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Results of Rejoicing Over Reigning Christ-Centered Priests (Insights in NT)

6/17/2013

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This is my last blog studying Genesis to Revelation. I appreciate your input moving forward as this will form the foundation for Sync: Connecting Your Life to God's Story. 

The results of rejoicing over reigning Christ-centered priests include:
1. Rejoice over Satan being bound for 1,000 years
2. Grieve over unbelievers thrown in lake of fire

3. Anticipate a new heaven and new earth without death or pain as people drink from water of life
4. Exalt in New Jerusalem's glory and beauty
5. See God's face as you eat fruit from tree of life for health-giving service
6. Receive water of life's free gift and work righteously for eternal reward

Here is summary of Revelation outline: 
Jesus, the Lord of the Churches (Revelation 1:1 to 3:22)
Jesus, the Lion over the nations (Revelation 4:1 to 20:15)
Jesus, the Lamb among believers (Revelation 21:1 to 22:21)

Rejoice Over Reigning Christ-Centered Priests While Satan's Bound
An angel came down from heaven with the key to the Abyss and bound the dragon 1,000 years preventing him from deceiving the nations. People sat on thrones with authority to judge. Souls beheaded because of their testimony for Jesus came to life and reigned with Christ 1,000 years as priests of God. Afterward, satan was released from his prison to deceive all the nations, including Gog and Magog, and gathered them for battle. Fire from heaven devoured them. The devil was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur for eternal torment (Rev. 20:1-10). Rejoice over reigning Christ-centered priests while satan's bound for 1,000 years.

Grieve Over Unbelievers Thrown in Lake of Fire
The dead stood before a great white throne and books were opened, including the book of life. The dead were judged according to their works as recorded in the books. Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire, which was the second death. If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:11-15). Grieve over unbelievers thrown in the lake of fire.

Anticipate New Heaven and Earth Without Death or Pain as People Drink From Water of Life
John saw a new heaven and a new earth after the first heaven and earth passed away. The Holy City, the new Jerusalem, came down out of heaven from God prepared as bride dressed for her husband. The dwelling of God was with men and He lived with them as His people. He wiped every tear from their eyes for no more death, mourning, crying or pain. God said He was making everything new and to finish His eternal purpose. He was the Beginning and the End. The thirsty would drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. He who overcame would inherit this as God's son. The unbelieving, murderers, sexually immoral, idolaters and liars would be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur as the second death (Rev. 21:1-8). Anticipate a new heaven and new earth without death or pain as people drink from water of life. 

Exalt in New Jerusalem's Glory and Beauty with Gates of 12 Tribes and Foundations of 12 Apostles
The Holy City, Jerusalem, came down out of heaven from God shining with His glory like a precious jewel. It had a high wall containing twelve gates with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel and twelve foundations with the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. An angel measured the city, gates and wall laid out as a cube (1,400 miles on each side). The city was pure gold. The city walls' foundations were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The twelve gates were twelve pearls. The street was of pure gold like transparent glass. God and the Lamb were the temple with His glory giving the city light. The Lamb was its lamp. Nothing impure could ever enter it, but only those whose names were written in the Lamb's book of life (Rev. 21:9-26). Exalt in New Jerusalem's glory and beauty with gates of 12 tribes and foundations of 12 apostles.

See God's Face as You Eat Fruit from Tree of Life for Health-Giving Service 

The river of the water of life flowed from God's throne down the middle of the great street of the city. Twelve crops of fruit yielded monthly from the tree of life standing on each side of the river. The tree leaves were for the nations' healing without any curse. His servants served and reigned forever before God's throne and the Lamb in the city. They saw His face and His name would be on their foreheads. The Lord God gave them light without the sun. These trustworthy and true words showed His servants what must soon take place (Rev. 22:1-6). See God's face as you eat fruit from tree of life for health-giving service.

