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Showing posts with label King David. Show all posts
Showing posts with label King David. Show all posts

Monday, December 18, 2017

May The Faith Be With You Holy Bible - Book Review

This Bible is perfect is for ages 6-10. It includes 24 full - color pages exploring the marvel of God's creation and the meaning of faith.

This Bible is easy to read and understand. It is the New International Reader's Version. It is called the NIrV.

People who are just starting to read will understand and enjoy The NIrV. Children will be able to read it and understand it. So will people who have a hard time understanding what they read. And so will people who use English as their second language.

The NIrV is based on the NIV. The NIV Committee on Bible Translation (CBT) did not produce the NIrV. They tried to use words that were easy to understand.

This Bible has a title to almost every chapter. Sometimes they to even gave a title to a section. They did these things to help the readers understand what the chapter or section is all about.

In the New Testament the Sea of Galilee is also called the sea of Gennesaret. But in the NIrV they decided to call it the Sea of Galilee everywhere it appears.

For example, sometimes the Bible says "the River" where it means "the Euphrates River." In those places, they used the full name "the Euphrates River."

They wanted the NIrV to say what the first writers of the Bible said. So they kept checking the Greek New Testament as they did their work. That's because the New Testament's first writers used Greek. They also kept checking the Hebrew Old Testament as they did their work. That's because the Old Testament's first writers used Hebrew.

Psalm 23: David wrote this psalm as a song to praise God. Read the words below and think about all the ways God, our great Master, takes care of us.

The LORD is my shepherd. He gives me everything I need.

He lets me lie down in fields of green grass.

He leads me beside quiet waters.

He gives me new strength.

He guides me in the right paths for the honor of his name.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid.

You are with me.

Your shepherd's rod and staff comfort me.

You prepare a feast for me right in front of my enemies.

You pour oil on my head.

My cups runs over.

I am sure that your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life.

And I will live in the house of the LORD forever.


What Is Prayer?

Prayer is simply talking to God - just like you would talk to a friend. But you can tell God absolutely anything and everything, and you can talk to him anytime and anywhere!

An easy guide to prayer is to use your hands! Each finger can remind you who to pray for:

Thumb: (People closest to you.) Tell God thank you for your friends and family and ask him to take care of their needs.

Pointer: (People who point the way.) Thank God for the leaders, teachers and pastors in your life. Pray about the important work they do.

Tall Finger: (People in authority.) Our police, government and military need God's wisdom and protection. Pray for their needs.

Ring Finger: (People who are weak.) Pray for the sick and weak. Ask God to give them healing and strength.

Little Finger: (Yourself.) Ask God to forgive you for your sins. After you have prayed for others, God wants you to talk with him about what you need too!

Sunday, June 25, 2017

Sunday - Samson's Call - Judges 13:1-7, 24-25 - 6/25/17

The Philistines lived on the west side of Canaan, along the Mediterranean seacoast. From Samson's day until the time of David they were the major enemy force in the land & a constant threat to Israel. The Philistines were fierce warriors; they had the advantage over Israel in numbers, tactical expertise, & technology. They knew the secret of making weapons out of iron. But none of that mattered when God was fighting for Israel.

Once again the cycle of sin, judgment, & repentance began. The Israelites would not turn to God unless they had been stunned by suffering, oppression, & death. This suffered was not caused by God, but resulted from the fact that the people ignored God, their Judge & Ruler. The warnings in God's Word are clear; if we continue to harden our hearts against God, we can expect the same fate as Israel.

The angel of the Lord could have been a special divine messenger sent from God or a pre-incarnation appearance of Jesus Christ. The reason for the angel's visit was to give Samson's parents the vital news that Samson would begin to rescue Israel from the Philistines.

Samson was to be a Nazarite - a person who took a vow to be set apart for God's service. Samson's parents made the vow for him. A Nazarite vow was sometimes for him. A Nazarite vow was sometimes temporary, but in Samson's case, it was for life. As a Nazarite, Samson could not cut his hair, touch a dead body, or drink anything containing alcohol.

Although Samson often used poor judgment & sinned terribly, he accomplished much when he determined to be set apart for God. In this way he was like the nation Israel. As long as the Israelites remained set apart for God, the nation thrived. But they into terrible sin when they ignored God.

Manoah's wife was told that her son would begin to rescue the Israelites from Philistine oppression. It wasn't until David's day that the Philistine opposition was completely crushed. Samson's part in subduing the Philistines was just the beginning, but it was important nonetheless. It was the task God had given Samson to do. Be faithful in following God even if you don't see instant results, because you might be beginning an important job that others will finish.

Samson's tribe, Dan, continued to wander in their inherited land, which was yet unconquered. Samson must have grown up with his warlike tribe's yearnings for a permanent & settled territory. Thus his visits to the tribal army camp stirred his heart, & God's Spirit began preparing him for his role as judge & leader against the Philistines.

God uses a variety of means to develop & prepare us: hereditary traits, environmental influences, & personal experiences. As with Samson, this preparation often begins long before adulthood. Work at being sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading & the tasks God has prepared for you. Your past may be more useful to you than you imagine.

Samson's Ventures: He grew up in Zorah & wanted to marry a Philistine girl from Timnah (Timnath). Tricked at his own wedding feast, he went to Ashkelon & killed some Philistine men & stole their coats to pay off a bet. Samson then let himself be captured & brought to Lehi where he snapped his ropes & killed 1,000 people.

Reference summary used from Life Application Bible, KJV, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

2 of - The Heart: The Key to Everything in the Christian Life - Book Review

When King Solomon had the Ark of the Covenant brought to the temple at its dedication, he had the Levites play cymbals, harps, lyres , & trumpets. Singers raised their voices to praise God with this magnificent musical accompaniment. The glory of the Lord filled the temple with a cloud after this musical display. (2 Chronicles 5:12-14).

When a vast army of Moabites, Ammonites, & Meunites came against Jerusalem, King Jehoshaphat & all of Judah stood before the Lord & prayed. When the Israelites returned to Jerusalem in victory, they went to the temple of the Lord with harps, lutes, & trumpets praising God in music & song. (2 Chronicles 20:21-22,28).

In 2 Chronicles 29:25-28 we read that King Hezekiah opened the doors of the temple & cleansed it from idolatry, one of the first he did was reestablish music & song there. He furnished the Levites with cymbals, harps, trumpets, & all the instruments of David.

After rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, Nehemiah immediately established the singers in the temple.

The book of Nehemiah indicates in the time of David there were directors of music for the singers & songs of praise & thanks. Nehemiah realized how important music was in the service of God in the temple & for the worship of God among the people.

After Jesus instituted communion as a memorial of His death, Matthew 26:30 says, "When they had sung a hymn, they went to the Mount of Olives." Mark 14:26 states that Jesus sang this hymn along with His disciples right before He prayed in Gethsemane shortly before He was crucified. This was probably not the first time that they had sung together, but this is the only time recorded in Scripture that our Lord sang.

This hymn is believed to be from the psalms called the "Great Hallel" or the "praise Psalms," which were Psalms 113-118 & 136.

A song can lift us into the presence of God & comfort our hearts even in life's darkest hours.

Paul & Silas was severely beaten for preaching the gospel & thrown into prison with their feet in stocks, but they sang praises to God in the midst of this seemingly hopeless situation. God moved with a great earthquake that shook the entire foundation of the prison & they were set free.

Throughout time, great men in Church history have understood the profound effect of music on the heart & the importance of godly music in the life of a Christian.

Martin Luther, who is credited with igniting the flame of the Protestant Reformation, was a wonderful composer.

One of his greatest hymns, which was one of my favorite growing up, "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God."

Martin Luther had a legendary love for music. He often played after dinner with his family & guests & composed songs for his children. Music was not just a recreational tool for Luther - it was an integral part of his life & he found a source of strength & comfort in music.

Luther was well aware of the power of music & insisted that its proper use was "to the glorification of God & the edification to man."

During the Wesleyan Revival in the 18th Century, Charles Wesley wrote more than six thousand hymns, including some that became classics of the Church, like "O for a Thousand Tongues to Sink," "Jesus, Lover of My Soul," & "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing."

Listening to music is not meant to replace a Christian's time in studying & mediating on the Bible, or prayer & intimate fellowship with the heavenly Father & our Lord Jesus.

Music either pulls you into the heart of God or pulls you into the heart of God or pulls you into the heart of the world. God is crying out to the Church & to every Christian believer, "Do not be ignorant or fooled by music & think your listening choices are harmless to your walk & relationship with me!"

Since the fall of Lucifier, music has been a major weapon in the battle for the heart.

Often our greatest songs of praise are borne in trials & temptations.

Many Christians today have lost the song in their hearts for God. When the heart is bitter & unforgiving, when the heart forgets God, when the heart becomes entangled with the things of this world, it loses its song.

In Exodus 15, the children of Israel sang the right song when they were delivered from the army of Egypt, but they sang it on the wrong side. They should have been singing this song even when they were in bondage in Egypt, not simply after a great miracle & deliverance from God.

