Jesus Still King of kings and Lord of lords - Part 2723

"I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

Apostle Paul understood firsthand the joy and peace that came from his faith journey with the living God, whose name in this current New Testament dispensation of grace is Jesus, and as we see herein, Paul beseeches us to walk worthy of the vocation wherein we are called  -- with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love, and endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 

Did Paul say unity of the churches- as in engaging in multifaith (including those religions that do not engage Jesus' teachings)? No. Paul said in the unity of the Spirit.

Did Paul say in the unity of the Spirits - as in plural? No, Paul said in the unity of the Spirit - singular.

What Paul did say is that the one body of Christ church led by One Spirit -- One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, One God and Farther of all -- the One who is above all, and through all, and in you all has called you into the One hope of your calling. And continuing, Paul said, "but unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ."

Yes, he is our calling! It is He who ascended up on high, leading captivity captive and giving good gifts unto men, When? After He descended first into the lowest parts of the earth. It is He who has descended who is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens -- that He and He alone -- could fill all things. 

Yes, Jesus! 

God robed Himself in sin-prone flesh (but without sin) so that we might have abundant life in Him. So that we might be perfected as saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ -- unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.

So knowing all these blessings that the Lord has given, why has the church become/becoming stagnant. Or as Jesus states in Revelation, become hot or cold? Do we not know who willingly (at significant cost to Himself) paid the ultimate price so that we might be saved? So that we might have abundant life in Him? So that He can fill our cups to overflowing with His love and joy and mercy?

We might live in tumultuous times but we should never forget who shed His precious holy blood on a cross so that we might have life everlasting. 

Thus, as apostle Paul encourages, "henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the Head, even Christ: from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplies, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, makes increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love."

Yes, we have a calling and it is not like the world whose understanding is darkened, alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart(s). But we have not so learned Christ!

Therefore, be renewed in the spirit of our mind, putting on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. And arise, for our calling is from the Most High -- this same JESUS whom the angel declared will save His people from their sins ... Emmanuel, being translated God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23)

The same Jesus whom Peter standing with the apostles on the day of Pentecost declared, "This same Jesus whom ye have crucified is BOTH Lord and Christ!" (Acts 2:36-41) 

Stand in the offering plate!

Why Me Lord, What Have I Ever Done? - Part 2722

"According to your measure of faith ..." 

"For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." (I Corinthians 3:11) 

"Therefore, thus saith the Lord God, "Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believes shall not make haste." (Isaiah 28:16) 

When John wrote to believers, he said, "My heart's desire and my prayer to God is this - that you may prosper and be in good health." This prosperity that John referred to is contingent with your soul prospering. Rather than limit one's growth only to health and prosperity, which admittedly are in this life desirable, John emphasized that these desires ought to work in conjunction with and not independent from the spiritual growth of the born-again inner man.

The reason that John makes this statement is simple. If a man should seek to gain the whole world at the expense of his born-again soul, then he or she at the end of the day has not gained anything. In reality, they suffer loss. Granted, silver and gold may not be the outcome. However, it is important to recognize that God will always supply the believer's needs -- for God knows what things we have need of even before we ask. Why? Because it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom. Like the scriptures repeatedly state, "If you ask for bread, God will not give a stone. If you ask for fish, God will not give a serpent"

Indeed, it is your Father’s good pleasure to give born again believers the Kingdom! Do you remember the promises of God? In blessing, I will bless you and in multiplying, I will multiply you and in so doing, you shall be great. Again, the offspring of the SEED of JESUS the Christ are the inheritors of all. So, who are the offspring of Christ? We are!

We are the offspring of Christ! 

We are the people which have put on Christ. As it is written - as many of us as have been baptized into the name of JESUS the Christ have put on Christ. It is we who have become members of God’s body whose body was manifest in the flesh - JESUS! We are members of His bone and of His flesh. His redeemed people. The good news is that even though at one time we were not a people, we are now the people of God as a consequence of God's plan of salvation. In fact, we are the ISRAEL of God.  

Stand in the offering plate. 

Jesus Said, I Am Alpha and Omega, The Beginning and The Ending - Part 2721

Apostle Paul is writing to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 1:1) Every time I read this scripture, I have to remind myself that the saints at Ephesus are those who are faithful in Christ Jesus. This is important because many times, when we read Paul's writings, we take the word and to mean more than one --(or in this case two separate groups) - making both context and the difference in how we use language in modern times critical to understanding the overall meaning of the text. 

Further. as we learn from studying the scriptures, it is important to recognize that Paul received his understanding by revelation. Paul did not spend time with the Lord Jesus when He walked the earth. These are important points for understanding how Paul points to the One in whom we have redemption (through the blood of Jesus), the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace - wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence -- having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to the good pleasures which He hath purposed in Himself. (Ephesians 1:7-9)

We also see the Lord Jesus speaking to the church of Ephesus in Revelation, when Jesus is speaking to the seven churches. Therein, Jesus says , "I know thy works, and thy labour; and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil; and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and have found them liars." (Revelation 2:1-2; I John 4:1; Revelation 1:1, 8) 

Jesus said, too, that the church of Ephesus hast borne and hast patience, and for My name's sake have laboured and hast not fainted. Jesus also commends the church for hating the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which He also hates.

