#John 13:1-38 KJV

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

The Pharisees and Sadducees Demand Signs

1 The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.

2 He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.

3 And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?

4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.

5 And when his disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread.

6 Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

7 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread.

8 Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?

9 Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?

10 Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?

11 How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees?

12 Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?

14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.

15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?

16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

20 Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.

21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.

23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

28 Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom. — Matthew 16 | King James Version (KJV) The King James Version Bible is in the public domain Cross References: Job 34:11; Psalm 42:2; Psalm 49:8; Psalm 129:2; Proverbs 26:5; isaiah 22:22; Isaiah 57:3; Jeremiah 1:1; Matthew 1:16; Matthew 3:7; Matthew 4:10; Matthew 5:20; Matthew 6:30; Matthew 8:20; Matthew 10:38-39; Matthew 12:40; Matthew 14:17; Matthew 14:20; Matthew 21:25; Mark 8:15; Luke 9:18; Luke 12:54; Luke 12:56; John 1:42; John 12;25; Revelation 3:7

Some Standing Here Will Not Taste Death

Key Events in Matthew 16

1. The Pharisees require a sign. 5. Jesus warns his disciples of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. 13. The people's opinion of Jesus, 16. and Peter's confession of him. 21. Jesus foretells his death; 23. reproves Peter for dissuading him from it; 24. and admonishes those who will follow him, to bear the cross.

[bills-bible-basics]

STAND WITH GOD NO MATTER WHAT -- KJV (King James Version) Bible Verse List Visit https://www.billkochman.com/VerseLists/ to see more. "Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men." Acts 5:29, KJV "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31, KJV "So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." Hebrews 13:6, KJV "Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him." John 6:60-66, KJV "Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." Mark 8:38, KJV "And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah? And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away." 1 Kings 19:10-14, KJV "And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few." 1 Samuel 14:6, KJV "Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts." Zechariah 4:6, KJV If you would like more info regarding the origin of these KJV Bible verse lists, go to https://www.billkochman.com/VerseLists/. Thank-you! https://www.billkochman.com/Blog/index.php/stand-with-god-no-matter-what-kjv-king-james-version-bible-verse-list/?feed_id=115052&STAND%20WITH%20GOD%20NO%20MATTER%20WHAT%20--%20KJV%20%28King%20James%20Version%29%20Bible%20Verse%20List

[gatekeeper-watchman]

Daily Devotionals for December 15, 2023

 Proverbs: God's Wisdom for the Day Devotional Scripture:

Proverbs 30:20-23 (KJV): 20 Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness. 21 For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four which it cannot bear: 22 For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat; 23 For an odious woman when she is married; and a handmaid that is heir to her mistress. Proverbs 30:20-23 (AMP): 20 This is the way of an adulterous woman: she eats and wipes her mouth and says, I have done no wickedness. 21 Under three things the earth is disquieted, and under four it cannot bear up: 22 Under a servant when he reigns, a (empty-headed) fool when he is filled with food, 23 An unloved and repugnant woman when she is married, and a maidservant when she supplants her mistress.

Thought for the Day

Verses 20-23 - These verses describe an array of people who are types of rebellious sinners who cause trouble for others.

An Adulterous Woman: This woman simply does what she does, in the same way a person would eat a meal and wipe his mouth after they finish. She is so hardened, that she feels no guilt and claims she has done no wrong. The Bible tells us that we are all sinners in need of a Savior and that we must confess our sins and ask God to forgive us; only then can we be cleansed (1 John 1:8-10).

A Servant When He Reigns: People suffer when a servant who is not trained for the office of a king obtains that position.

A Rebellious Fool When He Is Prosperous: The Hebrew word for "fool" in this verse indicates a vile, ungodly person who rejects God's Word. Only the rich in ancient times had an abundance of food; thus "filled with meat" indicates prosperity. An ungodly person uses position and money selfishly and often for evil purposes. Nabal, (1 Samuel 25:2-38) and modern-day mobsters are examples of this kind of fool.

An Odious Woman Who Marries: A bitter woman with hateful characteristics can cause much trouble and make life unpleasant for her family and others. Marriage tends to give a woman a degree of authority and respectability, increasing the pride of a woman with bad character. The Bible instructs women not to become busybodies. "And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, and give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. For some are already turned aside after Satan" (1 Timothy 5:13-15).

A Servant Who Is Heir To Her Mistress: There have been instances throughout history of maids persuading mistresses to make them heirs of their possessions, or servant girls who displace mistresses in the affections of their husbands. When servile, mean-spirited people come into a position of power, however slight, they are prone to become proud and use whatever advantage they can to promote themselves.

Each situation is bad enough in itself, but if all of these were true in the life of one person, it would be unbearable. If the servant who reigned was a bitter, adulterous woman, who was also a prosperous rebel and had gained her position by displacing her mistress, this would be an unbearable combination. God calls us to be holy, whatever our position or status (1 Peter 3:3-5).

Prayer Devotional for the Day

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for liberating women to be what You have called them to be. Lord, may we, as women, please You first, and secondly please our husbands. Lord, may we have a submissive spirit toward our mates and seek to minister and serve them as You would. Lord, purify my heart and create a right spirit in me. May Christian marriages be an example of Your love on this earth. Deliver us from all quarreling, bitterness, and anger, and give us a meek and quiet spirit, which is, in Your sight, of great price. I ask in Jesus' name.  Amen.

From: Steven P. Miller @ParkermillerQ,  gatekeeperwatchman.org Founder of Gatekeeper-Watchman International Groups, Friday, December 15, 2023, Jacksonville, Florida., USA.  X ... @ParkermillerQ #GWIG, #GWIN, #GWINGO, #Ephraim1, #IAM, #Sparkermiller, #Eldermiller1981

[princeofgod-2021]

LIGHT OF LIFE 609

John 1:4

DIVINE ORDER 174: WORKING ORDER 69

2Ti 4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, DO THE WORK OF AN EVANGELIST, make FULL PROOF of thy ministry. KJV

MAN MUST WORK 20: UNDERSTANDING JOB SPECIFICATION 5

We’ve seen, by setting Jesus as our Great Standard, that you’ve got to find out ALL your Roles in Life (JOB COMPILATION), but now, we are inspecting how to do what is right at a particular time and/or under specific conditions (JOB PRIORITIZATION).