Our God will never fail us. Our God will never leave us, or forsake us, & His strength is perfect in our weakness.

Yes, indeed - God is my Salvation. God - yes God! is my strength & song, best of all, my salvation!

Our song is never a song of anxiety, fear, or worry. He is our strength, our defender, our provider, & our deliverer. We should be raising the roof with our praise - song to God.

We cannot keep silent about the wonder of our God & His amazing works. God cries when the song of our hearts goes silent.

Don't lose your love song for God by turning away from Him when things get tough.

Yahweh your God is there with you, the warrior-Savior. He will rejoice over you with happy song, he will renew you by His love, He will dance with shout of joy for you (NJB).

This song of God is a hymn of deliverance; victory, & Salvation. Psalm 32:7 says that God "surrounds us with songs of deliverance." God sings because He knows that He has made you in Christ & that He has given you a name & divine destiny.

But God, says, "No matter anyone says, you are my beloved, My treasure, My pearl more valueable than all the treasures of the earth."

God sings to us. We sing to God.

Nothing is more important to our life than the thoughts that occupy our minds on a daily basis. The critical question becomes "What are you thinking?"

Our hearts are built on the foundation of our thoughts. The heart is molded & shaped by our thoughts. Thoughts are the blueprint of the hear, & the heart becomes the image of its thought. We are what we think.

We can't ignore the importance of our thinking if we want to love God with all our heart.

Tozer encourages Christians to "form the habit of a holy thought life."

God commands us to love Him with all our mind (Luke 10:27).

Our thought life should prepare our hearts for the Lord so that He might live & reign from its throne room. King David, in his last admonishment to his son Solomon & the children of Israel, exhorts them to frame their thoughts carefully so God can prepare their hearts to love & serve Him above all else.

The heart is like a mirror, reflecting the image of its thoughts. God should be the only image that dominates our thinking.

The author, Tim Rowe has a doctorate of jurisprudence & a bachelor's degree in biblical studies, history, & classics. An attorney & author. He is the president of Goodness of God Ministries & lives in Indianapolis with his wife & son.





Thursday, May 11, 2017

Part I: The Heart The Key to Everything in the Christian Life: Book Review

The fact is the heart is the key to everything in your life! Your family, your job, your relationships, & your self-image all depend on the condition of the heart. The quality of your service & witness for Christ comes down to the condition of your heart. Even your future rewards in the kingdom of God & your responsibilities in His kingdom throughout all eternity will be determined by the motives & condition of your heart here & now.

You need to understand what constitutes a healthy heart, according to the Bible, before you can take real lasting steps toward building it up & keeping it in top condition. But you must realize that you have an Enemy who wants to take your heart captive. He wants to weigh it down with oppression, bondage, impurities, bitterness, hatred, envy, & strife so that it is weak & sickly throughout your life.

God meant for your heart to be alive with His presence, a place where He is enthroned as its rightful ruler. Your heart is a treasure that should be given fully to Him, for only in God your heart your heart will find its home. Your heart is meant to be, like the Holy Holies in the temple in the Old Testament, a place where God is vibrantly alive & present, where He lives & is enjoyed & is intimately experienced.

The loving & magnificent God of the universe has a purpose & a destiny for you. You are part of a plan that will rock Satan's kingdom to the core & shake up the world for Jesus Christ. No one else has been given your unique mission as it has been ordained by God Almighty.

There was a salt covenant with meals in the Bible in which a person would bind himself to another in utmost loyalty & truthfulness as salt was a symbol of enduring friendship, honesty, & close alliance. It is still common today for people from the Eastern culture to say, "There is salt between us."

Jesus Christ wants to make a salt covenant with your heart, too. He wants your heart to be forever knit & linked with His, united & moving forward as one.

The heart is the center of everything that is manifested & comes forth in your life.

The heart is "essentially the whole man, with all his attributes, physical, intellectual, & psychological ... & the heart was conceived of as the governing center for all of these. It is the heart which makes the man ... what he is, & governs all his actions."

Every moment you draw breath upon the earth, something is flowing out of your heart.

What flows out of the heart even determines the direction & course of your life.

The first usage of this word "wellspring" in Scripture is found in the book of Numbers, in which God reveals to Moses the borders of the Promised Land that Israel is to go & possess: "This will be your land, with its boundaries on every side" (Numbers 34:12).

God has set the boundaries of a Promised Land for your life where you can accomplish your God-given destiny & purpose that God has lovingly designed for you. This Promised Land is a place where you can enjoy the blessings of God, the peace of God, the deliverance of God, the protection of God, & the presence of God. The Promised Land is where God is enjoyed, praised, & glorified for His matchless love, grace, & mercy. But your heart can only remain in God's ordained Promised Land if you diligently guard its borders from infiltration by the enemy.

We must be aware that the enemy is always prowling near the borders of our hearts, subtly trying to gain entrance so he can establish a stronghold in the heart & exercise his control & influence.

In order to enter the Promised Land & keep its borders secure, we must guard our hearts with all diligence, protecting it from the schemes & strategies of Satan, devoting it instead wholeheartedly & passionately to God & His Word.

But the devil has also staked out a territory for your life, & it is called the wilderness. Evil is the active opposition of God's good purpose or design for a person with the intent of destroying, limiting, & hindering it in any way possible.

The devil is called the evil one (Matthew 5:37), if we are careless with our hearts, he will re-position the borders of life so that the destiny God has for you is shattered & broken into pieces.

An exodus is a departure from one geographical location to another. The most magnificent example in human history is, of course, the exodus of Israel out of the slavery & bondage of Egypt. Hundreds pf thousands of men, women, & children departed Egypt on their journey to a new land.

Is the exodus from your heart taking you to a land of promise or a land of bondage? Every journey have ever embarked upon in your life has come of the heart, & the condition of your heart will determine which path you decide to follow.

Without hearts that are utterly devoted to Him in all purity & faith, the gospel becomes dead in our Christian walk & growth.

We must take back our hearts from the clutches of Satan & allow God to heal, restore, & reign from the throne in our hearts.

The Spirit of God is the true guide, helper, encourager, purifier, & discerner of the heart. The Spirit of God enables Christians to follow God decrees, & it is always exerting its influence on the heart to obey God at all times.

The flesh & the Spirit are at odds & enmity & have been at war since the beginning.

Do people see Jesus when they see your heart? Open your spiritual eyes & look at your heart in the mirror of God's Word.

The heart is under vicious attack daily by the "god of this world" (2 Corinthians 4:4) who wants to cripple, sicken, & twist it, so that it becomes dead to the things of God.

A Sleeping Heart Is Unguarded.

Prayer Guards the Heart.

The organ we call the human heart pumps 1,900 gallons of blood through it every day.

In Scripture we discover three important gateways to the heart: our eyes, our ears, & our thoughts.

The eye is the second most complex organ in the human body, next to the brain. Our human eye can distinguish up to one million color surfaces, & our eyes take in more information than the largest telescope known to man.

Although much good can come through the Internet, numerous people, including Christians, have allowed the Internet to consume them & poison their heart for God. Forty million U.S. adults regularly visit pornographic sites, as this is fast becoming the number one addiction not only in America, but also around the world.

Pornography is like a cancer in the Christian church & has destroyed many lives, marriages, & ministries.

The devil understood this truth & used it to his advantage in the temptation & seduction of Eve. She was deceived by the serpent because she failed to guard her eyes & thus her heart (Genesis 3:4-6).

Make a Covenant with Your Eyes.

The Ears: The Second Gateway To The Heart.

Together, the ears are stereo receivers responsible for collecting sounds, processing them, & sending signals to the brain in a form that it understands.

Faith comes by hearing.

Faith always dwells & blossoms in the heart, but it is born & originates in the ear.

Hear & Obey.

Hear, Hear! Listen, Listen! Obey, Obey!

Whenever God's Words are rejected, it brings death in some way, shape, or form to the human heart.

Test Every Word.

But we don't have to be deceived!

The Hebrew word rendered as "test" in this passage means to search out, examine, try, & prove.

The Priest's Ear: Set Apart for God.

God set up the ministry of the priest in such a beautiful way to minister the heart of God to the needs of His people. The priests were to help restore the hearts of His people to the ways of God & keep them on the path of His righteousness.

The Prophet's Downfall.

A prophet was never to speak his own words but only that which he divinely heard from the heart of God.

What a chilling statement as to what can happen to the heart when the ears go astray! The prophets had allowed their hearts to become full of idolatry, lies, & wickedness.

Your Life Is Molded By Your Ear.

Be Still & Listen!

The Prince of the Power of the Air: The Spiritual Battle for Your Ears.

Paul calls Satan "the prince of the power of the air," indeed the devil has shown himself to be the great broadcaster to the world in this media age (Ephesians 2:1-2).

Satan's programming never takes a break.

Never Fear: Our God Is Greater.

The World Never Satisfies Like God Satisfies.

The Ears: Music's Enormous Impact on the Heart.

