Update

Well, here I am nearly four months from when I initiated my hiatus from this blog. I've not felt compelled to restart the daily posts as of yet. Perhaps I will again someday, perhaps not. For full articles that I'm still writing, remember to check out the Double Edged Sword Blog.

Hiatus

I'm going to take a week or so hiatus from doing new Rhema Word posts. I have found that, although the LORD speaks to me through them greatly, it has become somewhat of a responsibility as opposed to a joy. My desire is to hunger to do it again. I think some time away from it might do just that.

Please feel free to visit older posts or go read some stuff over at my other site, The Double Edged Sword. There are some great discussions going on over there lately.

Thanks for visiting!

1 Thessalonians 5:11

“Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“Therefore encourage (parakaleo: comfort, exhort, desire, instruct, teach, admonish, strengthen) one another and build up (oikodomeo or oikodomos: edify, embolden, restore, rebuild, establish; promote growth in affection, grace, virtue and holiness) one another, just as you also are doing.”

SUMMARY

Therefore encourage, exhort, comfort, instruct, teach and strengthen one another. Also, edify, restore and establish one another, promoting growth in grace and holiness, just as you also are doing.

MEDITATION

While I am fully convinced that one must primarily rely on the LORD as their Source and Teacher, without question, we are in need of others to encourage and edify us (as well as to edify and encourage them). Whether you’re independent, reclusive, quiet, reserved or well, whatever – be sure to attempt to surround yourself with others who can exemplify the Body. I know it is not easy. In fact it is nearly impossible at times to walk arm in arm with true biblical Believers. Nonetheless, look around you and ask the LORD to place you where He desires you to be. Also, be careful not to overlook your spouse or family. My greatest encourager and “builder-upper” is my own wife. Today, let’s truly desire to learn to be the Body as God intended.

Psalm 103:10

"He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities." (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

"He has not dealt (`asah: done, made, wrought, deal, commitment, offer, executed, kept, shown, worked, performed) with us according to our sins (chet': faults, grievously, offences, guilt for sin), nor rewarded (gamal: dealt bountifully with, done, bestowed, recompensed, served, repaid) us according to our iniquities (`avon: punishment, faults, mischief, sin, perversity, depravity, guilty condition)."

SUMMARY

He has not executed what He should have against us according to our sins and offences, nor has He repaid us according to our sin, perversity and guilty condition.

MEDITATION

Today, I praise God for what He has not done. Yes, you heard me correctly. I thank Him for overlooking my wrongs, errors and sins - both deliberate and in ignorance. LORD, Your love amazes me.

Proverbs 15:1

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“A gentle (rak: tender, soft, delicate) answer turns away wrath (chemahor or chema: fury, poison, displeasure, rage, anger), but a harsh (`etseb: sorrow, labor, grievous, sorrowful) word stirs up anger ('aph: wrath, longsuffering).”

SUMMARY

A gentle and tender answer turns away wrath and anger, but a grievous and sorrowful word stirs up wrath and anger.

MEDITATION

I’ve really felt the LORD moving me into a walk of tenderness recently. Gentleness is not always a quality that I possess in great capacity, but I know that I need to. Thankfully, the Scriptures are full of wisdom regarding how I obtain what I am in need of. Today, seek gentleness. Choose kindness rather than anger. Choose patience rather than anxiety. Choose to listen rather than debate. We are a people in need of balance. May we love as we have been loved and show kindness as our LORD has showered His kindness upon us.

Proverbs 31:25

“Strength and dignity are [an excellent wife’s] clothing, and she smiles at the future.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“Strength (`oz or `owz: power, might, boldness) and dignity (hadar: glory, majesty, honor, beauty) are [an excellent wife’s] clothing, and she smiles (sachaq: plays, laughs, rejoices) at the future.”

SUMMARY

Strength, power, might, boldness, majesty, honor, beauty, dignity – these are an excellent wife’s clothing, and she rejoices at what is to come.

MEDITATION

I have a wonderful wife that is the greatest gift the LORD has ever given me, other than Himself. There is no debate about that. She, however has a serious problem. Now it’s not exclusive to her, so don’t get too worried about it. In fact, I’d say most every one of us also face this problem now and then. She just doesn’t see the depths of the LORD within herself. She often fails to behold the great value that the LORD has placed within her. Perhaps, she even has a hard time seeing the great things that the LORD has laid before her. So this morning, I post this for her… and for the rest of us. May we be found strong, dignified and smiling at what the future holds. See the LORD going before you. See Him and hold your head high, determined to take hold to all that He has waiting for you in your tomorrows.

Mark 11:24

“Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them”. (NKJV)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask (aiteo: desire, require, crave, call for) when you pray, believe (pisteuo: commit to, trust, think to be true, place confidence in, be persuaded) that you receive them, and you will have them”.

SUMMARY

Therefore I say to you, whatever things you desire and call out for when you pray, place you confidence in the fact that you will receive them, and you will have them.

MEDITATION

Sometimes I still find myself in disbelief of what I am requesting of God. For example, if it were regarding something like healing, do I really believe and expect it to become reality? Our prayers and petitions to God must move deeper than “hope” and into assured expectation. Hope is wavering on what the outcome will be. Assurance knows what is to come and anticipating its arrival. I want to be a believer. I want to be a receiver. I want to walk in all that God has promised me in this life.

Weekend

DRW will return Monday morning.

James 1:27

"This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

"This is pure (katharos: no uncleanness, free from corrupt desire, sin and guilt) and undefiled (amiantos: unsoiled, free from that by which the nature of a thing is deformed) religion (threskeia: worship, religious discipline) in the sight of (para: before, near, beside) our God and Father: to visit (episkeptomai: to look after, have care for, provide for) orphans (orphanos: fatherless, those without a teacher, guide, guardian) and widows (chera: deficient ones) in their distress (thlipsis: affliction, trouble, anguish, persecution, burden), and to keep oneself unstained (aspilos: unspotted, spotless, irreproachable) by the world (kosmos: the ungodly multitude; whole mass of men alienated from God and therefore hostile to the cause of Christ)."

SUMMARY

This is uncorrupted and undefiled religious worship in the sight of our God and Father; to care for the fatherless and widows in their distress and affliction, and to keep oneself unstained by the world that is alientated from God.

MEDITATION

Widows have no husband. Christ is our Husband. Orphans have no father. God is our Father. True religion, true worship is sharing our LORD with others who know Him not. Today, share the love you have been given with someone else who is in need of a Husband, a Father, a Saviour.

Romans 12:11

“Never be lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” (NKJV)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“Never be lagging (okneros: slothful, grievous, sluggish) in diligence (spoude: care, striving after, earnestness), fervent (zeo: to boil with heat, be hot, metaphorical for boiling anger, love, zealous) in spirit, serving (douleuo: in bondage, do service, obeying, submitting, yielding to) the Lord.”

SUMMARY

Never be slothful and sluggish in striving after the LORD, but have boiling love, zealous in spirit, obeying, submitting, yielding to the LORD.

MEDITATION

Now here are some challenges for us. Never be lacking zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor. Serve, obey, submit and yield to the LORD. I don’t know about you but I often find myself coming up short on the diligence and zeal end of things. True Christianity, however, doesn’t take time off. Instance by instance submission leads to this boiling love that Paul speaks of here in Romans. It is here that we find the greater depths of intimacy with our Father. Today, remove all obstacles. Remove all distractions. Diligently pursue and serve your LORD.

Psalm 69:16

“Answer me, O LORD, out of the goodness of your love; in your great mercy turn to me.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“Answer me, O LORD, out of the goodness (towb: wellness, fairness, fine, beautiful, favor, bounty) of Your love; in Your great mercy (racham: compassion, pity, tender love) turn to me.”

