"Egyptian Exodus 2..."

December 31, 2015

“Egyptian Exodus 2…”

Blessings folk!

Are you ready?
Are you prepared?
Are you seeking the Lord?
Are you listening to the Lord?

In our recent examining of the birth narrative of the Lord Jesus we have seen the Lord speaking and guiding His people.

Joseph, Mary and Jesus are in Egypt.
The Lord speaks again…

Mat 2:19-23
But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, and said,
“Get up, take the Child and His mother, and go into the land of Israel; for those who sought the Child’s life are dead.”
So Joseph got up, took the Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel.
But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Then after being warned by God in a dream, he left for the regions of Galilee,
and came and lived in a city called Nazareth. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophets: “He shall be called a Nazarene.”


Herod dies.
The Angel of the Lord appeared..again, in a dream…to Joseph and tells him to go to the land of Israel.
Joseph assumes from where they has come.
They do so.

But, Joseph hears that Herod’s son, Archelaus, was reigning.
He feared returning there.

Joseph received another warning dream.
He went to the regions of Galilee, to Nazareth.
Thereby Jesus was called a Nazarene as prophesied.

The Lord was not “incorrect” in the first dream/instruction.
This is a good example of the ongoing revelation of God in a situation.
Joseph learned more/details as needed.

He continued to walked in obedience to the Lord.

So should we.

At the end of a year and the beginning of a new year, we must determine to walk in holiness and obedience before the Lord, abiding in Him in all things.

Dark, treacherous days are upon us.
Fear not!
It is gonna get worse…
But, then…joy comes in the morning.

"Weeping and Great Mourning"

December 30, 2015

“Weeping and Great Mourning”

Blessings Folk!

The Magi went home a different way, having been warned of God in a dream.
Joseph, Mary and Jesus were traveling to Egypt, having been warned of God in a dream.

What was Herod’s response when he learned that the Magi went home?

Mat 2:16-18
Then when Herod saw that he had been tricked by the magi, he became very enraged, and sent and slew all the male children who were in Bethlehem and all its vicinity, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the magi.
Then what had been spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled:
“A VOICE WAS HEARD IN RAMAH,
WEEPING AND GREAT MOURNING,
RACHEL WEEPING FOR HER CHILDREN;
AND SHE REFUSED TO BE COMFORTED,
BECAUSE THEY WERE NO MORE.”


Herod thought he had been tricked.
He had not.
He had told the Magi to return to him when they found the Child…so that he too could worship.
A lie.
The Magi now knew.
They went home another way.

Herod was enraged.
He killed all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity…two years of age and under.
This gives us some insight into how long it had been since the Star appeared and the age of the Lord.
Herod would have given himself some “headroom”.
A time of a year to eighteen months is likely.

We also see something else.

Great horror came upon some with the birth of Jesus.
His coming the first time brought pain and suffering.
His coming again, the second time, will do likewise…to a greater degree.
The Word is clear on this.

The prophet Jeremiah had been used to warn.
Great weeping and mourning in Ramah.
Rachel…Israel…weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted because they were dead.

I believe these children are in glory.
Yet, the pain and suffering were very real.

How many died?
We do not know.
Probably not as many as often is thought.

From the beginning the enemy has sought to eliminate the line of salvation that is in Jesus.
This was a part.
He was unsuccessful.

He will continue to be unsuccessful, though for a moment he may look victorious.

Death has been defeated.
Life is in the Lord Jesus.
Hope and glory await in Him.
Press on!
Fear not!
It is gonna get worse…

"Hidden in Egypt..."

December 29, 2015

“Hidden in Egypt…”

Blessings folk!

The Magi left.
They had been warned of God in a dream…we will see Herod’s reaction tomorrow.

But first, this.
Joseph.
Another dream.
A dream from God, through an angel, of direction and warning.

Mat 2:13-15
Now when they had gone, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up! Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is going to search for the Child to destroy Him.”
So Joseph got up and took the Child and His mother while it was still night, and left for Egypt.
He remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “OUT OF EGYPT I CALLED MY SON.”


Joseph obeyed immediately.
He got up.
He took Mary and Jesus and left “while it was still night”.
The idea seems to be he left that very moment after the dream.

They went to Egypt.
Why?
Because God said to.
The Lord has prophesied it long ago…

Hos 11:1
When Israel was a youth I loved him,
And out of Egypt I called My son.


The Lord told Joseph that Herod was seeking them out.
He told Joseph to remain in Egypt until he was told otherwise.

A difficult thing.
The Lord will “hide” us in Egypt.
Are we willing to wait until He says otherwise?

"Gold, Frankincense, Myrrh"

December 28, 2015

“Gold, Frankincense, Myrrh”

Blessings folk!

So, the Magi were sent by Herod.
They sought the Baby.

Mat 2:9-12
After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was.
When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.
After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.


It is obvious that the star had disappeared from their view, therefore the reason they had to inquire of the location of the King of the Jews.

Now, upon leaving Herod, they saw the star.
The star went before them and led them until it stood over the place where the child was.

That is a very precise, proprietary star.
Not a heavenly star in the natural.
Not a conjunction of stars.
I believe it be the Shekinah glory of the Lord.

They rejoiced with exceeding joy when they saw the star.

They worshipped the child upon entering the house.

Again, the house.
Not the stable.
Not a child in a manger.
Such Christmas scenes/creches are incorrect and do harm to the Kingdom.

