The Well of Water...

Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water.--Genesis 21:19a  

Praying for eyes to see the goodness and grace of my God today!

Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the Angel of the Lord standing in the way with His drawn sword in His hand; and he bowed his head and fell flat on his face.--Numbers 22:31

And Elisha prayed, and said, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.--2nd Kings 6:17

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,
And the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.
Then the lame shall leap like a deer,
And the tongue of the dumb sing.
For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness,
And streams in the desert.--Isaiah 35:5-6

But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him.

And He said to them, “What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?”

Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, “Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened there in these days?”

And He said to them, “What things?”

So they said to Him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened. Yes, and certain women of our company, who arrived at the tomb early, astonished us. When they did not find His body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said He was alive. And certain of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but Him they did not see.”

Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.

Then they drew near to the village where they were going, and He indicated that He would have gone farther. But they constrained Him, saying, “Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent.” And He went in to stay with them.

Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight.--Luke 24:16-31

Jesus of Nazareth, A Man Attested by God to You...

“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know— 23 Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; 24 whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it. 25 For David says concerning Him:

‘I foresaw the Lord always before my face,
For He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken.
26 Therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad;
Moreover my flesh also will rest in hope.
27 For You will not leave my soul in Hades,
Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.
28 You have made known to me the ways of life;
You will make me full of joy in Your presence.’--Acts 2:22-28

“Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne, 31 he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption. 32 This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses.--Acts 2:22-32

Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.”  And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.--Luke 24:44-45

Jesus was delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God…

The careful study of Scripture makes it more an act of faith not to believe than to believe:  The Bible predicts history ahead of time…supernatural, otherworldly, outside of time…Jesus is spoken of throughout the OT.

The seed of the woman, whose heel was bruised - Genesis 3
The blessing of Abraham to all nations -  "In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” --Genesis 22:18
A priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek - Genesis 14:18; Psalm 110:4
The Man who wrestled with Jacob - Genesis 32
The Lion of the tribe of Judah - Revelation 5
The Voice from the burning bush - Exodus 3
The Passover Lamb - Exodus 12
The Prophet greater than Moses - Deuteronomy 18
The Captain of the Lord's Army to Joshua - Joshua 5
The Redeemer mentioned in Ruth
The Son of David who was a King greater than David
The suffering Savior - Psalm 22
The Good Shepherd Psalm 23
The Wisdom of Proverbs
The Lover of the Song of Solomon
The Savior described in the prophets
The Suffering Servant - Isaiah 53
The princely Messiah of Daniel

List is from David Guzik's commentary on Acts 2

The Compassion of Jesus...

My Jesus gentle, humble, meek and full of compassion…
My Jesus, who condescended to come in to this world as one of His creatures.  
My Jesus who willingly gave His life so that I could live forever in Heaven with Him.  
My Jesus, my strong Deliverer. 
My Jesus, my Rock, my Stay and my Support….
My Jesus, the One whose way is perfect and who makes perfect all that concerns me…
My Jesus, the One who performs all things for me.  

My Jesus is FULL OF COMPASSION…

My Jesus condescends…He bends low…He stoops…He heals the brokenhearted…He makes the crooked places straight and He makes a way in the desert.  

A bruised reed He will not break,
And smoking flax He will not quench;--Isaiah 42:3

He will feed His flock like a shepherd;
He will gather the lambs with His arm,
And carry them in His bosom,
And gently lead those who are with young.--Isaiah 40:11

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”--Matthew 11:28-30

Surely He has borne our griefs
And carried our sorrows;
Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten by God, and afflicted.--Isaiah 53:4

I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the Lord
And the praises of the Lord,
According to all that the Lord has bestowed on us,
And the great goodness toward the house of Israel,
Which He has bestowed on them according to His mercies,
According to the multitude of His lovingkindnesses.
8 For He said, “Surely they are My people,
Children who will not lie.”
So He became their Savior.
9 In all their affliction He was afflicted,
And the Angel of His Presence saved them;
In His love and in His pity He redeemed them;
And He bore them and carried them
All the days of old.--Isaiah 63:7-9

But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.--Matthew 9:36

And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.--Matthew 14:14

And when He came near the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the city was with her.  When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” So he who was dead sat up and began to speak. And He presented him to his mother.--Luke 7:12-15

When Mary came where Jesus was, she saw Him and fell at His feet, saying to Him, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died." When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and Jews who came with her, also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit, and was troubled, and said, "Where have you laid him?" They said to Him, "Lord, come and see. Jesus wept. ( John 11:32-35)

For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost. “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.--Matthew 18:11-13

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!--Matthew 23:37

When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.”--Luke 7:13

Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it,  saying, “If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. --Luke 19:41-42

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.--2 Corinthians 8:9

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.  Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.--Hebrews 4:15-16

Make Your Way with Him...

