Captivity

“When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.” Psalm 126:1-2 (KJV)

The verses from Psalms whether written following the Egyptian captivity and the people’s deliverance, or the Babylonian captivity is of little importance.  Zion had been taken captive, and you yourself may be in captivity as I write.

I am a captive.  I will let you know in a moment what I am a captive of.  The people of Zion, Israel, if you will were captive for 70 years in Babylon, and when their deliverance came just as God had said, then, they were rejoicing.  “We were like them that dream” the Psalmist says.

It seemed almost unbelievable.  Are you a captive today.  Does sin hold you captive?  Are you doing things you know to be wrong, and then feel guilt following the act? Maybe no guilt, but you know it is wrong?  You are a captive to your own sins.  It rules you.  It controls you.

There is freedom from sin.  Sin is a horrible master.

I told you moments ago that I am captive.  What am I captive to?  To love, mercy and grace of God shown to me through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Through Him I am free from sins bondage, sins weight, drudgery, guilt, condemnation, and fear.  I am captive to the Lord Jesus Christ.  The Son of God, and God the Son.  He set me free.  My mouth is filled with laughter, and my tongue with singing unto Him.

The LORD has done great things for all those who are captive to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Unmovable

“They that trust in the LORD shall be as Mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.” Psalm 125:1 (KJV)

I will let Charles Spurgeon do the commentary on this verse:

“They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion.” The emphasis lies upon the object of their trust, namely, Jehovah the Lord. What a privilege to be allowed to repose in God! How condescending is Jehovah to become the confidence of his people! To trust elsewhere is vanity; and the more implicit such misplaced trust becomes the more bitter will be the ensuing disappointment; but to trust in the living God is sanctified common sense which needs no excuse, its result shall be its best vindication. There is no conceivable reason why we should not trust in Jehovah, and there is every possible argument for so doing; but, apart from all argument, the end will prove the wisdom of the confidence. The result of faith is not occasional and accidental; its blessing comes, not to some who trust, but to all who trust in the Lord. Trusters in Jehovah shall be as fixed, firm, and stable as the mount where David dwelt; and where the ark abode. To move mount Zion was impossible, the mere supposition was absurd. “Which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.” Zion was the image of eternal steadfastness, – this hill which, according to the Hebrew, “sits to eternity,” neither bowing down nor moving to and fro. Thus doth the trusting worshipper of Jehovah enjoy a restfulness which is the mirror of tranquillity; and this not without cause, for his hope is sure, and of his confidence he can never be ashamed. As the Lord sitteth King for ever, so do his people sit enthroned in perfect peace when their trust in him is firm. This is, and is to be our portion; we are, we have been, we shall be as steadfast as the hill of God. Zion cannot be removed, and does not remove; so the people of God can neither be moved passively nor actively, by force from without or fickleness from within. Faith in God is a settling and establishing virtue; he who by his strength setteth fast the mountains, by that same power stays the hearts of them that trust in him. This steadfastness will endure “for ever,” and we may be assured therefore that no believer shall perish either in life or in death, in time or in eternity. We trust in an eternal God, and our safety shall be eternal.
From the TREASURY OF DAVID e-Sword edition

Put your trust in the Immutable, unmoving, unchanging GOD through His Son Jesus Christ.

Over Our Soul

“If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say; If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us: Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us: Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul: Then the proud waters had gone over our soul.” Psalm 124:1-5 (KJV)

The LORD that is Jehovah is on our side when we are overwhelmed; when it seems that life is too much to bear.

When it seems that the world has turned against me, then, I know that the LORD is by me, with me, and in me.  The thing is; I am also on His side.  I cannot defend God; nor does He need or depend on any defense I might have for Him.