1Ch 12:32 From the FAMILY OF ISSACHAR there were 200 wise leaders. THESE MEN UNDERSTOOD THE RIGHT THING FOR ISRAEL TO DO AT THE RIGHT TIME. Their relatives were with them and UNDER THEIR COMMAND. ERV

Visionary Leadership is not just about Foresight, in the context of the Prophetic, but mostly about functionally guiding people in doing the right things at the right times with pin-point appropriation, in the midst of multiple functions. There are a few points in Job Prioritization. The first of which we’ve begun to inspect from last lesson. Lets’ name it, shall we?

1. ACCENTUATING ONLY THE FUNCTIONAL OFFICE PER TIME & SPACE

Like we saw last lesson, Jesus the King of Kings knew that He wasn’t here NOW to rule and reign, but to die for humanity, so He knew well how to suppress all instincts to command.

Joh 18:36 Jesus said in answer, MY KINGDOM IS NOT OF THIS WORLD: if my kingdom was of this world, my disciples would have made a good fight to keep me out of the hands of the Jews: but my kingdom is not here. BBE

This is what happens when men, who are revered bosses in their working places, want to be feared also at home and everywhere else. That common phrase: “do you know who I am?” is totally stupid when the “Boss” is away from his office of command. Hear Jesus…

Joh 13:13-15 You call me your teacher and Lord, and you should, because that is who I am. And if your Lord and teacher has washed your feet, you should do the same for each other. I HAVE SET THE EXAMPLE, AND YOU SHOULD DO FOR EACH OTHER EXACTLY WHAT I HAVE DONE FOR YOU. CEV

This is not just a lesson in Humility, as we’ve applied earlier, but also in appropriating our functions per time. Jesus was saying: “I’m indeed your Lord, but right now, I have to teach you a lesson in humility, and so I have to undermine my Lordship and honour”. The best teacher is the one who can step down from his throne and become like the students too.

2. PRIORITIZING FUNCTIONS BASED ON UTMOST PRODUCTIVITY

In all Labour, there’s profit (Prov 14:23), but which profit is more noble, selfless and far reaching? Even if “Lucrative” is the benchmark for choosing a particular function, who does it benefit and how profound is such benefit? I would like you to read I Cor 9 carefully and see how much Paul sacrificed for the Gospel. There’s a huge lesson to learn from this.

1Co 9:11-12 If we have planted the spiritual seed that has been of benefit to you, is it too much if we receive part of the harvest from your earthly goods? If others have the right to expect this from you, don't we deserve even more? But we haven't used our rights. Instead, we would put up with anything in order not to hinder the Good News of Christ in any way. NET

If we follow ardently the footsteps of Jesus, then “denying ourselves” won’t be a struggle. Paul gave up many things and put in all to enhance the impact of the Gospel on all men. The quest for personal benefits has killed many talents. Because of gains, many emphasize the Prosperity Gospel and Deliverance Ministry above the Teaching of the Character and Life of Jesus, which is less popular but most beneficial to humankind. Pathetic, isn’t it?

3. APPORTIONING ENOUGH TIME PER DUTY

Mar 1:37-38 When they found him, they told him, "Everyone is looking for you." Jesus said to them, "LET'S GO SOMEWHERE ELSE, TO THE SMALL TOWNS THAT ARE NEARBY. I HAVE TO SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS IN THEM ALSO. This is why I have come." GW

Jesus was saying here: “we’ve spent enough time here. Though the other towns are SMALL, they also must receive the Gospel, or else we have failed”. There are Gospel Ministers who love big crowds because of fame and money. They spend all the time with those who are already rich and blessed, but leave the poor and needy to wallow in their poverty. In the same way, some businesses only target the rich and nothing for the poor. God watches!

May your Functions Prioritization not be subject to questioning by God, IN JESUS NAME.

See you on Friday, as we proceed with this interesting Subtopic.

Brother Prince

Wednesday, January 01, 2024

+234-8055125517; +234-8023904307

[f8ithgal]

Bible Reading: June 2, 2024

2 Chronicles 10-12; John 13:18-38 [2 Chronicles 10:1-19 KJV] 1 And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for to Shechem were all Israel come to make him king. 2 And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who [was] in Egypt, whither he had fled from the presence of Solomon the king, heard [it], that Jeroboam returned out of Egypt. 3 And they sent and called him. So Jeroboam and all Israel came and…

[cocomonetxos]

John 1:1-51 KJV

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] The same was in the beginning with God. [3] All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. [4] In him was life; and the life was the light of men. [5] And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. [6] There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. [7] The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. [8] He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. [9] That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. [10] He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. [11] He came unto his own, and his own received him not. [12] But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: [13] Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. [14] And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. [15] John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. [16] And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. [17] For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. [18] No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. [19] And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? [20] And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. [21] And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. [22] Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? [23] He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. [24] And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. [25] And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? [26] John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; [27] He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose. [28] These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing. [29] The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. [30] This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. [31] And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. [32] And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. [33] And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. [34] And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God. [35] Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; [36] And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! [37] And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. [38] Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? [39] He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour. [40] One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. [41] He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being in

[wolint]

FRESH MANNA

GENEROSITY

1 John 3:17

The keyword in the text verse is “ seeth”, meaning that we must see generosity as a necessary part of our Christian walk.

Seeth, from the KJV version, means to keep seeing, continuously presented to us, a need that Godly generosity warrants us to meet.

Generosity according to Wikipedia is the virtue of being liberal in giving.

But what does the Bible say about generosity?

