“And He said, ‘My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.’” (NASB)
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
“And He said, ‘My presence (paniym: face, countenance, before and behind, person) shall go (yalak: walk, come, follow, proceed, move) with you, and I will give you rest (nuwach: set down, lay, quiet, remain, settle down).’”
SUMMARY
And He said, "My face that is before and behind you shall move with you, and I will cause you to settle down and rest."
MEDITATION
For some people, resting is a tough, painful task. Sitting still and quieting oneself is not always as simple as it sounds. We all have agendas, responsibilities, expectations and necessary things we must do in order to live life. One of the main things we must do however is rest. Moses was told this verse in the midst of a great responsibility on his shoulders. Without the LORD’s help, he surely would not have been able to go on with the Israelites. Today, see the importance of your resting in the Father. He desires to move with you and bring you into a place of rest that only resides in His care.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
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
This verse just about gives me chills. It paints such a vivid picture of my protective Father. Whether all that is around me is shaking or whether I’m standing in the midst of the calm, He is my refuge and safety. Many times it is as if I can literally feel Him encompassing me when I walk throughout the day. And when I don’t “feel” anything, I still run to Him because He is my covering and in His care is the only place I desire to reside. Today, I again encourage you to find His secret place. You will never know the vast depths of the love of the Father until you have moved all of yourself into His shelter and protection. It is my home, my abode, my dwelling.
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
This verse just about gives me chills. It paints such a vivid picture of my protective Father. Whether all that is around me is shaking or whether I’m standing in the midst of the calm, He is my refuge and safety. Many times it is as if I can literally feel Him encompassing me when I walk throughout the day. And when I don’t “feel” anything, I still run to Him because He is my covering and in His care is the only place I desire to reside. Today, I again encourage you to find His secret place. You will never know the vast depths of the love of the Father until you have moved all of yourself into His shelter and protection. It is my home, my abode, my dwelling.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Ephesians 5:14
“So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.“ (NASB)
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
“So then do not be foolish (aphron: unwise, without reason, senseless, stupid, without reflection or intelligence, acting rashly), but understand (suniemi: consider, be wise, perceive) what the will (thelema: desire, pleasure, of what God wishes to be done by us, commands, precepts) of the Lord is.“
SUMMARY
So, don’t be a senseless fool that acts rashly, but consider and understand what the Lord desires of you that brings pleasure to Him.
MEDITATION
"Are you in God's will? How does one find God's will? I'm just doing God's will." Within Christian circles you hear an awful lot about God's will, but I wonder what we really understand how we make sure that we're within it. This verse encourages us to ponder on it, consider it and perceive what it is. If we don't, we will find ourselves dwelling in the midst of foolishness. It does not happen haphazardly. Today, get to know the Author of the will for your life. He has plans to assess, decisions to make and actions to take that will lead you to where He desires you to go.
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
“So then do not be foolish (aphron: unwise, without reason, senseless, stupid, without reflection or intelligence, acting rashly), but understand (suniemi: consider, be wise, perceive) what the will (thelema: desire, pleasure, of what God wishes to be done by us, commands, precepts) of the Lord is.“
SUMMARY
So, don’t be a senseless fool that acts rashly, but consider and understand what the Lord desires of you that brings pleasure to Him.
MEDITATION
"Are you in God's will? How does one find God's will? I'm just doing God's will." Within Christian circles you hear an awful lot about God's will, but I wonder what we really understand how we make sure that we're within it. This verse encourages us to ponder on it, consider it and perceive what it is. If we don't, we will find ourselves dwelling in the midst of foolishness. It does not happen haphazardly. Today, get to know the Author of the will for your life. He has plans to assess, decisions to make and actions to take that will lead you to where He desires you to go.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Luke 12:34
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (NASB)
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
“For where your treasure (thesaurus: the place in which good and precious things are collected and laid up, a treasury, storehouse) is, there your heart (kardia: the center and seat of spiritual life; seat of the thoughts, passions, desires, appetites, affections, purposes, endeavors) will be also.”
SUMMARY
For where your storehouse of things deemed precious to you is, there you will also find the center of all of your affections and desires.
MEDITATION
Today's challenge is simple. Take a few minutes and assess what you deem as vitally important in your life. What do you cling the tightest to? Is it your job? Your family? Your possessions? Your relationship with the LORD? If we could could open up your storehouse, what would we see? Today, store up eternal, Kingdom things. Make sure that your heart will be found in the midst of Godly passions and endeavors.
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
“For where your treasure (thesaurus: the place in which good and precious things are collected and laid up, a treasury, storehouse) is, there your heart (kardia: the center and seat of spiritual life; seat of the thoughts, passions, desires, appetites, affections, purposes, endeavors) will be also.”
SUMMARY
For where your storehouse of things deemed precious to you is, there you will also find the center of all of your affections and desires.
MEDITATION
Today's challenge is simple. Take a few minutes and assess what you deem as vitally important in your life. What do you cling the tightest to? Is it your job? Your family? Your possessions? Your relationship with the LORD? If we could could open up your storehouse, what would we see? Today, store up eternal, Kingdom things. Make sure that your heart will be found in the midst of Godly passions and endeavors.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Matthew 4:11
“Then the devil left [Jesus]; and behold, angels came and began to minister to Him.” (NASB)
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
“Then the devil left (aphiemi: forsake, let alone, went away, departed) [Jesus]; and behold, angels came (proserchomai: come unto, draw near, approached) and began to minister (diakoneo: serve, attendant, wait upon, take care of) to Him.”
SUMMARY
Then the devil departed Jesus and left Him alone; and behold, angels approached and drew near; they then began to attend to Jesus and take care of Him.