Prideful and haughty people may rise against us; the storms and horrible events of life may be kindled against us; the flooding events may overwhelm us; “If it had not been the LORD who was [and is] on our side…”

He Dwells in the Heavens

“Unto Thee lift I up mine eyes, O Thou that dwellest in the heavens.” Psalm 123:1 (KJV)

To the child of God who reads this verse it should be quite obvious who the subject is.  He dwells in the heavens.  There is only one.

It is to Him that the child directs his/her gaze.  It is to Him that the child of God places their trust, and receives comfort, peace, rest, and salvation.

Yes, the Holy One dwells in the heavens, and He also dwells in the hearts of His children.

Make sure today that He not only dwells in the heavens, but that He also dwells within your heart; and that He shows through.

I Was Glad…

“I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.” Psalm 122:1 (KJV)

To the Israelite the house of God was the Tabernacle in the wilderness during their journey to the Promised Land after deliverance out of Egypt;  it was Shiloh up intil David was king; and after David became king the ark of the covenant was moved to Jerusalem, so that was the house of God.

The “House of God” is the place where God dwells.  In all of God’s Word the plan of God is that He dwell in the hearts of His people.  That was impossible with a holy God.  Yet, God Himself made it possible.  When Jesus Christ walked on earth He was and is the fulness of the Godhead bodily (Colossians 2:9).  He was without sin in the midst of the sinful, the vile, the corrupt; He remained incorruptible.

Because of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ when we trust in Him He comes to live within us in the person of the Holy Spirit.  Those who know Jesus, and are known of Him have only to go to His Word, and hear the Holy Spirit within themselves to worship God.

The follower of Christ still desires to go and meet in places of worship with God’s people.  We call those places “Houses of worship”, even “House of God”; and that is not wrong.  Rest assured that where ever you are as a believer; a follower of Jesus Christ He is there with you.

Like the Psalmist says, “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.”  Let us always be glad to go into the place of worship.  Like the writer of Hebrews has said,

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25

If you missed joining with brothers and sisters in Christ yesterday, or have for several weeks; be sure you commit yourself to renewing that bond next Sunday.

My Help

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2 (KJV)

The New King James Bible and newer versions place verse one as a question, and it could be meant that way.  “From whence cometh my help?”  Where does our help come from?

For the Hebrew when they were away from Jerusalem to look to the “Hills” where Jerusalem was was to look to the LORD because that is where the ark of the covenant was, after David began to reign as their king.

The hills were seen also by many in the era of time as a source of safety, and strength.  However, true safety and strength, and help comes from the LORD.

The LORD made the heaven and the earth, and everything within it.  All creation is made by Him.  Why should the people He has made seek anywhere else but unto Him?

Are you fear and afraid today?  Go to the LORD.  Our you feeling sickly and weak?  God to the One who has made all things, and holds all things together (Colossians 1:16-17).

My help comes from the Lord Jesus Christ who bled and died on the cross for my sins, and the sins of all the world; who was buried, and rose again bodily from the grave; and He is returning to set things right in this world ridding it of all that is evil, unjust and unrighteous.  That is the One from whom my help comes.

After the Resurrection

Acts 1:1-11

I.  A REMINDER OF THE PASSION OF JESUS CHRIST (vv. 1-3);

II.  THE PROMISE OF THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (vv. 4-5);

III.  THE RESTORATION OF ISRAEL NOT FORGOTTEN (vv. 6-7);

IV.  THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IS GIVEN (v. 8);

V.  JESUS IS TAKEN UP – WILL BE SEEN AGAIN; IN LIKE MANNER (vv. 9-11).

In Distress

“In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and He heard me. Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.” Psalm 120:1-2 (KJV)

We all experience distress.  Distress is defined as; “great pain, anxiety, or sorrow; acute physical or mental suffering; affliction; trouble.”  It had the same meaning to the Psalmist; probably David.

Being slandered, falsely accused; we have all had it happen one time or another.  If you have not; then you will.  It is not pleasant.  It can make you want to just curl up in a corner, and never see anyone again.  That is what the culprit who spreads it wants.

