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ALEPH
1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD!
2 Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with the whole heart!
3 They also do no iniquity; they walk in His ways.
4 You have commanded us to keep Your precepts diligently.
5 Oh, that my ways were directed to keep Your statutes!
6 Then I would not be ashamed, when I look into all Your commandments.
7 I will praise You with uprightness of heart, when I learn Your righteous judgments.
8 I will keep Your statutes; Oh, do not forsake me utterly!
[Psalm 119:1-8 NKJV]
1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD!
2 Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with the whole heart!
3 They also do no iniquity; they walk in His ways.
4 You have commanded us to keep Your precepts diligently.
5 Oh, that my ways were directed to keep Your statutes!
6 Then I would not be ashamed, when I look into all Your commandments.
7 I will praise You with uprightness of heart, when I learn Your righteous judgments.
8 I will keep Your statutes; Oh, do not forsake me utterly!
[Psalm 119:1-8 NKJV]
When we read the Bible we do not always see how beautifully structured it is. Nowhere is this more easily ascertained than in the Psalms.
The Psalms are actually 5 books, each book in order corresponding to the first 5 books in the Bible, ‘The Pentateuch’. Psalm 119 comes from — for want of a better description — the Deuteronomy Book of Psalms.
It is in a form known as an acrostic. The verses are divided into 22 sections of 8 verses, each section representing the 22 letters in the Hebrew alphabet, and each line in a section beginning with that letter.
The Psalm glorified God and His Word, concentrating on 8 words to do so. These are:
Psalm 119 can be seen as 22 short prayers, each extolling His wonders and goodness. The first prayer is established by the first letter of the alphabet, Aleph; thus each line — in Hebrew, of course — begins with that letter.
The theme for this first letter’s verses has been described as QUICKENING BY THE WRITTEN WORD, and the lines follow this pattern ...
The Psalms are actually 5 books, each book in order corresponding to the first 5 books in the Bible, ‘The Pentateuch’. Psalm 119 comes from — for want of a better description — the Deuteronomy Book of Psalms.
It is in a form known as an acrostic. The verses are divided into 22 sections of 8 verses, each section representing the 22 letters in the Hebrew alphabet, and each line in a section beginning with that letter.
The Psalm glorified God and His Word, concentrating on 8 words to do so. These are:
- His Law
- His Word dabar (God’s spoken or revealed word)
- His Judgements
- His Testimonies
- His Commandments
- His Statutes
- His Precepts
- His Word imrah (God’s promises)
Psalm 119 can be seen as 22 short prayers, each extolling His wonders and goodness. The first prayer is established by the first letter of the alphabet, Aleph; thus each line — in Hebrew, of course — begins with that letter.
The theme for this first letter’s verses has been described as QUICKENING BY THE WRITTEN WORD, and the lines follow this pattern ...
119:1. The way.
119:2. Condition. Happy. Third Person
119:3. They, upright.
119:4. Command.
——--
119:5. My ways.
119:6. Condition. Not ashamed. First Person.
119:7. I, upright.
119:8. Promise.
119:2. Condition. Happy. Third Person
119:3. They, upright.
119:4. Command.
——--
119:5. My ways.
119:6. Condition. Not ashamed. First Person.
119:7. I, upright.
119:8. Promise.
You can see that the second four lines brings the general expression of the first four lines and makes it personal.
And is this formality in presentation important and rewarding? I find it so, although it is not essential to knowing our loving and compassionate God. However, He is a God of order — He is nowhere to be found in chaos or confusion — and in such expression of order shown right throughout scripture, we have the pure uncluttered untainted dependable word of God, revealing much to us about His nature. You cannot trust chaos.
And is this formality in presentation important and rewarding? I find it so, although it is not essential to knowing our loving and compassionate God. However, He is a God of order — He is nowhere to be found in chaos or confusion — and in such expression of order shown right throughout scripture, we have the pure uncluttered untainted dependable word of God, revealing much to us about His nature. You cannot trust chaos.
