The Lord is my Shepherd

— Posted inPsalms — 7 min read

The LORD is my shepherd; I will not be in want.Psalms 23:1

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Psalms 23:1 – Here the LORD (Jehovah) is said to be the Shepherd of His people. In John 10:11 the Lord Jesus is the good Shepherd. This is evidence that Jesus is the incarnation of Jehovah. Read also Psalms 24:7, 10; 96:10-13; Isaiah 6:1; Zechariah 12:10; Genesis 16:7; Exodus 3:14. And see references on Luke 2:11. David views himself as a sheep. All of Christ’s believers are His sheep, His purchased and personal possession. They are sheep, not by nature, but because of the marvelous works of God in their hearts (read Ephesians 2:3-10). They hear Christ’s voice, trust in Him, and follow Him (Read John 10:25-27).

His people should not doubt that the good Shepherd will provide. If we follow Him and trust Him with all our heart, He will give us all what we need (Read Psalms 37:25; Matthew 6:25-33 and Philippines 4:19). This means all we need for both physical and spiritual life. David here is expressing his confidence in his Shepherd and his contentment in what the Shepherd gives, both qualities we should all try to maintain in our hearts, read Hebrews 13:5-6. If we really know Him can we doubt that He will take care of us, or that what He gives or withholds is given or withheld in perfect wisdom and love?

He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside the still waters. Psalms 23:2

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Psalms 23:2 – Compare Matthew 11:28-30; and John 10:4. Wherever He brings His sheep there will be the green pastures of His marvelous righteous Word and fellowship, and the calm deep waters of the Holy Spirit. This knowledge too brings contentment, rest and freedom from all that can frighten and frustrate, trouble and harass us…

He restores my soul. He leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Psalms 23:3

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Psalms 23:3 – As long as believers are in this world they will have times of weariness and trial. They will be sometimes cast down and tempted to faint. At such times the Shepherd draws near and restores and refreshes the soul. He leads only in the paths of righteousness, never in crooked ways, never in the broad way of deception, ungodliness, and sin. If you have gone in a bad way, a way that involved you in lies, or breaking the law, or in unjust behavior, do not boast that the good Shepherd has led you there. This He will never do. His name and the glory of His Father are bound up with His sheep. He will always lead them in ways of truth and justice and honesty.

Yes, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalms 23:4

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Psalms 23:4 – Times of darkness, gloomy trials, and finally death will come to Christ’s sheep. Evil will sometimes surround them. But their Shepherd is the all powerful Creator. He is by their side. Why should they fear? (Read Luke 12:4-7; John 14:1; Romans 8:15; 2 Timothy 1:7; Hebrews 2:14-15; 13:6; 1 John 4:18 and Revelation 2:10). Fear not, little flock! The comfort of Christ’s sheep is His authority over them, His sovereign care signified by His rod and staff. The staff was a long stick or pole bent and curved at the end. The shepherd used it both to draw sheep near and to guide them. The staff could be placed along the side of the sheep and pressure exerted to indicate the direction they should go.

The rod was a shorter stick often with a carved knob at the end. It could be used for three different purposes. It was a defensive weapon which could be used against animals dangerous to the sheep. It was a tool to discipline the sheep. And it was used to examine the condition of the sheep by lifting up the wool that covered them, so that which was underneath could be inspected. All of these things Christ the good Shepherd does for believers. With His rod and staff (the Word of God and His Spirit and any other means He uses in our lives) He exercises authority over us ( Matthew 28:18), draws us near to Himself in fellowship ( 1 John 1:3), guides us (John 10:4), defends us against all enemies (Psalms 5:12; 32:7 and John 10:28), examines us to see if we are in a healthy spiritual condition ( Psalms 7:9; 1 Chronicles 28:9; Jeremiah 20:12  Revelation 2:23), and disciplines us that we might enter this condition (Read Hebrews 12:5-11). Their is no greater comfort than our almighty dear caring Lord and Shepherd Jesus Christ, who desires to takes care of His children…

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup runs over.
Psalms 23:5

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Psalms 23:5 – Sheep have many enemies – wild beasts that prey on anything as helpless as they are. The case of believers is no different. If no one opposes us, if we have no enemies, we may well wonder if we are following the Shepherd and standing up for justice and integrity. The world that hated Jezus Christ will not love His sheep (Read John 15:18-19). And satan and his hordes will hate them with a fierce hatred. But even while satan rages and our enemies surround us our almighty dear caring, wonderful Shepherd prepares a feast of good things for us. Like the humble, serving shepherd He is ( Read John 13:3-5 and Luke 12:37) He prepares table for us and anoints our heads with His precious oil of His Holy Spirit (Read 1 John 2:20). Thus we will have enough, and more than enough, of everything. Table here also suggests the Lord’s Table where we meet with Him and with each other to remember the love He showed in giving Himself for us that we might feast on Him and live forever (Read John 6:35 and 1 Corinthians 11:23-26).

Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Psalms 23:6

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Psalms 23:6 – With such a great wonderful dear caring Shepherd, believers now, like David, can enjoy full assurance of faith (Read Romans 5:9-10; 8:37-39; Philippines 1:6; 2 Timothy 4:18 and 1 Peter 1:5). Our almighty, wonderful dear caring Shepherd goes before us, goodness and mercy follow us. What companions we have for life’s pilgrimage! If we belong to His flock we will be safe in His keeping forever (Read John 10:28).

Much LoVe, JoY, Peace and Blessings through Jesus Christ our almighty dear caring Lord, Saviour and Redeemer, in who we faithfully abide, trust, believe and abundantly do receive throughout His marvelous righteous Word, and truth fulfilling Holy Spirit ✝️🔥👑🙏🕊️

💫 Emmanuel 💫

For the LORD Most High is awe-inspiring

— Posted inPsalms — 12 min read

To the chief musician, a psalm for the sons of Korah

Oh, clap your hands, all you people! Shout to God with the voice of triumph!
Psalms 47:1

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Psalms 47:1- In the activities of the true God there is great cause for joy for all the peoples of earth. One great reason for this joy is in the next verse.

For the LORD Most High is awe-inspiring. He is a great King over all the earth.
Psalms 47:2

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Psalms 47:2 The God of Israel (Jehovah) is not a mere tribal god or national god. He is the only God there is, the Creator of the universe (Read Isaiah 45:21-22). Above all nations and governments He sits enthroned. That is, He who is perfect in holiness, justice, grace, and love reigns over mankind. This is the cause for us to be joyful hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah praise to our Lord of Lord King of Kings! He is greatly axalted  (see vers 6-9)

“GREAT KING”– Read Psalms 5:2; 24:8; 95:3; Isaiah 6:5; 33:22; 43:15; Jeremiah 10:6-7, 10; Daniel 4:34-37; Malachi 1:14; 1 Timothy 1:17; 6:15 and Revelation 15:3; 17:14; 19:16. Some people question the manner of God’s rule over the earth and ask: “If God is the great king why are conditions on earth so terrible? Why does evil prevail? Why do the innocent suffer? Why are the poor and weak crushed under the feet of the rich and strong? Why do disasters strike – drought and starvation, cyclones, earthquakes and floods? Why do devastating wars, persecutions of whole people, or genocides take place?” Asking such questions some people dare to deny that God exists. They insist that if there were a God things could not be as they are. This is poor reasoning and poor philosophy. In facing such questions none of us should leave out of our reasoning some very important Bible facts. According to the Bible the world is in its present condition not because God fails in His rule, but because mankind in general does not accept His wonderful designed  law. People are sinners and rebel against the great King of the universe. It is they who ruin the world, not God. Compare Genesis 6:5-7, 11, 12; 8:21; Psalms 14:2-3; Isaiah 24:5; Romans 1:18-32 and Revelation 11:18. Mankind deserves nothing good from God, but actually receives much good – which the majority of people take and misuse without gratitude to the Heavenly reigning Father. The only times many people mention God is to take His name in vain or to curse or in complaint against Him. The general practice of mankind is to blame God for anything they consider bad, but never to thank Him for any good He does. God, as the righteous Ruler of the world does send punishment on the wicked. He use methods to restrain the restless, greedy, rebellious nature in man. And He is perfectly justified in using at times very severe methods (see Revelation 16:5-7; 2 Thessalonians 1:6 and Genesis 6:5-8). Actually God’s judgments are always at work in the world and those judgments are perfectly just. He is always just in His dealing with individuals and with mankind as a whole – see Psalms 33:5; 89:14 and Genesis 15:16. Accepting this is, of course, a matter of faith. We can rejoice in God’s reign over the earth (as we are told to do in vers 1) if we believe His enriched revelation in the Bible. Then we can understand that God cannot do, and does not do, any wrong or unjust thing to anyone, ever. We can understand that He knows what He is doing even if we do not, that He has ways and plans we do not know and which are far above us (see Isaiah 55:8-9 and Romans 11:33-36). God is “AWE INSPIRING” in His nature (character) and activities. He is worthy of the utmost of reverent fear and trust.

He will subdue the peoples under us, and the nations under our feet.
Psalms 47:3

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Psalms 47:3-4 – A further cause for joy is the activities of God with His chosen people.

