Numbers 11:4-6

“The rabble who were among them had greedy desires; and also the sons of Israel wept again and said, ‘Who will give us meat to eat? We remember the fish which we used to eat free in Egypt, the cucumbers and the melons and the leeks and the onions and the garlic, but now our appetite is gone. There is nothing at all to look at except this manna.’” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“The rabble ('acpecuph: mixed multitude, collection of people) who were among them had greedy desires ('avah: lusts, longings, cravings); and also the sons of Israel wept again and said, ‘Who will give us meat to eat? We remember (zakar: mindful, think on, bring to remembrance, call to mind) the fish which we used to eat free in Egypt, the cucumbers and the melons and the leeks and the onions and the garlic, but now our appetite is gone. There is nothing at all to look at except this manna.’”

SUMMARY

The collection of people who were among them had greedy lusts and cravings; and also the sons of Israel wept again and said, “Who will give us meat to eat? We choose to call to mind the fish which we used to eat free in Egypt, the cucumbers and the melons and the leeks and the onions and the garlic, but now our appetite is gone. There is nothing at all to look at except this manna.”

MEDITATION

I find it interesting that despite all that the Israelites saw the LORD do on their behalf, in this instance they chose to call to mind the cravings of their fleshly bodies. And who can blame them, right? They were growing weary of eating the same old manna as the days previous. The key here is that within these moments that we too have in common with these men and women, we choose to put on the mind of Christ. We must literally, “change” our mind. Today, choose to reflect on what the LORD has done on your behalf. Declare the awesome works of His hands and see how He’s caring for you…. even if it comes in the form of something you’re just, well, tired of “eating”.

Revelation 1:10

“I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like the sound of a trumpet.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard (akouo: hearken, give audience, hearer, not deaf, to attend to, consider what is or has been said, understand, perceive, comprehend) behind me a loud voice (phone [fo-nay']: sound, speech, tongue, a disclosure) like the sound of a trumpet.”

SUMMARY

I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard and perceived behind me a loud voice disclosing things to me as the sound of a trumpet.

MEDITATION

When was the last time you were “in the spirit”? (I’ll pause and let you think about it.) OK. As Believers of this same Gospel as John the Revelator and fellow followers of Christ should we too not be found “in the spirit” on regular occasion? Sadly, flesh-fueled Christianity abounds in every corner of this modern day. Perhaps it’s safe to say that it always has. Most circles even go as far as viewing clearly biblical “spiritual activity” as inappropriate and shameful. For the Body of Christ to have any hope in this hour, we must individually hear what the Spirit is saying and move accordingly. Today, unplug from the sensory overload of the flesh. Exercise your spirit man. Who knows, you too may just hear a voice like the sound of a trumpet.

James 5:8

“You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“You too be patient (makrothumeo: endure, not to lose heart, persevere patiently and bravely; to be longsuffering, slow to anger, slow to punish); strengthen (sterizo: establish, make stable, make firm) your hearts (kardia: the center and seat of spiritual life; seat of the thoughts, passions, desires, appetites, affections, purposes, endeavors), for the coming (parousia: arrival, advent; the future visible return from heaven of Jesus, to raise the dead, hold the last judgment, and set up formally and gloriously the kingdom of God) of the Lord is at hand (eggizo: draw nigh, be at hand, come near, approaching).”

SUMMARY

Don’t lose heart! Patiently persevere and establish your purpose and motivations for the visible return of Jesus Christ is fast approaching!

MEDITATION

Are you established in your motivations and purposes? Are you standing firm, unshakable no matter what comes? The day of the LORD is at hand. One does not train and prepare to avoid something but instead to face it head on. Be ready not to escape but to endure my friends for he that endures will be saved.

Philippians 4:4

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“Rejoice (chairo: be glad, joy, hail, greeting, rejoice exceedingly, to be well, thrive) in the Lord always (pantote: ever, evermore, at all times); again I will say, rejoice!”

SUMMARY

Rejoice exceedingly and be glad in the LORD at all times, forevermore; again I will say rejoice exceedingly!