The Bible encourages us to be generous and kind to others as our generosity will be returned to us by God. Proverbs 11:24 states "One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want." It is righteous to practice generosity with our family, friends, and community as scripture inspires. Not only do we gain favour with God by being voluntarily generous, but we also produce goodwill of benevolence and compassion in society.

Galatians 6:2 says to share each other's burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. Life’s hardships and burdens are heavyweight, whether literal or figurative and are too hard to endure alone. Everyone needs someone!

Every one of us experiences human frailties and according to God’s command, we must help each other as needed.

Hebrews 13:16 commands us not to forget to be good and share each other’s burden, He says it pleases Him.

The Lord is always generous to us all, we, in turn, must learn to be generous to people around us in all capacity and sacrificially, not only when it suits us, is easy for and pleases us or when we have more than enough to spare.

Giving out our spare is not sacrificial giving and truly not from a generous spirit. This is a comfortable and convenient generosity.

Proverbs 19:17 should encourage us to be generous as it says we lend to the Lord when we are generous to the poor and needy. God cares for everyone including the poor, even if others do not. So when we are generous to the poor in giving, it’s like lending to the Lord and God will honour this debt by repaying us for our good deeds.

God’s generosity is evidenced all around us. God created the world and provided for our needs and pleasures. He supplies us with everything to satisfy us. God even demonstrated His generosity in offering His Son as a sacrifice for our sins.

To such gracious generosity, we can only say, “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” according to 2 Corinthians 9:15.

The gift of Jesus to sinful mankind was the ultimate act of generosity.

How generous are you?

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” says Luke 6:38. This is God’s challenge to us, to be generous because He wants us to receive the blessing that comes from generosity.

Sadly, so many expect God to answer their cry and prayers when they have shut their ears to the cry of others. Proverbs 21:13 says what goes around comes around, at least for the one who shuts his ears and refuses to respond to the cry of the poor. When his time of need comes and it will surely come, his cries for help will receive no response as well.

Nobody should expect pity if and when they don’t have pity; why should they? Worse still, God Himself will not respond according to Matthew 6:1-4.

The Lord is looking for people who will reflect His character and model His generosity. He delights to bless them and show Himself strong on their behalf. In 2 Corinthians 9:6–15, Paul exhorts the church to be generous in their giving to the Lord’s work. And he praises the Philippians for being so generous to him, adding that it is not for himself that he rejoices but for them—they will be blessed because of their gift in Philippians 4:17. We are to show generosity even to our enemies, for our reward will come from the Lord, in His way and in His time.

PRAYER: gracious and generous God, help me to express your character and image by being generous and good to those in need in Jesus’ name. Amen.

shalom

WOMEN OF LIGHT INT. PRAYER MIN.

[humbleservantprayerwall]

Daily Devotionals 08-13-2023

Verses of the Day: 1 Corinthians 1:30/Romans 5:8/Psalm 41:1-3/Isaiah 33:2/Ephesians 2:10/Acts 2:38/John 5:28/Psalm 104:16/Genesis 9:15/Acts 9:1-31/Romans 14:9/Ephesians 6:10-23/ Chapters of the Day: 1599 Geneva Bible Exodus 10-12/Deuteronomy 33-34/ Bible Study –  1 Chronicles 13 –  Peril in Transporting the Ark https://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/1ch/13/1/s_351001 Go to Bible Hub for…

[bwycbic]

The valley of the cast sheep.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.” Psalms 23:1-6 (KJV)

So many of us will confidently recite this psalm. However do we understand what the psalmist is telling us?

3 titles for the shepherd:

1. The Great ~ Hebrews 13:20 (KJV)

2. The Good ~ John 10:11 (KJV)

3. The Chief~ 1 Peter 5:4 (KJV)

8 characteristics of a good shepherd?

1. He takes care of the flock. Gen 31:38

2. He defends the flock. 1 Sam. 17:34,35

3. He knows each one of his flock by name. John 10:3

4. He teaches his Sheep to know & recognize him and his voice. John 10:4

5. He causes the flock to rest Ps 23:2. & Jer 33:12

6. He waters the flock. Gen 29:10

7. He is very passionate about his sheep. Luke 15:4

8. He disciplines the sheep and draws them closer to him. Psalm 23:4

John 10:27 (KJV). “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:”

If He is our shepherd then we are His sheep. (It is the only animal that we are likened too).

The Spiritual Implications of Being Sheep

Now, if the Lord is our Shepherd, that makes us the sheep. Prone to wander. Entirely and always reliant on our Shepherd, whether we realize it or not.

But here's what we need to understand: we can't see God as Shepherd if we don't see ourselves as sheep. When we open our eyes to how much we really need and rely on God for everything, the more we realize His provision in our lives. But if we live in the lie that we can do this on our own, we wander and drift away from our true source, looking for satisfaction in artificial places.

Jeremiah 50:6 NIV. “My people have been lost sheep; their shepherds have led them astray and caused them to roam on the mountains. They wandered over mountain and hill and forgot their own resting place. "

So when David says, "I shall not want," he is acknowledging how completely reliant he is, one God as his Shepherd.

“I shall not want” because God, as a good shepherd, will ensure I have everything I need. “I shall not want,” not because of what I've done or can do but because God loves me. “I shall not want” because I know God personally as my Shepherd.

The sheep have to be just right. No tension in the flock. No wolves around. No bugs in the air. No hunger pains. With sheep, they do not know how to find safe pasture, or to spray bug repellent on themselves, or deal with friction or find food.

When it says “I shall not want” remember Jesus in the desert and Matthew 6 v’s 25-34 (7 reasons not to worry)

“He make to me down to lie in green pastures”

What picture does this conjure up in your mind >> green fields warm day >> no traffic just you under a tree resting in the warmth >> a small slow flowing stream >>PEACEFUL

They need a shepherd to lead them and to help them lie down in green meadows.

To lie down sheep need 4 conditions>>>

1. They need to be free of fear (for the sheep to lie down)

2. They need to be free of tension/friction with other sheep

3. They need to be free of parasites

4. They need to be free of hunger

2 Peter 1:3 (AMP) For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [full, personal] knowledge of Him. Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue).