MEDITATION
Jesus was undoubtedly in a position of testing immediately after the Holy Spirit descended upon Him at His baptism. He was “led up by the Spirit” into the wilderness to meet the devil face to face. Of course we know that Jesus refuted and overcame the devils offers and divisive questions. At the conclusion of these events, we find today’s verse. Would you also like the devil to leave you alone and then have that be followed up with angels sent to minister especially to you? You can if you respond as Jesus did! Resist. Speak the Word. Confidently know who you are, Whose you are and what you stand on. Victory is sure for those who are willing to deny their own fleshly desires in order to achieve it!
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
“Then the devil left (aphiemi: forsake, let alone, went away, departed) [Jesus]; and behold, angels came (proserchomai: come unto, draw near, approached) and began to minister (diakoneo: serve, attendant, wait upon, take care of) to Him.”
SUMMARY
Then the devil departed Jesus and left Him alone; and behold, angels approached and drew near; they then began to attend to Jesus and take care of Him.
MEDITATION
Jesus was undoubtedly in a position of testing immediately after the Holy Spirit descended upon Him at His baptism. He was “led up by the Spirit” into the wilderness to meet the devil face to face. Of course we know that Jesus refuted and overcame the devils offers and divisive questions. At the conclusion of these events, we find today’s verse. Would you also like the devil to leave you alone and then have that be followed up with angels sent to minister especially to you? You can if you respond as Jesus did! Resist. Speak the Word. Confidently know who you are, Whose you are and what you stand on. Victory is sure for those who are willing to deny their own fleshly desires in order to achieve it!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Psalm 107:8
“Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness, and for His wonders to the sons of men!” (NASB)
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
“Let them give thanks (yadah: praise, laud, make confession) to the LORD for His lovingkindness (checed: mercy, kindness, goodness, favor), and for His wonders (pala': wondrous and marvelous works; extraordinary; to show oneself wonderful or marvelous) to the sons of men ('adam: mankind)!”
SUMMARY
Let them praise and confess their thanks to the LORD for His mercy, kindness and favor, and for His wondrous and marvelous works to all of mankind.
MEDITATION
Praise be to God for He does not bestow upon us what we deserve! He is merciful, kind and good, in spite of mankind’s denial of Him. Even when we, His children, choose our own ways at times, He is patient and full of lovingkindness. Were it not so, not one man would have the opportunity to know Him intimately. So today, rejoice with me over His unending love and the marvelous works that He performs on our behalf.
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
“Let them give thanks (yadah: praise, laud, make confession) to the LORD for His lovingkindness (checed: mercy, kindness, goodness, favor), and for His wonders (pala': wondrous and marvelous works; extraordinary; to show oneself wonderful or marvelous) to the sons of men ('adam: mankind)!”
SUMMARY
Let them praise and confess their thanks to the LORD for His mercy, kindness and favor, and for His wondrous and marvelous works to all of mankind.
MEDITATION
Praise be to God for He does not bestow upon us what we deserve! He is merciful, kind and good, in spite of mankind’s denial of Him. Even when we, His children, choose our own ways at times, He is patient and full of lovingkindness. Were it not so, not one man would have the opportunity to know Him intimately. So today, rejoice with me over His unending love and the marvelous works that He performs on our behalf.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
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 wickedness of its own.
MEDITATION
Todays encouragement is simple - enjoy life today. Love your friends, family and spouse. Marvel over God's fabulous Creation. Sing a new song to the LORD. Watch a beautiful sunset. Enjoy today and praise God in every now moment that you encounter!
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 wickedness of its own.
MEDITATION
Todays encouragement is simple - enjoy life today. Love your friends, family and spouse. Marvel over God's fabulous Creation. Sing a new song to the LORD. Watch a beautiful sunset. Enjoy today and praise God in every now moment that you encounter!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Proverbs 3:5
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.” (NASB)
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
“Trust (batach: to have confidence, to be secure, to cause to trust, to feel safe) in the LORD with all your heart (leb: mind, understanding, wisdom, inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding, knowledge, thinking, reflection, conscience, seat of emotions and passions) and do not lean (sha`an: rely, rest, trust in, support) on your own understanding (biynah: wisdom, knowledge, discernment).”
SUMMARY
Be secure and have confidence in the Lord with all of your understanding, will and emotions. Do not rely on your own wisdom and knowledge.
MEDITATION
What is your security and confidence placed in today? What does your hope and rest rely on? Is it in your worldly accomplishments and endeavors or is it in your identity in Christ alone? If my identity is in myself and what I've done, it is not enough. Today, place your entire confidence in the Lord. Allow His wisdom and knowledge to guide you.
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
“Trust (batach: to have confidence, to be secure, to cause to trust, to feel safe) in the LORD with all your heart (leb: mind, understanding, wisdom, inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding, knowledge, thinking, reflection, conscience, seat of emotions and passions) and do not lean (sha`an: rely, rest, trust in, support) on your own understanding (biynah: wisdom, knowledge, discernment).”
SUMMARY
Be secure and have confidence in the Lord with all of your understanding, will and emotions. Do not rely on your own wisdom and knowledge.
MEDITATION
What is your security and confidence placed in today? What does your hope and rest rely on? Is it in your worldly accomplishments and endeavors or is it in your identity in Christ alone? If my identity is in myself and what I've done, it is not enough. Today, place your entire confidence in the Lord. Allow His wisdom and knowledge to guide you.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Galatians 5:16
"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh." (NASB)
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
"But I say, walk (peripateo: go, walk about, be occupied) by the Spirit, and you will not carry out (teleo: finish, fulfill, accomplish, pay, perform, execute, complete) the desire (epithumia: lust, craving, longing - for what is forbidden) of the flesh (sarx: carnally minded, the body; natural or physical origin)."
SUMMARY
I say to you, go forth and be occupied by the Spirit and you will not fulfill the longings and cravings of your natural man.