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.--Colossians 2:6-7

To My Beloved Daughters:

"received" - to join to one's self, to accept, 

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:  who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.--John 1:12-13

But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption—-1 Corinthians 1:30

"walk in Him"  - make one's way with, progress, to conduct one's self, to pass one's life

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.--Colossians 3:17

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.--John 14:6

Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.  And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.--Ephesians 5:1-2

"rooted" - to strengthen with roots, to render firm, establish, to cause a person to be thoroughly grounded

He shall be like a tree  Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither;  And whatever he does shall prosper.--Psalm 1:3

Those who are planted in the house of the Lord
Shall flourish in the courts of our God.--Psalm 92:13

To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”--Isaiah 61:3

in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.--Ephesians 2:21-22

"established" - made sure, make firm

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.--1 Corinthians 15:58

Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began--Romans 16:25

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.--2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

"abounding" - - overflowing, abundant; be in excess;  
 "in it" --the faith…giving yourself wholly over to your Jesus
with "thanksgiving"active gratitude, giving of thanks, grateful language to God, act of worship

giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,--Colossians 1:12-13

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.--Colossians 3:17

giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, --Ephesians 5:20

Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.--Hebrews 13:15

The Spirit brings Comfort...

The Spirit of Comfort...

And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.  I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you

"A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also.  At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.  He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you.  But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.  Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.  You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you.’ --John 14:16-21,25-28

But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.--Romans 8:11

Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?--1 Corinthians 3:16

that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.--Ephesians 3:16-19

And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”--Galatians 4:6

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. --1 John 4:4

Christ, My Strength...

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.--Philippians 4:13

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.--John 15:4-5,7

4 And we have such trust through Christ toward God. 5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God,--2 Corinthians 3:4-5

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.--2 Corinthians 12:9-10

that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,--Ephesians 3:16

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.--Ephesians 6:10

strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy;--Colossians 1:11

Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
The everlasting God, the Lord,
The Creator of the ends of the earth,
Neither faints nor is weary.
His understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength.
Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.--Isaiah 40:28-31

Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’--Isaiah 41:10

He shall say,
‘Surely in the Lord I have righteousness and strength.
To Him men shall come,
And all shall be ashamed
Who are incensed against Him.--Isaiah 45:24

Crushing the Critics by Doing Good...

For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men—--1 Peter 2:15

To My Beloved Daughters in Him:

THIS. IS. A VERY INSTRUCTIVE VERSE.  This one has kept me from sin and wrong speaking more times than I can count.  Girls, our single greatest evangelistic tool is how we live our lives.  So often people will speak ignorantly and foolishly...they will judge wrongly.  A foolish man in the bible is one who is disobedient to the word of God...He is a non believer. He is willfully ignorant of God's truth, but attacks it anyway.  We are to silence them not by what we say  but by doing what is good and what is right.  We are to do as it says in verse 12 of this same chapter...We are to have our conduct honorable among the Gentiles so that when they speak against us as evil doers, they may, by our good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Wow...crush the critics not by words but by doing right. Give your enemies no foothold...walk blamelessly before your God in uprightness of heart. It secures you in His will and stops the mouths of the lying and the foolish.  Don't fret..it only gives them power and causes you harm.  Keep your upright course.  Let your light so shine before men that they will see your good works and glorify for your Father in Heaven.  

Here is something you probably already know...this is not easy.  It is not easy to have your good called evil...to have your words twisted and your deeds maligned.  No one likes to be hated without a cause but therein is the encouragement.  Our Jesus was despised and rejected...His words were twisted and His deeds maligned.  Look to Jesus then for your example.  See how he reacted...

