Age of responsability

Num 26:1 And it came to pass after the plague, that the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, saying,
Num 26:2 Take the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, from twenty years old and upward, throughout their fathers' house, all that are able to go to war in Israel.

The constitution of the United States placed the voting age as twenty one. During the Vietnam war, student activists opposed to the Vietnam war protested that if they were drafted and were placed in war at the age of eighteen, then they should be allowed the adult privileges to drink alcohol and to be able to vote. In 1971, the twenty-sixth amendment to the Constitution lowered the voting age to eighteen. In modern Israel both males and females are of military age at 18.

Looking back at the history of the Jews coming out of Egypt we see that God cursed the rebels of the people who had no faith in him. All adults, 20 or older were not allowed to come into the promise land.

Num 14:27 How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, which murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me.
Num 14:28 Say unto them, As truly as I live, saith the LORD, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you:
Num 14:29 Your carcases shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward, which have murmured against me,
Num 14:30 Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.
Num 14:31 But your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, them will I bring in, and they shall know the land which ye have despised.

There is another age of accountability in regards to being able to receive Jesus as savior from our sins. My daughter believed in Jesus as her Lord and Savior at four years of age. In a time of rebellion as our time now is, children are learning to do evil at early ages. Should they not be taught early the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ? Some adults never learn to accept responsibility for their actions. God holds them accountable, they cannot escape his judgement. All need the help of God through believing in Him and His Son who died to deliver us from sin into a more responsible life as sons of God. Our responsibility is to reach young and old for Christ Jesus and a new life in him. All ages are required to serve our God.

Little horn

Dan 8:9 And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land.

After the large horn, Alexander the great was broken off, four rulers were in power. A little horn grew in greatness. This was Antiochus IV Epiphanes who ruled Syria and Israels land. He gained his throne by murdering his brother, Seleucus Philopator, one of the four rulers. He ruled by flattery and bribery. Epiphanes means "illustrious" as a god. The Jews named him "Epimanes" meaning "madman."

Dan 8:10 And it waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them.

He cast down stars and trampled on them, he persecuted the Jewish people of God, He had over100,000 Jews murdered. The LORD told Abraham that they are as the stars of heaven.

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;

Dan 8:11 Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down.

He magnified himself even to the prince of the host, He made himself the object of worship instead of the Most High God of Israel. He took away the daily sacrifices in the temple in Jerusalem and defiled and profaned the holy temple. Paul later spoked of our bodies as the temple.

1 Cor 3:17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

Dan 8:12 And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practiced, and prospered.

This was the time when the high priests would pay Antiochus bribes to remove another from their office and to be the high priest. God's truth and righteousness were not honored. The High priests would out bribe one another to be in this position of authority, even selling some of the gold vessels from the temple. Such corruption was one reason that Antiochus remained in power, as a judgment from God. The man of God should not use the methods of the world to remain in power.

The little horn is a type of the coming beast, the final antichrist.

Rev 13:4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?
Rev 13:5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. Rev 13:6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
Rev 13:7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
Rev 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
Rev 13:9 If any man have an ear, let him hear. 

Ask the rock

Num 20:5 And wherefore have ye made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us in unto this evil place? it is no place of seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates; neither is there any water to drink.
Num 20:6 And Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they fell upon their faces: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto them.
Num 20:7 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
Num 20:8 Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink.
Num 20:9 And Moses took the rod from before the LORD, as he commanded him.
Num 20:10 And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?
Num 20:11 And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also.
Num 20:12 And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.
Num 20:13 This is the water of Meribah; because the children of Israel strove with the LORD, and he was sanctified in them.