SUMMARY

Answer me, O LORD, out of the goodness and favor of Your love; in Your great compassion and tender love turn to me.

MEDITATION

It is not on the account of anything we’ve done that God rains His mercy and compassion on us. We, in ourselves, are undeserving. He is a gracious and loving God that does not give us what we deserve. Rather, He showers us with His love and favor out of His goodness and love for us. Today, receive His great love. Be careful not to reject it believing that you are unworthy. He has deemed you worthy. Receive His love and favor today.

Psalm 78:13

“He divided the sea and caused them to pass through, and He made the waters stand up like a heap.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“He divided the sea and caused them to pass through (`abar: pass over, bring, carry, march over), and He made the waters stand up (natsab: upright, erected, established) like a heap (ned: piled up).”

SUMMARY

He divided the sea and caused them to pass through and march over, and He made the waters stand upright, erect and piled up upon itself.

MEDITATION

Are the works that God performed in the days of old as real to you as they were to the Psalmists? Do you reflect upon the mighty acts of the LORD on the behalf of men? I believe that we must forever be mindful of all that God has done for those who have gone before us. In the biblical accounts, we see ourselves. We see that God, who never changes, will also be our Provider and our Strength. Today, take some time to remember what He has done on your behalf. Reflect on His faithfulness and goodness towards us all.

Isaiah 26:3

“The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“The steadfast (camak: upheld, put, sustained, established, supported) of mind (yester: imagination, purpose, intellectual framework) You will keep in perfect peace (shalowm or shalom: well, welfare, prosperity, safe, health, completeness, tranquility, contentment), because he trusts (batach: confidence, secure, bold, careless, hopes) in You.”

SUMMARY

The one who is established and steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect safety, health and peace, because he has placed his confidence in You.

MEDITATION

Do you walk in perfect peace? I don't. There are still times that I find myself rattled and distracted by events around me. This means that I have yet to place my complete confidence and trust in the LORD. Today, may we surrender our every moment to the LORD, with the mind of Christ as our goal. LORD, we place our trust in You alone.

Psalm 119:89

“Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“Forever (`owlam: everlasting, perpetual, evermore, always, continuous existence, everlasting, indefinite or unending future), O LORD, Your word is settled (natsab: stand, set up, upright, appointed, established) in heaven.”

SUMMARY

Forevermore O Lord, Your word is set up and established in heaven.

MEDITATION

No matter what unfolds today, God truly is in control. He will not be caught off guard or surprised. He will never say, "Oh, I didn't see that coming". Remember this as you go throughout your todays and tomorrows, God is already there. There is great comfort in knowing time and space cannot hold my God. He has no beginning. He has no end. He alone is LORD.

Romans 15:2

“Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“Each of us is to please (aresko: accommodate one's self to the opinions, desires and interests of) his neighbor (plesion: any other person, fellow man, irrespective of race or religion) for his good, to his edification (oikodome: building up, promoting another's growth).”

SUMMARY

Each of us is to please and meet the needs of his neighbor for his good in order to build him up, promoting his growth.

MEDITATION

The simple act of kindness goes so far. As I sat in a group of Believers recently, several of us shared how seemingly small acts of kindness led to great things in others lives. Taking the time to listen to someone. Financially assisting one in need. Telling another that they are valued and have purpose. These “small” things can lead to incredible results for others that we come into contact with. When was the last time you purposely edified someone else? Today, look for someone to encourage and build up. How knows what doors it might open.

Psalm 63:8

“My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“My soul clings (dabaq: follows hard, joined, stays with, pursues closely, cleaves) to You; Your right hand upholds (tamak: retain, grasp, held, support) me.”

SUMMARY

My soul is joined to you, I pursue You closely; Your right hand holds and supports me.

MEDITATION

At times we lose sight of our frailty. Perhaps we face sickness or some other occurrence that brings us back to reality – we are a fragile people upheld by the very hand of God. You do know this, right? I am incapable of even drawing a breath without the love and care of my Father. He upholds me and I will cling to Him. Today, see your reliance upon your Creator. Just as He breathed the first breath of life into our earthly father, Adam, He continues to sustain our every breath today. Praise be to Him for life.

Psalm 25:5

“Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“Lead (darak: walk, lead forth, guide) me in Your truth ('emeth: truly, right, assured, established, faithful, verity, firmness, faithfulness, reliableness, divine instruction) and teach (lamad: learn, instruct, diligently, skillful, train) me, for You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait (qavah: look for, hope, expect, lie in wait for, longingly wait for) all the day.”

SUMMARY

Lead and guide me in Your established faithfulness and truth; Instruct and train me, for You are the God of my salvation; For You I longingly wait for all the day.

MEDITATION

When was the last time any of us were willing to wait upon the LORD all the day long? Oh how we fall short. Thankfully, God is gracious and full of compassion for us. But that does not excuse us from pursuing more of Him. In order to be led and taught truth, one must place his or herself in the presence of the Teacher. Today, turn everything off that distracts and listen to your Father. The question is never is He speaking, but are we listening?

1 John 4:11

“Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“Beloved (agapetos: dearly beloved, well beloved, esteemed, dear, favorite, worthy of love), if God so loved (agapao: beloved, to love dearly) us, we also ought (opheilo: owe, be bound, one's duty, be a debtor, be indebted) to love one another.”

SUMMARY

I say to you, one who is worthy of my love, as God so loved us so dearly, we also are indebted to love one another dearly.

MEDITATION

What a challenge! Sure, I can have love for my wife, my family, my friends. Shoot, I can even show God's love to that nice cashier down at the grocery store. But what about the seemingly unloveable? What about the guy that cuts you off on your way to work? What about the one who sleeps in the park and smells of alcohol and cigarettes? We are called to love because we have been given immeasurable love. Today, make it a point to extend the love of God to all that you come into contact with in your day to day activities. One simple gesture of love just might change someone's entire life.

On Your Own

I've recently received several emails telling me how much people enjoy reading these every morning. I'm blessed and honored that others also see such value in God's Word. However, my purpose is not to supply anyone with their daily dose of the Word, so today I'm not doing a Rhema Word. I'd like to instead encourage you to take the time to research and word study a verse for yourself today.

Move deeper. Study and be approved. Create a habit of looking deep into God's Word. Thanks to all who encourage me and even let me know that they miss DRW when I'm out of town for a day. The Bible is truly living and active, full of wisdom that literally conforms us into the image of Christ.

Today, allow the LORD to be your Guide, your Teacher, your Everything.

John 12:43

“For they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“For they loved the approval (doxa: glory, honor, praise, dignity, worship) of men rather than (mallon: more, better, more readily, to a greater degree than) the approval of God.”

SUMMARY

For they loved the honor and praise of men to a greater degree than the honor and praise of God.

MEDITATION

Why do we care so much about what others think of us? Why do we wonder what someone else might think if we do a certain thing, whatever it may be? Why do we often do things in a way that contradicts what we personally believe or feel, just in order to please others? This can be summed up in one word – bondage. Too many times I choose to do what is easy and acceptable in the eyes of men rather than what I know would please my Father. May this not be so today. May boldness rise up within us as we stand on His Word and strive to please Him above all others. I’m not saying rebel and be rude, I am saying that the LORD must be pleased above men. Today, I choose to please my Father so that I may receive His approval, no matter what it looks like to those around me.

Romans 12:9

“Let love be without hypocrisy, abhor what is evil; cling to what is good.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“Let love be without hypocrisy (anupokritos: without dissimulation, undisguised, sincere), abhor (apostugeo: dislike, have a horror of) what is evil (poneros: annoyances, hardships, perils, wicked); cling (kollao: join yourself with, cleave, keep company, be fastened) to what is good (agathos: well, beneficial, useful, salutary, pleasant, agreeable, joyful, happy, excellent, distinguished, upright, honorable).”

