#ScriptureReflection - 1 Chronicles 11 (8.23.19)

David Becomes King Over Israel

11 All Israel came together to David at Hebron and said, “We are your own flesh and blood. ² In the past, even while Saul was king, you were the one who led Israel on their military campaigns. And the Lord your God said to you, ‘You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become their ruler.’”

³ When all the elders of Israel had come to King David at Hebron, he made a covenant with them at Hebron before the Lord, and they anointed David king over Israel, as the Lord had promised through Samuel.

David Conquers Jerusalem

⁴ David and all the Israelites marched to Jerusalem (that is, Jebus). The Jebusites who lived there ⁵ said to David, “You will not get in here.” Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion—which is the City of David.
⁶ David had said, “Whoever leads the attack on the Jebusites will become commander-in-chief.” Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, and so he received the command.
⁷ David then took up residence in the fortress, and so it was called the City of David. ⁸ He built up the city around it, from the terraces to the surrounding wall, while Joab restored the rest of the city. ⁹ And David became more and more powerful, because the Lord Almighty was with him.

 

David’s Mighty Warriors

¹⁰ These were the chiefs of David’s mighty warriors—they, together with all Israel, gave his kingship strong support to extend it over the whole land, as the Lord had promised— ¹¹ this is the list of David’s mighty warriors:
Jashobeam, a Hakmonite, was chief of the officers^[c]; he raised his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed in one encounter.
¹² Next to him was Eleazar son of Dodai the Ahohite, one of the three mighty warriors. ¹³ He was with David at Pas Dammim when the Philistines gathered there for battle. At a place where there was a field full of barley, the troops fled from the Philistines. ¹⁴ But they took their stand in the middle of the field. They defended it and struck the Philistines down, and the Lord brought about a great victory.

¹⁵ Three of the thirty chiefs came down to David to the rock at the cave of Adullam, while a band of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. ¹⁶ At that time David was in the stronghold, and the Philistine garrison was at Bethlehem. ¹⁷ David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!” ¹⁸ So the Three broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out to the Lord. ¹⁹ “God forbid that I should do this!” he said. “Should I drink the blood of these men who went at the risk of their lives?” Because they risked their lives to bring it back, David would not drink it.
Such were the exploits of the three mighty warriors.

²⁰ Abishai the brother of Joab was chief of the Three. He raised his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed, and so he became as famous as the Three. ²¹ He was doubly honored above the Three and became their commander, even though he was not included among them.

²² Benaiah son of Jehoiada, a valiant fighter from Kabzeel, performed great exploits. He struck down Moab’s two mightiest warriors. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. ²³ And he struck down an Egyptian who was five cubits tall. Although the Egyptian had a spear like a weaver’s rod in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club. He snatched the spear from the Egyptian’s hand and killed him with his own spear. ²⁴ Such were the exploits of Benaiah son of Jehoiada; he too was as famous as the three mighty warriors. ²⁵ He was held in greater honor than any of the Thirty, but he was not included among the Three. And David put him in charge of his bodyguard.

²⁶ The mighty warriors were:

Asahel the brother of Joab,

Elhanan son of Dodo from Bethlehem,

²⁷ Shammoth the Harorite,

Helez the Pelonite,

²⁸ Ira son of Ikkesh from Tekoa,

Abiezer from Anathoth,

²⁹ Sibbekai the Hushathite,

Ilai the Ahohite,

³⁰ Maharai the Netophathite,

Heled son of Baanah the Netophathite,

³¹ Ithai son of Ribai from Gibeah in Benjamin,

Benaiah the Pirathonite,

³² Hurai from the ravines of Gaash,

Abiel the Arbathite,

³³ Azmaveth the Baharumite,

Eliahba the Shaalbonite,

³⁴ the sons of Hashem the Gizonite,

Jonathan son of Shagee the Hararite,

³⁵ Ahiam son of Sakar the Hararite,

Eliphal son of Ur,

³⁶ Hepher the Mekerathite,

Ahijah the Pelonite,

³⁷ Hezro the Carmelite,

Naarai son of Ezbai,

³⁸ Joel the brother of Nathan,

Mibhar son of Hagri,

³⁹ Zelek the Ammonite,

Naharai the Berothite, the armor-bearer of Joab son of Zeruiah,

⁴⁰ Ira the Ithrite,

Gareb the Ithrite,

⁴¹ Uriah the Hittite,

Zabad son of Ahlai,

⁴² Adina son of Shiza the Reubenite, who was chief of the Reubenites, and the thirty with him,

⁴³ Hanan son of Maakah,

Joshaphat the Mithnite,

⁴⁴ Uzzia the Ashterathite,

Shama and Jeiel the sons of Hotham the Aroerite,

⁴⁵ Jediael son of Shimri,

his brother Joha the Tizite,

⁴⁶ Eliel the Mahavite,

Jeribai and Joshaviah the sons of Elnaam,

Ithmah the Moabite,

⁴⁷ Eliel, Obed and Jaasiel the Mezobaite.

