All Israel Shall Be Saved

Hosea 1:10 Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living God.

This was a reminder from God through his prophet of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Gen 22:17 That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;
Gen 22:18 And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed;

The prophet speaks the mercy of God to the covenant people of God through Messiah, Jesus Christ. They will not be forgotten forever. One minister said that all Jews will be saved. Not until the end will they be saved. All Israel will be saved at the second coming of the Messiah Jesus, but those remaining after the tribulation will be fewer in number.

Rom 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
Rom 11:26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
Rom 11:27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.
Rom 11:28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes.
Rom 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

I always saw this verse of the gifts and callings as referring to backslidden Christians. It primarily is referring to Israel. The gifts, plural, and the calling. God called them unto himself and finally when Jesus comes in the end times, they will hear his calling to them and be saved. When saved then they will receive the gifts for ministry. Some people on their death bed have said, "I know I was to be a missionary but I ran from God." What a sad thing to miss God. Come to Jesus and be strong in him, he is our refuge and strength and our gift giver.

Rom 11:30 For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:
Rom 11:31 Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. Rom 11:32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.
Rom 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
Rom 11:34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?
Rom 11:35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?
Rom 11:36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

Do not miss your time of salvation and service. Nothing is more miserable than to be outside of the blessings of God.

Savouring the Things of God

Mar 8:31 And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.
Mar 8:32 And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.
Mar 8:33 But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.

What happened? Peter was only moments before being praised and commended for his profession of faith in Jesus as the Messiah.

Mat 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Mat 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

As Peter attempts to protect Jesus from the cross, he steps out of the will of God.

... Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.

Let's look at the word "savourest"; the Greek word proneo, from Strong's concordance.

1) to have understanding, be wise

2) to feel, to think

a) to have an opinion of one's self, think of one's self, to be modest, not let one's opinion (though just) of himself exceed the bounds of modesty

b) to think or judge what one's opinion is

c) to be of the same mind i.e. agreed together, cherish the same views, be harmonious

3) to direct one's mind to a thing, to seek, to strive for

a) to seek one's interest or advantage

b) to be of one's party, side with him (in public affairs)

Your understanding or mind is not on the things of God, but on the things of the world.

The amplified Bible says it this way:

³³But turning around [His back to Peter] and seeing His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, Get behind Me, Satan! For you do not have a mind ^[n]intent on promoting what God wills, but what pleases men [you are not on God's side, but that of men].

What are these worldly things that cause us to fall?

1Jn 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
1Jn 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
1Jn 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

For the things of God we can look at the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Gal 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Gal 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

We often overlook verse 24, but we must die daily to the mind of the flesh and walk in the Spirit of God. This way we will be a sweet savour of Christ.

Savour has to do with a smell, like incense or the smell of good food. We are to speak the truth of God in the Spirit of God, so that we bring the savour of Christ with us.

2Co 2:15 For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:
2Co 2:16 To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?
2Co 2:17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

The Holy Spirit knows when corruption of God's word comes. He will warn us of a foul smelling spirit or something not right. We are to desire the word of God and his will above the sweet smell of food or perfume or anything this world has to offer.

Lord help us to desire your will and your word above all else.

Jesus Shall Reign

Deliverance

Dan 12:1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

At that time, in the time of the end of satan's rule on earth, Michael the Archangel the spiritual high angel, opposite to satan in power shall stand up. He is God's good angel, the head angel as satan is the head of the evil spirits and fallen angels. Jesus is the Lord of hosts over Michael, he does not act alone, but is under the headship of Jesus, as we are. Michael is the protector of Israel, God's covenant people. This time of trouble is called the great tribulation.

Mat 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

A greater time of trouble then ever before. That means greater trouble then Hitler's Germany that exterminated six million Jews. The Jewish people will be targets of the full fury of the devil and his antichrist during this time, and will live in a world that is in incredible upheaval because of the judgment of God.

This is the time of Jacob's troubles, as prophesied by Jeremiah.

Jer 30:7 Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.
Jer 30:8 For it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, that I will break his yoke from off thy neck, and will burst thy bonds, and strangers shall no more serve themselves of him:
Jer 30:9 But they shall serve the LORD their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up unto them.

...and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

The LORD has made an everlasting covenant with Israel. He keeps his promises.

Gen 17:7 And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.

Rom 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
Rom 11:26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
Rom 11:27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.

There is a condition to those who will be saved. Salvation is for those who are written in his book both Jew and Gentiles. I believe that most of the Gentiles who are saved will meet the Lord in the air before this time. Many Jews will die as martyrs during the tribulation, but they are not lost. They have received the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Rev 7:14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Some shall be delivered in continuing on earth, others shall be delivered in death, being present with the Lord. Many believe that Jesus will come in a pre-tribulation rapture to gather the church. Michael comes with Jesus at this time. Some confuse Michael with Jesus. Jesus is the Lord of Hosts; Michael is the Archangel.

1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

1Th 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Another reference to the Archangel is found in Jude.

Jud 1:9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

The Lord Jesus Christ is a higher power than the angels. He is the Son of God.

Resurrected saints and the sons of Adam shall live on earth as Christ Jesus rules from Jerusalem. All shall be with the Lord for the thousand year reign on earth, some in spiritual bodies, some in fleshly bodies. It is too marvelous and wonderful for me to comprehend, fully. The Lord's ways are above our own, we shall continue to trust in him through it all.

