Good Morning Monday...
Our Father Who Art In Heaven, please take Your day and use us, Your humble servants, for Your Good and Perfect Will. Father, help to engrain Your Knowledge and Truth in us so we may, when confronted with doubt or naysayers, properly “Defend The Faith.” Finally Father, give us the Grace and Peace Only found in You and in Your Son Jesus Christ, Our King and Messiah. We ask You this with open hearts, minds, and willing spirits in Yeshua, Jesus Christ's Name. Amen. Continuing in our series “Defending The Faith,” today let's take a look into three divine facts about Our King, Savior, and The Only Person To Ever "Get It Right," Yeshua, Jesus Christ. Our Father made sure and left us all the verification of His Mighty Son any of us will ever need. If you have ever wondered, "is it all true?," I encourage you not only continue in this series with us, but also to keep looking beyond just this series of devotions, because I have no doubt you will come to the same conclusion so many of us have... Jesus Christ is King. God Bless everybody and have a wonderful divine Yeshua-Filled Day! Without further delay, here are 3 divine facts about Yeshua, The Son Of God and Our Eternal Savior. - Defending The Faith Part Two: 3 Divine Facts About Yeshua, Jesus Christ, The King of Kings “Dear friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the Salvation we all share. But now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to DEFEND THE FAITH that God has entrusted once for all time to HIS HOLY PEOPLE.” Jude 1:3 1.) Yeshua, Jesus Christ, Is The Most Written About, Studied, and Influential Person Who Ever Walked The Face of The Earth. Yesterday I shared how I open up my conversations about God with an interesting Bible Fact about The Holy Bible being the best selling book of all time, by far, and Yeshua, Jesus Christ being the most famous person of all time, again by far. Put into perspective, one begins to understand the immeasurable and unmatchable impact The Bible and Yeshua, Jesus Christ, have had on, and in, the world. Just in case some of you missed the opening I use for "3 Divine Facts About The Holy Bible," I will include it here bc it usually precedes my statement about Jesus. The opening to my conversations about God, The Bible, and Jesus go hand in hand, so here is my customary opening for them all: If God Wrote a book, what would it be? Probably the best selling, most read book in the history of the existence of man... it is. And if God Had A Son, who do you think He would be? Probably the most written about, most influential, and most studied man in the history of the existence of man... He Is. This goes hand in hand with our previous devotion on facts about The Bible. It being a fact that The Bible is the most accurate book in history, it would only make sense that we recognize Jesus, for He is indeed called The Word of God, the same name given to The Holy Bible. One doesn't have to search to far on the internet to get confirmation of this. If you are a believer, it is apparent the infinite reaching breadth and scope of Jesus's life and ministry, but even if you aren't a believer it is nearly impossible to intelligently argue against. Not only have more books been written about Yeshua Our King, Jesus, than any other person in history by far (and this is excluding The Bible), but one only needs to look to His critics to confirm this, and His Influence on this world. Traditionally most all media sources are critical of The Gospel, including Time Magazine, but that can't stop them from reporting The Truth on this matter. Check out this extensive study conducted by Time Magazine on the most influential people in History... Who is Number One? You guessed it... Christ The King: https://ideas.time.com/2013/12/10/whos-biggest-the-100-most-significant-figures-in-history/ 2.) Following Yeshua's (Jesus's) Resurrection From The Dead, He Appeared To A Multitude Of Eye Witnesses as Proof Of His Existence and Historical Accuracy Since we have established The Bible as The Most Accurate Body of Historical Writing on the face of the earth, I think we have to begin here. Just in The Bible Alone we have 7 weeks worth of eyewitness testimony. After His resurrection alone, Jesus appeared to hundreds and possibly thousands of people. Recorded in The Bible, after His resurrection, He once appeared to 500 at one time (1 Corinthians 15:6). Hard to have 500 people hallucinate the same thing, as a matter of fact, it's just not arguable. Going further than just The Bible, we have a number of historians that reported on Jesus, including Josephus, Tacitus, and many others. In court cases the strongest evidence one can have is an eye witness. The more witnesses, the stronger the case. In the case of Our Savior... His Case is "iron clad." In The Bible we are told that "on the testimony of two or three witnesses everything shall be established (2 Corinthians 13:1 among other places)." I think Our Father was doing just a little more than establishing His Son with the large number of witnesses... He was writing it in Stone (pun intended). This is indeed a truly amazing and indisputable fact about The Son of God. 3.) Yeshua (Jesus's) Followers Were Scared, In Hiding, and Had Immense Fear of Death By Roman Torture After His Death and Burial. What Is The Only Thing That Can Change Men's Hearts From That Kind of Fear? Belief and Resurrection of Their Master, The Messiah. It has been established by many psychologists, behavioral specialist, and other professionals that the 180 degree change in attitude Yeshua's followers displayed is guaranteed proof of not only Jesus's Ministry, but also iron clad evidence of His Resurrection. One doesn't have to be a professional to figure this Truth out. What could change a bunch of hiding and scared people fleeing from a death sentence, not only