Christian, when it happens to you do as David.  Cry unto the LORD.  He will hear you.  Look the enemy, the liar, the culprit in the face; in the midst of others, and make them come clean.

The LORD will hear your cry.  He will deliver you.  Liars, slanderers, can never stand up to the truth.

One thing for certain; Christian, those things best not be coming out of your lips or mouth concerning someone else.  Be an encouragement even to those who might be  your foes, your enemies; but especially to those who are your friends.

In your distress cry unto the LORD.  In your distress praise the LORD.  In your distress stand your ground, and pray for those who offend you.

The Happy People

“ALEPH. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. Blessed are they that keep His testimonies, and that seek Him with the whole heart.” Psalm 119:1-2 (KJV)

The happiness of the world is fleeting.  Many people go along searching for happiness, and find what they think is “Happiness”, then……. it is gone.  Like a puff of smoke, a gust of wind; and it is done.  The search begins all over again.

The Psalmist has given us 176 verses in Psalm 119.  They all show us the way of the “Blessed” or the truely “Happy” people.

Happy  people walk in the way that is God’s.  They are the undefiled, not by their own decree, but by God’s decree, and that is by the blood of the sacrificed Lamb of God who is Jesus Christ.  These happy people find themselves in possession of the law of the LORD within their hearts, desiring to live for the LORD in all His holiness.

Happy people keep His testimonies, and seek Him with a “whole heart”.  That is a heart that is right with God; a redeemed heart, a clean heart, free from guilt shame, condemnation.

The apostle Paul wrote,

“There is therefor now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”  Romans 8:1

and he writes also,

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

Happy people have found true happiness through God’s own decree.  “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear Him.”  Matthew 17:5   You will not be happy until you do.

Mercy Endureth Forever

“O give thanks unto the LORD; for He is good: because His mercy endureth for ever.” Psalm 118:1 (KJV)

The LORD is worthy of our thanks.  He is good.  He is great.  He is awesome.  I looked out over the Grand Canyon in Arizona; and said, “That is awesome”, and wept at the spectacle of its beauty.  I then thought of how much greater God is; and wept at His greatness being even greater.

I am thankful that His mercy is forever, and that it endures the trials of life.  It endures my sins, my fears, my failures.  God’s mercy; the LORD’S mercy is forever.

You experienced it this morning.  You may not have thought about it, but you did.  Is your heart still beating?  If it is that is God’s mercy.  Are you still breathing?  That too is God’s mercy.  If you do not know Him He has given you another day, another chance to place your faith and trust in the work of His Son Jesus Christ.

Believe Him, and thank Him for His mercy; and His grace.

My spiritual journey: How my parents & I came to faith in Jesus Christ.

joelcrosenberg's avatarJoel C. Rosenberg's Blog

Joel-JerusalemAround the world, millions of Jews are celebrating Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. At the same time, Christians around the world have just celebrated Good Friday and Easter.

In recent days, I’ve written several column related to these religious holidays, including:

Today, I wanted to share with you some personal thoughts on these important and historic events and holidays, and how they intersect in my life. In this hour-long audio message (divided up in six 10-minute segments on YouTube), I explain the spiritual journey my parents and I were on to come to faith in Jesus Christ, as well as I how I experienced a powerful revival in my junior year of high school that…

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Truth of the LORD Forever

“O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise Him, all ye people. For His merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.” Psalm 117:1-2 (KJV)

The nations of the world are to praise or “boast” in the LORD.  Israel, the U. S. of A., Germany, Japan, China, Korea, Australia, the nations of Africa, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Assyria, Afghanistan, etc.  No one nation is exempt from this direction to praise the LORD.

The mercy of the LORD is toward all people.  He hold us in His mighty, even His almighty hands.