That’s why "he maketh me to lie down in green pastures." The second part of verse two says that He also "He leadeth me beside the still waters".

The imagery conveyed here appears at first to be of quietly flowing streams, and of sheep and lambs resting quietly beside them.

E.G. if we cannot find say 10 minutes a day to be still, be in the pasture, be by still waters, how will we hear His voice?

Sheep also need water to survive. And they will not drink from noisy, turbulent water. They require a well or a slow-flowing stream, “still waters”. Sheep are frightened of swiftly moving water. They’re poor swimmers, and get bogged down with their heavy wool just as we would if we tried to swim wearing wool overcoats. So when the shepherd comes to a moving stream, he doesn’t try to force the sheep to drink. Instead, a good shepherd will build a dam making a quiet little pool where his sheep can drink from still waters. One source of good water for sheep is found in the dew each morning. A sheep can go for months without actually drinking water if the shepherd gets the flock up to feed early in the morning when the grass leaves are covered with dew.

In John 7:37, Jesus stated, "If any man thirsts, let him come to me and drink."

Our Shepherd leads us beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul

The great invitation Isaiah 55: 1-3 ~ 3 requests

1. Come and drink

2. Come and take

3. Come to me

1 Peter 5:7, KJV "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."

Psalms 42:11 (KJV) Why are you cast down, O my inner self?

Job 22:29 (KJV) When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up; and he shall save the humble person.

Cast down Hebrew word SHAW FALE

To humble >> To bring (CAST) down >>

restoreth – to bring back; to restore, refresh, repair

If a sheep rolls over on its back, it has a problem. It won’t be able to get back up. The English coined a term long ago to describe this. They call it a “cast sheep”.

A “cast” sheep is in a dangerous position. Helpless, it is easy prey for the predators. Even without wolves, it will die if it doesn’t get turned upright.

If the sun is hot, it will die within a few hours. If it’s cloudy weather, a sheep will last a few days before it dies.

“Valley of the CAST SHEEP”

Have we walked into the valley of cast sheep. The sheep have strayed from the Shepherd and have grown weary and laid down. They have rolled over and become cast, and they cannot rise.

Cast sheep A sheep that has rolled over onto its back is called a "cast" an old English word. It may not be able to get up without assistance.

When a sheep becomes cast the gases in its stomach and the pressure builds and cuts off circulation. The Blood cannot do its job, and the sheep perishes.

The sheep have wandered into the valley away from the Shepherd. Their independence has made them tired. They seek to lie, and in lying down and becoming comfortable they become cast. Some are over laden with wool, the wool is caked with the dirt - the sins of this world. The weight of the dirty wool pulls it down. It rolls over and becomes cast. It cannot control itself, its feet flip in the air and it becomes cast.

Psalms 37:23 (AMP) The steps of a [good] man are directed and established by the Lord when He delights in his way [and He busies Himself with his every step].

1. Let Him turn you over ~ walk back on the paths of righteousness

2. The Shepherd doesn’t want to leave you laying there on your back ~ you have a specific purpose to fulfil

3. He knows that if you don’t turn around you will die ~ let His lamp be a guide for your feet so you stand out in this world as a lighthouse of hope & peace

“Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me”

Rod (represented the shepherd's protection and authority) and is used in two ways

1. As a form of defence (studded)

2. “Rodding of the sheep” (coming under the ROD) Ezekiel 20:37 (KJV) And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant:

Staff (the staff represents his guidance and tender compassion for the sheep).

1. Used by the shepherd to gently catch and draw a sheep to him so that he could give it close and intimate examination.

2. The staff was also used to guide the sheep, not by beating but rather by pressing it against the side of the sheep, to direct it along a given path.

Sometimes a shepherd would walk along with a sheep with his staff gently touching it so that they “are in touch”.

One way I believe we know if we are under the rod is to ask ourselves:

• Do I deposit a blessing behind me or am I an irritation to others?

• Do I leave behind peace in lives - or turmoil?

• Do I leave behind forgiveness - or bitterness?

• Do I leave behind contentment - or conflict?

• Do I leave behind "flowers of joy" - or frustration?

• Do I leave behind love - or rancor (animosity, resentment, ill feeling or bitterness)?

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life

Imagine, if you will, what the word 'goodness' actually means. The dictionary definition is this: 'in man is not a mere passive quality, but the deliberate preference of right to wrong, the firm and persistent resistance of all moral evil, and the choosing and following of all moral good.' Now add to that the fact that God is a greater 'goodness' than man can possibly be. He chooses to be goodness. Not a passive act, deliberate.

“When Jesus is your Shepherd, every major issue in your life has been settled. You know who you are, where you’ve come from, (you know) where you’re going and what you’re going to do with your life in the meantime…” Like restless and wandering sheep, not one of us will ever truly “lie down” and rest in total contentment until we recognize and allow “The Great, The Good & The Chief Shepherd to lead us to still waters and take us to green pastures.

Acknowledge that the Lord is my shepherd of my life. Pray.....

“Lord Jesus, I acknowledge my need of you and I accept you as my Lord, saviour and the shepherd of my life.

I invite you now to be Lord and Shepherd of ......

my life

my spirit and my relationship with you

my body and my behaviour

my mind and my thinking

my tongue and the things that I say

my emotions and my reactions

my will and all of my decisions

my time, my home, my family and my possessions, of all the work I do and

the things I put my hand too and of all my relationships

Thank you Lord that from this moment, I know with your help, I will shine brightly (see Philippians 2 v 15) for you on this earth, representing you, in all that I do as your ambassador, I thank you, Lord, that your blood was shed, that I might be free ...

#bibletime #jesusistheway #biblestudy #dailybible #joy #humble #thebible #christ #jesuschrist #holybible #faith #christian #christianity #god #christianblog #jesus #wisdom #verses #bible #bibleinspiration #serve #repent #repentance #scripture #amazinggrace #trustgod #praise #prayer #heaven #life

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

The Tradition of the Elders

1 Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem.