Receive Water of Life's Free Gift and Work Righteously for Eternal Reward  
God was coming soon to give rewards according to works. Blessed were those who kept the words of the prophecy, washed their robes for right to the tree of life and entered through the gates into the city. Outside were those who practiced falsehood. Jesus, the Root, Offspring of David and the bright Morning Star, sent His angel to give this testimony for the churches. Those who were thirsty should come and take the free gift of the water of life. If anyone added to this prophecy, God added to him the plagues described in this book. If anyone took words away from this prophecy, God took away his share in the tree of life and the holy city described in this book (Rev. 22:7-21). Receive water of life's free gift and work righteously for eternal reward.

Rejoice over reigning Christ-centered priests and grieve over unbelievers thrown in lake of fire.
Anticipate a new heaven and new earth without death or pain as people drink from water of life.

Exalt in New Jerusalem's glory and beauty as you see God's face eating fruit from tree of life for health-giving service

Receive water of life's free gift and work righteously for eternal reward



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Assurance of Victory for Those Who Share Gospel of Kingdom (Insights in NT)

6/13/2013

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Here is the process of victory for those who share the gospel of the  kingdom in the world: 
1. Recognize how Satan destroys unbelievers
2. Know that people refuse repentance even after a third of mankind killed
3. Meditate on God's word
4. Recognize God's control to protect and empower to witnesses to perform miracles and share testimonies
5. Worship God knowing earthly kingdoms will become His kingdom to reign forever

Recognize How Satan Destroys Unbelievers 

The fifth angel sounded his trumpet and John saw a star fallen from the sky given the key to the shaft of the Abyss. After opening it, smoke came out like from a gigantic furnace, which darkened the sun and sky. Locusts came down and stung like scorpions for five months those without the seal of God on their foreheads. People sought death because of the agony. The locusts looked like horses prepared for battle with faces like human ones, teeth like lions and breastplates like iron whose king was the Destroyer angel (Rev. 9:1-11). Recognize how Satan destroys those without God's seal.

Know That People Still Refuse Repentance Even After Killing a Third of Mankind
Two other woes were yet to pass. The sixth angel blew his trumpet and a voice came from the horns of the golden altar before God to release the four angels and two hundred million troops. The horses' heads resembled lions' heads and out of their mouths came fire, smoke and sulfur to kill a third of mankind. The rest of mankind not killed by the plagues did not repent of the work of their hands, murders, magic arts, sexual immorality or thefts. They continued worshiping demons and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood that could not see, hear or walk (Rev. 9:12-21). Know that people still refuse repentance even after God allows demonic power kill a third of mankind. 

Meditate on God's Word and Share Gospel of Kingdom
A mighty angel came down from heaven robed in a cloud with a rainbow above his head, face like the sun and legs like fiery pillars. He held a small scroll planting his right foot on the sea and left one on the land. John heard the voices of seven thunders, but a voice from heaven said to seal up what was said and do not write it down. The angel said the mystery of God would be accomplished as He announced to the His prophets after the seventh angel sounded his trumpet. The angel told John to eat the scroll as it would turn his stomach sour, but be sweet as honey in his mouth. He was told to prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages and kings (Rev. 10:1-11). Meditate on God's word and share gospel of kingdom to the world.

Recognize God's Control to Protect and Empower Witnesses to Perform Miracles and Share Testimonies
John measured God's temple and the altar. He  counted the worshipers there, but not the outer court given to Gentiles. They trampled the holy city 42 months. He empowered His two witnesses to prophesy for 1,260 days in sackcloth. Two olive trees and two lampstands stood before the Lord. He protected them from harm, gave the witnesses power to stop rain while prophesying, turned the waters into blood and struck the earth with every kind of plague anytime they wanted. When they finished their testimony, the beast came up from the Abyss and killed them. Their bodies laid in Jerusalem  where their Lord was crucified. The earth celebrated by sending gifts because the two prophets tormented those on earth. Three and a half days after their death, God brought them to life and raised them to heaven in a cloud while their enemies watched. An earthquake killed 7,000 people and collapsed a tenth of the city, but the survivors gave glory to God (Rev. 11:1-14). Recognize God's control to protect and empower His witnesses to perform miracles and share testimonies. 