Jesus said of “Truth”,

“I am the way, the Truth, and the life…”  John 14:6

“Sanctify them through  Thy truth:  Thy word is truth.”  John 17:17

Jesus also said that His word would not pass away (Matthew 24:35).  The people of the earth can rest, can trust in the truth of God’s word.  It endures forever.

Loving the LORD

“I love the LORD, because He hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because He hath inclined His ear unto me, therefore will I call upon Him as long as I live.” Psalm 116:1-2 (KJV)

Why do you love the LORD?  Why do I love the LORD?  It has been said that if you can state why you love then, you will love more deeply, more passionately.  To me the ultimate reason is what John the apostle stated,

“We love Him, because He first loved us.”  1 John 4:19

We love Him, because He sent His Son Jesus to die for us.  We love Him because He hears us when we pray.  We love Him because we know that when we call on Him He will hear us.

He will not hear us because we are without sin, or because we are some special person; He hears us because of His Son.

Israeli scholar says 1st century Jews awaited Messiah who would die & rise again. Argues “third day resurrection” an idea that pre-dates Jesus.

joelcrosenberg's avatarJoel C. Rosenberg's Blog

“The Messiah Before Jesus: The Suffering Servant of the Dead Sea Scrolls,” a fascinating book by Dr. Israel Knohl of Hebrew University. “The Messiah Before Jesus: The Suffering Servant of the Dead Sea Scrolls,” a fascinating book by Dr. Israel Knohl of Hebrew University.

This is the week of Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and the Feast of First Fruits. Millions of Jews in Israel and around the world are celebrating the story of how the Jewish people were saved from the “angel of death” in ancient times if they put the blood of a perfect slain lamb on the doorposts of their homes in Egypt.

This is also the week of Good Friday and Easter. Billions of Christians around the world are celebrating the death of Jesus of Nazareth, and His resurrection from the tomb three days later, and the belief that all mankind can be saved from the “angel of death” in our times if we, too, trust in the blood of a perfect slain Passover Lamb.

But did the Jews of the first century really believe the Messiah would one day come…

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Not Unto Us…

“Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto Thy name give glory, for Thy mercy, and for Thy truth’s sake.” Psalm 115:1 (KJV)

This Psalm is known to be a song read and sung during the Passover, remembering the deliverance of the children of Israel from Egyptian bondage.

For the Christian today this ought to be our prayer that God be glorified; not us.  We have a lot of glory seekers in the “Christian” realm; maybe we should say  the “Christian” kingdom; where Christianity is a religion, not a relationship with Christ.

In these United States of America God is no longer feared; but mocked, even by many professing themselves “Christian”.  It is no wonder God is mocked when men and women who proclaim themselves “Pastors”, “Christian” find themselves approving of what God disapproves; approving what God calls an abomination.

Let God be true, but every man a liar (Romans 3:4).

O my prayer is that God will show Himself strong in me (2 Chronicles 16:9); and that the name of Jesus Christ Son of God, and God the Son would be glorified over and above the chaotic mess this world is in; that our nation is in.  That our nations leaders either get right with God, repent of their sins or that God remove them in His way and time.  Not by any hand of man, woman or men; but by the hand, and power of God.

That the Body of Christ rise up in faith; and begin to speak the Word of God as it is Truth without any mixture of error.  We may live in dark times, but the light of Jesus Christ shines brightly in the dark.  Sin will be revealed.  Christians will be revealed by their stand on the truth of God’s Word.

Christian; stand today, and glorify Jesus Christ.  “Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto Thy name give glory, for Thy mercy, and for Thy truth’s sake.”

His Sanctuary; His Dominion

“When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language; Judah was His sanctuary, and Israel His dominion.” Psalm 114:1-2 (KJV)

The Psalmist; probably not David, but another of a later time acknowledges GOD as the Ruler of the nation.

The LORD is the One who delivered Jacob [Israel] out of Egypt.  Judah is the sanctuary of God’s abiding.  It is from Judah which our Saviour Jesus the Christ came.  It is in Judah where Jerusalem is.