SUMMARY

Let love be undisguised and sincere, have a horror of what is wicked and evil; join yourself with what is good.

MEDITATION

Today, may we, the Body of Christ, love as we’ve been loved – unconditionally and without limitations. May we despise and be disgusted by the wicked and evil ways and systems of this world. May we be fastened to what is honorable, pleasant, beneficial and excellent. LORD, show us how to live this verse.

Psalm 109:26

“Help me, O LORD my God; save me according to Your lovingkindness.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“Help me, O LORD my God; save (yasha`: deliver, help, preserve, defend, rescue) me according to Your lovingkindness (checed: mercy, kindness, goodness, favor).”

SUMMARY

Help me, O LORD my God; defend and deliver me according to Your mercy and goodness.

MEDITATION

This verse always encourages me. I have not experienced salvation based upon anything I have ever done or ever will do. I have not been delivered because of any works of my hands. It is absolutely all based upon His kindness and favor. No man would ever stand before the LORD based upon their own merit. Today, rejoice in the fact that we have been rescued by a loving God Who moves on our behalf - based upon Who He is, not upon what I have or have not done to earn it.

Proverbs 4:25

“Let your eyes look directly ahead, And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“Let your eyes look (nabat: behold, consider, regard, see, respect, pay attention to, show regard to) directly ahead, And let your gaze be fixed straight (yashar: direct, right, well, upright, level, just, lawful) in front of you.”

SUMMARY

Let your eyes pay attention to what is straight ahead, and let your gaze be fixed on what is level and upright before you.

MEDITATION

If we were looking for a verse that could be applicable every day, this one would be at the top spot. Walking in the reality of this verse would dramaticlaly change everything. Temptation, pride, false teachings, worry, sickness, anything that fights for our attention could be overcome by keeping our gaze upon the LORD and never looking back. Today, be mindful of your gaze. Don't look to the right or to the left. Do not waver.

1 Corinthians 3:16

“Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“Do you not know that you are a temple (naos: shrine, sanctuary, consisting of the Holy place and the Holy of Holies) of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?”

SUMMARY

Do you not know that you are a temple, a sanctuary of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?

MEDITATION

It would seem that so few Believers live with this as reality. God no longer dwells in temples and buildings made with brick and mortar. He has chosen to indwell His people. We are His holy dwelling. We are His holy place. In Christ, He deemed us worthy of His presence. Today, be careful not to defile the temple of God. Keep the corners swept out and the furnishings shiny and beautiful, for within you, God Himself dwells.

Psalm 91:4

“He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“He will cover (cakak or sakak: covering, defense, hedge in, fence about, overshadow) you with His pinions ('ebrah: feathers), and under His wings you may seek refuge (chacah: trust, have hope, protection); His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark (cocherah: buckler).”

SUMMARY

He will overshadow you with His feathers, and under His wings you may seek refuge and protection; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.

MEDITATION

Where one chooses to dwell determines a lot about their life. We have been given free will to dwell in worldly fears and events. We can dwell in religious works and temporal fruits. We can dwell in self and our own insecurities and failures. We can dwell under the mighty wings of the LORD. I choose the latter. Today, allow the LORD to be your refuge, your shield. He is always faithful, steady and sure. He will cover you and hold you. Do everything today seated in this dwelling.

John 10:11

“I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“I am the good (kalos: better, honest, beautiful, handsome, excellent, eminent, choice, surpassing, precious, useful, suitable, commendable, admirable) shepherd (poimen: he to whose care and control others have committed themselves, and whose precepts they follow; the presiding officer, manager, director), and I know (ginosko: perceive, understand, acquainted with) My own (My sheep) and My own know (ginosko: perceive, understand, acquainted with) Me.”

SUMMARY

I am the most suitable, excellent Shepherd and I am acquainted with my own sheep - My own sheep are also acquianted with Me.

MEDITATION

Jesus Christ alone is the excellent Shepherd. When the majority of the masses are swayed by the enticing words of others, who will hear the voice of the true Shepherd? When the wolves come in to destroy, who will follow the voice of the Shepherd that is your protection? Today, know and be known by the most excellent Shepherd, Jesus, The Christ.

Psalm 115:12

“The LORD has been mindful of us; He will bless us...” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“The LORD has been mindful (zakar: remembered, mentioned, remembrance, record, call to mind, be thought of, to make a memorial, make remembrance) of us; He will bless us...”

SUMMARY

The LORD has made a memorial and remembrance of us, he has called us to mind and thought of us; He will bless us.

MEDITATION

I often wonder, why in the world does God even bother with us? Even we, who claim to know Him and live for Him, are often disappointingly disobedient and stubborn. We ignore His advice, forsake His plans and go our own ways. Yet He still, time and time again, remembers His people. LORD, You are truly astonishing. Today, in obedience or disobedience – in willingness or stubbornness – in right or in wrong, I praise You for Your remembrance of me. There is noone like You.

Isaiah 40:29

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“He gives (nathan: deliver, grant, yield, bring, cause, utter, send, appoint, bestow, permit, ascribe, devote, extends) strength (koach or kowach: power, might, force, ability) to the weary (ya`eph: faint, fatigued) and increases the power of the weak ('own: lacking strength, might and vigor).”

SUMMARY

God ascribes and sends power and might to the weary and fatigued ones and increases the strength of those lacking in might and vigor.

MEDITATION

When I walk with the simple knowledge that my strength and abilities are not my own, I don’t have to worry about stress and burn out. He knows I am weak and in need of Him. He is my Power, my Source. As with any power source, it is only beneficial when I am connected to Him. All that I do flows from His strength in my weakness. He is all in all! Today, allow His strength to become your only ability and source.

Ezekiel 11:14

“Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying…”

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“Then the word (dabar: thing, matter, acts, chronicles, commandments, sayings) of the LORD came to me, saying ('amar: speaking, answering, commanding, telling, calling) …”

SUMMARY

Then the matters and sayings of the LORD came to me, calling and speaking…

MEDITATION

I ask you my friend, where has this simple phrase gone? Most often, if you ask Believers what the LORD is speaking to them personally, they look puzzled as if to say, “what do you mean, speaking to me?" God speaking to His people seems to have become a thing of the past. We read how He intimately interacted with Believers of old, yet somehow don’t expect the same in our own lives today. Has God changed? I ask you, do you hear His voice? When did the word of the LORD come to you last? How can we claim to be His representatives here upon the earth but never even hear what He is speaking? Today, make listening to the Father priority - force all else to wait. It is time the Body start expecting to hear the voice of Her Creator again.

Psalm 50:15

“Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“Call (qara': call out, summon, invite, call for, cry out, commission) upon Me in the day of trouble (tsarah: affliction, adversity, anguish, tribulation, distress); I shall rescue (chalats: deliver, loose, prepare, remove, draw out, draw off, take off, withdraw, equip, arm for war, rescue, make strong, brace up) you, and you will honor (kabad: great, glorious, glorify) Me.”

SUMMARY

Cry out and invite Me in the day of adversity and tribulation; I will prepare you for battle and deliver you and you will honor and glorify Me.

MEDITATION

It is time for the Body of Christ to fully rely upon the LORD. Worldly circumstances, tragic events, pandemics, whatever may come, only those whose hope is in the LORD will not cower in fear. He is my Rescuer, my Strength, my Everything. Today, call out to Him and glorify His name.

Matthew 6:34

“So do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“So do not be anxious (merimnao: take thought, care, be careful, troubled with cares) for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble (kakia: malice, maliciousness, evil, wickedness, ill-will, desire to injure, wickedness, depravity) of its own."

SUMMARY

Don’t be troubled with the things of tomorrow, for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble and evil of its own.