If the world can not trust us with basic details, then why should they trust the Truth we present?

After worshipping the Babe, the Magi offered gifts.
Gold....Jesus the King
Frankincense…Jesus the High Priest
Myrrh…Jesus the Suffering Servant

All were expensive and highly valued.
All had medicinal purposes.

Three gifts which spoke of the purpose of the child.
Pictures of the Prophet, Priest, King.

We are not told how many Magi there were.
The assumption of “three” is based upon the number of gifts, not the number of men.

They went home another way.
Why not report back to Herod?
They had been warned by God in a dream.
Another warning.
Another dream.
Another act of obedience based upon a dream.

Would we do so?
Do we?

"Where? When?"

December 27, 2015

“Where? When?”

Blessings folk!

The Magi had arrived to Jerusalem from the East.
Where in the East?
We are not told.
Likely from Persia…what is today Iran, Iraq, etc.

They had seen the star of the Savior.
The Lord has sent a sign.

Why were they even looking?

We do not know who these Magi were…Zoroastrian? Jewish? etc.

There was a strong Jewish remnant in Persian remaining from the days of Captivity.

They came seeking the One born the King of the Jews?

Why this?
How did they know to interpret the star as a sign of this?

I believe the Lord led them.
I believe the Lord gave them understanding.

Their seeking the Jewish King troubled Herod…and Jerusalem.

Watch what Herod did…

Mat 2:1-8
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,
“Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”
When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.
They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet:
‘AND YOU, BETHLEHEM, LAND OF JUDAH,
ARE BY NO MEANS LEAST AMONG THE LEADERS OF JUDAH;
FOR OUT OF YOU SHALL COME FORTH A RULER
WHO WILL SHEPHERD MY PEOPLE ISRAEL.’”
Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them he exact time the star appeared.
And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him.”

Herod feigned interest before two groups.

  1. Before the Jewish chief priests and scribes he inquired as to where this “Messiah” was to be born.

They answered “in Bethlehem of Judea”. The prophet Micah thus stated.

(2) Before the Magi from the East he inquired as to the exact time that the star appeared.

He then told them to seek out the baby and report back so that he could come and worship.

Herod wanted to know where and when.

He sought to eliminate any competition.

Leaders do the same today.
They feign true faith, yet their lives reflect otherwise.

We have leaders today that profess to be “christian”, yet the fruit of their life is evident.

We have leaders today that profess to be “christian”, yet their deeds and words make it obvious that they a part of a cult or false religion.

Such is common.

Such usually results in trial, tribulation and turmoil for true believers.

Be alert!
Be ready!
Be prepared!
Fear not!
It is gonna get worse.

"Magi From the East..."

December 26, 2015

“Magi From the East…”

Blessings folk!

The birth of Jesus was not the beginning of salvation.
The beginning lies in the mystery of the Godhead before anything was spoken into existence.

We see the first major hint in the written Word in Genesis 3.

Gen 3:14-15

The LORD God said to the serpent,
“Because you have done this,
Cursed are you more than all cattle,
And more than every beast of the field;
On your belly you will go,
And dust you will eat
All the days of your life;
And I will put enmity
Between you and the woman,
And between your seed and her seed;
He shall bruise you on the head,
And you shall bruise him on the heel.”


The actual physical birth of Jesus was simply part of the process of His parousia - His coming, His Presence.

The birth narrative continues after the actual birth.

Read this familiar story.
Ask the Lord to reveal His Truth to you…

Mat 2:1
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,
“Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”
When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.


Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea.
We have a clear idea of the timing…in the days of Herod the King.
So, Herod was still alive.
It is believed that Herod died around 4 B.C.
Therefore, because of what we know in the balance of this story, Jesus was born somewhere around 6-4 B.C.

During Herod’s reign, magi from the east arrived to Jerusalem.
Not Bethlehem.
Jerusalem.

They went about asking “where is He who has been born King of the Jews?…”
They had seen “His star”.
They had come to worship Him.

They knew that this One Who had been born was worthy of worship, worthy of praise.
They followed a star, which apparently was now not seen.

Herod heard of the dignitaries inquiry?
He was not happy.
He was troubled.
All of Jerusalem was troubled.

If the King is troubled, all are troubled.

How did these magi know?
What did they know?

…to be continued…

"Rejoice!"

December 25, 2015

“Rejoice!”

Blessings Folk!

Rejoice! The Lord is come!

We have seen the narrative in the Word…
  • the Lineage
  • Zacharias
  • Elizabeth
  • Mary
  • Joseph
  • Angel
  • Angels
  • Shepherds
  • Prophets

The Lord has told us much.
All was completely fulfilled as prophesied.

He took on the form of flesh to redeem mankind.
The Creator clothed Himself in the form of His creation.


Phl 2:5-11
Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,
who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,
but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.
Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name,
so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.


On this day of celebrating His first coming, may we live in HIs attitude.
May we be emptied of self…
May we live as the Bond-Servants we are…
May we live in His humility…
May we daily walk in death to self and the flesh…
May we walk in the Name of Whose we are…

Today…
Confess to the Lord
Give glory to God the Father
Bow before the Lord
Rejoice!

Knowing that as in the perfect fulfillment of His coming the first time, He is coming again.

Be alert!
Be ready!
Fear not!
It is gonna get worse…

"Response?"