Worship God Knowing Earthly Kingdoms Will Become His Kingdom to Reign Forever
The seventh angel sounded his trumpet and a loud heavenly voice said the kingdom of the world became the kingdom of their Lord and His Christ to reign forever. The 24 elders seated on their thrones before God fell on their faces and worshiped God giving thanks to the Lord God Almighty who is and who was because they took His great power and began to reign. The nations were angry as His wrath came to judge the dead, rewarded His servants the prophets and those who reverenced His name and destroyed those who destroyed the earth. God's temple in heaven was opened to see the ark of His covenant (Rev. 11:15-19). Worship God knowing earthly kingdoms will become His kingdom to reign forever. 

Be assured of victory in sharing the gospel of the  kingdom in the world when you recognize how Satan destroys unbelievers and they refuse repentance even after a third of mankind are killed. Meditate on God's word and recognize His control to protect and empower to witnesses to perform miracles and share testimonies. Worship God knowing earthly kingdoms will become His kingdom to reign forever.


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How to Receive Power, Wealth, Wisdom, Strength, Honor, Glory and Praise (Insights in NT)

6/12/2013

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A person receives power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory and praise by praying for empowerment by the Holy Spirit knowing Jesus sits on the throne in heaven; worship a holy God and crucified Savior continually by giving Him glory, honor and power; and connect with Christ's death on the cross through His word to purchase men everywhere who serve His kingdom and reign on earth.

Pray for Empowerment By the Holy Spirit 
A door in heaven was standing open before John to show him future events. Someone sat on a throne in heaven with the appearance of jasper and carnelian. A rainbow like an emerald encircled the throne and 24 other thrones surrounded it. There were 24 elders dressed in white and gold crowns seated on them. Lightning and thunder came from the throne. Before it were seven spirits and what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal (Rev. 4:1-6a). Pray for empowerment by the Holy Spirit knowing Jesus sits on the throne in heaven.

Worship a Holy God Continually
In the center around the throne were four living creatures covered with eyes and six wings each like a lion, ox, face like a man and flying eagle. Day and night they never stopped saying, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." When the living creatures gave glory, honor and thanks to Him sitting on the throne who lived forever, the 24 elders fell down. They worshiped Him and cast their crowns before the throne saying, "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being (Rev. 4:6b-11). Worship a holy God continually by giving Him glory, honor and power.

When you know that Jesus sits on the throne in heaven, you can give Him glory, honor and power. 

Connect with Christ's Death Through His Word
John saw a scroll written on both sides sealed with seven seals in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. No one was worthy to open the scroll and look inside except the the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, who triumphed. He saw a slain Lamb standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders with seven spirits of God. After He took the scroll, the creatures and the 24 elders fell down before the Lamb holding a harp and golden bowls of incense or prayers of the saints. They sang that He was worthy to open the scroll because He was slain and purchased with His blood men for God from every tribe, language, people and nation to be made a kingdom and priests to serve Him and reign on the earth (Rev. 5:1-10). Connect with Christ's death on the cross through His word to purchase men everywhere who serve His kingdom and reign on earth. 

Receive Power, Wealth, Wisdom, Strength, Honor, Glory and Praise
John heard the voice of countless angels that encircled the throne, living creatures and elders. They sang that the worthy Lamb was slain to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory and praise. Every creature sang to Him who sat on the throne and gave praise, honor, glory and power to the Lamb. The four living creatures said, "Amen," and the elders fell down and worshiped (Rev. 5:11-14). Receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory and praise from the crucified Savior through worship. 

Connect with Christ's death on the cross through His word and Spirit-empowered prayer to purchase people who serve Him, which reaps power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory and praise from the Crucified Savior.







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How to Reign with Christ and Shepherd the Nations (Insights in NT)

6/11/2013

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A person reigns with Christ and shepherds the nations by:
1. Walk in Christ's love doing first works
2. Endure suffering, poverty and persecution
3. Obey teaching from whole counsel of God
4. Be pure without compromise or idolatry 
5. Walk in Christ's victory to overcome busyness and over-confidence
6. Embrace evangelistic opportunities relying on God
7. Listen to Jesus' voice for zealous service and fervent prayer

Walk in Christ's Love Doing First Works for Real Living
Christ knew the deeds, hard work and perseverance of the church in Ephesus. It could not tolerate wicked men and tested those who claimed to be apostles that were found false. They did not grow weary enduring hardships for His name. They must repent of forsaking their first love and do the things they did at first. Otherwise, Christ would remove the lampstand from its place if they did not repent. He was pleased they hated the practices of the Nicolaitans. By overcoming, He would give the right to eat from the tree of life in the paradise of God (Rev. 2:1-7). Walk in Christ's love doing works you did at first for real living. 

