Saturday, December 8, 2007
Read: Isaiah 49:14-16
Can a mother forget the baby at her breast? . . . Though she may forget, I will not forget you! - Isaiah 49:15
TODAY IN THE WORD
God tattoos (literally “cuts”) the names of His people on His palms (v. 16). Like a perfect mother, God will not, cannot, forget His children. Those engravings on His palms remain to this day in the hands of Jesus, forever scarred from the cross.
THe Holy Spirit, the Comforter ( the mothering side of God )
TODAY IN THE WORD
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Read: Isaiah 66:5-13 (A precursor to the Holy Spirit)
Although we live in a fallen and broken world, God provides us with a word of hope. Like a protective parent to His children, God promises to come to us, embrace us, and bring us that comforting, tender love of a mother. We are not left to mourn or suffer alone.
the mother metaphor switches to God Himself: “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you” (Isaiah 66:13)
they [God's people] will “nurse and be carried on her arm and dandled on her knees” (Isaiah 66:12).
As a mother breast milk never ceases while need for the babe to nurse; God's new people will “drink deeply and delight in her overflowing abundance” (Isaiah 66:11).
Come before our God [Holy Spirit] today with all of life's pain and brokenness and find comfort and joy in our tender God [Holy Spirit].
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Read: Isaiah 66:5-13 (A precursor to the Holy Spirit)
Although we live in a fallen and broken world, God provides us with a word of hope. Like a protective parent to His children, God promises to come to us, embrace us, and bring us that comforting, tender love of a mother. We are not left to mourn or suffer alone.
the mother metaphor switches to God Himself: “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you” (Isaiah 66:13)
they [God's people] will “nurse and be carried on her arm and dandled on her knees” (Isaiah 66:12).
As a mother breast milk never ceases while need for the babe to nurse; God's new people will “drink deeply and delight in her overflowing abundance” (Isaiah 66:11).
Come before our God [Holy Spirit] today with all of life's pain and brokenness and find comfort and joy in our tender God [Holy Spirit].
TODAY ALONG THE WAY - The “super-apostles”
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Read: 2 Corinthians 11:16-33
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The “super-apostles” must have seemed imposing. Yet often, true servants of Christ aren't all that impressive. It can be tempting to look for leaders who have a powerful personality or a certain charisma. To be sure, some godly leaders also have these characteristics. Yet we must be careful that we're not using worldly standards to evaluate our Christian leaders. A faithful, trustworthy pastor or elder is far more valuable than the polish or dynamism of one whose arrogance ultimately enslaves and leads away from the gospel.
Read: 2 Corinthians 11:16-33
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The “super-apostles” must have seemed imposing. Yet often, true servants of Christ aren't all that impressive. It can be tempting to look for leaders who have a powerful personality or a certain charisma. To be sure, some godly leaders also have these characteristics. Yet we must be careful that we're not using worldly standards to evaluate our Christian leaders. A faithful, trustworthy pastor or elder is far more valuable than the polish or dynamism of one whose arrogance ultimately enslaves and leads away from the gospel.
Santa Claus 2 (2002)
What's the difference between Santa's magic and Jesus Christ's Power?
Santa Clause magic had a limit. He started out with power 10. He lost some every time he used his magic.
Jesus power the same yesterday, today and forever.
http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1807776055/info
Santa Clause magic had a limit. He started out with power 10. He lost some every time he used his magic.
Jesus power the same yesterday, today and forever.
http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1807776055/info
Leadership
President John Quincy Adams: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”
unity of mind
2 Chronicles 30:12 Also in Judah the hand of God was on the people to give them unity of mind to carry out what the king and his officials had ordered, following the word of the Lord.
Commentaries > Matthew Henry Complete > v. 12. They did it with one heart, were all of a mind in it, and the hand of God gave them that one heart; for it is in the day of power that Christ’s subjects are made willing. It is God that works both to will and to do. When people, at any time, manifest an unexpected forwardness to do that which is good, we must acknowledge that hand of God in it.