However much these verses might have been fulfilled in the past there surely will be a more complete fulfillment very soon (Read Isaiah 9:6-7; 11:1-10; Matthew 19:28; Acts 1:6 and Revelation 20:4-6). All the earth will be brought under the sway of the Lord Jesus and with Him those who have trusted Him.

He will choose our inheritance for us, the excellence of Jacob whom He loved. Selah
Psalms 47:4

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Psalms 47:4 –  “INHERITANCE”– if we entrust the choice of our inheritance to God we need not worry about the size or quality of it (Read Acts 20:32; 26:18; Ephesians 1:11, 14; Colossians 1:12; Hebrews 9:15 and1 Peter 1:4).

God has gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.
Psalms 47:5

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Psalms 47:5 – Jehovah God is here described as ascending to His throne after winning a great victory. We are reminded of the day when Jehovah, incarnated in the Lord Jesus Christ, after winning the fight against all the forces of Satan, ascended into glory (see Luke 24:50-52; Acts 1:9-11; Ephesians 4:7-10).

Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises!
Psalms 47:6

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Psalms 47:6-7  see references on praise at psalms 33:1 below…

Rejoice in the LORD,
O you righteous;
for praise is fitting
for the upright.
Psalms 33:1

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Psalms 33:1-  “PRAISE”– Read Psalms 7:17; 8:2; 9:1; 16:7; 18:3; 42:5; 100:4; 150:6; Genesis 24:27; Exodus 15:2; Leviticus 19:24; Deuteronomy 8:10; 32:3; 1 Chronicles 16:4, 9, 25; Isaiah 12:1; Matthew 5:16; 11:25; Luke 1:68; Romans 15:7, 11; 2 Corinthians 1:3; Ephesians 1:3, 6, 12, 14 and Revelation 5:12-13; 19:5. God does not command us to praise Him because He is hungry for praise. He is not like men who long to have everyone speak well of them. When God commands us to praise Him He is actually telling us to find our  joy and delight in Him every day, to express our humble  heart and soul full of great admiral praises before His majestic Holy Throne Room. Men praise what they think is good or beautiful or strong or meaningful. They express their delight in what they consider a worthy object. The highest good and beauty and strength and meaningfulness are found in God at all times. Therefore among all things and persons and beings in the universe He is the most worthy of praise. He wants us to recognize this, not for His sake, but for ours. He wants us to be the kind of people who know and praise that which is most worthy of praise. To praise God means to see His worthiness, His excellence. It means we find our delight in the best and highest reigning Lord of Lords, King of Kings. It is fitting and right that we should do this (see vers 1). Men praise all kinds of objects and persons not worthy of their praise. Is it not fitting for those who know God to praise Him? Who is worthy of it? The wicked, the discontented, the selfish, the unbelieving, the morally and spiritually blind cannot, will not, praise God in spirit and in truth. The humble, the righteous, the enlightened person can and will. Wicked people glory in their shame, and praise earthly things and delight in them (ser Philippians 3:19). Righteous people glory in God and in Christ their Saviour (1 Corinthians 1:31; 2 Corinthians 10:17; Galatians 6:14 and1 Timothy 1:17).

Lack of thanksgiving and praise to God is blameworthy. It shows a defect in character and outlook, and God wants His people to be free of it. Giving thanks, singing, and praising God are fitting for them and should come naturally to them. These things are ways in which they can show their renewed nature. Those who know God best and who are the humblest and most enlightened will praise Him most.

For God is the King of all the earth. Sing praises with understanding. Psalms 47:7

God reigns over the nations. God sits on the throne of His holiness. Psalms 47:8

The leaders of the people have gathered together, the people of the God of Abraham. For the shields of the earth belong to God. He is greatly exalted. Psalms 47:9

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Psalms 47:9 – “THE GOD OF ABRAHAM”– the writer clearly identifies the God of whom he is speaking. He is our true righteous fulfilling, glorious God of the Bible, the God who made a covenant with Abraham and us called him and us to be His servant in the world. What a great honor it is to get to know our almighty Lord Jesus Christ.

Everyday we can be joyful and reach out to God with a thankful heart and soul, full of honor and admiral praises before our almighty Lord of Lords, King of Kings.

Praise the LORD! Praise God in His sanctuary. Praise Him in His mighty firmament. Psalms 150:1

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Psalms150:1 –  “PRAISE THE LORD”– (Read vers 6) – and see references on Psalms 104:35. He is filled with praise to God and wants the whole universe to sound and resound with praise. The first and last Psalm each has only six verses. The first has blessing as its subject and the last has the result of blessings.

“SANCTUARY”– Read Psalms 68:24-26; 73:17; 102:19. Praise should begin where God is best known and truly worshiped.