2 And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault.

3 For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.

4 And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.

5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?

6 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.

7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.

9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.

10 For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:

11 But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free.

12 And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother;

13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

14 And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand:

15 There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.

16 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.

17 And when he was entered into the house from the people, his disciples asked him concerning the parable.

18 And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him;

19 Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?

20 And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.

21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,

22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:

23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man. — Mark 7:1-23 | King James Version (KJV) The King James Version Bible is in the public domain. Cross References: Leviticus 1:2; Leviticus 20:9; Psalm 119:36; Isaiah 29:13; Isaiah 59:7; Jeremiah 35:5; Matthew 4:4; Matthew 15:1; Matthew 15:9; Matthew 15:11; Mark 9:28; Luke 8:8; Luke 11:38; John 2:6; Acts 10:15; 2 Corinthians 11:4; Galatians 1:14

[bills-bible-basics]

SNAKE OIL PROSPERITY PREACHERS -- KJV (King James Version) Bible Verse List King James Version Bible verse list compiled by Bill Kochman concerning the topic "Snake Oil Prosperity Preachers". Visit my page at https://www.billkochman.com/VerseLists/ to see all the lists I've compiled to date. Thanks! "And through COVETOUSNESS shall they WITH FEIGNED WORDS MAKE MERCHANDISE OF YOU: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not." 2 Peter 2:3, KJV "Not given to wine, no striker, NOT GREEDY OF FILTHY LUCRE; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous . . . Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;" 1 Timothy 3:3, 8, KJV "For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, NOT GIVEN TO FILTHY LUCRE . . . Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake." Titus 1:7, 11, KJV "Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; NOT FOR FILTHY LUCRE, but of a ready mind;" 1 Peter 5:2, KJV "For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ." 2 Corinthians 2:17, KJV "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for YE DEVOUR WIDOWS' HOUSES, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation." Matthew 23:14, KJV "And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces, And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts: WHICH DEVOUR WIDOWS' HOUSES, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation." Mark 12:38-40, KJV "Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts; WHICH DEVOUR WIDOWS' HOUSES, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation." Luke 20:46-47, KJV "And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves." Matthew 21:12-13, KJV "And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise." John 2:13-16, KJV "And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple. And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves." Mark 11:15-17, KJV According to Thayer's Greek English Lexicon, the phrase "filthy lucre" is derived from the Greek word "aischrokerdes", the definition of which is "eager for base gain, greedy for money". According to Thayer's Greek English Lexicon, the word "corrupt" in 2 Corinthians 2:17 is derived from the Greek word "kapeleuo". This Koine Greek word means to be a retailer, to peddle, to make money by selling anything, to get sordid gain by dealing in anything, to do a thing for base gain, to trade in the word of God, to try to get base gain by teaching divine truth, to corrupt, to adulterate.

If you would like more info regarding the origin of these KJV Bible verse lists, go to https://www.billkochman.com/VerseLists/. Thank-you! https://www.billkochman.com/Blog/index.php/snake-oil-prosperity-preachers-kjv-king-james-version-bible-verse-list/?feed_id=30288&_unique_id=63f257eeddda3&SNAKE%20OIL%20PROSPERITY%20PREACHERS%20--%20KJV%20%28King%20James%20Version%29%20Bible%20Verse%20List

[gatekeeper-watchman]

Good morning America and the world Daily Devotionals for December 15, 2024

Proverbs: God's Wisdom for Daily Living

Devotional Scripture:

Proverbs 30:20-23 (KJV): 20 Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness. 21 For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four which it cannot bear: 22 For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat; 23 For an odious woman when she is married; and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress. Proverbs 30:20-23 (AMP): 20 This is the way of an adulterous woman: she eats and wipes her mouth and says, I have done no wickedness. 21 Under three things the earth is disquieted, and under four it cannot bear up: 22 Under a servant when he reigns, a (empty-headed) fool when he is filled with food, 23 An unloved and repugnant woman when she is married, and a maidservant when she supplants her mistress.

Thought for the Day

Verses 20-23 - These verses describe an array of people who are types of rebellious sinners that cause trouble for others. I write this to be clear about the truth. If you call what I project as spam and against your community standards than you are the problem and not the solution, regardless of how much you may want to swing your power around with censorship.

An Adulterous Woman: This woman simply does what she does, in the same way a person would eat a meal and wipe his mouth after they finish. She is so hardened; she feels no guilt and claims she has done no wrong. The Bible tells us that we are all sinners in need of a Savior, and that we must confess our sins and ask God to forgive us; only then can we be cleansed (1 John 1:8-10).

A Servant When He Reigns: People suffer when a servant who is not trained for the office of a king obtains that position.

A Rebellious Fool When He Is Prosperous: The Hebrew word for "fool" in this verse indicates a vile, ungodly person who rejects God's Word. Only the rich in ancient times had an abundance of food; thus "filled with meat" indicates prosperity. An ungodly person uses position and money selfishly and often for evil purposes. Nabal, (1 Samuel 25:2-38) and modern-day mobsters and power-mongers are examples of this kind of fool.

An Odious Woman Who Marries: A bitter woman of hateful characteristics can cause much trouble and make life unpleasant for her family and others. Marriage tends to give a woman a degree of authority and respectability, increasing the pride of a woman with bad character. The Bible instructs women not to become busybodies. "And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. For some are already turned aside after Satan" (1 Timothy 5:13-15).

A Servant who Is Heir to Her Mistress: There have been instances throughout history of maids persuading mistresses to make them heirs of their possessions, or servant girls who displace mistresses in the affections of their husbands. When servile, mean-spirited people come into a position of power, however slight, they are prone to become proud and use whatever advantage they can to promote themselves.

Each situation is bad enough in itself, but if all of these were true in the life of one person, it would be unbearable. If the servant who reigned was a bitter, adulterous woman, who was also a prosperous rebel and had gained her position by displacing her mistress, this would be an unbearable combination. God calls us to be holy, whatever our position or status (1 Peter 3:3-5).