Still, Jesus reiterates, Nevertheless, we have left our first love. 

"Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works, or else I will come quickly and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent." (Revelation 2:5; 16, Revelation 3:19) 

It is for this reason that I find Paul's writings to the Ephesians so important, because we can have direct insights into what ta first love should look like, Perhaps, I should mention here also that Paul was a minister to the Gentiles specifically. In Ephesians 1, Paul does spend considerable time speaking about the blessings we have in Jesus., teaching us to pray for the spiritual gifts of wisdom and knowledge, and the revelation in the knowledge of Him. (Ephesians 1:17: John 20:17; Acts 2:7) 

"The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling. and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints. And what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe according to the working of His mighty power, which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and set [Him] at His own right hand in the heavenly [places]." (Ephesians 1:19-20; Ephesians 3:7' Colossians 1:29; Psalm 110:1; Mark 16:19) 

This is our starting point for this day. Know that in studying Ephesians, we gain a wonderful insight into the teachings that Paul so willingly undertook to ensure that we who believe would be privy to the whole truth. And yes, the message too, that God is not the author of confusion.

More to come. In the interim, stand in the offering plate. 

Ye Call Me Master And Lord; And Ye Say Well, For So I Am - Part 2720

 "Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed; and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost!" (I Corinthians 12:3)

At the beginning of I Corinthians 12, apostle Paul tells us that he would not have us ignorant concerning spiritual [gifts] -- the latter term gifts being an added word in the translated from Greek to English King James version. Paul goes on to write, "If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord." (I Corinthians 14:37)

We know from Acts 2:36 that this same Jesus whom we/ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. We also know that Jesus Himself said He is our Lord and Master. (John 13:13) The scriptures reveal that Jesus told His disciples, "I and My Father are One!" (John 10:30) Jesus also tells them if ye have seen Me, ye have seen the Father and know Him. (John 14:6-12)

Moreover, John understood that this same Jesus who had walked on this earth with His disciples had also now ascended. He is risen -- the stone rolled away. Perhaps, this explains why John encouraged us to "Hereby, perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren." (I John 3:16) 

Acts 20:28 confirms the same -- "to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood." 

Indeed, God paid the ultimate price when He robed Himself in flesh, shedding His own precious blood on a cross -- becoming the perfect sacrifice so that we who believe in the Lord Jesus by faith can have abundant life.

Further, I John 4:2-3 states, "Hereby know ye the Spirit of God. Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God. And every spirit that confesses not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God, and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come, and even now already is it in the world." 

Didn't Jesus say that He knows those who are His?

Nevertheless, the Word that was with God and was God became flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:1, 14) Or more specifically, "He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (John 1:10-11)

So what has happened that we who profess to believe the scriptures are the infallible Word of God no longer believe that Jesus is the Lord of glory? Even though we acknowledge somewhat that God appeared to Abraham in the tent. Even though God walked with Adam in the cool of the day. Even though One like the Son of man stood with the three Hebrew boys in the fiery furnace -- Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Hebrew names Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah).

So many questions - to the point, wherein we can now understand why Jesus asked, "When I return, will I even find faith?" This statement alone should make us all stop in our tracks. Why?

Because the man-made religious institutions are sidetracking us from the truth. Wolves in sheep's clothing are deceiving Jesus' flock, under a guise of sermons that sound interesting but are not representative of this same Jesus who said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes unto the Father but by Me?" 

Why? Because Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords, the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. And He said, "there is no other, beside Me!. Or as Isaiah similarly wrote, "The Lord shall come forth as a mighty man ... " (Isaiah 42:13) 

In other words, Almighty God willingly became our  Saviour.

"Behold, the Lord God will come with strong [hand]; and His arm shall rule for Him, behold, His reward is with Him, and His work before Him. He shall feed His flock like a Shepherd, He shall gather the lambs with His arm; and carry [them] in His and carry [them] in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. 

Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance? Who hath directed the Spirit of the Lord, or [being] His counsellor hath sought Him? With whom took He counsel, and who instructed Him, and taught Him the path of judgement, and taught Him knowledge, and shewed to Him the way of understanding? ... To whom then will ye liken God? Or what likeness will ye compare unto Him?" (Isaiah 40:10-14, 18)

It's no wonder Paul concludes with -- "if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant." (I Corinthians 14:38) 

Don't let those who don't even read their Bible lead you astray. Take hold of the truth which is in Christ Jesus, the same Christ who followed the Israelites through the Red Sea. 