“FIRMAMENT” or “EXPANSE”– Read Genesis 1:6-8.

Praise Him for His mighty acts. Praise Him according to His surpassing greatness. Psalms 150:2

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Psalms 150:2 –  “HIS MIGHTY ACTS”– Read Psalms 106:2; 145:12 and Deuteronomy 3:24

“HIS SURPASSING GREATNESS”– Read Psalms 47:2; 48:1; 86:10; 95:3; 145:3 and1 Timothy 6:15-16.

Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet. Praise Him with the lyre and harp. Psalms 150:3

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Psalms 150:3-5 –  Read Psalms 45:8; 57:8; 149:3; 2 Samuel 6:5 and 1 Chronicles 13:8; 15:24; 16:42. Praise God with all your heart and soul and be joyous of heart. let your lips be the instruments of honourable praises to our almighty King of Kings. He deserve all the glory forever more!

Praise Him with the tambourine and dance. Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes. Psalms 150:4

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Psalms 150:4 – “FLUTES”– organs or any modern instruments like drums had not yet been invented when this psalms was written. Let us be careful in how we use our instruments today and not become to indwell of the worldy patterns of instruments. God desires us to come honourable and humble before His Majestic Trone room. Don’t let us forsake our gathering ways before of our almighty dear Heavenly Father.

Praise Him with the loud cymbals. Praise Him with the high sounding cymbals. Psalms 150:5

May everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD! Psalms 150:6

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Psalms 150:6 – God is so happy when we become before Him with a joyful heart of praise. He longs to hear everything that he breathed joining the mighty chorus. This is what His majestic new Heaven will be like (Read Revelation 4:8-11; 5:8-14; 7:9-12; 14:1-3; 15:2-4; 19:1-8).

“You are worthy, O Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power, for You have created all things, and for Your pleasure they exist and were created”. Revelation 4:11

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Revelation 4:11 They praise God as the wonderful, mighty creator of the universe (Read Revelation 10:6; Genesis 1:1; Job 38:4-7; Psalms 19:1; Isaiah 40:25-26; Acts 14:15; 17:24-28 and Romans 11:36).

“FOR YOUR PLEASURE”– or “BECAUSE OF YOUR WILL” – the Greek word translated “PLEASURE” is usually translated “WILL” or “DESIRE”

We should believe and receive through this day and onwards, that our almighty, sovereign reigning Heavenly Father is working in our live. He is calling His dear beloved children in the midst of His congregation. To have eyes to see and ears to hear. To become to indwell in the abundance of His enriched Holy of Holies. Let our faith be the  substance of things hoped for and unseen. Let us stand united together and be inspired to encourage one and another. And give honor  to God and His marvelous, righteous, fulfilling Word. So that we may become shaped, fulfilled and ready to become His bride when the time is near…

Much Love, JoY, Peace and Blessings through Jesus Christ, our almighty dear caring Lord, Saviour and Redeemer, in who we faithfully abide, trust, believe and abundantly do receive throughout His marvelous righteous Word and truth fulfilling Holy Spirit ✝️🔥👑🙏🕊️

💫 Emmanuel 💫

One with God and His mighty truth fulfilling Holy Spirit!

— Posted inFREEDOM — 5 min read

We have been told within the church that the Holy Spirit of God has been given to us, the real emphasis on the fact that the Holy Spirit of God actually lives within us seems to be missed. If we could get this deep down within us, that we now live in the Kingdom of God and the Holy Spirit of God actually lives within us, we would be able to share the love and power of God with people we meet each day. We do not need to sit back and wait for some future day when we die and enter the Kingdom of God. We can live as one with the Spirit of God in the spiritual Kingdom of God each and every day beginning right now. Here are a few amazing powerful passages from the bible that mention being one with the Spirit and living in the Kingdom of God:

Matthew 6:10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Luke 17:21 nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.

John 14:16,17 I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever. Even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him.

You know Him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. John 14:20

In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. John 17:11

I am no longer in the world; and yet they themselves are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as We are. John 17:20-23.