Commentaries > Matthew Henry Complete > v. 12. They did it with one heart, were all of a mind in it, and the hand of God gave them that one heart; for it is in the day of power that Christ’s subjects are made willing. It is God that works both to will and to do. When people, at any time, manifest an unexpected forwardness to do that which is good, we must acknowledge that hand of God in it.
Church unity is require for a vibrant church
TODAY IN THE WORD
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Read: Acts 11:19-30; 12:25-13:3
The church at Antioch is a wonderful picture of church unity.
The church in Antioch can teach us a lot about a vibrant church. we see a church willing to release its most prominent leaders for mission work. Finally, we see an amazing unity of purpose despite great diversity. For instance, Barnabas also saw the need for more teachers, so he traveled 100 miles north to track down Saul in Tarsus, who had ministered there for about ten years after he escaped from Jerusalem
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Read: Acts 11:19-30; 12:25-13:3
The church at Antioch is a wonderful picture of church unity.
The church in Antioch can teach us a lot about a vibrant church. we see a church willing to release its most prominent leaders for mission work. Finally, we see an amazing unity of purpose despite great diversity. For instance, Barnabas also saw the need for more teachers, so he traveled 100 miles north to track down Saul in Tarsus, who had ministered there for about ten years after he escaped from Jerusalem
The irony of answered prayers
TODAY IN THE WORD
Read: Acts 12:1-25
Notice the irony that, despite their fervent prayers, the believers in Mary's house couldn't believe their prayers to deliver Peter had been answered!
Read: Acts 12:1-25
Notice the irony that, despite their fervent prayers, the believers in Mary's house couldn't believe their prayers to deliver Peter had been answered!
powerful advances for the gospel are often initiated at the grass-roots level
TODAY IN THE WORD
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Read: Acts 8:5-25
TODAY ALONG THE WAY It's interesting to notice that Peter and John follow Philip's lead by continuing to evangelize Samaritan cities on their return to Jerusalem (v. 25). This should encourage us that powerful advances for the gospel are not always initiated by church leaders. In fact, many racial reconciliation efforts are at the grass-roots level
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Read: Acts 8:5-25
TODAY ALONG THE WAY It's interesting to notice that Peter and John follow Philip's lead by continuing to evangelize Samaritan cities on their return to Jerusalem (v. 25). This should encourage us that powerful advances for the gospel are not always initiated by church leaders. In fact, many racial reconciliation efforts are at the grass-roots level
You cannot stop God's plan
Moody Today in the Word for
Friday, September 7, 2007
Read: Acts 5:12-42
34But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. 35Then he addressed them: "... 38Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God." not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."
(cf. John 3:6 -Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.)
physical power is never effective against the power of the soul
Friday, September 7, 2007
Read: Acts 5:12-42
34But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. 35Then he addressed them: "... 38Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God." not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."
(cf. John 3:6 -Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.)
physical power is never effective against the power of the soul
The gospel is our source for love's transformation
TODAY IN THE WORD
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Read: Ephesians 4:17-5:2
Love is the mark of Christian believers. The gospel is our source of this love, not simply as information but as transformation.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Read: Ephesians 4:17-5:2
Love is the mark of Christian believers. The gospel is our source of this love, not simply as information but as transformation.
as if by our own power or godliness
If Jesus Christ is in fact raised from the dead, then that resurrection power is available to His followers as we await the time of His return to earth.
Peter Speaks to the Onlookers
Acts 3:11 While the beggar held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon's Colonnade. 12When Peter saw this, he said to them: "Men of Israel, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 13The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. 14You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. 15You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. 16By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.
Peter and John aren't the same men we've known through the Gospels. In the story found in Acts 3, Peter and John were resolute and confident.
Peter Speaks to the Onlookers
Acts 3:11 While the beggar held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon's Colonnade. 12When Peter saw this, he said to them: "Men of Israel, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 13The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. 14You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. 15You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. 16By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.
