Day 18 - Genesis 37; Matthew 12, Psalm 16 - Thru the Bible 2019

Bible Reading: Genesis 37:1-38:30; Matthew 12:22-45; Psalm 16:1-11; Proverbs 3:27-32 

Speaking to the unpardonable sin...

Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.  And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.--Matthew 12:31-32

In the context of this passage (12:22-32) verse 22 tells us that a man was brought to Jesus who was demon-possessed, blind and mute.  Jesus heals him so that the man both spoke and saw.  The people were amazed and wondered if Jesus could be the Son of David.  When the Pharisees heard of it, they rejected this clear witness of the Holy Spirit that Jesus was God come in the flesh (casting out a demon and healing) and attributed Jesus' powers to Satan.  This is not surprising in that Jesus' healing of the man with the withered hand on the Sabbath (in the previous passage) caused them to immediately go out and hold a council together against Him on how they might destroy Him.  The truth was in front of their face and they willfully rejected it.  They had observed Him performing other miracles that were clearly done by power supplied by God... Miracles that were "freely given" by Jesus in lovingkindness toward those who were obviously suffering and/or oppressed by evil.

Jesus' words are in verses 31 and 32 are clear, and they are merciful as He is warning the Pharisees against calling His good evil.  Their subsequent rejection of Him especially in the light of what they had seen of Jesus and heard of him was willful and according to the explanations I read, showed an utter rejection of the ministry of the Holy Spirit which testifies to Jesus. (John 15:26)

David Guzik: "When that testimony of Jesus is fully and finally rejected, one has truly blasphemed the Holy Spirit and essentially called Him a liar in respect to His testimony about Jesus. The religious leaders were close to this." 

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.--John 3:18

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.--John 3:36

Christians who are afraid that they have “blasphemed the Holy Spirit” need not worry, because by that very admission, they have shown that their desire is not to blaspheme the Holy Spirit.


Matthew Henry writes:
 
“Let it be observed that no man who believes the divine mission of Jesus Christ ever can commit this sin” “We have reason to think that none are guilty of this sin, who believe that Christ is the Son of God, and sincerely desire to have part in his merit and mercy: and those who fear they have committed this sin, give a good sign that they have not”

see also Genesis 6:3 and Jeremiah 7:16 

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For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.--Matthew 12:37

Your words will either justify you or condemn you. 

 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.--Romans 10:9-10



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 Genesis 37....I really love when I reach the story of Joseph in Genesis, and his story goes all the way to Chapter 50!  God spends 12 chapters on a single individual.  Why?  Because Joseph is a beautiful picture of His Son, Jesus!  I can't remember when I heard it or who said it but at one time in the very beginning of my walk with the Lord, I was told to look for Jesus on every page of the Bible...it was one of the best pieces of advice I have ever received and in the story of Joseph, we see Jesus everywhere!  

For instance, Genesis 37:3 says this:

Now Israel loved Joseph more...of many colors.

 Jesus' Father loved Him dearly..

And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." --Matthew 3:17


Who else was hated by His brothers...

But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peaceably to him.--Genesis 37:4  

He came unto his own, and his own received him not.--John 1:11

For no one does anything in secret while he himself seeks to be known openly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world."  For even His brothers did not believe in Him. --John 7:4-5 


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Psalm 16...Before I read Psalm 16, I read an introduction/background for it.  This intro told me that it was a messianic Psalm telling us what Jesus was thinking the night before He was crucified.  I read it then, thinking on Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.  It obviously applies to David but in applying it also to Jesus it became rich with meaning and significance. 

For example:

Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.  For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.--Psalm 16:9-10

As I do your will...as I drink the cup that You have prepared for me, I know You will not leave me in the grave. (my flesh also shall rest in hope) This points to the resurrection.


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

Verse 10 speaks to the resurrection then clearly verse 11 speaks to Jesus' Ascension...of His return to Heaven. (where is fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore.)

So thankful for Jesus who made Psalm 16:9-11 also true for you and me because He did the will of His Father in heaven.  Absent from the body, present with the Lord...
 