December 24, 2015

“Response?”

Blessings folk!

The Shepherds had found the Child.
They left.

What was their response?
What was Mary’s response?

Read.
I suggest that we do likewise…

Luk 2:19-20
But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.
The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.


Mary:

  • treasured these things
    • the things that were happening
    • the things said
    • the things prophesied and fulfilled
    • the things that were “impossible”

Shepherds
  • they went back to work
  • they glorified and praised God
    • for all they had heard
    • for all they has seen
    • for all that had been told them

This is what we are to do in reflecting and celebrating the coming of the Lord…the first time.
Treasure
Ponder
Glorify God
Praise God

"All Who Heard Wondered..."

December 23, 2015

“All Who Heard Wondered…”

Blessings folk!

The angel had pronounced.
The heavenly hosts had sang.
Now, the shepherds decided to go and see.

Luk 2:8-18
In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.
And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;
for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
“This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”
When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.”
So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger.
When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child.
And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.


They consulted with one another…you see this often in the Word. People consulted with each other. No one is an “island unto themselves” within the Body of Christ…especially leadership.

They went straight to Bethlehem.
No detours.
No stopping.
They sought to see for themselves this thing which has happened…this thing the Lord made known to them.

They hurried.
They found Mary, Joseph and the baby.
They recounted what they had experienced.

All wondered at these things.

God is the “God of Wonders”.
Lose not the “wonder” of life.

"A Swaddled Sign..."

December 22, 2015

“A Swaddled Sign…”

Blessings folk!

The shepherds were encountering an angel.
An angel with good news…

Luk 2:8-18
In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.
And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;
for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
“This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”
When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.”
So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger.
When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child.
And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.


Note what we learn about the “good news”…

  • it was for all people…not just for Israel…for all people/nations (Genesis 15)
  • it was great joy
  • it was about a baby born that day…in the city of David
  • it was about salvation…the baby was the Savior of all
  • the baby was Christ the Lord

The angel then told them where they would find the baby.
There was no command to seek Him out, though there is a strong inference. Happy
The angel knew that they would go.

They would receive a sign.
A baby wrapped in cloths…swaddled as the Authorized Version states…and lying in a manger.

This sign was not necessarily to designate from other babies born that night.
Bethlehem was not that populated.
Even with all the people arriving in town, there would not have been that many babies born that evening…if there were even any more.

The sign was a point of confirmation and affirmation that this truly was the baby they sought.

They were to let not their eyes deceive them.

The Savior of the world was born in a animal stall.
The Savior of the world was resting in a feeding trough.
The Savior of the world…the Creator of all….had taken on the from of flesh.
The Savior of the world would be raised by two humble and righteous people.

This One in the manger.

As if to punctuate the moment of insight/revelation/instruction for the shepherds, a multitude of the heavenly host broke forth in praise unto God declaring “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

May we continue to seek and rejoice in the One in the manger.

Be ready!

The next time He comes it will not be humbly in a manger…

"Suddenly..."

December 21, 2015

“Suddenly…”

Blessings folk!

Luk 2:8-18
In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.
And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;
for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
“This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”
When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.”
So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger.
When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child.
And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.


Shepherds.
Often thought on the lower end of the societal rung…though these might have been priestly shepherds who were watching a flock of “special" sheep…perhaps sheep without blemish?

Anyway, these are hard-working shepherds simply doing a night’s job.

When the unexpected occurs.
An angel appears.

There was not doubt.
This was no “hallucination”.

The glory of the Lord shone upon the shepherds.
One never doubts the glory of the Lord.

Their response?
The usual.
Fear…terribly frightened.

Be not surprised when the Lord appears in the midst of the mundane duties of life.
Be ready.
Be prepared.
Fear not.
It is gonna get worse…

"Clothed in Humility"

December 20, 2015

“Clothed in Humility”

Blessings folk!

Mary and Joseph arrive in Bethlehem.

A trip mandated by an evil government.

Luk 2:6
While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth.
And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.


There was no inn in which to stay.
Bethlehem was overwhelmed with the folk returning to be counted.
Mary and Joseph stayed in a facility for animals…a cave? a barn? a shelter?
It was something somewhat permanent…the animals were accustomed to feeding there.

It was adequate.
it was humble.
It paints a picture for us.

Messiah came in humility unto mankind.

We as believers are called to walk in humility.

1Pe 5:5
You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.
Let us do so.

Let us do so…

"Decree/Census/Regsiter..."

December 19, 2015

“Decree/Census/Register…”

Blessings folk!

We are covering the portion of the Word that tells us about the birth of Jesus.
We have reached a very familiar portion…a least to those who watch “The Charlie Brown Christmas Story”. Happy

Pray before you read.
Let not a spirit of familiarity rob you of what the Lord is saying to you today.

Luk 2:1-6
Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth.
This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.
And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city.
Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David,
in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child.
While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth.

Political turmoil.
Political trouble.
Political shenanigans.
Decrees.
Mandates.

Nothing is new.

The prophetic Word of the Lord related to where He would be born was expedited by a Roman Caesar. Caesar had no clue of such.

Joseph and Mary had no choice.
Though she be “great with child”, they had to travel to Joseph’s hometown…at the direction of an oppressive, godless government.
Sound familiar

Fear not.
It is gonna get worse.