Peter and John aren't the same men we've known through the Gospels. In the story found in Acts 3, Peter and John were resolute and confident.
Enternal Life
John 17:3
And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent
This eternal life isn't a cloying picture of heavenly harps and choirs. We don't have to die to begin eternal life; it begins at the moment we place our faith in Christ.
http://www.awmi.net/bible/joh_17_03
Note 94 at Jn. 17:3: In order to fully understand what eternal life is, it is helpful to understand what it is not. Eternal life is not living forever. Everyone lives forever in either heaven or hell. Also, eternal life is not living forever in the blessings of heaven as opposed to being tormented in hell. John 3:36 and 5:24 show that eternal life is a present tense possession of the believer.
Jesus here defines eternal life as knowing God the Father and Jesus Christ. As we have already discussed (see note 9 at Jn. 8:32, p. 232; see note 2 at Jn. 10:27, p. 280), this word "know" is speaking of intimacy instead of mere intellectual knowledge. Therefore, eternal life is having an intimate, personal relationship with God the Father and Jesus the Son.
According to John 3:16, this intimacy with God is what salvation is all about. Forgiveness of our sins is not the point of salvation. This intimacy with the Father is. Of course, Jesus did die to purchase forgiveness for our sins because unforgiven sins blocked us from intimacy with God. Sin was an obstacle that stood between God and us. It had to be dealt with and it was. But anyone who views salvation as only forgiveness of sins and stops there is missing out on eternal life.
Salvation was intended to be presented as the way to come back into harmony with God. Instead, it has often been presented as the way to escape the problems of this life and later the judgment of hell. It is possible to get born again with that kind of thinking, but more often than not, people who get saved through that type of ministry view the Lord as someone to help them in times of crisis and don't come to know Him.
The church has been preaching forgiveness of sins instead of relationship with God. Forgiveness of sins is an essential step to relationship with God which cannot be by- passed, but it is not eternal life. Jesus didn't die for us out of pity for our impending doom, but He died for us out of love for us (Jn. 3:16) -- a love that longed to once again have that intimate communion with man that He had originally created him for (Gen. 3:8; Rev. 4:11).
And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent
This eternal life isn't a cloying picture of heavenly harps and choirs. We don't have to die to begin eternal life; it begins at the moment we place our faith in Christ.
http://www.awmi.net/bible/joh_17_03
Note 94 at Jn. 17:3: In order to fully understand what eternal life is, it is helpful to understand what it is not. Eternal life is not living forever. Everyone lives forever in either heaven or hell. Also, eternal life is not living forever in the blessings of heaven as opposed to being tormented in hell. John 3:36 and 5:24 show that eternal life is a present tense possession of the believer.
Jesus here defines eternal life as knowing God the Father and Jesus Christ. As we have already discussed (see note 9 at Jn. 8:32, p. 232; see note 2 at Jn. 10:27, p. 280), this word "know" is speaking of intimacy instead of mere intellectual knowledge. Therefore, eternal life is having an intimate, personal relationship with God the Father and Jesus the Son.
According to John 3:16, this intimacy with God is what salvation is all about. Forgiveness of our sins is not the point of salvation. This intimacy with the Father is. Of course, Jesus did die to purchase forgiveness for our sins because unforgiven sins blocked us from intimacy with God. Sin was an obstacle that stood between God and us. It had to be dealt with and it was. But anyone who views salvation as only forgiveness of sins and stops there is missing out on eternal life.
Salvation was intended to be presented as the way to come back into harmony with God. Instead, it has often been presented as the way to escape the problems of this life and later the judgment of hell. It is possible to get born again with that kind of thinking, but more often than not, people who get saved through that type of ministry view the Lord as someone to help them in times of crisis and don't come to know Him.