“Blessed Be Your Name” — Matt Redman
OSWALD CHAMBERS — RUN TODAY’S RACE
Saturday 18th July 2020
The new life will manifest itself in conscious repentance and unconscious holiness, never the other way about. The bedrock of Christianity is repentance. If you ever cease to know the virtue of repentance, you are in darkness.
Saturday 18th July 2020
The new life will manifest itself in conscious repentance and unconscious holiness, never the other way about. The bedrock of Christianity is repentance. If you ever cease to know the virtue of repentance, you are in darkness.
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For behold, the day is coming, Burning like an oven,
And all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble.
And the day which is coming shall burn them up,” says the LORD of hosts, “That will leave them neither root nor branch.
But to you who fear My name, the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings; and you shall go out and grow fat like stall-fed calves.
You shall trample the wicked, for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day that I do this,” says the LORD of hosts.
[Malachi 4:1-3 NKJV]
And all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble.
And the day which is coming shall burn them up,” says the LORD of hosts, “That will leave them neither root nor branch.
But to you who fear My name, the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings; and you shall go out and grow fat like stall-fed calves.
You shall trample the wicked, for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day that I do this,” says the LORD of hosts.
[Malachi 4:1-3 NKJV]
The words we read in Malachi’s well-known prophetic vision are addressed “To those who fear my name”. It highlights something which is often ignored by some; that Scripture is principally for those who already believe or are being drawn by The Lord — the Holy Spirit working in you is essential to understanding what He is saying to us. This has certainly been my experience.
The reading is from the last chapter of the Old Testament and is a wonderful prophetic bridge between Old and New. The first chapter in Matthew starts with a genealogy; the balancing anchor to that prophecy in the New.
Notice that we start with “all who do wickedly”; then move on to The Lord’s People and how “the sun of righteousness shall arise” in them/us. The third and concluding aspect is the outcome “you shall ...”. These verses provide, not only a link between Old and New Testaments, but describes the Third Testament — the one that is being written in our hearts. A new day is dawning; that day - which is now this day - is “the day that I do this”. It is here now.
The reading is from the last chapter of the Old Testament and is a wonderful prophetic bridge between Old and New. The first chapter in Matthew starts with a genealogy; the balancing anchor to that prophecy in the New.
Notice that we start with “all who do wickedly”; then move on to The Lord’s People and how “the sun of righteousness shall arise” in them/us. The third and concluding aspect is the outcome “you shall ...”. These verses provide, not only a link between Old and New Testaments, but describes the Third Testament — the one that is being written in our hearts. A new day is dawning; that day - which is now this day - is “the day that I do this”. It is here now.
“But For You Who Fear My Name”
OSWALD CHAMBERS — RUN TODAY’S RACE
Friday 17th July 2020
Nothing that happens can upset God or the Almighty reality of Redemption.
Friday 17th July 2020
Nothing that happens can upset God or the Almighty reality of Redemption.
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“The prophet who has a dream, let him tell a dream; and he who has My word, let him speak My word faithfully.
What is the chaff to the wheat?” says the LORD.
“Is not My word like a fire?” says the LORD, “And like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?
[Jeremiah 23:28-29 NKJV]
What is the chaff to the wheat?” says the LORD.
“Is not My word like a fire?” says the LORD, “And like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?
[Jeremiah 23:28-29 NKJV]
“I had a dream”. These were the words of Martin Luther King that sparked a revolution and shook the world out of wrong-headed attitudes and prejudice against black people - but not just that, also our attitude to all people. People are people, regardless of race, creed or colour, and our Lord loves every one and desires that they come to know Him.
The idea of the dream is very much linked to the understanding of prophesy. Read anything of the story of Joseph in Genesis, or the book of Daniel and dreams feature as the story not merely a part of it.
In the 1960’s, the song featured below became a part of the protest movement when sung by Joan Baez. But here we see the wonderful Paul Robeson singing that same song in the 1940’s to Scottish miners. Incredible!
One thing it says to us in the Spirit is that The Lord is always working with us, inspiring, encouraging, uplifting. There is freedom from oppression by turning to Him. Prophecy allows us to see, (as in understand), the ways of The Lord. Our dreams inspire and motivate the changes they open to our hearts and minds. Let the Holy Spirit give you dreams to show you and uplift you to His inspiring way ahead.