 

Day 17 - Genesis 35:1-3 - Thru the Bible 2019

Bible Reading: Genesis 35: 1–36: 43 Matthew 12: 1-21 Psalm 15: 1-5 Proverbs 3: 21-26

Then God said to Jacob, "Arise, go up to Bethel and dwell there; and make an altar there to God, who appeared to you when you fled from the face of Esau your brother." 2 And Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, "Put away the foreign gods that are among you, purify yourselves, and change your garments. 3 "Then let us arise and go up to Bethel; and I will make an altar there to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and has been with me in the way which I have gone."—Genesis 35:1-3

From my point of view or anyone’s really, Jacobs family is disintegrating..His daughter raped, his sons taking revenge and murdering all the males in Shechem (not to mention the deception and blasphemy that preceded that act). Jacob said it best...”ye (speaking to his sons) have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land.” Things looked pretty hopeless and downright scary for Jacob.  

The story continues in Genesis 35: 1 And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there… Bethel—previously called Luz until the night Jacob had an encounter with God—was the place where Jacob was saved. It was the place where Jacob said “Surely, God is in this place, and I did not know it.” Now God says, “Go back to the place you met Me.” How gracious is our God!!  I am so thankful that no matter how far I have strayed, no matter how much I have messed up, God has provided for me (us)a way of return through the death of His Son on the cross.

Jacob and his family are sunk pretty deep in the mire but the Lord graciously sets his feet back on a rock and showed him the path on which to place his feet.  When I think what my life would look like without that way back...without the hope of heaven...if when I sinned I was done and had no hope of reconciliation only the darkness of hell before me...life would not be worth living and death would only be a worse option. 

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,

5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),—Ephesians 2:4-5

Where can I go from Your Spirit?

Or where can I flee from Your presence?

8 If I ascend into heaven, You are there;

If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.

9 If I take the wings of the morning,

And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

10 Even there Your hand shall lead me,

And Your right hand shall hold me.

11 If I say, "Surely the darkness shall fallfn on me,"

Even the night shall be light about me;—Psalm 139: 7-11

But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more,—Romans 5:20b

Day 16 - Matthew 11:11;Matthew 11:28-30; Proverbs 3 - Thru the Bible 2019

Bible Reading:  Genesis 32: 13–34: 31 Matthew 11: 7-30 Psalm 14: 1-7 Proverbs 3: 19-20

No matter how many times I have read thru the following passage over the years, it always confuses me in that I need to go back and see what Bible expositors say about it.  The following is from David Guzik...I like the Spurgeon quote the best. 

Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.—Matt 11:11

According to Jesus, John then was greater than Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Job, Daniel or any other of the Old Testament men of God. 

He who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he: “Though John was great, he was not born again under the New Covenant. This is because he lived and died before the completion of Jesus’ work at the cross and empty tomb. Therefore, he did not enjoy the benefits of the New Covenant (1 Corinthians 11:25, 2 Corinthians 3:6, Hebrews 8:6-13).”—Guzik

“As we may say, as a rule, that the darkest day is lighter than the brightest night; so John, though first of his own order, is behind the last of the new or Gospel order. The least in the Gospel stands on higher ground than the greatest under the law.”—Spurgeon

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“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.”—Matt 11:28-30

Come to Me...a phrase to write on your heart and remember throughout the day...His call is to those that feel overwhelmed and burdened...that’s me...His heart is gentle and lowly...His yoke is easy ( can be translated kind) and His gift to us when we “come” is rest.❤️

The fool has said in his heart,

"There is no God."

They are corrupt,

They have done abominable works,

There is none who does good.—Prov 3

The fool:  Atheists and pantheists are mere fools in the sight of the omniscient God, regardless of their intellectual achievements.  The delusion that this beautiful, intricately complex cosmos, with its multitudes of marvelously designed living creatures, could have evolved by itself is absurd in the highest degree.—Henry Morris 

Day 15 - Psalm 13 - Thru the Bible 2019

Bible Reading:  Genesis 31: 17–32: 12 Matthew 10: 24–11: 6 Psalm 13: 1-6 Proverbs 3: 16-18

How long o Lord.? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?  How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily?  How long will my enemy be exalted over me?--Psalm 13:1-2 

When we are waiting and cast down how slowly time passes.  Sadness and grief can at times seem to make time stand still.  David cries out here.  You can hear his despair, his grief and sadness are overwhelming him.  He cries out to God in His distress...feeling abandoned and forgotten.  I am so thankful that the Bible is replete with reminders that our God does not forget us.  We are His beloved child.  A mom may forget her nursing infant, but God does not forget us...we are inscribed on the palms of His hand.  His love and presence abide with us always. Even in our darkest moment, He is with us...working it all together for our good and His glory.