We must be aware of the music we are allowing to saturate our hearts.

Music in the Bible.

The right music is powerful enough to drive away demons & negative spiritual influences from the heart (I Samuel 16).

Music can calm the heart & make it more receptive to hearing the voice of the Lord. Music can bring our thoughts, emotions, & desires into the presence of the Lord, where the life & words of God can flow into our hearts (2 Kings 3).

In Exodus 32, music caused an increase in evil in the hearts of the children of Israel, plunging them into idolatry.

Angelic Music

Music is a vital part of heaven & the throne of God. It has been part of the worship & praise of God since the beginning. Lucifer (Ezekiel 28:13-14), was created as a beautiful & wise archangel, an anointed cherub, & music was an integrated part of his being.

Corruption of Music.

Music can cause the heart to become a prisoner of war in Satan's kingdom.

Moses the Songwriter.

Moses was a wonderful songwriter in the Bible & we see his first song in Exodus 15 after the miraculous deliverance of the children of Israel from the Egyptian army. In Revelation 15, the song of Moses is sung in heaven.

Make Music in Your Heart for the Ears of God'

All Music Originates in the Heart.

David the Musician & Songwriter.

David was a wonderful skilled musician & songwriter. He was also an inventor of musical instruments (I Chronicles 23:5; 2 Chronicles 7:6; Amos 6:5). He helped to reestablish the functions the functions of the Levites in regards to music in the tabernacle & select singers & musicians from the non-priest to participate in worship services of song & music to God. At the heart of their music was the wonderful book of Psalm.

Psalms is the hymn book of the Bible.

Tim Rowe (author) has a doctorate of jurisprudence & a bachelor degree in biblical studies, history, & classics. An attorney & author of The Magnificent Goodness of God & How It Will Transform Your Life, he is president of Goodness of God Ministries & lives in Indianapolis with his wife & son.

Monday, April 17, 2017

Monday - Mutually Sharing the Gospel of Christ - Romans 1:1-15 -4/17/17

1:1-7 ... Salutation. Ancient Greek letters customarily began with the names of the sender & the recipient & a short greeting. Paul expands the usual form to express his Christian faith as well. God's Son, who came into the world physically descended from David, was manifested & installed in his true status at the resurrection. Saints, those who belong to God, consecrated to his service. Grace ... & peace.


1:8-15 ... Thanksgiving. After the salutation in ancient letters there usually came a short prayer of thanksgiving or of petition on behalf of the person addressed. This element also Paul expands in a characteristically Christian way.

Reference summary used from The New Oxford Annotated Bible with The Apocrypha Expanded Edition, An Ecumenical Study Bible, RSV

Saturday, March 4, 2017

Saturday - Thankful for God's Steadfast Love - Psalm 40:1-10 - 3/4/17

Waiting for God to help us is not easy, but David received four benefits from waiting: God (1) lifted him out of his despair, (2) set his feet on firm ground, (3) established his goings (steadied him as he walked), & (4) gave him a new song.


The religious ritual of David's day involved sacrificing animals in the Tabernacle. Today we often make rituals of going to church, taking communion, or paying tithe. Make sure you give God the obedience & life-long service he desires from you.


Jesus portrayed this attitude of obeying & serving God (John 4:34;5:30).


God shows his righteousness & faithfulness to his people in his offer of salvation. David boldly proclaimed this to those around him. We want to tell other people what God has done for us. Since it is natural to share a good bargain with others or recommend a skillful doctor, then we should also feel natural sharing what God has done for us.


People who are faithful to us accept & love us, even when we are unloveable. Faithful people keep their promises whether promises of support or marriage vows. He loves us in spite of our constant bent toward sin, & he keeps all his promises he has made to us, even when we break our promises to him.

Reference summary used from the Life Application Bible KJV, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois

Monday, February 6, 2017

Tuesday - A Faithful Heir Will Succeed - I Kings 2:1-4 - 2/7/17

God's conditional promise was that David & his descendants would remain in office as kings only when they honored & obeyed him. When David's descendants failed to do this, they lost the throne.


God's unconditional promise was that David's line would go on forever. This was fulfilled in the birth of Jesus Christ, a descendant of David who was also the eternal Son of God.


David, whose life exemplified obedience, gave well-seasoned advice to his son, the next king. It would be up to Solomon to follow it.

Reference summary used from the Life Application KJV Bible, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois

Monday, May 26, 2014

God-Centered Prayer: Book Review

This is not a new book review - it is probably seven or more years older.

There are many wonderful things we can learn from the Old Testament saints. Theologian Graham Scroggie put it this way: "The New is in the old contained, and the Old is in the New explained!" Elijah, is commended for the way he prayed (James 5:17-18). We all want to pursue God with the passion of David, a man after God's heart, and with faith like Abraham.

God interrupted Moses and the children of Israel at the Red Sea, where they were trapped by Pharaoh and the world's greatest army. They cried out to God about their circumstances. What was God's response? He essentially said, "Folks, this is no time to pray. Moses, raise the rod and split the sea. And Moses did! (Exodus 14:15-16).

When Jesus arrived, HE did things on the Sabbath that the Pharisees couldn't accept. Then came the day when, with HIS disciples, HE lifted the Communion cup and said, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood" (Luke 22:20).

God responds to the prayers of those who love and honor HIM. We don't throw out the Old Testament and its prayers.

We approach God's throne of grace "with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" (Hebrews 4:16).

I Corinthians 10:13 -- God carefully measures our trials, and HE promises that we won't face more than we can bear. (But we must also keep in mind that when we choose to walk in darkness, we move out from under God's protection).

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Matthew 5:43-45 -- Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.

Jesus was no ordinary teacher. HE was the Prince of Peace. "Mercy triumphs over judgment!" (James 2:13).

The prayers God answers are those prayed in accordance with HIS will. The Holy Spirit "searches all things even the deep things of God," and "knows the thoughts of God."

God has told us to call on HIM and he will show us great and mighty things. (Jeremiah 33:3)

As Moses prayed with his hands raised to heaven, Joshua's army was victorious. Prayer worked! (Exodus 17:8-13)

Sickly King Hezekiah lay on his death bed. He cried out to God in prayer. God gave the king fifteen years. (II Kings 20:5)



The author's daddy, Dr. Robert E. Smith (a pastor) laid at death's door in a Tyler Texas Hospital. The medical team advised the family to make his funeral arrangements. In answer to prayer, God raised him up and gave him four and a half more years.

God has created all things for his pleasure. Everything is about the kingdom.

Jesus Christ is the rightful ruler of a spiritual Kingdom, and on day, all men will bow before HIM (Philippians 2:9-10).

What do we know about any king? He's born into his position. He rules those in his kingdom with absolute authority.

Those who are chosen by the king to serve as his ambassadors do everything to symbolize the kingdom. Scripture calls us "Christ's ambassadors" (II Corinthians 5:20).

The author shares in his book that "New Science Magazine" reported a world values survey that analyzed the levels of happiness in more than sixty-five (65) countries. Of the nations surveyed, the United States ranked sixteen (16) on the list, even though the standard of living in the U.S. far exceeds that of the fifteen (15) happiest nations.

Joshua 6 -- Praise preceded the fall of Jericho walls.

II Chronicles 20:14-21 -- Praise preceded Jehoshaphat's victory.

Mark 6:30-44 -- Praise preceded the feeding of the 5,000

Acts 16:20-34 -- Praise preceded the earthquake and jailbreak in Philippi

"It is said of Leonardo da Vinci, the great artist, that he wold sit practically motionless for days at a time, meditating and getting the inspiration for his masterpieces."

Celebrate the Small Stuff!

We are to celebrate God's smallest responses to our prayers. The psalmist David said, "I will praise God's name in song and glorify HIM with thanksgiving" (Psalm 69:30). Jesus said in John 14:13, "I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father."

In Exodus 15, after crossing the Red Sea and escaping the wrath of Pharaoh and his army, the children of Israel threw a praise party to celebrate God for bringing them safely out of Egypt.

Sometimes, after God has done something wonderful that we are celebrating, the enemy throws discouragment in our path.

The author and his wife had finished teaching at the convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, and were headed toward the airport, when they began to witness to the cab driver, who was from Ghana. After a few minutes he prayed to receive Christ as his Lord and Saviour.

When the cab stopped, the driver jumped out, hugged them, and thanked them for sharing Christ's life with him.

At the ticket counter the author's wife was given a boarding pass.

Then the woman looked at the author and told him, "Sir, I'm sorry, but your ticket has been canceled. You don't have a seat on this flight."

He told th woman, "I did't cancel my ticket."

She told him the airline canceled his ticket.

She then told him that he would have to buy another $471 ticket if he planned to fly home on the flight with his wife.

The author was fuming inside as he pulled out his credit card and purchased another $471 ticket. The author said God asked him, "Eddie, why did you sell my praise for $471?" All it took was one setback, one disappointment, to shut down his "praise party" for the salvation of the cab driver. He had allowed the evil one to crash his praise party and rob God of the praise HE was due - for a measly $471.