Let It Go (8.22.19)

No, My Child,
That is not for you.

I Know you think this is what you need,
     but you must not engage this situation. 

Let it go.

It will hurt you if you do not let it go.

I Have something better for you, but you must let go of things that are not of Me. Oh, I know that it feels right, and things appear to be falling into place. However, things are not always what they seem. What you are feeling is not from Me. You are walking after the flesh, and not in the Spirit, so 'Let It Go.'

I Understand you have needs.
I Understand what you are feeling.

But I Do not want this to hurt you, and it will, if you do not step back and let Me lead. Do not allow the works of the enemy to destroy all that you have worked so hard to obtain. I Want you to release the pain of the past, and move ahead with Me.

You cannot bring the past with you.
You cannot hold onto it, while
     walking with Me.
The past has no place with Me,
     I Am your future.

Forgive all those who have hurt you.

Remember ye not the former things, neither
     consider the things of old.

Beloved, I Promised I Would do a new thing in you, and it will come forth, according to My Timing. I Will make a way in the wilderness for you, but only if you will allow Me to lead you.

I Am all that you need.
Haven’t I Always been right on time?
Haven’t I Always made a way out of no way?

Why do you doubt Me now?

Stop listening to what they are saying.
Why do you care what they say?

I Am greater than any circumstance you will ever face. Do not look back, take My Hand, and walk with Me, My Child....

And Let It Go.



Read and Meditate on God's Word:
Isaiah 43:18-19 - Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

Philippians 3:13-14 - Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by GOD’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 12:1-2 - Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of GOD.



Faith Believers,
I pray that the peace of Jesus will flood your soul
     and destroy any fears holding you back so that
     the vision He has given you, will come to pass.

   -  Marilyn  (Thank God for what you have.  Trust God for what you need.)

A "Heart Posture, Heart Changing" Prayer (8.21.19)

Father GOD,
Thank You that You are able to change the posture of my heart.

I come before You in humility.
I open my heart before You.

And I ask that You deliver all of us from any sense of entitlement, or trying to make things happen in our favor, without praying to You first. I trust You Father, and I know that You work to provide what is best for Your Children. 

May the posture of our hearts before You, and others, be pleasing to You. 

There are so many people, in this world, that have allowed the enemy to use them for worldly gain. Sometimes Father, people will step on whomever they need to step on, in order to gain the favor of others.

This is not of You Lord, I know this is the work of the enemy.

I pray Father, that You will change their hearts, and that they will realize that nothing of this world will matter, when You call us home.

Father, I pray, in the Name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, that their hearts will be changed; and that they will give their lives to You.

Help me Father GOD, through Your Holy Spirit, to share Your Word with them, in love and with compassion. 

In Jesus’ Name, I pray.

Amen

A Hymn to the Holiness of GOD (8.20.19)

Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord GOD Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come - Revelation 4:8


Faith Believers/Saints,
Reginald Heber was the Bishop of Calcutta. He had a vision of Heaven based on Revelation 4:8-11 and wrote this very famous hymn (published after his death). It is a hymn to the holiness of GOD and to the mysteries of Heaven.

Perhaps today you can sing it or recite it. Let it come to mind today whenever you have a quiet moment, and let its truths call you to think of our GOD in Heaven:

Holy, holy, holy, Lord GOD Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee!
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty,
GOD in three persons, Blessed Trinity.

Holy, holy, holy, all the saints adore Thee!
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea.
Cherubim and seraphim, falling down before Thee,
Which wert and art and evermore shall be.

Holy, holy, holy, though the darkness hide Thee!
Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see.
Only Thou art holy. There is none beside Thee—
Perfect in power, in love and purity.

Holy, holy, holy, Lord GOD Almighty.
All Thy works shall praise Thy name in earth and sky and sea;
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
GOD in three persons, Blessed Trinity!

Give praise to Jesus, as the manna that has come down from Heaven, the Bread of Life who nourishes the hungry with Himself (John 6:48-51).

Thank Him for taking care of your spiritual as well as your physical needs. Confess those times during the past week when you have failed to come to Jesus in prayer, in order to receive all that you need.

Commit yourself to spending more time in His presence.

Ask Jesus to show you His Power, to take care of all the desires of your heart (Matthew 6:33).

  -  Marilyn

REJOICE!!!! For You Have the Victory!! (8.19.19)

My Child,
If you feel like you are living in a war zone, be of good cheer.

The heat is on because the enemy knows he has lost the battle. Hallelujah! If he thought he was winning, he would remain dormant so that he could keep controlling things. However, because he is coming on strong - it shows that he is panicking, and doing all he can to try and wear you down.