Sorrow is a heavy burden.  The Lord Jesus has surely borne our griefs and carried our sorrows.  He knows what we are going through...in a very personal way. He understands your sorrow even better than you do.  He has borne it.

David's sorrow is made worse because he is bowed down and sad and yet his enemy laughs at him.  It doesn't get much worse than that...unless, of course, that enemy is a family member or trusted friend.  Someone who held your heart.  This was often the case with David.  His own son betrayed Him and sought to kill him.  His trusted counselor also.  David understood deep, deep sorrow and grief.

The next verses begin to turn David's despair.  He goes to the right place..to God His exceeding joy.  His hope and his help!

Consider and hear me, O Lord my God; Enlighten my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; lest my enemy say, "I have prevailed against him;" Lest those who trouble me rejoice when I am moved.--Psalm 13:3-4

Coming to God and crying out to Him in our weakness, our hopelessness and our despair changes everything.  I cannot imagine...I shudder to think of what my life would be like if I could not do this.   Spurgeon says that the mercy seat is the life of hope and the death of despair.

Day 14 - Matthew 10:17-20; Matthew 10:15/Matthew 11:11

Bible Reading: Genesis 30: 1–31: 16 Matthew 10: 1-23 Psalm 12: 1-8 Proverbs 3:13-15

17 "But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues.

18 "You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.

19 "But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak;

20 "for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.—Matt 10:17-20

—I like that Jesus warns us ahead of time of things that will happen...

—I like that He tells us that His Spirit will be with us and will give us the words we should speak...

—I especially like that He tells us why.  Opposition and persecution provide opportunities for evangelism at every level...even at the highest levels of government...  

But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel...What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.—Philippians 1:16,18

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Matthew 10:15/Matthew 11:11

In Matthew 10:15 Jesus speaks to degrees of punishment in hell. Sodom and Gomorrah were unbelievably wicked and are destined, as it says in Jude, for eternal fire.  Relatively speaking, the cities of Israel were less wicked, but Jesus says that in the day of judgment it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah. He further makes his point in Chapter 11 by pronouncing woe on the cities of Israel who refused to repent despite the “mighty works” that were done in them.  These cities had experienced both the ministry of John the Baptist and Jesus.  Much light was given them and therefore they had a greater responsibility in their decision to reject Him.  To whom much is given, much is required. 

Luke 12:48 (NKJV)

"But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.  

Day 13 - Genesis 29:35 - Thru the Bible 2019

Bible Reading:  Genesis 28: 1–29: 35 Matthew 9: 18-38 Psalm 11: 1-7 Proverbs 3: 11-12

And she conceived again and bore a son, and said, "Now I will praise the LORD." Therefore she called his name Judah. Then she stopped bearing.—Genesis 29:35

Judah, whose name means praise, was destined to produce the kingly tribe—including David and, eventually Christ. It was so awesome for me to read that this is the first mention of the word translated praise....more commonly rendered “give thanks” in the Bible.  

From Days of Praise - “Whenever Leah spoke to her son, she would actually be calling him “Thanks” and thus in effect remembering her gratitude for this gift of a special son.

We also continue to give thanks every day for that special Son of the tribe of Judah, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!—Romans 11:33

Day 10 - Proverbs 3:1-2 - Thru the Bible 2019

Bible Reading: Genesis 23:1-24:51; Matthew 8:1-17; Psalm 9:13-20; Proverbs 3:1-6


My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.—Prov 3:1-2

The commandments are not to keep me in a box, but for my protection—that I might have a long, good, successful life.

For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.

 John 14:21-24 (NKJV)
21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. 22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? 23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.

Day 12 - Matt 9:11-13 - Thru the Bible 2019

Bible Reading:  Genesis 26: 17–27: 46 Matthew 9: 1-17 Psalm 10: 16-18 Proverbs 3: 9-10

Thankful for my God’s steadfast love that never ceases...

And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?"

12 But when he heard it, he said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.

13 Go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."—Matt 9:11-13

Cross-reference verses:

For I desire mercy and not sacrifice,

And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.—Hosea 6:6

This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.—1 Timothy 1:15

Day 11 - Psalm 10/Genesis 16:13 - Thru the Bible 2019

Bible Reading: Genesis 24:52-26:16; Matthew8:18-34; Psalm 10:1-15; Proverbs 3:7-8

The verse below from a recent reading in Genesis came to mind  as I read through Psalm 10. (Ps:10-14; 17-18)

Hagar speaking...