MEDITATION

If you’re like me, you like to know where you’re headed. While a lot of times this is beneficial, sometimes you can get so fixated on what is to come that you lose sight of what is before you. Today, praise the Lord for where you are right now. We must remember that God is already in our tomorrow's and has all that is to come in His complete control.

2 Timothy 2:13

“If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“If we are faithless (apisteo: believing not, to betray a trust, unfaithful, disbelieving), He remains faithful (pistos: believing, true, sure, reliable), for He cannot deny (anemia: refuse, disregard his own interests or prove false to) Himself.”

SUMMARY

Even when we are unfaithful and untrustworthy, He remains always faithful for He cannot disregard and refuse Himself which indwells us.

MEDITATION

This gives the old adage, "God is faithful" such a deeper meaning, doesn't it? When we despised Him, He loved us. When we ran from Him, He pursued. When we break promises, He is faithful to His word. Praise God today for His faithfulness.

Mark 9:35

“Sitting down, He called the twelve and said to them, ‘If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.’” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“Sitting down, He called the twelve and said to them, ‘If anyone wants to be first (protos: chief, first in time, place, rank or influence), he shall be last (eschatos: latter end, last in grade and rank, lowest) of all and servant (diakonos: minister, deacon, one who executes the commands of another, attendant) of all.’”

SUMMARY

Sitting down, He called the twelve and said to them, “If anyone wants to be first in rank and influence, he shall be the lowest of all and an attending servant to all.”

MEDITATION

It’s difficult sometimes in a world where your status defines you, to seek the lower place. Even in Christian circles we’re told that the more “power” we have, the more we can do for the Kingdom. This mentality just does not add up with me when I read Scripture. It is not about living in poverty or deliberately lacking influence with others, it is about what you seek and your motives behind it. It is about a desire to serve, expecting absolutely nothing in return versus gaining some sort of satisfaction from holding a position or title. Today, seek to be what the Word defines to be a “minister”… be a servant.

John 13:35

“By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (NASB)
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“By this all men will know (ginosko: perceive, understand, get a knowledge of) that you are My disciples (mathetes: a learner, pupil), if you have love (agape: charity, dear, brotherly love, affection, good will) for one another.” (NASB)

SUMMARY

By this all men will see and know that you are Mine, if you have great love and affection for one another.

MEDITATION

How will others know that we are disciples of Jesus Christ? By how much money we donate to charities? No. By our love. By how many Christian gatherings we attend? No. By our love. By our ability to quote Scripture? No. By our love. We have been commanded to love, above all else. All men are created in the image of God and none is elevated above another. We are all one Creation, under Him. Today, seek to love all that you encounter. Overlook gender, race, ethnicities... and love.

Psalm 139:13

“For Thou hast possessed my reins: Thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.” (KJV)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“For Thou hast possessed (qanah: buy, get, purchased, possessor, owner, recover, create) my reins (kilyah: kidneys, seat of emotion and affection): Thou hast covered (cakak: defense, hedge in, joined or weaved together, fence about, overshadowed) me in my mother's womb.”

SUMMARY

For You created and possessed my innermost being – the real me – You have weaved me together and overshadowed me in my mother’s womb.

MEDITATION

Recently, I had the privilege of holding a dear friends newborn child. She was so small, beautiful and peaceful. As I thought of her throughout the next few days, I could not stop marveling at how she had just exited the Creator's absolute care. For nine months, He formed her. As she entered this natural world, she will never be closer to God than she is now, until she goes to join Him in eternity. Do you understand that your inception in the Father occurred eons ago? He has loved you since before time and space even existed. Today, seek to return to that place in Him. Live a life that is one overshadowed by the Father.

Hebrews 11:6

“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“And without faith (pistis: assurance, belief, conviction of the truth, trust) it is impossible (adunatos: impotent, cannot do, weak, powerless) to please (euaresteo: well pleasing) Him, for he who comes to God must believe (pisteuo: commit unto, place absolute confidence and trust in) that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek (ekzeteo: seek after, enquire, search for, investigate, scrutinize, crave) Him.”

SUMMARY

Without faith, assurance and trust you cannot be well-pleasing to the LORD, for he who comes to God must place his absolute confidence and trust that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek after Him diligently and crave Him.

MEDITATION

Do you grasp the great depth of this verse? Christianity has been made into an empty faith only based on the recitation of a salvation prayer. God is somehow to be mysteriously pleased with a prayer being said once when we're a child. According to this verse, this is not the case. Absolute assurance and trust is well-pleasing to Him. He is a rewarder of who? Those who do good things and go through religious programs and services? No, my friend. He rewards those who diligently seek after His face. Those who investigate Who He is and have an insatiable craving for Him. Today, move past words and rituals! Start with the basics and establish an unshakeable foundation of faith.

Psalm 18:46

“The LORD lives, and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of my salvation.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“The LORD lives (chay: living thing, alive, lively, active), and blessed (barak: salute, praised, kneel down, congratulate, adored) be my rock (tsuwr or tsur: strength, beauty, mighty One); and exalted (ruwm: lifted up, high, extoled, lofty, set on high) be the God of my salvation.”

SUMMARY

The LORD is alive and He is active, blessed and adored be my Strength for He is my mighty One; exalted and lifted high be the God of my salvation!

MEDITATION

The second I read this verse my memory went back to when I grew up singing this in “church”. Perhaps I even clapped to it once or twice when I was younger. I remember it being such an upbeat, peppy song and perhaps, on occasion, it maybe even caused a fellow church-goer to crack a smile. But I can’t help but wonder if the people really even knew what they were saying. Do we really feel that He is my rock and my salvation? It’s time we live what we sing about. The LORD is alive! He is my rock and my fortress! He really is the God of my deliverance, healing and victory! May He truly be exalted!

Proverbs 18:22

“He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“He who finds a wife finds a good (towb: better, well, goodness, best, merry, fair, precious, beautiful) thing and obtains favor (ratsown or ratson: acceptable, delight, pleasure) from the LORD.”

SUMMARY

He who finds a wife finds a precious and beautiful thing and obtains favor and delight from the LORD.

MEDITATION

Surely I have obtained favor from the LORD! I constantly see the love of the Bride for her Husband when I see my wife. She only has eyes for me, of that I am completely assured. It always prods me to live likewise with eyes only for my Husband. As I know my LORD more, the more I long to lavish my love onto her as He does for me. Marriage is a beautiful creation by God’s very hand. Within this covenant lie countless metaphors of His intimate love for us, His Bride. Today, prepare to meet your Bridegroom. Receive His abounding love, for there is nothing like it on this earth.

Romans 8:14

“For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“For all who are being led (ago: attach to one's self as an attendant; guide, direct; move, of forces and influences) by the Spirit of God, these are sons (huios: son of God - used to describe those whom God esteems as sons, whom he loves, protects and benefits above other; a mature son) of God.”

SUMMARY

For all who are being led and moved by the Spirit of God, these are the mature ones that God has esteemed as sons of His very own.

MEDITATION

The Word defines those who are God's sons as the ones who are being led by the Spirit. This definition is so vastly different than what is taught today in Christian circles. It is not about how gifted you are, how many Bible verses you have memorized, how often you attend "services"... it is about how you live decision by decision. We only have two options: follow our flesh or follow the Spirit. Today, hear and heed the voice of the Spirit of God. Settle for nothing less than perfect obedience in every occasion.

Genesis 3:9

"Then the LORD God called to the man, and said to him, ‘Where are you?’." (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

"Then the LORD God called (qara': summoned, inviteds, cried out) to the man, and said to him, ‘Where are you?’."

SUMMARY

Then the LORD God called out to invite the man to talk with Him, and said to him, “Where are you”?