to come out of hiding, but to also boldly speak out in front of all their persecutors? Well, I think seeing Your Master "in the flesh" after hundreds of people, including some of them, witnessed His death would do it. Just let this sink in for a minute... Those same scared and fleeing men and women suddenly had such a conversion so powerful that not only did they come out publicly unafraid, but were willing to all die in the face of opposition. Not only were they willing to die, but willing to die in extraordinary ways of torture... and never give up His Name. The disciples are recorded as: being boiled alive, skinned, decapitated, being clubbed, being sawed in half, and stoned among other various tortures throughout their ministries following Christ's Resurrection. John is the only one who was not killed, but he was boiled in hot oil. Wow, Praise God Our Father for the numerous proofs we can see about Our Lord and Savior Yeshua, Jesus Christ, Living, Dying, and Coming Back To Life... For Us! These are just 3 of the many, amazing, and life changing facts about Yeshua, Jesus Christ Our Savior, or as some of us believers like to appropriately call Him, The King. Once again, I think it very strange that we don't learn this history in our schools and for this simple fact: this information all comes from the most accurate and credible history book on the face of the earth. Nonetheless, with just these 3 facts we should all take a moment to reconsider our trust in The Son of God, Yeshua, Jesus Christ. I believe the whole world should as well. Tomorrow we will continue with more “Fire Bread” in our series “Defending The Faith Part 3,” but today let’s wrap-up with The Word of God. There are many, many verses in The Bible that speak about Our Messiah's amazing Life, Instruction, and Resurrection, today let's conclude with these 3: Jesus Christ, Yeshua, Died: “And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree.” Acts 10:39 NKJV Jesus Christ, Yeshua, Rose From Death: “But you denied The Holy One and The Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, and killed The Prince of Life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses.” Acts 3:14-15 NKJV Jesus Christ, Yeshua, Is Alive After Conquering Death: “They were still talking about it when — there He was, standing among them! Startled and terrified, they thought they were seeing a ghost. But He said to them, “Why are you so upset? Why are these doubts welling up inside you? Look at My Hands and My Feet — it is I, Myself! Touch Me and see — a ghost doesn’t have flesh and bones, as you can see I do.” Luke 24:36-39 CJB
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Good Morning Sunday...
Father thank You for this AMAZING DAY. Please fill us with Your Spirit and help us to be a LIGHT. Endow us with Your PEACE and WISDOM, so we may bring LIFE to this world. In YESHUA, JESUS CHRIST Name we pray. Amen! It’s that time of year again! It’s time for our annual “Defending The Faith Series.” Not that Our Father and Savior needs any of us to defend Him, but this series is a special way of Honoring Our Father In Heaven on our earthly “Father’s Day.” What better way to honor Our Father than to be “about His Business (Luke 2:49),” and to arm ourselves with Truth, just like Yeshua? Shalom everyone and may Our Father’s Mighty Spirit be with you all! Happy Father’s Day to all you dads out there. May you all continue to grow in wisdom, knowledge, and Truth as you each raise your children, prayerfully, growing them in Our Father In Heaven’s Character and Word. It is a fact that many of today’s problems stem from absent fathers, so to those of you who are not absent, may Yahweh Yeshua Ha’Mashiach, God Our Father and His Son Yeshua, Jesus Christ, Bless You... Mightily! And to those who may be absent and read this, we all pray collectively that you will return to your sons and daughters, instilling in them the wisdom you have gained in your absence. Shalom (Divine Peace/Completeness) everyone! Enjoy! :-) - Defending The Faith Part 1: 3 Divine Facts About The Holy Bible “Dear friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share. But now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people.” Jude 1:3 The world is filled with naysayers that will speak against The Bible, but none with thorough examination and honest study will continue to speak against it... because the evidence is irrefutable. Many a men have been converted once they honestly examined the text and the evidence contained therein. Herschel Hobbs, one man who extensively studied The Bible, stated it well when he said: “The Bible contains Truth found nowhere else. Human reason may discover certain truths about God. But the revealed Truth of The Bible exceeds these so as to defy comparison. One may exhaust the meaning of the contents of other books, but not that of the Bible.” – Herschel Hobbs Today we live in a world absolutely filled with misinformation and even the word “misinformation” is used to misinform people in headlines now each day. It is indeed disgusting what is happening in our world currently, but we as believers know that “all these things must come to pass.” With all the naysayers, deception, and people who are ignorant of this Holy Text, and seem to always be ready to attack, this series is meant for those who will “defend (or contend (other translations)) for The Faith.” Personally, I know each week I am confronted with people challenging The Bible’s Authority, so Our Father has made sure to arm me with Truth, especially when going into “enemy territory.” This series is meant to arm and equip ourselves with Truth, to have our “Sword of The Spirit,” which is The Word of God, ready at all times. Over the next few days we will take a look at some quick facts that any believer can “pull out” and “defend their faith” when attacked, ridiculed, or challenged about The Bible’s authenticity. I pray that each of you is edified, strengthened, and most importantly, your relationship with Our Father and Our Savior Yeshua is enhanced and grows more rich with this series. Let’s start with a few facts that we have gone over before, but that are always good to review. 