So she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, “You are a God of seeing,”for she said, “Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.”—Genesis 16:13 ESV

God does see...He is our God who sees.  He knows what each of us faced yesterday and what we will face today.   He hears the cry of the humble...Truly He is the God who looks after us (me)!  

I loved this note on Matt 8:29 - “Jesus, thou Son of God.  These “devils” (actually demons or evil spirits)....could recognize Jesus for who He was, even though He was now also a man.  In fact, both Satan and his demons,on various occasions, called Jesus “Son of God,” but they never called a Him “Son of man.”  They apparently refuse to acknowledge that “Jesus Christ is come in the flesh” 

John 4:2-3a Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God:

Day 8 - Matthew 6:33-34 - Thru the Bible 2019

Bible Reading: Genesis 18:16-19:38; Matthew 6:25-7:14; Psalm 8:1-9; Proverbs 2:6-15

❤️But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.—Matthew 6:33-34

Father...Thank you that Your word shows us how to order our lives...When I focus on You and draw my very life from You...when I surrender and meditate on Your word...when I seek Your wisdom and grace...when I want Your will and your purposes...when I abide in You and seek Your kingdom first, all the rest is added unto me. "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit saith the Lord of Hosts."

My Anna at "the land"...

Day 7 - Proverb 2:1-5 - Thru the Bible 2019

Bible Readings: Genesis 16: 1–18: 15 Matthew 6: 1-24 Psalm 7: 1-17 Proverbs 2: 1-5

My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you, 2 So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding; 3 Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding, 4 If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures; 5 Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, And find the knowledge of God.

So grateful to God for the words of Proverbs 2...for His steadfast love that surrounds me as I read, study and pray through His word. (Something I would otherwise not do, unless He was faithful by His Spirit to draw me daily) Without His word how would I know the true God...how would I know the real me...how would I know how to rightly use my time...how would I know how to prepare for eternity??  Where would I go for true answers, for godly guidance, for real comfort...for His peaceable and pure wisdom?? So very thankful that He redeemed my life from destruction...pulling me up from the miry clay and setting my feet upon a rock...praise to our God!

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.—Hebrews 4:12

16 Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.

17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.—2 Corinthians 3:16-18

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.—Romans 12:2

16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.—2Timothy 2:16-17

Day 4 - Psalm 4 - Thru the Bible 2019

Bible Readings: Genesis 8: 1–10: 32 Matthew 4: 12-25 Psalm 4: 1-8 Proverbs 1: 20-23

Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.—Ps 4:4-5

When my heart is overwhelmed with sorrow or anger or the trials and heartbreak that come with living in a fallen world, these verses are more often than not, the ones the Lord brings to mind.  I like the KJV here the best.  Stand in awe of God!  Remember who your God is!  Offer the sacrifices of righteousness (for me this means to do the next right thing) and put my trust in Him.  My Jehovah-Shammah will be forever near...LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.

Day 3 -Thru the Bible 2019

Readings:  Genesis 5: 1–7: 24 Matthew 3: 7–4: 11 Psalm 3: 1-8 Proverbs 1: 10-19

I love how all these verses painted the same picture for me this morning...God [is] our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.

THEN THE LORD said to Noah, “Come into the ark, you with all your household, for you [alone] I have seen as righteous (doing what is right) before Me in this generation.—Genesis 7:1

Cross-reference verses

For in the day of trouble He will hide me in His shelter; In the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock.—Ps 27:5

Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon those who fear Him [and worship Him with awe-inspired reverence and obedience], On those who hope [confidently] in His compassion and lovingkindness, To rescue their lives from death And keep them alive in famine.—Ps 33:18-19

then [in light of the fact that all this is true, be sure that] the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trial, and how to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment,—2 Peter 2:9

But You, O LORD, are a shield for me, My glory [and my honor], and the One who lifts my head.—Ps 3:3

Going Thru the Bible in 2019

Day 2

Readings: Genesis 3-4; Matthew 2:13-3:6; Psalm 2;  Proverbs1:7-9

So much in each of these readings! Two things really hit my heart as I read...one was God’s mercy even amidst His wrath and the second was how when Adam and Eve’s eyes were opened it broke their dependence on God. 

First mercy amidst wrath...Our “sentence” could have  been so much worse. So much mercy in each decree.  For example:

      16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. 