The Arrival of the Antichrist

Dan 11:36 And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.

Antiochus Epiphanes was a Syrian King that came to power about 175 BC and is the representative forerunner of the Antichrist soon to appear. He put a statue of Zeus in the temple, not of himself. This will be far more precisely fulfilled by the Antichrist, who sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

2 Th 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
2 Th 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

This false god shall speak blasphemes against the God of gods. He will seemingly prosper until Jesus comes and the angels put a stop to his reign.

Dan 11:37 Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all.

Antiochus was not Jewish, but the antichrist may be of Jewish lineage, not regarding the God of his fathers, or he could be a Muslim. Having no desire for women, could mean that he is also a homosexual or that he is full of himself. He shall magnify himself above all, just like satan who tried to be as God. This probably is a man who is the host for the spirit of satan. He is consumed with the work of satan, to lie, to kill and to destroy all that is good.

Dan 11:38 But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things.

The god of forces, sound like a new age "Starwar"s kind of god. The Antichrist will lead the world into a popular false cult.

Dan 11:39 Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain.

Rev 6:1 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.
Rev 6:2 And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.

The true God loves Israel, the antichrist god seeks to destroy this people. Beware of new gods or people claiming to be god or Jesus.

Mat 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

Mat 24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.

Mat 24:23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.

Mat 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

The antichrist arrives on the scene as a man of peace, looking as if he were the messiah, but he is the devil's counterfeit Christ. You will know him by his fruit, not his persuasive words. Be watchful and be faithful.

A Word to the Shepherds

Mark 6:34 And Jesus, when he came out, saw many people, and was moved with compassion towards them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.

Jesus having gone to a desert place to rest was followed by many people, he felt compassion towards them. In this age of me, me, me and I, we are called to be like Jesus. This means to be compassionate to others needs above our own.

Php 2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Php 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Jesus taught them as he was the Good Shepherd and the Living Word. The people were as sheep without a shepherd. Many are seemingly lost today, even some who are saved. They just have no peace or assurance. One reason may be that they have no shepherd or probably they have not learned to feed themselves from the the word of God. We are all as sheep that are easily gone astray when in the flesh. We are to be as Jesus, walking in the spirit and full of faith and good works.

The prophets warned the shepherds

Isa 56:8 The Lord GOD which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him.
Isa 56:9 All ye beasts of the field, come to devour, yea, all ye beasts in the forest.
Isa 56:10 His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.
Isa 56:11 Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.

Jer 23:2 Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.
Jer 23:3 And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase.
Jer 23:4 And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the LORD.
Jer 23:5 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.
Jer 23:6 In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Jesus taught the sheep when he came the first time. He is coming back, so we are to be shepherds who feed the sheep until he returns to claim them into his kingdom. He is THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS
.

Healing Point of Contact

Mark 5:25 And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,

A certain woman, a real person who suffered with bleeding that would not stop for twelve years. Life is in the blood and she was in desperation.

Lev 17:14 For it is the life of all flesh; the blood of it is for the life thereof...

Mark 5:26 And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,

Many of us can relate to this woman. The physician practicing medicine were only able to remove her of her wealth. and she grew worse. Where could she go but to the Lord?

Mark 5:27 When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.

Mark 5:28 For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.

Desperately she struggled through the crowd, if only to touch his clothing. She believed that even the garment being touched, as a part of Jesus would make her whole. I see two things at work here. The faith of the woman was devout and desperate and touching even the hem of Jesus' garment was enough to bring healing power.

There is another place in the Bible where faith and a piece of cloth was used as a point of contact to release healing power from God.

Act 19:11 And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:

Act 19:12 So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.

Some churches pray over clothes and send them to people in need of healing .

Mark 5:29 And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.

Immediately she was healed, the blood stopped flowing.

Once when I was asked to photograph a wedding; two hours before the wedding my nose began to bleed, like a fountain. I applied pressure, every remedy I could remember and it bled for an hour. I was praying and praying to Jesus, finally it stopped. I thought, oh please do not let my nose bleed around the brides beautiful white dress. The Lord was faithful. Blood loss makes you weak and desperate. I can only imagine how this woman must have felt. With God there is healing. Jesus bled for us, that we might be healed. For those who must cut themselves? Jesus was wounded for your sins, his blood cleanses us and stops the misery of the flesh weaknesses and the devil's torments. There is life in the blood of Jesus for all who believe in him.

Hear, Give and Receive

Mark 4:24 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.

We should be careful to hear the word of God, for it is truth and life to the hearer. What we hear we share with others. There is a principle here; first we receive from God then we give it to others, He will keep giving us more as we do this.

Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

Mark 4:25 For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.

For he that has what? He that has heard the word of God and has obeyed the word, sharing with others; to him more will be given. One person entered our Bible study and said she was not interested in hearing God's word, the person just wanted fellowship. To me the best fellowship is with God, in his word, hearing his voice. In this way we increase. If we are faithful hearers and doers of his word, he will give us more. I want more of God, more wisdom and more usefulness to him. If we hear and share, he will give the increase. My words are empty, his words are food to our Spirit, the light and the truth of God for an eternal increase.