They went to be counted…to register.
God sent them to fulfill His Word.
The Baby was born there…

Mic 5:2
“But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
Too little to be among the clans of Judah,
From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel.
His goings forth are from long ago,
From the days of eternity.”

The journey was difficult.
Resources minimal.
Yet, they pressed on.

So shall we.

"And You, Child..."

December 18, 2015

“And You, Child…”

Blessings folk!

We continue through the Word related to the birth of the Lord Jesus.

Zacharias had proclaimed marvelous truths related to the Lord God and His Covenant nature.

Reread, giving close attention to what Zach says about his son…

Luke 1:67-79
And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying:
“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people,
And has raised up a horn of salvation for us
In the house of David His servant—
As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old—
Salvation FROM OUR ENEMIES,
And FROM THE HAND OF ALL WHO HATE US;
To show mercy toward our fathers,
And to remember His holy covenant,
The oath which He swore to Abraham our father,
To grant us that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies,
Might serve Him without fear,
In holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.
“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
For you will go on BEFORE THE LORD TO PREPARE HIS WAYS;
To give to His people the knowledge of salvation
By the forgiveness of their sins,
Because of the tender mercy of our God,
With which the Sunrise from on high will visit us,
TO SHINE UPON THOSE WHO SIT IN DARKNESS AND THE SHADOW OF DEATH,
To guide our feet into the way of peace.”


The child, John…Zacharias is speaking directly to the infant…

  • will be called a prophet of the Most High
  • will go before the Lord
    • to prepare His ways
    • to give to His people the knowledge of salvation
      • by the forgiveness of their sins
      • because of the tender mercy of our God
        • with which the Sunrise from on high will visit us
        • to shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death
        • to guide our feet into the way of peace

This infant would prepare the way for Messiah.
He would give people knowledge of salvation.
Knowledge of forgiveness of sins.
The mercy of God.

Zacharias knew in Whom salvation laid.
Mary’s son.
He knew Who the Sunrise was.

He rejoiced in that which He had seen…though he likely did not live to see its fruition.
Yet, he proclaimed to be.

So should we.

"Blessed Be The Lord..."

December 17, 2015

“Blessed Be The Lord...”

Blessings folk!

Zacharias was struck dumb/deaf because He did not believe.
His tongue was loosed when he communicated that the baby would be called “John”.
He believed.

Wonder what Zach said?

The Word tells us…

Luk 1:67-79
And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying:
“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people,
And has raised up a horn of salvation for us
In the house of David His servant—
As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old—
Salvation FROM OUR ENEMIES,
And FROM THE HAND OF ALL WHO HATE US;
To show mercy toward our fathers,
And to remember His holy covenant,
The oath which He swore to Abraham our father,
To grant us that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies,
Might serve Him without fear,
In holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.
“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
For you will go on BEFORE THE LORD TO PREPARE HIS WAYS;
To give to His people the knowledge of salvation
By the forgiveness of their sins,
Because of the tender mercy of our God,
With which the Sunrise from on high will visit us,
TO SHINE UPON THOSE WHO SIT IN DARKNESS AND THE SHADOW OF DEATH,
To guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Zacharias…

  • was filled with the Holy Spirit
  • prophesied

Note what he confirms about God…
  • to be blessed
  • Lord God of Israel
  • visited us and accomplished redemption for His people..the act was as good as done…
  • has raised up a horn of salvation for us…in the house of David…His servant
  • He spoke through the mouth of His holy protest from old
  • salvation from enemies/those that hate us
  • mercy toward our fathers
  • to remember His holy covenant that He swore to Abraham
  • rescued, we will serve Him without fear…in holiness…in righteousness before Him all our days.

The Word of the Lord spoken through a father upon the birth of his son.
A declaration of the faithfulness of God.

May we sound forth the same…

"Baby Born/Named, Tongue Loosed"

December 16, 2015

“Baby Born/Named, Tongue Loosed”

Blessings folk!

Elizabeth
Mary

Both broke forth in prophetic praise related to the conception, birth, life and purpose of Jesus.

We do well to read, re-read and reflect upon what they said.
They were led by the Spirit.
The Spirit spoke through them.

Zacharias is about to speak…prophetically…by the Spirit.
He who was struck dumb and deaf.

Are we listening?

Luk 1:56-66
And Mary stayed with her about three months, and then returned to her home.
Now the time had come for Elizabeth to give birth, and she gave birth to a son.
Her neighbors and her relatives heard that the Lord had displayed His great mercy toward her; and they were rejoicing with her.
And it happened that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to call him Zacharias, after his father.
But his mother answered and said, “No indeed; but he shall be called John.”
And they said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who is called by that name.”
And they made signs to his father, as to what he wanted him called.
And he asked for a tablet and wrote as follows, “His name is John.” And they were all astonished.
And at once his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he began to speak in praise of God.
Fear came on all those living around them; and all these matters were being talked about in all the hill country of Judea.
All who heard them kept them in mind, saying, “What then will this child turn out to be?” For the hand of the Lord was certainly with him.



Mary stays with Elizabeth three months…apparently until the birth of John?

Elizabeth gave birth.
Neighbors and relatives rejoiced.
Why?
Because the Lord had displayed great mercy toward her.
They rejoiced with her.

As per the Law, they circumcised the child on the eighth day.
They named him John, though the other folk doubted the name.

Zacharias verified the name.

Immediately…at once…his tongue was loosed.

What did he do?
Praised God.

