“Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth; break forth and sing for joy and sing praises…With trumpets and the sound of the horn shout joyfully before the King, the LORD.”Psalm 98:4-6

What does it mean to “shout joyfully” before the Lord? Our ideas usually are shaped by the English translations, as well as our own experiences. But an understanding of the Hebrew word can give us a new dimension on this proclamation. This word primarily was used in the Bible in connection with going to war. It first was used to describe how the Israelites were to face their adversaries: “When you go to war in your land against the adversary who attacks you, then you shall sound an alarm with the trumpets” (Numbers 10:9). It was used to describe how the Israelites were to “shout” as they marched around Jericho (Joshua 6:5), and to describe the “shout” of the Israelites as they pursued the Philistines after David killed Goliath (1 Samuel 17:52). This word is not associated with anything quiet or passive. In fact, it indicated a sound so loud that it would split the ears. It meant making a loud noise before an army went into battle and before it engaged an enemy. In Psalms, we may think of shouting joyfully as being similar to a polite worship service. But, in fact, the Bible describes something more like a battle cry. It should have the same kind of intensity associated with going to war. It means praising God with the kind of boisterous confidence the Israelites had as they marched around Jericho. This also brings new meaning to shouting “with trumpets and the sound of the horn.” Brothers & Sisters Today, put these instructions from the Bible into practice in your life. Shout joyfully to the Lord. As you go into the battles of life, be confident and bold. God is on your side, and the victory already is won.

“All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You…For You are great, and do wondrous things; You alone are God. Teach me Your way, O LORD; I will walk in Your truth…You, O Lord, are a God…abundant in mercy and truth.”Psalm 86:9-15

Georg Wilhelm Hegel believed in the importance of history. This German philosopher, born on this day in 1770, sought to create a philosophical system so comprehensive that it would encompass the world. Hegel believed that nothing is static. He taught that everything constantly changes, driven by the “dialectic process.” According to this process, there was a “thesis” that led to a reaction (called an “antithesis”), which produced a “synthesis,” which became a new “thesis.” He believed that this was an endless, ongoing process that applied to every part of life. Rejecting the concept of absolute truth, Hegel felt that everything continued to evolve in this unfolding process. Based on this mindset, there was no absolute right or wrong, for these were matters for individuals to decide. His ideas gained incredible momentum throughout the 19th century. Those influenced by Hegel included Karl Marx (when he developed communism) and Charles Darwin (as he conceived the theory of evolution). Hegel’s philosophy helped develop the concept of relativism and shape attitudes that are prevalent today in science, politics, business, and education. These ideas still are influential. Many people still embrace the relativism that Hegel championed. Even some professing Christians. Today, ask yourself to think about what you believe. Is history just an evolving process? Or is there is an absolute truth? Do you really believe that the Bible is true and God is the only source of truth? Are you convinced that His standards are absolute? Brothers & Sisters don’t allow the relativism in the world to poison your heart and mind. Reaffirm your commitment to God and His Word. Walk in His truth. He alone is God!

"Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours."Genesis 37:3 ; "And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."Matthew 3:17 ; "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not."1 John 3:1

Another interesting correlation we draw from Joseph is how he was the object of his father’s (Jacob) love, just as Jesus was loved of our Heavenly Father. This preference Jacob had for Joseph was unequivocal, and it was also pretty controversial among his brothers. Competition among siblings seemed to infect the family just as it can in many of our own families. But the beauty of Joseph's place in his father's heart emerges when we realize that, as a type of Jesus, Joseph powerfully illustrates the love our Heavenly Father has for all of us, equally and intensely, so there's no need or cause for competition among us. Now Jacob's love for Joseph was connected with his love for Rachel and the long wait for a son by his beloved wife. Joseph didn't have to do anything to earn Jacob's love. It was not based on his performance, even though it turned out that his character was pretty sterling. Likewise, our Father's love for us is totally based in His love for Jesus, not on our performance. Our HIGHS do not exalt us, and our LOWS do not depress us in the sight of the Father. Our acceptance is not dependent on us, but rather on Him who sits on the throne, Who never changes! Brothers & Sisters, rejoice, for your are accepted in the “beloved!” You may say to yourself, “There’s nothing good here!” But remember that God the Father is seeing His Son when He looks at you. Your struggle against temptation and sin only proves that you have been lovingly adopted into His family, fully identified with His beloved Son. Realizing this is a source of tremendous freedom, prompting deep gratitude and a growing desire for relationship with God. YOU ARE BELOVED!

"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep."John 10:10-11 ; "And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away."1 Peter 5:4

Joseph, the son of Jacob grew up caring for flocks, a shepherd boy,(Genesis 37:2). While we might have a romantic view of an easy pastoral life among sheep and goats, the main responsibility of a shepherd was to protect the flock against hungry predators (wolves, lions, etc.) looking for an easy meal, actually quite a dangerous job. The shepherd loved his sheep; and Joseph was a good shepherd. The "Suffering Servant" Messiah was illustrated in the life of Joseph. Jesus came as a good shepherd to protect His flock against the enemy whose sole purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. Our shepherd Messiah was ready to give His life to protect us. And He is still watching over us – He gave His lifeblood to protect us because He loves us and we are incalculably precious to Him, each one. Brothers & Sisters, do you know how precious and loved you are? How the Son of God exposed Himself to the ultimate danger because of His incalculable love for you? How He protects you from unseen danger every day of your life? We can rest in His protective love, no matter what happens, especially because where we're going, there will never be danger again. YOU'RE IN THE HANDS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD!

“Vapor of vapors and futility of futilities, says the Preacher. All is futility (emptiness, falsity, vainglory, and transitoriness)!” -- Ecclesiastes 12:8

Many musical compositions end with a “coda.” In these sections, composers take previously used ideas, and create a summation. In many ways, the concluding passage in Ecclesiastes is like a musical coda. This book begins and ends by referring to the vanity of all things. In fact, the same words about vanity can be found in the opening verses and the closing chapter. In between, the Preacher dealt with many matters, and he described how he saw futility and emptiness everywhere. He spoke reflectively about a lifetime of observations. Thinking about his own experiences, he advised young people, “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth.” Reflecting the experience of age, he knew that life was short, and he wanted his readers to realize that every moment is precious. Looking back, he had wasted time in activities that were just like chasing the wind. He realized that human effort can be so futile: “Of making many books there is no end [so do not believe everything you read], and much study is a weariness of the flesh.” In his conclusions, he stressed why it was important to focus on God: The “end of the matter” is to “fear God and keep His commandments.” For He is watching and “will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.” What would the Preacher say to you? First, he would encourage you to think about your life and remember that it will be over so quickly. Think about how you are spending your time. Are you just chasing the wind? Brothers & Sisters seek to make the most of each moment, but don’t be overwhelmed with worry and fear. You can find peace as you entrust your life to God. Find meaning and purpose by serving Him. Gain stability as you make Jesus the Lord of your life.