MEDITATION

After Adam and Woman (Eve) sinned, we see the first time that mankind attempted to hide from God. God however, in spite of their disobedience, pursues them. Since this event, little has changed. God desires intimacy with His Creation. Draw near to Him. Respond to His calling out. He is pursuing you today.

Proverbs 4:27

“Do not turn to the right nor to the left; Turn your foot from evil.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“Do not turn (natah: incline, influence, bend or bow down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away) to the right nor to the left; Turn your foot from evil (ra`: wickedness, mischief, hurt, bad, trouble, affliction, adversity, harm).”

SUMMARY

Don’t turn and be moved to the right or to the left but turn your foot from evil and wickedness that leads to trouble and affliction.

MEDITATION

It is a simple fact that where you look is where you go. It is true when walking or even driving - it is nearly impossible to move where you are not looking. It is likewise with spiritual matters. If you stay concerned with earthly matters, you will continue to move towards them alone. If you constantly keep your gaze on the LORD, He will always be your destination. Today, stay focused. See Him.

John 4:24

"God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

"God is spirit (pneuma: a simple essence, devoid of all grosser matter and possessed of the power of knowing, desiring, deciding, and acting; a life giving spirit; the efficient source of any power, affection, emotion, desire, etc.), and those who worship (proskuneo: meaning to kiss, like a dog licking his master's hand; reverence; to fall upon the knees and touch the ground with the forehead as an expression of profound reverence; kneeling or prostration to do homage) Him must worship in spirit and truth (aletheia: what is true in any matter under consideration, opposing to the superstitions of the Gentiles and the inventions of the Jews, and the corrupt opinions and precepts of false teachers even among Christians; free from affection, pretence, falsehood, deceit)."

SUMMARY

God is a life giving spirit that knows no physical bounds. So, in order to worship and bow in reverence to Him, recognizing Him for Who He truly He is, one must do so as spirit not bound to flesh, but in absolute truth free of falsehood and corruption.

MEDITATION

Praise CD’s that we know backwards and forwards. Hymns that we could sing word-for-word while reading the newspaper. Prayers we recite while we plan out our things to do list for the day. We are a people guilty of multi-tasking away our true worship. The LORD must be worshipped in spirit and in truth. We must give him our spirit's attention. Our inner man is what connects with God, not just our mind. Allow worship to flow from your innermost being today. Today, take notice of any worship that only originates in your mind and allow it to go deeper. It is not an emotion or a ritual either, it is alive. It is why you were created.

Psalm 102:19

“For He looked down from His holy height; from heaven the LORD gazed upon the earth.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“For He looked down (shaqaph: look out, look forth, overlook, lean over and look) from His holy height (marowm: high, above, highest places, dignity, lofty, elevated place); from heaven the LORD gazed (nabat: look, behold, consider, regard, see) upon the earth.”

SUMMARY

For He leaned over and looked down from His holy elevated place; from heaven the LORD gazed upon the earth.

MEDITATION

Once again astronomers have discovered new galaxies that are incomprehensibly distant from earth. I personally believe that there is literally no end to the cosmos. I believe that it is likely as God Himself, without boundaries altogether. Yet in the midst of this vast galactic existence, God Himself, the Creator of it all peers down from His dwelling in Heaven and sees you and me. How incredible. Do you ever stop and ponder the vastness that is our God? Do you see Him seated on His throne above all galaxies and heavens? Incredibly, most of all to me, is that He also chooses to reside within me. This same bigger than life God is within me. Today, take the time to know this awesome God. It is all about Him.

Micah 7:7

“But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation My God will hear me.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“But as for me, I will watch (tsaphah: a watchman, behold, wait, look well, keep watch) expectantly for the LORD; I will wait (yachal: hope, trust, expect, tarry) for the God of my salvation (yesha`: safety, deliverance, rescue, prosperity, victory). My God will hear (shama`: hearken, understand, discern, perceive, listen, give heed to) me.”

SUMMARY

Bust as for me, I will be a watchman watching expectantly for the LORD; I will place my hope and trust for the God of my safety, deliverance and victory. My God will hear and listen to me.

MEDITATION

When there are disagreements or intense discussions on doctrine, Scripture interpretation or any other biblical matter, I rely on this verse. As for me, I will expectantly keep my eyes on the God of my salvation. He alone is my Source. He is my Comfort. He is my Assurance. He is my Guide and Teacher. He is my Everything. These are not mere words of clichés my friend. He is my All in All. Praise be to Him for He alone holds all of Creation in His mighty hands. I will always choose to rest in Him and keep my gaze set upon His glorious face.

Proverbs 12:25

“Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, But a good word makes it glad.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“Anxiety (de'agah: carefulness, fear, heaviness, sorrow) in a man's heart (leb: mind, understanding, inner man, will, seat of emotions and passions) weighs it down (shachah: worship, bow, bow down, reverence, fall down, stoop), But a good (towb: better, well, best, merry, fair, prosperity, precious, fine, agreeable, pleasant) word makes it glad (samach: rejoice, joyful, exult).”

SUMMARY

Anxiety and heaviness in a man’s inner being causes it to stoop down and bow to sorrow, but a pleasant and fair word makes it rejoice and be glad.

MEDITATION

There is much power in our words! What you speak determines what you are. It is not some new name it and claim it or oddball self-centered program. I challenge you to speak the Word today. Speak words of life. Speak of hope and blessings upon you and your family. Expect victory. Let the words of your mouth be filled with good words today.

Jeremiah 29:11

“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.” (KJV)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“For I know (yada: perceive) the thoughts (machashabah: intention, purpose) that I think (chashab: devise, imagine) toward you”, saith the LORD, “thoughts of peace (shalowm: welfare, prosperity, health) and not of evil (ra`: calamity, wickedness, mischief, trouble) to give you an expected (tiqvah: hope, expectation) end ('achariyth: latter, reward).”

SUMMARY

For I know and perceive the intentions and purposes that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and health and not of evil or trouble to give you an expected reward.

MEDITATION

The Creator of the Universe has intentions and purpose for your life… do you know this? And His intentions are not troublesome, but full of life, health and hope. His thoughts are on you, are yours on Him?

Psalm 66:5

"Come and see the works of God, Who is awesome in His deeds toward the sons of men." (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

"Come and see the works (miph`al: workings, things made) of God, Who is awesome (yare': terrible, be in fear of, stand in awe of, respect, reverance) in His deeds (`aliylah: actions, inventions, practices) toward the sons of men."

SUMMARY

Come and see the things made by God's handiwork, Who is worthy of awe and respect in His actions towards us all.

MEDITATION

As I've just returned from a beautiful morning of trout fishing, I marvel at the works of God's hands. His Creation speaks of His glory. All one must do is pause and see. The intricacies of the plants, the beauty of a butterfly, the rushing sound of the waters. I invite you today to come and see the awesome works of our God.

Acts 3:9

“And all the people saw [the lame beggar that was healed by Jesus] walking and praising God.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“And all the people saw (eido or oida: knew, beheld, perceived) [the lame beggar that was healed by Jesus] walking and praising (aineo: extol, to sing praises in honor to) God.”

SUMMARY

And all the people saw and knew that the beggar who was once lame, that had been healed by Jesus, was walking and singing praises God.

MEDITATION

I believe that the transformation that takes place in us after we meet Jesus Christ should be such as this. The healing that the beggar received was so dramatic that he could not contain his praises! He was literally made a new creation as he walked for the first time. Do people take notice that you have been freed and delivered? Do people recognize the ongoing work of Jesus, The Christ in your life? May we live a life of offering praise and honor to the LORD for all of the great things He has done for us! May we walk as one who is free, rejoicing moment by moment in our wonderful Saviour!

