Isaiah 23
Vision regarding Tyre verse 1- 3
The burden of Tyre
Howl – you ships of Tarshish
for it is laid waste – so that there is no house
no entering in
from the land of Chittim
it is revealed to them
Be still – you inhabitants of the isle
you whom the merchants of Sidon
that pass over the sea have replenished
AND by great waters the sea of Sihor
the harvest of the river – is her revenue
and she is a mart of nations
Sorrow over fall of Tyre verse 4- 7
Be you ashamed O Sidon – for the sea has spoken
even the strength of the sea
saying
I travail not – nor bring forth children
neither do I nourish up young men
nor bring up virgins
As at the report concerning Egypt
so shall they be sorely pained
at the report of Tyre
Pass you over to Tarshish
howl – you inhabitants of the isle
Is this your joyous city whose antiquity is of ancient days?
her own feet shall carry her afar off to sojourn
LORD is the judge of Tyre verse 8- 12
Who has taken this counsel against Tyre
the crowning city – whose merchants are princes
whose traffickers are the honorable of the earth?
The LORD of hosts has purposed it – to stain the pride of all glory
and to bring into contempt all the honorable of the earth
Pass through thy land as a river – O daughter of Tarshish
there is no more strength
HE stretched out his hand over the sea – HE shook the kingdoms
the LORD has given a commandment
against the merchant city
to destroy the strongholds thereof
And HE said
You shall no more rejoice – O you oppressed virgin
daughter of Sidon – arise – pass over to Chittim
there also shall you have no rest
Assyrians attack Babylon verse 13
Behold the land of the Chaldeans – this people was not
till the Assyrian founded it
for them that dwell in the wilderness
they set up the towers thereof
they raised up the palaces thereof
and he brought it to ruin
Tarshish is losing strength verse 14
Howl- you ships of Tarshish – for your strength is laid waste
Tyre will come back to life in seventy years verse 15- 16
And it shall come to pass IN THAT DAY
that Tyre shall be forgotten seventy years
according to the days of one king
after the end of seventy years
shall Tyre sing as an harlot
Take an harp – go about the city
you harlot that hast been forgotten
make sweet melody
sing many songs
that you may be remembered
Tyre will support the priests of the LORD verse 17- 18
And it shall come to pass after the end of seventy years
that the LORD will visit Tyre
and she shall turn to her hire
and shall commit fornication
with all the kingdoms of the world
upon the face of the earth
And her merchandise and her hire shall be holiness to the LORD
it shall not be treasured not laid up
for her merchandise shall be for them
that dwell before the LORD
to eat sufficiently
and for durable clothing
COMMENTARY:
DAILY SPIRITUAL BREAKFAST: Young Believers
: 1 “The burden against Tyre. Wail, you ships of Tarshish! For it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no harbor; From the land of Cyprus it is revealed to them.” The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982). שָׁדַד [shadad /shaw·dad/] – to deal violently with, despoil, devastate, ruin, destroy, spoil.)
DEVOTION: Recently the entire world has been on edge as China adjusts its currency and lowers some economic projections. Every stock market and economic indicator has been jittery and nervous!
When the Phoenicians ruled the Mediterranean Sea every country profited from the merchandise they plied. Isaiah warns that this was coming to an end and that the countries would mourn and lament over the collapse of this trading empire.
Like the countries around the Mediterranean Sea at that time, today we depend and our economy is influenced by other countries and outside factors. Who are we depending upon? Difficult times will occur as governments and societal changes transpire. Christ warned that difficult times would happen and to be prepared. As changes develop we need to be reminded that Christ remains the same. He is our hope and comfort, our ever present source of strength and wisdom. He is the same today as He was yesterday and will be tomorrow!
CHALLENGE: The world’s systems will fail and be re-designed but the Lord is constant and sure! (Dr. Brian Miller – board member)
DAILY SPIRITUAL LUNCH: Transitional Believers
: 9 The LORD of hosts hath purposed it, to stain the pride of all glory, and to bring into contempt all the honourable of the earth. (3289 “purposed” [ya‘ats] means to advise, to deliberate, give counsel, plan, determine, devise, or guide.