MEDITATION
Never does one fully realize the power of their flesh until they've fasted for a few days. What is empowering in the midst of it though is that the spirit that lives within this physical body needs no earthly food. In fact, it is thrust into much greater power when the flesh that houses it is denied its carnal advances. So, if I walk according to the Spirit of the LORD and am guided by Him alone, the desires of my flesh are given no room to navigate my life. I believe it should be our goal to daily remind our flesh who is the boss. Giving into every craving and so-called "need", albeit often overlooked, is living in constant subjection to the flesh. Today, live according to the spirit man within you that is created in God's image. Be moved and occupied by the Spirit of God in all things.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
John 15:4
“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.” (NASB)
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
“Abide (meno: remain, dwell, continue, tarry, endure) in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear (phero: bring forth, produce) fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in (en: denoting fixed position, a relation of rest; among, through, with) Me.”
SUMMARY
Dwell and remain in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot produce fruit of itself unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in a fixed position of resting in Me.
MEDITATION
What a simple yet profound verse this is. If the Body truly understood this spiritual principle, we wouldn’t have the millions of “ministries” that are so prevalent today. If any efforts originate in ourselves, for our own benefit or out of our own strength, they are nothing but hay and stubble. This is why true Kingdom fruit must originate in one’s resting and abiding in the LORD. A branch in the natural is worthless when disconnected from the vine. Likewise, a Believer is of no Kingdom use when disconnected from the LORD. I don’t care how hard one works or how new or fantastic it might seem. The branch is simply to be a fruit-producing extension of the Vine. It has no function or abilities out of its own will. Today, check your “connection”. Be assured that your every decision and motivation is rooted and resting in the One True Vine, Jesus The Christ.
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
“Abide (meno: remain, dwell, continue, tarry, endure) in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear (phero: bring forth, produce) fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in (en: denoting fixed position, a relation of rest; among, through, with) Me.”
SUMMARY
Dwell and remain in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot produce fruit of itself unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in a fixed position of resting in Me.
MEDITATION
What a simple yet profound verse this is. If the Body truly understood this spiritual principle, we wouldn’t have the millions of “ministries” that are so prevalent today. If any efforts originate in ourselves, for our own benefit or out of our own strength, they are nothing but hay and stubble. This is why true Kingdom fruit must originate in one’s resting and abiding in the LORD. A branch in the natural is worthless when disconnected from the vine. Likewise, a Believer is of no Kingdom use when disconnected from the LORD. I don’t care how hard one works or how new or fantastic it might seem. The branch is simply to be a fruit-producing extension of the Vine. It has no function or abilities out of its own will. Today, check your “connection”. Be assured that your every decision and motivation is rooted and resting in the One True Vine, Jesus The Christ.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
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
Truth. What a mysterious thing it is. There is what I define as truth, what you define as truth and what every other individual believes is truth. Thankfully, there is one absolute truth – God’s Truth. When one allows His Truth to guide and teach them, all other opinions and personal interests fade. Regarding the second part of this verse, we must learn to wait upon the LORD. We wait for seemingly everything else in life, yet we’re often unwilling to wait upon Him. We must see His Truth as our reality. We must wait to hear His voice before we make our next move. We must longlingly wait and expect to hear His voice! For you today, may it be as Moses stated, “LORD, I will only go forth if You go with me”.
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
Truth. What a mysterious thing it is. There is what I define as truth, what you define as truth and what every other individual believes is truth. Thankfully, there is one absolute truth – God’s Truth. When one allows His Truth to guide and teach them, all other opinions and personal interests fade. Regarding the second part of this verse, we must learn to wait upon the LORD. We wait for seemingly everything else in life, yet we’re often unwilling to wait upon Him. We must see His Truth as our reality. We must wait to hear His voice before we make our next move. We must longlingly wait and expect to hear His voice! For you today, may it be as Moses stated, “LORD, I will only go forth if You go with me”.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Deuteronomy 31:8
“The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you, He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (NASB)
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
“The LORD is the one who goes ahead (paniym: before and behind, face, presence, countenance) of you; He will be with you, He will not fail (raphah: feeble, weaken, idle, slack, faint, forsake, abandon) you or forsake (`azab: leave, fail, leave destitute, abandon, depart from) you. Do not fear (yare': afraid, terrible thing, dreadful, fearful, be terrified) or be dismayed (chathath: afraid, broken, affrighted, discouraged, shattered, beaten down).”
SUMMARY
The LORD is the one who is before and behind you; He will be with you, He will not become weak and abandon or depart from you. Do not be filled with dread and fearful or discouraged.
MEDITATION
Fear of flying. Fear of sickness and disease. Fear of failure. Fear of losing a loved one. Fear is surely a powerful foe that is lurking around every corner. Thankfully, this is not news to the LORD as the Word is riddled with Scriptures regarding our overcoming the realties of fear. I love the Hebrew word “paniym”. I discovered it several years ago and saw such a visual of God’s presence being literally all-encompassing me. Throughout my past, He was there. In this present moment, He is here. In all of my tomorrows, He is already there. Knowing this is a strong weapon to wield against fear, for I am not alone. In fact, I have the Lord of all Lords and King of all Kings right here with me through all things that will ever come against me. Today, place yourself within His holy paniym presence. He will never abandon you.
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
“The LORD is the one who goes ahead (paniym: before and behind, face, presence, countenance) of you; He will be with you, He will not fail (raphah: feeble, weaken, idle, slack, faint, forsake, abandon) you or forsake (`azab: leave, fail, leave destitute, abandon, depart from) you. Do not fear (yare': afraid, terrible thing, dreadful, fearful, be terrified) or be dismayed (chathath: afraid, broken, affrighted, discouraged, shattered, beaten down).”
SUMMARY
The LORD is the one who is before and behind you; He will be with you, He will not become weak and abandon or depart from you. Do not be filled with dread and fearful or discouraged.