1.) The Bible Is The Best Selling Book of All Time. I often open many conversations about God with this amazing fact. Put into perspective one begins to understand the immeasurable and unmatchable impact the Bible has had in the world. Here is the opening to conversations about God and The Bible that I use: If God wrote a book, what would that book be? Probably the best selling book in the history of the existence of man... it is. With more than 5 billion copies sold, it dwarfs any other text written on the face of the earth. No other book has even reached a billion copies sold. Gideon's International alone distributes more than a 100 Bibles every minute. 2.) It is the most accurate and proven historical document on the face of the earth. When one begins to understand that historical books are deemed credible by the number of copies that can be verified, the historical accuracy of them, and the corroboration of the different copies found across the world, it begins to be clear that there is definitely something "Divine" about This Book. The Bible has more than 5,000 copies that have been verified, corroborated, and are historically accurate. Again, this dwarfs any other historical book or antiquity writing by far. The next closest historical document has only about 200 verified copies across the world and throughout history. This single fact had a larger impact on my conversion than almost any other. I was never taught this, you don't hear about this in history class (the question is why), and I had never heard anyone talk about this important information. A truly amazing and indisputable fact about The Word of God. 3.) The Bible continues to be proven accurate with archeological evidence to this very day. Archaeology has confirmed the historical accuracy of the Bible. It has verified many ancient sites, civilizations, and biblical characters whose existence was questioned by the academic world and often dismissed as myths. Biblical archaeology has silenced many critics as new discoveries completely and thoroughly support the facts of the Bible. Esteemed archaeologist Nelson Glueck writes, "As a matter of fact, however, it may be clearly stated categorically that no archeological discovery has ever controverted a single biblical reference. Scores of archeological findings have been made which confirm in clear outline or exact detail historical statements in the Bible." One of the most recent archeological finds is the discovery of a myriad of artifacts in The City of David located in the city of Jerusalem, Israel. With more archeological confirmations each day, testimony of Biblical and non-biblical texts, and passed down oral history, it is strongly believed and the evidence points to The Holy Temple having been in The City of David and not where the current Temple Mount is located. Nonetheless, the archeological finds in The City of David are proving The Bible True once again. These are just 3 of the innumerable, amazing, and life changing facts about The Bible, or as us believers like to call it, The Word of God. With just these 3 facts I think we should all take a moment to reconsider our trust in The Bible, and I believe the whole world should as well. There are many verses in The Bible that speak on this and I would like to share just 3 that I think are appropriate to end with in this first part of our devotion series “Defending The Faith” : The Bible Is Alive: “For The Word of God is Living and Powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His Sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” Hebrews 4:12-13 NKJV The Bible Demolishes All Arguments Against It: “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,” II Corinthians 10:4-5 NKJV The Bible Is A Message From God Almighty Himself, Not The Will of Man: “Yes, we have the prophetic Word made very certain. You will do well to pay attention to it as to a light shining in a dark, murky place, until the Day dawns and the Morning Star rises in your hearts. First of all, understand this: no prophecy of Scripture is to be interpreted by an individual on his own; for never has a prophecy come as a result of human willing — on the contrary, people moved by the Ruach Ha'Kodesh (Holy Spirit) Spoke A Message from God.” 2 Peter 1:19-21 CJB Good Morning Sabbath...
Father Thank You for Your Rest. Thank You for Your Day. Please give us PEACE. In Yeshua Ha'Mashiach, Jesus Christ The Messiah's Name we pray. Amen. • An Exercise In Connecting With God Our Father and Savior - Finding Peace #3 Step 1 - Prayer (Begin With Focus And Openness Towards God) Prayer: Dear Father God, please connect with us here as we seek in Your Word. Help us to find Your Peace. Be with us. Thank You. In Yeshua, Jesus's Name we pray. Amen Step 2 - Read Read the Scripture slowly. Be aware of any interesting words, phrases, or sentences. Read over The Scripture a second Time. Read: “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:4-9 NKJV Step 3 - Reflect Reflect on what stands out to you as you read. What is God trying to tell you? Step 4 - Respond Respond to The Word you just read. Talk to Your Father about how you feel. Tell Him what is on your mind. Tell him what is on your heart. As you go through your day today keep your eyes open to what you read, what you uncovered, or what you spoke to God about. You may find Him showing up in places you didn't expect. God Bless Everyone. May The God Of All Good Things Give each and everyone of you PEACE. Happy Sabbath and Shabbat Shalom! Good Morning Friday...