Stand in the offering plate

One Thing I Know, That Whereas I Was Blind, Now I See: Alleluia: For The Lord God Omnipotent Reigns - Part 2719

"Praise the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is within me, praise Thy holy name!

"Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in His sanctuary: praise Him in the firmament of His power. Praise Him for His mighty acts: praise Him according to His excellent greatness. Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet: praise Him with the psaltery and harp." (Psalm 150:3)

"Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, [even] I, will sing unto the Lord; I will sing praise to the Lord God of Israel." (Judges 5:3)

The word praise is used 261 times in the scriptures -- 234 in the old testament and 27 in the new testament. Interestingly, praise is used 110 times alone in the book of Psalms, wherein David praises the Lord in all things. It's no wonder the Lord said that David was a man after His own heart. 

Today, the scriptures presented herein will primarily focus on praise and praising the Lord our God from the new testament perspective. The most notable is when the children crying in the temple understood who Jesus was -- much to the chagrin of the chief priests and scribes. Do we know who Jesus is -- as both Lord and Christ, as we understand from Acts 2:36? But perhaps, that is a topic for another day. For now, here are some scriptures to reflect upon regarding praise for the Lord our God - whose name, in this current dispensation of grace is Jesus. 

"And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that [Jesus] did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, "Hosanna to the Son of David" ... they were sore displeased, and said unto Him, "Hear Thou what these say?" And Jesus saith unto them, "Yea; have ye never read, "Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings Thou hast perfected praise?" And He left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and He lodged there." (Matthew 21:15-17)

"And as He went, they spread their clothes in the way. And when He was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; saying, "Blessed be the King that comes in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest." (Luke 19:36-38)

In a different place, John the baptizer's father could finally speak again, after his mouth had been sealed shut. What was the first thing Zacharias did? "And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God." (Luke 1:64)

In another example, the multitudes of people praised God, for His goodness and grace and mercy toward the blind man. This example is found in Luke 18:35-43:

"And it came to pass, that as He was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging: and hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant. And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passes by. And he cried, saying, "Jesus, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me." And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, "Thou Son of David, have mercy on me." 

And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, He asked him, saying, "What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee?" And he said, "Lord, that I may receive my sight." And Jesus said unto him, "Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee.: And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God." (Luke 18:35-43)

In yet another scripture, "Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on Him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. Jesus cried and said, "he that believes on Me, believes not on Me, but on Him that sent Me." (John 12:42-44)

In the prison, "... at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed." (Acts 16:24-26)

Thus, the question beckons -- why is praise important? I believe Peter provides some insight within his first epistle.

"... that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ ..." (I Peter 1:7)

"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light ..." (I Peter 2:9)

" ....or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by Him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well." (I Peter 2:14)

"If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God gives: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. amen." (I Peter 4:11)

"For both He that sanctifies and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren saying, "I will declare Thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto Thee." (Hebrews 2:12)

"By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name." (Hebrews 13:15)

 
Paul confirms the importance of praise in Romans, I and II Corinthians, Ephesians and Philiippians: 

"Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God." (I Corinthians 4:5)

"Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you." (I Corinthians 11:2)

" ... but he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God." (Romans 2:29)

"For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:" (Romans 13:3)

 
"And again, "Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud Him, all ye people. (Romans 15:11) 

"For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you. And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches; and not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind ..." (II Corinthians 8:17-19)

" ... to the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved." (Ephesians 1:6)

" ... that we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ ... which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory." (Ephesians 1:12-14)

"... being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God." (Philippians 1:11)

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Philippians 4:8)

Stand in the offering plate.

The What, When, and How of The New Testament Salvation Message - Part 2718

In Matthew 28:19 Jesus told His disciples WHAT to do! He didn't tell them to repeat these words like parrots. Rather, what Jesus was telling them is to go and preach His good news salvation message to all the world. And in Mark 16:15-16 Jesus tells them WHY to do it,

In the latter scripture, Jesus gave people two choices - very similar to the Old Testament when the Lord God said, "Choose life or choose death, but I encourage you to choose life." In the new testament, Jesus instructs them to either "BE" as to be saved and inherit eternal life, or instead, to be as in being damned This has been our choice from the beginning of time, and this same choice is extended to us this day -- when Jesus invites us to abide in Him. But I digress,

In Luke 24:47 Jesus tells them WHERE to do it! And in John 3:3-7 Jesus told them WHO needs to do it,

Thus, by the time we get to the book of Acts, wherein Jesus has now ascended, Peter (standing with the eleven) on the day of Pentecost is about to tell the first 3,000 souls saved HOW to do be saved. ( Acts 2:36-41) 

Acts 2:38 answered all the questions on what must we do to be saved?

WHAT  - repent,
WHAT - be baptized"
WHO - every one of you
HOW - in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ
WHY - for the remission of sins

The benefit? "And ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost"

What I don't understand is even if it wasn't true, which it is, but why anyone would have a problem with the teaching of water baptism as a necessary component for salvation?

