It's been a while.  Sorry about that.  This morning I am reading and pondering Isaiah 2.2, 4;

• "...the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established...
• and exalted...
• and ALL nations shall flow into it...
• and He shall judge among the nations, 
• and rebuke many people
• and...shall they learn war (no) more."

This sounds like the new Jerusalem.  However, the question that sounds in my heart is this;
If this is after the rapture of the church and peace reigns, what is the judging, rebuking and ceasing war all about?

I'll be back, Lord willing if other thoughts or inspiration on the matter.

MERRY CHRISTMAS, all!  The risen Saviour and soon coming King came to us in human form one day - absolutely incomprehensible love manifested for eyes to behold.

Sovereignty

Proud King

Humble King

Sovereignty - 

one of my favorite truths to discuss from scripture.  It is a comfort to this heart that the Absolute has everything in control.  This heart need not fear any circumstance, only trust and obey.

1. The verse that captured my attention this morning is from Pro 16.4; "The Lord hath made all for Himself...even the wicked for the day of evil."!!!
2. Two quotes are OT, one quote is taken from the NT.  The obvious truth being this doctrine has been known and taught from antiquity! 
3. Kick, scream, shout, rail but the truth is sound and immovable.  The writer here will not labor this precious doctrine of which permeates scripture except to quote the following in the interest of "comparing scripture with scripture."

• And He changeth the times and the seasons: He removeth kings, and setteth up kings: He giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: Dan 2.21
• But God is the judge: He putteth down one, and setteth up another.  Ps 75.7
• Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,  Eph 1.5

     No need to discourse further. In this writer's mind, the Word stands alone.  "Thy Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee."  "Thy Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."  Ps 119.11, Ps 119.105

The tongue and wisdom

WISDOM - (W)

Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee. (Pro 2.11)

The right use or exercise of knowledge; the choice of laudable ends, and of the best means to accomplish them.
Wise - (H7919)  to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent:—consider, expert, instruct, prosper, (deal) prudent(-ly), (give) skill(-ful), have good success, teach, (have, make to) understand(-ing), wisdom, (be, behave self, consider, make) wise(-ly), guide wittingly.

TONGUE -(H3956)  used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), — babbler, bay, evil speaker, language, talker, tongue, wedge. (G1100) The organ of speech.

• The definitions of the two subjects, "wisdom and tongue," are self explanatory.  One is used to proliferate the other.  Ahh, there is the rub.  One cannot operate independently of the other.   However, to use one correctly, the other must be applied.

Simply put, "out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh." (Mt 12.34)

• The premise or genesis of this study began at Proverbs 2.11.  "Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee."  It occurred to this writer that there is a generation that has neither discretion, understanding or wisdom.  It is the burden on this heart to explore the use of the tongue to enlighten any who would peruse this site.

The wise preacher also told us to:

• bind truth upon the table of thine heart (Pro 3.3)
• ...keep sound wisdom and discretion (Pro 3.21)
• understand that "shame shall be the promotion of fools (Pro 3.35)

The question then becomes; "When should one speak?"
The answer, it would seem is obvious but most "fools" don't heed the obvious.  The answer would be;

1. when spoken to
2. when duty demands a response
3. to encourage

Then one might ask, "How discrete should be the response or answer?"
Again, it would seem obvious but not to the unlearned in scripture.  The answer would be:

1. thoughtfully (Jms 1.19) "slow to speak..."  i.e., "think before you speak"
2. prayerfully (Lk 18.1) make sure the matter is one that has been prayed about
3. scripturally - i.e. "What does the Bible say,?" should be the primary answer

A wise man once said that "God put our tongues behind bars of ivory in a pool of water" because we are to be more ready to hear than to speak about a matter.

Why should we be more ready to hear than speak and why should we "think before we speak.?"
The simple answer is "because once it's out there, one can't take it back!"

Consider James 3.5-8:
⁵ Even so the tongue is a little member, and 

• boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

⁶ And the tongue is a 

• fire, 
• a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body,
• and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it 
• is set on fire of hell.

⁷ For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
⁸ But the tongue can no man tame; 

• it is an unruly evil,
• full of deadly poison.