A final thought. Satan wants us to use our own thoughts, in fellowship without speaking the word of God. In this way he introduces his ideas and thoughts, that are contrary to the sound word of God. Debate and strife follow in these "fellowship" chat rooms. Do not put down your sword, the word of God. When you least expect it, the enemy will come at you with a pack of his wolves to devour you. Wear the armour of God and speak the word of God in the love of our Lord. Who knows, maybe someone will hear and another will receive salvation through your witness?

Blaspheming the Holy Spirit

Mar 3:22 And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils.
Mar 3:23 And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan?
Mar 3:24 And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.
Mar 3:25 And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.
Mar 3:26 And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end.

Is it any wonder that satan seeks to divide us? Our nation is divided politically and culturally and spiritually. Satan divides people in chat rooms, in families in churches. There is power in unity, but division leads to ruin.

Mar 3:27 No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house.

Beezebub means lord of the house. You cannot enter a strong mans house and bind him unless you have greater power. Jesus is the Son of God, and he demonstrated the power of God in casting out unclean spirits. Jesus did not fit the scribes idea of what the Messiah would do, they did not believe in him but unbelief does not change the power and glory of God, it just puts you away from him.

Mar 3:28 Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme:

We all were lost in unbelief; Jesus does not hold that against us if we come to him in faith. I am so glad for that, for every word spoken we shall give account, but he has forgiven us so we are not under the wrath of God.

Mar 3:29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:
Mar 3:30 Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.

To not see the Holy Spirit and his work is to miss God. The Holy Spirit must lead us to Jesus. He is the Spirit of conviction and truth. If we insist to call good evil, then how can we be saved?

Isa 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

The sin that cannot be forgiven is to say that Jesus has an unclean spirit. To believe that means that there is no way to be forgiven. If Jesus sinned one time, then his sacrifice was for nothing. He had to be the sinless lamb in order to be our substitute. Without him our sins remain and we are damned. It may be fashionable to call good evil and evil good, but it will not save you. You must be born again of the Holy Spirit to be saved. If you mock and blaspheme him, then you condemn yourself, there is no power given for you to be saved from your sins.

Some say that it is impossible to blaspheme the Holy Spirit now, because Jesus is not here. His word and spirit are here. His witnesses show his power and presence. Be careful to not mock him, even now, for you are in danger of condemning yourself. Are you concerned? Then you have not gone too far. Those who blaspheme the Holy Spirit are not concerned, but they should be. Woe to them who blaspheme the Holy Spirit and are not convicted of sin.

Hosea 10

Israel is guilty of idolatry

Hosea 10:1 Israel is an empty vine, he bringeth forth fruit unto himself: according to the multitude of his fruit he hath increased the altars; according to the goodness of his land they have made goodly images.
Hosea 10:2 Their heart is divided; now shall they be found faulty: he shall break down their altars, he shall spoil their images.

Israel is an empty vine, bringing forth sinful fruit unto himself; as the sinful fruit increases so they built more altars to worship their false gods. Isn't this what has happened in America? The more they prospered, the more they wanted. The more they worshipped acquiring wealth and sensual pleasures and every evil has come out of hiding, anything goes, but their hearts are not rich towards the one true God. Where is the fruit of repentance and righteousness in the LORD?

Joh 15:2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

The LORD will break down their altars, they are under judgment. They have divided hearts, serving idols and saying they also serve the true God. One thing that happened then and now is they have brought the worlds idols into the worship of God. The world has gotten into the church. Some churches are embracing gay pride, the use of alcohol and other sinful ways as part of the religious culture. The god of tolerance embraces all gods, but the God of Israel calls us to be holy and separate.

1Ki 18:21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.

Punishment and removal of kings

Hosea 10:3 For now they shall say, We have no king, because we feared not the LORD; what then should a king do to us?
Hosea 10:4 They have spoken words, swearing falsely in making a covenant: thus judgment springeth up as hemlock in the furrows of the field.

Hos 3:4 For the children of Israel shall abide many days without a king, and without a prince, and without a sacrifice, and without an image, and without an ephod, and without teraphim:

They turned from the King of kings, now their king was taken captive. There is sorrow, but also cynicism. They did not want God to rule over them because then they would have to repent. Sometimes kings are removed or given as punishment. There is a general dislike and rebellion of those in authority. The hemlock was poisonous, so it is as a judgment, the fruit of their labor was as death to them, because they continued in sin.

Israel and its idols removed to Assyria

Hosea 10:5 The inhabitants of Samaria shall fear because of the calves of Bethaven: for the people thereof shall mourn over it, and the priests thereof that rejoiced on it, for the glory thereof, because it is departed from it.

The word for the priests was not cohen, priests of God, but it was comer, priests who serve pagan gods.

Hosea 10:6 It shall be also carried unto Assyria for a present to king Jareb: Ephraim shall receive shame, and Israel shall be ashamed of his own counsel.

Israel and the calf idols were taken by Assyrian invaders as a gift to their king, but the glory of God had already left Bethel, because of idolatry.

Hosea 10:7 As for Samaria, her king is cut off as the foam upon the water.

The king is cut off as bubbles in sea foam, effortless, weightless worthless. I can't help but think of ruthless rulers who persist, in doing much evil like a Hitler. But they shall not escape the hand and judgment of God. Pray for our leaders, that they find favor with God and that they do his will.