Endure Suffering, Poverty and Persecution to Receive Crown of Life
Christ considered Smyrna rich in their afflictions and poverty. He knew the slander of a synagogue of Satan who said they were Jews, but were not. Christ told them not to fear suffering as the devil would put some in prison to be tested and persecuted for ten days. He would give them the crown of life if they were faithful, even to death. Those who overcame would not be hurt by the second death (Rev. 2:8-11). Endure suffering, poverty and persecution to receive the crown of life.

Obey Teaching From Whole Counsel of God to Receive Provision and Blessing
Christ knew Pergamum lived where Satan had his throne, yet remained true to His name without renouncing their faith. They were to repent because some held the teaching of the Nicolaitans and others held to Balaam's teaching who taught Balak to entice Israel to sin by eating foods sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality. He would fight against them with the sword of His mouth. Those who overcame would be given hidden manna and a white stone with a new name written on it known only to him who received it (Rev. 2:12-17). Obey teaching from whole counsel of God to receive provision and blessing. 

Be Pure Without Compromise and Idolatry for Reigning and Shepherding to Receive Christ as Reward
Christ knew Thyatira's deeds, love, faith, service and perseverance. Their later works were greater than those done at first. However, they tolerated Jezebel who misled His servants into sexual immorality and eating foods sacrificed to idols. Because she was unwilling to repent of her immorality, Christ put her on a bed of suffering. Those who committed adultery with her would suffer intensely unless they repented of her ways. Others who did not hold onto her teaching or learned Satan's deep secrets would have no other burden. Those who overcame and did His will to the end would have authority over the nations by ruling with an iron scepter and given the morning star (Rev. 2:18-29). Be pure without compromise or idolatry for reigning with Him and shepherding the nations to receive Christ as your reward.

Walk in Christ's Victory to Overcome Busyness and Over-Confidence for His Acceptance
Christ knew Sardis' deeds and their reputation of being alive, but really dead. He commanded them to wake up and strengthen what remained and near death for their deeds were not found complete in God's sight. They were to obey and repent after remembering what they received and heard. If they did not wake up, He would come like a thief.  A few worthy people did not soil their clothes and walked with Him. Overcomers were dressed in white with their names never erased from the book of life. Christ would acknowledge His name before His Father and angels (Rev. 3:1-6). Walk in Christ's victory to overcome busyness and over-confidence for His acceptance.

Embrace Evangelistic Opportunities Relying On God to Gain Stability and Honor
What Jesus opened no one could shut and what He shut no one could open. He placed an open door before them that no one could shut. He knew they had little strength, but they kept His word and did not deny His name. He made those of Satan's synagogue who claimed to be Jews but lied to fall down at their feet and acknowledge God loved them. Because they kept His command to endure patiently, He kept them from the hour of trial to test those on the earth. Because He was coming soon, they were to hold on to what they had so no one would take their crown. He made overcomers a pillar in His temple and wrote on them God's name and the name of the city of His God, the new Jerusalem, which would come down out of heaven from Him. He would write on him His new name (Rev. 3:7-13). 
Embrace evangelistic opportunities relying on God to gain stability and honor from Him.

Listen to Jesus' Voice for Zealous Service and Fervent Prayer to Sit on His Throne
Christ knew that since Laodicea's deeds were neither cold nor hot, but lukewarm, He would spit them out of His mouth. By acquiring wealth, they considered themselves rich without needs. Christ said they failed to realize their wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked state. He counseled them to buy from Him gold refined in fire to become rich, white clothes to wear so they could cover their shameful nakedness and eye salve so they could see. Because Christ rebuked and disciplined those He loved, they should be earnest and repent. If anyone heard His voice and opened the door, He would go in and eat with him and he with Him. Overcomes had the right to sit with Christ on His throne like He did with His Father on His throne (Rev. 3:14-22). Listen to Jesus' voice for zealous service and fervent prayer so you can sit on His throne. 