Thank You Father for this new day, Please do a new work in us, God. You’re Brilliant and Good, and You Love us. Abba, do whatever you’d like, and whatever it is... help us to accept Your Graceful Will. Help us to trust You more than we trust ourselves. We ask these things in Yeshua, Jesus Christ's Name. Amen. A big Thank You to our late Brother, John W. Ritenbaugh, and berean.org for today’s devotion. - A Berean Breakdown: Think About These Things - Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” Philippians 4:8 Paul writes a charter for Christian thought. We are to center our minds on these exalted things - not pornography, not violence. Those are things of this world, and in this regard, our minds are such that we are like sheep. No other domesticated animal can eat such a wide variety of different vegetables and herbs, seemingly without very much damage. Things that will kill a cow will not kill a sheep. In a similar way, we are capable of taking things into our minds that, seemingly, are not doing any damage at all, but they are definitely not providing the right kind of sustenance for the right kind of thinking. It becomes our responsibility, then, using the power of God's Spirit with which He anoints us, to choose to think on things that are true, pure, noble, just, lovely, of good report, praiseworthy, and honest. Not much in mass media fits this description. It is our choice, but that is the purpose for which God wants His Holy Spirit to be used. If we instead think about evil, we will act evilly - we will be evil, because action follows thought. It is as simple as that. Thoughts come from what our minds have been fed, and thus what our minds have been fed will determine how we will act. What we think upon will determine our character and our attitudes. Good Morning Thursday...
Father thank You for this NEW day. Please continue to fill our HEARTs & MINDs with your WISDOM, LOVE, & TRUTH and TRANSFORM our ordinary day into an extraordinary day TODAY. IN YESHUA HA’MASHIACH ,JESUS CHRIST’s Name we pray. AMEN! - A Wisdom Series (Part 10): The Knowledge of God Brings Wisdom Daniel knew God Our Father, and he knew Him well. This is where Daniel's wisdom came from. He had a healthy "fear of The LORD (YHVH, Yahweh)" and because of this, his wisdom grew. You never spray pepper spray when standing down wind, if you have... chances are now you have a healthy fear of doing that. Once you have experienced pepper spray to the face, you don't want to do it again. It is the same with Our Father. If you know Him, you fear Him because you know the awesome power He possesses. Daniel knew, as we should know, only the unwise take God's commands lightly. Pepper spray might be horrible, but it is a day at the park compared to The Wrath of God. Our King had something to say about this... Let's see: “Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:27-28 Could this be the reason that Daniel and friends chose to obey? Daniel and his friends stayed faithful, even when it meant death, and this is ultimately what gave them Life. Their fear of God Almighty was well above lions, fires, pepper spray, and everything else those who opposed them could craft. God Our Father Has The Power To Do All, man just has his vain plans. “Listen to advice and accept instruction so that you will gain wisdom for your future. Many plans are in the heart of a man, but The Purpose of Yahweh will be established.” Proverbs 19:20-21 With the wisdom that God gave Daniel, it is apparent that Daniel knew not everything was worth dying for. Certainly Daniel and friends found many things in Babylon wretched and personally distasteful, but they knew the difference between distaste and sin. Daniel didn't heap extra battles on himself, he followed God, and he chose wisely the conflicts with which he and his friends engaged. As believers in Yeshua, Jesus Christ, and God Our Father, we should seek this wisdom that Daniel possessed. It is available to us all. In today's fallen world it is easy to misunderstand what we don't like and what sin actually is. We get all bent out of shape about things that we can be sure Daniel and his friends didn't bat an eye at. We have a tendency to argue about these things. Daniel had a tendency to "bear his cross" and obey God Our Father. Think about it: Daniel had his name change to Belteshazzar, which means "Bel or Baal's Prince." You think he liked that name being the God Lover he was? Of course not, but he submitted to what God was doing. Daniel was indifferent and calm through all the Babylonian persecutions he had to face. Whether it was studying the occult, a name change, or whatever other distasteful thing he and his friends faced, they overcame by wisdom, The Wisdom of Knowing God. This exact wisdom is what softened Nebuchadnessar's heart towards Daniel and gave him such profound influence. This wisdom is also what allowed Daniel to introduce Nebuchadnezzar himself to The One True and Living God. Aren't we called to introduce God to those who have not heard of His Way, Truth, and Life? We have to realize that we are living in a mostly godless world and we won't have a shortage of facing godless people. Daniel never tried to impose his relationship with Our Father on those who didn't know God, and he didn't impose his righteous lifestyle. He knew when to not "eat the king's meat" and when to study and obey what he was told. This is why he was a stand-out, a Light, and a true Servant of God. Daniel knew when to stand and when to submit, because he knew God Almighty and had a healthy fear of Him. Daniel excelled because he knew... The Knowledge of God Brings Wisdom. * a cool note: The Hebrew word for "fear" has an alternate meaning to what we normally think of fear. It literally translates as "to know." Now replace "fear" with "to