DEVOTION: Here is a nation that is going to go out of existence for seventy years and then return to power. The LORD has a plan and is working HIS plan with every nation on the earth. No nation is free from HIS direction. HE allows things to happen but they are happening in a direction that HE has planned before the creation of the world. HE is never surprised by what happens.
This word is so important to our proper thinking concerning our God. This word is used of God throughout the Bible. HE has a plan that HE is working for the nation of Tyre. They are committing the sin of pride. The LORD hates pride. HE will judge pride. HE judged Satan when he thought that he could take the place of God in heaven. He took with him one third of the angels. They followed him because they thought he was a great leader. They were wrong and will pay for their decision for the rest of eternity. Angels thought they could fight against God. Nations think that they can fight against God. Nations think that they cause their own glory. The LORD shows them that HE is in control.
HE has a plan and is working HIS plan in our lives, our nation and the world. HE has a timetable. HE is never taken by surprise. HE is an omniscience or all- knowing God concerning past, present and future event.
Remember the God that we serve is awesome. We need to reverence HIM. We need to trust in HIM alone. Each time Isaiah mentions a nation trusting in themselves or Israel trusting in other nations, he tries to direct them back to the LORD.
It is our responsibility to direct those we talk to back to the LORD. Some of our family or friends are trying to do things on their own and failing. Our prayers and counsel is important to get them back on the right track of depending on the LORD.
CHALLENGE: Pride is dangerous. There is a good type of pride in our work or ministry. There is a bad type of pride where we think we are doing it on our own. Give God the glory for everything in your life.
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: 11 HE stretched out HIS hand over the sea, HE shook the kingdoms: the LORD has given a commandment against the merchant city, to destroy the strong holds thereof. (5186 “stretched out” [natah] means to thrust or extend out, spread out, to turn aside, turn aside, incline, bend , or to hold out. )
DEVOTION: The pride of Tyre was a sin that the LORD could not ignore. Pride is a sin that the LORD wants us to avoid in our life and in the life of a nation.
We are supposed to be dependent on the LORD and if we have pride we are depending our ourselves instead of the LORD.
There is a difference between having pride in our work and having pride in our abilities and not give credit to the LORD for HIM allowing us to have the ability. Too often we do a good work and then we think that we have done it in our own power without the help of the LORD.
Nations were guilty of this sin and even the children of Israel at times were guilty of this sin and today even those in local churches are guilty of this sin.
We tend to think if something is good and we can then have pride in ourselves rather than in the ability the LORD has blessed us with. We need to always give glory to the LORD for the things that we do because of the gifts HE has given us.
Pride is something that brings us all down at one time or another. We see our work and think that we have done it in our own power instead of giving the LORD praise for allowing us to have the gifts that we have to bring glory to HIS Name instead of ours.
God wants us to have a humble attitude toward ourselves and our work. If this is true than people will see our true worship of the LORD and the thankfulness we have toward HIM an want to become a follower of HIM like us.
CHALLENGE: This passage is talking about a heathen nation but the lesson is for us that are believers to give glory to the LORD for all our works and then HE can bless us more.
DAILY SPIRITUAL SUPPER: Mature Believers
: 18 And her merchandise and her hire shall be holiness to the LORD: it shall not be treasured nor laid up; for her merchandise shall be for them that dwell before the LORD, to eat sufficiently, and for durable clothing. (5506 “merchandise” [cachorah] means profit, gain, business profit, or market.
DEVOTION: We find that with God HE does what we could never figure out on our own. HE is going to cause a nation to stop making money because of pride. HE uses the nation of Assyrian to stop Tyre from doing any business for seventy years. They thought they had the world at their feet. They were wrong. The LORD corrected their thinking.
Now we have a verse that many commentators believe refer to the millennial period. It will be a time when Tyre will make money but it will be used for the benefit of those who serve the LORD.
Their money will be used to buy food and clothing for the servants of the LORD in Jerusalem. Why Jerusalem? It is because that is where the LORD Jesus Christ is going to reign during the millennial time period.
The LORD promises to take care of our every need. This promise will not end during the millennial time period. When HE makes a promise HE never stops keeping it.