Do not fear, because if you weren't such a threat to the enemy, he wouldn’t bother you.

the enemy sees the anointing on your life. he knows how valuable you are to Me, and he’s scared.  Everything the enemy is doing is working against him and working towards My Perfect Plan and Purpose for you. You would think, by now, that the enemy would have learned; that all he is doing is bringing you closer to Me.  But perhaps he’s just not that smart?

I Know what you are going through is not comfortable, sometimes it's downright painful. However, didn’t I Say that in this world, you would have tribulation? But, if you remember, I Also told you that I Sent My Son, and that My Son had already overcome the world.

These are the things you must remember when you come against hard times. All that you are going through is preparing you for the blessing that’s coming your way.

So, rejoice, the victory is yours. 

the enemy knows he has lost the fight, and that is why he is mad. But who cares about him being mad?  Your only concern is pleasing Me.

Sing Hallelujah to the Lamb
     who sits on the throne.
Rejoice in your Lord. 
You already have the victory.


READ AND MEDITATE ON GOD'S WORD:
Psalm 55:4-7 - My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me. Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me. And I said, Oh, that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away and be at rest. Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. Selah.

Psalm 55:16-18 - As for me, I will call upon GOD; and the LORD shall save me. Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice. He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me.

1 Corinthians 15:57 - But thanks be to GOD, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 2:14 - Now thanks be unto GOD, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

Do Not Let Others Distract You (8.18.19)

My Child,
There are people around you that think
     you should be worried.
However, you know in your heart that things
     are going to work out.

Oh, you don’t know how, but deep within there’s a peace that reminds you - I AM in complete control.  Do not allow the voices of others to cast fear and doubt into your life, because you have surrendered your fears to Me.  The moment you cast everything upon Me, I Began to do a new thing within your spirit. Therefore, do not be moved by the words of others, they don’t know, they have no idea, what I Am doing in your life.

I Know that sometimes it is hard for you to be still and pray, while the people around, and even your circumstances, say you should do something now. However, you made a promise to Me that you would step aside and allow Me to work on It.

My Child, I AM still working. I Never Stopped working in your life. Do not allow the words of others, to cause you to believe that I Am not faithful. Just as I Am faithful to you, I Want you to be faithful to Me. Keep your hands on the things I’ve given you to do, and continue to pray and press your way through.

Saturate your life with My Word, for there is peace and strength in My Word. Oh, fill your heart and mind with My Loving Words, and they will remind you that I Will supply your every need.

Regardless of how strong the winds blow, it does not matter that the naysayers are saying you cannot make it, or that you don't have the funds to make it. I say, cast them down for you have a Heavenly Bank Account in Me; and I Will bring it forth in My Timing. I do not move on their (or mans) time, and neither does your life.

You gave your life to Me, I Am in control
     and My Timing is always the best.

Now, focus and continue to pray.

Rest in My Peace and do not allow the words
     of others distract you.
Because nothing, not even the words of others,
     can stop My Hand for you.


Read and Meditate on God's Word
Isaiah 55:11 - So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I send it.

John 10:4-5 - And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

Philippians 4:6-7 - Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell GOD what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience GOD's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Romans 12:2 - Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of GOD, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Hebrews 12:2 - Fixing our attention on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of the faith, who, in view of the joy set before him, endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of GOD.

Colossians 3:1-2 - If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of GOD. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

---

~ Prayer ~
Faith Believers,
I pray the peace of Jesus will flood your soul
and destroy any fears holding you back
so that the vision He has given you
will come to pass. 
Amen

 - Marilyn  (Thank God for what you have.  Trust God for what you need.)

#ScriptureReflection (#SpiritualGifts) - 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 (8.17.19)

Concerning Spiritual Gifts

12 Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. ² You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. ³ Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.

⁴ There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. ⁵ There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. ⁶ There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

⁷ Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. ⁸ To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, ⁹ to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, ¹⁰ to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. ¹¹ All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

____________________________________

#ReflectionRecap: The spiritual gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 are: Wisdom, Knowledge, Faith, Healing, Miraculous Powers, Prophecy, Distinguishing between Spirits, Speaking in Tongues & Interpretation of Tongues. 

These Spiritual Gifts from the Holy Spirit are different from:

• The Fruit of the Spirit : Love, Joy, Peace, Forbearance, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
• The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit : Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord (Isaiah 11:1-2).

Come Holy Spirit, Come!

The Presence of God is Real (8.16.19)

As when fire sets twigs ablaze and causes water to boil, come down to make your name known to your enemies and cause the nations to quake before you! - Isaiah 64:2


Faith Believers,
The presence of GOD is real.

When GOD chooses to show up in power, there are clear effects. Isaiah gives us a couple of  simple illustrations: when fire comes, twigs are set ablaze and water begins to boil. When GOD shows up, things begin to happen.