Most of the faithless generation had died in the wilderness, but now their children were complaining. Moses was close to finishing his 40 year trek that had begun when he was 80 years old. Forty years of hearing the complaints and faithfully following God. Now, he makes a transgression of God's command. Why was it so important to just speak to the rock? Moses was told to speak to the rock this time, not to strike it. When he struck the rock twice, God was still merciful and the water came out, but Moses was told that he would not be going into the promise land. The rock in the old covenant story was a symbol for Jesus. Jesus was struck down once on the cross, never to be stricken again. Now we are to speak to the rock. We are to pray to the Rock of ages. We may ask the Rock for his blessings in God's will. Jesus is the Rock and as I meditated on this story a scripture passage came to mind that perfectly illustrates the command to speak to the Rock that was a type of, or an illustration of Jesus. In this New Testament story, Jesus made a side trip through Samaria to speak to an outcast woman at the well. Again water is the subject.

Joh 4:10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.
Joh 4:11 The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?
Joh 4:12 Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?
Joh 4:13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:
Joh 4:14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
Joh 4:15 The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.

We are to ask Jesus for the water, the Living water, the Holy Spirit.

Luk 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

Jesus, the Rock is one with God the Father. We may ask Jesus and we may ask our Heavenly Father for the Living Water. Ye must be born again of his Spirit through faith in Jesus Christ. Ask him to remove your sins and to make you a child of God. Let the Living Water flow from your innermost being.

Compassion

Mar 6:31 And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.
Mar 6:32 And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.
Mar 6:33 And the people saw them departing, and many knew him, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and outwent them, and came together unto him.
Mar 6:34 And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.

Joh 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
Joh 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
Joh 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

Jesus had compassion, something we all need.

compassion: moved with love and pity

Love must be shown in a positive way. Jesus was moved with compassion for  the hungry multitudes and miraculously fed the five thousand with loaves and fish. Pharaoh's daughter had compassion on baby Moses, a Hebrew child who would become the one to deliver his people. There is the parable of a man with a great debt that he could not pay and the master forgave it. The same man had no compassion on a man who owed him a much smaller debt. This is how we sometimes are to others. Our sins were forgiven, a great debt that we could not pay, but we cannot forgive someone who offends us. The master says that we must forgive others or we will not be forgiven. The good Samaritan had compassion on the wounded Jew and took care of him. The prodigal son took his inheritance and wasted it ending up in a pig pen, starving. He could have been rejected by all, but when he repented and returned to the father to be a servant, the father ran to meet him and restored him as his son with a banquet and great honor. His brother was angry at the prodigal brother. Sometimes we see people who do bad things and we are angry when God has compassion on them. We do not want to let them forget their past. We are to forgive and to love them.

Jud 1:21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
Jud 1:22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:
Jud 1:23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

Lam 3:22 It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
Lam 3:23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

Jesus had compassion on us, forgiving us, blotting out our sins because he loved us. We are to care about others and to do the right thing. It is God working through us that makes a difference. Let us be the compassion of Christ as we see the need.

Believe the true report

With so many reporting of fear and gloom, and many lies, who will we believe? If we believe God we will do well. Believe his promises and hang on to him. They are life and strength to you.

Pro 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Pro 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Pro 3:7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
Pro 3:8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

The children of Israel believed the negative reports of ten of the twelve spies sent in to explore the promise land. The LORD was angry at their whining and unbelief and would have destroyed them, but Moses interceded for them delaying their deaths.

Num 14:34 "'Because the men who explored the land were there for forty days, you must wander in the wilderness for forty years -- a year for each day, suffering the consequences of your sins. You will discover what it is like to have me for an enemy.'

35 I, the LORD, have spoken! I will do these things to every member of the community who has conspired against me. They will all die here in this wilderness!"

36 Then the ten scouts who had incited the rebellion against the LORD by spreading discouraging reports about the land

37 were struck dead with a plague before the LORD.

38 Of the twelve who had explored the land, only Joshua and Caleb remained alive. (NLT)

Are you speaking for God? Or from your own anger and discouragement? Put a guard on your mouth, trust God and obey him. Do not take on authority unless it is given by God. His Spirit is gentle but you do not want to oppose him and incur his wrath. If you are in Jesus, he protects us from the wrath of God. We are to share the gospel, the good news.