MEDITATION
Fear of flying. Fear of sickness and disease. Fear of failure. Fear of losing a loved one. Fear is surely a powerful foe that is lurking around every corner. Thankfully, this is not news to the LORD as the Word is riddled with Scriptures regarding our overcoming the realties of fear. I love the Hebrew word “paniym”. I discovered it several years ago and saw such a visual of God’s presence being literally all-encompassing me. Throughout my past, He was there. In this present moment, He is here. In all of my tomorrows, He is already there. Knowing this is a strong weapon to wield against fear, for I am not alone. In fact, I have the Lord of all Lords and King of all Kings right here with me through all things that will ever come against me. Today, place yourself within His holy paniym presence. He will never abandon you.
Monday, February 16, 2009
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
I must confess, when I read this verse, I immediately see that I do not completely trust in the LORD. My mind is not completely established and upheld and I don’t walk 24/7 in perfect peace. In fact, at times I question things like healing and prosperity. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not interested in becoming a millionaire. However, sometimes my mouth has to tell my thoughts what is Truth. With that being said, it should be our goal to completely place our security and confidence in the LORD. He is faithful. He is sure. He alone is the Giver of perfect peace.
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
I must confess, when I read this verse, I immediately see that I do not completely trust in the LORD. My mind is not completely established and upheld and I don’t walk 24/7 in perfect peace. In fact, at times I question things like healing and prosperity. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not interested in becoming a millionaire. However, sometimes my mouth has to tell my thoughts what is Truth. With that being said, it should be our goal to completely place our security and confidence in the LORD. He is faithful. He is sure. He alone is the Giver of perfect peace.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Acts 13:12
“Then the (man) believed when he saw what had happened, being amazed at the teaching of the Lord.” (NASB)
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
“Then the (man) believed (pisteuo: committed unto, put in trust with, to think to be true, to be persuaded of, to credit, place confidence in) when he saw (eido: behold, look, perceive, notice, discern, discover) what had happened, being amazed (ekplesso: astonished, to strike with panic, shock) at the teaching (did ache: doctrine, that which is taught, instruction) of the Lord.”
SUMMARY
Then the man believed and was persuaded when he saw and perceived what had happened, because he was astonished and shocked at the teaching and instruction of the Lord.
MEDITATION
What was it that caused people to be amazed at the teachings of Jesus? Do you think Jesus had the hottest name brand clothes from the local market? Was it the light show and color coordinated worship team that warmed the crowd before He stepped behind a pulpit? Perhaps He had PowerPoint and movie clips at His disposal? I don’t think so. Jesus spoke of things that went right to the heart of people. His intent was not to just address their emotions and get them all excited. He didn’t just teach the Gospel, He was the Gospel. You and I, today, must be and do likewise. Let’s lay aside the bells and whistles and allow the Holy Spirit alone to power and fuel every word that we speak. The reality of the Word is enough - period.
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
“Then the (man) believed (pisteuo: committed unto, put in trust with, to think to be true, to be persuaded of, to credit, place confidence in) when he saw (eido: behold, look, perceive, notice, discern, discover) what had happened, being amazed (ekplesso: astonished, to strike with panic, shock) at the teaching (did ache: doctrine, that which is taught, instruction) of the Lord.”
SUMMARY
Then the man believed and was persuaded when he saw and perceived what had happened, because he was astonished and shocked at the teaching and instruction of the Lord.
MEDITATION
What was it that caused people to be amazed at the teachings of Jesus? Do you think Jesus had the hottest name brand clothes from the local market? Was it the light show and color coordinated worship team that warmed the crowd before He stepped behind a pulpit? Perhaps He had PowerPoint and movie clips at His disposal? I don’t think so. Jesus spoke of things that went right to the heart of people. His intent was not to just address their emotions and get them all excited. He didn’t just teach the Gospel, He was the Gospel. You and I, today, must be and do likewise. Let’s lay aside the bells and whistles and allow the Holy Spirit alone to power and fuel every word that we speak. The reality of the Word is enough - period.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Deuteronomy 6:5
“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” (NASB)
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
“You shall love ('ahab: friend, beloved, lovely, lover, lovely, have an appetite for) the LORD your God with all your heart (lebab: seat of emotions, understanding, inner man, mind, inner parts) and with all your soul (nephesh: life, person, mind, heart, body, will, desire) and with all your might (me`od: greatly, exceeding, force, abundance, to a great degree).”
SUMMARY
You shall have an appetite for your lover, the LORD your God, with all you emotions and inner parts, and with all your mind, soul and it’s desires and with all of your great abundance.
MEDITATION
On this Valentine’s Day that is set aside for couples to show their love for one another, a great parallel became quite obvious to me. Some may errantly see it as arrogance or misinterpret what I’m about to say as prideful, but that’s OK. Today is just another day in my wonderful marriage with my beautiful wife! How can I say such a thing? Because I love her daily! I continually strive to lavish my love on her. I don’t wait for some special occasion when I supposedly have to. Here is where the great parallel comes in. My “love life” with the LORD must be likewise. He is not looking for a one-night stand where I pop in and out to get to know Him or love Him out of obligation - this is not love. He desires me to cultivate an ongoing relationship that never misses a day or even a moment! Am I in need of growth in this relationship? Could I give even more and love Him more deeply? You’d better believe it – and in my marriage as well! But I rest in the fact that I am in love and I am loved. I daily see my marriage reflect the relationship that I have with my Husband, The Christ. Today, lavish your love on your spouse and on your LORD, but be sure that tomorrow (and every day after) is no different than today, for everyday, we “shall love”.
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
“You shall love ('ahab: friend, beloved, lovely, lover, lovely, have an appetite for) the LORD your God with all your heart (lebab: seat of emotions, understanding, inner man, mind, inner parts) and with all your soul (nephesh: life, person, mind, heart, body, will, desire) and with all your might (me`od: greatly, exceeding, force, abundance, to a great degree).”
SUMMARY
You shall have an appetite for your lover, the LORD your God, with all you emotions and inner parts, and with all your mind, soul and it’s desires and with all of your great abundance.