Tyre counted on their wealth to keep them in good standing with the other nations. Their pride was in their wealth. We have to be warned that it is a trap that we can fall into as well. I know that most of those receiving these devotionals don’t have a lot of money but even a little money in this country is more that most of the world has. We have more possessions than most individuals even in this country. There are still children who don’t receive a meal every day.
We need to use our blessings to help those who have less. We are not to be enablers to those who don’t want to work but we need to help those who are trying to provide for their families.
CHALLENGE: Don’t depend on wealth to keep you in good standing with the LORD. Use your wealth to help someone this week that has a need.
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DISCIPLINES OF THE FAITH:
BODY
Chastity (Purity in living)
Fasting (Time alone with LORD without eating or drinking)
Sacrifice (Giving up something we want to serve the LORD)
Submission (Willing to listen to others and LORD)
Solitude (Going to a quiet place without anyone)
SOUL
Fellowship (Gathering together around the Word of God)
Frugality (wise use of resources)
Journalizing (Writing down what you have learned from the LORD)
Study and Meditation (Thinking through your study in the Word)
Secrecy (Doing your good deeds without others knowing but God)
SPIRIT
Celebration (Gathering around a special occasion to worship LORD)
Confession (Tell the LORD we are sorry for our sins on a daily basis)
Prayer (Conversation with God on a personal level)
Silence (Letting the LORD deal with some problems and needs)
Worship (Time to praise the LORD alone or in a group)
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DOCTRINES OF THE FAITH:
Scripture (66 inerrant books of the Bible)
God the Father (First person of the Godhead)
LORD – Jehovah (Covenant keeping, Personal) verse 9, 11, 17, 18
LORD of host verse 9
Purposed verse 9
Commandment verse 11
Holiness to the LORD verse 18
God the Son (Second person of the Godhead –God/man, Messiah)
God the Holy Spirit (Third person of the Godhead – our comforter)
Trinity (Three persons of the Godhead who are co-equal = ONE God)
Angels (Created before the foundation of the world – Good and Evil)
Man (Created on the sixth twenty-four hour period of creation)
Tyre verse 1, 5, 8, 15- 17
Forgotten seventy years
Sing as an harlot
Turn to her hire and shall commit
fornication with all the kingdoms
Tarshish verse 1, 6, 8, 10, 11, 14
Crowning city
Merchant city
Ships
Chittim verse 1, 12
Merchants of Zidon verse 2, 4, 12
Sihor verse 3
Nations verse 3
Children verse 4
Young men verse 4
Virgins verse 4
Egypt verse 5
Land of Chaldeans verse 13
Assyrian verse 13
Kingdoms of the world verse 17
Sin (Missing the mark set by God on man and angels)
Ashamed verse 4
Pride verse 9
Contempt verse 9
Harlot verse 15, 16
Fornication verse 17
Salvation (Provided by Christ’s death on the cross for our sins)
Be still verse 2
Nourish verse 4
Virgins verse 4
Joyous verse 7
Rest verse 12
Dwell before the LORD verse 18
Eat sufficiently verse 18
Durable clothing verse 18
Israel (Old Testament people of God)
Church (New Testament people of God)
Last Things (Future Events)
In that day verse 15
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QUOTES regarding passage
8–9. Tyre achieved such dominance by its trade that it could influence appointments (bestower of crowns) and insist on virtually royal respect (princes) being shown to its representatives. But the time came when the bestower of crowns came face to face with the ‘Disposer Supreme and Judge of the earth’, the Lord Almighty, and Tyre’s pride was no more to be tolerated. Like the Day of the Lord itself (2:12–17), so every interim day has this characteristic, the overthrow of all that embodies godless pride. (Motyer, J. A. (1999). Isaiah: an introduction and commentary (Vol. 20, p. 180). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.)
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9. Whoever be the instruments in overthrowing haughty sinners, God, who has all hosts at His command, is the First Cause (Is 10:5–7).
stain—rather, “to profane”; as in Ex 31:14, the Sabbath, and other objects of religious reverence; so here, “the pride of all glory” may refer to the Tyrian temple of Hercules, the oldest in the world, according to Arrian (Is 2:16); the prophet of the true God would naturally single out for notice the idol of Tyre [G. V. Smith]. It may, however, be a general proposition; the destruction of Tyre will exhibit to all how God mars the luster of whatever is haughty (Is 2:11). (Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 1, p. 456). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.)
