We will continue the verse-by-verse study of Jeremiah chapter 30, starting at verse 12, then we will go on to a verse-by-verse study of Jeremiah chapter 31.

I want to repeat what I said at the beginning of Jeremiah chapter 30: This chapter is very important, so I didn’t want to skip it here, but the format used here (without my being able to use bold lettering for the verses that we are studying, or footnotes, italics, etc. may make it a little difficult to read for some readers. For one thing I had quite a few footnotes in the original paper, and I get into a lot of details. If you prefer you can go to my website and read this chapter (or the entire paper) in a format where I was able to use bold lettering, footnotes, italics, etc.

I’ll quote from the “New American Standard Bible,” 1995 edition, unless otherwise noted. Frequently I’ll make comments in the middle of quotations in brackets [ ] or [[ ]] to make them more obvious.

(12) ‘For thus says the LORD [Yahweh], “Your wound [see verses 14, 17] is incurable And your injury [see verse 15] is serious. [Verses 13-15 show that this "wound" and "injury" speak of the judgments God has inflicted on Israel and Judah as a penalty for persistent sin without meaningful repentance. Eventually, however, the end-time remnant of Israel/Judah will repent and submit to God and His new-covenant salvation in and through Christ Jesus, and they will be healed (see verse 17).] (13) There is no one to plead your cause; No healing for your sore, No recovery for you. [Compare Jer. 14:19. The healing/recovery cannot come in any full sense until the remnant of Israel/Judah repent and are healed of their rebellion by God's new-covenant salvation.]; (14) All your lovers have forgotten you [[The "lovers" here are the nations which Judah/Israel had looked to, and had improper relationships with, instead of God. And, significantly, these relationships with the nations often included worshipping the gods of the nations, instead of being faithful to God. As this verse shows, their lovers forgot them because they became undesirable after God had judged them intensely because their iniquity was great and their sins numerous. After Judah/Israel lost their fame, wealth, etc., they were no longer desirable to the nations.]], They do not seek you; For I have wounded you with the wound of an enemy [cf. Lam. 2:1-10], With the punishment of a cruel one ["I have struck you as an enemy would, and punished you as would the cruel" NIV.

Many of God's judgments against Israel/Judah came through cruel rulers of cruel nations, including the kings of Assyria and Babylon, and Antichrist is yet to come.], Because your iniquity is great And your sins are numerous. (15) Why do you cry out over your injury? Your pain is incurable. Because your iniquity is great And your sins are numerous, I have done these things to you. [[One key point that God makes in this verse, as He speaks to Israel/Judah, is that He is the One who has judged them severely. It wasn't the nations (or anyone or anything else, including blind chance) that had caused their serious wounds and injuries. He wanted to make it clear that He was the One who had been judging them (often judging them through the nations) for their great iniquity and sins. As the next verse shows, God can deal with the nations who had been devouring Israel/Judah at any time, and He will deal with them after Israel/Judah finally repents in the last days and is saved through new-covenant salvation.]] (16) Therefore all who devour you [cf. Jer. 10:25] will be devoured; And all your adversaries, every one of them, will go into captivity; And those who plunder you will be for plunder, And all who prey upon you I will give for prey. [See under verse 15.] (17) For I will restore you to health And I will heal you of your wounds [cf. Jer. 33:6; Hos. 6:1],” declares the LORD [Yahweh], “Because they have called you an outcast, saying: ‘It is Zion; no one cares ["Lit. is seeking" (margin of NASB)] for her.’ ” [See under verse 15, and see verses 3, 7-11, 18-22. God always has cared for Zion (Israel/Judah - true Israel), and He will demonstrate this care in a very substantial way when He saves Zion at the end of this age. However, when Israel/Judah was being severely chastened by God it looked as if He didn't care for Zion.] (18) ‘Thus says the LORD [Yahweh], “Behold, I will restore the fortunes of the tents of Jacob [cf. Jer. 30:3; 31:23] And have compassion on his [Jacob's] dwelling places [cf. Psalm 102:13; Isa. 60:10; and Zech. 1:12]; And the city will be rebuilt on its ruin [[((I had a footnote: "The word 'ruins' [The NIV translates "ruins"] is the well-known term tel (‘tell,’ ‘mound,’ ‘heap’), now used by Arabs for the ruined mounds of Palestine” (Charles Feinberg, “Expositor’s Bible Commentary,” Vol. 6, page 564). In a footnote Feinberg adds, “The Hebrew tel (tel, ‘mound’ of a ruined city) corresponds to the Arabic tell. New towns in the Near East were frequently built on the ruins of the previous settlements.

Notice how tel (tell) formed a part of place names: Tel Aviv (Ezek 3:15), Tell el-Amarna (in Egypt), Tel Assar (2 Kings 19:12), Tel Melah, and Tel Harsha (Ezra 2:59).”)) Compare Jer. 31:4-6, 12, 23, 38-40. Jerusalem was rebuilt after the return from the Babylonian exile (as were many other cities), but this prophecy looks (at least for the most part) to the end of this age when Jerusalem will be rebuilt, exalted, and glorified after God’s end-time judgment of the world (cf., e.g., Isa. 2:2-4; 60:1-22; and Zech. 14:8-21).]], And the palace will stand on its rightful place. [Apparently the "palace" is the dwelling place of the "ruler/leader" mentioned in verse 21. As we have seen, the Lord Jesus Christ is that ruler (the King-High Priest).] (19) From them will proceed thanksgiving And the voice of those who celebrate [cf. Isa. 12:1; 35:10; 51:3, 11; Jer. 31:4; and Zeph. 3:14]; And I will multiply them ["I will add to their numbers" NIV]; and they will not be diminished [[For one thing, God will add large number of Gentiles to His true Israel (the Gentiles who become part of true Israel by salvation through faith in Christ Jesus). (I had a footnote: Apparently many Gentiles will answer the gospel call after the mid-week rapture; they will become part of God's true Israel; they will become part of the elect end-time remnant of God's true Israel.)]]; I will also honor them and they will not be insignificant. [These verses speak of the people of Israel/Judah after they have been saved by the Lord Jesus Christ in the last days.] (20) Their children also will be as formerly [[It is probably better (with J. A. Thompson and the NEB, for example) to translate "sons" instead of 'children" here. Apparently children are not specifically mentioned in this verse. ((I had a footnote: Compare Isa. 60:22; 65:17-22; and Jer. 33:22. For the record (based on subsequent prophecy, especially the all-important book of Revelation), I believe all the members of God's true Israel will be glorified by the time the millennial kingdom begins. (Start with "A Study of Isaiah 65:17-25" at the end of the chapter dealing with Isaiah chapter 25 in my paper titled, "Verse-by-Verse Studies of Selected Eschatological Prophecies from the Book of Isaiah.") If that is true, the people of God's true Israel won't be having children in the millennial kingdom (cf. Luke 20:34-36), but (apparently) the remnant of the nations (e.g., Rev. 20:3) will continue to have children throughout the millennium.)) These verses are poetry in the Hebrew as indicated in the format of the NASB; NIV, for example, and the two lines "their sons also will be as formerly" and "And their congregation shall be established before Me" are parallel statements (with "their sons" being equivalent to 'their congregation'); parallel statements are very common in Hebrew poetry.]], And their congregation shall be established before Me [cf. Isa. 54:14]; And I will punish all their oppressors [cf. Jer. 30:11, 16, 23, 24]. (21) Their leader [the Lord Jesus Christ] shall be one of them [See verse 9.], And their ruler ["their ruler" is the equivalent of "their leader"] shall come forth from their midst; And I will bring him [Him] near and he [He] shall approach Me; For who would dare to risk his life to approach Me?’ declares the LORD [Yahweh]. [From our new-covenant perspective, we can see that this particular Ruler has a right to approach God the Father like no other person in the universe, being deity Himself, God the Son, who became the God-man, the Lamb of God, the only Savior from sin and death, and our great High-Priest.] (22) You shall be My people, And I will be your God.” ‘ [Compare Ex. 6:7; 19:5, 6; Jer. 32:38; Ezek. 36:28; Hos. 2:23; Zech. 13:9; and Rev. 22:3-5.] (23) Behold, the tempest of the LORD [Yahweh]! Wrath has gone forth, A sweeping tempest; It will burst on the head of the wicked. [Compare Jer. 23:19, 20; 25:30-38. God's wrath will go forth in His end-time judgment of the world. All the people (including the people of Israel/Judah) who are committed to wickedness (the unrepentant) will be removed by judgment.] (24) The fierce anger of the LORD [Yahweh] will not turn back [cf. Jer. 4:8] Until He has performed and until He has accomplished The intent of His heart; In the latter days you will understand this.” [Compare Jer. 23:20. In the latter days, God's people will be able to fully understand His plans to save and to judge, because these things will have fully come to pass (in accordance with His prophetic word).]
JEREMIAH CHAPTER 31