In the five-fold ministry, prophets come second only to apostles. We should not turn aside from the prophetic ministry, which can reveal the heart of God.
Here are the words to the song sung by Paul Robeson:
The idea of the dream is very much linked to the understanding of prophesy. Read anything of the story of Joseph in Genesis, or the book of Daniel and dreams feature as the story not merely a part of it.
In the 1960’s, the song featured below became a part of the protest movement when sung by Joan Baez. But here we see the wonderful Paul Robeson singing that same song in the 1940’s to Scottish miners. Incredible!
One thing it says to us in the Spirit is that The Lord is always working with us, inspiring, encouraging, uplifting. There is freedom from oppression by turning to Him. Prophecy allows us to see, (as in understand), the ways of The Lord. Our dreams inspire and motivate the changes they open to our hearts and minds. Let the Holy Spirit give you dreams to show you and uplift you to His inspiring way ahead.
In the five-fold ministry, prophets come second only to apostles. We should not turn aside from the prophetic ministry, which can reveal the heart of God.
Here are the words to the song sung by Paul Robeson:
I dreamed, I saw Joe Hill last night
Alive as you and me
Says I "But Joe, you're ten years dead"
"I never died" says he
"I never died" says he
"The copper bosses killed you, Joe"
"They shot you Joe" says I
"Takes more than guns to kill a man"
Says Joe "I didn't die"
Says Joe "I didn't die"
And standing there, as big as life
And smiling with his eyes
Says Joe "What they can never kill
Went on to organize
Went on to organize"
From San Diego up to Maine
In every mine and mill
Where working folks defend their rights
It's there you find Joe Hill
It's there you find Joe Hill
I dreamed I saw, I dreamed I saw, Joe Hill last night
Alive as you and me
Says I "But Joe, you're ten years dead"
"I never died" says he, "I never died" says he
"I never died" says he"
Source: LyricFind Songwriters: Phil Ochs
Joe Hill lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Alive as you and me
Says I "But Joe, you're ten years dead"
"I never died" says he
"I never died" says he
"The copper bosses killed you, Joe"
"They shot you Joe" says I
"Takes more than guns to kill a man"
Says Joe "I didn't die"
Says Joe "I didn't die"
And standing there, as big as life
And smiling with his eyes
Says Joe "What they can never kill
Went on to organize
Went on to organize"
From San Diego up to Maine
In every mine and mill
Where working folks defend their rights
It's there you find Joe Hill
It's there you find Joe Hill
I dreamed I saw, I dreamed I saw, Joe Hill last night
Alive as you and me
Says I "But Joe, you're ten years dead"
"I never died" says he, "I never died" says he
"I never died" says he"
Source: LyricFind Songwriters: Phil Ochs
Joe Hill lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
OSWALD CHAMBERS — RUN TODAY’S RACE
Thursday 16th July 2020
The best is always yet to be with God. Everything you have dreamed or longed for, will be.
Thursday 16th July 2020
The best is always yet to be with God. Everything you have dreamed or longed for, will be.
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And where I go you know, and the way you know.” Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
[John 14:4-6 NKJV]
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
[John 14:4-6 NKJV]
What, for us, is “The Life” that Jesus promised? Many will say that it is something way into the future, a goal to be worked towards, but the reality is that “the life” is available now.
There is never a moment when He is not there for us. Believe it! Yes, He is life everlasting, but that begins now; it began yesterday and is there tomorrow and every tomorrow. Don’t let it slip away. Carpe diem, “seize the day”.
The Kingdom of God is not a far distant promise, it is a promise for today. Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.” [Luke 17:20-21 NKJV]
If the Kingdom of God is within you, there is no waiting for it to appear — it is there already — and that is His life.
The way, the truth and the life; He is all of these things. His way is founded in the truth that is in Him and that is Him and together they produce the Holy Spirit life in us, life everlasting.
There is never a moment when He is not there for us. Believe it! Yes, He is life everlasting, but that begins now; it began yesterday and is there tomorrow and every tomorrow. Don’t let it slip away. Carpe diem, “seize the day”.