Joel 1:6 For a nation is come up upon my land, strong, and without number, whose teeth are the teeth of a lion, and he hath the cheek teeth of a great lion.
Joel 1:7 He hath laid my vine waste, and barked my fig tree: he hath made it clean bare, and cast it away; the branches thereof are made white.

Hosea 10:8 The high places also of Aven, the sin of Israel, shall be destroyed: the thorn and the thistle shall come up on their altars; and they shall say to the mountains, Cover us; and to the hills, Fall on us.

Aven, another name for Bethel or Bethaven, meaning vanity or iniquity. The altars shall be abandoned and cursed plants shall cover them. The people will be miserable taken from their native land. I sometimes wonder at all the sin in our land and in our people that God has so blessed. Has God now turned away? What lies ahead if our people will not repent? Judgment is coming. Pray for our nation.

Luk 23:30 Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us.

The people of Samaria mourn for their calf idols from Bethaven. This was Bethel, house of God, now called Bethaven, a house of iniquity, because of the worship of the calf idol. In our day, has the Bethel church, become a cult church? Something to watch out for. A big church that once flourished, as in Israel, the place where Jacob met God, now a meeting place of worldly people pretending to do the work of God by a false spirit? We need to pray and examine ourselves daily that we not become as the world and that we walk in the Spirit of God.

Psa 26:2 Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.
Psa 26:3 For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.
Psa 26:4 I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers.
Psa 26:5 I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.

Failure to learn from history

Hosea 10:9 O Israel, thou hast sinned from the days of Gibeah: there they stood: the battle in Gibeah against the children of iniquity did not overtake them.

This is another reference to the horrible rape and murder of the Levite's wife, and the gathering of the tribes of Israel against Gibeah of the tribe of Benjamin to judge the sinful people. Israel was still as sinful as this and in In like manner nations will come against Samaria because of her iniquity.

Hosea 10:10 It is in my desire that I should chastise them; and the people shall be gathered against them, when they shall bind themselves in their two furrows.

Two furrows; the twin calves of Dan and Bethel?

Jer 2:13 For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.

Hosea 10:11 And Ephraim is as an heifer that is taught, and loveth to tread out the corn; but I passed over upon her fair neck: I will make Ephraim to ride; Judah shall plow, and Jacob shall break his clods.

Ephraim is a heifer used to plowing and freely eating of its corn, unmuzzled. Now he will be driven hard, Judah will plow and Ephraim or Israel shall break up the fallow ground. I was wondering what this means. Why is their ploughing? Is it not to plant seeds? I see Israel being taken to assyria, leaving Judah alone to plough. When we witness for God are we not plowing and planting seed? Israel's heart was hardened by sin, so being a slave laborer in a foreign nation would be a humbling experience. By this the Lord will break up the fallow ground of Israel's heart.

Hosea 10:12 Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.

Repent of your sins and sow seeds of righteousness for a later spiritual harvest of mercy and righteousness.

Gal 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
Gal 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

Hosea 10:13 Ye have plowed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity; ye have eaten the fruit of lies: because thou didst trust in thy way, in the multitude of thy mighty men.

Job 4:8 Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same.

They worshipped gods that were no gods. And they lived a lie before a righteous God; they would reap iniquity, they trusted in their military instead of God. Lies would destroy their foundation and their nation.

I see the path our leaders are taking America and it is not good. There are many lies being sown with evil deeds. Recently the United States voted to affirm homosexual rights with the United Nations. Even Pakistan and Arabia voted against this. Where is our founding fathers faith now? They will testify against this time. If we do not repent we will go under.

Hosea 10:14 Therefore shall a tumult arise among thy people, and all thy fortresses shall be spoiled, as Shalman spoiled Betharbel in the day of battle: the mother was dashed in pieces upon her children.
Hosea 10:15 So shall Bethel do unto you because of your great wickedness: in a morning shall the king of Israel utterly be cut off.

Invaders are coming because they would not repent. Hosea was given an adulterous wife as an example to Israel, how they were committing spiritual adultery against the LORD.

Isa 13:16 Their children also shall be dashed to pieces before their eyes; their houses shall be spoiled, and their wives ravished.

Mic 5:10 And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD, that I will cut off thy horses out of the midst of thee, and I will destroy thy chariots:
Mic 5:11 And I will cut off the cities of thy land, and throw down all thy strong holds:
Mic 5:12 And I will cut off witchcrafts out of thine hand; and thou shalt have no more soothsayers:
Mic 5:13 Thy graven images also will I cut off, and thy standing images out of the midst of thee; and thou shalt no more worship the work of thine hands.

What you have done at Bethel will do this to you. Once the house of God it became a place of false worship and pride, therefore the LORD shall send in another nation to remove you from the land. What about us? We print "In God we trust" on our coins and with our lives many serve idols of wealth, pornography, drug use, sensual pleasures and wicked imaginations. The God, from In God We Trust, will come against our nation, unless we repent.

2Ch 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Keep praying.

The Son of God

Mar 3:9 And he spake to his disciples, that a small ship should wait on him because of the multitude, lest they should throng him.
Mar 3:10 For he had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues.
Mar 3:11 And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God.
Mar 3:12 And he straitly charged them that they should not make him known.