Ask God to enable you to reign with Christ and shepherd the nations as you walk in Christ's love, endure suffering, be pure, walk in His victory, embrace evangelistic opportunities and listen to His voice for zealous service and fervent prayer.









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Seeing Prosperity and Influence (Insights in Psalms)

5/3/2013

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To see prosperity and influence, one must acknowledge God's reign, confess sins, exalt Him, humble yourself, trust His sovereignty and protection, and worship the King of Kings. Then God's kingdom will come in His time to remove prideful leaders and enable you to endure trials. 

Acknowledge God's Reign and Confess Sins
Daniel revealed to Nebuchadnezzar in his dream that he was the large tree   in the middle of the land with abundant fruit where beasts found shelter. His dominion extended to the distant parts of the earth. The Most High issued a decree to drive Nebuchadnezzar away from people, be drenched with dew and given the mind of an animal to eat grass like cattle. Seven times would pass until he acknowledged the Most High as sovereign over men's kingdom given to whoever He wished.  The iron and bronze roots remaining in the ground represented his kingdom being restored when he acknowledged that Heaven ruled. Daniel told Nebuchadnezzar to renounce his sins by doing right and being kind to the oppressed so his prosperity would continue (Dan. 4:1-27). Acknowledge God's reign and confess sins for prosperity. 

Exalt God and Humble Yourself
Twelve months later the king said his mighty power built the royal residence for his glory.  A voice from heaven said the dream would be fulfilled with his royal authority taken away. At the end of that time, God restored Nebuchadnezzar's sanity and returned the honor and splendor of his kingdom. God's dominion and kingdom endured across generations. Every person was regarded as nothing with God doing as He pleased. His advisers sought him out and restored his throne greater than before. Nebuchadnezzar praised, exalted and glorified the King of heaven because everything He did was right and His ways were just. He humbled those who walked in pride (Dan. 4:28-37). Exalt God and humble yourself for influence.

Trust God's Sovereignty to Remove Prideful Leaders
While Belshazzar gave a banquet for 1000 nobles, drank wine and praised the gods of gold and silver, a human hand wrote on the wall terrifying the king. Daniel said God gave his father Nebuchadnezzar a high position but when his heart became arrogant and prideful, he was stripped of his glory and lived with animals until he acknowledged Him as sovereign over the kingdoms of men. Because Belshazzar set himself against the Lord of heaven, the writing said God numbered the days of his reign, found wanting and his kingdom was given to the Medes and Persians. Daniel was proclaimed the third highest ruler in the kingdom. Belshazzar was killed and Darius the Mede took over the kingdom (Dan. 5:1-31). Trust God's sovereignty to remove prideful rulers.

Trust God's Protection to Endure Trials
Darius appointed Daniel as one of the three administrators over 120 satraps. Because he distinguished himself by his exceptional qualities, the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. No one could find corruption since he was trustworthy and not negligent. Even though a decree said no one could worship any god except the king, Daniel prayed three times a day with the windows opened toward Jerusalem. After being thrown in the lion's den, Darius called out anxiously to determine if Daniel's God was able to rescue him from the lions. He answered that the angels shut the lions' mouths finding no wound because he trusted in God. He threw the false accusers in the lions' den along with their wives and children. Darius issued a decree that everyone must fear the living God of Daniel whose kingdom and dominion never ended. He prospered during the reign of Darius and Cyrus the Persian (Dan. 6:1-28). Trust God's protection while enduring trials. 

Worship King of Kings Whose Kingdom Continues Forever
In a dream, Daniel saw four great beasts. The first was like a lion with wings of an eagle, second like a bear with three ribs in its mouth, third like a leopard with four wings like a bird and four heads given authority to rule, and a fourth powerful beast with large iron teeth that devoured its victims along with ten horns. A little horn uprooted three of the first horns that spoke boastfully about the Ancient of Days sitting on His throne flaming with fire where countless number stood before Him and the books opened. The beast was killed and thrown into the blazing fire. Others were stripped of their authority but allowed to live for a period of time. One like the son of man approached the Ancient of Days and given authority, glory and sovereign power with men of every language worshiping him. His dominion would never be destroyed (Dan. 7:1-14). Worship King of Kings and Lord of Lords whose kingdom continues forever. 