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23:6–9. People in Tarshish were to wail too (cf. vv. 1, 5, 14) because of their economic losses. Tarshish was rich in silver (Jer. 10:9), iron, tin, and lead (Ezek. 27:12). Therefore Tarshish was probably in the West Mediterranean where mineral deposits were plentiful. Many scholars identify Tarshish with Tartessus in southwest Spain. The people of that region would be in despair because of the fall of that great trading center, Tyre, which was a city of revelry (cf. Isa. 23:12) and an ancient city. According to Herodotus Tyre was founded around 2700 b.c. However, the people of Tarshish needed to realize that their difficulty came directly from the God of Israel. The Lord Almighty (v. 9) planned the humbling of this great and wealthy city (the bestower of crowns), proud of its glory and renowned for its commercial enterprise. (Martin, J. A. (1985). Isaiah. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 1, p. 1071). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)
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Ver. 9. The Lord of hosts hath purposed it, &c.] To destroy Tyre; who is wonderful in counsel, capable of forming a wise scheme, and able to put it in execution; being the Lord of armies in heaven and in earth: and his end in it was, to stain the pride of all glory; Tyre being proud of its riches, the extent of its commerce, and the multitude of its inhabitants, God was resolved, who sets himself against the proud, to abase them; to pollute the glorious things they were proud of; to deal with them as with polluted things; to trample upon them: and to bring into contempt all the honourable of the earth; or, to make light all the heavy ones of the earth; all such, who are top-heavy with riches and honour, God can, and sometimes does, make as light as feathers, which the wind carries away, and they fall into contempt and disgrace with their fellow-creatures; and the Lord’s thus dealing with Tyre was not merely on their account, to stain their pride and glory, and disgrace their honourable ones; but for the sake of others also, that the great ones of the earth might see and learn, by this instance of Tyre, how displeasing to the Lord is the sin of pride; what a poor, vain, and perishing thing, worldly honour and glory is; and what poor, weak, feeble creatures, the princes and potentates of the earth are, when the Lord takes them in hand. (Gill, J. (1810). An Exposition of the Old Testament (Vol. 5, p. 130). London: Mathews and Leigh.)
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23:9 pride of all beauty. This furnished the reason the Lord of Hosts brought the overthrow of Tyre—their arrogance stemming from the city’s prestige. They were foolish to rely on human glory. (MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2006). The MacArthur study Bible: New American Standard Bible. (Is 23:9). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.)
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8–9. There is hardly a passage in the whole prophecy of Isaiah, more full and comprehensive than what is contained in these verses, to set forth man’s nothingness, and the Lord’s all-sufficiency. The Prophet puts forth the subject in the form of a question; as if, speaking after the manner of men, nothing can be competent to overthrow a people, whose very merchants are princes. Yes, saith the Prophet, answering his own question; the Lord of Hosts, who razed Tyre, can and will destroy it. Reader, take home the precious instruction, from the history of nations in their rise and fall, to your own individual instance, in all the circumstances of life, and learn from it that solemn truth of Jesus, in the interesting question he put, and which answers itself: What is a man profited though he gain the whole world, if he lose his own soul? Mark, 8:36. Luke, 12:16–21. (Hawker, R. (2013). Poor Man’s Old Testament Commentary: Proverbs–Lamentations (Vol. 5, p. 331). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.)
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FROM MY READING:
(Remember the only author that I totally agree with is the HOLY SPIRIT in the inerrant WORD OF GOD called THE BIBLE! All other I try to gleam what I can to help me grow in the LORD!!)
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Back in 2017, with a 7–2 majority vote, the Supreme Court ruled that denying a church “an otherwise available public benefit on account of its religious status” amounts to violating the Free Exercise Clause of the Constitution. In that case, known as Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia v. Comer, a Missouri church that operated a licensed pre-school and day-care facility applied for funding from a state program that offered “funds for qualifying organizations to purchase recycled tires to resurface playgrounds.”