MEDITATION

Isn’t it easy to be glad and joyful when you get that new promotion? Or how about when you receive a great gift from someone? We could all think of dozens of scenarios that would bring us to rejoicing. But what about when unwanted situations come our way? What about when a loved one dies unexpectedly, your car breaks down when you’re out of state or you just found out that you son was expelled from school? Life is full of ups and downs, wouldn’t you say? I’ve learned over the years (and perhaps am still learning) that rejoicing over the greatness of my Father and this awesome life that He’s given me, even in the midst of tough times, is a powerful force. You see, we’re programmed to think that victory is only attained when things turn out exactly how we think they should. This however is simply not the case. Victory is found buried within my response to the circumstances that come my way. Today, rejoice in the LORD… always.

Romans 8:5

“For they who are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh, but those who are after the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.” (KJV)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“For they who are after the flesh (sarx: carnally minded, sensuous nature of man with cravings which incite to sin, earthly nature of man apart from divine influence prone to sin and to be opposed to God) do mind (phroneo: think on, like minded with, agreed together, harmonious, sided with) the things of the flesh, but those who are after the Spirit (pneuma: Holy Ghost, Spirit of God Spirit of the Lord, the third Being of the trinity, Holy Spirit), the things of the Spirit.”

SUMMARY

For those who are living according to the flesh, that is the sensuous, earthly nature of man that is opposed to God and prone to sin, are sided and harmonious with this the things of this flesh. However, those who are living according to the Holy Spirit, are like-minded with and agreed together with the Holy Spirit.

MEDITATION

Man, although quite complex does have some simplicities that define him. All men will follow after something. In this verse, Paul states that the man with his mind set on gratifying the desires of his flesh will do just that. Another man, with his affections set on the Holy Spirit will be intertwined with the Spirit – unified in thought and action. As I stated, although this is a simple concept, our entire lives are defined by which “side” we choose to stand with. Today, examine where your thoughts and affections reside. We’re all partnered with something and who or what that is, without question, determines the path that we walk down in life. Today, would you choose to join yourself with the Holy Spirit? Would you hear and heed His voice today?

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

This week I did some work for a blind man. As I had several conversations with him, I got to thinking about how high his level of trust has to be, at all times. He knows where certain things are in his surroundings but if he were to be taken out of this environment, he’d really have a rough time. He had to trust that I did that job that he paid me to do. He even trusted me to write out his check for the amount that I quoted him. While I was saddened to see how limiting his impairment is, I was inspired as I saw a clear example of trust. The problem is, we too often see ourselves as completely self-sufficient. Today, may we be as this man, spiritually speaking – reliant upon the Father to lead us, to guide us, to completely care for us. May our every move and plan be leaning upon Him alone.

Nehemiah 8:10b

“The joy of the LORD is your strength.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“The joy (chedvah: rejoicing, gladness) of the LORD is your strength (ma`owz: fortress, rock, place of safety, protection, refuge, stronghold).”

SUMMARY

The joy and gladness of the LORD is your rock and fortress, your place of safety and strength.

MEDITATION

As I’ve said before, I think this verse summarizes quite accurately why the Body of Christ often seems so lethargic, tired and puny. If the joy of the LORD is our strength, then one can also assume that one who lacks the joy of the LORD also lacks strength. The strength that the LORD gives is not an earthly one rooted in physical or mental toughness, it is however, as we see in this verse, a supernatural dwelling place. Today, take a good hard look at your inner man, won’t you? Are the duties and obligations of your day fueled by dwelling in this refuge of strength that is the joy and gladness of the LORD?

Hebrews 10:35

“Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“Therefore, do not throw away (apoballo: cast away, throw off) your confidence (parrhesia: boldness, freedom in speaking, unreservedness, without concealment, free and fearless, cheerful courage, assurance), which has a great reward (misthapodosia: payment, recompence).”

SUMMARY

Don’t throw away your boldness, cheerful courage and assurance that has a great reward.

MEDITATION

Lately I’ve seemingly heard of so many people throwing in the towel to return to their old ways. Some simply misunderstood that embarking into a new life with Christ doesn’t magically produce a life free from trials and pains. Others have just become distracted by the flesh and their own will. Whatever the case may be, we must stay alert and aware as we go throughout our days. We must be careful that we don’t entertain the thoughts to throw away our confidence and assurance. Today, take captive your thoughts and remain vigilant for the enemy desires to steal your reward.