Rom 10:13  For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 

Rom 10:14  How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 

Rom 10:15  And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! 

Rom 10:16  But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? 

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

If God commands something we are to believe him and obey, even if all the world is in fear and rebellion.

Complaining

The people of Israel complained about the Manna they were fed. The manna satisfied all their dietary needs, but they craved the food of Egypt more than God's provision.

Num 11:18 "And tell the people to purify themselves, for tomorrow they will have meat to eat. Tell them, 'The LORD has heard your whining and complaints: "If only we had meat to eat! Surely we were better off in Egypt!" Now the LORD will give you meat, and you will have to eat it.

19 And it won't be for just a day or two, or for five or ten or even twenty.

20 You will eat it for a whole month until you gag and are sick of it.

For you have rejected the LORD, who is here among you, and you have complained to him, "Why did we ever leave Egypt?"'"

21 But Moses said, "There are 600,000 foot soldiers here with me, and yet you promise them meat for a whole month!

22Even if we butchered all our flocks and herds, would that satisfy them? Even if we caught all the fish in the sea, would that be enough?"

23 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Is there any limit to my power? Now you

will see whether or not my word comes true!"

I think many have fallen into the habit of complaining with dissatisfaction. People crave and demand from God as if he were only to serve them. They like to hear sermons about getting more and more from God, but what of their own character? Are we an unpleasant noise to others and to the LORD?

31 Now the LORD sent a wind that brought quail from the sea and let them fall into the camp and all around it! For many miles in every direction from the camp there were quail flying about three feet above the ground.

32 So the people went out and caught quail all that day and throughout the night and all the next day, too. No one gathered less than fifty bushels ! They spread the quail out all over the camp.

33 But while they were still eating the meat, the anger of the LORD blazed against the people, and he caused a severe plague to break out among them.

34 So that place was called Kibroth-hattaavah -- "the graves of craving" -- because they buried the people there who had craved meat from Egypt. will see whether or not my word comes true!" (NLT)

Eph 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
Eph 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
Eph 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
Eph 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Eph 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
Eph 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
Eph 2:7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

I love God's grace, but let us each be thankful for his provision and quit the complaining.

Follow the cloud

Num 9:15 And on the day that the tabernacle was reared up the cloud covered the tabernacle, namely, the tent of the testimony: and at even there was upon the tabernacle as it were the appearance of fire, until the morning.
Num 9:16 So it was alway: the cloud covered it by day, and the appearance of fire by night.
Num 9:17 And when the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle, then after that the children of Israel journeyed: and in the place where the cloud abode, there the children of Israel pitched their tents.
Num 9:18 At the commandment of the LORD the children of Israel journeyed, and at the commandment of the LORD they pitched: as long as the cloud abode upon the tabernacle they rested in their tents.
Num 9:19 And when the cloud tarried long upon the tabernacle many days, then the children of Israel kept the charge of the LORD, and journeyed not.
Num 9:20 And so it was, when the cloud was a few days upon the tabernacle; according to the commandment of the LORD they abode in their tents, and according to the commandment of the LORD they journeyed.
Num 9:21 And so it was, when the cloud abode from even unto the morning, and that the cloud was taken up in the morning, then they journeyed: whether it was by day or by night that the cloud was taken up, they journeyed.
Num 9:22 Or whether it were two days, or a month, or a year, that the cloud tarried upon the tabernacle, remaining thereon, the children of Israel abode in their tents, and journeyed not: but when it was taken up, they journeyed.

A cloud by day and fire by night, led the people of Israel for forty years through the wilderness to the promise land. If they would have obeyed God they could have gone into the promise land in nine days.,

The Holy Spirit guides the Christian today. We must be sensitive to his leading. He may move in the natural as the cloud and fire were seen by Israel, but usually he moves in our hearts by his spirit. Lacking faith we may take forty years to learn to obey him. I remember how close Jesus was in those early times of my conversion. Many can remember experiences of his presence at salvation, but do you experience his presence today?

