY LONGER TO BE IDENTIFIED WITH THEM. WHAT ABOUT AMERICA - THAT OTHER NATION FOUNDED FOR THE GLORY OF GOD WHOSE MONEY EVEN SAYS "IN GOD WE TRUST"? IS IT TOO LATE? WHICH gOD IS THE GOD OF AMERICA? IS IT THE ONE WHOSE COVENANT HAS BEEN BANNED FROM ALL PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF THE LAND? THE GODLY CULTURE PECULIAR TO AMERICA'S FOUNDING FATHERS IS SYSTEMATICALLY BEING DESTROYED. IS IT TOO LATE FOR AMERICA? CHRISTIAN, WHAT WILL YOU DO ABOUT IT? Jeremiah 14:13-14 PG 971 Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, the prophets say unto them, Ye shall not see the sword, neither shall ye have famine; but I will give you assured peace in this place. Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart. PEACE, PEACE THEY SAY. THE SOVIET UNION IS NO LONGER A THREAT, THEY SAY. THE PROPHETS PROPHESY LIES. ARE THE PEOPLE WHO ARE TELLING US THESE THINGS GETTING THEIR INFORMATION FROM THE TRUE GOD? Ephesians 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: THE TRUTH IS THAT THEIR INFORMATION COMES FROM THE PRINCE OF THE POWER OF THE AIR, LUCIFER. OUR MEDIA PROPHETS ARE TELLING US THINGS OUT OF THE DECEIT OF THEIR HEART. THEIR INFORMATION COMES FROM LUCIFER AND HIS ANTICHRIST - THE GODS OF THE NEW AGE. Jeremiah 14:22 PG 972 Are there [any] among the vanities of the Gentiles that can cause rain? or can the heavens give showers? [art] not thou he, O LORD our God? therefore we will wait upon thee: for thou hast made all these [things]. DO ANY OF THE gODS OF THE NEW AGE HAVE POWER LIKE THE LORD? Jeremiah 15:1 PG 973 Then said the LORD unto me, Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, [yet] my mind [could] not [be] toward this people: cast [them] out of my sight, and let them go forth. MOSES WAS ABLE TO STOP GOD'S TOTAL DESTRUCTION OF ALL ISRAEL EXODUS 32:9-14. ISRAEL HAD BECOME SUCH A STINKING EVIL THAT THERE WAS NO WAY THE HOLY GOD COULD PREVENT THEIR DESTRUCTION. JUL 31 JEREMIAH 15, 16, 17 PG 973 - 978 Jeremiah 15:16 PG 974 Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts. ARE YOU DELIGHTED TO READ GOD'S WORD EVERY DAY? HAVE I NEGLECTED TO READ THE WORD OF GOD? WHEN YOU LOVE GOD YOU LOVE TO READ HIS WORD. IT IS A DELIGHT TO FEED YOUR SPIRIT AND IT WILL MAKE YOUR HEART REJOICE. THE CHRISTIAN WHO EXPECTS TO BE FED BY HIS PASTOR IS A BABY CHRISTIAN. SOME CHRISTIANS DIE AS BABIES. THEY NEVER GROW ENOUGH TO FEED THEMSELVES SO THAT THEY MAY GROW STRONG ENOUGH TO EVEN PARTICIPATE IN THE SPIRITUAL WARFARE. IN THE LAST DAYS THE SPIRITUAL WARFARE BECOMES TOTAL WAR. BABIES ARE NOT CAPABLE OF FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT. WE ALL NEED TO GROW AND GROW QUICKLY. YOUR SPIRITUAL GROWTH IS NOT YOUR PASTOR'S JOB. IT IS YOUR JOB. Jeremiah 15:19-21 PG 974 Therefore thus saith the LORD, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, [and] thou shalt stand before me: and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth: let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them. And I will make thee unto this people a fenced brasen wall: and they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee: for I [am] with thee to save thee and to deliver thee, saith the LORD. And I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem thee out of the hand of the terrible. JEREMIAH HAS BEEN HAVING A PITY PARTY BEFORE THE LORD. HIS PEOPLE WILL NOT LISTEN TO HIM GIVE THEM GOD'S WARNINGS. GOD SAYS GRIT UP YOUR GUT. DON'T EVEN TRY TO REACH OUT TO YOUR PEOPLE ANY MORE. MAKE THEM COME TO YOU IF THEY WANT ANY MORE TRUTH. THERE COMES A TIME NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU MAY LOVE SOMEONE, THAT YOU MUST LET THEM GO AND EXPERIENCE THE PAINS THAT THEIR REBELLION WILL BRING THEM. GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF HIS PEOPLE JUST AS HE PROMISED AND DID TAKE CARE OF JEREMIAH DURING THE PERIOD OF JUDAH'S JUDGMENT. Jeremiah 16:19-21 PG 976 O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and [things] wherein [there is] no profit. Shall a man make gods unto himself, and they [are] no gods? Therefore, behold, I will this once cause them to know, I will cause them to know mine hand and my might; and they shall know that my name [is] The LORD. IS GOD YOUR STRENGTH AND FORTRESS FOR THE DAYS OF AFFLICTION WHICH ARE COMING? THIS NEW AGE MOVEMENT AND NEW WORLD ORDER OF ANTICHRIST COMING UPON THE WORLD IS BEING BROUGHT IN THROUGH LIES AND VANITY. PEOPLE ARE IGNORANT OF GOD'S WORD AND THEREFORE WILL BE SUCKED INTO THIS COMING SYSTEM OF DESTRUCTION. Jeremiah 17:5 PG 977 Thus saith the LORD; Cursed [be] the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD. IN THIS DAY AND AGE EVERYONE KNOWS A MAN WHO COULD NOT TRUST HIS WIFE OR A WIFE WHO COULD NOT TRUST HER HUSBAND. CHILDREN IN THESE SITUATIONS CAN NOT TRUST THEIR PARENTS. WERE CAN YOU TRUST WITHOUT DISAPPOINTMENT - ONLY IN THE LORD. SET YOUR HEART TOWARD THE LORD. Jeremiah 17:9-10 PG 977 The heart [is] deceitful above all [things], and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, [I] try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, [and] according to the fruit of his doings. HERE IS THE WHOLE STORY IN A NUTSHELL. THE HEART IS DECEITFUL ABOVE ALL THINGS AND DESPERATELY WICKED. WHO CAN KNOW IT? WE CAN'T EVEN KNOW THE DESPERATE WICKEDNESS OF OUR OWN HEARTS WITHOUT GOD'S HELP. OUR HEARTS ARE SO DECEITFUL WE DON'T WANT TO HEAR THIS TRUTH. THE WORLD WILL TELL YOU THAT YOU NEED A BETTER SELF IMAGE. IT IS A LIE. WE ALL NEED GOD TO HELP US SEE THE DESPERATE WICKEDNESS OF OUR TRUE CONDITION. IT IS ONLY THEN THAT WE CAN ALLOW GOD TO HELP US WITH THIS PROBLEM. IT IS A PROBLEM THAT IS OVERWHELMING FOR EVERYONE. ONLY GOD CAN HELP WITH THIS MOST OVERWHELMING OF ALL PROBLEMS. Jeremiah 17:11 PG 977 [As] the partridge sitteth [on eggs], and hatcheth [them] not; [so] he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool. DON'T EVEN CONSIDER UNRIGHTEOUS MEANS OF GAINING RICHES. IT WILL DO YOU NO GOOD. IT WILL TURN YOU AWAY FROM GOD AND CAUSE YOU TO DIE A FOOL. Jeremiah 17:13-14 PG 977 -978 O LORD, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, [and] they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living waters. Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou [art] my praise. HEAL ME, O LORD, AND I SHALL BE HEALED OF MY DESPERATELY WICKED HEART. THE LORD CAN SAVE US. IN NO WAY ARE WE CAPABLE OF SAVING OURSELF. PRAISE THE LORD. AUG 1 JEREMIAH 18, 19, 20 PG 978 - 983 Jeremiah 17:22-23 PG 982 Neither carry forth a burden out of your houses on the sabbath day, neither do ye any work, but hallow ye the sabbath day, as I commanded your fathers. But they obeyed not, neither inclined their ear, but made their neck stiff, that they might not hear, nor receive instruction. MAN NEEDS A DAY OF REST. A STORY WAS TOLD ABOUT THE WAGON TRAINS HEADING WEST ABOUT 150 YEARS AGO. SOME IN THE TRAIN WERE GOING TO REST ON THE SABBATH. THE TRAIN LEFT THEM BEHIND. BEFORE THE TRAIN HAD REACHED THEIR DESTINATION THE GROUP WHO HAD RESTED THAT ONE DAY IN SEVEN HAD LONG PASSED THEM. THE LIVESTOCK WHICH THOSE WHO HAD RESTED WERE IN GOOD CONDITION BRINGING TOP DOLLAR. WHILE THOSE WHO DROVE THEIR STOCK EVERY DAY WERE IN SUCH POOR CONDITION THAT SOME COULD NOT BE SOLD. JESUS EXPLAINED IT. THE SABBATH WAS MADE FOR MAN AND NOT MAN FOR THE SABBATH. WE MUST HAVE REST AND THAT REST OFTEN CAN ONLY BE FOUND AS WE WORSHIP GOD. OUR SOULS NEED REST AND REFRESHMENT. Jeremiah 18:5-6 PG 979 Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay [is] in the potter's hand, so [are] ye in mine hand, O house of Israel. GOD AS CREATOR HAS THE RIGHT TO DO WITH ALL OF HIS CREATION JUST AS HE CHOOSES. Jeremiah 18:8-10 PG 979 If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them. And [at what] instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant [it]; If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them. GOD RESPONDS TO THE FREE WILL CHOICES WE MAKE. THERE IS LITTLE DOUBT THAT AMERICA HAS BEEN BLESSED GREATLY BY GOD. NO OTHER NATION HAS BEEN SO BLESSED. THE FOUNDERS OF THIS NATION SOUGHT TO FOUND THE NATION FOR GOD'S GLORY. THIS NATION HAS TURNED ITS BACK ON THE TRUE GOD AND SEEKS THE gODS OF LUCIFER AND ANTICHRIST. WITHOUT REPENTANCE WE MAY BE SURE OF JUDGMENT ON THIS GREAT LAND SO BLESSED BY GOD. Jeremiah 18:12 PG 982 And they said, There is no hope: but we will walk after our own devices, and we will every one do the imagination of his evil heart. WE ALL HAVE EVIL HEARTS. ONLY GOD CAN FIX THEM. WHEN EVERYONE KEEPS DOING THEIR OWN THING - THERE IS NO HOPE. Jeremiah 20:7 PG 982 O LORD, thou hast deceived me, and I was deceived: thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed: I am in derision daily, every one mocketh me. EVEN GOD'S ANOINTED PROPHETS GET DEPRESSED. IT IS SO EASY TO WALLOW IN SELF PITY. THAT WILL NOT HELP ANYTHING. WHAT IS THE BEST WAY OUT OF DEPRESSION AND SELF PITY FOR YOU? Jeremiah 20:9 PG 982 Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But [his word] was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not [stay]. JEREMIAH SAYS IN THE MIDDLE OF HIS FEELINGS OF SELF PITY AND BETRAYAL THAT HE WILL NOT SPEAK ANY MORE OF GOD'S WORDS. BUT THERE WAS NO WAY THAT HE COULD DO SUCH A THING. THE WORD OF GOD BURNED WITHIN HIM. THERE WAS NO WAY HE COULD HOLD IT IN. I CAN REALLY RELATE TO THE WAY JEREMIAH FEELS. NOBODY WANTS TO HEAR. BUT IT BURNS WITHIN YOU TO THE POINT THAT YOU MUST LET IT OUT. Jeremiah 20:11 & 13 PG 982 -983 But the LORD [is] with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: [their] everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten. Sing unto the LORD, praise ye the LORD: for he hath delivered the soul of the poor from the hand of evildoers. JEREMIAH KNOWS THE WAY OUT OF THE PITS OF DEPRESSION AND SELF PITY. HE THINKS ABOUT HIS WONDERFUL MIGHTY GOD. HIS WAY OUT IS OUR WAY OUT. PRAISE GOD! PRAISE GOD! PRAISE GOD! IF YOU FEEL TOO BADLY TO PRAISE HIM ON YOUR OWN READ THE PSALMS. HERE ARE SOME GOOD ONES THAT I HAVE HAD TO RELY ON HEAVILY - PS 103, PS 34, PS 46, PS 23, PS 1, PS 3, PS 8, PS 91, PS 4, PS 33, PS 42. PRAISE GOD! TRY TO PUT A FAVORITE PSALM TO MEMORY. LEARN TO SING PRAISE SONGS IN YOUR MIND. IT IS THE WAY OUT OF THE PITS NO MATTER HOW DEEP THOSE PITS MAY BE. AUG 2 2 KINGS 22, 23 2 CHRON 34, 35 PG 983 - 987 II Chronicles 34:10 PG 983 And they put [it] in the hand of the workmen that had the oversight of the house of the LORD, and they gave it to the workmen that wrought in the house of the LORD, to repair and amend the house: JOSIAH WAS PERHAPS THE MOST GODLY KING THAT THE JEWS EVER HAD. HIS FATHER AMON AND HIS GRANDFATHER MANASSEH WERE TWO OF THE MOST WICKED OF JUDAH'S KINGS. DR. SMITH'S COMMENTS ARE VERY GOOD. JEREMIAH'S WEEPING, HELL, FIRE, AND BRIMSTONE PREACHING MUST HAVE BEEN MUCH MORE EFFECTIVE THAN JEREMIAH REALIZED. IT IS NEVER IN VAIN THAT WORD OF GOD IS BROUGHT FORTH. II Chronicles 34:15 PG 984 And Hilkiah answered and said to Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD. And Hilkiah delivered the book to Shaphan. THE BOOK OF THE LAW AND THE COVENANT HAD BEEN COLLECTING DUST IN THE TEMPLE FOR GENERATIONS. THE KINGS OF THE JEWS WERE REQUIRED NOT ONLY TO READ FROM THIS LAW EVERY DAY BUT ALSO TO WRITE IN THEIR OWN HAND THE BOOKS OF GENESIS, EXODUS, LEVITICUS, NUMBERS, AND DEUTERONOMY. JOSIAH WAS PERHAPS THE ONLY ONE OF THE KINGS BESIDES DAVID WHO EVER DID WHAT THEY WERE REQUIRED TO DO REGARDING THIS LAW. II Chronicles 34:18-19 & 21 PG 984 Then Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath given me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king. And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the law, that he rent his clothes. Go, inquire of the LORD for me, and for them that are left in Israel and in Judah, concerning the words of the book that is found: for great [is] the wrath of the LORD that is poured out upon us, because our fathers have not kept the word of the LORD, to do after all that is written in this book. JOSIAH DID EXACTLY THE RIGHT THING HE TORE HIS CLOTHES. HE MOURNED IN REPENTANCE AND SOUGHT GOD'S DIRECTIONS. II Chronicles 34:23-28 PG 984 And she answered them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Tell ye the man that sent you to me, Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, [even] all the curses that are written in the book which they have read before the king of Judah: Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be poured out upon this place, and shall not be quenched. And as for the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the LORD, so shall ye say unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel [concerning] the words which thou hast heard; Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard [thee] also, saith the LORD. Behold, I will gather thee to thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered to thy grave in peace, neither shall thine eyes see all the evil that I will bring upon this place, and upon the inhabitants of the same. So they brought the king word again. HULDAH THE PROPHETESS GIVES THE BAD NEWS AND THE GOOD NEWS FROM GOD TO THE KING. BECAUSE THE PEOPLE HAVE BROKEN EVERY PART OF THE COVENANT GOD WAS GOING TO JUDGE THE PEOPLE. SINCE JOSIAH WAS HUMBLING HIMSELF BEFORE THE LORD GOD PROMISED NOT TO BRING THIS JUDGMENT OF DESTRUCTION ON THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE WITHIN THE LIFE OF JOSIAH. II Chronicles 34:30-31 PG 984 -985 And the king went up into the house of the LORD, and all the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the priests, and the Levites, and all the people, great and small: and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant that was found in the house of the LORD. And the king stood in his place, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments, and his testimonies, and his statutes, with all his heart, and with all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant which are written in this book. THE KING IMMEDIATELY CALLED ALL THE PEOPLE TOGETHER TO LET THEM KNOW WHAT WAS IN STORE FOR THEM AND WHAT GOD HAD EXPECTED OF THEM. THE KING MADE A COVENANT WITH ALL HIS HEART TO FOLLOW WHAT WAS WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF THE LAW OF GOD. II Chronicles 34:33 PG 985 And Josiah took away all the abominations out of all the countries that [pertained] to the children of Israel, and made all that were present in Israel to serve, [even] to serve the LORD their God. [And] all his days they departed not from following the LORD, the God of their fathers. JOSIAH MEANT WHAT HE SAID. HE CLEANED HOUSE. HE WASTED NO TIME, EFFORT OR EXPENSE TO GET ALL OF HIS COUNTRY TO GET THEIR ACT CLEANED UP. WE NEED TO PRAY FOR THIS KIND OF GODLY LEADERSHIP. HE DID EVERYTHING A KING COULD POSSIBLY DO TO TURN HIS COUNTRY IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. II Chronicles 35:7 PG 986 And Josiah gave to the people, of the flock, lambs and kids, all for the passover offerings, for all that were present, to the number of thirty thousand, and three thousand bullocks: these [were] of the king's substance. GOOD KING JOSIAH GAVE 30,000 PASSOVER LAMBS FROM HIS OWN FLOCKS SO THAT THE POOR PEOPLE OF JUDAH COULD PROPERLY CELEBRATE THE PASSOVER. II Chronicles 35:18 PG 987 And there was no passover like to that kept in Israel from the days of Samuel the prophet; neither did all the kings of Israel keep such a passover as Josiah kept, and the priests, and the Levites, and all Judah and Israel that were present, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. NOT SINCE KING DAVID HAD THE NATION OF JUDAH BEEN SO FAITHFUL IN ITS OBEDIENCE. JEREMIAH'S HARD PREACHING HAS HAD A GOOD EFFECT. HOWEVER, DR. SMITH POINTS OUT, THAT THREE CENTURIES OF SINNING HAVE SET IN MOTION CERTAIN CONSEQUENCES THAT THIS NATIONAL RENEWAL AND REPENTANCE CANNOT STOP. AUG 3 2 KINGS 23 JEREMIAH 22, 26 PG 987 - 991 II Chronicles 35:21-22 PG 988 But he sent ambassadors to him, saying, What have I to do with thee, thou king of Judah? [I come] not against thee this day, but against the house wherewith I have war: for God commanded me to make haste: forbear thee from [meddling with] God, who [is] with me, that he destroy thee not. Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and hearkened not unto the words of Necho from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo. HERE IS A CURIOUS THING. GOD SENT PHARAOH NECHO TO ATTACK BABYLON. WHY WAS JOSIAH COMPELLED TO GO FIGHT AGAINST HIM? JOSIAH COULD NOT ACCEPT THAT GOD COULD BE USING PHARAOH NECHO HIS INSTRUMENT. WHAT SHOULD JOSIAH HAVE DONE? PERHAPS THIS CAN BE A LESSON TO US THAT GOD WILL CHOOSE HIS OWN INSTRUMENTS TO ACCOMPLISH HIS OWN PURPOSES. WE NEED TO WATCH OUT FOR BEING PREJUDICED AGAINST ANYONE WHOM THE LORD MAY BE USING. NOWHERE DOES IT SAY THAT JOSIAH SOUGHT COUNCIL FROM THE PRIESTS OR PROPHETS BEFORE GOING TO BATTLE WITH PHARAOH NECO. II Chronicles 35:25 PG 988 And Jeremiah lamented for Josiah: and all the singing men and the singing women spake of Josiah in their lamentations to this day, and made them an ordinance in Israel: and, behold, they [are] written in the lamentations. THE LAMENTATIONS REFERRED TO HERE ARE NOT THE LAMENTATIONS WHICH WE HAVE IN SCRIPTURE. THEY WERE WRITTEN ABOUT 35 YEARS PRIOR TO THE LAMENTATIONS WHICH ARE IN THE BIBLE. II Kings 23:34 PG 988 And Pharaoh-nechoh made Eliakim the son of Josiah king in the room of Josiah his father, and turned his name to Jehoiakim, and took Jehoahaz away: and he came to Egypt, and died there. PHARAOH TAKES JEHOAHAZ, THE SON OF JOSIAH THAT THE PEOPLE HAD ANOINTED KING, TO EGYPT AND EXECUTES HIM. PHARAOH NECHO SETS HIS HALF-BROTHER ELIAKIM OR JEHOIAKIM ON THE THRONE OF JUDAH. BOTH OF THESE SONS OF JOSIAH WERE EVIL. THE SPIRITUAL RENEWAL WHICH JOSIAH HAD STARTED IN JUDAH WAS SHORT LIVED. THERE WAS A PERIOD OF 13 YEARS BETWEEN WHEN THE LAW WAS FOUND AND READ TO JOSIAH AND WHEN HE DIED. SINCE THERE HAD BEEN 300 YEARS OF BACKSLIDING AND ONLY 13 YEARS OF REVIVAL FOLLOWED BY EVIL KINGS IT WAS NO WONDER THAT JUDAH WAS GOING TO BE JUDGED AND GO INTO CAPTIVITY. Jeremiah 22:13 PG 989 Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong; [that] useth his neighbour's service without wages, and giveth him not for his work; THE WORKMAN IS WORTHY OF HIS HIRE. DON'T EVER CONSIDER CHEATING ANY LABORER OUT OF HIS JUST WAGES. UNRIGHTEOUS GAIN WILL NEVER GIVE YOU ANY SATISFACTION. Jeremiah 22:16 PG 989 He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then [it was] well [with him: was] not this to know me? saith the LORD. JEREMIAH PRAISES JOSIAH FOR HIS GOOD WORKS. THERE IS A VERY IMPORTANT PRINCIPLE HERE. DO YOU WANT TO KNOW GOD? DO YOU KNOW THERE IS A WAY IN WHICH WE CAN TRULY TOUCH GOD'S HEART AND PROVE OUR LOVE FOR HIM? IN FACT, GOD SAYS THIS IS WHAT IT MEANS TO KNOW HIM. TO HELP THE POOR. TO GIVE TO THOSE IN NEED PROVES YOUR LOVE FOR GOD. IT IS THE MOST CERTAIN PATH TO RECEIVE THE BLESSINGS OF GOD. Jeremiah 26:2-3 PG 989 Thus saith the LORD; Stand in the court of the LORD'S house, and speak unto all the cities of Judah, which come to worship in the LORD'S house, all the words that I command thee to speak unto them; diminish not a word: If so be they will hearken, and turn every man from his evil way, that I may repent me of the evil, which I purpose to do unto them because of the evil of their doings. JEREMIAH DID NOT TICKLE THE PEOPLE'S EARS WITH HIS PREACHING. IF THE PEOPLE WOULD HEAR JEREMIAH'S HARD PREACHING AND TAKE IT TO HEART THEY COULD REPENT AND GOD'S JUDGMENT OF JUDAH COULD BE AVOIDED. GOD RESPONDS TO OUR FREE WILL CHOICES. HE WANTS TO BLESS US. WE FORCE HIM TO BRING JUDGMENT ON US BY CHOOSING EVIL. Jeremiah 26:7-8 PG 990 So the priests and the prophets and all the people heard Jeremiah speaking these words in the house of the LORD. Now it came to pass, when Jeremiah had made an end of speaking all that the LORD had commanded [him] to speak unto all the people, that the priests and the prophets and all the people took him, saying, Thou shalt surely die. IT IS THE SAME WAY TODAY. IF A PREACHER PREACHES RIGHTEOUSNESS AND JUDGMENT HE WILL BE VOTED OUT OF THE CHURCH EVEN BEFORE THE NEXT ANNUAL MEETING. IN FACT THIS IS ONE OF THE END TIME SIGNS THAT SURELY HAS COME TO PASS THAT THEY WOULD HEAP TO THEMSELVES TEACHERS TO SCRATCH AND TICKLE THEIR EARS. THESE PEOPLE WERE NOT GOING TO JUST TELL JEREMIAH TO GO SOMEPLACE ELSE. THEY ARE GOING TO KILL HIM. Jeremiah 26:12-16 PG 990 Then spake Jeremiah unto all the princes and to all the people, saying, The LORD sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city all the words that ye have heard. Therefore now amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of the LORD your God; and the LORD will repent him of the evil that he hath pronounced against you. As for me, behold, I [am] in your hand: do with me as seemeth good and meet unto you. But know ye for certain, that if ye put me to death, ye shall surely bring innocent blood upon yourselves, and upon this city, and upon the inhabitants thereof: for of a truth the LORD hath sent me unto you to speak all these words in your ears. Then said the princes and all the people unto the priests and to the prophets; This man [is] not worthy to die: for he hath spoken to us in the name of the LORD our God. WHAT COURAGE AND BOLDNESS IS AVAILABLE TO THOSE WHO WOULD BE IN TOTAL OBEDIENCE TO GOD. JEREMIAH SAYS - THE LORD TOLD ME TO SPEAK ALL THESE WORDS. IF YOU REPENT YOU WILL NOT HAVE TO RECEIVE GOD'S JUDGMENT. YOU HAVE ME IN YOUR HANDS. IF YOU WANT TO KILL ME, GO AHEAD. JUST KNOW THIS, YOU WILL BE SHEDDING THE INNOCENT BLOOD OF SOMEONE WHO IS DOING JUST WHAT THE LORD TOLD HIM TO DO. Jeremiah 26:20 & 23 PG 990 - 991 And there was also a man that prophesied in the name of the LORD, Urijah the son of Shemaiah of Kirjath-jearim, who prophesied against this city and against this land according to all the words of Jeremiah: And they fetched forth Urijah out of Egypt, and brought him unto Jehoiakim the king; who slew him with the sword, and cast his dead body into the graves of the common people. URIJAH PROPHESIED THE SAME MESSAGE THAT JEREMIAH GAVE. HE HAD TO FLEE TO EGYPT. KING JEHOIAKIM HAD HIM BROUGHT BACK AND KILLED URIJAH HIMSELF. AUG 4 JEREMIAH 46 PG 991 - 994 Jeremiah 46:27 PG 993 But fear not thou, O my servant Jacob, and be not dismayed, O Israel: for, behold, I will save thee from afar off, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and be in rest and at ease, and none shall make [him] afraid. GOD TELLS HIS PEOPLE THAT HE WILL NOT FORGET THEM EVEN THOUGH THEY HAVE FORCED HIM TO GIVE THEM THE JUDGMENT OF CAPTIVITY. HE WILL MIRACULOUSLY BRING THEM BACK FROM CAPTIVITY TO THEIR HOMELAND. Jeremiah 46:28 PG 993 Fear thou not, O Jacob my servant, saith the LORD: for I [am] with thee; for I will make a full end of all the nations whither I have driven thee: but I will not make a full end of thee, but correct thee in measure; yet will I not leave thee wholly unpunished. THIS COULD BE AN EXCEEDINGLY SERIOUS MESSAGE FOR AMERICA AND THE OTHER NATIONS OF THE WORLD. GOD IS NOT GOING TO MAKE A FULL END OF ISRAEL. GOD'S JUDGMENT WILL BE GIVEN TO ISRAEL IN MEASURE. GOD IS GOING TO JUDGE ISRAEL BUT NOT IN WRATH. GOD WILL CONTROL THE JUDGMENT OF ISRAEL. ALL NATIONS WHERE THE JEWS HAVE BEEN DISPERSED GOD WILL MAKE A FULL END. FULL END - TOTAL DESTRUCTION. THIS IS NOT DISCIPLINE OR CONTROLLED JUDGMENT. THIS VERSE SPEAKS OF THE WRATH OF GOD BEING POURED OUT ON ALL NATIONS WHERE THE JEWS HAVE BEEN DISPERSED. WHAT ABOUT AMERICA? AMERICA HAS MORE JEWS THAN ANY NATION ON EARTH INCLUDING ISRAEL. WE MUST THINK SERIOUSLY ABOUT THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS VERSE AND THE FACT THAT ISRAEL IS BEING REGATHERED TO DWELL WITHOUT FEAR UNDER THE LORD'S PROTECTION. AUG 5 HABAKKUK PG 994 - 999 Habakkuk 1:1-3 PG 995 The burden which Habakkuk the prophet did see. O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! [even] cry out unto thee [of] violence, and thou wilt not save! Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause [me] to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence [are] before me: and there are [that] raise up strife and contention. HABAKKUK ASKS SOME HARD QUESTIONS THAT WE HAVE PROBABLY ALL WONDERED ABOUT. HOW LONG SHALL I CRY? DOES GOD SEEM DISTANT? DOES HE SOMETIMES SEEM NOT TO HEAR OUR PRAYERS? WHY DO WE SEE SUCH AN INCREASE OF WICKEDNESS AND VIOLENCE? WHY DO WE SEE STRIFE AND CONTENTION EVEN IN THE CHURCH AND IN OUR FAMILY? THESE ARE GOOD TOUGH QUESTIONS THAT GOD WANTS US TO ASK. HAVE YOU FOUND THE ANSWERS TO ANY OF THESE QUESTIONS? HABAKKUK COMES TO THE RIGHT CONCLUSION. PAY VERY CLOSE ATTENTION AND EVEN TRY TO MEMORIZE THE CONCLUSION OF HABAKKUK'S LITTLE BOOK. Habakkuk 1:5-6 PG 995 Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for [I] will work a work in your days, [which] ye will not believe, though it be told [you]. For, lo, I raise up the Chaldeans, [that] bitter and hasty nation, which shall march through the breadth of the land, to possess the dwellingplaces [that are] not theirs. EVEN IF GOD TOLD THE PEOPLE THAT IT WAS HIS HAND LIFTING UP THE BABYLONIANS NO ONE WOULD BELIEVE IT. THESE PEOPLE WERE RUTHLESS AND THE BADDEST OF THE BAD. EVERYONE WOULD THINK GOD COULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH SUCH AN EVIL BUNCH OF PEOPLE. BUT IT WAS GOD'S CHOICE TO USE THESE WICKED BABYLONIANS AS HIS INSTRUMENT OF JUDGMENT. IF GOD WERE SET AGAINST THE POWERFUL BABYLONIANS THEY COULD NOT STAND. THE HEATHEN COULD NOT BELIEVE THIS TRUTH. Habakkuk 1:13 PG 996 [Thou art] of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity: wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, [and] holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth [the man that is] more righteous than he? HERE IS ANOTHER OF HABAKKUK'S HARD QUESTIONS. WHY DO THE WICKED SEEM TO TRIUMPH OVER THE RIGHTEOUS? HAVE YOU REACHED ANY CONCLUSIONS TO THIS QUESTION? HABAKKUK COMES TO THE RIGHT CONCLUSION. WE NEED TO KNOW IT. PAY ATTENTION TO HABAKKUK'S CONCLUSION. Habakkuk 2:1-4 PG 996 I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved. And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make [it] plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision [is] yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Behold, his soul [which] is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith. HABAKKUK HAS POURED THE QUESTIONS OF HIS SOUL TO THE LORD. HE SAYS HE IS GOING TO WAIT FOR GOD TO ANSWER HIM. HE EXPECTS TO BE REPROVED FOR HIS DARING QUESTIONS. BUT GOD WILL ALWAYS WELCOME OUR HONEST QUESTIONS. WE JUST MUST BE CAREFUL NOT TO LET OUR WHY'S BECOME A WHINE. HABAKKUK HAS ASKED GOD SOME VERY TOUGH QUESTIONS. GOD ANSWERS HABAKKUK WITH A VISION. GOD SAYS YOU JUST WAIT. GOD IS INDEED ALWAYS IN CONTROL. NOW GET HOLD OF THIS PROFOUND ANSWER - THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH. DO YOU GET IT? THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH. THIS IS NOT THE FULL CONCLUSION, BUT THIS IS WHERE WE MUST ALL START TO EVER FIND THE ANSWERS. THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH. Habakkuk 2:12-16 PG 997 Woe to him that buildeth a town with blood, and stablisheth a city by iniquity! Behold, [is it] not of the LORD of hosts that the people shall labour in the very fire, and the people shall weary themselves for very vanity? For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. Woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle to [him], and makest [him] drunken also, that thou mayest look on their nakedness! Thou art filled with shame for glory: drink thou also, and let thy foreskin be uncovered: the cup of the LORD'S right hand shall be turned unto thee, and shameful spewing [shall be] on thy glory. GOD LETS HABAKKUK KNOW THAT GOD IS MORE KEENLY AWARE OF AND GRIEVED BY EVIL THAN WE COULD EVER BE. GOD'S KINDNESS IS MEANT TO LEAD US TO REPENTANCE. GOD WILL NOT ALLOW EVIL TO CONTINUE WITHOUT GOD HIMSELF BRINGING AN END TO EVIL. SOME DAY THE WHOLE EARTH WILL BE FILLED WITH THE KNOWLEDGE AND GLORY OF GOD. THE SMART PEOPLE WILL SEEK GOD'S KNOWLEDGE AND GLORY NOW EVEN WHILE THE UNGODLY APPEAR TO PROSPER. Habakkuk 2:20 PG 998 But the LORD [is] in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him. HABAKKUK IS GETTING IT FIGURED OUT. THE LORD IS IN HIS HOLY TEMPLE. THE LORD IS GOD. THE LORD IS IN CONTROL. IT DOESN'T MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE HOW OUT OF CONTROL YOU SEE THE WORLD TO BE. GOD IS GOD. GOD IS IN CONTROL. LET ALL THE EARTH KEEP SILENCE BEFORE HIM. GOD WILL SOME DAY SHUT EVERY VAIN AND PROUD MOUTH. GET READY FOR HABAKKUK'S CONCLUSION. MAKE IT YOUR CONCLUSION AND YOU WILL FIND PEACE FOR YOUR SOUL. Habakkuk 3:17-18 PG 999 HABAKKUK'S CONCLUSION Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither [shall] fruit [be] in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and [there shall be] no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. IF THE FIG TREE DOESN'T BLOSSOM, IF THERE IS NO FRUIT IN THE VINES, IF THE OLIVE TREE FAILS, IF ALL CROPS OF THE FIELD FAIL, IF ALL THE CATTLE ARE GONE, IF I AM STARVING TO DEATH - YET WILL I REJOICE IN THE LORD. I WILL JOY IN THE GOD OF MY SALVATION. DO YOU GET IT? THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH. I WILL PRAISE GOD IF I AM STARVING TO DEATH. I WILL NOT TAKE THE SCANNER MARK TATTOO OF ANTICHRIST IN MY RIGHT HAND OR FOREHEAD. I WILL PRAISE THE LORD. THE LORD MAY LET HIM APPEAR TO PROSPER FOR SEVEN YEARS BUT THE LORD IS IN CONTROL. I WILL JOY IN THE GOD OF MY SALVATION - NO MATTER WHAT. IF MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS HATE ME - I WILL REJOICE IN THE LORD. IF MY CHILDREN TURN AGAINST ME - I WILL STILL JOY IN THE GOD OF MY SALVATION. IF I AM TAKEN TO BE EXECUTED - I WILL JOY IN THE GOD OF MY SALVATION. HABAKKUK FINISHES HIS CONCLUSION IN VERSE 19. Habakkuk 3:19 PG 999 The LORD God [is] my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' [feet], and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments. THE LORD GOD IS MY STRENGTH. NO MATTER WHAT - THE LORD GOD IS MY JOY AND STRENGTH. THE LORD GOD WILL ULTIMATELY LIFT ME UP. NO MATTER WHAT. AUG 6 JEREMIAH 25, 35 2 KINGS 24 PG 999 - 1003 Jeremiah 25:1 PG 1000 The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the people of Judah in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, that [was] the first year of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon; HERE IS JUST ONE OF HUNDREDS OF VERSES WHICH HAVE VERIFIED THE BIBLE'S HISTORICAL RECORDS TO BE THE MOST ACCURATE OF ALL ANCIENT WRITINGS. HISTORY TRULY IS HIS STORY. THE ONLY THING WE SEEM TO LEARN FROM HISTORY IS THAT WE CONTINUE TO REFUSE TO LEARN FROM HISTORY. Jeremiah 25:4 PG 1000 And the LORD hath sent unto you all his servants the prophets, rising early and sending [them]; but ye have not hearkened, nor inclined your ear to hear. IT NEVER SEEMS TO CHANGE. WE COULD BE SAVED FROM SO MUCH GRIEF AND HARDSHIP IF WE WOULD LISTEN TO GOD AND DILIGENTLY STUDY THE BIBLE. Jeremiah 25:8-9 PG 1000 Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Because ye have not heard my words, Behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith the LORD, and Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this land, and against the inhabitants thereof, and against all these nations round about, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and an hissing, and perpetual desolations. NEBUCHADREZZAR TOOK JUDAH INTO CAPTIVITY BECAUSE THE PEOPLE WOULD NOT LISTEN TO GOD. HOW DO YOU HEAR GOD? READ THE BIBLE AND MAKE THE CORRECTIONS IN YOUR LIFE THAT GOD WILL MOST CERTAINLY LET YOU HEAR IF YOU ARE WILLING TO HEAR. IT IS VERY HUMBLING BECAUSE ALL OF OUR HEARTS ARE DESPERATELY WICKED AND IT IS OFTEN PAINFUL WHEN THE LIGHT OF GOD'S TRUTH SHINES ON THE DARKNESS OF OUR HEARTS. Jeremiah 25:11-12 PG 1001 And this whole land shall be a desolation, [and] an astonishment; and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years. And it shall come to pass, when seventy years are accomplished, [that] I will punish the king of Babylon, and that nation, saith the LORD, for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans, and will make it perpetual desolations. THE CHILDREN GOING INTO CAPTIVITY WOULD BE ABLE TO TELL THEIR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN THAT THEIR FREEDOM AND RETURN TO THEIR HOMELAND WAS SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO WITH CERTAINTY. GOD HAS ALSO LET OUR GENERATION KNOW A SIMILAR THING TO GIVE US A BLESSED HOPE. WE DO NOT KNOW WHEN THE 7 YEARS OF GREAT TABULATION BEGINS BECAUSE IT WILL BEGIN SO GRADUALLY. WHENEVER WE DO HOWEVER REALIZE THAT WE ARE IN THE MIDDLE OF IT, WE WILL KNOW THAT IN LESS THAN 7 YEARS OUR BLESSED HOPE WILL BE REALIZED. JESUS IS COMING, NOT IN SECRET, BUT IN GREAT POWER AND GLORY. EVERY EYE SHALL SEE HIM. THOSE WHO HAVE REMAINED FAITHFUL IN TRIBULATION AND HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE MARK OF THE BEAST ANTICHRIST WILL BE RAPTURED WHEN THEIR EYES SEE HIM RETURNING. THOSE WHO HAVE NOT REMAINED FAITHFUL AND HAVE TAKEN THE MARK OF THE BEAST WILL WANT TO DIE AND NOT BE ABLE TO DIE. Jeremiah 25:29-31 PG 1001 For, lo, I begin to bring evil on the city which is called by my name, and should ye be utterly unpunished? Ye shall not be unpunished: for I will call for a sword upon all the inhabitants of the earth, saith the LORD of hosts. Therefore prophesy thou against them all these words, and say unto them, The LORD shall roar from on high, and utter his voice from his holy habitation; he shall mightily roar upon his habitation; he shall give a shout, as they that tread [the grapes], against all the inhabitants of the earth. A noise shall come [even] to the ends of the earth; for the LORD hath a controversy with the nations, he will plead with all flesh; he will give them [that are] wicked to the sword, saith the LORD. THERE HAVE BEEN 2 WORLD WARS. YET EVEN IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR THERE WERE PLACES ON EARTH WHERE BULLETS WERE NOT FIRED AND BOMBS WERE NOT DROPPED. WHEN GOD CALLS FOR A SWORD UPON ALL THE INHABITANTS OF THE EARTH, MUST REFER TO THE 2ND COMING OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. THE LORD SHALL ROAR FROM ON HIGH AGAINST ALL THE INHABITANTS OF THE EARTH. HE WILL HAVE A CONTROVERSY WITH THE NATIONS WHO HAVE ALL FALLEN UNDER THE REIGN OF ANTICHRIST AND HIS NEW WORLD ORDER. HE WILL DESTROY ALL THE WICKED WITH THE SWORD OF THE POWER OF HIS WORD AT HIS POWERFUL AND GLORIOUS RETURN TO EARTH. Jeremiah 35:6-7 PG 1002 But they said, We will drink no wine: for Jonadab the son of Rechab our father commanded us, saying, Ye shall drink no wine, [neither ye], nor your sons for ever: Neither shall ye build house, nor sow seed, nor plant vineyard, nor have [any]: but all your days ye shall dwell in tents; that ye may live many days in the land where ye [be] strangers. THE RECHABITES HAD BEEN INSTRUCTED NEVER TO BUILD HOUSES AND NEVER TO DRINK WINE. THEY HAD ALWAYS REMAINED FAITHFUL TO THESE INSTRUCTIONS OF THEIR FATHER. AS A RESULT WHEN THE LAND WHERE THEY WERE DWELLING WAS BEING ATTACKED BY NEBUCHADNEZZAR, THEY WERE ABLE TO PICK UP AND GO TO JERUSALEM. Jeremiah 35:13-14 PG 1003 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Go and tell the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, Will ye not receive instruction to hearken to my words? saith the LORD. The words of Jonadab the son of Rechab, that he commanded his sons not to drink wine, are performed; for unto this day they drink none, but obey their father's commandment: notwithstanding I have spoken unto you, rising early and speaking; but ye hearkened not unto me. THE LORD HAD JEREMIAH TEST THEM AND SEE FOR HIMSELF THAT THE RECHABITES WERE FAITHFUL TO THE INSTRUCTION OF THEIR FATHER NOT TO DRINK WINE. JEREMIAH TELLS JUDAH HOW BAD IT IS THAT THE RECHABITES COULD OBEY THEIR FATHER AND THAT NO MATTER HOW MUCH THEY WERE WARNED THE PEOPLE OF JUDAH WOULD NOT OBEY GOD. Jeremiah 35:18-19 PG 1003 And Jeremiah said unto the house of the Rechabites, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Because ye have obeyed the commandment of Jonadab your father, and kept all his precepts, and done according unto all that he hath commanded you: Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Jonadab the son of Rechab shall not want a man to stand before me for ever. OVER AND OVER WE SEE HOW GOD BLESSES AND REWARDS OBEDIENCE AND HOW REBELLION IS PUNISHED. FEW REALIZE THAT REBELLION IS AS THE SIN OF WITCHCRAFT AND THAT OBEDIENCE IS BETTER THAN SACRIFICE. THE RECHABITES DID NOT GO INTO CAPTIVITY WITH THE REST OF JUDAH. THEY SIMPLY PICKED UP AND MOVED AGAIN OUT OF THE PATH OF THE ARMIES OF NEBUCHADNEZZAR. AUG 8 DANIEL 1, 2 PG 1006 -1010 Daniel 1:1-2 PG 1006 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it. And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god. COMPARING THESE VERSES WITH JEREMIAH 36:1-3 WE SEE THAT IT WAS A YEAR AFTER NEBUCHADNEZZAR HAD DEFEATED JEHOIAKIM AND TAKEN CAPTIVES AND TREASURES BACK TO BABYLON THAT GOD TOLD JEREMIAH TO WRITE THE SCROLL WITH ALL OF THE PROPHECIES. GOD WAS GIVING THE REMAINING PEOPLE OF JUDAH AND KING JEHOIAKIM A LAST CHANCE TO REPENT. IN HIS ABSOLUTELY HOPELESS SITUATION JEHOIAKIM INSULTS GOD AND BURNS THE SCROLL PERSONALLY PAGE BY PAGE. Daniel 1:4 PG 1006 Children in whom [was] no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as [had] ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans. THE BABYLONIANS WERE RUTHLESS. YET THEY WERE WISE EMPIRE BUILDERS. THE KING SOUGHT OUT THE BRIGHTEST AND STRONGEST OF THE CHILDREN WHO WERE TAKEN CAPTIVE AND SOUGHT TO PREPARE THEM TO BE VASSAL RULERS OF THE CAPTIVES. THIS IS A TIME PROVEN MEANS OF QUELLING POSSIBLE INSURRECTION. Daniel 1:6-7 PG 1006 Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel [the name] of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abed-nego. AMONG THESE OUTSTANDING YOUNG CAPTIVES WERE DANIEL AND HIS THREE FRIENDS SHADRACH, MESHACH, AND ABEDNEGO OF FIERY FURNACE FAME. Daniel 1:9-10 PG 1006 Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs. And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which [are] of your sort? then shall ye make [me] endanger my head to the king. DANIEL AND HIS FRIENDS KNEW THE WORD OF GOD. THEY DID NOT WANT TO DRINK THE KING'S WINE AND EAT THE PORK AND OTHER NON KOSHER FOODS. THE PRINCE OF THE EUNUCHS WAS GOING TO LOOSE HIS LIFE IF HE DID NOT FOLLOW ORDERS TO SEE THAT THESE CHOSEN CHILDREN BE PROPERLY INDOCTRINATED INTO THE BABYLONIAN CULTURE INCLUDING DRUNKENNESS AND RICH FOODS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN AND HELD TO BE ABOMINABLE BY THE JEWS. Daniel 1:12 PG 1006 Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink. DANIEL PROPOSES A DIPLOMATIC SOLUTION. JUST CHECK US OUT AFTER 10 DAYS AND SEE IF WE HAVE NOT GAINED MORE WEIGHT AND ARE IN BETTER PHYSICAL CONDITION THAN THE OTHER PRIVILEGED CHILDREN WHO WERE IN COMPETITION WITH THEM. Daniel 1:15-17 & 19-21 PG 1006 And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat. Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse. As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king. And in all matters of wisdom [and] understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians [and] astrologers that [were] in all his realm. And Daniel continued [even] unto the first year of king Cyrus. GOD HONORED THE OBEDIENCE OF DANIEL AND HIS FRIENDS. THEY EXCELLED IN EVERY ASPECT BEYOND THEIR PEERS. WHENEVER WE ARE FORCED TO CHOOSE BETWEEN OBEYING GOD OR OBEYING MEN WE SHOULD CHOOSE TO OBEY GOD. WE SHOULD ALSO NOTICE HOW DANIEL GAVE A DIPLOMATIC AND CREATIVE ALTERNATIVE CHOICE TO THE AUTHORITY PLACED OVER HIM. HIS WAY WAS NOT THAT OF DEFIANT REBELLION. HE OFFERED A CREATIVE ALTERNATIVE AND AVOIDED REBELLION. REBELLION IS AS THE SIN OF WITCHCRAFT AND MUST BE AVOIDED. Daniel 2:4-5 PG 1006 Then spake the Chaldeans to the king in Syriack, O king, live for ever: tell thy servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation. The king answered and said to the Chaldeans, The thing is gone from me: if ye will not make known unto me the dream, with the interpretation thereof, ye shall be cut in pieces, and your houses shall be made a dunghill. NEBUCHADNEZZAR KNEW THE CHALDEAN WIZARDS WOULD COME UP WITH SOME SORT OF ANSWER TO INTERPRET HIS DREAM. HE KNEW THE DREAM WAS IMPORTANT. THE DREAM MADE A TREMENDOUS IMPRESSION ON HIM. THE IMAGE WAS PROBABLY MADE IN HIS LIKENESS. HE TOLD THE MAGICIANS THAT THEY MUST BOTH TELL HIM THE DREAM AND THE INTERPRETATION. HE WANTED A SURE ANSWER FROM GOD REGARDING THE INTERPRETATION OF THIS DREAM. HE ALSO KNEW THAT IF THE DREAM WAS FROM GOD THAT GOD WOULD REVEAL THE DREAM TO SOMEONE TO GIVE HIM THE INTERPRETATION. IF SOMEONE KNEW THE DREAM THEN AND ONLY THEN COULD HE TRUST THE INTERPRETATION. Daniel 2:9-12 PG 1007 -1008 But if ye will not make known unto me the dream, [there is but] one decree for you: for ye have prepared lying and corrupt words to speak before me, till the time be changed: therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that ye can shew me the interpretation thereof. The Chaldeans answered before the king, and said, There is not a man upon the earth that can shew the king's matter: therefore [there is] no king, lord, nor ruler, [that] asked such things at any magician, or astrologer, or Chaldean. And [it is] a rare thing that the king requireth, and there is none other that can shew it before the king, except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh. For this cause the king was angry and very furious, and commanded to destroy all the wise [men] of Babylon. THE KING IN HIS WISDOM REALLY GOT TO THE CHALDEAN WIZARDS. HE KNEW THAT SUPERNATURAL POWER WOULD BE INVOLVED IN INTERPRETING THE DREAM CORRECTLY. THE WIZARDS COULD EASILY FAKE ANY KIND OF INTERPRETATION. THERE WAS NO WAY THEY COULD FAKE TELLING THE KING THE DREAM ITSELF. THE KING KNEW THE ONLY WAY TO VERIFY THE ACCURACY OF THE INTERPRETATION. Daniel 2:16-20 PG 1008 Then Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would give him time, and that he would shew the king the interpretation. Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions: That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise [men] of Babylon. Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven. Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: NOTICE HOW DANIEL SOUGHT HIS FRIENDS TO PRAY WITH HIM. WE SHOULD SEEK FAITHFUL PEOPLE TO GO TO GOD AND BE IN PRAYER AGREEMENT. NOTICE HOW CAREFUL DANIEL IS TO GIVE GOD THE GLORY. WISDOM AND POWER ARE ATTRIBUTES OF GOD. NO WISDOM CAN COMPARE WITH GOD'S WISDOM. NO POWER IS COMPARABLE TO GOD'S POWER. Daniel 2:25-30 PG 1008 - 1009 Then Arioch brought in Daniel before the king in haste, and said thus unto him, I have found a man of the captives of Judah, that will make known unto the king the interpretation. The king answered and said to Daniel, whose name [was] Belteshazzar, Art thou able to make known unto me the dream which I have seen, and the interpretation thereof? Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise [men], the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, shew unto the king; But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these; As for thee, O king, thy thoughts came [into thy mind] upon thy bed, what should come to pass hereafter: and he that revealeth secrets maketh known to thee what shall come to pass. But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for [any] wisdom that I have more than any living, but for [their] sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart. THE KING GIVES DANIEL A GREAT CHANCE TO PROMOTE HIMSELF - ARE YOU ABLE TO TELL ME THE DREAM? DANIEL SAYS THAT ONLY GOD CAN DO IT AND IT IS GOD WHO HAS GIVEN HIM THE DREAM. DANIEL IS SO VERY CAREFUL TO GIVE ALL GLORY TO GOD. Daniel 2:31-33 PG 1009 Thou, O king, sawest, and behold a great image. This great image, whose brightness [was] excellent, stood before thee; and the form thereof [was] terrible. This image's head [was] of fine gold, his breast and his arms of silver, his belly and his thighs of brass, His legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay. AT THIS POINT THE KING IS CERTAIN OF AN ACCURATE INTERPRETATION OF THE DREAM BECAUSE OF THE ACCURACY OF THE DESCRIPTION OF THE DREAM ITSELF WHICH GOD HAS GIVEN DANIEL. HOW MUCH MORE CERTAIN CAN WE BE OF THE ACCURACY OF DANIEL'S INTERPRETATION HAVING ALMOST 2600 YEARS OF HISTORY PROVING THE ABSOLUTE ACCURACY OF DANIEL'S PROPHETIC INTERPRETATION. PAY VERY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THIS AND ALL OF DANIEL'S PROPHECIES BECAUSE IT IS INDEED LIKELY THAT IT IS OUR GENERATION WHICH WILL WITNESS THE CULMINATION OF DANIEL'S PROPHECIES. NO GENERATION WHOSE FEET HAVE EVER WALKED THIS PLANET ARE WITNESSING PROPHESY BEING FULFILLED MORE THAN OURS. DANIEL'S PROPHECIES HERE AND IN THE REST OF DANIEL'S BOOK MUST GET YOUR ATTENTION. WAKE UP!! GET READY!! MOST IMPORTANTLY - STAY READY!!!! Daniel 2:34-35 PG 1009 Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet [that were] of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces. Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth. LET'S TAKE A QUICK LOOK AT WHAT ELSE THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT THIS STONE. Psalms 118:22 The stone [which] the builders refused is become the head [stone] of the corner. Isaiah 8:14 And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Isaiah 28:16 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner [stone], a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. Zechariah 3:9 For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone [shall be] seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day. Matthew 21:44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder. Mark 12:10 And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner: Luke 20:17 And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner? Luke 20:18 Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder. Ephesians 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner [stone]; I Peter 2:4 To whom coming, [as unto] a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, [and] precious, I Peter 2:6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. I Peter 2:7 Unto you therefore which believe [he is] precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, I Peter 2:8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, [even to them] which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. WE MAY BE CONFIDENT THIS STONE OF WHICH DANIEL SPEAKS IS JESUS CHRIST. JESUS IS COMING SOON TO PUT DOWN AND DESTROY FOREVER THE WORLD GOVERNMENT OF ANTICHRIST. JESUS WILL RULE AND REIGN OVER THE WHOLE EARTH FOR 1000 YEARS AFTER HE DESTROYS ALL OTHER WORLD GOVERNMENT. Daniel 2:36-38 PG 1009 This [is] the dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king. Thou, O king, [art] a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory. And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou [art] this head of gold. NEBUCHADNEZZAR WAS THE KING WHO BROUGHT BABYLON TO BE THE FIRST GREAT WORLD EMPIRE. THUS IT WAS NEBUCHADNEZZAR'S BABYLON WHICH WAS THE HEAD OF GOLD. Daniel 2:39-40 PG 1009 And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth. And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all [things]: and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise. THE SUBSEQUENT WORLD EMPIRES WERE THE SILVER EMPIRE OF THE MEDO-PERSIANS. THIS WOULD BE FOLLOWED BY THE BRASS EMPIRE OF THE GREEKS UNDER ALEXANDER THE GREAT. THIS WOULD BE FOLLOWED BY THE MIGHTY IRON RULE OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE. ITS DIVISION TO THE EASTERN AND WESTERN EMPIRES BEING SIMULATED BY THE TWO LEGS OF THE IMAGE. Daniel 2:41-44 PG 1009 And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters' clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay. And [as] the toes of the feet [were] part of iron, and part of clay, [so] the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken. And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay. And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, [but] it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. THE FEET AND TOES LIKELY REFER TO THE WORLD EMPIRE TO CONTROL OUR GENERATION. THE REVIVED ROMAN EMPIRE OF A 10 NATION CONFEDERACY WILL FORM THE NEW WORLD ORDER UNDER ANTICHRIST. DEMONIC UNIONS AND A TREMENDOUS REVIVAL OF DARK AGE OCCULTISM WILL MARK THIS FINAL WORLD EMPIRE WHICH IMMEDIATELY PRECEDES THE RETURN OF MESSIAH KING JESUS. GOD WILL FINALLY KICK SATAN AND THE ONE THIRD OF ALL FALLEN ANGELS OUT OF HEAVEN DOWN TO EARTH. THESE DEMONS ARE SPIRIT BEINGS WHO WILL INDWELL THE LEADERS OF THIS NEW WORLD ORDER AND SUCK IN ALL NEW AGE MOVEMENT FOLLOWERS WHO WILL BE GETTING THEIR INSTRUCTIONS FROM THEIR SPIRIT GUIDES AND/OR ASCENDED MASTERS. THESE PEOPLE WILL BE KEPT IGNORANT OF THE FACT THAT THESE SPIRIT ENTITIES ARE ACTUALLY DEMON FALLEN ANGELS. THIS SYSTEM WILL PROSPER AND WAGE WAR ON THE SAINTS WHO ARE INDWELT BY THE HOLY SPIRIT. BUT GOD HIMSELF IN THE PERSON OF JESUS CHRIST WILL DESCEND FROM HEAVEN AND TOTALLY CRUSH THIS NEW WORLD ORDER OF ANTICHRIST. JESUS CHRIST WILL THEN ESTABLISH AN EVERLASTING KINGDOM OF RIGHTEOUSNESS AND PEACE. Daniel 2:45 PG 1009 Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream [is] certain, and the interpretation thereof sure. IF THE KING COULD BE CONVINCED OF THE CERTAINTY OF THE INTERPRETATION, HOW MUCH MORE CERTAIN SHOULD WE BE. WE HAVE SEEN THE EXACT FULFILLMENT OVER THE SPAN OF HISTORY OF THE FIRST FOUR WORLD EMPIRES. WE ARE SEEING THIS MIXTURE OF MEN AND DEMONS WORKING TO ESTABLISH A NEW WORLD ORDER OR EMPIRE IN OUR TIME. Daniel 2:46-49 PG 1009 -1010 Then the king Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face, and worshipped Daniel, and commanded that they should offer an oblation and sweet odours unto him. The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth [it is], that your God [is] a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret. Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise [men] of Babylon. Then Daniel requested of the king, and he set Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, over the affairs of the province of Babylon: but Daniel [sat] in the gate of the king. DANIEL WAS MADE A GREAT MAN. HE DID NOT FORGET HIS FRIENDS AND PRAYER PARTNERS. KING NEBUCHADNEZZAR KNEW THE TRUTH OF DANIEL'S PROPHECIES. HE FELL ON HIS FACE. WE SHOULD BE ON OUR FACE IN REPENTANCE FOR OUR SINS AS WE SEE THIS FINAL NEW WORLD ORDER WHICH IMMEDIATELY PRECEDES THE RETURN OF JESUS CHRIST BEING FORMED. CHRISTIANS MUST BE IN THE WORD DAILY IN ORDER TO AVOID BEING SUCKED INTO THE DEMONIC NEW WORLD ORDER AND NEW AGE MOVEMENT OF ANTICHRIST. IF YOU ARE IGNORANT OF THE BIBLE YOU WILL LIKELY BE SUCKED INTO THIS SYSTEM OF TYRANNY, CONFUSION, AND ULTIMATE DESTRUCTION. AUG 9 JEREMIAH 48, 49, 2 KINGS 24 PG 1010 -1018 II Kings 24:1-3 PG 1010 In his days Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up, and Jehoiakim became his servant three years: then he turned and rebelled against him. And the LORD sent against him bands of the Chaldees, and bands of the Syrians, and bands of the Moabites, and bands of the children of Ammon, and sent them against Judah to destroy it, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by his servants the prophets. Surely at the commandment of the LORD came [this] upon Judah, to remove [them] out of his sight, for the sins of Manasseh, according to all that he did; JEHOIAKIM MUST HAVE BEEN INSANE. HE HAD ALREADY BEEN DEFEATED BY THE MOST POWERFUL NATION OF HIS DAY WHEN NEBUCHADNEZZAR MADE HIM SURRENDER AND TOOK CAPTIVES AND TREASURE TO BABYLON. JEHOIAKIM WAS BEING ATTACKED BY EVERY SURROUNDING NATION. HIS DECISION TO REBEL AGAINST NEBUCHADNEZZAR WAS NOTHING SHORT OF MADNESS. WE SEE THE EXPLANATION - SURELY AT THE COMMANDMENT OF THE LORD CAME THIS UPON JUDAH BECAUSE THE PEOPLE LED BY THEIR EVIL KINGS REBELLED AGAINST THE LORD. Jeremiah 48:10 PG 1011 Cursed [be] he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully, and cursed [be] he that keepeth back his sword from blood. IT IS EASY TO UNDERSTAND THAT YOU COME UNDER A CURSE FOR BEING LAX IN THE WORK OF THE LORD OR BEING DECEITFUL IN GOD'S WORK. IT IS HARD TO UNDERSTAND CURSED BE HE THAT KEEPETH BACK HIS SWORD FROM BLOOD? WHAT GOD IS TELLING US HERE IS HE WILL CURSE THE COWARD. OVER AND OVER GOD TELLS US TO BE STRONG AND BE COURAGEOUS. IF YOU ARE DOING GOD'S WORK DO NOT BE AFRAID OF ANYTHING BUT GOD. BOLDLY STAND YOUR GROUND. TAKE UP AND USE THE SWORD OF THE WORD OF GOD. SATAN ROAMS AS A ROARING LION SEEKING WHOM HE MAY DEVOUR. THE ROARING LION IS THE OLD TOOTHLESS LION WITH THE LOUD VOICE AND NO REAL POWER OR STRENGTH. RUN RIGHT AT THE ROARING LION. THE ROARING LION CAN BE TRAMPLED IF YOU RUN RIGHT AT HIM. RUNNING AWAY FROM THE ROARING LION WILL CAUSE YOU TO RUN RIGHT INTO THE AMBUSH OF THE YOUNG STRONG POWERFUL LIONS. DO NOT BE COWARDLY IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE. Jeremiah 49:12 PG 1015 For thus saith the LORD; Behold, they whose judgment [was] not to drink of the cup have assuredly drunken; and [art] thou he [that] shall altogether go unpunished? thou shalt not go unpunished, but thou shalt surely drink [of it]. JEREMIAH GIVES GOD'S PRONOUNCEMENT OF JUDGMENT ON MOAB, AMMON, EDOM, AND DAMASCUS IN CHAPTERS 48 & 49. GOD SWEARS BY HIMSELF. NOTHING CAN BE MORE CERTAIN. THE JUDGMENT DID HAPPEN JUST AS HE SAID. AUG 10 2 KINGS 24 2 CHRON 36 PG 1018 -1020 II Kings 24:8-14 PG 1018 - 1019 Jehoiachin [was] eighteen years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months. And his mother's name [was] Nehushta, the daughter of Elnathan of Jerusalem. And he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father had done. At that time the servants of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up against Jerusalem, and the city was besieged. And Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came against the city, and his servants did besiege it. And Jehoiachin the king of Judah went out to the king of Babylon, he, and his mother, and his servants, and his princes, and his officers: and the king of Babylon took him in the eighth year of his reign. And he carried out thence all the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house, and cut in pieces all the vessels of gold which Solomon king of Israel had made in the temple of the LORD, as the LORD had said. And he carried away all Jerusalem, and all the princes, and all the mighty men of valour, [even] ten thousand captives, and all the craftsmen and smiths: none remained, save the poorest sort of the people of the land. II Kings 24:17-19 PG 1019 And the king of Babylon made Mattaniah his father's brother king in his stead, and changed his name to Zedekiah. Zedekiah [was] twenty and one years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name [was] Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah. And he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD, according to all that Jehoiakim had done. II Chronicles 36:14-16 PG 1019 -1020 Moreover all the chief of the priests, and the people, transgressed very much after all the abominations of the heathen; and polluted the house of the LORD which he had hallowed in Jerusalem. And the LORD God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place: But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till [there was] no remedy. Jeremiah 37:2 PG 1020 But neither he, nor his servants, nor the people of the land, did hearken unto the words of the LORD, which he spake by the prophet Jeremiah. II Kings 24:20 PG 1020 For through the anger of the LORD it came to pass in Jerusalem and Judah, until he had cast them out from his presence, that Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon. HOW COULD ONE FIND A MORE ACCURATE HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF THE FALL OF THE NATION OF ISRAEL. WE SEE GOD SENDING HIS PROPHETS TO TRY TO GET HIS PEOPLE TO REPENT. WE SEE A PEOPLE WHO MOCK GOD AND HIS PROPHETS AND HIS WORD. WILL AMERICANS LEARN ANYTHING FROM THIS ACCOUNT. AMERICANS MUST RETURN TO THE BIBLE. WE MUST DILIGENTLY STUDY IT DAILY AND STAND UP AND BOLDLY PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL. EACH OF US MUST MAKE A RIGHT RESPONSE TO THE CONVICTING WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AND REPENT OF OUR SINS. HOW FAR AWAY CAN THE JUDGMENT OF AMERICA BE? AUG 11 JEREMIAH 24, 29, 27, 28 PG 1020 - 1024 Jeremiah 24:5-7 PG 1020 Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel; Like these good figs, so will I acknowledge them that are carried away captive of Judah, whom I have sent out of this place into the land of the Chaldeans for [their] good. For I will set mine eyes upon them for good, and I will bring them again to this land: and I will build them, and not pull [them] down; and I will plant them, and not pluck [them] up. And I will give them an heart to know me, that I [am] the LORD: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart. EVEN THOUGH THE PEOPLE OF JUDAH AND ISRAEL HAD BEEN TAKEN CAPTIVE TO BABYLON THE LORD DID NOT FORGET THEM. GOD NEVER WANTS TO DO ANYTHING BUT BLESS HIS PEOPLE BUT WHEN THEY TURN AGAINST HIM HE IS FORCED TO JUDGE THEM. HE PROMISED TO TAKE CARE OF THEM IN BABYLON AND THEN TO BRING THEM BACK TO THEIR HOMELAND WHEN THEIR HEART WAS FINALLY SET TO FOLLOW THE LORD AND ACKNOWLEDGE HIM AS GOD AND LORD OF ALL. Jeremiah 29:7-14 PG 1021 And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace. For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners, that [be] in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed. For they prophesy falsely unto you in my name: I have not sent them, saith the LORD. For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find [me], when ye shall search for me with all your heart. And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive. I REALLY NEEDED TO HEAR THIS. SOMETIMES IT SEEMS THAT THE LEADERSHIP OF OUR LAND IS SO GODLESS THAT IT IS DIFFICULT TO PRAY FOR THEM. IT WOULD BE HARD TO IMAGINE A MORE GODLESS LOT THAN THE BABYLONIANS. HERE WERE THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL HAVING BEEN TAKEN CAPTIVE AND GOD INSTRUCTS THEM TO PRAY FOR THE PROSPERITY OF BABYLON. NO MATTER HOW GODLESS OUR LEADERS APPEAR GOD, STILL TELLS US TO PRAY FOR OUR LEADERS. THE OTHER IMPORTANT THING TO NOTE IS THAT WE NEED TO BE VERY CAREFUL REGARDING WHO WE MIGHT LISTEN TO THAT IS BRINGING US THE WORD OF GOD. JESUS SAID THAT IN THE LAST DAYS THERE WOULD BE MANY FALSE PROPHETS. THE ONLY INSURANCE AGAINST BEING LED ASTRAY BY FALSE PROPHETS IS TO READ THE BIBLE FOR YOURSELF. READ IT OVER AND OVER. GET TO KNOW IT ALL FROM GENESIS TO REVELATION. COMPARE EVERYTHING YOU HEAR WITH THE WORD OF GOD. IN THESE TIMES, JUST AS IN JEREMIAH'S TIMES, YOU WILL BE MISLED IF YOU DON'T GET TO KNOW THE WORD OF GOD FOR YOURSELF. DON'T TRUST ME. DON'T EVEN TRUST YOUR PASTOR. TEST EVERYTHING YOU HEAR BY THE WORD OF GOD. IF YOU WANT TO SURVIVE, LET ALONE PROSPER, YOU MUST GET TO KNOW THE FULL WORD OF GOD FROM GENESIS TO REVELATION. Jeremiah 28:10 & 15-16 PG 102 Then Hananiah the prophet took the yoke from off the prophet Jeremiah's neck, and brake it. Then said the prophet Jeremiah unto Hananiah the prophet, Hear now, Hananiah; The LORD hath not sent thee; but thou makest this people to trust in a lie. Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will cast thee from off the face of the earth: this year thou shalt die, because thou hast taught rebellion against the LORD. HANANIAH WAS A FALSE PROPHET. JEREMIAH PRONOUNCES THAT HANANIAH WILL DIE THIS YEAR. THIS IS OLD TESTAMENT. IS THERE ANY PLACE IN THE BODY OF CHRIST FOR SUCH DISASTROUS PROPHECIES AGAINST MEMBERS OF THE BODY OF CHRIST? AUG 12 JEREMIAH 23 PG 1024 - 1026 Jeremiah 23:11-12 PG 1024 For both prophet and priest are profane; yea, in my house have I found their wickedness, saith the LORD. Wherefore their way shall be unto them as slippery [ways] in the darkness: they shall be driven on, and fall therein: for I will bring evil upon them, [even] the year of their visitation, saith the LORD. THERE ARE MANY REASONS TO BELIEVE WE ARE IN THE LAST DAYS TO PRECEDE THE LORD'S RETURN. WE HAVE BEEN WARNED THAT IN THE LAST DAYS THAT THE CHURCHES WOULD HEAP TO THEMSELVES TEACHERS HAVING ITCHING EARS, AND THAT THERE WOULD BE MANY FALSE TEACHERS AND FALSE CHRISTS. HOW MANY CHURCHES TODAY WILL YOU HEAR THE FULL GOSPEL? YOU WILL HEAR OF LOVE, PEACE, POWER AND POSITIVE CONFESSION. HOW OFTEN WILL YOU HEAR OF JUDGMENT, THE REALITY OF HELL, AND THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIN? OCCULT AND METAPHYSICAL MIND SCIENCE TECHNIQUES ARE EVEN FINDING TEACHING PLATFORMS IN THE CHURCH. THE CHURCH NEEDS TO BE CALLED TO WAKE UP IN REPENTANCE AND GET BACK TO THE WORD AND TO THE FULL GOSPEL OF HOLINESS AND RIGHTEOUSNESS. DO NOT SOW SEEDS OF REBELLION IN THE CHURCH. ALL ARE BEING CALLED TO GET TO KNOW THE WORD OF GOD FOR YOURSELF. KNOW WHEN YOU HEAR SOMETHING THAT IS AGAINST GOD'S WORD. GO TO YOUR PASTOR ONE ON ONE. DO NOT BACKBITE. PRAY FOR HIM. IT IS GOD'S BUSINESS TO DISCIPLINE THE PASTOR. DON'T EXPECT YOUR PASTOR TO FEED YOU. THAT IS FOR BABIES. FEED YOURSELF. READ THE BIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SPIRITUAL FOOD EVERY DAY. IF NECESSARY GET OUT OF AN APOSTATE CHURCH. Jeremiah 23:14 PG 1024 - 1025 I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah. HERE IS A DESCRIPTION OF AN APOSTATE CHURCH. THE LEADERS COMMIT ADULTERY. THEY WALK IN LIES. THEY SURROUND THEMSELVES WITH AND STRENGTHEN THE HANDS OF EVILDOERS. THEY DO NOT ENCOURAGE ANYONE TO TURN AWAY FROM THEIR SINS. THEY MAKE EXCUSES FOR THE SINS OF THE EVILDOERS WITH WHOM THEY SURROUND THEMSELVES. IF THIS SOUNDS LIKE YOUR CHURCH THEN PERHAPS YOU NEED TO BE IN A DIFFERENT CHURCH. Jeremiah 23:16 PG 1025 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, [and] not out of the mouth of the LORD. THE NEED TODAY IS NOT TO HEAR PROPHESY. THE JOB OF THE PROPHET IS TO FORTH TELL MUCH MORE THAN TO FORETELL. THE PROPHET IS FIRST OF ALL A PREACHER OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. YOU DO NOT NEED TO HEAR OF FUTURE EVENTS. YOU DO NOT NEED TO HEAR OF DREAMS. YOU DO NOT NEED TO HEAR OF VISIONS. YOU NEED TO HEAR THE WORD OF GOD. YOU NEED TO HEAR SCRIPTURE. EVERYTHING THAT IS REALLY WORTHWHILE IS THERE AND YOU DON'T NEED TO WORRY ABOUT ITS CORRECTNESS OR ACCURACY. Jeremiah 23:22-26 PG 1025 - 1026 But if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings. [Am] I a God at hand, saith the LORD, and not a God afar off? Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD. I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed. How long shall [this] be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, [they are] prophets of the deceit of their own heart; ARE YOU SEEKING AFTER DREAMS AND VISIONS? THAT IS NOT THE WAY. IN TODAY'S WORLD OF CULTS, OCCULT, AND APOSTACY THE ONLY RELIABLE SOURCE IS THE BIBLE ITSELF. IF THE PREACHERS THEMSELVES WERE RIGHTEOUS AND FAITHFUL THEY WOULD ACCURATELY BRING FORTH THE WORD OF GOD. TODAY YOU ARE MORE LIKELY TO HEAR A SOCIALIST GOSPEL OR A GOSPEL OF A NEW WORLD ORDER. GO TO THE BIBLE. IT IS YOUR ONLY SOURCE OF ABSOLUTE TRUTH IN A WORLD OF CONFUSION. NO ONE CAN HIDE ANYTHING FROM GOD. GOD IS SO NEAR TO YOU AND EVEN IN YOU IF YOU HAVE BEEN BORN AGAIN BY THE HOLY SPIRIT. THE WORLD IS FULL OF LIES. LIES MAY EVEN BE BROUGHT FORTH FROM THE PULPIT. YOUR SECURITY FROM THE DECEPTION OF THE LAST DAYS IS ONLY TO BE FOUND IN THE WORD OF GOD. IN HOSEA 4:6 WE LEARNED THAT GOD'S PEOPLE ARE ONLY DESTROYED FOR LACK OF KNOWLEDGE OF HIS WORD. Jeremiah 23:28-29 PG 1026 The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What [is] the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD. [Is] not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer [that] breaketh the rock in pieces? GET A HANDLE ON THIS. GOD TELLS US SO CLEARLY HOW TO SEPARATE THE WHEAT FROM THE CHAFF REGARDING TRUTH AND LIES. GOD SAYS "IS NOT MY WORD LIKE AS A FIRE?" THE FIRE WILL SEPARATE THE WHEAT FROM THE CHAFF INSTANTLY. IF YOU KNOW THE WORD OF GOD YOU WILL SEPARATE LIES AND TRUTH INSTANTLY. THERE IS NO OTHER CERTAIN WAY. IT IS SAFE TO LISTEN TO THE PROPHET AND THE PREACHER IF YOU HAVE THE FIRE OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE WORD OF GOD. IF YOU DO NOT KNOW THE WORD OF GOD IT IS DANGEROUS TO LISTEN TO THE PROPHET AND DREAMER. AUG 13 JEREMIAH 50 PG 1026 - 1030 Jeremiah 50:20 PG 1028 In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and [there shall be] none; and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found: for I will pardon them whom I reserve. THE JEWS HAVE BEEN PERSECUTED ALIENS WHEREVER THEY HAVE BEEN DISPERSED FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS. GOD SAYS THAT THERE WILL COME A TIME WHEN ISRAEL'S SINS WILL BE COVERED. GOD WILL FULLY PARDON ISRAEL. ISRAEL WILL SET WORLD STANDARDS FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS. THERE IS GOOD REASON TO BELIEVE WE ARE SEEING THE FULFILLMENT OF THIS PROPHESY. Jeremiah 50:31 Behold, I [am] against thee, [O thou] most proud, saith the Lord GOD of hosts: for thy day is come, the time [that] I will visit thee. GOD IS ALWAYS AGAINST THE PROUD. BABYLON IS GIVEN THE DUBIOUS TITLE OF "MOST PROUD." WE MUST RID OURSELF OF THE NOTION THAT PRIDE IS A VIRTUE. PRIDE IS A BESETTING SIN WHICH WILL GET YOU IN ALL KINDS OF TROUBLE. WE ALL MUST WIN THE BATTLE WITH PRIDE. IT IS ONLY BY COMING TO THE CROSS AND CONFESSING THAT THERE IS NOTHING IN US WORTH SAVING AND GETTING RID OF ALL OF OUR STINKING SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS THAT WE CAN EVER HOPE TO WIN THE BATTLE WITH PRIDE. THE WHOLE CREATION IS SUBJECT TO VANITY. WITH THIS VANITY AND SELF-CONSCIOUSNESS WE MAKE THE FREE WILL CHOICE TO HUMBLE OURSELF BEFORE GOD AND BEG HIS MERCIFUL FORGIVENESS OR ELSE FACE THE WRATH OF HIS JUDGMENT. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO STAND BEFORE GOD IN SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS. WE WILL FACE JUDGMENT AS SURELY AS MOST PROUD BABYLON IF WE WILL NOT HUMBLE OURSELF BEFORE GOD THROUGH THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST. Jeremiah 50:34 PG 1030 Their Redeemer [is] strong; the LORD of hosts [is] his name: he shall throughly plead their cause, that he may give rest to the land, and disquiet the inhabitants of Babylon. THE LORD OF HOSTS, JESUS CHRIST, IS THE ONLY STRONG REDEEMER. IF YOU ARE TRUSTING ANYTHING OR ANYONE ELSE TO REDEEM YOU, YOU WILL BE DISAPPOINTED. IT IS ONLY WHEN JESUS CHRIST, YOUR STRONG REDEEMER AND ADVOCATE PLEADS YOUR CASE THAT YOU WILL FIND MERCY IN GOD'S JUDGMENT. AUG 14 JEREMIAH 51 & 34 PG 1030 - 1038 Jeremiah 51:5 PG 1031 For Israel [hath] not [been] forsaken, nor Judah of his God, of the LORD of hosts; though their land was filled with sin against the Holy One of Israel. ISRAEL HAS NOT BEEN FORSAKEN EVEN THOUGH THE JEWS HAVE BEEN THE TARGET OF PERSECUTION FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS. THE CHRISTIAN MUST BE TENDERHEARTED TOWARD THE JEW. GOD WILL BLESS THOSE WHO BLESS THE JEWS AND CURSE THOSE WHO CURSE THE JEWS. THIS WORD AND PROMISE OF GOD TO ABRAHAM STANDS FOREVER. Jeremiah 51:6 PG 1031 Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul: be not cut off in her iniquity; for this [is] the time of the LORD'S vengeance; he will render unto her a recompence. IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THAT BABYLON IN SCRIPTURE CAN OFTEN MEAN TYRANNY AND CONFUSION AS WELL AS THE CAPITAL OF CHALDEA. IN THE LAST DAYS IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER TO FLEE OUT OF THE MIDST OF THE TYRANNY AND CONFUSION OF THE ANTICHRIST SYSTEM. Jeremiah 51:7 PG 1032 Babylon [hath been] a golden cup in the LORD'S hand, that made all the earth drunken: the nations have drunken of her wine; therefore the nations are mad. THIS HAS AN END TIMES FULFILLMENT AS WELL AS THE FULFILLMENT IN JEREMIAH'S TIME. BABYLON WAS THE FIRST WORLD EMPIRE WHICH CAME BEFORE MEDO-PERSIA, GREECE, ROME AND THE END TIME GLOBAL NEW WORLD ORDER OF ANTICHRIST. IN FACT WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE PHRASE "MADE ALL THE EARTH DRUNKEN" THE MORE ACCURATE REFERENCE IS THE TYRANNY AND CONFUSION OF THE ANTICHRIST WORLD GOVERNMENT AND RELIGIOUS SYSTEM. IT IS MADNESS TO THINK THAT WORLD GOVERNMENT WILL BRING ANYTHING BUT TYRANNY AND CONFUSION UNLESS IT IS UNDER THE REIGN OF JESUS CHRIST. Jeremiah 51:8 PG 1032 Babylon is suddenly fallen and destroyed: howl for her; take balm for her pain, if so be she may be healed. MYSTERY BABYLON WITH WHICH ALL THE MERCHANTS OF THE WORLD WERE MADE RICH WITH THE TRAFFICKING OF HER HARLOTRIES WILL BE DESTROYED VERY SUDDENLY, IN ONE HOUR. THIS DESTRUCTION IS STRATEGIC NUCLEAR DESTRUCTION. Revelation 17:4-6 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: And upon her forehead [was] a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration. Revelation 18:2-4 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. Revelation 18:8-11 Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong [is] the Lord God who judgeth her. And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning, Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come. And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more: MYSTERY BABYLON DRESSED IN SCARLET, PEARLS, AND PURPLE IS QUITE LIKELY AMERICA. MOST WOULD NOT LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE POSSIBILITY OF A PREEMPTIVE STRATEGIC NUCLEAR ATTACK OF THE UNITED STATES BY RUSSIA. LOGIC FORCES THIS CONCLUSION AS THE LEADERS OF THE CRUMBLING SOVIET EMPIRE BECOME MORE DESPERATE. IF IT HAPPENS, OR WHEN IT HAPPENS, DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOU WILL SPEND ETERNITY? DO YOU ALSO REALIZE THAT FOR THE CHRISTIAN THE BOTTOM LINE EFFECT OF SUCH AN ALL OUT STRATEGIC NUCLEAR ATTACK WOULD BE IDENTICAL TO THE RAPTURE. INSTANTLY VAPORIZED AND INSTANTLY WITH THE LORD. IT IS ONLY THE TOTALLY COMMITTED CHRISTIAN WHO CAN LOOK AT THE COLD FACTS OF LOGIC SQUARE ON WITHOUT FEAR. IF IT CAUSES YOU TO FEAR - GET IT STRAIGHTENED OUT WITH THE LORD. IF YOU CANNOT FACE THE TRUTH WITHOUT FEAR, EXAMINE AND ASSESS YOUR PRIORITIES. Jeremiah 51:9 PG 1032 We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed: forsake her, and let us go every one into his own country: for her judgment reacheth unto heaven, and is lifted up [even] to the skies. THE ABUNDANCE OF HER DELICACIES CAUSES AMERICA TO BE THE NUMBER ONE DESIRED DESTINATION OF THE WORLD'S ALIENS AND REFUGEES. THE GOD OF AMERICA HAS BECOME HER GOVERNMENT. CAN AMERICA BE HEALED OF HER GOVERNMENT WORSHIP? THE JUDGMENT OF AMERICA WILL BE WITH NUCLEAR MUSHROOM SHAPED PILLARS OF FIRE AND SMOKE REACHING TO THE HEAVENS. DO NOT BE FRIGHTENED - REPENT. GET RIGHT WITH GOD WHILE THERE IS TIME. Jeremiah 51:10 PG 1032 The LORD hath brought forth our righteousness: come, and let us declare in Zion the work of the LORD our God. IF THE LORD DOES NOT GIVE YOU RIGHTEOUSNESS YOU HAVE NO RIGHTEOUSNESS. HOW COME THE GOSPEL OF RIGHTEOUSNESS BEING GIVEN AS A FREE GIFT OF GOD THROUGH FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST IS NOT MORE BOLDLY PROCLAIMED IN ISRAEL? WHAT CAN WE DO TO AID THE CAUSE OF SPREADING THE GOOD NEWS IN ISRAEL? Jeremiah 51:20 PG 1033 Thou [art] my battle axe [and] weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms; WE ARE WITNESSING THIS BEING FULFILLED TODAY. ISRAEL IS THE ONLY UNDEFEATABLE ARMY IN THE WORLD. ISRAEL IS THE LORD'S BATTLE AXE. THE LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH WILL SOON COME AND BREAK THE NATIONS IN PIECES AND DESTROY THE KINGDOMS OF EARTH. Jeremiah 51:50 PG 1035 Ye that have escaped the sword, go away, stand not still: remember the LORD afar off, and let Jerusalem come into your mind. SO FAR WE HAVE ESCAPED THE SWORD. SHOULD WE GO AWAY? WHERE WOULD YOU GO? THE PLACE YOU MUST GO IS THE CROSS OF CALVARY. IF YOU ARE COVERED BY THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE RAPTURE AND A NUCLEAR STRIKE. WHAT ABOUT YOUR LOVED ONES? PERHAPS THIS IS THE PLACE TO GO. KEEP WHAT IS GOING ON IN JERUSALEM CONSTANTLY IN MIND. THE CENTER OF GOD'S PROPHETIC CLOCK IS JERUSALEM. AUG 15 EZEKIEL 1 - 7 PG 1038 - 1045 Ezekiel 1:1 PG 1039 Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth [month], in the fifth [day] of the month, as I [was] among the captives by the river of Chebar, [that] the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God. EZEKIEL SAW VISIONS OF GOD. THE GLORY OF GOD DEFIES HUMAN DESCRIPTION. EZEKIEL GIVES IT HIS BEST EFFORT. AS YOU READ THE DESCRIPTION OF GOD'S GLORY YOU WILL CONCLUDE THAT IT IS INCOMPREHENSIBLE. SOME HAVE THOUGHT THE FIRST CHAPTER OF EZEKIEL DESCRIBES A SPACE SHIP LANDING. HAVE EXTRATERRESTRIAL BEINGS VISITED EARTH? WHO ARE THESE ALIENS? THEY ARE DEMONS, FALLEN ANGELS. YOU MAY KNOW THIS BY THE CONSISTENCY OF THEIR MESSAGE. WHAT IS THEIR MESSAGE AND PURPOSE? THEIR MESSAGE ALWAYS IS SOME FORM OF THE LIE THAT "YE SHALL BE AS GODS." THEIR PURPOSE IS TO DECEIVE MANKIND AND LEAD THEM AWAY FROM THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUE GOD. IN THE END TIMES GOD WILL SEND A STRONG DELUSION TO LEAD AWAY THE VERY ELECT IF IT WERE POSSIBLE. YOU WILL NEVER HEAR OF A EXTRATERRESTRIAL ALIEN VISITOR GIVING GLORY TO THE TRUE GOD. THERE IS A STRONG POSSIBILITY THESE DECEPTIVE BEINGS MAY PLAY A ROLE IN TELLING THE PEOPLE OF EARTH TO FORM A GLOBAL GOVERNMENT TO END THE THREAT OF NUCLEAR WAR. YOU MUST HAVE IT FIRMLY SETTLED IN YOUR MIND THAT ANY WORLD OR GLOBAL GOVERNMENT BEFORE THE RETURN OF JESUS CHRIST WILL BE HEADED BY THE ANTICHRIST. YOU CAN TAKE AUTHORITY OVER THESE EXTRATERRESTRIAL BEINGS IN THE NAME OF JESUS. HOWEVER, YOU MUST BE IN A RIGHT RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD. Ezekiel 2:2-7 PG 1040 And the spirit entered into me when he spake unto me, and set me upon my feet, that I heard him that spake unto me. And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me, [even] unto this very day. For [they are] impudent children and stiffhearted. I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD. And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they [are] a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them. And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns [be] with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they [be] a rebellious house. And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they [are] most rebellious. IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE FOR EZEKIEL TO DESCRIBE WHAT HE HAD SEEN OF GOD'S GLORY. HE DID THE BEST HE COULD, BUT GOD'S GLORY IS OVERWHELMING. HE FAINTED AT THE VISION OF GOD. EZEKIEL OF COURSE HAD NO DIFFICULTY IN HEARING OR REMEMBERING OR RECORDING GOD'S WORDS BECAUSE AS GOD SPOKE TO HIM THE HOLY SPIRIT CAME INTO HIM. GOD COMMISSIONED HIM TO DELIVER HIS WORD TO THE REBELLIOUS CHILDREN OF ISRAEL. EVERY FATHER HAS SUCH A COMMISSION. EVEN IF OUR CHILDREN ARE REBELLIOUS. THAT DOES NOT RELIEVE US OF THE RESPONSIBILITY THAT EVERY FATHER HAS BEEN GIVEN BY GOD. JUST AS EZEKIEL WAS COMMISSIONED, EVERY FATHER IS COMMISSIONED TO GIVE HIS BEST EFFORT TO DELIVER THE WORD OF GOD TO HIS CHILDREN. THESE BOOKS ARE MY BEST EFFORT TO FULFILL THIS GOD GIVEN COMMISSION. MY CHILDREN MAY NEVER READ THEM. IF THESE HUMBLE EFFORTS COULD HELP ANY FATHER TO FULFILL HIS COMMISSION TO DELIVER THE WORD OF GOD TO HIS CHILDREN, THEN I WILL SEE BEAUTY FOR ASHES. EVERY FATHER IS A GOD COMMISSIONED PROPHET TO HIS CHILDREN. THE PRIMARY JOB OF THE PROPHET HAS LITTLE OR NOTHING TO DO WITH PREDICTING FUTURE EVENTS. THE PRIMARY JOB OF THE PROPHET IS TO PREACH RIGHTEOUSNESS. WHETHER THE CHILDREN WANT TO HEAR IT OR NOT, THE FATHER IS OBLIGATED BY GOD TO PREACH IT. THE FATHER OUGHT TO LIVE WHAT HE PREACHES AS WELL. I MUST CONFESS TO ALL, MY FAILURE TO LIVE OUT WHAT I WOULD PREACH TO MY CHILDREN. GOD CAN AND WILL FORGIVE THIS FAILURE EVEN IF MY CHILDREN CAN NOT OR WILL NOT. Ezekiel 3:2-3 PG 1040 So I opened my mouth, and he caused me to eat that roll. And he said unto me, Son of man, cause thy belly to eat, and fill thy bowels with this roll that I give thee. Then did I eat [it]; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness. HERE IS A MOST GRAPHIC EXAMPLE THAT OUR SPIRITUAL FOOD IS THE WORD OF GOD. JESUS IS THE LIVING WORD OF GOD. THAT WAS THE MEANING JESUS INTENDED WHEN HE SAID John 6:47-51 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. WE ARE SPIRIT BEINGS CONTAINED IN A PHYSICAL BODY. WE ARE SPIRITUALLY DEAD UNTIL WE ARE BORN AGAIN BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD BY RECEIVING JESUS CHRIST AS LORD AND SAVIOR. WE ARE BORN AGAIN AS SPIRITUAL BABIES. WE WILL STAY BABIES AND EVEN DIE AS SPIRITUAL BABIES IF WE DO NOT EAT SPIRITUAL FOOD. THE SPIRITUAL FOOD WE MUST EAT TO SUSTAIN OUR SPIRITUAL LIFE AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH IS THE WORD OF GOD. Ezekiel 3:7-9 1040 - 1041 But the house of Israel will not hearken unto thee; for they will not hearken unto me: for all the house of Israel [are] impudent and hardhearted. Behold, I have made thy face strong against their faces, and thy forehead strong against their foreheads. As an adamant harder than flint have I made thy forehead: fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they [be] a rebellious house. JUST AS GOD STRENGTHENED AND GAVE COURAGE TO EZEKIEL, WE TOO SHOULD BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS REGARDING THE TRUTH OF THE WORD OF GOD. WE NEED TO BE FEARLESS, BOLD AND UNWAVERING REGARDING THE TRUTH. IT IS THE HOLY SPIRIT WHO GIVES THIS UNWAVERING COURAGE. YOU CAN AFFORD TO BE NARROW MINDED WHEN YOU ARE RIGHT. WHEN YOU TAKE YOUR STAND ON THE ABSOLUTE TRUTH OF THE WORD OF GOD YOU ARE RIGHT. BE STRONG, COURAGEOUS, BOLD, AND NARROW MINDED. BEING WRONG AND BROADMINDED OR PLURALISTIC IS FOOLISH. BE RIGHT, KNOW YOU ARE RIGHT, AND TAKE YOU STAND WITH GOD. Ezekiel 3:17-21 PG 1041 Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked [man] shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. Again, When a righteous [man] doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous [man], that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul. DO YOU REALIZE THAT EVERY FATHER IS A GOD ORDAINED WATCHMAN TO HIS CHILDREN. MOST FATHERS ARE KEENLY AWARE OF THEIR GOD GIVEN RESPONSIBILITY TO PROVIDE FOR THEIR FAMILIES. MOST OF THE PROBLEMS IN AMERICA TODAY MAY BE TRACED TO THE FACT THAT FATHERS HAVE FAILED TO REALIZE THAT GOD HAS CALLED THEM TO BE PROPHET AND WATCHMEN TO THEIR CHILDREN. THE SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP AND TRAINING OF THE CHILDREN IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE FATHER. THE FATHER IS PASTOR AND SHEPHERD OF HIS FAMILY. PASTORAL RESPONSIBILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY DOES NOT END AT THE CHURCH. THE FAMILY IS ALSO THE CHURCH. MANY WOMEN ARE FORCED TO TRY TO TAKE UP THE SLACK FROM THE FATHER WHO DOES NOT REALIZE OR ACCEPT HIS RESPONSIBILITY AS SPIRITUAL WATCHMAN FOR THE CHILDREN. HOWEVER, WOE TO THE WOMAN WHO USURPS THAT RESPONSIBILITY FROM THE FATHER. AUG 16 EZEKIEL 8 - 11 PG 1045 - 1049 Ezekiel 8:3-4 PG 1045 - 1046 And he put forth the form of an hand, and took me by a lock of mine head; and the spirit lifted me up between the earth and the heaven, and brought me in the visions of God to Jerusalem, to the door of the inner gate that looketh toward the north; where [was] the seat of the image of jealousy, which provoketh to jealousy. And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel [was] there, according to the vision that I saw in the plain. THE LORD SHOWED EZEKIEL THAT HIS GLORY WAS STILL IN THE TEMPLE IN JERUSALEM. WHAT PATIENCE GOD HAS. HIS GLORY WAS STILL IN THE TEMPLE AFTER ALMOST 400 YEARS OF ISRAEL'S BACKSLIDING AND IDOLATRY. THE POINT, HOWEVER, IS THAT GOD WAS GOING TO SHOW EZEKIEL THAT THE GLORY OF GOD WOULD BE TAKEN UP FROM THE TEMPLE IN JERUSALEM NEVER TO RETURN UNTIL THE MILLENNIAL REIGN OF JESUS CHRIST. Ezekiel 8:11-12 PG 1045 - 1046 And there stood before them seventy men of the ancients of the house of Israel, and in the midst of them stood Jaazaniah the son of Shaphan, with every man his censer in his hand; and a thick cloud of incense went up. Then said he unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery? for they say, The LORD seeth us not; the LORD hath forsaken the earth. GOD SHOWED EZEKIEL HOW THE ELDERS OF ISRAEL WERE WORSHIPING THEIR IDOLS. THEY THOUGHT THEY WERE DOING THIS IN SECRET. THE POINT IS THAT NONE OF US CAN HIDE ANY SIN FROM GOD. WHY NOT GO AHEAD AND CONFESS THAT SECRET SIN AND GET GOD'S HELP IN DEALING WITH THE PROBLEM. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A SECRET SIN. WE CAN FOOL ALL OF THE PEOPLE IN THE WORLD BUT THERE IS NO WAY TO HIDE ANYTHING FROM GOD. ONCE WE CONFESS THE SIN, NO ONLY IS IT FORGIVEN BUT IT IS ALSO FORGOTTEN BY GOD. Ezekiel 8:17-18 PG 1046 Then he said unto me, Hast thou seen [this], O son of man? Is it a light thing to the house of Judah that they commit the abominations which they commit here? for they have filled the land with violence, and have returned to provoke me to anger: and, lo, they put the branch to their nose. Therefore will I also deal in fury: mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: and though they cry in mine ears with a loud voice, [yet] will I not hear them. WHENEVER THE MORAL STANDARDS OF GOD ARE FORSAKEN IT IS INEVITABLE THAT THE LAND WILL BE FILLED WITH VIOLENCE. WE ARE SEEING THIS COMING TO PASS IN AMERICA TODAY. THE MORAL ABSOLUTES OF THE 10 COMMANDMENTS HAVE BEEN REMOVED FROM ALL THE PUBLIC CLASSROOMS OF AMERICA. IT IS AGAINST THE LAW TO PRAY. VIOLENCE FILLING THE LAND WILL BE THE RESULT. THE POLITICALLY CORRECT SOCIALIST ENGINEERS WHO REJECT GOD WILL BRING IN TYRANNY, CONFUSION, AND VIOLENCE. HOW LONG WILL IT BE BEFORE GOD DEALS WITH FURY ON AMERICA? CHRISTIAN IT IS UP TO YOU AND ME. WE MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE IF WE WILL HUMBLE OURSELF, PRAY, STUDY GOD'S WORD, (THAT IS HOW YOU SEEK HIS FACE), GOD WILL HEAR AND HEAL OUR LAND. IF WE CONTINUE REJECTING GOD WE WILL FACE THE FURY OF HIS JUDGMENT. Ezekiel 9:4 PG 1046 And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. ARE YOU GROANING AND SIGHING OVER THE 1,500,000 BABIES PER YEAR BEING KILLED BY ABORTIONS IN AMERICA? DOES IT MAKE YOU FEEL LIKE CRYING THAT THE CHILDREN OF AMERICA ARE SYSTEMATICALLY BEING INDOCTRINATED TO BE ATHEISTS, SOCIALISTS, AND TO MOCK THE FAITH OF OUR FATHERS? EVEN IN JUDGMENT GOD WOULD CARE FOR HIS PEOPLE. CHRISTIAN YOU ARE CALLED TO BE AN OVERCOMER IN TRIBULATION. THE RAPTURE RIDE IS SCHEDULED TO OCCUR AT THE END OF THE GREAT TRIBULATION. I MUST GIVE YOU THE WORST CASE SCENARIO. PREPARE FOR THE WORST, AND PRAISE GOD IF YOU FIND THAT I AM WRONG. BUT DON'T BE UNPREPARED FOR THE TRIBULATION. KNOW WHAT IT MEANS TO TAKE THE MARK OF THE BEAST IN YOUR RIGHT HAND OR FOREHEAD. YOU MUST NOT TAKE THAT SCANNER MARK SYMBOL NO MATTER WHAT. GOD WILL PROVIDE FOR YOU SUPERNATURALLY. YOU MUST HAVE FAITH TO SURVIVE. HOW DO YOU GET FAITH? IT COMES BY HEARING AND HEARING BY THE WORD OF GOD. WE MUST READ OUR BIBLES DAILY. Ezekiel 9:7-9 PG 1047 And he said unto them, Defile the house, and fill the courts with the slain: go ye forth. And they went forth, and slew in the city. And it came to pass, while they were slaying them, and I was left, that I fell upon my face, and cried, and said, Ah Lord GOD! wilt thou destroy all the residue of Israel in thy pouring out of thy fury upon Jerusalem? Then said he unto me, The iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah [is] exceeding great, and the land is full of blood, and the city full of perverseness: for they say, The LORD hath forsaken the earth, and the LORD seeth not. HOW MUCH GREATER ARE THE NATIONAL SINS OF AMERICA? WAS ANCIENT ISRAEL KILLING 1,500,000 BABIES PER YEAR? WERE THE HOMOSEXUALS OPENLY DEMONSTRATING FOR SPECIAL PRIVILEGES AND OPENLY RECRUITING YOUNG PEOPLE INTO THEIR PERVERSION? "AH LORD GOD!" WILL YOU DESTROY THE RIGHTEOUS IN AMERICA WITH THE WICKED AS YOU POUR OUT THE FURY OF YOUR JUDGMENT ON AMERICA? CHRISTIANS IT IS HIGH TIME THAT WE GET SERIOUS ABOUT THE SPIRITUAL WAR THAT IS RAGING ABOUT US IN THIS LAND. WE NEED TO PUT ON THE FULL ARMOUR AND STAND. Ezekiel 10:18-19 PG 1048 Then the glory of the LORD departed from off the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubims. And the cherubims lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth in my sight: when they went out, the wheels also [were] beside them, and [every one] stood at the door of the east gate of the LORD'S house; and the glory of the God of Israel [was] over them above. THE GLORY OF THE LORD DEPARTED FROM THE TEMPLE IN ISRAEL AND IT WILL NOT RETURN AGAIN UNTIL THE RETURN OF JESUS CHRIST AT THE END OF THE TRIBULATION WHEN HE WILL RETURN FOR HIS SAINTS AND TO PUT DOWN THE ARMIES OF THE ANTICHRIST WHO WILL HAVE BEEN WAGING WAR ON HIS SAINTS DURING THE TRIBULATION. THERE ARE MANY GOOD REASONS TO BELIEVE THAT WE WILL BE THE GENERATION TO SEE THE RETURN OF THE LORD IN GREAT POWER AND GLORY. Ezekiel 11:5 PG 1048 And the Spirit of the LORD fell upon me, and said unto me, Speak; Thus saith the LORD; Thus have ye said, O house of Israel: for I know the things that come into your mind, [every one of] them. GOD KNOWS OUR EVERY THOUGHT. THIS IS VERY COMFORTING. WE CAN ALWAYS PRAY IN OUR HEARTS TO GOD AND KNOW THAT HE HEARS US WHEN NO ONE ELSE CAN POSSIBLY HEAR WHAT WE ARE PRAYING. IN TIME TO COME THIS MAY INDEED BE VERY COMFORTING. Ezekiel 11:19-21 PG 1049 And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God. But [as for them] whose heart walketh after the heart of their detestable things and their abominations, I will recompense their way upon their own heads, saith the Lord GOD. JEREMIAH LETS US KNOW THAT ALL HUMAN HEARTS ARE DESPERATELY WICKED. THIS NEEDS TO BE OUR PRAYER - THAT GOD WOULD SOFTEN OUR HARD HEARTS AND FILL US WITH HIS HOLY SPIRIT. THAT HE WOULD MAKE OUR WILL CONFORM TO HIS WILL. THIS ENABLES US TO CONSISTENTLY WALK IN GOD'S STATUTES. AUG 17 EZEKIEL 12 - 14 PG 1049 - 1053 Ezekiel 12:21-25 PG 1050 And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, what [is] that proverb [that] ye have in the land of Israel, saying, The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth? Tell them therefore, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will make this proverb to cease, and they shall no more use it as a proverb in Israel; but say unto them, The days are at hand, and the effect of every vision. For there shall be no more any vain vision nor flattering divination within the house of Israel. For I [am] the LORD: I will speak, and the word that I shall speak shall come to pass; it shall be no more prolonged: for in your days, O rebellious house, will I say the word, and will perform it, saith the Lord GOD. GOD HAS SUCH AMAZING PATIENCE. HE SENT HIS PROPHETS TO WARN THE PEOPLE TO REPENT. WHILE THEY TESTED HIS PATIENCE AS GOD WAITED AND THEY FAILED TO REPENT, THEY THEN INSULTED GOD AND HIS PROPHETS BY MAKING IT A PROVERB THAT WHAT THE PROPHETS WARNED WOULD NOT COME TO PASS. Ezekiel 13:1-3 PG 1051 And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts, Hear ye the word of the LORD; Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing! IT IS VERY SERIOUS BUSINESS TO SPEAK IN THE NAME OF THE LORD. IN EZEKIEL'S TIME THEY DID NOT HAVE THE SCRIPTURES READILY AVAILABLE AS WE DO TODAY. WE DO NOT NEED THE VISIONS OR DREAMS. WE NEED TO GO TO OUR BIBLES AND ASK GOD BY HIS HOLY SPIRIT TO SPEAK TO US DIRECTLY FROM HIS WORD. WE NEED TO EACH DEAL WITH THE DESPERATELY WICKED CONDITION OF OUR HEARTS. WE NEED TO PAY NO ATTENTION TO THE SINS OF OTHERS AND DEVOTE ALL OF OUR ATTENTION TO THE PURSUIT OF HOLINESS IN OUR OWN LIFE. GOD SAYS - WOE TO THE FOOLISH PROPHETS WHO FOLLOW THEIR OWN SPIRIT. WHEN SOMEONE COMES TO YOU WITH SPIRITUAL REVELATION, DREAMS, VISIONS, PROPHECIES, KNOW HOW TO CHECK THE WORD OF GOD IN YOUR BIBLE TO DETERMINE THE ACCURACY OF WHAT THEY ARE BRINGING YOU. KNOW HOW TO TEST THE SPIRITS AND SEE IF THEY ARE OF GOD. YOUR ONLY SOURCE OF ABSOLUTE TRUTH IS YOUR BIBLE. WITH ALL OF THE WARNINGS THAT JESUS CHRIST GAVE US REGARDING THE CONDITIONS OF THE LAST DAYS, IT CAN NOT POSSIBLY BE OVERSTRESSED HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO GET TO KNOW GOD'S WORD FROM GENESIS TO REVELATION FOR YOURSELF AND STUDY IT EVERY DAY. IF THIS SOUNDS LIKE A BROKEN RECORD - PRAISE THE LORD. Ezekiel 13:6-8 PG 1051 They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The LORD saith: and the LORD hath not sent them: and they have made [others] to hope that they would confirm the word. Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, whereas ye say, The LORD saith [it]; albeit I have not spoken? Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I [am] against you, saith the Lord GOD. BECAUSE YOU HAVE SPOKEN VANITY AND SEEN LIES THEREFORE GOD SAYS THAT HE IS AGAINST THE FALSE PREACHER THE FALSE PROPHET. IT IS SUCH VERY SERIOUS BUSINESS TO INSTRUCT OR LEAD THE CHILDREN OF GOD. IS YOUR PREACHER PERFORMING FOR HIS AUDIENCE OR IS HE ACTING IN OBEDIENCE AND UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT? THIS IS SUCH A SERIOUS QUESTION. I HAVE LISTENED TO A PASTOR WHO WAS PERFORMING. WHAT DO YOU DO ABOUT IT? FIRST, PRAY FOR HIM. HE PROBABLY HAS NO IDEA OF HOW DANGEROUS IT IS TO TREAT THE MINISTRY OF GOD'S WORD AS SOME SORT OF PERFORMANCE. SECOND, REALIZE THAT THE PREACHER'S PERFORMANCE IS NOT YOUR PROBLEM BUT GOD'S PROBLEM. THIS IS WHY IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO PRAY FOR THE PREACHER WHO SUFFERS FROM PRIDE AND VANITY. THIRDLY, KNOW THE WORD WELL ENOUGH THAT THE PERFORMING PREACHER WILL KNOW YOU ARE PREPARED TO BOLDLY SHOUT HIM DOWN IF TRUTH IS NOT DELIVERED. FORTH, GO TO HIM ONE ON ONE AND ENCOURAGE HIM TO YIELD TO THE CONVICTING WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. FIFTH, DO NOT EVER FALL TO THE TEMPTATION TO POOR MOUTH HIS PERFORMANCE TO ANYONE BUT THE PERFORMER HIMSELF. REBELLION IS AS THE SIN OF WITCHCRAFT. PRAY HIM OUT OF HIS MESS, AND NEVER, NEVER, FALL TO THE TEMPTATION TO GOSSIP OR BACKBITE EVEN UNDER THE GUISE OF FINDING PRAYER PARTNERS ON THE PROBLEM. Ezekiel 13:10 PG 1051 Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and [there was] no peace; and one built up a wall, and, lo, others daubed it with untempered [mortar]: AH SOVEREIGN LORD! HOW WE HEAR THIS TODAY. WE ARE TOLD THERE IS PEACE. WE ARE TOLD THE THREAT OF THE EVIL SOVIET EMPIRE IS ENDED. HAS A SINGLE NUCLEAR WEAPON TARGETED AT THE UNITED STATES BEEN REMOVED? NO! THE LEADERS OF THIS EVIL EMPIRE ARE SIMPLY MORE DESPERATE AND MORE LIKELY TO LAUNCH A SURPRISE ATTACK. TALK ABOUT WHITE WASH JOBS TO COVER UP DIRT AND LACK OF SUBSTANCE AND TRUTH - JUST THINK ABOUT WHAT IS HAPPENING IN SODOM ON THE POTOMAC, AS OLIVER NORTH REFERS TO WASHINGTON D.C.. Ezekiel 13:22 PG 1051 - 1052 Because with lies ye have made the heart of the righteous sad, whom I have not made sad; and strengthened the hands of the wicked, that he should not return from his wicked way, by promising him life: DO THE LIES OF PREACHERS WHO ADVOCATE TOLERANCE FOR HOMOSEXUALS AND ABORTIONS MAKE YOU SAD? DOES YOUR PREACHER EXCUSE YOUR SINS OR TELL OF THE REALITY OF HELL? Ezekiel 14:3-8 PG 1052 Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be inquired of at all by them? Therefore speak unto them, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Every man of the house of Israel that setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet; I the LORD will answer him that cometh according to the multitude of his idols; That I may take the house of Israel in their own heart, because they are all estranged from me through their idols. Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Repent, and turn [yourselves] from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations. For every one of the house of Israel, or of the stranger that sojourneth in Israel, which separateth himself from me, and setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to a prophet to inquire of him concerning me; I the LORD will answer him by myself: And I will set my face against that man, and will make him a sign and a proverb, and I will cut him off from the midst of my people; and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD. WHAT IS MY IDOL? WHAT IS THE SIN WHICH IS BREAKING THE PERFECT FELLOWSHIP WITH CHRIST? THERE WILL ALWAYS BE ON THIS SIDE OF GLORY SOMETHING FROM WHICH TO REPENT. IT IS A DAILY THING. THERE IS NO WAY TO ARRIVE THIS SIDE OF GLORY. THE WORK WHICH CHRIST HAS BEGUN IN ME HE WILL SURELY FINISH - THE QUESTION MUST ALWAYS BE - HOW AM I FRUSTRATING HIS WORK IN ME? WHAT SWEET FELLOWSHIP THERE IS WHEN WE WILL REPENT AND AGREE WITH THE GENTLE CONVICTING VOICE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. Ezekiel 14:12-14 PG 1053 The word of the LORD came again to me, saying, Son of man, when the land sinneth against me by trespassing grievously, then will I stretch out mine hand upon it, and will break the staff of the bread thereof, and will send famine upon it, and will cut off man and beast from it: Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver [but] their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord GOD. THIS IS SUCH A SOBERING MESSAGE. IT ALMOST SEEMS TO CONTRADICT 2 CHRONICLES 7:14. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY SOBERING MESSAGE. THERE COMES A POINT REGARDING NATIONAL SINS WHEN THERE IS AN END TO GOD'S PATIENCE. GOD SAYS EVEN PEOPLE LIKE NOAH, DANIEL, AND JOB IN THEIR PRAYERS FOR DELIVERANCE WOULD NOT CAUSE THEIR LAND TO BE HEALED BUT WOULD ONLY DELIVER THEMSELVES. HAS AMERICA GONE THIS FAR IN ITS REJECTION OF GOD AND ITS NATIONAL SINS? AUG 18 EZEKIEL 15 - 18 PG 1053 - 1060 Ezekiel 16:14-15 PG 1054 And thy renown went forth among the heathen for thy beauty: for it [was] perfect through my comeliness, which I had put upon thee, saith the Lord GOD. But thou didst trust in thine own beauty, and playedst the harlot because of thy renown, and pouredst out thy fornications on every one that passed by; his it was. DO YOU SEE THE PARALLEL BETWEEN ISRAEL AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. ISRAEL WAS ESTABLISHED FOR THE GLORY OF GOD. WHEN YOU READ THE MAYFLOWER COMPACT YOU WILL FIND THAT AMERICA WAS ESTABLISHED FOR THE GLORY OF GOD AND THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION. AMERICA WAS FOUNDED AS A CHRISTIAN COUNTRY AND DEVELOPED A UNIQUELY CHRISTIAN CULTURE. IT WAS MADE A GREAT LAND BY ITS HARD WORKING, RISK TAKING, GOD FEARING PEOPLE. GOD'S BLESSING WAS UPON THE LAND OF AMERICA JUST A SURELY AS IT WAS UPON ISRAEL. ONLY THESE 2 NATIONS WERE FOUNDED FOR THE GLORY OF THE TRUE GOD. AMERICA HAS PLAYED THE HARLOT. TODAY AMERICA LEADS THE WORLD IN THE RUSH TO THE GLOBAL NEW WORLD ORDER WHICH WILL BE HEADED BY THE ANTICHRIST. THE NATIONAL AGENDA OF AMERICA IS SPIRITUAL HARLOTRY FORM GOD'S PERSPECTIVE. WITHOUT NATIONAL REPENTANCE AND A GREAT REVIVAL GOD'S JUDGMENT OF AMERICA IS CERTAIN. Ezekiel 16:20-21 PG 1054 - 1055 Moreover thou hast taken thy sons and thy daughters, whom thou hast borne unto me, and these hast thou sacrificed unto them to be devoured. [Is this] of thy whoredoms a small matter, That thou hast slain my children, and delivered them to cause them to pass through [the fire] for them? AMERICA IS GUILTY OF SACRIFICING 1,500,000 OF THEIR BABIES EVERY YEAR. ABORTION IS EXACTLY THE SAME THING AS SACRIFICING CHILDREN TO MOLECH. DO YOU SUPPOSE ISRAEL, THE OTHER NATION FOUNDED FOR THE GLORY OF THE TRUE GOD, WHICH WAS BEING WARNED OF GOD'S IMPENDING JUDGMENT, WAS SACRIFICING EVEN 1% OF THE CHILDREN AMERICA IS SACRIFICING EVERY YEAR? AMERICA - WAKE UP! JUDGMENT IS INEVITABLE IF THE NATIONAL COURSE OF ANTICHRIST AND ANTI GOD CONTINUES IN AMERICA. Ezekiel 16:48-49 PG 1056 [As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, Sodom thy sister hath not done, she nor her daughters, as thou hast done, thou and thy daughters. Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. WHAT A DESCRIPTION OF AMERICA. AMERICA IS LEADING THE WAY TO THE NEW WORLD ORDER OF THE GLOBAL GOVERNMENT OF ANTICHRIST. CAN YOU SEE HOW THIS APPLIES TO US? Ezekiel 16:60 PG 1056 Nevertheless I will remember my covenant with thee in the days of thy youth, and I will establish unto thee an everlasting covenant. HERE IS WHERE THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF IMPENDING JUDGMENT TO ISRAEL AND THE PROBABLE JUDGMENT OF AMERICA ARE DIFFERENT. AMERICA HAS NO SUCH PROMISE OF LIMITED DESTRUCTION AND THE SAVING OF EVEN REMNANTS OR ANYTHING SHORT OF TOTAL ANNIHILATION BY STRATEGIC NUCLEAR WAR. AMERICA'S NATIONAL SINS ARE ON A MUCH GREATER SCALE. GOD HAS NOT GIVEN HIS WORD SO CLEARLY THAT AMERICA WILL EVEN EXIST IN THE LAST DAYS WHEN HE WILL HAVE REGATHERED ISRAEL AND WILL DEFEND THEM FROM THE RUSSIAN INVASION. Ezekiel 16:62-63 PG 1056 And I will establish my covenant with thee; and thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD: That thou mayest remember, and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more because of thy shame, when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done, saith the Lord GOD. ISRAEL HAS SUCH GLORIOUS PROMISES OF GOD TO SEE THEM SURVIVING IN THE LAST DAYS. ARE YOU AWARE OF ANY SUCH PROMISES WHICH WOULD GUARANTEE THAT AMERICA WILL EVEN EXIST IN THE LAST DAYS? Ezekiel 18:4 PG 1058 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die. AS CREATOR, GOD IS THE RIGHTFUL OWNER OF EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE. YOU ARE FREE TO REJECT THIS IDEA UNTIL YOU DIE. THEN EVERYONE WILL KNOW THIS TRUTH. GOD MAKES THE RULES. YOU CAN BREAK THEM UNTIL YOU DIE. BEYOND DEATH NO ONE WILL BREAK ANY RULE OF GOD. GOD IS SOVEREIGN OVER ALL. SOME PEOPLE ARE TOO FOOLISH TO FIGURE IT OUT WHILE THEY LIVE. Ezekiel 18:20-23 PG 1059 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live. Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: [and] not that he should return from his ways, and live? MANY DENOMINATIONAL DEBATES COULD POSSIBLY BE STARTED AND ENDED WITH THESE VERSES. ONCE SAVED ALWAYS SAVED? BACKSLIDING? PERHAPS HE WAS NEVER REALLY SAVED IN THE FIRST PLACE? THESE VERSES HAVE SOME STRONG MEAT ANSWERS TO SOME QUESTIONS THAT HAVE CAUSED DENOMINATIONAL DIFFERENCES. THERE SHOULD BE TRUTH HERE TO UNIFY THE BODY OF CHRIST. THE SOUL THAT SINNETH IT SHALL DIE. WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SINS OF OUR FATHERS OR OUR CHILDREN. WE ARE EACH RESPONSIBLE AND ACCOUNTABLE FOR OUR OWN SINS. JESUS CHRIST HAS PAID THE FULL PRICE FOR ALL THE SINS OF ALL MANKIND. HOWEVER, WE CAN EITHER CONFESS OUR SINS AND ACCEPT AND RECEIVE FORGIVENESS FOR OUR SINS OR ELSE WE WILL DIE IN THEM. GOD PROVIDES NO OTHER WAY FOR MAN TO BE PASSED OVER IN JUDGMENT UNLESS THEIR SINS HAVE BEEN COVERED BY THE BLOOD. THE WICKED MUST TURN AWAY FROM HIS SINS AND THE RIGHTEOUS MUST CONTINUE IN RIGHTEOUSNESS. THE WALK ALWAYS HAS A DIRECTION. YOU CANNOT STAND STILL IN THE WALK WITH GOD. YOU EITHER WALK WITH AND TOWARD HIM OR YOU WALK AWAY AND APART FORM HIM. IT IS THE DIRECTION THAT WE ARE WALKING WHEN WE DIE THAT SETS OUR DIRECTION FOR ETERNITY. GOD HAS NO PLEASURE IN THE SECOND DEATH OF ANYONE. HOWEVER, GOD DOES ALLOW ALL MANKIND TO MAKE A FREEWILL CHOICE TO ACCEPT HIM AND HIS LOVE AND HIS GRACE OR TO REJECT HIM AND HAVE THE ETERNAL TORMENT THAT COMES FROM HOPELESS ETERNAL SEPARATION FROM GOD. IT IS NOT GOD'S WILL THAT ANY SHOULD PERISH BUT THAT ALL SHOULD COME TO REPENTANCE. THE KEY WORD IS REPENTANCE. WE MUST REPENT. OH DEARLY BELOVED OF GOD! - WILL YOU REPENT? ANY OF US COULD DIE AT ANY SECOND. DO YOU KNOW WITH ABSOLUTE CERTAINTY WHERE YOU WILL SPEND ETERNITY? Ezekiel 18:25-28 PG 1059 Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal? When a righteous [man] turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die. Again, when the wicked [man] turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive. Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die. WOULD YOU SAY GOD IS NOT FAIR TO MAKE THE ACCEPTANCE OF JESUS CHRIST AS LORD AND SAVIOR THE ONLY CRITERIA FOR ETERNAL LIFE OR DEATH? THE FACT IS THAT EVERY HUMAN BEING IS A BORN SINNER. SINNING IS AS NATURAL AS BREATHING. WHETHER WE SIN BIG OR WE SIN LITTLE NONE OF US CAN EVER MAKE UP TO GOD FOR ANY SIN. GOD MUST PAY THE PRICE OF SIN FOR US. WE ARE MUCH TOO PUNY AND OUR SELF RIGHTEOUSNESS STINKS. GOD HAS PAID THE REQUIRED PRICE OF OUR SINS FOR US IN THE SHED BLOOD OF THE SPOTLESS PERFECT LAMB OF GOD. GOD COULD NOT POSSIBLY BE MORE FAIR OR MORE GRACIOUS. WILL YOU BELIEVE IT AND LIVE ACCORDINGLY OR WILL YOU DIE IN YOUR SINS? GOD IS GOD. HIS PROVISION IS THE ONLY PROVISION THAT CAN SAVE US. Ezekiel 18:30b-32 PG 1060 Repent, and turn [yourselves] from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn [yourselves], and live ye. THIS IS WORTH MEMORIZING. TURN AWAY FROM ALL YOUR OFFENSES; THEN SIN WILL NOT BE YOUR DOWNFALL. RID YOURSELVES OF ALL THE OFFENSES YOU HAVE COMMITTED, AND GET A NEW HEART AND A NEW SPIRIT. WHY WILL YOU DIE. FOR I TAKE NO PLEASURE IN THE DEATH OF ANYONE, DECLARES THE SOVEREIGN LORD. REPENT AND LIVE! THE TRUTH IS THAT WE NEED A NEW HEART AND NEW SPIRIT. HOW DO WE GET A NEW HEART AND A NEW SPIRIT? REPENT. AGREE WITH GOD WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT MAKES YOU AWARE OF SINS. AUG 19 EZEKIEL 19 - 22 PG 1060 - 1067 Ezekiel 20:22 PG 1062 Nevertheless I withdrew mine hand, and wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted in the sight of the heathen, in whose sight I brought them forth. GOD DID NOT DESTROY ISRAEL AS THEY CAME OUT OF EGYPT AND IMMEDIATELY REBELLED WITH THE GOLDEN CALF IDOL LICENSING THEIR SEXUAL IMMORALITY IN THE DESERT BECAUSE OF HIS OWN NAME'S SAKE. Ezekiel 20:33-38 PG 1063 [As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely with a mighty hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with fury poured out, will I rule over you: And I will bring you out from the people, and will gather you out of the countries wherein ye are scattered, with a mighty hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with fury poured out. And I will bring you into the wilderness of the people, and there will I plead with you face to face. Like as I pleaded with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so will I plead with you, saith the Lord GOD. And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant: And I will purge out from among you the rebels, and them that transgress against me: I will bring them forth out of the country where they sojourn, and they shall not enter into the land of Israel: and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD. THIS LOOKS TO THE FUTURE WHEN GOD WILL HAVE REGATHERED ISRAEL AND WILL PURGE THE REBELS WHO INSIST ON CONTINUING TO REJECT MESSIAH JESUS. THE ONLY UNPARDONABLE TRANSGRESSION IS TO DIE REJECTING THE SALVATION WHICH JESUS HAS PURCHASED FOR ALL AT CALVARY. THE DAY IS SOON COMING WHEN ALL ISRAEL WILL BE SAVED. ALL ISRAEL WILL SOME DAY KNOW JESUS AS LORD. Ezekiel 21:25-27 PG 1065 And thou, profane wicked prince of Israel, whose day is come, when iniquity [shall have] an end, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Remove the diadem, and take off the crown: this [shall] not [be] the same: exalt [him that is] low, and abase [him that is] high. I will overturn, overturn, overturn, it: and it shall be no [more], until he come whose right it is; and I will give it [him]. ZEDEKIAH WAS THE LAST KING OF JUDAH. ISRAEL HAS HAD SOME PUPPET KINGS LIKE HEROD SET UP BY ROME BUT ZEDEKIAH WAS THE LAST KING ON THE THRONE OF DAVID. THE GENEALOGIES IN MATTHEW 1 AND LUKE 3 PROVE JESUS' BIRTHRIGHT TO THE THRONE OF DAVID. PILATE INSISTED THE INSCRIPTION "JESUS OF NAZARETH KING OF THE JEWS" BE ON THE CROSS AT CALVARY. GOD SAID THAT ZEDEKIAH WOULD BE OVERTHROWN AND THAT THE THRONE WOULD REMAIN EMPTY UNTIL HE COMES TO WHOM IT RIGHTFULLY BELONGS. JESUS IS COMING AGAIN SOON AND HE WILL TAKE HIS RIGHTFUL POSITION ON THIS THRONE WHICH HAS BEEN VACANT AND IN RUINS SINCE ZEDEKIAH. JESUS CHRIST WILL RULE THE WORLD FROM JERUSALEM AS KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS FOR 1000 YEARS. WILL YOU HAVE A PLACE IN THIS SOON COMING WONDERFUL KINGDOM? Ezekiel 22:6-12 PG 1066 Behold, the princes of Israel, every one were in thee to their power to shed blood. In thee have they set light by father and mother: in the midst of thee have they dealt by oppression with the stranger: in thee have they vexed the fatherless and the widow. Thou hast despised mine holy things, and hast profaned my sabbaths. In thee are men that carry tales to shed blood: and in thee they eat upon the mountains: in the midst of thee they commit lewdness. In thee have they discovered their fathers' nakedness: in thee have they humbled her that was set apart for pollution. And one hath committed abomination with his neighbour's wife; and another hath lewdly defiled his daughter in law; and another in thee hath humbled his sister, his father's daughter. In thee have they taken gifts to shed blood; thou hast taken usury and increase, and thou hast greedily gained of thy neighbours by extortion, and hast forgotten me, saith the Lord GOD. SOUNDS JUST LIKE THE AMERICAN SOAP OPERA THIS LIST OF SINS OF THE PRINCES OF ISRAEL. AUG 20 EZEKIEL 23 2 CHRON 36 PG 1067 - 1070 Ezekiel 23:46-49 PG 1069 For thus saith the Lord GOD; I will bring up a company upon them, and will give them to be removed and spoiled. And the company shall stone them with stones, and dispatch them with their swords; they shall slay their sons and their daughters, and burn up their houses with fire. Thus will I cause lewdness to cease out of the land, that all women may be taught not to do after your lewdness. And they shall recompense your lewdness upon you, and ye shall bear the sins of your idols: and ye shall know that I [am] the Lord GOD. THIS CONCLUDES THE ALMOST OFFENSIVE EXPOSURE OF THE TWO PROMISCUOUS SISTERS REPRESENTING ISRAEL AND JUDAH. GOD WOULD BRING AN END TO THE SHAME OF ISRAEL'S SPIRITUAL ADULTERY. II Chronicles 36:13 PG 1070 And he also rebelled against king Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God: but he stiffened his neck, and hardened his heart from turning unto the LORD God of Israel. II Kings 25:1-2 PG 1070 And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth [day] of the month, [that] Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came, he, and all his host, against Jerusalem, and pitched against it: and they built forts against it round about. And the city was besieged unto the eleventh year of king Zedekiah. ONE WOULD HAVE TO QUESTION THE SANITY OF KING ZEDEKIAH TO THINK OF REBELLING AGAINST KING NEBUCHADNEZZAR. INCIDENTALLY, KING ZEDEKIAH HAD SWORN BY GOD TO NEBUCHADNEZZAR THAT HE WOULD NOT REBEL. THE SIEGE OF JERUSALEM LASTED 2 YEARS IN WHICH NO FOOD COULD COME INTO THE CITY OF JERUSALEM. THUS EVERY HORRIBLE DETAIL OF THE PROPHECIES OF JUDGMENT ON JERUSALEM CAME TO PASS. AUG 21 EZEKIEL 24 PG 1070 - 1072 Ezekiel 24:1-2 PG 1070 Again in the ninth year, in the tenth month, in the tenth [day] of the month, the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, write thee the name of the day, [even] of this same day: the king of Babylon set himself against Jerusalem this same day. SEE DR. SMITH'S COMMENT. Ezekiel 24:16-24 PG 1071-1072 Son of man, behold, I take away from thee the desire of thine eyes with a stroke: yet neither shalt thou mourn nor weep, neither shall thy tears run down. Forbear to cry, make no mourning for the dead, bind the tire of thine head upon thee, and put on thy shoes upon thy feet, and cover not [thy] lips, and eat not the bread of men. So I spake unto the people in the morning: and at even my wife died; and I did in the morning as I was commanded. And the people said unto me, Wilt thou not tell us what these [things are] to us, that thou doest [so]? Then I answered them, The word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Speak unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will profane my sanctuary, the excellency of your strength, the desire of your eyes, and that which your soul pitieth; and your sons and your daughters whom ye have left shall fall by the sword. And ye shall do as I have done: ye shall not cover [your] lips, nor eat the bread of men. And your tires [shall be] upon your heads, and your shoes upon your feet: ye shall not mourn nor weep; but ye shall pine away for your iniquities, and mourn one toward another. Thus Ezekiel is unto you a sign: according to all that he hath done shall ye do: and when this cometh, ye shall know that I [am] the Lord GOD. THE COMMENTS OF DR. SMITH ARE FANTASTIC REGARDING THIS DAY'S STUDY. THE ONLY THING THAT ONE MIGHT ADD IS THAT GOD WAS TAKING CARE OF THE JEWS IN CAPTIVITY IN BABYLON. IF THEY HAD PUBLICLY MOURNED THE DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM THEN IT WOULD MOST LIKELY HAVE BEEN VIEWED BY NEBUCHADNEZZAR AS AN INDICATION OF DISLOYALTY BRINGING MOST CERTAIN REPRISALS. THERE PROBABLY WAS NOTHING LESS DRAMATIC THAT COULD HAVE BEEN DONE TO KEEP THE PEOPLE IN THE BABYLONIAN CAPTIVITY FROM BRINGING SUCH REPRISALS UPON THEMSELVES. THE POINT WE SEE HERE IS THAT WE OUGHT TO THINK OF THE SACRIFICE OF EZEKIEL THE NEXT TIME WE THINK GOD MAY BE REQUIRING TOO MUCH OF US. AUG 22 JEREMIAH 21-22 & 32-34 PG 1072 - 1077 Jeremiah 21:8-9 PG 1073 And unto this people thou shalt say, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I set before you the way of life, and the way of death. He that abideth in this city shall die by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth out, and falleth to the Chaldeans that besiege you, he shall live, and his life shall be unto him for a prey. JEREMIAH TELLS THE PEOPLE OF JERUSALEM THAT IF THEY WANT TO LIVE THEY MUST SURRENDER TO THE ARMY OF BABYLON. Jeremiah 22:3 PG 1073 Thus saith the LORD; Execute ye judgment and righteousness, and deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor: and do no wrong, do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, nor the widow, neither shed innocent blood in this place. INSTRUCTIONS FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS IN ONE VERSE. COMPARE THIS TO - Micah 6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what [is] good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? Jeremiah 32:17-19 PG 1075 Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, [and] there is nothing too hard for thee: Thou shewest lovingkindness unto thousands, and recompensest the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them: the Great, the Mighty God, the LORD of hosts, [is] his name, Great in counsel, and mighty in work: for thine eyes [are] open upon all the ways of the sons of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings: NOTHING IS TOO HARD FOR GOD. THERE IS ONLY ONE THING THAT GOD CAN NOT DO. THAT IS LIE. NOTHING CAN BE MORE CERTAIN THAN THE INTEGRITY OF GOD'S WORD. YOU CAN NOT HIDE ANYTHING FROM GOD. GOD WILL MAKE CERTAIN THAT JUSTICE IS ULTIMATELY SERVED. Jeremiah 32:37-42 1076 Behold, I will gather them out of all countries, whither I have driven them in mine anger, and in my fury, and in great wrath; and I will bring them again unto this place, and I will cause them to dwell safely: And they shall be my people, and I will be their God: And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them: And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me. Yea, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will plant them in this land assuredly with my whole heart and with my whole soul. For thus saith the LORD; Like as I have brought all this great evil upon this people, so will I bring upon them all the good that I have promised them. IT IS NOT GOD'S WILL THAN ANY SHOULD PERISH. GOD TAKES NO PLEASURE IN THE SUFFERING AND DEATH OF ANYONE. GOD ONLY WANTS TO BLESS US. THE PROBLEM IS THAT WE REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE HIM AS GOD AND FOLLOW AFTER OUR OWN REBELLIOUS WAYS OF SIN RATHER THAN GOD'S WAY OF OBEDIENCE AND RIGHTEOUSNESS. GOD PROMISES TO REGATHER ISRAEL AND REJOICE OVER THEM AND BLESS THEM AND PROSPER THEM. IF WE REBEL AGAINST GOD WE END UP WITH CURSES INSTEAD OF BLESSINGS. MAN IN HIS PRIDE AND VANITY NATURALLY FALLS INTO REBELLION SO THAT JUDGMENT RATHER THAN BLESSINGS RESULTS. Jeremiah 33:6-9 PG 1077 Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them, and will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth. And I will cause the captivity of Judah and the captivity of Israel to return, and will build them, as at the first. And I will cleanse them from all their iniquity, whereby they have sinned against me; and I will pardon all their iniquities, whereby they have sinned, and whereby they have transgressed against me. And it shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and an honour before all the nations of the earth, which shall hear all the good that I do unto them: and they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and for all the prosperity that I procure unto it. WHAT TREMENDOUS ENCOURAGEMENT GOD GIVES IN THE FACE OF JUDGMENT. ISRAEL IS GOING INTO CAPTIVITY BUT GOD PROMISES TO HEAL THEM AND RETURN THEM AND GIVE THEM PEACE. ALL THEIR SINS WILL BE PARDONED. THERE IS SOON COMING THE FULFILLMENT THAT ISRAEL WILL BE BLESSED BEFORE ALL THE NATIONS OF THE EARTH WHEN THE LORD RETURNS. AUG 23 JEREMIAH 30, 31, & 33 PG 1077 - 1082 Jeremiah 30:10-11 PG 1078 Therefore fear thou not, O my servant Jacob, saith the LORD; neither be dismayed, O Israel: for, lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be in rest, and be quiet, and none shall make [him] afraid. For I [am] with thee, saith the LORD, to save thee: though I make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee, yet will I not make a full end of thee: but I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished. GOD SAYS THAT HE WILL MAKE A FULL END OF ALL THE NATIONS WHITHER I HAVE SCATTERED THEE. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? HE WOULD NOT MAKE A FULL END OF ISRAEL. THE NATIONS WHERE THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL WOULD BE TAKEN CAPTIVE AND LIVE AS ALIENS WOULD SOME DAY BE TOTALLY DESTROYED. THE NATIONAL SINS OF AMERICA ARE ON A MUCH GREATER SCALE THAN THE NATIONAL SINS OF ISRAEL FOR WHICH THEY WERE JUDGED. THE CAPABILITY FOR THE TOTAL DESTRUCTION OF AMERICA BY SOVIET NUCLEAR WEAPONS IS A VERY REAL AND PRESENT DANGER. THEY ARE FALSE PROPHETS WHO SAY PEACE, PEACE, WHEN THERE IS NO PEACE. WHAT CAN WE DO TO BRING ABOUT NATIONAL REPENTANCE AND REVIVAL IN AMERICA? Jeremiah 30:16-17 PG 1079 Therefore all they that devour thee shall be devoured; and all thine adversaries, every one of them, shall go into captivity; and they that spoil thee shall be a spoil, and all that prey upon thee will I give for a prey. For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD; because they called thee an Outcast, [saying], This [is] Zion, whom no man seeketh after. IT IS FANTASTIC AND FASCINATING TO SEE HOW GOD IS REGATHERING AND DEFENDING ISRAEL IN OUR TIME. PROBABLY THE ONLY REASON WHY AMERICA HAS NOT YET BEEN JUDGED FOR OUR NATIONAL SINS OF ABORTION AND NATIONAL REBELLION AGAINST GOD IS THE SUPPORT WE GIVE TO ISRAEL. IF AMERICAN POLICY EVER CHANGED REGARDING AMERICAN SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL THERE WOULD LIKELY NO LONGER BE A STAY IN THE EXECUTION OF JUDGMENT OF AMERICA. THE DESTRUCTION WOULD BE FULL DESTRUCTION. CHRISTIANS MUST GET READY AND STAY READY. Jeremiah 31:3-4 PG 1080 The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, [saying], Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. Again I will build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel: thou shalt again be adorned with thy tabrets, and shalt go forth in the dances of them that make merry. GOD'S LOVE FOR ISRAEL IS AN EVERLASTING LOVE. AMERICA MUST STAND UNITED WITH ISRAEL. Jeremiah 31:10-11 PG 1080 Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare [it] in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd [doth] his flock. For the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of [him that was] stronger than he. HOW COULD ANYONE WHO WOULD LOOK AT THE MODERN HISTORY OF ISRAEL SINCE 1948 AND FAIL TO SEE HOW GOD IS GATHERING AND SHEPHERDING ISRAEL? Jeremiah 31:15 PG 1081 Thus saith the LORD; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, [and] bitter weeping; Rahel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they [were] not. THIS VERSE IS QUOTED IN MATTHEW 2:18 TO REFER TO THE GRIEF OF THE PARENTS OF THE CHILDREN WHO WERE EXECUTED BY HEROD WHEN JESUS WAS BORN AND THE KINGS OF THE EAST DID NOT TELL HEROD THE LOCATION OF THE CHILD. JOSEPH HAD TAKEN JESUS TO EGYPT BEFORE HEROD'S SLAUGHTER OF THE INFANTS. RACHEL COULD BE CONSIDERED THE MOTHER OF ALL ISRAEL SINCE BENJAMIN REPRESENTED THE SOUTHERN KINGDOM AND EPHRAIM THE NORTHERN KINGDOM. Jeremiah 31:19-20 PG 1081 Surely after that I was turned, I repented; and after that I was instructed, I smote upon [my] thigh: I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth. [Is] Ephraim my dear son? [is he] a pleasant child? for since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the LORD. EPHRAIM REPRESENTS ALL THE NORTHERN KINGDOM. ISRAEL IS SEEN BY THE PROPHET JEREMIAH TO COME TO FULL REPENTANCE DURING THE BABYLONIAN CAPTIVITY. THERE ISRAEL PRAYS TO GOD FOR RESTORATION AND IS FULLY REPENTANT OF THEIR NATIONAL SIN OF REBELLION AGAINST GOD. IT IS IMPORTANT TO SEE HOW GOD IN VERSE 20 YEARNS FOR EPHRAIM AS A PARENT YEARNS FOR HIS CHILD. IN ALL OF GOD'S CURSING OF ISRAEL FOR THEIR SINS, GOD STILL LOVES ISRAEL AND PROMISES TO BE MERCIFUL TO ISRAEL. THE MERCY OF GOD IS INFINITE AND EVERLASTING. PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME! AUG 24 JEREMIAH 23, 31, & 33 PG 1082 - 1085 Jeremiah 23:1-2 PG 1083 Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD. Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD. WHEN GOD SAYS - WOE! - TO YOU, YOU BETTER LISTEN. OH PASTOR, DO YOU KNOW HOW SERIOUS IS THE CHARGE OF THE CARE OF GOD'S SHEEP? OH FATHER, DO YOU KNOW HOW SERIOUS IS THE CHARGE TO PROVIDE SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTION ABOUT GOD TO YOUR CHILDREN? IN THE LAST DAYS THEY WOULD HEAP TO THEMSELVES TEACHERS HAVING ITCHING EARS. IS YOUR PASTOR TELLING YOU THE TRUTH OF THE NEED FOR REPENTANCE AND REVIVAL? IS HE SAYING PEACE, PEACE, WHEN THERE IS NO PEACE? PEACE WILL NOT COME UNTIL THE PRINCE OF PEACE BRINGS IT AT HIS RETURN. UNTIL THEN ANTICHRIST WILL BE GAINING MORE POWER AND CONTROL OVER ALL WHO ARE NOT TOTALLY COMMITTED TO GOD. GOD WILL REQUIRE THE BLOOD OF PASTORS WHO FAIL TO WARN THEIR CONGREGATIONS WHEN THE ENEMY IS ATTACKING? PASTOR, ARE YOU PREPARING YOUR CONGREGATION TO GO THROUGH THE TRIBULATION? PASTORS MUST PREPARE THEIR CONGREGATIONS FOR TRIBULATION? PRAISE GOD IF WE ESCAPE TRIBULATION, BUT DON'T FAIL TO PREPARE FOR IT. OUR BLESSED HOPE IS THE RETURN OF JESUS CHRIST, NOT THE RAPTURE WHICH WILL OCCUR COINCIDENTALLY WITH HIS RETURN. THEY OVERCAME HIM BY THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB AND THE WORD OF THEIR TESTIMONY. ARE YOU HAVING FREQUENT TESTIMONY SERVICES? HOW ELSE DO WE ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER? HOW ELSE WILL THE PASTOR GAGE THE SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND MATURITY OF HIS CONGREGATION? Jeremiah 23:5-6 PG 1083 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this [is] his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS - ALL CAPITAL LETTERS. OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS IS THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. IF WE FIND OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS ANYWHERE ELSE, IT IS SELF RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH STINKS TO HIGH HEAVEN. WHEN YOU SEE VERSES LIKE THIS YOU WONDER WHY THE JEWS CONTINUE TO FAIL TO RECOGNIZE THE IDENTITY OF MESSIAH. JESUS IS THAT RIGHTEOUS BRANCH FROM THE LINE OF DAVID. JESUS IS THAT RIGHTEOUS KING WHO WILL SOON RETURN TO EXECUTE JUDGMENT AND JUSTICE IN ALL THE EARTH. ISRAEL CANNOT BE SAVED AS A NATION AND DWELL IN TOTAL SAFETY UNTIL MESSIAH JESUS IS RECOGNIZED AT HIS RETURN TO DESTROY THE ARMIES OF ANTICHRIST. Jeremiah 33:14-16 PG 1083 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will perform that good thing which I have promised unto the house of Israel and to the house of Judah. In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land. In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this [is the name] wherewith she shall be called, The LORD our righteousness. GOD SAYS LOOK, WAKE UP, AND PAY ATTENTION! THE DAYS ARE COMING WHEN GOD WILL PERFORM THAT GOOD THING. WHAT IS THAT GOOD THING? IT IS WHEN MESSIAH KING JESUS CHRIST, THE BRANCH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, FROM THE ROOTS OF DAVID, WILL EXECUTE JUDGMENT AND RIGHTEOUSNESS. JESUS CHRIST IS COMING SOON TO DESTROY THE ENTIRE ANTICHRIST NEW WORLD ORDER GLOBAL GOVERNMENT SYSTEM WITH ONE FELL SWOOP. THIS IS THE ONLY WAY IN WHICH JUDAH, THE JEWS, OR ANYONE ELSE WILL BE SAVED AND DWELL IN SAFETY. MESSIAH JESUS IS THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. IF YOU THINK YOU CAN HAVE RIGHTEOUSNESS APART FROM THE LORD JESUS CHRIST - ALL YOU HAVE IS FILTHY, STINKING, SELF RIGHTEOUSNESS. Jeremiah 31:31-34 PG 1084-1085 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day [that] I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: But this [shall be] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. WHAT IS THE NEW COVENANT? IT IS DIFFERENT FROM THE CONDITIONAL OLD COVENANT GIVEN TO MOSES WHICH NO MAN COULD POSSIBLY KEEP. THE NEW COVENANT IS WHERE GOD PUTS HIS LAW IN OUR HEARTS RATHER THAN WRITING IT ON TABLETS OF STONE. NO ONE WILL TEACH OR SAY TO ANYONE - "KNOW THE LORD." WHEN MESSIAH KING JESUS RETURNS EVERY EYE SHALL SEE HIM. EVERYONE WILL KNOW HIM FROM THE LEAST OF THEM TO THE GREATEST OF THEM. WILL YOU BE FILLED WITH DREAD OR RAPTUROUS JOY WHEN YOU SEE HIM COMING? KING JESUS WILL SOLVE OUR SIN PROBLEM. AUG 25 EZEKIEL 25, 29 -31 PG 1085 - 1091 Ezekiel 25:6-7 PG 1086 For thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou hast clapped [thine] hands, and stamped with the feet, and rejoiced in heart with all thy despite against the land of Israel; Behold, therefore I will stretch out mine hand upon thee, and will deliver thee for a spoil to the heathen; and I will cut thee off from the people, and I will cause thee to perish out of the countries: I will destroy thee; and thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD. GOD GIVES EZEKIEL HIS PRONOUNCEMENTS OF JUDGMENT ON AMMON, MOAB, EDOM, PHILISTA, AND EGYPT. GOD WILL NOT DO ANYTHING IN THE WAY OF JUDGMENT EXCEPT HE FIRST REVEAL HIS SECRET TO HIS SERVANTS THE PROPHETS. (AMOS 3:7) THESE PEOPLE WERE CELEBRATING THE JUDGMENT OF ISRAEL BEING DESTROYED AND GOING INTO CAPTIVITY. IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THAT GOD TAKES NO DELIGHT IN JUDGMENT. ISRAEL'S REBELLION AGAINST GOD FORCED GOD TO JUDGE THEM. GOD ALWAYS WANTS TO BLESS. GOD CHOSE TO REVEAL HIMSELF TO THE WORLD THROUGH ISRAEL. THEY BECAME A NATION WHEN GOD DEMONSTRATED HIS MIGHTY POWER TO THE WORLD IN LEADING THEM OUT OF BONDAGE IN EGYPT. GOD WANTED THE JEWS TO BE SO BLESSED THAT ALL THE WORLD WOULD BE JEALOUS TO HAVE ISRAEL'S GOD BE THEIR GOD. GOD GAVE ISRAEL HIS LAW. ISRAEL WAS TO SET THE WORLD'S STANDARDS FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS. GOD BLESSED THEM MIGHTILY. AS SOON AS THEY WERE BLESSED THEY BECAME PUFFED UP IN SELF RIGHTEOUSNESS AND REBELLED AGAINST GOD AND HIS LAW. IN STEAD OF SETTING THE STANDARDS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS THEY WERE SETTING THE STANDARDS OF UNRIGHTEOUSNESS. THEY MADE GOD ASHAMED TO BE IDENTIFIED AS THE GOD OF ISRAEL AND FORCED GOD TO JUDGE THEM. HOWEVER, WHEN THEY WERE JUDGED, IT DID NOT MEAN THAT GOD DID NOT LOVE THEM OR THAT HE HAD FORGOTTEN THEM. WHEN THE NATIONS REJOICED OVER ISRAEL'S JUDGMENT THEY BROUGHT JUDGMENT UPON THEMSELVES. WE SHOULD NEVER REJOICE OVER THE SUFFERINGS OF ANYONE. ALL SUFFERING IS THE RESULT OF SIN. SINCE JESUS CHRIST HAS OPENED THE WAY FOR ALL MANKIND TO HAVE DIRECT ACCESS TO GOD, WE SEE THAT THE LAW OF GOD, WHICH NO MAN COULD KEEP, HAS BEEN REPLACED BY THE LAW OF LOVE AND GOD'S GRACE. TODAY ALL SUFFERING IS STILL THE RESULT OF SIN. HOWEVER, TODAY THE PEOPLE WHO ARE DOING THE SUFFERING ARE GENERALLY NOT THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE DONE THE SINNING. WHEN WE SIN OUR ADVERSARY GETS A LICENCE TO CAUSE SUFFERING. MOST PEOPLE DO NOT WANT TO HEAR THIS, BUT THE HIGHEST CALLING OF GOD TODAY IS TO BE COUNTED WORTHY OF SUFFERING FOR THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST. MOST PEOPLE SIMPLY ARE NOT SPIRITUALLY STRONG ENOUGH TO SUFFER. Ezekiel 29:14-16 PG 1087 And I will bring again the captivity of Egypt, and will cause them to return [into] the land of Pathros, into the land of their habitation; and they shall be there a base kingdom. It shall be the basest of the kingdoms; neither shall it exalt itself any more above the nations: for I will diminish them, that they shall no more rule over the nations. And it shall be no more the confidence of the house of Israel, which bringeth [their] iniquity to remembrance, when they shall look after them: but they shall know that I [am] the Lord GOD. EGYPT WAS GOING TO BE CONQUERED BY BABYLON. THEY WOULD NEVER AGAIN HAVE PROMINENCE AS A NATION. ONE SIMPLY CANNOT AVOID SEEING GOD'S TRUTH IN PROPHESY. ONE HAS TO WONDER AT THE TESTIMONY OF THE PYRAMIDS AND OTHER GRAND EVIDENCE OF EGYPT'S PROMINENCE AS A CIVILIZATION AND HOW THIS GREAT CIVILIZATION HAS NEVER AGAIN BEEN ANYTHING GREAT AS A NATION. AUG 26 EZEKIEL 26 - 28 PG 1091 - 1096 Ezekiel 28:2 PG 1094 Son of man, say unto the prince of Tyrus, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thine heart [is] lifted up, and thou hast said, I [am] a God, I sit [in] the seat of God, in the midst of the seas; yet thou [art] a man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God: IN THE DESCRIPTION OF THE SINS AND JUDGMENT OF TYRE EZEKIEL ALSO USES THE KING OF TYRE TO PERSONIFY AND GIVE US INFORMATION ABOUT SATAN. THE HEBREW WORDS TRANSLATED GOD IN VERSE 2 ARE JEHOVAH, EL, ELOHEIM, EL, AND ELOHEIM IN THE ORDER IN WHICH THEY APPEAR IN THE VERSE. HERE IS A SITUATION WHERE THE NIV IS HELPFUL IN SEPARATING THE TRUE GOD FROM THE FALSE gODS. THE 5 PLACES WHERE THE WORD GOD IS USED IN THIS VERSE SHOULD BE AS FOLLOWS G,g,G,g,G. THIS WAS THE SIN OF SATAN WHEN HE SAID IN HIS HEART "I SHALL BE LIKE UNTO THE MOST HIGH." HOW STUPID - HOW MANY MOST HIGH'S CAN THERE BE? AN ADAPTATION OF THE SIN AT THE HEART OF SATAN IS THE LIE WHICH HE GAVE ADAM AND EVE IN THE GARDEN. HE HAS BEEN PUTTING NEW SUGAR COATINGS ON THE LIE EVER SINCE. WE MUST BE HYPER SENSITIVE TO RECOGNIZE THIS LIE OF SATAN IN ALL ITS FORMS - "YE SHALL BE AS GOD", IS THE LIE DESIGNED TO TAKE ALL MEN TO HELL. Ezekiel 28:3 PG 1095 Behold, thou [art] wiser than Daniel; there is no secret that they can hide from thee: HERE EZEKIEL MAY BE TALKING ABOUT SATAN. Ezekiel 28:4-5 PG 1095 With thy wisdom and with thine understanding thou hast gotten thee riches, and hast gotten gold and silver into thy treasures: By thy great wisdom [and] by thy traffic hast thou increased thy riches, and thine heart is lifted up because of thy riches: HERE THE KING OF TYRE IS LIKELY THE SUBJECT. IT IS VERY EASY FOR ONE'S HEART TO BE LIFTED UP WITH PRIDE THROUGH WEALTH. WE MUST BE CAREFUL TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT GOD IS THE SOURCE OF EVERY GOOD AND PERFECT GIFT. GOD GIVES US WISDOM. EVERY TALENT WE HAVE IS A GIFT FROM GOD. Ezekiel 28:12-19 PG 