Let's acknowledge, thank, and celebrate every victory that God sends our way.

The author shares he does not promise to teach you how to get what you want from God. But he do hope that the readers of his book will know how to be heard in heaven.


I believe that Bethany sent me a complimentary copy to review.

Eddie Smith, Author of "How To Be Heard In Heaven. He is also co-founder and president of the U.S. Prayer Center, equips intercessors worldwide through articles, books, and his international teaching ministry.

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Looking Forward & Looking Back ... 3/16/2014 Sunday School Lesson

Michtam . David . God . Lord . Psalm/Tehillim 16:6 (The Upright Are Blessed & Prospered) . Lord - instruct me in night seasons . right hand . rest in hope . Psalm/Tehillim 116:11 (The Upright Are Blessed & Prospered - Everlasting Life) . Hebrews 2 . Psalm/Teillim 16:6(The Upright Are Blessed & Prospered) . Acts 13:35-37 . Psalm/Tehillim 110:4 (Genesis/Bereshith 14:17-20) . seed of Abraham . Christ . Christ Jesus . the law . righteousness - God by faith . power of HIS Resurrection . forgetting - behind . reaching forth before . press toward the mark . Acts 2 . Promise of Holy Ghost . David . The Lord - my Lord . same Jesus/Yeshua - ye crucified - both Lord & Christ . Psalm/Tehillim 110 . Zion . beauty of Holiness . priest forever - after order of Melchizedek . Jesus/Yeshua of Nazareth - Resurrection of Christ . Promise of Holy Ghost . Sunday School Lesson

The Sunday School Lesson for 3/16/2014 is shared from Psalm/Tehillim 110:1-4; Acts 2:22-24,29-32 (Devotional Reading: Psalm/Tehillim 16:7-11; Background Scripture: Psalm/Tehillim 110; Acts 2:22-36)

The Sunday School Lesson is shared from Revelation 5:6-13 (Devotional Reading: Matthew 9:35-10:1; Background Scripture: Revelation 3:7; 5:5-13; 6:12-7:17; 22:16) for 3/23/2014.

Michtam ... A golden Psalm of David

Melchizedek (king of righteousness), king of Salem, his priesthood above Aaron's


Psalm/Tehillim 110:1-4; Acts 2:22-24,29-32

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Psalm 110 ... Psalm of Adoration: Of God's power, majesty, & glory ... Prophetical, Typical, & Historical ... Psalm/Tehillim 110:4 (Genesis/Bereshith 14:17-20) ... Priest & King - God's invitation - God's promise

Acts 2:22-24,29-32 ... Christ & Israel - The Resurrection. Acts was written by Luke the physician & Acts was written has been known as the Gospel of the Holy Spirit

Psalm/Tehillim 110:1-4

Verses 1,2 ... Jesus Christ; Prophecies Concerning Christ; Kingship

Verse 3 ... Eschatology/Last Things; The Millennium; The Universal Triumph of Christianity

Verse 4 ... Jesus Christ; Prophecies Concerning Christ; Kingship

(Genesis/Bereshith 14; Hebrews 5:6,10; 7:1-3 ... Reference Scriptures in Sunday School Book)




Acts 2:22-24

Verses 22,23 ... Jesus Christ; Christ's Crucifixion; Christ's Death

Verse 23 ... Works of God; God's Providence In Man's Temporal Affairs; God Overrules Human Designs

Verse 24 ... Jesus Christ; Christ's Crucifixion; Explanation, By New Testament Writers


Monday - March 10, 2014 - Protect Me, O God - Psalm/Tehillim 16:1-6

Psalm/Tehillim 16 - Satisfied with God - Verse 5 (assigned/allotted) ... portion: land, property, or food. Verse 6 (lines: measured by a line) ... David in distrust of merits (reward/honor/esteem) & hatred or idolatry. He sheweth the hope of his calling, of the Resurrection, & life everlasting.


Tuesday - March 11, 2014 - Show Me the Path of Life - Psalm/Tehillim 16:7-11

Satisfied with God - Psalm of Supplication: Expressing of trust in God ... Psalm of Adoration: Of God's goodness & mercy ... Prophetical, Typical & Historical


Wednesday - March 12, 2014 - Freed from Fear of Death - Hebrews 2:14-18

The Outline of Salvation (Hebrews 2:14-18) God's Programme For Salvation (Hebrews 2:1-18) Warning & Exhortation (Hebrews 2:1-4) The Outline of Salvation (Hebrews 2:5-18)


Thursday - March 13, 2014 - The Power of the Resurrection - Philippians 3:7-11

Paul (apostle): past & present ... Warning Digression (Philippians 3:1-21) Digress (turn aside/going aside)


Friday - March 14, 2014 - The Heavenly Call of God - Philippians 3:12-16


Saturday - March 15, 2014 - Made Both Lord & Messiah - Acts 2:33-36

Peter's speech ... Pentecost & The Preaching (Acts 2:1-47) The exaltation of Christ - The appeal


Sunday - March 16, 2014 - Placed on David's Throne - Psalm/Tehillim 110:1-4; Acts 2:22-24,29-32


Scripture reference used/taken from: The International Teacher's Handy Bible Encyclopedia/Concordance KJV Precious Promise Bible, KJV Topical Edition Bible, Zondervan Bible Commentary, Merriam Webster's Deluxe Dictionary 10th Collegiate Edition







Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Unfork Your Tongue ... 2/23/2014 Sunday School Lesson

Sheminith . Psalm/Tehillim 12 . Philistines . Shochoh . Judah . Azekah . Esphesdammin . Saul . men of Israel . Valley of Elah . Goliah of Gath . 6 cubits & span . 5,000 shekels of brass . II Chronicles 15 . Spirit of God . Azariah - son of Oded . Benjamin . great vexations . prophecy of Oded . Mt. Ephraim - renewed altar of Lord - porch of Lord . Ephraim & Manasseh - Simeon . Jerusalem - 3rd month - 15th year offered unto Lord - spoil . Covenant . Be ye strong . Nehemiah 1 . Nehemiah . Hachalial . Chisleu (December) - 20th year - Shushah the palace . Shushan (Esther 1:2; Daniel 8:27) . Wall of Jerusalem . sat down - wept- mourned - fasted - prayed - God of Heaven . day & night - confess - sinned . commandments - Moses . mercy - this man . this man - Persian king . kings cupbearer (Nehemiah 2:1) . Genesis/Bereshith 24 . well . master Abraham . well of water . vigin cometh draw water for camels - woman whom Lord hath out - master's son - Rebekah came - pitcher . daughter of Bethuuel, Nahor's son . Milcah . earring upon face - bracelet upon hands . bowed head - worshipped Lord . right hand or left. Laban & Bethuel . earth . Proverb/Mishle 18. fool. wisdom . talebearer . Lord . strong tower . righteous runneth - safe . James 3 . tongue - little - boasteth great things - fire kindleth . tongue - no man can tamed . same mouth - blessings & cursings . can fig tree bear olive berries - vine fig . no fountain both yield salt water & fresh . Sunday School Lesson . Psalm/Tehillim 12:5 (Victory Over Enemies & Trouble) . Nehemiah 1:5 (The Upright Are Blessed & Prospered) . Nehemiah 1:9 (Pardon for Inquities & Sins) . Proverbs/Mishle 18:10 (Safety from Harm & Danger)

The Sunday School Lesson for 2/23/2014 is shared from James 3:1-12 (Background Scripture: James 3:1-12; Devotional Reading: Proverbs/Mishle 18:2-13)

The Sunday School Lesson for 3/2/2014 is shared from II Samuel 7:4-16 (Devotional Reading: Psalm/Tehillim 98; Background Scripture: II Samuel 7:1-17)

Sheminith ... 8th, & probably refers here to an instrument of strings

Esphesdammin ... coast of Dammim, called Pasdammim (I Chronicles 11:13)

Philistines (wanderers), people of Philistia. In the SW corner of Palestine(Then)/Holy Land(Now)lived the Philistines, who are said to have come from Caphtor; & apparently descendants of Mizraim. (Mizraim: dual - plural name of Egypt) (Caphtor: knob, pomegrante, in Upper Egypt)

Shochoh (I Samuel 17:1)

Judah (praise), son of Jacob, pledges himself for Benjamin, tribe of blessed by Moses, Jews derived from Judah, Israelites first called Judah

Azekah (plowed), a town of Judah

Saul ... troubled by an evil spirit, favors David & seeks to destroy him

Goliath (shining?)