Daniel 9:9

“To the Lord our God belong compassion and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against Him.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“To the Lord our God belong compassion (racham: mercy, pity, tender love) and forgiveness (celiychah: pardon), for we have rebelled (marad: revolted) against Him.”

SUMMARY

To the Lord our God belong compassion, mercy and forgiveness, for we have rebelled and revolted against Him.

MEDITATION

I fully understand that God is just and holy. He is all-powerful and mighty. He will do as He pleases and execute His plans as He desires. With that being said, I also know His compassion. He is teeming with forgiveness and does not give us what we deserve for openly denying Him as an entire race of mankind. Today, see His tender love. See how He has overlooked your wrongs again and again and again and extended His compassionate love. Praise be to the LORD for He exemplifies perfect love!

Matthew 27:12

”And while [Jesus] was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He did not answer.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

”And while [Jesus] was being accused (kategoreo: objected to) by the chief priests and elders, He did not answer (apokrinomai: answer a question proposed, speak in response).”

SUMMARY

And while Jesus was being objected to and accused by the chief priests and elders, He did not respond nor answer.

MEDITATION

Rather than simply reading this verse and deduce that we should never address our accusers, we must remember that there were plenty of times when Jesus confronted those who questioned His motives and purpose. The key is walking in wisdom to know when to speak and when to be silent. There are times we should boldly stand up for our faith and there are times when it would be best for us to just walk away. Only the LORD can give us such discernment to know each occasion. Today, hear the voice of Wisdom. Be guided by the Spirit and respond with would be pleasing to the LORD.

Proverbs 12:4

“An excellent wife is the crown of her husband.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“An excellent (chayil: valiant, strong, virtuous) wife is the crown of her husband.”

SUMMARY

An excellent, valiant, strong and virtuous wife is the crown of her husband.

MEDITATION

I have been blessed with a wife that loves me without boundaries. She encourages me and accepts me, but above all else, she sees the Christ within me. We are inseparable and more in love with each and every day. I still discover new attributes that she possesses, even after twelve years of constant interaction with her. In our relationship, I see my Husband. I see how He longs to meet my every need and know me as intimately as I will allow Him. My friend, we are His crown. We are to be committed to Him and never even allow our eyes to wander to any other. Today, fall deeper in love with your earthly wife, should you have one, and open up all that you are to your Husband, Jesus, The Christ.

Proverbs 14:18

“The naive inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“The naive (pethiy or petha'iy: simple ones, foolish) inherit folly ('ivveleth: foolishness), but the prudent (`aruwm: sensible, crafty, shrewd) are crowned with knowledge (da`ath: cunning, perception, skill, discernment, understanding, wisdom).”

SUMMARY

The simple and foolish ones inherit foolishness, but the prudent and sensible are crowned with discernment, understanding and wisdom.

MEDITATION

I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be naïve and foolish. I’m personally the type of person that questions everything and I used to have alot of trouble with that. As I've grown older, I've grown to value and appreciate this attribute. My quest to constantly seek out the truth in matters, especially regarding the Word, has radically affected my life. I believe it would do us all great good to be more prudent and sensible with what we’re taught and told in our lives. Sometimes, gaining personal knowledge is a tough task. Sometimes it requires much diligence and persistence on our part. But when I see the fruits of such knowledge, it is, without question, worth it all.

Luke 24:6

“He is not here, but He has risen!” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“He is not here, but He has risen (egeiro: raised, arise, raised up, to arouse, to awaken, arouse from the sleep of death)!”

SUMMARY

[Jesus, The Christ] is not here, but He has been aroused from the sleep of death and raised up!

MEDITATION

What else can I say other than don’t limit your living in the resurrection and life of our Savior to one day a year. Daily see Him alive! Daily see Him interceding on your behalf in the heavenlies! Daily see yourself seated with Him in heavenly places! Rejoice all the earth - Jesus, The Christ, LORD of Lords and King of all kings is alive!

Psalm 32:7

“You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“You are my hiding place (cether or cithrah: secret place, covert, covering, protection, shelter); You preserve (natsar: keep, watchmen, observe, watch over, guard) me from trouble; You surround (cabab: about, encompass, encircle, enclose, envelop) me with songs of deliverance (pallet: escape). Selah.”

SUMMARY

You are my secret hiding place, my protection and shelter; You watch over and guard me from trouble; You envelop me with Your songs of deliverance.

MEDITATION

I'm aware that I posted this verse back in February. However I wanted to use it again and just publicly praise the LORD for watching over us last night as some very bad storms went right over us. In the midst of it all, peace reigned and His protection was sure. Thank you God for watching over your children.

Ephesians 6:17

“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword (machaira: large knife) of the Spirit (pneuma: Holy Ghost, Spirit of God, Spirit of truth, Spirit of Christ, breath, spiritual nature of Christ), which is the word (rhema: sayings, that which is or has been uttered by the living voice of God, spoken word, utterances) of God.”

SUMMARY

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit of God and The Christ, which is the living utterances spoken by God.

MEDITATION

I recently had a vivid dream where the LORD spoke to me clearly regarding it when I awoke. He said, “The only weapon that will be useful for my Church in the hour that is to come is the illuminated sword of the Spirit.” In a nutshell, it is imperative that we devour and meditate on the Word today. It is not enough to do memorization or topical reading. In order to stand, one will need to have a personally revelatory knowledge of the Word. Today, make the time for the Light of the Word to shine upon your innermost being. Allow it to grip you, transform you, become your Source and life!

Matthew 13:10 & 11

"The disciples came to [Jesus] and asked, ‘Why do you speak to the people in parables?’ He replied, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them." (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“The disciples came to [Jesus] and asked, ‘Why do you speak to the people in parables (parabole: comparison, proverb, juxtaposition, an example by which a doctrine or precept is illustrated, earthly story with a heavenly meaning)?’ He replied, "The knowledge (ginosko: perceive, understand, become acquainted with) of the secrets (musterion: hidden things, mysteries, not obvious to the understanding) of the kingdom (basileia: royal power, kingship, dominion, rule) of heaven has been given (didomi: granted, shown, gift bestowed, supplied, entrusted) to you, but not to them.”

SUMMARY

The disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables and proverbs?” He replied, “The knowledge and perception of the hidden mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been granted and entrusted to you, but not to them.”

MEDITATION

Oh to know the secrets and mysteries of Heaven! In this passage, the ones who chose to leave everything behind and follow Jesus were the ones to whom the mysteries were entrusted. It is no different today. Much of The Word, much of what the Spirit is saying is not understood or comprehended today. It is a knowledge that sadly, the majority of the Body is quite oblivious to. There is only one way to understand and know the secrets of the kingdom – intimately know the Possessor of the secrets! It is not enough to have a casual relationship. Just as it is in the natural, it is in the spiritual. Would you give your bank account passwords to a general acquaintance or stranger? Of course not. This same principal applies here. God will bestow His secrets to those who intimately know Him and can be trusted with them. Today, mature into your role as a son or daughter of God. Don’t just hear, listen. Only then will the mysteries of Heaven begin to unfold before your eyes.

Hebrews 10:14

“For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“For by one offering (prosphora: offering up, offered, a gift, a present, sacrifice) He has perfected (teleioo: make perfect, finish, fulfill, be perfect, consecrated, complete, to carry through completely, to accomplish, bring to an end; add what is yet wanting in order to render a thing full; bring to a close or fulfillment by event) for all time those who are sanctified (hagiazo: hallow, be holy; to separate from profane things and dedicate and consecrate things to God; free from the guilt of sin, to purify internally by renewing of the soul).”

SUMMARY

For by one sacrifice, Jesus the Christ has fulfilled and made perfect for all time, those who are holy and separated, free from guilt, consecrated to God.