Taking this thought further --if  it's believed by so many people that water baptism is not needed for Salvation, then why do they even care and make a such a big deal if it's being taught in the first place? It's a very valid question, particularly in this post-modern, post-truth era. It almost seems like water baptism has become evil to the religious, and therefore, cannot be of God.

But what saith the Lord? .

In Mark 16:15-16 Two folks : one who believed and was baptized . One who did not believe.

Which one was saved? Which one was damned?  Which ones went into the Jordan River to be baptized by John the baptizer (cleansing the outside) and which one stood on the banks, wherein John calls them a generation of vipers. 

Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15-20, Luke 24:47-53 are ALL the one and same teaching that takes place on the Mount of Olives just prior to Jesus ascending into Heaven! The notable difference is the message is given by three different writers -- Matthew, Mark and Luke. Is the message the same? Of course it is -- because God is not the author of confusion. So let's study further herein.

Nearly everyone agrees that Matthew 28:19 is referring to  preaching the gospel to the ends of the earth and water baptism. So, if the scripture herein is referring to water baptism (and it is) then so are the other accounts in the other two gospels that are describing the same teaching by Jesus! And all three are in agreement with John 3:3-7 when Jesus first taught on how one is to be born again -- to not only see, but how one also ENTERS the Kingdom of God!

So when Peter (standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost) began to speak to the crowd, it was because Peter understood the "when, what, and why" of salvation. In essence then, Peter was acting out in Acts 2:36-41 the necessity of recognizing Jesus as both Lord and Christ, repenting of our sins, being water baptized in His precious, holy name -- the name of the Lord Jesus -- so that He can put His coat of righteousness upon us -- in the form of His Spirit -- the Holy Ghost, which Acts 2:38 clearly states we shall receive when we repent and are water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Lo, here is water - what prevents you from being baptized? Even more so, why would anyone take the time to go against the words of Jesus instead of preaching, teaching, or simply being in One Accord and of one mind with those who are preaching and teaching the truth that is the Word of God?

Why did Peter keep preaching when Cornelius and his family received the Holy Ghost -- to be water baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus? They never asked to be water baptized! Still, Peter commanded that they be water baptized! 

Why? The new testament salvation message was for all the world -- including the Gentiles. From Acts 10:44-48:

While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the Word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, "Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?"

And [Peter] commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

Isaiah 28:9-16 elaborates further: 

"Whom shall He teach knowledge? And whom shall He make to understand doctrine? Them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: For with stammering lips and another tongue will He speak to this people.

To whom He said, "This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear." 

But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.

Wherefore hear the word of the LORD, ye scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem.
Because ye have said, "We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves."

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, "Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste." 

Herein, again, the choice given to all men -- choose life which is found in knowing Jesus as your Lord God and Saviour, or choose death, wherein damnation will be your fate. There is no grey area in the choice. Neither is there a middle ground of compromise. The scriptures are clear. 

As the Lord said, "Give ye ear, and hear My voice; hearken, and hear My speech." (Isaiah 28:23)

Other scriptures worth noting, besides the fact that every water baptism in the New Testament after the cross was in the name of the Lord Jesus -- 

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13)

"And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Acts 2:21)

"And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." (Acts 22:16)

And who is the Lord? His name is JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins.

Stand in the offering plate.  

Striving Unto The Perfection That God Has Called Us Into - Part 2817

One of the minor prophets (named Amos) scribed these words -- the famine in the land is not food, nor is it water, but rather the Word of God. This is where the lack in our nations begins, So, for this day, here is a series of scriptures to perk your very soul into hungering for more -- and through one soul arising, may many others be fed, For your edification and learning ...

Then Peter said unto them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38-39)

 
"And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Acts 2:21)

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

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

Jesus answered and said unto him, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3)

John answered, saying unto [them] all, "I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire." (Luke 3:16)

"I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and [with] fire." (Matthew 3:11)

"And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon Me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for Him, as one mourneth for [his] only [son], and shall be in bitterness for Him, as one that is in bitterness for [his] firstborn." (Zechariah 12:10)

"Blessed [are] they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." (Revelation 22:14)

"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." (Revelation 12:11)

"For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit." ( I Peter 3:18)

"Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." (I Peter 2:24)

"Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience." (James 5:10)

"Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble." (James 2:19)

"Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ ..." (II Thessalonians 3:6)

"Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with [Him] through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead." (Colossians 2:12)

"For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him." (Colossians 1:16)

"That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things] under the earth." (Philippians 2:10)

"One Lord, one faith, one baptism." (Ephesians 4:5)

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8)

God's plan was to redeem man back to Himself. This is why God Himself as a Son was manifest in the flesh. He came to seek and to save you and I who would have otherwise been lost for all eternity. Why? Because we required a Saviour and because there was none other in heaven or earth who was righteous enough to pay the price in full -- for the redemption of man, He came. 