Prayer Devotional for the Day

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for liberating women to be what You have called them to be. Lord, may we, as men, please You first, and secondly please our wives. Lord, may we have a submissive spirit toward our mates and seek to minister and serve them as You would. Lord, purify our hearts and create a right spirit in us everywhere in the world. May all marriages be an example of Your love in this earth. Deliver us from all quarreling, bitterness and anger and give us a meek and quiet spirit, which is, in Your sight, of great price. I ask in Jesus' name. Amen.

From: Steven P. Miller, @ParkermillerQ, gatekeeperwatchman.org , TM, ‎Founder and Administrator of Gatekeeper-Watchman International Groups. #GWIG, #GWIN, #GWINGO, #SPARKERMILLER Saturday, December 14, 2024, Jacksonville, Florida USA 2:04:22 PM www.facebook.com/gatekeeperwatchnan www.facebook.com/ Instagram: steven_parker_miller_1956

[princeofgod-2021]

LIGHT OF LIFE 494

John 1:4

DIVINE ORDER 59: Law Of The Tree Of Knowledge 7

Gen 2:16-17 But the LORD told him, "You may eat fruit from any tree in the garden, EXCEPT THE ONE THAT HAS THE POWER TO LET YOU KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RIGHT AND WRONG. IF YOU EAT ANY FRUIT FROM THAT TREE, YOU WILL DIE BEFORE THE DAY IS OVER!" CEV

ONE LAW 4

We started making a salient point with ONE LAW 2 and I want us to look at it again now.

Mat 22:36 Master, WHICH IS THE GREAT COMMANDMENT IN THE LAW? KJV

Sometimes, the most important factor is not about how it can stand apart from the rest but about how much the rest depend on it and can crash if that one point is ever omitted.

I love watching Dominoes crumble when just one piece is tipped. The LAW can be like that.

Mat 22:37-38 Jesus answered him, “‘LOVE the Lord your God with every passion of your heart, with all the energy of your being, and with every thought that is within you.’ THIS IS THE GREAT AND SUPREME COMMANDMENT. TPT

Mat 22:40 ALL of Moses' Teachings and the Prophets DEPEND ON THESE TWO COMMANDMENTS." GW

Again, the intriguing thing about this 1 Greatest LAW is that it appears in every other Law.

Mat 22:39 And the SECOND COMMAND is like the first: 'LOVE your neighbor the same as you love yourself.' ERV

This 2nd [greatest] Law wasn’t part of the [Moses’] 10 Commandments but Jesus succinctly summarized about 7 Laws, bringing out the “cementing” and underlining point: LOVE.

Rom 13:8-9 Let love be your only debt! IF YOU LOVE OTHERS, YOU HAVE DONE ALL THAT THE LAW DEMANDS. In the Law there are many commands, such as, "Be FAITHFUL in marriage. Do not MURDER. Do not STEAL. Do not want what BELONGS TO OTHERS." But ALL OF THESE ARE SUMMED UP in the command that says, "LOVE OTHERS AS MUCH AS YOU LOVE YOURSELF." CEV

I want us to do some bit of “Scriptural Mathematics” shall we? Now, how seriously does the Commandments depend on LOVE?

Mat 22:40 CONTAINED WITHIN these COMMANDMENTS TO LOVE you will FIND ALL THE MEANING of the LAW and the PROPHETS.” TPT

The “Meaning” of all the Law & Prophets are found “within” Love, and Love is God, right?

1Jn 4:7-8 Dear friends, we must love each other because love comes from God. EVERYONE WHO LOVES HAS BEEN BORN FROM GOD AND KNOWS GOD. THE PERSON WHO DOESN'T LOVE DOESN'T KNOW GOD, because God is love. GW

Alright then; if you don’t have LOVE, you don’t KNOW God. But what does the LACK of knowledge of God do to you please?

Joh 17:3 And ETERNAL LIFE means to KNOW you, the only true God, and to KNOW Jesus Christ, whom you sent. GNB

You can’t enter heaven to meet God except you get to know Him first. Now, by the Law of Proportionality or Equality, what is another way to Eternal Life please?

Joh 14:6 Jesus replied, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. NET

So then, JESUS is the LOVE-LAW of God, extended to us and by whom we connect and Know God, so that we can make heaven.

Do you see the beauty of scriptural cycle? Everything keeps coming around to JESUS.

Joh 3:16 For this is how much God loved the world—he gave his one and only, unique Son as a gift. So now everyone who believes in him will never perish but experience everlasting life. TPT

So beloved, if Adam and his wife had Loved the Lord dearly, they shouldn’t have disobeyed Him.

If they at least respected and honoured a God who took time to visit them, they shouldn’t have betrayed His trust and companionship.

Isa 1:2 LISTEN, HEAVEN, AND PAY ATTENTION, EARTH! The LORD has spoken, "I RAISED MY CHILDREN AND HELPED THEM GROW, BUT THEY HAVE REBELLED AGAINST ME. GW

Every time I read the scripture above, my heart goes out for our Father and I wish I could fully comprehend the depth of the pains of being betrayed.

Why would the Supreme God be reporting His children to the elements?

May our lives neither be painful disappointments nor regrets to God, IN JESUS NAME.

Come back on Wednesday, as we proceed in digging into this inspiring Subtopic.

Brother Prince

Monday, April 08, 2024

08055125517; 08023904307

[my-salty-life]

Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.

John 13:7 KJV

God doesn't always answer "why" when issues occur. While Christ is prophesying His death in the above verse, I believe it is also seen as a reassurance; there are times when we won't understand, and even times when we won't understand until the day we die. Problems occur. People die, and we are left wondering "why" at times.

I have read Job rather often recently, and I find myself fascinated by the fact that God doesn't answer that question, but ends up telling Job to simply trust Him; who is Job in the face of the God of the universe? How could Job understand that vastness? (Job 38-41)

How can we understand it?