I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. Romans 5:5

And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 8:9

However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. Romans 8:11

But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. Romans 14:17

for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 3:16

Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 1 Corinthians 6:17

But whoever is united with the Lord is one with Him in spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:19

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? 1 Corinthians 12:13

For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body Jews or Greeks, slaves or free and all were made to drink of one Spirit. 2 Corinthians 6:16 Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, I will dwell in them and walk among them; And I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Galatians 4:6 Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, Abba! Father! Ephesians 3:16 That according to the riches of His glory He may grant you to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in your inner being, 2 Timothy 1:14 Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you. 1 John 2:27 As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him…

Much LoVe, JoY, Peace and Blessings through Jesus Christ, our almighty dear caring Saviour and Redeemer in who we faithfully abide, trust, believe and abundantly do receive throughout His marvelous righteous Word, and truth fulfilling Holy Spirit ✝️🔥👑🙏🕊️

Cain and Abel Were The First Children

— Posted inOld Testament — 5 min read

Genesis 4

AFTER SIN CAUSED God to shut Adam and Eve out of the beautiful home that he had made for them, they built a home for themselves somewhere outside the garden gate. Here they began to feel more and more the punishment which their sin had brought upon them. Adam had to toil hard and long to secure food for himself and for Eve. No doubt his hands and feet were sometimes bruised and torn by thistles and thorns. Eve too learned the sad meaning of pain and sorrow. Her home was not so happy as it had been before she listened to the tempter’s voice, and chose to disobey God. But all the while God loved Adam and Eve. We can not know how great was his grief when they sinned. No longer could he walk and talk with them as he had done before. Now sin, like a great, black monster, had stepped in and spoiled their friendship, and where sin dwells God will not go. No doubt Adam and Eve were sorry, too. No longer could they have God’s presence in their home because sin had fastened itself in their hearts.

But because God loved them still, he gave Adam and Eve a promise of a Savior. And because they believed the promise, hope came into their hearts again. Although they could not talk to God as they had done in their garden home, now they confessed their sins to him, and it appears certain that they brought gifts which they offered upon altars. These altars they built by piling up either stones or earth, making a flat top, and placing on the top some wood, all cut and ready to be burned. Next they laid their offering upon the wood, then set fire to the wood, and that burned up the offering. We are sure that Adam and Eve must have felt lonely, with no friends in all the big, wide world. But God planned that there should be more people, and so one day he gave Adam and Eve a little child-a baby boy. This baby they named Cain. How they must have loved him! After a while God gave them another little boy, and they named him Abel. When Cain and his little brother Abel grew old enough to understand, Adam and Eve told them about the great God, and how they themselves had disobeyed him before Cain and Abel were born. They wanted their sons to love this God and try to please him. But alas! sin, like a tiny seed, was already buried in the hearts of these little boys, causing them to think naughty thoughts, or say unkind words, or do wrong deeds, just as little boys and girls are tempted to do today. Abel wanted to please God and he was sorry because he sinned; but Cain allowed the tiny sin-seed to grow and grow until his heart became very wicked. By and by Cain and Abel became men, like Adam, and Cain worked in the fields raising grain and fruits, while Abel took care of a flock of sheep. These brothers built altars, upon which they offered their gifts to God, as their parents did. Cain brought for his offering fruit from the field where he had labored, and Abel brought a fat lamb. But Cain’s offering did not please God. When he saw that God was displeased, he became very angry. God talked to him. He warned him of the harm that might come if he should continue to be angry instead of becoming sorry for his sins. But Cain was not willing to listen; he was not sorry for his sins. Abel believed the promise which God had given to his parents, and when he offered his gift he prayed and asked God to forgive his sins. God was pleased with Abel’s offering. One day while the brothers were together in the field, Cain quarreled with Abel. Now, we are sure that nothing good can come of quarrels, because they are so wrong. This quarrel ended dreadfully. Cain grew so angry with Abel that he killed him. What an awful deed! God spoke again to Cain, and asked, “Where is Abel, your brother?” Cain replied, “I know not. Am I my brother’s keeper?” Wicked Cain did not know that God had seen all he did. And now for a punishment God told Cain that he must leave his old home forever. Now at last Cain felt sorry, but he was sorry only because he was to be punished for his sin. He thought God was punishing him more than he could bear. Then God placed a mark upon him that all could see, and by that mark they would know that God did not want them to kill Cain. After this Cain wandered far away into a land called Nod. There he lived for many long years. Adam and Eve lived a long time, and God gave them other children besides Cain and Abel. Then the time came at last when their bodies grew feeble with age and they died, as God had said they should when they ate the forbidden fruit…

And do not be conformed to this world

— Posted inRomans — 3 min read

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

Note and Biblical Scripture Reference on Romans 12:2.

 “World”– the New Testament has much to say about the world of men.