Earlier in Mark chapter one, an unclean spirit spoke out with fear that Jesus was the holy one of God. Demons know the spirits and Jesus is the Holy One of God. In Mark 3 verse 11, a number of unclean spirits cry out, saying, Thou art the Son of God. So right they were. Why did Jesus command them to be quiet? Probably because the scribes and Pharisees were looking for something that they could accuse him of. In the end they did accuse him of blasphemy.

Mat 26:62 And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?
Mat 26:63 But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.
Mat 26:64 Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
Mat 26:65 Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.
Mat 26:66 What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.

Their unbelief and envy led them to crucify Jesus, our Messiah and the Son of God. We are adopted son's of God by faith in Christ Jesus. Still there are people lacking faith who seek to mock and get rid of us. They did it to Jesus and they will seek to remove us.

The devil, Lucifer, that old dragon tempted Jesus at the end of his forty day fas in the wilderness. One thing he tempted him with was concerning his power and title as the Son of God.

Mat 4:5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,
Mat 4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Mat 4:7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

The devil uses doubt to get us to follow him instead of God. The end result is to try to destroy us and our work for God. Jesus answered the devil with the word of God a second time. The word is our defense. Notice how the devil used Gods word, twisting it to make Jesus be tempted to follow the devils will. The devil may quote the Bible, but check the context. Is it a correct interpretation and application of the word? Also check the spirit. Too often I am caught off guard by someone quoting scripture that has the wrong spirit. He will seek to tear you down. Christ builds up; satan tears down. We are to build up the church body and guard against those who seek to tear down our ministry. Jesus is the Son of God.

Two Responses

Mar 1:21 And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.
Mar 1:22 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.
Mar 1:23 And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,
Mar 1:24 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.
Mar 1:25 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.
Mar 1:26 And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him.

Two responses, one from the people in the synagogue who were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught with authority. Jesus is the word made flesh and God the father gave him all authority to judge in heaven and on earth.

Joh 5:22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:

The second response was from demonic spirits in a man. Spirits know spirits. This was God's son with all power to send them into the lake of fire. They were afraid that their time had come.

If we are children of God we should be able to discern the spirits. Many attacks against Jesus in our chats come from demonic spirits in people. They bring strife and division and often by deceptive questions.

2Ti 2:23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.
2Ti 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
2Ti 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
2Ti 2:26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

We have authority in Christ over bad spirits in Jesus' name. We may speak with authority and we should have spiritual discernment. Be not afraid of them.

Mat 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Do not be angry in the flesh and saying hateful things, remember who you belong to.

Baptism

Mar 1:8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.

Water Baptism was given by John the Baptist.

Mar 1:4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

Water baptism is still commanded, but with the profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Water baptism is the sign of the new covenant.

Rom 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Rom 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Rom 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

Jesus received the Holy Spirit following water baptism

Mat 3:13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
Mat 3:14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
Mat 3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

Mat 3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
Mat 3:17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

The Holy Spirit came to his disciples at Pentecost

Act 1:5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

Act 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
Act 2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
Act 2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
Act 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

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

The baptism of Jesus is the baptism of the Holy Spirit, or the Holy Ghost. The Spirit brings gifts and he is the power to witness. It is important first to be received of Jesus by faith in him. This followed by water baptism as a public profession of faith. The in filling of the Holy Spirit can come at any time after receiving Jesus. We cannot follow Jesus in the flesh only, we need his spirit to help us to live our new spiritual life.

Everyone a Chance to Hear

Rom 15:20 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:

Rom 15:21 But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.

Too many churches have people moving from one to another and there are few new converts to the faith.

Eph 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

Paul did not want to go where converts were already established, but in new areas where the gospel had not yet been heard.

Isa 52:15 So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider.
Isa 53:1 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?

Everyone should be given the chance to hear the gospel message.

Mat 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

Do not continue to give the gospel to someone who rejects it, move on where another is seeking what you have to share. Paul proved his apostolic calling. He went to areas completely unaware of his gospel message with boldness in the Holy Ghost. It is not uncommon today to meet people who have never been to church and have little understanding of who Jesus is.

Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Lord save the lost from their sins, in Jesus name amen.

Help for the Weak

Rom 15:1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
Rom 15:2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
Rom 15:3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.

Infirmities; of error arising from weakness of mind.

We are to bear with people with weak faith or lack of understanding. Some who continuously seek help for the same things may often not want to hear what you have to say, they just want to dump their problems in your ears. But, we are not to please our self only, but be there to help them. Our goal is to edify others, not to tear them down. We see a lot of denominational fighting and we see a lot of people in battles that they seem to be losing.

Rom 14:1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
Rom 14:2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.
Rom 14:3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.

Rom 14:21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.

1Co 9:22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

Often someone will come looking for sympathy, but they will leave when you tell them the solution to their problems. Jesus is all we need; hear him and obey him.

Jas 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
Jas 1:20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
Jas 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
Jas 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

Are you saved? Are you knew in Christ? Then renew your mind in his word.

Rom 12:2 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.

Rest in his peace, for he is our rest.

Joh 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Your help comes from the word of God, worshipping with thanksgiving and praise; let a song go out of your heart.

Eph 5:15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
Eph 5:16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Eph 5:17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
Eph 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
Eph 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
Eph 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Eph 5:21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

Do these things and you will be strong in the Lord.

Mind of Christ

The Same Mind

Rom 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another.