The Kingdom of God is not a far distant promise, it is a promise for today. Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.” [Luke 17:20-21 NKJV]
If the Kingdom of God is within you, there is no waiting for it to appear — it is there already — and that is His life.
The way, the truth and the life; He is all of these things. His way is founded in the truth that is in Him and that is Him and together they produce the Holy Spirit life in us, life everlasting.
OSWALD CHAMBERS — RUN TODAY’S RACE
Wednesday 15th July 2020
The basis of panic is always cowardice. The clearest evidence that God’s grace is at work in our hearts is that we do not get into panics.
Wednesday 15th July 2020
The basis of panic is always cowardice. The clearest evidence that God’s grace is at work in our hearts is that we do not get into panics.
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And where I go you know, and the way you know.” Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
[John 14:4-6 NKJV]
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
[John 14:4-6 NKJV]
Jesus said that He was “the way, the truth and the life” and somehow this does not ring as true if you put “the truth” anywhere other than at the centre of that statement. Truth is the centre of Him, and He is our centre. Without the knowledge and belief in the truth of what He says, all falls away. But Jesus does more than speak truth; He IS truth.
People used to say that the camera cannot lie. Now - and especially so with digital technology and CGI - we know that manipulation of what we see is not only possible but commonplace. It becomes easier to believe the lie. How do we know that Jesus is “the truth”? The answer is because He said so.
Jesus said many incredible things, any one of which the rational man could argue with, yet cannot. Jesus persists. He does not try to convince us of anything He says, which is the most telling argument of all. He merely says “If it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you” [John 14:2b NKJV]
There is never an attempt to deceive - only ever unequivocable undeniable crystal-clear truth. He said it was so, and our relationship with Him confirms it.
People used to say that the camera cannot lie. Now - and especially so with digital technology and CGI - we know that manipulation of what we see is not only possible but commonplace. It becomes easier to believe the lie. How do we know that Jesus is “the truth”? The answer is because He said so.
Jesus said many incredible things, any one of which the rational man could argue with, yet cannot. Jesus persists. He does not try to convince us of anything He says, which is the most telling argument of all. He merely says “If it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you” [John 14:2b NKJV]
There is never an attempt to deceive - only ever unequivocable undeniable crystal-clear truth. He said it was so, and our relationship with Him confirms it.
“You Said” — Robin Mark
OSWALD CHAMBERS — SHADE OF HIS HAND
read Ecclesiastes 9:5-6
Tuesday 14th July 2020
A sensitive man never says anything that would sting another, whereas the one we are apt to call sensitive is only impressionable to what stings him.
read Ecclesiastes 9:5-6
Tuesday 14th July 2020
A sensitive man never says anything that would sting another, whereas the one we are apt to call sensitive is only impressionable to what stings him.
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And where I go you know, and the way you know.” Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
[John 14:4-6 NKJV]
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
[John 14:4-6 NKJV]
“The Way” was the name first given to what was to become Christianity. In those early days it was thought to be a cult and would fade as so many of these things did. Today, Christianity can claim to be the world’s largest faith.
But size means nothing. Many are called but few are chosen (a meditation for another day perhaps). Jesus’ way has never been about the many who follow. In fact, by saying that no one comes to the Father except through Me, He is putting a limitation, a restriction on His followers. He is not going for admirers and sycophants for Himself; He is always pointing the way heavenwards to Father God. That is “The Way”.
Believing in Jesus is about the way ahead — about there being a way ahead, which of course, is hope.
But now no longer having a place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you, whenever I journey to Spain, I shall come to you.
For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while.
[Romans 15:23-24 NKJV]
Paul’s simple statement in his letter to Romans reveals the ‘every day’ in those words ‘hope’ and ‘way’. “I hope to see you ... to be helped on my way ... by you”. Such a lot in a few words. “I hope to see you; maybe you can help me on my way”. I have said as much in many a letter to family and friends - I’m sure we all have - and here is Jesus saying “I am the way”, and He will lead us to the Father who is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. [Psalm 46:1 NKJV]
But size means nothing. Many are called but few are chosen (a meditation for another day perhaps). Jesus’ way has never been about the many who follow. In fact, by saying that no one comes to the Father except through Me, He is putting a limitation, a restriction on His followers. He is not going for admirers and sycophants for Himself; He is always pointing the way heavenwards to Father God. That is “The Way”.