1085-1086 Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone [was] thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. Thou [art] the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee [so]: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou [wast] perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffic; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee. All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never [shalt] thou [be] any more. THERE IS NO CONFUSION HERE. SATAN IS DEFINITELY THE SUBJECT. COMPARE THIS WITH ISAIAH CHAPTER 14. HE WAS CREATED PERFECT UNTIL INIQUITY WAS FOUND IN HIS HEART. HE WAS CREATED TO BE THE ANOINTED CHERUB WHO DELIVERED THE GIFTS AND PRAISES OF ALL THE ANGELS BEFORE THE THRONE OF GOD. HE WAS CREATED PERFECT IN BEAUTY AND SONG AND FULL OF WISDOM. PRIDE WAS HIS SIN AND HE BROUGHT VIOLENCE THROUGH HIS SIN OF PRIDE TO HEAVEN AND EARTH. HE WILL BE BROUGHT TO ASHES IN THE SIGHT OF ALL MEN. WE ARE ALL SUBJECT TO PRIDE AND VANITY. WE ALL NEED TO CAREFULLY GUARD OUR HEARTS AGAINST THIS SOURCE OF ALL SIN AND EVIL, WHICH IS PRIDE. IF WE WILL HUMBLE OURSELVES, GOD WILL LIFT US UP. Ezekiel 28:25-26 PG 1096 Thus saith the Lord GOD; When I shall have gathered the house of Israel from the people among whom they are scattered, and shall be sanctified in them in the sight of the heathen, then shall they dwell in their land that I have given to my servant Jacob. And they shall dwell safely therein, and shall build houses, and plant vineyards; yea, they shall dwell with confidence, when I have executed judgments upon all those that despise them round about them; and they shall know that I [am] the LORD their God. WE ARE QUITE LIKELY TO BE THE GENERATION TO WITNESS THE FULFILLMENT OF THIS PROPHESY. GOD IS UNQUESTIONABLY REGATHERING ISRAEL FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD. ARE THEY YET DWELLING SAFELY? YES AND NO. WE SEE HOW GOD IS FIGHTING WITH THEM IN SUCH THINGS AS THEIR 92 TO 0 AIR TO AIR COMBAT VICTORY IN 1982. DWELLING IN SAFETY PROBABLY WILL NOT OCCUR UNTIL THE LORD RETURNS. IT COULD BE VERY SOON. AUG 27 JEREMIAH 37 - 38 PG 1097 - 1099 Jeremiah 37:14-15 PG 1097 Then said Jeremiah, [It is] false; I fall not away to the Chaldeans. But he hearkened not to him: so Irijah took Jeremiah, and brought him to the princes. Wherefore the princes were wroth with Jeremiah, and smote him, and put him in prison in the house of Jonathan the scribe: for they had made that the prison. IF YOU ARE BOLD TO PROCLAIM THE TRUTH OF GOD'S WORD YOU NEED TO EXPECT TO BE PERSECUTED. JEREMIAH WAS ACCUSED OF TREASON FOR GIVING THE WORD OF THE LORD AND IRIJAH HAD HIM BEATEN AND IMPRISONED. Jeremiah 37:17-18 PG 1098 Then Zedekiah the king sent, and took him out: and the king asked him secretly in his house, and said, Is there [any] word from the LORD? And Jeremiah said, There is: for, said he, thou shalt be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon. Moreover Jeremiah said unto king Zedekiah, What have I offended against thee, or against thy servants, or against this people, that ye have put me in prison? KING ZEDEKIAH HAD JEREMIAH RELEASED. JEREMIAH TELLS HIM THAT HE WILL BE TAKEN CAPTIVE BY THE BABYLONIANS. Jeremiah 38:3-6 PG 1098 Thus saith the LORD, This city shall surely be given into the hand of the king of Babylon's army, which shall take it. Therefore the princes said unto the king, We beseech thee, let this man be put to death: for thus he weakeneth the hands of the men of war that remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, in speaking such words unto them: for this man seeketh not the welfare of this people, but the hurt. Then Zedekiah the king said, Behold, he [is] in your hand: for the king [is] not [he that] can do [any] thing against you. Then took they Jeremiah, and cast him into the dungeon of Malchiah the son of Hammelech, that [was] in the court of the prison: and they let down Jeremiah with cords. And in the dungeon [there was] no water, but mire: so Jeremiah sunk in the mire. THE PRINCES WANTED TO KILL JEREMIAH AND ZEDEKIAH WOULD NOT GIVE JEREMIAH PROTECTION FROM THEM. THEY THREW JEREMIAH INTO A CISTERN WHICH HAD NO WATER BUT JEREMIAH SANK INTO THE MUD AT THE BOTTOM OF THE CISTERN. Jeremiah 38:12-13 PG 1098-1099 And Ebed-melech the Ethiopian said unto Jeremiah, Put now [these] old cast clouts and rotten rags under thine armholes under the cords. And Jeremiah did so. So they drew up Jeremiah with cords, and took him up out of the dungeon: and Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison. EBED-MELECH THE ETHIOPIAN PULLED JEREMIAH OUT OF THE MUD AND RELEASED HIM FROM THE CISTERN. Jeremiah 38:20 But Jeremiah said, They shall not deliver [thee]. Obey, I beseech thee, the voice of the LORD, which I speak unto thee: so it shall be well unto thee, and thy soul shall live. AFTER ALL THE TRIALS WHICH HE HAD BEEN THROUGH JEREMIAH STILL TRIES TO ENCOURAGE ZEDEKIAH TO OBEY THE WORD OF THE LORD. WHAT ABOUT US? WILL WE OBEY THE WORD OF THE LORD? Jeremiah 38:28 So Jeremiah abode in the court of the prison until the day that Jerusalem was taken: and he was [there] when Jerusalem was taken. JEREMIAH WAS PUT IN PRISON AND REMAINED THERE UNTIL THE CITY WAS FINALLY CAPTURED BY THE BABYLONIANS. AUG 28 JEREMIAH 39, 40, 52 2 KINGS 25 PG 1100 - 1103 Jeremiah 52:9-11 PG 1100 Then they took the king, and carried him up unto the king of Babylon to Riblah in the land of Hamath; where he gave judgment upon him. And the king of Babylon slew the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes: he slew also all the princes of Judah in Riblah. Then he put out the eyes of Zedekiah; and the king of Babylon bound him in chains, and carried him to Babylon, and put him in prison till the day of his death. JEREMIAH HAD PROPHESIED TO ZEDEKIAH THAT HE WOULD BE TAKEN CAPTIVE TO BABYLON AND DIE THERE IN CAPTIVITY AFTER WITNESSING THE DEATH OF HIS SONS. IT HAPPENED EXACTLY THAT WAY. THE ONLY DETAIL THAT JEREMIAH DID NOT GIVE ZEDEKIAH WAS THAT HE WOULD BE BLINDED. Jeremiah 39:18 PG 1102 For I will surely deliver thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword, but thy life shall be for a prey unto thee: because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the LORD. JEREMIAH WAS FAITHFUL TO DELIVER THE WORD THAT GOD TOLD HIM. IT MEANT HIS LIFE WAS CONTINUALLY THREATENED. HE HAD BEEN BEATEN AND IMPRISONED MANY TIMES. ALMOST EVERYONE IN HIS COUNTRY THOUGHT HE WAS A TRAITOR AND WANTED TO KILL HIM? COULD WE HAVE HAD SUCH GREAT TRUST IN GOD? JEREMIAH WAS NO QUITTER. HE HAD ABSOLUTE TRUST AND OBEDIENCE TO GOD. Jeremiah 40:1-6 PG 1102-1103 The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, after that Nebuzar-adan the captain of the guard had let him go from Ramah, when he had taken him being bound in chains among all that were carried away captive of Jerusalem and Judah, which were carried away captive unto Babylon. And the captain of the guard took Jeremiah, and said unto him, The LORD thy God hath pronounced this evil upon this place. Now the LORD hath brought [it], and done according as he hath said: because ye have sinned against the LORD, and have not obeyed his voice, therefore this thing is come upon you. And now, behold, I loose thee this day from the chains which [were] upon thine hand. If it seem good unto thee to come with me into Babylon, come; and I will look well unto thee: but if it seem ill unto thee to come with me into Babylon, forbear: behold, all the land [is] before thee: whither it seemeth good and convenient for thee to go, thither go. Now while he was not yet gone back, [he said], Go back also to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon hath made governor over the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people: or go wheresoever it seemeth convenient unto thee to go. So the captain of the guard gave him victuals and a reward, and let him go. Then went Jeremiah unto Gedaliah the son of Ahikam to Mizpah; and dwelt with him among the people that were left in the land. HOW DO YOU THINK NEBUZAR-ADAN KNEW THAT IT WAS THE LORD WHO HAD BROUGHT THIS JUDGMENT ON JEREMIAH'S NATION? THIS MAN WAS COMMANDER OF THE IMPERIAL GUARD. BY NOW DANIEL WAS A VERY GREAT MAN IN KING NEBUCHADNEZZAR'S COURT. DANIEL HAD BEEN WITNESSING TO THIS COMMANDER OF THE IMPERIAL GUARD. IT IS LIKELY THAT DANIEL HAD TOLD THIS COMMANDER OF THE IMPERIAL GUARD TO LOOK FOR JEREMIAH AND CARE FOR HIM. AUG 29 LAMENTATIONS 1 - 2 PG 1103 - 1109 Lamentations 1:5 PG 1104 Her adversaries are the chief, her enemies prosper; for the LORD hath afflicted her for the multitude of her transgressions: her children are gone into captivity before the enemy. IN HIS LAMENTATIONS JEREMIAH MAKES IT CLEAR THAT ISRAEL WAS DESTROYED BECAUSE OF THE MULTITUDE OF HER TRANSGRESSIONS. IT IS NEVER GOD'S WILL TO BRING DESTRUCTIONS. IT IS THE SINS OF MEN WHICH FORCES GOD'S JUDGMENT. IT IS NOT GOD'S WILL THAT ANY SHOULD PERISH BUT THAT ALL WOULD COME TO REPENTANCE AND RECEIVE HIS BLESSINGS. Lamentations 1:18 & 20 PG 1105-1106 The LORD is righteous; for I have rebelled against his commandment: hear, I pray you, all people, and behold my sorrow: my virgins and my young men are gone into captivity. Behold, O LORD; for I [am] in distress: my bowels are troubled; mine heart is turned within me; for I have grievously rebelled: abroad the sword bereaveth, at home [there is] as death. GOD IS ALWAYS JUSTIFIED IN WHATEVER HE DOES. HE IS GOD. IT IS ALWAYS OUR REBELLION WHICH FORCES GOD'S JUDGMENT. GOD PLACES A VERY HIGH PRIORITY ON BEING UNDER AUTHORITY. IT WAS REBELLION WHICH BROUGHT ABOUT THE SOURCE OF EVIL. SATAN WAS A PREFECT BEING UNTIL HE SET HIS HEART TO REBEL AGAINST GOD. WE MUST ACCEPT AND SUBMIT TO THE AUTHORITY WHICH GOD PLACES OVER US. OUR REBELLION IS NOT A VIABLE OPTION. WHEN WE ARE IN OBEDIENCE THE AUTHORITY OVER US WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE BY GOD. WHEN WE REBEL WE HAVE TAKEN THE ACCOUNTABILITY OF THE AUTHORITY OVER US OUT OF GOD'S HANDS. IT MAY AT TIMES SEEM LIKE A VIABLE OPTION BUT IT IS NOT THE RIGHT OR WISE OPTION. WHEN WE STAY IN OBEDIENCE AND SUBMISSION, THAT AUTHORITY OVER US BECOMES DIRECTLY ACCOUNTABLE TO GOD. GOD IS WILL FIX OR REMOVE WRONG AUTHORITY OVER US IF WE STAY IN OBEDIENCE. Lamentations 2:6 PG 1107 And he hath violently taken away his tabernacle, as [if it were of] a garden: he hath destroyed his places of the assembly: the LORD hath caused the solemn feasts and sabbaths to be forgotten in Zion, and hath despised in the indignation of his anger the king and the priest. GOD HAD BEEN WITH THE NATION OF ISRAEL SINCE ABRAHAM ENTERED INTO COVENANT RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD. GOD HAD PROMISED TO BLESS AND PROSPER THE CHILDREN OF ABRAHAM. WHEN HE MADE THEM A GREAT NATION BY HIS MIGHTY MIRACLES THAT BROUGHT THEM OUT OF BONDAGE IN EGYPT HE GAVE THEM THE TABERNACLE. GOD EFFECTIVELY PUT A HEDGE OR A FENCE AROUND THE NATION TO PROTECT IT AN ALLOW IT TO FLOURISH. IT WAS HOW WE PUT A FENCE AROUND OUR GARDEN TO PROTECT IT FROM BEING EATEN BY THE WILD CRITTERS AROUND IT. BECAUSE WHAT WAS GROWING IN THE GARDEN WAS NOT WHAT HE HAD PLANTED AND WAS A STINKING MESS, GOD REMOVED HIS PROTECTIVE BARRIERS AND ALLOWED THE WILD ANIMALS (THE BABYLONIANS) TO REMOVE AND DESTROY THE GARDEN. Lamentations 2:11 PG 1107 Mine eyes do fail with tears, my bowels are troubled, my liver is poured upon the earth, for the destruction of the daughter of my people; because the children and the sucklings swoon in the streets of the city. JEREMIAH HAD SUFFERED A GREAT DEAL IN HIS FAITHFULNESS TO DELIVER THE MESSAGES OF IMPENDING JUDGMENT. HE TRIED HARD TO GET HIS NATION TO REPENT AND AVOID GOD'S JUDGMENT. JEREMIAH WAS THE WEEPING PROPHET. FIRST HE WAS OBEDIENT TO GOD NO MATTER HOW MUCH IT WOULD CAUSE HIM TO SUFFER PERSONALLY. SECOND, HE WANTED HIS NATION TO PROSPER AND BE BLESSED RATHER THAN BE JUDGED BY GOD. THE LAST THING JEREMIAH EVER WOULD THINK OF IS GLOATING OVER THE HORRIBLE SUFFERING OF THE REBELLIOUS ISRAELITES. GOD WANTED TO BLESS ISRAEL. BLESSINGS COME FROM OBEDIENCE TO GOD. REBELLION AGAINST GOD BROUGHT HARDSHIP AND SUFFERING. SINCE THE NEW COVENANT IT IS NOT QUITE SO SIMPLE. UNDER THE NEW COVENANT THOSE WHO SIN GIVE SATAN A LICENCE TO ATTACK THE BODY OF CHRIST. IT IS USUALLY NOT THE ONE WHO DOES THE SINNING WHO DOES THE SUFFERING. IF WE UNDERSTOOD THE CONSEQUENCES OF OUR SINS CAUSING OTHERS TO SUFFER WE WOULD STOP THE SINNING. AUG 30 LAMENTATIONS 3 - 5 PG 1109 - 1115 Lamentations 3:5 PG 1109 He hath builded against me, and compassed [me] with gall and travail. SOME HAVE THOUGHT THAT THE MENTION OF GALL MAKES THIS PORTION OF JEREMIAH'S LAMENTATION A MESSIANIC REFERENCE. IT IS MORE LIKELY THAT JEREMIAH IS SIMPLY RECOUNTING HIS OWN SUFFERING AND REPROACH FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS' SAKE. NEVER FORGET WHAT JESUS SAID REGARDING SUFFERING FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS'S SAKE - Matthew 5:10-12 Blessed [are] they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when [men] shall revile you, and persecute [you], and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great [is] your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. IT IS NOT NATURAL TO WANT TO SUFFER. YET IF YOU DARE TO BE TOTALLY OBEDIENT AND BOLD IN YOUR WITNESS FOR JESUS CHRIST YOU MUST EXPECT SUFFERING AND REPROACH FROM EVERYONE INCLUDING YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS. IF YOU SUFFER FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS' SAKE - REJOICE. EXPECT IT. DO NOT BE OVERWHELMED WHEN IT HAPPENS. REJOICE WHEN IT HAPPENS. Lamentations 3:6 PG 1109 He hath set me in dark places, as [they that be] dead of old. JEREMIAH IS LIKELY REFERRING TO HIS STAY IN THE DUNGEONS AND MUDDY CISTERN. Lamentations 3:8 PG 1109 Also when I cry and shout, he shutteth out my prayer. GOD HEARS OUR PRAYERS. GOD KNOWS OUR EVERY THOUGHT. SOMETIMES IT MAY SEEM LIKE HE IS NOT LISTENING TO OUR PRAYERS BUT THIS IS NOT TRUE. ALL WE SEE IS OUR PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES. GOD KNOWS THE END FROM THE BEGINNING. GOD HAS OMNISCIENT KNOWLEDGE OF OUR CIRCUMSTANCES. FOR OUR GOOD, HE WILL OFTEN ANSWER OUR PRAYERS WITH NO, OR WAIT. THE KEY IS THAT WE TRUST HIM. DON'T EVER FALL IN THE TRAP THAT JEREMIAH SUGGESTS HERE THAT GOD DOES NOT HEAR OUR PRAYER. GOD HEARS EVERY PRAYER, KNOWS EVERY THOUGHT, EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE, AND IS WORKING ALL THINGS TOGETHER FOR OUR GOOD IF OUR HEARTS ARE SET RIGHT TOWARD HIM. Lamentations 3:14 PG 1110 I was a derision to all my people; [and] their song all the day. IN HIS FAITHFULNESS TO DELIVER THE WORD OF GOD TO HIS PEOPLE HE WAS HATED, BEATEN, IMPRISONED, MOCKED, AND PERSECUTED. IT IS NOT NATURAL TO REJOICE ABOUT SUCH THINGS. WE NEED TO LEARN TO EXPECT PERSECUTION AND REJOICE IN IT. Lamentations 3:18-26 PG 1110 And I said, My strength and my hope is perished from the LORD: Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall. My soul hath [them] still in remembrance, and is humbled in me. This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. [It is of] the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. [They are] new every morning: great [is] thy faithfulness. The LORD [is] my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD [is] good unto them that wait for him, to the soul [that] seeketh him. [It is] good that [a man] should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD. EVEN THOUGH JEREMIAH DID NOT KNOW TO EXPECT AND REJOICE IN PERSECUTION HE KNEW THE MOST IMPORTANT THING. JEREMIAH KNEW OF GOD'S INFINITE MERCY. MERCY TRIUMPHS OVER JUDGMENT. MERCY IS SOMETHING THAT DELIGHTS GOD. JUDGMENT IS SOMETHING WHICH OUR CHOICE OF SIN CAUSES GOD TO DO IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN HIS INTEGRITY. GOD TAKES NO DELIGHT IN JUDGMENT. GOD DELIGHTS IN MERCY. JEREMIAH KEEPS HIS HOPE AND TRUST IN GOD NO MATTER WHAT. Lamentations 3:27 PG 1110 [It is] good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth. WISE PEOPLE WORK FOR THE LORD WHEN THEY ARE YOUNG AND HAVE MORE STRENGTH AND ENERGY. OUR DESTINY OF HEAVEN OR HELL IS NOT DETERMINED BY WHAT WE HAVE DONE OTHER THAN ACCEPTING OR REJECTING WHAT JESUS HAS DONE FOR US. WE WILL HOWEVER HAVE ETERNAL EVERLASTING REWARDS FOR EVERY GOOD WORK THAT WE DO STRICTLY FOR THE GLORY OF GOD. EVERYTHING ELSE THAT WE DO, IF IT IS NOT SINGLY DONE TO GLORIFY GOD, WILL PERISH FROM US WHEN WE DIE. THAT IS WHY IT IS SO VERY WISE TO SET YOUR HEART TOTALLY TO DO GOD'S WILL WHEN YOUR ARE YOUNG AND HAVE MORE STRENGTH AND ENERGY. Lamentations 3:31-33 PG 1110 For the Lord will not cast off for ever: But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies. For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men. WHAT A BEAUTIFUL PROFOUND TRUTH IS EXPRESSED HERE. READ IT SEVERAL TIMES. MEDITATE ON THIS. IT IS NOT GOD'S WILL THAT ANYONE SHOULD PERISH OR SUFFER. GOD RESPECTS OUR FREE WILL TO CHOOSE AND ALLOWS THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIN IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS AND INTEGRITY. Lamentations 3:39-41 PG 1111 Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins? Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD. Let us lift up our heart with [our] hands unto God in the heavens. NO ONE SHOULD EVER WANT TO GET WHAT WE DESERVE. THE SAD TRUTH IS THAT WE ALL DESERVE TO GO TO HELL. THE GOOD NEWS OF THE GOSPEL IS THAT NONE OF US, EXCEPT THOSE WHO REJECT JESUS CHRIST, HAVE TO GET WHAT WE DESERVE. SIN HAS CONSEQUENCES. WE NEED TO READ GOD'S WORD EVERY DAY AND DEVELOP A SENSITIVITY TO THE QUIET, GENTLE, CONVICTING VOICE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT DIRECTING US TO MAKE OUR WAYS BETTER ALIGNED WITH GOD'S PERFECT WILL FOR OUR LIFE. HOLINESS IS WHAT WE MUST BE STRIVING FOR EVERY DAY. THIS IS WHY PEOPLE DO NOT READ GOD'S WORD EVERY DAY. WE DON'T WANT TO BE CONVICTED OF OUR SINS. YET THIS IS OUR GREATEST NEED. WE ARE NOT TALKING CONDEMNATION BUT CONVICTION. WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT SPEAKS TO OUR SOUL FROM THE WORD OF GOD, THEN IT IS PAINFUL DECISION TIME. WILL IT BE GOD'S WAY OR MY WAY? THAT IS THE QUESTION. HOW HAVE I ANSWERED THE QUESTION TODAY? HAVE I AVOIDED THE QUESTION TODAY BY FAILING TO READ GOD'S WORD AND LISTEN TO THE GENTLE HOLY SPIRIT CONVICTING ME OF THE ERROR IN MY WAY? THIS IS THE WAY OF HOLINESS. IT IS SO EASY TO DECEIVE OUR SELF AND OUR FRIENDS. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO DECEIVE GOD. Lamentations 3:55-58 PG 1111-1112 I called upon thy name, O LORD, out of the low dungeon. Thou hast heard my voice: hide not thine ear at my breathing, at my cry. Thou drewest near in the day [that] I called upon thee: thou saidst, Fear not. O Lord, thou hast pleaded the causes of my soul; thou hast redeemed my life. GOD SAYS FEAR NOT. FEAR IS THE OPPOSITE OF FAITH AND TRUST. IF YOU TRUST GOD, WHY FEAR ANYTHING? GOD HAS REDEEMED YOU. JESUS PAID THE PRICE FOR YOUR LIFE THAT YOU COULD NOT PAY. DO YOU TRUST HIM? IF YOU TRUST HIM, WHY DO YOU FEAR ANYTHING? FEAR IS SATAN'S BIG GUN. IF YOU WILL NOT FEAR, YOU CAN RESIST THE DEVIL AND HE WILL FLEE FROM YOU. Lamentations 4:6 PG 1112 For the punishment of the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the punishment of the sin of Sodom, that was overthrown as in a moment, and no hands stayed on her. THE PUNISHMENT OF SODOM WAS LIKE A NUCLEAR WEAPON DESTROYS. DEATH IN AN INSTANT. BUT WAS THE PUNISHMENT OF JUDAH GREATER? WHERE DID THE SODOMITES GO FOR ETERNITY? WHO KNOWS THE EXTENT OF THEIR ETERNAL SUFFERING? GOD WAS GIVING THE PEOPLE OF JUDAH A CHANCE TO REPENT DURING THEIR PROLONGED SUFFERING. IF YOU DRAW YOUR LAST BREATH RIGHT NOW WILL YOU BE SPENDING ETERNITY IN JOY OR TORMENT? HOW CAN YOU LIVE WITHOUT A CERTAIN ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION? DO YOU AVOID THE QUESTION? IF THE QUESTION TROUBLES YOU, TAKE IT TO JESUS. ONLY JESUS CAN GIVE YOU THE ASSURANCE OF THE ANSWER. HE HAS THE ANSWER. HE IS THE ANSWER. Lamentations 4:12-13 PG 1113 The kings of the earth, and all the inhabitants of the world, would not have believed that the adversary and the enemy should have entered into the gates of Jerusalem. For the sins of her prophets, [and] the iniquities of her priests, that have shed the blood of the just in the midst of her, JUST AS EVERYONE THOUGHT JERUSALEM COULD NOT FALL, SO MANY AMERICANS THINK AMERICA IS SAFE. HAS ANY RUSSIAN STRATEGIC WEAPON AIMED AT AMERICA BEEN DISMANTLED? THE THREAT GROWS GREATER EVERY DAY THAT THE RUSSIAN LEADERS GROW MORE DESPERATE. HAVE AMERICA'S PREACHERS BEEN WARNING OF NUCLEAR DESTRUCTION OR ARE THEY PREACHING A PRE-TRIB RAPTURE? IS REPENTANCE AND HOLINESS BEING PREACHED IN YOUR CHURCH? WOULD YOU LEAVE YOUR CHURCH IF IT WERE BEING PREACHED? ARE YOU SO IN LOVE WITH THIS WORLD THAT YOU DON'T WANT TO THINK ABOUT SUCH THINGS? Lamentations 5:21 PG 1115 Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old. WILL WE HAVE RENEWAL AND REVIVAL IN AMERICA? IT IS UP TO YOU AND ME. WILL WE READ OUR BIBLE EVERY DAY? WILL I REPENT? WILL IT BE GOD'S WAY OR MY WAY? IT IS MY WAY AUTOMATICALLY IF I WILL NOT READ GOD'S WORD. WILL WE TURN TO GOD OR CONTINUE IN OUR OWN WAY TO DESTRUCTION? AUG 31 JEREMIAH 40 -45 PG 1115 - 1120 Jeremiah 40:9 PG 1115 And Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan sware unto them and to their men, saying, Fear not to serve the Chaldeans: dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon, and it shall be well with you. GEDALIAH WAS A GOOD MAN WHO PROBABLY HAD BEEN APPOINTED GOVERNOR OF JUDAH BY NEBUCHADNEZZAR AT THE RECOMMENDATION OF DANIEL. Jeremiah 41:2-3 PG 1116 Then arose Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and the ten men that were with him, and smote Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan with the sword, and slew him, whom the king of Babylon had made governor over the land. Ishmael also slew all the Jews that were with him, [even] with Gedaliah, at Mizpah, and the Chaldeans that were found there, [and] the men of war. JONANAN HAD WARNED GEDALIAH ABOUT THE ASSASSINATION PLOT OF ISHMAEL. GEDALIAH KNEW IT WOULD BE VERY FOOLISH FOR ANYONE TO ASSASSINATE A GOVERNOR APPOINTED BY KING NEBUCHADNEZZAR. SURE ENOUGH THE RUTHLESS FOOL ISHMAEL DID KILL GEDALIAH. THIS WOULD CERTAINLY BRING REPRISALS TO THE FEW JEWS LEFT IN JUDAH. Jeremiah 41:7-8 PG 1116 And it was [so], when they came into the midst of the city, that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah slew them, [and cast them] into the midst of the pit, he, and the men that [were] with him. But ten men were found among them that said unto Ishmael, Slay us not: for we have treasures in the field, of wheat, and of barley, and of oil, and of honey. So he forbare, and slew them not among their brethren. THIS ISHMAEL HAD KILLED THE GOVERNOR WHO WAS APPOINTED BY THE MOST POWERFUL KING IN THE WORLD. THIS WOULD PLACE HIS COUNTRYMEN IN HARMS WAY OF ALMOST CERTAIN REPRISAL BY THE KING. HE HAD ALSO KILLED ABOUT 80 OF HIS COUNTRYMEN. TEN WERE NOT KILLED WHO TOLD ISHMAEL THAT IF HE KILLED THEM HE WOULD NOT KNOW THE LOCATIONS OF THEIR TREASURED STORES OF GRAIN. IF JOHANAN KILLS ISHMAEL THAT WOULD MAKE HIM A HERO TO LEAD THE FEW JEWS LEFT IN JUDAH, RIGHT? WRONG! Jeremiah 42:1-2 & 5-6 PG 1116 Then all the captains of the forces, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and Jezaniah the son of Hoshaiah, and all the people from the least even unto the greatest, came near, And said unto Jeremiah the prophet, Let, we beseech thee, our supplication be accepted before thee, and pray for us unto the LORD thy God, [even] for all this remnant; (for we are left [but] a few of many, as thine eyes do behold us:) Then they said to Jeremiah, The LORD be a true and faithful witness between us, if we do not even according to all things for the which the LORD thy God shall send thee to us. Whether [it be] good, or whether [it be] evil, we will obey the voice of the LORD our God, to whom we send thee; that it may be well with us, when we obey the voice of the LORD our God. SO JOHANAN KILLED ISHMAEL AND GOES TO JEREMIAH TO GET DIRECTION FROM GOD. IT REALLY SOUNDS LIKE HE IS A GOOD MAN TO LEAD THE FEW REMAINING JEWS IN JUDAH, RIGHT? WHATEVER GOD SAYS IS WHAT WE WILL DO, RIGHT? WRONG! Jeremiah 42:9-12 PG 1117 And said unto them, Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, unto whom ye sent me to present your supplication before him; If ye will still abide in this land, then will I build you, and not pull [you] down, and I will plant you, and not pluck [you] up: for I repent me of the evil that I have done unto you. Be not afraid of the king of Babylon, of whom ye are afraid; be not afraid of him, saith the LORD: for I [am] with you to save you, and to deliver you from his hand. And I will shew mercies unto you, that he may have mercy upon you, and cause you to return to your own land. GOD SAYS DON'T BE AFRAID OF REPRISALS FROM NEBUCHADNEZZAR. STAY RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE AND I WILL PROTECT YOU AND BLESS YOU. GOD IS PREPARED TO SHOW HIS GREAT MERCY AND POUR OUT HIS GREAT BLESSINGS ON THESE FEW REMAINING JEWS. SURELY, THIS GOOD NEWS FROM THE LORD WILL CAUSE THE FEW REMAINING JEWS TO LIVE IN PRAISE AND OBEDIENCE TO GOD, RIGHT? WRONG! Jeremiah 42:15-18 PG 1117 - 1118 And now therefore hear the word of the LORD, ye remnant of Judah; Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; If ye wholly set your faces to enter into Egypt, and go to sojourn there; Then it shall come to pass, [that] the sword, which ye feared, shall overtake you there in the land of Egypt, and the famine, whereof ye were afraid, shall follow close after you there in Egypt; and there ye shall die. So shall it be with all the men that set their faces to go into Egypt to sojourn there; they shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence: and none of them shall remain or escape from the evil that I will bring upon them. For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; As mine anger and my fury hath been poured forth upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem; so shall my fury be poured forth upon you, when ye shall enter into Egypt: and ye shall be an execration, and an astonishment, and a curse, and a reproach; and ye shall see this place no more. CAN YOU SHOW ME THE UNCONDITIONAL BLESSING PROMISES OF GOD? HERE, AS IN ALMOST EVERY PROMISE OF BLESSING, THE CONDITION OF OBEDIENCE IS COUPLED WITH THE PROMISE OF CURSES WHICH WILL BE BROUGHT UPON OURSELVES FROM REBELLION AND/OR DISOBEDIENCE. GOD'S PROMISES ARE ALL CERTAIN. NOTHING IS MORE CERTAIN THAN THE INTEGRITY OF GOD'S WORD. SOMEHOW WE SEEM TO MISS THE FACT THAT THE BLESSINGS ARE ALMOST INVARIABLY CONDITIONAL BASED ON OBEDIENCE. Jeremiah 43:2 PG 1118 Then spake Azariah the son of Hoshaiah, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the proud men, saying unto Jeremiah, Thou speakest falsely: the LORD our God hath not sent thee to say, Go not into Egypt to sojourn there: HERE NOW WE SEE OUR HERO JOHANAN NUMBERED AMONG THE PROUD MEN. WHY IS PRIDE TAUGHT AS SOME SORT OF VIRTUE? IT IS A SERIOUS BESETTING SIN WHICH WILL GET US IN TO ALL SORTS OF TROUBLE. IT IS ONLY BY HUMBLING OURSELVES BEFORE THE LORD THAT WE ARE LIFTED UP OUT OF THE MIRE OF OUR PRIDE AND VANITY. ARE YOU PROUD OF YOUR HUMILITY? Jeremiah 44:16 PG 1119 [As for] the word that thou hast spoken unto us in the name of the LORD, we will not hearken unto thee. WHEN THE MAN OF GOD EXPLAINS THE BLESSINGS OF OBEDIENCE AND THE CURSES THAT FOLLOW REBELLION AND DISOBEDIENCE WILL I PAY ATTENTION OR NOT? Jeremiah 44:18-19 PG 1119 But since we left off to burn incense to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto her, we have wanted all [things], and have been consumed by the sword and by the famine. And when we burned incense to the queen of heaven, and poured out drink offerings unto her, did we make her cakes to worship her, and pour out drink offerings unto her, without our men? THIS IS INTERESTING. THEY SAID EVERYTHING WAS GOING GOOD AS LONG AS THEY WERE WORSHIPING THE QUEEN OF HEAVEN???? THEREFORE THE LOGICAL CONCLUSION IS THAT GOD IS THE QUEEN OF HEAVEN OR THAT THE QUEEN OF HEAVEN IS GOD. DON'T LAUGH AT THIS. THERE ARE SOME MAIN LINE DENOMINATIONS WHICH ARE TRYING TO TEACH THIS GARBAGE AS DOCTRINE TODAY. MOTHER EARTH AND THE QUEEN OF HEAVEN CAN TAKE YOU ON A FAST TRACK TO HELL AND DESTRUCTION. THE BIBLE HAS NOTHING GOOD TO SAY REGARDING DEVOTIONS TO THE QUEEN OF HEAVEN. I Timothy 2:5 - For [there is] one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; SEP 1 EZEKIEL 33 - 36 PG 1121 - 1126 Ezekiel 34:1-6 PG 1122 And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe [be] to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks? Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: [but] ye feed not the flock. The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up [that which was] broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them. And they were scattered, because [there is] no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered. My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek [after them]. JESUS GIVES THE EXAMPLE OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD WHO LAYS DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS SHEEP. WHEN GOD SAYS WOE, YOU KNOW IT IS VERY SERIOUS INDEED. PASTORSHIP OR SHEPHERDING IS THE MOST SERIOUS WORK. IT IS MUCH MORE THAN JUST DELIVERING A GOOD SERMON ONCE A WEEK. THE PASTOR MUST BE INVOLVED WITH THE CONCERNS, NEEDS, HURTS AND PROBLEMS OF THOSE IN HIS FLOCK. HE DOES NOT STOP TRYING TO GET THE LOST SHEEP BACK INTO THE FOLD. Ezekiel 34:10 PG 1122 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I [am] against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them. IF GOD IS AGAINST YOU IT DOESN'T MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE WHO IS FOR YOU, YOU ARE IN MORE TROUBLE THAN YOU CAN HANDLE. GOD PROMISES TO DELIVER HIS FLOCK FROM THE PASTOR WHO IS NOT GENUINELY CONCERNED WITH THE WELFARE OF HIS FLOCK. IF THE PASTOR VIEWS HIS WORK AS JUST A JOB TO PROVIDE HIM A LIVING, GOD PROMISES TO DELIVER THE FLOCK AWAY FROM HIM. Ezekiel 34:21-24 PG 1123 Because ye have thrust with side and with shoulder, and pushed all the diseased with your horns, till ye have scattered them abroad; Therefore will I save my flock, and they shall no more be a prey; and I will judge between cattle and cattle. And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, [even] my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd. And I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them; I the LORD have spoken [it]. THIS IS DEFINITELY A MESSIANIC PROPHESY. JESUS IS THE ONE GREAT GOOD SHEPHERD WHO WILL BE THE SHEPHERD OF ALL. Ezekiel 34:28-31 PG 1123 And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen, neither shall the beast of the land devour them; but they shall dwell safely, and none shall make [them] afraid. And I will raise up for them a plant of renown, and they shall be no more consumed with hunger in the land, neither bear the shame of the heathen any more. Thus shall they know that I the LORD their God [am] with them, and [that] they, [even] the house of Israel, [are] my people, saith the Lord GOD. And ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, [are] men, [and] I [am] your God, saith the Lord GOD. DURING THE TIMES OF THE GENTILES THE JEWS HAVE BEEN THE TARGET OF POLITICAL REPRISALS IN MOST OF THE LANDS WHERE THEY HAVE BEEN SCATTERED. SOME DAY THEY SHALL COME TO KNOW THEIR MESSIAH AND GOD SHALL DWELL WITH THEM. ALL READY WE ARE SEEING THE PROMISED REGATHERING AND HOW GOD IS DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN PROTECTING THEM AND DEFENDING THEM. Ezekiel 36:24-28 PG 1125 For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do [them]. And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God. IT IS EXCITING TO KNOW THAT WE ARE THE GENERATION TO SEE THIS REGATHERING PROPHESY BEING FULFILLED. WHAT WILL BE MOST EXCITING IS WHEN WE SEE THIS NEW HEART AND NEW SPIRIT BEING PUT INTO THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL. THE NEW HEART AND NEW SPIRIT COMES TO ALL WHO RECEIVE MESSIAH JESUS. THIS IS COMING AND THERE IS A GOOD CHANCE WE WILL BE THE GENERATION TO SEE IT ALTHOUGH WE MAY HAVE TO OVERCOME 7 YEARS OF TRIBULATION FIRST. HAVE YOU RECEIVED THE NEW HEART AND NEW SPIRIT? WE ARE ALL STONE HEARTED UNTIL WE RECEIVE THE NEW HEART AND SPIRIT. SEP 2 EZEKIEL 37 - 39 PG 1126 - 1130 Ezekiel 37:1-3 PG 1126 The hand of the LORD was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley which [was] full of bones, And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, [there were] very many in the open valley; and, lo, [they were] very dry. And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest. THIS WAS A TOUGH QUESTION FOR EZEKIEL. UNTIL JESUS ROSE AGAIN FROM THE DEAD NONE OF US COULD BE CERTAIN OF LIFE AFTER DEATH. THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS IS ONE OF THE MOST ACCURATELY DOCUMENTED FACTS OF HISTORY. I Corinthians 15:4-6 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. THERE IS NO WAY 500 PEOPLE COULD HAVE THE SAME HALLUCINATION AT THE SAME TIME. Ezekiel 37:10 PG 1126 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army. TODAY ISRAEL HAS THE ONLY INVINCIBLE ARMY IN THE WORLD. GOD IS ON THE SIDE OF ISRAEL AND THEY ARE NOT GOING TO BE DEFEATED AGAIN. Ezekiel 37:12-14 PG 1127 Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. And ye shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves, And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken [it], and performed [it], saith the LORD. GOD HAS INDEED RESURRECTED THE NATION OF ISRAEL. IT IS OUR GENERATION WHICH HAS SEEN ISRAEL ESTABLISHED AND BLOSSOM AS A NATION. FOR 25OO YEARS THIS PROPHESY REMAINED IN OBSCURITY AND IN 1948 WE SEE ISRAEL AS A NATION AGAIN IN THE LAND THAT GOD GAVE THEM. Ezekiel 38:1-6 PG 1128 And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him, And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I [am] against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal: And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts [of armour, even] a great company [with] bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords: Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet: Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: [and] many people with thee. THESE NAMES GOG, MEGOG, MESHECH, TUBAL ALL POINT TO A NORTHERN INVASION OF ISRAEL BY THE CHIEF PRINCE (HEBREW = ROSHE) OR RUSSIA. THE BREAK-UP OF THE SOVIET UNION IS A MYTH. SOONER OR LATER RUSSIA WILL INVADE ISRAEL AFTER THE SPOIL OF THE MIDDLE EAST OIL. GOG AND MEGOG REFER TO THE NORTHERN BARBAROUS SONS OF JAPHETH. SOME HAVE THOUGHT GOG REFERS TO A NAME OF ANTICHRIST BUT IT SIMPLY REFERS TO RUSSIA. SOME HAVE SAID MESHECH IS AN ANCIENT NAME OF MOSCOW AND TUBAL IS AN ANCIENT NAME OF TUBALSK. Ezekiel 38:10-12 PG 1128 Thus saith the Lord GOD; It shall also come to pass, [that] at the same time shall things come into thy mind, and thou shalt think an evil thought: And thou shalt say, I will go up to the land of unwalled villages; I will go to them that are at rest, that dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates, To take a spoil, and to take a prey; to turn thine hand upon the desolate places [that are now] inhabited, and upon the people [that are] gathered out of the nations, which have gotten cattle and goods, that dwell in the midst of the land. I REMEMBER WRITING PAPERS WHICH WERE GRADED FOR SPELLING MISTAKES WITH THE ABBREVIATION SP. WHAT IS THE SPOIL THAT RUSSIA WILL INVADE ISRAEL TO OBTAIN? SP. OIL, IT IS THE OIL OF THE MIDDLE EAST. CONTROL OF THE MIDDLE EAST OIL MEANS CONTROL OF THE INDUSTRIALIZED NATIONS. RUSSIA WILL PROBABLY WAIT FOR CHAOS, COLLAPSE, OR DESTRUCTION OF THE U.S.A. BEFORE ATTACKING ISRAEL. THIS IS ALL THE MORE REASON TO BE SURE YOU ARE IN RIGHT STANDING WITH GOD. THE UNITED STATES COULD GO UP IN THE SMOKE OF A PREEMPTIVE STRATEGIC NUCLEAR ATTACK AT ANY TIME. FOR THE CHRISTIAN IN RIGHT STANDING WITH THE LORD THE EFFECT OF THE RAPTURE AND A NUCLEAR BLAST IS IDENTICAL - INSTANTLY WITH THE LORD. THE SITUATION SHOULD HELP US KEEP OUR PRIORITIES IN LINE. ARE YOUR LOVED ONES SAVED AND WALKING WITH THE LORD? DO YOU LOVE YOUR SITUATION IN THIS WORLD SO MUCH THAT YOU ARE MISERABLE WHEN YOU FACE THE POSSIBILITY OF A STRATEGIC NUCLEAR ATTACK? WE NEED TO BREAK UP OUR FALLOW GROUND AND PULL ALL THE STOPS IN OUR EFFORT TO SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS AND HOPE OF THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST. Ezekiel 38:14-16 PG 1128 - 1129 Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say unto Gog, Thus saith the Lord GOD; In that day when my people of Israel dwelleth safely, shalt thou not know [it]? And thou shalt come from thy place out of the north parts, thou, and many people with thee, all of them riding upon horses, a great company, and a mighty army: And thou shalt come up against my people of Israel, as a cloud to cover the land; it shall be in the latter days, and I will bring thee against my land, that the heathen may know me, when I shall be sanctified in thee, O Gog, before their eyes. GOD WAS GLORIFIED WHEN PHARAOH HARDENED HIS HEART. GOD DEMONSTRATED HIS POWER TO THE WORLD AS HE PLAGUED EGYPT TO DELIVER ISRAEL, IT WILL BE THE SAME THING AS GOD HIMSELF DESTROYS THE INVADING RUSSIAN ARMIES. IN THE LATTER DAYS GOD WILL DEMONSTRATE HIS MIGHTY POWER TO THE WORLD BY DESTROYING THE RUSSIAN ARMY TO DELIVER ISRAEL. Ezekiel 38:18-23 PG 1129 And it shall come to pass at the same time when Gog shall come against the land of Israel, saith the Lord GOD, [that] my fury shall come up in my face. For in my jealousy [and] in the fire of my wrath have I spoken, Surely in that day there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel; So that the fishes of the sea, and the fowls of the heaven, and the beasts of the field, and all creeping things that creep upon the earth, and all the men that [are] upon the face of the earth, shall shake at my presence, and the mountains shall be thrown down, and the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground. And I will call for a sword against him throughout all my mountains, saith the Lord GOD: every man's sword shall be against his brother. And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that [are] with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone. Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I [am] the LORD. GOD TELLS US HERE HOW HE IS GOING TO DESTROY THE INVADING RUSSIAN ARMIES. THERE WILL BE A GREAT EARTHQUAKE IN ISRAEL WHILE RUSSIA IS INVADING. MUCH OF THE RUSSIAN ARMY WILL BE DESTROYED BY THIS EARTHQUAKE. THE RUSSIAN TROOPS WILL ALSO KILL EACH OTHER AND TURN THEIR WEAPONS UPON THEMSELVES MUCH LIKE THE VICTORY WHICH GOD GAVE GIDEON OVER THE MIDIANITES. GOD WILL ALSO STRIKE THIS MASSIVE INVADING RUSSIAN ARMY WITH PESTILENCE. GREAT HAILSTORMS AND FIRE AND BRIMSTONE DESTRUCTION SIMILAR TO THE DESTRUCTION OF SODOM AND GAMORAH. OF ALL OF THE SOLDIERS OF THE RUSSIAN EMPIRE OVER 83% WILL DIE IN THIS ATTACK OF ISRAEL. GOD WILL DO IT HIMSELF AND ISRAEL MAY NOT EVEN FIRE A SHOT. MANY NATIONS WILL THEN HAVE TO RECOGNIZE THE GOD OF ISRAEL AS THE ONE TRUE MIGHTY GOD OF ALL. Ezekiel 39:1-2 PG 1129 Therefore, thou son of man, prophesy against Gog, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I [am] against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal: And I will turn thee back, and leave but the sixth part of thee, and will cause thee to come up from the north parts, and will bring thee upon the mountains of Israel: HAS ANY ARMY IN MODERN HISTORY EVER SEEN 83% OF ALL THIER SOLDIERS KILLED AT ONE TIME? Ezekiel 39:4-8 PG 1129 Thou shalt fall upon the mountains of Israel, thou, and all thy bands, and the people that [is] with thee: I will give thee unto the ravenous birds of every sort, and [to] the beasts of the field to be devoured. Thou shalt fall upon the open field: for I have spoken [it], saith the Lord GOD. And I will send a fire on Magog, and among them that dwell carelessly in the isles: and they shall know that I [am] the LORD. So will I make my holy name known in the midst of my people Israel; and I will not [let them] pollute my holy name any more: and the heathen shall know that I [am] the LORD, the Holy One in Israel. Behold, it is come, and it is done, saith the Lord GOD; this [is] the day whereof I have spoken. ALL THE WORLD WILL FEAR THE GOD OF ISRAEL WHEN GOD FINISHES WITH THE DESTRUCTION OF THE RUSSIAN ARMY. Ezekiel 39:10-17 PG 1129 - 1130 So that they shall take no wood out of the field, neither cut down [any] out of the forests; for they shall burn the weapons with fire: and they shall spoil those that spoiled them, and rob those that robbed them, saith the Lord GOD. And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] I will give unto Gog a place there of graves in Israel, the valley of the passengers on the east of the sea: and it shall stop the [noses] of the passengers: and there shall they bury Gog and all his multitude: and they shall call [it] The valley of Hamon-gog. And seven months shall the house of Israel be burying of them, that they may cleanse the land. Yea, all the people of the land shall bury [them]; and it shall be to them a renown the day that I shall be glorified, saith the Lord GOD. And they shall sever out men of continual employment, passing through the land to bury with the passengers those that remain upon the face of the earth, to cleanse it: after the end of seven months shall they search. And the passengers [that] pass through the land, when [any] seeth a man's bone, then shall he set up a sign by it, till the buriers have buried it in the valley of Hamon-gog. And also the name of the city [shall be] Hamonah. Thus shall they cleanse the land. And, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD; Speak unto every feathered fowl, and to every beast of the field, Assemble yourselves, and come; gather yourselves on every side to my sacrifice that I do sacrifice for you, [even] a great sacrifice upon the mountains of Israel, that ye may eat flesh, and drink blood. HAMON SIMPLY MEANS MULTITUDE. THIS DESTRUCTION IS GOING TO BE SO MASSIVE THAT IT WILL TAKE 7 MONTHS TO BURY ALL THE DEAD SOLDIERS IN MASS GRAVES. PEOPLE WILL BE PERMANENTLY EMPLOYED IN THE CLEANUP OF THE CARNAGE OF THIS DESTRUCTION. ALL THE WORLD WILL HAVE TO KNOW THE GOD OF ISRAEL IS THE ONLY TRUE GOD. SOME, WITH GOOD REASON BELIEVE THIS IS THE BATTLE OF ARMAGEDDON, IT IS MORE LIKELY THAT THIS DESTRUCTION OF RUSSIA PROVIDES THE POWER VACUUM FROM WHICH ANTICHRIST COMES TO FULL POWER AND CONTROL. NO MENTION IS MADE OF THE INVOLVEMENT OF THE 200,000,000 MAN ARMY OF THE KINGS OF THE EAST. THE MORE LIKELY SCENARIO IS THAT RUSSIA TAKES OUT THE U.S.A. WITH A PREEMPTIVE STRATEGIC NUCLEAR ATTACK AND THEN FOLLOWS WITH THIS ATTACK OF ISRAEL. WHEN GOD DESTROYS THEM THEN THE POWER VACUUM LEFT BY THE DESTRUCTION OF BOTH THE U.S.A. BY RUSSIA AND THE DESTRUCTION OF RUSSIA BY GOD HIMSELF LEAVES THE POWER VACUUM WHICH ANTICHRIST OUT OF THE REVIVED ROMAN EMPIRE TAKES FULL CONTROL. Ezekiel 39:21-23 PG 1130 And I will set my glory among the heathen, and all the heathen shall see my judgment that I have executed, and my hand that I have laid upon them. So the house of Israel shall know that I [am] the LORD their God from that day and forward. And the heathen shall know that the house of Israel went into captivity for their iniquity: because they trespassed against me, therefore hid I my face from them, and gave them into the hand of their enemies: so fell they all by the sword. AT THIS TIME ISRAEL WILL KNOW THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. Ezekiel 39:25 PG 1130 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Now will I bring again the captivity of Jacob, and have mercy upon the whole house of Israel, and will be jealous for my holy name; THROUGH ALL OF THE JUDGMENTS AND TRIALS OF ISRAEL THEY HAVE NEVER BEEN FORSAKEN BY GOD. GOD AT THIS TIME WILL BE REVELING HIMSELF TO THE WORLD THROUGH THE NATION OF ISRAEL. Ezekiel 39:27-29 PG 1130 When I have brought them again from the people, and gathered them out of their enemies' lands, and am sanctified in them in the sight of many nations; Then shall they know that I [am] the LORD their God, which caused them to be led into captivity among the heathen: but I have gathered them unto their own land, and have left none of them any more there. Neither will I hide my face any more from them: for I have poured out my spirit upon the house of Israel, saith the Lord GOD. AT THIS TIME ISRAEL WILL BE LEADING THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST. THEY WILL ALL KNOW MESSIAH JESUS AND HAVE BEEN FILLED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD. SEP 3 EZEKIEL 32 - 33 PG 1130 - 1134 Ezekiel 33:1-6 PG 1133 Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman: If when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people; Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head. He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning; his blood shall be upon him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul. But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take [any] person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand. MEN, ALL FATHERS ARE APPOINTED WATCHMEN FOR THEIR FAMILIES. ARE YOU THE SPIRITUAL LEADER AND FAITHFUL WATCHMAN THAT YOU SHOULD BE? HAVE YOU ABDICATED THE SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP OF YOUR FAMILY TO YOUR WIFE. WOMEN, HAVE YOU EVER REBELLED AGAINST THE LEADERSHIP OF YOU HUSBAND? DO YOU SUPPORT OR DO YOU CHALLENGE YOU HUSBAND'S LEADERSHIP? Genesis 3:16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire [shall be] to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. ALL MEN AND WOMEN WILL CONTINUE TO STRUGGLE WITH THE RESULTS OF THIS CURSE UNTIL THE LORD RETURNS. WE ALL NEED TO SEEK THE LORD'S HELP IN RESOLVING THIS ISSUE. MEN MUST BE SUCH LOVING AND GIVING LEADERS THAT THEIR WIFE IS NOT TEMPTED TO REBEL AGAINST HIS LEADERSHIP. THE WOMAN'S DESIRE IS TO BE THE LEADER. THE MAN MUST BE SO LOVING THAT THE WOMAN CAN PRAISE GOD FOR THE MAN'S LEADERSHIP AND NOT BE TEMPTED TO TAKE CONTROL OR REBEL. Ezekiel 33:7-9 PG 1133 So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. When I say unto the wicked, O wicked [man], thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked [man] shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. WHAT A TREMENDOUS HEAVY RESPONSIBILITY THIS IS FOR EVERY PASTOR. HE IS GOD'S APPOINTED WATCHMAN FOR THE SAFETY OF THE FLOCK. WHEN YOU COME UNDER CONVICTION REGARDING SOME SIN IN YOUR LIFE, OFTEN YOU WILL BE LED TO DISCUSS THE PROBLEMS WITH YOUR PASTOR. WHAT IF YOUR PASTOR TELLS YOU THAT IT IS NOT SO BAD. "DON'T BE SO HARD ON YOURSELF - EVERYBODY DOES THAT." IF HE WERE TO TELL YOU SUCH THINGS HE WOULD NOT BE A FAITHFUL WATCHMAN. IT WOULD BE MUCH EASIER FOR HIM TO HELP YOU MAKE EXCUSES FOR YOUR SINS. IN THE LAST DAYS MOST PREACHERS WILL PREACH EXCUSES FOR SIN RATHER THAN REPENTANCE. YOUR PASTOR MUST PREACH REPENTANCE AND NOT EXCUSES FOR SIN. OTHERWISE HE WILL SHARE IN THE CONSEQUENCES OF YOUR SINS. THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH. WE MUST UNDERSTAND AND EXPECT THAT OUR PASTOR HAS A HEAVY RESPONSIBLY FROM GOD TO WARN US OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF OUR SINS AND NOT EXCUSE OR IGNORE THEM. YOUR PASTOR CANNOT TELL YOU WHAT YOU WANT TO HEAR. HE MUST TELL YOU THE TRUTH THAT YOU NEED TO HEAR. IF YOU HAVE A HELL FIRE AND BRIMSTONE PREACHER PRAISE GOD AND PRAY FOR HIM, AND SUPPORT HIM. Ezekiel 33:11-16 PG 1133 - 1134 Say unto them, [As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his [righteousness] in the day that he sinneth. When I shall say to the righteous, [that] he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it. Again, when I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; if he turn from his sin, and do that which is lawful and right; [If] the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die. None of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him: he hath done that which is lawful and right; he shall surely live. THERE IS NO STANDING STILL IN THE WALK WITH GOD. YOU EITHER WALK WITH HIM OR AWAY FROM HIM. WE ARE SAVED BY GRACE. NO ONE CAN TAKE US OUT OF THE LORD'S HAND. HOWEVER, WE CAN STILL JUMP OUT IF WE WANT. WE NEVER LOOSE OUR FREE WILL. EVERY DAY IS A NEW DAY TO WALK GOD'S WAY OR MY WAY. ALL OF OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS IS FILTHY RAGS TO GOD. SELF RIGHTEOUSNESS STINKS TO HIGH HEAVEN. EVERY GOOD THING THAT YOU DO IS WITHOUT ETERNAL VALUE IF IT IS NOT DONE STRICTLY TO GLORIFY GOD. IT IS JUST SEMANTICS TO SAY "HE BACKSLID" OR "HE PROBABLY WAS NOT REALLY SAVED IN THE FIRST PLACE." THE DIRECTION WE ARE GOING MEANS EVERYTHING. ARE WE TRYING TO SERVE GOD WITH ALL OUR HEART OR ARE WE MORE CONCERNED WITH OUR OWN GLORY, OUR OWN PLANS, OUR OWN PRIORITIES. THERE IS NO STANDING STILL IN THE WALK WITH GOD. THE DIRECTION IS ALL IMPORTANT. AM I WALKING TOWARD GOD OR AWAY FROM HIM? AM I WALKING IN OBEDIENCE OR REBELLION. Ezekiel 33:20 PG 1134 Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. O ye house of Israel, I will judge you every one after his ways. SOME THINK THAT IT IS NOT FAIR THAT ETERNAL LIFE OR ETERNAL DEATH IS DETERMINED BY WHETHER OR NOT YOU ACCEPT JESUS CHRIST AS SAVIOR. YET GOD IS GOD. GOD MAKES THE RULES. THE TRUTH IS THAT WE ALL ARE SINNERS AND ALL DESERVE TO GO TO HELL. GOD IS SO MUCH MORE THAN FAIR IT IS HARD TO UNDERSTAND SOMETIMES. HE PAID A PRICE FOR US THAT WE COULD NEVER PAY OURSELF. IF WE REFUSE TO ACCEPT HIS GRACIOUS PAYMENT OF THE RANSOM THAT WE CANNOT PAY OURSELF WE WILL GO TO HELL. SEP 4 DANIEL 3 PG 1134 - 1136 Daniel 3:1 PG 1134 Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height [was] threescore cubits, [and] the breadth thereof six cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon. RECALL THE DREAM GOD GAVE TO NEBUCHADNEZZAR THAT ONLY DANIEL WAS ABLE TO INTERPRET. KING NEBUCHADNEZZAR WAS THE HEAD OF GOLD WHICH REPRESENTED THE FIRST AND GREATEST WORLD EMPIRE. THE BREASTPLATE OF SILVER REPRESENTED THE EMPIRE OF THE MEDO-PERSIANS. KING NEBUCHADNEZZAR MADE THE WHOLE IMAGE OF GOLD. HE DID NOT WANT ANY OF THE OTHER EMPIRES OF THE IMAGE TO SUCCEED HIS EMPIRE. HE WANTED HIS GOLDEN BABYLONIAN EMPIRE TO LAST FOREVER. BY NOW DANIEL HELD THE HIGHEST POSITION IN THE EMPIRE AND HIS FRIENDS SHADRACH, MESHECH, AND ABED-NEGO HAD HIGH POSITIONS AS WELL. NO DOUBT MANY BABYLONIAN NOBLES WERE JEALOUS OF THE HIGH POSITIONS WHICH THESE JEWS HAD IN THE EMPIRE. WORSHIPING THE GOLDEN IMAGE OF NEBUCHADNEZZAR WAS A LOYALTY OATH. THE BABYLONIAN NOBLES KNEW THE JEWS COULD NOT GO ALONG WITH THIS TYPE OF LOYALTY OATH AND IT WAS A SLICK WAY FOR THEM TO GET RID OF THESE JEWS WHO WERE HOLDING COVETED POSITIONS IN THE EMPIRE. IT WAS EASY FOR THEM TO GET NEBUCHADNEZZAR TO IMPOSE THE DEATH PENALTY FOR NOT GOING ALONG WITH THE LOYALTY OATH BECAUSE NEBUCHADNEZZAR SAW IT AS A WAY TO HELP KEEP THE PEACE IN THE EMPIRE AND PERHAPS BE A WAY TO QUELL POSSIBLE INSURRECTION AND REBELLION. Daniel 3:2-3 PG 1134 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the princes, the governors, and the captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up. Then the princes, the governors, and captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, were gathered together unto the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up. ALL OF THE RULERS FROM ALL OVER THE EMPIRE WERE BROUGHT IN FOR THE DEDICATION OF THE IMAGE AND TO WORSHIP IT AND TO PLEDGE THEIR LOYALTY TO THE KING. Daniel 3:4-6 PG 1134 Then an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages, [That] at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of music, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up: And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. THE DEATH PENALTY WAS ON ANYONE WHO WOULD NOT PROVE THEIR LOYALTY TO THE WORLD GOVERNMENT OF KING NEBUCHADNEZZAR. LOOK FOR THIS SAME SORT OF WORSHIP OF THE IMAGE OF THE ANTICHRIST TO HAVE A DEATH PENALTY TIED TO IT. JEWS AND CHRISTIANS WILL BE THE TARGET THEN AS IT WAS WHEN BABYLON RULED THE WORLD. Daniel 3:12 PG 1135 There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. THE BABYLONIAN ASTROLOGERS WERE QUICK TO SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET RID OF THE JEWS WHO WERE HOLING COVETED POSITIONS IN THE EMPIRE. IF YOU ARE A CHRISTIAN YOU NEED TO EXPECT THIS SAME TYPE OF TREATMENT AT THE HANDS OF YOUR PEERS IN THE WORKPLACE. Daniel 3:14-15 PG 1135 Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, [Is it] true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up? Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of music, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; [well]: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who [is] that God that shall deliver you out of my hands? HOW WOULD YOU ANSWER THE MOST POWERFUL KING IN THE WORLD? WE NEED TO MEDITATE ON EXACTLY HOW THESE MEN ANSWERED THE KING. Daniel 3:16 PG 1135 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we [are] not careful to answer thee in this matter. FIRST OF ALL THEY DID NOT HAVE TO THINK ABOUT IT. THEIR ANSWER WAS IMMEDIATE. WOULD I BE ABLE TO ANSWER SUCH A QUESTION OF LIFE OR DEATH SO READILY WITHOUT HAVING TO THINK ABOUT IT AT ALL? MEDITATE ON THEIR PERFECT ANSWER. Daniel 3:17-18 PG 1135 If it be [so], our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver [us] out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO DOUBT THAT OUR GOD IS ABLE TO DELIVER US OUT OF THIS SITUATION. MY GOD IS MORE THAN ABLE TO DELIVER US FROM ANY DIFFICULTY. AND HE WILL DELIVER. NOW WE SEE THE GREAT FAITH OF THESE MEN. OUR GOD WILL DELIVER US. THEY DID NOT ONLY KNOW THAT GOD WAS ABLE BUT THEIR FAITH TOLD THEM THAT GOD WOULD DELIVER THEM. HOW MANY BLESSINGS DO WE MISS BECAUSE WE FAIL TO BELIEVE THAT GOD WILL DELIVER US? BUT IF GOD DOESN'T SAVE US WE STILL WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT WE CERTAINLY WOULD RATHER DIE THAN TO DISOBEY OUR GOD. THEY STILL WERE LETTING GOD BE GOD. THEY WERE NOT DEMANDING OR COMMANDING GOD TO DELIVER THEM. THEY HAD TOTAL CONFIDENCE THAT GOD WOULD DELIVER THEM BUT THEY WERE TOTALLY COMMITTED TO GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY. THEY WERE TOTALLY WILLING TO DIE RATHER THAN TO DISOBEY GOD. THEY WOULD OBEY GOD RATHER THAN TO TRY TO SAVE THEIR LIVES BY OBEYING THE KING. WOULD I BE THIS BRAVE WHEN MY LIFE IS ON THE LINE? Daniel 3:19-22 PG 1135 Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego: [therefore] he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated. And he commanded the most mighty men that [were] in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, [and] to cast [them] into the burning fiery furnace. Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their [other] garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. Therefore because the king's commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flame of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. THE KING WAS FURIOUS. HE COMMANDED THE FURNACE TO BE MADE SEVEN TIMES HOTTER THAN IT WAS DESIGNED TO BE. THE KINGS MEN WERE SO NERVOUS OVER HIS FURY THAT THE MEN WHO WERE STOKING THE FURNACE WERE KILLED BY THE FLAMES. Daniel 3:23-25 PG 1135 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied, and rose up in haste, [and] spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king. He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. THE FURIOUS KING KNEW WHO WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FURNACE WITH SHADRACK, MESHACH, AND ABED-NEGO. THE KING SAID THAT HE WAS LIKE THE SON OF GOD. HE WAS RIGHT. THAT IS EXACTLY WHO IT WAS. JESUS HIMSELF WAS RIGHT THERE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FIRE WITH SHADRACK, MESHACH, AND ABED-NEGO. WHAT TREMENDOUS ENCOURAGEMENT THERE IS HERE FOR US. WHEN WE ARE IN TRIBULATION JESUS, IN THE PRESENCE OF HIS HOLY SPIRIT PROMISES TO BE RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF OUR TRIBULATION. IF GOD IS WITH US, WHAT SHOULD WE FEAR? IF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE ANTICHRIST THREATENS TO KILL YOU IF YOU WILL NOT WORSHIP HIS IMAGE WILL WE BE LIKE THESE MEN. WILL WE BE STRONG, COURAGEOUS, AND FAITHFUL IN TRIBULATION? Daniel 3:26-29 PG 1135 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, [and] spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come [hither]. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, came forth of the midst of the fire. And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king's counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them. [Then] Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed [be] the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God. Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort. CAN YOU SEE HOW GOD WAS PROTECTING HIS PEOPLE. THE JEWS HAD BEEN TAKEN CAPTIVE AND WERE DISPERSED THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. THEY WERE NO DOUBT BEING PERSECUTED FOR THEIR PECULIAR CULTURE, SABBATH WORSHIP, AND DIET. THE KING'S DECREE GAVE THEM PROTECTION AND TOTAL FREEDOM TO BE OBEDIENT AND OPENLY WORSHIP GOD. THE REPRISALS WERE ENDED FOR THEM. Daniel 3:30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, in the province of Babylon. WHAT A GREAT SENSE OF HUMOR THE LORD HAS. HOW DO YOU THINK THE BABYLONIAN ASTROLOGERS LIKED IT WHEN THE FIERY FURNACE MEN GOT PROMOTED? SEP 5 EZEKIEL 40 - 43 PG 1137 - 1143 Ezekiel 40:2 PG 1137 In the visions of God brought he me into the land of Israel, and set me upon a very high mountain, by which [was] as the frame of a city on the south. GOD TRANSLATED EZEKIEL IN THE SPIRIT BACK TO ISRAEL. Ezekiel 40:39 PG 1138 And in the porch of the gate [were] two tables on this side, and two tables on that side, to slay thereon the burnt offering and the sin offering and the trespass offering. HE COULD NOT BE TALKING ABOUT THE MILLENNIAL TEMPLE HERE BECAUSE OF THE SIN AND TRESPASS OFFERINGS. IN THE WORSHIP OF THE MILLENNIUM EVERYONE WILL HAVE COME TO KNOW OF THE ONCE FOR ALL PERFECT SACRIFICE OF JESUS ON CALVARY AS THE ALL SUFFICIENT SACRIFICE FOR SINS. SINCE THE TEMPLE IS SO MUCH BIGGER THAN THE TEMPLE WHICH ZERUBBABEL BUILT IT IS HARD TO UNDERSTAND OTHER THAN THESE DESCRIPTIONS COULD POSSIBLY REFER TO 3 DIFFERENT TEMPLES. THE ONE ZERUBBABLE BUILT, THE ONE THE JEWS ARE PREPARING TO BUILD RIGHT NOW, AND THEN SOME REFERENCES MAY REFER TO THE WORSHIP OF THE LORD AFTER HIS RETURN IN GREAT POWER AND GLORY. Ezekiel 43:4-7 PG 1141 And the glory of the LORD came into the house by the way of the gate whose prospect [is] toward the east. So the spirit took me up, and brought me into the inner court; and, behold, the glory of the LORD filled the house. And I heard [him] speaking unto me out of the house; and the man stood by me. And he said unto me, Son of man, the place of my throne, and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel for ever, and my holy name, shall the house of Israel no more defile, [neither] they, nor their kings, by their whoredom, nor by the carcases of their kings in their high places. THE GLORY OF THE LORD RETURNED TO THE TEMPLE. WHICH TEMPLES DO WE KNOW FOR SURE HAD THE GLORY OF THE LORD? DID THE ONE THAT ZERUBBABLE CONSTRUCTED HAVE IT? WILL THE ONE THE JEWS ARE NOW PREPARING IN ISRAEL HAVE IT? SURELY THE MILLENNIUM WORSHIP WILL BE FULL OF THE GLORY OF THE LORD. IT IS DIFFICULT TO KNOW FOR CERTAIN PERHAPS BECAUSE HE IS REFERRING TO ALL 3 TEMPLES. SEP 6 EZEKIEL 44 - 48 PG 1143 - 1150 Ezekiel 44:9 PG 1143 Thus saith the Lord GOD; No stranger, uncircumcised in heart, nor uncircumcised in flesh, shall enter into my sanctuary, of any stranger that [is] among the children of Israel. NO ONE WHO HAS NOT HAD THEIR WICKED HEART CHANGED MAY ENTER INTO THE MILLENNIAL SANCTUARY OF GOD. UNLESS WE ARE BORN AGAIN BY THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD AND RECEIVE THE GIFT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS FROM JESUS CHRIST WE WILL BE EXCLUDED FROM GOD FOR ALL ETERNITY. Ezekiel 44:24 PG 1144 And in controversy they shall stand in judgment; [and] they shall judge it according to my judgments: and they shall keep my laws and my statutes in all mine assemblies; and they shall hallow my sabbaths. IN THE OLD TESTAMENT AND THE NEW TESTAMENT BELIEVERS WERE NOT TO GO TO THE CIVIL COURTS FOR THE SETTLEMENTS OF THEIR DISAGREEMENTS. THEY WERE TO GO TO THE PRIESTS OR PASTORS FOR JUDGMENT IN THEIR DISPUTES. IT IS QUITE LIKELY THAT THE FIRST PROFESSION TO BE ELIMINATED WHEN THE LORD RETURNS WILL BE THE LAWYERS. Ezekiel 44:28 PG 1144 And it shall be unto them for an inheritance: I [am] their inheritance: and ye shall give them no possession in Israel: I [am] their possession. THE LEVITES GOT NO INHERITANCE IN THE LAND BUT THEY GOT THE BEST DEAL. THE LORD WAS THEIR INHERITANCE. THAT DEAL IS AVAILABLE TO ALL OF US UNDER THE NEW COVENANT. JESUS CHRIST IS THE BEST POSSIBLE ANSWER TO THE BONDAGE AND SLAVERY OF MATERIALISM. Ezekiel 45:9-12 PG 1144 - 1145 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Let it suffice you, O princes of Israel: remove violence and spoil, and execute judgment and justice, take away your exactions from my people, saith the Lord GOD. Ye shall have just balances, and a just ephah, and a just bath. The ephah and the bath shall be of one measure, that the bath may contain the tenth part of an homer, and the ephah the tenth part of an homer: the measure thereof shall be after the homer. And the shekel [shall be] twenty gerahs: twenty shekels, five and twenty shekels, fifteen shekels, shall be your maneh. CHEATING IS AN ABOMINATION TO THE LORD. GOD WANTS US TO BE HONEST AND FAIR IN ALL OF OUR BUSINESS DEALINGS. Ezekiel 47:6-12 PG 1147 And he said unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen [this]? Then he brought me, and caused me to return to the brink of the river. Now when I had returned, behold, at the bank of the river [were] very many trees on the one side and on the other. Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: [which being] brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed. And it shall come to pass, [that] every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh. And it shall come to pass, [that] the fishers shall stand upon it from En-gedi even unto En-eglaim; they shall be a [place] to spread forth nets; their fish shall be according to their kinds, as the fish of the great sea, exceeding many. But the miry places thereof and the marishes thereof shall not be healed; they shall be given to salt. And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine. WE GET A MUCH CLEARER PICTURE OF THIS FANTASTIC RIVER AND TREES FOR FOOD AND HEALING IN Revelation 22:1-7 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, [was there] the tree of life, which bare twelve [manner of] fruits, [and] yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree [were] for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name [shall be] in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. And he said unto me, These sayings [are] faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done. Behold, I come quickly: blessed [is] he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. IT IS SO FANTASTIC TO SEE HOW THE WHOLE 66 BOOKS OF THE BIBLE FIT TOGETHER. THERE WERE APPROXIMATELY 40 DIFFERENT WRITERS SPANNING OVER 2000 YEARS WITH SUCH AMAZING AGREEMENT ONLY BEING POSSIBLE BECAUSE GOD INSPIRED AND REVEALED WHAT THEY WERE TO RECORD FOR US - GOD'S TRUTH. THE LAWS OF SIMPLE AND COMPOUND PROBABILITY OF ANY INDIVIDUAL EVER BEING ABLE TO FULFILL THE 333 SPECIFIC PROPHECIES WHICH JESUS CHRIST FULFILLED IS ONE IN 10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 ,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,0 00,000,000,000. ONLY GOD COULD HANDLE ODDS LIKE THAT. HOW COULD AN INTELLECTUALLY HONEST PERSON EVER READ THE ENTIRE BIBLE AND NOT BE A BELIEVER. THE PROBLEM IS THAT SO FEW EVER ACTUALLY DO READ AND STUDY THE WHOLE BIBLE FOR THEMSELVES. FAITH COMES BY HEARING AND HEARING BY THE WORD OF GOD. MOST PEOPLE REJECT THE BIBLE BECAUSE THEY CANNOT STAND THE LIGHT OF GOD'S TRUTH SHINING INTO THEIR LIVES. YET HOW COULD ANYONE CLAIM TO BE WELL EDUCATED WITHOUT HAVING READ THE MOST REMARKABLE LITERARY COMPOSITION EVER MADE? THE APOSTLE PAUL PROBABLY EXPLAINED IT BEST IN Romans 1:16-32 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed [it] unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, [even] his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified [him] not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in [their] knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. Ezekiel 48:35 PG 1150 ...... and the name of the city from [that] day [shall be], The LORD [is] there. THE ANCIENT CITY OF DAVID, JERUSALEM, IS FIXING TO GET A NEW NAME WHEN JESUS RETURNS TO SET UP HIS MILLENNIAL KINGDOM. "THE LORD IS THERE" SEPT 7 DANIEL 4 EZEKIEL 29 PG 1150 - 1154 Ezekiel 29:18-21 PG 1150 Son of man, Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon caused his army to serve a great service against Tyrus: every head [was] made bald, and every shoulder [was] peeled: yet had he no wages, nor his army, for Tyrus, for the service that he had served against it: Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will give the land of Egypt unto Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; and he shall take her multitude, and take her spoil, and take her prey; and it shall be the wages for his army. I have given him the land of Egypt [for] his labour wherewith he served against it, because they wrought for me, saith the Lord GOD. In that day will I cause the horn of the house of Israel to bud forth, and I will give thee the opening of the mouth in the midst of them; and they shall know that I [am] the LORD. HERE IS A GOOD PASSAGE TO READ IF YOU ARE EVER WONDERING IF GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL. HISTORY TRULY IS HIS STORY. Daniel 4:1-9 PG 1152 Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you. I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me. How great [are] his signs! and how mighty [are] his wonders! his kingdom [is] an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion [is] from generation to generation. I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me. Therefore made I a decree to bring in all the wise [men] of Babylon before me, that they might make known unto me the interpretation of the dream. Then came in the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers: and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known unto me the interpretation thereof. But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name [was] Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god, and in whom [is] the spirit of the holy gods: and before him I told the dream, [saying], O Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods [is] in thee, and no secret troubleth thee, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and the interpretation thereof. NEBUCHADNEZZAR IS DOING THE TALKING DANIEL IS JUST DOING THE WRITING. THE KING HAS INDEED COME TO KNOW THE TRUE GOD AND HE IS TELLING THE WORLD ABOUT HIM. Daniel 4:13-37 PG 1152-1153 I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven; He cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit: let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from his branches: Nevertheless leave the stump of his roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and [let] his portion [be] with the beasts in the grass of the earth: Let his heart be changed from man's, and let a beast's heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him. This matter [is] by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men. Then Daniel, whose name [was] Belteshazzar, was astonied for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spake, and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream [be] to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies. The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached unto the heaven, and the sight thereof to all the earth; Whose leaves [were] fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it [was] meat for all; under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and upon whose branches the fowls of the heaven had their habitation: It [is] thou, O king, that art grown and become strong: for thy greatness is grown, and reacheth unto heaven, and thy dominion to the end of the earth. And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and [let] his portion [be] with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him; This [is] the interpretation, O king, and this [is] the decree of the most High, which is come upon my lord the king: That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots; thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule. Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity. At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon. The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty? While the word [was] in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, [saying], O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee. And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling [shall be] with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles' [feathers], and his nails like birds' [claws]. And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom [is] from generation to generation: And all the inhabitants of the earth [are] reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and [among] the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou? At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me. Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works [are] truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase. DOES KING NEBUCHADNEZZAR HUMBLE HIMSELF AND GIVE GLORY TO GOD, OR WHAT? REMEMBER THIS KING OF THE WORLD IS DOING THE TALKING AND DANIEL IS JUST DOING THE WRITING. FANTASTIC! Jeremiah 52:31 And it came to pass in the seven and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, in the five and twentieth [day] of the month, [that] Evil-merodach king of Babylon in the [first] year of his reign lifted up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah, and brought him forth out of prison, SEPT 8 JOB 1 - 3 PG 1156 - 1158 Job 1:3 PG 1156 His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east. JOB WAS THE GREATEST AND WEALTHIEST MAN IN ALL OF THE EAST. HIS INTEGRITY AND WEALTH WERE LEGENDARY. Job 1:5 PG 1156 And it was so, when the days of [their] feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings [according] to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually. BECAUSE OF THEIR GREAT WEALTH JOB'S 7 SONS AND 3 DAUGHTERS WOULD PARTY ON A REGULAR BASIS . AFTER THEIR PARTIES JOB WOULD OFFER SACRIFICES ON THEIR BEHALF IN CASE THEY MAY HAVE BEEN GUILTY OF CURSING GOD IN THEIR HEARTS. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO CURSE GOD IN YOUR HEART? Job 1:6-12 PG 1156 - 1157 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that [there is] none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath [is] in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD. HERE WE SEE PERHAPS THE MOST PROFOUND EXPLANATION FOR SUFFERING THAT EXISTS THIS SIDE OF GLORY. SATAN STOLE DOMINION OF THIS PLANET FROM MANKIND WHEN HE GOT ADAM AND EVE TO DISOBEY GOD IN THE GARDEN OF EDEN. HE HAS CONTINUED TO TRY TO GET THE FAITHFUL ANGELS TO REBEL AGAINST GOD. HE HAS BEEN VERY GOOD AT DESTROYING MEN BECAUSE AS CHILDREN OF ADAM, EVERYONE IS BORN WITH A NATURAL BIAS AND INCLINATION TO SIN. HE IS STILL IN HEAVEN TODAY AS THE ONE WHO ACCUSES ALL OF US OF OUR SINS BEFORE GOD. THE FAITHFUL ANGELS WHO DO NOT HAVE THIS NATURAL INCLINATION TO SIN, HAVE GOT TO BE AMAZED AT GOD'S PATIENCE AND MERCY BY THIS TIME. GOD WOULD HAVE BEEN TOTALLY JUSTIFIED IN ANNIHILATING SATAN THOUSANDS OF YEARS AGO. SATAN IS THE SOURCE OF ALL SUFFERING. WE ALSO SEE THAT THERE IS A PURPOSE FOR SUFFERING WHICH WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO UNDERSTAND THIS SIDE OF GLORY. WHEN SATAN WAS GOING TO AND FRO IN THE EARTH HE WAS TELLING GOD THAT GOD'S PLAN OF REDEMPTION OF MANKIND WOULD NEVER WORK. HE WAS TELLING GOD AND THE FAITHFUL ANGELS THAT HIS LEADERSHIP OF REBELLION OF ALL MANKIND AGAINST GOD WAS TOTALLY SUCCESSFUL IN THE EARTH. HE WAS ATTEMPTING TO GET FAITHFUL ANGELS TO JOIN IN HIS REBELLION. IF GOD HAD ANNIHILATED SATAN EARLY ON, THE FAITHFUL ANGELS WOULD ALWAYS HAVE A CONCERN ABOUT SOMEHOW MESSING UP AND BEING DESTROYED ON THE SPOT. BY NOW THEY MUST BE TOTALLY AMAZED AT GOD'S INFINITE PATIENCE AND MERCY. GOD LET SATAN KNOW HIS PLAN OF REDEMPTION OF MANKIND AND PLANET EARTH COULD NOT BE DEFEATED. HAVE YOU CONSIDERED MY SERVANT JOB? THIS QUESTION NAILED SATAN IN HIS LIE. ALL THE EARTH WAS NOT IN REBELLION UNDER SATAN AGAINST GOD. THERE WOULD BE NO STOPPING OF GOD'S PLAN OF REDEMPTION. BY HIS PATIENCE IN SUFFERING, JOB WAS PARTICIPATING IN GOD'S PLAN OF REDEMPTION. UNFORTUNATELY, AT THE TIME, JOB HAD NO WAY OF KNOWING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF HIS SUFFERING ANY MORE THAN WE CAN UNDERSTAND IT ALL THIS SIDE OF GLORY. ALL SUFFERING IS THE RESULT OF SIN. IT IS NOT THE ONE WHO DID THE SINNING WHO DOES THE SUFFERING. THIS UNFAIRNESS AND INJUSTICE CONTINUES BECAUSE SATAN STILL HAS FREEDOM TO DO HIS EVIL WORK ON EARTH. THE THING WE KNOW FOR SURE IS THAT SATAN IS THE SOURCE OF THE SUFFERING. HE IS THE FATHER OF LIES AND COMES ONLY FOR TO STEAL, KILL AND DESTROY. GOD ONLY WANTS TO BLESS US. HOWEVER, BECAUSE MANKIND IS NATURALLY SINFUL, THE BLESSINGS ARE CONTINGENT UPON OBEDIENCE TO GOD. GOD WILL SOMETIMES DISCIPLINE US BECAUSE HE LOVES US. WE ARE THE ONES WHO FORCE HIM TO DISCIPLINE US AND HIS PERFECT WILL IS ALWAYS TO BLESS OUR OBEDIENCE. SATAN CAN ONLY DO WHAT GOD PERMITS HIM TO DO. GOD IS MORE THAN ABLE TO PROTECT US FROM ANY SATANIC ATTACK. SUFFERING PEOPLE ARE SUFFERING BECAUSE OF THE SINS OF OTHERS. WHEN WE SIN, WE GIVE SATAN A LICENCE TO ATTACK THOSE WHOM WE LOVE WITHIN THE COMMUNITY OF FAITH. SATAN DOES NOT ATTACK THE ONE WHO IS GIVING HIM THE LICENCE TO PENETRATE THE HEDGE SURROUNDING OUR COMMUNITY OF FAITH. IF WE WERE TO UNDERSTAND THE FULL CONSEQUENCES OF OUR SINS, AS IT RELATES TO THE SUFFERING WITHIN THE BODY OF CHRIST, WE WOULD BE MUCH LESS INCLINED TO SIN. Job 1:20-21 PG 1155 Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH. ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD AND IT WAS ACCOUNTED TO HIM FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS. FAITH IS BELIEF AND TRUST IN, AND LOYALTY TO SOMEONE. IT IS OUR FAITH IN GOD THAT MAKES US RIGHTEOUS BECAUSE OF THE ABSOLUTE INTEGRITY OF OUR GOD. OUR GOD MUST HAVE THE POWER AND INTEGRITY TO DECLARE US RIGHTEOUS. HOW COULD MY GOD MAINTAIN HIS INTEGRITY AND DECLARE ME TO BE RIGHTEOUS? IT WOULD ONLY BE BY AGREEING TO PAY THE DEBT OF MY UNRIGHTEOUSNESS FOR ME. MY GOD HAS PAID THE FULL PRICE REQUIRED TO COVER THE DEBT OF UNRIGHTEOUSNESS OF EVERY HUMAN BEING. MY GOD IS THE GOD IN WHOM JOB TRUSTED. MANY PEOPLE HAVE FAITH IN, AND TRUST IN, AND ARE LOYAL ONLY TO THEMSELVES. IN THIS SITUATION THEY HAVE TOTALLY BOUGHT INTO SATAN'S FUNDAMENTAL LIE THAT "YE SHALL BE AS GOD." ONLY GOD IS GOD. WHO IS YOUR GOD? IS YOUR GOD THE TRUE GOD? CONSIDER THE FAITH OF JOB. SATAN HAD JUST KILLED JOB'S 7 SONS AND 3 DAUGHTERS AND HAD DESTROYED EVERY POSSESSION THAT HE HAD. HE KNEW THAT THIS COULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED IF HIS GOD DID NOT ALLOW IT TO HAPPEN. IS IT AT ALL POSSIBLE FOR US TO IMAGINE OURSELF IN THE POSITION OF JOB HAVING LOST ALL OF OUR CHILDREN AND LOST EVERY EARTHLY POSSESSION? IF ONE COULD POSSIBLY VISUALIZE JOB'S GRIEF AND LOSS, COULD ANYONE SAY BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE ONE WHO HAS ALLOWED THIS TO HAPPEN? HERE IS FAITH IN GOD. HERE IS TRUST IN GOD. HERE IS LOYALTY TO GOD. Job 2:3-6 pg 1157 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that [there is] none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause. And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he [is] in thine hand; but save his life. SATAN SAID JOB WOULD NOT KEEP HIS FAITH IN GOD IF GOD ALLOWED SATAN TO AFFLICT HIS BODY WITH PAINFUL DISEASE. GOD ALLOWED IT BUT RESTRAINED SATAN FROM KILLING JOB. Job 2:9 PG 1158 Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die. IN THE MIDDLE OF HIS GRIEF AND PAIN HIS LOVING WIFE TELLS HIM TO CURSE GOD AND DIE. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THIS? Job 2:10 PG 1158 But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips. IN ALL OF HIS GRIEF AND AFFLICTION JOB MAINTAINED HIS TRUST IN GOD. HE PROVED THAT SATAN WAS A LIAR AND THAT THERE WERE SOME PEOPLE WHO WOULD KEEP THEIR FAITH AND TRUST IN GOD REGARDLESS OF THE GRIEF AND SUFFERING WHICH THEY WOULD ENDURE. Job 2:13 PG 1158 So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that [his] grief was very great. THESE "FRIENDS OF JOB" WERE PUTTING ON A SHOW THAT THEY WANTED TO COMFORT THEIR FRIEND HOWEVER WHAT THEY REALLY WERE DOING IS GLOATING OVER HIS MISFORTUNE AND GIVING US AN EXAMPLE OF HOW NOT TO TRY TO COMFORT SOMEONE IN DEEP GRIEF AND SUFFERING. Job 3:25 PG 1159 For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me. WE NEED TO REMEMBER THAT SATAN'S BIG GUN IS FEAR. THE PERFECT LOVE OF GOD CAN CAST OUT ALL OF OUR FEARS. IF GOD IS FOR YOU - WHO CAN STAND AGAINST YOU. THE WORST ANYONE CAN DO TO YOU IS KILL YOU. IF YOU KNOW YOU WILL IMMEDIATELY BE WITH THE LORD, EVEN THE FEAR OF DEATH IS DISARMED. SEPT 9 JOB 4 - 7 PG 1159 - 1164 Job 5:17-27 PG 1161 Behold, happy [is] the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty: For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole. He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee. In famine he shall redeem thee from death: and in war from the power of the sword. Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue: neither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh. At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh: neither shalt thou be afraid of the beasts of the earth. For thou shalt be in league with the stones of the field: and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee. And thou shalt know that thy tabernacle [shall be] in peace; and thou shalt visit thy habitation, and shalt not sin. Thou shalt know also that thy seed [shall be] great, and thine offspring as the grass of the earth. Thou shalt come to [thy] grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in in his season. Lo this, we have searched it, so it [is]; hear it, and know thou [it] for thy good. JOB'S "FRIEND" ELIPHAZ DELIVERS SOME SOLID TRUTH HERE. THE PROBLEM IS THE HEART INTENT OF ELIPHAZ. HE IS USING THIS TRUTH AS A CLUB ON JOB. ALL OF JOB'S CHILDREN HAD BEEN KILLED. ELEPHAZ TELLS JOB HIS REPENTANCE WILL CAUSE HIS CHILDREN TO BE MANY AND HIS GRANDCHILDREN TO NUMBER AS THE GRASS OF THE EARTH. IT REALLY HAD TO HIT JOB HARD IN THE MIDDLE OF HIS GRIEF AND PAIN. Job 6:10 PG 1162 Then should I yet have comfort; yea, I would harden myself in sorrow: let him not spare; for I have not concealed the words of the Holy One. JOB COMES BACK AT ELEPHAZ AND LETS HIM KNOW THAT HE WAS MAINTAINING HIS INTEGRITY. SEPT 10 JOB 8 - 10 PG 1164 - 1168 Job 9:1-4 PG 1165 Then Job answered and said, I know [it is] so of a truth: but how should man be just with God? If he will contend with him, he cannot answer him one of a thousand. [He is] wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened [himself] against him, and hath prospered? JOB ANSWERED HIS "FRIEND" BILDAD WITH SOME GOOD QUESTIONS. HOW CAN A MAN BE RIGHTEOUS BEFORE GOD? IT IS ONLY BY TRUSTING GOD. IT IS ONLY BY ALLOWING GOD TO PAY THE PRICE OF YOUR UNRIGHTEOUSNESS FOR YOU. THIS IS NOT A LICENCE TO BE UNRIGHTEOUS BUT IT IS THE ONLY HOPE ANYONE HAS TO STAND BEFORE GOD IN RIGHTEOUSNESS. NO ONE EVER WILL HAVE ENOUGH RIGHTEOUSNESS TO COVER THEIR UNRIGHTEOUSNESS. MANY DECEIVE THEMSELVES WITH THIS LIE. SELF RIGHTEOUSNESS IS A LIE. IN FACT, IT IS THE LIE. IF GOD HIMSELF DOES NOT PAY THE PRICE OF YOUR UNRIGHTEOUSNESS THAN YOU WILL NOT HAVE ANY HOPE OF TRUE RIGHTEOUSNESS. ALL YOU WILL HAVE IS THE LIE OF SELF RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH STINKS TO HIGH HEAVEN. SEPT 11 JOB 11 - 14 PG 1168 - 1173 Job 13:9 PG 1170 Is it good that he should search you out? or as one man mocketh another, do ye [so] mock him? JOB REALLY NAILS HIS "FRIEND" HERE - WOULD IT TURN OUT WELL IF GOD EXAMINED YOU? Job 13:15-16 PG 1171 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. He also [shall be] my salvation: for an hypocrite shall not come before him. ARE YOU READY FOR THIS? THOUGH HE SLAY ME, YET WILL I TRUST HIM. THERE IS FAITH. HE IS MY SALVATION. NOW THE HEAVY HIT - AN HYPOCRITE SHALL NOT COME BEFORE HIM. Job 14:14-17 PG 1172 If a man die, shall he live [again]? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come. Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee: thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands. For now thou numberest my steps: dost thou not watch over my sin? My transgression [is] sealed up in a bag, and thou sewest up mine iniquity. IS THERE LIFE AFTER DEATH. JOB REALLY COULDN'T KNOW FOR SURE BUT WE CAN. DO YOU KNOW THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST IS ONE OF THE BEST DOCUMENTED FACTS OF HISTORY? JOSH MCDOWELL HAS A FANTASTIC LITTLE BOOK TITLED "MORE THAN A CARPENTER." EVERYONE SHOULD READ THAT LITTLE BOOK. SEP 12 JOB 15 - 17 PG 1173 - 1176 Job 16:1-5 PG 1174 Then Job answered and said, I have heard many such things: miserable comforters [are] ye all. Shall vain words have an end? or what emboldeneth thee that thou answerest? I also could speak as ye [do]: if your soul were in my soul's stead, I could heap up words against you, and shake mine head at you. [But] I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the moving of my lips should asswage [your grief]. JOB PUTS ELIPHAZ IN HIS PLACE. YOU ARE ALL MISERABLE COMFORTERS. JOB LETS THEM KNOW HE WOULD BE BETTER OFF WITHOUT THEIR HYPOCRITICAL VAIN ATTEMPTS TO COMFORT HIM. JOB TELLS THEM IF THEY WERE IN HIS PLACE THAT INSTEAD OF HAMMERING ON THEM HE WOULD STRENGTHEN THEM AND TRY TO CONSOLE THEIR GRIEF. JOB SEES RIGHT THROUGH THEIR HYPOCRISY. Job 16:19-21 PG 1175 Also now, behold, my witness [is] in heaven, and my record [is] on high. My friends scorn me: [but] mine eye poureth out [tears] unto God. O that one might plead for a man with God, as a man [pleadeth] for his neighbour! JOB'S TRUST IS ABSOLUTELY ON GOD. HIS FRIENDS SCORN HIM RATHER THAN COMFORT HIM IN HIS GRIEF. JOB KNEW THAT MEN NEED TO BE ABLE TO COMMUNICATE WITH GOD. HE KNEW THAT ALL MEN NEEDED AN INTERCESSOR WITH GOD. SEP 13 JOB 18 - 21 PG 1176 - 1182 Job 19:1-3 PG 1177 Then Job answered and said, How long will ye vex my soul, and break me in pieces with words? These ten times have ye reproached me: ye are not ashamed [that] ye make yourselves strange to me. WITH FRIENDS LIKE JOB HAD YOU SURE DON'T NEED ENEMIES. WE NEED TO LEARN HOW TO COMFORT THOSE WHO ARE GRIEVING. HOW WOULD YOU HAVE TRIED TO COMFORT JOB? WHAT COULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE WHO IS GRIEVING OVER A GREAT LOSS? Job 19:17-20 PG 1178 My breath is strange to my wife, though I entreated for the children's [sake] of mine own body. Yea, young children despised me; I arose, and they spake against me. All my inward friends abhorred me: and they whom I loved are turned against me. My bone cleaveth to my skin and to my flesh, and I am escaped with the skin of my teeth. JOB HAS LOST HIS 10 CHILDREN, ALL HIS MATERIAL POSSESSIONS AND HAS LOST HIS HEALTH. HIS WIFE WILL NOT HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH HIM. THE LOCAL CHILDREN MAKE FUN OF HIM. HE IS WASTING AWAY FROM PAINFUL DISEASE. HE HAS ESCAPED DEATH BY THE SKIN OF HIS TEETH. WHAT KEEPS HIM HANGING IN THERE? Job 19:25-27 PG 1178 For I know [that] my redeemer liveth, and [that] he shall stand at the latter [day] upon the earth: And [though] after my skin [worms] destroy this [body], yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; [though] my reins be consumed within me. THIS IS WHAT KEEPS JOB GOING. JOB KNOWS GOD IS HIS REDEEMER. JOB KNOWS THAT HIS REDEEMER LIVES. JOB KNOWS THAT AFTER DEATH HE WILL SEE GOD. NO MATTER WHAT JOB HOLDS STEADFAST TO HIS TRUST IN GOD. SEP 14 JOB 22 - 24 PG 1182 - 1185 Job 23:11-12 PG 1182 My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary [food]. ELIPHAZ HAS BEEN HAMMERING ON JOB TELLING HIM THAT ALL OF HIS PROBLEMS ARE A RESULT OF JOB'S SINS. JOB TELLS ELIPHAZ THAT HE HAS KEPT THE WAY OF GOD. JOB LETS THE HYPOCRITE ELIPHAZ KNOW THAT THE WORD OF GOD IS MORE IMPORTANT TO HIM THAN FOOD. THIS IS THE TYPE OF REGARD FOR THE WORD OF GOD THAT WE NEED TO HAVE. IS YOUR SPIRITUAL FOOD, THE WORD OF GOD, MORE IMPORTANT TO YOU THAN YOUR PHYSICAL FOOD. Romans 16:18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. Philippians 3:19 Whose end [is] destruction, whose God [is their] belly, and [whose] glory [is] in their shame, who mind earthly things.) THE APOSTLE PAUL ALSO HAD SOME STRONG WORDS FOR HYPOCRITES LIKE ELIPHAZ. Job 23:15-16 PG 1184 Therefore am I troubled at his presence: when I consider, I am afraid of him. For God maketh my heart soft, and the Almighty troubleth me: JOB HAS LOST EVERYTHING FOR WHICH HE MIGHT HAVE FEAR OF LOOSING. HE IS IN SUCH PAINFUL MISERABLE HEALTH THAT HE WELCOMES DEATH. THERE IS ONLY ONE THING THAT HE FEARS. JOB FEARS GOD. THERE IS ONLY ONE HEALTHY FEAR. THAT IS THE FEAR OF GOD. CONSIDERING HIS AWESOME POWER ONLY A FOOL WOULD NOT FEAR HIM. THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT THIS AWESOME POWERFUL GOD LOVES US SO MUCH THAT HE SUFFERED TO PAY THE DEBT OF OUR UNRIGHTEOUSNESS. THE FEARFUL THING IS THAT HE KNOWS OUR HEARTS BETTER THAN WE DO. THERE IS NO WAY TO DECEIVE THIS AWESOMELY POWERFUL GOD. THAT IS WHY THE HYPOCRITE CANNOT STAND BEFORE GOD. GOD KNOWS YOUR HEART. WE CANNOT KNOW THE HEART OF ANYONE BUT OURSELF. JUDGING OUR OWN HEART IS A FULL TIME JOB FOR EVERY ONE OF US. WE MAY HAVE DISCERNMENT BUT IT IS STILL NOT GOOD TO EVER TRY TO JUDGE ANOTHER BECAUSE WE DO NOT KNOW THEIR HEART. WE AND GOD ONLY KNOW OUR MOTIVES. WE MAY CONCEAL OUR MOTIVES FROM ALL THE PEOPLE WE KNOW BUT WE CANNOT CONCEAL THEM FROM GOD. WE NEED THE HOLY SPIRIT CONVICTING US AND TROUBLING OUR HEATS. WE NEED GOD TO SOFTEN OUR HARD HEARTS. SEP 15 JOB 25 - 31 PG 1185 - 1193 Job 27:1-6 PG 1185 Moreover Job continued his parable, and said, [As] God liveth, [who] hath taken away my judgment; and the Almighty, [who] hath vexed my soul; All the while my breath [is] in me, and the spirit of God [is] in my nostrils; My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit. God forbid that I should justify you: till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me. My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: my heart shall not reproach [me] so long as I live. ALL THE WHILE THAT RIGHTEOUS JOB IS ALIVE GOD'S SPIRIT IS WITH HIM. JOB HAS CHOSEN GOD'S WAY AND NOT HIS OWN WAY. JOB WILL NOT LIE, HE WILL TELL THE TRUTH THAT HE IS NOT SUFFERING BECAUSE HE HAS SINNED. Job 28:12-13 But where shall wisdom be found? and where [is] the place of understanding? Man knoweth not the price thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living. Job 28:20 Whence then cometh wisdom? and where [is] the place of understanding? Job 28:23 God understandeth the way thereof, and he knoweth the place thereof. Job 28:28 And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that [is] wisdom; and to depart from evil [is] understanding. THE MOST VALUABLE THING TO SEEK IS WISDOM. WHERE DO YOU GET WISDOM. YOU CAN GET IT FROM THE SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS BY LEARNING FROM YOUR MISTAKES. THIS IS THE EXPENSIVE AND PAINFUL WAY TO GET WISDOM. THE WAY OF THE WISE IS TO GET THEIR WISDOM FOR THE TRUE SOURCE WHICH IS THE WORD OF GOD. GOD IS THE SOURCE OF WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING. THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS WISDOM AND TO DEPART FROM EVIL IS UNDERSTANDING. Job 31:33-34 PG 1193 If I covered my transgressions as Adam, by hiding mine iniquity in my bosom: Did I fear a great multitude, or did the contempt of families terrify me, that I kept silence, [and] went not out of the door? HIDING YOUR SIN IS THE WORST THING THAT YOU CAN DO AND YET IT IS THE NATURAL HUMAN THING TO DO. WE ALL MUST CONTEND WITH HYPOCRISY. THE WAY TO OVERCOME HYPOCRISY IS TO KEEP IN MIND THAT NOTHING CAN BE HIDDEN FROM GOD. SURE YOU CAN HIDE ANYTHING FROM ANYONE INCLUDING YOURSELF; BUT, YOU CAN'T HIDE IT FROM GOD. SEP 16 JOB 32 - 37 PG 1193 - 1202 Job 32:2-9 PG 1193 Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God. Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and [yet] had condemned Job. Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they [were] elder than he. When Elihu saw that [there was] no answer in the mouth of [these] three men, then his wrath was kindled. And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I [am] young, and ye [are] very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion. I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom. But [there is] a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding. Great men are not [always] wise: neither do the aged understand judgment. ELIHU WAS A WISE YOUNG MAN. HE EXPRESSES WISDOM FAR GREATER THAN ALL OF JOB'S OTHER 3 "FRIENDS." THERE IS AN IMPORTANT PRINCIPLE WHICH HE EXPRESSED AND LIVED OUT. ELIHU HAD WAITED TILL ALL THE ELDER PEOPLE HAD FINISHED SPEAKING. WE SHOULD SHOW PROPER RESPECT FOR OUR ELDERS. MANY YEARS DOES NOT GUARANTEE WISDOM BUT DUE RESPECT FOR ELDERS IS ALWAYS PROPER. Job 33:14-18 PG 1195 For God speaketh once, yea twice, [yet man] perceiveth it not. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed; Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction, That he may withdraw man [from his] purpose, and hide pride from man. He keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword. LIFE WAS SIMPLE THEN BUT IT WAS MUCH MORE DIFFICULT AND UNCERTAIN IN JOB'S TIME TO KNOW GOD. TODAY THERE IS A MUCH BETTER WAY TO HAVE GOD'S DIRECTION THAN DREAMS AND VISIONS. WE NEED TO LOOK TO THE BOOK OF HEBREWS TO SEE HOW GOD NOW GIVES US MUCH CLEARER DIRECTION. Hebrews 1:1-5 AND Hebrews 2:1-15 - God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by [his] Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of [his] glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? Hebrews 2 - Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let [them] slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard [him]; God also bearing [them] witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him? Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing [that is] not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom [are] all things, and by whom [are] all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified [are] all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. HOW SHALL WE ESCAPE IF WE NEGLECT SO GREAT SALVATION. JESUS PAID THE PRICE FOR THE SINS OF ALL MANKIND FOR ALL TIME. BECAUSE OF HIS RESURRECTION WE KNOW THAT WE ALSO MAY HAVE ETERNAL ABUNDANT LIFE IN JESUS CHRIST. WE DO NOT NEED TO BE IN FEAR OF DEATH. WE DO NOT HAVE TO BE IN FEAR OF ANYTHING. BUT WE SHOULD PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE WORD OF GOD WHICH HE MAKES UNDERSTANDABLE AND COME ALIVE FOR US BY HIS HOLY SPIRIT. MEN WILL ONLY BE DESTROYED IF THEY REJECT GOD'S TRUTH. Job 33:23-28 PG 1196 If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to shew unto man his uprightness: Then he is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom. His flesh shall be fresher than a child's: he shall return to the days of his youth: He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render unto man his righteousness. He looketh upon men, and [if any] say, I have sinned, and perverted [that which was] right, and it profited me not; He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light. ELIHU DID NOT KNOW HOW WELL HE WAS DESCRIBING JESUS. NOT JUST ONE AMONG A THOUSAND BUT ONE AMONG 10 E96. TEN TO THE 96TH POWER IS THE ODDS AGAINST ANYONE FILLING THE 333 MESSIANIC PROPHECIES WHICH JESUS FULFILLED. JESUS SHOWS US THE WAY TO RIGHTEOUSNESS. JESUS IS GRACIOUS TO US. JESUS HAS DELIVERED US FROM THE PIT. JESUS HAS PAID OUR RANSOM. JESUS RENEWS US AND GIVES US ETERNAL LIFE. JESUS INTERCEDES WITH US TO GOD THE FATHER. JESUS OBTAINS GOD'S FAVOR FOR US. JESUS GIVES US JOY. JESUS GIVES US HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS. IF WE WILL JUST CONFESS OUR SINS JESUS DELIVERS US FROM HELL. JESUS GIVES US THE LIGHT OF OUR LIVES. WHAT A PERFECT DESCRIPTION OF JESUS FROM ELIHU. SEP 17 JOB 38 - 42 PG 1202 - 1209 Job 38:1-4 PG 1202 Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Who [is] this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me. Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. ENOUGH - NOW GOD WILL ASK THE QUESTIONS. HE ASKS JOB WHERE JOB WAS WHEN GOD LAID THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE EARTH? GOD CAN ASK MANY QUESTIONS THAT NO MAN CAN ANSWER. IT IS GOOD TO REVIEW THE QUESTIONS THAT REVEAL THE EXCEEDING GREATNESS OF GOD IN CHAPTERS 38 AND 39. Job 40:1-7 PG 1205 Moreover the LORD answered Job, and said, Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct [him]? he that reproveth God, let him answer it. Then Job answered the LORD, and said, Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth. Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further. Then answered the LORD unto Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. JOB IMMEDIATELY REPENTS. IT IS OK TO QUESTION GOD BUT IT IS THE MOST FOOLISH THING TO CHALLENGE GOD. GOD EXPECTS US TO ASK WHY. THE PROBLEM COMES WHEN OUR WHYS BECOME A WHINE. Job 42:1-6 PG 1208 Then Job answered the LORD, and said, I know that thou canst do every [thing], and [that] no thought can be withholden from thee. Who [is] he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not. Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor [myself], and repent in dust and ashes. JOB'S REPENTANCE IS FULL AND COMPLETE. HE ALLOWS GOD TO BE GOD. Job 42:8-13 PG 1208 Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you [after your] folly, in that ye have not spoken of me [the thing which is] right, like my servant Job. So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite [and] Zophar the Naamathite went, and did according as the LORD commanded them: the LORD also accepted Job. And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before. Then came there unto him all his brethren, and all his sisters, and all they that had been of his acquaintance before, and did eat bread with him in his house: and they bemoaned him, and comforted him over all the evil that the LORD had brought upon him: every man also gave him a piece of money, and every one an earring of gold. So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses. He had also seven sons and three daughters. THE LORD REBUKES JOB'S 3 HYPOCRITE "FRIENDS." HE TELLS THEM THAT IF JOB DOES NOT PRAY FOR THEM THEY ARE SURELY GOING TO BE PUNISHED GREATLY. NOTICE THAT THE YOUNG MAN ELIHU IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE REPRIMAND. GOD THEN GAVE JOB BACK TWICE AS MUCH AS HE HAD BEFORE. SEP 18 PSALMS 44, 79, 85, 89 PG 1209 - 1217 Psalms 44:4-8 PG 1209 Thou art my King, O God: command deliverances for Jacob. Through thee will we push down our enemies: through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us. For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me. But thou hast saved us from our enemies, and hast put them to shame that hated us. In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever. Selah. PUT YOUR TRUST IN GOD. MAKE YOUR BOASTS IN GOD. PRAISE HIS NAME FOREVER. SELAH - THINK ABOUT IT. Psalms 79:9-11 PG 1212 Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name's sake. Wherefore should the heathen say, Where [is] their God? let him be known among the heathen in our sight [by] the revenging of the blood of thy servants [which is] shed. Let the sighing of the prisoner come before thee; according to the greatness of thy power preserve thou those that are appointed to die; IF YOU ARE A CHRISTIAN YOU HAVE GOD'S NAME. YOUR ACTIONS DRAW PEOPLE TO GOD OR REPEL THEM FROM HIM. HOW VERY WISE IT IS TO PRAY THAT GOD WILL GLORIFY HIS NAME, TO HELP US OVERCOME THE SIN PROBLEMS IN OUR LIFE FOR THE GLORY OF HIS NAME. TO ASK GOD TO MAKE YOU SUCCESSFUL TO GIVE GLORY TO HIM IS GOOD. TO ASK HIM TO MAKE YOU SUCCESSFUL SO THAT YOU WOULD BECOME VAIN, PROUD, AND FORGET HIM IS NOT LIKELY TO BE ANSWERED. GOD KNOWS YOUR HEART MOTIVATIONS. Psalms 85:1-3 PG 1214 {To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah.} LORD, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob. Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people, thou hast covered all their sin. Selah. Thou hast taken away all thy wrath: thou hast turned [thyself] from the fierceness of thine anger. ALL OF US ARE BORN CAPTIVES TO SIN. GOD'S FORGIVENESS AND MERCY IS SO AMAZING. WILL WE BE LIKE HIM AND FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US? Psalms 89:1 PG 1214 {Maschil of Ethan the Ezrahite.} I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations. THIS FIRST VERSE OF PSALM 89 IS A POPULAR CHRISTIAN SONG. HAVE YOU HEARD IT? Psalms 89:9 PG 1215 Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them. HAS ANYONE OTHER THAN JESUS EVER DONE THIS? Psalms 89:14-16 PG 1215 Justice and judgment [are] the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face. Blessed [is] the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance. In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted. DO YOU HAVE RIGHTEOUSNESS THAT WAS GIVEN TO YOU BY GOD THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OR DO YOU HAVE SELF RIGHTEOUSNESS? DO YOU REJOICE IN YOUR OWN NAME OR IN THE NAME OF JESUS? SEP 19 PSALMS 102, 106, 137 PG 1217 - 1221 Psalms 102:25-28 PG1218 Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens [are] the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: But thou [art] the same, and thy years shall have no end. The children of thy servants shall continue, and their seed shall be established before thee. GOD CREATED THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH. GOD WILL NOT CHANGE EVEN THOUGH HE WILL CREATE A NEW HEAVEN AND NEW EARTH. Psalms 106:47-48 PG 1220 Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto thy holy name, [and] to triumph in thy praise. Blessed [be] the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the LORD. WE ARE SEEING THIS FULFILLED BEFORE OUR EYES. GOD IS REGATHERING ISRAEL FROM AMONG THE HEATHEN. LET ALL THE PEOPLE PRAISE THE LORD GOD OF ISRAEL. Psalms 137:1-4 PG 1221 By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion. We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof. For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us [required of us] mirth, [saying], Sing us [one] of the songs of Zion. How shall we sing the LORD'S song in a strange land? THE JEWS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN WELL KNOWN FOR THEIR JOYFUL FOLK SONGS AND MELODIES. KING DAVID HAD ELEVATED JEWISH FOLK SONGS OF PRAISE TO THE MOST WELL KNOWN MELODIES IN THE WORLD. IN THE BABYLONIAN CAPTIVITY THE JEWS WERE TAUNTED TO SING THESE UPBEAT PRAISE SONGS. IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO SING THESE UPBEAT PRAISE SONGS IN CAPTIVITY. WE SHOULD DO IT ANYWAY. SOMETIMES WE FIND OURSELVES IN DEPRESSING AND DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES. SINGING SONGS SUCH AS JEHOVAH JIREH WILL HELP IN DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES AND LIFT YOU IN TIMES OF DEPRESSION. THE JOY OF THE LORD IS OUR STRENGTH AND SINGING PRAISE SONGS HELPS RESTORE AND MAINTAIN JOY. SEP 20 DANIEL 7 & 8 PG 1222 - 1225 Daniel 7:1-3 PG 1222 In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel had a dream and visions of his head upon his bed: then he wrote the dream, [and] told the sum of the matters. Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea. And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another. DANIEL'S PROPHETIC DREAMS ARE SO ABSOLUTELY ACCURATE THAT MEN HAVE HAD TO TRY TO RESORT TO SAYING THEY WERE WRITTEN AFTER THE FACT. VARIOUS ARCHAEOLOGICAL FINDS AND BECAUSE OF THE WAY IN WHICH JEWISH SCRIPTURES GAVE SO MANY NAMES OF VARIOUS CONTEMPORARY RULERS FIRMLY FIX THE ACCURACY OF THE DATE OF THESE PROPHECIES AT 552 BC. IT IS OUR GENERATION WHICH IS MOST LIKELY TO SEE THE LAST PIECES OF DANIEL'S PROPHECY FULFILLED. REMEMBER THAT JESUS HIMSELF TOLD US TO PAY PARTICULARLY CLOSE ATTENTION TO DANIEL'S PROPHECIES AS THEY RELATE TO HIS RETURN. SEE Matthew 24:15 AND Mark 13:14 WHERE JESUS SOLEMNLY WARNS AND ENCOURAGES US TO GET UNDERSTANDING OF DANIEL'S PROPHECY. AS WE SHALL SEE, SOME PARTS WERE TO BE SEALED UP FOR A GENERATION SUCH AS OURS AT THE TIME OF THE RETURN OF THE KING OF KINGS. NO GENERATION IN HISTORY HAS EVER HAD GREATER INCENTIVE TO CAREFULLY STUDY THE FOLLOWING SCRIPTURES. READ THEM OVER AND OVER WITH PRAYER. MEMORIZE THEM IF YOU CAN. GET UNDERSTANDING OF THESE SCRIPTURES. THERE IS NO LONGER REASON FOR THEM TO BE SEALED. Daniel 7:4-28 PG 1222 - 1223 The first [was] like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it. And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and [it had] three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh. After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it. After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it [was] diverse from all the beasts that [were] before it; and it had ten horns. I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn [were] eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things. I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment [was] white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne [was like] the fiery flame, [and] his wheels [as] burning fire. A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened. I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld [even] till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame. As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time. I saw in the night visions, and, behold, [one] like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom [that] which shall not be destroyed. I Daniel was grieved in my spirit in the midst of [my] body, and the visions of my head troubled me. I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things. These great beasts, which are four, [are] four kings, [which] shall arise out of the earth. But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever. Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth [were of] iron, and his nails [of] brass; [which] devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet; And of the ten horns that [were] in his head, and [of] the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even [of] that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look [was] more stout than his fellows. I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom. Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. And the ten horns out of this kingdom [are] ten kings [that] shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. And he shall speak [great] words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy [it] unto the end. And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom [is] an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him. Hitherto [is] the end of the matter. As for me Daniel, my cogitations much troubled me, and my countenance changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart. DANIEL SAW HOW BABYLON WOULD BE SUCCEEDED BY THE MEDO-PERSIAN EMPIRE. THEY WOULD BE SUCCEEDED BY ALEXANDER THE GREAT ESTABLISHING THE GREEK EMPIRE WHICH WAS DIVIDED BY HIS FOUR GENERALS. THEY WERE SUCCEEDED BY ROME. IN THE LAST DAYS THERE WOULD FINALLY BE ANOTHER WORLD EMPIRE OF THE SHORT REIGN OF THE ANTICHRIST WHO WOULD MAKE WAR ON THE SAINTS. PRAISE GOD! THE KING OF KINGS RETURNS TO SET UP HIS EVERLASTING KINGDOM IN RIGHTEOUSNESS AND HIS SAINTS SHALL BE PART OF THIS GLORIOUS WONDERFUL EVERLASTING KINGDOM. PLEASE GET UNDERSTANDING OF THIS. IT IS QUITE LIKELY FOR OUR GENERATION TO SEE THE CONCLUSION. I HAVE SO MUCH TO SHARE REGARDING THIS BUT SEEK IT FOR YOURSELF. PRAY AND ASK THE HOLY SPIRIT TO LET YOU SEE THESE FANTASTIC TRUTHS FOR YOURSELF. DISCUSSING AND SHARING THE REVELATIONS CONTAINED IN THESE SCRIPTURES IS A SOURCE OF TREMENDOUS JOY AND ENCOURAGEMENT. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU FIND AND IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS. LOOK FOR THE WORLD TO SEE THE RISE OF 10 GREAT NATIONS OR TO BE DIVIDED INTO 10 REGIONS. LOOK FOR SOMEONE TO OVERCOME THREE GREAT NATIONS OR WORLD REGIONS. MOST OF ALL LOOK TO SEE HOW NEAR IS THE RETURN OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST TO PUT DOWN THE WORLD RULER WHO MAKES WAR WITH HIS SAINTS. LOOK UP FOR YOUR REDEMPTION DRAWS NEIGH. Daniel 8:1-27 PG 1224 - 1225 In the third year of the reign of king Belshazzar a vision appeared unto me, [even unto] me Daniel, after that which appeared unto me at the first. And I saw in a vision; and it came to pass, when I saw, that I [was] at Shushan [in] the palace, which [is] in the province of Elam; and I saw in a vision, and I was by the river of Ulai. Then I lifted up mine eyes, and saw, and, behold, there stood before the river a ram which had [two] horns: and the [two] horns [were] high; but one [was] higher than the other, and the higher came up last. I saw the ram pushing westward, and northward, and southward; so that no beasts might stand before him, neither [was there any] that could deliver out of his hand; but he did according to his will, and became great. And as I was considering, behold, an he goat came from the west on the face of the whole earth, and touched not the ground: and the goat [had] a notable horn between his eyes. And he came to the ram that had [two] horns, which I had seen standing before the river, and ran unto him in the fury of his power. And I saw him come close unto the ram, and he was moved with choler against him, and smote the ram, and brake his two horns: and there was no power in the ram to stand before him, but he cast him down to the ground, and stamped upon him: and there was none that could deliver the ram out of his hand. Therefore the he goat waxed very great: and when he was strong, the great horn was broken; and for it came up four notable ones toward the four winds of heaven. And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant [land]. And it waxed great, [even] to the host of heaven; and it cast down [some] of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them. Yea, he magnified [himself] even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily [sacrifice] was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down. And an host was given [him] against the daily [sacrifice] by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered. Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain [saint] which spake, How long [shall be] the vision [concerning] the daily [sacrifice], and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot? And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed. And it came to pass, when I, [even] I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man. And I heard a man's voice between [the banks of] Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this [man] to understand the vision. So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end [shall be] the vision. Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright. And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end [shall be]. The ram which thou sawest having [two] horns [are] the kings of Media and Persia. And the rough goat [is] the king of Grecia: and the great horn that [is] between his eyes [is] the first king. Now that being broken, whereas four stood up for it, four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation, but not in his power. And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify [himself] in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand. And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told [is] true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it [shall be] for many days. And I Daniel fainted, and was sick [certain] days; afterward I rose up, and did the king's business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood [it]. DANIEL WAS GIVEN MORE DETAIL TO REVEAL THE SAME PROPHECY MOST OF WHICH IS NOW HISTORY. THERE WORLD BE WORLD EMPIRES OF BABYLON, MEDO-PERSIA, GREECE, ROME AND FINALLY ANTICHRIST. WHEN YOU REALIZE YOU ARE IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS TOTAL WAR OF ANTICHRIST ON THE SAINTS YOU MAY KNOW IN LESS THAN 2300 DAYS JESUS WILL BE BACK TO PUT AN END TO ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS. IT BRINGS TO MIND THE RUSH LIMBAUGH'S DAILY COUNTDOWN OF THE DAYS REMAINING IN THE CLINTON PRESIDENCY. UNDERSTAND THIS, IF JESUS IS YOUR LORD, YOU WIN. THERE WILL BE THOSE WHO WILL RIDICULE AND PERSECUTE YOU FOR KNOWING THE TRUTH. THE APOSTLE JOHN GIVES MORE LIGHT TO THE SHORT REIGN OF ANTICHRIST IN THE BOOK OF REVELATION. REMEMBER WHAT JESUS SAYS IN Revelation 16:15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed [is] he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. Revelation 22:7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed [is] he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. Revelation 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward [is] with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. SEP 21 DANIEL 5 & 9 PG 1225 - 1229 Daniel 5:1-6 PG 1225 Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand. Belshazzar, whiles he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple which [was] in Jerusalem; that the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, might drink therein. Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of the house of God which [was] at Jerusalem; and the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, drank in them. They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone. In the same hour came forth fingers of a man's hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaster of the wall of the king's palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote. Then the king's countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another. KING BELSHAZZAR HAD GONE TOO FAR WHEN HE DECIDED TO USE THE VESSELS WHICH WERE TAKEN FROM THE TEMPLE OF THE LORD IN JERUSALEM TO USE IN HIS DRUNKEN PARTY. A HAND APPEARED (JUST A HAND) AND WROTE ON THE WALL. THIS FRIGHTENED THE KING TO THE POINT THAT HIS LEGS GAVE WAY AS HE FAINTED IN FEAR. IS IT TIME FOR AMERICAN CHRISTIANS TO SEE THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALL? Daniel 5:23-31 PG 1227 But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath [is], and whose [are] all thy ways, hast thou not glorified: Then was the part of the hand sent from him; and this writing was written. And this [is] the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN. This [is] the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it. TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting. PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians. Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and [put] a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom. In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain. And Darius the Median took the kingdom, [being] about threescore and two years old. HAVE NOT THE RULERS OF AMERICA DONE AS BELSHAZZAR WITH THEIR ANTICHRIST POLITICAL CORRECTNESS? HOW ARROGANT ARE AMERICA'S RULERS WHO SET THEMSELVES AGAINST THE WORD OF GOD? GOD HAD NUMBERED THEIR DAYS OF PREEMINENCE AND THEY WERE FINISHED. GOD'S JUDGMENT WAS UPON THEM. THAT SAME NIGHT BELSHAZZAR WAS KILLED AND THE MEDO-PERSIAN EMPIRE BEGAN. Daniel 9:20-23 PG 1229 And whiles I [was] speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God; Yea, whiles I [was] speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation. And he informed [me], and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding. At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew [thee]; for thou [art] greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision. WHEN YOU READ DANIEL'S PRAYER IN VERSES 4-19 IS EASY TO SEE WHY DANIEL WAS ADDRESSED BY THE ANGEL GABRIEL AS GREATLY BELOVED. GOD SENT THE ANGEL GABRIEL TO GIVE DANIEL UNDERSTANDING. DANIEL HAD ASKED GOD TO GLORIFY HIMSELF BY RESTORING ISRAEL BECAUSE THE CITY AND THE PEOPLE WERE THE CITY AND PEOPLE OF JEHOVAH. DANIEL WAS NOT ASKING ANYTHING FOR HIMSELF. HE WAS JEALOUS FOR GOD'S GLORY. HE NEVER LEFT THE LAND OF CAPTIVITY WHERE HE WAS THE HIGHEST RULER UNDER THE KING WHETHER THE KING BE BABYLONIAN OR MEDE. PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THIS FANTASTIC PROPHECY WHICH GOD SENT TO DANIEL BY THE ANGEL GABRIEL. Daniel 9:24-27 PG 1229 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. Know therefore and understand, [that] from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince [shall be] seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof [shall be] with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make [it] desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. 70 WEEKS ARE DETERMINED TO WRAP UP EVERYTHING (HEBREW = SEVENTY 7'S = 490 YEARS). FROM THE GOING FOURTH OF THE COMMAND TO REBUILD JERUSALEM UNTIL MESSIAH WOULD BE 7 AND 62 WEEKS (7'S) OR IN EXACTLY 483 YEARS. WHAT WAS TO HAPPEN 483 YEARS FROM THE GOING FORTH OF THE COMMAND TO REBUILD JERUSALEM? MESSIAH THE PRINCE WOULD COME! THIS PROPHECY PREDICTED ALMOST TO THE DAY WHEN JESUS WOULD ENTER JERUSALEM ON THE FIRST PALM SUNDAY. THAT IS WHY JESUS TOLD THE PHARISEES EVEN THE VERY ROCKS WOULD CRY OUT IF THE PEOPLE WERE TO REMAIN SILENT. WHAT WAS MESSIAH GOING TO DO? MESSIAH WOULD MAKE AN END OF SINS! MESSIAH WOULD MAKE RECONCILIATION FOR INIQUITY! MESSIAH WOULD BRING EVERLASTING RIGHTEOUSNESS! CAN YOU SEE IT? HAD THE PRINCES OF THIS WORLD KNOWN, THEY WOULD NOT HAVE CRUCIFIED THE LORD OF GLORY. THEY DIDN'T SEE IT BUT YOU CAN. HE WHO KNEW NO SIN, WAS MADE TO BE SIN FOR US. CAN YOU SEE IT? WE ARE FREE FROM SIN - ALLELUIA! JESUS MADE AND END OF SINS. THERE IS NO PENALTY FOR US BECAUSE MESSIAH MADE THE RECONCILIATION FOR INIQUITY WHICH NONE OF US COULD EVER MAKE NO MATTER HOW HARD WE TRIED! ALL WE HAVE TO DO IS AGREE WITH GOD AND ACCEPT HIS FORGIVENESS AND THAT SIN IS THROWN INTO THE SEA OF FORGETFULNESS AND WE ARE JUSTIFIED. "JUST AS IF I'D" NEVER SINNED. CAN YOU GET HOLD OF THE UNDERSTANDING THAT GABRIEL GAVE TO DANIEL? MESSIAH WAS KILLED 483 YEARS AFTER THE COMMAND WAS ISSUED BUT NOT FOR HIMSELF. HE DID IT FOR US. THAT IS THE BIG UNDERSTANDING THAT YOU MUST GET. THERE IS ANOTHER UNDERSTANDING WHICH YOU ALSO MUST GET AS A POSSIBLE MEMBER OF THAT GENERATION WHICH WILL JOIN THE pRINCE (LITTLE p pRINCE SIGNIFYING ANTICHRIST) IN MAKING WAR ON THE SAINTS. IF YOU DON'T BECOME KNOWLEDGEABLE OF THE WORD OF GOD YOU WILL BE SUCKED INTO THE ANTICHRIST'S GLOBAL NEW WORLD ORDER AND NEW AGE MOVEMENT. YOU WILL BE GUIDED AND CONTROLLED BY A DEMONIC SPIRIT GUIDE, ASCENDED MASTER, MASTER OF WISDOM, OR WHATEVER ELSE YOUR HIGHER CONSCIOUSNESS LEADER DEMON DIRECTS. THE TRIBULATION PRECEDES THE RAPTURE AND ONLY JESUS AND THE KNOWLEDGE OF HIS WORD CAN KEEP YOU AND MAKE YOU AN OVERCOMMER IN TRIBULATION. YOU NEED TO GET SERIOUS ABOUT MAKING YOUR FAITH GROW STRONG. HOW DO YOU GET MORE FAITH? FAITH COMETH BY HEARING, AND HEARING BY THE WORD OF GOD. CLINTON BROUGHT YASSER ARIFAT TO WASHINGTON TO MAKE A PEACE TREATY WITH ISRAEL. WATCH OUT IF THE TREATY IS BROKEN NEAR THE END OF CLINTON'S FIRST TERM. SEPT 22 DANIEL 6 PG 1230 - 1232 Daniel 6:3 PG 1230 Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit [was] in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm. DANIEL'S RIGHTEOUSNESS AND WISDOM WERE LEGENDARY. Proverbs 11:30 - The fruit of the righteous [is] a tree of life; and he that winneth souls [is] wise. HE SERVED UNDER AT LEAST 4 KINGS WHO LITERALLY RULED THE WORLD OF HIS DAY. HE BECAME THE TOP MAN IN THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. HE SHARED THE KNOWLEDGE OF HIS GOD WITH ALL OF THEM. THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT NEBUCHADNEZZAR AND DARIUS CAME TO ACCEPT DANIEL'S GOD AS THE TRUE GOD. THE CAPTAIN OF THE IMPERIAL GUARD WHO WAS SENT TO SEEK OUT AND CARE FOR JEREMIAH AMONG THE CAPTIVES OF JUDAH HAD COME TO BELIEVE IN DANIEL'S GOD. THIS IS AN IMPORTANT KEY TO UNDERSTANDING HOW THE BOOK OF DANIEL APPLIES TO CHRISTIANS AS WELL AS JEWS IN THE LAST DAYS. DR. FRANKLIN D. WATTS SAYS THAT ALL HUMANITY CAN BE PLACED IN THE 3 CATEGORIES OF JEW, GENTILE, AND CHRISTIAN. ANYONE WHO ACCEPTS JESUS CHRIST AS SAVIOR AND LORD BECOMES A SAINT, A CHILD OF GOD, A PART OF THE BODY OF CHRIST, A CHRISTIAN. THE JEW OR GENTILE WHO ACCEPTS JESUS CHRIST AS SAVIOR AND LORD BECOMES A SAINT. IF YOU ASKED DANIEL IF NEBUCHADNEZZAR, THE CAPTAIN OF THE IMPERIAL GUARD, OR DARIUS WAS ONE OF HIS PEOPLE, A CHILD OF GOD, OR A SAINT HE WOULD MOST DEFINITELY HAD SAID YES. UNDERSTANDING THIS WILL HELP YOU UNDERSTAND THAT DANIEL'S END TIME PROPHESIES HAVE MUCH BROADER APPLICATION THAN JUST THE JEWS AND NATION OF ISRAEL. THERE IS INFORMATION WHICH WE MUST UNDERSTAND. IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW THAT NOT ALL JEWS WERE DANIEL'S PEOPLE. DANIEL'S PEOPLE WERE THE PEOPLE OF HIS GOD. THE ANGEL WHO TOLD DANIEL WHAT WOULD HAPPEN TO "THY" PEOPLE WAS TELLING WHAT WILL BE FOR YOU AND ME IF OUR GOD IS DANIEL'S GOD. ONE SHOULD NOT LIMIT THE APPLICATION OF DANIEL'S END TIME PROPHESIES TO ISRAEL. WE SHOULD KEEP OUR MIND OPEN AND SEEK THE GUIDANCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE INTERPRETATION OF DANIEL'S END TIME PROPHESIES. Daniel 6:5 PG 1230 Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find [it] against him concerning the law of his God. EVERYONE WAS JEALOUS OF DANIEL'S POSITION. ALL OF THE KING'S OTHER LEADERS CONSPIRED TO GET RID OF HIM. THE ONLY POSSIBLE WAY THAT THEY COULD ENTRAP HIM WOULD BE IN REGARD TO HIS GREAT LOYALTY AND FAITHFULNESS TO HIS GOD. Daniel 6:7 PG 1230 All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions. DANIEL'S ENEMIES ENTRAPPED THE KING TO HARM DANIEL BY A VERY DEVIOUS PLOT PLAYING UPON HIS PRIDE AND EVEN HIS CONFIDENCE IN THEM. Daniel 6:11 PG 1230 Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God. IT DID NOT TAKE LONG FOR THE CONSPIRATORS TO BRING THE DEATH PENALTY CHARGE AGAINST DANIEL. Daniel 6:13-14 PG 1230 Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which [is] of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day. Then the king, when he heard [these] words, was sore displeased with himself, and set [his] heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he laboured till the going down of the sun to deliver him. THE KING REALIZED THAT HE HAD BEEN ENTRAPPED BY THE CONSPIRATORS. HE WAS DISPLEASED WITH HIMSELF FOR FALLING INTO THE TRAP THESE CONSPIRATORS HAD SET JUST TO KILL HIS MOST TRUSTWORTHY FRIEND AND SERVANT. Daniel 6:16-20 PG 1231 Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast [him] into the den of lions. [Now] the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee. And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel. Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of music brought before him: and his sleep went from him. Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions. And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: [and] the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? THINK ABOUT WHAT THE KING SAID WHEN DANIEL WAS PUT IN WITH THE LIONS. "THY GOD, WHOM THOU SERVEST CONTINUALLY, HE WILL DELIVER THEE." THIS KING HAS GREAT FAITH IN DANIEL'S GOD. DO WE EVEN HAVE THIS MEASURE OF FAITH IN GOD AS THE KING EXPRESSES HERE. THIS KING WAS A SAINT. THIS KING HAD COME TO KNOW THE TRUE GOD FROM HIS FRIEND DANIEL. HE WAS ONE OF "THY PEOPLE" THOUGH HE WAS NOT A JEW. THE KING SEALED THE LION'S DEN WITH HIS SIGNET TO BE SURE THE CONSPIRATORS WOULD NOT DISTURB THE LIONS OR KILL DANIEL TO HELP THE LIONS. EARLY IN THE MORNING, AFTER A SLEEPLESS NIGHT OF CONCERN AND POSSIBLY PRAYER FOR DANIEL, THE KING COMES TO THE LIONS DEN. "DANIEL, OH DANIEL, SERVANT OF THE LIVING GOD, IS THY GOD, WHOM THOU SERVEST CONTINUALLY, ABLE TO DELIVER THEE FROM THE LIONS?" Daniel 6:22-24 PG 1230 My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt. Then was the king exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God. And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast [them] into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den. ALWAYS CAREFUL TO GIVE GLORY TO GOD, DANIEL REPORTS THAT GOD HAS DELIVERED HIM. THE KING WAS EXCEEDING GLAD. IN VERSE 23 WE FIND WHY DANIEL WAS NOT HURT BY THE LIONS - BECAUSE HE BELIEVED IN HIS GOD. WE CAN BE SURE THAT DANIEL KNEW THE PROMISE GOD GAVE TO NOAH AND HOW THAT PROMISE WOULD APPLY TO HIS PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCE WITH THE LIONS. DO YOU RECALL WHAT GOD PROMISED NOAH AFTER THE FLOOD IN Genesis 9:2 - And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth [upon] the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered. DANIEL KNEW THAT GOD HAD PUT THE FEAR OF MEN IN THE HEARTS OF ALL ANIMALS. DANIEL WAS NOT AFRAID OF THE LIONS BECAUSE OF HIS GREAT FAITH IN THE INTEGRITY OF GOD. IF DANIEL HAD HAD ANY FEAR THE LIONS WOULD HAVE SENSED HIS FEAR IMMEDIATELY. THE ANGEL WAS PROBABLY SENT SO THAT DANIEL COULD GET A GOOD NIGHTS SLEEP. IF YOU KNOW THIS PROMISE OF GOD AND DO NOT HAVE FEAR YOU CAN BACK DOWN EVEN A LION. THE PROBLEM IS WHETHER OR NOT YOU HAVE ANY FEAR BECAUSE MOST ANIMALS SEEM TO BE ABLE TO SENSE FEAR. IF YOU HAVE FEAR, YOU EITHER DON'T KNOW OR BELIEVE THE PROMISE OF GOD AND YOU WILL BE IN TROUBLE. THIS COULD BE VERY IMPORTANT DURING THE GREAT TRIBULATION WHEN ANIMALS MAY EVEN BE POSSESSED BY DEMONS. Daniel 6:26-28 PG 1231 I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he [is] the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom [that] which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion [shall be even] unto the end. He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions. So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian. IS KING DARIUS A BELIEVER, A CHILD OF GOD, ONE OF DANIEL'S PEOPLE? HE WAS NOT A JEW BUT HE WAS ONE OF "THY PEOPLE" MORE THAN THE PEOPLE WHO WERE BORN JEWS AND HAD REJECTED THE GOD OF THEIR FATHERS. THOSE WHO HAD OBEDIENT FAITH IN DANIEL'S GOD WERE DANIEL'S PEOPLE. DANIEL'S END TIME PROPHESIES APPLY TO THE SAINTS. THERE IS EMPHASIS ON ISRAEL BUT IT IS UNWISE TO SAY THEY ONLY APPLY TO ISRAEL TO ASSUAGE FEAR OF GREAT TRIBULATION. WE NEED TO CAUSE OUR FAITH TO GROW TO ASSUAGE OUR FEAR OF TRIBULATION. Romans 10:17 - So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. THE PERIOD OF GREAT TRIBULATION PROMISES TO BE THE MOST EXCITING TIME IN WHICH ANY BELIEVER HAS EVER HAD OPPORTUNITY TO LIVE. THE PEOPLE LIVING DURING THE GREAT TRIBULATION WILL SEE THE BLESSED HOPE OF THE LORD'S TRIUMPHAL RETURN IN GREAT POWER AND GLORY. WE WILL LIVE SUPERNATURALLY BY GOD'S MIRACULOUS PROVISION. IT WILL REQUIRE GREAT FAITH. THAT IS WHY WE MUST ALL MAKE STUDY OF GOD'S WORD OUR HIGHEST PRIORITY. THIS IS THE WAY TO GREAT FAITH THAT ASSUAGES FEAR OF GREAT TRIBULATION. SEPT 23 EZRA 1 -4 PG 1233 - 1238 Ezra 1:1-2 PG 1233 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and [put it] also in writing, saying, Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which [is] in Judah. IT DOES NOT TAKE DANIEL LONG. IN THE FIRST YEAR OF THE REIGN OF KING CYRUS DANIEL HAS BEEN EFFECTIVELY WITNESSING TO KING CYRUS. IT IS QUITE LIKELY THAT CYRUS HAS ALREADY BECOME A BELIEVER IN THE GOD OF DANIEL. AT LEAST DANIEL HAS MADE CYRUS AWARE OF THE WORDS OF Isaiah 44:28 - 45:6 That saith of Cyrus, [He is] my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid. Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut; I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron: And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call [thee] by thy name, [am] the God of Israel. For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me. I [am] the LORD, and [there is] none else, [there is] no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: GOD HAD HIS PROPHET ISAIAH SPEAK TO A KING NAMED CYRUS WHO HAD NOT YET BEEN BORN. THIS WAS WRITTEN IN 712 BC AND CYRUS BEGAN TO REIGN 176 YEARS LATER IN 536 BC. ONLY GOD COULD KNOW CYRUS 200 YEARS BEFORE HE WAS BORN. GOD TELLS ISAIAH TO WRITE TO CYRUS 200 YEARS BEFORE CYRUS IS BORN. HE TELLS HIM THE EXACT MEANS BY WHICH HE WILL CONQUER BABYLON. GOD CAUSED THE RIVER TO DRY UP SO THAT A FEW OF CYRUS'S SOLDIERS COULD GO IN THE DRY RIVER BED AND OPEN THE BRONZE LEAF GATES OF BABYLON FROM THE INSIDE TO LET IN THE ARMIES OF CYRUS. WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU WERE CYRUS. MOST LIKELY YOU WOULD DO WHAT CYRUS DID AND DO WHAT GOD TOLD YOU. WOULD ANY KING TURN LOOSE OF A HUNDRED THOUSAND SLAVES AND POSSIBLY MILLIONS OF SALVES LATER FOR NOTHING? YET THAT IS JUST EXACTLY WHAT CYRUS DID. HE EVEN TURNED THEM LOOSE AND GAVE THEM A GIFT OF ABOUT 10 MILLION DOLLARS. Ezra 1:7 PG 1234 Also Cyrus the king brought forth the vessels of the house of the LORD, which Nebuchadnezzar had brought forth out of Jerusalem, and had put them in the house of his gods; CYRUS RETURNED ALL OF THE LOOT FROM THE TEMPLE WHICH NEBUCHADNEZZAR HAD DESTROYED. IN ADDITION HE ENCOURAGED EVERYONE TO GIVE TO THE SUPPORT OF THE JEWS WHOM HE WAS SENDING HOME TO REBUILD THE TEMPLE IN JERUSALEM. Ezra 2:64 PG 1234 The whole congregation together [was] forty and two thousand three hundred [and] threescore, INCLUDING WOMEN AND CHILDREN THERE HAD TO BE OVER 100,000 WHO LEFT BABYLON TO GO BACK TO JERUSALEM TO REBUILD THE TEMPLE. Ezra 3:3 PG 1237 And they set the altar upon his bases; for fear [was] upon them because of the people of those countries: and they offered burnt offerings thereon unto the LORD, [even] burnt offerings morning and evening. THE PEOPLE WHO NOW INHABITED PALESTINE WERE HOSTILE TO THE JEWS. THEY BUILT AN ALTER ON THE TEMPLE SITE AND BEGAN TO OFFER THE SACRIFICES OF THE LAW OF MOSES. Ezra 3:8 PG 1238 Now in the second year of their coming unto the house of God at Jerusalem, in the second month, began Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and the remnant of their brethren the priests and the Levites, and all they that were come out of the captivity unto Jerusalem; and appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to set forward the work of the house of the LORD. IT HAS BEEN 2 YEARS AND THEY HAVE NOT YET LAID THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE TEMPLE. WHAT IS WRONG? OBVIOUSLY MY BROTHER BOB WAS NOT THE SUPERINTENDENT ON THE PROJECT. THEY WERE BUSY BUILDING THEIR OWN HOMES. SOMEHOW THE JOB WHICH THEY WERE SENT BY THE KING TO PERFORM FOR GOD WAS NOT GETTING THEIR TOP PRIORITY. THEY NEEDED LEADERSHIP. ZERUBBABEL, EZRA, HAGGAI, ZECHARIAH, AND LATER NEAMIAH WOULD PROVIDE THE LEADERSHIP THAT THE PEOPLE NEEDED. Ezra 3:10-11 PG 1237 And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the LORD, after the ordinance of David king of Israel. And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because [he is] good, for his mercy [endureth] for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid. THEY WERE MOVING SLOWLY BUT THEY HAD THE GOOD SENSE TO PRAISE THE LORD. GOD INHABITS THE PRAISES OF HIS PEOPLE. Ezra 4:3-5 PG 1237 - 1238 But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel, said unto them, Ye have nothing to do with us to build an house unto our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the LORD God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us. Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building, And hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia. WHEN THE PEOPLE HEARD THE JEWS CELEBRATING AND PRAISING GOD THEY BECAME FEARFUL OF THE JEWS. THEY SOUGHT TO JOIN IN THE TEMPLE REBUILDING PROJECT BUT ZERUBBABLE RIGHTLY AND BOLDLY SAID NO WAY! THE PEOPLE THEN COVERTLY TRIED TO IMPEDE THE PROGRESS. SEPT 24 DANIEL 10 - 12 PG 1238 - 1242 Daniel 10:5-6 PG 1238 - 1239 Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins [were] girded with fine gold of Uphaz: His body also [was] like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude. WHO WAS THIS THAT DANIEL SAW? WAS IT JESUS? COMPARE THIS DESCRIPTION WITH JOHN'S DESCRIPTION OF JESUS ON THE ISLE OF PATMOS. Revelation 1:13-15 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks [one] like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and [his] hairs [were] white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes [were] as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. COULD IT BE THAT DANIEL WAS SO BELOVED OF GOD THAT JESUS HIMSELF WOULD COME TO GIVE HIM THE ANSWERS TO HIS PRAYERS? Daniel 10:10-14 PG 1239 And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and [upon] the palms of my hands. And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling. Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia. Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision [is] for [many] days. COULD IT BE THAT JESUS HIMSELF HAD PERSONALLY BEEN WORKING TO SOFTEN THE HEART OF CYRUS FOR 21 DAYS SINCE DANIEL BEGAN HIS ERNEST PRAYER. IT SEEMS LOGICAL THAT DANIEL HAD SHOWN CYRUS THE SCRIPTURES OF ISAIAH. PERHAPS CYRUS' INITIAL REJECTION OF THOSE SCRIPTURES IS WHAT CAUSED DANIEL TO BEGIN HIS MOURNING AND ERNEST PRAYER. PERHAPS CYRUS WAS RESISTING AND JESUS HIMSELF WAS REASONING WITH CYRUS DURING THOSE 21 DAYS? WHAT DO YOU THINK? Daniel 10:18-21 PG 1239 Then there came again and touched me [one] like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me, And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace [be] unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me. Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come. But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and [there is] none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince. FEAR NOT, PEACE BE UNTO THEE, BE STRONG, YEA BE STRONG. GOD DOES NOT WANT US TO FEAR. HE WANTS US TO BE STRONG. Daniel 11:2-4 PG 1239 And now will I shew thee the truth. Behold, there shall stand up yet three kings in Persia; and the fourth shall be far richer than [they] all: and by his strength through his riches he shall stir up all against the realm of Grecia. And a mighty king shall stand up, that shall rule with great dominion, and do according to his will. And when he shall stand up, his kingdom shall be broken, and shall be divided toward the four winds of heaven; and not to his posterity, nor according to his dominion which he ruled: for his kingdom shall be plucked up, even for others beside those. THE LORD TELLS DANIEL OF THE RISE AND FALL OF THE PERSIAN EMPIRE WHICH WILL BE OVERTHROWN BY ALEXANDER THE GREAT WHO WILL FALL AT THE HEIGHT OF HIS CONQUESTS AND HAVE HIS KINGDOM DIVIDED IN FOUR PARTS. ALEXANDER WAS REPORTED TO HAVE ONLY ABOUT 35,000 SOLDIERS AND ABOUT $75,OOO TO START THE WAR WITH PERSIA WHILE THE PERSIAN KING HAD AN ANNUAL INCOME OF ABOUT $11,000,000 AND HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF SOLDIERS. ALL OF ALEXANDER'S 3 WIVES, 2 SONS, HIS BROTHER AND HIS MOTHER WERE MURDERED. PTOLEMY, ALEXANDER'S GENERAL, KING OF THE SOUTH BECAME STRONG BY ADDING CYPRESS, PHONECIA, CARIA AND CORINTH TO HIS KINGDOM OF EGYPT. THE WARS BETWEEN THE NORTH (SYRIA) AND SOUTH ENDED BY THE MARRIAGE OF BERENICE WHO WAS PTOLEMY II'S DAUGHTER TO ANTIOCHUS II, KING OF SYRIA. THE MARRIAGE REQUIRED ANTIOCHUS TO DIVORCE HIS WIFE LAODICE. AFTER THE MARRIAGE ANTIOCHUS BROUGHT BACK LAODICE. LAODICE THEN POISONED BOTH ANTIOCHUS AND BERENICE AND PUT HER SON SELEUCUS II ON THE THRONE. THE EGYPTIAN WOMEN WHO HAD COME WITH BERENICE TRIED TO DEFEND BERENICE WHEN SHE WAS KILLED, AND MANY OF THEM WERE KILLED. THEN BERNEICE'S BROTHER PTOLEMY III INVADED SYRIA. HE KILLED SELEUCUS WHO WAS ALSO KNOWN AS ANTIOCHUS. THIS WHOLE SECTION IN DANIEL 11:5-30 WHILE RATHER CONFUSING IS ABSOLUTELY ACCURATE IN EVERY HISTORICAL DETAIL. Daniel 11:21 PG 1240 And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries. MANY BELIEVE THAT THIS VERSE STRONGLY INDICATES THAT THE ANTICHRIST WILL BE A SYRIAN. THE HISTORICAL PERSON IN THIS VERSE WAS ANTIOCHUS EPIPHANES. WHEN ROME MADE HIM STOP SHORT OF CONQUERING EGYPT ANTIOCHUS EPIPHANES ATTACKED JERUSALEM. HE KILLED 40,000 JEWS AND SOLD MANY AS SLAVES. HE BOILED PIGS AND SPRINKLED THIS PIG SOUP IN THE TEMPLE AND ON THE ALTER. HE BROKE INTO THE HOLY OF HOLIES AND LOOTED THE GOLDEN VESSELS. HE STOPPED THE JEWISH WORSHIP AND DEDICATED THE TEMPLE TO JUPITER. HIS CONTEMPTIBLE AND ABOMINABLE DEEDS CAUSED THE MACCABEEAN REVOLT OF THE JEWS. Daniel 11:32-39 PG 1241 And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do [exploits]. And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, [many] days. Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries. And [some] of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make [them] white, [even] to the time of the end: because [it is] yet for a time appointed. And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done. Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all. But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things. Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge [and] increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain. HERE IS WHERE THE TRANSITION IS MADE TO END TIME LAST DAYS PROPHECY WHICH HAS NOT HAD HISTORICAL FULFILLMENT. WE NEED TO BE CAREFULLY WATCHING TO SEE THE DETAILS OF THESE PROPHECIES UNFOLDING. THE PEOPLE WHO KNOW THEIR GOD WILL BE STRONG AND DO EXPLOITS. CAN YOU BE CORRUPTED BY FLATTERIES? DOES WHAT PEOPLE THINK OF YOU MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE TO YOU? DO YOU SEEK THE PRAISE OF PEOPLE OR THE APPROVAL OF GOD? WILL YOU BE CORRUPTED BY FLATTERIES AND BE SUCKED INTO THE GLOBAL NEW AGE GOVERNMENT AND RELIGIOUS SYSTEM? WILL YOU GET SERIOUS ABOUT WINNING SOULS FOR THE LORD JESUS CHRIST? THEY THAT HAVE TRUE UNDERSTANDING AND WISDOM WILL TRY WITH ALL THEIR MIGHT TO INSTRUCT MANY IN THE WAY OF SALVATION. IT WILL COST THEM THEIR FAMILIES AND POSSESSIONS. IT WILL COST THEM THEIR FREEDOM. IT WILL COST MANY OF THESE SAINTS THEIR LIFE. THOSE WHO HAVE TRUE WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING WILL BE TRIED AND TESTED IN GREAT TRIBULATION. ALL THE SAINTS, NOT JUST ISRAEL, WILL EXPERIENCE GREAT TRIBULATION UNLESS PERHAPS THEY ARE NUKED. FEAR NOT, BE STRONG, AND DO EXPLOITS IN THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. DON'T FEAR IT, GET HOLD OF GOD'S PURPOSE AND POWER TO DO EXPLOITS FOR HIS GLORY. ANTICHRIST WILL EXALT HIMSELF AND MAGNIFY HIMSELF ABOVE EVERY GOD. HE WILL SAY UNHEARD-OF THINGS AGAINST ALMIGHTY GOD. Daniel 11:44-45 PG 1241 But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many. And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him. FOR A TIME ANTICHRIST WILL APPEAR TO BE UNSTOPPABLE. BUT HE WILL BE TROUBLED BY REPORTS FROM THE NORTH AND EAST. THE KINGS OF THE EAST, RED CHINA, TODAY BOASTS OF AN ARMY OF 200,000,000 SOLDIERS. THIS IS THE EXACT SIZE OF THE EASTERN ARMY JOHN TELLS US ABOUT TO COME AGAINST ANTICHRIST. THE TIME IS DEFINITELY AT HAND. ANTICHRIST WILL SET UP HIS PALACE IN JERUSALEM. OUR BLESSED HOPE, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST WILL DESTROY HIM AND HIS ARMIES WITH THE BRIGHTNESS OF HIS GLORIOUS POWERFUL RETURN. Daniel 12:1 PG 1242 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation [even] to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. WHO ARE DANIEL'S PEOPLE AT THE TIME OF THE END? THEY ARE JEWS WHO KNOW MESSIAH JESUS AS LORD AND SAVIOR. WHAT ABOUT NEBUCHADNEZZAR, CYRUS, AND NEBUZARADAN ARE THEY NOT ALSO DANIEL'S PEOPLE? THESE PEOPLE WERE NOT JEWS BUT DANIEL WON THEM TO HIS GOD BY HIS WITNESS. THEY TOO ARE DANIEL'S PEOPLE. EVERYONE WHO SHALL BE FOUND WRITTEN IN THE BOOK SHALL BE DELIVERED. WHAT BOOK IS THIS? Philippians 4:3 ......and [with] other my fellowlabourers, whose names [are] in the book of life. Revelation 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. Revelation 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Revelation 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither [whatsoever] worketh abomination, or [maketh] a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life. MUCH MORE THAN ISRAEL IS REFERRED TO IN THESE VERSES. WHAT HE IS TALKING ABOUT IN REALITY IS THE BODY OF CHRIST. JESUS SAID HE WOULD ALWAYS BE WITH US TILL THE END AND EVEN THE GATES OF HELL COULD NOT PREVAIL AGAINST HIS CHURCH. WHEN ANY JEW ACCEPTS JESUS CHRIST AS SAVIOR AND LORD HE BECOMES PART OF THE BODY OF CHRIST AND HIS NAME IS THEN ENTERED INTO THE LAMBS BOOK OF LIFE. CHRISTIANS, SOMEHOW YOU MUST BE MADE AWARE OF THE POSSIBILITY AND PROBABILITY THAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE THE GREAT TRIBULATION. IS YOUR NAME WRITTEN IN THE LAMB'S BOOK OF LIFE? WILL THE GREAT TRIBULATION CAUSE IT TO BE BLOTTED OUT? HOW WILL ANTICHRIST WAGE WAR ON THE SAINTS? YOU CAN'T VERY WELL WAGE WAR ON SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN RAPTURED OUT. THE RAPTURE WILL OCCUR AT THE END OF THE GREAT TRIBULATION COINCIDENTALLY WITH THE GLORIOUS POWERFUL RETURN OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. IS YOUR FAITH GREATER THAN YOUR FEAR OF TRIBULATION? IS YOUR FAITH GROWING OR SHRINKING? WILL YOU BE STRONG, COURAGEOUS, AND DO EXPLOITS FOR THE GLORY OF GOD BY THE POWER OF HIS HOLY SPIRIT? WILL YOU BE SUCKED INTO THE GLOBAL NEW AGE GOVERNMENT AND RELIGIOUS SYSTEM OF ANTICHRIST? Daniel 12:2-4 PG 1242 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame [and] everlasting contempt. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, [even] to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. THE APOSTLE PAUL TOLD ABOUT THIS MYSTERY WHEN THE DEAD IN CHRIST WOULD RISE. IT HAPPENS AT THE TIME OF THE END JUST BEFORE THE RAPTURE COINCIDENT WITH OUR BLESSED HOPE THE POWERFUL GLORIOUS RETURN OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. IT IS HIGH TIME TO GET SERIOUS ABOUT WINNING SOULS. WE MAY BE THE FIRST IN FACT ONLY PEOPLE WHO COULD EVER FULLY UNDERSTAND THE ENTIRE BOOK OF DANIEL. DANIEL WAS TOLD TO SEAL UP THE BOOK UNTIL THE TIME OF THE END. DON'T PUT TOO MUCH CONFIDENCE IN OLD COMMENTARIES ON DANIEL. PARTS OF DANIEL'S BOOK WERE SEALED TO ALL BUT THOSE READING IT WHEN IT WAS THE TIME OF THE END. READ IT FREQUENTLY FOR YOURSELF ASKING GOD BY HIS HOLY SPIRIT TO OPEN IT FOR YOU IF IT IS THE TIME OF THE END. AT THE TIME OF THE END MANY SHALL RUN TO AND FRO AND KNOWLEDGE SHALL BE INCREASED. THAT IS MORE TRUE TODAY THAN IT HAS EVER BEEN. Daniel 12:8-12 PG 1242 And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what [shall be] the end of these [things]? And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words [are] closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand. And from the time [that] the daily [sacrifice] shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, [there shall be] a thousand two hundred and ninety days. Blessed [is] he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days. THE WORDS ARE CLOSED AND SEALED UP TILL THE TIME OF THE END. WE ARE TO BE TRIED AND PERHAPS GIVE OUR LIFE TO TRY TO BRING PEOPLE TO UNDERSTAND THE WAY OF SALVATION. WHEN ANTICHRIST SETS UP THE ABOMINATION IN THE TEMPLE THERE WILL BE 1290 DAYS. GOD WOULD HAVE US NOT FEAR AND BE STRONG AND PATIENT IN TRIBULATION. SEPT 25 EZRA 4 - 6 PG 1242 - 1246 Ezra 4:14-15 PG 1244 Now because we have maintenance from [the king's] palace, and it was not meet for us to see the king's dishonour, therefore have we sent and certified the king; That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers: so shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city [is] a rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city destroyed. THE PEOPLE LIVING IN THE AREA OF JERUSALEM WERE FEARFUL OF THE JEWS. EVERYONE HAD HEARD SOME REPORTS RELATIVE TO THE POWER OF THE GOD OF THE HEBREWS. THAT IS WHY THESE PEOPLE WANTED TO HELP IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TEMPLE. WHEN ZERUBBABEL RIGHTLY REFUSED THEIR HELP THEY SOUGHT TO STOP THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TEMPLE. THEY WROTE TO THE KING THAT THIS CITY WAS A REBELLIOUS CITY AND IF THE TEMPLE AND THE WALLS OF JERUSALEM WERE CONSTRUCTED THAT THE JEWS WOULD BE ABLE TO WAR AGAINST THE KING. Ezra 4:21-22 PG 1244 Give ye now commandment to cause these men to cease, and that this city be not builded, until [another] commandment shall be given from me. Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings? THE KING WROTE BACK TO HAVE THEM STOP THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TEMPLE. THIS STOPPED THE ALREADY SLOW PROGRESS OF THE TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION. Ezra 5:1-2 PG 1244 - 1245 Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that [were] in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, [even] unto them. Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which [is] at Jerusalem: and with them [were] the prophets of God helping them. HAGGAI AND ZECHARIAH TOLD THE PEOPLE THAT GOD HAD NOT CHANGED HIS MIND REGARDING THE BUILDING OF THE TEMPLE IN JERUSALEM. ZERUBBABEL STOOD UP TO LEAD THE JEWS TO BEGIN AGAIN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TEMPLE. THE KING HAD ORDERED THE CONSTRUCTION TO STOP. THERE DOES COME TIMES WHEN WE DO NEED TO OBEY GOD RATHER THAN OBEY THE GOVERNMENT. WE SHOULD CAREFULLY STUDY HOW THE JEWS RESPONDED. FIRST THERE WAS A NEW KING. GOD ALLOWED THE CONSTRUCTION TO STOP UNTIL GOD REPLACED KING GUAMATA (ARTAXERXES) WITH KING DARIUS. HE DID NOT SUBJECT HIS PEOPLE TO UNNECESSARY RISK ASSOCIATED WITH DIRECT CONFRONTATION WITH KING GUAMATA. Ezra 5:13-15 & 17 PG 1245 But in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon [the same] king Cyrus made a decree to build this house of God. And the vessels also of gold and silver of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that [was] in Jerusalem, and brought them into the temple of Babylon, those did Cyrus the king take out of the temple of Babylon, and they were delivered unto [one], whose name [was] Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor; And said unto him, Take these vessels, go, carry them into the temple that [is] in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be builded in his place. Now therefore, if [it seem] good to the king, let there be search made in the king's treasure house, which [is] there at Babylon, whether it be [so], that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem, and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter. THE JEWS TOLD THEIR ACCUSERS THAT KING CYRUS COMMISSIONED THEM TO BUILD THE TEMPLE. THEIR ACCUSERS PROBABLY THOUGHT THIS WAS A LIE THAT WOULD CAUSE KING DARIUS TO WIPE THEM OUT. IT WAS THE TRUTH. THE NEW KING DID SEARCH THE RECORDS AND UPON FINDING THE JEWS WERE TELLING THEIR ACCUSERS THE TRUTH NOT ONLY ALLOWED THE CONSTRUCTION TO CONTINUE BUT ORDERED THE ACCUSERS NOT TO INTERFERE. THE POINT HERE IS THAT IF THE AUTHORITY OVER YOU IS WRONG GOD WILL REMOVE THIS AUTHORITY AND WE NEED TO BE VERY CAREFUL OF REBELLING AGAINST AUTHORITY. Ezra 6:8-12 PG 1246 Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king's goods, [even] of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered. And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests which [are] at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail: That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons. Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this. And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings and people, that shall put to their hand to alter [and] to destroy this house of God which [is] at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed. THE JEW'S ACCUSERS EVEN HAD TO PAY THEM TO DO THE WORK. DO YOU SUPPOSE DANIEL HAD TALKED WITH DARIUS ABOUT GOD? SEPT 26 HAGGAI 1 -2 PG 1247 - 1250 Haggai 1:3-8 PG 1247 Then came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet, saying, [Is it] time for you, O ye, to dwell in your ceiled houses, and this house [lie] waste? Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways. Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages [to put it] into a bag with holes. Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways. Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, saith the LORD. CONSIDER YOUR WAYS. THE REAL REASON THAT THE TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT WAS DRAGGING IS BECAUSE THE PEOPLE WERE MUCH MORE CONCERNED WITH BUILDING THEIR OWN HOUSES AND FARMS THAN IN BUILDING GOD'S TEMPLE. THEY WERE SENT TO BUILD THE TEMPLE. THEY COLLECTED MONEY FROM THEIR FRIENDS IN BABYLON AND FROM THE KING TO BUILD THE TEMPLE AND THEY WERE USING THESE FUNDS TO BUILD THEIR OWN HOUSES AND FARMS. FOR THIS REASON GOD WOULD NOT ALLOW THEIR CROPS TO PROSPER. THEY WERE ROBBING FROM GOD, THEIR FELLOW JEWS IN BABYLON, AND THE KING. THEY WERE NOT KEEPING THE MAIN THING THE MAIN THING. THIS IS ALWAYS JOB 1 - KEEP THE MAIN THING THE MAIN THING. AS A CHRISTIAN DO YOU KNOW THAT YOUR BODY IS A TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT? WHAT IS THE MAIN THING FOR THE CHURCH TO DO? THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH IS MISSIONS. WE ARE TO COME TOGETHER TO ENCOURAGE EACH OTHER AND AS WE ARE ENCOURAGED WE BECOME BETTER EQUIPPED TO SHARE THE GOOD NEWS OF THE GOSPEL WITH OUR NEIGHBORS. WE ARE NOT A SOCIAL CLUB - WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST. WE ARE ALSO TO RAISE MONEY TO SUPPORT MISSIONARIES AND THOSE WITHIN OUR FELLOWSHIP WHO ARE IN FINANCIAL NEED. GOD IS THE SOURCE OF EVERY GOOD THING WE HAVE. GOD EXPECTS US TO PUT A MINIMUM OF 10% OF OUR INCREASE INTO MISSIONS AND THE SPREAD OF THE GOSPEL. IF YOU DON'T YOU ARE ROBBING FROM GOD. IT IS NOT SMART TO STEAL FROM GOD. IF YOU ARE GIVING AT LEAST 10% OF YOUR INCREASE TO GOD THEN YOU MAY TRUST HIM TO PROSPER YOU. OTHERWISE YOU WILL HAVE A DIFFICULT TIME WITH ALL FINANCIAL ASPECTS OF YOUR LIFE. YOU EARN WAGES AND THEY FALL THROUGH HOLES IN YOUR POCKETS FASTER THAN YOU CAN EARN IT. Haggai 2:4-9 PG 1248 Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the LORD; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the LORD, and work: for I [am] with you, saith the LORD of hosts: [According to] the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, so my spirit remaineth among you: fear ye not. For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it [is] a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry [land]; And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts. The silver [is] mine, and the gold [is] mine, saith the LORD of hosts. The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts. BE STRONG, BE STRONG SAYS THE LORD AND WORK FOR GOD IS WITH YOU. BECAUSE THE ALMIGHTY POWER OF GOD'S HOLY SPIRIT IS WITHIN US WE ARE STRONG AND WE SHOULD HAVE NO FEAR. WE CAN CHOOSE NOT TO BELIEVE THIS AND BE WEAK WIMPS FROM WHOM SATAN WILL STEAL, KILL AND DESTROY. WHAT WILL YOU DO? WILL YOU BE STRONG IN THE LORD AND CHOOSE TO LIVE A LIFE WITHOUT FEAR? YOUR BODY IS THE TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. ARE YOU READING THE WORD OF GOD EVERY DAY AND GROWING IN GRACE, KNOWLEDGE, UNDERSTANDING, AND FAITH. IS THE HOLY SPIRIT'S TEMPLE OF YOUR BODY STRONGER AND MORE GLORIOUS IN FAITH TODAY THAN IT WAS YESTERDAY? ARE YOU NEGLECTING GOD'S WORD AND ALLOWING THE GLORIOUS FAITH IN GOD TO DIMINISH, AND WITHER? Haggai 2:15 PG 1249 And now, I pray you, consider from this day and upward, from before a stone was laid upon a stone in the temple of the LORD: THINK ABOUT IT EVERY DAY. WE HAVE A CHOICE OF FAITH OR FEAR. OUR FAITH WILL GROW IF WE FEED IT. FAITH COMES BY HEARING AND HEARING BY THE WORD OF GOD. FAITH MAY GROW BY TESTIMONIES, PREACHING, PRAYER AND MIRACLES. IN THE LONG RUN THERE IS NO TRUE EASY SHORT CUT. FAITH COMES BY HEARING AND HEARING BY THE WORD OF GOD. PRAYER IS IMPORTANT. WHEN WE PRAY WE TALK TO GOD. YET GOD TALKS TO US WHEN WE READ HIS WORD. IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO KEEP THE CONVERSATION A 2 WAY CONVERSATION. IT IS MORE IMPORTANT FOR US TO HEAR FROM GOD THAN FOR GOD TO HEAR FROM US. MAKE IT A TOP PRIORITY IN YOUR LIFE TO READ GOD'S WORD EVERY DAY. Haggai 2:17-19 PG 1249 I smote you with blasting and with mildew and with hail in all the labours of your hands; yet ye [turned] not to me, saith the LORD. Consider now from this day and upward, from the four and twentieth day of the ninth [month, even] from the day that the foundation of the LORD'S temple was laid, consider [it]. Is the seed yet in the barn? yea, as yet the vine, and the fig tree, and the pomegranate, and the olive tree, hath not brought forth: from this day will I bless [you]. FROM THIS DAY AND FROM NOW ON OUT GOD PROMISES TO BLESS YOU. IS THERE ANY CONDITION ASSOCIATED WITH THIS PROMISE OF BLESSING? THEY WERE PUTTING THEIR MONEY IN PURSES WITH HOLES IN THEM. THEY WERE LOOSING IT FASTER THAN THEY COULD MAKE IT BECAUSE THEIR OWN PERSONAL PRIORITIES WERE MORE IMPORTANT THAN GOD'S PRIORITIES. OBEDIENCE IS THE CONDITION OF BLESSING. GOD DESERVES TOP PRIORITY IN OUR LIFE. DOES HE HAVE TOP PRIORITY IN MY LIFE? WE NEED TO THINK ABOUT THIS EVERY DAY. WILL I GIVE HIM A CHANCE TO TALK TO ME EVERY DAY BY READING HIS WORD? GOD ONLY WANTS TO BLESS US. WE CAN NOT TURN OUR BACKS ON GOD AND EXPECT TO BE BLESSED. THIS DOES NOT MEAN OUR LIFE WILL BE TOTALLY FREE OF ANY PROBLEMS OR TRIALS. IT DOES MEAN THAT GOD WILL BLESS US EVEN IN THE MIDDLE OF OUR LOSS, OUR GRIEF, AND OUR TRIALS. HE WILL BE WITH US AND BRING US THROUGH THE TRIAL. SEPT 27 ZECHARIAH 1 - 6 PG 1250 - 1254 Zechariah 1:14-16 So the angel that communed with me said unto me, Cry thou, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy. And I am very sore displeased with the heathen [that are] at ease: for I was but a little displeased, and they helped forward the affliction. Therefore thus saith the LORD; I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies: my house shall be built in it, saith the LORD of hosts, and a line shall be stretched forth upon Jerusalem. GOD LOVES THE JEWS. THE JEWS ARE GOD'S CHOSEN PEOPLE. GOD CHOOSE TO REVEAL HIMSELF TO THE WORLD THROUGH THE JEWS. JESUS IS A JEW. GOD ALWAYS WILL BLESS THOSE WHO BLESS THE JEWS AND CURSE THOSE WHO CURSE THE JEWS. GOD IS AGAIN WITH THE NATION OF ISRAEL TO FIGHT THEIR BATTLES. IF YOU DON'T HAVE A TENDER HEART TOWARD THE JEWS, PRAY AND ASK GOD TO HEAL YOU. JESUS WILL RULE THE WORLD IN RIGHTEOUSNESS FOR A 1000 YEARS FROM HIS THRONE IN JERUSALEM. Zechariah 2:4-5 PG 1251 And said unto him, Run, speak to this young man, saying, Jerusalem shall be inhabited [as] towns without walls for the multitude of men and cattle therein: For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her. GOD IS DEFENDING AND PROSPERING ISRAEL. ISRAEL'S ARMY IS THE ONLY UNDEFEATABLE ARMY IN THE WORLD TODAY. GOD IS ON THE SIDE OF ISRAEL AND IF YOU ARE AGAINST ISRAEL YOU ARE GOING AGAINST GOD. Zechariah 2:7-11 PG 1251 Deliver thyself, O Zion, that dwellest [with] the daughter of Babylon. For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye. For, behold, I will shake mine hand upon them, and they shall be a spoil to their servants: and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me. Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD. And many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto thee. WHO EVER GOES AGAINST ISRAEL GOES AGAINST THE APPLE OF GOD'S EYE. GOD TELLS HIS PEOPLE TO FLEE BABYLON AND RETURN TO THEIR HOMELAND. REMEMBER THE WORD BABYLON MEANS TYRANNY AND CONFUSION. IF YOU LOOK CAREFULLY AT THE POLITICAL CORRECTNESS OF AMERICA'S NATIONAL LEADERSHIP TODAY YOU WILL SEE THE TYRANNY AND CONFUSION OF BABYLON. WOE TO AMERICA IF THIS NATION EVER FAILS TO CONTINUE SUPPORTING ISRAEL. ISRAEL IS AMERICA'S BEST AND ONLY SIGNIFICANT ALLY. Zechariah 3:1-2 PG 1252 And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: [is] not this a brand plucked out of the fire? IT IS NOT COINCIDENCE THAT JOSHUA WAS HIGH PRIEST. THE NAME JOSHUA IN HEBREW MEANS JEHOVAH SAVES. THE NAME JESUS IN HEBREW IS JOSHUA. JEHOVAH SAVES US. WE CANNOT SAVE OURSELVES. THIS IS MESSIANIC PROPHESY. JESUS CHRIST THE ANOINTED HIGH PRIEST MESSIAH IS STILL BEING OPPOSED BY SATAN. ISRAEL HAD BEEN SAVED OUT OF THE FIRE OF THE BABYLONIAN CAPTIVITY. WILL YOU ALLOW JESUS TO RESCUE YOU FROM THE TYRANNY AND CONFUSION THAT YOU WILL HAVE WITHOUT HAVING JESUS CHRIST AS LORD OF YOUR LIFE? SATAN IS THE ACCUSER OF THE BRETHREN. ALL OF HIS ACCUSATION BECOMES NULL AND VOID WHEN WE ARE COVERED BY THE BLOOD OF JESUS AND GOD WILL PASS OVER US IN JUDGMENT AND SHOW US HIS INFINITE MERCY. PRAISE THE LORD! Zechariah 3:8-9 PG 1252 Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they [are] men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the BRANCH. For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone [shall be] seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day. JOSHUA (JESUS) IS THE GREAT HIGH PRIEST AND KING. JESUS IS THE BRANCH OF DAVID. Isaiah 11:1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: Jeremiah 23:5-6 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this [is] his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. Jeremiah 33:15 In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land. JESUS IS THE BRANCH. IN ONE DAY ALL ISRAEL WILL BE SAVED. THEY WILL BE SAVED THE SAME WAY THAT EVERYONE ELSE GETS SAVED - BY ACCEPTING JESUS AS SAVIOR AND LORD OF THEIR LIFE. JESUS IS THE PRECIOUS CORNER STONE, THE STUMBLING STONE, THE ROCK OF OFFENSE, THE GREAT STONE CUT WITHOUT HANDS TO COME DOWN FROM HEAVEN TO SMASH THE WORLD GOVERNMENT AND RELIGIOUS SYSTEM OF ANTICHRIST. Zechariah 4:6 PG 1252 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This [is] the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. IF YOU WANT TO BE STRONG AND IF YOU WANT TO HAVE POWER NEVER FORGET THAT IT WILL NOT BE ACCOMPLISHED BY OUR OWN MIGHT OR BY OUR OWN POWER. REMEMBER THAT IT WILL BE ACCOMPLISHED BY THE AWESOME POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD. Zechariah 5:7 & 10 - 11 PG 1253 And, behold, there was lifted up a talent of lead: and this [is] a woman that sitteth in the midst of the ephah. Then said I to the angel that talked with me, Whither do these bear the ephah? And he said unto me, To build it an house in the land of Shinar: and it shall be established, and set there upon her own base. WICKEDNESS IS PERSONIFIED AS A WOMAN IN A BASKET, MYSTERY BABYLON, THE WHORE WHO CAUSED PEOPLE TO TURN AWAY FROM THE TRUE GOD TO THE FALSE GODS OF SELF AND/OR ANTICHRIST. Zechariah 6:11-13 PG 1254 Then take silver and gold, and make crowns, and set [them] upon the head of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest; And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name [is] The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD: Even he shall build the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both. JOSHUA (JESUS) THE HIGH PRIEST WILL ALSO BE CROWNED KING OF KINGS. JESUS IS THE MAN WHOSE NAME IS THE BRANCH. JESUS ESTABLISHED HIS CHURCH WHICH IS THE BODY OF CHRIST. SOME DAY ALL JEWS WILL BECOME PART OF THE BODY OF CHRIST. INDIVIDUALLY AND COLLECTIVELY WE ARE THE TEMPLE OF GOD'S HOLY SPIRIT. JESUS WILL SET UP HIS THRONE IN AWESOME POWER AND GLORY AS THE GREAT HIGH PRIEST AND KING OF KINGS TO BRING EVERLASTING PEACE AND JOY. SEPT 28 ZECHARIAH 7 - 8, EZRA 6 PG 1255 - 1257 Zechariah 7:9-10 PG 1255 Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother: And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart. WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO DO? DON'T IMAGINE EVIL IN YOUR HEART AGAINST YOUR BROTHER. DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO UNTO YOU. AS GOD IS MERCIFUL AND COMPASSIONATE TO YOU, BEING GODLY MEANS THAT YOU ARE MERCIFUL AND COMPASSIONATE TO YOUR BROTHERS. HELPING THE POOR, WIDOWS AND ORPHANS GREATLY PLEASES GOD. Zechariah 7:12-13 PG 1255 Yea, they made their hearts [as] an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the LORD of hosts hath sent in his spirit by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the LORD of hosts. Therefore it is come to pass, [that] as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the LORD of hosts: WHEN WE HARDEN OUR HEARTS AGAINST GOD'S WORD AND REFUSE TO LISTEN TO HIM WE ARE ASKING FOR BIG TROUBLE. THERE CAN EVEN COME A TIME WHEN WE CRY TO HIM AND HE CHOOSES NOT TO HEAR US. NOTHING COULD BE WORSE. THAT SOUNDS LIKE HELL. Zechariah 8:7-8 PG 1256 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will save my people from the east country, and from the west country; And I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness. WE ARE WATCHING THIS PROPHESY BEING FULFILLED BEFORE US. GOD IS REGATHERING JEWS FROM THEIR DISPERSION TO THEIR HOMELAND. THEY ARE DWELLING AGAIN IN JERUSALEM AFTER ALMOST 2000 YEARS OF DISPERSION. Zechariah 8:16-17 PG 1256 These [are] the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates: And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour; and love no false oath: for all these [are things] that I hate, saith the LORD. SPEAK THE TRUTH. LOVE PEACE AND TRUTH. THINK GOOD THINGS ABOUT OTHERS. GOD HATES FALSE WITNESSES AND STINKING THINKING ABOUT YOUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS. Ezra 6:14 PG 1247 And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded, and finished [it], according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia. WITH THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF THE PROPHETS HAGGAI AND ZECHARIAH THE PEOPLE GOT BUSY WITH GOD'S WORK AND FINISHED IT. IT IS IMPLIED THAT ONCE THEY STOPPED WORKING ON THEIR OWN INTERESTS AND STARTED DOING WHAT GOD HAD ASKED THEM TO DO THAT GOD PROSPERED THEIR HOMES AND CROPS. SEPT 29 PSALM 78 PG 1258 - 1261 Psalms 78:3-8 PG 1258 Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. We will not hide [them] from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done. For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: That the generation to come might know [them, even] the children [which] should be born; [who] should arise and declare [them] to their children: That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments: And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation [that] set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God. IT IS THE FATHERS WHO ARE CHARGED WITH THE RESPONSIBILITY BEFORE GOD TO EDUCATE THEIR CHILDREN ABOUT GOD'S MIGHTY POWER, HIS WONDERFUL WORKS, HIS LAW, HIS GRACE, HIS LOVE, AND HIS MERCY. THAT IS THE PRIMARY PURPOSE BEHIND THESE MANUSCRIPTS. F. LaGARD SMITH'S DAILY BIBLE IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER GIVES AN IDEAL WAY TO HAVE FAMILY DEVOTIONS WHERE THE FATHER MAY LEAD A DISCUSSION OF THE DAILY READING. Psalms 78:18-19 PG 1259 And they tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust. Yea, they spake against God; they said, Can God furnish a table in the wilderness? HOW DO WE TEMPT GOD? OUR FAITH AND TRUST IN GOD PLEASES HIM. WHEN WE GRUMBLE AND COMPLAIN IT IS NOT PLEASING TO GOD OR ANYONE ELSE AROUND US. IT IS SO EASY TO FIND FAULT AND COMPLAIN. IT IS HARD WORK AND REQUIRES MENTAL DISCIPLINE TO FIND VIRTUE. Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things. THIS IS A TREMENDOUS VERSE TO MEMORIZE AND MAKE A PART OF YOUR LIFE. IT WILL KEEP YOU FROM TEMPTING GOD. IT WILL CAUSE YOUR FAITH TO INCREASE BECAUSE GOD IS THE SOURCE OF EVERY GOOD AND PERFECT GIFT. IT WILL HELP YOU TO BE HAPPY REGARDLESS OF YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES. Psalms 78:32-39 PG 1259 - 1260 For all this they sinned still, and believed not for his wondrous works. Therefore their days did he consume in vanity, and their years in trouble. When he slew them, then they sought him: and they returned and inquired early after God. And they remembered that God [was] their rock, and the high God their redeemer. Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto him with their tongues. For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant. But he, [being] full of compassion, forgave [their] iniquity, and destroyed [them] not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath. For he remembered that they [were but] flesh; a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again. THIS IS NOT JUST A COMMENTARY ON THE JEWS CONDITION AS THEY WERE BEING LED BY MOSES IN THE DESERT. IT IS THE HUMAN CONDITION OF ALL WHO DO NOT PLACE GOD FIRST IN THEIR LIFE. NOT EVEN THE ATHEIST CAN PLEAD IGNORANCE OF GOD'S WONDROUS MIGHTY POWER. THE EVIDENCE OF THE CREATION IS EVIDENCE OF THE CREATOR. ONE MUST BE WILLFULLY IGNORANT OF GOD'S POWER. EVEN THOSE WHO KNOW AND ACKNOWLEDGE GOD UNFORTUNATELY DO NOT SEEK GOD WITH ALL THEIR HEART UNTIL THEY ARE IN TROUBLE. HOW OFTEN DO YOU PRAY? DO YOU ALLOW GOD TO TALK TO YOU BY READING HIS WORD EVERY DAY? WITHOUT GOD HAVING PRIORITY IN A LIFE, THAT LIFE WILL BE CONSUMED IN VANITY AND TROUBLE OF ONE FORM OR ANOTHER. WHEN GOD DOES HAVE PRIORITY IN A LIFE THAT LIFE TAKES ON AN ETERNAL SIGNIFICANCE AS GOD IS GLORIFIED BY THAT LIFE. GOD'S GLORY OR YOUR OWN GLORY - WHICH HAS TOP PRIORITY IN YOUR LIFE? SEPT 30 PSALM 107, 116, 118, 125 PG 1261 - 1266 Psalms 107:1 PG 1261 O give thanks unto the LORD, for [he is] good: for his mercy [endureth] for ever. IT IS ALWAYS GOOD TO GIVE THANKS TO GOD FOR HIS GOODNESS AND HIS EVERLASTING MERCY. Psalms 107:8-9 PG 1261 -1262 Oh that [men] would praise the LORD [for] his goodness, and [for] his wonderful works to the children of men! For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness. WHEN YOU GET DOWN - PRAISE THE LORD! WHEN THINGS ARE GOING GREAT - PRAISE THE LORD! LET EVERYTHING THAT HAS BREATH PRAISE THE LORD. YOU WILL FEEL BETTER REGARDLESS OF YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES WHEN YOU PRAISE THE LORD! Psalms 116:1-2 PG 1263 I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice [and] my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon [him] as long as I live. GOD HEARS OUR PRAYERS. HE KNOWS OUR EVERY THOUGHT. Psalms 116:15 PG 1264 Precious in the sight of the LORD [is] the death of his saints. SAINTS HAVE BEEN MARTYRED THROUGHOUT HISTORY. ANTICHRIST WILL BE GIVEN POWER TO WAGE WAR ON THE SAINTS. WHEN SAINTS ARE PUT TO DEATH BECAUSES OF THEIR FAITH IN GOD YOU MAY BE VERY CERTAIN THAT IT IS NOT BECAUSE GOD DOESN'T CARE. THE HIGHEST CALLING OF ANY SAINT IS TO BE COUNTED WORTHY TO SUFFER AND EVEN DIE FOR THEIR FAITH IN GOD. HOW STRONG IS YOUR FAITH IN GOD? Psalms 118:6-10 PG 1264 The LORD [is] on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see [my desire] upon them that hate me. [It is] better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. [It is] better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes. All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them. The LORD [is] my strength and song, and is become my salvation. IF GOD IS FOR YOU NO ONE CAN STAND AGAINST YOU. THERE IS NO REASON FOR FEAR IF GOD IS FOR YOU. IT IS BETTER TO PUT YOUR TRUST IN GOD RATHER THAN TO PUT YOUR TRUST IN MAN. IT IS BETTER TO PUT YOUR TRUST IN THE LORD THAN TO PUT CONFIDENCE IN PRINCES. IT IS SAD TO SEE HOW AMERICA'S TRUST IN GOD IS BEING PUT IN THE GOVERNMENT. AMERICA'S MONEY SAYS "IN GOD WE TRUST". AMERICA'S POLITICAL AND EDUCATIONAL LEADERS HAVE TRIED TO REPLACE THE PEOPLE'S FAITH IN GOD WITH A FAITH IN GOVERNMENT. MOST OF AMERICA'S POLITICAL AND EDUCATIONAL LEADERS WOULD HAVE AMERICA'S MONEY SAY "WE TRUST IN GOVERNMENT". WHO DO YOU TRUST? IS THE LORD YOUR STRENGTH? IS THE LORD YOUR SALVATION? Psalms 118:22-24 PG 1265 The stone [which] the builders refused is become the head [stone] of the corner. This is the LORD'S doing; it [is] marvellous in our eyes. This [is] the day [which] the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. JESUS IS THE HEAD CORNERSTONE WHOM THE BUILDERS HAVE REFUSED. IT IS MARVELOUS HOW GOD HAS PAID THE PRICE OF OUR REDEMPTION THROUGH THE SACRIFICE WHICH JESUS CHRIST MADE FOR US ALL ON CALVERY. WHEN YOU SEE HOW MANY DETAILED MESSIANIC PROPHESY SCRIPTURES WHICH JESUS FULFILLED IT IS A WONDER WHY THE HEAD CORNERSTONE IS STILL A STUMBLING STONE TO SO MANY JEWS. ONE DAY, HOWEVER, ALL ISRAEL WILL BE SAVED. GOD MAKES EVERY DAY IN WHICH WE CAN EITHER CHOOSE TO REJOICE AND BE GLAD OR CHOOSE NOT TO BE JOYFUL. IT IS A CHOICE. THE JOY OF THE LORD IS OUR STRENGTH. OCT 1 PSALM 126, 128, 129, 132, 147 PG 1266 - 1269 Psalms 126:5-6 PG1266 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves [with him]. IT IS NOT GOD'S WILL THAT ANY SHOULD PERISH BUT THAT ALL SHOULD COME TO REPENTANCE AND HAVE ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH JESUS CHRIST. DOES IT MAKE YOU SAD THAT THERE ARE THOSE WHO DO NOT KNOW THE GOOD NEWS OF THE GOSPEL? THE GOSPEL IS PRECIOUS SEED INDEED. THE ONLY THING WE CAN TAKE OUT OF THIS WORLD IS THOSE TO WHOM WE HAVE SHARED THE GOOD NEWS. HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE YOU INTRODUCED TO JESUS? IS IT JUST A STALK OR TWO OR IS IT SHEAVES? Psalms 132:11 PG 1267 The LORD hath sworn [in] truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne. GOD WILL SET DESCENDANTS OF DAVID ON THE THRONE OF ISRAEL. IT IS NOT JUST SOLOMON, REHOBOAM, ABIJAH, ASA, JEHOSHAPHAT, ETC., MOST SPECIFICALLY IT IS JESUS CHRIST TO WHOM THIS VERSE REFERS. JESUS CHRIST IS COMING BACK TO RULE THE WORLD FROM THIS THRONE IN JERUSALEM. Psalms 147:6 PG 1268 The LORD lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground. WHAT DOES MEEK MEAN? IT IS SAD TO SEE HOW SOME NEW DICTIONARIES ARE CHANGING THE MEANING OF THIS WORD FROM A WORD OF STRENGTH TO A WORD OF WEAKNESS IN SOME OF THE SECONDARY DEFINITIONS. MEEKNESS IS NOT WEAKNESS. TO BE MEEK IS TO ENDURE INJURY WITH PATIENCE AND WITHOUT RESENTMENT. THIS REQUIRES TREMENDOUS STRENGTH. WHEN WE WILL ENDURE THE INJURIES THAT OTHERS PUT UPON US WITHOUT RESENTMENT GOD WILL LIFT US UP. Psalms 147:11 PG 1268 The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy. GOD IS PLEASED BY THOSE WHO FEAR HIM. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO FEAR THE LORD? THIS IS A DIFFICULT CONCEPT BUT ALSO VERY IMPORTANT. ONE WOULD INDEED BE A FOOL TO LOOK AT THE CREATION AND NOT FEAR THE POWER OF THE CREATOR. YET FEAR IS THE BIG GUN OF OUR ADVERSARY, LUCIFER. GOD CERTAINLY DOES NOT WANT US TO FEAR. GOD WANTS US TO LIVE BY FAITH AND TRUST IN HIM. GOD WANTS US TO LIVE COMPLETELY FREE OF FEAR. WHAT THEN DOES IT MEAN TO FEAR THE LORD? BETTER WORDS WOULD BE AWE, ADMIRATION, REVERE, ADORE, VENERATE, REGARD, AND WORSHIP. TO FEAR GOD MEANS TO REGARD GOD WORTHY OF GREAT HONOR, TO ADORE HIM, TO WORSHIP HIM, AND TO PROFOUNDLY ADMIRE AND RESPECT GOD. GOD IS PLEASED WHEN WE SHOW TRUST IN HIM. Psalms 147:19-20 PG 1268 He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel. He hath not dealt so with any nation: and [as for his] judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye the LORD. GOD HAS REVEALED HIMSELF TO THE WORLD THROUGH HIS WRITTEN WORD AND HIS PRECIOUS LIVING WORD VIA ISRAEL. ALL THE WORLD IS INDEBTED TO ISRAEL FOR THEIR PRESERVATION AND CARE OF HIS HOLY WRITTEN WORD IN THE OLD TESTAMENT. ALSO IT WAS PART OF GOD'S PLAN FOR ISRAEL TO PARTICIPATE IN GOD'S PLAN OF REDEMPTION. HAD THE PRINCES OF THIS WORLD KNOWN, THEY WOULD NOT HAVE CRUCIFIED THE LORD OF GLORY. THE DESIGNATED HIGH PRIEST OF ISRAEL PASSED THE JUDGMENT WHICH WAS REQUIRED FOR THE PRICE OF OUR REDEMPTION TO BE PAID. WE MUST UNDERSTAND THAT THE HIGH PRIEST OF ISRAEL HAD TO DO WHAT HE DID TO BE IN ACCORD WITH GOD'S PLAN OF REDEMPTION. THIS SAME MESSIAH AND LORD WILLINGLY GAVE HIS LIFE AND POURED OUT HIS PRECIOUS BLOOD TO PAY THE PRICE TO REDEEM EVERY ONE OF US FROM HELL. THE SAD PART IS THAT THE NATION OF ISRAEL HAS NEVER FIGURED OUT THAT THIS PRECIOUS LAMB OF GOD WHOM THEY DELIVERED TO PAY THE ONCE FOR ALL SACRIFICE PAID THE REQUIRED PRICE FOR THEM TOO. SOME DAY, PERHAPS SOON, THEY TOO WILL FIGURE IT OUR. OCT 2 ZECHARIAH 9 - 14 PG 1269 - 1276 Zechariah 9:9 PG 1270 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he [is] just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass. WHAT IS ZECHARIAH TALKING ABOUT? HE IS TALKING ABOUT THE FIRST PALM SUNDAY. John 12:12-15 On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed [is] the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord. Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written, Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass's colt. THE PEOPLE OF JERUSALEM WERE RECEIVING THEIR KING AS HE ENTERED THE CITY RIDING ON THE FOAL OF AN ASS. THEY WERE REJOICING GREATLY. THE RELIGIOUS PEOPLE WHO SHOULD HAVE KNOWN BETTER TOLD JESUS TO REBUKE THE PEOPLE WHO WERE REJOICING OVER HIM AS THEIR KING. Luke 19:39-40 And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples. And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out. THE PROPHET ZECHARIAH HAD SAID MESSIAH WOULD CAUSE THE PEOPLE OF JERUSALEM TO GREATLY REJOICE WHEN THEY SAW THEIR KING ENTERING THE CITY RIDING ON THE FOAL OF AN ASS. BECAUSE THE WORD OF GOD IS ALWAYS TRUE JESUS TELLS THEM THAT EVEN IF THE PEOPLE WOULD NOT BE REJOICING AT THAT TIME THE VERY ROCKS WOULD IMMEDIATELY TAKE UP THE REJOICING. THE WORD OF GOD IS ALWAYS TRUE. Zechariah 10:3-4 PG 1271-1272 Mine anger was kindled against the shepherds, and I punished the goats: for the LORD of hosts hath visited his flock the house of Judah, and hath made them as his goodly horse in the battle. Out of him came forth the corner, out of him the nail, out of him the battle bow, out of him every oppressor together. THOSE WHO ARE CHARGED WITH THE CARE OF THE CHILDREN OF GOD HAD BETTER TAKE SUCH WORK MOST SERIOUSLY. MANY TIMES WE SEE IN SCRIPTURE HOW GOD'S ANGER IS KINDLED AGAINST PASTORS WHO DO NOT GENUINELY CARE FOR THEIR FLOCK. WE ALSO SEE MORE MESSIANIC PROPHESY WHICH JESUS WILL FULFILL. JESUS IS THE CHIEFTAIN (CORNER) WHO WILL DESTROY ALL OF ISRAEL'S OPPRESSORS AND THE ARMIES OF ANTICHRIST WITH THE BRIGHTNESS OF HIS GLORIOUS RETURN AS KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. Zechariah 11:4-5 PG 1273 Thus saith the LORD my God; Feed the flock of the slaughter; Whose possessors slay them, and hold themselves not guilty: and they that sell them say, Blessed [be] the LORD; for I am rich: and their own shepherds pity them not. THE JEWS HAVE BEEN DISPERSED FOR OVER 2000 YEARS. OTHER PEOPLE HAVE POSSESSED THEM AND KILLED THEM AND MADE THEM SLAVES. EVEN THEIR OWN SHEPHERDS HAVE NOT HAD PITY ON THEM. THERE IS A WARNING HERE AGAINST ANYONE WHO WOULD MISTREAT OR FAIL TO HELP THE JEWS. THERE IS ALSO ANOTHER WARNING TO PASTORS THAT THEY MUST BE GENUINELY CONCERNED WITH THE WELFARE OF THEIR FLOCK. Zechariah 11:12-13 PG 1273 And I said unto them, If ye think good, give [me] my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty [pieces] of silver. And the LORD said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was prised at of them. And I took the thirty [pieces] of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of the LORD. THE PRICE JUDAS WAS PAID FOR JUDAS TO DELIVER JESUS TO BE KILLED WAS 30 PIECES OF SILVER. Matthew 26:14-15 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, And said [unto them], What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. Matthew 27:3-10 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What [is that] to us? see thou [to that]. And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood. And they took counsel, and bought with them the Potter's field, to bury strangers in. Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value; And gave them for the Potter's field, as the Lord appointed me. ONE HAS TO WONDER HOW JESUS REMAINS A STUMBLING BLOCK TO THE JEWS WITH SUCH SCRIPTURES AS THESE. Zechariah 11:17 PG 1273 Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword [shall be] upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened. WHEN THE LORD SAYS WOE IT IS VERY SERIOUS. PASTORS HAVE A VERY SERIOUS RESPONSIBILITY TO CARE FOR THE FLOCK GOD PLACES IN THEIR HANDS. Zechariah 12:2-5 PG 1273-1274 Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah [and] against Jerusalem. And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it. In that day, saith the LORD, I will smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness: and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah, and will smite every horse of the people with blindness. And the governors of Judah shall say in their heart, The inhabitants of Jerusalem [shall be] my strength in the LORD of hosts their God. GOD SAID THAT WHEN RUSSIA AND ALL OF HER VAST ARMY INVADES ISRAEL THAT GOD HIMSELF WOULD WIPE OUT 5 OF 6 OF EVERY ONE OF THEIR SOLDIERS. THIS SUPERNATURAL DESTRUCTION WOULD BE SO THAT THE WORLD WOULD KNOW THAT THE GOD OF ISRAEL IS ALMIGHTY GOD. THESE VERSES MAY GIVE INSIGHT INTO THE TYPE OF DESTRUCTION WHICH GOD WILL USE. IT WILL BE A CALVARY INVASION. RUSSIA HAS BEEN BUYING HORSES FOR YEARS. THE HORSES WILL BE STRUCK WITH BLINDNESS AND THE RIDERS WITH MADNESS. THEY WILL LIKELY KILL EACH OTHER. IT WILL TAKE 7 MONTHS TO BURY THEM ALL. Zechariah 12:10 PG 1274 And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourn for [his] only [son], and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for [his] firstborn. HERE IS PERHAPS THE MOST BLESSED OF THE PROMISES TO ISRAEL. IN ONE DAY ALL ISRAEL WILL BE SAVED AS THEY LOOK UPON JESUS WHOM THEY HAVE PIERCED AND MOURN FOR HIM AS ONE THAT IS IN BITTERNESS FOR HIS FIRSTBORN. Zechariah 13:1 PG1274 In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness. IN THAT DAY THEY SHALL ALL BE CLEANSED FROM THEIR SINS AS WE ALL ARE CLEANSED FROM OUR SINS. WHAT IS THIS AMAZING FOUNTAIN? NOTHING OTHER THAN THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS WHICH HAS ALREADY BEEN SHED TO CLEANSE EVERYONE WHO WILL ONLY RECEIVE THIS PARDON FROM JESUS. Zechariah 13:9 PG 1275 And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It [is] my people: and they shall say, The LORD [is] my God. WHAT DO YOU SUPPOSE IS REFERRED TO IN THIS VERSE? THIS IS THE PURPOSE OF TRIBULATION. TO REFINE THE SAINTS AS GOLD AND SILVER ARE REFINED BY THE FIRES SO ARE THE SAINTS REFINED BY THE FIRES OF TRIBULATION. Zechariah 14:3-7 1275 Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle. And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which [is] before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, [and there shall be] a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south. And ye shall flee [to] the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the LORD my God shall come, [and] all the saints with thee. And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the light shall not be clear, [nor] dark: But it shall be one day which shall be known to the LORD, not day, nor night: but it shall come to pass, [that] at evening time it shall be light. THE LORD JESUS CHRIST WILL RETURN IN GREAT POWER AND GLORY AND WITH HIS WORDS WILL TOTALLY DESTROY THE ARMIES OF ANTICHRIST ASSEMBLED IN THE VALLEY OF MEGEDDO. HE SHALL TOUCH THE EARTH ON THE MOUNT OF OLIVES WHICH WILL BE SPLIT BY A GREAT EARTHQUAKE. THE DAY OF THE LORD WILL BE A DAY LIKE NO OTHER EVER. HIS GLORY SHALL LIGHT UP THE DARKNESS OF THE THICK CLOUDS THAT DAY. Zechariah 14:9 PG 1275 And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one. JESUS WILL THEN BEGIN HIS REIGN AS KING OVER ALL THE EARTH. Zechariah 14:12-13 PG 1275 And this shall be the plague wherewith the LORD will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth. And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] a great tumult from the LORD shall be among them; and they shall lay hold every one on the hand of his neighbour, and his hand shall rise up against the hand of his neighbour. IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT FOR A NUCLEAR PHYSICIST TO GIVE A MORE GRAPHIC DESCRIPTION OF HOW A HUMAN BODY CAN BE CONSUMED BY NUCLEAR RADIATION. THIS WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO UNDERSTAND UNTIL OUR GENERATION. Zechariah 14:16-17 PG 1275 And it shall come to pass, [that] every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles. And it shall be, [that] whoso will not come up of [all] the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain. ALL NATIONS WILL COME TO WORSHIP THE LORD IN JERUSALEM. OCT 3 ESTHER 1 - 4 PG 1276 - 1280 ESTHER IS ONE OF EVERYONE'S FAVORITE STORIES IN ALL OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. AS YOU READ IT YOU WILL SEE HOW VASHTI MAY BE REGARDED AS THE MOTHER OF THE WOMEN'S LIBERATION MOVEMENT. ESTHER SHOWS HOW THROUGH GRACE, CHARM, AND COURAGE THAT ONE WOMAN WAS ABLE TO SAVE AN ENTIRE NATION. OCT 4 ESTHER 5 - 10 PG 1281 - 1285 HAMAN'S HATRED FOR MORDECAI DOES HIM IN. THIS STORY ILLUSTRATES GOD'S WONDERFUL SENSE OF HUMOR AND HOW HE CAUSES WHAT GOES AROUND TO COME AROUND. IT WILL BE ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE STORIES FOR JUST GOOD FUN LIGHT ENCOURAGING READING. OCT 5 MALICHI PG 1287 - 1290 Malachi 1:1-2 PG 1287 The burden of the word of the LORD to Israel by Malachi. I have loved you, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, Wherein hast thou loved us? [Was] not Esau Jacob's brother? saith the LORD: yet I loved Jacob, MALACHI IS A SHORT BOOK NORMALLY FOUND AT THE END OF THE OLD TESTAMENT IN YOUR BIBLE. MALICHI GIVES PERHAPS THE BEST TEACHING TO US REGARDING TWO VERY DIFFICULT TOPICS OF DIVORCE AND TITHING. HIS DISTINCTIVE QUESTION AND ANSWER STYLE POWERFULLY ILLUSTRATES GOD'S PERSPECTIVE ON THESE TWO TOPICS. VERSES TO COMMIT TO MEMORY FROM MALICHI ARE 2:16 AND 3:8-10. Malachi 1:6-8 PG 1287 A son honoureth [his] father, and a servant his master: if then I [be] a father, where [is] mine honour? and if I [be] a master, where [is] my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name? Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar; and ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee? In that ye say, The table of the LORD [is] contemptible. And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, [is it] not evil? and if ye offer the lame and sick, [is it] not evil? offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the LORD of hosts. A SON HONORS HIS FATHER AND A SERVANT HIS MASTER BUT YOU PRIESTS DESPISE GOD'S NAME. HOW? BY BRINGING SPOILED AND LAME AND SICK OFFERINGS. WHAT WOULD THE GOVERNOR SAY IF YOU BROUGHT HIM SUCH GIFTS? GOD DESERVES OUR BEST. Malachi 2:13-16 PG 1289 And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth [it] with good will at your hand. Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet [is] she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant. And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth. For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for [one] covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously. THE LORD GOD HATES DIVORCE? WHY? NOT ONLY IS TREACHERY AND BROKEN VOWS ALWAYS INVOLVED; BUT, CHILDREN BECOME THE VICTIMS. THE PARENTS FIGHT EACH OTHER BY TEARING THE HEARTS OF THE CHILDREN. THE TRUE PARENT WILL OFTEN BE THE ONE TO ALLOW THE OTHER TO HAVE THE CHILDREN. SEE 1 KINGS 3:24-27. THE LOVING PARENT WILL ALLOW THE OTHER TO HAVE THE CHILDREN SO THAT THE CHILDREN ARE NOT TORN. HOW IT HURTS. BUT GOD CAN GIVE GRACE TO COMFORT IN SUCH SITUATIONS. DIVORCE SHOULD NOT HAPPEN TO CHRISTIANS. YET IT DOES HAPPEN AND IT IS NOT THE UNPARDONABLE SIN. TWO OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AND MOST TALENTED OF GOD'S CHILDREN WILL BE SCARRED FOR LIFE BECAUSE I COULD NOT MAKE THE MARRIAGE WITH THEIR MOTHER WORK. THEY HAVE NO EXPERIENTIAL UNDERSTANDING OF A FATHER'S LOVE BECAUSE OF THE BROKEN FAMILY RELATIONSHIP. IT TAKES 2 TO MAKE A MARRIAGE AND ONLY 1 TO MAKE A DIVORCE. THE CHILDREN ARE ALWAYS THE MOST DAMAGED VICTIMS. PARENTS IN A DIVORCE SITUATION NEED TO DO EVERYTHING THAT THEY CAN TO SHIELD THE CHILDREN FROM THE HURT AND TEARING OF THEIR HEARTS. Malachi 3:2 PG 1288 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he [is] like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: WHO SHALL BE ABLE TO ABIDE AND STAND IN THE DAY OF HIS COMING? WILL HIS APPEARANCE CAUSE YOU JOY OR DREAD? Malachi 3:5-6 PG 1289 And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in [his] wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger [from his right], and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts. For I [am] the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. OFTEN AMERICAN JUSTICE MAY BE SUMMARIZED BY WHO CAN AFFORD THE BEST LAWYER. BUT THERE IS A JUDGE WHO ALWAYS JUDGES RIGHTLY. IF JESUS CHRIST IS YOUR ADVOCATE WITH THIS JUDGE THE IS CASE DISMISSED. IF NOT, IT IS HELL TO PAY. GOD IS GOD AND HE DOES NOT CHANGE. Malachi 3:8-11 PG 1289 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye [are] cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, [even] this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that [there shall] not [be room] enough [to receive it]. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. HOW DO YOU ROB GOD? IF YOU DON'T GIVE HIM THE TOP 10% YOU ARE ROBBING HIM. THAT IS STUPID. IF YOU ARE GOING TO ROB SOMEONE DON'T PICK ON SOMEONE WITH THE POWER TO CREATE OR DESTROY THE UNIVERSE. THE TITHES PREDATE THE LAW. EVEN UNDER GRACE NOT PAYING TITHES IS ROBBING GOD. THE LEVITES RECEIVED TITHES AND PAID A TITHE OF THE TITHE. IN THE NEW TESTAMENT PAUL WOULD NEVER RECEIVE A GIFT FOR HIS MINISTRY BUT HE ALWAYS HAD THOSE CHURCHES COLLECTING MONEY FOR THE JERUSALEM CHURCH WHICH WOULD HAVE PROBABLY STARVED TO DEATH WITHOUT THE CHURCHES THAT PAUL FOUNDED TITHING THE TITHE FOR PAUL TO TAKE BACK TO THE JERUSALEM CHURCH. IT IS EITHER IGNORANCE OR STUPIDITY FOR AN INDIVIDUAL OR A CHURCH NOT TO TITHE. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN IGNORANCE AND STUPIDITY IS THAT IGNORANCE IS CURABLE. YOU WILL NEVER HAVE SUFFICIENT MEANS IF YOU DON'T TITHE. YOU WILL EARN MONEY WHICH WILL FALL THROUGH THE HOLES IN YOU PURSES. Haggai 1:5-7 Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways. Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages into a bag with holes. Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways. WE ARE NOT TO PUT GOD TO THE TEST EXCEPT IN THIS ONE AND ONLY REGARD OF TITHING. IN MALICHI 3:10 GOD SAYS TO TEST HIM WITH THE TITHE AND SEE IF HE DOES NOT OPEN THE WINDOWS OF HEAVEN AND POUR OUT A BLESSING SO GREAT THAT YOU CAN'T HOLD IT ALL. IT IS JUST PLAIN SMART TO TITHE. THAT IS 10% OFF THE TOP BEFORE TAXES AND THEN YOU CAN MAKE OFFERINGS IF YOU WANT TO REALLY GET BLESSED. AS IMPORTANT AS TITHING IS TO YOUR OWN FINANCIAL WELL BEING, IT IS NOT BY ANY MEANS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING. JESUS SAID IN Matthew 23:23 - Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay [tithe] of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. OCT 6 EZRA 7 - 8 PG 1290 - 1293 Ezra 7:5-6 PG 1290 The son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest: This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he [was] a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him. EZRA WAS A GREAT STUDENT OF THE WORD OF GOD. SINCE FAITH COMES BY HEARING AND HEARING BY THE WORD OF GOD WE CAN BE SURE THAT EZRA WAS ALSO A MAN OF GREAT FAITH. EZRA COULD TRACE HIS GENEALOGY BACK TO AARON THE HIGH PRIEST. NOTE THAT THE KING GRANTED HIM ALL OF HIS REQUESTS. WHAT PART DO YOU SUPPOSE THAT NEHEMIAH MAY HAVE PLAYED IN THE KING GRANTING ALL OF EZRA'S REQUESTS? Ezra 7:15 PG 1291 And to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his counsellors have freely offered unto the God of Israel, whose habitation [is] in Jerusalem, HERE IS THE KING AND HIS COUNSELLORS MAKING FREEWILL OFFERINGS OF SILVER AND GOLD TO REBUILD JERUSALEM AND REESTABLISH THE WORSHIP OF GOD IN THE TEMPLE IN JERUSALEM. WAS THE KING A BELIEVER? WHO MIGHT HAVE BEEN ONE OF THE KING'S COUNSELLORS WHO MADE A FREEWILL OFFERING OF GOLD AND SILVER? Ezra 7:18 & 20-12 PG 1291 And whatsoever shall seem good to thee, and to thy brethren, to do with the rest of the silver and the gold, that do after the will of your God. And whatsoever more shall be needful for the house of thy God, which thou shalt have occasion to bestow, bestow [it] out of the king's treasure house. And I, [even] I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers which [are] beyond the river, that whatsoever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done speedily, EZRA HAD A GOOD REPUTATION TO HAVE THE KING PLACE SUCH UNRESTRAINED TRUST IN HIM. Ezra 7:23 PG 1291 Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be diligently done for the house of the God of heaven: for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons? THE KING CERTAINLY HAD SOME MEASURE OF FAITH IN THE GOD OF EZRA AND NEHEMIAH. Ezra 7:27 PG 1291 Blessed [be] the LORD God of our fathers, which hath put [such a thing] as this in the king's heart, to beautify the house of the LORD which [is] in Jerusalem: IT IS AMAZING REGARDLESS OF THE LEVEL OF FAITH WHICH KING ARTAXERXES HAD, HOW GOD HAD MOVED HIM TO SUPPORT THE REBUILDING OF JERUSALEM. ESPECIALLY AMAZING IS THE REESTABLISHMENT OF THE WORSHIP OF GOD IN THE TEMPLE. JERUSALEM MAY HAVE BEEN A GREAT STRATEGIC BUFFER AGAINST EGYPT BUT THE MONEY FOR THE TEMPLE AND SACRIFICES CAN NOT BE EXPLAINED BY ANY SUCH MILITARY STRATEGY. Ezra 8:22 PG 1292 For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God [is] upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath [is] against all them that forsake him. IT IS GREAT THAT EZRA WOULD NOT TAKE A CHANCE IN WEAKENING THE FAITH OF ARTAXERXES BY REQUESTING SOLDIERS FROM THE KING. IF GOD'S HAND WAS UPON EZRA'S PEOPLE WHY INDEED WOULD THEY NEED MILITARY PROTECTION. OCT 7 EZRA 9 - 10 PG 1293 - 1296 Ezra 9:9 PG 1294 For we [were] bondmen; yet our God hath not forsaken us in our bondage, but hath extended mercy unto us in the sight of the kings of Persia, to give us a reviving, to set up the house of our God, and to repair the desolations thereof, and to give us a wall in Judah and in Jerusalem. EZRA THANKS GOD FOR THE TREMENDOUS BLESSING OF THE FAVOR OF THE KINGS OF PERSIA TO ALLOW ISRAEL TO RETURN AND REBUILD. Ezra 9:13-14 PG 1294 And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our great trespass, seeing that thou our God hast punished us less than our iniquities [deserve], and hast given us [such] deliverance as this; Should we again break thy commandments, and join in affinity with the people of these abominations? wouldest not thou be angry with us till thou hadst consumed [us], so that [there should be] no remnant nor escaping? EZRA ACKNOWLEDGES GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS AND MERCY IN JUDGING ISRAEL'S SIN. ALREADY THE FIRST GROUP OF ISRAELITES TO RETURN HAD MARRIED FOREIGN WIVES. EZRA KNEW SOMETHING HAD TO BE DONE TO STOP THIS FORBIDDEN PRACTICE. Ezra 10:3-5 & 11 PG 1295 Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all the wives, and such as are born of them, according to the counsel of my lord, and of those that tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law. Arise; for [this] matter [belongeth] unto thee: we also [will be] with thee: be of good courage, and do [it]. Then arose Ezra, and made the chief priests, the Levites, and all Israel, to swear that they should do according to this word. And they sware. Now therefore make confession unto the LORD God of your fathers, and do his pleasure: and separate yourselves from the people of the land, and from the strange wives. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT EZRA MAKING THE MEN OF ISRAEL WHO HAD MARRIED FOREIGN WIVES DIVORCE THEM IN LIGHT OF - Malachi 2:16 For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for [one] covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously. ? OCT 8 NEHEMIAH 1 - 3 PG 1297 - 1300 Nehemiah 1:3-5 PG 1297 And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province [are] in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also [is] broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire. And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned [certain] days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven, And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments: AS SOON AS NEHEMIAH HEARS OF HOW POORLY THE PEOPLE ARE DOING BACK IN JERUSALEM HE GOES INTO FASTING AND PRAYER. NEHEMIAH KNEW HOW TO PRAY. NEHEMIAH WAS A MAN OF ACTION AND A MAN OF INSTANT PRAYER. ALMOST ALL OF HIS ACTIONS WERE FIRST LIFTED TO THE LORD IN PRAYER. HOW MANY OF OUR PROBLEMS COULD BE SO MUCH BETTER SOLVED IF WE TOO WERE TO FIRST LIFT OUR PLANS UP TO GOD FOR HIS DIRECTION AND BLESSING ON OUR ACTIONS. NEHEMIAH KNEW THAT OBEDIENCE WAS THE KEY TO THE BLESSINGS OF GOD. THIS IS NOT LEGALISM. Nehemiah 1:7 PG 1297 We have dealt very corruptly against thee, and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the judgments, which thou commandedst thy servant Moses. NEHEMIAH DID NOT HIDE HIS SINS OR THE SINS OF HIS NATION. Nehemiah 1:11 PG 1298 O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer. THE KING'S CUPBEARER WAS THE KING'S MOST TRUSTED SERVANT. MOST KINGS IN THAT TIME WERE REMOVED FROM THE THRONE BY BEING POISONED. THE KING'S CUPBEARER WAS THE POSITION OF HIGHEST CONFIDENCE AND INFLUENCE WITH THE KING. Nehemiah 2:1-7 PG 1298 And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, [that] wine [was] before him: and I took up the wine, and gave [it] unto the king. Now I had not been [beforetime] sad in his presence. Wherefore the king said unto me, Why [is] thy countenance sad, seeing thou [art] not sick? this [is] nothing [else] but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid, And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchres, [lieth] waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire? Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven. And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers' sepulchres, that I may build it. And the king said unto me, (the queen also sitting by him,) For how long shall thy journey be? and when wilt thou return? So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time. Moreover I said unto the king, If it please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river, that they may convey me over till I come into Judah; NEHEMIAH WAS THE KING AND QUEEN'S FRIEND. THE KING NOTICED HIS FALLEN COUNTENANCE. LIKELY NEHEMIAH HAD SHARED HIS FAITH IN THE TRUE GOD WITH THE KING AND QUEEN. NOTICE HOW HE WAS INSTANT IN PRAYER BEFORE HE ANSWER THE KING'S QUESTION. HOW MUCH TROUBLE COULD WE AVOID IF WE WERE TO PRAY BEFORE WE ANSWERED PEOPLE? Nehemiah 2:11-12 PG 1298 So I came to Jerusalem, and was there three days. And I arose in the night, I and some few men with me; neither told I [any] man what my God had put in my heart to do at Jerusalem: neither [was there any] beast with me, save the beast that I rode upon. WHEN HE GOT TO JERUSALEM HE TOOK SOME TIME TO LOOK THINGS OVER AND KEPT HIS PLANS SECRET. A MARK OF LEADERSHIP IS TO KNOW HOW TO KEEP QUIET ABOUT THINGS. HE KEPT A LOW PROFILE UNTIL HE HAD A GOOD UNDERSTANDING OF THE SITUATION. Nehemiah 2:16 PG 1299 And the rulers knew not whither I went, or what I did; neither had I as yet told [it] to the Jews, nor to the priests, nor to the nobles, nor to the rulers, nor to the rest that did the work. WE PROBABLY COULD ALL LEARN FROM NEHEMIAH'S DISCRETION IN LEADERSHIP. Nehemiah 2:20 PG 1299 Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem. HOW ABOUT THIS EXPRESSION OF NEHEMIAH'S FAITH? HE LET THE ENEMIES OF ISRAEL KNOW THAT THEY WOULD BE SUCCESSFUL BECAUSE GOD WAS ON THEIR SIDE. HE ALSO LET THEM KNOW THAT THEY WOULD HAVE NO INVOLVEMENT IN THE PROJECT. OCT 9 NEHEMIAH 4 - 6 PG 1300 - 1304 Nehemiah 4:1 PG 1300 - 1301 But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews. SANBALLAT AND TOBIAH WERE NEHEMIAH'S CHIEF ENEMIES. CONTRAST THEIR INDISCRETION AND LOW TACTICS WITH NEHEMIAH'S. Nehemiah 4:4 PG 1301 Hear, O our God; for we are despised: and turn their reproach upon their own head, and give them for a prey in the land of captivity: THE FIRST PLACE THAT NEHEMIAH GOES WITH ANY PROBLEM IS TO THE LORD. I SURE NEED TO PRACTICE THIS. Nehemiah 4:9 PG 1301 Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them. HE PRAYED AND THEN HE USED THE BRAINS THAT GOD GAVE HIM. GOD WANTS US TO HAVE FAITH BUT HE DOES NOT WANT US TO BE STUPID AND FAIL TO USE THE INTELLIGENCE HE HAS GIVEN US. THEY POSTED A GUARD. Nehemiah 4:13-17 PG 1301 Therefore set I in the lower places behind the wall, [and] on the higher places, I even set the people after their families with their swords, their spears, and their bows. And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, [which is] great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses. And it came to pass, when our enemies heard that it was known unto us, and God had brought their counsel to nought, that we returned all of us to the wall, every one unto his work. And it came to pass from that time forth, [that] the half of my servants wrought in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the habergeons; and the rulers [were] behind all the house of Judah. They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, [every one] with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other [hand] held a weapon. NEHEMIAH HAD EVERYONE ARMED. HE TOLD THEM TO REMEMBER THE LORD AND FIGHT FOR YOUR FAMILY. THEY DID NOT STOP THE WORK. HALF OF THE MEN GUARDED WHILE THE OTHER HALF WORKED. THEY ALL HAD WEAPONS WHILE THEY WORKED. Nehemiah 4:21 PG 1301 So we laboured in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared. THEY WORKED AS HARD AND AS LONG AS THEY COULD AND KEPT THEIR WEAPONS WITH THEM. Nehemiah 5:6-12 PG 1302 And I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words. Then I consulted with myself, and I rebuked the nobles, and the rulers, and said unto them, Ye exact usury, every one of his brother. And I set a great assembly against them. And I said unto them, We after our ability have redeemed our brethren the Jews, which were sold unto the heathen; and will ye even sell your brethren? or shall they be sold unto us? Then held they their peace, and found nothing [to answer]. Also I said, It [is] not good that ye do: ought ye not to walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the heathen our enemies? I likewise, [and] my brethren, and my servants, might exact of them money and corn: I pray you, let us leave off this usury. Restore, I pray you, to them, even this day, their lands, their vineyards, their oliveyards, and their houses, also the hundredth [part] of the money, and of the corn, the wine, and the oil, that ye exact of them. Then said they, We will restore [them], and will require nothing of them; so will we do as thou sayest. Then I called the priests, and took an oath of them, that they should do according to this promise. NEHEMIAH GOT RIGHT IN THE FACE OF THE NOBLES WITH WHOM HE HAD A PROBLEM. HE TOLD THEM RIGHT TO THEIR FACE THAT THEY WERE DOING WRONG. THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY HOWEVER MOST PEOPLE DON'T HAVE THE COURAGE TO CONFRONT PEOPLE DIRECTLY. Nehemiah 5:15 PG 1302 But the former governors that [had been] before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God. NEHEMIAH DID NOT MAKE THE PEOPLE PAY FOR HIS SERVICES AS GOVERNOR AS THOSE WHO WERE BEFORE HIM HAD DONE. WHAT A TREMENDOUS MAN OF INTEGRITY. Nehemiah 6:2-3 PG 1303 That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in [some one of] the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief. And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I [am] doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you? NEHEMIAH COULD SEE RIGHT THROUGH THE PLOTS OF HIS ENEMIES. HE TOLD THEM - NO WAY! Nehemiah 6:7-9 PG 1303 And thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem, saying, [There is] a king in Judah: and now shall it be reported to the king according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together. Then I sent unto him, saying, There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart. For they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. Now therefore, [O God], strengthen my hands. NEHEMIAH WOULD NOT BE INTIMIDATED OR RATTLED BY HIS ENEMIES. HE GOT RIGHT IN THEIR FACE AND PRAYED FOR GOD TO STRENGTHEN HIM. Nehemiah 6:11-13 PG 1303 And I said, Should such a man as I flee? and who [is there], that, [being] as I [am], would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in. And, lo, I perceived that God had not sent him; but that he pronounced this prophecy against me: for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. Therefore [was] he hired, that I should be afraid, and do so, and sin, and [that] they might have [matter] for an evil report, that they might reproach me. HOW ABOUT THE COURAGE AND DISCERNMENT OF NEHEMIAH. HE COULD NOT BE INTIMIDATED. Nehemiah 6:15-16 PG 1304 So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth [day] of [the month] Elul, in fifty and two days. And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard [thereof], and all the heathen that [were] about us saw [these things], they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God. WHAT EVERYONE ELSE COULDN'T DO IN 14 YEARS NEHEMIAH DID IN 52 DAYS. WHAT A GREAT ILLUSTRATION OF THE IMPORTANCE OF GODLY LEADERSHIP. WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF LEADERSHIP THAT NEHEMIAH DEMONSTRATED? INSTANT IN PRAYER, FEARLESS, SINGLE MINDED, HARD WORKING, HIGH INTEGRITY, CONCERN FOR HIS WORKERS, DISCERNMENT, INTELLIGENT, DIRECTLY CONFRONTED HIS OPPONENTS. Nehemiah 4:1 But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews. Nehemiah 4:4 Hear, O our God; for we are despised: and turn their reproach upon their own head, and give them for a prey in the land of captivity: Nehemiah 4:9 Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them. Nehemiah 4:13 Therefore set I in the lower places behind the wall, [and] on the higher places, I even set the people after their families with their swords, their spears, and their bows. Nehemiah 4:14 And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, [which is] great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses. Nehemiah 4:15 And it came to pass, when our enemies heard that it was known unto us, and God had brought their counsel to nought, that we returned all of us to the wall, every one unto his work. Nehemiah 4:16 And it came to pass from that time forth, [that] the half of my servants wrought in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the habergeons; and the rulers [were] behind all the house of Judah. Nehemiah 4:17 They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, [every one] with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other [hand] held a weapon. Nehemiah 4:21 So we laboured in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared. Nehemiah 5:6 And I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words. Nehemiah 5:7 Then I consulted with myself, and I rebuked the nobles, and the rulers, and said unto them, Ye exact usury, every one of his brother. And I set a great assembly against them. Nehemiah 5:8 And I said unto them, We after our ability have redeemed our brethren the Jews, which were sold unto the heathen; and will ye even sell your brethren? or shall they be sold unto us? Then held they their peace, and found nothing [to answer]. Nehemiah 5:9 Also I said, It [is] not good that ye do: ought ye not to walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the heathen our enemies? Nehemiah 5:10 I likewise, [and] my brethren, and my servants, might exact of them money and corn: I pray you, let us leave off this usury. Nehemiah 5:11 Restore, I pray you, to them, even this day, their lands, their vineyards, their oliveyards, and their houses, also the hundredth [part] of the money, and of the corn, the wine, and the oil, that ye exact of them. Nehemiah 5:12 Then said they, We will restore [them], and will require nothing of them; so will we do as thou sayest. Then I called the priests, and took an oath of them, that they should do according to this promise. Nehemiah 5:15 But the former governors that [had been] before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God. Nehemiah 6:2 That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in [some one of] the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief. Nehemiah 6:3 And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I [am] doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you? Nehemiah 6:7 And thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem, saying, [There is] a king in Judah: and now shall it be reported to the king according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together. Nehemiah 6:8 Then I sent unto him, saying, There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart. Nehemiah 6:9 For they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. Now therefore, [O God], strengthen my hands. Nehemiah 6:11 And I said, Should such a man as I flee? and who [is there], that, [being] as I [am], would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in. Nehemiah 6:12 And, lo, I perceived that God had not sent him; but that he pronounced this prophecy against me: for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. Nehemiah 6:13 Therefore [was] he hired, that I should be afraid, and do so, and sin, and [that] they might have [matter] for an evil report, that they might reproach me. Nehemiah 6:15 So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth [day] of [the month] Elul, in fifty and two days. Nehemiah 6:16 And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard [thereof], and all the heathen that [were] about us saw [these things], they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God. OCT 10 NEHEMIAH 7, 11, 12 PG 1304 - 1309 Nehemiah 11:1-2 PG 1307 And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts [to dwell] in [other] cities. And the people blessed all the men, that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem. JERUSALEM WAS THE STRATEGIC DEFENSED CITY BUT THE PEOPLE WERE FARMERS AND SHEPHERDS AND VERY FEW WANTED TO LIVE IN THE CITY. TO BE PROPERLY DEFENDED THERE HAD TO BE A POPULATION IN THE CITY LARGE ENOUGH TO MAN THE DEFENSIVE POSITIONS. THEREFORE THEY CAST LOTS SO THAT 10% OF THE PEOPLE WOULD LIVE IN THE CITY.Nehemiah 11:1 And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts [to dwell] in [other] cities. Nehemiah 11:2 And the people blessed all the men, that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem. OCT 11 NEHEMIAH 8, 9, 10 PG 1309 - 1314 Nehemiah 8:3 PG 1310 And he read therein before the street that [was] before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people [were attentive] unto the book of the law. NEHEMIAH AND EZRA NOW HAVE THE PEOPLE ON THE RIGHT TRACK. ALL THE PEOPLE WERE ATTENTIVE AS EZRA READ FROM THE BIBLE FROM MORNING UNTIL MIDDAY. IT IS ALWAYS DISREGARD FOR THE WORD OF GOD THAT IS THE COMMON DENOMINATOR OF BACKSLIDING FOR INDIVIDUALS AND/OR NATIONS. HIGH REGARD FOR THE WORD OF GOD WILL LIFT UP INDIVIDUALS AND/OR NATIONS. Nehemiah 8:6 PG 1310 And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with [their] faces to the ground. THE PEOPLE WERE WORSHIPING WITH HANDS LIFTED UP. Nehemiah 8:10 PG 1310 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for [this] day [is] holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. THIS IS THE MEMORY VERSE OF THE BOOK OF NEHEMIAH. THE JOY OF THE LORD IS YOUR STRENGTH. GOD WANTS US TO BE JOYFUL. FIND JOY IN THE LORD AND YOU WILL BE STRONG. FINDING YOUR JOY ELSEWHERE WILL LET YOU DOWN. Nehemiah 8:18 PG 1311 Also day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read in the book of the law of God. And they kept the feast seven days; and on the eighth day [was] a solemn assembly, according unto the manner. THE READING FROM GOD'S WORD WAS NOT A ONCE IN A WHILE THING. THIS IS THE KEY TO SPIRITUAL GROWTH. READ THE WORD OF GOD EVERY DAY. DON'T LET IT BE A BURDEN. FIND JOY IN THE WORD OF GOD AND YOU WILL INDEED BE STRONG. Nehemiah 9:3 PG 1311 And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the LORD their God [one] fourth part of the day; and [another] fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the LORD their God. HOW ABOUT THIS CHURCH SERVICE. EVERYONE STAND AND HAVE THE WORD READ TO THEM FOR 3 HOURS AND THEN PRAISE GOD FOR 3 HOURS. Nehemiah 9:16-17 PG 1312 But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments, And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou [art] a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not. PRIDE IS OFTEN THOUGHT TO BE A VIRTUE WHILE IT IS IN FACT A SIN WHICH BRINGS ALL KINDS OF TROUBLE. GOD SUBJECTED THE WHOLE CREATION TO VANITY IN THE HOPE THAT OUT OF OUR FREE WILL WE WOULD STILL CHOOSE TO BE OBEDIENT TO GOD. WE MUST BE CONSTANTLY BE ON GUARD AGAINST PRIDE. IT WILL BE ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT AS ANTICHRIST RISES TO POWER. HE WILL CORRUPT THOSE WHO DO NOT KNOW THE WORD OF GOD BY FLATTERIES. Daniel 11:32 And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do [exploits]. IT IS MUCH BETTER TO BE STRONG AND DO EXPLOITS (DARING DEEDS). IF WE HUMBLE OURSELVES BEFORE THE LORD THEN HE WILL LIFT US UP. Nehemiah 9:26-28 PG 1312 - 1313 Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations. Therefore thou deliveredst them into the hand of their enemies, who vexed them: and in the time of their trouble, when they cried unto thee, thou heardest [them] from heaven; and according to thy manifold mercies thou gavest them saviours, who saved them out of the hand of their enemies. But after they had rest, they did evil again before thee: therefore leftest thou them in the hand of their enemies, so that they had the dominion over them: yet when they returned, and cried unto thee, thou heardest [them] from heaven; and many times didst thou deliver them according to thy mercies; THE COMMON DOWNFALL OF GOD'S PEOPLE - CAST HIS LAW BEHIND THEIR BACKS AND PRIDE. GOD WANTS TO BLESS US AS MUCH AS WE CAN TAKE WITHOUT FORGETTING THE SOURCE OF THE BLESSING AND GETTING LIFTED UP WITH PRIDE. Nehemiah 10:29 PG 1314 They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God's law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes; HERE IS A GOOD SIMPLE PLAN FOR SUCCESS. ASSOCIATE WITH PEOPLE OF LIKE MINDED FAITH AND COVENANT TOGETHER THAT YOU WATCH EACH OTHER TO DO ALL THE LORD'S COMMANDMENTS. Nehemiah 8:3 And he read therein before the street that [was] before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people [were attentive] unto the book of the law. Nehemiah 8:5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up: Nehemiah 8:6 And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with [their] faces to the ground. Nehemiah 8:10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for [this] day [is] holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. Nehemiah 8:18 Also day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read in the book of the law of God. And they kept the feast seven days; and on the eighth day [was] a solemn assembly, according unto the manner. Nehemiah 9:3 And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the LORD their God [one] fourth part of the day; and [another] fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the LORD their God. Nehemiah 9:16 But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments, Nehemiah 9:17 And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou [art] a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not. Nehemiah 9:26 Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations. Nehemiah 9:27 Therefore thou deliveredst them into the hand of their enemies, who vexed them: and in the time of their trouble, when they cried unto thee, thou heardest [them] from heaven; and according to thy manifold mercies thou gavest them saviours, who saved them out of the hand of their enemies. Nehemiah 9:28 But after they had rest, they did evil again before thee: therefore leftest thou them in the hand of their enemies, so that they had the dominion over them: yet when they returned, and cried unto thee, thou heardest [them] from heaven; and many times didst thou deliver them according to thy mercies; Nehemiah 10:29 They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God's law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes; Nehemiah 10:39 For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the offering of the corn, of the new wine, and the oil, unto the chambers, where [are] the vessels of the sanctuary, and the priests that minister, and the porters, and the singers: and we will not forsake the house of our God. OCT 12 NEHEMIAH 12 & 13 PG 1315 - 1318 Nehemiah 13:7-8 PG 1315 And I came to Jerusalem, and understood of the evil that Eliashib did for Tobiah, in preparing him a chamber in the courts of the house of God. And it grieved me sore: therefore I cast forth all the household stuff of Tobiah out of the chamber. HOW ABOUT NEHEMIAH - THE MAN OF ACTION, HE PERSONALLY CAST OUT ALL THE HOUSEHOLD STUFF OF TOBIAH. Nehemiah 13:10-11 PG 1315 And I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given [them]: for the Levites and the singers, that did the work, were fled every one to his field. Then contended I with the rulers, and said, Why is the house of God forsaken? And I gathered them together, and set them in their place. IF THE PEOPLE WERE PROPERLY FOLLOWING GOD'S LAW THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN TITHING AND THEN THE LEVITES WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN WORKING THE FIELDS. THIS IS A MESSAGE FOR THE CHURCH TODAY. THE PASTOR SHOULD BE PROPERLY COMPENSATED SO THAT HE CAN DO GOD'S WORK WITHOUT HAVING TO DO OUTSIDE WORK TO PROVIDE FOR HIS FAMILY. Nehemiah 13:15 & 17 PG 1316 In those days saw I in Judah [some] treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all [manner of] burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day: and I testified [against them] in the day wherein they sold victuals. Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing [is] this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day? NEHEMIAH GOT RIGHT IN THEIR FACE AND DID IT IMMEDIATELY. HE KNEW WHAT WAS RIGHT AND WAS BOLD AND COURAGEOUS TO MAKE THE NOBLES CORRECT THE PROBLEM IMMEDIATELY. Nehemiah 13:21 PG 1316 Then I testified against them, and said unto them, Why lodge ye about the wall? if ye do [so] again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no [more] on the sabbath. IF I SEE YOU HERE AGAIN DOING WHAT IS WRONG, I WILL PERSONALLY BEAT THE TAR OUT OF YOU. WOW - NEHEMIAH IS THE KIND OF GUY WE NEED IN THE CHURCH TODAY. HE WAS NO LOVE AND GRACE BACKBITING WIMP. DO RIGHT OR ELSE. I LIKE THAT. WHAT DO YOU THINK? Nehemiah 13:25-27 PG 1316 And I contended with them, and cursed them, and smote certain of them, and plucked off their hair, and made them swear by God, [saying], Ye shall not give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters unto your sons, or for yourselves. Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin. Shall we then hearken unto you to do all this great evil, to transgress against our God in marrying strange wives? HOW ABOUT THIS NEHEMIAH. DO RIGHT OR ELSE. WE NEED MORE MEN WHO HAVE THIS KIND OF COURAGE TO INSIST ON INTEGRITY AND GET IN THE FACE OF THOSE WHO DO WRONG. THE WORLD IS FULL OF BACKBITING WIMPS. WE NEED MORE NEHMIAH'S, MILO MARSHALL'S, AND JACK TABOR'S. Nehemiah 13:1 PG 1318 On that day they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the people; and therein was found written, that the Ammonite and the Moabite should not come into the congregation of God for ever; THIS IS THE OTHER GREAT MESSAGE OF NEHEMIAH. STAY IN THE WORD OF GOD EVERY DAY. THE JOY OF THE LORD IS YOUR STRENGTH. READ THE WORD OF GOD EVERY DAY TO FIND THE STRENGTH THAT COMES FROM GOD. THE OCT 13 AND OCT 14 READINGS ARE GENEALOGIES WHICH YOU MAY WANT ONLY TO SKIM. THIS COMPLETES THE OLD TESTAMENT IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER. OCTOBER 15 BRINGS INTO FOCUS THE GENIUS AND HOW GREATLY GOD HAS GIFTED DR. F. LaGARD SMITH. THE 5 PAGES OF HISTORY WHICH HE PUT TOGETHER FOR OCT 17 MAY BE THE FINEST PRESENTATION OF HISTORY IN MODERN PRINT. ONCE YOU GET GOING THROUGH HIS PRESENTATION OF THE NEW TESTAMENT YOU WILL LIKELY FIND IT HARD TO PUT DOWN.