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."Hebrews 12:1-2

In the Greek Olympic games of old, a unique race was run. The winner was not the runner who finished first --- it was the runner who finished with his torch still lit! There are times in our lives when we feel like we just can't continue in the race. These are precisely the times when the enemy loves to assault us to the point of breaking and torment us saying "You'll never make it to the finish line, you may as well just quit now". This is the time we need to cling on to God's promises! The Lord will soon reward our diligence for all our toiling here in this world. Paul said, "Let us not grow weary in well doing for in due season we shall reap if we do not faint". Brothers & Sisters, let's allow God's wonderful promises to strengthen and comfort us in each circumstance so that we can run the race --- not to finish first, but to run together, side by side --- the flame of our torch reaching the finish line blazing brightly with fire for Him! KEEP GOING -- DON'T STOP!

“‘In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength.’ But you would not, and you said, ‘No, for we will flee on horses.’ – therefore you shall flee! And, ‘We will ride on swift horses!’…Therefore the Lord will wait, that He may be gracious to you.”Isaiah 30:15-18

God made it clear: He stands ready to help us. He is eager to give us strength and wisdom, to protect and guide us. But in order to receive these blessings, we must trust in Him. Instead, how often we find ourselves trusting in things and people—just as God’s people depended on “horses” here as a means of escape. God wants us to trust in Him completely. This means trusting Him so much that we can rest in Him and not worry about anything. We don’t need to prove anything. We simply can rest in Him. We don’t need to run and hide, worry or be afraid. Instead, we can be confident in God, knowing that He is faithful and trustworthy. The Hebrew word translated “confidence” is used here for the only time in the Bible. It is a word that expresses a sense of resignation—as if we have run out of options, and there’s nothing more that can be done. God is telling us we can be confident in Him. In reality, we have no other choice. All our own efforts have failed. Nothing else really works! God waits until we have exhausted ourselves, tired of running and tired of worldly cures that don’t last. He wants us to give up. To rest in Him. To focus on Him, confident that He will restore us and provide for us. Brothers & Sisters in your life, you have a choice to make. You can run after the “horses” in the world or trust in God. Make the right choice! Don’t run, and don’t chase false promises. Return to God. Rest in Him. Be confident in Him, knowing He will save you, provide for you, and be your strength.

"And you shall count for yourselves from the day after the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering: seven Sabbaths shall be completed. Count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath; then you shall offer a new grain offering to the Lord. You shall bring from your dwellings two wave loaves of two-tenths of an ephah. They shall be of fine flour; they shall be baked with leaven. They are the firstfruits to the Lord."Leviticus 23:15-17

The Lord (God) commanded the grain offering on Shavuot, (known as Pentecost among Christians), to be made of the finest flour, baked with yeast, that is, leaven. Leaven, in the Bible, is almost universally, a symbol for "sin", and in the OT is strictly forbidden on the altar of God., yet here, in the Feast of Weeks it is commanded as part of the offering. Just six weeks prior to this festival, Israel had spent a week eating unleavened bread, a clear picture of the connection between the Passover Lamb and the removal of sin from our lives. Now the grain offering for Shavuot contains yeast; two loaves with it. Why? A common interpretation of this for NT believers is that the loaves represent Jews and Gentiles, the two types of redeemed people, who, of course, still contain sin in our lives. So the sequence of these two spring festivals can be seen to illustrate, on the one hand, our perfect deliverance from sin and death through the Passover Lamb (Jesus); and subsequently, the reality of our true condition as "leavened loaves" offered to the Lord as "first-fruits". We know that having come to faith in Jesus, cleansed by His shed blood, we stand righteous and perfect in Him; and yet, we constantly struggle with our Adamic nature. In this light, Shavuot begins to emerge as a festival marking and illustrating the opportunity and means for our transformation. The Lord's sending forth of His Holy Spirit at this time awakens and empowers us to change; to be inwardly transformed from the old creation into a new creation. On the day of Pentecost, 2000 years ago, this transformation process was dynamically accelerated and made accessible to every believer. Baptized with the Holy Spirit of God, and with His fire, our sinful nature with all its impurities and "leaven" takes a back seat to the powerful indwelling of the Spirit of Messiah, so that as we continually pray, walk in obedience, and thus cooperate to be filled with His Spirit, we are sanctified and transformed into His likeness - "from glory to glory", and so become His effective witnesses. Praise God that He works with our issues-- and is transforming us into a bride without wrinkle or spot! Brothers & Sisters, allow the Holy Spirit to burn away the impurity of your sinful nature; to purge out the dross, and deeply penetrate your life. The process can be "firey" and involve some painful sacrifices, but the result is purity and the holiness without which no one will see God. And remember that Jesus is returning soon, greatly anticipating a bride who is prepared for His arrival! BE TRANSFORMED!

“A vineyard of wine, sing of it! I, the LORD, am its keeper; I water it every moment. So that no one will damage it, I guard it night and day…In the days to come Jacob will take root, Israel will blossom and sprout, and they will fill the whole world with fruit.” Isaiah 27:2-6

God described His people as a “vineyard” and “His delightful plant” (Isaiah 5:1-10). He wanted them to be fruitful, but their actions were keeping Him from blessing them. He hoped they would turn to Him, so He could bless them abundantly. They had been producing “worthless” grapes, but His desire was that they “produce good grapes.” God described Himself as the “keeper” of His vineyard, guarding them and providing the water they needed. Even though they had fallen short, He promised that a day was coming when they would “blossom and sprout, and they will fill the whole world with fruit.” Jesus provided similar imagery when He said, “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser” (John 15:1-7). He is the source of all blessing and fruitfulness. He eliminates anything that prevents fruitfulness, and prunes every branch that does bear fruit “so that it may bear more fruit.” The Bible makes it clear that God desires to bless us and make us fruitful in every part of our lives. He sent Jesus that we “may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). And He is “able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20). Don’t let the devil rob you of this abundance. Don’t be crippled by doubt. Abide in Jesus, and let God’s Word change your life. Declare His promises to be true, and boldly stand on His Word. Brothers & Sisters accept His discipline and correction, that you might become more fruitful. And Sow with the Seeds He has given you, knowing that you will Reap what you Sow (Galatians 6:7).

"Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people."Jeremiah 31:31-33

The celebration of Shavuot. Most Christians might recognize this as the celebration of Pentecost in Acts 2. However, the very first Shavuot actually took place fifty days after the Israelites crossed the Red Sea about 1500 years before Acts was even written. It was on this day that the law was given on tablets of stone. Interestingly, it was also fifty days after the resurrection of Jesus that Shavuot was celebrated again. But this time, the law of God was written upon the hearts of men, just as God promised through the prophets Ezekiel and Jeremiah. Shavuot is both a celebration of the God's faithfulness in the early harvest and an anticipation of the abundance of the harvest yet to come. This day, a couple of thousand years ago, 3000 Jewish people came to faith in Messiah. The day will soon come when those for whom we've been weeping and petitioning God in prayer will come to know the Lord and all of Israel shall be saved! Brothers & Sisters, let's pray for a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit today, and let's anticipate great things! Be praying for revelation for those we love who haven't yet seen the truth of the Lord. And please also be praying for the salvation of Israel! FILL UP!

“Behold, the glory of the God of Israel was coming from the way of the east…and the earth shone with His glory…And the glory of the LORD came into the house by the way of the gate facing toward the east…and behold, the glory of the LORD filled the house.” Ezekiel 43:2-5

In his vision, Ezekiel experienced something extraordinary. It was an experience beyond anything he could imagine or even describe. He saw the glory of God. How important was this? Four different times, in the space of just a few words, he talked about this glory. What exactly is the “glory of the Lord”? The root word here indicates something heavy and weighty, a great burden. Here we see how God’s glory might be seen as a kind of weight. It is something that is deep and profound, something supernatural. This glory is distinctive and powerful, something that transforms anyone who encounters it. Indeed, it is the very essence of God Himself. It is a moment when we touch the supernatural and get a glimpse of what God really is like. But many people never experience this glory. Some are spiritually blind. It’s also possible to block out the glory because our eyes are focused on the things of this world or we’re consumed with our own interests. We also are unlikely to experience God’s glory if we fail to seek Him or if we allow ourselves to be dominated by the superficial things of the flesh. So how do we position ourselves to see this glory? Like Ezekiel, we must humble ourselves before God. We must open our hearts to Him and spend time in His presence. We must fill our minds and hearts with His Word. And we must be filled with His Spirit and surrender our lives to pleasing Him. Brothers & Sisters in your life, seek a deeper dimension in your relationship with the Lord. Seek to know Him more intimately. Cry out for more of His presence and His glory. Serve Him. Worship Him.

"For I know that my Redeemer (Goel) lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth;"Job 19:25

As we continue our study in Ruth, the theme of redemption is prevalent. We read that Boaz became Naomi and Ruth's "kinsman redeemer", or "goel" - from the Hebrew, "lig'ol", to redeem, receive or buy back. In the Torah, a provision had been made for the poor person who was forced to sell part of his property or even himself (into slavery). This man's nearest of kin could step in and "buy back" or "redeem" what his relative had been forced to sell. [Leviticus 25:25] A slave could be redeemed from his bondage by his "goel" who literally purchased his relative's freedom. In the story of Ruth, we read that Boaz became Naomi and Ruth's "goel", their kinsman "redeemer". First, Boaz was qualified as kin to Naomi's deceased husband Elimelech [Ruth 2:1]. Secondly, he needed to be able to redeem by paying the price of redemption. [Ruth 4:2-3]. And finally, he was willing to redeem the land which had belonged to Elimelech.[Ruth 4:4]. Naomi's losses had been devastating in Moab. Her husband and two sons had passed away and she had returned to her ancestral homeland a desolate woman, with no inheritance. Her only solace was Ruth, whose love and loyalty were legendary. But Ruth's character of devotion apparently inspired Boaz to love her, and even to ignore her Moabite ancestry; for when Boaz decided to redeem Elimelech's property, he also agreed to marry Ruth. Naomi's life, her inheritance and her destiny were also redeemed in this sweeping transaction. She had returned to Israel in deep bitterness, yet through this beautiful and unexpected redemption her friends exclaim "Blessed be the LORD, which has not left thee this day without a 'goel'. [Ruth 4:14] The marriage of Ruth and Boaz produced a son named Obed, and a grandson named Jesse, who was the father of King David; four generations of the lineage of Jesus the Messiah. And through his redemption of Ruth and Naomi, Boaz became a picture of Jesus (Jesus) our Kinsman-Redeemer, who redeemed us for Himself, out of desolation and slavery to sin, and made us His own beloved bride! Brothers & Sisters, isn't it amazing how a tiny slice of human history can be filled with such significance and typological meaning? Only God could invest a beautiful human love story with an eternal redemptive purpose. Can we do any less than to fall-or rather rise-hopelessly in love with such a Redeemer?! OUR GOEL LIVES!

“Go, shut yourself up in your house…I will make your tongue stick to the roof of your mouth so that you will be mute…for they are a rebellious house. But when I speak to you, I will open your mouth and you will say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD.’ He who hears, let him hear; and he who refuses, let him refuse.”Ezekiel 3:24-27

Ezekiel had personal opinions and ideas. But he had to learn that if he wanted to serve God, he must be willing to lay everything else aside and surrender his life to Him. God had different standards and expectations, which he needed to learn. Ezekiel discovered that he was not to speak simply because he felt like it. He couldn’t just share his own thoughts. His only motivation must be to obey God unconditionally. He had to always surrender to His will and remain sensitive to His leading. Ezekiel learned these truths in a dramatic fashion: God called him to shut himself in his home and not say anything until He gave him words to speak. This is the kind of dedication and obedience God desires. He’s looking for people who are trustworthy. He wants servants who are not focused on personal gain or reputation. He supports those who are willing to lay aside their own interests and opinions…ready to please and obey Him…committed to waiting on Him. This level of commitment requires us to be clear about His call on our lives. We must be listening for His instructions, sensitive to His leading and direction. We must never take anything for granted with God. The person who wants to be the Lord’s servant must learn the lessons He taught Ezekiel. This is the kind of sensitivity and commitment He seeks. Brothers & Sisters Today, make a firm decision to lay everything else aside before God. Make this an act of absolute surrender. Dedicate your life to serving Him wholeheartedly.

“Then the seventh angel sounded; and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, ‘The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.’”Revelation 11:15

For a thousand years, the Holy Roman Empire was a dominant force in the world, controlling the fate of millions of people. After the fall of the original Roman Empire in 476 AD, many people hoped for something to arise that would reclaim Rome’s glories. Faced with declining power and growing worries, the popes turned to the Franks, a tribe that controlled much of what is now France. The Holy Roman Empire was born on Christmas Day, 800 AD, when Pope Leo III crowned Charlemagne (who was king of the Franks) as emperor of the Romans. Eventually, power in the empire shifted toward the Germanic tribes. But by the 18th century the Holy Roman Empire was playing a diminished role in world politics. Finally, on this day in 1806, it was formally dissolved. After defeating many of the states within the empire, Napoleon created a Confederation of the Rhine. The once-mighty empire had come to an end, a mere relic of history. Its glories and all its power are but faded memories. As we look at the international scene today, other nations dominate the headlines. Yet, even in our lifetime, we have seen nations rise and fall. We’ve seen the impact of shifting borders and conflicts. We’ve seen alliances formed and then dissolved. We’ve witnessed disputes, wars, and constant threats. Yes, the kingdoms of this world can momentarily seem permanent and dominant. Yet the Bible reminds us that, in reality, they all are just temporary. It is God’s kingdom that will last forever. And He will reign forever and ever! Brothers & Sisters make sure that you have the right priorities, seeking first God’s Kingdom. Focus on the King who will reign forever, and make sure He is your Lord.