The world does not know God (Read John 1:10)

It loves spiritual darkness (Read John 3:19)

It hates Christ and His followers (Read John 7:7; 15:19)

Its “ruler” and “god” is Satan (Read John 12:31 and 2 Corinthians 4:4)

It cannot receive God’s Spirit (Read John 14:17)

Its wisdom is like foolishness (Read 1 Corinthians 1:20; 3:19)

It is only temporary (Read 1 Corinthians 7:31; 2 Corinthians 4:18)

It is without God and without hope (Read Ephesians 2:12)

Its friendship is enmity with God (Read James 4:4)

It is corrupt (Read 1 Pet 1:4)

It is filled with pride and lust (Read 1 John 2:15-17)

It is in wickedness (Read 1 John 5:19)

No wonder Paul tells believers not to be “conformed” to it. There are powerful forces in the world that mold its people and cause them to behave in evil ways.

Believers are to be “transformed” into the likeness of Christ. Transformation is an inner work of God’s Spirit. Believers are to do more than outwardly avoid the ways of the world – their inner life also is to be altogether different. This takes place by the “renewing” of their minds (Read Ephesians 4:22-23). Thoughts are extremely important. To a very large extent they will govern how believers behave.

The only way to live a transformed life is to keep our thoughts under control and have our minds filled with God’s truth (Read Romans 8:5-6; 2 Corinthians 10:5; Colossians 3:16; Psalms 1:1-3; Philippines 2:5; 4:8 and Hebrews 8:10). We are to love God with all our mind (Read Matthew 22:37). This is the “renewal” we need. Those who will not give themselves to God, and who do not cooperate with God’s Holy Spirit in the work of inner transformation, will not be able to find out what God’s will is for them. If we wish to know and follow that perfect will, we must do what He tells us here.

Much Love, Joy, Peace and Blessings through Jesus Christ, our almighty dear caring Lord, Saviour and Redeemer, in who we faithfully abide, trust, believe and abundantly do receive throughout His marvelous righteous Word and truth fulfilling Holy Spirit✝️🔥👑🙏🕊️

💫 Emmanuel 💫

Psalms 14

— Posted inPsalms — 8 min read

The fool has said in his heart, There is no God”. They are corrupt, they have done abominable deeds. There is no one who does good. Psalms 14:1

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Psalms 14:1 – Evidently this is a very important Psalm because it is repeated with only a few changes in Psalm 53, and Paul quotes from it in Romans chapter 3. The Hebrew word translated “fool” does not mean an uneducated person or one lacking in mental ability. It means one who is perverse in his thinking, one who because he is morally corrupt will not permit the truth to enter his head. The atheist is like this. He believes something (the non-existence of God) not because there is proof for it, but because there is hostility in his heart toward the God he denies (read John 15:18 Romans 1:30; 8:7) in other words, he allows his base feelings to rule his thoughts (see Colossians 1:21). Atheism strikes a blow at ethics and morality (as someone has said, “If there is no God, I can do as I please”).The atheist reveals his “foolishness” in other ways as well. He believes in the non-existence of God even though it is impossible to prove this, and though there is tremendous evidence against this view. In order to believe his atheism he must ignore all of this evidence, suppress the voice of God speaking in nature and in his conscience, and reject God’s revelation of Himself in the Bible which comes with great internal evidence of its truthfulness. Observe that the fool says inwardly that there is no God. Because of his circumstances, or the society in which he lives, he may not have the courage to deny God outwardly and may even profess to be religious.

The LORD looked down from heaven on the children of men to see if there were any who understand and seek God. Psalms 14:2

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Psalms 14:2-3 – Read Psalms 53:2-3. David turns from thoughts of the corrupt nature of the atheist to thoughts of the corruption of human nature in general. Not all men will say there is no God, but because of their sinful nature they live to a large extent as if there were no God. If they really believed in God would they not try to seek Him? Would they not heartily try to do good? Since they do not, they show by their actions that their nature is corrupt and their belief in God for the most part is an empty thing. Paul used these verses to show the sinfulness and guilt of every human being (read Rom 3:9-12)

Is this description of people too harsh and pessimistic? No. It is what God sees. Notice David’s words in v 2 – “The Lord looked down from Heaven”. David could know this only by revelation from God Himself. People in their ignorance and darkness may think they see something very good in or among themselves. But God does not see as man does see 1 Samuel 16:7; Luke 16:13. And in this psalm we have God’s view, not man’s…

They have all turned aside, they have all together become corrupt. There is no one who does good, no, not one. Psalms 14:3

Are all the  evildoers without knowledge? They devour my people like they eat bread, and do not call on the LORD. Psalms 14:4

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Psalms 14:4-5 – Those who practice evil have no understanding of the most essential thing in the world for them. The time will come when they will be overwhelmed with dread of God’s anger. Compare Revelation 6:15-17. See references on God’s anger at Psalms 90:7-11; Numbers 25:3; Deuteronomy 4:25; John 3:36 and Romans 1:18…

There they are in great fear; for God is among the generation of the righteous. Psalms 14:5