Though Trinity Lutheran met all of the qualifications of the program, the state of Missouri informed them that a grant would violate a provision in the state constitution that “no money shall ever be taken from the public treasury, directly or indirectly, in aid of any church, section or denomination of religion.” That provision was one of 36 so-called “Blaine Amendments” in state constitutions, amendments originally aimed at Catholic schools and born of the now-incredible belief that public schools were a principal instrument in safeguarding America’s Protestant Christian character.
Trinity Lutheran sued the state, claiming that because of the Free Exercise Clause in the First Amendment, a government benefit available to some organizations cannot be withheld from others solely because of religion. Remember, the First Amendment reads, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” Trinity Lutheran argued the “prohibiting the free exercise thereof” part. The state emphasized the “establishment of religion” part.
In his majority decision, Chief Justice Roberts came down squarely on the side of Trinity Lutheran, chiding Missouri for forcing the church to choose between whether to “participate in an otherwise available benefit program or remain a religious institution.” The right to be a church, he said, should not come “at the cost of automatic and absolute exclusion from the benefits of a public program for which the Center is otherwise fully qualified.” The Missouri law could only be justified if it served some compelling governmental interest in the least restrictive manner, a standard the state of Missouri failed to meet. So, Justice Roberts concluded, “the exclusion of Trinity Lutheran from a public benefit for which it is otherwise qualified, solely because it is a church, is odious to our Constitution all the same, and cannot stand.”
Then, in 2020, the Chief Justice authored another similarly blunt and straightforward opinion in Espinoza vs. Montana Department of Revenue. In that case, decided by a 5–4 vote, the Supreme Court held that a state tax credit, in which Montana awarded a dollar-for-dollar tax credit to individuals who donated to organizations that provide scholarships for private school students, could not “[discriminate] against religious schools and the families whose children attend or hope to attend them.” After creating the program, the Montana Department of Revenue had ruled that such a tax credit, if used to fund to religious private schools, would violate that state’s version of the “Blaine Amendment.”
Kendra Espinoza, a single mom who hoped to send her kids to a Christian school, challenged the Department of Revenue ruling in court. In late 2018, the Montana Supreme Court acknowledged that the Department’s ruling ran afoul of the U.S. Constitution’s Free Exercise Clause. Instead of overturning the ruling, however, it invalidated the entire program.
In his opinion, Chief Justice John Roberts referenced his earlier Trinity Lutheran opinion, stating that Montana lacked a “compelling government interest” in discriminating against religious schools and that religion is not a secondary part of the First Amendment. Roberts continued, the attempt to invalidate the whole program did not change Montana’s “error of federal law.” Because of the Trinity Lutheran decision, the Montana Court knew the Department’s ruling was unconstitutional. However, instead of applying the decision as it should have, it invalidated the whole program “to make absolutely sure that religious schools received no aid.” That action in itself violated the Free Exercise Clause, said Roberts: “A State need not subsidize private education. But once a State decides to do so, it cannot disqualify some private schools solely because they are religious.” (Break Point)
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2 Kings 8
The king restores the Shunammite widow’s land.
INSIGHT
Nothing happens in our lives or in the world apart from divine appointment or permission. Behind every event and incident, there is divine providence. The Shunammite widow, who has done so much for Elisha, is remembered and cared for years afterward. The Lord has a wonderful memory for those who feed Him when He is hungry and minister to Him when He is in need (see Matthew 25:37). The conversation between Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, and the king might seem an accident, but it is providential. When we abide in the will of God, life is sown with divine coincidences.
(Quiet Walk)
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THE SIGNIFICANCE OF PENTECOST
Would God that all the LORD’s people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them! Numbers 11:29
The great purpose of Pentecost is to give the final proof of the fact that Jesus of Nazareth is the Son of God and the Savior of the world. That is declared. The second thing is the great inauguration of the Church as His Body; and third, it is a proof of the fact that the various people who are added to the Church are members of the Body.