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.
Act 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
Act 2:40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
Act 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Act 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Act 2:43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
Act 2:44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

Where the Spirit leads there is unity and peace.

Light

Mark 4:21 Then Jesus asked them, "Would anyone light a lamp and then put it under a basket or under a bed to shut out the light? Of course not! A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light will shine.

Mark 4:22 "Everything that is now hidden or secret will eventually be brought to light.

Mark 4:23 Anyone who is willing to hear should listen and understand!

Mark 4:24 And be sure to pay attention to what you hear. The more you do this, the more you will understand -- and even more, besides.

Mark 4:25 To those who are open to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But to those who are not listening, even what they have will be taken away from them. (NLT)

I like the way this translation reads. The light is Jesus and his word. He is to be heard and not ignored. When the word is spoken , do you hear it? When the Bible messages are sent to you, do you read them? We are to be active in the kingdom of light. If not the darkness may overcome us. Listen, everything that is hidden or secret will eventually be brought to light. Ask God for wisdom and understanding. Interpret the Bible with the Bible. It is all there for you to understand. The more you seek the word of truth, the more you will find truth and understanding.

Mark 4:25 To those who are open to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But to those who are not listening, even what they have will be taken away from them.

It grieves us when we hear of someone who once was with us, but who was not a good hearer of the word, that he has left the faith and is overcome by darkness. The light needs to be on, to show us how to be victorious in a time when darkness covers the land. We are overcomers in the kingdom of light. Keep hearing the word, keep reading and applying the truth to your life.

Gen 1:4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.

Psa 27:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

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!

Psa 90:8 Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance.

Psa 112:4 Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.

Psa 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Psa 119:130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

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 10:27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.

John 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
John 1:5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
John 1:6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
John 1:7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
John 1:8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
Joh 1:9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
Joh 1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
John 1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Joh 1:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. 

Blessings of God

When Moses was called to be the deliverer of his people, he felt that he was not adequate for the job. He was alone in the desert with only his Midianite family for forty years. Your mind can think a lot of things when alone and separated. When he said that he was not a good speaker, God sent him his brother Aaron who would be the spokesman and high priest of the people. Moses came from the family of the Levite's who would become the tribe that was separated unto God. Moses and Aaron were given visions of what would happen in Egypt. Feeling most humble Moses with his brother went to Egypt. They went as sent by God, trusting Him to deliver His people. When we overcome our thoughts and circumstances by responding to the calling of God, we will be a blessing. God spoke a blessing to His people through Moses and Aaron.

Num 6:22 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
Num 6:23 Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them,
Num 6:24 The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:
Num 6:25 The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
Num 6:26 The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
Num 6:27 And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them.

We want and need the blessings of God that come by faith and obedience. We are to be the people who bless others from the blessings we receive through God. This is promised through the Abrahamic covenant, to the people of faith in the one true God.

Gen 22:18 And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice. 

Be blessed and share your blessings. 

The family of Jesus

Mark 3:31 There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him.
Mark 3:32 And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee.
Mark 3:33 And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren?
Mark 3:34 And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!
Mark 3:35 For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.

His mother and brothers were outside calling him. Yes, he had brothers and sisters too.

Mat 13:54 And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?
Mat 13:55 Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?
Mat 13:56 And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?

Why were they not inside where he was ministering. They called the Jesus they knew in the flesh, the older brother. His Father in heaven had called him to a greater calling. His close family was the family of God.

The word "brethren" could mean family or close relatives or brothers in the faith. The word "sisters" refers to natural family or the family of God.

The Catholics have taught that the virgin Mary; was a virgin and Jesus was virgin born which is true. They say that she remained an eternal virgin. The scriptures show to me that Jesus was the firstborn of Mary and of God. There were other brothers and sisters born in the natural, half brothers and sisters, with Joseph as the father. Jesus the firstborn and preeminent of God, also has a spiritual family. All who are born again in the Holy Spirit are of his family. We belong to the family of God our best family. Our unbelieving natural families see us as flesh family and do not understand that we are Spirit born into God's family.