I’ll quote the introductory paragraph that F. B. Huey has for Jeremiah chapter 31. “The main theme of this chapter is that a restored and reunited Israel [including Israel/Ephraim and Judah] would enjoy a new covenant relationship with God. The people would be spiritually as well as physically restored. The theme is expressed succinctly in the first verse, which serves as an introduction to the chapter. Verses 2-22 speak of the future of the Northern Kingdom. Verses 23-26 anticipate the Southern Kingdom’s restoration. Verses 27-40 describe coming days of blessing for both Israel and Judah” (“Jeremiah, Lamentations” [Broadman Press, 1993], page 268). I’ll also quote a sentence from what Huey says under verses 7-9 (page 272), “This was to be a new exodus on a grander scale in which God would judge the nations, deliver and regather his people from the ends of the earth, and shepherd them through the wilderness into the promised land of rest.’ Huey has a footnote here, “R. E. Watts, ‘Consolation or Confrontation? Isaiah 40-55 and the Delay of the New Exodus,’ TB 41 (1990); 32-35. Cf. Isa. 27:12, 13; 35:1-19; 43:14-21; 48:20-21; 51:9-11; 52:11-12; Jer. 23:7; Hos. 2:14-23; 11:5-11; Amos 9:7-15.”

I’ll also quote part of what C. F. Keil says here. ” ‘All the families of Israel’ [verse 1] are the families of the whole twelve tribes – of the two kingdoms of Israel and Judah, separated since the death of Solomon. After this announcement of deliverance for the whole of Israel, the address turns first to Israel of the ten tribes, and continues to treat longest of them, ‘because, judging from appearances, they seem irrecoverably lost – for ever rejected by the Lord’ (Hengstenberg)” (“Commentary on the Old Testament,” Vol. 8 [Eerdmans, 1978 reprint], page 16).

” ‘At that time,’ declares the LORD [Yahweh], ‘I will be the God of all the families of Israel [referring to Judah and Israel/Ephraim], and they shall be My people [cf., e.g., Jer. 30:22; Ezek. 37:15-28].’ [[The words "at that time" refer to the time at the end of this age spoken of in the last verses of Jeremiah chapter 30. (I had a footnote: Some Hebrew manuscripts have this verse (Jer. 31:1) as the last verse of chapter 30.) God will have reduced the people of Israel/Ephraim and Judah to a repentant remnant (through a powerful end-time shaking that will begin about the time of Antichrist's abomination of desolation; through the ministry of the two prophets of Revelation chapter 11; etc.), and will have saved them (and He will have judged the nations and left a repentant remnant of the nations too). The time setting here is about the end of Daniel's 70th week (Dan. 9:27). I should point out that verse 1 is prose in the Hebrew and verses 2-22 are poetry, as indicated by the format of the NASB; NIV, for example.]] (2) Thus says the LORD [Yahweh], ‘The people who survived the sword [Compare "the remnant of Israel" in verse 7.] Found grace in the wilderness ["will find favor in the desert" NIV] – Israel, when it went to find its rest [cf. Jer. 16:14, 15; 23:7, 8; and Hos. 2:14, 15].’ [["The people who survived the sword" is the end-time remnant of Israel scattered across the earth. (Apparently the past tenses of verses 2, 3 are prophetic perfects in the Hebrew.) They are "in the wilderness" on their way to find rest in the land of Israel, building on the fact that Israel was "in the wilderness" after the exodus from Egypt on their way to the promised land.

Coming just after Jer. 30:1-31:1 and with Jer. 31:27-34, and considering verses like Jer. 3:18; 23:1-8; and 50:4, 5 (all five passages just cited speak of God's saving all Israel [Israel/Ephraim and Judah] at the end of this age), I expect “Israel” to refer to all Israel here in verse 2, but I have to agree with most of the commentators that verses 2-22 deal (at least for the most part) with God’s salvation of the northern kingdom (sometimes called Ephraim/Israel). (I had a footnote: Jeremiah 3:12-14 deal with God’s salvation of the end-time remnant of the northern kingdom.) Verses 4-6 (or at least verses 5, 6) are clearly addressed to (the end-time remnant) of the northern kingdom, and the name “Ephraim” (which is clearly associated with the northern kingdom) is used in verses 6, 9, 18, and 20. Furthermore, the fact that Judah (the southern kingdom) is given separate treatment in verses 23-25 further substantiates the idea that verses 2-22 deal (at least for the most part) with the northern kingdom. (I had a footnote: If it weren’t for the emphasis on the northern kingdom [Israel/Ephraim] in verses 2-22 and the use of Ephraim in verse 9, verses 7-17 would fit better with God’s end-time salvation of the entire nation [Israel/Ephraim and Judah].) “Zion” (a name associated with the temple mount and Jerusalem) is mentioned in verses 6, 12. It seems to be taken for granted that Judah will have been saved and God will be dwelling in Jerusalem when the end-time remnant of the northern kingdom come to Jerusalem to worship God, etc.