Sorrow and pain come with childbirth but that is forgotten for the joy that a child is brought into the world.  Also, because a mom in the beginning of a child’s life usually spends a greater amount of her time with her children she has the opportunity and the responsibility to have a significant impact on them spiritually....to raise godly children.  I think that is part of what is meant in 1 Tim 2:15:

15Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.

God’s commands are good...His “sentences” here in Genesis 3 are not meant to destroy us but to bring us to repentance.

The second thing that hit me was man’s dependence on God before the fall...they walked together in the garden...Adam checked everything he did out with God first and what he didn’t know he asked God.  After eating the fruit Adam and Eve had the knowledge to discern both good and evil, but that knowledge was without God at their side. Prior to salvation and yes even now at times, I think I know better than God.  (Knowledge puffs up) God’s ways are paradoxical to the world’s ways. The world says grow more and more independent as you age...God says without me you can do nothing.  

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29 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.

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."—Matthew 11:28-30

Hannah's Prayer

“The LORD kills and makes alive; He brings down to the grave and brings up. The LORD makes poor and makes rich; He brings low and lifts up. (1 Samuel 2:6, 7, NKJV).

This is part of Hannah's prayer of thanksgiving for the LORD taking away her barrenness and giving her a son, Samuel. It is a surprising to me that in the midst of extolling the LORD's kindness to her, she is succinctly pointing out His sovereign control of everything.`

It is almost brutal in its formulation in that the LORD, without apology or need to justify His purposes, KILLS, MAKES ALIVE, BRINGS DOWN TO THE GRAVE, BRINGS UP (resurrects), MAKES POOR, MAKES RICH, BRINGS LOW (humiliates), and LIFTS UP (exalts).

All this from a woman who is unfailingly described as gentle, loving, righteous, and nurturing... the wife whom Elkanah loved more than his other wife, despite her being barren, and the other wife fertile.

These are remarkable truths and insights from Hannah about her God. She KNEW these characteristics of her God as certainly as she knew that her longed-for son was a gift from above.

I believe these are vitally important truths for us to understand about our God, as well.

I find it strangely comforting that the Lord never makes any excuse or apology for doing the things that He does.  He is not the author of evil, but neither does He avoid responsibility for allowing it to happen. I understand that this is, in part, because He always has His good purposes in view. He always works ALL things together for good to those who love Him.

Even the things that can devastate us in this life.

He allows them for His reasons, which are as far above our thoughts as the heavens are above the earth. And it is, for us, an opportunity to exercise that measure of faith which we have all been dealt. We are to trust Him “through the Valley of the Shadow of Death”.

Remember, Hannah's declaration of God's sovereign power and authority are entwined within her prayer of thanksgiving for her son. She bore the heartache and stigma of being childless for years, until, in God's timing, and in response to her prayers, He gave her the desire of her heart.

And her son, Samuel, was to be one of the greatest prophets and judges of Israel.

Like Job, Hannah knew that the LORD gives and the LORD takes away; blessed be the name of the LORD.

We live in a world that can sometimes appear overwhelmingly dark and evil, but the LORD is in control.

We sometimes can be faced with insurmountable obstacles, pain, or loss, but the LORD is in control.

We are often at the mercy of circumstances that we can't even begin to cope with, but the LORD is in control.

And He DOES work all things together for good. He DOES care for us, even though the world does not.

He has promised a future and a hope. He sent His Son to redeem us from everlasting torment. 

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38, 39, NKJV).

And... For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18, NKJV).

In Him,

Bill L

My Strong Habitation...

Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.--Psalm 71:3

I am redeemed!  You, my God, have set me free!  You are the house of my habitation..in You I live, move and have my being.  You, O Lord, are my house of defense, my strong tower...my rock.  To You and to You alone will I continually resort.  You have given commandment to save me!  Bend down your ear and deliver me speedily from those who are my enemies...from those who desire to see me fall.  For thy namesake lead me and guide me.  Pull me out of the net they have secretly laid for me.  You are my strength and into Your hands I commit my spirit.   I rejoice in Your mercy.....You have considered my trouble and have known my soul in all its adversities.  You have not given me into the hands of my enemies but have set my feet in a wide place.  You are always with me. 