1 John 4:8

“The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“The one who does not love (agapao: beloved, to welcome, to love dearly) does not know (ginosko: perceive, understand, intimately acquainted with) God, for God is love (agape: love, charity, brotherly love, affection, benevolence).”

SUMMARY

The one who doesn’t love dearly doesn’t know or understand and has not become intimately acquainted with God, for He is perfect love, affection and charity.

MEDITATION

A recently released poll of Americans informed us of who is the “most-hated person” in this frame of time in which we now live. Sadly, I see this mentality swirling about within the Body of Christ as She far too often shares the same views as the world. Few things bring me such despairing thoughts as hearing professing-Christians say how much they “hate” someone. Whether it’s a specific people group, a particular person who committed a horrible crime or whatever the case may be. The love of Christ has been lavished on me without measure and it alone compels me to love. There are no exclusions or people too “bad” to be deserving of this great love of my Father. None is more wretched or less deserving than I. I’m fully convinced, in light of Scripture, that those who feel compelled to boldly inform us whom they (and God of course) hate, have yet to experience the awesome, grace-fueled love of the Father. I challenge all today who consider themselves to know God, to address their “hatred” of any other and their casting of judgment upon those they see as lesser or more deserving of God’s wrath. God’s perfect love invites and accepts all – period. In Christ alone resides the hope of all of mankind.

1 Corinthians 10:13

“Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do (poieo: make, bring forth, commit, cause, work, show, fulfill, perform), do all to the glory (doxa: glorious, honor, praise, dignity, worship) of God.”

SUMMARY

Whatever you do, do absolutely everything in praise, honor and worship of the one true God!

MEDITATION

How's this for a simple challenge to daily walk in? Today, whatever you put your hands to, no matter how trivial or life-altering it may be, be found in glorious worship and praise of the Father.

1 Peter 4:8

“Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“Above (pro: before) all, keep fervent (ektenes: without ceasing, earnestly) in your love (agape: charity, dear, affection, benevolence) for one another, because love covers (kalupto: hides, hinders the knowledge of a thing, veils) a multitude (plethos: company, great number) of sins.”

SUMMARY

Above and before all, keep fervent in your love and affection for one another, without ceasing because this great love hides and veils a great number of sins.

MEDITATION

Above ALL things – did you hear that? Above your striving to have great church attendance, above your tithes and offerings, above your attempts to make a quiet time with God… a great number of sins will be covered if we stay determined to love one another, above ALL things. Please keep in mind that this is not love as most know it to be. The agape of the Scriptures is the perfect, unselfish and unconditional love that only the Father can lead us to. It’s not self-motivated and always seeks to give without any thought of something in return. This love alone is what will lead the Body to a new identity of freedom from the power of sin. Today, examine what kind of love you’re walking in, and above all else, earnestly seek to dwell in this place of unconditional affection that you have been shown by the Father.

John 14:1

“Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“Do not let your heart (kardia: the seat of physical life and center of all physical and spiritual life, soul or mind, the seat of the thoughts, passions, desires, appetites, affections, purposes) be troubled (tarasso: agitated, to cause one inward commotion, take away calmness of mind, disturbed and restless, rendered anxious); believe (pisteuo: commit unto, put in trust with, be persuaded of, place confidence) in God, believe also in Me.”

SUMMARY

Don’t let your innermost being, where your passions, affections and purpose reside, be disturbed or rendered anxious; commit unto and place your confidence in God, and believe also in Me.

MEDITATION

Keeping with the theme of the heart, I thought this verse would be fitting. I don’t think many would argue the fact that there are many troubled people in the world today. When you look at the definitions of this word biblically, it’s absolutely not limited to those outside of Christianity. Honestly, some of the most troubled people I know are professing Christians. We, who claim to be ruled by the Prince of Peace are often the most stressed, anxious and agitated ones. I know this verse is located within a much greater context but perhaps we can allow it to stand alone today. Literally place your entire being in God’s care, entrusted to Him in absolute confidence. There alone will you find rest.