We will look at his proclamation tomorrow.

For today, how did the people react?
Fear came upon al those living around them.
All these matters were talked about.
All who heard these matters kept them in mind.
They were saying “what then will this child turn out to be?”
They acknowledged that the hand of the Lord was upon them.

Zacharias/Elizabeth knew what the child was to come.
They believed.

Do you.

"Mary: He Has..."

December 15, 2015
“Mary: He Has…”
Blessings folk!
We have seen that Mary exulted and rejoiced in the Lord because of the favor that He poured out upon her.
Now, give close heed to what she declares, states, affirms..
Luk 1:46-55 And Mary said: “My soul exalts the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. “For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave; For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed. “For the Mighty One has done great things for me; And holy is His name. “AND HIS MERCY IS UPON GENERATION AFTER GENERATION TOWARD THOSE WHO FEAR HIM. “He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart. “He has brought down rulers from their thrones, And has exalted those who were humble. “HE HAS FILLED THE HUNGRY WITH GOOD THINGS; And sent away the rich empty-handed. “He has given help to Israel His servant, In remembrance of His mercy, As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and his descendants forever.”
Mary knew that all generations would call her blessed. Not venerated. Not to be worshipped. Blessed.
Why?
For the Mighty One had done great things for her.
She knew. She rejoiced.
She worshipped the Lord…note how… Holy is His Name His mercy is upon generation after generation toward those who fear Him He has done might deeds with His arm He has scattered the proud of heart He has brought down rulers from their thrones He has filled the hungry with good things He has sent away the rich empty-handed He has given help to Israel. Israel His servant…because He remembered His mercy He remembered His covenant to Abraham and his descendants forever
Mary declared these wondrous things about God…while giving thanks.
This is how we thank. This is how we worship. This is how we honor the One Who does wondrous things to/for us.

"Soul. Exalt. Spirit. Rejoice."

December 14, 2015

“Soul. Exalt. Spirit. Rejoice.”

Blessings folk!

Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, proclaimed forth a profound prophetic statement to Mary…and us.

Mary’s response?

Read carefully.
There is much here.
This was stated by a young woman that most would ignore today as “too young”, etc.

Luk 1:46-55
And Mary said:
“My soul exalts the Lord,
And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
“For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave;
For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.
“For the Mighty One has done great things for me;
And holy is His name.
“AND HIS MERCY IS UPON GENERATION AFTER GENERATION
TOWARD THOSE WHO FEAR HIM.
“He has done mighty deeds with His arm;
He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart.
“He has brought down rulers from their thrones,
And has exalted those who were humble.
“HE HAS FILLED THE HUNGRY WITH GOOD THINGS;
And sent away the rich empty-handed.
“He has given help to Israel His servant,
In remembrance of His mercy,
As He spoke to our fathers,
To Abraham and his descendants forever.”


Mary rejoices and gives thanks to the Lord.
Check the detail.
Her soul…the seat of the emotions…exalted the Lord. Worshipped Him. Lifted Him up.
Her spirit…that which of the image of God…rejoiced in God, her Savior.

There is a distinction between the soul and spirit.

Heb 4:12
For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.


Some animals have souls.
Only man has a spirit.
We are made in the image of God.

Gen 1:27
God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.


God is Spirit.

John 4:24
“God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”


Mary exalted and rejoiced because the Lord had regard for her.
For her humble state.
She knew that she was His bondslave.

Do we?
As true believers we are bondslaves/bondservants who are to exalt and rejoice in the Lord.

Do so.

"Elizabeth Knew..."

December 13, 2015

“Elizabeth Knew…”

Blessings folk!

Mary has just learned of her future.
She has just conceived.

So, what does she do?

She goes and visits Elizabeth.
Gabriel the angel had told Mary what what happening with Elizabeth.
Now, Mary…a young (15 years old?) woman…travels.

We are not told why?

Perhaps to share the common experience…
  • Conception beyond child-bearing age, Elizabeth
  • Conception as virgin, Mary
Regardless…read what happened when Mary arrived…

Luk 1:39-45
Now at this time Mary arose and went in a hurry to the hill country, to a city of Judah,
and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth.
When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
And she cried out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!
“And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me?
“For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy.
“And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord.”


Mary hurried.

Did you see what happened to Elizabeth when she heard Mary’s greeting?
The baby leapt in her womb.
Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
Daddy Zacharias had been told that his son would be filled with the Spirit from the womb.
He was not told how.

Apparently Mary simply greeted.
The second the sound of Mary’s voice reached Elizabeth the baby leapt.
No details yet of her situation.

Yet, what did Elizabeth say?
I believe the Lord revealed and spoke prophetically in/through her.

  • Blessed are you among women
  • Blessed is the fruit of your womb
  • How has it happened that the mother of my Lord has come to me? She knew Mary bore Messiah.
  • Blessed is she (Mary) who believed the Word of the Lord spoken to her

Elizabeth knew all this without being told in the natural.

A wonderful prophetic song of declaration, encouragement and exhortation to Mary and to us.

Do you believe?

"May It Be Done to Me..."

December 12, 2015

“May It Be Done To Me…”

Blessings!

What was Mary’s response to all this? (See previous days)

Zacharias’ response was to doubt…to not believe.
He was stuck deaf/dumb because of it.