For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:

“Who committed no sin,
Nor was deceit found in His mouth”;

who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Christ suffered that we might live.  Shine your light so others might live.  There are no true offenses against you...they are against God.  Your life is not about you..it is about glorifying Him in and through it all so that you can lead others to Christ.  The key verse for me from this section of 1 Peter 2 especially when going through this kind of trial is this one:

 "but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously" 

I am never to look to and desire the praises of men...I am to desire the praises of my God.  I am not to get entangled in foolish disputes in an attempt to clear my name. They take the focus off of God and place it on me...so instead of seeing Christ in me others just see me.  They keep the focus on earthly things rather than heavenly things and distract from the task at hand.  I am to commit myself then...all of me...to Him.  I am to surrender to what He has for me.  It is not my job to worry about my critics. It is His.  My job is to do good and keep my conduct honorable.  

These verses above from 1 Peter 2 and the ones below from Psalm 37 are gold to be treasured and obeyed.  As you follow your Lord's example, He will bring forth your righteousness as the light and your justice as the noon day and you will delight yourself in an abundance of peace.  

Trust in the Lord, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass.
He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,
And your justice as the noonday.

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him;
Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;
Do not fret—it only causes harm.

For evildoers shall be cut off;
But those who wait on the Lord,
They shall inherit the earth.
For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more;
Indeed, you will look carefully for his place,
But it shall be no more.
But the meek shall inherit the earth,

And shall delight themselves in abundance of peace                                         

One Thing is Needful...

Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.--Luke 10:38-42

Question:  What does Jesus say is the one thing that is needed?  What does Jesus describe as the good part?  The part which shall not be taken away?

Answer:  Sitting at His feet (abiding) and hearing His word with a heart that desires Him above all because He is what is needed.

The one thing that is needed brings salvation:

Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.--James 1:21

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.--Romans 10:17

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:--Romans 5:1

The one thing that is needed brings peace:

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.--Isaiah 26:3

For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.--Romans 8:6

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:--Romans 5:1


The one thing that is needed brings a desire for the things above and an indifference to the things of the world:

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.--Colossians 3:1-3

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.--Matthew 5:6

 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.--John 6:27

Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.--Psalm 73:25-26

The one thing that is needed bears fruit unto our God:

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.--John 15:4-5


But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.--Galatians 5:22-23

The one thing that is needed is made manifest in our devotion and obedience to God:

And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.--Deuteronomy 6:5

But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the Lord charged you, to love the Lord your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.--Joshua 22:5

And he said, Lord God of Israel, there is no God like thee, in heaven above, or on earth beneath, who keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants that walk before thee with all their heart:--1 Kings 8:23

But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.--Psalm 1:2

 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.--Psalm 51:6

The one thing that is needed brings us into His Presence and to fulness of joy...it gives us Jesus Himself. 

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.--Psalm 16:11

And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.--Ephesians 3:19

For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
And ye are complete in him, --Colossians 2:9-10


Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.
Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.--Psalm 73:23-24

The desire for the one thing that is needed is produced by the indwelling Holy Spirit in a believers' heart.

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.--John 14:16-17

That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.--Romans 8:4

The Bible: How to Live in Harmony with Others.

The last verses are from Isaiah 50:4-11:  the Messiah's soliloquy about being perfected through obedience and sufferings...They speak as no other verses can, save Isaiah 53, to the example we are to follow...

Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.  Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.--Philippians 2:1-4

Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.  If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.  Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.  Therefore

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.--Romans 12:16-18

Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous;  not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.  For

“He who would love life
And see good days,
Let him refrain his tongue from evil,
And his lips from speaking deceit.
Let him turn away from evil and do good;
Let him seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
And His ears are open to their prayers;
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good?  But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;  having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.  For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.--1 Peter 3:8-17

“The Lord God has given Me
The tongue of the learned,
That I should know how to speak
A word in season to him who is weary.
He awakens Me morning by morning,
He awakens My ear
To hear as the learned.
The Lord God has opened My ear;
And I was not rebellious,
Nor did I turn away.
I gave My back to those who struck Me,
And My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard;
I did not hide My face from shame and spitting.
“For the Lord God will help Me;
Therefore I will not be disgraced;
Therefore I have set My face like a flint,
And I know that I will not be ashamed.
He is near who justifies Me;
Who will contend with Me?
Let us stand together.
Who is My adversary?
Let him come near Me.
Surely the Lord God will help Me;
Who is he who will condemn Me?
Indeed they will all grow old like a garment;
The moth will eat them up.
“Who among you fears the Lord?
Who obeys the voice of His Servant?
Who walks in darkness
And has no light?
Let him trust in the name of the Lord
And rely upon his God.
Look, all you who kindle a fire,
Who encircle yourselves with sparks:
Walk in the light of your fire and in the sparks you have kindled—
This you shall have from My hand:
You shall lie down in torment.--Isaiah 50:4-11

Broken Cisterns...