Believing in Jesus is about the way ahead — about there being a way ahead, which of course, is hope.
But now no longer having a place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you, whenever I journey to Spain, I shall come to you.
For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while.
[Romans 15:23-24 NKJV]
Paul’s simple statement in his letter to Romans reveals the ‘every day’ in those words ‘hope’ and ‘way’. “I hope to see you ... to be helped on my way ... by you”. Such a lot in a few words. “I hope to see you; maybe you can help me on my way”. I have said as much in many a letter to family and friends - I’m sure we all have - and here is Jesus saying “I am the way”, and He will lead us to the Father who is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. [Psalm 46:1 NKJV]
“God Will Make A Way” — Don Moen
OSWALD CHAMBERS — RUN TODAY’S RACE
Monday 13th July 2020
Satan has no power to dispossess God of me.
Monday 13th July 2020
Satan has no power to dispossess God of me.
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Then a man came from Baal Shalisha, and brought the man of God bread of the firstfruits, twenty loaves of barley bread, and newly ripened grain in his knapsack. And he said, “Give it to the people, that they may eat.”
But his servant said, “What? Shall I set this before one hundred men?”
He said again, “Give it to the people, that they may eat; for thus says the LORD: ‘They shall eat and have some left over.’ ” So he set it before them; and they ate and had some left over, according to the word of the LORD.
[2 Kings 4:42-44 NKJV]
But his servant said, “What? Shall I set this before one hundred men?”
He said again, “Give it to the people, that they may eat; for thus says the LORD: ‘They shall eat and have some left over.’ ” So he set it before them; and they ate and had some left over, according to the word of the LORD.
[2 Kings 4:42-44 NKJV]
To mark that this is the100th post on this weblog, we are considering the significance of ‘one hundred’ in this passage from 2 Kings 4.
This story is a foretaste of Jesus feeding the five thousand and other miracles of provision. The man comes from Baal Shalisha, which means “thrice great Lord”, bringing Elisha “bread of the first fruits”.
James tells us that of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. [James 1:18 NKJV]. What we are reading in 2 Kings is, I believe, an allusion to a company of believers whom Jesus described as His in John 17.
Here that “firstfruits company of believers” are described as “one hundred men”, who shall eat (be a part of) and have some left over (they will be filled to overflowing) according to the word of God (this is a filling in and by The Holy Spirit). Thus, “one hundred” speaks of those who become a part of God’s promise, His firstfruit harvest who are filled with His spirit.
So, just as Jesus fed thousands with 2 loaves and five fish, Elisha heeded the Lord’s promise to fill one hundred with twenty loaves of barley bread and newly ripened grain. We have that amazing assurance, that promise of His overflowing provision for us in every way, when we believe and follow Him.
This story is a foretaste of Jesus feeding the five thousand and other miracles of provision. The man comes from Baal Shalisha, which means “thrice great Lord”, bringing Elisha “bread of the first fruits”.
James tells us that of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. [James 1:18 NKJV]. What we are reading in 2 Kings is, I believe, an allusion to a company of believers whom Jesus described as His in John 17.
Here that “firstfruits company of believers” are described as “one hundred men”, who shall eat (be a part of) and have some left over (they will be filled to overflowing) according to the word of God (this is a filling in and by The Holy Spirit). Thus, “one hundred” speaks of those who become a part of God’s promise, His firstfruit harvest who are filled with His spirit.
So, just as Jesus fed thousands with 2 loaves and five fish, Elisha heeded the Lord’s promise to fill one hundred with twenty loaves of barley bread and newly ripened grain. We have that amazing assurance, that promise of His overflowing provision for us in every way, when we believe and follow Him.