Also, in the Old Testament we are told that the Holy Spirit was with men or that He came upon them. He worked upon them from without, as it were, and what David even said, you remember, was, “Take not thy holy spirit from me” (Psalm 51:11), as if the Holy Spirit was with him—that is the Old Testament terminology. The New Testament terminology is in, within; He works from within, and He abides. In the Old Testament He came upon men and left them. He comes, in the New Testament, because we are members of the Body of Christ and because the Spirit comes from Christ through the whole Body. Because we are members of the Body, the Spirit abides in us—perfectly; and that, it seems to me, is the essence of the teaching with regard to this matter.
On the Day of Pentecost the rushing mighty wind and the cloven tongues as of fire especially emphasized, not the filling with the Spirit, but the baptizing into the unity of the Body, the inauguration of the Church. That is why you have the special phenomena. The cloven tongues of fire were never repeated. The walls were shaken on another occasion, but this particular sound, this noise, the gathering together of the special phenomena places a uniqueness upon the event of the Day of Pentecost that has never been repeated. The filling with the Spirit is something that can be, and often is, repeated, but that is not the vital thing that happened at Pentecost. What is emphasized at Pentecost is that the Church became Christ’s Body, and the Spirit was given to fill the Body.
A Thought to Ponder: Pentecost inaugurated the Church as Christ’s Body. (From God the Holy Spirit, pp. 40-41, by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
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The Power of Patience
“But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” (James 1:4)
Patience (endurance) is part of the development that will produce the experience that brings hope and assurance to those who are the twice-born (Romans 5:3-5). Patience is a discipline—a work that is necessary for our growth. Although such discipline never seems pleasant at the time, it is administered by our loving heavenly Father, who focuses His work on our spiritual maturity (Hebrews 12:5-8).
There are several key aspects identified in our text that promise victory through the process of learning patience. Wisdom is granted liberally as we ask for it during the tests that produce the “perfect work” of patience. As we endure the tests that will come to those who love the Lord, the endurance practiced will produce a “crown of life” as an eternal testimony to our patience (James 1:12).
The principles for gaining patience during this life are outlined in Psalm 37. First, trust in the Lord (Psalm 37:3) and follow His leading in everything we do (Proverbs 3:5‑10). Second, delight in (get excited about) the Lord (Psalm 37:4)—amplified so often in Psalm 119 (vv. 16, 24, 35, 47, 70, 174). Then, commit your way to the Lord (Psalm 37:5), becoming such a part of Him that you are as a branch to the vine (John 15:4-7).
Finally, rest (be still) in the Lord (Psalm 37:7) and wait on the Lord (Psalm 37:34). These traits are not meant to be understood as “hanging around.” They describe the fully prepared servant, waiting for his Master’s orders to implement. The “profitable” servant (Luke 17:10) has learned what his Master wants and stands ready to respond to the needs of the Kingdom. Patience is never obtained through bored indifference. (HMM III, The Institute for Creation Research)
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SPECIAL AUTHENTICATION
For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? Is it not in that thou goest with us? So shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth. Exodus 33:16
Moses prayed for a special authentication of [God’s people and their] mission. This is the message of Exodus 33:16. You can hear him argue. “Wherein,” he said—“For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? So shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth.”
[Such a prayer for revival is] that the church should be as she is meant to be. The church is meant to be separate. The church is meant to be unique. “Now,” said Moses to God, “I am asking for this something extra, because I am concerned. Here are we, Thy people. How are all the other nations to know that we really are Your people? They are looking on at us; they are laughing at us, mocking us, and jeering at us; they are ready to overwhelm us. Now I am asking for something,” said Moses, “that will make it absolutely clear that we are not just one of the nations of the world, but that we are Thy people, that we are separate, unique, altogether apart.”
The prayer for revival, then, is the prayer that the church may again become like that. And my argument is that nothing but some unusual outpouring of the Spirit of God can do that. What is needed is something that cannot be explained in human terms. What is needed is something that is so striking and so extraordinary that it will arrest the attention of the whole world. That is revival.
A Thought to Ponder: This is a prayer that the church should be as she is meant to be.