If we are of the same mind we should be in agreement about the Lord's commands.

Mat 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

Rom 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

1 Cor 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
1 Cor 2:15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
1 Cor 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

Rom 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

High things? Like hermaneutics and theological terms, using lofty terms. Keep your language simple so that all can understand. Are we thinking we are better than another? Remember God resists the proud, and exalts the humble. All need the love of God, are we better than that?

1 Cor 9:20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
1 Cor 9:21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
1 Cor 9:22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
1 Cor 9:23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.

Rom 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

Provide the truth in love.

Col 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
Col 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Mat 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Perfection or maturity comes from knowing God's word and the mind of Christ, a servant obedient mind full of love and good works. He gave his life humbling himself for us, even to the death of the cross. Can we die to self, and be living sacrifices for Jesus?

Coals of Fire

Rom 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

I suppose the opposite of peace would be fear and torment. This sounds like hell, the place of the damned and if I were headed there I would have no peace. Peace comes from God.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Is it possible to be at peace with all people? Jesus said no.

Mat 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
Mat 10:35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
Mat 10:36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.

Rom 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Leave the avenging to the LORD. Who can escape his judgment? We are not to "get even" or plot to hurt another.

Rom 12:20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

We are to do good to all in as much as is possible. Little acts of kindness may open a door to share Jesus. "Heaping coals" on one who treats you with disrespect, conviction because you do good to one who considers himself your enemy. Use careful discernment by the spirit of God.

Mat 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

All things are done by the leading of the Holy Spirit. Strive for peace with all people. Do good to all, let God be the judge, use wisdom and be led by the Spirit. These are not laws of stone, but laws of the Spirit to a sensitive and loving heart. Do not do anything by your own power, excercise discernment and follow the spirit.

Overcome with Good

Rom 12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

Jesus has overcome evil, and his spirit dwells in you and you in him.

The prayer of Jesus for us

John 17:17 Sanctify (separate, set aside unto God) them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
John 17:18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.
John 17:19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.
John 17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
John 17:21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Truth is light, Jesus is the light

John 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
John 3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
John 3:21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

John 10:10 The thief (devil) 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.

Salt prevents corruption

Mat 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
Mat 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Mat 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Mat 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Mat 12:35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
Mat 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
Mat 12:37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

The better way, Jesus Christ our Lord. Living our lives to glorify God by the power of his Spirit. We overcome Evil with the good we receive from God and we know that we shall not be condemned, but inherit all good things and eternal life with Christ Jesus our Lord, amen.

Catching Up

Rom 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
Rom 11:26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
Rom 11:27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.
Rom 11:28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes.
Rom 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

Israel's salvation has largely been put on hold until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in to the church, these are the peoples of the non Jewish nations. We are in the age of grace through faith in the finished work of Jesus. A time will come when the nations will no more come to Jesus. I believe what will follow is the Lord catching up his church to be with him. This has been called the rapture of the church. The name "rapture" is not in the Bible."Rapture" is an English noun derived from the Latin verb rapiō, with a literal meaning of "I catch up" "or "I snatch". (Wikepedia) The word was first used by a nineteenth century commentator, referring to this Bible text:

1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
1Th 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Following this will come a time of persecution, especially towards Israel, where a great number will be killed. There will also be a time of tribulation, the wrath of God sent to the unbelieving nations. The LORD will do a work in the hearts of the Jews and they will be saved at the second coming of Christ. All the Jews who remain shall be saved at this time. At every time there has been a remnant of the Jews who were saved by faith in the promises of God and this is by faith in the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Rom 11:32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.
Rom 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
Rom 11:34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?
Rom 11:35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?
Rom 11:36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

May we be aware of these coming events and not be caught up in the things of this world.

Eph 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
Eph 2:14 For he is our peace, who hath made both (Jew and Gentile) one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

Eph 2:18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

Arrows

I have had visions of a bow with an arrow about to be released. I took this as a sign to keep going ahead. Later in church, a prophesy was given that I was as an arrow sent to hit the target that God had prepared for me. When I see this vision, I am usually in a place that I am not to remain, but am to keep going until I am sure that I am where I should be. I have not had that vision for a number of years, so I assume I am where I was sent to be. Let us look at a few places where arrows were used as messages or warnings.

Arrows were sent by Jonathan to warn David that it was not safe to return to King Saul's palace.

1Sa 20:22 But if I say thus unto the young man, Behold, the arrows are beyond thee; go thy way: for the LORD hath sent thee away.

Elisha the prophet:

An arrow of deliverance

2Ki 13:14 Now Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness whereof he died. And Joash the king of Israel came down unto him, and wept over his face, and said, O my father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof.
2Ki 13:15 And Elisha said unto him, Take bow and arrows. And he took unto him bow and arrows.
2Ki 13:16 And he said to the king of Israel, Put thine hand upon the bow. And he put his hand upon it: and Elisha put his hands upon the king's hands.
2Ki 13:17 And he said, Open the window eastward. And he opened it. Then Elisha said, Shoot. And he shot. And he said, The arrow of the LORD'S deliverance, and the arrow of deliverance from Syria: for thou shalt smite the Syrians in Aphek, till thou have consumed them.