The church has been preaching forgiveness of sins instead of relationship with God. Forgiveness of sins is an essential step to relationship with God which cannot be by- passed, but it is not eternal life. Jesus didn't die for us out of pity for our impending doom, but He died for us out of love for us (Jn. 3:16) -- a love that longed to once again have that intimate communion with man that He had originally created him for (Gen. 3:8; Rev. 4:11).
John 17 - Jesus Prays
Jesus Prays for Himself (verses 1 - 5)
Jesus Prays for His Disciples (verses 6 - 19)
verse 9 (NIV)
Jesus Prays for His Disciples (verses 6 - 19)
verse 9 (NIV)
Jesus Prays for All Believers (verse 20 -26)I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours.
Note 97 at Jn. 17:9: Jesus is not praying for the unbelievers. This is not because He doesn't love them. He sacrificed His life for them. There is no greater love than that (Jn. 15:13). He has done everything for them that He can or will do until they receive His gift of salvation. Jesus' ministry, now that He is back with the Father, is to appear in the presence of God, making intercession for us (Heb. 7:25; 9:24).
DAY 289: Psalm 86:13 For get is Your mercy toward me; Mercy is not abstract
Psalm 86:13 (New King James Version)
13 For great is Your mercy toward me,
And You have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.
Matthew 9:10 (NIV) While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with him and his disciples. 11When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?"
Matthew 9:12 (NIV) On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
"Mercy is not abstract; it is particular and personal."
Sin and Sight
A new pair of eys should accompany a "heart" transplant in God.
I should see the situation in a completely new way.
Sin affects the known world: all creation suffers th loss of intimacy with their Creator.
I should see the situation in a completely new way.
Sin affects the known world: all creation suffers th loss of intimacy with their Creator.
Identity in Christ
I will be sharing selective passages from God's word about our identity in Christ.
One definition of identity is set of characteristics by which someone is recognizable or known.
Identity can also be defined as the quality or condition of being the same as someone else.
Roman 10:17 states "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
I pray as we meditate on the following scriptures from God's word, that we will truly identify with our Elder Brother Jesus Christ taking on, and adopting more of His personage.
1 Peter 2:9-10 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.
Romans 8:14-17 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father." The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
One definition of identity is set of characteristics by which someone is recognizable or known.
Identity can also be defined as the quality or condition of being the same as someone else.
Roman 10:17 states "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
I pray as we meditate on the following scriptures from God's word, that we will truly identify with our Elder Brother Jesus Christ taking on, and adopting more of His personage.
1 Peter 2:9-10 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.
Romans 8:14-17 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father." The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
Psalms 51
Overview - Psalms 51
01 David prays for remission of sins, whereof he makes a deep confession.
06 He prays for sanctification.
16 God delights not in sacrifice, but in sincerity.
18 He prays for the church
Psalms 51:6a - Surely you desire truth in the inner parts;
Psalms 51:10 - Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalms 51:17 -The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
Humility is the prerequisite for honor (Prov 15:33; 18:12; 22:4; 29:23) and physical blessing (Psalm 37:11; Matt 5:5).
01 David prays for remission of sins, whereof he makes a deep confession.
06 He prays for sanctification.
16 God delights not in sacrifice, but in sincerity.
18 He prays for the church
Psalms 51:6a - Surely you desire truth in the inner parts;
Psalms 51:10 - Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalms 51:17 -The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
Humility is the prerequisite for honor (Prov 15:33; 18:12; 22:4; 29:23) and physical blessing (Psalm 37:11; Matt 5:5).
Humility Cures Worldiness
Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? James 4:4
Pride Promotes Stife
James 4:1 -
Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?
James 4:5b-6 -
"The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously"? ... "God resist the proud, ..."
Our selfish desires throw a roadblock in front of our ability to love.
Christians try to meet their own needs without actually turning to God; that is the way of the world (worldiness).
James says that Christians who lives a selfish life is adultery against the Holy Spirit! James 4:3-4a: You ask and do not receive because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. Adulterers and adulteresses!
Pride Promotes Stife
James 4:1 -
Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?