We won't, and bad times will occur, but that does not mean it is always a punishment, nor does it mean it is always meant to be a direct occurrence sent from God (God, after all, does not cause people to sin, and if a man dies because of another person's sin, that is an outcome of the sinful world, and while it has become part of God's overall Will , a man's sin is never part of His perfect Will - James 1:13). I have examined this fact far more lately as friends have experienced losses, and my mother's church has a wave of COVID that has resulted in the loss of four elderly in the matter of two or three weeks. I also examined these verses years ago after my dad's death.

It is true God can heal, but we never fully examine what death is in the face of the Eternal One. In the face of Him as we live on this fleeting earth, what is death other than moving a person from one spiritual realm to another? So often, death is a mercy we may never fully grasp; if my dad had survived the wreck when a woman ran a stop sign, he would have been in a worse physical state than before. Through his death, my family grew closer, and we now have made it further than we ever thought we would.

God does not always cause hardships, but that does not mean they surprise Him; there are no curve balls with God, after all. He does, however, still turn things around for His will, and He brings beauty from ashes in the same way gold is purified through fire (1 Peter 1:7).

[religioused]

Bigger God, Bigger Religion

Bigger God, Bigger Religion

by Gary Simpson

Isaiah 42:1-9 (KJV)

Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.

2 He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.

5 Thus saith God the Lord, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein: I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.

8 I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.

Acts 10:34-43 (KJV)

Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;

38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:

40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

Matthew 3:13-17 (KJV)

Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?

15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

I recently purchased the prayer book Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals. Given this church’s rich heritage of social justice, I think that I might need a prayerbook for extraordinary radicals. Common Prayer has a liturgy for every day of the year. January 12’s liturgy reminds us of an important event that took place on January 12. On this day in 1948, Gandhi began to fast to achieve peace in the Indian subcontinent.

Gandhi was influenced by Christianity. He often read the Sermon on the Mount. Ghandi decided to live out Jesus’ teachings in an effort to bring peace to the region.(1) On a day that we reflect on Jesus going into the wilderness to be baptized and to bring peace to humanity, we also reflect on Gandhi’s life. When Ghandi was in the wilderness of conflict, he strove to bring peace to an important region of the world.

To put the Gospel reading in context, I am going to refer to the passage in Isaiah that is part of our lectionary reading. Isaiah Chapter 42 is considered by many people to be a Messianic passage, a prophetic passage about Jesus, the gentle Messiah, who will not “break off a bent reed or put out a dying flame.”(2) This gentle Messiah is predicted to bring justice to the world.(3) The gentle Messiah is important, because Jesus is considered to be the ultimate revelation of God to humanity. Some people might picture the passage in Isaiah as saying that God will bring justice without yelling at people on street corners and without breaking a bent read or putting out a weak flame.

There are times when we need to back up and place a Gospel reading in context of the lectionary schedule. Christmas Day, the lectionary reading covered Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus. In St. Luke’s narrative, shepherds are invited to the stable to see Jesus in the manger. Shepherds were “despised” by good people of the time. There is no way the ancient shepherds could keep the ceremonial laws, such as hand-washing.(4) William Manson wrote the commentary on the Gospel of Luke for The Moffatt New Testament Commentary set. Manson notes that the shepherds are the “centre-piece” in Luke Chapter 2. The inclusion of shepherds is significant for those living in the “Judean home of Christianity.”(5) Luke refers to Jesus as the savior, which shows that Jesus is going to make an “appeal to sick and suffering humanity.”(6) Luke is very inclusive, including Samaritans, Gentiles, and the impoverished, disreputable, outcasts, and sinners.(7) Luke pictures God as having a universal embrace.(8) Commentator and Greek scholar William Barclay refers to the Gospel of Luke as the “universal gospel.”(9) There is also a universal element in the Gospel of Matthew. Alejandro Duarte, a Catholic theologian who worked in Beunos Aires, says that Jesus is the Messiah who is “geared toward those who are not considered important.” He supports his position by citing examples of Jesus healing ‘outsiders,’ lepers, blind, and Gentiles.(10) The life, ministry and passion of Jesus needs to be seen within the context of the universal gospel. We can see the theme of the universal gospel in Jesus’ baptism.

Matthew Chapter 2 contains Matthew’s Christmas story. In Matthew’s narrative, wisemen, Magi, arrive in the Palestine region. They tell Herod that they have been following a star and that they have come to worship the new King of the Jews. The wisemen ask Herod where the new king can be found. Herod summons Jewish scholars about where the Messiah will be born and they tell him that the Messiah will be born in Bethlehem. Herod asks the wisemen to search for the child and to come back and tell him where the child is. A star then leads the wisemen to Jesus. After they see Jesus and worship Him, angels warn them to not tell Herod where they found Jesus. The wisemen return home by a different route, so they would not encounter Herod. Angels warn Joseph to leave and go to Egypt where Jesus will be safe. Herod is so threatened that he gives the order that all children under two years of age in Bethlehem be killed. And Jesus becomes a political refugee. Jesus’ family lives in Egypt until Herod dies.

When I was a student at Pacific School of Religion, I had the privilege of taking a course with Jim Mitulski. When searching for ideas for this sermon, I found a sermon that Jim Mitulski gave a Cathedral of Hope, a megachurch in Dallas, Texas. He was preaching on the Gospel passage.