Now that is love! Stand in the offering plate.

And Now Why Tarriest Thou? Arise And Be Baptized And Wash Away Thy Sins, Calling On The Name Of The Lord Jesus - Part 2816

"And the key of the house of David will I lay upon His shoulder; so He shall open, and none shall shut; and He shall shut, and none shall open." (Isaiah 22:22) 

Salvation came when Jesus came to earth and shed His precious holy blood on the cross at Calvary. Period. Herein, the price for our salvation was paid for in full. No more sacrifices and ordinances needed to be made for our sins. No more priests were needed for atonement. Why? Because the Lord was ushering in a new testament; a new covenant so that He could have a family that would take on His name.

His name is JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins ... Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23)

But Jesus did not stay in the tomb. The heavy stone placed in front of the tomb could not hold Him. Yes, indeed, Jesus rose from the dead, ascending into heaven. In the scriptures, we know that the gospels record the life of Jesus Christ - while on earth. Sadly, even still today there are so many people who don’t know Jesus as the King of kings and Lord of lords.  

So who is Jesus?.

This is a question Jesus asked His disciples, " Who do men say that I am?" The answers varied from John the baptizer, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the other prophets. Then Jesus asked a more revealing question, "Who do you say I AM?" Peter quickly responded, "Thou art The Christ, the Son of the Living God." Because of Peter's response, he was promised that God would build His church and that he would give him the keys to the kingdom. (Matthew 16:13-19) 

Therefore, Peter was given authority by God to open the door of salvation to all, which we see happening on the day of Pentecost, when Peter (standing with the eleven) told the people what they must do to be saved. (Acts 2:36-41) But I'm getting ahead of myself here. 

Peter received the keys when he received the gift of the holy Ghost in Acts 2:1-4. Then Peter having the keys to the Kingdom used them for the first time when he unlocked and opened wide the door of salvation to the Jews." (Acts 2:16-47) 

What was His message herein? 

"Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" Then Peter said unto them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call."

And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, "Save yourselves from this untoward generation." Then they that gladly received His Word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls."(Acts 2:16-47)

In Acts 8, the Samaritans were water baptized in the Name of Lord Jesus but had not (yet) received the gift of the holy Ghost. Peter and John were then sent to lay hands on those baptized and pray for them that they might receive the holy Ghost. Note that only those water baptized received the gift of the holy Ghost! Note also that the door of salvation was unlocked and now wide open for the Samaritans too. 

Peter then was sent to preach the good news Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ unto the Gentiles, and while He was preaching the Word of God, the holy Ghost fell upon them and they began to speak with other tongues and prophesy.

Peter then asked them, "Can any man forbid water that have received the holy Ghost as well as we?" (Acts 10:47-48) Then he commanded that they were to be baptized in the Name of the Lord. And the door was now unlocked and opened wide for the Gentiles to enter in. 

So, where did this wonderful message begin? In John 3:1-7, when Jesus was speaking to a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, who was also a ruler of the Jews. The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto Him, "Rabbi, we know that Thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that Thou doest, except God be with Him." Jesus answered and said unto him, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, EXCEPT a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

Nicodemus then queries how someone can be born again - do I need to re-enter my mother's womb a second time? Jesus answered, saying, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, EXCEPT a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, "Ye must be born again!" 

Jesus is clearly saying that being born again is not about a natural birth but rather a spiritual birth. Not being born of the flesh but being born again in the Spirit -- a spiritual birth. (John 3:5; Acts 2:36-38) 

Note that there are three accounts of the same teachings by three separate authors on what has come to known as the Great Commission (although notably the words - great commission -- are man's addition to the Word)

The most cited (at least in religious circles - primarily from the daughter churches of Rome) is Matthew 28:19-20, which states, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations baptizing them in the NAME of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you, and lo, I AM with you always, even unto the end of the world, amen!" (Matthew 28:19-20) 

Mark states the same message this way, "And He said unto them, "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believes and is baptized shall be saved, but he that believes not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe: in My Name shall they cast out devils, they shall speak with new tongues, they shall take up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them. They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." (Mark 16:15-18)

In Luke, Jesus opens the understanding of the disciples, so that they might understand the scriptures. 

"And said unto them, "Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached IN HIS NAME among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things, And behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you, but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endured with power from on high." 

And He led them out as far as to Bethany, and He lifted up His hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while He blessed them, He was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshipped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen." (Luke 24:47-53)

John writes, "Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, "Peace be unto you." And when He had so said, He shewed unto them His hands and His side. Then were the disciples glad when they saw the Lord.