It was reasonable to put all the emphasis on God’s salvation of the northern kingdom in verses 2-22. The people of that kingdom (sometimes called Israel/Ephraim) departed from God first and were carried into captivity about a hundred years before Jeremiah’s ministry began, while Judah still existed as a nation dwelling in their land throughout most of Jeremiah’s ministry (before Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed by the Babylonians in 587/586 BC). Furthermore, the people of the northern kingdom did not return from captivity (at least not in substantial numbers) while many of the people of the southern kingdom did return from the Babylonian captivity after seventy years (as God had prophesied that they would). Then too, the northern kingdom embraced ten tribes while the southern kingdom embraced only two tribes, Judah and Benjamin (cf., e.g., 1 Kings 11:29-36; 12:21).]] (3) The LORD [Yahweh] appeared to him ["Lit. me" (margin of NASB); the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament) has "to him"] from afar [probably meaning from Zion; cf. Jer. 30:10], saying, ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love [cf. Deut. 4:37; 7:8; and Mal. 1:2];

Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness [Compare Psalm 25:6; Jer. 9:24; 32:18; Lam. 3:32; and Dan. 9:4. God draws them to Himself to save them spiritually and to take them back to the land of Israel/Judah (cf., e.g., Jer. 30:3).] (4) Again I will build you and you will be rebuilt [cf. Jer. 24:6; 30:18; and 33:7], O virgin of Israel! Again you will take up your tambourines [Compare Ex. 15:20; 1 Sam. 18:6. J. A. Thompson translates, "Once again you will adorn yourselves with timbrels," and regarding timbrels, he says, "adornment with small pieces that tinkled in the dance was common all over the Near East in ancient times and still is today" ("Book of Jeremiah," page 567.], And go forth to the dances of the merrymakers [cf. Jer. 30:19]. (5) Again you will plant vineyards [cf. Isa. 65:21; Ezek. 28:26; and Amos 9:14] On the hills of Samaria [[The "hills of Samaria" here and the "hills of Ephraim" of verse 6 refer to land of the northern kingdom. This viewpoint is confirmed by the fact that the last words of verse 6 speak of the people living in the north going up to Zion (they go up to Zion/Jerusalem because the city is some 2,500 feet above sea level; cf. "height of Zion" [Jer. 31:12]) to Yahweh, their God. The fact that they go up to Zion shows that Judah will have been saved through the Lord Jesus Christ too and that Israel/Ephraim and Judah will have been reunited (cf., e.g., Jer. 30:3, 7-9, 18-22; 31:1).]]; The planters will plant And will enjoy them. [In the past God's people would often plant but others would end up enjoying the produce.] (6) For there will be a day when watchmen [I had a footnote: "the watchmen who were posted on the mountains, that they might observe and give notice of the first appearance of the crescent of the moon after new-moon, so that the festival of the new-moon and the feasts connected with it might be fixed..." (C. F. Keil, "Commentary on the Old Testament," Vol. 8 [Eerdmans,1978 reprint], page 19).] On the hills of Ephraim call out, “Arise, and let us go up to Zion, To the LORD [Yahweh] our God.” ‘ [See under verse 5.] (7) For thus says the LORD [Yahweh], ‘Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob [The names Jacob and Israel (God changed Jacob's name to Israel) can be confusing in that both names can be used for the entire nation (in that Jacob/Israel was the father of all twelve tribes of the nation), and they can also be used of the northern kingdom, as they (apparently) are in this verse.], And shout among [The Hebrew preposition "b" translated "among" by the NASB here could also be translated "for" (NIV, NRSV); the Hebrew preposition "l" was translated "for" earlier in this verse.] the chief [or, head] of the nations [[(This double bracket continues for several paragraphs.) Compare Amos 6:1. The chief/foremost of the nations (from God's point of view) is Israel/Jacob, referring to the whole nation (cf. Deut. 26:19), but most agree that the northern kingdom is spoken of here. Note that Ephraim (referring to the northern kingdom) is called God's "firstborn" in verse 9 (being God's firstborn nation and being the chief/head of the nations is comparable in meaning) - see under verse 9.

But who is God speaking to here in verse 7? Who is He telling to "sing aloud with gladness for Jacob" and "to shout among (or, for) the chief of the nations"? It isn't all that obvious, but I assume God is speaking to the nations (or, more precisely, to the end-time remnant of the nations, not including Israel/Judah) that He has left after His end-time judgment of the world. Note that He speaks to the nations (the end-time remnant of the nations) in verse 10 and tells them to declare Israel's salvation "in the coastlands afar off."

God appointed Jeremiah a prophet to the nations (see Jer. 1:5, 10) and he (like Isaiah the prophet) frequently spoke to the nations and/or prophesied about the nations in his prophecies (cf., e.g., Jer. 3:17; 4:1, 2; 6:18-21 [In Jer. 6:18-21 God called the nations His "congregation" and spoke to them of His bringing disaster on Judah because of their persistent sinfulness; He also called the nations His "congregation" in Psalm 82:1; cf. Psalm 7:7]; 12:14-17; 16:19-21; 18:7-10; 25:8-38; 27:1-11; 33:9; 36:2; 46:1-51:64.)

Why would the remnant of the nations rejoice because God (judges the world and) saves the repentant end-time remnant of Ephraim (and Judah)? Because at that time the end-time remnant of the nations will realize that the God of Israel/Judah (the God of true Israel) is God and that He has removed the unrepentant rebels (who were committed to continue in rebellion forever) from the earth and is offering salvation to the repentant remnant of the nations too. There are many prophetic verses that speak of God’s saving the repentant end-time remnant of the nations after His end-time judgment of the world and of their having a place in His millennial kingdom. ((See, for example, Psalm 47; Isa. 2:2-4; Jer. 3:17; 4:1, 2; 16:19-21; 33:9; 48:47; 49:6 [God calls Ammon a "backsliding daughter" in 49:4], 11, 38, 39; 50:2-8 [There is widespread agreement that Jer. 50:8 (cf. Jer. 51:9) shows that the peoples of other nations will be set free too (not just Israel/Judah) when God judges Babylon/the world and that His people will be able to lead them (eventually lead them to God). Verses like Jer. 50:4, 5, 20 demonstrate that God's end-time judgment of the world is in view.], Zech. 2:11; 8:22, 23; 9:10; and 14:16. [I had a footnote: Prophecies like Isa. 2:2-4 (and Mic. 4:1-5) had been given long before the days of Jeremiah. Three of my papers are especially relevant to the topic of God's salvation of the end-time remnant of the nations: "Verse-by-Verse Studies of Selected Eschatological Psalms"; "Verse-by-Verse Studies of Selected Eschatological Prophecies from the Book of Isaiah" and "A Verse-by-Verse Study of Six Important Eschatological Chapters of the New Testament: 1 Corinthians 15; Matthew 24, 25; and Revelation 20-22; this Paper Deals Extensively with the Topic of God's Ultimate Salvation Plans for the Nations." This last paper is split up into several parts on my internet site (Google to Karl Kemp Teaching).])) In fact, quite a few prophetic verses even speak of the repentant end-time remnant of the nations bringing the scattered sons of Israel/Judah to God at Jerusalem after His end-time judgment of the world (cf. Isa. 14:1, 2; 49:22 [cf. Isa. 11:10-12]; 60:4-9; 66:20-23; and Zeph. 3:8-11).]]; Proclaim, give praise and say, “O LORD [Yahweh], save Your people [[I prefer the translation, "The LORD [Yahweh] has saved His people.” The “Amplified Bible” has, ‘The Lord has saved His people”; the NEB; RSV have, “The LORD has saved his people”; J. A. Thompson and the “Jerusalem Bible” have, “Yahweh has saved his people”; and the NAB has, “The LORD has delivered his people.” ((I had a footnote: J. A. Thompson (“Book of Jeremiah,” page 568) has a footnote for the word “his,” “MT [The Hebrew Masoretic Text] has ‘your,’ LXX [the Septuagint] and Targ. [Jewish Targum] ‘his.’ ” Gerald Keown, Pamela Scalise, and Thomas Smothers (“Jeremiah 26-52″ [Word, Inc., 1995], page 11) have two footnotes regarding the text here. The first footnote mentions the LXX and Targum readings (that were mentioned by Thompson), then says, “Therefore, BHS ["Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia"] recommends revocalizing to the perfect…’saved’ [instead of the imperative "save"]. ….” The second footnote reads, “BHS follows LXX and Tg [Targum] again, recommending … ‘his people,’ as the object of the perfect [Hebrew] verb.”))]], The remnant of Israel.” [This is the repentant end-time remnant of the northern kingdom that is scattered across the earth (see verse 8). On God's saving the end-time remnant of Israel/Judah, compare, for example, Isa. 11:11, 16; 10:20-23; Jer. 3:14-18; 23:3; 30:3, 11; 50:20; Mic. 2:12, 13; and Rom. 9:27-29; 11:25-27.] (8) Behold, I am bringing them from the north country [cf., e.g., Jer. 3:18], And I will gather them from the remote parts of the earth [Compare, for example, Deut. 30:1-5; Jer. 23:8; 30:3; and Ezek. 34:13.], Among them the blind [cf. Isa. 42:16] and the lame [cf. Mic. 4:6], The woman with child and she who is in labor with child, together; A great company, they will return here [to the land of Israel/Judah]. (9) With weeping [tears of repentance and joy] they will come [cf. Jer. 50:4], And by supplication I will lead them ["they will pray as I bring them back" NIV]; I will make them walk by streams of waters [cf. Isa. 35:6-8; 43:20; and 49:10], On a straight path in which they will not stumble [cf. Isa. 63:13]; For I am a father to Israel, And Ephraim is My firstborn.’ [[See on "the chief [head] of the nations” under verse 7. Compare Deut. 7:6; 32:6-9; Isa. 64:8; Jer. 3:4, 19; and Hos. 11:1. Exodus 4:22 says, “Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘thus says the LORD [Yahweh], “Israel is My firstborn.” ‘ ” It is clear that “Israel” refers to all the tribes of Israel/Ephraim and Judah in Ex. 4:22, but it seems that both names, “Israel” and “Ephraim,” are used here in Jer. 31:9 of the northern kingdom. The northern kingdom (with its ten tribes) was an important part of the people of God. The point here is that Israel/Ephraim is God’s “firstborn son” in that is has a privileged position with respect to all the other nations, not that it was born or existed before all the other nations. And, significantly, Israel/Ephraim was not God’s firstborn son over, or apart from, Judah. ((I had a footnote: There is a sense in which Ephraim could be called the preeminent tribe of the twelve tribes (or thirteen if you include the tribe of Levi), but I don’t believe that sense is relevant here in Jer. 31:9. Judah became the dominant tribe.