In a child's petulant manner it has been said, "sticks and stones can break my bones but words will never harm me."  The wise man said, "the pen is mightier than the sword." 
The scripture records, "...holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." (2 Pet 1.21)

Do you want to be known as wise?  Do you want others to view you as mature?
Then, one will have to heed the Holy Writ.  James also tells us that; "If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain." (Jms 1.26) 

Conclusion of the matter:
When you feel a need or are asked to speak, will you use your tongue "wisely," or will you "set on fire" a thing that cannot be controlled or stopped.

"Choose your words carefully."
Amen

"Be still..."

So, it is I've been given direction.

Ps 4.4

1. Stand in awe,
2. sin not:
3. commmune/meditate with your own heart...
4. be still...

The last point is where I will focus.  A wise christian once counseled, "when in doubt don't."  The same applies to "stand still" when awaiting direction or instruction from the leadership of the Holy Ghost.
While in the "still" mode, one should be "standing in awe," or worshiping at all times.  It goes without saying we should practice the art of "sinning less."  At the same time one should be meditating on Him and "whatsoever is good, honest and true." (Phil 4.8)
Being still, as one can see, doesn't mean being idle.
Being still is another way one can magnify and honor our Lord because one is waiting on His perfect will.
Do not get discouraged while in this mode.  He tells us repeatedly to "put our trust" in Him (Ps 4.5).
"Offer the sacrifices of righteousness..." (Ps 4.5).

Spiritual Jews

Bible reading finds us in the book of Esther.  The phrase that catches the eye is this;
"And many of the people of the land 'became Jews;' for the fear of the Jews fell upon them." 

The characters: King Ahaseurus-Vashti-Mordecai-Esther(Hadassa)-Haman

Protagonists-Antagonists-Heroine --- 

The setting: Persia. The Jews are captive in a foreign land.
The main theme (as I see it):  "Many (not all) of the people...became Jews..."

My question is "Why would one want to become one of those despised, persecuted outcasts?"
The scripture states, "...the fear of the Jews fell upon them."

It is obvious, to conclude that the Persians watched, whispered and wondered at the deliverance of an entire race of people.  The Persians knew no other way but to follow the laws of the land without question.  Esther, however, had been trained to obey God first.  In this training, she could obey the laws of the land unless they transgressed the law of God.  So, to take a stand she must go before the King in direct disobedience to the Persian law.
Certainly, there are times in one's life that such an action would be inevitable.  The question is

"what will you do when it comes time to make a stand for your conviction(s)?"

If one follows the Lord's will a greater good will come out of such a hard decision. Although, it is hard to see the outcome when in such a difficult position.

"And many of the people became Jews..."  Why? Testimony!  

 The lesson becomes;

• Are you a salty christian? (Mt 5.13, Mk 9.50)
• Does the world want what you claim? (Mt 10.18, Mk 1.44, 6.11)
• Does the world see Jesus in you?

One other thought strikes this writer about Esther, trust.  Mordecai, seems to be a type of the Holy Ghost.  He stayed very close to this precious young cousin.  He listened, he took action when necessary, he was faithful to her.  So it is with the Holy Ghost, "Paraclete, called along side to help."  One can trust Him.  He is always faithful and true, even when we can't see or feel His presence. He always steps in "right on time!"

Thank you, Lord for the telling of this story.  An encouragement, a help to this Christian.  Amen.  Ps. 57.7

The Watchtower

2 Chr 20.24, 25

Goodness gracious, so much has happened since my last entry.  However, this mornings devotion is found in 2 Chr 20.24, 25; "And Judah came toward the watch tower in the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude, and behold they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped.  (And when Judah) came to take away the spoil...they found...abundance...more than they could carry away..."

Of course, it is understood that one must take this passage in context and consider that the Bible is a dispensational book.  However, the Lord impresses portions of scripture to one's heart in a spiritual and practical way from ancient people's and their actions.

"Watchtower" (H4707, 4708) seems to be the words the Holy Spirit has impressed on this heart.  

• By definition, a "watchtower" is a lookout point. 
• More specifically, from Strong's Concordance of the Hebrew, this word is a "lofty point."  King Jehosophat of Judah used it.  King Asa of Israel used the physical location of this point to "fortify" and guard the frontiers that were against Israel.
• If, one could use "lofty point" as the description, then let us examine what the verses mean to the Christian.