"But Ruth said: "Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, And there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, If anything but death parts you and me."Ruth 1:16-17

As we continue our study in Ruth, I want to suggest a prophetic mystery hidden in this book. We have seen that names have significant meanings, and as discussed earlier, Elimelech, whose name means "My God is King", left Bethlehem with Naomi his wife and their two sons. The birth of these two boys must have brought joy and happiness, yet, having perished in Moab actually caused their very names to lose their original meanings. The firstborn, Mahlon, which meant "ornament", over the years came to mean "sickly". Their second son, Chilion, derived his name from the Hebrew root for "joy", but his name came to mean, "pining" and "whining". Naomi, whose name means "pleasant", changed her name to Mara, which means "bitterness", saying, "the Lord has dealt very bitterly with me." Now Ruth, whose name means "friend", remained persistent, despite Naomi's exhorting her to separate and return to Moab. Instead, true to her name and character, Ruth invokes one of the strongest, most beautiful expressions of faith and faithfulness in all of scripture: "For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, And there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, If anything but death parts you and me." Thus Ruth forsakes her native land and joins herself irrevocably to the nation, people and God of Israel...a truly faithful friend, even to the point of death. I would like to draw out from the story of Ruth, a possible contemporary meaning and application for us to ponder. I would suggest that Naomi and her two sons can be viewed as a type or picture of the people of Israel, and that Elimilech's decision to leave the Land of Promise with them became a picture of Israel in the diaspora. This present exile of the Jewish people since 70 AD culminating in the holocaust, has often rendered them both "sickly" and "pining" for home, and Naomi's experience outside the land of Israel brought death and desolation upon her. The modern nation of Israel, birthed after centuries from the ashes of the Holocaust, and a long painful exile, has been suddenly restored to her ancient homeland, yet, in much bitterness, just as Naomi had returned to her homeland from Moab. Yet Ruth's love and faithfulness must have been a profound comfort to her mother-in-law. So, Ruth can be seen as a picture or type of Gentile (Christian) believers, whose faithful love, friendship and comfort bring deep solace to the people of Israel, who are still experiencing the bitterness of the exile and even now, the misunderstanding and opposition of the nations of the world. Many Israelis already know that their truest and most faithful friends in the world today are Bible believing Christians whose love for them is unconditional, and beautifully reflects the devotion of Ruth to Naomi. Finally, it seems significant that Ruth's loving and faithful character became inspiration for drawing out the redemptive grace of Boaz toward Elimelech's widow, Naomi, so that her family line and inheritance were restored and preserved. As their Kinsman Redeemer, Boaz was deeply moved by the humility and faithfulness of Ruth to her mother-in-law, and as such, she can be seen as a type of intercessor between Boaz and Naomi. For if Boaz is pictured as a type of Jesus our "Kinsman-Redeemer", then Ruth, lying down "at his feet" can be a picture of believers' humble prayers and intercession for the Jewish people entreating the Lamb of God for the mercy which restores us all to the inheritance which belongs to Him. Brothers & Sisters, If in fact, Ruth can be seen as a "type" for Gentile believers, and Naomi, a picture of Israel, restored to her land, but still in bitterness, then Ruth can be an inspiration and a pattern for Christians who love Israel and who recognize her irrevocable calling as a nation. If the faithfulness of Ruth through love and intercession helped to restore Naomi to her true Kinsman-Redeemer, can it also be that the faithfulness and intercession of Gentile believers will be a powerful influence for the restoration of the Jewish people to their "Kinsman-Redeemer, the Messiah Jesus Himself? Our friendship with Israel in word and in deed, and our prayers, in the midst of global opposition [Zechariah 14:2] will be a powerful testimony for Jesus, and will help to remove the veil from Jewish eyes concerning His true identity. As we support the restoration of their Land (a Biblical promise), we also help to open the way for the far greater blessing of eternal life. Doing so, we also will be blessed according to these timeless words; "I will bless them that bless thee, and I will curse them that curse thee!" YOUR GOD SHALL BE MY GOD!

“They shall not gird themselves with anything which makes them sweat.”Ezekiel 44:18

The priests of God were real men, and their efforts naturally would have caused them to perspire. There was nothing wrong with sweat or the labor that caused it. But God wanted them to act differently in His presence. As the priests approached His throne, they were not to be clothed with anything that would cause them to sweat. Here, in fact, God was delivering a message about human effort and the importance of faith. How easily we can find ourselves depending upon the things we do. We can glory in our “sweat”: Our achievements and accomplishments, rewards and honors. But the Bible tells us, “Without faith it is impossible to please him” (Hebrews 11:6). Jesus made this clear to the disciples after they witnessed a supernatural release of power and authority in their lives. They were not to rejoice “that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven” (Luke 10:19-20). All of us must remember that we owe everything to God. All of our talents and resources simply are gifts from Him. All of our human effort is as nothing before Him. We can work and work, but nothing of lasting importance will be accomplished through our flesh. God looks for faithful stewards who will trust Him and develop the gifts they have been given. He blessed those who lay aside all pride and seek to serve Him, always giving Him the praise and glory for their accomplishments. As we come before the Lord, we must lay aside all of our efforts and work. We come to Him because of His grace, forgiven because of the finished work of Jesus on the cross. All our achievements and trophies are due to Him. Instead of striving, we must be diligent to enter His rest (Hebrews 4:11). Brothers & Sisters in your life, thank God for giving you His free gift of salvation (Romans 6:23). Declare that His faithfulness is great and His mercy is new every morning. And remember the importance of walking by faith instead of by your own efforts.

"Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord -- that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful."James 5:11

If you read the book of Ruth. It's a powerful story of faith, restoration and redemption. The book opens with a famine in all the land surrounding Bethlehem, forcing a difficult decision upon Naomi's husband, Elimelech. Now, Bethlehem (beth: "house", lechem: "bread") literally means ?house of bread?, so the irony of Elimelech's departure from his home, "house of bread", during a famine, is lost on English speaking readers, but reveals that every detail in the word of God can be meaningful, especially the meanings of names. Now the name "Elimelech" literally means,My God is King -- so immediately, another irony appears: a man whose name expresses the personal testimony of God's authority over every circumstance and His complete trustworthiness, decides to leave the Promised Land, and settle in Moab, across the Jordan -- a land that had become alien territory for the Israelites because of the Moabites' inhospitable treatment of Israel during the sojourn from Egypt. Elimelech either forgot or ignored the example of the patriarch, Isaac and failed to apply the same faith as his forefather had, and to remain true to his own name! Genesis 26 recounts how that Issac had thought of leaving Gerar (modern day Gaza) to go to Egypt in hope of finding food in the midst of a famine, but instead, he stood firm in faith and remained in the Promised Land. The Lord's response was to bless Issac a hundred fold that same year! [Genesis 26:12] However, we also read in Genesis 12 how Abraham had left the land during a famine and had encountered problems in Egypt that were as frightening or worse than the famine. So Elimelech had these two illustrations, one positive, one negative, both of which might have moved him to choose to persevere through this difficult time, and remain in the place of his inheritance. Whatever the immediate cause, it seems that Elimelech's departure from the Promised Land was not to be reversed. He died in Moab, leaving a discouraged widow, and eventually, two widowed daughters-in-law. We might ask, what would have been Elimelech's legacy had he stayed and prayed through this extremely difficult and frightening trial in Caanan? What might have been his "hundred-fold" blessing? Our world today is experiencing famine in various places, and there are recent predictions of the increase of food shortages even in the prosperous West. Yet famine has many faces, and the various trials and afflictions in our lives can have the same frightening effect to test the metal of our faith. Many of us are being severely tested these days with trials that are shaking us to the core. There are examples of the faithful who have persevered through to victory and received tremendous blessings from the Lord for their stand of unswerving faith. Yet there are also examples of those who somehow did not live up to their own testimony, for failure to stick it out through tough situations. We have these two paths before us. Brothers & Sisters, Jesus asked this question; "Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?"? And in another place He spoke directly to Satan these timeless words; "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word from the mouth of God." If there was ever a time to believe these words, it is now, even as the world stands on the brink, and the earth groans in the travail of childbirth. Some of us have the opportunity of a lifetime to get through our particular trial, in faith. The Lord Jesus will be faithful to us, and He will abundantly reward our faith in Him. Let's stay the course. STAY IN FAITH, NO MATTER WHAT!

"He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm (z’roah in Hebrew), And carry them in His bosom, And gently lead those who are with young."Isaiah 40:11 ; "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep."John 10:10-11

The Lord is gathering His lambs with His arm, and carrying them to His bosom. This is not a distant relationship but one of loving care and intimacy with His sheep. He said, "I know my sheep and my sheep know me." [John 10:14]. Then He continued, "..and I lay down my life for the sheep." The most vulnerable time for defenseless animals is at night when they need to sleep. The sheepfold is where they are gathered by the shepherd each night; a stone compound, with rocks stacked high enough to keep out predators, but without a door. Jesus declared Himself to be the “door of the sheep” [John 10:7-9] because, as a Good Shepherd, He lies where a door would typically be so that nothing could go in or out, without passing by the Shepherd! As evil seems to be rearing its ugly head in every facet of life these days, and greater darkness seems to be looming on the horizon, we need to truly realize the powerful and complete protection that our Good Shepherd provides. Nothing can get to us unless it goes through Him! When the Lord laid down His life for us He also gave us a fortress of protection and safety which is impossible to break. Brothers & Sisters, knowing of the dark days we would be facing Jesus afforded us a profound sense of safety in Himself so that we absolutely need not walk in fear. Promising never to leave nor forsake us till the end of the age He gave us the security of intimacy with Himself, in and through every trial or danger. We need never doubt...that we can trust Him. KNOW YOUR SHEPHERD!

"While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light." These things Jesus spoke, and departed, and was hidden from them. But although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him, that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke: "Lord, who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?"John 12:36-38

The apostle John quotes Isaiah 53:1, saying to whom has the z’roah [arm] of the Lord been revealed? It’s a question that God answers throughout the rest of Isaiah 53, describing in detail the life of Jesus and the ultimate price He would pay for the sins of the world. The word translated, "revealed" (in Hebrew: "galah") actually has a more negative connotation. One of its meanings is "to be stripped naked in a disgraceful way". It also means "to be treated like a captive", and "to be carried away into exile", or, "to be shamelessly uncovered". So the Lord is not simply revealed, but stripped, humiliated, and deeply degraded in order to save us. The cost He paid was terrible. It's never easy for us to remember this or to think much about it, since it's hard enough to imagine an innocent human being suffering so much; but then to realize that I had some part in it... Yet, we should remember; because the reality of the Lord's cross belongs to us in every way, and we may yet be called to endure our own share of suffering with Him and for Him. Remembering His sufferings will prepare us for whatever may lie ahead. Brothers & Sisters, remember the Lord's sufferings. It will keep you spiritually honest, and prepare you for your own small share in them -- His memory will also draw out your love and gratitude, and keep your heart tender toward Him and everyone else. REMEMBER HIS SUFFERINGS!

“As He spoke to me the Spirit entered me and set me on my feet; and I heard Him speaking to me.”Ezekiel 2:2

Why did Ezekiel have such a powerful ministry? Why did God entrust him with so many important assignments? One reason was his incredible sensitivity to God’s Spirit. In fact, the book of Ezekiel is filled with frequent references to the Spirit. We see the Spirit calling him and taking him away as “the hand of the Lord was strong on me” (Ezekiel 3:12-14). The Spirit entered him and gave him specific directions (3:24). He was lifted by the Spirit and brought to the exiles in Babylonia (11:24). And the Spirit inspired his vision of dry bones (37:1-14). These revelations only were possible because of the Holy Spirit. Ezekiel discovered how the Spirit gives us a gateway into the spiritual realm. He opens our minds and hearts to spiritual truths and power. The Bible tells us that our natural minds cannot receive or understand these spiritual insights. In fact, our flesh wars against the Spirit. Those without the Spirit cannot “accept the things that come from the Spirit of God.” These things seem foolish and “he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14). In your life, remember that the Spirit is essential to your walk with the Lord and to experiencing victory in Him. As you can see in the life of Ezekiel, the Spirit can lift you up. He can give you new insights and help you see the world in new ways. He can give you strength when you feel weak. He can encourage you when you feel discouraged. He can reveal things that are to come and fill you with supernatural power and wisdom. Brothers & Sisters Today, seek to be more sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Let Him speak to you and lead you, warn you and inspire you.