I’ll quote 1 Chron. 5:1, 2, “Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel [Reuben was the firstborn son of the twelve sons of Jacob/Israel (see Gen. 29:31, 32)] (for he was the firstborn, but because he defiled his father’s bed [Gen. 35:22; 49:4], his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph [Joseph's firstborn son was Manasseh, then Ephraim was born] the son of Israel; so that he [Reuben] is not enrolled in the genealogy according to the birthright. Though Judah prevailed over his brothers, and from him came the leader, yet the birthright belonged to Joseph [and therefore to his son Ephraim]).” Genesis 48:13-20 explain how Ephraim (the second-born son of Joseph) came to be exalted over Manasseh, the firstborn son of Joseph.))]] (10) Hear the word of the LORD [Yahweh], O nations [See under verse 7.], And declare in the coastlands afar off [cf. Isa. 66:19], And say, ‘He who scattered Israel [the northern kingdom] will gather him And keep him as a shepherd keeps his flock [cf. Isa. 40:11; Jer. 3:16-18; 16:14, 15; 23:7, 8; 31:8; 50:19; Ezek. 34:11-16, 23, 31; and Mic. 2:12; 5:4].’ (11) For the LORD [Yahweh] has ransomed Jacob [the northern kingdom] And redeemed him from the hand of him who was stronger than he. [[Compare Isa. 43:1; 44:23; 48:20; Jer. 15:21; and 50:34. God redeems Jacob/Israel/Ephraim through the Lord Jesus Christ (based on His atoning death). God redeems him [Jacob/Israel/Ephraim (ultimately all the members of God's true Israel) from the hand of him [the ruler(s) of the kingdom(s) of this world (including the devil, the evil angels, and Antichrist) who was stronger than he (stronger than Jacob/Israel/Ephraim; cf. Psalms 18:17; 142:6).]] (12) ‘They [the repentant and saved end-time remnant of the northern kingdom] will come and shout for joy on the height of Zion [cf. Isa. 2:2; Jer. 3:14-18; 31:6; Ezek. 17:23; and Mic. 4:1], And they will be radiant over the bounty of the LORD [Yahweh] – Over the grain and the new wine and the oil [cf. Jer. 31:5; Hos. 2:22; and Joel 3:18], And over the young of the flock and the herd [cf. Jer. 31:24; 33:12, 13]; And their life will be like a watered garden [cf. Isa. 58:11], And they will never languish again. [Compare Isa. 35:10; 60:20. The last words of this verse confirm that God's saving of (the remnant of) Israel/Ephraim (and of Judah) at the end of this age is in view, which will eventually culminate in the eternal state of eternal glory with its new heaven, new earth, and new Jerusalem. The scene here shows that the people of Zion, Jerusalem, Judah (the southern kingdom) will have been saved at this time.] (13) Then the virgin will rejoice in the dance [cf. Psalm 30:11], And the young men and the old, together, For I will turn their mourning into joy And will comfort them and give them joy for their sorrow [cf. Isa. 51:11; 61:3; 65:19]. (14) I will fill the soul of the priests with abundance, And My people will be satisfied with My goodness [cf. Jer. 50:19],’ declares the LORD [Yahweh].

We’ll continue with this verse-by-verse study of Jeremiah chapter 31 with verse 15 in Part 4.

Copyright by Karl Kemp

http://www.karlkempteachingministries.com Karl Kemp worked as an engineer in the space field throughout the 60s. He became a born-again Christian in 1964. He received an MA in Biblical Studies in 1972. He has been a Bible teacher for 45 years. See the website for more info on his books, papers, etc.

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITER-MAKE A WEBSITE

Nebuchadnezzar sent out a decree -

that you must bow down to the image you see -

bow to an image, an image of gold.

Do as he tells you. Now do as your told.

This he demands and this he requires -

or you will be thrown in the hottest of fires.

Well everyone bowed – got down on a knee -

worshiping idols – except for these three…

Well Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego -

they didn’t bow down, they wouldn’t go.

The king found out (old Nebuchadnezzar),

that they said “no”, that they said “never”.

So then the great king with an angry old glance,

demanded they bow, gave them one more chance.

The king said to worship, worship it now,

but they wouldn’t do it – they wouldn’t bow.

So into the fire the three men were thrown -

but to the Heavens, their prayers were well-known.

Though seven times hotter those wicked flames swirled,

the miracle? God’s, for this is His world.

The three were found walking the big furnace floor,

the king had to see it, but then he saw… four.

Angelic, the presence, protecting the three,

so no one was injured and that he could see.

So from the hot furnace, the king brought them out.

Their God had protected and there was no doubt.

Nebuchadnezzar and all his men learned

that no single hair [on their heads] was burned.

So the king was convinced and then had become -

strong in their faith because their God won.

Yes, God is much bigger than all He created,

protects all his children – even if hated.

The moral to story, of this Bible poem?

Follow God faithfully. Just start to know Him -

and next time you’re tested, threatened or tried,

smile through your trials. Let God be your guide.

Copywrite 2004-2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

Written 5-1-12 by louis gander. FREE to print and use ONLY with copyright information included – NOT for resale. Thank You!