Then said Jesus to them again, "Peace be unto you! As My Father hath sent Me, even so send I you. And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and saith unto them, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost." Whosoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them, and whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained." (John 20:19-23)

Luke continues writing into the book of Acts, and more specifically, Acts 1:1-11: 

"The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, UNTIL THE DAY IN WHICH HE WAS TAKEN UP, AFTER THAT HE THROUGH THE HOLY GHOST HAD GIVEN COMMANDMENTS UNTO THE APOSTLES WHOM HE HAD CHOSEN: TO WHOM ALSO HE SHEWED HIMSELF ALIVE AFTER HIS PASSION by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, BUT WAIT FOR THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER, WHICH, SAITH HE, "YE HAVE HEARD OF ME"

For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
When they therefore were come together, they asked of Him, saying, "Lord, wilt Thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?"  And He said unto them, "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power. But YE SHALL RECEIVE POWER, AFTER THAT THE HOLY GHOST IS COME UPON YOU: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."

And when He had spoken these things, while they beheld, He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, "Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven."

Jumping back to Isaiah the prophet wherein we hear His Word (who would later become flesh and dwell among us) ... He Himself speaking by His holy prophet Isaiah who prophesied His spoken WORD of Truth  in Isaiah 1:12-20 connects the dots.

"When ye come to appear before Me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread My courts, bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto Me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting; your new moons and your appointed feasts My soul hates: they are a trouble unto Me; I am weary to bear them. And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide Mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. Wash you, make you clean, put away the evil of your doings from before Mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.

Come now, and let us reason together", saith the LORD, "though your SINS BE AS SCARLET, THEY SHALL BE AS WHITE AS SNOW; THOUGH THEY BE RED LIKE CRIMSON, THEY SHALL BE AS WOOL. If ye be willing and OBEDIENT, ye shall eat the GOOD of the land: But if YE REFUSE and REBEL, ye shall BE DEVOURED with the SWORD: for the MOUTH of THE LORD HATH SPOKEN IT." (Isaiah 1:12-20) 

Notice the choice -- somewhat similar to when the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, "Choose life or choose death, but I the Lord encourage you to choose life!" We can accept the Lord Jesus wherein our sins shall be as white as snow, OR , we can refuse and rebel and be devoured by the very inventions we seek solace in.

Moving forward to Acts, wherein the apostles gave us clear examples of how to walk with the Lord, being led by His Spirit, we see Saul, after learning and accepting who Jesus is asked the question, "What shall I do?" He was not alone. Those dwelling at the house of Israel, after hearing Peter preach and then accepting Jesus as both their Lord and Christ also asked, "What shall we do?" 

Did they receive different answers? Of course not, because God is not the Author of confusion. We see the responses in both Acts 22:16 and Acts 2:38. From these scriptures: 

"And I said, "What shall I do, Lord?" And the Lord said unto me, "ARISE, and gp into Damascus; and there IT SHALL BE TOLD THEE OF ALL THINGS WHICH ARE APPOINTED FOR THEE TO DO." And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.

And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there, came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, "Brother Saul, receive thy sight." And the same hour I looked up upon him. And he said, "The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know His will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of His mouth. For thou shalt be His witness unto ALL men of what thou hast SEEN and HEARD. And now why tarriest thou? ARISE, AND BE BAPTIZED, AND WASH AWAY THY SINS, CALLING ON THE NAME OF THE LORD."

Note that Saul was told to do two things: be filled with the holy Ghost [Spirit baptism].and be water baptized in answer of a good conscience toward God, washing your sins away, calling on His precious, holy name - the name of the Lord Jesus [Water baptism].

 Again where was the first born again message of salvation taught? Yes, to Nicodemus in John 3:3-5:

Jesus answered and said unto him, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God." Nicodemus saith unto Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?" Jesus answered, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, EXCEPT A MAN BE BORN OF WATER AND OF THE SPIRIT, he CANNOT ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD."

And again, later on the day of Pentecost, according to the scriptural reference of Acts 2:36-41:

"Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made this same Jesus, whom ye have crucified both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?"

Then Peter said unto them, "REPENT, AND BE BAPTIZED EVERY ONE OF YOU IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS, AND YE SHALL RECEIVE THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST. FOR THE PROMISE IS UNTO you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call" And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, "Save yourselves from this untoward generation."

Then they that gladly received His word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

What does this mean? The keys to the Kingdom are found in connecting the dots between John 3:3-5 and Acts 2:36-41.

Indeed, these are the keys to the Kingdom. 

Stand in the offering plate. 

Behold, I Will Make Thee Know What Shall Be In The End Of The Indignation - Part 2815

"Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is Thine; Thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and Thou art exalted as head above all." (I Chronicles 29:11)

"... and from Jesus Christ, [who is] the faithful witness, [and] the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in
His own blood, " (Revelation 1:5)

"These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for He is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with Him are called, and chosen, and faithful." (Revelation 17:14)

Thus, the Lord Jesus is our hope and worthy of all our praise, and honour, and glory. But sadly, the world has turned away from this same Lord who has blessed us immensely, and turned to our own inventions -- as the scriptures state. We have forgotten the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.(Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 9:10) 

Instead, even when we acknowledge "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge" collectively, as a nation, we have become like fools that despise wisdom and instruction." (Proverbs 1:7) And consequently, we are seeing the prophecies in the scriptures coming to fruition. Let me say this -- it doesn't have to be this way -- if we turn to the Lord Jesus and worship Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. 