Often, I go through my day looking and hoping in wrong things.  My heart looks for fulfillment and joy where it will never be found.  As it says in Jeremiah, I hewn for myself cisterns...broken cisterns that can hold no water and I forget the fountain of living waters!   I wonder as David did in Psalm 42:

Why are you cast down, O my soul?
And why are you disquieted within me?

In my self-sufficiency, Father,  I am in distress...every hand of misery comes against me.  But, You, my God, because I am Your beloved...You bow down toward me and speak to my heart  You draw me to Yourself with gentle cords of love. You remind me to come...to cast all my care upon You because it is only in You that my soul finds its rest. 

So I bring you my heart and lay it bare before you.   Ahhh...then I remember where my help, my hope and my expectation are found....they are found only in You.  As I seek you, my heart is filled with what it has searched and longed for in the wrong places.  My soul is filled with your lovingkindness and your songs of deliverance surround me.  You, Father, care for my heart...You want my heart...You want all of me and desire only my good both temporally and eternally.  You, are my Savior, my Lord and my God...You are my all in all.  My eyes lift to You in earnest expectation.  In You, O God,  I will not be ashamed...Be magnified in my life.    

My expectation is from Him...

My soul waits silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him.--Psalm 62:5

You are my hiding place and my shield;
I hope in Your word.--Psalm 119:114

My God will withhold from me no good thing...

The young lions lack and suffer hunger;
But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.--Psalm 34:10

For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
The Lord will give grace and glory;
No good thing will He withhold
From those who walk uprightly.--Psalm 84:11

My God is sufficient...

Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.--1 Corinthians 1:25

Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God,--2nd Corinthians 3:5

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.--2 Corinthians 9:8

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.--2 Corinthians 12:9

Everything We Need...

But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.  Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ--Philippians 3:7-8

Paul came to Christ and whatever things might have been gain to him prior to his conversion: (see Philippians 3:4-6) he counted as loss, rubbish or dung in gaining Christ.  Paul surrendered his confidence in his flesh...did a complete 180 in his viewpoint so to speak...and put His faith and hope completely in Christ.  Paul understood that it was only in Christ, the Great I Am, the Becoming One... the One who becomes for us whatever our need might be, he had everything he needed.

For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh,--Philippians 3:3

Psalm 25, a Psalm penned by David, speaks to this point well.  In it we see David's heart...the heart of a man after God's own heart who knew that whatever he needed would come from His God and it was to His God that David entrusted His very soul.  

Verses 1-7:  The help we need comes from Him:

To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
O my God, I trust in You;
Let me not be ashamed;
Let not my enemies triumph over me.
Indeed, let no one who waits on You be ashamed;
Let those be ashamed who deal treacherously without cause.

Show me Your ways, O Lord;
Teach me Your paths.
Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
For You are the God of my salvation;
On You I wait all the day.

Remember, O Lord, Your tender mercies and Your lovingkindnesses,
For they are from of old.
Do not remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions;
According to Your mercy remember me,
For Your goodness’ sake, O Lord.

Verses 8-14:   God can be trusted... 

Good and upright is the Lord; 

Therefore He teaches sinners in the way.

The humble He guides in justice, 

And the humble He teaches His way.

All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth, 

To such as keep His covenant and His testimonies. 

For Your name’s sake, O Lord, 

Pardon my iniquity, for it is great. 

Who is the man that fears the Lord? 

Him shall He teach in the way He chooses. 

He himself shall dwell in prosperity, 

And his descendants shall inherit the earth. 

The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him, 

And He will show them His covenant.

Verses 15-22 Trusting God brings victory...

In Danger:  My eyes are ever toward the Lord, For He shall pluck my feet out of the net. 

In Loneliness: Turn Yourself to me, and have mercy on me, 

In Sorrow, trouble, Brokenness, Loss and Regrets: For I am desolate and afflicted. The troubles of my heart have enlarged; Bring me out of my distresses! Look on my affliction and my pain, And forgive all my sins. 

In Fear: Consider my enemies, for they are many; And they hate me with cruel hatred. Keep my soul, and deliver me;

In Despair: Let me not be ashamed, for I put my trust in You. Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, For I wait for You. Redeem Israel, O God, Out of all their troubles!