The presence of GOD is powerful and life-changing.

We as Christians need to make His Name known to those who do not know Him. We are living in  Godless times and the works of the enemy are everywhere.  The goal of every believer should be to see GOD’s name vindicated as His Glory manifested. We should be anxious to see things happening that will cause all people to stop and think about the evil happening in this world and give their lives to GOD.

We all need the Fathers' Presence and Protection, right now and forever!!!!

~ Prayer ~
Father,
Come to Your People in power and glory.

Make Your Name known to those who do not know you.

More than anything else, this world needs to see and experience You! And Father, me too!

I long to see Your Son, Lord Jesus, not only at His second coming, as I live day by day in full awareness of His Presence in my life.

I need You, Lord Jesus.  I need You, Father GOD.

You said You would never leave me nor forsake me.
I praise and worship Your Holy Name.

Amen

#ScriptureReflection - Revelations 11 (8.15.19)

The Two Witnesses

11 I was given a reed like a measuring rod and was told, “Go and measure the temple of God and the altar, with its worshipers. ² But exclude the outer court; do not measure it, because it has been given to the Gentiles. They will trample on the holy city for 42 months. ³ And I will appoint my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” ⁴ They are “the two olive trees” and the two lampstands, and “they stand before the Lord of the earth.”  ⁵ If anyone tries to harm them, fire comes from their mouths and devours their enemies. This is how anyone who wants to harm them must die. ⁶ They have power to shut up the heavens so that it will not rain during the time they are prophesying; and they have power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they want.

⁷ Now when they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the Abyss will attack them, and overpower and kill them. ⁸ Their bodies will lie in the public square of the great city—which is figuratively called Sodom and Egypt—where also their Lord was crucified. ⁹ For three and a half days some from every people, tribe, language and nation will gaze on their bodies and refuse them burial. ¹⁰ The inhabitants of the earth will gloat over them and will celebrate by sending each other gifts, because these two prophets had tormented those who live on the earth.

¹¹ But after the three and a half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and terror struck those who saw them. ¹² Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here.” And they went up to heaven in a cloud, while their enemies looked on.

¹³ At that very hour there was a severe earthquake and a tenth of the city collapsed. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the survivors were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.

¹⁴ The second woe has passed; the third woe is coming soon.

 

The Seventh Trumpet

¹⁵ The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said:

“The kingdom of the world has become
    the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah,
    and he will reign for ever and ever.”

¹⁶ And the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, ¹⁷ saying:

“We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty,
    the One who is and who was,
because you have taken your great power
    and have begun to reign.
¹⁸ The nations were angry,
    and your wrath has come.
The time has come for judging the dead,
    and for rewarding your servants the prophets
and your people who revere your name,
    both great and small—
and for destroying those who destroy the earth.”

 
¹⁹ Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and within his temple was seen the ark of his covenant. And there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake and a severe hailstorm.

#ScriptureReflection - Song of Songs 1 (8.14.19)

1 Solomon’s Song of Songs.

She

² Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth—
    for your love is more delightful than wine.
³ Pleasing is the fragrance of your perfumes;
    your name is like perfume poured out.
    No wonder the young women love you!
⁴ Take me away with you—let us hurry!
    Let the king bring me into his chambers.

Friends

We rejoice and delight in you;
    we will praise your love more than wine.

She

How right they are to adore you!

⁵ Dark am I, yet lovely,
    daughters of Jerusalem,
dark like the tents of Kedar,
    like the tent curtains of Solomon.
⁶ Do not stare at me because I am dark,
    because I am darkened by the sun.
My mother’s sons were angry with me
    and made me take care of the vineyards;
    my own vineyard I had to neglect.
⁷ Tell me, you whom I love,
    where you graze your flock
    and where you rest your sheep at midday.
Why should I be like a veiled woman
    beside the flocks of your friends?

Friends

⁸ If you do not know, most beautiful of women,
    follow the tracks of the sheep
and graze your young goats
    by the tents of the shepherds.

He

⁹ I liken you, my darling, to a mare
    among Pharaoh’s chariot horses.
¹⁰ Your cheeks are beautiful with earrings,
    your neck with strings of jewels.
¹¹ We will make you earrings of gold,
    studded with silver.

She

¹² While the king was at his table,
    my perfume spread its fragrance.
¹³ My beloved is to me a sachet of myrrh
    resting between my breasts.
¹⁴ My beloved is to me a cluster of henna blossoms
    from the vineyards of En Gedi.

He

¹⁵ How beautiful you are, my darling!
    Oh, how beautiful!
    Your eyes are doves.

She

¹⁶ How handsome you are, my beloved!
    Oh, how charming!
    And our bed is verdant.

He

¹⁷ The beams of our house are cedars;
    our rafters are firs.