MEDITATION
On this Valentine’s Day that is set aside for couples to show their love for one another, a great parallel became quite obvious to me. Some may errantly see it as arrogance or misinterpret what I’m about to say as prideful, but that’s OK. Today is just another day in my wonderful marriage with my beautiful wife! How can I say such a thing? Because I love her daily! I continually strive to lavish my love on her. I don’t wait for some special occasion when I supposedly have to. Here is where the great parallel comes in. My “love life” with the LORD must be likewise. He is not looking for a one-night stand where I pop in and out to get to know Him or love Him out of obligation - this is not love. He desires me to cultivate an ongoing relationship that never misses a day or even a moment! Am I in need of growth in this relationship? Could I give even more and love Him more deeply? You’d better believe it – and in my marriage as well! But I rest in the fact that I am in love and I am loved. I daily see my marriage reflect the relationship that I have with my Husband, The Christ. Today, lavish your love on your spouse and on your LORD, but be sure that tomorrow (and every day after) is no different than today, for everyday, we “shall love”.
Friday, February 13, 2009
1 John 5:5
“Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” (NASB)
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
"Who is the one who overcomes (nikao: conquers, prevails, gets the victory, victorious over all His foes, holding fast faith even unto death against the power of foes, temptations and persecutions) the world (cosmos: constitution, order, government), but he who believes (pisteuo: commit to trust, be committed unto, to think to be true, to be persuaded of, place confidence in) that Jesus is the Son of God.”
SUMMARY
The one who is committed to and places his trust in Jesus Christ being the Son of God prevails and gets the victory over the powers of this world.
MEDITATION
In a world that is full of intimidating people and situations, overcomers must arise. How do we face trials? How do we face trying times? How do we approach people who seek to overcome us? We must be found with our confidence in the lordship of Jesus Christ. We live in world that lives in resistance to the government of God. We will either be overcomers or we will be overcome. There are only two possible results. Today, declare with your mouth that in Christ, victory is sure!
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
"Who is the one who overcomes (nikao: conquers, prevails, gets the victory, victorious over all His foes, holding fast faith even unto death against the power of foes, temptations and persecutions) the world (cosmos: constitution, order, government), but he who believes (pisteuo: commit to trust, be committed unto, to think to be true, to be persuaded of, place confidence in) that Jesus is the Son of God.”
SUMMARY
The one who is committed to and places his trust in Jesus Christ being the Son of God prevails and gets the victory over the powers of this world.
MEDITATION
In a world that is full of intimidating people and situations, overcomers must arise. How do we face trials? How do we face trying times? How do we approach people who seek to overcome us? We must be found with our confidence in the lordship of Jesus Christ. We live in world that lives in resistance to the government of God. We will either be overcomers or we will be overcome. There are only two possible results. Today, declare with your mouth that in Christ, victory is sure!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Luke 6:22
“Blessed are you when men hate you, and ostracize you, and insult you, and scorn your name as evil, for the sake of the Son of Man.” (NASB)
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
“Blessed (makarios: happy) are you when men hate (miseo: detest) you, and ostracize (aphorize: separate, divide, to exclude as disreputable, sever) you, and insult (oneidizo: reproach, revile) you, and scorn (ekballo: cast out, pull out, drive out with notion of violence, expel, banish, leave out) your name as evil (poneros: wicked, causing pain and trouble), for the sake (heneka or heneken: on account of, cause) of the Son of Man.”
SUMMARY
Happy and blessed are you when men detest you, and exclude you as disreputable, and revile you, and drive you away as one who is causing pain and trouble, on the account of the Son of Man.
MEDITATION
It’s important to know the context of this verse as it is not encouraging us to go out and look for trouble. It is however saying, for those who are being scorned and hated for the sake of Christ, that they should consider it as joy. How contradicting this is to what is often told to us, even from pulpits and many other Christian avenues. We are to be foreigners and aliens of this carnal world! I just can’t understand how such a beautifully offensive Gospel that demands you forsake everything could ever be deemed as “relevant”. It is it’s irrelevance that calls all men out of their fleshly desires and sets them free. It is it’s irrelevance that will be clearly seen as different! So today, may we all strive to lay aside pleasing men and seeking worldly recognition. When ostracizing, scorn and insults come, may we rejoice, for the Son, Jesus The Christ, has called us blessed!
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
“Blessed (makarios: happy) are you when men hate (miseo: detest) you, and ostracize (aphorize: separate, divide, to exclude as disreputable, sever) you, and insult (oneidizo: reproach, revile) you, and scorn (ekballo: cast out, pull out, drive out with notion of violence, expel, banish, leave out) your name as evil (poneros: wicked, causing pain and trouble), for the sake (heneka or heneken: on account of, cause) of the Son of Man.”
SUMMARY
Happy and blessed are you when men detest you, and exclude you as disreputable, and revile you, and drive you away as one who is causing pain and trouble, on the account of the Son of Man.
MEDITATION
It’s important to know the context of this verse as it is not encouraging us to go out and look for trouble. It is however saying, for those who are being scorned and hated for the sake of Christ, that they should consider it as joy. How contradicting this is to what is often told to us, even from pulpits and many other Christian avenues. We are to be foreigners and aliens of this carnal world! I just can’t understand how such a beautifully offensive Gospel that demands you forsake everything could ever be deemed as “relevant”. It is it’s irrelevance that calls all men out of their fleshly desires and sets them free. It is it’s irrelevance that will be clearly seen as different! So today, may we all strive to lay aside pleasing men and seeking worldly recognition. When ostracizing, scorn and insults come, may we rejoice, for the Son, Jesus The Christ, has called us blessed!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Genesis 1:16
“God made the two great lights, the greater light to govern the day, and the lesser light to govern the night; He made the stars also.” (NASB)
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
“God made (`asah: wrought, executed, prepared, performed, fashioned) the two great lights (ma'owr or ma'or: luminaries), the greater light to govern (memshalah: dominion, rule) the day, and the lesser light to govern the night; He made the stars also.”