Israel the new name for Jacob is the place of God’s rule; and covers the entirety of the kingdom.

It is Christ Jesus who is the King.  It is within His people that He is abiding; His sanctuary.  Yet He has a plan for Israel.

Just as the LORD delivered Jacob out of Egypt; so too does He deliver sinners out of sin, and death.  He has sent His Son Jesus who died on the cross, was buried, and He rose from death, and forever lives.  Believe Him and live forever with Him.

What is the most controversial prophecy in the Hebrew Bible, and why read it at Passover?

joelcrosenberg's avatarJoel C. Rosenberg's Blog

The Great Isaiah Scroll on display at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. The Great Isaiah Scroll on display at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem.

The actual Great Isaiah Scroll (source: The Israel Museum). The actual Great Isaiah Scroll (source: The Israel Museum).

(Central Israel) — Have you ever been to the Shrine of the Book at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem? Have you ever seen the Great Isaiah Scroll on display there?

It is absolutely breathtaking. And it contains what many believe is the most controversial prophecy in the entire Hebrew Bible.

“The Great Isaiah Scroll (1QIsaa) is one of the original seven Dead Sea Scrolls discovered in Qumran in 1947,” notes the Israel Museum on its website. “It is the largest (734 cm) and best preserved of all the biblical scrolls, and the only one that is almost complete. The 54 columns contain all 66 chapters of the Hebrew version of the biblical Book of Isaiah. Dating from ca. 125 BCE, it is also one of the…

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Boasting; More Boasting

“Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD.” Psalm 113:1 (KJV)

I have never met anyone who likes arrogance in a man or woman.  I think we do not like to think of it in God either; but God is worthy of boasting.  He is the Great One.  He is worthy of praise and glory.

We glory in ourselves when we do good at something.  You may say you do not; but I would say to you that is vain, false humility; which is not humility at all.  We sometimes glory, are prideful of our “Humility”.

The Maker of us all, and of all things, needs not be humble.  He glories in Himself, and rightly so.  We are to glory in Him, and in and through us He is glorified.  Maybe this is why so many hate God, and even choose not to believe in Him.  Even in these God will be glorified.

Do you find yourself boasting of your accomplishments?  Rather boast of the greatness of God.  Boast of His mercy.  Boast of His grace.  Boast of His power.  If you have been redeemed through the blood of Jesus, then boast of that; and glory in the cross of Jesus and His burial and His resurrection.

Destroying Israel is “nonnegotiable,” says Iran militia leadership. Also vows to bring down Saudi Arabia.

joelcrosenberg's avatarJoel C. Rosenberg's Blog

iran-flagAs the United States and other world powers were making significant concessions to the Iranian government regarding its illegal nuclear program this week, a high-ranking Iranian militia leader repeated his country’s vow to destroy Israel.

He threatened to bring down the government of Saudi Arabia, as well, for Riyadh’s role in fighting Iranian-backed terrorists in Yemen.

Here are excerpts from the Times of Israel story:

  • “The commander of the Basij militia of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said that ‘erasing Israel off the map’ is ‘non-negotiable”….
  • Militia chief Mohammad Reza Naqdi also threatened Saudi Arabia, saying that the offensive it is leading in Yemen “will have a fate like the fate of Saddam Hussein.”
  • Naqdi’s comments were made public as Iran and six world powers prepared Tuesday to issue a general statement agreeing to continue nuclear negotiations in a new phase aimed at reaching a comprehensive accord by the end of June.
  • In 2014, Naqdi said Iran was stepping…

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True Happiness

“Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in His commandments.” Psalm 112:1 (KJV)

Happiness from the world in which we live is fleeting.  We can laugh and be “happy” one minute, then, sadly defeated, depressed, and discouraged the next.  Where we were “happy” for an hour or two; we are the other for days and weeks on end.