This morning, I was reminded of the prophecies in Daniel 8 -- and how Daniel was sick and faint from what he saw coming in these last times. This same Daniel who faced the lions in the lion's den was sickened. That says much about the times in which we live. Nevertheless, as the scriptures indicate above, the Lord Jesus is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory, and the Majesty for all that is in heaven and earth.

For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever, Amen.

Daniel 8 is copied below -- for those who desire to know more. I have separated Daniel 8:23-27 first, so that you can see the parallels between the prophecy made in Daniel's time, and now, wherein one of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences stands up. Understanding dark sentences -- does that equal double-speak? Just a thought!

"And through his policy also, he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many." (Daniel 8:24)

Or, as apostle Paul states, "when they say peace and safety" then sudden destruction upon them. Thankfully, the Lord is patient and long-suffering when it comes to His beloved bride (the body of Christ church) but this doesn't mean we should not discern the times and seasons either. Note the remainder of Daniel 8 in context is below this selected passage. 

"And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practice, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. 

And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.  And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days. And I Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up, and did the king’s business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it." (Daniel 8:23-27)

 
"In the third year of the reign of king Belshazzar a vision appeared unto me, even unto me Daniel, after that which appeared unto me at the first. And I saw in a vision; and it came to pass, when I saw, that I was at Shushan in the palace, which is in the province of Elam; and I saw in a vision, and I was by the river of Ulai. 

Then I lifted up mine eyes, and saw, and, behold, there stood before the river a ram which had two horns: and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other, and the higher came up last. I saw the ram pushing westward, and northward, and southward; so that no beasts might stand before him, neither was there any that could deliver out of his hand; but he did according to his will, and became great. 

And as I was considering, behold, an he goat came from the west on the face of the whole earth, and touched not the ground: and the goat had a notable horn between his eyes. And he came to the ram that had two horns, which I had seen standing before the river, and ran unto him in the fury of his power. And I saw him come close unto the ram, and he was moved with choler against him, and smote the ram, and brake his two horns: and there was no power in the ram to stand before him, but he cast him down to the ground, and stamped upon him: and there was none that could deliver the ram out of his hand. Therefore the he goat waxed very great: and when he was strong, the great horn was broken; and for it came up four notable ones toward the four winds of heaven. 

And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land. And it waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them. Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down. And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practiced, and prospered.

Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, "How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot?" And he said unto me, "Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed."

And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man. And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, "Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision." So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, "Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision." 

Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright. And he said, "Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end shall be." 

The ram which thou sawest having two horns are the kings of Media and Persia. And the rough goat is the king of Grecia: and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first king. Now that being broken, whereas four stood up for it, four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation, but not in his power. And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practice, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. 

And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand. And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days. 

And I Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up, and did the king’s business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it." (Daniel 8:1-27)

May these words offer comfort and strength, knowing that the Lord Jesus has already said, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee!" Indeed, His love for His people abounds forever.

Stand in the offering plate. 

Ponder The Path Of Thy Feet, And Let All Thy Ways Be Established.- Part 2814

The word ponder is only used 6 times in the scriptures - once in the New Testament (referencing Mary, the mother of Jesus, when she pondered all things in her heart), and the other5 by Solomon in the book of Proverbs.

So, what does ponder mean? Miriam Webster defines ponder this way: "to weigh in the mind: appraise"; and "to think about; reflect upon." A written example might include: "to think or consider, especially quietly, soberly, and deeply." In other words, pondering would be the opposite of acting on fleeting thoughts, or perhaps, wavering without due consideration of the matter in its totality.

Interestingly, the 5 verses in Proverbs can be likened to our own lives. In the beginning, we are given instructions from our parents/caregivers -- who want us to contemplate/consider our decisions. But then, too often., we go our own way, using the freedom which accompanies youth to find ourselves. It is here that we are given a choice - to choose life, or choose death, but the Lord is there all the while encouraging us to choose life, and more importantly, abundant life in Him. Indeed, the eyes of the Lord are watching us, pondering our hearts to see what we will do or what our choices will be.

Taken separately, these 5 scriptures in and of themselves can be akin to our life cycle.

1. "Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established." (Proverbs 4:26) 2. "Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, that thou canst not know them." (Proverbs 5:6)
3. "For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He ponders all his goings.".(Proverbs 5:21)
4. "Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord ponders the hearts." (Proverbs 21:2) .