You have shamed the counsel of the poor, because the LORD is his refuge. Psalms 14:6

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Psalms 14:6-7 In the midst of a corrupt humanity, God, the righteous One, is doing His work, bringing salvation to His chosen ones, justifying them and restoring them to a blessed state…

Is it possible that the same Hebrew words can be translated so differently? Yes, it is. See also the notes on Proverbs 19:22 below Speaking in general, some words and expressions and phrases in Hebrew can have more than one meaning. Others are obscure and ambiguous, and it is very difficult to come at the exact meaning. Some sentences are very terse and omit words we would put in when using English, and so the meaning is doubtful. In other cases there are sometimes slight variations in the spelling of words in various manuscripts. And we should understand that the Hebrew of the Old Testament is an ancient language, and in written form originally had only consonants no vowels, no punctuation marks, and often no space between words. Many hundreds of years later a group of Jewish scholars added what they thought were the right vowels to the basic consonants. Their work is called the Masoretic Text, and it is the text used in the translation of the Old Testament for hundreds of years. No doubt they did their work remarkably accurately, but there is no reason to think that it was absolutely perfect. And if, here and there, they made mistakes in adding vowels, this can give meanings different from the ones the original writer intended.

We are very fortunate to have so ancient a book that on the whole is so remarkably clear as to meaning. We should understand that our almighty God fully inspired the original writings of the Bible (see 2 Timothy 3:16 and 2 Peter 1:21).

What is desirable in a man is his kindness, and a poor man is better than a liar. Proverbs 19:22

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Proverbs 19:22 “KINDNESS”– or the Hebrew could also be translated “WHAT A MAN DESIRES IS UNFAILING LOVE” or even “a MAN’S GREED IS HIS SHAME”. But is it possible that the same Hebrew words can give such widely different meanings? In this case, the answer is, yes. The Hebrew word translated here “KINDNESS” also means love, goodness, and faithfulness. But it also means reproach or shame. So it could be translated “greedily desires” or “lusts” or “greed” (what a person greedily desires or lusts after may be called his greed). See some of the difficulties encountered in translation at Psalms 14:6-7.

“A POOR MAN IS BETTER THAN A LIAR”– see Proverbs 15:16; 16:8; 28:6 – a thousand times better! A liar sins against God, is doing something God hates, and is in danger of terrible punishment (see Revelation 21:8). The poverty of a poor man who trusts in Christ is only temporary, and at death he will enter into an eternal rich inheritance with God. Many are placed in positions where this choice between poverty and lying must be made. Alas that then so many start practicing lying and deception to get money. We should tremble for the future of such persons…

Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion! When the LORD brings back his people from captivity, Jacob will rejoice, and Israel will be glad.Psalms 14:7

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Psalms 14:7 – “BRINGS BACK…FROM CAPTIVITY”- the phrase in Hebrew also means “RESTORES THE WELL BEING OF”.

Your watchmen will raise their voices; with their voices they will sing together, for when the LORD restores Zion they will see it with their own eyes. Isaiah 52:8

He restores my soul. He leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Psalms 23:3

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Psalms 23:3 – As long as believers are in this world they will have times of weariness and trial. They will be sometimes cast down and tempted to faint. At such times the Shepherd draws near and restores and refreshes the soul. He leads only in the paths of righteousness, never in crooked ways, never in the broad way of deception, ungodliness, and sin. If you have gone in a bad way, a way that involved you in lies, or breaking the law, or in unjust behavior, do not boast that the good Shepherd has led you there. This He will never do. His name and the glory of His Father are bound up with His sheep. He will always lead them in ways of truth justice and honesty. Amen! 🙏

With love and honor in our Lord Jesus Christ, our wonderful dear caring Saviour and Redeemer in who we faithfully abide, trust, believe and abundantly do receive throughout His marvelous, righteous Word, and truth fulfilling Holy Spirit ✝️🔥👑🙏🕊️

💫 Emmanuel 💫

A Spiritual Exercise

— Posted inSymbolism — 6 min read

This ends the description of the tabernacle, the pattern God gave to His people to reveal heavenly truths.