MEDITATION

Could it really be true that Christ’s one offering of Himself has perfected me forever? Could it be that it is no longer about my sacrificial offerings and efforts that win me favor with the LORD? Today, lay hold of this great Truth and know who you are, for you have been perfected once and for all by Jesus Christ. I cannot earn it, nor do I have to perform ritualistic duties in order to receive it. His laying down of Himself paid all of my penalties and enabled me to be perfected. Incredible.

Psalm 139:17

“How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them!” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“How precious (yaqar: prized, esteemed, costly, valuable) also are Your thoughts (rea`: purposes) to me, O God! How vast (`atsam: increased, mighty, strong, numerous) is the sum of them!”

SUMMARY

How esteemed and prized also are Your purposes to me, O God! How mighty and numerous is the sum of them!

MEDITATION

Do you value the thoughts and purposes of God as you would your most prized possessions? Are His ways and plans for your life of utmost importance? We must understand that His ways, His thoughts for us are innumerable. He formed and fashioned each of our days before time even began. Today, strive to hear and know the thoughts of the Father. Know what He is saying and what He is doing in this hour. See the immeasurable value in His thoughts and purposes.

Romans 5:6

“For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“For while we were still helpless (asthenes: without strength, weak, sick, impotent, feeble), at the right time Christ died for the ungodly (asebes: destitute of reverential awe towards God, condemning God, impious).”

SUMMARY

For while we were still sick, weak and feeble, at the right time Christ died for those who did not revere, but instead condemned God.

MEDITATION

Praise be to God for His timing is perfect. He sent The Christ as Jesus, God made flesh when we were all helpless and unable to even know of such a plan. Today, when you look around and see the ungodly ones that abound, remember that you too were once in their shoes in defiance of God and His great plan of redemption. None are too far that He cannot save. I will forever live in gratitude that He drew me unto Himself and opened my eyes to see. LORD, I thank You today for rescuing me in the midst of my weakness and despair.

Mark 10:15

“Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive (dechomai: take, accept, take up, take hold of, receive favourably, give ear to, embrace, make one's own, approve, not to reject, take upon one's self) the kingdom (basileia: royal power, kingship, dominion, rule) of God like a child will not enter (eiserchomai: go in, enter into) it at all.”

SUMMARY

Whoever doesn’t accept and embrace the kingship and dominion of God like a child will not enter into it at all.

MEDITATION

On a day when adults all across this world put on suits and dresses and act solemn and "holy", I encourage you to unwind a bit. Sometimes we must lay down our intellect, formulas and regurgitated ways to approach the Father. It's OK to worship the LORD in freedom. There is a world of difference between childish and child-like. Joyfully worship Him! Dare to imagine and see, as a child, heaven coming down to earth today. Believe my friend that the Kingdom is here!

Romans 8:2

“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“For the law (nomos: established rule, custom, command) of the Spirit of life (zoe: vitality, fullness of life,) in Christ Jesus has set you free (eleutheroo: delivered, set at liberty) from the law of sin (hamartia: offense, err, violation of God's law) and of death (thanatos: separation of the soul and the body by which the life on earth is ended, the implied idea of future misery in hell, the power of death, the misery of the soul arising from sin, comprising all the miseries arising from sin as well physical death as the loss of a life consecrated to God and blessed in him on earth).”

SUMMARY

For the established rule and command of the Spirit of vitality and fullness of life, in Christ Jesus, has set you free and delivered you from the rule of sin and offense against God and of death, which separates you from Him, both now and eternally.

MEDITATION

What a powerful verse! I am no longer living in the law and rule of sin and separation. In this place sin is not my primary focus or concern, it is walking according to the Spirit. In Christ, I have been taken from separation from God to being seated with Him in heavenly places. So many Christians do not know that if they are biblically born from above, they no longer have to be slaves to the old man and his rebellious ways for such a man is a new creation in Christ. Today, may we leave behind the law of sin and death and embrace the law of the Spirit of the fullness of life and vitality offered to us in Christ Jesus!

Psalm 92:1

“It is good to give thanks to the LORD and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“It is good (towb: better, well, goodness, best, merry, fair, precious, beautiful, pleasant, excellent) to give thanks (yadah: confess, make confession, laud, praise) to the LORD and to sing praises (zamar: sing psalms, sing forth, make music) to Your name (shem: renown, fame, reputation, glory), O Most High.”

SUMMARY

It is precious, beautiful, pleasant and excellent to give thanks to the LORD, to sing and make music to Your renown and glory, O Most High.

MEDITATION

What is more beautiful and excellent than singing songs of praise to our Creator? He is worthy and due of all of my praise! I laud my wife for loving me, my friends for good things they’ve accomplished, people I do business with for their patronage… what do I offer up to my LORD? It should not even be comparable! Today, offer up a sacrifice of praise! Open up your mouth and declare His goodness with great exuberance for He alone is worthy of such confession.

Romans 8:37

“But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer (hupernikao: be more than conqueror, to gain a surpassing victory) through (dia: by; the ground or reason by which something done) Him who loved (agapao: beloved, to welcome, to entertain, to be fond of, to love dearly) us.”

SUMMARY

But in all these things we have overwhelming, surpassing victory because of Him who loved us dearly.
MEDITATION

It doesn't take very much effort to see the accelerated downturn of the world right now. Many that I hear from are very frightened and unsure about how they will stand when things continue to worsen. This is why I always lean on The Word, for It is my Guide. It is imperative that we know who we are, Whose we are and that we are overcomers through Christ. Victory is assured for those who are in Him. Not escape, but victory, for one cannot stand in victory if the battle is not first present. Today, make every effort to be found in Him and be an overwhelming conqueror!

1 Timothy 6:8

”If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

”If we have food (diatrophe: sustenance) and covering (skepasma: raiment, clothing), with these we shall be content (arkeo: to be enough, suffice, content, to be strong, satisfied).”

SUMMARY

If we have food to sustain us and clothing to cover us, with these shall we be content and satisfied.

MEDITATION

In a world where the more you have seemingly defines your success, may we turn to The Word. Although I do not believe we are to be poor and without, I’m assured that we are not to seek after the unnecessary luxuries of this world. It is more important to possess eternal things that cannot be purchased than earthly collections that will pass away. Today, I praise the LORD that I have a roof over my head and food in my pantry. I thank Him for giving me more than I would ever need. We are truly a blessed people.

Romans 11:34

“Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“Who has known (ginosko: perceived, understood) the mind (nous: faculties of perceiving and understanding, judging, determining, reasoning) of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor (sumboulos: adviser)?”

SUMMARY

Who has understood the reasoning of the Lord? Who has been His advisor and given Him counsel?

MEDITATION

Has anyone advised God today? Has He asked anyone for some advice? I think not. The LORD is in need of no thing and no one. He is fully capable within Himself to execute what He desires at any moment. The great thing however is that He chooses to interact with us, listen to our pleas and use us to carry out His will. He has willingly created us capable of interacting with Him. Although I know that I could never fully understand and grasp the mind of the LORD while I'm in this body of flesh, I daily strive to know Him more. By walking in holiness, studying His Word and seeking His face, I continue to know more and more of my unfathomable Father. Today, take advantage of the opportunties to interact with your Creator. His attributes are endless.

Psalm 30:10

“Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me; O LORD, be my help.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“Hear (shama`: hearken, understand, discern, perceive), O LORD, and be merciful (chanan: be gracious, supplication, pity, show favor) to me; O LORD, be my help (`azar: helper, support).”

SUMMARY

Please hear and understand me O LORD, be gracious to me and show me favor; O LORD, I need You to be my helper and support.