Let me give you three things that lead to true happiness;

  1.  Fear the LORD; and that means you want to do nothing to anger Him, but you live in love for Him;
  2.   Praise the LORD;  you make much of Him, and little of yourself.  He is your reason for being, for living.  Lift high the glorious name of Jehovah, through His only begotten Son Jesus;
  3.   Delight in His commandments; rejoice in His Word.  Hide it in your heart, that you might not sin against Him (Psalm 119:11).

Let your life be a life filled with the Spirit of the LORD, and you will be Blessed – happy; truly joyous.  The only way to be able to live this is through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ the Son of God, and God the Son.

Boasting

“Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.” Psalm 111:1 (KJV)

Boasting seems to be a trait of all humanity.  Men and women do it quite frequently.  I do it.  My friends and family does it.  Boasting about our achievements, our children, our work, our recreation, our homes, our cars; well, you get the picture.

What does this verse have to do with “Boasting”?  The first “Praise” is for the part of the word we use “Halleujah” which means “Praise the LORD” or to boast of Him.  What more can we boast of than the greatness of our God, our Saviour, our King, and our LORD.

The  second “Praise” has to do with our reverence and worship to the One who is worthy.  When you feel like boasting of your greatness; think again of the Greatness of the only One who is worthy of our boasting.

Our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength should be given to boasting of the greatness of the Lord.  Let it be seen in your life.

Lord, let it be seen in my life.

See 2 Corinthians 10:17-18 for further study.

At My Right Hand

“The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at My right hand, until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool.” Psalm 110:1 (KJV)

What a scene the Psalmist is seeing in heaven between the Father and the Son.  David has a great interest in this Second Person; he calls, “my Lord”.  As should all who have an interest in spiritual matters.

Of this verse C. H. Spurgeon can say it much better than myself.  Here are his words on this verse;

“The Lord said unto my Lord” – Jehovah said unto my Adonai: David in spirit heard the solemn voice of Jehovah speaking to the Messiah from of old. What wonderful intercourse there has been between the Father and the Son! From this secret and intimate communion spring the covenant of grace and all its marvellous arrangements. All the great acts of grace are brought into actual being by the word of God; had he not spoken, there had been no manifestation of Deity to us; but in the beginning was the Word, and from of old there was mysterious fellowship between the Father and his Son Jesus Christ concerning his people and the great contest on their behalf between himself and the powers of evil. How condescending on Jehovah’s part to permit a mortal ear to hear, and a human pen to record his secret converse with his co-equal Son! How greatly should we prize the revelation of his private and solemn discourse with the Son, herein made public for the refreshing of his people! “Lord, what is man that thou shouldst thus impart thy secrets unto him.”
Though David was a firm believer in the Unity of the Godhead, he yet spiritually discerns the two persons, distinguishes between them, and perceives that in the second he has a peculiar interest, for he calls him “my Lord.” This was an anticipation of the exclamation of Thomas, “My Lord and my God,” and it expresses the Psalmist’s reverence, his obedience, his believing appropriation, and his joy in Christ. It is well to have clear views of the mutual relations of the persons of the blessed Trinity; indeed, the knowledge of these truths is essential for our comfort and growth in grace. There is a manifest distinction in the divine persons, since one speaks to another; yet the Godhead is one.
“Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies they footstool.” Away from the shame and suffering of his earthly life, Jehovah calls the Adonai, our Lord, to the repose and honours of his celestial seat. His work is done, and he may sit; it is well done, and he may sit at his right hand; it will have grand results, and he may therefore quietly wait to see the complete victory which is certain to follow. The glorious Jehovah thus addresses the Christ as our Saviour; for, says David, he said “unto my Lord.” Jesus is placed in the seat of power, dominion, and dignity, and is to sit there by divine appointment while Jehovah fights for him, and lays every rebel beneath his feet. He sits there by the Father’s ordinance and call, and will sit there despite all the raging of his adversaries, till they are all brought to utter shame by his putting his foot upon their necks. In this sitting he is our representative. The mediatorial kingdom will last until the last enemy shall be destroyed, and then, according to the inspired word, “cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God even the Father.” The work of subduing the nations is now in the hand of the great God, who by his Providence will accomplish it to the glory of his Son; his word is pledged to it, and the session of his Son at his right hand is the guarantee thereof; therefore let us never fear as to the future. While we see our Lord and representative sitting in quiet expectancy, we, too, may sit in the attitude of peaceful assurance, and with confidence await the grand outcome of all events. As surely as Jehovah liveth Jesus must reign, yea, even now he is reigning, though all his enemies are not yet subdued. During the present interval, through which we wait for his glorious appearing and visible millennial kingdom, he is in the place of power, and his dominion is in no jeopardy, or otherwise he would not remain quiescent. He sits because all is safe, and he sits at Jehovah’s right hand because omnipotence waits to accomplish his will. Therefore there is no cause for alarm whatever may happen in this lower world; the sight of Jesus enthroned in divine glory is the sure guarantee that all things are moving onward towards ultimate victory. Those rebels who now stand high in power shall soon be in the place of contempt, they shall be his footstool. He shall with ease rule them, he shall sit and put his foot on them; not rising to tread them down as when a man puts forth force to subdue powerful foes, but retaining the attitude of rest, and still ruling them as abject vassals who have no longer spirit to rebel, but have become thoroughly tamed and subdued.