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To be a true believer, as a Christian should, you cannot place conditions on God. Serving God cannot be accomplished on your terms. You can’t decide to serve Him today but not tomorrow. You don’t get to pick and choose when, where and how to serve God. The many religions of this world will tell you otherwise. A convenient god is a man made god. A convenient god is a god created in man’s image. It is a god that is only here to serve you. You bring him down from the shelf when you need his help, then return him when you don’t. He places no demands on you or your time. He is more like a magic genie than a god. You only think of him when you are in trouble or when you want something. You think that by doing some good deeds from time to time you will earn “heavenly points” that will all be added up when you die to help get you into heaven. That is the kind of deception that will keep you out of heaven, out of your blessings that God has for you and land you in hell instead.

Most religions are steeped in traditions, routines, duty and respect for their religion. Very little if any importance is ever placed on serving God rather it is placed on serving your religion. Mark 7:6-8 6He replied, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: ” ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 7They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.’ 8You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men.” In these verses Jesus gives the best definition of religion and their followers.

When you treat God like a god of convenience you are treating God with casual indifference. Casual indifference lacks respect and fear of God. It brings God down to the same level as man. God then is treated worst then someone would treat their own casual friends. Lack of time, lack of priorities, lack of caring, lack of interest in your God will cause lack of spiritual growth, lack of wisdom, lack of prayer and lack of faith. Then when you do pray in the middle of your troubles your prayers just don’t seem to get through, I wonder why?

Casual indifference towards Christ existed in His day as well as today as these verses point out. Luke 7:39-48 39When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she isthat she is a sinner.” 40Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” “Tell me, teacher,” he said. 41″Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?” 43Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled.” “You have judged correctly,” Jesus said. 44Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgivenfor she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.” 48Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

Simon the Pharisee had invited Jesus over for dinner but didn’t bother to show Jesus the common courtesies shown regular guests. Simon didn’t like the attention that the woman was giving to Jesus. Jesus used the parable to show the difference between the way Simon had treated Jesus and the way the woman had treated Him. Simon treated Jesus with casual indifference. The woman treated Jesus with respect, fear, adoration and with grateful love.

Don’t let religion be your source of Biblical truth and how to act as a Christian, trust your reading and studying of the Word. Don’t let friends and relatives tell you how to treat God. In your daily time with God in prayer let the Holy Spirit guide you into all truth and let the love of the Father guide you in how to love and fear God. Are you ready?!?

My name is Steve and I was born and raised in a good Christian home in Phoenix Arizona. In 2004 God spoke to me to let me know that He would start sharing things with me that I would share with others. Little did I know how powerful and meaningful those things would be! Thank you Lord!!

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Vs1:

Treasure Jesus above all things

Let Him be the Lord of your all

Let Him be your heart’s sweet delight

Be not ashamed to lift Him up

Refrain:

Treasure Jesus, treasure Him

Anywhere your treasure is

There will your heart also be

Treasure Jesus, so love Him!

Vs2:

Treasure Jesus before all men

Rev’rence Him, Oh, adore Him

Make Him the anchor of your soul

Let the world know that you’re His own

Vs3:

Treasure Jesus of Highest Price

Cling unto His relationship

Walk daily as before His eyes

Serve Him with a heart of worship

Vs4:

Treasure Jesus above this world

Treasure and tremble at His word

Take pleasure in doing His will

Take pleasure in suffering for Him

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“7. I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. 8. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could again Christ.”

- Philipians 3:7-8 (NLT)

Is Jesus your treasure?

“If the sweet Lord Jesus is your treasure; the sweetness of your heart; the delight of your soul, you will not be afraid to lose anything or anyone because of Him, to still have Him. Make Him your permanent treasure. If He becomes your treasure, He will not bother to ask you for love and devotion because in Him will your heart be (dwell, settle, abide, and lay strong hold on).”

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Sixtus Onyeanusi is passionate about hymn writing, sharing God’s word, practically helping and simply being a Fool for God…to please Him.

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E-mail: esixtusw@yahoo.com

Mobile:+2348178485544

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Matt 5:3 3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (KJV)

Blessed are the Poor in Spirit Blessed are those that have nothing Blessed are those that lay it all down for the cause of Jesus Christ Blessed are those that do everything for the Cause of Christ and take no credit for anything that they do Blessed are the Poor in Spirit.

As we listen to people preach and TV evangelists and radio show hosts what we hear is totally against what Jesus is saying here. What they are preaching is totally name it and claim itGet anything you want by sending me a gift of $20.00 to $1,000.00If you will send me $100.00 I will personally guarantee that you will receive a gift straight from God that will make what you send me look like pocket change. I could go on but I think you have heard it all before and there is no since giving Satan the glory for anything else.

No matter how much you study the word of God you will never see anything like any of this in the Bible. No matter how much you pray you will never hear the Holy Spirit or the Lord Jesus Christ say anything like this ever! The Lord never places his trust in people. He never places his dependence to accomplish anything in what a person is willing to part with for his work. Jesus did say that if you will give of cheerful heart then I will give it back to you packed down and running over. But I will guarantee you something on that if you give expecting to get something back you will never see it. In order to receive back from the Lord packed down and running over then you will have to give without expectation of getting anything in return and with a joyful heart.

Now that we have the rich and poor thing out of the way, let’s take a look at the Spirit of this. When you go to Christ do you go with a decision to follow him or do you go totally yielded to him. Jesus never asks us to make any decisions for him or against the world. Jesus never based anything that he did or is going to do on the decisions of a person in a world that is controlled by Lucifer himself. Jesus has the master plan and is waiting for us to yield to him so that he can tell us what to do to pull the master plan together and make it all work. Why am I trying to show the difference between deciding to follow Christ and yielding to Christ? The reason is that they are totally different. A Decision is the act of making a judgment, the act of making up one’s mind. The word Yield means to concede, surrender or relinquish, to surrender voluntarily ones rights or privileges. On the basis of the Life of Christ, He never ask anyone to make a decision he only ask them to yield to him and to do what he ask them to do. Never once did he challenge anyone to make a judgment on anything or anyone. He did ask people to follow the law or to follow him but never did he ask them to make the decision. What Jesus is looking for in us is our lack of strength, our lack of will power and inability stand up for our rights. Jesus wants us to stand up for him and his rights but only if he tells us to. He doesn’t want us to stick our head in the sand and pretend like the world is all peaches and cream. But he wants us to do what he wants when he wants it and not before. We must be like a soldier act on the orders we receive and stand and wait for orders if we have not gotten any. Pray until you receive your orders then allow Jesus to guide you to the completion of the orders.

But you say I don’t know if I am able to complete the task that Jesus gave to me to complete. I wonder if I have the ability to do anything for Christ. When you do that you have just placed a block in the path and stopped up the ability for Christ to work through you. Paul stated that I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me. Jesus said that he that believeth on me, out of him shall flow rivers of living water. If I stop and ask if I am able to do anything for Christ instead of just getting out there and doing it I block whatever it is that the Lord wanted me to do. Satan and his demons didn’t block it. The Holy Spirit didn’t block it. Me, I, My flesh blocked it. In my infinite wisdom I have just stopped the flow of the Holy Spirit through me and blocked the ability of the Lord to work through me. When all it would have taken is: Here I am Lord use me. So next time the Lord is wanting to use you for a particular thing don’t worry about if you can do it or not just be willing to do it and let the Lord take care of all of the details. When we stop worrying about what if it doesn’t work and let the Lord take care of that your walk with the Lord will be so much easier.