The epistles of James and Jude were said to be written by the half brothers of Jesus who were converted after his resurrection. When Jesus was on the cross, he entrusted the care of Mary to his spiritual brother John. The Bible never shows Jesus calling Mary mother. He referred to her as "woman". Religion has exalted Mary as the eternal virgin and the Mother of God. I think they have given too much attention to Mary, making her an idol. Mary was a humble virgin, chosen to be the birth mother of the Messiah. Jesus is God the Son and we are to exalt him. Let us come together as own family in Christ Jesus.

John 19:25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.
John 19:26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!
John  19:27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.

Mercy, judgment and truth

Mar 3:1 And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand.
Mar 3:2 And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him.
Mar 3:3 And he saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand forth.
Mar 3:4 And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace.
Mar 3:5 And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.
Mar 3:6 And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.

Hardness of heart, a heart of stone as hard as the stone tablets that were engraved with the law. Jesus came to them with healing mercies and truth. They wanted to kill him as if to beat him to death with the stone tablet. Using the law to condemn with hateful hearts and there are so many like this in the religions of the world. Jesus had compassion on a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath in the synagogue. There are churches that meet on their Sabbaths and there are synagogues that gather the people on the Sabbath to hear the law preached, but what of mercy and truth? What of mercy and judgement?

Psa 85:9 Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land.
Psa 85:10 Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
Psa 85:11 Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven.

Pro 14:22 Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.

Deu 32:4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.

Isa 42:3 A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.

Jesus brought judgment and truth to the hard hearted Pharisees. They had no mercy, for they proceeded to find a way to kill their Messiah. That is what happens when law is not mixed with judgment and mercy.

Jer 4:1 If thou wilt return, O Israel, saith the LORD, return unto me: and if thou wilt put away thine abominations out of my sight, then shalt thou not remove.
Jer 4:2 And thou shalt swear, The LORD liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.
Jer 4:3 For thus saith the LORD to the men of Judah and Jerusalem, Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns.
Jer 4:4 Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your heart, ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: lest my fury come forth like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings.

Mat 23:23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Mat 23:24 Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.

We must not be hard hearted using the law to destroy, but we are to have hearts of mercy and compassion, using good judgment from God. Beware of thoughts that destroy and words spoken that tear down others. Seek to bring healing to souls and bodies through our Lord Jesus Christ. Be a blessing as He blesses you and do not limit the moving of God in our midst.

Healing power

Mar 2:5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. 

Mar 2:6 But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, 

Mar 2:7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?
Mar 2:8 And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?
Mar 2:9 Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?
Mar 2:10 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)
Mar 2:11 I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.
Mar 2:12 And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.

In the presence of Jesus, there is power and there is healing. Most churches believe that Jesus saves. That is the mission of the church, to teach the world that Jesus saves us from our sins. When it comes to whether Jesus heals now, then their is not as much unity in the churches. Jesus saves and he heals. Are all saved? Are all healed? No, the churches have many who say they are Christian, but have never really been converted. Not all have a new heart, a new presence of the Holy Spirit. When Jesus said "Ye must be born again", he was referring to the experience of accepting him with the evidence of the Holy Spirit; A new life in His Spirit.

In the scripture story, the sick man had friends that carried him and opened up the clay roof in the crowded building where Jesus was teaching a big group of people, including certain scribes, and they let him down in the presence of Jesus. When he saw their faith he forgave the sick man's sins. When we are sick have others pray for you, it was the combined faith that moved Jesus to heal the man in this story. The scribes were angry at this, because only God can forgive sins. Jesus is God the Son. Jesus asked them which was the easiest to say, your sins are forgiven or get up and walk? Both of these require evidence. All, yes all who saw the man healed were amazed and glorified God.