Have mercy on me Lord, for I am in trouble.  Have mercy on me Lord for I am weak.  My soul is consumed with grief and my eyes from crying.  My times are in Your hands.  You hear me when I cry and draw me out of many waters.  My weakness does not place me in jeopardy because You are my strong tower!   Hide me in the secret place of Your tabernacle, show to me Your marvelous kindness.  Make Your face to shine upon me, and save me for thy mercies sake. My hope is in You, my God who preserves the faithful and strengthens the hearts of those who fear You. 

I dwell under the shadow of the Almighty God!  You are my refuge and my fortress...my God in whom I will trust..  You give your angels charge over me to keep me in all my ways and make all things work together for good for me...I am called for Your purposes.   You, Father, know my name and have set Your love upon me.!!   I can come boldly to Your throne of grace to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.  When I call, You will answer.  You will honor me and deliver me and show me Your salvation.  I will be strong and of good courage...I will fear not; nor shall I be afraid:  for the Lord, my God goes with me and will not fail me nor forsake me. Happy am I because my God is the Lord. 

Being Strong and Courageous...

Being Strong and Courageous...

My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.--Psalm 63:8

“Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid nor dismayed before the king of Assyria, nor before all the multitude that is with him; for there are more with us than with him. With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.--2nd Chronicles 32:8

My life in time and eternity are Yours, Father.  I will walk with You in boldness because my relationship with You is unbreakable.  Nothing can separate me from Your love.

Thank you that you have NOT given me the spirit of fear but instead have given me Your power, Your love and Your mind!  These all became mine when I believed.  You have enlightened my eyes with the light of Your life and have given me understanding to know what is the hope of your calling, the riches of the glory of my inheritance and the exceeding greatness of Your power toward me who believe.  Your love has been poured out in my heart...I can love as You love...focused not on me but on You, my Father in heaven.  By your Spirit of grace I can now seek the good of others before my own.

I don't want my circumstances to move me and cause me to react in a way that is not honoring to You .   I don't want even to consider my own life dear to me, but, like Paul, I want to finish my course with joy, testifying of you at all times and in all things.  Fear is from the enemy and walks in total opposition to Your perfect love.   It is evil and filled with self seeking.  Your word tells me that anything that is not from faith is sin.  Oh, Father, I confess I fail here so often...my first and last thoughts each and every day are of me.  Help me to walk in your perfect love that casts out fear and self seeking. Help to surrender to what You want and put aside my fears for I have not received the spirit of bondage but the Spirit of adoption whereby I can cry Abba, Father!  I am your precious daughter and can go boldly to Your throne for grace to help in time of need.

In You Father, I live and move and have my being.  In You, my Light of Life, I see light!  My Redeemer lives!  You have delivered my soul from the pit and released me from my fear of death.  Even when the darkness closes in, You are the light all about me.  Yay, even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil because You walk with me and comfort me.  There is no fear in Your perfect love...fear involves torment.  Oh Father, make me perfect in Your love.  You are my help and my shield and my soul waits for You.  My heart rejoices in You, my Savior and trusts in Your holy name.  Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon me!

When I focus on You and draw my very life from You...when I surrender and meditate on Your word...when I seek Your wisdom and grace...when I want Your will and your purposes...when I abide in You and seek Your kingdom first all the rest is added unto me. "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit saith the Lord of Hosts."

 Father, may Your word be my treasure.  May spending time with You at Your throne of grace be where my attention and time is devoted.  Let me desire like Paul to know nothing but Your Son, Jesus Christ and Him crucified.  This is wisdom!  Help me to find my peace in this life in You at Your feet.  May You be my consolation and comfort in death and may I have joy forever in Your everlasting arms. 

This Christmas...

2nd Timothy chapters 3 and 4 truly speak my heart as a mom...Study the word, moms...preach and teach it...in season and out of season.  Speak the truth to your little ones and not so little ones in LOVE....Make sure your word and your deeds match.  Do not let them leave your home and go into the world as children who will be driven and tossed about like a wave is by the wind.

All Scripture is given to us by God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction and for instruction in righteousness.  

Jesus Christ is the Great I AM...the Becoming One.  He becomes for us and for our children when we believe, whatever we need.  Give them Jesus.  Give them a mom who abides in the vine.  Give them a mom who draws her life and her strength from Him.  Give them a mom whose love for her Savior deepens daily and whose joy and strength come from Him.  Spend time with your God,  moms...depend on Him moment by moment and then watch your precious children do the same.