MEDITATION

Today I read the news headlines and see nearly the entire world going their own way. It saddens me so, it really does. I cannot help but feel the heart of God when I see the masses willingly defying Him and reveling in their flesh and all that this earth has to offer. This is not about condemnation, this is about facing the fact that we are a people in need of mercy. Would you join me today in pleading for God’s mercy to fall upon mankind? LORD, we are Your beautiful creation yet we have abandoned You, show us pity and be gracious. Pour out Your mercy today, though undeserving are we all. LORD, show us compassion and draw men unto Yourself for without You, we have no hope.

Hebrews 13:1

“Let brotherly love continue.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“Let brotherly love (Philadelphia: brotherly kindness, love of the; love which Christians cherish for each other as brethren) continue (meno: abide, remain, endure, be held, never perish or fade).”

SUMMARY

Let brotherly kindness and love be cherished and never fade away.

MEDITATION

Love has many facets. Love is being truly concerned for your brother. Love is being honest when the truth is painful. Love is knowing when to be gentle and when to be firm. Love is, as we see here, to be cherished regarding others in the Body of Christ. Today, may we value one another and truly edify the Body. Not in some vain “How are you? Great… fine thanks.” relationship but in true transparency and vulnerability – real relationship. It is time the Body of Christ sees Her need for truly godly relationships. Today, in your life, may brotherly love continue.

Luke 8:48

“And He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.’” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“And He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith (pistis: assurance, belief, conviction of the truth, belief with the predominate idea of trust or confidence) has made you well (sozo: saved, made whole, healed); go in peace (eirene: rest, quietness, state of tranquility, security, safety, prosperity).’”

SUMMARY

And He said to her, “Daughter, your belief and trust has saved and healed you; go in peace, security and rest.”

MEDITATION

For some reason, many people have a hard time when approaching the topic of healing. It’s somehow been deemed as “not for today” because others have abused and perverted it throughout the years. However, when looking at the text alone, we see that “well” is the same word used to describe salvation (sozo). It is wholeness, wellness, completeness. You see, healing is a byproduct of God’s much greater plan. That is why we see, with this woman, that Jesus said “your faith has saved you” – when she was made whole, she was healed. Some will be, as this, instantaneously seen – others may be a process, but we must have the faith in what we do not yet see. Today, believe God for something you don’t see any results for or perhaps don’t even yet have even any feelings for. He has made you whole.

2 Samuel 22:35

“He trains my hands for battle, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“He trains (lamad: teaches, skillfully instructs) my hands for battle (milchamah: war, fighting), so that my arms (zerowa`: power, shoulder, might, strength) can bend (nachath: break, bring down) a bow of bronze.”

SUMMARY

The LORD skillfully instructs my hands for battle, so that my strength can break a bow of bronze.

MEDITATION

In this verse it stands out to me that the LORD is the trainer, if you will, but it is my hands that battle and my arms that that do the breaking of the bronze. We must realize that it is not about our greatness or our personal abilities, but it is we who do the action on His behalf. Few seem to see that they are in a battle that needs trained for. Would the LORD desire to train us for a war if one didn't even exist? So many Believers speak of feeling spiritually puny and ineffective in their walk. I believe it is because we’ve not understood that we need to be trained by our King. He is the skillful Instructor and we are His mighty army, here to carry out His plans and agendas. Today, will you be trained for battle by the King?

1 John 2:15

"Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

"Do not love (agapao: welcome, entertain, be fond of, love dearly, well pleased with) the world (kosmos: earthly constitution, order, government, world affairs, the aggregate of things earthly) nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love (agape: charity, dear, brotherly, affection, good will, benevolence) of the Father is not in (en: with, among, through) him."

SUMMARY

Do not welcome and love worldly order, nor the things that are within it. If anyone is well pleased with worldly matters, the affectionate love of the Father is not in and through him.

MEDITATION

Without question, everyday decisions must be made that really have no eternal purpose. But today I want to challenge you to have as few ties to worldly things as possible. Don't be entertained and think too fondly of worldly goings on as the love of them has the ability to keep you from the Father. Keep your gaze set straight. Today, be aware of where your heart leads you - don't give up your love and affections to earthly affairs.

Psalm 61:4

“Let me dwell in Your tent forever; Let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings. Selah.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“Let me dwell (guwr: sojourn, remain, abide, dwell in, dwell with, inhabit) in Your tent ('ohel: tabernacle, dwelling, covering, habitation) forever; Let me take refuge (chacah: trust, hope in, protection) in the shelter (cether or cithrah: secret place, hiding place, covering, protection) of Your wings (kanaph: skirt, borders, ends). Selah.”

SUMMARY

I will dwell and remain in Your habitation forever; I will trust and hope in the covering and protection of Your wings.

MEDITATION

As one who grew up in the Midwest, I was very familiar with tornadoes blowing through each and every summer. When the sirens would sound, there was no question or debate about what should be done – we all sought shelter. The reality is that there is likewise an ongoing spiritual battle all around us and one must deliberately choose where to dwell. My desire is to approach everything that I do seated in the covering of my Father. It is not a cowering in fear and wait dwelling but rather a place of strength and victory! Today, assess where you’re seated and seek to be found under the shadow of His mighty wings.

Psalm 55:16

"As for me, I shall call upon God, And the LORD will save me." (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

"As for me, I shall call upon (qara': cry out, call out, utter a loud sound, summon, invite, call for, commission) God, And the LORD will save (yasha`: deliver, help, preserve, salvation, avenging, defend, rescue, safe, victory, liberated, to give victory to) me."

SUMMARY

As for me, I shall utter a loud cry and call out to God and He will deliver and give victory to me.

MEDITATION

May this be the cry of the Body of Christ today! As for me, I absolutely will cry out to God and I know, without question, that He will bring me victory! The LORD that I serve is always the Victor. He is always the Overcomer. He is always the LORD of all! Today, take a few moments to know Your LORD. He is beautiful, lovely and mighty beyond description. Call out to Him with a loud voice. In Him alone place your trust today.

Hebrews 2:1

“…We must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“…We must pay much closer (perissoteros: more abundantly, more exceedingly, much more, more frequent) attention (prosecho: give heed to, bring near, care for, attend to, addicted to, devote thought and effort) to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away (pararrhueo: carried by, pass by, slip away) from it.”

SUMMARY

We must pay much closer attention and devote much thought and effort to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away and allow it to pass by.

MEDITATION

Today, aggressively grab hold to Truth. Be attentive to what is going on around you in spiritual realms. In a time when people seem to pay little attention to the battle that is against principalities and powers unseen, will you look deeper and see? We must be cautious to not allow ourselves to be carried away, but rather we must give heed to the Truth that we have been given in God’s Word. Today, may the Body of Christ awaken and walk with eyes wide open, ready to see and hear what the Spirit is saying in this hour.

Ezekiel 10:5

“Moreover, the sound of the wings of the cherubim was heard as far as the outer court, like the voice of God Almighty when He speaks.”

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“Moreover, the sound of the wings of the cherubim (keruwb: angelic beings) was heard (shama`: hearken, publish, understand, sound, declared) as far as the outer court, like the voice (qowl or qol: noise, sound, thunder, proclamation) of God Almighty when He speaks.”

SUMMARY

The sound of the wings of the angelic beings was heard as far as the outer court, like the thunderous proclamation of God Almighty when He speaks.

MEDITATION

There is no profound revelation within this verse really, I just find it fascinating. Do you expect to hear and see God move in such a way upon this earth today? Do you wake up in the morning and ask the LORD to make His glory known among all nations in ways that no mind can comprehend or do you serve a sleeping God who is just passing time? Today I encourage you to dream big! Expect God to reveal His majesty in this day and hour! Today may just be the day that the audible voice of the LORD resounds for all to hear. The events in The Word are not fables my friend. It is time that we believe for mighty moves of God to take place in our time upon this earth!