know" when you read this next verse and see what you think. "To Know God Is The Beginning of Wisdom." That definitely sounds legitimate. “The fear of The LORD (YHVH, Yahweh) is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of The Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10 The Knowledge of God Brought Daniel Wisdom. Because of this wisdom, kings bowed before Daniel. Daniel's knowledge of God Our Father and the wisdom he acquired brought him honor, even from his captors: “Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell prostrate before Daniel and paid him honor and ordered that an offering and incense be presented to him. The king said to Daniel, “Surely your God is the God of gods and The Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, for you were able to reveal this mystery.” Then the king placed Daniel in a high position and lavished many gifts on him. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and placed him in charge of all its wise men. Moreover, at Daniel’s request the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego administrators over the province of Babylon, while Daniel himself remained at the royal court.” Daniel 2:46-49 Clearly Daniel knew: “When a man's ways please The LORD (YHVH, Yahweh), He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.” Proverbs 16:7 Grace, Peace, Wisdom, and Love be upon each and every one of you, and have a God-Blessed-Yeshua-Filled Day! A Wisdom Series (Part 9): The CONtrast - What Man Says Vs God’s Perfect Word of Wisdom (D)6/15/2022 Good Morning Wednesday…
Father thank You for this NEW DAY! As we RISE to meet this new day, please let us be filled with Your Spirit. Wherever we go, let us SPREAD LOVE, WISDOM, JOY, PEACE, GOODNESS, and FAITHFULNESS. Let us desire to become more like You and to worship You IN ALL WE DO. Help us desire these things so much more than the sin that tries to ensnare us. In YESHUA, JESUS CHRIST's Name we pray. Amen. - A Wisdom Series (Part 9): The CONtrast - What Man Says Vs God’s Perfect Word of Wisdom (D) Introduction: Going through this “Wisdom Series” in Proverbs it is easy to see that most of the time what man says in this world has a stark contrast to Our Father’s Wisdom. In actuality, what man says may not be wisdom at all. If what man says is not rooted in Biblical Truth or God’s Word… it may just be folly. It is a great shame that many of us grow up not only hearing man’s sayings, but also believing in them. It isn’t until we begin to “renew our minds” (Romans 12:2) that we realize we have been led astray by the blind. Personally, I know what man says had me spinning in circles for years, chasing vain imaginations that were worthless as the cotton fiat we call money. In that spirit, let’s spend the next few days looking at the high contrast between fallen man’s worldly, life-stealing, pseudo-wisdom sayings, and God Our Father’s Heavenly, Perfect, Life-Giving Wisdom. May these these last few days, and today, be a stark reminder for us to “test everything” (1Thessalonians5:21), practice prudence (Proverbs 8:12), and speak Life (Proverbs 18:21). 17.) Man says: Who cares if they are upset. Don’t worry about it, they will get over it and forget about it. God Says: Don’t count on it. “A brother offended is harder to be won over than a strong city, and [their] contentions separate them like the bars of a castle.” Proverbs 18:19 AMPC 18.) Man says: Say something! What good will it do if you turn your head? It was wrong. God Says: Overlook the wrong. It will teach you patience and be glory to you. “The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger. It is his glory to overlook an offense.” Proverbs 19:11 WMB 19.) Man says: They got themselves in this mess. They wouldn’t be poor and homeless if they did something about it. I won’t give them my money. God Says: Be gracious to the poor and I will repay you. You will regret it if you don’t. Remember Lazarus and The Rich Man? “He who lends to Yahweh is he who is kind to the poor, and his benefits He will repay to him.” Proverbs 19:17 LEB 20.) Man says: If you want to be rich when you get older, you have to get a good retirement account, and plan. Do it and live easy. God Says: Maybe, if that is My Will. Remember My Son’s Retirement Plan? “There are many plans in a man’s heart, but Yahweh’s counsel will prevail.” Proverbs 19:21 WEB 21.) Man says: I don’t care if I start a fight. They are gonna hear what I have to say. God Says: There is no honor in that. Walk away. “A person gains honor by avoiding strife, while every fool starts a quarrel.” Proverbs 20:3 NABRE 22.) Man says: Lighten Up. I was only joking. God Says: That’s no joke, it’s dangerous, and it’s not funny. “Like a madman shooting firebrands and deadly arrows, so is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I was only joking!” Proverbs 26:18-19 BSB May you be blessed with The Grace, Peace, Wisdom, and Understanding that only come from God Our Merciful Father And Our Savior Yeshua Ha’Mashiach, Jesus Christ! Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone! Good Morning Tuesday…