Every Christian, filled with the Holy Ghost, like Caleb of old, desires his/her "mountain."  (Num. 14.24)  No matter how long one must dwell in the wilderness and struggle against all naysayers, trials and temptations.  A true believer, filled with the Holy Ghost, keeps his/her "eyes on the prize."  This believer is convinced that the "mountain" can be obtained on this side of glory.  Much discussion, prayer and heartfelt desire have gone into this truth. 

However, the fight can sometimes seem long and unending.  Much has been preached and taught about never giving up.  So, this writer will not labor that point.  Instead, this authoress would point one to the reward!  Look at the "spoil" noted in this passage.  It was "more than they could carry away!"  This was after they were allowed the view from the "watch tower" of the death of so many enemies from this high and lofty lookout.

To sum up the heart of this writer.  I believe, at this time, I have almost got "my mountain."  I remember seeing a picture in my "suppositional mind" nearly fifteen years ago.  Silly as it may sound, in my mind, at the mention of "real estate," I saw a snow capped peak. This, to my heart, was "my mountain."   For more explanation, you will need to contact me personally.  I'll be happy to share.  The last eleven years have without a doubt been the hardest.  However, when I look back from this lofty point, I begin to see all the "dead bodies" of the enemy in my wake.

• Did I effect any of the path to this lofty point? No. It was all in His purpose and plan for my life.
• Have I fought and kept up with my "comrades in arms" in this fight?  I've tried.  I have indeed stumbled and faltered on this path.  He has walked beside me, ahead of me and taken up the rear, where I could not see, the whole way.
• Would I have chosen this path to get to this "watch tower?"  No, absolutely not! It has been wisely said that "the kindest thing God ever did for us is pull a curtain over tomorrow."  If I could have seen any of what lay between me and this lofty point, I'm not sure if I would have ever started.
• Would I change the "way that I take" to know more of Him, to be tried in the refiner's fire, to be in His perfect will?  No! 

Grace, as I know it today, has come with a price.  This heart needs more of Him in love, trust and faith.  However, I can honestly say that, at the moment, this heart does not struggle so as in the beginning of this journey.  I have learned His ways are higher and better.  I have learned He already had a plan in mind all the time.  I have learned, He loves me as a Father loves His children.

Dear reader, if you persevere, you will get to your mountain.  You will get to this "lofty place."  You will know His love, unequaled, unending and unyielding. He will never let you go.  Will you let go of Him?  He has promised these things to His own and in Him there is "no shadow of turning."  It is up to you, how much of Him do you desire?  In a word, it has been stated, "let go and let God."

Dearest believer, stay prayed up, repented up and studied up.  "It will be worth every mile of the trip."
God bless you as He illuminates your hearts to the truths presented in this humble discourse.
Amen.

HAPPY 17th BIRTHDAY to my sweet Rachel!!!

This morning, devotion led me to Eph. 1.6 and this phrase;
"To the praise of the glory of His grace..."

Very simply, What should one praise of Him?
"...the glory of HIS grace (that has made) us 'accepted in the beloved.'"

Because of HIS grace, I AM ACCEPTED, of HIM!!!  Magnificent, wonderful, to high for mortal comprehension, thought!  Once again, to restate the obvious.  It is all because of HIS grace, we can enter in!

Amen - Ps. 57.7

Stay Faithful in 2015

HAPPY NEW YEAR!  and this is what was given into my heart on this year's first devotion...

NEW YEAR adjectives for the Christian:

• faithful
• honest
• hard-working
• "doer"

2 Kings 22.7
..there was no reckoning made with them (i.e., the "doers of the work" 22.5) of the money that was delivered into their hand, BECAUSE THEY DEALT FAITHFULLY."

The "doers of the work"  (22.6) were; "carpenters, builders and masons."  That is, hard working men.
Lord, would that this first day of 2015 be the first day of all, including this writer, who would be found "hard-working and faithful" in Thy "work."

As it turns out, Lord willing before the day is done, we will spend time with such folks noted above.  Folks of like "kindred-spirit" who love the Lord and are hard-working and faithful in His service.
Also, this writer can't help but note that this "50th year of her jubilee," which will end midsummer, has seen wonderful, potential additions to the family that is yet to be.

Blessed fellowship with my Lord and His people are one of life's greatest joys.  Thank you, Lord.  Truly;
 ^"It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness."  (Lam 3.22, 23)