In our church several came to the altar seeking healing. They were prayed for, but another came for salvation. All these are given in the presence of Jesus. Have faith, and let others pray for you and with you. Jesus has power to heal and to make whole. Jesus healed all who came to him, but it doesn't say that he forgave the sins of all who came to him. Which is the greater need? Many seek healing of their bodies, but neglect to ask Jesus for salvation. Jesus saw the greater need of forgiveness of sins and then he healed the body.

Mar 16:20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. 

Shewbread

Lev 24:5 And thou shalt take fine flour, and bake twelve cakes thereof: two tenth deals shall be in one cake.
Lev 24:6 And thou shalt set them in two rows, six on a row, upon the pure table before the LORD.
Lev 24:7 And thou shalt put pure frankincense upon each row, that it may be on the bread for a memorial, even an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
Lev 24:8 Every sabbath he shall set it in order before the LORD continually, being taken from the children of Israel by an everlasting covenant.
Lev 24:9 And it shall be Aaron's and his sons'; and they shall eat it in the holy place: for it is most holy unto him of the offerings of the LORD made by fire by a perpetual statute.

How large were these shew bread loaves? Each loaf contained from three to four quarts of unleavened flour. One quart is four cups of flour. When I make a one pound loaf of bread, I use two cups of flour. So these loaves were from twelve to sixteen cups of flour for each one. Each loaf weighed from six to eight pounds. There were twelve of these loaves in two rows of six, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. They were placed before the LORD in the holy place of the tabernacle on a gold covered table. Pure frankincense was put on each row probably in plates and burned as a memorial offering to the LORD. This was to be a continual offering for an everlasting covenant. Aaron and his sons were given the bread each week when it was replaced. David ate the bread in a time of need. It is a representation of an everlasting holiness before the LORD. Jesus is the bread of life, our everlasting covenant before the LORD. He is our spiritual provision as our natural or daily bread is required for our bodies.

Mat 12:1 At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat.
Mat 12:2 But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day.
Mat 12:3 But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him;
Mat 12:4 How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests?

Joh 6:33 For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.
Joh 6:34 Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.
Joh 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. 

Fish for People

Mark 1:16 One day as Jesus was walking along the shores of the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother, Andrew, fishing with a net, for they were commercial fishermen.

Mark 1:17 Jesus called out to them, "Come, be my disciples, and I will show you how to fish for people!"

Mark 1:18 And they left their nets at once and went with him. (NLT)

The church has seminars, special Bible studies and groups to teach how to "fish for people". But, there are few who actually go out and reach people for Jesus. Jesus taught by example, so our lives must first be an example. Do not think that you cannot share Jesus, you can, just look for opportunities, someone needs what you have to say. Ask God for boldness. Paul asked for prayer that he would speak boldly. The Holy Spirit gives you boldness so pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Let us pray for each other that we may reach others for Christ. We are not perfect, but he is and people need to be saved. Let their need for Jesus penetrate your heart of compassion. Jesus is the way to God, so share John 3:16 and your personal testimony. Ask them; Is there any sin that he will not forgive? Give them the assurance that Jesus loves them and will forgive them and accept them as eternal children of God.

Eph 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Eph 6:19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 

True Lies

False witnesses

In the news they repeat a lie over and over and the people believe it to be truth; this is how they shape public opinions. The greatest news event was that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead. He said he would do so and he did overcome death and the grave. He gave us the sure way to eternal life. He is the way, the truth and the life. (John 14:6) This is the gospel, the good news. However, the news shapers were busy covering up the truth with an "official" news story. A lie to hide the inconvenient truth. Jesus arose from the well guarded grave on the third day as he said he would. The guards guarding his tomb by law would die if a prisoner escaped. Instead there was a cover up by a false account of what happened.

Mat 28:11 Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.
Mat 28:12 And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,
Mat 28:13 Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.
Mat 28:14 And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.
Mat 28:15 So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

Pro 12:17  He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit. 