Christianity traditionally holds that Jesus is God incarnate, God in human form. Mitulski makes the point that the God incarnate in Jesus was not just for Jewish people. The God of the chosen people is available to all people, regardless of religion, culture or background.(11) In Matthew’s birth narrative, Magi came to the stable, to the manger to worship Jesus. Jim Mitulski observes, that the Magi came, saw, worshipped, were transformed, and moved on. The Bible does not tell us that they converted to Judaism. While they appreciated Judaism and saw something of value, they did not need to co-opt it, corrupt it, domesticate or own it; they enjoyed it and experienced it, and “It opened their minds, their bodies and their spirits to see the world differently.”(12)

Who witnessed Jesus‘ baptism? Who was His audience? This is a question that we need to ask ourselves over and over again as we read the Gospels. The high priest and the Caesar were not at the river waiting to be baptized. The Gospel of Mark’s account tells us that John was preaching for a baptism of the repentance of sins.(13) The leading religious figures are not likely to have considered themselves sinners and the thought of publicly acknowledging that they needed to repent from sins was a no go. Those getting baptized were more likely to be the religiously marginalized, a class of people that the priests looked down on. Jesus told parables, because they “resonated with the lives of the poor, the tax collectors, the prostitutes . . . the marginalized.”(14) As we read Bible, we need to be open to reading the Bible from the perspective of those who are marginalized. There is power when we understand the Word from the perspective of the margins of society. The Gospels had to resonate with the common person or Christianity would not have rapidly spread across the Roman Empire.

Mitulski notes, “Experiences of divinity are meant to open us up to see wider, to see broader, to experience more. If our religion results in a smaller world, then we have missed the point. Religion is meant to expand, enlarge, inspire our imaginations, our spirits, our bodies, how we live.”(15) As we reflect on a story where we are presented with an encounter with the Divine, as the Spirit descends and speaks, the baptism experience calls us to expand our view of God and of religion.

There are far too many merchants of fear in religious circles. Some of those merchants of fear may claim that people who made serious mistakes or who are spiritually marginalized are not people of faith even though they are baptized. This is not true. Experiences with God cannot be taken away by people. Mitulski makes the point emphatically when he says, “Baptism can never be taken from you. I want to renounce as heresy any notion that a promise made to you by God and symbolized by water can ever be broken by human error . . . If you were baptized and were later told that you did not somehow belong in a faith community, that person committed a grave error, because you cannot take what is God’s to give.” He goes on to observe, "The devil did not give it and the devil cannot take it away . . . God gives us grace . . . no human can take it from us. When they try to, it says something about them, not about God, not about us.” (16)

Our task is not to over analyze the story. Our job is to focus more on how to apply the Biblical narratives to our lives, to improving society. Miguel De La Torre, a professor at Illif School of Theology, appears to believe that the task for the church of God is more to spend time learning how the our communities takes possession of the Bible texts than it is to spend hours trying to determine the exact words Jesus spoke. (17)

And there are those who may question your faith. I am not sure if you have ever wondered how to respond when a person asks you if you have a personal relationship with Jesus. Miguel De La Torre has an interesting response for his students who ask if he has a personal relationship with Jesus. He responds, “No, I have a public relationship with Jesus Christ.”(18) In the waters of baptism, Jesus showed He had a public relationship with us and that is the kind of relationship that we are challenged to have with God and with people.

Arsenius was known as Arsenius the Great and Saint Arsenius. He lived from about the 350s to the 440s of the Common Era. According to Wikipedia, Arsenius was a tutor for an Emperor’s sons. Later, he entered more religious work. Arsenius’ teachings influenced the development of the contemplative life.(19) An old story about Arsenius is that he “consulted an old Egyptian monk about his own thoughts.” Someone who knew this happened, asked Arsenius why Arsenius, a man who knew Greek and Latin asked a “peasant” about his thoughts. Arsenius is reported to have replied, “‘I have indeed been taught Latin and Greek, but I do not know even the alphabet of this peasant.���“(20)

Living out the spirit of Christ’s baptism can be as easy as taking the time to learn the alphabet of those around us, of having a public relationship with marginalized members of society.

Notes

(1) Shane Clairborne, Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove and Enumu Okoro. Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals. (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 2010), 102.

(2) Isaiah 42:3 Contemporary English Version.

(3) Isaiah 42:1.

(4) William Barclay. “William Barclay's Daily Study Bible: Luke 2.” n.d., 17 Oct 2019. Study Light. <https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/dsb/luke-2.html>.

(5) William Manson. The Moffatt New Testament Commentary: The Gospel of Luke. Kindle ed. (Seattle: Source Digital Pub., 2018. Originally published in New York by Harper and Brothers Pub., 1930), ebook.

(6) Manson. (2018, originally published 1930), ebook.

(7) William Barclay. The New Testament: A Translation. Vol. 1. (London: Collins, 1968), 123.

(8) Barclay. (1968), 124.

(9) Barclay. (1968), 123.

(10) Daniel Patte, et al., eds. Global Bible Commentary. (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2004), 353.

(11) Jim Mitulski. “‘Matthew 3:13-17’ - Gospel Lesson.” Cathedral of Hope. YouTube. 13 January 2014, 26 December 2019. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PT_cjZIVYgI>.

(12) Mitulski. (2014). <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PT_cjZIVYgI>.

(13) Mark 1:4.

(14) Miguel A. De La Torre. Reading the Bible from the Margins. Maryknoll, New York: Orbis Books, 2019), 31.

(15) Mitulski. (2014). <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PT_cjZIVYgI>.

(16) Mitulski. (2014). <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PT_cjZIVYgI>.

(17) De La Torre. (2019), 136.

(18) De La Torre. (2019), 136.

(19) “Arsenius the Great.” Wikipedia. 02 Jan 2020, 05 Jan 2020. <https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arsenius_the_Great>.

(20) Clairborne, Wilson-Hartgrove and Okoro. (2010), 95.

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Daily Devotionals 06-17-2023 

Verses of the Day: Hebrews 10:36/Acts 3:6/Psalm 68:4-5/1 John 5:7/Hebrews 2:10/Isaiah 57:20,21/Luke 1:26-38/Exodus 20:12/Ezekiel 22:30/Matthew 22:37-39/Psalm 12:1/Numbers 21:17/Galatians 5:13/Romans 5:8/ Chapters of the Day: 1 Timothy 1-6/2 Timothy 1-4/ Bible Study –  1 Kings – Elijah Flees from Jezebel – Elijah at Horeb https://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/1ki/19/1/s_310001 Go to Bible Hub…