“We Plough The Fields And Scatter” — BBC Songs of Praise
OSWALD CHAMBERS — RUN TODAY’S RACE
Sunday 12th July 2020
Prayer imparts the power to walk and not faint.
Sunday 12th July 2020
Prayer imparts the power to walk and not faint.
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I will not execute the fierceness of My anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim. For I am God, and not man, The Holy One in your midst; and I will not come with terror.
“They shall walk after the LORD. He will roar like a lion. When He roars, then His sons shall come trembling from the west;
They shall come trembling like a bird from Egypt, like a dove from the land of Assyria. And I will let them dwell in their houses,” says the LORD.
[Hosea 11:9-11 NKJV]
“They shall walk after the LORD. He will roar like a lion. When He roars, then His sons shall come trembling from the west;
They shall come trembling like a bird from Egypt, like a dove from the land of Assyria. And I will let them dwell in their houses,” says the LORD.
[Hosea 11:9-11 NKJV]
As a result of yesterday’s meditation, Pat sent us the scripture noted above. “He will roar like a lion ... then His sons shall come trembling ... like a dove from the land of Assyria”.
Assyria is ashur, the same word as in the son of Jacob, Asher, meaning honest, proper, happy or blessed. When our Lord roars like the lion He is blessing us. But note that we shall tremble like a dove, the dove that represents His Holy Spirit, truly manifesting “the Holy One in (our) midst”
The lion is a potent symbol for us. The king of the beasts, but we should beware for the lion does not always represent “the Holy One”. On occasion, it can reveal Satan in the midst of us as in this scripture — So Samson went down to Timnah with his father and mother, and came to the vineyards of Timnah. Now to his surprise, a young lion came roaring against him.
And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and he tore the lion apart as one would have torn apart a young goat, though he had nothing in his hand [ Judges 14:5-6 NKJV]
Often there is mention of the young lion - a creature without wisdom and governed by its lusts and desires. The older lion has learnt “a more excellent way”, and so he gives us an idea of the heavenly nature.
In the vision from all those years ago, there was no fear when the lion approached for “the Holy One in your midst ... will not come with terror”.
Assyria is ashur, the same word as in the son of Jacob, Asher, meaning honest, proper, happy or blessed. When our Lord roars like the lion He is blessing us. But note that we shall tremble like a dove, the dove that represents His Holy Spirit, truly manifesting “the Holy One in (our) midst”
The lion is a potent symbol for us. The king of the beasts, but we should beware for the lion does not always represent “the Holy One”. On occasion, it can reveal Satan in the midst of us as in this scripture — So Samson went down to Timnah with his father and mother, and came to the vineyards of Timnah. Now to his surprise, a young lion came roaring against him.
And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and he tore the lion apart as one would have torn apart a young goat, though he had nothing in his hand [ Judges 14:5-6 NKJV]
Often there is mention of the young lion - a creature without wisdom and governed by its lusts and desires. The older lion has learnt “a more excellent way”, and so he gives us an idea of the heavenly nature.
In the vision from all those years ago, there was no fear when the lion approached for “the Holy One in your midst ... will not come with terror”.
“For Your Name Is Holy” — Paul Wilbur
OSWALD CHAMBERS — RUN TODAY’S RACE
Friday 10th July 2020
When I only do what God wants me to do, He will recuperate me all the time.
Watch the things that exhaust you.
Friday 10th July 2020
When I only do what God wants me to do, He will recuperate me all the time.
Watch the things that exhaust you.
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Awake, awake! Put on your strength, O Zion; put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city! For the uncircumcised and the unclean shall no longer come to you.
Shake yourself from the dust, arise; sit down, O Jerusalem! Loose yourself from the bonds of your neck, O captive daughter of Zion!
[Isaiah 52:1-2 NKJV]
Shake yourself from the dust, arise; sit down, O Jerusalem! Loose yourself from the bonds of your neck, O captive daughter of Zion!
[Isaiah 52:1-2 NKJV]
Is The Lord saying to us to be like little batteries — ”Ever Ready” and always working for Him? I do not think that this is what is being said here.