Removing truth and righteousness is removing God from society. In the laws in Leviticus, sexual sins were not allowed. All the new laws supporting gay rights go against the laws of God. Television sitcoms and movies have shown that sex before marriage is normal. Every perversion is available to see or to experience through the Internet. Political leaders collect information on their opponents, even using the FBI, so that they may blackmail or accuse them. A ruthless leader could destroy the opposition or control them by digging up the files on their life style. The lie of evolution is taught as truth, removing God as the creator. Wake up people and return to the God of Christian America. Sure you can dig up sins committed by our fathers in the past, but they believed in God.The majority today do not know what to believe. I believe that the Bible is the truth of God. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God who came to us in a human body, taught us, did many healings and miracles, and was killed on a cross for our sins. He was our substitute sin bearer and our atonement for sins. He did come out of the cave tomb back to life and there were many witnesses to prove that he did this. He is the way to eternal life with God, his Father. We become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ and that is the gospel truth.

1Jn 1:8  If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 
1Jn 1:9  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 
1Jn 1:10  If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 

Not Ashamed

Many say that they will not become a Christian because of what others would say. Listen now, Jesus paid the price to set you free enduring insults from all sides. Let go of your sins and foolish pride and come to the Savior of your eternal soul. He came to set you free.

Mar 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Mar 8:35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.

Mat 27:38 Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.
Mat 27:39 And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,
Mat 27:40 And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.
Mat 27:41 Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said,
Mat 27:42 He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.
Mat 27:43 He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.
Mat 27:44 The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.

Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Heb 12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Heb 12:4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

One of the thieves on a cross next to him repented and Jesus said to him "To day shalt thou be with me in paradise."

Luk 23:39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
Luk 23:40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
Luk 23:41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
Luk 23:42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
Luk 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.


Joh 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. 

Satan was cheering the crowd on and sometimes he may seem to be oppressing you. Remember who you are. Jesus is in you, His Spirit goes along side of you. Speak the name of Jesus and be at peace. You will never be ashamed of his name. He loves you and you love him back.

Joh 15:12  This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. 
Joh 15:13  Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 
Joh 15:14  Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. 
Joh 15:15  Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. 

No place for repentance

I see two men who were called the son of perdition in the Bible; Judas Iscariot and the Beast, the antichrist that will come as a false Christ in the last days.(2Thes 2:3) In both of these men satan enters into them to try to destroy Jesus or his people. Along with these who have no place for repentance are the fallen angels who followed satan. All of these will be cast into the lake of fire to be tormented forever. Jesus died to redeem fallen children of Adam. Judas and some of the fallen angels are now in hell and hell will be cast into the lake of fire. Pray for men but never for angels. Pray to God, but not to his angels. Angels are servant messengers, but people were created in the image of God.

Mat 27:3 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,
Mat 27:4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.
Mat 27:5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.
Mat 27:6 And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.

My first thoughts are that the chief priests were as guilty as was Judas. They were the spiritual leaders who schemed to kill Jesus. They hired Judas to betray the Lord with their temple silver. Now the silver was no longer acceptable to be returned to where it was taken, in the temple treasury? Such hypocrisy. Money is neutral, it is how it is secured or used that may be sinful. Judas sinned by coveting money more than his love and obedience to Jesus the Messiah. His covetousness clouded his spiritual vision. He sought repentance from those who were as evil as he was. It was too late for Judas, the devil had entered him and the devil would be sure that he died. Jesus called Judas the son of perdition.

Joh 17:11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.

Joh 17:12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.

Millions of people are in religions that offer no place of repentance for salvation and eternal life. They need to come to Jesus.

Mat 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
Mat 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

If a tormented person comes to us to repent, it is an opportunity to bring them to Jesus. If we are sinful hypocrites as were the high priests, then we are working with satan to kill the lost. May this never be so. We are to be as ambassadors, evangelists and preachers for Jesus to bring the lost to him. If our hearts are evil, what good are we? We must keep our ways pure; repentance, reading the Bible and prayer, so that we can help the lost to find life in Jesus, before the devil kills them. Lord make us your bold witnesses in these last days. In Jesus name, amen.