Thank You Father for this NEW DAY. Help us to live aware, to choose wisely, to stay close to You, and anchored in Your TRUTH. Thank You for Your GREAT LOVE and MERCY. Thank You that You Wait For Us, and You Strengthen Us. We come to You today, choosing to walk in Your PRESENCE AND LIGHT. In YESHUA, JESUS CHRIST's Name we pray. Amen. - A Wisdom Series (Part 8): The CONtrast - What Man Says Vs God’s Perfect Word of Wisdom (C) Introduction: Going through this “Wisdom Series” in Proverbs it is easy to see that most of the time what man says in this world has a stark contrast to Our Father’s Wisdom. In actuality, what man says may not be wisdom at all. If what man says is not rooted in Biblical Truth or God’s Word… it may just be folly. It is a great shame that many of us grow up not only hearing man’s sayings, but also believing in them. It isn’t until we begin to “renew our minds” (Romans 12:2) that we realize we have been led astray by the blind. Personally, I know what man says had me spinning in circles for years, chasing vain imaginations that were worthless as the cotton fiat we call money. In that spirit, let’s spend the next few days looking at the high contrast between fallen man’s worldly, life-stealing, pseudo-wisdom sayings, and God Our Father’s Heavenly, Perfect, Life-Giving Wisdom. May these next few days be a stark reminder for us to “test everything” (1Thessalonians5:21), practice prudence (Proverbs 8:12), and speak Life (Proverbs 18:21). 11.) Man says: If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all. God Says: Say nice things. Pleasant words Heal. “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.” Proverbs 16:24 WEB 12.) Man says: You would argue with a brick wall. Nothing can stop us from arguing. God Says: If you don’t want to argue, close your mouth first. “The beginning of strife is as when water first trickles [from a crack in a dam]; therefore stop contention before it becomes worse and quarreling breaks out.” Proverbs 17:14 AMPC 13.) Man says: I’m done. There’s no being friends with them anymore. I’ve had it. God Says: Real friends tough it out. “A friend loves at all times; and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17 WMB 14.) Man says: I won’t be made to look like an idiot. I have to say something. God Says: You would be wiser to stay silent. “Even a fool who keeps silent shall be considered wise; he who closes his lips is intelligent.” Proverbs 17:28 LEB 15.) Man’s Says: It doesn’t have to be perfect, we can slack off a little. It won’t hurt anyone. God Almighty Says: It will hurt. Laziness ruins. “One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.” Proverbs 18:9 NIV 16.) Man says: I don’t have to hear about it. Let me tell you what I think. God Says: That’s foolish. Listen first. “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.” Proverbs 18:13 KJV May you be blessed with The Grace, Peace, Wisdom, and Understanding that only come from God Our Merciful Father And Our Savior Yeshua Ha’Mashiach, Jesus Christ! A Wisdom Series (Part 7): The CONtrast - What Man Says Vs God’s Perfect Word of Wisdom (B)6/13/2022 Good Morning Monday...
Father thank You for this AMAZING DAY. Please fill us with Your Spirit and help us to be a LIGHT. Endow us with Your PEACE and WISDOM, so we may bring LIFE to this world. In YESHUA, JESUS CHRIST’s Name we pray. Amen! - A Wisdom Series (Part 7): The CONtrast - What Man Says Vs God’s Perfect Word of Wisdom (B) Going through this “Wisdom Series” in Proverbs it is easy to see that most of the time what man says in this world has a stark contrast to Our Father’s Wisdom. In actuality, what man says may not be wisdom at all. If what man says is not rooted in Biblical Truth or God’s Word… it may just be folly. It is a great shame that many of us grow up not only hearing man’s sayings, but also believing in them. It isn’t until we begin to “renew our minds” (Romans 12:2) that we realize we have been led astray by the blind. Personally, I know what man says had me spinning in circles for years, chasing vain imaginations that were worthless as the cotton fiat we call money. In that spirit, let’s spend the next few days looking at the high contrast between fallen man’s worldly, life-stealing, pseudo-wisdom sayings, and God Our Father’s Heavenly, Perfect, Life-Giving Wisdom. May these next few days be a stark reminder for us to “test everything” (1Thessalonians5:21), practice prudence (Proverbs 8:12), and speak Life (Proverbs 18:21). 6.) Man says: You have to be better than the next guy or girl if you want to get what you want in this life. God Almighty Says: I Am The True Giver. “Commit your works to יהוה, And your plans shall be established.” Mishlĕ (Proverbs) 16:3 TS2009 “Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 WEBUS 7.) Man says: Not even God could make them change their ways! God Almighty Says: Follow Me. I can change anyone. “When a man’s ways please Yahweh, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” Proverbs 16:7 WEB “Yeshua looked at them and said, “Humanly, it is impossible, but not with God; with God, everything is possible.” Mark (Mrk) 10:27 CJB “For with God, nothing is impossible.” Luke (Luk) 1:37 CJB 8.) Man’s Says: Trust me, I have it all planned out. God Almighty Says: I Am The One Who Directs your steps. “A man’s heart plans his way, But יהוה establishes his steps.” Mishlĕ (Proverbs) 16:9 TS2009 “One who trusts in himself is a fool; but one who walks in wisdom is kept safe.” Proverbs 28:26 WMB 9.) Man Says: Just get your money and you will be set. That’s all you need. God Says: Wisdom and understanding are greater than money every time. “How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.” Proverbs 16:16 NKJV “Happy is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gets understanding. Wisdom is worth more than silver; it brings more profit than gold. Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you could want is equal to it.” Proverbs 3:13-15 NCV 10.) Man Says: Just watch me. You’ll see that I do things right. You can expect it to be great. I have a perfect record and never fail. God Says: Pride will bring you low and destroy what you have worked for. “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18 NIV “First comes pride, then disgrace; but with the humble is wisdom.” Mishlei (Proverbs) 11:2 CJB God Bless everyone and have a magnificent, Wisdom-of-Yeshua-Filled Monday! A Wisdom Series (Part 6): The CONtrast - What Man Says Vs God’s Perfect Word of Wisdom (A)6/12/2022 Good Morning Sunday...