SUMMARY
God fashioned the two great luminaries, the great one to rule the day and the lesser one to rule the night; He made the stars also.
MEDITATION
Quite often I’m enamored with the sky. I love the clouds, parhelion (look it up if you’re unfamiliar), the sun, moon and stars – I love it all. Many do not realize that our sky, the visible atmosphere immediately over our heads, is one of the biblically defined “heavens”. Do you ever just stop and praise God for His faithfulness throughout His Creation? Each and every day, without question or concern, the sun rises and sets. As it exits the sky, the moon begins its cycle right on schedule. Time and time again the Word references God’s greatness being seen in the heavens. I too will praise Him for His incredible Creation. Will you join with me today?
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
“God made (`asah: wrought, executed, prepared, performed, fashioned) the two great lights (ma'owr or ma'or: luminaries), the greater light to govern (memshalah: dominion, rule) the day, and the lesser light to govern the night; He made the stars also.”
SUMMARY
God fashioned the two great luminaries, the great one to rule the day and the lesser one to rule the night; He made the stars also.
MEDITATION
Quite often I’m enamored with the sky. I love the clouds, parhelion (look it up if you’re unfamiliar), the sun, moon and stars – I love it all. Many do not realize that our sky, the visible atmosphere immediately over our heads, is one of the biblically defined “heavens”. Do you ever just stop and praise God for His faithfulness throughout His Creation? Each and every day, without question or concern, the sun rises and sets. As it exits the sky, the moon begins its cycle right on schedule. Time and time again the Word references God’s greatness being seen in the heavens. I too will praise Him for His incredible Creation. Will you join with me today?
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Proverbs 10:24
“What the wicked fears will come upon him, but the desire of the righteous will be granted.” (NASB)
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
“What the wicked (rasha`: ungodly, guilty one, guilty of sin) fears (megowrah: terror) will come upon him, but the desire (ta'avah: wish, longings of one's heart, objects of desire) of the righteous (tsaddiyq: just, lawful) will be granted (nathan: given, delivered, set, up appointed, bestowed, to be put upon).”
SUMMARY
What the guilty and ungodly one fears will come upon him, but the longings of the lawful and just will be bestowed upon him.
MEDITATION
The key in this verse is the distinguishing attributes of each man. One is in defiance of God’s laws, in need of vindication and is found fearful. The other is just, keeping the laws of God and his desires are granted. Interestingly, they both get what their hearts are set on. So my question for you is this – are you a confident son or daughter of God that lives righteous before God and men or are you a fearful worrier that is enamored with what horrible thing might await you around each corner? The Body of Christ is to be teeming with overcomers! It is time for those who are in Christ to rise up and see their victory! Today, long for His Kingdom to be released on earth as it is in Heaven, through you! Your future is in your hands.
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
“What the wicked (rasha`: ungodly, guilty one, guilty of sin) fears (megowrah: terror) will come upon him, but the desire (ta'avah: wish, longings of one's heart, objects of desire) of the righteous (tsaddiyq: just, lawful) will be granted (nathan: given, delivered, set, up appointed, bestowed, to be put upon).”
SUMMARY
What the guilty and ungodly one fears will come upon him, but the longings of the lawful and just will be bestowed upon him.
MEDITATION
The key in this verse is the distinguishing attributes of each man. One is in defiance of God’s laws, in need of vindication and is found fearful. The other is just, keeping the laws of God and his desires are granted. Interestingly, they both get what their hearts are set on. So my question for you is this – are you a confident son or daughter of God that lives righteous before God and men or are you a fearful worrier that is enamored with what horrible thing might await you around each corner? The Body of Christ is to be teeming with overcomers! It is time for those who are in Christ to rise up and see their victory! Today, long for His Kingdom to be released on earth as it is in Heaven, through you! Your future is in your hands.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Psalm 34:8
“O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!” (NASB)
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
“O taste (ta`am: eat, perceive) and see (ra'ah: behold, consider, perceive, enjoy, inspect, give attention to, observe) that the LORD is good (towb: better, well, precious, beautiful, pleasant); How blessed ('esher: happy) is the man who takes refuge (chacah: to trust, have hope in, flee to for protection, confide) in Him!”
SUMMARY
O taste of, perceive and observe that the LORD is precious and beautiful; How truly happy is the man who places his hope and takes refuge in Him!
MEDITATION
Are you truly blessed in all things? Does your happiness have conditions based upon your circumstances? David understood what it meant to run to the LORD in all circumstances, for within this place he knew that he was secure. God has not changed and neither have mankind’s circumstances. Today, we are still in need of a Solace and One to confide in at all times. True happiness, godly joy, cannot be shaken or altered when one has tasted and seen of the goodness of the LORD. Today, be sure to have your hope in Him alone, for He is beautiful, precious and good - now and forevermore.
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
“O taste (ta`am: eat, perceive) and see (ra'ah: behold, consider, perceive, enjoy, inspect, give attention to, observe) that the LORD is good (towb: better, well, precious, beautiful, pleasant); How blessed ('esher: happy) is the man who takes refuge (chacah: to trust, have hope in, flee to for protection, confide) in Him!”
SUMMARY
O taste of, perceive and observe that the LORD is precious and beautiful; How truly happy is the man who places his hope and takes refuge in Him!
MEDITATION
Are you truly blessed in all things? Does your happiness have conditions based upon your circumstances? David understood what it meant to run to the LORD in all circumstances, for within this place he knew that he was secure. God has not changed and neither have mankind’s circumstances. Today, we are still in need of a Solace and One to confide in at all times. True happiness, godly joy, cannot be shaken or altered when one has tasted and seen of the goodness of the LORD. Today, be sure to have your hope in Him alone, for He is beautiful, precious and good - now and forevermore.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Isaiah 40:8
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.”