Proverbs 3:3

“Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“Do not let kindness (checed: mercy, lovingkindness, goodness) and truth ('emeth: stability, continuance, faithfulness, reliableness of testimony, of judgment and of divine instruction) leave (`azab: forsake, depart from) you; bind (qashar: conspire, league together, tie) them around your neck, write (kathab: record, inscribe, engrave) them on the tablet of your heart (leb: mind, understanding, inner man, will, moral character, conscience, seat of emotions and passions).”

SUMMARY

Don’t let kindness, mercy, goodness, truth, faithfulness and reliableness of divine instruction depart from you. Time them tightly around you neck, engrave them on the tablet of your inner man, where the seat of your emotions, character and passions reside.

MEDITATION

The Scriptures speak a lot about the heart of a man. I think, perhaps, we see the heart as some nebulous inner place that’s quite mysterious. The NT often refers to the heart as “cardia” – an innermost place where all that we are is confined- a place where the actions of a man originate. Oddly though, it is often directly related to the thoughts and mindsets of man. With this in mind, we can better understand that joining ourselves with the biblical definition of kindness and truth enables us to be a student of Wisdom (as Proverbs instructs us). Today, visualize the tablets, or panels if you will, of your heart. What is written upon them? What moves you? What guides your every decision and thought pattern? What is the origin of your life’s motivation? Today, may we be found clinging ever so tightly to these things of Proverbs 3:3. Let Wisdom guide you.

Ephesians 2:4-6

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“But God, being rich in mercy (eleos: kindness or good will towards the miserable and the afflicted), because of His great love (agape: charity, affection, benevolence) with which He loved us, even when we were dead (nekros: breathed his last, departed, destitute of life, inanimate, inactive, inoperative, lifeless) in our transgressions (paraptoma: trespass, offence, sin, fault), made us alive together with (suzoopoieo: quicken together) with Christ [by grace (charis: that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness, loving-kindness) you have been saved (sozo: made whole, healed, kept safe and sound, rescued, preserved)], and raised (sunegeiro: from mortal death to a new and blessed life dedicated to God) us up with Him, and seated us (sugkathizo: placed together) with Him in the heavenly places (epouranios: celestial, high, heavenly regions, the abode of God and angels, the heavenly temple or sanctuary) in Christ Jesus.”

SUMMARY

But God, being rich in kindness towards us, the miserable and afflicted ones - because of His great affection and love for us - even when we were completely lifeless in our sin and offence, made us alive together with Christ (by His grace that reveals within us joy, delight and loving-kindness, you have been rescued, preserved and made whole.) You have also been raised from death to a new life unto God, in Christ Jesus, and seated together with Him in the heavenly sanctuary where God and angels dwell.

MEDITATION

From my childhood when I was dragged to church services to my stint on church staff to the present day free from the attendance of traditional services (and all of the days in between) it was (and is) quite commonplace to hear Christians speak of “calling God down” to join us wherever we are. Some shout, some clamor, some believe that perhaps the more raucous we make, the more likely He is to “show up”. But what if we have it all backwards? When Christ (the Second Adam) came, He restored intimacy with the Father and tore the veil that shrouded the most holy place (literally and spiritually). Mankind from henceforth would nevermore have to stand outside of the temple and have another go in (up) on his behalf. Christ’s death and resurrection invited all to enter into the priesthood and dwell with the Almighty.

Sadly, this simple truth is not made clear to the majority. With this mindset intact, we’re led to believe that we must somehow beckon God to “descend” to receive our lowly worship, praise and adoration. My friends, God Himself sees those whose identity is found in Christ as worthy to enter into His gates and come to His throne with boldness! Today, ponder on this great mystery won’t you? The Most High God, the uncreated Creator invites you to go up! Move out of the physical limitations and boundaries of the natural realm that restrict and confine you! You are a spiritual being created in His awesome image! Explore things of the spirit as our spiritual forefathers who have gone before us have. We whose lives are in Christ are seated NOW beside Him in heavenly places. It’s time we start acting like it. We’ve settled for earthen lives for far too long.