Arrows of bitterness and Judgment

Psa 64:2 Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity:
Psa 64:3 Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words:
Psa 64:4 That they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not.
Psa 64:5 They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them?
Psa 64:6 They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search: both the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart, is deep.
Psa 64:7 But God shall shoot at them with an arrow; suddenly shall they be wounded.
Psa 64:8 So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: all that see them shall flee away.
Psa 64:9 And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of his doing.
Psa 64:10 The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory.

Arrows as the blessings of children

Psa 127:3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
Psa 127:4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
Psa 127:5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

Arrows are weapons and symbols for good or for evil. They are for the mighty who trust God and who are blessed of him. An arrow out of control is dangerous as a dart from satan, but an arrow in the hand of God is for good. Follow God's arrows and be blessed with strength and fulfillment.

Salvation

I thank God for these particular scriptures. They are his promises and show us the steps to salvation from our sins. These scriptures are referred to often in leading many to Christ and a new life in His Spirit.

Rom 10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

Preaching the word of faith

Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Rom 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

What is the way?

Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Confess with your mouth, or write it on the screen, that Jesus has risen from the grave. He is the only one who said he was of God who has risen from the grave, proving that he is of God. He is God the Son as this other powerful witnessing verse says:

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Confession of Jesus is believing and trusting in him with all your heart; this will save you from your sins.

Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

It is God who chooses you and then we respond with confession of faith and with believing in our hearts that he has risen from the grave. Confess your sins to God, he knows them, and give all to him. For Jesus has died for all your sins.

Psa 32:5 I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.

We acknowledge that Jesus is Lord and master of our life. After this, ask for the Holy Spirit. He will teach you all truth. By the spirit comes power to repent, to turn from the old ways, and to seek Gods direction and will. He will be the power to share the faith with others You will be born again of the Spirit of God.

John 3:3 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.

1 Pet 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

Behold all things have become new, I am a child of God. I have everlasting life with Jesus and he holds me in his hand . I am an adopted child of the king, forever.

If you think Jesus cannot forgive you, you are mistaken. No one is beyond the cleansing blood of Jesus if you are able to respond to his love. After death it is too late.Yes, he loves you, now is the time of salvation. Come to Jesus.

Israel Faces Judgment

Israel is our example of a nation that drifted away from God. They were busy in commerce and the affairs of life. Soon they took to themselves the gods of the surrounding nations. We can apply this to ourselves, for our nation has sought the god of prosperity and self. Many have turned away from the God of our founding fathers to idols of their own desires. Hosea delivers this unpopular message to Israel.

Hosea 9:1 Rejoice not, O Israel, for joy, as other people: for thou hast gone a whoring from thy God, thou hast loved a reward upon every cornfloor.
Hosea 9:2 The floor and the winepress shall not feed them, and the new wine shall fail in her.

Hos 4:12 My people ask counsel at their stocks, and their staff declareth unto them: for the spirit of whoredoms hath caused them to err, and they have gone a whoring from under their God.

Do not rejoice Israel, because you have acted as a spiritual whore, giving your idols credit for your harvest. Your increase was as a harlots wages because you worshipped fertility gods instead of the God of Israel. Your idols will fail you.

Hos 2:9 Therefore will I return, and take away my corn in the time thereof, and my wine in the season thereof, and will recover my wool and my flax given to cover her nakedness.

Hosea 9:3 They shall not dwell in the LORD'S land; but Ephraim shall return to Egypt, and they shall eat unclean things in Assyria.

They will be taken into slavery, because they did not serve their God. They will be taken captive into Egypt and into Assyria, where they will be fed food that is unclean to them.

Daniel and his three young friends were in Assyria or Babylon and they refused to eat the king's diet. God honored them by giving them good health from their vegetable diet.

Dan 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

Although most of Israel were into idolatry, they still followed the form of their religion. A remnant were very devout, as was Daniel.

Hosea 9:4 They shall not offer wine offerings to the LORD, neither shall they be pleasing unto him: their sacrifices shall be unto them as the bread of mourners; all that eat thereof shall be polluted: for their bread for their soul shall not come into the house of the LORD.
Hosea 9:5 What will ye do in the solemn day, and in the day of the feast of the LORD?
Hosea 9:6 For, lo, they are gone because of destruction: Egypt shall gather them up, Memphis shall bury them: the pleasant places for their silver, nettles shall possess them: thorns shall be in their tabernacles.

The LORD will not accept their unholy offerings.

Hos 8:13 They sacrifice flesh for the sacrifices of mine offerings, and eat it; but the LORD accepteth them not; now will he remember their iniquity, and visit their sins: they shall return to Egypt.

Memphis was south of Cairo. They had a large burial place there. Their homes and precious things will be overgrown with nettles, the ground shall bring forth cursed thorns. All they prized will be as a junk heap.

I see a picture of destruction, like the tornados that come and destroy everything swiftly. All the comforts and possessions are destroyed.

Isa 5:6 And I will lay it waste: it shall not be pruned, nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns: I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it.

Hosea 9:7 The days of visitation are come, the days of recompense are come; Israel shall know it: the prophet is a fool, the spiritual man is mad, for the multitude of thine iniquity, and the great hatred.

They had prophets and preachers preaching prosperity and ease, but this was not what God was saying. They were foolish and as madmen. Often they treated the truth spoken with contempt. Because of their iniquity they hated the messengers of God.