"Behold, the Lord God shall come with a strong hand, And His arm (z’roah in Hebrew) shall rule for Him; Behold, His reward is with Him, And His work before Him."Isaiah 40:10 ; "And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work."Revelation 22:12

Isaiah tells us that the LORD'S Arm shall rule for Him and that He is coming with reward -- and a similar passage in Revelation declares that the Lord Jesus is coming to reward His saints. We live this earthly life recognizing that we are “strangers and pilgrims” [Hebrews 11:13] in this world -- but are working now in full expectation of a heavenly future. If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world! We know we were made for another world, where the treasure we have stored while working here will neither rust nor corrode, nor be stolen. If you're looking for a pat on the back now [not that praises shouldn't be given or received], you've missed the point of ministry. This reminds me of a story. There was a husband and wife who served many years in the ministry as missionaries in a far away land. As they returned to the States, the arriving ship was greeted by a brass band. Their initial thought was that this was an arranged greeting to honor them -- but soon discovered that a dignitary was also on the ship. They collected their luggage and booked a cheap motel room. While sitting on the bed, the husband started to cry and said, "We've served God for many years. We've got no money, no house, and when we've returned home, there's not even anyone to meet us!" His wife looked at him and said, "Hon, we're not home yet!" Brothers & Sisters, we're not home yet! Don't believe for a minute that your work in this world is going unseen in Heaven. "For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and the love which you showed toward his name, in that you ministered unto the saints, and still do minister." [Hebrews 6:10] Let's be earnestly seeking His praise that when we see Him face to face, He may say to all of us, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant!" A true homecoming...and a true reward! YOUR REWARD IS BEFORE YOU!

“I have a terrible baptism of suffering ahead of me, and I am under a heavy burden until it is accomplished.”Luke 12:50

Jesus knew that His life had a purpose. He understood that the Father had given Him goals to complete. This clear perspective provided Jesus with focus for His actions and decisions. But others could not understand this calling. After explaining His mission to the disciples, Peter actually rebuked Jesus, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You.” From his human perspective, Peter could not understand what Jesus was saying. So Jesus responded, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s” (Matthew 16:21-23). Jesus knew that He was “under a heavy burden,” and this burden would not lift until He had accomplished His ministry. The Greek words here give a deeper sense of all that Jesus was going through. He felt arrested, just like a prisoner. He felt preoccupied and compelled to fulfill His assignment. He was fixed and focused on the mission the Father had given Him. This is the impact of having a “burden” for the things of God. It means understanding that we’ve been called by God and are on a mission from Him. When God gives us this kind of burden, we feel compelled to accomplish it. It becomes a driving force in our lives. It gives us focus, even when others may not understand. Each of us has a unique call from God, with special goals. Like Jesus, we are to focus on fulfilling this call. As we do, our lives have special meaning and direction. Others may not understand this burden, and it may seem irrational and illogical to them (just as Peter tried to argue Jesus out of pursuing His mission). Brothers & Sisters, but we must remain sensitive to the unique burdens God gives us. Conscious of His presence, we must use the resources He has given us to accomplish His purposes.

Now get to work. You will not be given any straw, yet you must produce your full quota of bricks." The Israelite foremen realized they were in trouble when they were told, "You are not to reduce the number of bricks required of you for each day." When they left Pharaoh, they found Moses and Aaron waiting to meet them, and they said, "May the LORD look upon you and judge you! You have made us a stench to Pharaoh and his officials and have put a sword in their hand to kill us." Moses returned to the LORD and said, "O LORD, why have you brought trouble upon this people? Is this why you sent me? 23 Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has brought trouble upon this people, and you have not rescued your people at all."Exodus 5:18-23

The story of the Exodus is a story of miracles – yet in the beginning when Moses first appeared before Pharaoh to deliver the children of Israel from 400 years of slavery, the Israelites were severely tempted and became angry because of the initial hardships that were laid upon them. They leveled their anger at Moses because suddenly they were told that they would have to gather their own straw for making bricks. They were concerned about offending their slave-masters, fearing that they would slay them. The Israelites were so accustomed to their slavery that they didn’t want their lives disrupted despite the fact that freedom was at hand. Resigned to this miserable life, they utterly failed to apprehend or appreciate the freedom that was soon approaching. Yes, there was a temporary price: increased hardship and great pressure would set the stage for their final deliverance. The same can happen to us. It has often been said "The darkest night is just before the dawn"... Perhaps the enemy senses his impending defeat and pulls out all the stops to prevent it. Perhaps the Lord loves a good story with a really dramatic and climactic ending and great glory for His Name...in any case -- Brothers & Sisters, don't let yourself remain accustomed to any form of bondage – seek and believe for the freedom that God has given us through His Son. Expect a life of great victory over sin and demonic oppression - Why? Because that is His promise to us! DON'T GET TOO COMFORTABLE!

“Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.”Galatians 6:9

How easy it can be to become discouraged! Sometimes we can look at our lives and see nothing but problems. It can seem that we haven’t experienced the answers to prayer we have expected. We can conclude that we’ll never receive the blessings God has promised. In these moments, we must remember Bible principles, especially the law of Sowing and Reaping. This is such common sense! The farmer may Sow Seeds in the spring, but he knows that Seeds require time to develop. His abundant Harvest won’t come until autumn: “in due time.” Paul used this phrase to describe the waiting process for Reaping a Harvest in our lives. We must be patient, for the Harvest won’t come until the right season and right time. It can be easy to forget these seasons of Sowing and Reaping. If we wonder why we still haven’t Reaped a Harvest, we must stop and remember the seasons of life. There are seasons to plant…seasons to wait (when it seems that nothing is happening)…seasons to Reap a Harvest…and joyous seasons of great fulfillment. This law applies to every part of our lives. If we want a Harvest, we need to Sow Seeds. And we must remember that “whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.” If we want love, we need to Sow Seeds of love. If we want forgiveness, we need to forgive. If we want financial blessings, we need to give financially to the work of God. But there also are negative consequences when we Sow the wrong kinds of Seeds and Reap such things as doubt, failure, sickness, and defeat. Remember the importance of persistence as you apply the law of Seed-time and Harvest. God promises a Harvest, but you must not “lose heart” or “grow weary.” Brothers & Sisters in your life, remember that God wants to bless you. Don’t give up. Stay faithful. Keep Sowing Seeds, and your Harvest WILL come!

"and pray for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak."Ephesians 6:19-20

For over 15 years we've been covering Christian Persecution, and whenever I come across an amazing story of how a saint endured such hardships, it encourages me. I remember reading about Watchman Nee and his imprisonment. The Chinese government would change the guards at his cell daily for fear that Nee would lead them to the Lord. Their fears were justified -- many of those guards did come to faith! Apparently Watchman Nee had learned a powerful lesson from the Apostle Paul. In Paul's letter to the Church in Ephesus, observe how he describes himself -- an ambassador in chains. Locked away in a prison, Paul adamantly refuses to allow his circumstances to dictate or alter his identity. He may be in chains, but he remains the Lord's ambassador. Can you imagine Paul chained up in that dungeon, throwing up his hands saying, "That's it; it's over; I'm finished!? Not on your life! Instead the apostle grows bolder as an ambassador; not intimidated or ashamed, because Paul isn't chained in his Spirit, he's only bound in the flesh. Remember how he concludes his letter to the Philippian Church declaring, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Brothers & Sisters, don't allow yourself to be defined by your past, or "chained" by your current circumstances. God has also called you to be an ambassador for Him. With so much work to be done, we ought to be growing even bolder, right in the midst of our trials and tribulations! DON'T LET YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES DICTATE YOU!