Mary’s response was to question how such could happen, since she was a virgin.
She did not doubt.
She simply inquired.
The angel answered “for nothing will be impossible with God.”

Mary’s next words are profound.
They should be our heart desire every moment of our life.

Luk 1:38
And Mary said, “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.


I believe that it was at this moment that Mary conceived.

She stated two truths.
She acknowledged that she was the bondslave of the Lord.
She stated that she desired the Lord to do to her according to His Word.

Do we live that way?
Do we know that as true believers we are bondslaves/bondservants?
Is it our desire for His Word to be fulfilled in us?
Or, do we seek our desire to be fulfilled in our lives.

"Impossible? Not With God"

December 11, 2015

“Impossible? Not With God”

Blessings folk!

Nothing is impossible with God.

Mary was having an “encounter of a lifetime” with an angel.

Reread the passage…

Luke 1:26-37
Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth,
to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.
And coming in, he said to her, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.”
But she was very perplexed at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was.
The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God.
“And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus.
“He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David;
and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.”
Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?”
The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God.
“And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month.
“For nothing will be impossible with God.”


Elizabeth conceived past the age of child-bearing. Impossible.
Not with God.
Mary would conceive though never having “known” a man…a virgin. Impossible.
Not with God.
The power of the Most High would provide the conception. Impossible.
Not with God.

Do not be afraid. Impossible.
Not with God.
You have found favor with God. Impossible.
Not with God.

The Son of God will reign from the throne of David. Impossible.
Not with God.
A Kingdom without end. Impossible.
Not with God.

Jesus…
Great
Son of the Most High
Give throne from the Lord God
Reign over hose of Jacob forever
Kingdom without end

Impossible!
Not with God.

Why do we doubt?
Why do we live in fear?
Nothing is impossible with God.

"Believe, For With God Nothing Is Impossible"

December 10, 2015

“Believe, For With God Nothing Is Impossible”

Blessings folk!

Zacharias and Elizabeth had a baby on the way.
Elizabeth was remaining in seclusion…rejoicing.

The next verses continue the account by Luke…a very familiar passage. Do not let a spirit of familiarity rob you of what the Spirit is saying today.

Luke 1:26-37
Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth,
to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.
And coming in, he said to her, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.”
But she was very perplexed at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was.
The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God.
“And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus.
“He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David;
and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.”
Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?”
The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God.
“And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month.
“For nothing will be impossible with God.”


Did you note the timing?
In the sixth month.
Sixth month of what?
Elizabeth’s pregnancy.

Very precise.

At that time, Gabriel the angel appeared to Mary.

Look at what He declared to Mary…

  • You are a favored one
  • The Lord is with you

Her response?
Perplexed at what this meant.
What kind of greeting was this?

She pondered.
She wondered.
She questioned…”How can this be, since I am a virgin?”

There is nothing wrong with pondering, wondering, questioning…if done in faith and belief.
Mary believed (as we will see later).
Zacharias did not believe initially and was struck deaf/dumb.

Believe, for with God nothing is impossible.

"Secluded With Favor..."

December 9, 2015

“Secluded With Favor…”

Blessings folk!

Think on the moment.

Zacharias and Elizabeth were aged.
Well past child-bearing years.
Their prayers for a child had gone unanswered…so they thought.
But now…
Now the Lord had said that they would have a child.
This would not be an immaculate conception.
This would be a child conceived in love, in passion, in faithfulness to the Word of the Lord.

In a moment, physical intimacy that had likely not occurred for decades happened.
What must they have been thinking?
They knew they were literally fulfilling the Word of the Lord.
They knew that the Lord was honoring His Word and answering their prayer.

No wonder Elizabeth reacted as she did…

Luk 1:24-25
After these days Elizabeth his wife became pregnant, and she kept herself in seclusion for five months, saying,
“This is the way the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked with favor upon me, to take away my disgrace among men.”


Elizabeth became pregnant.
Nearly stated in passing.
We do well to reflect upon the wonder of the time in their life.

Elizabeth secluded herself.
Why?
Not out of embarrassment.
Rather, from joy and thankfulness.
She knew the Lord has looked upon her/them with favor.
She knew the Lord had removed the disgrace of childlessness from her.
This was a holy occurrence.
This was a precious time.
This was something not to be taken lightly and frivolously.

She worshipped.
She reflected.
She meditated.
She gave thanks.
She basked in the Presence of the Lord as the life of John grew within.

So should we.
What is it that the Lord desires to “birth” from us?

"He Went Back Home..."

December 8, 2015

“He Went Back Home…”

Blessings folk!

Zacharias would be deaf/dumb until the fulfillment of the promise of a child.
He had not believed the Word of the Lord delivered by the angel Gabriel.

We continue…

Luk 1:21
The people were waiting for Zacharias, and were wondering at his delay in the temple.
But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them; and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple; and he kept making signs to them, and remained mute.
When the days of his priestly service were ended, he went back home.


The people wondered what was taking so long.
When Zacharias comes out he is unable to speak.
They knew something had happened.

How did they “realize he had seen a vision”?
We are not forthrightly told.
Likely the signs he was making seeking to communicate.

When the days of his service…some two weeks…were over, he went home.

Now think.

What happened next?

We will see some details tomorrow, but think on it.

Here is a aged couple.
Here is a couple that was well past the age of child-bearing.

Something happened.
Something happened that had likely not happened for a long time.
This was before the “little-blue-pill”.