Gath(a wine-press), David flees to, taken by David

6 cubits & span ... about 11 ft & 1/2

Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit, Holy Ghost, God

Azariah (Jehovah helps) ten others

Oded (strengthening), prophet

Benjamin (son of the right hand), youngest son of Jacob, tribe of apostle Paul

Mt. Ephraim, a mountain; (wood of - one of the oak woods to the SW)

Ephraim & Manasseh blessed by Jacob

Simeon (hearing), son of Jacob

Covenant ... promise, unchangeable, everlasting

Nehemiah (Jehovah comforts), his grief & prayer for Jerusalem

Hachalial (Jehovah saddens)

Chisleu/Kislev (November - December), 9th month

Shushah ... capital of Persia

Commandments ... law, 10 delivered, fulfilled by Christ, end of the commandment is charity - love

Moses (saved from water), an Egyptian name, meets God in Mount Sinai, delivers law to people

Abraham (Abram), sends for a wife for Issac his son, father of a multitude, called by God (children of: Genesis/Bereshith 21:2-3; 25:1-4; I Chronicles 1:32-34)

camels ... In common use among Jews & other nations of Palestine(Then)/Holy Land(Now) was the Arabian or one-humped camel, 'camelus arabicus.'

Rebekah ... Daughter of Bethuel, grand-niece of Abraham, becomes Issac's wife, mother of Esau & Jacob

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Bethuel (house of God) son of Nabor, father of Rebekah

Nahor (snoring), Abram's brother

Milcah (queen), wife of Nahor & mother of Bethueln

Right hand ... right side - act was often the sign of a pledge, right, straight, righteous

Left ... left hand, good name

Laban (white), hospitable, gives Jacob his two daughters, envies & oppresses him, made a covenant with him

earth ... country, ground, land, world, created by God

fool ... character & conduct, folly, depise understanding & wisdom

wisdom ... given by God, obtained in answer to prayer by Solomon, danger of despising, of Joseph, Solomon, Daniel

tongue ... unruly


James 3:1-12 ... Teachers & the tongue (Sins, Social, & Spiritual)

Verses 1-4

Verse 1 ... Man Redeemed; Duties & Graces Of The New Life; Government of the Tongue, Required

Verse 2 ... Man Redeemed; Duties & Graces Of The New Life; Government of the Tongue

Verse 3 ... Civil & Social Life; Manners & Customs; Travelling, Different Modes

Verse 4 ... Industrial Employments & Products; Ships & Navigation; Working Ships, Steering

(James 1:19,26; 4:11-12; 5:12; Psalm/Tehillim 39:1 ... Reference Scriptures in Sunday School Book)


Verses 5-8

Verses 5,6,8 ... Man Redeemed; Duties & Graces Of The New Life; Government of the Tongue

Verse 7 ... External Nature; Man & The Animal Creation; Man's Dominion over Animals



Verses 9-12

Verses 9,10 ... Man Redeemed; Duties & Graces Of The New Life; Government of the Tongue

Verses 11,12 ... External Nature; Water; Wells & Fountains, Figurative

Verse 12 ... Industrial Employments & Products; Tilling The Ground; Fig Trees & Figs

(Revelation 3:16)


Monday - 2/17/2014 - Lying & Flattering Lips - Psalm/Tehillim 12

David's destitute of human comfort, craveth help of God. He comforteth himself with God's judgment on the wicked, & confidence in God's tried promises.... Psalm of Supplication: Expressing trust in god; Didactic (instruct/teach) Psalm: showing the blessing of God's people & the misery of HIS enemies


Tuesday - 2/18/2014 - Words that Imtimidate - I Samuel 17:1-11

The Israelites & Philistines being ready to battle. Goliath challenges a combat;


Wednesday - 2/19/2014 - Words that Lead to Repentance - II Chronicles 15:1-12

Judah makes a solemn covenant with God


Thursday - 2/20/2014 - Words that Lead to Mourning - Nehemiah 1

Nehemiah understanding by hannai the afflicted state of Jerusalem, mourns, fasts, & prays, his prayer


Friday - 2/21/2014 - Words that Lead to Worship - Genesis/Bereshith 24:42-52

Abraham sendeth his servant to get a wife for his son, Issac; he obtaineth Rebekah


Saturday - 2/22/2014 - Words Guided by Wisdom - Proverbs/Mishle 18:2-13

The Proverbs of Solomon ... wise & foolish man, righteous & wicked, sound advice on words & tongue, lazy man/slack work, pverty & wealth


Sunday - 2/23/2014 - Taming the Tongue - James 3:1-12

We must not rashly or arrograntly reprove others: the importance of governing the tongue.


Scripture reference used/taken from: KJV Topical Edition Bible, The International Teacher's Handy Bible Encyclopedia/Concordance KJV Precious Promise Bible, Zondervan Bible Commentary, Vine's Expository Dictionary of O.T. & N.T. Words & The Strongest Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Of The Bible








Monday, March 3, 2014

A Change Of Plans ... 3/2/2014 Sunday School Lessons

II Samuel 7 . King David . King Solomon . Nathan . Covenant . Ark of Covenant . Tent – Tabernacle . Temple . Psalm/Tehillim 93 . Lord . Holiness . Psalm/Tehillim 2 . Zion .Be wise now – be instructed . Psalm/Tehillim 2:12 (W) . Psalm/Tehillim 45 . Shoshannim . Maschil . Ophir (I Kings 9:28) . Psalm/Tehillim 98 . Sing unto the Lord – holy arm – victory . House of Israel . Rejoice . Harp . Trumpets – sound of Cornet . Lord cometh to judge earth with righteousness – world – people . Brought up children of Israel out of Egypt – Tabernacles tribes of Israel (I Chronicles 17:6) – any of the judges – house of Cedar . Revelation 11 . Sunday School Lesson

By the weekend I plan to share my January 19, 2014 - February 23, 2014 Sunday School Lessons Scriptures & Notes.

The Sunday School Lesson is shared from II Samuel 7:4-16 (Background Scripture: II Samuel 7:1-17; Devotional Reading: Psalm/Tehillim 98) for March 2, 2014.

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David (King David) (beloved), King, son of Jesse. Anointed by Samuel – becomes king of all Israel – brings Ark to Zion – desires to build God a house (II Samuel 7:12; I Chronicles 17:10) – Is forbidden by Nathan – regulates service of the Tabernacle – his dea th (I Kings 2; I Chronicles 20:26) – the progenitor of Christ (Matthew 1:1; 22:9; Psalm/Tehillim 110 & Matthew 22:41) his charge to Solomon (I Kings 2; I Chronicles 28:9 – successor (I Kings 1; Psalm/Tehillim 72)

King Solomon (peaceful), King of Israel – builds the Temple – asks of God wisdom – God's Covenant with (I Kings 9; II Chronicles 7:12)

Nathan (gift), the prophet – his parable condemning David – (II Samuel 12:1) – anoints Solomon king

Covenant – promise, agreement, everlasting – Eternal, unchangeable by God. Ratified by Christ (Malachi 3:1; Luke 1:68-80)

Ark of Covenant … the covenant brought into the Temple (I Kings 8:3; I Chronicles 5), in Heaven (Revelation 11:19)

Tent … temporary dwelling place

Tabernacle (Mischan), portable – moveable Sanctuary. (Exodus 25:8,9; 26:4; 33:7; 39:32; I Chronicle his 6:48; 9:23; 17:5; II Chronicles 24:6; Exodus 25:10; 27:19; 35-38; 27:1-8; 30:17-21; 25:l6,22; Hebrews 9:4; Exodus 40: 2,17; Numbers 10:33-36; Joshua 4:19; 18:1; Hebrews 8:5; 10:1)

Tehillim … Hebrew title of Psalm, treasury of prayer, praise, & adoration

Zion or Sion (dry place), the southwestern hill of Jerusalem

Psalm/Tehillim 2:12 … Promise … Whosoever may be Saved.....

John 3:15 … Jesus Christ/Yeshua died for all mankind(male/female). Salvation only comes from Jesus Christ/Yeshua.

Yeshua … Hebrew name for Jesus

Shoshannim, 'set' occurs in the titles of Psalm 45, 69, 80. The word means 'lilies,' & perhaps the name of a tune.

Maschil (Maskil) instructing

Ophir (Genesis/Bereshith 10:29), country celebrated for its gold & precious stones. Regarded by some as being on the coast off Arabian coast, by others on coast of Somaliland, & by others as part of India

Israel (God fights), Jacob so called, (Genesis 32:38; 35:10) – Kingdom of 10 tribes (I Kings 11:38) – Israelites first called Judah – Jews derived from

(Ishmael … God hears … son of Abraham … Arabs … This was not mentioned in the Sunday School Lesson … There are Christian Arabs as well … Acts 2 … )

Harp … National instrument of the Hebrews, & was well known throughout Asia. Played on by King David. Used in public Worship.

Trumpets … Giving uncertain sound. Employed in Worship. Their use (Numbers 10; Joshua 6:4; Psalm/Tehillim 81:3; Ezekiel 7:14'; 33:3; Joel 2:1

Coronets (II Samuel 6:5) Systra ('menaanim'). Shaken with the hand, & rings & bars made a piercing metallic sound by striking against the bronze frame.