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”John 10:10

How much does God want to bless us? Some seem to have a limited idea, as if God only wanted us to bless us in small ways. They live as if there are limits to what is possible. But the Bible gives us a completely different perspective. Jesus said He came that we might have life and have it “abundantly.” This literally means having life “till it overflows.” This is a picture of blessings without limits! Think about this: God wants you to have overflowing blessings! The question is, what are your expectations? What do you really believe about the Gospel? Have you placed limits on what God can do for you? Are you dominated by doubt or hindered by fear? Fortunately, you don’t have to wonder what God would say about these matters. His Word gives you the specific answers! Just think about these truths, and declare them in your life. Jesus came “to destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8). This means you already have power over every form of spiritual opposition. You can live in total victory! If you ask in faith, anything will be possible for you: “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you” (Matthew 17:20). He has given you His power and authority (Luke 9:1). Brothers & Sisters in your life, don’t place limits on God. Remember Jesus’ words: “Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it” (John 14:13-14). Believe God’s promises, and expect His overwhelming blessings to flow into your life.

"Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel: for the Philistines said, Lest the Hebrews make them swords or spears: But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his share, and his coulter, and his axe, and his mattock. Yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for the forks, and for the axes, and to sharpen the goads. So it came to pass in the day of battle, that there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people that were with Saul and Jonathan: but with Saul and with Jonathan his son was there found."1 Sam. 13:19-22

This interesting passage speaks of a time when Israel had no blacksmiths to make weapons and was without any armament to defend themselves. The enemy had succeeded to disarm Israel by removing their weapons, and those who forged them! He's attempting the same tactic today. A blacksmith is someone who works with raw material and fire, and who knows how to form and shape liquid metal into powerful weapons. Anyone who works skillfully and accurately with the word of God is a spiritual "blacksmith". The enemy, who is constantly attacking the word of God, the sword of the Spirit, also seeks to silence or remove the spiritual blacksmiths of this world. If he can get rid of them – the battle is over. We need to pray for God’s blacksmiths because the enemy is after them. Together with the fire of the Holy Spirit they forge the raw material of His word into powerful weapons which shape and mold God's people into His image and equip them for spiritual warfare and fruitfulness. But we are all called to be strong in the word, and to take it up as our primary weapon. Every spiritual blacksmith, himself started out as raw material which was shaped and formed by the fire of God to fight in this battle with Satan. So,Brothers & Sister, as the battle rages, pray for the protection of God's "blacksmiths", even as you submit to His process of shaping you into one, yourself. SPIRITUAL BLACKSMITHS ARISE!

"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."James 5:16

Prayer needs to be a huge part of our lives. We need to recognize that our spirit needs prayer like our body needs food! "We cannot all argue, but we can all pray; we cannot all be leaders, but we can all be pleaders; we cannot all be mighty in rhetoric, but we can all be prevalent in prayer." Brothers & Sisters, let's commit to spending more time in prayer today! Make sure you don't allow the enemy to rob your time to pray -- for it's in prayer that we tap into God's unlimited power that makes demons tremble! FIND POWER IN PRAYER!

"Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it."Proverbs 22:6

I ran across a profound story that shows what happens when the family structure breaks down -- but this didn't have to do with people -- it had to do with elephants. In Kruger National Park in South Africa a group of adolescent bull elephants whose family members had been gunned down during a culling operation were transported to another wildlife reserve. While at the other reserve, the young elephants embarked on a killing spree that lasted several years leaving more than 100 animals dead, including 40 white rhinoceroses. To stop the killing, a strategy was implemented to ship in older male elephants from Kruger to establish a new male hierarchy which would keep the adolescent elephants in check. Thus the killing stopped. Like human society, the elephant family defines established roles for training and discipline in family life. And like humans, young elephants require a prolonged period of nurture with family units to prepare them for adult life. Damage and loss in family life will produce painful and sometimes devastating results. In this situation the loss of the mature males was catastrophic. Many of us in the body of Messiah have not had healthy parental role models, and some have had none at all; but our life as a believing family will generally begin to improve, correct, and heal the results of broken family life which many suffer from. Mature believers ought to be role models and examples, not only to our children, but also to younger believers. Ideally, Christian leaders will be healthy role models, but many are themselves, deficient and unhealed in certain ways. We all ought to have grace when it comes to this area of body life. Our expectations will not always be met and may even be severely disappointed. Our saving grace -- and it is truly an amazing one-- is that we all have a Heavenly Father who is a perfect parent, and who can love and nurture us in both male and female ways, and who is also able to provide human role models and healers to help bring us to wholeness. Brothers & Sisters, be thankful for any good parenting you have received; forgive all that was negative or deficient. Then ask your Heavenly Father to parent you by His personal parental love and providence in your human relationships. This will free you from deep resentment and bitterness, and will begin to move you toward maturity and peace, and will prepare you to be a good parent and role model for others. GOOD PARENTING WORKS; LOOK TO YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER!

"And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? for you are the temple of the living God; as God has said, "I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people."2 Corinthians 6:16

According to ancient Jewish legend, one day Abraham was shown his father, Terah's room of many idols. Young Abraham, thinking that perhaps he could discover intimacy with them, made some desirable delicacies and placed them before the idols. When nothing happened, he realized that these idols were nothing more than clay -- they could do nothing for him or anyone else for that matter. So he proceeded to destroy all the idols, except for one. When Terah received word of this, he went to Abraham and said, "Son, what did you do to my idols?!" "I brought them delicacies," Abraham replied, "and then the biggest idol became envious of the others, and destroyed them all." Terah, furious with Abraham, said, "You're lying to me! How can idols made by my own hands do such things?" "You're right father." Replied Abraham, "Now tell me, then, why do we worship idols that can not eat, drink or even move?" This kind of idol worship may sound far removed from us, but we too, have our idols. They may not be made of clay but they are very real! The love of money, possessions, success, leisure, food, sensuality, security and outward beauty -- the love of tradition and even our friends and family -- the pursuit of our goals and dreams are among some just off the top of my head. Most of these are not bad things in and of themselves, don't get me wrong. But if we are not careful, they can all easily become idols in our lives! What is the object of our affections today? What takes up the majority of our time, effort, and resources? These are our idols. Anything that we allow to run our life becomes our god. Brothers & Sisters, there is only One God we ought to be worshiping -- and He will not have any other god's before Him! Let's crush our idols today. We need to get right with the Lord so that we may be used mightily for His Kingdom! CRUSH, MUTILATE, DESTROY!

“Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: ‘Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever.’”2 Chronicles 20:21

The crisis was real. As “a great multitude” approached Judah to wage war, King Jehoshaphat reacted with fear. Then he sought God and called on the nation to join him in prayer. God responded to this prayer, telling them not to be afraid: “For the battle is not yours.” They could go forward knowing that the Lord was with them. He promised that He would fight for them and defeat their enemies. They responded to this powerful word with humility, praise, and worship. As their enemies approached, Jehoshaphat declared that they were to put “your trust in the LORD.” Then he appointed singers and praisers to go before the army. Amazingly, they weren’t to talk about their current crisis! Instead their message was simple: “Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever.” God’s people were to move forward with a spirit of thanksgiving, focusing on God’s continuing and eternal love. They were to trust in Him and walk by faith. It was this singing and praising that actually triggered the victory (v. 22). Jehoshaphat’s actions provide a model for how we should approach the difficult circumstances in our lives. God is sovereign in every situation. The key to victory is to trust Him completely. We must “enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name” (Psalm 100:4). Brothers & Sisters, these examples should be pillars of your life every day. Your focus always should be on God. Yes, you can tell Him your concerns and fears, your worries and burdens (Philippians 4:6-7). But never forget the importance of thanksgiving and praise. You don’t have to fear or worry, for His love is eternal and you’re always safe in His hands.

"But they kept silent: for by the way they had disputed with one another, which one of them was the greatest. And He sat down, and called the twelve, and said to them, "If any man desires to be first, he shall be the last of all and servant of all."Mark 9:34-35

Once there was a king who decided to set aside a special day to honor his greatest subject. When the big day arrived, a large gathering took place in the palace courtyard and our finalists were brought forward. The first person was a wealthy philanthropist. This man was deserving of the king's honor because of his great humanitarian efforts. He had given much of his wealth to the poor, building orphanages, schools and hospitals throughout the land. The second was a celebrated physician. This outstanding doctor was deserving of honor for rendering his faithful and dedicated service to the sick for many years and discovering medicines that saved many lives. The third was a distinguished judge. He was noted for his wisdom, his fairness and his many a brilliant decision. The last person presented before the king was an elderly man. His manner was quite humble, as was his dressing. He hardly looked the part of someone who would be honored as the greatest subject in the kingdom. What chance could he possibly have, when compared to the other three, who had accomplished so very much? The king was intrigued, to say the least and was somewhat puzzled by his presence. He asked who he was. Then the answer came: "Well, my king, do you see the philanthropist, the doctor, and the judge over here? He was their teacher!" This man had no wealth, no fortune, and no title, but countless lives were helped, healed and changed through his giving. We never know whose lives we're touching. I'm sure someone prayed -- someone gave -- someone shared the Gospel with some of the greatest evangelists, preachers and givers we know. Brothers & Sisters, let's serve the Lord by sowing unselfishly into the lives of the people he's put in our path --- so that they may become great in God's Kingdom! SOW INTO THE LIVES OF PEOPLE!

“Jehoshaphat said, ‘Is there not yet a prophet of the LORD here that we may inquire of him?’…‘There is yet one man by whom we may inquire of the LORD, but I hate him, for he never prophesies good concerning me but always evil. He is Micaiah.’”2 Chronicles 18:6-7

Four hundred men stood before Jehoshaphat, king of Judah. Ahab, king of Israel, said they were prophets. Not convinced, Jehoshaphat asked if Ahab knew of any “prophet of the Lord.” In fact, Ahab had been deceived: none of these men were real prophets. Ahab had been deceived by appearances. These men must have looked like real prophets. Their words sounded right. But, in fact, they were counterfeits. The only real prophet was Micaiah, who, in some ways, defied the stereotype. Yet he alone was genuine and called by God. The Bible warns that “many deceivers have gone out into the world” (2 John 1:7). This means we need to be on guard, for we, too, could be deceived. We must not place our faith in labels or the opinions of other people. Instead, we must gain deeper dimensions of spiritual maturity. We must know God’s Word and make it the standard of our judgments. We must have a close personal relationship with the Lord and be sensitive to His Spirit. Like Micaiah, we need to be real and honest before God. We must be in tune with Him, ready to obey Him and complete His assignments, and not distracted by the opinions of other people. Instead of worrying about the applause of the crowd or the approval of kings, our only concern should be pleasing Him. And this will require a commitment to speak the truth no matter what the consequences may be. Brothers & Sisters today, ask God to give you discernment and help you to be on guard against deception. Remember that Satan can disguise himself “as an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14). Seek to be more sensitive to God’s leading, always trusting Him and listening to His instructions.

"And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar. And the LORD appeared unto him, and said, Go not down into Egypt; dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of:"Genesis 26:1-2

In the days of Isaac, there was famine in the land of Israel. It appeared then, that the right thing to do was to go to Egypt where there was plenty. But the Lord instructed Issac not to go, and instead cling to the promise that He made with His father, Abraham. It was probably hard for Issac to trust that God was truly speaking to him, but he did it. He obeyed the Word of God and stayed put where God told him. And what happened because of his obedience in the midst of a famine? He was blessed a hundredfold! (Genesis 26:10) Brothers & Sisters, let's prepare ourselves to obey the Lord, even if it's difficult! There are blessings to be received -- but it all begins with obedience! BE QUICK TO OBEY!

"And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity."2 Peter 1:5-7

Patience is one of those attributes that you cannot learn by reading about it. It's a quality that can only be acquired by persistent, enduring, practice– and for me it's a drill that I go over, and over, and over again! The original Webster's dictionary offers this definition of patience: "the suffering of afflictions, pain, toil, calamity, provocation or other evil, with a calm, unruffled temper; endurance without murmuring or fretfulness, from a kind of heroic pride, or from a Christian submission to the divine will." Reading this definition two things really struck me – first, "endurance without murmuring". I, for instance, get so frustrated sitting in a traffic jam... counting the wasted minutes when I could have been doing something useful! Yet, what an opportunity for me to choose to quench the inner fumes – and use the delay to work on my patience! The second thing that really hit me was, "a Christian submission to the divine will." How many times are we placed in a difficult position, or forced to deal with an "impossible" situation? Or perhaps, an "impossible" person? These circumstances are always opportunities to grow in patience – or to learn to submit to God's providential will, and often, to minister in some special or unique way. Guide, is your patience being tested today? Great! Remember, love is (first of all) patient. [1 Cor. 13:4] The Lord is training you toward godliness –- and godliness is moving toward perfect love. With so much work to be done, He is really wanting to work this quality into your character now -– to perfect your love, and with it to transform the world around you for His glory! PATIENCE - - OH WHAT A LESSON!