There was some time…some moment…some encounter…

Can we imagine the excitement?

They knew what had been said…assuming that Zacharias had told his wife.
With every breath they knew that the Lord was fulfilling His Word.

God is good.
God is faithful.
He hears our prayers.

"Deaf and Dumb Due to Doubt"

December 7, 2015

“Deaf and Dumb Due to Doubt”

Blessings folk!

So, Zacharias had learned he was to have a son.
He had learned much about the son…what he would do.

What was Zacharias’ response?

Luk 1:18-20
Zacharias said to the angel, “How will I know this for certain? For I am an old man and my wife is advanced in years.”
The angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.
“And behold, you shall be silent and unable to speak until the day when these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.”


How will I know this for certain?
Seems to be an innocent response.
(Is really interesting when juxtaposed with Mary’s response later.)

Zacaharias’ “doubt” was not that of innocent inquiry.
It was something more.
How do I know?
Because of the response of the Lord through Gabriel.

First, Gabriel says “Hey! I stand before God…” (my translation) LOL
Gabriel has been sent from God with a direct Word from the Lord.
A direct Word of good news.

How dare Zacharias doubt.
He did not believe the Word.

Due to Zacharias’ doubt/question/unbelief he would be silent until fulfillment.
Unable to speak.
Also, apparently unable to hear…as we will see later.

Deaf and dumb due to doubt.

Describes many professing believers today.
Unbelief costs us Power and Presence in the Kingdom.

Believe.
All things will be fulfilled in their proper time.

"John Will..."

December 6, 2015

“John Will…"

Blessings folk!

Zacharias had just heard, from an angel, that he and Elizabeth would be parents.
The answer to prayers offered long ago.

What must he had thought?

We know some.
Today, look and see what we learn about the child and his impact.

Luk 1:14-17
“You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.
“For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; and he will drink no wine or liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother’s womb.
“And he will turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God.
“It is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, TO TURN THE HEARTS OF THE FATHERS BACK TO THE CHILDREN, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous, so as to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”


Zacharias and Elizabeth would have joy and gladness due to the child.
Many will rejoice at his birth.
Why?
I think the next Word shows us?
“For”…the joy, gladness and rejoicing will come about because…

  • he will be great in the sight of the Lord
  • he will drink no wine or liquor…a reference to a “Nazarite vow”?
  • he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother’s womb
  • he will turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God
  • he will go as a forerunner before Him - Messiah! - in the spirit and power of Elijah
  • he will turn the heart of the fathers back to the children
  • he will turn the disobedient to the attitude of righteousness
  • he will make ready a people prepared for the Lord

Zacharias knew that Elijah would come before the Lord…and before the Day of the Lord.
He did…in John to those who believe.
He will…in days yet to come.
Zacharias now learns his sons will be “Elijah”.

This is some serious download of information to Zacharias.
Prophecy fulfillment announced in the Holy Place by God’s messenger to God’s vessel.
Overwhelming.
Overpowering.
How did Zacharias react?
We will see later.
How would you react?
How are you reacting now?

"Your Petition Has Been Heard"

December 5, 2015

“Your Petition Has Been Heard”

Blessings folk!

Zacharias the priest was “at work”.

Luk 1:8-13
Now it happened that while he was performing his priestly service before God in the appointed order of his division,
according to the custom of the priestly office, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense.
And the whole multitude of the people were in prayer outside at the hour of the incense offering.
And an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense.
Zacharias was troubled when he saw the angel, and fear gripped him.
But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John.


How shocking must this have been?
Zacharias/Elizabeth were beyond child-bearing age, yet now, an angel pronounces that they will have a son.
A son they are to name John.

Zacharias was troubled…ya reck’n?
The angel tells Zacharias to be not afraid.
Fear often came/comes when an angel appears.

The angel also told Zacharias something that he had likely doubted.
The Lord had heard his petition.
What petition?
Likely the petition for children.
Was Zacharias seeking the Lord about that at the moment?
I do not think so.
He was interceding for the nation.

The Lord was telling him that the prayers from long ago, likely decades, had been heard.
They were now being answered.

Certainly, God’s timing in not ours.

Why the answer at this time?
What was the purpose of now?
What would this child do?
We will see.

For today, doubt not in pressing on in prayer.
We may not see the answer today, but God hears.
His timing is perfect.

"Believe!"

December 4, 2015

“Believe!”

Blessings folk!

A departure from our journey through the biblical account of the birth of the Lord.

A moment of praise and thanks.

This past Tuesday morning, a regular prayer gathering was interceding for an individual.
They faced a serious physical problem.
A similar story/situation from days-gone-by was shared..to increase faith as we prayed (some south Florida folk will remember “Susan&rdquoWinking.

We prayed, specifically.
Something along the line of what occurred.
Read.
Rejoice.
Give thanks.
Doubt not.

Tonight my family experienced a miracle!! God is in total control. My nephew…has been hospitalized several times in the last few years with intestinal issues that just couldn't be explained. In the last few weeks he has gone through several test that all
revealed a large mass and damaged areas in his intestines. The surgery needed would require removing 1-2 ft of his intestines remove the tumor and what 2 surgeons felt would be cancer. They prepared him that chemotherapy might be necessary. He would have a 7-10 day stay in the hospital with a feeding tube.
His surgery was today. When the surgeon called the family back he said he had no explanation---the tumor was GONE and NO signs of the damage in his intestines. Yes, God is still in the miracle business!
No medical explanation. The surgeon said I have no answers but I know he was blessed by God.