Father,

May I seek you today with my whole heart knowing that it is only in You that I have everything I need. 

The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want--Psalm 23:1 NKJV

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.--Psalm 23:1 NIV

Crucified With Christ

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.--Galatians 2:20 KJV

Below are the cross-references for this verse from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge. It is one of the best ways to study the Bible. Allowing Scripture to interpret Scripture.  Be blessed!

crucified -

[Gal 5:24 KJV] 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

[Gal 6:14 KJV] 14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

[Rom 6:4-6 KJV] 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also [in the likeness] of [his] resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with [him], that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

[Rom 8:3-4 KJV] 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

[Col 2:11-14 KJV] 11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with [him] through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. 13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

nevertheless -

[Rom 6:8, 13 KJV] 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: ... 13 Neither yield ye your members [as] instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members [as] instruments of righteousness unto God.

[Rom 8:2 KJV] 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

[Eph 2:4-5 KJV] 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

[Col 2:13 KJV] 13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

[Col 3:3-4 KJV] 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, [who is] our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

but -

[Jhn 14:19-20 KJV] 19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. 20 At that day ye shall know that I [am] in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.

[Jhn 17:21 KJV] 21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, [art] in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

[2Cr 4:10-11 KJV] 10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

[2Cr 13:3, 5 KJV] 3 Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you. ... 5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

[Eph 3:17 KJV] 17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

[Col 1:27 KJV] 27 To whom God would make known what [is] the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

[1Th 5:10 KJV] 10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
[1Pe 4:2 KJV] 2 That he no longer should live the rest of [his] time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

[Rev 3:20 KJV] 20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

the life -

[2Cr 4:11 KJV] 11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

[2Cr 10:3 KJV] 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:

[1Pe 4:1-2 KJV] 1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 2 That he no longer should live the rest of [his] time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

I now -

[Gal 2:16 KJV] 16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

[Gal 3:11 KJV] 11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, [it is] evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

[Jhn 6:57 KJV] 57 As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.

[Rom 1:17 KJV] 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

[Rom 5:2 KJV] 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

[2Cr 1:24 KJV] 24 Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.

[2Cr 5:7, 15 KJV] 7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) ... 15 And [that] he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

[Phl 4:13 KJV] 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

[1Th 5:10 KJV] 10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

[1Pe 1:8 KJV] 8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see [him] not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

[1Pe 4:2 KJV] 2 That he no longer should live the rest of [his] time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

the Son -

[Jhn 1:49 KJV] 49 Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.

[Jhn 3:16, 35 KJV] 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. ... 35 The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.

[Jhn 6:69 KJV] 69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.

[Jhn 9:35-38 KJV] 35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God? 36 He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him? 37 And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee. 38 And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.

[Act 8:37 KJV] 37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

[Act 9:20 KJV] 20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

[1Th 1:10 KJV] 10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, [even] Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

[1Jo 1:7 KJV] 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

[1Jo 4:9-10, 14 KJV] 9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son [to be] the propitiation for our sins. ... 14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son [to be] the Saviour of the world.

[1Jo 5:10-13, 20 KJV] 10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.
11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; [and] he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. ... 20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, [even] in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

who -

[Gal 1:4 KJV] 4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:

[Mat 20:28 KJV] 28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

[Jhn 10:11 KJV] 11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

[Jhn 15:13 KJV] 13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

[Rom 8:37 KJV] 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

[Eph 5:2, 25 KJV] 2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. ... 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

[Tts 2:14 KJV] 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

[Rev 1:5 KJV] 5 And from Jesus Christ, [who is] the faithful witness, [and] the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

Apprehended of Christ Jesus....

Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.--Philippians 3:12 KJV

As a believer I have been apprehended by Christ. I am His possession...He has laid hold of me to bring me to heaven. My safety...my salvation...is not that I lay hold of Him but that He lays hold of me. 

Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.-1 Peter 1:5

We love him, because he first loved us.--1 John 4:19

I have been chosen for the very purpose of being perfected...conformed to His image. That is the very goal I will press on towards [follow after, earnestly endeavor to acquire, pursue, seek eagerly after] I want what He wanted for me when he took hold of me. I want what He desires for me. Father may Your desires be my desires.. I want everything you have for me.

Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.--Psalm 37:4