Expect God's Kingdom Coming to Earth in His Time
Daniel interpreted the four great beasts as four kingdoms rising from the earth. The saints of the Most High would possess the kingdom forever. He saw the horn waging war and defeating the saints until the Ancient of Days pronounced judgment in favor of the saints when the time came to possess the kingdom. The fourth beast was the fourth kingdom that devoured and crushed the earth. The ten horns were ten kings coming from this kingdom with one subduing three kings. He spoke against the Most High, oppressed His saints, tried to change laws and had saints handed over to him for 3 1/2 years. His power was destroyed and God's kingdom given to the saints eternally with every ruler worshiping and obeying Him (Dan. 7:15-28). Expect God's kingdom coming to earth in His time. 

Pray for God's kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven to experience prosperity and influence.







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Training Through Suffering (Insights in Prophets)

5/17/2012

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"All born-again people are in training for rulership. Since the supreme law of that future social order, called the kingdom of God, is agape love, therefore their apprenticeship and training is for the learning of deep dimensions of this love. But deep dimensions of this love are only learned in the school of suffering. Purity is one thing, and maturity is another. The latter comes only through years of suffering. If we suffer, we shall also reign - because where there is little suffering, there is little love; no suffering, no love; no love, no rulership." (Paul Billheimer) 
In 2 Kings 5-6, the life of Elisha portrays how God trains you for rulership in His kingdom through suffering. You won't reign until you endure suffering (2 Tim. 2:12). 


Naaman, captain of Aram's army, was told that a prophet could cure him of his leprosy. He came with his horses and chariots and stood before Elisha's house. He sent a messenger to him saying to wash in the Jordan seven times so his flesh could be restored. Naaman was mad that Elisha did not come to him, but followed his washing instructions. His body was restored like a little child's flesh (2 Kings 5:1-14). God heals apart from your own understanding. 

Naaman said he knew there was no God except in Israel, but Elisha refused his gift. Naaman offered his servant earth that two mules could carry saying he would never make sacrifices to any god but the Lord (2 Kings 5:15-19). Healing shows that only God can be worshiped. 

Elisha's servant, Gehazi, pursued Naaman and asked for a talent of silver and two sets of clothing for two young prophets. Naaman gave him two talents and clothing that Gehazi hid in his house. When Gehazi lied to Elisha saying he went nowhere, he warned that Naaman's leprosy would cling to Gehazi's and his descendants forever (2 Kings 5:20-27). You suffer consequences if you try to profit in your healing ministries. 

The prophets said to Elisha that the place where they met was too small. They asked Elisha to go with them to the Jordan to get a pole to build a place to meet. As they cut down trees, a borrowed iron axhead fell into the water. Elisha cut a stick, threw it where the axhead fell and made the iron float so a prophet could pick it up (2 Kings 6:1-7). God performs miracles to help you accomplish goals in practical areas of life. 

The king of Aram warred against Israel. Elisha warned the king of Israel repeatedly not to pass in a certain place where the Arameans were camping. This enraged the king of Aram and his officers said that Elisha "tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom." The king of Aram surrounded the city by night with horses, chariots and a strong force to capture Elisha (2 Kings 6:8-14). God gives supernatural insight to overthrow evil strategies against you.

His servant saw the army and Elisha said to not fear since "those who are with us are more than those who are with them." When Elisha prayed that the Lord would open his servant's eyes, he saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire around Elisha. As he prayed, God struck the army with blindness. Elisha asked them to follow him to the man they sought (2 Kings 6:15-19). God's host of angels fighting for you are greater and more powerful than Satan's. 

When they came to Samaria, he asked the Lord to open their eyes. Elisha told the king of Israel to not kill them but set bread and water to eat and drink before going to their master. The Arameans did not come again to Israel (2 Kings 6:20-23). Overcome evil with good by loving your enemies in feeding and giving them drink.