We must remember that we don’t have the ability to do anything unless the Lord gives us the ability. I don’t have the ability to work on flight computers or wire buildings unless the Lord helps me to do it. He gave me the wisdom to do my job just as he gave you the wisdom and ability to do your job, just as he gave doctors the wisdom and ability to save people’s lives. So when we realize that we have no ability unless it comes from the Lord our walk with the Lord will be so much better and smoother.

So Blessed are the Poor in Spirit Blessed are those that have nothing Blessed are those that lay it all down for the cause of Jesus Christ Blessed are those that do everything for the Cause of Christ and take no credit for anything that they do Blessed are the Poor in Spirit. We must walk away from our pride and self sufficiency and yield to the Lord. We must go to the Lord without anything and allow him to build us the way he wants us to be. And when we get there we must never ever pick up the pride that Satan lays in the path before us, because Pride cometh before a fall. And if Christ gives to us the ability then we have nothing to be proud of. Just because we are poor in spirit does not mean that we have to be poor in finances but we have to leave them where they belong and not forget that the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away Blessed be the name of the Lord.

Duane L. Huffstutler, Written 2011, Faithwriters.com

Duane L. Huffstutler is the Sunday School Director at Oak Grove Pentecostal Ministries in Bonifay Florida. All scripture is from the King James Version (1611)

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There are many types of altars erected by demons and devils, and some of us find ourselves worshipping at those altars. There are “Media Altars” erected on mountains of the internet on Facebook, other social networks, video platforms. They range from porn to horoscope, private immoral chat, and so on. There are also “Media Altars” on our television stations and movie theaters; demonic temptations designed to lure us to sacrifice ourselves. Even ungodly music, upon which many have sacrificed their minds and emotional feelings.

We must decide as believers not to sacrifice our minds, bodies, soul, and spirits on the “altars of the world”. We only worship at the altar of God. Romans 12:1-2

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

We must refuse to sacrifice our time, resources, imagination, souls to the altars that the world has erected. Instead, give ourselves away body, mind and soul at God’s altar. Humbling ourselves, praying, seeking God, turning from our own ways, giving ourselves away completely to God’s glory. Our lives must be dedicated as living sacrifices on the altar of God; sending up a sweet smell that pleases God, and draws others to his glory. Let us tear down the altars of the world, and keep our knees at the altar of God. Learn more from the sermon below.

Senior Pastor at Harvest Army God’s Revival Arena in Brooklyn, New York. Our website is at http://www.godsrevivalarena.org

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Vs1.
As you go by the road and street
Heaven sends men for you to meet
Don’t you see the mercies of God?
It does show that the Lord is true
It does show that Heaven needs you

Vs2.
As you wake up in each new day
Heaven sends men to show the way
Won’t you now just try to obey?
Taste and see that Jesus is true
You need Heaven; Heaven needs you

Vs3.
As you look round you’ll see the saints
Who love Jesus and keep the faith
Don’t you see how they shine as lights?
In Heaven’s path they lay their hearts
Join their chariot; Heaven needs you

Vs4.
As you pay heed, the gospel sounds
Of how God’s love and grace abound
Will you lay hold on this favour?
It’s free, it saves without labour
See now how much Heaven needs you

Vs5.
Many are no where to be found
Many got killed without a chance
Don’t you still want to be His child?
Now you have life, call Christ; He’s true!
Hell is not yours; Heaven needs you

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Sixtus Onyeanusi is passionate about hymn writing, sharing God’s word, practically helping and simply being a FoolforGod…to please Him.

E-mail: esixtusw@yahoo.com

Mobile:+2348178485544

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I Feed My Birds Manna From Heaven

I put out bread and water for the wild birds every day.

Isn’t this like God who put out manna in the desert for Israel?

If I can do this, who’s to say God couldn’t do it too in His wisdom and power and abilities.

The birds have no idea where or how the “manna” comes from. If I tried to explain the what, why and how of it, it would be so far over their heads, they would totally not understand it at all. Not even the language I was using.

Isn’t this the same way God could possibly be with us?

If I even tried to get near them, (to explain it) they’d be frightened to death of me.

Just like we would be frightened to death of meeting God.

I put out the bread because I love them and I love to see them feasting on it.

Isn’t this probably the same way God sees us – His children?

This opens up a whole new realm of possibilities for the super-natural to occur doesn’t it?

If God can bring down manna, who’s to say He couldn’t do other (to us) “super-natural” things as well(?) Like feeding 5,000 with a piece of bread and a fish; walking on water; healing all kinds of sickness instantly; etc, etc, etc.

To us this is impossible, and it is for us. But maybe God has the ability to operate under a whole different set of “rules”; just as we operate under a whole different set of rules than the birds do.

There’s absolutely no difference between how God is with us, than how I am with my birds.

Until today, my faith has been lacking regarding “super-natural” happenings. I am a doubting Thomas. Because I wasn’t there to actually witness these things, my logical brain could not truly, honestly, believe. But seeing this – how it is for me with my birds – has increased and deepened my faith a huge amount. And Jesus having to die to save us. And us receiving a new Spirit to live inside us. Though I can’t understand these things, as I watch my birds who can’t understand, I can logically believe. Well doesn’t it really make totally logical sense?

So I gratefully take the manna, believing God can do many things I could never understand.

As long as I am in this body, I am the same as the birds.

Still don’t believe? Still no faith? Put some bread out for the birds – and watch. See for yourself.

I don’t really have anything to say about myself other than the fact that I “feel” the Holy Spirit in me on a 24/7 basis. I’m a sober alcoholic and it is only by the Holy Spirit’s power that I am still alive.

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I believe most if not everyone who reads this article will agree that we are living in difficult times. God does not exempt us from being tested just because we are Christians. But He has given us promises in His Word to give us inner peace and to serve as an anchor for our soul during difficult times.

It’s hard to ignore it when we are going through a difficult time. That’s because we feel the weight of the test. We may know what the Bible says about God’s faithfulness during those times in our life, but we tend to focus more on the agony of the test than on the consolation of God’s promises. So in this article, let me share several of God’s promises that we should bear in mind when we are tested:

1. “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all” (Psalm 34:19). Based on this verse, it is not always true that when a person goes through difficulty in life that it’s due to his or her wrongdoing. Even the righteous will see many afflictions. But the good news is that God delivers him out of them all. If you are a Christian, you should never accept difficult times in your life as being lifetime sentences. God’s desire is to deliver you out of them all!

2. “God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Even when God allows difficult times to come in our life, He makes sure that they don’t overwhelm us. The Bible says God is faithful in this regard. We may feel as though we can’t bear the burden of our test, but we can if God allowed us to be subjected to it.

3. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally.” (James 1:5). In prayer we ask God for lots of things, but how often do we ask Him for wisdom? This verse invites us to. Moreover, this verse, taken from the book of James, specifically addresses times we when we are tested. So let us accept God’s invitation and pray to Him for wisdom on how to endure and overcome difficult times in our life.

The aforementioned verses only scratch the surface of all the promises of God that speak to those difficult times in our life. When we embrace them by faith, they give us peace amidst the storms of life.

Copyright 2011 by Frank King. All rights reserved.