But then Solomon quietly concludes -- regarding the totality of life, our heart considerations. our works. our very being.by writing --- "If thou sayest, "Behold, we knew it not; doth not He that ponders the heart consider it? and He that keeps thy soul, doth not He know it? and shall not He render to every man according to his works?"

You see, this is why the Lord (speaking through Solomon) offers us hope. encouraging us when He said -- "My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste, so shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off." (Proverbs 24:12, 14)

What is the treasure, that when we find it -- like the man in Jesus' parable -- would make us want to buy the field? In this current dispensation of grace, His name is JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins. But I digress somewhat.

You see, from the very beginning, whilst we were still in our mother's womb, the Lord was forming our bodies and minds, and therein, when He was making us in His image, He gave us His gifts -- and free will -- to see what we will do with His offer.

Moreover, Proverbs 24 elaborates on this very idea that the Lord is pondering all of our comings and goings but most particularly monitoring our hearts -- to see if we will choose His love and mercy over all the choices in the world. How? Read what Solomon (the richest, most wisest man in the world) had to say and more particularly, about our doings, our thoughts, our heart desires.

"Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them. For their heart studies destruction, and their lips talk of mischief. Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: and by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increases strength. For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety. Wisdom is too high for a fool: he opens not his mouth in the gate. He that devises to do evil shall be called a mischievous person. The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men.

If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small. If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; if thou sayest, "Behold, we knew it not; doth not He that ponders the heart consider it? and He that keeps thy soul, doth not He know it? and shall not He render to every man according to his works? My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste: so shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.

Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place: for a just man falls seven times, and rises up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. Rejoice not when thine enemy falls, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbles, lest the Lord see it, and it displease Him, and He turn away His wrath from him. Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked; for there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out..

My son, fear thou the Lord and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change: for their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knows the ruin of them both? These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment. He that saith unto the wicked, "thou art righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him: but to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.

Every man shall kiss his lips that gives a right answer. Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with thy lips. Say not, "I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work. I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; and, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction. Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: so shall thy poverty come as one that travels; and thy want as an armed man." (Proverbs 24:1-34)

In the new testament (as alluded to above), the word ponder is ironically only mentioned once -- and it is by Mary, the mother of Jesus who ponders all these things in her heart.

"And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.: (Luke 2:18-20)

What do you think Mary pondered? I'm sure the message of the country shepherds was in her heart as they retold how the angel of the Lord shone all around them, as they watched their flock by night.

"And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." (Luke 2:8-14)

In the temple, Simeon would have also given Mary lots to ponder -- both in abundant hope -- Behold, here is the Saviour! But conversely, in agony -- knowing what prophecies are yet to be fulfilled.

"And [Simeon] came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for Him after the custom of the law, then took he Him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, "Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word: for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a Light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel."

And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary His mother, "Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." (Luke 2:27-35)

Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also. Imagine how those words would have resonated with the mother of a newborn? Again, Mary pondered all these things in her heart!

And then there is the example of the parents travelling to Jerusalem at the feast of the Passover -- when Jesus was 12 years old.

"And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing Him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought Him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found Him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking Him.

And it came to pass, that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. And when they saw Him, they were amazed: and His mother said unto Him, "Son, why hast Thou thus dealt with us? Behold, Thy father and I have sought Thee sorrowing." And He said unto them, "How is it that ye sought Me? Wist ye not that I must be about My Father’s business?"

And they understood not the saying which He spake unto them. And He went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but His mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man." (Luke 2:41-52)

Again, Mary kept all these sayings in her heart. She pondered - reflected upon - considered all of these things, as she must have as well when she witnessed Jesus telling one of the apostles to take care of His mother -- whilst He shed His precious holy blood on the cross. Did Mary now understand what Simeon meant in the temple, when Simeon said, "Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be spoken against (yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."

Indeed, from the time the Holy Ghost overshadowed Mary, so she could bring forth a son (a holy thing as Luke the physician describes the One in her womb), Mary must have pondered often about the Lord's plan for her own life. And likewise, so must we for the eyes of the Lord are still monitoring our hearts to see if we will choose Him -- over all the worldly choices.

My question -- have you asked the Lord Jesus to reveal His purpose in you? Have you sought the maturity to understand what is happening around you, as did Solomon when he scribed the words in Proverbs, or as Mary did much later?

So much more to glean from these scriptures -- how to live, how to respond to those around us, how to guard our hearts from those who are evil -- but even more so, as Mary would have learned when she saw Jesus on the cross. That is, His plan is marvelous and as we mature in Him, understanding His wondrous works, we can also come to the knowledge and wisdom of both Solomon and Mary, and many others -- by pondering in our hearts too His abundant treasure, which is beyond what any man could imagine.

And remember too, Solomon's instruction .... a message from the Lord, again reaffirming His goodness and grace to you and I.

"My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste: so shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off."

Yes, trust in the Lord Jesus this day, for He is good, and His mercies endure forever.

Stand in the offering plate.