This young man.
Susan.
Many others.

Do you believe?
Do you pray in faith?

The Lord wants to move and work through you.
Will you allow?

Mat 13:58
And He did not do many miracles there because of their unbelief.

Mar 6:6
And He wondered at their unbelief. And He was going around the villages teaching.

Mar 9:24
Immediately the boy's father cried out and said, “I do believe; help my unbelief.”

"Righteous, Blameless...Nothing Is Impossible"

December 3, 2015

“Righteous, Blameless…Nothing Is Impossible”

Blessings folk!

The Lord has come.
We celebrate this at all times, especially during the Christmas season.
The Lord has not commanded us to reverence a Christmas day.
No harm is done in remember…if we remember/celebrate well.

True Believers will remember His coming and will greatly anticipate His return.
In celebrating Christmas we are focusing on the past, present and future.

Over the next days we will examine the Word related to the Lord’s first coming.

Ask the Lord to reveal truth to you…

The story of Christmas begins before the birth of Jesus…

Gen 3:15
And I will put enmity
Between you and the woman,
And between your seed and her seed;
He shall bruise you on the head,
And you shall bruise him on the heel.”


This passage speaks of the purpose of Jesus’ coming.

Then this…

Luk 1:5-7
In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah; and he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.
They were both righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord.
But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both advanced in years.


We will see soon what Zacaharias/Elizabeth have to do with the birth of Jesus.
For today, note how the Lord describes them…

  • righteous in the sight of God
  • walking (as a pattern/practice of behavior) blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord

They were righteous, holy people.
No, not perfect in every way.
If sin occurred, they would confess and move on.

Two more points…
  • they had no child. The reason is given. Elizabeth was barren
  • they were both advanced in years…beyond child siring and child bearing age

What does this have to do with Jesus?
With us?
As we will see later, “with God, nothing is impossible”.

Remember that.

"Obedience, Provision, Victory, Worship, Dread"

December 2, 2015

“Obedience, Provision, Victory, Worship, Dread”

Blessings folk!

One last look at the insightful account of the Lord’s victory in 2 Chronicles 20.

Note the following:
  • What did Israel discover when they followed the Lord’s instruction?
  • What did they do the next three days?
  • What did they do the fourth day?
  • What was their response? Why?
  • What did other people think? What did they do?

2 Chronicles 20:24-30
24 When Judah came to the lookout of the wilderness, they looked toward the multitude, and behold, they were corpses lying on the ground, and no one had escaped.
25 When Jehoshaphat and his people came to take their spoil, they found much among them, including goods, garments and valuable things which they took for themselves, more than they could carry. And they were three days taking the spoil because there was so much.
26 Then on the fourth day they assembled in the valley of Beracah, for there they blessed the Lord. Therefore they have named that place “The Valley of Beracah” until today.
27 Every man of Judah and Jerusalem returned with Jehoshaphat at their head, returning to Jerusalem with joy, for the Lord had made them to rejoice over their enemies.
28 They came to Jerusalem with harps, lyres and trumpets to the house of the Lord.
29 And the dread of God was on all the kingdoms of the lands when they heard that the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel.
30 So the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God gave him rest on all sides.


When they came to where the Lord had instructed them to gather they found the enemy dead.
They had not fought…in the physical sense.
They had worshipped and praised.
They had been obedient to the instruction of the Lord.

They spent three days gathering the spoil.
The Lord brought forth provision in the midst of battle victory.
He does the same for us…if we trust.

On the fourth day they gathered and blessed the Lord.

They returned to Jerusalem with joy with Jehoshaphat at their head.
(Leaders: Lead in humility before the Lord. He will raise you up and exalt you. Do not depend upon the status of position or title to lead. Such will fail.)
The Lord has made them rejoice over their enemies.

They came to the house of the Lord.
They worshipped with instruments and voice.

The result among the people/kingdoms around them?
The dread of God was upon the other kingdoms.
They heard that the Lord had fought for them.

Oh that the same would happen today.
Oh that we would depend upon the Lord and His glory and that His dread would fall upon those who do not believe.

Because of all this, the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace.
The Lord gave him rest on all sides.

Are you without rest?
Learn the lesson of Jehoshaphat.

"Sing'n and Prais'n"

December 1, 2015

“Sing’n and Prais’n”

Blessings folk!

The Lord provided victory.
The Lord fought.
In what we would consider to be a strange, peculiar way.

He set the enemy upon one another!

Read the passage and note when the Lord did this…

2 Chronicles 20:22-23
22 When they began singing and praising, the Lord set ambushes against the sons of Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; so they were routed.
23 For the sons of Ammon and Moab rose up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir destroying them completely; and when they had finished with the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another.


Did you see the when, what and how?

When the people began worshipping the Lord! (We saw this in the previous verses)
When they sang praises to the Lord.

Then, the Lord set ambushes against the sons of Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir.
The Lord routed them as they rose up against one another.

The Lord will do the same today.

If we praise Him rather than complain…
If we praise Him rather than doubt…
If we praise Him rather than live in fear…
Then, the Lord will do battle for us.

If we sing praise to Him, then we are joining in the battle with the Lord.
If we do not, we are joining with the evil one.

Choose today.