Frank King is a former church pastor. He is currently an evangelist and an author. Frank holds a Master of Theology degree. Through the grace of God, Frank has been blessed to cross cultural lines in his preaching. Website: http://www.efrankking.com

Blog: http://wwwefrankking.blogspot.com/

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Knowledge that is derived from truth that feeds our spirit; which is our source of life, is referred to as “the bread of life”.

John 6:47, 48 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.

I am that bread of life.

John 6:51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

Our tendency, as Christians, is to feel as if we already have a “full knowledge” of truth, when the reality is that we may have only experienced truth in an “introductory phase” of God given knowledge. This is exemplified extremely well in the story of Nicodemus.
The Deception Lurking In The Phrase “I Know.”

John 3:2,3 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou

art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God

be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Nicodemus tells Jesus that He is a teacher from God and that God is with Him. By stating,

I know who you are, where your from and why you can do these things, Nicodemus is claiming this, I know where you came from, where you are, and where your going; I know you. Jesus replies by letting Nicodemus know he doesn’t know what He thinks he does:

John 3:10 “Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things”?
How Much Are We Willing To Give?

Nicodemus is being challenged by Jesus to know what he didn’t know, but thought he did.There is a deeper truth to be seen from the question in verse 10, that will most definitely challenge us. When we choose to be the master of our lives, we cannot conform to the winning formula that gives us life, and the knowledge of God. What is that formula? It’s this:

“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free”.

Notice that the first part of this formula has the knowledge of the truth. Knowing the truth is God inspired and is a miracle in its development. Having spiritual knowledge and God given insight is an awe inspiring thing for which our inclination is to say, I know it now Lord, put me in the game! However, the formula suggests a metamorphous requiring and challenging us to give of ourselves. The words “truth shall make” requires an adaptation from a role where Gods truth was more of a receiving connection, to an affiliation of “being made”, which may feel like we’re receiving very little. This altering often feels like leaving what felt like being a master, to being a servant. The reality is that Jesus is graduating us from knowledge, to the application of that knowledge, which requires we draw on more of Gods truths and less on self. In this process its important to note that our relationship with the Lord is strengthening through the truth strengthening us. Gods truth doesn’t always line up with our reasoning, so to receive the freedom in truth we must exercise self denial and a “make over ” we can trust. The outcome, both here and in heaven, are crowns of life containing blessings we wouldn’t have thought to ask for; and an abundance of true knowledge!

To Know Truth; Truth Must Know You

Galatians 4:9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?

Being “known of God” has in His character and design, a transfer of supernatural knowledge through a relationship with His Son. This supernatural knowledge begins in an awareness of entering a relationship and knowing someone who we previously did not. Being “of the truth” is a good expression of this awareness, meaning we have relationally entered into Gods family. Saying we are “of” Gods family is to say we are of the truth. A relationship with Jesus, containing the gifts of His love, has only one requirement to accept His proposal; we must see ourselves as needing Jesus to be willing to accept Him. The Christian journey needs to be a continuing of a willingness to accept Him by being willing to hand over our will, and receiving His will. The more we are persuaded do this within the relationship with Jesus, the more we are known of God. Being known of God generates a supernatural knowledge, which is the knowledge of His truth that increasingly enlightens us into His spiritual guidance and a knowledge of our purpose in Him.

To know our God given purpose in life, our purpose must be allowed to know us.

I have a desire to see the body of Christ edified. Within the broad spectrum of edification I feel there exists a great need and opportunity for spiritual education at foundational levels. Please contact me about speaking at your church. Dale Linton 410-378-5035 or dale@agapesolutions.org

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Matthew 18:2-4 – He (Jesus) called a little child to him and placed the child among them. And he said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

Imagine you were the child who Jesus summoned. Here is this man of whom you had heard your parents speak. You had heard of the wonders he had performed and might of perhaps witnessed one yourself. When you arrive to where he will be teaching, you hope that you might be able to get a glimpse of the great Teacher that some proclaim to be the Messiah. All of a sudden, you hear the sound of a calm baritone voice calling for a child. Before you can realize what is going on you are met face to face with Jesus. He places you in his lap and smiles a gentle smile at you. He then tells the crowd the words of Matthew 18:3-4.” You think to yourself, “He is using me as an example, he must be mistaken! No one even acknowledges me. I have no say in decisions. I must trust in my Father’s plan for me and follow in obedience.” Jesus looked down at you with a warm smile, kisses your forehead and leads you back to your parents. You know your life will never be the same.

Jesus calls us to be like children, in that we are to have the humble attitudes of the heart of a child. A child is utterly dependant upon their caregiver and understands that need. Therefore, they recognize that their greatness is reliant upon someone greater than themselves. Small children innately understand the concept of respect because they are physically smaller and weaker than others, thus making humility an easier concept to grasp.

As we grow into adulthood, we inevitably become more independent. That independence usually leads to pride. Pride is the antithesis to the kingdom of God. To admit we are sinners that need God’s grace and forgiveness (that is brought through Christ) takes humility. It takes humility to abandon our own wants and desires of this world and to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Yet, when we are able to recognize what our true position is as humans compared to the glorious nature of God, humility can be found.

The challenge today is to evaluate where you are spiritually. While we were created in God’s image (Gen. 1:27) and we were able to have a relationship with Him, once sin entered into the world, that relationship was broken (Isa. 59:2). However, because God loved us so much, He sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to die for our sins, even while we were still sinning against God (John 3:16, Romans 5:8). Jesus lived a perfect and holy life in order to be a proper sacrifice (Romans 5:12). We must therefore, humbly admit that we are sinners and that we need Jesus to intervene for us and mediate our relationship with God. We must then turn from our life of sin and turn to God. (Luke 13:5) It is by our faith that we are saved. (Ephesians 2:8-9). God guarantees that whoever calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved (Romans 10:13).

Where are you spiritually? Do you have a personal relationship with God? Christianity is not about going to church or placing money in an offering plate or following a bunch of rules. It is about having a relationship with Jesus Christ. Once you trust in Christ as Savior, you receive the Holy Spirit as a Helper to guide you in your walk with the Lord. Repenting and believing are the first two steps to a lifestyle of discipleship.

Cortney Whiting graduated from Berry College with a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary with a Masters of Theology, concentrating on New Testament Studies.

becomingministries.blogspot.com/

Copywrite 2011

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Love is really the in-thing nowadays. People sing about love, movies are themed around love, books about love are bound to be bestsellers. Love sells but what is love?

Does the world portray an accurate picture of love? Does the church portray an accurate picture of love? Maybe, a good place to start really is in the famous Love chapter of Paul namely 1 Corinthians 13 written about Agape – the love of God.

The last thing we all need is a dictionary definition of God’s love. But rather, I would like to explore the different aspects of love. And the first aspect I would like to indulge in is this, taken from the  New Testament is the Patience of God.

1 Corinthians 13:4a

Love meekly and patiently bears ill treatment from others.

Meekly and patiently bears ill treatment… Wow… the thought itself is mind blowing. This brings back the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount:

Matthew 5:39-42

But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.

What possibly could be running through Jesus’ mind when He uttered those words? Was He thinking about these words, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they are doing”? Who was on HIs mind when He spoke them? Was it Judas who betrayed Him with a kiss? Was it Peter who denied Him three times? Was it His disciples who ran away forsaking Him? Was it the soldier who forced the crown of thorns down His head? Was it the one who tore His flesh with the whip? Was it the crowd crying out for His crucifixion? … meekly and patiently bearing ill treatment… Was it my sins He was paying for on that cross? Was it my continual denial of Him with my daily disobedience? Was it…?