Isa 44:25 That frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad; that turneth wise men backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish;

Eze 13:7 Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, whereas ye say, The LORD saith it; albeit I have not spoken?

Hosea 9:8 The watchman of Ephraim was with my God: but the prophet is a snare of a fowler in all his ways, and hatred in the house of his God.

The true watchmen, the prophets who warn the people, are hated, even in the house of God.

Hosea 9:9 They have deeply corrupted themselves, as in the days of Gibeah: therefore he will remember their iniquity, he will visit their sins.

The false prophets by going along with the ways of the world, encouraged the people to go deeper into sin and adultery, as in the time of Gibeah when a Levites mistress was raped and murdered by the homosexual men of Gibeah.

Hos 10:9 O Israel, thou hast sinned from the days of Gibeah: there they stood: the battle in Gibeah against the children of iniquity did not overtake them.

Hosea 9:10 I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers as the firstripe in the fig tree at her first time: but they went to Baalpeor, and separated themselves unto that shame; and their abominations were according as they loved.

The LORD gave Israel special favors and covenants, but they turned to worship the false god baal.

Psa 106:28 They joined themselves also unto Baalpeor, and ate the sacrifices of the dead.

They became an abomination like that which they loved. I see those who love drug use, falling apart, looking very old before their time. I see pagan things taught in schools, their religion is loved and honored, though an abomination to the LORD.

Hosea 9:11 As for Ephraim, their glory shall fly away like a bird, from the birth, and from the womb, and from the conception.
Hosea 9:12 Though they bring up their children, yet will I bereave them, that there shall not be a man left: yea, woe also to them when I depart from them!
Hosea 9:13 Ephraim, as I saw Tyrus, is planted in a pleasant place: but Ephraim shall bring forth his children to the murderer.
Hosea 9:14 Give them, O LORD: what wilt thou give? give them a miscarrying womb and dry breasts.
Hosea 9:15 All their wickedness is in Gilgal: for there I hated them: for the wickedness of their doings I will drive them out of mine house, I will love them no more: all their princes are revolters.
Hosea 9:16 Ephraim is smitten, their root is dried up, they shall bear no fruit: yea, though they bring forth, yet will I slay even the beloved fruit of their womb.

God will judge the fruit of Ephraim, much as our people destroy their unborn. They are given over to their lusts and become unfruitful. It is painful to see our nation as Ephraim, given over to selfish desires and seeing the blessings of God being removed.

Hos 5:9 Ephraim shall be desolate in the day of rebuke: among the tribes of Israel have I made known that which shall surely be.

Deu 31:16 And the LORD said unto Moses, Behold, thou shalt sleep with thy fathers; and this people will rise up, and go a whoring after the gods of the strangers of the land, whither they go to be among them, and will forsake me, and break my covenant which I have made with them. Deu 31:17 Then my anger shall be kindled against them in that day, and I will forsake them, and I will hide my face from them, and they shall be devoured, and many evils and troubles shall befall them; so that they will say in that day, Are not these evils come upon us, because our God is not among us?
Deu 31:18 And I will surely hide my face in that day for all the evils which they shall have wrought, in that they are turned unto other gods.

Hosea 9:17 My God will cast them away, because they did not hearken unto him: and they shall be wanderers among the nations.

Hos 7:13 Woe unto them! for they have fled from me: destruction unto them! because they have transgressed against me: though I have redeemed them, yet they have spoken lies against me.
They were given the same judgment given to Cain.

Gen 4:12 When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.

I see people away from the Lord who wander aimlessly without purpose from place to place. We are not to be as these. We are to be rooted and grounded in the word of God. We are to dig deep into the word of God, we are to pray without ceasing and follow the will of God. We are to be firmly planted and fruitful in the work of the LORD. Our life is not in things, but in the Love of God. He has his hand on us and we prosper in him.

3Jn 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

LORD help us to keep our hearts upon you. May you be our highest desire and praise. May we not think too highly of ourselves or too low that we cannot serve you. Thank you for your word and may your hand be with us in all that we do. In Jesus I pray, Amen

People Pleaser

1 Sam 15:24 And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.
1 Sam 15:25 Now therefore, I pray thee, pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD.
1 Sam 15:26 And Samuel said unto Saul, I will not return with thee: for thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD hath rejected thee from being king over Israel.

Saul was told to utterly destroy the Amalekites and their livestock because of their transgression against Israel when they were returning from Egypt. The Amaliites were descendants of Esau. Because Saul did not obey the LORD completely, he lost the Holy Spirit anointing of God. Samuel would be sent to make another king. The anointing of the LORD would be given to a lowly shepherd boy named David.

Saul said that he allowed the people to take animals for sacrificing as well as King Agag of Amalek, because he feared the people. He wanted to please the people, more than to obey God. Is this not the sin of many of the churches as well? Instead of pleasing God by feeding the sheep the word of God, they speak easy words to please the people.

2 Tim 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
2 Tim 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

We need people like Jeremiah the prophet who faithfully spoke the commands of the LORD.

Jer 1:5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.
Jer 1:6 Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.
Jer 1:7 But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.
Jer 1:8 Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.
Jer 1:9 Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.
Jer 1:10 See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.

He served God, not man. Are we people pleasers like Saul? Or dedicated servants like Jeremiah? LORD make us your faithful servants. May our lives be for your glory and your service. In Jesus name, amen.