Ben-hadad king of Aram laid siege to Samaria during a time of famine until a donkey's head was sold for 80 shekels of silver. A woman asked the king of Israel to give up his son so they could eat him and tomorrow to eat her son. The king tore his clothes passing by on the wall. He said for the Lord to deal with him severely if Elisha's head remained on his shoulders today. Elisha sat in his house and told his elders to hold the door shut against a messenger seeking to kill him. The messenger came as he was talking and said, "Behold, this evil is from the Lord; why should I wait for the Lord any longer?" (2 Kings 6:24-33). The world seeks to kill God's servants during tough times because of disobedience to Him. 


What circumstances is God using to teach you how to reign with Him through suffering? Continue to endure knowing that God is more powerful than the evil one as you saw in 2 Kings 5-6. 

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Benefits of Entering Into God's Presence (Insights in Psalms)

9/1/2011

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Coming into God's presence with thanksgiving empowers you to speak of God's reign so you remember His righteous judgment and experience His power to defeat spiritual enemies. Otherwise, a hardened heart prevents entering into God's rest that leads to forgetting His righteous judgment and power to overcome the world, flesh and devil.  

Enter Into God's Presence with Thanksgiving for God's Rest
Let's sing, shout joyfully and come before His presence with thanksgiving.  The Lord is a great God and King who formed the earth (Ps. 95:1-5). Enter God's presence with thanksgiving because He is great.

Let's worship and bow down to God as people of His pasture. Don't harden your heart like Israel did in the wilderness when Israel tested and tried God even though they saw His work. Because they erred in their hearts and didn't know His ways, they couldn't enter His rest (Ps. 95:6-11). 
Hardness of heart prevents you from entering into God's rest.

Tell of God's Reign to Remember His Righteous Judgment 
Proclaim daily good tidings of God's salvation. Tell of of His glory and His wonderful deeds among everyone. The Lord is great and feared above all idols because He made the heavens. Splendor, majesty, strength and beauty are in His sanctuary (Ps. 96:1-6). Speak of God's attributes and works  because of His majesty and beauty.

Ascribe glory and strength to the Lord's name. Worship the Lord in holiness. Tell the world that He reigns and judges the peoples with equity (Ps. 96:7-10). Tell the world that God reigns and judges fairly.

Let the earth rejoice so all creation sings for joy. The Lord is coming to judge the earth in righteousness and everyone with faithfulness (Ps. 96:11-13).
Don't forget that God judges everyone righteously.

Exalt in God and Hate Evil So He Defeats Your Enemies
Let the earth rejoice since the Lord reigns with righteousness and justice. He burns up His adversaries and the mountains melted like wax. The heavens declare His righteousness and people see His glory (Ps. 97:1-6). Rejoice in the glorious reign of the Lord who defeats your enemies.

Let all those be ashamed who serve and boast in idols instead of worshiping God. His people rejoice in the Most High God who is exalted above all gods (Ps. 97:7-9). Exalt in the Most High God and not idols.

Those who love the Lord hate evil. He preserves the souls of His godly ones and delivers them from the wicked. Be glad and give thanks to His holy name (Ps. 97:10-12). Love the Lord and hate evil since God delivers godly ones from wickedness.

Come into God's presence with thanksgiving and speak of God's reign, majesty, beauty and glory to others so you remember His righteous judgment and power to overcome spiritual enemies. 

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Key to Well-Being (Insights in Psalms)

8/3/2011

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You discovered the key to happiness as moment-by-moment trust, security, protection and satisfaction in God (Ps. 91). Martin Seligman, one of the founders of positive psychology, has written in his new book, Flourish, that the goal of well-being has five elements: 
  • Positive emotion (of which happiness and life satisfaction are all aspects)
  • Engagement
  • Relationships
  • Meaning
  • Achievement
Seligman defines what it means to “flourish” by asking what it is that enables you to cultivate your talents, build deep, lasting relationships with others, feel pleasure, and contribute meaningfully to the world. However, God defines well-being and flourishing as praise of, submit to and trust in God's attributes (Ps. 92-94). 

Praise God's Love, Faithfulness and Purpose 
It's good to thank and sing praises with instruments to the Most High God because of His lovingkindness and faithfulness (Ps. 92:1-4). Sing praise to God's attributes of love and faithfulness. 