James 4:5b-6 -
"The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously"? ... "God resist the proud, ..."
Our selfish desires throw a roadblock in front of our ability to love.
Christians try to meet their own needs without actually turning to God; that is the way of the world (worldiness).
James says that Christians who lives a selfish life is adultery against the Holy Spirit! James 4:3-4a: You ask and do not receive because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. Adulterers and adulteresses!
Dissension
dis·sen·sion : DISAGREEMENT; especially : partisan and contentious quarreling
synonym see DISCORD - a : lack of agreement or harmony (as between persons, things, or ideas) b : active quarreling or conflict resulting from discord among persons or factions : STRIFE
Proverbs 6:16-19 These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.
partisan: a firm adherent to a party , faction, cause, or person; especially : one exhibiting blind, prejudiced, and unreasoning allegiance synonym see FOLLOWER
If I am sowing discord among my Christian brothers, am I partisan to, a follower of the Devil?
synonym see DISCORD - a : lack of agreement or harmony (as between persons, things, or ideas) b : active quarreling or conflict resulting from discord among persons or factions : STRIFE
Proverbs 6:16-19 These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.
partisan: a firm adherent to a party , faction, cause, or person; especially : one exhibiting blind, prejudiced, and unreasoning allegiance synonym see FOLLOWER
If I am sowing discord among my Christian brothers, am I partisan to, a follower of the Devil?
"Why madam, do I not destory my enemies when I make them my friends?" - Abraham Lincoln
Today Along the Way
Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you pray for those who mistreat you. Luke 6:27-28
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If you don't label anyone you know personally as an “enemy,” consider a broader scope of the world. Do any political groups make you angry? Maybe someone or some issue in the news draws your ire. Take two steps to show love to these “enemies.” When something you see in the media angers you, pray with love for the people involved. Second, if the topic comes up in conversation, take special consideration to treat with respect and love people who take a dissenting opinion.
Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you pray for those who mistreat you. Luke 6:27-28
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If you don't label anyone you know personally as an “enemy,” consider a broader scope of the world. Do any political groups make you angry? Maybe someone or some issue in the news draws your ire. Take two steps to show love to these “enemies.” When something you see in the media angers you, pray with love for the people involved. Second, if the topic comes up in conversation, take special consideration to treat with respect and love people who take a dissenting opinion.
What is Righteousness?
right standing or right relationship with God. We please God not based upon our performance, but based upon our relationship (example Enoch). 00
Roman 10:3 - God's righteousness / our righteousness
Matthew 5:20 - Righteousness exceeds of Pharisees (self righteousness)
self-righteousness
Roman 9:30-31 - non-righteous obtain righteous by faith.
What Jesus did plus what I do?
Roman 10:3 - God's righteousness / our righteousness
Matthew 5:20 - Righteousness exceeds of Pharisees (self righteousness)
self-righteousness
Roman 9:30-31 - non-righteous obtain righteous by faith.
What Jesus did plus what I do?
What is churchload?
Similar to workload, but for the church/ministry.
In christendom, the churchload is the amount of processes that the arm bearer has been given to do at a given time. Usually on a voluntary or low paying basis.
For most of us, having a reasonable churchload is an important aspect of a good church.
Churchload Scheduler - usually the ambitious pastor through the disguise of his executive assistance.
In christendom, the churchload is the amount of processes that the arm bearer has been given to do at a given time. Usually on a voluntary or low paying basis.
For most of us, having a reasonable churchload is an important aspect of a good church.