Temple … The House of the Lord, Building not large, magnificent & costly made of stone & cedar, decorated with gold & precious stones. ('Beautiful Gate' was from Court of Gentiles to eastern side of Court of Women, Acts 3:1. East of Court of Israel, & a little lower stood Court of Women, on western side, from which women could look on services of Altar. This court was called 'the Treasury' John 8:20, from gift boxes fastened upon wall, Matthew 12:41,42


II Samuel 7:4-16 … The house of God & house of David (The Reign of King David … After by the Word of God forbidden him. HE promiseth him benefits & blessings in his seed (descendants – family line) …........ The 2 Books of Samuel are regarded as 1. In the Talmud, Samuel is stated to have written books that bear his name, also Ruth, & Judges. The books relate histories of Samuel until he retires from his position as judge, Eli's history being narrated so far as connected with that of Samuel. … (Talmud: 'doctrine' from the Hebrew word 'to learn' full account of civil & religious laws of Jews).

Verses 4-7

Verse 4 … Scripture; Books & Authors; Speakers & Hearers

Verses 5,6,7 … Sacred Places; Solomon's Temple; But God Forbids – David To Build

(II Samuel 7:1-7 … Reference Scriptures in Sunday School Book)


Verses 8-11

Verses 8,9 … Works of God' God's Providence In Man's Temporal Affairs; Gives Prosperity & Protection

Verses 10,11 … Sacred Places; Solomon's Temple; And Promises That Solomon Shall Build It

(II Samuel 5:11)

Exodus 25:1-9 … Tabernacle & Furnishings … Instructions Concerning The Tabernacle & Related Matters

I Corinthians 6:19a … I Corinthians 6:19 … Fornication & Purity … Moral Disorders in the Church

I Corinthians 5:1 … The Apostolic Ministry … But will death intervene before the advent


Verses 12-16

Verses 12,13 … The Hebrews; The United Kingdom; Promises to David's Line

Hebrews … Abraham & his descendants called … descendants of Heber, or dwellers on other side of Euphrates or passers over. Heber (association, society) the Kenite. Kenites were branch of Midianites & dwelt among the Amalekites (Numbers 24:20,21; Isaiah 15:6), a portion of them followed the Israelites into Canaan (Judges 1:16; 4:11) ... Euphrates; Old Persian, the largest & most important river of Western Asia. …

Verse 14 … Works of God; The Purposes Of God; Men the Instruments of God's Purposes

Verses 15,16 … The Hebrews; The United Kingdom; David's Reign over All, Promised

(I Kings 1:28-39; II Samuel 12:24; Isaiah 46:10)



Monday – February 24, 2014 – The Lord Is King – Psalm 93

Still On The Throne … Psalm of Adoration: Of God's power, majesty, & glory


Tuesday – February 25, 2014 – You Are My Son – Psalm 2

God's King … Psalm of Adoration: Of God's power, majesty, & glory … Prophetical, Typical, & Historical Psalm


Wednesday – February 26, 2014 – An Eternal Throne – Psalm 45:1-9

Wedding Song For A King & His Bride … Psalm of Adoration: Of God's power, majesty, & glory. Prophetical, Typical, & Historical Psalm


Thursday – February 27, 2014 – God's Heritage – Psalm 94:8-15

Warning of God's Covenant Claims, Obeisance & Obedience … Psalm of Supplication: on account of affliction, on account of persecution. Psalm of Adoration: Of God's power, majesty, & glory. Didactic (instruct/teach) Psalm: Showing the blessings of God's people & the misery of HIS enemies


Friday – February 28, 2014 – God's Steadfast Love & Faithfulness – Psalm 98

In Every Corner Sing, Acclaiming the King, Awaiting the Judge … Psalm of Supplication: Relative to public Worship. Psalm of Gratitude: For mercies, shown to the Church. Psalm of Adoration: Of God's power, majesty, & glory.


Saturday – March 1, 2014 – The Messiah Will Reign Forever – Revelation 11:15-19

Messiah – Jesus Christ/Yeshua … Seventh Trumpet … The Blowing of The 7th Trumpet – The vision of the Trumpets


Sunday – March 2, 2014 – A Throne Established Forever – II Samuel 7:4-16

Scripture reference used/taken from: KJV Topical Edition Bible; The International Teacher's Handy Bible Encyclopedia/Concordance Zondervan's Bible Commentary

Monday, January 6, 2014

Living With Justice & Mercy ... 1/5/14 Sunday School Lesson

Sabbath . Cured - Healed . Jesus/Yeshua . Temple . Holy Convocation . Harp - Solemn Sound - Higgaion . Bethesda . Water . 2 Omers . Moses . Holy Sabbath . 2nd Sabbath . Another Sabbath . God . Thanks . Sing Praises . Sabbath Day . morning & every night . My Father . 6 days - 7th day . Commandments - Laws . Children of Israel . Feasts of the Lord - Unleavened Bread . Kings of Judah . throne of David . Horses - Chariots . Land of Benjamin . Burnt Offerings . South . Meat Offerings . Pharisees . Shewbread . Priest . Synagogue . Sunday School Lesson . Luke 6 . John 5


The Sunday School Lesson for 1/5/2014 is shared from: Luke 6:1-11 (Background Scripture: Luke 6:1-47; Devotional Reading: John 5:2-17).

The Sunday School Lesson for 1/12/2014 is shared from Luke 6:17-31 (Background Scripture: Luke 6:17-36; Devotional Reading: Matthew 18:21-35).


Sabbath instituted (Genesis/Bereshith 2:2; Hebrews 4:4) ... Christ the Lord of (Luke 6:5) ... Of the 7th year (Exodus 23:11; Leviticus 25:1) ... Only season of Worship to which the decalogue '10 Commandments' make any reference, & stands 1st among the feasts in Leviticus 23. Strict day of rest.

Cured - Healed ... Restore to Health ... Heal & Worship ... Care for the sick - treat ... Cure ... Made Whole - Spiritual Healing ... Save ... Attention ... Medical Service ... Reaching Completion ... Divinely imparted gifts in the Churches in Apostolic Times.

Holy convocation ... Exodus 12:16; Leviticus 23:24

Harp: Genesis/Bereshith 4:21: I Corinthians 14:7 ... Used in public worship. Played by David. ... Was the national instrument of the Hebrews, & was well known throughout Asia.

Higgaion ... Occur with 'Selah (pause or end - direction to play loud).'

Bethesda (house of mercy - flowing water). Hebrew name of a tank or reservoir, with 5 'porches' close upon the sheep-gate or market in Jerusalem, John 5:2.

Omers, a measure. 1 Omer = 6 pints.

#6 ... suggests incompleteness, in comparison with the perfect #7.

#7 ... full, abundant, completeness.

Commandments - Laws ... Of God given to Adam, promulgated through Moses, preserved in the ark, fulfilled by Christ ...

Unleavened Bread: Exodus 12:39; 13:7; Leviticus 7:132; Numbers 6:10

Judah (praise), son of Jacob ... tribe of, blessed by Moses, they make David king & adhere to his house, Israelites 1st called, Jews derived from 'Judah,'

David (beloved), king, son of Jesse, eats of the shewbread, becomes king of Judah, becomes king of all Israel

Chariots - Horses ... When David defeated the king of northeastern Syria he kept from the slaughter horses enough for a hundred chariots (II Samuel 8:4)

Benjamin (son of the right Hand), youngest son of Jacob, blessed by Moses, the first king chosen from, the tribe of apostle Paul.

Burnt Offerings, law concerning (Leviticus 1:1; 6:8) ... Ezra 8:4; Exodus 18

Meat Offering: Leviticus 2; Numbers 15:9

Pharisee, derived from the Hebrew word meaning 'to separate.' Intolerant of those different from them. A Class among the scribes. Hypocritical in character - sanctimonious in manner. Spiritually proud - without moral excellence.

Shewbread, 'bread of the face,' Presence of God, 'bread of ordering,' 'holy bread,' 12 loaves representing tribes of Israel, were set in order every Sabbath day before the Lord, ' on behalf of the children,' an everlasting Convenant. 'Loaves symbolized sacrifical atonement of the Cross........... Christ - Living Bread - Nourishment of all.

Synagogue, Christ & the apostle Paul taught in ... Captivity led to the institution of the synagogue, or school of religion. As a rule the house was regarded as sacred to God & HIS Worship. Synagogue did not take the place of the Temple.


Luke 6:1-11

Luke 6:1-12 ... Touching the ears of corn that were plucked by the disciples on the Sabbath ... Luke 6:1-12 Christ reproveth the Pharisees' blindness about the observation of the Sabbath, by Scripture, reason, & miracle.