Thank You Father for this NEW day! Please continue to fill our HEARTS and MINDS with Your TRUTH & LOVE, so we may ENJOY Your blessings, and be a blessing, TODAY! In Yeshua, Jesus Christ’s Name we pray. Amen. - A Wisdom Series (Part 6): The CONtrast of What Man Says & God’s Perfect Word of Wisdom (A) Going through this “Wisdom Series” in Proverbs it is easy to see that most of the time what man says in this world has a stark contrast to Our Father’s Wisdom. In actuality, what man says may not be wisdom at all. If what man says is not rooted in Biblical Truth or God’s Word… it may just be folly. It is a great shame that many of us grow up not only hearing man’s sayings, but also believing in them. It isn’t until we begin to “renew our minds” (Romans 12:2) that we realize we have been led astray by the blind. Personally, I know what man says had me spinning in circles for years, chasing vain imaginations that were worthless as the cotton fiat we call money. In that spirit, let’s spend the next few days looking at the high contrast between fallen man’s worldly, life-stealing, pseudo-wisdom sayings, and God Our Father’s Heavenly, Perfect, Life-Giving Wisdom. May these next few days be a stark reminder for us to “test everything” (1Thessalonians5:21), practice prudence (Proverbs 8:12), and speak Life (Proverbs 18:21). 1.) Man’s Says: “They are so happy. Why can’t we be like them?” God Almighty Says: People wear masks, and your envy is hurting you. Trust in Me and find happiness. “Even in laughter the heart may be in pain, And the end of joy may be grief.” Proverbs 14:13 AMP “The life of the body is a heart at peace, but envy rots the bones.” Proverbs 14:30 WMB “He who heeds The Word wisely will find good, And whoever trusts in The LORD (YHVH, Yahweh), happy is he.” Proverbs 16:20 NKJV 2.) Man Says: I don’t need to calm down! You calm down! God Almighty Says: Be smart, hold your peace, stay calm, Live longer. “He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a quick temper displays folly. The life of the body is a heart at peace, but envy rots the bones.” Proverbs 14:29-30 WMB “Even a fool when he holds his peace is considered wise; when he closes his lips he is esteemed a man of understanding.” Proverbs 17:28 AMPC 3.) Man Says: Sometimes you have to raise your voice to make a point! God Almighty Says: Be led by My Spirit, not your flesh. Be gentle or you will only make them angry. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1 NIV “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit The Kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21 ESV 4.) Man Says: Maybe I don’t look happy, but I am happy. God Almighty Says: When someone is happy, they will look happy. “A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but an aching heart breaks the spirit.” Proverbs 15:13 WMB “A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health.” Proverbs 15:30 NLT 5.) Man Says: If you had more money, you would be happier. God Almighty Says: Not so much. Trust Me. “Better is little with The Fear of Yahweh than great treasure and trouble with it.” Proverbs 15:16 LEB “Without a prophetic vision, the people throw off all restraint; but he who keeps Torah is happy.” Mishlei (Proverbs) 29:18 CJB God Bless everyone and have a magnificent, Wisdom-of-Yeshua-Filled start to your week! Good Morning Sabbath...