The first time the word was used to portray ‘meekly and patiently enduring ill treatment’ was in Matthew 18:26-27 “But the man fell down before his master and begged him, ‘Please, be patient with me, and I will pay it all. ‘ Then his master was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt.

The master didn’t give the man an installment plan or made him pay half the debt or mortgaged his house or sold his wife and children. He forgave him of everything. The man walked away free at the expense of the master.

As I looked at all these verses, I realised the first thing about Patience – it will cost us. It is about giving when we should be getting what was owed to us. It is about mercy when punishment was due. It is about me being forgiven extending forgiveness to my fellow men. It is about giving up my right to what was mine. The right to anger. The right to revenge. The right to hate. The right to re-tribute. It is about extravagant forgiveness.

If we claim to love, then maybe the first question to ask if we have been patient. Patient with family. Patient with friends. Patient with colleagues. Patient with the stranger. Patient with our enemies.

I think I am found lacking. It is impossible. It cannot be achieved unless the crucified Christ lives through me. Unless I give up my right to my rights to Him and allow HIm to transform me little by little, from glory to glory, strength to strength.

As Joyce Meyer would put it, “I’m not there, but I am on the way.” I am on the way to Patience. The Patience of Jesus. The Patience of God.

I am just a regular guy who really desires to please God. I’m not there yet, but I’m on the way.

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Revelation 19:7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. We who are called His children, His church and who Christ is the Head are also known collectively as the bride of Christ. Jesus Christ is the Bridegroom who is coming back to get His bride that has been promised Him by God the Father. That will only happen when the bride is prepared and ready.

God’s unified church will be different than what the world sees and knows as church and religion today. Gone will be all the petty differences. Gone will be all teachings, theologies, beliefs, doctrines, prophecies and any thing that contradicts, takes away or adds to the infallible Word of God. There will be alignment and agreement between churches, pastors, preachers, teachers, shepherds, church leaders and all church congregations across different denomination lines. It has already started! Cooperation, support, understanding and God’s love will all be part of the fruit of God’s unified church. The only thing that will matter is “do you attend God’s church?”

Matthew 3:11-17 11″I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 12His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” 13Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. 16As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. 17And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” John baptized for repentance symbolizing death to the old flesh and sin nature as you are submerged and raised in new life as a new creation in Christ. That being said, why was Jesus Christ baptized? He had no sin to repent of or a sin nature to leave behind. The difference is that Jesus was not only baptized by water to confirm John’s ministry but by fire of the Holy Spirit when Jesus came back up out of the water. That is why the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove landed on Him. It was after Jesus was baptized that His ministry started for He was now empowered by the Holy Spirit to work miracles, signs and wonders.

Likewise, Jesus’ disciples started their ministry after they received the Holy Spirit in the upper room. They were empowered with the Holy Spirit to perform miracles, signs and wonders. Part of the preparing of the bride is that the bride must be baptized with the fire of the Holy Spirit. Only then will each of the children of God be empowered, authorized, infused and saturated with the Holy Spirit to perform miracles, signs and wonders. Acts 2:15-21 15These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! 6No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17″ ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. 18Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. 19I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. 20The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. 21And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. All people means all people. People from around the world will experience the baptism of the Holy Spirit by fire. Contrary to some beliefs the baptism of the Holy Spirit doesn’t happen at the time of salvation. Just as the disciples were believers before they received the Holy Spirit at the day of Pentecost. This is not a baptism for salvation for the dead as some religions teach. For you can only be saved unto salvation while you are alive not after you are dead. God is God of both the living and the dead.

Being baptized with the Holy Spirit is a very important part of who you are in Christ and Christ in you. It is important to your ability to be a powerful witness for Christ. It is important to your faith, trust and hope as you witness the Shekinah glory of God working through you. It is important to you, His child, for the things to come. Haggai 2:9 ‘The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,’ says the LORD Almighty. ‘And in this place I will grant peace,’ declares the LORD Almighty.” It is the destiny that God the Father has for His children to fulfill. The bride is prepared in unity, alignment and agreement in God, His Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit. All you have to do to receive and be empowered by the Holy Spirit is talk to your pastor or a friend who attends a Holy Spirit filled church to find out how. Are you ready?!?

My name is Steve and I was born and raised in a good Christian home in Phoenix Arizona. In 2004 God spoke to me to let me know that He would start sharing things with me that I would share with others. Little did I know how powerful and meaningful those things would be! Thank you Lord!!

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Mic 6:8
He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Deut 5:29
29) Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!

Deut 13:4
4) It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.

Prov 1:7
7) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

fear of the LORD = respect, honor, willingness to submit to a Higher Power)

Eccl 12:13
13) Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.

1Sam 16:7
7) But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

Exo 19:5-6
5) Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine,
6) you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”

(we know the Israelites eventually failed in their allegiance, and were forsaken by God when the Romans conquered their nation in 70 A.D. Today, these words are for true Believers in Christ all around the world, whether of Jewish descent or from other nations, the Gentiles)

Luke 10:25-28
25) On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
26) “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”
27) He answered: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
28) “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”

Jam 1:25
25) But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it he will be blessed in what he does.

(next 2 entries explain what “doing it” means; an ongoing, lifetime learning process)

1Cor 13:1-7
1) If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
2) If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
3) If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
4) Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
5) It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
6) Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
7) It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

(describes a gentle, unselfish Spirit…at peace through feeling forgiven/accepted by God)

Gal 5:16-24
16) So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
17) For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.
18) But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
19) The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;
20) idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions
21) and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23) gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
24) Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.

(remember, the “fruit of the Spirit” takes time to learn; God is patient and forgiving)

Php 2:12-15
12) Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,
13) for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
14) Do everything without complaining or arguing,
15) so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe

Gal 6:1
1) Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.

1Cor 10:13
13) No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

(in this fallen-from-grace secular world we live in, it is impossible to not be tempted into wrongdoings daily, even hour by hour. But the Scriptures encourage us to persevere, and God will help us withstand it)
*NOTE: Researcher comments in parentheses added for clarification

*To see other articles from this collection, go to “Bible Studies” or “Prayer” categories within Faithwriters.com pages

Wesley Pierce has been a student of the Bible for over 35 years, plus a student of being led and blessed, or taught and disciplined by the Lord’s inner Spirit daily, as any sincere seeker experiences.

*Copyright 2011, all rights reserved

For more info > http://www.biblestudy-madesimple.com

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Romans 8v37 begins, Nay,in all these things. all these things is saying something,1 Peter 4v12 Beloved,think it not strange concerning the fiery trials which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.Not if, but when trials come, know that we are more than conquerors because of our LORD AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST and his victory at the cross.

When I was in the world there was nothing I couldn’t conquer, I believed I could do anything and everything. Now that I am a born again believer the same principles should apply, I not talking about reckiess abandoment, becaue we have a guide, John 16v13 Howbeit: when he the Spirit of truth is come,he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself: but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak:and he will show you things to come.

Who is he hearing from? John14v26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost,Whom the Father will send in my name ( Jesus Christ ).he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever Ihave said unto you. With assistance like that how can we fail, the sad part is we do, the apostle Paul in verses 38,39 of the eight chapter of Romans, say’s that there is nothing that will separate us from GOD’s love,which is in Christ Jesus, that being the case let’ take our rightful place. The Bible say’s in Ephesians 2v6 And hath raised us up together, and made us to sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Come on Saints let’s take our rightful place.

not applicable at this time

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