A few years ago The Lord gave me a vision of a lion bounding at me and coming up close to my face. Strangely, this was not frightening; I actually felt reassured by this sudden apparition, which then spoke and said “Awake, awake O Zion”. Sometime later, at the Living Stones Christian Centre, a lady named Barbara Coyle spoke to me that she saw that I needed to “blow away the smoke”. Both of these things, I believe, were encouraging me to be more spiritually alert, to cast aside my laziness and “press in”, keep in scripture, pray and seek the Lord.
Isaiah was saying that to the Hebrews, and Paul was saying the same to Timothy.
A few years ago The Lord gave me a vision of a lion bounding at me and coming up close to my face. Strangely, this was not frightening; I actually felt reassured by this sudden apparition, which then spoke and said “Awake, awake O Zion”. Sometime later, at the Living Stones Christian Centre, a lady named Barbara Coyle spoke to me that she saw that I needed to “blow away the smoke”. Both of these things, I believe, were encouraging me to be more spiritually alert, to cast aside my laziness and “press in”, keep in scripture, pray and seek the Lord.
Isaiah was saying that to the Hebrews, and Paul was saying the same to Timothy.
I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom:
Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
[2 Timothy 4:1-5 NKJV]
We all need prodded out of our comfort zone now and again. We do not need to stand on street corners shouting about Jesus, or preach in churches; but be aware of what the Lord has placed in you. Let Him speak to you in your prayer time. Be alert, be ready and He will lead you to fulfill your ministry.
Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
[2 Timothy 4:1-5 NKJV]
We all need prodded out of our comfort zone now and again. We do not need to stand on street corners shouting about Jesus, or preach in churches; but be aware of what the Lord has placed in you. Let Him speak to you in your prayer time. Be alert, be ready and He will lead you to fulfill your ministry.
“Awake, Awake O Zion“
OSWALD CHAMBERS — RUN TODAY’S RACE
Thursday 9th July 2020
If God has made your cup sweet, drink it with grace; if He has made it bitter, drink it in communion with Him.
Thursday 9th July 2020
If God has made your cup sweet, drink it with grace; if He has made it bitter, drink it in communion with Him.
- Published on
Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.
But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.
The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all
[Acts 10:34-36 NKJV]
But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.
The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all
[Acts 10:34-36 NKJV]
At the back of one of the family Bibles - a small one in a microscopic typeface - is an appendix which runs to several pages and lists all the names of The Lord. The appendix also states that it is not the complete list.
Once, when bringing a word, I remember including about 20 or so of these names and as I was speaking I felt a huge power go through me. There is indeed ‘power in the name of Jesus’. Quite incredible, but I can vouch for the reality of it.
I don’t know what you see in the photograph today, but I see an angel spreading his wings. I see other images too, but in all these things there is movement and life. Maybe you think that I am being fanciful, and a few years ago I would have agreed with you; but not now. As Shakespeare said in Hamlet: “There are more things in Heaven and Earth than are dreamt of in your philosophy”. And that is very true in scriptural terms.
But now, listen (and watch) to this video. I found it quite moving, hearing the many name of God ...
Once, when bringing a word, I remember including about 20 or so of these names and as I was speaking I felt a huge power go through me. There is indeed ‘power in the name of Jesus’. Quite incredible, but I can vouch for the reality of it.
I don’t know what you see in the photograph today, but I see an angel spreading his wings. I see other images too, but in all these things there is movement and life. Maybe you think that I am being fanciful, and a few years ago I would have agreed with you; but not now. As Shakespeare said in Hamlet: “There are more things in Heaven and Earth than are dreamt of in your philosophy”. And that is very true in scriptural terms.
But now, listen (and watch) to this video. I found it quite moving, hearing the many name of God ...
“He Is” — Eric Ludy, Ellerslie Disciple Training, Colorado
OSWALD CHAMBERS - RUN TODAY’S RACE
Wednesday 8th July 2020
God holds us responsible for what we won’t look at.
We are nowhere judged by the light we have, but by the light we have refused (John 3:19)
Wednesday 8th July 2020
God holds us responsible for what we won’t look at.
We are nowhere judged by the light we have, but by the light we have refused (John 3:19)