It all speaks of Jesus. It all symbolizes Him and His work for us and our privileges and responsibilities in Him. Believers in Jesus now can use thoughts and meditations about the tabernacle to see clearly how they should approach and worship God. In spirit we come with our offerings to the entrance of the tabernacle compound which speaks of Jesus “the gate” (John 10:7).
The ordinary Israelite could not enter the tabernacle or the compound, but we as New Testament believers are also priests (1 Peter 2:5, 9), so we enter and the glories of the new covenant begin to open to our view.
First we approach the altar of burnt offering. There we look on the fire and the poured out blood and the animal sacrifices burned to ashes, and remember again the Lamb of Jesus, the one great sacrifice for the sins of the whole world, the blood and life of the Lord Jesus poured out for us on Calvary (see John 1:29; Romans 3:25; 2 Corinthians 5:21). He was both sacrifice and High Priest who offered the sacrifice (see Hebrews 8:1-3; 9:11-12). Sacrifices were to be offered daily on the tabernacles literal altar, but on Calvary Jesus was offered once and for all for our sins (see Hebrews 10:10-14). That one sacrifice cannot be repeated, it is not necessary that it be repeated, and no one should even dream of trying to repeat it. But daily we should keep it in memory and bow in adoration at His feet.
At this altar we remember too our death in Him (see Romans 6:3-4, 8; 2 Corinthians 5:15; Colossians 3:3), and as New Testament priests we here offer our sacrifices – our praises, and all that we are and all that we have and all that is within us (see Romans 12:1-2 and Hebrews 13:15-16; Luke 14:33). We take our proper place of death to self and lay ourselves, as it were, on the altar to be a burnt offering for God alone, and as those risen from the dead in Jesus (see Ephesians 2:5-6) move forward to live for Him (see Leviticus 1:3-17; Luke 9:23; 2 Corinthians 5:15).
From the altar Jesus our great High Priest leads us to the basin or laver filled with water, and there by using the marvellous righteous Word of God and by the Spirit of God we wash away any defilement, any uncleanness there may be in our thoughts, motives or behavior (see 2 Corinthians 7:1 and Hebrews 10:22).Still as priests we continue on with Him to the tabernacle building itself, the Holy Place, and enter. There we stand in the only light in that place, the light of the seven-branched lamp-stand which speaks of Jesus (see John 8:12). And there we resolve again to walk in His light and behave as children of the light (see Ephesians 5:8-9 and 1 John 1:7). And there we view the bread on the table and partake of the Bread of life which it symbolizes (see John 6:35). We feed on Him by meditating on His excellent qualities and deeds and how they relate to us, and by opening our hearts afresh to His presence. In this way of faith we receive strength from Him for our daily walk as pilgrims in a fallen world. And there in the Holy Place we see Jesus as our intercessor and mediator (see Romans 8:34; 1 Timothy 2:5), symbolized by the altar of incense, and offer our prayers to mingle with His. And then we face the curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, the holy of holies.
In Old Testament days no ordinary priest dared go through that curtain, but only the high priest, and that but once a year (see Leviticus16:2, 34; Hebrews 9:7). But we, the New Testament priests, can enter there, can enter every day, and any time of day or night. Christ the great High Priest has opened up a new and living way through the veil, that is, His flesh (Hebrews 10:19-22). He takes us by the hand and leads us in. We are united to Him, are members of His Body, and so enter with Him (see 1 Corinthians 12:12-13). And there again we see the altar of incense, Jesus our intercessor and mediator (the altar of incense was sometimes in the Holy Place and sometimes in the Most Holy Place – Hebrews 9:3-4, perhaps signifying that Jesus can be in more than one place at the same time, in God’s presence in heaven and with us here on earth).
And there is the Ark with its atonement cover, speaking of its heavenly counterpart that is sprinkled with the blood of Jesus which enables us to approach infinite holiness (see Hebrews 9:12; 10:19; 12:24). And there above the cover are the cherubim. And there between the cherubim is the cloud of glory, the presence of our eternal KING “God”, the Creator of the universe. And here we bow in His Holy presence, with God our great High Priest at our side, being united to Him, and present ourselves to God our Father. And in the Spirit we worship Him and pray for our needs and intercede for others. And He hears us because we have come in the way He has provided and appointed. And He wants us to come and welcomes us with love and compassion and mercy and grace (Hebrews 4:16).
The Old Testament priests were active every day in the tabernacle. A daily spiritual exercise such as the one suggested above would not be without value to us who are New Testament priests. For the tabernacle reveals something of the glory and love and power of Jesus, and reminds us that each day of our lives we need to be aware of His sacrifice for us, that we need to bring Him the offering of ourselves, that we need to be clean, and can be clean, in all that we do, that we need His light on our daily path, that we need to get our strength each day by feeding on the Bread of life, that we need His constant intercessions for us, and that we need to pray ourselves and worship lowly and gratefully at His throne. Certainly we should all remember these truths daily and apply them in our lives. Of course, a mere ritual, going through the forms of worship without proper understanding or without heart, is an empty and useless thing (see John 4:24). But making use of the tabernacle to remember all the wonderful truth God revealed through it, and heartily entering into that truth, can be of great benefit.