Verses 1-5: Exodus 20; Leviticus 23; Matthew 12; Mark 2; Luke 14; Colossians 2:16

Verses 1-5 ... Sacred Seasons; The Sabbatical Seasons; Christ's Teaching About the Sabbath, The Sabbath for Man, & Not Man for the Sabbath

Luke 6:1 (Matthew 12:1; Mark 2:23) ... Luke 6:2 (Matthew 12:2; Mark 2:24) ... Luke 6:3 (Mark 2:25) ... Luke 6:4 (Matthew 12:4; Mark 2:26) ... Luke 6:5 (Matthew 12:8-10; Mark 2:28)

Luke 6:45 ... Sacred Rites & Forms; Bloodless Sacrifices; The Shewbread, to Be Eaten Only by the Priests

(Deuteronomy 23:24-25; I Samuel 2:1-6 ...Reference Scriptures in Sunday School Book)


Verses 6-8

Verses 6,7 ... Sacred Seasons; The Sabbatical Seasons; Christ's Teaching About the Sabbath, Works of Necessity & Charity Allowed

Verse 8 ... Jesus Christ; Christ's Divinity; Christ Possesses the Attributes of God, Is< Omniscient (Unlimited Knowledge/Insight/Awareness/Understanding) Luke 6:6 (Mark 3:1) ... Luke 6:7 (Matthew 12:10)


Verses 9-11

Verses 9,10 ... Sacred Seasons; The Sabbatical Seasons; Christ's Teachings About the Sabbath, Works of Necessity & Charity Allowed

Verse 11 ... Jesus Christ; Christ's Ministry; Christ's Reception by Men, Hated & Persecuted

Luke 6:9 (Matthew 12:12; Luke 3:4) ... Luke 6:10 (Matthew 12:13; Mark 3:5) ... Luke 6:11 (Matthew 12:14; Mark 3:6)


Monday - December 30, 2013 - God Is Still Working - John 5:2-17

The cripple at Bethesda (John 5:1-47)

Jesus on the sabbath day, cureth an impotent man at the pool of Bethesda (John 5:17) the Jews persecute HIM for it: he justifieth HIMSELF


Tuesday - December 31, 2014 - A Day of Thanksgiving - Psalm/Tehillim 92:1-8

Psalm of Supplication: Relative to public Worship ... Psalm of Adoration: Of God's power, majesty, & glory ... Didactic Psalm: Showing the blessings of God's people & the misery of HIS enemies ... Didactic (Instruct/Teach/Information)

New Year's Eve


Wednesday - January 1, 2014 - A Day of Rest - Exodus 16:22-30

Quails & manna are sent. The manna was not to be found on the Sabbath (Exodus 16:11-31).

Food Miraculously Provided (Exodus 15:22-16:36)

New Year's Day ... Another Year - Praise The Lord


Thursday - January 2, 2014 - A Day of Remembrance - Deuteronomy 5:11-15

God & HIS People (Deuteronomy 5:1-11:32)

The 10 Commandments (Deuteronomy 5:6-21)


Saturday - January 4, 2014 - A Holy Day - Jeremiah 17:19-27

6th message: the outcome of sin (Jeremiah 17:1-27)

Prophecies Concerning God's Action At Home & Abroad (Jeremiah 1:1-45:5)

In God alone is sure Salvation (Jeremiah 17:12-27)


Friday - January 3, 2014 - A Holy Convocation - Leviticus 23:1-8

Sabbath (Leviticus 23:1-8)

Passover & Unleavened Bread (Leviticus 23:4-8)

Of sundry (various) feasts. The Sabbath. The Passover (Leviticus 23:1-25)


Sunday - January 5, 2014 - Lord of the Sabbath - Luke 6:1-11

Miracles & discourses (Luke 5:1-6:11) ... The Return To Galilee (Luke 4:14-8:56)


Scripture reference used/taken from: The International Teacher's Handy Bible Encyclopedia/Concordance KJV Precious Promise Bible, KJV Topical Edition Bible, KJV Special arrangement N.T., Vine's Expository Dictionary Of O.T. & N.T. Words, Zondervan Bible Commentay & Merriam Webster's Deluxe Dictionary 10th Collegiate Edition








Saturday, November 30, 2013

Surprised & Expectant ... 12/1/2013 Sunday School Lesson

Psalm/Tehillim . Maschil . Gospel of Luke . David (King) . Horn . Salvation . Father/God . Lord . Covenant . Promises . Israel . Egypt . Nations . gods (Little 'g') . Pray/Prayer . Ahaz (King) . Virgin . Espoused . Immanuel . butter/honey . house of David (royal household) . Elisabeth . Mary . Holy Ghost . angel Gabriel . Galilee . Nazareth . Joseph . Jesus . Son of God . Juda . Zacharias . II Samuel . Isaiah 7 . Sunday School Lesson

. Advent Season

The Sunday School Lesson is shared from Luke 1:26-40 (Background Scripture: Luke 1:26-45; Devotional Reading: Psalm 89:1-7).

Machil, Maskil (instructing) Psalm/Tehillim 89

David (beloved), King, son of Jesse, Prophecies connected with Psalm 89.

Horn (metaphorically to signify strength & honor/type of victory).

Salvation, to be wrought out with fear & trembling (Philippians 2:12). Only through Jesus Christ (John 3:16).

Promises: Psalm 89:4 Health & Healing ... Psalm 89:21,22,23 Victory over enemies & trouble ... Psalm 89:28 The Upright are Blessed & Prosperous ... Psalm 89:29 Blessing on Children, Relatives & Friends ... Matthew 1 Pardon for Sins & Iniquities (Healing can come supernaturally/by exercise & nutrition/by rest/by medical care & supervision/God will give Christians/Believers new perfect bodies in Heaven) ... (Prosperity does not always mean material blessings - it can mean different things for different individuals).

Ahaz (possesor), King of Judah, refuses to ask for a sign (Isaiah 7).

Virgin, Christ born of, Matthew 1:18; Luke 1:27.

Espoused, promise in marriage, Matthew 1:18; Luke 1:27; 2:5, to woo & win with reference to the Virgin Mary.

Immanuel (God with us).

Elisabeth, Grecized form of 'Elishaba, God her oath,' mother of John the Baptist.

Mary (Miriam), the Virgin, mother of Jesus.

Holy Ghost. As a Spirit (Eternal) The Teacher. The Comforter. Appoints Ministers where to preach the Gospel, HE teaches & Commissions HIS servants. Emblems of The Holy Spirit. Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Gabriel (hero of God), archangel.

Galilee (circuit district), prophecy concerning.

Nazareth (twig, brushwood), in Isaiah connected with the word "branch." Low cliff above the town is probably the site of the attempt to precipitate Christ.

Joseph, husband of the Virgin.

Jesus (Joshua, Jeshua) Saviour - Son of God. Joshua (Jehovah is Salvation).

Juda, Judah (Jews - Israelites first called).

Zacharias, father of John the Baptist.


Biblical Maps of Galilee and Nazareth






Advent (period between 4 Sundays before Christmas observed by some Christmas as a season of prayer & fasting).


Luke 1:26-40

Verses 26-30 ... Jesus Christ; Genealogy, Birth, & Early Life; As Recorded by Luke

Matthew 1 (The genealogy of Jesus Christ: Mary's miraculous conception; Jesus is born; HIS names).


Verses 31-33

Verse 31 ... Jesus Christ; Genealogy, Birth, & Early Life; As Recorded by Luke

Verses 32,33 ... Jesus Christ; Christ's Divinity; Is Called Lord


Verses 34-40

Verses 24,35,38 ... Jesus Christ; Genealogy, Birth, & Early Life; As Recorded by Luke

Verse 35 ... Jesus Christ; Christ's Divinity; Is Called the Son of God


Christian Books & Bibles with the names of Jesus in Hebrew and Aramaic



Verse 36 ... The Family; Parents & Children; Barrenness, Miraculously Removed ... Miracles; Supernatural Bodily Gifts & Deprivations; Gift or Denial of Children ... Christ's Birth: Recorded by Matthew & Luke.

Verse 37 ... God; Attributes of God As Person; Omnipotence (unlimited authority/power)

Verses 39,40 ... Civil & Social Life; Manners & Customs; Visiting, & Returning Home

(Isaiah 55:8; Luke 1:37 ... Reference Scriptures in Sunday School Book)


Monday - November 25, 2013 - A Covenant with David - Psalm 89:1-7

The psalmist praises God for HIS care of the Church. Maschil of Ethan the Ezrahite (Psalm 89)


Tuesday - November 26, 2013 - God's Faithfulness & Steadfast Love - Psalm 89:19-24


Wednesday - November 27, 2013 - The Highest of Earthly Kings - Psalm 89:26-34


Thursday - November 28, 2013 - A Promise for a Distant Future - II Samuel 7:18-29

David's Prayer & Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Day


Friday - November 29, 2013 - A Child Named Immanuel - Isaiah 7:10-15

Ahaz, having liberty to choose a sign, & refusing, hath for a sign, Christ promiseth. ... Ahaz comforted by Isaiah. Christ promised.


Saturday - November 30, 2013 - Elisabeth Blessing - Luke 1:41-45

Of Christ ... and of Christ. The prophecy of Elisabeth, & of Mary, concerning Christ (Luke 1:26-56).