His great works make me glad. His purposes are deep and misunderstood by stupid men. God ultimately destroys the wicked and scatters our enemies (Ps. 92:5-9). Be glad in God's works and deep purposes. 

His fresh oil exalts me over my foes. I flourish like the palm tree in the courts of my God. Righteous men still thrive in old age. They declare that the Lord is upright as their rock (Ps. 92:10-15). You thrive and are exalted when God becomes your rock.

Submit to God's Reign, Strength and Holiness
The Lord reigns and is clothed with majesty and strength. The world and His throne are firmly established eternally (Ps. 93:1-2). The Lord reigns eternally with majesty and strength.

The floods exalt God so people understand He is mighty and holy (Ps. 93:3-5). Creation exalts the mighty and holy God.

Trust in God's Judgment, Advocacy and Peace
God judges the earth and pays back the proud who boast, speak arrogantly and afflict His people. They kill widows, immigrants and orphans thinking that God doesn't see (Ps. 94:1-7). God judges the proud who afflict marginalized people.

God hears, sees, chastens and rebukes wickedness. He teaches humankind knowledge since He knows their their thoughts (Ps. 94:8-11). God sees and rebukes wickedness.

Blessed are those He corrects and teaches out of His law. God grants them relief from adversity. He won't abandon or forsake His people. Who will be my advocate against evildoers? (Ps. 94:12-16). God advocates, corrects and teaches His people so they can experience relief from adversity. 

Ultimately, only the Lord's lovingkindness will help and hold me up. When anxious thoughts multiply within me, His consolations delight my soul. The Lord is my stronghold against evil plots. He is the rock of refuge and destroys evil (Ps. 94:17-23). God's love provides psychological relief from anxiety.

To experience sense of flourishing and well-being, do the following: 
1.  Praise God's love, faithfulness and purpose
2. Submit to God's reign, strength and holiness
3. Trust in God's judgment, advocacy and peace

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Defeating Critical Speech Coming Against You (Insights in Psalms)

2/8/2011

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Words can hurt. Unkind remarks cut like a sword. It's easy to lose confidence when people make you look bad. Guilt causes you to question whether your actions made people respond in hurtful ways towards you. God doesn't leave you defenseless, but always available to help. 

Description of Enemies

Leaders or judges on earth with unrighteous hearts perform acts of oppression, cruelty and violence. They speak lies from birth like venom from a serpent. Some people look for the worst in others. Because they don't feel good about themselves, they put others down. I once had a boss who criticized everything. Nothing I did was right (Ps. 58:1–5).


Call for Help
Ask God to destroy the fangs of critical speech since it  devours like young lions. Praying causes it to flow away like water while cutting off the arrows before they're shot at you. The constant negative speech will melt and be swept away with a whirlwind (Ps. 58:6–9).

Fruit of Righteous 
When God punishes and take vengeance upon the wicked, the righteous rejoice. People observe that God rewards the righteous and judges the earth (Ps. 58:10–11). 

Prayer for God's Deliverance
Ask God for deliverance from enemies who do iniquity, shed blood and set ambushes against you. A safe and high place away from harm is especially needed in those times. When my boss was criticizing me, it was easy to feel guilt. The battle seemed very fierce. God laughs at them. They don't feel anyone's listening (Ps. 59:1–8).

Demonstration of God's Reign
Watch for God's lovingkindness because He is your stronghold. You can be confident because of His triumph. Exposing curses and lies because of pride helps God's people understand His power. Destroying destructive schemes and critical speech show everyone in a tangible way that God rules and reigns over the world (Ps. 59:9–15).

Response of God's People
God's people joyfully sing and praise Him for His strength and lovingkindness because He is a stronghold and refuge in tough times (Ps. 59:16–17). 

Ask God to defeat critical speech coming against you. Trust in God's triumph and praise Him for His strength and lovingkindness. 




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    Mark Pomeroy

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    My goal is to ignite the hearts of people by explaining God's word in the Law, Prophets, Psalms and New Testament consecutively, much like the experience of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:32,44). I have been a missionary in Lincoln, NE, for 13 years with Christ For the City Int. and Sync with God.
     

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