Thank you Father for the blessing of this NEW day. Please continue to fill our HEARTS & MINDS with your TRUTH & LOVE so we stay FOCUSED on The TRUTH of “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" TODAY! In Yeshua, Jesus Christ’s Name we pray. Amen! - A Wisdom Series (Part 5): A Wise Heart and A Prating Fool - Proverbs 10:8-13 “The wise in heart will receive commands, But a prating fool will fall. He who walks with integrity walks securely, But he who perverts his ways will become known. He who winks with the eye causes trouble, But a prating fool will fall. The mouth of the righteous is a well of Life, But violence covers the mouth of the wicked. Hatred stirs up strife, But Love covers all sins. Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding, But a rod is for the back of him who is devoid of understanding.” Proverbs 10:8-13 NKJV In today's Proverbs, we see how we can be wise or foolish and the things that can feed one or the other. Our Father speaks about a wise heart and a prating fool. To make sure we understand this first verse, according to dictionary.com the term prating means: to talk excessively and pointlessly; babble: They prated on until I was ready to scream. verb (used with object), prat·ed,prat·ing. to utter in empty or foolish talk: to prate absurdities with the greatest seriousness. We read in today’s proverb that the wise will be following commands, and a fool will be foolishly spouting off at the mouth talking about useless things, not the instructions of God. I think this is easy to agree with, thinking before we speak, but unfortunately we aren't always aware when we ourselves are being foolish. This is why we need to "stay in The Word" because it will make us think about what we are doing/saying instead of just speaking or acting in foolishness. It is interesting that the definition includes the word "babble." Could this be pointing back to Babylon where that word was derived? Think about it, how foolish to sit around and talk about building a tower to defy God. What happened to it? A fall, just like the "prating fool." As we read further we see Our Father pointing out how to walk with confidence or "securely," and also that if we are being perverted and not following His ways, we will be found out. How often do we see this with political scandal, famous people, and world affairs? They are always exposed. And even if they are not exposed in this life... they will be in the next. How secure or confident do the true men of God seem when we meet them in our lives? Pretty confident, right? Then the Proverb goes on to state that: "He who winks with the eye causes trouble, But a prating fool will fall." Now someone who is winking an eye is usually joking, admitting they are lying, keeping something secret, or signing to someone that they have an ulterior motive. Clearly these things are not good and they will "cause trouble.” Next we read what the "prating fool" has been lead into... a fall. This is directly pointing back to the fall of man, the fall of the rebellious angels, the fall of the tower of Babylon, the fall of Sodom and Gomorrah, and the grief that came from deceit, lies, secrecy, and defiance of what is right. Let's think back to a time when we know someone was keeping a secret from us. It doesn't feel good, and quite often, stirs our anger. Next we read that the mouth of the righteous equals a "well of life," but "violence covers the mouth of the wicked." This is something to definitely ponder on as we speak to others in our daily life. What makes a person mouth righteous you may ask? Well, I think this is all about the "wise" and following the instructions of Our Father. If we follow these precious instructions, we will also be speaking them to others. For when we follow the commands, God empowers us to speak and do things much more righteously than we normally would. It is the "good work" He has started in us, and is currently progressing in us through Our King and Savior Yeshua, Jesus Christ. In the following verse God tells us that hatred stirs up bad feelings. Certainly, we can all attest to this Truth. Then the proverb goes on to state that: "Love covers all sins." Now this is a something Our Father points out in many places, including 1 Peter 4:8. What encouragement! Even though we have sinned, His Love Covers Our Sins. We see this in the ultimate sacrifice of Yeshua for our sins. How awesome! Our Father loved us so much that He Sent His Only Son to cover our sins... with LOVE! He suffered because of Love, so that we may have Life… and have it more abundantly. In the final verse we see that wisdom comes from understanding. Understanding what? The Word of God. How do we get this understanding? Well, in 2 Timothy 2:15, Paul writes that we must "study to show thyself approved," and I think this holds the key. What is in store if we don't? Well Our Father tells us in the final verse today: "a rod is for the back of him who is devoid of understanding.” This means we will be disciplined just like a loving parent does when children have misbehaved. The Bible tells us that not disciplining a child is equal to hating our child (Proverbs 13:24). Why? Because with no discipline, they may grow up to be "prating" people and "fall." God Loves us, His Children, so it makes perfect sense if we are not obeying or not understanding, causing us to fall, He is going to discipline us and show us The Way, which is His Way, and The Way to a long life filled with Love and His Never Ending Peace. Dear Father, You are so Wonderful to give us wisdom, Love, understanding, and a guide to not doing the opposite of Your Instructions... acting like the foolish. Please help us to be wise, understanding, merciful, slow to speak, and not fill our hearts with wickedness, perversion, or secrets that cause trouble. We know you have Loved us, covered our sins with Yeshua, and we ask you to help us Love in the same manner so that it will be befitting to You. Let our mouths be "a well of Life" and help us to walk righteously so that we may be confident we are being a Light to the world and showing everyone Your Light, who is Yeshua, Jesus Christ, The Light Of The Whole World. We thank You, we Love You, we praise You, and we ask these things in The Name of The King, Your Son, Yeshua, Jesus Christ. Amen! Happy Sabbath and Shabbat Shalom My Brothers and Sisters! May your lamps be refilled with oil, may your rest be sweet, and may your wisdom and understanding increase. May Our Father and Savior Bless you all! |
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