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
“The grass withers (yabesh: dries up, withers away), the flower fades (nabel: wears away, withers, disgrace, dishonor, falls down, droops), but the word (dabar: matters, acts, chronicles, sayings, commandments, utterances) of our God stands (quwm: arises, raised, established, sure, accomplishes, raised up) forever (`owlam or `olam: everlasting, old, perpetual, evermore, ancient, always, futurity, indefinite and unending).”
SUMMARY
The grass dries up and withers away, the flower droops and falls, but the word of our God arises and is established forevermore, without end.
MEDITATION
Here we see a short parallel of that which is passing away and that which is eternal. This is yet another reason we must be found studying the Word of God. Unlike all else that is around us that is fleeting, the utterances of our God stand forever! Here we see why the Word is living and active. Within God’s chronicles reside life giving words! Today, make spending time getting to know His words a priority. I have experienced first-hand how it can change one’s entire life!
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
“The grass withers (yabesh: dries up, withers away), the flower fades (nabel: wears away, withers, disgrace, dishonor, falls down, droops), but the word (dabar: matters, acts, chronicles, sayings, commandments, utterances) of our God stands (quwm: arises, raised, established, sure, accomplishes, raised up) forever (`owlam or `olam: everlasting, old, perpetual, evermore, ancient, always, futurity, indefinite and unending).”
SUMMARY
The grass dries up and withers away, the flower droops and falls, but the word of our God arises and is established forevermore, without end.
MEDITATION
Here we see a short parallel of that which is passing away and that which is eternal. This is yet another reason we must be found studying the Word of God. Unlike all else that is around us that is fleeting, the utterances of our God stand forever! Here we see why the Word is living and active. Within God’s chronicles reside life giving words! Today, make spending time getting to know His words a priority. I have experienced first-hand how it can change one’s entire life!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Luke 5:11
“When they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed [Jesus].” (NASB)
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
“When they had brought their boats to land, they left (aphiemi: forsake, let alone, depart, yield up, to let go, remit, to give up, keep no longer, abandon) everything and followed (akoloutheo: follow one who precedes, join one as his attendant, side with, accompany) [Jesus].”
SUMMARY
When they had brought their boats to land, they gave up and abandoned everything and accompanied [Jesus].
MEDITATION
When the would-be disciples were addressed by Jesus, they willingly left everything and followed Him. We see no coercing, begging or pleading as He simply said, “Follow Me”. How could one ever leave their entire livelihood behind and follow a man they likely did not even know, in the midst of going about their daily routine? They encountered Someone that could be likened to no one else they had ever met! Jesus was no ordinary man and they knew this from the very beginning. I ask you, have you had a personal encounter with Jesus? Have you come face to face with Him and willingly laid down everything that you cling to in order to follow Him? It is not a burden, it is a privilege to know the LORD and to be known by Him. How great it is to be called and chosen by the LORD Himself!
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
“When they had brought their boats to land, they left (aphiemi: forsake, let alone, depart, yield up, to let go, remit, to give up, keep no longer, abandon) everything and followed (akoloutheo: follow one who precedes, join one as his attendant, side with, accompany) [Jesus].”
SUMMARY
When they had brought their boats to land, they gave up and abandoned everything and accompanied [Jesus].
MEDITATION
When the would-be disciples were addressed by Jesus, they willingly left everything and followed Him. We see no coercing, begging or pleading as He simply said, “Follow Me”. How could one ever leave their entire livelihood behind and follow a man they likely did not even know, in the midst of going about their daily routine? They encountered Someone that could be likened to no one else they had ever met! Jesus was no ordinary man and they knew this from the very beginning. I ask you, have you had a personal encounter with Jesus? Have you come face to face with Him and willingly laid down everything that you cling to in order to follow Him? It is not a burden, it is a privilege to know the LORD and to be known by Him. How great it is to be called and chosen by the LORD Himself!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Song of Solomon 2:4
“He has brought me to his banquet hall, and his banner over me is love.” (NASB)
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
“He has brought me to his banquet hall (bayith: house, home, within, temple, family, dwelling, habitation), and his banner (dagal or nec: standard, sign, signal) over me is love ('ahabah: between man and woman, sexual desire, God's passionate love for His people).”
SUMMARY
He has brought me into his habitation to dwell with him, and his banner over me is passionate love.
MEDITATION
If you know anything about Song of Solomon, you know what is taking place here. Passion is alive and these lovers are delighting in their overwhelming love for one another. This whole book is teeming with metaphors of the Bride of Christ and Her Husband. I pose this question to you, have you been intimate with the LORD? The Bible speaks clearly about how our love for Him is to be compared to passionate, even sexual love. Although you will hear little of this, study Hebrew and Greek origins and you will be quickly enlightened. As absurd as it is to comprehend a marriage in the natural that is completely lacking personal intimacy, how much more so is it incomprehensible for your relationship with the LORD to be void of it also? Today, become intimately acquainted with the One who has invited you into His dwelling. Without it, one has only scratched the surface (holding hands, if you will).
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
“He has brought me to his banquet hall (bayith: house, home, within, temple, family, dwelling, habitation), and his banner (dagal or nec: standard, sign, signal) over me is love ('ahabah: between man and woman, sexual desire, God's passionate love for His people).”
SUMMARY
He has brought me into his habitation to dwell with him, and his banner over me is passionate love.
MEDITATION
If you know anything about Song of Solomon, you know what is taking place here. Passion is alive and these lovers are delighting in their overwhelming love for one another. This whole book is teeming with metaphors of the Bride of Christ and Her Husband. I pose this question to you, have you been intimate with the LORD? The Bible speaks clearly about how our love for Him is to be compared to passionate, even sexual love. Although you will hear little of this, study Hebrew and Greek origins and you will be quickly enlightened. As absurd as it is to comprehend a marriage in the natural that is completely lacking personal intimacy, how much more so is it incomprehensible for your relationship with the LORD to be void of it also? Today, become intimately acquainted with the One who has invited you into His dwelling. Without it, one has only scratched the surface (holding hands, if you will).