For further study consider Matthew 22:42-44;  Acts 2:33;  Hebrews 7:4;  2 Peter 1:17.

When Others Speak Against You

“Hold not Thy peace, O God of my praise; For the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of the deceitful are opened against me: they have spoken against me with a lying tongue.” Psalm 109:1-2 (KJV)

How do we respond when we hear others speaking against us? When we  hear that others have said something against us?  It happens, it will happen, or it is happening now.  None of us are immune to this.

David’s response was by going to the One who holds us in His hands.  Lies often fall empty on a life that is lived for the glory of God.  The truth will win out.  If not in the courts  of men, it does in the courts of the guiltless heart of the individual; and in the Court of heaven.

I will go to God of my praise, and rely on Him for my defense.  He will not be silent.  He will defend; He will oppose; He will destroy the lying tongues that oppose Him.

When others speak against you; PRAY to God through His Son Jesus Christ.  He will hear you.

Giving God Praise

“O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory.” Psalm 108:1 (KJV)

Giving the fulness of God glory was a matter of an established heart for David.  Even when he had received the adulation of his people he directed praise to God with his own tongue.

No wonder God refers to David as “a man after Mine own heart”.

When those who believe God, the fulness of the Godhead, then we direct all praise to Him.  When we are lauded, then we give it to Him; for He alone is worthy.  With our hearts we praise Him.  With our lives we praise Him.  With our property we praise Him.  With our tongue we praise Him.

When we start to speak derogatorily of another; speak a word of praise to God instead.  A tongue that is praising God cannot speak ill of another.  This is not speaking of confrontation of sin with an individual.

Praise God through the Lord Jesus Christ who is God’s payment for our sins.

The Prophecy of Enoch

I posted this about 7 years ago; and thought it to be pertinent for today as well. Come soon Lord Jesus. Come soon.

Tim A.'s avatarThe Fire and Hammer

Enoch, and the Millennial Reign of Jesus Christ

I guess I am not into fancy titles or something. Just make it simple, and that is what I intend for this study.

When I read Scriptures from Genesis through the Revelation of Jesus Christ I read it like it is written for us to understand. When the Bible speaks figuratively it usually lets us know that it is speaking figuratively. When it is speaking plainly we take it plainly. When it speaks figuratively or metaphorically, then, that is how I will interpret it, and translate it. For the most part, and as best I can, I let Scripture interpret Scripture, and follow what Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” Let me warn you, that I am not a…

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