Churchload Scheduler - usually the ambitious pastor through the disguise of his executive assistance.
bumper crop
In agriculture, a bumper crop refers to a particularly good harvest yielded for a particular crop (wikipedia.org)
Leviticus 25:21 - The answer is, 'I will order my blessing for you in the sixth year, so the land will produce a bumper crop, enough to support you for three years. (The New Living Translation)
Joel 2:19-27 God answered and spoke to his people, "Look, listen - I'm sending a gift: Grain and wine and olive oil. The fast is over - eat your fill! I won't expose you any longer to contempt among the pagans. 20 I'll head off the final enemy coming out of the north and dump them in a wasteland. Half of them will end up in the Dead Sea, the other half in the Mediterranean. There they'll rot, a stench to high heaven. The bigger the enemy, the stronger the stench!" The Trees Are Bearing Fruit Again 21 Fear not, earth! Be glad and celebrate! God has done great things. 22 Fear not, wild animals! The fields and meadows are greening up. The trees are bearing fruit again: a bumper crop of fig trees and vines! 23 Children of Zion, celebrate! Be glad in your God. He's giving you a teacher to train you how to live right - Teaching, like rain out of heaven, showers of words to refresh and nourish your soul, just as he used to do. 24 And plenty of food for your body - silos full of grain, casks of wine and barrels of olive oil. 25 "I'll make up for the years of the locust, the great locust devastation - Locusts savage, locusts deadly, fierce locusts, locusts of doom, That great locust invasion I sent your way. 26 You'll eat your fill of good food. You'll be full of praises to your God, The God who has set you back on your heels in wonder. Never again will my people be despised. 27 You'll know without question that I'm in the thick of life with Israel, That I'm your God, yes, your God, the one and only real God. Never again will my people be despised. The Sun Turning Black and the Moon Blood-Red (The Message)
Luke 8:4-8 As they went from town to town, a lot of people joined in and traveled along. He addressed them, using this story: 5 "A farmer went out to sow his seed. Some of it fell on the road; it was tramped down and the birds ate it. 6 Other seed fell in the gravel; it sprouted, but withered because it didn't have good roots. 7 Other seed fell in the weeds; the weeds grew with it and strangled it. 8 Other seed fell in rich earth and produced a bumper crop. "Are you listening to this? Really listening?" (The Message)
Leviticus 25:21 - The answer is, 'I will order my blessing for you in the sixth year, so the land will produce a bumper crop, enough to support you for three years. (The New Living Translation)
Joel 2:19-27 God answered and spoke to his people, "Look, listen - I'm sending a gift: Grain and wine and olive oil. The fast is over - eat your fill! I won't expose you any longer to contempt among the pagans. 20 I'll head off the final enemy coming out of the north and dump them in a wasteland. Half of them will end up in the Dead Sea, the other half in the Mediterranean. There they'll rot, a stench to high heaven. The bigger the enemy, the stronger the stench!" The Trees Are Bearing Fruit Again 21 Fear not, earth! Be glad and celebrate! God has done great things. 22 Fear not, wild animals! The fields and meadows are greening up. The trees are bearing fruit again: a bumper crop of fig trees and vines! 23 Children of Zion, celebrate! Be glad in your God. He's giving you a teacher to train you how to live right - Teaching, like rain out of heaven, showers of words to refresh and nourish your soul, just as he used to do. 24 And plenty of food for your body - silos full of grain, casks of wine and barrels of olive oil. 25 "I'll make up for the years of the locust, the great locust devastation - Locusts savage, locusts deadly, fierce locusts, locusts of doom, That great locust invasion I sent your way. 26 You'll eat your fill of good food. You'll be full of praises to your God, The God who has set you back on your heels in wonder. Never again will my people be despised. 27 You'll know without question that I'm in the thick of life with Israel, That I'm your God, yes, your God, the one and only real God. Never again will my people be despised. The Sun Turning Black and the Moon Blood-Red (The Message)
Luke 8:4-8 As they went from town to town, a lot of people joined in and traveled along. He addressed them, using this story: 5 "A farmer went out to sow his seed. Some of it fell on the road; it was tramped down and the birds ate it. 6 Other seed fell in the gravel; it sprouted, but withered because it didn't have good roots. 7 Other seed fell in the weeds; the weeds grew with it and strangled it. 8 Other seed fell in rich earth and produced a bumper crop. "Are you listening to this? Really listening?" (The Message)
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