Sunday - December 1, 2013 - The Announcement to Mary - Luke 1:26-40


Scripture reference used/taken from: The International Teacher's Handy Bible Encyclopedia/Concordance KJV Precious Promise Bible, KJV Topical Edition Bible, Vine's Expository of O.T. & N.T. Words, & Merriam Webster's Deluxe Dictionary 10th Collegiate Edition

Saturday, June 15, 2013

VBS (Vacation Bible School) .. 6/10-14.2013

VBS . Vacation Bible School . Psalm/Tehillim . King David . King Saul . II Samuel 22 . Gospel of John . II Chronicles 20 . Praises . Praise . God . Acts 16 . apostle Paul . Silas . Gospel of Mark . I Corinthians 13 . LOVE


Theme: 'Rock It Out!: Praising God without Limits ... yes even through sunshine & rain (good times & bad times) economic trials, sickness, bereavement, & natural storms around the world & at home.


June 14, 2013 ... Thoughts to Myself at Home During the Day ... No Cross, No Crown (song) ... II Corinthians 4:8; John 16:33


Pledges: Christian Pledge, Bible Pledge & American Flag Pledge


VBS Overview for week June 10, - June 14, 2013 (Monday-Friday)

6/10/2013 - Praise! God Is My Rock - Psalm/Tehillim 18; Psalm/Tehillim 18:1-6, 30-3, 46

6/11/2013 - Praise! God Is Present - Psalm/Tehillim 46; John 1:14 (Personal Assignment: Imagine writing an email to a friend, family member, or colleague sharing the importance of this lesson & truth found in Psalm/Tehillim 46)

6/12/2013 - Praise! God Hears - Psalm/Tehillim 18; Acts 16:25-32

6/13/2013 - Praise! God Receives My Love as Praise - Mark 12:28-31; I Corinthians 13 (Personal Assignment: Discover the problems that the Church in Corinth was experiencing (1) I Corinthians 1:10-4:21 (2) I Corinthians 5:1-13 (3) I Corinthians 7:1-40 (4) I Corinthians 11:2-34 (5) I Corinthians 12:1-14:40


6/14/2013 - Praise! God Delights in Celebration - Psalm/Tehillim 145; 150



6/10/2013 - Psalm/Tehillim 18; 18:1-6,30-33,46

Psalm 18 ... Royal Psalm of Thanksgiving. Slightly different version of this psalm is found in II Samuel 22. Source of protection & strength that God has proved Himself. David sought deliverance from extreme peril. Yahweh always deals righteously & faithfully with those who trust & obey Him. David success is only attributable to the activity of his God. David praises God.






6/11/2013 ... Psalm/Tehillim 46; John 1:14

John 1:14 ... Jesus Christ; Christ's Divinity; He Is Called God. The Word became flesh. The Eternal Word entered into human life. Jesus Christ; Christ's Humanity; Christ's Incarnation.

Psalm/Tehillim 46 ... Great Deliverance such as Judah under Jehoshaphat (II Chronicles 20) or that of Jerusalem under Hezekiah ( II Kings 18:13-19:36). Works of God; God's providence in Moral Discipline; Defence & Protection of the Righteous in This Life. Eschatology/Last Things; Universal Peace. Works of God; Preservation; Perserves & Protects Man. External Nature; Waters; Rivers & Brooks; Metaphorical (symbolism/figurative)


6/12/2013 ... Psalm/Tehillim 18; Acts 16:25-32

Psalm/Tehillim 18 ... Song of The Victorious King. Royal Psalm of Thanksgiving. David's Psalm of Thanksgiving for God's Manifold & Marvellous Blessings. Safety from All Harm & Danger Promised. Victory Over Enemies & Trouble. The Lord's Love & Care for His Children. Joy & Peace & Rest Promised. Whosoever Will May Be Saved. Psalm of Gratitude: For Mercies shown to the psalmist. Psalms of Adoration: Of God's goodness & mercy; of God's power, majesty, & glory.

Acts 16:25-32 ... apostle Paul converted Lydia. Paul & Silas imprisoned, etc. God speaks by the earthquake & by His Word. The Gospel reaches Macedonia. Paul's 2nd Missionary Journey. God's intervention. Believe in the Lord Jesus, & you will be saved. Progress through persecution. (Matthew 18:20 - Reference Scripture in VBS Book)


6/13/2013 ... Mark 12:28-31; I Corinthians 13

I Corinthians 13 ... While Greeks praise wisdom & Romans power, the apostle Paul pens a Psalm in praise of love which stands alone, bypassed or ignored in a world of hate. The supremacy of love/Spiritual gifts (I Corinthians 12:1-14:40). Make love your aim.

Mark 12:28-31 ... The Jerusalem Ministry (Mark 11:1-13:37)

I Corinthians 1:10-4:21 ... Divisions In The Church; False Wisdom & the gospel; True Wisdom & the gospel; Misunderstanding concerning God's servants

I Corinthians 5:1-13 ... Case of immorality (Moral Disorders In The Church I Corinthians 5:1-6:20)

I Corinthians 7:1-40 ... Marriage; (Difficulties In Social Life I Corinthians 7:1-11:1)

I Corinthians 11:2-34 ... Veiling of Women; The Lord's Supper; Disorders In Public Worship

I Corinthians 12:!-14:40 ... Spiritual Gifts; Varities of; Unity in diversity; LOVE; Prophesying & tongues



6/14/2013 ... Psalm/Tehillim 145;150

Psalm/Tehillim 145-150 ... Psalms of Supplication; Relative to Public Worship

Psalm/Tehillim 145 ... David praises God for his goodness & for his special favour for the righteousness. Whosoever Will May Be Saved. The Lord's Love & Care For His Children. Pardon for Sins & Iniquities Promised. Food Provided for the Lord's Children. The Upright Are Blessed & Prospered. Safety from All Harm & Danger Promised. Psalms of Supplication; Relative to Public Worship. Psalms of Adoration; of God's goodness & mercy. Of God's power, majesty, & glory. Solo hymn intended to stimulate the congregation to appreciate & praise God's Kingship & the implicit reference to the harvest in verse 15 suggest that it was sung at The autumn festival, the Feast of Tabernacles.

Psalm/Tehillim 150 ... An exhortation to praise God. Probably stands also as a doxology to the 5th book and indeed to the entire Psalter. Doxology ... Public Worship of Praise to God. The 'Where' of praise; The 'Why' of praise; The 'How' of Praise & The 'Who' of Praise.




Scripture reference used/taken from: KJV Topical Reference Edition Bible, The International Teacher's Handy Bible Encyclopedia/Concordance KJV Precious Promise Bible, Zondervan Bible Commentary, & Reader's Digest Oxford Complete WordFinder





Monday, May 13, 2013

We Will Have Consequences of Our Sin/Wrong Doing ... 8/9/2007



Psalm 18 . King David. Sin . El Elyon . Pray . Tragedy . Sunday School Lesson . Book of Job . Ezekiel 18 . Suffering . Storms . Jesus . Lord . Repent . Ezekiel/Yehezkel

The below is not a new article, but an article I shared at a website 8/9/2007.

I pray that we have been seriously in prayer for all the Tragedy that have taken placed. Is The Most High God - El Elyon Sleep? No HE is not. Genesis 14:18 - 20, Isaiah 14:14b.

And yes my heart has been heavy this week from all that I could see going on but I know that angels are holding back the 4 winds of heaven (Revelation 7:1). Keep praying and look up. (My newsletters will not be this lengthy every week)

My Sunday School lesson notes is coming first in this newsletter and I do pray that someone is encouraged, helped in their christian walk, their personal walk, their job, their career and their business walk.

I am still looking at the Book of Job. As Job we are to trust God through the storms/the things we do not understand.

All suffering/storms do not mean that someone has done something wrong it can be "tests." Do we have the patience of Job? Matthew 8:23-27 Tells me about the Disciples and Jesus in the storm. Jesus does have the power to speak and yes even the wind/storm/sea will obey HIM.

Angela's Sunday School Lesson Notes for 8-12-07

Devotional Reading - Psalm 18:20 - 24

Background Scripture - Ezekiel 18

We Will Have Consequences of Our Sin/Wrong Doing

Psalm 18: 20 - 24

A Psalm of David, who spoke unto the LORD, that the LORD would deliver him from the hand of all his enemies

verse 20 - Obeying God, Rewards of Obedience

verse 21, 22, 23 - Obeying God, Examples of Obedience

verse 24 - Works of God, Their Prosperity

Ezekiel 18:4, 20 - 23, 30 - 32

Ezekiel/Yehezkel (name meaning strengthen by God) He was a prophet, and his wife took sick and she died. His message was twofold (1) coming destruction (2) comfort and looking for the Kingdom of God.

verse 4 - Behold, """all"""" souls are mine; - God the absolute owner of man

verse 20 - Other sins not to be suffered for

verse 21, 22 - Repentance, Encouragement to repentance, promises to the penitent(those who repent from sin/wrong doing)

verse 23, 31, 32 - The Purposes of God, Has no pleasure in their death

verse 30 - Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the LORD God.

"Repent," and "turn" yourselves all your transgressions (sins/wrong doing); - Repentance, Repentance a Duty

Scripture reference taken from Crusade Publishers, Inc. Mt. Juliet, Tn