Having obeyed the word of your God, you will look back on this time in your life with joy and will see that faith TRULY is the substance of things hoped for... the evidence of things not seen and by it the elders obtained a good testimony as will you.

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.---3 John 1:4

God's Steadfast Love to a Hurting Heart...

Thinking the Lord spoke to my heart last night while I was worshiping Him thru the song "The Hurt and the Healer" by MercyMe.  Here are the words:


"The Hurt and The Healer"
MERCYME...

Why?
The question that is never far away
The healing doesn’t come from the explained
Jesus please don’t let this go in vain
You’re all I have
All that remains

So here I am
What’s left of me
Where glory meets my suffering

I’m alive
Even though a part of me has died
You take my heart and breathe it back to life
I’ve fallen into Your arms open wide
When the hurt and the healer collide

Breathe
Sometimes I feel it’s all that I can do
Pain so deep that I can hardly move
Just keep my eyes completely fixed on You
Lord take hold and pull me through

So here I am
What’s left of me
Where glory meets my suffering

I’m alive
Even though a part of me has died
You take my heart and breathe it back to life
I’ve fallen into your arms open wide
When the hurt and the healer collide

It’s the moment when humanity
Is overcome by majesty
When grace is ushered in for good
And all our scars are understood
When mercy takes its rightful place
And all these questions fade away
When out of the weakness we must bow
And hear You say “It’s over now”

I’m alive
Even though a part of me has died
You take my heart and breathe it back to life
I’ve fallen into your arms open wide
When The hurt and the healer collide

Jesus come and break my fear
Awake my heart and take my tears
Find Your glory even here
When the hurt and the healer collide [x2]

Jesus come and break my fear
Awake my heart and take my tears
Find Your glory even here


As I was listening to this song a picture came up on the screen of Jesus with a toddler on His lap...He was showing him a butterfly.  At that moment I understood.  My whole body began to shake and convulse with the knowledge of His grace and mercy and love to me.  When I am with a little one or have my camera and am looking at nature through its lens...these are the times where I am never more "me".  AND IT IS THE "ME" I LIKE BEST.   It is the me that has a child's mindset.  It is the me that allows Him to shine through.  It is not the "me" of my flesh but the "me" in Him.  A little one at my side...or a camera in hand and my heartbreak and pain are lifted...my God is with me...holding me...showing me the beauty and wonder that surrounds me through His eyes.  I am at peace.  I am as close to heaven as I can get here in this world.  In His grace and love He reminded me of this last night...that He is there holding me...sharing His world with me as a loving mom or dad does with their little one....providing ways of escape from unrelenting grief and pain...all I needed to do was take his hand...He...His presence was and is always my CONSOLATION.  

My Strong Habitation...

Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.--Psalm 71:3

I am redeemed!  You, my God, have set me free!  You are the house of my habitation..in You I live, move and have my being.  You, O Lord, are my house of defense, my strong tower...my rock.  To You and to You alone will I continually resort.  You have given commandment to save me!  Bend down your ear and deliver me speedily from those who are my enemies...from those who desire to see me fall.  For thy namesake lead me and guide me.  Pull me out of the net they have secretly laid for me.  You are my strength and into Your hands I commit my spirit.   I rejoice in Your mercy.....You have considered my trouble and have known my soul in all its adversities.  You have not given me into the hands of my enemies but have set my feet in a wide place.  You are always with me. 

Have mercy on me Lord, for I am in trouble.  Have mercy on me Lord for I am weak.  My soul is consumed with grief and my eyes from crying.  My times are in Your hands.  You hear me when I cry and draw me out of many waters.  My weakness does not place me in jeopardy because You are my strong tower!   Hide me in the secret place of Your tabernacle, show to me Your marvelous kindness.  Make Your face to shine upon me, and save me for thy mercies sake. My hope is in You, my God who preserves the faithful and strengthens the hearts of those who fear You. 

I dwell under the shadow of the Almighty God!  You are my refuge and my fortress...my God in whom I will trust..  You give your angels charge over me to keep me in all my ways and make all things work together for good for me...I am called for Your purposes.   You, Father, know my name and have set Your love upon me.!!   I can come boldly to Your throne of grace to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.  When I call, You will answer.  You will honor me and deliver me and show me Your salvation.  I will be strong and of good courage...I will fear not; nor shall I be afraid:  for the Lord, my God goes with me and will not fail me nor forsake me. Happy am I because my God is the Lord.