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
1 Corinthians 4:1
“Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.” (NASB)
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
“Let a man regard (logizomai: reckoned, counted, to number among, reckon with, deem) us in this manner, as servants (huperetes: minister, attendant) of Christ and stewards (oikonomos: governor, manager, superintendent, overseer) of the mysteries (musterion: hidden things, secrets, not obvious to the understanding) of God.”
SUMMARY
Let a man see us in this manner, as ministers and servants of Christ and overseers of the hidden secrets of God.
MEDITATION
You do realize that if you are a biblically defined, born from above Believer in Jesus Christ, you are a steward of the mysteries of God Himself, right? I ask you today, what are you doing with His mysteries? Are you studying His Word and uncovering His hidden truths? Are you moment by moment walking in intimacy with Him, learning more and more of His innumerable facets? He chooses to reveal His mysteries to His children, if they will seek them out. It is time to fulfill our role and dig deep into all that He is! Today, may we, His representatives be deemed as ministers of Christ and good stewards of God’s great mysteries!
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
“Let a man regard (logizomai: reckoned, counted, to number among, reckon with, deem) us in this manner, as servants (huperetes: minister, attendant) of Christ and stewards (oikonomos: governor, manager, superintendent, overseer) of the mysteries (musterion: hidden things, secrets, not obvious to the understanding) of God.”
SUMMARY
Let a man see us in this manner, as ministers and servants of Christ and overseers of the hidden secrets of God.
MEDITATION
You do realize that if you are a biblically defined, born from above Believer in Jesus Christ, you are a steward of the mysteries of God Himself, right? I ask you today, what are you doing with His mysteries? Are you studying His Word and uncovering His hidden truths? Are you moment by moment walking in intimacy with Him, learning more and more of His innumerable facets? He chooses to reveal His mysteries to His children, if they will seek them out. It is time to fulfill our role and dig deep into all that He is! Today, may we, His representatives be deemed as ministers of Christ and good stewards of God’s great mysteries!
Monday, February 2, 2009
Isaiah 5:13a
“Therefore My people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge.” (KJV)
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
“Therefore My people are gone into captivity (galah: carried away, revealed, removed, departed, led into exile, laid bare), because they have no knowledge (da`ath: cunning, unwittingly, ignorantly, unawares, perception, discernment, understanding, wisdom).”
SUMMARY
Therefore My people are laid bare and carried away, ignorant, because they have no understanding or discernment.
MEDITATION
As I look about the Body of Christ, it greatly concerns me the level of spiritual ignorance that abounds. People seem completely oblivious to the spiritual matters that are at hand, in this world as a whole and in their personal lives. I believe it primarily stems from not knowing who they are in Christ and what their responsibilities and rights are because of this reality. Also, I can count on one hand the Christians that I know that truly study the Word of God on their own. Many are being led away into captivity because they have no discernment or understanding of what is actually taking place. Today, may we, the Ambassadors for Christ be found awake and alert, full of knowledge that only the LORD can give. We must see, with unveiled eyes, the realities of the Kingdom.
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
“Therefore My people are gone into captivity (galah: carried away, revealed, removed, departed, led into exile, laid bare), because they have no knowledge (da`ath: cunning, unwittingly, ignorantly, unawares, perception, discernment, understanding, wisdom).”
SUMMARY
Therefore My people are laid bare and carried away, ignorant, because they have no understanding or discernment.
MEDITATION
As I look about the Body of Christ, it greatly concerns me the level of spiritual ignorance that abounds. People seem completely oblivious to the spiritual matters that are at hand, in this world as a whole and in their personal lives. I believe it primarily stems from not knowing who they are in Christ and what their responsibilities and rights are because of this reality. Also, I can count on one hand the Christians that I know that truly study the Word of God on their own. Many are being led away into captivity because they have no discernment or understanding of what is actually taking place. Today, may we, the Ambassadors for Christ be found awake and alert, full of knowledge that only the LORD can give. We must see, with unveiled eyes, the realities of the Kingdom.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Psalm 96:1
“Sing to the LORD a new song; Sing to the LORD, all the earth.” (NASB)
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
“Sing to the LORD a new (chadash: new thing, fresh) song; Sing to the LORD, all the earth.”
SUMMARY
Sing to the LORD a song that is fresh and new! Sing to the LORD, all the earth!
MEDITATION
Have you ever sung a song to the LORD that He has never heard before? Sure there are plenty of popular "praise and worship” songs out there. Many we know so well we could recite them while we simultaneously make our grocery list. This my friend, is not worship as the Father desires. Worship flows from your innermost being. Worship is a spirit matter, therefore loses its power when it’s reduced to a formula and recitation. Imagine the LORD seated on His throne, the heart-felt praises of His people rising up to meet Him! I encourage you today to allow the Holy Spirit to be your Guide. Sing a song unto the LORD that no tongue has ever uttered before! Sing to the LORD a new song!
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
“Sing to the LORD a new (chadash: new thing, fresh) song; Sing to the LORD, all the earth.”
SUMMARY
Sing to the LORD a song that is fresh and new! Sing to the LORD, all the earth!
MEDITATION
Have you ever sung a song to the LORD that He has never heard before? Sure there are plenty of popular "praise and worship” songs out there. Many we know so well we could recite them while we simultaneously make our grocery list. This my friend, is not worship as the Father desires. Worship flows from your innermost being. Worship is a spirit matter, therefore loses its power when it’s reduced to a formula and recitation. Imagine the LORD seated on His throne, the heart-felt praises of His people rising up to meet Him! I encourage you today to allow the Holy Spirit to be your Guide. Sing a song unto the LORD that no tongue has ever uttered before! Sing to the LORD a new song!
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