(From Revival, pp. 182-183, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
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The true saints of God have always born witness that wholehearted obedience brings the cross into the light quicker than anything else. (p.102)
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Dr. A. B. Simpson to the meaning of the cross and dealt to self. He took one through the meaning of the cross to the understanding that beyond the cross there is resurrection life and power, an identification with a risen Savior and the manifestation of His loving presence. (p.102)
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We forget so easily that in the spiritual life there must be the darkness of the night before there can be the radiance of the dawn. (p. 108)
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A great company of evangelicals has already gone over into the area of religious entertainment so that many gospel churches are tramping on the doorstep of the theater. Over against that, some serious segments of fundamental and evangelical thought have revolted into the position of evangelical rationalism. Which finds it a practical thing to make its peace with liberalism. (p. 126) (I Talk Back to the Devil by A. W. Tozer)
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The Blood of the Lamb
“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” (Revelation 12:11)
This is the last reference in the Bible to the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ; here, it is the overcoming blood, enabling believers to withstand the deceptions and accusations of Satan.
There are at least 43 references to the blood of Christ in the New Testament, all testifying to its great importance in the salvation and daily life of the believer. Judas the betrayer spoke of it as “innocent blood” (Matthew 27:4), and Peter called it “the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:19). It is the cleansing blood in 1 John 1:7 and the washing blood in Revelation 1:5, stressing that it removes the guilt of our sins.
Paul calls it the purchasing blood in Acts 20:28 and the redeeming blood twice (Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14; see also 1 Peter 1:18-19; Revelation 5:9), thus declaring the shedding of His blood to be the very price of our salvation. Therefore, it is also the justifying blood (Romans 5:9) and the peacemaking blood (Colossians 1:20). Its efficacy does not end with our salvation, however, for it is also the sanctifying blood (Hebrews 13:12). There is infinite and eternal power in the blood of Christ, for it is “the blood of the everlasting covenant” (v. 20).
The first reference in the New Testament to His blood stresses this aspect. Jesus said at the last supper, “This is my blood of the new testament [same as ‘covenant’], which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matthew 26:28). Let no one, therefore, ever count the “blood of the covenant…an unholy thing” (Hebrews 10:29), for the blood of Christ is forever innocent, infinitely precious, perfectly justifying, always cleansing, and fully sanctifying. (HMM, The Institute for Creation Research)
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Roberta Stokes writes (AR): After chemo (and immunotherapy) treatment, it’s true that it can take years until you feel alive again … With the side effects of chemo and radiation, you will never be 100% again because your immune system is weak. Ruins marriages, families and relationships with friends. Because you’re not the same again after cancer and treatments.
In the hardest moments you know who your real friends are or who the people are who appreciate you.
Unfortunately, like with most friendships, Facebook friends will leave you in the middle of a story. They want a post to ′′like′′ for the story, but they don’t really read your message when they see it is long.
More than half have stopped reading. Someone may have already gone to the next post in their newsfeed.
I have decided to publish this post in support of close family, friends and relatives who have fought this horrible disease.
Now I’m focusing on those who take the time to read this post to the end … a little test, just to see who reads and who shares without reading.
Cancer is a very aggressive and destructive enemy of our bodies.
Even after treatment, the body is devastated. It’s a very long process.
I would like to know who I can count on and who takes the time to read this.
When you have finished this, write ′′Done′′ in the comments.
Sadly, cancer is still the illness of the century. Unlike others, this little petition will not have the effect of removing friends from my list. As I have a personal interest in the effects of cancer, I want to see who reads and who shares without reading! If you’ve read everything, select ′′Like′′ so I can put a thank you on your profile. I know 97% of you won’t broadcast it but my friends will be the 3% who will. Please, in honor of someone who died, or who is battling cancer. Everyone says, ′′If you need anything, don’t hesitate: I’ll be there for you.′′ So I’m going to make a bet, without being pessimistic: I know my family and friends will put it on their wall. You just have to copy (not share)!!! I want to know who I can count on … Type ′′Done ′′ in the comments when you do. It’s awareness month for this disease. I did it for someone very special! We all know someone who stood before us, and who has fought or who is fighting.
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We now have a Facebook page for Small Church Ministries – please invite others to join us on Facebook. Thank you. Look for the logo from the devotionals.
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